Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 2/25/2025

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The February 25, 2025 meeting began at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates introduced the board members, administrators, and staff. Previous minutes were voted on and approved.

GUESTS
Tisha Bogavich, a concerned parent, addressed her safety concerns regarding her son’s travel to and from the high school. The distance and dangerous intersections he encounters while walking are among her concerns. She is hoping that bus transportation can be provided. Business Director Jim Soyers addressed the issues and will look into the matter. He also stated that the walkability study is ongoing.

Kent Fire Department chief Jamie Samels requested the board’s approval for a logo appearing on the new pumper truck soon to be delivered. The emblem depicts Teddy Roosevelt and represents pride in our community and schools. Voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Kathy Scott, principal of Stanton Middle School, and several 8th-grade teachers presented a project they have been working on. 8th-grade students are matched with 2nd-graders at Longcoy Elementary. The Stanton students are tasked with getting to know their 2nd graders and discovering their interests. The 8th graders then create a children’s book with text and illustrations for their particular student. In the process, the 8th graders learn about an author's process to make an actual book. Upon completion, the 8th graders present their book to their Longcoy students and bring along their favorite childhood book to read to them.

SOCIAL SCHOOLS FOR AN EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY
This is an outreach to the community on social media to inform people of events and share photos about what is happening in our school district. So far, this has been met with a great response and enjoys many followers. There are only 18 districts across the country that are participating in this outreach program.

CTE RIBBON CUTTING
April 24, 2025, at 12:30 PM, is the date and time set for the ribbon cutting for CTE’s newly completed Engineering, Technology, and Manufacturing building. This project was funded entirely by state grants and was the first in the state to be completed. Superintendent Larkin hopes to have a representative from Columbus in attendance for this event.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debbie Krutz offered a detailed report on the district’s finances. Settlements from property and real estate taxes will be received in March in two large installments. It may be necessary to temporarily transfer funds from the permanent Improvement fund to begin projects this summer. They are anticipating a decline in interest rates on investments as they appear to be slowing. The interest rate on the Star Ohio account is at 4.53% and seems to be holding for now. Voted on and approved.

PERSONNEL
There were some requests for transfers and substitute applications. Voted on and approved.

INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Fourth-grade instructional material was offered for review and will be voted on at the March meeting.

SUMMER SCHOOL TUITION RATES
The tuition rates will be held at the current rate, but the district is looking at ways to save money. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO JOIN OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Voted on and approved.

REVIEW CONTRACT WITH EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER
Voted on and approved

COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM
This allows high school students to attend college classes and receive credit. The University of Akron and Stark State will be added to the colleges participating in this program. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVISION OF CAREER TECH JOB DESCRIPTION
Voted on and approved.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY SERVICES
The district has been in contract with this service since 2017. The request was made for the continuation of a two-year contract. Voted on and approved.

CAFETERIA SOFTWARE
The district will switch from Pay School software to Horizon software for cafeteria payments. Voted on and approved.

REMIND COMMUNICATION
The district agreed to a three-year contract with Remind. This is used to communicate with parents and sign-ups. Voted on and approved.

CHROME BOOKS
Three estimates were received for the replacement of 794 Chrome books. Typically, this is done in the spring, but it was decided that the purchase should be made now because of the threat of tariffs. Voted on and approved.

FIELD TRIPS
There are six requests for field trips: CTE, the Leadership team, and the Varsity baseball team.

MISCELLANEOUS
Four donations were received from a very generous community. No dollar amount was given. Voted on and approved.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis & David Myers. 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