Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 4/16/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at 6:00 PM with a roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant Superintendent Justin Gates introduced administrators and staff. Minutes were voted on and approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Roosevelt High School hosted this month’s board meeting. Principal Dennis Love introduced faculty speakers and provided an interesting presentation of the Multi Media Morning Announcement program. This student-led program also includes teacher and staff contributions and keeps the students informed about what is going on in the school.
Craig Foreman was introduced as the advisor to the Academic Challenge team. In his 12th year in this position, he praised the dedication of the team members which has led them to a pretty much undefeated record. This team will be moving on to compete at the state level.
Superintendent Tom Larkin acknowledged Kent’s 5-Star Award and praised Ms Karen Lumley for her role in the district’s success. Many areas, such as achievement, gap closing, progress, and graduation rate, are being considered to achieve this award.
Both the boys and girls SWIM TEAMS were praised for their dedication and hard work which has led both teams to undefeated seasons.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debby Krutz provided a detailed report on the district’s finances. In the Cash Summary, she reported that taxes from the first half of the year have been received. An advance to the Improvement Fund may be necessary to complete roofing work at Longcoy. These funds will be replaced in July. In regard to revenue, there will be no more taxes received this fiscal year. On the Appropriation side, there has been slightly less spent so far this year but Krutz is expecting that to increase due to multiple retirements. The Star Ohio interest on investments stands at 5.46%.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
PERSONNEL
A number of transfers, retirements, and appointments have been received
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
BEHAVIOR
It has been observed over the last year or so that behaviors have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. A program was developed, Positive Behavior Intervention Support to help counter this situation. Both positive academic work and good behaviors are rewarded and recognized. So far this is receiving great feedback from teachers and staff.
STATE AND FEDERAL ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS
The district can apply for Title 1 funding.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
CONDUCT CODE
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
COLEMAN HEALTH SERVICES
There’s a slight increase in the fees for next year for this annual contract
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
NEONET
An agreement was reached with NEONET to increase the needed fiber for the district’s network and the purchase of 750 new chrome books. In May of 2022, $196,000 was received to help defray the cost. Mr. Soyers stated that several chrome books will need to be replaced annually.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
NATATORIUM
Repairs will be made by The K Company, and swimmer starting blocks will be replaced.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
TRANSPORTATION
The district will continue to contract with Suburban Transportation to transport special needs students out of the district. This is necessary because there is not sufficient Kent staff to provide for this.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
FIELD TRIPS
14 DECA students will travel to the International Career Development Competition.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
MISCELLANEOUS
Donations totaling $825.00 were received from a very generous Kent community.
VOTED ON AND APPROVED
ADJOURN.
Which members of the board/council were present? Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Tiera Moore, and Rebekah Wright Kulis were all present. Alicia Crowe was absent.
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