Kent City Schools Board of Education
Date: 4/21/2026
Format: Virtual
Summary:
The April meeting began at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates introduced the board, administrators, and staff. Previous minutes were voted on and approved.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
Cara McDowell, Erin Mackey, Trisha Tenney, and Sarah Wesley, concerned Longcoy parents, each addressed the board regarding the recent incident involving a loaded gun brought to school by a second-grade student. The overwhelming theme expressed was the need for accountability, a review of the protocol, policy, and practices, and universal staff training. Apparently, a second-grade student had alerted two staff members to the presence of the gun, and it was not until he told a third staff member that appropriate action was taken.
Stanton Middle School parent, Melissa Clemens, addressed the board regarding concerns her son is having with a teacher at the school. She acknowledged there are some behavioral issues, but hopes for improved relationships with the staff at Stanton.
Director of Personnel Anthony Horton reported that the number of substitute teachers has increased in recent years.
ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION
Principal Dennis Love of RHS introduced the Special Education staff and students for their presentation.
TEDDY’S CAFE is a functional coffee shop that takes orders, serves them, and delivers them throughout the building. This experience provides real-world work experience for special-needs students entering the workforce after graduation.
UNIFIED SPORTS provides the opportunity for students of all abilities to participate in team sports. This program has gained popularity and support throughout the school. While not just an athletic program, it also emphasizes the importance of teamwork.
LUNCH BUNCH brings students of all abilities and staff together to socialize and play games during their lunch break.
KSU FIDGETS develops and designs fidgets for all ages using a 3D printer. Six RHS and 4 KSU students are involved in this program.
CAREER EDUCATION
CAREER QUEST: This program helps students acquire skills and learn about job opportunities
CTE: A student expressed his interest in the entertainment industry and hopes to use his artistic skills in a future career,r as well as learn to work with others.
LAUREL LAKES Students are participating in day-to-day tasks at the nursing home, such as vacuuming, assisting in the dining hall, and working in the hair salon.
STUDENT ATHLETES
Superintendent Larkin congratulated the student athletes for maintaining an overall GPA of 3.66 for the 3rd quarter.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Real estate taxes collected so far are $1600 more than last year. The interest rate on the Star Ohio investment is 3.79%, down from 4.46% this time last year. There are real concerns about inflation and its impact on expenses going forward. The state will conduct an audit to review all areas of spending. Even the cost of doing the audit has increased. Voted on and approved.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Expenses appear to be down, but this is due to Medical Mutual transitioning to a new platform, during which some medical claims were incorrectly denied. It is expected that next month the expenses will be higher and more accurate. Voted on and approved.
RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE HB 42
John Avouris withdrew consideration of this item because, as he stated, “It’s not going anywhere”.
EVALUATIONS
Evaluation of the treasurer and superintendent will be conducted in executive session and presented during the board meeting in September. Voted on and approved.
Consideration of new instructional materials was voted on and approved.
The consideration of the student conduct code was voted on and approved.
Consideration of a contract with Coleman Services and Children’s Advantage was voted on and approved.
Consider an agreement with St Pats to provide remedial services. Voted on and approved.
Consider an agreement with Coleman Services for therapeutic, counseling, and mental health services. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PARKS AND REC
This pertains to the summer camp at Davey Elementary. Voted on and approved.
STUDENT INSURANCE
This is an annual item. Prices remain the same as last year. Voted on and approved.
TRANSPORTATION
The use of public transportation, car transportation for a special-needs child, and payment instead of transportation were voted on and approved.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
An agreement was reached with the support staff union, and a contract was ratified. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER BIDS FOR DAVEY PLAYGROUND
So far, $297,000 has been raised to make the playground inclusive for all students. Snyder Recreation Company has been chosen to supply the equipment. Bids will be received for the actual construction and the groundwork of the area. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF POLICY UPDATES
Policies are expected to change over the next few years with the influence of AI. Voted on and approved
OVERNIGHT AND OUT OF STATE FIELD TRIPS
Athletics, Healthcare and Fitness to Slippery Rock University
Forestry to senior camping trip
Engineering Tech State 2026 championship
DECA to National competition
Voted on and approved
MISCELLANEOUS
8 donations received. Voted on and approved
EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss personnel matters
ADJOURN
Members Present: Alicia Crowe, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers, John Avouris, PJ Errara
Absent: All present
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Mary Myers