Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 1/9/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began promptly at 6:00 PM with a roll call, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduction of Board members. The meeting was held at Holden Elementary School.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Voted on and approved
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
This meeting was both an organizational and regular meeting. Superintendent Tom Larkin introduced the board members and expressed appreciation for all the hard work they have done this past year. Janet Longanecker, 5th grade teacher at Holden, was presented an award by Jim Montaquila, Retired Teachers Association. The award was for Janet’s work with “Plant Growth In Action” at Holden’s garden. This has been a very successful program that not only teaches students about gardening but helps them develop an appreciation for caring for the environment
Todd Poole, principal at Holden, did a presentation on the successful math & science program at Holden. Dyslexia is the focus with a 95% proficiency rate for the students.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz, treasurer, presented the financial report for the district. Real Estate tax revenue will be received in February. Star Ohio Money Market investment as of December was at 5.58%. The maturity time on CDs is kept short-term in order to take advantage of rising interest rates. Recently the interest rates have begun to slow.
Resolution to authorize short-term investments.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
OSBE
Appointment of legislative and student liaisons
PRESCHOOL TUITION
There is no increase in tuition, which is on a sliding scale, and reduced rates are offered based on income.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
CTE
February is designated as CTE month. Currently led by Brian Bachtel, it is reported that there are 11 programs at Roosevelt.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
OSBA POLICY
OSBA will continue as a guide for the district.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
RED ROVER
Red Rover is a new program that will begin in July 2024. The district also employs services from Children’s Advantage and Kevin Coleman, but there is an apparent need for more mental health services throughout the district.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
MISCELLANEOUS
9 donations were received totaling $5,204 from a very generous community.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
ADJOURN
Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore and Rebekah Wright Kulis. All present.
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
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/kentcs/Board.nsf/Public
Name of Observer: Mary Myers