001pledge I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Beth, roll call, please. >> Mr. Berman? I'm here. Mr. Manfredi? Here. >> Mrs. Stone? Here. Mr. Townsel? Here. And Mr. Wadsworth is at the track meet tonight. He's absent. I need a first and a second for approval of the agenda. So moved. Dan? I'll second it. Linda? Any discussion? Beth, roll call, please. >> Mr. Berman? Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi? Yes. >> Mrs. Stone? Yes. >> And Mr. Townsel? Yes. Uh I will make the motion for the approval of the minutes. I need a second. I'll second. Dan? Any discussion? Beth, roll call, please. >> Mr. Manfredi? Yes. >> Mrs. Stone? Yes. >> Mr. Townsel?
002Yes. >> And Mr. Berman? Yes. Uh John, student staff presentation. Okay, at this time I would like to turn the mic over to Mrs. Randalls to introduce the Berkshire Middle School presentation. Uh so I just want to say hi to everybody here. For those of you who may not know me, I'm Mandy Randalls, uh principal of the middle school here at Berkshire. Um very excited to honor our kids, always excited to highlight them. And uh one of the clubs I know that last board meeting we talked about all of our club offerings um in the middle school and we highlighted art club. Um another um important club, so we've highlighted athletics, we've highlighted extracurriculars, any other um club that may spark the interest of our kids. But uh one of the clubs that's academic-based, the
003only club that requires certain criteria to become involved, is the Honor Society. So we have our fabulous Ms. Nancy Tiber, who everybody loves, that is here tonight to talk about the kids a little bit and then the kids are going to highlight what credentials you need to do to get into the Honor Society and then from there on a project they had. Um when we came to the middle school, we wanted to make sure that, once again, that we had something for everybody with also highlighting the fact that um we're here for our academics as well, obviously, as far as all the other activities are concerned. But this club um is very philanthropic. Um anytime we ask them to do something, they rise to the occasion. Great group of kids. Because of the track meets,
004we did have a lot of kids coming, but we want to very much thank the kids that are here tonight and we will make sure that we do something special for them for coming out here um on a board meeting evening. So I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Tiber so she can highlight our kids. Thank you, Mrs. Randalls. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here tonight. I appreciate it um to all of you. This is a great group of students. We're very thankful that we have them and yes, we we did have a few others coming, but the track meet took some of our students away. So many thanks to the students that are here tonight to help explain the Honor Society, the expectations of that organization, the credentials that
005you need to get to become a part of that organization. And then just recently, we put together a pretty amazing video called Sharing Good News and so we will show you that at the end of our presentation. Um it's one of our larger projects that we've done this year. But I'm going to invite up a few of our students. I have Jordan, Bree, and Ethan and they're going to tell you a little bit more about the Honor Society and the expectations and the goals of that group in our middle school. >> [laughter] >> Uh students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and out of the classroom, as well as their commitment to service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The selection process is described in
006detail below and you utilizes self and teacher rubrics in regard to the last four pillars. Students who accept membership should be aware that there are time obligations for group service projects that benefit the school and community. There are two selection opportunities, one for eighth graders that begins in the fall at the conclusion of the first nine weeks, as well as another in the spring for seventh and eighth graders that begin after the end of the third nine weeks. Initial eligibility is scholastic-driven and membership is then decided by reviewing files that are completed by the student and faculty. Scholastic [snorts] requirements. Fall eighth grade candidates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 to 4.0 based upon their seventh grade classes and the first quarter of eighth grade. Spring eighth grade candidates must have
007a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 to 4.0 based upon their seventh grade classes and the first three quarters of eighth grade. Spring seventh grade candidates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.85 to 4.0 based upon their seventh grade classes for the first three quarters of seventh grade. So right now, our Honor Society is completely made up of eighth graders. Um our next induction ceremony will be on May 18th and that's when some of the seventh graders will be able to join, as well as eligible eighth graders. So right now, um I think we have about 18 members right now in our Honor Society. A little bit of information about the pillars of the Middle School Honor Society from Jordan. Um pillars. Service. This quality is defined through the voluntary con-
008contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation with a positive, courteous, and enthusiast- enthusiastic spirit. Leadership. Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem-solvers, promoters of school activities, idea contributors, dependable, and people who exemplify a growth mindset. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities or working with or for others. Character. A student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, and shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. Citizenship. The The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement, has a high regard for freedom and justice, respects democracy, respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels, and demonstrates mature participation and responsib- responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations,
009or school clubs. Thank you, Jordan. Thank you, everybody. So that's a little bit about our organization, our club. Um this has been a really long, hard winter for all of us and so we decided that for one of our activities, we wanted to do something to boost school morale and encourage students to think of some of the positive things going on in their lives and working with Mr. Castilla in the makerspace, and honestly, he's very much a huge part of this project. Um the makerspace um some of the members of the maker- makerspace worked with some of our student council members and they put together a video explaining the project, which we took into all the strategies classes, fifth through eighth grade strategies classes. We explained the goal of the video to the students. And
010then Mr. Castilla and his students set up um a recorder in the hallways and we just asked students to just stop in and share some good news. Totally voluntary, not scripted. You will see some share big events and some share tiny little things that just made their day and that's exactly what we wanted, just to get them thinking positive and thinking of the good things that we have here at the school. So these students were also involved in kind of training the strategy classes on what to expect and just the voluntary participation in the Sharing Good News video. So I think probably best just to share the video and see if you have any questions after that. >> [music] >> I love every time I see the sun shining. Someone complimented my hair. I started
011track last week. The sun is shining today. Oh, I went skiing this weekend at Hunter. I got to go to a basketball game. Well, we should just turn off the college updates. I just found out I got a 20 on my math quarterly. I just started my softball practice this last weekend. Just scoring a touchdown for our seventh grade team. Flowers randomly and then it's also raining. I got to go to the state with my mom. >> [laughter] [laughter] [screaming] >> That is awesome. >> Very nice. >> [applause] >> I don't If you have any questions, we're hoping to do a part two. And honestly, the biggest thing I would say is really the makerspace and Mr. Castillo really deserve a much of the praise for the project cuz they did all the technological pieces
012and our students were really the marketers of it and helped develop the idea of it. Um which there have been several of things that have been circulating on social media for a while now, but we hadn't really participated in anything. So, this was our first effort into that area. Can I answer questions for anybody? Did this get put out on social media? It It has. Yeah, it's been shared. We've encouraged the students parents have shared it. It's been in the gazette. I know different organizations have shared it as well. We're trying to We're trying to think of some more ways to promote it to get it out there even beyond our community because it just brings a smile to your face. I can't tell you how many times I've watched this and each and every
013time it just [clears throat] the same ones make me laugh really a lot and it's very much so. It's so sweet to see the things that they that shine in their lives. Yeah, that's awesome. It should be like a a regular a regular monthly thing or something. That's cool. Very cool. For sure. Thank you. It's so good for all of us to think of the positive. It's really easy to think of the negative and when you train your mind to think of the positive, it just changes your whole mindset. The students really loved being involved in it. So, we need to do more opportunities like this for them to express themselves and kind of train their minds to see the good. Anything I can answer for anyone? >> [laughter] >> You get to see the
014personalities of some of our kids. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> So, thank you. Thank you for allowing us to come and share. Awesome. Great job. Good job, you guys. Yeah, thank you, you three. >> [applause] >> Good work. Mrs. Cybert, she's really fantastic. We are so lucky to have her. Okay, at the this point of the meeting, uh it is the public comment. If you'd like to address the board, uh we'd ask you to come up to the microphone and uh you can uh state your question or comments and your name, please. Just be respectful. >> [snorts] >> I'm [snorts] not going to pass up the opportunity. Does this microphone work because >> Yep. It's very You got to get close to it. Yeah. The students, I really appreciate them sharing and it's a really cool
015idea. It'd be great if we told them to get a little closer so we could all hear. But uh that kind of concept of the what the kids do like that, that's so good. I just want to say that. And uh other than that, I uh I just appreciate seeing me and the year doing our thing. I want to share that it was awesome what they shared. >> Thank you, Roger. Anyone else? Okay. Uh Beth, treasurer's report, please. Let the record reflect the treasurer submitted a statement to the board and to the superintendent showing the revenues and receipts and sources derived, the various appropriations made by the board, the expenditures and disbursements, the purposes and balances remaining in each fund. The financial statements for the period ending March 2026 has been submitted subject to audit
016and includes the financial summary, appropriations and revenues summary, check register recap, and bank reconciliation. I have a motion to approve the following donations. We have a whole bunch from after prom. Dr. um Minich, the Burton Sheet Metal, Taylor Plumbing, Base Tech, Giada Door, Blasco and Cummings, Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning, and Pete's Inc. Uh and then James and Galena Barnes donated to the elementary's principal fund and the Rotary uh Club of Burton Middlefield donated to Interact. I'll make the motion. I'll second. Granted. Any discussion? Incredible. You know, ever since John uh the high school principal really took over after prom and now the committee that's expanded, it's amazing the uh donations that we seem to get for these kids. So, they should feel awful fortunate. Anything else? Beth, roll call, please. Mrs. Stone? Yes. >>
017Mr. Townsend? Yes. >> Mr. Berman? Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi? Yes. Thank you. I have a motion to approve the following financial amendments as listed. So moved. I'll second it. Linda. Any discussion? Beth, roll call, please. Mr. Townsend? Yes. Mr. Berman? Yes. Mr. Manfredi? Yes. >> Mrs. Stone? Yes. Thank you. Uh thank you, Beth. Superintendent's report. All right. I [clears throat] would like to request a motion to approve the following personnel. We have certified, classified, and administrator. Um and a quick note before we get the first and the second is um we do have the contract for our new treasurer, Mr. Matthew Hostler, uh that will be approved here and I see Matthew here down in the third row. So, uh Matt, if there's anything you would like to I know you pretty well know the
018board and have talked to them several times, but anything you'd like to say to them, uh you're welcome to uh stand up, introduce yourself, and um give them your 90-second elevator speech. Yeah, I just want to say um as John said, I know most of you have been at, you know, quite a few of your meetings, but I'm just very grateful to be given this opportunity um to be part of such a great district and community, uh to work with John and the rest of the Berkshire team. Um just really looking forward to it. I've been able to work close with Beth over the last few years, uh kind of as a mentor. And I know there's big shoes to fill here, but um I look forward to uh contributing and continuing the success that
019um everyone here is is uh created over the last few years. Thank you. Very nice. We're excited to have you. >> [laughter] >> I like how you've already converted your dad to to purple man. >> [laughter] [cough and clears throat] [laughter] >> Congratulations Matt. I think we're lucky to have Matt and I can't wait to get started. I will say that um I've been a part of a lot of search um committees and treasurer is one of the hardest searches in the state and we typically work with a search firm like finding leaders and they call around and ask other superintendents if we have any um any candidates that we would recommend. Well, we decided not to go with a search firm. We put our own search out and we got seven applicants. And typically
020even the larger search firms aren't getting that many. Um and so and we interviewed all seven candidates and Matt rose to the top of that list and I think we're very fortunate to have him and with that I would like to request the motion to approve that list of personnel. I'll make the motion. I'll second. Dan Your contract is signed just so you know we didn't leave any of the lines blank. [laughter] So besides us voting for that it's official and yes John alluded to it but I want to emphasize it. Whenever we post a position at this school regardless of what the position is we get plenty of applicants in order to make the best choice. So this school system and community get the best that that is out there. We are very lucky
021but it's a testament to the people that have been here for a long time and why people want to come here. So I want to tell you all that um it's it's refreshing to know that we can get people that want to to be in this district. Anything else? Welcome. Um Beth roll call please. >> Mr. Berman Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi Yes. >> Mrs. Stone Yes. >> Mr. Townsend Uh I need to abstain. Uh >> [snorts] >> I would like to request a motion to approve the following list of volunteers. So moved. Dan I'll second. Linda Any discussion? Uh Beth roll call please. Mr. Manfredi Yes. >> Mrs. Stone Yes. >> Mr. Townsend Yes. And Mr. Berman Yes. >> [snorts] >> I would like to request a motion to approve the following contracts as attached.
022So moved. I'll second. Linda Any discussion? Uh what is the Lingo cellular line? [laughter] It's another phone line we need for the for the district as our technology director Okay. pointed out to us. Okay. Any further discussion? Uh Beth roll call please. >> Mrs. Stone Yes. >> Mr. Townsend Yes. Mr. Berman Yes. Mr. Manfredi Yes. Like to request a motion to approve the following student overnight trips. Um the wrestling tournament has already happened but we found out they qualified after um our March board meeting so we we're approving [clears throat] that after the fact and then the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip which is May 6th through May 8th. So moved. I'll second. Dan Any discussion? Beth roll call please. >> Mr. Townsend Yes. >> Mr. Berman Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi Yes. >> Mrs. Stone
023Yes. I would like to request a motion to approve the sewer easement with Kent State Geauga as attached. So moved. I'll second. Brenda Is this just to update it? Yeah, apparently we never when we installed the sewer line cuz we're on Kent State property we never actually gave them the easement to it because they're the property owner of then technically they need the easement so um we didn't think about it and I'm surprised it took them four and a half years to think about it too but someone must have pointed it out to their legal. Any further discussion? Beth roll call please. Mr. Berman Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi Yes. >> Mrs. Stone Yes. >> Mr. Townsend Yes. I would like to request a motion to set the Badger Care hourly cost for next school year.
024That rate will be $5.50 per hour. Badger Care is the before and after school what we used to call latchkey program. I'll make a motion. Dan I'll second it. Linda Any discussion? Beth roll call please. Mr. Manfredi Yes. >> Mrs. Stone Yes. >> Mr. Townsend Yes. >> Mr. Berman Yes. Okay, thank you John. Old business. Nothing for me. Okay. New business. Um We do have a fiscal caution update. Pardon me? We do have a fiscal caution update under new business. Okay. So uh Beth you want to deliver the update? Sure. So uh we did receive the fiscal caution letter on March 11th from um OWD O D W D. Uh Department of Education. >> [laughter] >> And um >> E W So they um in the letter they required us to submit a plan by
025April 30th but as you know House Bill 186 the computation's not going to be available till April 20th which I'm hearing that might not even happen now. Um so we did file for an extension. They granted it. We have till May 18th. So our intention is at the May board meeting to submit um a updated five-year forecast and the the plan um to handle the the fiscal caution matter to you at that May board meeting. >> [snorts] >> Got you. And of course we're hoping for the information by >> Right. But there's no guarantee. Um any other new business? I have one point. Uh board members we have the uh board scholarship fund that we donate to each year. Mhm. And uh this goes to uh young men or women that will apply for the
026scholarship. And [snorts] um so I'm just letting you know it's that time of year we need to make our donations to build up the fund. Okay. And that currently the fund is at approximately $250. So Got you. We want to want to make sure that >> [snorts] >> we keep that moving. All right. Board discussion. Do we the next board meeting May 11th 6:00 p.m. here the auditorium. >> [snorts] >> Any need for executive session? Not for me. I have none. Okay. How are we going to close the meeting Wildhorse now? >> [laughter] >> Uh I need a motion to adjourn. So moved. Dan I'll second it. Linda Any discussion? Uh Beth roll call please. >> Mr. Berman Yes. >> Mr. Manfredi Yes. Mrs. Stone Yes. >> And Mr. Townsend Yes. Okay, very good. Thank
027you folks for being here. Thank you again Matt. Mhm. Uh