001Good evening. It's 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026. I'll call to order this meeting. Attorney, Kakaska Falls Board of Education, Mr. Curry, please call the roll. >> Mr. Gomez? >> Here. >> Mr. Harris? >> Here. >> Mrs. Shafer? >> Here. >> Mrs. White? >> Here. >> Mrs. Zimmerman? >> Here. >> Thank you. Any abuse of approval of the agenda? Number one is a motion to approve the agenda. It's recommended the Board of Education approves the agenda of the June 10th, 2026 Board of Education meeting. Action by Board of Education adoption of consent agenda means that all items are adopted by one single motion. Unless a member of the Board of Education Treasurer or Superintendent requests that any such item be removed from the consent agenda and voted upon separately. Any discussion? Please call the
002roll. >> Mr. Gomez? >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris? >> Aye. >> Mrs. Shafer? >> Aye. >> Ms. White? >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmer? >> Aye. >> Thank you. Item C's are opening ceremony. Number one is adoption of the items. This meeting is a meeting of the Cairo Unified School District Board of Education in public. The purpose is to discuss the school district's business. It's not a public community meeting, although there are opportunities for public participation. When an individual wishes to address the board regarding a topic found on the meeting agenda, the individual must complete a registration form found at the attendance table and present it to the treasurer following the direction of the topic by the board president, followed by board discussion. The individual will be recognized. If an individual wishes to address the board
003regarding a topic not found on the meeting agenda, they must notify the superintendent and/or board president of the topic no later than three business days in advance of the meeting. These individuals may share their comments during the board business portion of the agenda. In both cases, the individual purpose comments by announcing their name and address and limit comments to three minutes. All statements should be directed to the board president. No person may address or question board members individually. An electronic version of the board agenda for this meeting can be found on your electronic device or be on the show on the screen. For your convenience, hard copies of the board agenda may be found on the table by the sign-in book. The next regularly scheduled work session of the Cairo Unified School District is June
00424th, 2026 here at the 6-12 campus Performing Arts Center in the auditorium. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Cairo Unified School District is June 30th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Also in the auditorium. Now for our Pledge of Allegiance, Ms. White. >> Hello everybody. If you'll stand and join me in the pledge. >> 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. >> Thank you. Welcome [clears throat] everyone. Our vision, Cuyahoga Falls City School District, the hub of our community, committed to a culture of caring. We innovate, we create, we personalize education for all. Our mission, every student, every day, every opportunity. >> Thank you, Ms. Layton. Here's our presentations. We have two
005tonight. First is the awarding of a diploma. It's recommended by the Board of Education to award to Cuyahoga Falls High School diploma to the following individual who has now completed requirements state of the state of Ohio for high school graduation. Dwayne Edward Mayfield. >> So moved. >> SECOND. >> [applause] >> I'LL CALL THE ROLL TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL, THEN WE'RE GOING TO PRESENT YOU with your diploma. >> Please call the roll. >> Mr. Harris. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Shaffer. >> Aye. >> Ms. White. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Aye. >> Mr. Donofrio. >> Aye. >> NOW WE CAN >> YEAH. >> [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS, SIR. >> [applause] >> AND THEN NEXT IS RECOGNITION OF a financial award. Ms. Story Boy, do you want to talk about it a little bit, and then I'll recognize
006you and do the same? >> Yeah. Um Um so, actually, she actually stopped by in person. One of the representatives from the auditor's office came by I think it was last week. I can't remember. Within the last week or two, but um to offer her to award us for our the fiscal year 2025, the Ohio Auditor of State Award with distinction, which is not one that many people get. I know because there was a year or two due to things outside of our control that we didn't get it. >> [laughter] >> Um but it basically you know you have no findings for recovery, you have management you know like in the management letter there's nothing there public records response. So there's a there's a list of things of compliance things that they go down to
007look at to to determine and so they certainly have high standards too. So even a little thing can knock you off. So forget what it was before. I'll have to find out cuz this the percentage before I under 20% of like government entities receive that. I'm not sure if that's changed since a few years ago, but it is definitely an award that we're we're grateful for where I have to give thanks to my staff. They're the ones that really do all that the work that the auditors are looking at and everything and paying attention to detail and so this is more their award than it is mine personally. So but of course my name's on it so treasurer, but really it's it's because of them and their hard work every day and to make sure
008that um we look good. I look good. They do a good job. >> [laughter] >> Do any board members want to make any comments? Everyone come down, yeah. >> I think Just not getting it for one year I think it makes it just that much sweeter getting it this year. It shows how difficult it is to achieve that status. One mistake that was out of your control, literally. >> It wasn't even a mistake. It was just we didn't get something in time, so we had to file an extension. >> Inventory. >> And you can't If you file an extension, you're automatically disqualified for it, so yes. >> Pardon my mistake. >> [laughter] >> Well, thank you all. We know you how hard you work and how well you do your job, so it's greatly appreciated.
009>> I think you're all right there. I mean, transparency and accountability for every dollar, so >> That's how it goes. >> Trish, Kim, Lisa, Joey and Christie and Brenda in absentia. >> [applause] >> CONGRATS. >> WONDERFUL. >> [applause] >> OH, THAT'S A GOOD NAME. SORRY. SO, THEY WILL PUBLISH THIS too in there. I'm also in that picture. She was going to take a picture that day, but we all weren't there, so I said just wait and we'll get one together. We'll superimpose Brenda in there. We'll put her in there and then they send it out in their newsletters. State Auditor's Office does, so just let you guys know. >> So, that's all state agencies, all government entities? >> Yeah. >> All government entities from townships, libraries, all that. >> Fantastic. >> That brings us to
010item E, Treasurer's >> Thank you. I'd like to recommend the Board of Education approve all items listed in the previous consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Yes. Uh we have the minutes from last time and um donations. I'm pretty easy today. So, um Patty, I'm sorry. You're going to have to take this up with Mr. Jones. >> [laughter] >> I wanted to say something. I I saw as I meant to say something. I'm sorry. Yeah. >> I'll I'll make a note to say something. >> Franklin as well. >> Yes. Um and so, yes. Number of donations to the Back Tiger Family Center, Leslie. Um Patty, we'll make sure you're not on this as you like to be. So, we'll let Mr. Jones know. You can just say objection and strike strike it from
011the record. Then no one heard [laughter] it. >> That's right. >> struck it like in court. >> You need to drop the cash off in an unmarked envelope. >> [laughter] >> But it's a check, so you know, whatever. >> The clerk [laughter] will disregard. Yeah. Yes. That's correct. So, but again, always appreciative of all the donations that we receive. >> Yeah, but they told me to stop now. I know. It hurt my feelings. >> Any questions or comments for >> I'll wait. I know. I'll wait now. >> Mr. Followill. >> Is Mike >> I. >> Mr. Zimmerman. >> I. >> Mr. Gomez. >> I. >> Mr. Harris. >> I. >> Mr. Shaffer. >> I. >> Thank you. Any of you have any further comments, Mr. >> Um yes. So, just a couple of things. Um
012as we're getting close to the end of the year, so June 30th will be our meeting where we wrap up everything. Um we will also be noticing our records commission meeting, which will um as long as we're still okay with it, is normally 5:15 um that same day, so June 30th. Um so, that's basically >> [clears throat] >> any items that per the record retention can be disposed of. We We do that once a year and we accept that. So, um that will be there. Um other than And this is a very busy time um for my office and um as you'll see I believe it's on there tonight we're losing one of our payroll people and so that will be the next big task is to find someone those those people don't do those
013jobs anymore like they used to there was kind of a wave of a bunch of people that used to do those that retired and so it's certainly a difficult and usually a thankless job because nobody calls you to say thanks for the paycheck. >> [laughter] >> So we are just keeping up with that over over the summer looking forward to getting into next year reviewing budgets right now trying to keep up with what legislation is is going on which is is all the time and later we can discuss what the two both the options that you've requested for the levy are under our business this evening so after the discussions if you wanted to make a you know if you made a decision you can go you like but just so you're aware that So
014we can get that all rolling. >> So that permanent appropriations would probably be that first one. >> I may be able to do July I'm not sure. I usually do them in July but it is that July meeting is creeping Yeah if not July it will be that first one in August because the second one is most likely um >> Well that gives you more time to something to gather and then >> Yes. Yes. Yep. Yep. So Yeah. Yeah. It'll we might have them but yeah it'd be better in the beginning of August. >> That way you can kind of give us some more time to what the budget is what are kind of the big things outside of office >> And then the one other thing before I forget just popped back in my
015head thank goodness I can remember this. Um we did receive six different um teachers today received grants from the GAR uh Foundation for next school year so a little over $50,000 total um for for those. So >> did you say? How many grants? >> Six different ones. So a few at the elementary, some at uh one at the high school, um and I believe one in the technology department. So um that's that's always great. Thankful to those those staff members who uh you know take the time to look for those opportunities and uh do that to help help us especially in these times that that we're in in right now. But that was look it was about $53,000 in total. Like that. And that's it. >> Under item G Superintendent's Consent Agenda Dr. Salvemini. >>
016Thank you Mr. Gomez. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve all items listed in the Superintendent's Consent Agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a lot. Yeah we have a lot. Um all right so uh many of which are uh routine with our personnel items. We have some paraprofessional paraprofessional being hired. Our fall coaches since uh Bob McGann on that gave us a number of fall coaches there for your consideration to get started. Um we have three resignations there and one of which um Mr. Doykov mentioned uh with Trish. Uh we also have coaching volunteers for fall. And then uh under contracts then I have uh my my team members here with the exception of Ms. Seaman and if there are any additional questions, they're here to answer any of them.
017But, we have our Rethink Ed renewal contract and again, that's replacing as we provided some information, replacing the Panorama for the SEL assessment with also a savings of I want to say 13,000 in that range as a result of making that change. We have the ESC Northeast Ohio our sources of strength professional development we have to pay for that every year. We have our Asia renewal contract and that's for our translation services. We have the Cengage renewal contract for math, Gallopade renewal contract for social studies and with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, I believe we provided some information on this. This is allows districts to submit information regarding students GPA, class rank, ACT scores, etc. etc. in a portal that will allow universities to proactively offer admission. So, where this becomes valuable is for
018students who may not want to take the initiative, to may not have the information or know the steps to take. All of that information is accessible to the universities and can just accept them right on the spot based on the information provided. We obviously have made sure that we're able to do this and sharing student information, we're still we dug into that a little bit and have the proper aspects make sure we have the proper consents or permissions. So, we're asking you to consider that. We do think it would be a great benefit to our students. We have some contracts for Dr. names that you know, Dr. Wilfong, Mindy Geschke and Dr. Haren to provide professional development to our staff. They are well received by all of our teachers and administrators. We have a Kent
019State University partnership with KSU for their our district will receive free student assessment resources that our team is familiar with. And then, for Ms. Seaman has a number of contracts there for placements for students through Kids First. Uh that's I believe the first time we have seen that. That's uh through the Summit ESC. We have the Western Reserve Hospital renewal, the Harbor Education renewal for Leap. Uh again, a couple of them there. And Alternatives renewal contract, the PEP program, which we don't have any students currently there. That's in uh again, the Northeast Ohio. But, in anticipation, we believe we may be sending a student there. We just want to make sure we have a people. Um our LLA therapy renewal contract, our Sunderro Therapies, uh we're going with a 3-year contract. And those are for
020our occupational therapists. Um we'll save a little over $30,000 by doing this over 3 years. So, I just want to point out if I were to probably total all of this, and this is um for our students with disabilities and some that we are uh you know, sending out of the district and others just providing the services that they need, which we are again, I always say happy to do and make sure that we ensure all their needs. But, um the funding that we receive is nowhere near what it takes to provide all these services for our students. So, if I total this, I you know, it'd be pretty jaw-dropping. But again, we're we are happy to to provide all the ser- services to our students. We just wish we could get some more help
021from the state federal governments to help us do that. Uh we have our Ohio Schools uh Council. That's for the electricity study and so forth to see about savings there. Um the data privacy agreement is part of uh Senate Bill 29 that we have to approve. And then, the Toshiba copiers uh contract there throughout the district. I think I covered Do you have any questions? They're all here to help you. >> I have >> We will. Thank you. Yeah. Yes. My savings there. >> That's right. >> Yeah, I have one quick question. Um Gallopade, that is not replacing textbooks. It's an additional supplement. Is that correct? Okay, but we still have the Okay, good. Thank you. >> And then with math, we're probably hopefully going to be able to look at GT the actual math
022adoption. Yeah, maybe in the next year. That's the hope. >> Yeah, that's >> The whole the thing they did end up passing MEMS. So, that looks like it's going to the governor. I'm not sure what exactly it is. I don't know cuz they're in like a lame duck session today. So, it's been kind of crazy. Um so, trying to figure out what actually they're all passing down in the corners right now is is hard to tell. It'll take take Usually takes like a week to process. I'll have a better idea probably at the next meeting. Yeah. It's like a week to process So, they've been passing all kinds of stuff, but there is no um when I I talked to OSB's legislative liaison about the math curriculum, and she said it's different because there's no
023science of math like there is science of reading. One way that's proven to teach math like people believe there is to teach reading. So, it's a it's a very different approach to math than reading, but there is still this push to have more control over how teachers So, we'll see what all comes out of it. I wanted to kind of I wanted to rethink that. I appreciate what we're doing with cost cutting cuz I think it's necessary. I still am kind of concerned about that because I think what we've been getting out of kindergarten has been really valuable, and I know it's not a one-to-one comparison. So, I am still going to vote for it cuz I think we have to cut costs where we can. And if we can get data that's similar, then
024I think it's worthwhile if we can do it at a lower cost. But, just I think with what we're seeing in our schools, I'm just I still have that little concern in the back of my head. So, I'll I'll be watching and waiting for that December presentation to see what it looks like. So, >> Mr. Gomez, I appreciate you saying that because we didn't see a lot of data from the Panorama. And we have to we have to buy the dollars it says. And so, we'll see how this how this works. But, I appreciate what you're saying. >> I just I think I'm going to back you on that. I I couldn't say that this is the one thing that financially we had to save. You know, this isn't something that I felt like with
025all the cuts we're making, could I justify saying, "Oh, we have to save this." I I couldn't get to that point. But, at the same time, I still I'm worried about what we could lose. That's all I had. Anything else anybody want to Mr. Hall? >> Mrs. Zimmerman? >> Aye. >> Mr. Gomez? >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris? >> Aye. >> Mrs. Shafer? >> Aye. >> Mrs. Webb? >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> Mr. I don't know. >> Mr. Business, do you want >> the action first? >> Sure. Um I'd like to recommend Um it is recommended that the Board of Education approves the administrator contract for Dr. Dr. Mr. John Kinsey as assistant principal of Cuyahoga Falls So moved. >> Second. >> Um John is unable to be with us this evening. He had a
026family vacation, but he said he'd be more than happy to come in July. So, he'll be at our next meeting. Um, but it is my pleasure to recommend Mr. John Kinsey as an assistant principal at the Cuyahoga Falls Middle School. Mr. Kinsey holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Walsh Walsh University where he majored in intervention specialist with a minor in history. He earned his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Western Governors University and he holds a five-year professional principal license grades five through 12 as well as a five-year professional intervention specialist license with a reading endorsement. >> Very good. >> Mr. Kinsey began his career in education as an intervention specialist spending 14 years serving students across several local districts including Copley, Springfield, Coventry, and Southeast. Throughout his teaching tenure, he
027was deeply involved in the school community serving as a head and assistant coach for both football and baseball programs. Most recently, Mr. Kinsey transitioned into administration serving as the assistant principal at Orville High School for this past school year. His unique blend of administrative experience, deep roots in special education, and extensive coaching background makes him uniquely qualified to serve the students, staff, and families of Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Falls Middle School. And I want to say that he comes with great enthusiasm and professionalism. Um, he was the top pick of every single person on the committee, which is not always um Usually there's someone that emerges, but there's a close second or but this was um the team uh uh fully recommended him to me and I interviewed him with Ms. Hausman and so we recommend Good
028to see him. >> And actually Mr. Kinsey was the only one that was not present. >> Yes, she was. Yes. Yes. Mr. Gomez? >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris? >> Hi. >> Ms. Shafer? >> Hi. >> Ms. White? >> Hi. >> Ms. Zimmerman? >> Hi. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. I just wanted to bring up two items that I want to highlight this evening. Um, one while Mrs. Stoykovich I heard her say it's her busy time. I'm happy to say that this is not my busy time. However, I just probably jinxed myself. Um, I certainly have a number of I know Christine hates when I do that cuz that means if I'm busy, she's busy. And I get >> [laughter] >> Um, so they love when I do that at the middle school. So, I'm
029like, "How come it's quiet in here?" I always get yelled at by the middle school admin assistants when [laughter] I say that and then a fight breaks out or something. Um, so uh, yeah, actually it'll be uh, hopefully a little low. I certainly I have several projects and presentations that I'm going to be a part of and I'm working on at a couple of the organizations, uh, superintendent's group, a couple of those that I going to be leading some new initiatives in those. So, I'm excited to have some different type of work over the summer and then uh, prepare for my presentation in the fall at at Columbus. Um, but uh, I two two thing Oh, I'm going to top Mrs. Stoykovich as well and she's going to be happy that I'm I'm topping her
030in this cuz what I want to speak to you about this evening um, is the fact that we got a $100,000 grant [snorts] by William Newland and Mr. McIntosh. I met with them today. They received $100,000 and it may even go as high as $120,000. So, we are I'm so they those two are just so dynamic. They do such [clears throat] a great job. Again, such professionals. Came in, presented everything to me. They gave me this form and what I'm going to respectfully ask of the board, I'd like them to come in and do a very brief presentation for you. Trying to arrange it for July since it's a long long month, but um, we may have a conflict, but they're going to try to try to come in and just give you a brief
031presentation and tell you what they're going to be doing. But, I think what the board will appreciate um, it's from the American Endowment Foundation and they targeted two this grant targets two things. One is food insecurity for kids. So, I know you are very in favor of that and two sustainability. So, what they're what they're able to do with that money is buy a great deal of equipment and actually some things that'll will help us sustain the program and things that um, they can use in the future because they'll have the money to do that. But they will be able to expand capacity to support more children. They'll have students involved throughout this process. And what they're going to do is purchase a high tunnel. I've learned an awful lot about this stuff. But a
032high tunnel and it's kind of like it almost resembles a um a greenhouse which they already have there. But they'll be able to produce He said that with the addition of this and this flex beaker which I've never heard of and again I'll show you pass it down. Super cool. It grows greens. It'll be in our cafeteria and and it grows It'll grow he said throughout the year by doing these two things we'll be able to have an additional 2,000 lb of food and greens. And that will be put right into our cafeteria where our children can have fresh greens to eat which they already do but here they are grown by our own students and it'll offset the cost of our program as well. I I don't believe so. I don't know. Does it
033Well, there's the hydro Well, they have the hydroponics lab lab too. So, if you look at it though, if they do I don't know if they Yeah, I don't know that they It's not a bad idea but I can ask. I don't know that they do. We didn't get into that detail. >> Well, just because if we're putting >> Yeah. >> plumbing in there >> Yeah. Sure. So, they'll send home they can send home food with children and again and they're coming and they're going to do a photo op later on in or early July and where our children will come and they're going to take a picture from the greenhouse. So, I'll pass it down so you can see it but I'd like them to come and speak to the board. I think you
034did a good job. >> Mhm. >> And we'd like to give them an award. 120,000 100,000 is >> Yeah, that's awesome. >> That's incredible. >> All right, and then the next thing I just want to mention happy to report that we have tentative agreements with all three groups. That's OC, Local One, and the Teachers Union. And I want to thank Ms. Bogman for keeping us organized. And in effort to save money, we did not have an attorney at the table for two of the the unions, which is not normally a past practice. So, we saved a lot of money by doing it ourselves. And having part of that is due in part to having such a great working relationship with the other people across the table from us. And um and wonderful people that they
035are that we were able to come together to you know, it's not where we want to be. I think we know what we They understand the hardship that we're experiencing right now and our financial reality. And though it wasn't warmly received as understanding, probably more of disappointment that we couldn't do more for them. Um which I understand. And it's hard sitting because we want to honor the work that they do. And often times that comes in the form of compensation. And we're not able to do that, compensate them for what they deserve. And so, even get a cost of living raise that we're unable to provide for them is hard. It's hard to sit in this chair and look at those folks who need to to live and provide for their families as well. But
036I want to thank them publicly for everything that they did. And and for being as understanding as they are. But we have to do this together. And they recognize that. So, I just want to thank them and let you know that we're excited and appreciate the work of the people who are on the team with me and and under Ms. Bogman's leadership. So, with that I can say everyone's enjoying their start of their summer. Thank you. >> The sign of my public business number one is ratification of the agreement with Service Employees International Union. So, I recommend that the Board of Education ratifies the agreement between the Cranston City School District and the Service Employees International Union. >> So moved to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the roll. >> Mrs. Harris. >>
037Aye. >> Mrs. Shaffer. >> Aye. >> Ms. White. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Aye. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Aye. >> Number two is adoption of policies. It's recommended the Board of Education approve the policies that were previously reviewed in the last meeting. >> I'm so moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the roll. >> Mrs. Shaffer. >> Aye. >> Ms. White. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Aye. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris. >> Aye. >> Number three is the handbook for preschool. It's recommended the Board of Education approve the preschool handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the roll. >> Ms. White. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Aye. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris. >> Aye. >> Mrs.
038Shaffer. >> Aye. >> Number four is an insurance proposal for the Alera Group. It's recommended the Board of Education approve the insurance proposal from Alera Group for the Hackensack School District. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Discussion? We have Mr. Hutch come up and just speak about the additional that this is all about. >> Thank you. So, good news on insurance renewals, which doesn't really happen these days, is our insurance, to keep status quo, was in a 3.3% increase, which is phenomenal. I feel that we're a little bit under insured in our current capacity. We currently in in two areas in particular. One is cyber liability where we currently have a million dollars of coverage which sounds like a lot until something bad happens and then it's not a lot. And K-12 education is one
039of I believe the top four targeted sectors across all industry for cyber attack. Um so the likelihood is real. We've seen a 259% increase in phishing attacks on our district in the last quarter alone. So the risk is real. We we are we are a rich target and K-12 education is notoriously rich with data and limited with resources. We serve a 6,000 user base. A company that size would have teams of people doing what we do with a handful. So it's to me well advised insurance for the for the exposure to risk. The other other is increasing our umbrella, our overall liability from 5 million to 10 million. And again, 5 million sounds like a lot but you have a school bus accident with 50 hurt kids, you have a major lawsuit situation. You can
040be and I heard for the first time be in a situation where you exceed your coverage you exceed your coverage and that to increase the the umbrella on a favorable renewal year it seems like a good time to do that and to to minimize our risk exposure. >> So this includes those higher limits that you >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I know you just talked about the former high school property Roberts. >> And then >> Yeah. So so or Roberts and the old high school are now moved out of the main policy into what's called a mono line policy. They're they're because they're so they're not occupied, so the insurance needs for those buildings are more about property and and basic liability exposure. So those have been been moved out of this policy into a
041much lower priced mono line policies and that's listed on the last two pages of this. You'll see what the costs are for those. We will do the the with Chenay when we're done with it. Right now it's still currently occupied. There are people in and out of there. We haven't moved out of there. So, I don't feel comfortable yet pulling that out of our our main insurance pool. But, when that time comes, we'll do the same and move that to a a mothballed insurance until we no longer have that property on our books. >> And that will happen probably pretty quickly cuz we know that move is going to happen this month. >> Yep. I I would hope by August. >> I had asked that question so just wait very late today on Mr. Hopson.
042I want to make sure everyone had a chance. >> Yeah. Good questions. >> Anything else before we let them sit down? >> Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments from the board? Roll call the roll. >> Mrs. Zimmerman? >> Aye. >> Mr. Gomez? >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris? >> Aye. >> Mr. Shafer? >> Aye. >> Ms. White? >> Aye. >> Number five is overnight field trip for boys basketball. So, if we're in the board of education approves overnight field trip for the boys basketball to participate in the basketball. >> I'll second >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call the roll. >> Mr. Gomez? >> Aye. >> Mr. Harris? >> Aye. >> Mr. Shafer? >> Aye. >> Ms. White? >> Aye. >> Mrs. Zimmerman? >> Aye. >> You have item six
043is discussion of financial advisory committee appointment. So, you should all have gotten a copy of that policy um in your packet. Um it talks about um the appointments that we make in general. Um just just so you're aware. We have one appointment from the parks and recreation board. That's Ms. Mary Moore. She has a six-year term, so it's not something we have to worry about anytime soon. We have two appointments to the library board. Um it's Ms. Robin Worthy and we just reappointed her last year, so she is on a three-year term. Um we have Mr. Brian Blumenshine and his term expires this year. So, in October, we'll talk about that process. And then, you make appointments to the financial advisory committee, which is a board committee that's run by the treasurer. Originally, we made
044two appointments. We are now have zero active members. And originally, the superintendent made two appointments. The superintendent has not made appointments, but the superintendent appointments still has one one active Yeah, but one active Right. >> No, there's two active members. >> Two active. And they're both superintendent. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So, we need to appoint two members from the board, and this talks about it. So, that's the background. >> So, we have have we done How do you do Do you take applications or something? Okay. >> Yeah, that's the third paragraph. >> I didn't read it. >> Yeah. So, that we we do interviews. They have to um have application materials. If you have a lot of interest, a resume, letters of reference. Reference by whatever deadline you get Patty and I wrote this policy
045because before the board did it through a very willingly process, and at one appointment, when Patty and I were on the board together, it became controversial for uh reasons we are still unaware of. Um So, Patty and I thought it would be better just have a policy that says this is what we're going to do. >> I It's a great group of people to talk things over with. So, I would like to get those filled as soon as possible. Um do we have any sort of job like description or required qualifications that we want to see or desired background or we just put it out there and see what we get? >> If I remember this is like I don't know that there was like a real formal when you when the board originally picked
046their their two. Uh and that was at the beginning. I'm not sure how formal it was as far as applications. I I could be wrong about that, but I feel like there were some already some people that um people you know, different board members at the time had in mind and then they talked it over and agreed on that. Um so, it's really kind of whatever it is that you know, you guys would process you know, you would want based on you know, what the policy says. >> Well, I guess I would rather open you know, open it up to community to instead of just just you know, identifying people, but if we have people in mind direct them to >> I think at the time the policy itself was not in existence. >> Okay.
047>> And then like after it was formed then we added this this language to this to this policy. >> problem was we didn't get them turned >> So, what are the logistics? >> We just need to pick a deadline for people to apply by and a board board meeting that we want to >> Okay. >> How did we notify them for the other positions that we were accepting applications? >> Was it in the war? >> It's in the war if the timing is works correctly. We didn't put that in the policy because we can't always Yeah, we took that out of the policy because I think it's probably used to put it in the false press, but We get lots of the war in the policy because that timing may not always align. So, you
048can't guarantee that it'll work. Um We put it on the website, put it on the Facebook page, and then we had it posted at the library >> It's like a community gathering where a lot of people walk by. So, that's kind of the best How long do you think is long enough to post something like that? >> Just 2 weeks, I would at least. >> Mhm. >> So, >> I didn't hear you. 2 weeks? >> At least 2 weeks. >> So, we're def- we're not going to do it by July. I mean, we're not going to interview people at our July meeting, so >> Well, I think that we'll go over it when we get all the applications. >> Mhm. >> We'll really talk about it >> Yeah. >> more meeting, and then we >>
049Then, okay. >> So, the policy says that anyone who meets the requirements >> Oh, okay. >> Anyone who submits all the requirements, yeah, it's a hearing. Letter of interest, a resume, and letters of reference. So, we have all of this by the designated deadline. >> Fantastic. >> Cuz when we had our point somebody in the board, we used this. Decided to use the same policy. As a guy required those three things by the designated deadline. We can give them whatever time. And then we can do it at the August 5th meeting for the four schools. >> It's usually at the end of August. >> There you go. >> Okay. We haven't set them yet, so we usually notice them at the beginning of next school year at the four meetings. So, you want to um
050>> We could interview people at the August 5th meeting. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And then >> The deadline now would be How much time We We review applications before we interview them, so we need a little bit of time between a week or two. So, that would make the deadline like mid-July or July 24th or something. >> July 23rd at noon. >> Yes. Yep. That's good. So, then you have we have to If we can get it posted within the next two by the end of June, that would be enough time. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. Okay. Anything else on this particular item? No. Okay, thanks. This is the number seven discussion of lobby. >> [laughter] >> Um we we When we left off last meeting was kind of discussing the two options which we have
051for We have both of them for you tonight and if you so decide to uh take action on those. Um this would be the first resolution of two for either one. Um deadline is beginning of August, so this will give us plenty of time to um have a second resolution hopefully by the end of of June um passed and then sent over to the Board of Elections to get something on the November ballot. Um so both of those are there. Um I don't I didn't know if anyone had any other questions or anything they thought of after, you know, last meeting after sitting with it or um anything I can answer. >> I did a little research. And >> [laughter] >> the Census Bureau, this was in 2023, and this is a little, you know,
052give it a um in Cuyahoga Falls, 18 to 19% of our um population are seniors. About 9,200 seniors live in our community. I don't know if that's helpful when we think about these things. And it it's 2023. I'm sure there are more updated ones, but that's what I found. I don't know if that really >> That's good to know. >> Yeah, just something to think about. >> Go ahead. You go Go ahead, you go. >> Yeah, I'm sorry. The last uh 2 weeks, like just spoke to some community members about what their thoughts were about the different the two different types of levies. And um I talked to people that I know were just levy supporters in general, and they basically said to me that some of those people, they're like, "Whichever levy you decide,
053we're we're going to vote for that one because we're school supporters." Um Okay. >> Those are the best people. >> [laughter] >> Um and I talked to some And I Michelle talked to some young homeowners, and then some like retired homeowners, and I actually was a little bit surprised at some of the retired homeowners when I talked to them about the income tax. They said, "Actually, we probably won't vote for either of those options, to be honest." So, um I said, "You know, just be honest with me when you're not going to hurt my feelings. I need to know, have a real honest conversation." So, um I had very few people that were very excited about an income tax. We know one's excited about paying money. No one was, you know, much much more pro
054income tax versus property tax. Um but I did have a lot of questions about the property tax portion. So, I think that that is something that is intriguing and it's something that's, you know, maybe something for the future. I don't I don't Yeah, I don't know for me if that's something that I'm I'm ready for. >> I don't know. But I did I talked to just one lady that I know and she's just get social security, which isn't much. And then if you have property taxes, of course that will increase, but she also works part-time. So, either way she's going to get hit. And I know a lot of of our elderly people do work a little bit, so they're going to get hit either way, I think. I just I wish, and I know
055this can't happen, but I wish that there was a property tax where we could exempt the seniors, but I know that doesn't exist, so. But yeah, it's just really hard to do, but we need to do it because the state just isn't giving us dollars that we need, so. Yeah. >> If I may, I I've given this a lot of thought and we've discussed it at length and I appreciate the board's effort to vet both ideas and to be open and consider, you know, our options. Um, I personally believe um, I think income tax is a great idea in the sense that it provides us with a good deal of money, especially at the 1%, right? And it it'll make us solvent for quite some time. It gives us a good deal of money to
056to to have. However, um, what I don't feel confident in, and Patty, I Ms. White, I appreciate you sharing that, is I feel as though we're we're a little bit too late to the game to consider the impacts. And, you know, I'll I'll take ownership of that as well. I think we should have had discussions way earlier in order to provide for us to obtain information regarding the demographics of folks, where they what they really feel because we can speculate, I can speculate. I've spoken we went and met with the mayor this morning. We all have speculations and opinions and what we think people may want and we're going to get a course of you know, opinions. But I don't feel confident saying to the board that income tax is going to go or property
057tax is the way to go. I think we need to get more information and that's going to take some time and I just unfortunately don't feel we have that time to do that and so while I agree Mr. Shaffer, no one there are people that don't want to support either because one and it's not necessarily we talked about this with the mayor today. It's not because people don't want to support our schools. It's because some people may genuinely not be able to afford it. So we have to be sensitive to that. I believe they want the best for our children in this community but they're torn and so either one would be difficult for some folks. And then there are some people who just choose to not to vote and others that will support us
058no matter what. So I just I guess I say that to say I think in my own opinion and I know it's your decision, I respect that. I think we have to consider the property tax right now. In the future could we examine and look look further should the board choose to want us to go that route or the levy committee decides that we need to survey or dig a little deeper, then perhaps we do that in the future, but for November I think we don't have the answer. That that's just my opinion. >> And I just to add, I mean I would agree with that. I think part of what both of you mentioned too is like there's a lot of questions. So even if maybe you could get to that, you know, income
059tax point, I'm not sure that we have enough time for the education piece of because that's, you know, it's that's a big thing in any any levy, but let alone something new. And like you said, like maybe they're not against they don't know if they're against it or not. And so in that fashion, sometimes people are just like I I don't know anything about that, so so no. I mean, there's a huge huge education piece and I'm not sure time-wise and and or resource-wise as in human capital at the moment that you know, we we have enough to to give that message, you know, in that in that short period of time before November and come out you know, and do something positive from it. But I would agree with, you know, Dr. Salgado of
060what, you know, that is also my personal opinion and so I do appreciate, you know, that I think just having the conversation and starting that about income tax that way if there's something down the road that you decide, you know, it's it's not it's not a foreign concept and so it kind of puts on the table for for any future decisions that may need to to be made whether it's next year or or years to come. >> That that's where I landed with it as well. It just seems like too much of a risk, you know, at this point. We we need have we need to pass a levy and um but I think it was really valuable to start this conversation and I hope that we can continue to gather information from our community
061and let them know the pros and cons of each of these for future discussions. >> you'll see a lot more in general on the November election to start getting a better gauge of you know, maybe not necessarily specifically here, but I think you'll see more school districts trying that and so I I'm interested to see in a November election where you know there's a governor's race and you're expecting people to be out kind of how some of these schools fair you know based on on what maybe they're proposing and that but I do think you're going to start seeing more and more of it so hopefully we'll get some you know if that is an option in the future for something we'll we'll have some more data to you know not just a small sample
062size maybe we'll get a little bit bigger so I'm I'm definitely interested to see what happens. >> Yeah the folks I talked to with the income tax that their biggest issue is not being able to understand how much they would really owe. With that whereas with the property tax whatever it's worth they can understand what they'll owe in addition to that so they felt that that was valuable to them. It was understanding how much this would cost them. So they felt that that was valuable to them. Um and then we know with the library on that this year next year we have the renewal and then we have the potential of 2029 we have the four mil renewal we could always explore an income tax in 2028 to replace the four mil depending on how
063things go. And that's not as risky because we're not going on fully. >> Sounds good. Any other discussion? >> All right any means resolution second Steve. >> additional property tax levy 5.5 mills. A resolution declaring it necessary to levy an additional current expense tax levy and requesting the Summit County Fiscal Officer to certify the total current tax valuation of the school district and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by that additional money. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? >> I would just say I'm a strong believer that the district needs to ask for what it needs to educate the students that we have and I recognize that not every person our community can afford this. Um and I respect that. But I think it's our obligation as the Board of Education
064to ask for the money we need and then we receive that response through the voters in November. >> That's right. >> So, I feel like I'm doing my duty as a board member to ask the community and then I hope they do their duty by showing up to vote in November. >> Mhm. >> Please call the roll. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mr. Shafer. >> Hi. >> Mr. White. >> Hi. >> Mr. Zimmerman. >> Hi. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Remember the meeting. I'd make a motion to amend the agenda to remove item >> I'll second. That's all right. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Please call the roll. >> Mr. Shafer. >> Hi. >> Mr. White. >> Hi. >> Mr. Zimmerman. >> Hi. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi.
065>> Number 10, future agenda items. >> Um Mr. Gomez, I I know I think we talked about this and I think I asked for it, but the strategic plan update I know I think we scheduled that or did we? >> I'm not sure. >> We have on we have [clears throat] the portrait but we didn't have the strategic plan. >> Well, okay, I I want would like to know how we did this year with our goals and you know what we met and what we didn't and then what we're going to move forward with. So, and I don't really have an opinion of when, but you know, you have to have time to do all that. So. >> [cough] >> Thank you. Oh, thank you. Who I'm sorry to put another one on us, but
066>> Yeah, I have a core team meeting. Um So, we received the certificate of occupancy October 23rd, which you know, 2025. There are still nine total items open on the punch list. Um eight bleacher and one concrete. Um they're going to try to follow up close that out. They are Excuse me, coordinating work to start the July 6th the auditorium and the black box um to work and that would take about a month to complete. The pole vaults are being done um and so that should be done. The abatements complete at Bowlick, the demolition is also complete. Um the site they're doing utility ins- installation is complete. Undercutting parking lot due to unsuitable soils discovered. So that has to be undercut to date. Proof um rolling remaining areas this week, starting curbs this week, starting
067parking lot stone this week. Light pole are installed but not turned on. Masonry for monument sign started this week. And they're accelerating the late site activities. We are hoping that the bleachers will be um done by um I don't know exactly when, but they're going to start on that on June um 15th. Well, they'll pressure watch all wash all the bleachers decking, replace any boards and all that. Um So >> a question. >> But okay. >> the outdoor bleachers going >> I believe that's what it is. >> to replace any of that stuff that was coming off? They're >> I'm fixing that. >> I believe they are. Yes. >> So they're going to replace anything that's significantly >> Yeah, right. Right. Yes. >> Okay, thank you. >> And so anyway, everything should be done by
068um August and Let me see here. Um we did We can't um close out um OFCC yet until the parking lot is completed. But we should be done by August. So we don't have a meeting scheduled for July, so we are going to schedule one for August and that'll probably be our final ramp up I would suppose. It's almost done. And I've I've seen a lot of people that um are going by Portage Trail now and they're going to ooh, it's so wonderful cuz now they can see the high school. So it is it's just it's something that will be done soon. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. So it's looking good. They're great. Great to work with. Um I had foundation and alumni association just last night and um that that group just you know never stopped.
069They're already planning for everything they want to do next year. Um uh very grateful to them for their uh support of all of our seniors and all of the scholarships that they gave out. So um we talked about uh ideas for next year's recognition ceremony, how it can be improved and um So that yeah, that's about it. That. >> Uh yeah, you mentioned already Mr. Gomez that we're kind of state house is a little bit of a lame duck so it's a little sloppy down there right now. Capital budget and couple other things coming through. So I'm hoping to have a little bit better of an update at the next meeting. So we can see what kind of thing we're doing there. So. >> There's too much going on to be able to understand what's
070going on. >> I It's [laughter] a lot. It's too much. You're right. You're right. Crossing wires. >> I just wanted to mention other future items. I don't think anybody on the board has an opportunity to have a work session if there's anything emergent Checking to that especially not hiring which I know would Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Oh, I wanted to >> Yes, that's why. >> Um skipping back. I'm sorry. Um I got a request and I'm not sure that was made at the core meeting. It's about the um the shelving they did or they they are going to They're going to fix that. >> Yeah, I can I can talk to you. I can give you an update. >> Okay, good. Thank you. Thank you. >> Comments are up next. I'm up first.
071I've been out of town, so I don't really have anything. Mr. Harris? >> I have no comments. >> Mrs. Shafer? >> Um I had I have two things. Um Yesterday, I attended a like webinar called marijuana guidance for schools in Ohio. It was like a little It was called coffee talk. It's like a little 30 minute. She went through like 30 slides in 30 minutes. It was very, very fast-paced. Um and Yeah, it's on and it's on it's on the OSBA website if you want to go through the slides. It was It was really interesting. One of the things that kind of Well, two of the things that kind of stuck out to me um that um the I I Okay, I think I wrote this down correctly cuz she went really quickly. Senate Bill
07256. So, they um they wanted marijuana to be a schedule one, which is like like heroin, and they moved it to schedule three. And they said that one of the reasons that it moved to schedule three was so that they could have more money to do medical research, which I thought, "Hey, yay. Good good for Ohio." That's a positive because it is >> It's bad for kids. Well, their brains. It's just bad. >> Um well, I agree. And when she while she was talking, I was just I feel anxious now. And then And I think I think part of the problem is that people are thinking of like the 19 like the 1970s. So, she said in 1970s um she said, "Okay, part of the nine the delta nine which I guess is which is
073where the the active ingredient was like 3% and now it's like 35%. So, it's just it's like that much stronger than it used to be. So, it's just it was she went through a ton of material and a lot of things that I didn't know and now I do and I kind of wish I did it. So, that was very interesting. >> it's a good thing though. I mean, that I mean, I'm not against that for adults, but for kids we it does it hurts their brain power and function. >> Yeah, and I'll send you a I I'm going to send you a study for you to read. And then excuse me, on Monday [clears throat] night I had my diversity and equity committee meeting um and we are talking about a symposium that we're
074working with the Black Caucus on collaboration. Excuse me. And it will be in September on September 12th and then we're talking about student achievement and I'm going to ask for some data from our students. They haven't told me either and I took a picture of it when they were talking it was up on Mark Bobo's screen and it I just looked at it and it's blurry so I can't even tell what it is. >> the superintendent directly. >> Correct. Yeah. And and it sounds very exciting the way they put together but sad news for you guys only two people can attend. And none of you can go because I'm on >> Okay. We'll go to something else. >> So, where is it? >> Um it's going to be they think it's going to >> I
075wouldn't go that far. >> [laughter] >> I don't drive, so that part, yeah. But, yeah, I mean it >> looks pretty exciting. >> That's good. >> That's all I have. >> Oh, yes. >> Um >> [clears throat] >> Um I have the media newsletter and I asked um Christine to send me this because it's so exciting. Um and I just wanted to give a shout-out to our library and our librarians. They are just so awesome. Um the year-end stats, the checkouts in Sora were 24,304 for district. Checkouts, 6,315. Student drop-ins, 3,320. Student assists, 1,662. Staff assists, 350. Um they did a book study of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which I did um talk about about, I don't know, a while ago. But, I do have the book if anybody wants to borrow and
076read it. They also um got a grant um for the makerspace, which is really good, too, and you can donate um materials or supplies to the makerspace. So, I thought that was really interesting. They did Reading Is Fundamental, and they distributed 1,089 books to middle schoolers, and then the rest of the books that weren't chosen were sent to elementary libraries. Um the Cuyahoga Falls School District had the most checkouts this year in our Sora Consortium. That is awesome. So, you know, big shout-out to our library, how well they do their jobs. It's just amazing. Um I also wanted to talk about a a book that I'm really excited about, and I I do read a lot of books and and a lot on education, even though I'm not teaching anymore. it's been 12 years since
077I retired. Um but I always like to keep up. I do have a subscription to educational leadership. I like to keep up. I don't know why, but I do. I I just think I can still learn. Um so anyway, I was interested in this book. It's called The Well-Educated Child by Deborah Kenny. I highly recommend it. Of all the books I've read, um I thought, well, you know, for me, I've been out of teaching for 12 years. What do I know? I'm old. Things change, you know, it's not going to be the same as what I taught and what I believed. Um so I uh well, you know, that's okay. You learn. So I picked up this book and it just amazed me. I Um let me She is a um doctor. She's the founder
078of the Harlem Village Academies and the Deeper Learning Institute, and is one of the most influ- influential educators in the country. Deborah has been honored with the Columbia University Teachers College Distinguished Alumni Award, included on Oprah's Power List, and Esquire's Best and Brightest, and is regularly featured in national media. So as I was going through this book, I got really excited. I you know, cuz I just as I said, I think I've been out of it for so long. Everything's changed, everything's new, but gee. Um I will read a few excerpts. A Gates Foundation study found that the teaching of complex thing thinking was absent in 80% of middle school. 69% high school say they are bored in school. We know how the national assessment is with only 30% of eighth graders proficient in reading,
07928% in math. So something needs to be done. And she goes on to say that um um schools should offer instruction that is cognitively demanding with intriguing questions that spark intellectual curiosity and cultivate intrinsic motivation. A curriculum that immerses students in the world's great books, ideas, and thinkers. Assessments that require students to dis- demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and skills in unfamiliar context. A school culture that teachers teaches self-management and instills an abiding moral compass and a sense of purpose. And so this is her whole thing was about that and then I just say you know it's just so much and then I read in the next few chapters and I couldn't believe it and I I just was so I I just thought, "Okay, I'm not that old." >> [laughter] >> Cuz I
080think these are still good ideas. And so she goes on to say um that she visited a lot of schools but they didn't engage students in sustained reading. Now those of you that know me know that that's my passion. Um and she goes on to say I believe that children need to be avid readers in order to become intellectually sophisticated. So I told her teachers that our goal was for our students to love reading. We started with a half hour of uninterrupted reading time in class each day to get them booked and then we added an expectation 30 minutes of reading at home and then each night plus an hour or more per day on weekends. We created inviting classroom library stocked with high-quality books. We gave students choice over their book selections. Um this
081was in addition to the required reading in English. [clears throat] We got to know their personal interests and up front so we could recommend good books on those topics and then conferred with them regularly to find out more about them as readers. We taught them to write book recommendations and lead book talks for their classmates. We read aloud the first pages of the of of great books to get the kids hooked. This is the thing that really made me so happy because this was lady was my idol. And she she said later I came across the reading zone, a book by Nancy Atwell. And I I just yes, because I based my whole teaching on Nancy Atwell and In the Middle. Reading became the cornerstone of our academic culture. The sheer volume had a dramatic
082impact on their comprehension, knowledge, vocabulary, and intellectual power. Um >> [clears throat] >> few more excerpts. Um Finally, while schools must prepare students for college, career, and citizen- citizenship, its highest purpose is the shaping of the soul, the inner life, to be in awe, as Einstein said, when contemplating the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structures of reality. Try [clears throat] not to become a man of success, Einstein said, but rather try to become a man of value. And so again, so important to give our kids a sense of purpose and meaning in what they're doing. Now, I read on. And I again, just so excited. Um We need to look at how we assess student learning. And she goes on to say, and she uses Ted Sizer, which any educator knows that
083name, um to students to use their mind well. And yes, that is so important. And she goes on to say that >> [clears throat] >> in curriculum, you want to start with big ideas that spark an intellectual curiosity. I called them key concepts when I taught but it's the same thing. Um big ideas. And then when you want to understand something, you're driven from within to figure it out. So, not only that, but the essential questions that go with that and then the curriculum that revolves around it. I've seen it work. I didn't know they were still doing this. I was really excited and happy that I'm not that old. Anyway, at any rate, but they're you know, they have they're driven there by interest, curiosity, intellectual fulfillment. It's a feeling for being cared for
084and connected to others. Competence, being productive and effective and autonomy, having ownership over one's actions. Schools can foster competence by engaging students in challenging work such as extended research projects that require them to compare and evaluate multiple original sources. And schools can foster autonomy by providing students with meaningful choices. And um so on. Um the other thing that I really liked in this was the fifth and final principle of quality thinking is metacognition. That's the practice of monitoring and directing one's thinking. So, when we learn something, we need to reflect. How do we know we learned it? What didn't we get? How do we get take that back? Um it just and I used to have my kids all the time reflect on their reading and on their writing. And they didn't like it, but
085I always had a self-evaluation they had to do to turn in on their in their writing. Students should do authentic work of each discipline they study, the work that is done by adult practitioners. In in writing, this means students do what writers do. Read avidly to internalize the fundamentals of quality writing, organize and outline their ideas, and continually revise. So, and she goes on to say that writing and reading throughout the curriculum is so important because it helps our kids think. And that's why I asked that question. I still think it's better to hold a book than a tablet. Although I love that the kids are reading anyway, that's fantastic. But there has been studies after studies that show when you have an actual book or paper textbook, whatever it is in your hand, your
086brain picks it up and it holds it. And when you're writing it down for yourself, your brain gets it. And I just think that, you know, so so important. And then the part of reflecting. You know, how do I know what I know? Um and things like that. We need to have teach these kids to reflect all the time on their learning. And then she brought up Grant's Understanding by Design. I'm like, yes. So anyway, um yeah, it's just that, you know, having the kids speak in class, whether it's um a a um in a small group or sporadic seminar, it it's fine. But, you know, they need to uh be able to do that. Um so in independent reading, we set aside time each month for students to self-assess their growth as readers and
087to write about the ways they want to improve. We keep a list of books that they have read and a list of books that they might want to read next and then they write about themselves as readers. Okay. So anyway, um kind of wrap this up cuz I I I could go on. Um but that idea of reading and writing throughout the curriculum, thinking about your learning. Because when they do that, they get that critical thinking and it sticks with them. That idea of the big ideas and essential questions, I just that just uh it's just wonderful. And um she mentions Linda Darling-Hammond. Which again, I read and I know we all [clears throat] a lot of us did Ted Sizer, changed the way people all over the world now think and speak of school.
088Um so, curriculum death depth, um performance assessment, advisory project-based learning, and demonstration of mastery through portfolios and exhibitions. I always had my kids have a working portfolio for their reading and writing, and then at the end of the year they do a showcase. And at the high school, I got to be known as the portfolio group guru, but >> [laughter] >> not that I know much, but I tried my best. The purpose of education, James Baldwin wrote, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions. The obligation of anyone who thinks of himself as responsible is to examine society and try to change it and to fight it at no matter what risk. That's the only hope society has. So, I just highly recommend
089this book. It was wonderful. It just reinforced my beliefs. Um it's it's a short little book. It's it's only like 200 some pages. It is just so good. And I really believe that's what we need to be doing with our kids. I love kids. I always have. And we've got to do our best for them in every way we can. So, I just highly recommend that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ms. White. >> Oh, by the way, the forward forward of the book is by John Langan. >> [laughter] >> There you go. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Ms. Zimmerman. >> Thank you, Patty, for that um reminder of why we are here doing what we're doing. Um I was really pleased to that we were able to award Mr. Layfield his uh his high school
090diploma. Um it takes, you know, it demonstrates a real commitment to come back and I don't know his story, but um to to make that effort and get your high school diploma as an older older student um and then I've been at the school a few times this week and the parking lot has been totally full and uh it was frustrating cuz I didn't know where to park, but I love seeing our our building becoming this you know a center of the community where there's activity and and things going on. So, I think that's what we want and I think I can see it happening and lastly thank you to our unions and to our administration for hammering those agreements out. It's not easy, but it's important. Um unions are so important. Um I I
091support what they do and uh it's not easy to come to an agreement when we have so many pressures and things we wish were different, but um thank you to all of you who participated in that. >> This is item J, executive session pursuant to our house rules price code section 121.22 G1 and section 121.22 G4 to remove the board during the executive session to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee or official and to review the negotiations provided in executive session with employees concerning compensation of our attorney's position. >> I'll second. I I Mr. Harris >> I I >> Mr. White in executive session at >> Yep. >> We know action after executive session. >> That went pretty well, I think. >> We weren't too late. >> Mr. Harris