Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 9/20/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting began promptly at 6:00 PM with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
Two parents who attended the meeting voiced their concerns regarding the lack of communication during the two recent lockdowns. By way of background, the first lockdown occurred at approximately 2:00 on Friday, September 9. A call was received at Walls Elementary from a person who threatened to come to the school with a military-style weapon. The decision was made to lockdown several other buildings and alert other buildings because they were not certain the caller was actually threatening Walls. Parents were not informed about the situation until the lockdown was over and they were understandably alarmed that there was no communication in real-time. The administration’s response was apologetic but they also offered an explanation of the district’s policy during these situations. It was stated that it is impossible to provide information during a lockdown because they are busy keeping everyone safe and that communication should originate from the police so as not to further escalate the situation. They emphasized that the information must be factual. The following week another lockdown occurred at Roosevelt and Stanton Middle School. A student had made a vague online threat. Another student saw the online post and alerted the police at Roosevelt. The student was tracked down in the library & questioned. Both schools were locked down because students travel between buildings and the student was not where he was scheduled to be. A representative from the Kent Police Department was present to offer explanations of lockdown procedures and drills. Parents expressed concern about the trauma that their children are experiencing during these situations. The administration’s response was one of empathy but that, unfortunately, this is the world in which we live. ALICE training will continue for all staff and students.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the August meeting were approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
REVIEW OF SCHOOL-BASED CASE MANAGER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022
This service is shared with Field Local Schools and will become a full-time position. Children’s Advantage has served 54 students, 9 were mental health referrals. Stanton Middle School was included last year in this service.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Tax settlements were received in August. The second 1/2 settlement was a large sum. Inflationary costs are going up and can result in deficit spending. Personal property taxes are expected to go up which will result in more revenue for the district. Most of the revenue goes to instructional costs and support services receive the second most funds. As of the end of August, investments have gone from 2.28% to 2.45% and they are anticipating rate hikes. For the tax year 2021, there was an increase in valuation by 15%.

APPROVAL OF BILLS
All bills were voted on and approved.

CONSIDER APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023
The annual budget begins July 1st. A summary was given for revenue from one-time real estate and the Fair School Funding Plan. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT TAX RATES
Amounts for the Kent Free Library for 2023 were voted on and approved.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Activity budgets for 2022 - 2023 including Principal Funds and activities at all buildings were voted on and approved.

PERSONNEL
A number of resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, appointments, transfers, and substitutes were received and approved by Superintendent George Joseph.

CONSIDER CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS
A credit of $31,000 was received because it was determined that it was not necessary to replace the current bus entrance. The storm line by the gym needed to be rerouted because the gym was still experiencing water issues. Also, a sidewalk by the Career Tech entrance had to be replaced to meet ODOT standards, and also a railing was installed to protect the area where deliveries are made. Voted on and approved.

REVIEW OF OSBA POLICY UPDATES
This will be reviewed and approved in October.

CONSIDER TITLE 1 MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
This is an annual item that provides funds for non-public school students and these funds are shared among Kent, Field, Ravenna, and Woodbridge school districts. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PLANNING SERVICES
This was on hold during the pandemic but will resume now. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER QUOTES FOR TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Quotes were received from 5 companies. Edutech seems to be the best and the contract will end at the fiscal year. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVISED JOB DESCRIPTION
There are three Secretary vacancies.

CONSIDER PUPIL TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
The district is still short on bus drivers. The request was for student transportation to Fairlawn, which was not feasible. Monetary compensation will be provided. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for a special needs student was considered and deemed impractical therefore monetary compensation will be provided. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO ADVERTISE FOR BUS BIDS
This is an annual resolution and one or more busses are needed. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH CHILDREN’S ADVANTAGE FOR SCHOOL CASE MANAGER
This is a partnership agreement to continue the contract to serve students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVISED NATATORIUM FEES
These fees were last updated in 2015. The new fees will remain competitive and will go into effect soon. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER NON SCHEDULED WAGES AND SALARIES
This will establish the salary for assistant treasurer and other positions. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER KSU HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER AGREEMENT
This is a contract agreement regarding the use of the ballroom facilities. The Hall of Fame dinner is scheduled for April 22, 2023. Other events that had to be canceled during 2019 and 2020 due to the pandemic can now be scheduled. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH N. MANTUA CORRIDOR PROJECT
There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for this project. This agreement is between the City of Kent, Davey Tree and will expand the sidewalk on N Mantua St to 8 feet. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER OUT OF STATE / OVERNIGHT TRIPS
The Leadership Retreat in October and a hockey tournament in Oxford in November were voted on and approved.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Donations of $5,815.00 were received from a very generous community.
• A Victory Bell was presented to the old Central School by James A. Garfield in 1867. This bell has value because of its historical significance but it is presently gathering dust in storage. Superintendent George Joseph would like to have it housed at the stadium with a plaque noting its history in a protective case. Voted on and approved.

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