Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 7/23/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 with the introduction of administrators, board members and visitors and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes were voted on and approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
NEW HIRES
Barry Smith was introduced as the new transportation supervisor. He comes to the district as a former police officer and resource officer in the Stow Munroe Falls school district. Scott Miller is the new property service supervisor. A Kent resident and graduate, Scott is very excited to join the district in this capacity.
NEW TEACHERS
Anthony Horton introduced the 12 new teachers and an athletic trainer recently hired by the district. Two will be teaching at Stanton Middle School, five at Walls Elementary, two at Davey, two at Longcoy, and two at Holden. They come to Kent with a wealth of experience, many having subbed in the district. Mr. Horton ended his introductions by stating that he has never been more excited about the future of education.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debby Krutz gave an abbreviated report on the financial status of the district. Ending the year stronger than expected, interest income was up, and there was no deficit spending. However, next year, that may not be the case. Star Ohio remains strong at 5.44%, but the rate may drop as inflation improves. The six advances were returned to the General Fund. $535,000 was transferred for the Permanent Improvement Fund for roofing etc. $40,000 for Stanton athletics and RHS turf replacement. The Student Fee Fund. It is used for pool and other maintenance projects. The bills were voted on and approved
PERSONNEL
There were some resignations, leaves of absence, and transfers. No substitute candidates were submitted at this time.
Voted on and approved
INSURANCE
Mutual Health Services and Medical Mutual service the district in three capacities. COBRA,
HFS accounts and TPA are the third-party agreements/agents.
Voted on and approved
SCHOOL FEES
As needs increase, there will be some increases, but the preschool fees will hold at present rates.
Voted on and approved
2024 - 2025 Handbooks
Voted on and approved
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KEA
The teacher-to-student ratio in kindergarten and 1st grade was considered.
Voted on and approved
INTER-DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH ESC
Voted on and approved
MEAL PRICES
There will be a 5-cent increase in children’s meals and 40 cents for adult breakfast.
Voted on and approved
SCHOOL BUSSES
The purchase of 3 busses per year are included in the budget. . Bids will be received and considered.
Voted on and approved
PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Two students will receive $583.00 in lieu of transportation to Seton Catholic School.
Voted on and approved
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF KENT
The school resource officer and the canine officer, Mateus, were renewed.
Voted on and approved
OSBA policy was adopted and approved.
The FERRARA AWARD recipient was announced to the board but will not be publicly revealed until a later date. Voted on and approved
There were no requests for field trips.
MISCELLANEOUS
16 donations totaling $35,600 were received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved
Adjourn
Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alecia Crowe, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis. Absent was Brian Boykin, unknown reason.
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