Kent City Schools Board of Education
Date: 8/18/2026
Format: Virtual
Summary:
The August 18, 2026, Board of Education meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Gates introduced the board members, administrators, and staff. Superintendent Larkin requested a pause for reflection for a senior girl who passed away recently after a long period of health struggles.
Minutes and bills were voted on and approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
School will begin this week for Kent’s 3,000 students with staggered schedules for some grade levels. Athletic director Ben Dunlap distributed activity passes for employees. The next board meeting is scheduled for September 15th at 6:00 PM at Davey Elementary.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Erin VanMeter reported that, due to the billing delay for real estate taxes, the district has not received the funds usually collected at this time of year. Voted on and approved.
PERSONNEL
Director of personnel Anthony Horton detailed a number of resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, transfers, and subs awaiting confirmation. Voted on and approved.
FINANCIAL FORECAST
This is typically done in August and February. Loss of funds from the state totals 1.1 million and 200,000 from the federal government. The cash balance is trending downward as the district is spending more than it is taking in. The district is looking for ways to make up the difference, perhaps through retirements. The state is using old data from 2022 to determine state-appropriated funding, which resulted in less funding.
OSBA CONFERENCE
A delegate and alternate were selected to attend the conference on November 16, 2026.
PARENT MENTOR SERVICES
Kent shares a grant with Woodridge to provide services for both districts while each seeks to employ its own mentor. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BUS STOPS
Annual item for the 2026-2027 school year. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER BIDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Voted on and approved
CONSIDER APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Voted on and approved
CONSIDER VENDING MACHINE CONTRACT
A Macedonia company has received a one-year contract to provide vending machines at Roosevelt. Credit card or cash can be used. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH DAVEY SEED CAMPUS
The Roosevelt track team will be permitted to use the campus for their practice. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH SUMMIT ESC
Summit ESC will provide 20 days of services for gifted students. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER TENTATIVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ROOTSTOWN
Kent and Rootstown districts will share Title 1 services for St.Pat’s
CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR STUDENT TEACHERS
Liberty University will provide student teachers for the district. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE NORTH MANTUA STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
In 2021 Kent Schools granted an easement to the city to widen North Mantua St. The city and Davey tree have the funds to begin this project. North Mantua will become a boulevard. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER APPROVAL FOR OUT OF STATE AND OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
Two annual field trips for the Expedition class were requested. Voted on and approved.
MISCELLANEOUS
7 donations were received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved.
ADJOURN
Members Present: Alecia Crowe, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers, John Avouris, PJ Errara
Absent: All present
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Mary Myers