Date of Meeting: 9/26/2022
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. After the pledge of allegiance and roll call, Superintendent Andrew Hawkins provided a facilities update. Safety grant funds have been used to put new doors and secure entry in all school buildings and cameras on buses. The future goal is to vacate the middle school building and house all students in the elementary and high school buildings. Hoping to have the project teed up by March 2023 to be on the ballot in November 2023.
During the community comments portion of the meeting, one parent raised safety concerns regarding student conduct on the Biomed academy bus and the number of students crossing Rt. 44 to get to Dunkin Donuts. Another parent raised a concern about the school sousaphones being in disrepair. Board discussed the need for a musical instrument inventory and developing a replacement schedule for worn instruments. A parent expressed his concern about how the high school girls’ soccer coach is communicating with the team via group texts, some of which the parent deems inappropriate. Board will discuss this in an executive session. In response to a parent email, the Board passed a motion that the middle school cheerleading uniforms shall be ordered by October 5.
The Board approved multiple resolutions pertaining to approving spending appropriations, financial contracts, and teacher and staff contracts.
Reports received from administrators. Superintendent reported total student enrollment for this year is 1048. There is a new donor wall at the athletic stadium. The elementary schools are implementing a new language arts curriculum; there is a learning curve for teachers but all are fully on board. The new middle school principal is launching some new initiatives including a “Get REAL (responsible enough about life)” program for students, a staff Professional Development book read (Leaders of Their Own Learning), and a teacher-of-the-month award. The high school is offering Rover Leadership course and Rover Success course as elective options. Over 100 students at the high school are enrolled in CCP (college credit plus). Kent State is offering Modeling Algebra at the high school.
Superintendent Hawkins summarized the state School Report Card results for 2021-22. Overall, Rootstown Schools achieved three out of five stars. Four-year graduation rate is 95%. Details are available on the ODE website.
The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Board moved into an executive session to discuss complaints against a public employee.
Which members of the board/council were present: Superintendent Hawkins, Treasurer Baldwin, Curall, McEwuen, Mullaly, Siciliano, Waesch
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Could not be found
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
https://www.rootstown.sparcc.org/board
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
Name of Observer: Rhonda Richardson