001We call to order the Cleveland Heights University Heights City School District Board of Education meeting for March 3rd, 20126. Thank you for joining us. This is a regular meeting of the school board and all items that will be discussed or voted on have been posted as required by state law. We are here to conduct the business of governing the district, to set goals, to hear reports from the superintendent and treasurer, and to approve budgets, contracts, and personnel items, and to make policy for the district. We are not here to make a management decisions or to solve the problems of individuals. Management is the responsibility of the administration. I love >> Miss Leam, will you please call the role? Mrs. Howard Primes >> here. >> Mr. Heights >> here. >> Mr. Tremble >> here. >> Mr.
002Hodgekas Lily >> here. >> Mrs. Krenshaw >> here. I will now turn the meeting over to our superintendent for the awards and recognitions. >> Good evening and welcome. Beginning with tonight's awards and recognitions, we want to honor student artists who received accolades at the Iowa and Midwest Regional Scholastic Art Competition and Exhibition. Their pieces were judged and selected from over 8,000 entries by a panel of professional artists and educators. Students, if you are here, please come up front when you hear your name and bring your artwork with you if you were able to bring it tonight. Um we also have some of it displayed um on the um panel. If you do not hear your name in your category, please come forward once all names are read. So uh we are celebrating Ansley Adams, Dwayane
003Anderson, Michael Buford, Violet Carter, Marvin Leak, Fiona Millard, Luca Motov, Anisha Nash, Zavon O'Neal, Iris Schaefer, Israel Trice, the teachers of the talented students who I am going to ask to come up to rec to represent her students is the talent tented Miss Nancy Rich Trace um and Miss Jackie uh Miss Jackie Connelly. But Nancy, please come up so we can celebrate you and your students. Take a photo. >> I got you. I got you. >> We have ones for them, too. All right, I'll take a few. >> Thank you, Nancy. >> Are you having a hot flash? >> I think so. Okay, for the month of February, the following CHU staff members have been recognized by their peers for going above and beyond to continuously contribute to the culture of excellence in our district.
004Um, and even though we do not have a lot of these staff in um our presence tonight, we still want to celebrate them from the board of education. So, we'll wait till the end and then do a group clap. From the board of education, Doris Maps and bus driver. Doris is always flexible, pleasant, and organized. We appreciate her. From Bombgardner Middle, Joanie Riick, intervention specialist. Joanie is not only an incredible co-teer and intervention specialist, but she is most importantly an advocate for all students. from Boulevard Elementary School. Morgan Debe, first grade teacher. In what is considered the most challenging year as a firstear teacher, Morgan has demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm for teaching from Canerberry Elementary School. Christine Bell, school counselor. In every sense of the word, she is a silent hero for our
005students and families. Much of what she does happens quietly and without expectation of praise. Yet, the impact is unmistakable. She works tirelessly to ensure that the school is not only a place of learning, but a place where students experience joy and purpose. From Fairfax Elementary School, Michael Spears, media ancillary. Michael Spears is flexible and is positive all of the time. from Gity Danielle Foran Early Childhood Specialist. Danielle is a force of nature. She is 100% available to the staff and never hesitates to step in a classroom and do the work. She keeps track of budgets, grants, best practices, curriculum, ordering, schedules, teachers, paras, parents, and every single other detail that we don't even know about. From Heights High School, Willis Brown, vocational paraprofessional. Mr. Brown is the best. He is the work lab educator at
006the high school and helps out every person in the building through his service with our students. He is always present and always has a positive attitude. From Noble Elementary School, Rebecca Oberfield, fifth grade. Rebecca exemplifies what it truly means to be a fifth grade team lead. She utilizes clarity practices in her teaching and consistently shares her mastery moments with the entire fifth grade team, helping everyone grow and succeed together. From Oxford Elementary School, Jen Banis Baniser, instructional coach. As our wonderful building coach, Jen is always willing to lend a helping hand. Jen has a positive attitude and is quite impactful when it comes to student learning. from Rossboro Elementary School. Lisa West, nurse pair professional. Lisa is an amazing and caring person. She goes out of her way to help children in the nurses clinic
007as well as staff members. She is an asset to the Roxel family. And finally, from Roxboro Middle School, Britney Stevens, 7th grade math teacher. Britney joined CHUH in Rockmid this year and has quickly proven herself to be an invaluable member of our team. She has successfully taken on the challenge of teaching both high school credit algebra and math 7, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to student success. Please join me in celebrating the winners of this month for the Tiger team member of the month. And that concludes our recognitions. I will now turn it over to sophomore Taylor Nathan for her first ever, I believe. Am I correct? First ever, student report. >> Welcome, Taylor. >> Thank you. Good evening, board and education members, superintendent Kirby and Miss Leam. My name is Taylor Nathan. I am
008a sophomore at High Thai. As a member of the superintendent student cadre, we are here I am here to give a brief report about what's happening at Hi Thai. I am honored to be here this evening. Thank you for this opportunity. First, I would like to tell you about our athletic team and provide an update about several upcoming events at Hi Thai. for athletics indoor track. I would like to give a quick congrats to Aiden Cyrus Harrison Maris and Diani for out who had outstanding races in the 400 4x200 4x400 at the the neotic allstar on February 21st and look to do well at D1 indoor states on Sunday. Cassidy ran a fantastic 3,200 meter to qualify to indoor states for boys wrestling. Congratulations to Tavon Wallace and St. Gavin Overby for qualifying to the
009district tournament. Girls wrestling. Four girl wrestlers qualified for the district tournament. Tamaya Buouie, Chelsea Gibson, Bana Robinson, and August Walker. Tamaya Buouie earned first place and was a sectional champion in her weight class. Swim and dive. Congratulations to Aaron, Kieran, Mason, Tommy, Jaden, Charlie, and Henry for their performances at the districts. For boys basketball, they compete in the district semi-finals this Wednesday, March 4th, against Bira Mid Park. Here are a few important events that are happening at High Thai. The highlights from February. The Heights art department is proud to announce that four of their seniors will have artwork exhibited at the Illan Kelner Jur Heights Art School. The show ex exhibition is located in the Beachwood Community Center and our student artwork will be on display until Sunday, March 29th. The gallery hours are Monday
010through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. High Thai students received 16 awards at the 2026 Iowa and Midris Midwest Regional Scholastic Art Competition amidst over 8,000 entries. Senior Michael Buford and um junior Zavon O'Neal who received Go Key awards for their artwork will continue on to the national competition that is held each spring in New York City. 14 Heights High Heights High students in the Heights Career Tech program were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on February 26. Sorry. The National Technical Honor Society is an educational nonprofit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in career and technical education. For upcoming events in March, all High Thai juniors will take the SAT on Wednesday, March 4th, during the school day. 11th graders are should report to their testing locations by
0118:15. Standard time testing. Standard time testing is expected to end at approximately 11:30 a.m. Students who were approved for College Board testing accommodations will have longer testing windows. All students will be required to bring their fully charged district Chromebooks with them to the day of the exam. This will be a regular school day for other grade levels. The Heights High swim cadets invite the community to set sail to join them at their 87th annual show. The three-ight event will run from March 5th through 7th at 700 p.m. in the Heist High pool. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance from a swim cadet or at the door. Hi Thai parents teacher conference will take place on Thursday March 12th from 2 to 8:00 p.m. Hi Thai will follow the early release bell schedule
012for parent teacher conference and school will be released at 1:26 p.m. Parents and guardians can find more information to sign up for this time slots on the Heights High School web page or from the email sent by Dr. Towns yesterday. The vocal music department will host their mid winter concert on Friday, March 13th at 700 p.m. in the main auditorium. The concert is free to the public. High Tai will host the 29th annual Cleveland Northeast Suburban College Fair on Thursday, March 19th from 7 to 9:00 p.m. in the competitive gym. Students and families will be able to talk to admission representatives, discover potential scholarships, and attend a H.B.CU CU workshop. The families of RISE atteniors will be able to attend anformational session with college now, gear up, and educational talent search about class courses, test
013prep, GPA, and educational involvement in volunteering. And freshman and sophomores can attend to also learn more about the highest career tech programs. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you, Taylor. >> Thanks, Taylor. Nice job. >> But we had a good time. Taylor was one of uh eight students who went to the Ohio Association of Student Leaders Leadership Day at Rocket Mortgage Arena, I think it was last week, and we were able to tour the facility, hear from some leaders from the Cavs, and also enjoy a game where we blew out um the Nets by 40 points. It was great. >> Um so, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here. >> All right. And that concludes the my component of the opening of the meeting. >> Thank you, Superintendent Kirby. Um,
014we only have one person who signed up to speak from the audience, but she already uh gave her speech. Um, so thank you again, Taylor, for that. We appreciate all that you've shared with us regarding the district. Um, so we will now move on. May I have a motion to consider the consent agenda? >> I motion we consider the consent agenda. And >> I second the motion. >> Is there any discussion? Yeah, of course. Um had some really nice uh donations to the district, including uh one to Rocks Mid uh from Peace Liy on Lee Road, which is a lovely new uh plant shop that uh my wife and I have frequented twice uh unbeknownsted uh uh with no knowledge of this donation. So, uh, it's a it's a great place and I'm really glad
015that they're getting involved in, uh, Tiger Nation. >> I agree. Um, I'm also, uh, excited about the wrestling team going to the state tournament in Columbus. Um, so, good luck to them. I share your excitement um about the wrestling team and you know I think it's a real um uh thing for us to be proud of that our women's wrestling program is as significant as it is um and has been around for a very long time. So uh that's definitely fantastic. Good luck to the men and women of our wrestling program. >> Any other discussion? >> No. >> Miss Leam, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Heights? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Howard Prime? >> Yes. >> Mr. Treble? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hodes Lily? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Krenshaw? >> Yes. There's also
016a resolutions. Um, so may I have a motion to approve the resolution authorizing filing of complaint against the valuation of real property tax of real property for tax year 2025? >> I motion we consider the uh >> resolution. Second. >> There any discussion regarding the resolution? >> Mr. Brenza is here to um answer any questions. So, Mr. Brenza, would you mind coming to the podium and giving the board a synopsis of this? >> While while he's getting ready there, maybe I'll tee it up for you. Um, so we as a district as a rule do not uh appeal tax valuations for residential properties. Um, we it's just something we don't often do. Uh we don't I've never known us to do that, but we do periodically appeal the um uh valuation of commercial and uh
017properties and this is what we're about today. >> Thank you. Uh pleasure to be here tonight. Um meeting a lot of you for the first time. Uh my name is Bob Brensza and my firm represents the district uh in connection with real estate tax valuation exemption uh tiff proceedings. So, you've met my partner several times, I'm sure, David Seed. Um, I'm responsible for managing the uh uh the real estate tax valuation challenges, uh whether they're advanced by commercial property owners seeking reductions or advanced by the district seeking increases against commercial properties. Um uh as mentioned uh the district does not get involved in residential real estate tax complaints. Um they have traditionally chosen to allow the taxpayer the property owner to proceed uh unopposed before the border revision. They're still required to prove their uh
018right to a reduction but uh that's without our involvement. But commercial there's a couple industrial properties as well. uh the district does get involved in defending the valuation um that the county fiscal office sets for the property on an annual basis uh or in instances where there has been a sale of the property which appears to have been uh an armslength sale uh for an amount above an annual statutory threshold that's set by uh the tax commissioner. Um and in this particular case, as part of our research, we have identified one uh complaint uh that we recommend that the uh district consider pursuing and that is against uh property owned by Adam Damra Properties LLC. Uh it's located at 2159 South Green Road in University Heights. Uh it is the BP station at the corner
019of uh Green and Cedar. Uh it sold for a,200,000 in December of 2024. Um and the fiscal office has it valued for tax year 2025 at 410,900. So it certainly meets the statutory threshold to pursue a complaint against. And what will happen if the board uh were to approve this resolution is that we would then file a uh complaint with the border revision by March 31st. Um, and then the matter will be set for hearing in due course before the border revision. The taxpayer property owner will be notified and they'll have an opportunity to to uh present their side of the story as to why that sale does not constitute the best evidence of the property's value for real estate tax purposes. >> Any questions? No, I think that this is really important work though
020because you know we need to show our taxpayers that we are doing our due diligence and and uh that you know we we take this very very seriously. So I really appreciate your your diligence on this and finding this property and pursuing it on behalf of our taxpayers. >> Thank you. What is the timeline for a complaint and resolution for property valuation? >> It varies based on volume. To give you an example, um uh for complaints that were filed last year, tax year 2024, maybe the border revision is through 60% of them. Um because there were I think north of 12,000 filed given the reappraisal. So, um my guess is that uh this case will be decided uh sometime in late 2026. Um which means any value that's established by the border revision will apply
021not only to 2025 but also to tax year 2026. So, um it could be a a 2-year gain to the district based upon um the final adjudication of this case relative to when the tax year 2026 values are certified by the county. >> Was there a a large spike as a result of the sexual reevaluation? Is that why they're they're still behind working through that? >> Yes. Um it's uh historical to see uh the largest number of cases filed in the first year of a succ uh uh a senial cycle which is the reappraisal year. Uh we do not expect as many to be filed for tax year 2025 or next year for tax year 2026. So, by the time uh the update comes in tax year 2027, um the board will be completely caught
022up and presumably BA values would will be adjusted. But I can tell you there was a lot of sticker shock not only in this county but some of the other counties that have recently reappraised uh primarily residential values because um there's the properties are reappraised every six years. In the middle of that six-year cycle, there's an update year where there's an adjustment and inflationary adjustment, but sometimes the market is uh robust as we've experienced uh in Kyoga County over the last uh several years. and uh a big adjustment from the value determination that was made in 2018 uh is necessary and uh that creates a lot of sticker shock um with property owners when they see their value go up 30 40 50% even though with as a result of House Bill 920 it's never
023a 1:1 ratio but they see the value increase in August uh and they don't get their tax bill until December. So, there's a lot of uh anger that is uh um uh kind of uh uh vented against primarily the county officials who are responsible for for establishing the values. Uh, and it creates such uh absurd uh options as people filing for um you try to eliminate real estate taxes in the state of Ohio, but um that's that's for another that's for another debate. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Could I could I say something? Um >> yes. >> Uh you can sit if Mr. brins if you want, but um to give context to what Dan said, we have a long-standing policy of not going after residential uh valuations, the state cottified that in
0242022, so we we can't anymore, even if we wanted to. Um on the commercial side, there are very effective ways to avoid sales. uh you can do a stock purchase agreement so you're not it doesn't look like a sale in the um property records. And so when these situations arise, when we see uh a bonafide sale, we have to do our best as a school district to um to get the revenue that should be paid. uh because a lot of commercial properties really don't pay what they should be um because they can avoid sales so well. >> Our newest member, Tom's a real estate lawyer. >> There is there is a lot of creativity. U I I like to characterize it as uh mother nature um when when uh mankind builds a better mousetrap, mother
025nature builds a better mouse. That's kind of the the back and forth that taxpayers and school district lawyers or taxing district lawyers have u uh engaged in really over the last 20 years and trying to keep ahead of each other on these uh uh drop down sales. >> One more thing about that is the state made it so as Mr. Brenza said you can't um appeal unless there is a sale which was really kind of one more sort of arrow in the quiver of reducing the options to raise funds for school districts. Um, as we have seen a lot >> prior to House Bill 126 coming into effect, um, we would pursue a lot of cases, increased complaints against, uh, drop down sales where there's no public record of the purchase price. And in connection
026with those filings, we would also negotiate um direct payment agreements um with the property owner where the school district would receive 100 cents on the dollar based upon their claim of uh value to the detriment of the county and and the the other taxing districts, but at the same time they're not sharing in the cost to to pursue uh the increase. And that was another um option or or alternative that was undone by uh the general assembly back in 2022. So we no longer have that option available to us. >> Well, no further discussion. Thank you so much. >> Sure. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. >> Miss Leam, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Heights? >> Yes. Mr. Trimble, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgekas Lily, >> yes. >> Mrs. Howard
027Prime, >> yes. >> Mrs. Krenshaw, >> yes. >> We will now have the superintendent report from Superintendent Kirby. >> Yes. I was so um interested in what was being shared about the uh real estate did not load my report. So, thank you, Kath. and if you could um load it for me. Um all right. No, that was us. All right. So, we are in the month of March and we are going to report out on all the many wonderful things happening in the month of February in our district. Um as it relates to our core academic work. Uh we both held grade level meetings uh in the month of February and we also concluded our quarter to principal data meetings. Um both of these are really important professional learning opportunities. um and a part of
028our continuous improvement cycle. So for teachers, they have the opportunity to collaborate with each other across the district. Um and also get training on additional intervention resources that we work with students on. Um and then for the data meetings, we're able to look at and very similar to the data that the board looked at in the work session by school where we are with some of our student achievement leading indicators. It's also a great opportunity for schools to share out their best practices and we're able to um provide spaces within principal meetings for principles to share that share the work that they are doing in order to help our students continue to grow and achieve. Great. Um I already mentioned that we had um the OASL student leadership day that members of the student cadre
029were able to participate in. Um it was also their black heritage night. So they were able to see bands play great performances um and also the uh divine nine stepping as well. Um Bombgardner uh the I'm sorry not the barberh shop um did very very well at the festival that they attended in Pasadena. The men's and women's barbershop um ense ensemble earned ratings of outstanding and this year's presenters award at the barbershop harmony society's international festival in California. The women's ensemble also received the plateaua award which is the top award given to an ensemble of their member size. Um, a highlight and first for the high- tie barber shoppers came the department's two studentled quartets, the Freaky Bobs and the Pitches, competing and receiving outstanding ratings in the top 15 youth court quartet competition. All
030right. Uh, Taylor already shared that we have a college fair coming up on March 19th. Uh we also have the um deadline approaching for college credit plus which is April 1st as well. That meeting was held in February. It had to be rescheduled due to the weather. Um as relates to sports, that Bombgardner basketball team went to the GCC Championship. Um and so congratulations for making it there. They did not win, but they lost by four points. um and uh just are very very very excited um for them to have that great opportunity. Um we also honored um as we mentioned earlier the winners of the Iowa and Midwest regions at large scholastic art competition. Um as relates to goal three families and community we do have I don't know how did you do this
031Nancy? You've been working magic. Metro Health Dental Services. Um, so Metro Health has been providing preventative dental services to Heights High School students for a little over a year and recently began using the hub and spoke model to bring students from other schools up to the Heights Wellness Center for Dental Services. Uh, last month and there was a lot of work behind this. Metro Health had equipment delivered that will allow them to provide restorative services also, which is a significant addition to our partnership with Metro Health. Um, Black History Month was wonderful and celebratory and entertaining and historical and affirming um, events happening across all of our schools all through the month. Um, so many highlights. It was awesome to see uh, Shantel Brown addressing students during the Canterbury celebration. Um, the Oxford uh, celebration
032was just incredible and wonderful and packed and you couldn't find a seat. um but just um all across the district. Uh I just want to celebrate our teachers, our staff members, our principles, our community partners, our central office staff for supporting a wonderful month of celebration. Um also want to thank those who attended our 2026 state of the schools address that just happened last Friday. It was great doing in the morning. It was kind of cool to kind of go back to that format. We had had it at the community center. Um, thank you Kathan for being the um, behind the scenes coordinator and collaborator on these things. I just stepped in and it was all smooth like nothing didn't we didn't miss a beat so it was great. And I have to give the
033PTA council a shout out for a wonderful threeon3 basketball tournament which was very competitive by the way and I predict will be a very big event moving forward because there was very intense competition. In fact, when Fairfax lost to um I guess Gamber, I don't know, they decided to have another tournament with Grounds and the other gym on their own >> grudge match >> essentially >> with a crowd and an audience. I was like, "Okay, I don't know what's going on here, but okay. >> We got to tell DraftKings and make a few dollars." >> I It's like the big three. So, the winner was Canterbury. >> All right. Uh, it was a close game. It was overtime, wasn't it? Overtime. Lisa, you're the the the MC. Overtime against options who brought a full cheering
034section. And I mean, it was like a whole thing. So, get ready for the three on three next year. It's going to be a very big deal. I see that coming. So, >> I I have to add, Lisa wasn't just the MC. Lisa was the MC. >> She got on the mic and was commanding the audience. Uh, I mean to the point >> I mean to to the point of entertainment >> entertainment singing. Uh, >> I mean to to the point of, you know, um, if you can hear me clap once, if you can hear me clap twice. >> I mean, she was controlling the crowd. So, bravo, Lisa. >> And thank you, Lisa. Yeah, thank you. It was a really, really great event. Um, February, we celebrated National School Counseling Week. that first full
035week of February. So, thank you to our school counselors for all the work that they do. Incredible and important for our district. >> Remember from my request? >> So, uh coming up in the month of March, we have March 5th the swim cadets show. Um we also have the ongoing prom closet that is happening. So, uh we have a bin outside. We have bins across the district as well and our kindergarten information nights. So, they we already have had our first one. They will be happening all of this week. Um and I thank you board members for signing up to represent to welcome um our newest families into the district as they register. Finally, I'm not going to go through all of the upcoming dates, but that just so you know how busy March is.
036There it is right there. That's just the month of March. um ending with spring break which will be March 23rd through March 27th. >> Thank you, Superintendent Kirby. We will now move on to the second reading of policy 5112. Mr. Patton, >> good evening. Um last week we had a special meeting with the board to present policy 5012 uh which is the um entrance requirements and then also introduce a new policy 5115. Uh tonight is the second reading of these two policies. Uh this policy will allow us to continue to uh bring our uh young kindergarten families into the district and continue to make sure that we're supporting them um and allowing giving us the flexibility of giving them um assessments to allow them to start kindergarten um going forward um once they turn five.
037One update I wanted to provide is that uh we did meet with the kindergarten teachers this week to get um to go through the policy draft and get their feedback. And I know that Dr. Jenkins um >> is, you know, if this policy is passed in the administrative guidance that go with it, we'll have some of those teachers on the assessment committee. I do know I would suggest we do a third reading though, just to give us a little bit more time to take a look at it. There were a couple little things we tweaked because there was some um just some kind of awkward language. So, we were sharing with our attorneys just to make sure should it stay, can we adjust it and all that. So, I think we should do a third
038meeting. We can talk about if we want to do another meeting or if we want to wait till the work session. >> Okay. >> I like all that. First of all, I really appreciate the outreach to the teachers who are our experts. Um, and I think that it's better to move slow and be certain >> and if there is an option to have it during the work session since that is already a scheduled meeting unless there is urgency to >> Yeah, I think we can just what we're doing right now is just collecting information if we do have any uh kids who are won't be five by the first day. We're just collecting their information so you know we're able to contact them and swing back. I I don't think a Okay. >> I don't
039think it's going to be that big of a difference. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And then we are doing the final reading of the district calendar. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, the district calendar um has been up for the last 30 days. >> Um there was one just other slight adjustment which was a professional day in January. Um is going to be regular school day uh going forward. And so um and presented to the PO for the the calendars allows us gives that flexibility to start for next school year. Um and then already working to prepare for the calendar for the 2728 school year right after that. >> And I do want to share we talked about this in summit. We meet once a month with um the leadership
040in 795 to talk about that day in particular. Having done that additional professional development day, we feel like we can accomplish what we want to accomplish other ways without having a full day out for everyone. Um, it also gives us a little bit more cushion for calamity days, things like that. So kind of like that's where that adjustment comes from just so the board knows on the calendar >> and a lot of extra I won't say a lot extra days had been added during co right is that true or during that time period did we add additional >> it might have been around I can't remember that might have been one >> one day then there >> then as we came back >> I think there were some extra days like when we came off
041of remote >> remote right I think there was a little >> so we're kind of right sizing again back to home in person. I will say this is the first time I can remember not receiving a single email about the calendar. So I got some phone calls >> they went to you >> score >> and it's and it's mostly just around uh when's the first day of school next year like a lot of nuts and bolts >> sure stuffies want to play. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. So, um, we will hear about the Kaan calendar. That that that's the one that we hear about is the CAN calendar. >> But good things. Good things. Yes. >> The wall calendar. >> All right. Well, may I have a motion to approve the district calendar for 2627? >>
042I motion we approve the 2627 district calendar. >> I'll second that. >> Miss Leam, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Trimbo? Yes, >> Mr. Hashkus Lily. >> Yes, >> Mr. Height. >> Yes, >> Miss Howard Prime. >> Yes, >> Miss Kshaw. >> Yes. >> I will now turn it over to our CFL, Miss Leighton. Second, two. Okay. So, um tonight's uh three things focuses on our preschool funding um ahead of our work session which will also um focus on preschool. Um as always um this work is rooted in goal five. Um the um objective number three which is to inform and educate all stakeholders regarding district finances and school funding in Ohio. Um so the first thing um is how preschool is funded in Ohio. Um what's important to take away from this
043is that there is no automatic per pupil funding um tied to enrollment. Um instead we rely on specific grants primarily um incomebased um early childhood education grant which comes from the state um and the preschool special education funding um for students with disabilities. Um because funding is awarded through approved slots. Um the state kind of determines um exactly how many funded seats we can operate and access is um ultimately capped by the those um state budget decisions and um our own staffing capacity. um a big portion of how we um have students um is based on um eligibility um for these programs. So as I mentioned um incomebased um is part of how it's it's driven. Um, so both Kyhoga County Universal PreK and the state ECE um guidelines, they've updated their rules to include
044more families. However, um, eligibility doesn't guarantee a seat because funding levels um have not increased at that same pace um as these expanded guidelines have. Um this means that while more families may apply, our total number of funded slots remains limited um requiring us to manage access carefully based on available resources. So here at CHU, we use um kind of a layered approach to fund uh preschool. So, we combine the state ECE grant, um, special education support, and our partnerships with the county's UPK program. This strategy allows us to leverage external funding first, um, reducing the reliance on local tax dollars. Um and by doing this we can maintain high standards and staffing ratios while expanding access responsibly um without creating unsustainable financial commitments. And finally um CHU remains committed to early childhood education while
045balancing long-term fiscal stability. For more information um on public school funding, please visit our finance department website linked here. That concludes my report. There any questions for Miss Leam? >> Not for Miss Leam, but I would encourage uh our newer board members uh when making the requests for uh school visits to add uh the the preschool program to their to their list. Um it's a it's a really great opportunity. Yeah, it's it's it's really great to see. Um and >> uh when when I saw it, I thought, man, I really wish my daughter would have would have went here. I mean, it's it's it's really something. So, yeah. >> Thank you so much. I will now present the board president's report. Um, I'd like to begin by reflecting on the many meaningful Black History Month
046programs that took place across our district. I had the opportunity to attend Noval Elementary's event where students presented on influential black Americans. And watching our scholars confidently share their research, seeing their pride, preparation, and poise was a wonderful and powerful reminder of why representation in education matters. I also attended Canterbury Elementary's program where we were honored to welcome Congresswoman Shantel Brown and she shared an African prop verb that truly resonated with both the students and families which was if you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together. And this message speaks directly to us as a district. The progress we want for our students, the excellence we strive for, it only happens when we work together. So, thank you again to Congresswoman Brown for investing her time and wisdom
047into our students. I also want to take a moment to address an important legislative issue, Ohio House Bill 671. HB671 proposes that school districts could lose state funding if they participate in certain legal actions against the state, including litigation related to school funding and vouchers. And so I just want to be clear that state funding supports our classroom, our special education services, transportation, student safety, mental health resources, and extracurricular programs. So if funding is stripped, it doesn't directly impact a board member, it impacts our students. And so regardless of where individuals stand politically, this is about ensuring that our community maintains the ability to advocate for what we believe in and that is fair for what we believe in, which is fair and constitutional for public education without fear of financial retaliation. And so I
048strongly encourage our community members to stay informed and to contact your state legislators because decisions made in Columbus directly affect what happens in our classrooms here at home. And then finally, as we begin Women's History Month, I want to acknowledge the profound impact women have had and continue to have in public education. For generations, women have led our schools as teachers, principals, superintendent, board members, and now treasurer. School boards in particular have historically been one of the first places where women stepped into elected leadership roles and shape public policy. And so this month, we honor not only the history of women who paved the way, but the women currently serving in leadership in our district and across the state. their leadership strengthens our schools and our community. So, thank you. >> Do we have any
049committee reports? >> So, um if I may just, uh did anybody else want to go first? >> You may. >> Thank you. I just wanted to um talk a little bit about uh the House bill that Gabe brought up um that you know this is um a ridiculous bill which should surprise no one from Ohio's jerrymandered assembly. Um Rep. calendar has proposed that um every district participating in the vouchers hurt Ohio lawsuit uh lose the state funding that they are receiving. Um this is ludicrous for a number of reasons. One, it is it is boldface extortion. I was bragging at at the uh resistance fair when asked, you know, what I thought this meant to Cleveland Heights and I just said that resistance fair is perfectly housed at Cleveland Heights because we teach our kids
050to look injustice in the face and call it by its name. And that's what this is. This is this is extortion, plain and simple. It is also a clear violation of the first amendment of our constitution. Um, every American has the right to use the courts. I will remind people that we did not want to sue the state of Ohio. None of us did. None of the 300 plus public school districts wanted to. But every time we went and testified in front of the legislative branch, we were ignored. Sometimes worse. When we appealed to the executive branch of the governor to veto items, we were ignored. And so we only had one branch left. And so we are using our constitutional right to have access to the judicial branch. Our standing has been established. It
051is ludicrous. Um and so we are eager for them to try to implement this law and it will provide us our next legal win. Um it is interesting also to point out that it's just so desperate. If they thought that the law was on their side, would they bother with something like this? Absolutely not. I I've been sort of saying that desperate times call for dirty tricks when it comes to the majority party. So, um that's just sort of my two cents about Rep. Calendar's ridiculous idea. Um I'll stick with that and then I'll have >> come back to your committee >> find something else. Yes. >> Any committee reports? Uh yeah. Um Reaching Heights is preparing to announce an interim executive director and then uh upon doing so we'll begin the search for a
052permanent ED. >> Uh and uh they currently have applications open for summer music camp. >> So yeah, that's it's one of uh one of my favorite district events. even though it's not run by the district, uh it takes place within the district and it's really a a special thing to see over the course of one week the amount of musical growth that occurs. Um and I think Liz uh did a great job in her report of all of the PTA council uh events and and such. So, >> thank you. >> Sorry. >> No, that's good. It's good. The Heights Schools Foundation, our alumni association, is continues to work um to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cleveland Heights High School at its current location. We had um the the uh combined meetup reunion of the 1980s
053was held at the Tavern Company um last week. A a very good time was had by all. There were a few hundred of us there and it was a blast. Um and we have the um similar event for the 1970s. All the classes of the 1970s uh will be this coming Thursday at the Fairmont which is another Heights owned establishment in the community. Jake is a wonderful guy and a very good businessman. And um I want people to just know that you do not have to register if you didn't register. You are typically heights high and you are late but we love you anyway. So come and see your friends, make new friends and uh support the wonderful Fairmont. Um so that's and also of course the big gala will be on June uh 20th
05426 in just a few months. So tickets will be available very very soon. Um so that's the schools foundation. Um, as far as my role uh as the the uh board's ambassador to the vouchers hurt Ohio lawsuit, I want to point out that um Steve Dyer, who's a former uh Ohio State Representative um and now uh is an education policy analyst, runs um uh a blog called the 10th period blog, um has finished some research lately that I think it's important for the community to know um and that is that the state of Ohio um funded uh funds the Cleveland University Heights City School District 11.8 million in foundation funds. This is in 24 for 2425 11.8 million the state sends to private schools to supporting students from Cleveland Heights and University Heights. The state
055sends $20 million. So the state is sending 170% of what we are getting to private schools. I'm going to just sort of put that out there, ladies and gentlemen. So when we talk about activating and contacting your legislators on behalf of yourself as a taxpayer, this is the sort of thing that they need to hear from taxpayers about. Cleveland Heights University Heights, $1.8 million. Private schools, $20 million. >> And I'm sure it's not as many students. >> No, it's not as many students. Any other committee reports? >> I I think I'd be remissed what the one last thing that I'll add in on the the threeon-ree basketball tournament uh was that our own Yeah. I just got to I just got to throw this in. Uh our own uh Fred in the back of the
056room with a headset on who's who's running the audio and video at the same time was playing in the game uh for the Dial team. >> All right. Uh, and uh, and as I was carrying in a speaker and bringing setting up a microphone, he looked at me with kind of a crazy look in his face and I said, "It's not often. I'm setting up the AV." >> Uh, so so great job playing, Fred. It was great to see you there. >> Very serious. Very serious. >> Oh, man. I'm so sad that I missed it. >> Was it recorded? >> Uh, no. Yeah. >> Not on YouTube. I I could I COULD ONLY DO AUDIO. HAVE to say >> there may be videos. >> Sure. Okay. I just wanted to say just thank you to
057um Miss Pepper for inviting me to the Black History Month programs. Had the opportunity to attend Oxford Elementary School's program. And I just want to say to the principal and the teachers and the students and the aunties and the grandmothers and moms and dads, it was just awesome to just enjoy that program with all of you as well as the Canterbury um Black History Month program and the state of the schools. >> So I just wanted to just share with you know our community that we're getting out there and um our goal is to get to know all of you as well as our students. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Thank you. Do we have any new business? >> Any unfinish unfinished business? >> I believe. >> No. All right. Um, any correspondence or announcements? >>
058No. Well, may I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So, move. Is there a second? >> I will always second. >> Miss Leam, will you please call the role? >> Mrs. Howard Prime, >> yes. >> Mr. Heights, >> yes. >> Mr. Trimble, >> yes. >> Mr. Hash Lily, >> yes. >> Mrs. Krenshaw, >> yes. Meeting adjourned. All right.