Date of Meeting: 5/23/2022

Format: In-person

Meeting Summary:

This meeting was held at the high school on Chestnut Street in the Community Room. Nice room and chairs, but those in attendance could not hear the members very well. Call to order and roll call started the meeting. Then both teachers and students were awarded for going above and beyond the norm in performance. Mrs. Gunnoe was recognized for taking on whatever task is needed. Kathy DeYoung at the elementary school level gives extra support. One child was a hard worker, another gave out special cards. Another was very complimentary. An older male student helps with school supplies, and another is known for his cooking skills. Pictures were taken. Two students, Skylar and Gianna were the student board members of the month. The board president asked them for input. He also asked how their school year is going, and whether they had ideas for how their school experience could be improved. They did not have any suggestions.
Joan Semen gave a report for Maplewood to include dates for graduation.

Candi Lukat, the Treasurer, identified donations and requested the board accept the donation. The Ravenna Chamber of Commerce had donated $500. She also asked for approval of the financial report for April 2022, and for approval of minutes from a special meeting on May 9. Also approved were the minutes from the April 25 Business meeting. Ms. Lukat recommended the board approve a reconciliation to the liability account in the amount of $288.66 for FY2021 in the May 2022 financial report. She asked that the board approve transfers of funds from various sources to designated funds. She also asked for approval of a grant to feed children at West Main Elem. All requests were approved.

There was a presentation of a DEI Task Force report. This stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 3 recommendations resulted from the task force. One was to develop a schedule for review of the curriculum. 2) Review the services offered to advanced/gifted students. 3) had to do with hiring and retention of diverse staff and ensuring training takes place. There was also comment re: professional development for alternative discipline to deter behaviors and recognition time out of the classroom is not conducive to learning. So-change the way consequence is managed. Also to review dress codes, and be more tolerant.

Under Business-6 resolutions were identified and approved. One was with the Summit Educational Service Center which provided $2,750 per student, as well as additional monies for a one-on-one aide, should one be deemed appropriate. Another was with Telego Center with Ashland University to provide facilitation for the Ravenna School districts Strategic Plan. Total cost-$8,500. There is an agreement with Harbor Education Services, LLC, for day treatment. KidsLink School LLC can provide services identified on the IEP. and, Precision Environmental Services will dispose of asbestos. HEPA Environmental Services will provide asbestos abatement with HVAC renovations at Brown Middle School. All were approved.

Personnel Considerations were reviewed. There were resignations and extensions of working days made. An English Language tutor will be hired. Summer School administrators and 7 new hires. This business moved fast and all were approved. Supplemental contracts were identified for teaching band and song. (vocals). And coaches. A cook, bus driver, and an aide resigned. New food staff will be hired, as well as a tech aide. A therapist will also be brought on board effective Aug 1.

Public opportunity for speaking brought a comment from Letitia who asked if the present members are involved with the community. She implored community members to become more active, and identified that school board members work for the citizens. Another individual stood and said she has not received responses after emailing board members and questioned whether there is nepotism or favoritism. The meeting was then over, with no response from the board.

Which members of the board/council were present: President Michael Tontimonia, Vice pres Pamela Nation Calhoun, Patricia Dennison, Joan Semen, Michael Wisniewski 

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