Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 5/16/2023

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting began at 6:00 PM with roll call and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant Superintendent, Tom Larkin, introduced the board members and administrators.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Introduction of Visitors
A representative of OESA presented an award to Abbey Bolton, principal of Davey Elementary, for her outstanding leadership. Ms Bolton was recognized for her efforts to make our schools inclusive and child-centered. She was praised for creating an educationally sound atmosphere at Davey which is evidence of her success as an administrator and educator. It was also stated that Abbey has lobbied for students on the federal level.

Michelle Cerena, the mother of a suspended Roosevelt hockey player, was also present to give an update on the ongoing situation with her son. She titled her presentation “The Helmet”. Requests were made to return her son’s hockey equipment locked up at the KSU ice arena. The only item that was returned was his helmet, which was damaged. Stickers had been removed, including the manufacturer’s sticker which now makes the helmet unusable. Reports were filed as to what happened with the coach and other players, and these are now public records. This mother was very disturbed that no one stood up for her son and no action was taken to rectify the situation.

THE LITERACY TEAM
Karen Lumley, Gretchen Hill, and other members of the team presented an update on their ongoing work within our district schools. The Kent Literacy project has become the model for other districts. Their vision is to make all students literate. They have four main goals:
1. Structure. 2. Shore up the literacy model. 3. How to provide services for all students. 4. Build educator learning. The data is showing success and growth across the district, and they are working toward expanding their efforts. They have received grants for purchasing materials and more staffing. They hope students will use writing skills across the board to include all subjects. The district’s website can provide additional information.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz presented a detailed summary of the financial situation in the district. Presently regarding the General Operating Fund, all taxes have been received, and more will be received in July. The Permanent Improvement Fund has a balance of $100,000. Investments such as CDs with Star Ohio are at a 5.04% interest rate and continue to climb with ten straight interest hikes. They are waiting to see how the Federal and State grants will impact the district. Three new buses were ordered, and at this time, only one has been received and paid for. The funds are already allocated for the other two. Voted on and approved.

FOODSERVICE REPORT
A representative from ARMARK was present to provide an update. Wellness standards are being met according to USDA guidelines. Parents can view the menus online and determine if there are any ingredients that pose an allergic reaction for their child.

PERSONNEL
Several resignations and retirements were received, including a bus driver who had been with the district for many years. This brought up a discussion regarding the situation the district presently finds itself. There is a great need for additional drivers. One request for a leave of absence was received. Some appointments and transfers were received, and background checks will be performed. Substitute applications were received for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Voted on and approved

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Consider a Revised Five Year Forecast
Revenue from the Fair School Funding plan is $75,000 less than previously estimated. Costs for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water continue to rise along with other expenditures. On a positive note, more funds will be received from property taxes, and the district will be able to underspend in other areas. This is helping to close the gap on deficit spending. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PARTICIPATION IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION GROUP RATING PROGRAM
By participating in this consortium, a lower rate can be achieved. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL
The district is happy with the present plan, and a 2% decrease was received this year. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER INTER-DISTRICT AGREEMENT FOR EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR
This is regarding services provided by a contract with the ESC. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION FOR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
Jim Soyers, business director, stated that there are currently 6 items to be auctioned. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THERAPY DOG
This dog will be used for the Rough Rider Summer Reading Program. There is no cost involved. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KENT PARKS AND RECREATION
This very valuable program is held at Davey Elementary School. Many children in the community are benefiting from this resource. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH HARBOR EDUCATION
This will be the 9th year the district has entered into a one-year contract with this program. This year there is a 10% increase in cost. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER PURCHASE OF INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT
There is a surplus in funding for this. 141 Chrome books will be purchased from STS Education.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER POWER4 SCHOOLS
This is a renewal agreement entered into by 170 districts. This seems to be the best plan for keeping electricity costs down. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER NON-SCHEDULED SALARIES
This refers to positions that do not fall under any other salary schedule, such as auditorium manager, pool manager, dean of students, etc. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR CHANGE ORDER
Two outdoor storage units are needed at a cost not to exceed $80,000. The CTE construction program needs a place to store building materials that cannot be accommodated in the school building. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER OUT-OF-STATE / OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
A trip to Northern Germany is planned for 12 - 24 students on 3-21-24 - 3-30-24. Voted on and approved
A cheerleader camp is planned at Ohio Northern University in July of 2023. Voted on and approved

MISCELLANEOUS
Five donations were received from a generous community totaling $22,870. These funds will be shared by Davey Elementary, the CTE program, and various other programs.
Superintendent, George Joseph, took the opportunity to again thank and praise Debby Krutz for all her hard work, dedication to detail, knowledge, and service to the district.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board adjourned to executive session to consider formal action to be taken regarding an employee.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Pamela Ferguson, Tiera Moore and Rebekah Wright Kulis. 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

Name of Observer: Mary Myers