Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 2/20/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant Superintendent Justin Gates introduced the board members, administrators, and staff present for the meeting, which was held at Stanton Middle School.
The RHS boys' and girls' swim teams, coached by Corey Spicer, were congratulated for their outstanding season. They were Suburban League champs, and many personal records were set, and some swimmers will be competing at state. The RHS athletic department was congratulated for the support they showed to all the teams.
Kathy Scott, Stanton Middle School principal, introduced the three international teachers who have spent the last semester teaching at Stanton. They have been co-teaching the curriculum with Stanton staff, and in the process, they have built cultural bridges and friendships. A slide show was presented to demonstrate the success of this program.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz summarized the financial status of the district. The General Fund is receiving advances from real estate taxes every week in February. The Permanent Improvement Fund has a balance of $420,000, which must be spent by July 2024. The project at Longcoy will be tapping into those funds. Investment Report sees the Star Ohio yield at 5.54%, which is up from last year, but it’s anticipated to take a downward trend. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
PERSONNEL
Tom Larkin announced the retirement of four teachers and staff with a combined total of 108 years of service to the district. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
STUDENT WELLNESS AND SUCCESS PROGRAM
This program is annually funded by the state, with the guidelines indicating that one-half of the funds must go toward mental health services. This program also provides for RN services, social work, and nursing assistants in each building. Children’s Advantage and Kevin Coleman also offer services.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Tuition at RHS was increased last year but will remain the same for this summer school session. While physical education continues to be the most popular class, remedial classes are also offered. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
MEDICAID FUNDING
For students on Medicaid who are receiving school-based therapy, the reimbursement is set at 50%. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
AUXILIARY GYM
RHS now has an auxiliary gym which can be rented out. A comparison of rates charged by other districts was done, and it was decided that a $20.00 per hour increase was warranted. VOTED ON AND APPROVED.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS PROGRAM
Kent State, Stark State, and Akron University were each approved as participants in this program. VOTED ON AND APPROVED.
KEA 2024 - 2025 CALENDAR
Kent Schools will conform to the 6 district compact’s calendar rather than following Kent State’s calendar as was done in the past. Loss of instructional time was cited as the main reason for this decision. VOTED ON AND APPROVED.
FIELD TRIPS
Four field trips are planned for this spring, three involving CTE programs and the other the baseball team’s spring break trip. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
HANDBOOKS
Revisions to the handbook were minimal. This has not been reviewed since November 2021. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
MISCELLANEOUS
A generous Kent community donated $21,240.69 this past month. VOTED ON AND APPROVED
ADJOURN
Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, 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