001All right. Good evening and welcome, excuse me, to the regular meeting of the Vermillion Local Schools Board of Education, Monday, December 8th. Call the role, please. >> Mrs. Inennis, >> here. >> Mr. Benson, >> here. Mr. Habermill >> here. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> here. >> Mrs. Russell, >> here. >> Miss Dodge >> here. >> All members present. >> Thank you. Uh, before we continue on with the meeting, I'd like to take a moment here to recognize Chris Habermill. Um he has been on the board for 13 years and this is his last board meeting. He has decided to step back and do some other things. Um Chris, I want to just tell you that we appreciate your service to the board over the years. Um appreciate your leadership and know that the focus of everything
002that every decision you made was for the students and the betterment of the district. And we've enjoyed working with you and we'll miss you. Thank you. I really appreciate it. Um, can I say a couple things? >> Absolutely. >> So, like I believe everything happens for a reason. And about 13 years ago, I messed up a a petition to run for city council. I didn't fill it out right, turned it in, it was disqualified, right? And right after that, I was appointed to the board of education. So, I think it all happened for the right reason. This is where I was supposed to be. Um, I really really appreciate my time on the board. Um, hopefully I contributed in some way. Hopefully I was I added. Um, I know that I learned a lot and
003I know that I benefited a lot from being on the board. So, um, for all of the current board members and past board members and current and past [clears throat] administrators and staff, I really appreciate everything. It's been a great 13 years. Um, I I can't say enough good things about it. I've really enjoyed my time. So, thank you. >> Good. Okay. On to item three, the pledge of allegiance and the citizens of the month. So, if you're here for a citizen of the month, go with Mr. Malair over there by the podium and I will meet you there. >> My name is Patrick. I'm in second grade and I'm going to do >> My name is George and I want to be a chef, a doctor, and a scientist. My name is I'm in
004third grade and I don't really know. >> That's okay. >> My name is and I'm in fourth grade and I want to be a girl. I want to be a teacher. >> Hi, my name is Kinsley. When I grow up, I would like to be a geologist. >> My name is and I'm third and I would like to be a horse trainer 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. >> Good job, guys. Woo! [applause] Okay, moving on to item four, legislative report. Mr. Hamel. >> Okay, no uh no real report this week. the they have not been in session since before Thanksgiving and really most of the focus continues to be around the budget
005bills and how it affects how our schools are funded. So we'll uh we'll pass from there. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item five, student liaison report. >> So Mr. Perry wanted to recognize some Leo student of the month student of the month from Leo club and um I believe one of them is here tonight and they're going to talk a little bit about the Leo Club. >> Great. Thank you. Reese Holland if you would come up come up to the podium if you would please. I'm going to say some nice things about you on behalf of Mr. Perry before you start. As a student, Ree is permially on the honor role and has been awarded her academic letter in a certificate of perfect attendance. She's also been selected to be a representative
006to Buckeye Girl State for the class of 2024. She's an active member of the National Honor Society. Uh not only is she in Leo Club, she is the Leo Club president, the senior class president, a member of the principal's advisory committee, a sailor ambassador uh twice, and a super sailor three times. She's the head majorette for the VHS marching band. She's been awarded the golden plume for most outstanding band performer in each section three times. And she has also learn earned three varsity letters from golf and indoor track. She's involved in peer leadership and big buddies. Outside of school, she's involved in working at the dollhouse boutique. She was involved in girl girl scouts reaching the rank of cadet. She can also be seen helping at band camp and during during future sailors night. A
007couple of her teachers comments about her included Mr. Griffin quote one of the most conscientious and diligent students. And Mr. Lion Lions added that she has a great work ethic and genuinely cares about her work. In addition to that, Reese helped organize chemo kits for families affected by cancer. Congratulations, Ree. >> Thank you. Um, I wanted to say about Leo Club. Just a couple kind of reminders and things for the community. So on December 18th from 5:00 to 7:00, we are having our annual crafts come with Santa. So people can come, they can meet Santa, give them a letter, and then the cafeteria provides cookies which the kids can decorate. And we usually have around 5 to seven like craft stations or interactive um like STEM activities, get your brains going and just like for
008fun, kids craft with Santa. And then just I think it was like two or three weeks ago, we had our one of our canned food jars of the year. Um, the winning class won a Dunkin Donuts breakfast. So, Mrs. Hughes, class one, they donated 75 cans and to the local food bank, we donated over 290 lbs of canned food. So, that's what Leo has going on now. Nothing much, just besides crafting Santa, but thank you. And thank you, Mr. >> Thank you. >> Nice job. [applause] >> Can I make a comment, >> please, >> Ree? I I don't we've never met, but I just want to tell you um based on what Mr. Weaver read and based on I've heard from an adult and even my daughter who's a sophomore, what a great kid you
009are. What a cool kid you are. You're a good role model. So, congratulations and keep doing what you're doing. >> Thank you. >> Y absolutely impressive. >> Okay. Item six, student board member report. >> Yeah. So, um, first off, [clears throat] students wanted to thank Mr. Weaver for, um, his consideration of their petition for the snow day last week. We appreciated it. I know I enjoyed my day. Um, [laughter] and then I just wanted to highlight some improvements that we've noticed throughout the school recently. So, the first one is, um, NHS tutors, juniors and seniors. Um they tutor tutor in the commons every morning during dock time just to help students if they're struggling in a subject, if they need help with homework, want to learn better study habits. Um so we've seen like a
010huge number of of students that are actually coming to get tutored increase. Um we're not, you know, just sitting there doing our our homework or studying anymore. We actually have uh kids coming out and asking for help, which is awesome. And then we did two more events this year. We did Powderpuff and Powder Buff. So I know Reese talked about the canned food drive. That was for Powderpuff. And then Powder Buff we ask for donations and then we have a bake sale. And the money raised goes to senior scholarships. So this year we raised around $400. So that's going to end up going to it's going to split up and we're going to do two $200 scholarships for seniors at the end of the year. And then for the chemo care kits that you were
011talking about, me and Reese were um the like leaders of that project. And so we've been in Pier for 2 years. And it's a student-led class for the most part. We get to choose what projects we want to do and then our teacher, Mrs. Reynolds, helps us achieve that. And so for the chemo care kits, it was a donation drive at VHS and students were asked to donate items from four categories. So the first one was necessities. So tissues, soft bristle toothbrushes are actually really um asked for a lot. The second one was cozy, socks, blankets. The third one was activities, so something to keep busy, a journal, coloring book. um word searches. And then the fourth one was calming, so essential oils, ginger candy, mints. Um and we received a plethora of donations this
012year. It was amazing. Um so we made about 12 large baskets that we get to donate to the University Hospitals Cancer Center in Ayria. Um, but it's just a great thing to provide comfort and emotional support for these people going through a physically and mentally challenging time. And about one in three people are touched by cancer, whether it's them themselves or someone that they know and care about. So, we really have no trouble getting donations or participation for this one. It's always a project that we can count on to have um to have good participation. students really they show up and show out for this one. So, >> perfect. Great. Thank you. >> Great job. >> On to item seven, public participation on agenda items only. And I think we don't have anyone for that.
013Correct. Okay. On to item eight, superintendent report andor recommendations. Mr. Weaver. >> Yes, President Enis. I recommend the following. It's a rec a resolution for the board to approve revisions of the district policies for the second read as listed. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Any questions on those? Call the role, please. >> Mrs. Inennis, >> yes. >> Mr. Benson, >> yes. >> Mr. Habermill, >> yes. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Miss Dodge, >> yes. >> Motion approved. 5-0. And that is it for you, Mr. Yes. >> Okay. >> On to nine, treasures report and or recommendations. Mr. Cler, >> thank you. Uh, recommend a resolution for the board to approve the financial report for November 2025 and that is attachment B. >> I'll move. >> I'll second.
014So, looking at our general fund revenue first, uh, through the month of November, we have received $12.7 million in our general fund. uh compared to 12 million at this time last year and 11.5 million in fiscal year 24. The district is on pace to collect slightly more tax revenue than his than its historical average. Um below is the breakdown of all of our different revenue categories. Property tax, public utility tax, state revenue, state reimbursement, and all other operating revenue. If you look down there, our all other operating revenue is down this year compared to last year. Last year we sold a building and we also sold back some of our Apple uh iPads there. Moving on to food service through the month of November, we received just under $300,000 in food service revenue compared to
015222,000 at this time last year and 203,000 in fiscal year 24. Uh food service should continue to collect its historical average revenue. And if you look real quick, December onto November on to December, what happens is sometimes the timing of these get off a little bit. Our revenue right now looks a little bit higher. Uh but that's only because if you look at November last year, we didn't receive our reimbursements, but we did receive them in December of next year. I'm sorry, December of next month. So next month, because we received them on time, we'll receive them on time in December. December's revenue should be a little bit lower than historical average for the December rate. Uh moving on to all funds through the month of November, we received 13.8 million compared to 12.9 million
016uh last year and 12.4 million at fiscal year 24. On the expenditure side, uh through the month of November, we we've expended $12 million compared to 11.7 at this time last year and 11.9 in fiscal year 24. Uh the district can expect to spend slightly more revenue this year than it did previously. Again, going down the historical cost by category, our biggest mover here is our um capital outlay. We bought buses last year, but they didn't hit. They ended up being delivered in July of this year. And so, that's what's throwing our our uh expenditures off a little bit this year. Moving on, food service. Uh through the month of November, we've expended $467,000 compared to 427,000 last year and 343,000 in fiscal year 24. Looking at all of our funds through the month of
017November, we've spent 13.6 million compared to 13.1 at this time last year and 13.9 in fiscal year 24. And then lastly, we'll take a look at our cash. Uh looking at our cash reserves in the general fund through the month of November, we have a total of 9.6 million compared to 16.5 at this time last year and 16.8 in fiscal year 24. Uh we have to remember last year we transferred 7.6 million from the general fund to a capital projects fund uh to fund our capital repairs and replacements. Looking at food service cash through the month of November, we have a total of 56,000 uh compared to 197,000 last year and 273,000 in fiscal year 24. And then looking at all funds through the month of November, uh we have a total of 19.7 compared
018to 19.4 at this time last year and 20.2 in fiscal year 2014. Uh cash by fund. Again, this just shows you the breakdown of that 19.7 by all of the different funds that we do have. Again, our two largest funds [clears throat] are our general fund, O1. Third place is our O7 scholarship fund. We have $1.8 million in our scholarship fund. And then uh second place here is our uh our 070 capital projects fund with that $7.6 million. On the investment side through the month of November, we earned $315,223.34 in interest compared to $330,487.94 at this time last year. Uh this is a difference of $15,26460 or uh 4.6 six less uh in in investment revenue than we had last year. >> Any questions? >> Hey, call the roll, please. >> Uh Mrs. Inennis, >>
019yes. >> Mr. Benson, >> yes. >> Mr. Havermill, >> yes. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Miss Dodge, >> yes. >> Motion approved. 5-0. And B, recommend a resolution to the board to approve the following donations. $1,000 from Great Midwest Sports to athletics, $250 from hometown ticketing to athletics, $3,000 from Grace Community Kitchen for preschool scholarships and preschool graduation supplies, $50 from Amvets Post22 to VHS PBIS and $868 from BSN Sports to Vermillion Athletics. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. Okay. Call the role, please. >> Mrs. Inis, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Mr. Benson, >> yes. >> Mr. Habermill, >> yes. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Miss Dodge, >> yes. >> Motion approved. 5-0. >> Okay. Thank you, Justin. >> Thank you. >> And
020then, as always, thank you to those um organizations that have donated to the district, help out these uh various uh things. On to item 10, consent agenda. The superintendent and treasurer recommend that the board of education approve the consent agenda items. Action by the board of education in adoption of the consent agenda means that all items are adopted by one vote unless a member of the board, the treasurer, or the superintendent request that any such item be removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately. A. Approve the minutes of the November 10th, 2025 regular meeting. B. Approve the VHS wrestling for an overnight stay in Mansfield from January 2nd, 2026 to January 3rd, 2026. C. Approve the school calendars for 2026 27 and 2027-28. D. Approve the employment action retirement for Laura Neighbors, Sailor
021Way teacher, and Paula Berskin, Sailor Way teacher. E. We approve a one-year additional duties contract for the school year to the following. Jacob Baker, VHS assistant assistant ski club adviser. F. Approve Alyssa Jacovetti, VHS bowling team volunteer. G. approved the one-year classified contract for the 202526 school year to Bradford Huntley, bus driver, William Stark from custo from from custodian to SMS head night custodian and Ashley Kefir bus driver. H approve the updated resignation date for Tad Wallace to November 3rd, 2025. I approve the unpaid leave for the following Michelle Hughes, Kayla Branskum, and Steve Palansky. and J approved Katie for up to 60 additional hours at the project rate of $34 per hour for scholarship IEPs. Anything that needs to be removed? >> Okay, you have a motion. >> I'll move to accept. >> I'll
022second. >> Any questions? >> All right, call the role, please. >> Mrs. Inennis, >> yes. >> Mr. Benson, >> yes. >> Mr. Habermill, >> yes. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> yes. Mrs. Russell, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Miss Dodge, >> yes. >> Motion approved. 5-0. >> Okay. And on to item 11, date and location of upcoming board meetings. Meetings will be held in the Vermillion High School Commons unless otherwise noted. The organizational and regular meeting on Monday, January 12th, 2026. And what time is that? Is that at 6:00 as well or does that start earlier? >> We can we can start it at 600. >> Start at 6. Okay. So that will be at six. And item 12, public participation. The public participation section of the board of education's agenda is specifically designed for the public
023to address the board with their compliments, concerns, ideas, and/or questions. The board welcomes your comments. If you wish to address the board regarding an issue, the board would remind you of two things. First, your comments should be factual and respectful of the rights of others. And second, before coming to the board with an issue, you should have first addressed it with the appropriate teacher, staff member, or administrator. This meeting of the board of education in public is for the purpose of conducting the school district's business. And we have Kate Schwanz. One up, Kate, just state your name and uh your address, please. My name is Katherine Schwanz and my address is 13001 Cherry Road here in Vermillion where I've been here for 15 years um nearly. So I want to say good evening. I also
024really want to say thank you to uh Mr. Havnol. You have been a wonderful uh person in this community and I really uh look towards you for your guidance. Um you've always been if I have questions you're there to answer. really enjoy that and um we definitely miss you. >> I appreciate that. >> Yeah. Um also, uh Superintendent Libra, this is the first time I've gotten to address you. Uh I definitely um would definitely miss um Dr. Hill. Um so I've come uh to address um the school board. Um now as actually Hello, went off. >> I can just be really loud. >> We can hear you. Okay, great. Um, so I've come to address you now as well as now becoming the Ohio chapter lead for the Secular Education Association, um, which is a
025group watchdoging and trying to protect our public school system. Um, from, uh, release time programs that may or may not be compliant. Um, before I came today, I did email and I was absolutely just impressed. um superintendent came back with the answers right away, which just for the record, I asked about um the Lifewise program here uh at Vermillion Schools at the elementary school and uh how they're doing, if they're compliant, and I heard that there are only three students. They are compliant, they are on time, and that's wonderful to hear. Um so, uh I thank you for that information and getting back to me literally within the hour, which is great. Um, I also shared uh information which was sent to everybody about uh Toledo's uh policy and Toledo's policy um has a couple
026really kind of interesting things which again don't expect you guys to adopt but if you wanted to look into the legalities of it the biggest thing that I saw was a memorandum uh theou and theou is basically a way to for likewise and the district to have basically a legal understanding And also, uh, there's also an enforcement clause, and that enforcement clause, um, would be a way for, if the program were to become non-compliant, a way for you to shut it down until it was compliant. So, if that was something that is obviously I'd like to to uh to add into that, um, it also explicitly releases the district from any liability, which I know was a big thing with the background checks. um through uh the current practices um in Ohio currently, even though
027it wasn't USDA before, um lunches, free lunches are able to be served at RTRI programs. Um this is a tricky part. Again, I would hope that the legal would look into it, but having um there are districts that have like including Toledo where um the RTRI program assumes the cost of paying back those lunches so that way no taxpayer money is actually going to fund lunches that are going off property again releasing liability. Um, [clears throat] in addition um to this uh the TPS policy, I would also recommend uh a possible restriction on the um staff members that participate in that program and the ones that come here and work for the school and including um like substitute teachers uh and people who are also serving on you know leadership parts of that uh lifewise
028program. Again, just something to look into, just offering information and uh and again hoping that you know, you guys will just keep continuing to help protect our kids. And this is for any program that would again come into the school. It's not necessary. Likewise, it's just the first. There could be many other religions that could come in and all of them should be held to the same standard. Um the last thing I really want to address uh is that I've had several parents come to me and I I talked to uh uh Mr. We were about this um where uh and these were girls uh they came to their parents and they said that uh that these religious members were coming uh at during like a ministry program that's held during lunchtime and um the
029girls were feeling uncomfortable because they came up and talked to them and initiated contact and they felt as a term from a teenage girl they were creepy. Um and this was two girls. I've advised the parents to contact the school but um working for them um so that they aren't um feeling if they have to come and speak I'm I'm happy to be that that parent advocate for them that's part of the role of the secular education association. Um and then I'd like to close with Dr. Hill's words about likewise and the few hours our teachers have. Again, I reiterate that religious instruction is best served by parents on their own time and not a burden on our great school system. That is something that um when I speak about life likewise, I use those
030words and um I I really uh I miss him and I respect him, but I think I think Mr. Weaver is a great addition and I'm really happy. So again, thank you for your time and uh that's all I have and enjoy the article. Thank you. My name is Brady Johnston, 776 Exchange Street, Vermillion, Ohio. Most of you know me for working in schools and around town. Uh, what I'm here for tonight is to thank all you for everything you do and I'm not here to complain. What I'm here to do is let you know that we would like your support through the fire department. Uh, we do many things in the fire department. I'm the uh, president of the fire company, corporate social club. We raised money to give out to the schools, to
031the community, and we just uh partnered with Kanas for free free Thanksgiving dinners, and we're partnering with again for Christmas dinners. This Saturday from 9 to 2 at the fire station, we are having a free pancake breakfast for anybody wants to come in the community. Santa will be there. There will be free pictures. You can see the elves. You can see Sandy. You can tour the station. And everything is absolutely free. Bring your family, bring your kids, bring your grandkids. And if you don't want to get your picture taken with Santa Claus, the Grinch will be there, too. [laughter] >> So, and remember, at the end of the movie, the Grinch did have a heart. >> So, um, we like to see as many people there as we can. We don't know how many we're
032going to have coming. We could have 50, we could have 500, but everybody will be for free. Thank you. >> Item 13, adjournment to executive session. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 121.22, I hereby move that the board adjourn to executive session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Call the role, please. Mrs. Inennis, >> yes. >> Mr. Benson, >> yes. >> Mr. Habermill, >> yes. >> Mrs. Steppp, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Motion approve 50. The time is 6:31 p.m. The time >> item 14. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you.