Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 8/16/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

ROLL CALL
All board members were present in addition to administration members.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge was said.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
David Kleckner was introduced from Shook Construction who presented an update on the various ongoing projects at the high school. In regard to the stadium, there have been some technical issues that will be resolved in time for the final inspection on August 18. Things will be up & running in time for the first football game on Friday, August 19, although the lettering on the marque will be completed at a later date. The new sound system will provide better sound quality. Dedication of the facility will take place prior to the opening kickoff.
In regard to the new gym, some moisture issues were detected in the flooring so there will be additional sealing applied. The auditorium seats have finally arrived and will be installed as soon as possible.
A fifteen-year service award was presented to Rebekah Wright Kulis by Reno Contipelli, a North East Region OSBA representative. Rebekah was praised not only for her years of service but her hard work & dedication to the district.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the July meeting were approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Reports on Cash Journal, Receipts Report, Appropriations Report and Investment Report were given. Some of it was inaudible so this reporting is somewhat incomplete. Debbie Kurtz, financial administrator, presented information that confirms the Kent City School district remains solvent and funds are managed responsibly. A unanimous vote approved all bills.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO RETURN TEMPORARY ADVANCES
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE AND ALTERNATIVE TO OSBA CAPITAL CONFERENCE.
Voted on & approved.

PERSONNEL
There were some resignations, requests for leaves of absence, and appointments/ transfers. The approval of substitutes will be based on background checks. There is still a need for more subs in the classrooms. Also, there is a need for more bus drivers, especially ones who are willing to transport to athletic events.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BUS STOP LIST
The new list was voted on and approved.

CONSIDER PUPIL TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
This is referring to special education students. This was voted on and approved.

CONSIDER DAVEY TREE RELEASE FOR CROSS COUNTRY
Davey Tree will work with Oak Knolls to allow property access for the cross-country team. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER A CONTRACT FOR PARENT-MENTOR SERVICES
This contract is with Woodbridge School District. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER 2022 - 2023 HANDBOOKS
The final edition was completed before the beginning of the school year. This was considered a great accomplishment and very beneficial for parents, teachers, and students. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVISED JOB DESCRIPTIONS
All changes or revisions to job descriptions were voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH COLEMAN HEALTH SERVICES
All students will have access to services provided by this agency. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH ESC OF NORTH EAST OHIO
Updates for paraprofessionals will be provided by the Federal Literacy Program. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Bids for future improvements will be presented to the board for approval. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER IT AGREEMENT FOR SERVICE
The district is receiving proposals from a new company to provide technical services to the district. More information will be presented at the September board meeting.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR CHANGE ORDERS
This is a request from Shook Construction regarding lighting in the trophy cases and dealing with the problems with the flooring. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER OUT-OF-STATE/ OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
None to consider at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS
$685.00 in donations was received, accepted, and approved.
Twenty-three new teachers were hired by the district. It was reported that some of these are veteran teachers who are transferring from other districts. All positions are filled.
Administration members who work at the Depeyster Building discussed the need to upgrade the slow internet pipeline. The plan is to upgrade from 200 to 500 megabytes at a cost of $277.00 under a five-year contract.
In his final comments, Superintendent George Joseph praised Assistant Superintendent, Tom Larkin for all his hard work and everything he does for students, faculty, and staff.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Pamela Ferguson, Tiera Moore, and 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

Name of Observer: Mary Myers