Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 2/21/2023

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

ROLL CALL

• The meeting began at 6:00PM with roll call. All members were present

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

• The superintendent, board members, and department chairs were introduced.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Voted on and approved

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

• Superintendent, George Joseph recognized Nikki Marchmon - Boykin for receiving the Portage County NAACP Advocacy For Engagement and Educational Excellence Award. This award was presented at the annual NAACP dinner last year to recognize the outstanding work Ms. Marchmon-Boykin has provided to the youth of Portage County.

FINANCIAL REPORT

• Debby Krutz provided a detailed report on the financial status of the district. Property tax settlements will be received in March and this amount will be reflected in next month’s report. Presently there is $ 758,000 in the General Fund to be used for improvements. Short-term investment rates continue to rise to 4.72% and Ms. Krutz anticipates they will reach 5% by the end of the year.
• Voted on and approved

APPROVAL OF BILLS

• Voted on and approved

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR DEPOSITORY PROCEEDINGS

• This resolution concerns the district’s legal proceedings with banks

PERSONNEL

• Some applications for retirement were received. Mark Testa, a custodian at many of the district’s buildings for 17 years was received. Aaron Carlton’s application for retirement was also received. Aaron has been a teacher, guidance counselor, and coach for 30+ years. Athletic Director, Ben Dunlap, introduced Cardell Jackson as the new football coach at Roosevelt High School. Cardell is a Roosevelt graduate and was recently coaching at Stow High School. He was chosen from among 36 applicants for the position.
• No leaves of absence were received at this time.
• There were some applications for substitute teachers received and these will be approved after background checks are completed.
• Voted on and approved

CONSIDER TUITION FOR PRESCHOOL

• This is an annual item for consideration. Tuition is on a sliding scale based on income. There will presently be no increase in rates.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER SUMMER SCHOOL TUITION RATES

• There will be a small rate increase this year. $10.00 for a full credit and $5.00 for a half credit.
• Voted on and approved

CONSIDER BUDGET FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES

• A new club, Dungeons and Dragons, is asking for approval by the Board. This club will meet after school and be supervised by a volunteer in a non-paid position.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS

• (a) Stark State College
• (b) The University of Akron
• (c) Kent State University
• Students are eligible to enroll in classes for credit toward graduation and college credit.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER PRIMARY SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ESC OF NORTHEAST OHIO

• This is a 2 year agreement to receive city and county services from 2023 - 2025.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL GOVERNANCE POLICY CHANGE

• With Board approval this gives the superintendent the ability to amend policies.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR CHANGE ORDERS

• None received.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR APPOINTMENT TO KENT PARK AND RECREATION BOARD

• Jake Ferlito has been serving in this position and will continue until 2027.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION

• Parents will receive payment in lieu of transportation to Summit Christian School.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER STATE BUY PURCHASE OF TRUCKS

• A quote of $120,000 for a new dump truck was received by Jim Soyers, Business Director. He feels this is more than the district can afford, so maintenance will be performed on the current truck in lieu of purchasing a new one. A new Food Truck will be purchased by the district for $74,000 which will be paid for through the Food Services Fund. The district will retain the old truck for other needed purposes and will eventually auction it off.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER COOPERATIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTION FOR ROOFING PROJECT

• Roofing repairs are currently needed at Walls Elementary and Roosevelt High School. The district is currently working with the Garland Company. Estimated repairs will cost $500,000 which will be paid out of the Permanent Improvement Fund.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

• New Science materials for the high school will be reviewed by the Board and approval will be requested at the March Board meeting.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

• This is membership for the 2023 - 2024 school year.
• Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER OUT- OF -STATE /OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS

• Seven field trips are under consideration for approval.

1. Teaching Professionals
2. Business Professionals
3. DECA Students
4. Ohio Health Professionals
5. Baseball Team for grades 9-12
6. Health and Fitness
7. A trip to Spain slated for the 2024 school year.

• Voted on and all approved.

MISCELLANEOUS

• 22 donations were received totaling $9,952.00 from a very generous community.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

• The board adjourned to executive session for consideration of personnel items.
• Voted on and approved.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present: All present - Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Rebekah Wright Kules, Pam Ferguson, and Tiera Moore

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

Name of Observer: Mary Myers