Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 9/17/2024

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates, assistant superintendent, introduced the board members, administrators, and staff. Guest Debby Redmond was present asking for an update on the proposed Wall of Valor honoring post-World War II veterans. The board is asking for more information about pricing for the project before it can move forward. It was also noted that Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated during October. Previous minutes were voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
This meeting was hosted by Abbey Bolton, principal, and Emily Congrove, a counselor at Davey Elementary. They did a presentation on the kindergarten kick-off program. This program is proving to be very successful and helpful for children and teachers. Incoming kindergartens can meet their teacher, spend time with their classmates in their classroom, tour the school, and learn about the school day routine. This also allows the teachers to assess the students' social, emotional, and academic readiness. Since not all students have had preschool experience, the children enter kindergarten at many different levels. The children receive a “go home” breakfast, a bus ride, a tee shirt, and a book. 92% of the incoming kindergarten students participated, and it was noted that, as a result, there were “fewer tears” on that first school day.

REPORT CARD
Superintendent Larkin explained how the district’s 4.5-star rating is calculated. Many areas are considered in arriving at that score. These include achievement = progress compared to previous test scores, growth, gap closing, considering race, economics, disadvantages, early literacy, and graduation rates. The district’s graduation rate is 92.6%.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz, treasurer, presented a detailed report on the district’s finances. As of 8/31/24, real estate and personal property taxes had been received, and there were still funds available in the Permanent Improvement Fund. In investments, which started over as of July 1st, the Star Ohio rate was 5.42% and is trending slightly downward. The bills were also Voted on and approved.

PERSONNEL
Pam Harr, a teacher at Roosevelt, will be retiring at the end of the school year, having taught for 28 years. Taylor Johnson, a newly hired girl’s softball coach, was introduced. She is excited about joining the district and hopes to grow the program. There were also some resignations, transfers, appointments, and substitute applications. No leaves of absence were requested, voted on, or approved.

APPROVE THE RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL 2025
2.5 million was received on interest income, which is not expected to stay this high. The district is done receiving federal stimulus funds. The schools will receive no significant revenue due to the property reappraisals. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT KENT FREE LIBRARY TAX RATE
Voted on and approved

STUDENT ACTIVITY BUDGET
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER BIDS FOR BUSSES
The district budgets for the annual purchase of 3 new buses. As of now, they are still awaiting the arrival of 1 from Cardinal. Voted on and approved.

SENATE BILL 22
This concerns protecting student privacy data. The importance of protecting all students’ personal information was discussed.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR COPIERS
The district recommends a service agreement with Visual Edge as the provider of new copiers. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
A parent of a child attending CVCA is requesting payment in lieu of transportation. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
This is not to exceed $41,300. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS
This has been a collaborative effort by the city, the community and the school district to develop a travel plan to ensure the safety of the students traveling to and from school. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR HANDBOOKS
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER TITLE 1
Students eligible to receive Title I services will encompass the following districts: Kent, Streetsboro, Akron Public and Green. All were separately voted on and approved.

OUT OF STATE FIELD TRIPS
No requests were received.

MISCELLANEOUS
$29,370.64 was received from a very generous Kent community. Superintendent Larkin thanked Abbey Bolton for hosting this month’s board meeting.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present? Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Alecia Crowe, 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

https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/kentcs/Board.nsf/Public

Name of Observer: Mary Myers