Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 5/21/2024

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and board members, administrators, staff, and visitors were introduced.

Retiring bus driver Debby Redmond was given the opportunity to present her concerns regarding outsourcing the position of Transportation Supervisor to Cuyahoga ESC. As a taxpayer, she felt that public notice should have been given regarding this decision and she’s concerned about the negative impact this is having on morale at the transportation department. Superintendent Larkin responded to her concerns by explaining that other positions have been filled through ESC, but that direct interaction and supervision are handled by the district. Ms Redmond also presented a donation to Treasurer Debby Krutz to begin the creation of the Wall of Valor at Roosevelt. Davey’s Wall of Valor includes only veterans of WWI and WWII. The new one at RHS would include veterans serving post-WWII.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Voted on and approved

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Tom Larkin praised the class of 2024 and recapped the graduation ceremony from last Saturday. There were 224 graduates, 70% of whom will go on to higher education; 88 graduates from CTE programs; 6 students have enlisted in the military, and $8.6 million was received in scholarships.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debby Krutz presented a detailed financial report on the district’s finances. Some of the highlights include the following: All local taxes have been received as of April 30th, with more anticipated in July. Commercial taxes received were well below estimates due to an apartment complex late paying. These funds will be received in August. An advance of $275,000 from the General Fund to the Permanent Improvement fund is necessary to begin summer work projects at Davey, Longcoy and Roosevelt. This advance will be repaid. Of the three school buses ordered, only one has been received, with the delivery of the other two anticipated soon. Interest on CDs stands at 5.46%.
Voted on and approved

PERSONNEL
Some resignations appointments and transfers were received, but there were no requests for leaves of absence nor applications for substitutes
Voted on and approved

DISCUSSION ITEMS
REVIEW FOOD SERVICE STANDARDS
A food service representative reported that they are compliant with all USDA standards. Some “food from scratch “ items were introduced this year with great success, and the hope is to add more of them. The Student Wellness Program will continue next year. Recipes can be found at KentSchools.net

ACTION ITEMS
CONSIDER FIVE YEAR FORECAST
In reviewing the Five-Year FORECAST, it was noted that more revenue than expected, totaling $500,000, was received, and expenses were slightly less than expected. It was also noted that with retirements, etc., there are potentially more expenses forthcoming.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PARTICIPATION IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Kent participates in a group rating program. This was renewed.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL
Health insurance spending will increase by 8% in July. Kent is self-insured as a district, which has advantages.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDERED NON-SCHEDULED SALARIES
Those positions not previously approved will now be included.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KENT PARKS AND RECREATION
The summer program located at Davey Elementary will continue this summer.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to St. Vincent St. Mary was deemed impractical. Also, transportation to Cornerstone Community School was only used sporadically last year and was therefore deemed impractical. Families will be compensated going forward.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH HARBOR EDUCATION
This successful program, which serves students who are better suited for a nontraditional classroom setting, is in its 10th year. Renewal is recommended.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
With the retirement of Bob Monroe as Maintenance Director, revised duties will be considered in the new job description.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KENT EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Costs for further education in the teaching of Reading and professional development will be refunded.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER INTER-DISTRICT AGREEMENT FOR EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR
ESC will provide support staff for ESY.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER STUDENT ACTIVITY BUDGET
The Engineering Academy Club is a new club forming at Roosevelt and requests funding from the Student Activity Budget.
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER OUT-OF-STATE/OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
The Roosevelt cheerleaders are requesting approval for their summer camp at Bowling Green State University.
Voted on and approved

MISCELLANEOUS
Donations totaling $34,845 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, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, 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

https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/kentcs/Board.nsf/Public

Name of Observer: Mary Myers