Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 7/22/2025
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The July 22 meeting was called to order at 5:30 with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Anthony Horton introduced board members, administrators & staff. Previous minutes were voted on and approved. Former board member Jim Myers presented retiring treasurer Debby Krutz with an award to acknowledge her 45 years of service to the district. Jim had interviewed Ms Krutz in 1980 and had referred to her as the best hire the district has ever made.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Tom Larkin spoke about transitioning from the summer programs to the new school year. He mentioned the success of the Rough Rider Reads program, the athletic camps and that band camp is underway.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz provided a detailed summary of the district’s finances. This included the two benchmarks of expenditures and investments. Deficit spending is expected shortly. An investment of 1.9 million yielded an interest rate of 4.53%. The STAR Ohio interest rate dropped from last year’s rate of 5.45% to 4.45%. She has predicted that the Fed interest rate will hold steady for now. Voted on and approved.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Voted on and approved
PERSONNEL
Some resignations, transfers, and sub applications were received, and no leaves of absence were requested. Voted on and approved.
ADVANCES
The advance of $535,000 was returned to the Permanent Improvement Fund. Voted on and approved.
SCHOOL FEES
Information was provided regarding school fees from preschool through high school.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER OF NORTH EASTERN OHIO
A continued contract was voted on and approved.
SUMMIT COUNTY ESC
This agency will provide consulting services for gifted students at Stanton Middle School. Voted on and approved.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TITLE 1
It is anticipated that 7 students attending other districts will receive services through Title 1.
Voted on and approved.
COLLABORATION OF HEALTH SERVICES
Reach Counseling Services, Coleman, and Children’s Advantage will collaborate to provide mental health services and counseling to the students in the district. Voted on and approved.
FOOD SERVICE
Roy Barnes will oversee this department, and a 5-cent increase in meal costs is expected. Voted on and approved.
HEAD START
A 3 year renewal contract with Harbor Education was voted on and approved.
BOILER
The 28-year-old boiler at Central School will be replaced, leaving the 2nd boiler as a backup. It’s essential to maintain the facility, as many programs utilize it. Voted on and approved.
PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Presently, three students will receive payment instead of transportation, but it is anticipated that others will follow. Voted on and approved.
SUPPORT STAFF EVALUATION
Performance Pro has been selected to provide support staff evaluations. Voted on and approved.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
In coordination with the city of Kent, a school resource officer will be provided along with his K9 assistant, Mateus. Voted on and approved.
FIELD TRIPS
One request for approval was received for the March 2026 senior field trip to DC. Voted on and approved.
MISCELLANEOUS
Six donations totaling $55,000 were received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved.
PROCLAMATION
Debby Krutz was awarded a prestigious proclamation to acknowledge her 45 years of service as treasurer for the district. She has been called The Ultimate Rough Rider. Ms Krutz tearfully accepted the award and thanked everyone for their love & support throughout her tenure.
ADJOURN.
Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers
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