Date of Meeting: 3/27/2023
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The main focus of the meeting was the cancellation of a European trip that had been in the works for 3 yrs. Kids and parents had been saving to make the trip a possibility. The money would be forfeited too, as the company with whom the trip was booked only reimburses a portion. The Spanish teacher who was making the trip, and had gone before, was present to speak to express her hope the trip goes on as planned. A few parents took the provided podium to state the efforts made by their kids to raise money and their happy anticipation of the European trip; a few countries in 9 days. 5 people spoke in support of the trip. No one speaking knew the reason for the cancellation. After the public shared their thoughts the business meeting ensued. Two student board members were present. Awards were presented to 3 staff members for doing great work and to 6 students from elementary school level to high school. a group of students was led in 2 songs.
There was no report for Maplewood due to the absence of Mrs. Seman. The meeting minutes for Feb were approved. The treasurer's financial reports were approved. Monies were approved for transfers to specific fund allocations. The revenue totals were changed due to the finding of $71.24.
Mrs. Lukat recommended the board approve the certificate of project completion from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for the Exceptional Needs Program for the construction of a new high school building. The motion carried. A field trip to Washington DC funded by a grant from Honda was approved. 3 students and chaperones will attend the SADD Youth Leadership conference from July 4 to July 7. It was agreed that LLA Therapy will continue to provide services as needed to students at Educational Alternatives. Safehouse Preparatory/Safehouse Residential was approved for onsight education services as needed. The board approved the understanding memorandum that the Stark State College Credit Plus program for 23-24 yr will be at a reduced financial formula for students choosing to take courses there. A contract was extended for the remaining phase of the HVAC project. There will be a new sliding scale for License Preschools to use for obtaining financial information from parents. Because of a grant, they have to use Federal Poverty Guidelines. Internet services agreement between the Stark-Portage area consortium and Ravenna School district from July 23 to June 2024 was approved. Paper and pencil administration of the 3rd grade Language arts and Math tests was approved. (as per senate bill 216). A particular person was approved to provide speech and language services. 29 board policies were approved to be revised and replaced. 2 policies were rescinded. Personel issues-use of unpaid child care leave of absence was approved. The hiring of substitute teachers was approved. Staff resignations were approved. The student board members were asked about their future plans and happiness with their education. The matters to be reviewed in the executive session were identified. some were confidential matters related to staff including appointments, discipline, and compensation. The meeting ended and the board went into executive session to discuss the trip to Europe and whether it will occur, or be canceled. Interested persons waited outside the closed session to learn the outcome.
Which members of the board/council were present: Present were Pamela Calhoun Michael Wisniewski Patricia Dennison Michael Tontimonia. Joan Seman was absent. She was attending a conference in Warren and is receiving the OSBA award.
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: Maxine McGregor