Date of Meeting: 1/23/2023
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Following the pledge of allegiance, the roll call, and the adoption of the agenda, the Lions Club Good Award was presented to two students: Bree Parrish and Jessica Hahn.
During the community comments portion of the meeting, a parent expressed concern about his daughter being a victim of bullying and sexual harassment at the middle school. He was upset that school officials had not provided a helpful response to his daughter’s distress. The Board will follow up during executive session.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board approved routine budget adjustments, renewal of several external contracts, personnel changes, and supplemental contracts. The 2023-24 school calendar was approved. The first day of school will be August 29, 2023; the last day will be May 31, 2024. One additional professional development day was added to the calendar.
Highlights from the principal reports: the second-grade teacher will be taking students to the ATT classroom at KSU this year; kindergarten registration will be April 18-19; based on the district-wide curriculum audit, the elementary and middle school science curriculum will be targeted for updates; bus cameras have been installed; all high school juniors will take the ACT on February 28, using an online format; Rootstown is working on collaborating with Southeast and Waterloo school districts to offer CCP classes in-house; the quiz bowl team won the Academic Challenge and is currently in first place.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to a facilities discussion with a representative from Hasenstab Architects. In preparation for facilities upgrades, the Board will need to make a decision about whether to utilize State of Ohio OFCC co-funding (61% local funding; 39% state funding) or strictly local funding. With state funding, the recommended project would be renovation with an addition to the high school building. The state would require a segmented plan consisting of three phases. Local funding would enable the district to determine which renovation items to undertake, based either on a set budget or an assessment-based scope of work. Cost projections are based on square footage and construction costs (currently $420 per square foot). The Board will have a work session on February 13 to work through details. The intent is to make a decision at the March board meeting. The targeted date for a levy on the ballot is November of 2023.
The regular Board meeting adjourned at 7:10 and the Board moved into executive session for the purpose of conferencing with an attorney on pending litigation and to discuss the potential discipline and/or termination of a public employee.
Which members of the board/council were present: All present: Jennifer Curall, Todd McEwuen, Craig Mullaly, Tom Siciliano, Amanda Waesch. Also Superintendent Andrew Hawkins and Treasurer Connie Baldwin
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
https://www.roversk12.org
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
Name of Observer: Rhonda Richardson