Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 6/21/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting began at 5:30 with roll call & the Pledge of Allegiance.

KENT FREE LIBRARY BUDGET
The district is responsible for reviewing the budget for the library & appointing trustees as it is considered a school district library. A 2.5 million dollar budget was approved. The funds will be used for new software, building improvements, facility improvements & salaries.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Superintendent, George Joseph, presented gifts to the board members from Janice Swan principal of Longcoy Elementary School.

DISTRICT LITERACY/DYSLEXIA PROGRAM
A presentation was given by Gretchen Hill & Karen Rumley regarding the literacy/ dyslexia program. Linda Paulus & Justin Gates are also members of this committee. Much information was given about this learning disability & how students will be identified. Early intervention is key to achieving the goal for all students to learn to read & write well. All students will have the opportunity to access the services & professional development will be provided for staff. The overarching theme was that the expectations are high & these opportunities are for all students.

MINUTES
The minutes from the 5/17/2022 BOE meeting were approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT
A more detailed financial report will be presented at the 8:00 AM June 30 meeting. Temporary advances were necessary in the amount of $84,000 for the supplies fund & the swimming pool. $40,000 was allocated to the athletic program. Bills were approved & a resolution was approved authorizing the Treasurer to proceed with closing the fiscal year. A temporary Appropriations Resolution was approved so that spending can begin on July 1, 2022.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KEA
The Board approved a contract with the school psychologist increasing 60% to 80% to 100% as needed. This can be adjusted based on needs in the district.

PERSONNEL
A number of resignations, leaves of absence, appointments & transfers were accepted. There are no substitutes at this time. Erika Taylor was introduced as a new 1st-grade teacher at Longcoy Elementary School.

OSBA
An update & review of OSBA will be given at the July meeting.

HANDBOOKS
Handbooks for the 2022-2023 school year were presented for review & will wait for approval during the July meeting.

NON-SCHEDULED SALARIES
Approved salaries for non-KEA employees: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Deans, & other non-KEA employees.

STUDENT INSURANCE
The student insurance program was approved offering additional accident insurance for students.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KENT PARKS AND REC
Summer program reviewed and approved.

LIVE-STREAMING EQUIPMENT
Two free cameras were received and will be installed in the competition gym on July 7.

SCHOOL PICTURES
Approved a 2-year continuing contract with the current company.

LEASE AGREEMENTS
Head Start & Harbor Education (LEAP) both received 3-year continuing agreements with KCS for their programs at Central School.

SCHOOL LUNCHES
Approved participation in the school lunch program allowing reimbursement for meals at all schools.

TRANSPORTATION
In lieu of transportation to Walsh Jesuit & CVCA, payment will be made. Approved.

ROBOTICS
Robotic materials were purchased for the Career Tech Education program. There is only one provider available. The students are receiving valuable training in this program.

INSURANCE RENEWAL
Described by the business manager as a “hot mess”. Negotiations are ongoing with LLOYDS OF LONDON & LIBERTY MUTUAL. More information to follow.

CHANGE OF ORDERS
The district has a credit of &13,000 from the construction project but these funds will be needed in other areas. Agreement with Akron Water License was reached & construction can go across Akron water lines.

TEXTBOOKS
Upgraded textbooks for K-12 were presented for approval at the July meeting.

AUXILIARY SERVICES
Annual ESC contract approved. St.Patrick’s School has requested an increase from 20 to 30 hours a week for 36 weeks for PSI services.

FIELD TRIPS
No out-of-state or overnight field trips were presented for approval.

MISCELLANEOUS
Donations of $7,476.00 were received & accepted.
Financial meeting is scheduled for 8:00 AM ON June 30.

ADJOURNED

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