Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 8/21/2024

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting was promptly called to order at 5:30, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Dr. Justin Gates introduced the board, administrators, staff, and guests. Minutes from the previous meeting were voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Ellen Penglase was hired as an assistant principal at Roosevelt High School, replacing Mary Lynn Bush, who recently retired. She brings a wealth of experience in special education and administration to the district.

Anthony Horton, from Stanton Middle School, gave an update on the situation with substitute teachers. More compensation for long-term subs has made the position more attractive, and the district is in good shape with the number of subs available.

Kent City Engineer Jim Bowling reported on the Safer Routes to School program. The critical component of the plan will be created by considering the 400 survey responses received from the community. A safe school travel plan for walkers and bike riders will be made in collaboration with the schools, city council, and community. A state (ODOT) grant is available, but the plan, which will be reviewed every five years, must be in place for approval in September.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz detailed the district’s finances. The end of July marks the first fiscal year report. $5.2 million has been received in real estate taxes. The Star Ohio Fund remains steady at 5.43%. The Fed may cut interest rates.
Voted on and approved.

RETIREMENTS, LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTES
Three teachers, Jeff Harr, Marge Mackanos, and Suzanne Stronz, will be retiring this year. Some requests for leaves of absence were received. Applications for substitute teaching positions were also received and will be approved based on background checks, etc.
Voted on and approved

BOARD DELEGATE CONFERENCE
Two board members will attend this annual conference in Columbus from November 10th to the 12th, 2024.

TITLE I
This is an annual renewal for services provided for children in the Kent district, St Pats, and Tallmadge. Akron Public Schools will act as the fiscal agent. It was voted on and approved

ADOPTION OF TEXTBOOKS
The two textbooks presented to the board for consideration were Broadcast Video Production and Yearbook ebook online subscriptions. They were voted on and approved.

PARAMENTOR FOR KENT CITY SCHOOLS
This is an annual request for psychological services, which are shared with Woodridge and Streetsboro Schools. It was voted on and approved.

SCHOOL BUS ROUTES
The school bus routes are fluid at this time and must be approved by the board. They were voted on and approved.

RESTITUTION IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Payment will be made to the families with students attending CVCA and St. Vincent St. Mary Schools. The district will outsource vans to provide transportation, thus freeing up drivers needed in Kent. This was voted on and approved.

RENTAL SPACE
Parkside Church of Chagrin Falls has entered into a rental agreement with the district to use the Roosevelt Auditorium for Sunday church services. A Kent resident has asked to rent time on the baseball, softball, and soccer fields and voted on and approved.

KENT EXPO
The Kent Expo is set for November 2, 2024. University Hospital is asking for approval to have a mobile mammogram machine on site that day. It was voted on and approved.

HALL OF FAME
April 5, 2025, is the annual Hall of Fame Award Ceremony date. Nominations are being accepted. Voted on and approved

FIELD TRIPS / OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
Two requests have been received: one from the Expedition Academy and one from the Journalism program. They were voted on and approved.

DONATIONS
The only donation reported was from the Walls School community to replace a laminator.
Superintendent Tom Larkin thanked all the teachers, staff, and all those who had prepared for the upcoming school year.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis. Absent was Brian Boykin - no reason given

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