Hamilton City School District Board of Education Meeting 12-11-25

001also suggestions to streamline or combine roles. So these are just summaries of all of the individual feedback on there. The second one was technology costs and usage. Uh talked about reducing the technology budget. Uh re-evaluating, you know, we're we're blessed to be onetoone in our technology here in the district for students. And it's a great idea, you know, in thought, but I I do think it's important to share much of those programming costs are subsidized and are not general fund expenses. So either through our permanent improvement dollars, uh even the microphones that um Mr. Sprag talked about that we're buying for uh in harmonics, those do not come out of our general fund dollars. Those come out of a different pot of money as well as uh we get uh quite reimbursed through uh and

002different programs throughout the state to fund our technology. The third one was building operations and facilities. Uh again, more about reducing waste. Uh people also put in here to consider building consolidation or redistricting, closing one or more schools, and then limiting building luxuries or unnecessary facility expenses. Just, you know, additional ideas there. Transportation was an idea that was brought up. Um you know, reducing or restructuring bus routes to make them more effective. Uh limiting transportation within students within walking distance. We transport all students that live a mile or more away from the school that they are assigned to. Um and so that is something that people put there. Another notion that someone put in the topic of transportation was outsourcing transportation or using city transit. Uh some of that is things we're looking at down

003the line, but that is not something based on our current negotiation or negotiated contracts we can even necessarily explore. So I just want people to know we're hearing you uh of what these pieces are. The fifth area that they asked us to to kind of uh look at was academics and curriculum. Cutting as far from the classroom as possible. Um I I liked this one. Re-evaluating curriculum that isn't working. Looking at that return on investment. Uh we do that on a regular basis, but looking with a more critical eye. I thought those were were great. There were a lot on here. I wish I had the power to do this one. Um it said reducing or replacing state assessments. Um, unfortunately those are not run through our district though I agree with you um that

004I would love to reduce the amount of testing that we are required to do uh especially for our earlier grades which was mentioned. Extracurriculars um talked about consolidating extracurricular programs, mentors, supplemental contracts. Um there were a lot of talks about uh charter buses and that for sporting events that our district pays for those. I do just want to clarify that myth. Uh, no charter buses are are paid for by our district. Uh, those would be privately funded or through booster organizations, etc. But district dollars do not fund. We have a a great transportation uh system here that we use our our nice yellow submarines or yellow buses uh here for our events. Uh, the seventh area was financial efficiency. Again, a similar piece. Uh, number eight, this one came up a lot, was calendar or

005structural uh changes. consider reducing the number of school days if we're above the state hourly requirement or even exploring 4-day uh work weeks uh and student weeks. So, that was something that people suggested. Um community partnerships. I I really liked this one. This is something I think uh we have to as a district really explore regardless of whether we were in uh a financial situation or not. And that is advertising. You know, uh, for many years the public school, we have taken for granted that the kids just show up. They just choose us because we're in their backyard. But we are in a very competitive market now for every kid that walks through. And we've got to do a better job of of selling ourselves and opening our doors so that people can see the

006amazing programs that we provide to kids from prek all the way up to 12th grade. Um and then the other uh number 10 was just protecting the student experience and staff morale. Asking us to try to do this in a way um that that keeps as many staff at the center of our decision- making um and and really tries to preserve the core student experience which at the end of the day that is we we want to continue to do everything we can to be big blue and be a highly effective school district here in Butler County. And then I thought a very raw one and this came up a few is a few said woof I don't envy the position you're in. I'm not sure it's all important and we do feel that every

007program that we have is important. And so we had a number of people who said I don't even know even where to start from this but I appreciate you asking. So I just thought that was important to share. Next piece here was what to reduce last. You can see this list is a little bit smaller. Um, but I I just kind of similar pieces was teaching staff and staff salaries. Uh, there were a lot of uh comments about being worried about layoffs or pay freezes. Um, you know, the a lot of people mentioned just in the in the world that we're in now where everything costs more, a pay cut or a pay freeze. They just can't sustain their their quality of life right now with that. Um, class size and teacher ratio really talked

008about trying to keep those small. Uh we are blessed in Hamilton. Um I was shocked when I came to Hamilton seven years ago. Uh we prioritized trying to keep our classes small and yes they've grown slightly over the last number of years but we are still extremely competitive with local schools on keeping our class sizes in the right size. Um academic programs and curricular pieces uh you know really talked about focusing on quality instruction. Again that ROI right what's working not? what's our most essential programs and where can those others be looked at? Um the next one here was extracurriculars. We just saw right here tonight there were a lot of talks and worry about the cutting of um fine arts, music, sports, clubs, student engagement opportunities. Uh people said, you know, I'm extremely grateful

009for the opportunities that Hamilton City Schools provides for kids. I can speak to my 15-year-old and 13-year-old. They don't go to school for the math and the language arts and the science. They go for all of their clubs and their extracurricular events because that's what helps define them and and makes them belong. Number five, I was happy to see this one on here. Student support and well-being. We know the role of public educators is beyond teaching the basic core. It's helping to support the whole child. And uh talked about keeping those things. I did think uh Mike and I had a very interesting conversation in our parent advisory committee where someone said, "Well, what do we pay for those kind of uh third-party partnerships that come into our schools, our Cincinnati Children's or our um

010Best Point counseling services. We don't pay $1 for any of those. Those are free resources that we enter. Uh we we understand that that's a benefit uh to help keep our kids in school. Same with our health clinic that we have here in the district. We know that the best place for kids is in our classroom learning. So, we try to provide as many services to children that do not cost to us but are uh a needed service. Kids have to feel safe and and healthy in order to succeed in the classroom. So, I was happy to see those on there. And then the last one was resources and tools uh classroom tools, technology, and other programs that help make teaching possible. So, these were just some of the things that they mentioned uh reducing

011last. And again, you guys have the full survey. I just for the public, I thought if I put that little tiny font up here, no one would ever see uh what was there, but I wanted to put those up there. And so, I've had a lot of people say, "Well, Andrea, what do you think we need to do?" Um Jeremy, Mike, and I have spent a lot of time sitting down and analyzing, and I I said this at the forum. I said this um I've said this to anyone and everyone. Um, my recommended strategy is to try to cut that deficit spending to as close to zero as possible. And here's why. If we try to half it, if we try to cut 5 million or 6 million or things like that, that's going to

012cause us to have to do this again next year. If we do this one time, and you can actually see uh this is the first time I think the board has seen if the if we were to cut out the deficit for next year, what happens to our forecast the rest of the way out. There's still deficit spending in that forecast. So understand, we are not cutting to bare bones. We're cutting what we would have to to stay afloat to get to that next bianium and then figure out what that looks like. Doing one reshuffle keeps us from that instability. It also creates greater savings. Every dollar we spend this year is $4 next year. That's what it costs us. That's just with as we move forward. Um this plan would keep us out of

013district out of fiscal caution on our entire forecast getting through the next this bianium and next. It also keeps a higher cash balance going into the next unknown bianium. As we know, we know this year's money and next year's money. This is the wild wild west right now. What you see up there in front of you, because I've had someone say, "Well, if you don't know, why aren't those just question marks?" Well, that's quite scary. Um, one of the reasons we do is just carry out if everything stayed the same as if the fair school funding as it is right now is carried out in that same regard. So that's why you look at the dollars really per student stay identical. That could go up, that could come in worse, but going into the unknown,

014I would rather have a larger cushion than to spend down another $9 million and put us with a much smaller reserve pile. I will share with the board, and I think this is an important part as you guys start to decide what that decision looks like. I believe that we can get to the to to cut out this down to zero. I truly believe we can get there while still maintaining the integrity of our district, still continue to do amazing things and not have to cut those core programs, those our our transportation, our extracurricular, I think we can get there. I truly do in the analysis that we've done. Um, however, if we do this now and things don't improve on the state funding side or on property tax reform or any of those pieces

015in the next few years, our board is going to have to consider new ways to bring in money and that is going back to our taxpayers for some type of either property tax or income tax. Um, and so I just think that's important as you uh look at that piece. I've had a lot of people say, you know, are you going to go for a levy right now? If we were to go for a levy right now, one, the earliest we could do is March. There's not an appetite for that. Also, going for a levy in March, uh, if that does not pass, we still have to do all of this work at the worst time it could be. And so by doing this plan, by tightening our belt first, I believe we're being responsible

016citizens and a responsible school district of saying to our local community, we are doing everything we can first to try to streamline to try to keep from raising the costs for you because I do know they're high. And but I I just want to go on record of saying if this train continues down this path, even if we do this, this does not put us in the green. This does not all of a sudden fix every problem in Hamilton City Schools. All this does is keep us off this crash course. >> Andrea, one thing I think it's important to note is not only what's been going on with this whole fair funding and whatever is coming down from the we do have declining enrollment as well. So, um that's kind of a almost a perfect

017storm to say that. So some of this um you know some of the cuts would be even if everything was okay, we still would need to to make some kind of adjustments as a >> Yeah. I I always think and Mike Brook used to say this best. When you drive a car down the road, you don't hold it straight. You're constantly making adjustments. And as a school district, you have to do that because your product coming in is unpredictable in some ways, right? Um, now we can do everything in our power to make sure that experience is great and recruit and retain and all of those pieces, but at the end of the day, we are constantly adjusting because that is the biggest factor that drives our state formula is the the the students that

018are enrolled in Hamilton City Schools. [snorts] >> And so that those are those are all pieces um that we have there. And so I wanted to kind of leave that uh open to the board of putting some of those where we are now. Um, we are we've already posted uh we based on your guys' schedules. I know this time of year is extremely hard. [laughter] We have scheduled a special meeting on next Friday uh on December 19th at 9:00 a.m. And during that meeting, I'm asking from the board if we can be ready to pass a resolution to authorize Jeremy and me to develop a plan to cut X number of dollars. And so I wanted to open up the floor to see if there were any questions or any other information. you five need

019to help drive that dis that >> first [clears throat] thing is you keep talking about fair school funding that's that's not how it is it's an unfair >> that's what they call it yes >> um second I had somebody mention you know you guys knew this was coming why didn't you um go for a levy and my response is we didn't know what the state budget was until you know >> and additionally our county commissioners added a little more stress to us too just recently. So it's we didn't know >> Yeah. Uh you know for years the the fair school funding formula and I I that is the title of it. Uh that was started four years ago and it was supposed to be a six-year phase in to try to really address uh in

0201997 as we know there's a infamous court case that ruled the way that uh Ohio funds its schools was ruled unconstitutional because it was based on the wealth in a community. And so the fair school funding was, I think, a pretty forward positive step towards that. And it changed, it really looked at what it costs to educate a kid and and created different inputs. There's all kinds of inputs in the formula. I would be here for hours explaining every piece of that. And that's uh Jeremy's lane. But one of the things that they talked about in the first four years, it increased. Nothing stays the same. There was inflationary growth that was reassessed throughout that formula because costing or educating a kid in 2020 is different than it costs in 2025. Paper alone has doubled.

021Bus fuel, all of the things that we hear from our community members where prices have gone up. That happens in schools too. And so for the first four years, they were funding that and implementing it. The formula was working and it was working working very well for Hamilton City Schools. I will tell you that 2026, this year was always going to be a deficit for us. But it was not until July when the last version that was passed that is now state law where they stopped increasing inputs. They they monkey that's Jeremy's favorite word monkeyed around with different pieces of the formula and it went from maybe a $1 million deficit to almost five million. understand that almost five million this year that just rolls downhill. We went from, you know, like we talked about,

022every dollar today is four down the line. Well, that almost five becomes nine when we haven't changed anything from where we were in our decision- making in June. So, those are pieces that that really affect it. But I've had people ask that too. How did you not know? >> Yeah, >> we've been monitoring this. Jeremy, Mike, and I meet every single Monday. We look at enrollment. We look at every single factor and you are right. Um, you know, the the commissioner recently doubled the homestead credit. Not a bad credit at all. I I understand what they were trying to do. But the difference is before the state would reimburse us for that rebate, if you will, or that tax break. Well, by allowing the commissioner to double it, the state said, "We're not kicking in

023the loss." So, the district lost that money. And and there's lots of those things. Utility bills are going up. all of those costs, things continue to be reassessed, property values are being reassessed, and and I've had a lot of people say, "Well, when property values are reassessed, you're going to get a windfall." No. There was a a new series of legislative actions taken that limited how much growth a district can see off of reassessed property values. And so it really does feel like the perfect storm uh with some of these pieces, but it's not for lack of us being on top of it or [clears throat] overspending or luxuries. I kind of chuckled when I saw the luxuries in there, but you know, we're we're not eating filet minan in our cafeterias. We're not uh

024you know, we don't have touchcreens uh for every kid or or the the hallways are not marble. We are good stewards of our money. Uh, you know, as much as this is a difficult piece, I'm glad to say this is this is not something the district has had to face before. And I think that speaks to the board, the treasurer, the superintendents, all that have come before us that have helped to steward a a smart financial path for Hamilton City Schools. >> Andrea, I I would hope that voters are wondering, well, if you're not getting the money, why why why aren't you getting the money? Why aren't we we funding this the the fair? And I think people need to realize when you factor in that choice and that choice is now part of that

025line item that goes to public education and what we're talking over a billion dollars being siphoned off of public education. It has to come from someplace. >> That's in order to continue funding year five. >> Yeah. >> Of the fair school. If they would have continued the because they kept the formula, they just didn't increase. If they would have funded year five, we would have been at that $1 million deficit. We can do that through 10 and two light adjustments through attrition and little things. That's >> big adjustments. >> And now they're big because of those changes. That amount of money that across the state would have funded year five was $1.7 billion. The same amount of money was awarded in Ed Choice scholarships, which is what um each of you have have mentioned before

026and already allocated next year. Year six would have been I think it's 2.1 Jeremy. Yeah. 2.1 billion next year was would have been year six. >> Yeah. >> And that's what's allocated now to ed choice. I >> also think it's important that the ed choice while I I don't disagree that parents should have a right to choose. Um I think that's that's fine. But we're not compare comparing apples to apples. um the amount of um regulation and and things that the public schools have to do in comparison to the private schools is not the same. So we have to pick up I mean we're still obligated to pick up a lot of the cost um that the private schools do not have to and they're also not measured with grade cards as far as that

027goes. So I think that people need to make sure that they understand that while yes, in theory that's a okay, but you it needs to be more equal. I I also think it's important to note I had someone ask me, well, how many students has Hamilton lost to Ed Choice or others? And and thanks to Mike, I have to give him a a massive shout out because I always heard that our declining enrollment here in Hamilton was because the birth rate was dropping. Well, that's simply not true. We have the same number of students living in Hamilton today as there were actually we're 300 students, school age students more today than we were 10 years ago. Uh but they are choosing other options. And so I'm not here to say same way that uh parents

028shouldn't have a choice. I believe every parent uh should make an informed choice. Um, and I think that's something that that has to be part of our strategy moving forward of of making sure they understand the opportunities in public school because I don't think we do a good job of selling. We haven't had to and we now we now need to. But even today, right now, uh, December 11th, 2025, we serve over 82% of the kids that reside in Hamilton. Every resident in the city of Hamilton should want a strong public school whether they choose to send their children to it or not because that's good for everything. That's good for home values. That's good for economic development. All of those pieces across the state still 80 to 90% of children across the state of

029Ohio attend public schools. And so we need strong public schools. We are not alone in facing these pieces. Um you've probably seen a lot. There are a lot of news. I know I've been keeping the board uh up to date of a lot of different uh school districts that are in a similar boat. What I'm grateful for is I do believe we I think we have a pathway to be in a better financial uh position to ride out this storm. This will change. Public school cannot fold in the state of Ohio just sheer numbers and capacity and and places. However, in these next few years, we have to be very frugal about how do we continue to do an amazing job with all kids who walk through our door and all some of the kids

030that you met today. We had a National Merit Scholar sitting in here singing in front of you. We also had students that were sitting here that had that are in remedial reading classes. All kids, regardless of where they put their head down at night, what side of town deserve the same quality education and Hamilton City Schools can provide that. We do provide that. So, I do believe we will get there, but we have to go through some difficult times and I need the community to start understanding what's going on. And so, I appreciate our board members who were able to join and our new board members um who were able to to come and be a part of that. to all of our community, to our staff. The number of conversations that we're having about

031this right now, I think speaks to people understand how important Hamilton City Schools is to the city of Hamilton. >> Mrs. Bleven, I have a few comments. Um, >> I want to speak briefly about the forums. >> Um, I want to begin by saying how very appropriate it was for yourself and Mr. Frasier to conduct those forums. Um, I was fortunate enough I I attended all four of them. I know Mr. Sprag was in attendance and uh Dr. Hopkins and Miss Manuso also I believe were there. Um, and you did an equally great job in each of the four. Um, personally in looking at some of the data that you have up there, I know there were 178, I believe, people that attended it. And if I remember correctly, just over 8,000 people have viewed

032it. Um, and while I'm thankful for that, that's also a little disappointing. I mean, we have 60,000 people in our community. Uh, and who's the mathematician among us? That's 12 13% something like that. Um, and public education affects far more than 12 or 13% of our community. Um and and I'm looking at the responses and the one gentleman or whoever it was that asked for an easy clearly understood financial [laughter] that's not going to happen. >> I I'd like to think that I'm fairly intelligent but it's complicated. So and Mr. Frasier did, I thought, did a great job of trying to explain that and answer questions. And um, you know, if people pay attention to the media uh, and what's going on in communities around us and and districts around us, there are substantial changes

033being made. I mean, uh, if you look at what the Columbus district did, my goodness, correct me if I'm wrong, but they 450 people. >> Yeah, I believe it was 60 million. 60 million in cuts in Columbus. And I thought I read where they closed four buildings. >> They did. >> You know, that's that's terrible. And you know, we spoke before and and I know well, I don't want people to misunderstand this comment, but I said earlier before the meeting began, one of the best motivators is pain. And if something hurts bad enough, people will respond. And I tell you who's going to decide how to fix the financial situation are the voters. >> When it starts to, and Mr. Sprag has pointed this out. When people in our community start to realize what the

034politicians that they have elected, what they're doing to public education, they'll respond because it's in everyone's best interest to keep public education in a great financial shape. So, >> and we are continuing to advocate. We are meeting with legislators. We're meeting with different state representatives. Uh just last Friday I was able to host the state superintendent uh and the state board president uh Mr. Davidson and I actually had lunch uh Jeremy and and Mr. Davidson and I met with them as well as our city uh mayor Mr. Mohler who understands how important this is and and wanted to showcase and you know they said to us and and this resonated with me over and over and over. They said, "You walk into a building in two seconds and you can figure out is it a

035is it a strong building? Is it a good school district? Are they doing good things for kids and adults alike?" And they said there was not a building. And we went all over. We went to multiple buildings, different sides of town. Um we went uh to Lynen Elementary. We went to Garfield Middle School. We went to Hamilton High School so they could see each of our levels. and he said, "I couldn't have been more impressed by what I saw. What you're doing in this district is great for kids and adults in the community alike." And um you know, they've continued to echo that in email. I'm very proud of that. That's two people. How do we make sure all of our legislators see that and understand and and so we are continuing to advocate? We're

036continuing to have the conversation to understand it's not so much just about dollars, but it's about what's at stake for those dollars. I've said to this board before, I believe that public education is the American dream. And I think we need to fight for that. We've got to fight for Yes, things are difficult, but we've all got to all be on the same page and we have to all fight for it together and understand, you are right, Dr. Copus, pain sometimes does motivate people, good, bad, or ugly. If you, you know, look at uh, you know, just different studies on on how people behave, you see that people really don't get involved until it starts affecting them. >> Yes. And I I want to add just a few closing comments here about the responses. And

037by the way, I think it's great that you asked for feedback and try to understand what our staff is thinking. But let's think about that for a second. Most people, and probably myself included, if I were responded to that, are going to respond in a manner that is in their best interest. The job of this board will be to not be concerned about one specific group, but to be concerned about what is collectively best for our district. >> And I will tell you two things that I've asked Mrs. U. Bleven to please consider is whatever adjustments we make, let's make those equally across the district. >> Let's not look for one quick, fast, easy answer to the problem. like and I this is just an example and as you mentioned earlier this is not even

038possible >> eliminate busing you know that's let's not do that let's let's share >> the pain across the district and I've also asked that we do as little as possible that could be considered irreversible >> absolutely >> because hopefully funding will change >> hopefully enrollment will go up and we don't want to do something that we can't correct in the future and and I trust that your team will do that. >> I just want to thank you for doing the survey too. I agree with Joe that it's I I think it's interesting that I think as a board and I'm thinking you two too that as a board we share these same thoughts when I see your summary of high quality. We want to keep the high quality teaching stuff. We want to keep the

039classes as small as possible. We want to have the uh robust all programs and stuff. These are things I think the voters need to know. We are concerned about too or the board as a whole is concerned about and those are things we want to keep too. Uh but we have to be real I I tempered that with we have to be realistic on how we can to accommodate that right >> and uh so I think it's I think that matching matches what we have in our arts too. But thank you very much for doing I I got a lot of good compliments about you and Jeremy. Well, not more about you. >> Oh, good. Say that again louder in the mic. Can you say that again? >> On the um on those and I

040know that uh Steve did a great job on putting those out and getting the community to see those. Uh but people that aren't even in Hamilton have have somehow seen it on Facebook and stuff say, "Wow, you guys, that's a lot of things you got to do." But that really helped us understand. So, >> yeah, I actually uh was reached out um a reporter for PBS >> uh for CV or CCT uh PBI or PBS uh you can tell I'm still in education mode but with PBIS um actually reached out and said, you know, I'd really like to talk to your superintendent about this. I saw the forum um and actually came in and did an interview and we're going to be fe featured um in January just with our thoughts. And so, I think

041it's important that we have these conversations. um we need to do them in the good times and in the bad. And unfortunately, you know, I I think I said this in the forums, this wasn't on my superintendent bingo card uh to get started. However, even in the good times, we need to be going out there and educating and and sharing these stories and and sharing what we're doing here in this district. And we will be okay. When you look at these big numbers, right? You look at I mean, that kind of money is life-changing to any one of our individual bank accounts. I'd probably be in Aruba right now. Dr. Copus, not right here. But one of the things that I think is important that is 8% of our overall spending. So you have to

042understand the scale and the size of this district. And why I share that is exactly what Dr. Copus is talking about. We will get there by little things by by initiatives by just a little bit looking at doing business a little different. we can get there and still maintain who we are as a district and put out a quality product and both our to our kids and from our kids to employers to colleges to the military to the workforce etc etc I'm very passionate I believe in this district I believe in public education I also uh you know public education we are creative thinkers we can adapt we can adjust that's what it takes to be a human in 2025 five. You know, if it was written down in a book, that that isn't useful

043anymore. We have to be able to critically think and process. And so, I just wanted to put this out there so that our community knew and the board, you had some, you know, overview of of what was shared and some of the feedback. Um but also, you know, our next step is we have a special meeting on December 19th at 9:00 am. Um my ask of the board is to be prepared to give us that plan and I will again share our recommendation from Jeremy, myself, Mike, and our senior administrators is to try to cut that deficit to zero and that provides the longest runway for us to stay as stable as possible. I do want to share with our community that is not our typical time for our meetings. that was based off some

044availability. I want to thank Steve Cowwell. He is coming to film that. So, you know, we're not doing anything uh not, you know, in the dark. We are making sure to be transparent and outfront with that. I want to thank Ashley and Carrie for being here. They've not even been sworn in yet and they are kneedeep in these conversations with us uh because they they understand the importance of making sure we have good schools. So, if there's no other questions, I'll kind of conclude and turn it over to you, Mrs. Matthews. >> Thank you so much, Miss Blevens. I appreciate um the update and just walking us through this as um a board again and also um for the community sake as well so that we're all on the same page that we continue to

045stay transparent and um as we go through this um interesting time, tough time, like you said, it it will get better. So, we thank you for that for sure. Um I'll accept a motion to go into executive session. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Go ahead. >> Mrs. Baker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Davidson? >> Yes. Dr. Copus. >> Yes. >> Miss Matthews. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag. >> Yes. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Couple [music] [music] years ago, we had a plan that we wanted to work with a company to start designing a cafeteria that was different than [music] your typical school cafeteria. We wanted it to feel more like a food court and [music] less like your typical long tables, benches,

046rows. So, we wanted some different types of seating in there. The response has been wonderful, not just from the students, but also from the community. We've had lots of adults in here on open house. We've had other jealous teachers from other buildings that have been telling us how great it looks. Uh, [music] so we've had a wonderful response. Honestly, >> it feels more like when we went to Miami. we just got [music] to sit in their cafeteria and it felt just more like mature and so it just is [music] really cool that our cafeteria is a lot like that. The kids are doing better this year like from last year we always would get up scream across the whole lunchroom cuz you couldn't sit with like all your friends. It's like kind of a small

047space [music] but now it's like a bigger space more tables. You can just sit and eat with your friends, be comfortable. It's a very big change from [music] last year. >> I feel like it's very comfortable. Um the students enjoy eating there while talking to their friends. They really um seem to like [music] the new changes that were made this year. >> We tried to bring not just Garfield in here, but also the city of Hamilton. We brought in Hamilton things from around our community, including some [music] maps of the neighborhoods that our kids come from. It makes you feel like you're being part of the community and [music] enjoy the places that are important. >> I'm just so glad that we get to share this [music] with our students. I'm so glad they get

048to enjoy it and I just love making Garfield even better. As a new principal at Hamilton High School, I was really thinking about this Hamilton Baiten game and how we could make this a community celebration, but really [music] at the core of the Ben mission is service to our community. And that's always been an important part of uh what my passion is in education. So whether it's working with 17 [music] strong and micro grants with our youth or just getting out in the community and doing cleanups, we really wanted to launch something that was bigger than the football game, something where [music] our kids give back to the community. Some of them are actually throwing stuff in the dumpster right now, helping out Miss Ebony, the executive director at BTW. And then we have boys

049[music] out in the community, walking the streets, picking up trash. So, over the summer, uh we had the the opportunity to meet uh with Hamilton High's administration and and just talk about this game. Uh this game is such an awesome opportunity for both schools uh to showcase really what we believe, what we're all about. [music] And in meeting with Tai and talking, we wanted to do something to make our community better, to bring our uh our two football teams that that obviously are competing to win win football games. Uh but more importantly, we want to come together to to serve the community in the midst of a rivalry week that we're working together to make things better. I think that, you know, when I look at, you know, our guys and Hamilton's guys, there's so

050many little faces in those crowds, little kids that look up to them. I mean, they see them as celebrities at times and just to inspire in them a desire to to be more than just what they are on the football field. I mean, they're leaders in our community. They're doing great things. And I think the opportunity to showcase that, really to inspire hopefully some other people to get involved [music] in 17 strong uh here at the Booker T. Washington Center, to get involved here, which are great organizations uh that need need people like this to come out and serve >> [music] >> uh and make the place better. And it's just really to me signifies kind of a new launch of service to our community for both of our schools, for Ben and for Hamilton.

051So, it was great to see everybody out in their jerseys. Uh, it is Hamilton versus Ben Friday night, but right now everybody's working together to make our community a better place. Arrow is the Hamilton City School District's first therapy dog. Um, she is certified through the AKC [music] as a certified therapy dog. Um, she is here for our students and our staff and, uh, is just a part of our the Hamilton community. and I'm just so impressed [music] with her poise. Um, she is so well trained and just does a great job already uh to lighten all of our moods. I [music] I couldn't be thankful enough to leadership Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, and [music] the Pauls and Stripes College for preparing such an amazing partner. We couldn't have asked for a better dog. I

052know Andrea just saw the benefit [music] and all the research that was behind how therapy dogs make a solid impact with students, you know, through attendance and grades and behavior and she did a lot of research herself and brought it to the team and wanted to take the project on. And this [music] is one proactive strategy that local communities are using to help build resilience, kindness, [music] positivity. There's a lot of research out there about how a therapy dog will lower anxiety and stress, [music] which so many of our young people and our staff are facing on a day-to-day basis. Our goal is to get a [music] dog for each of our buildings. Um, as you know, there's a lot of needs that go around, and Arrow is [music] just one. We're a very large

053district. And so, our goal is to onboard four to five dogs a year that would allow us to eventually get there in the next few years to a dog per school. that will allow [music] that dog to become really a part of that school culture. Through community donations, through different agencies, we've been able to raise the money completely so that not one [music] district dollar is being used for this. >> She's calm, mild manner, just very sweet, very gentle, listens very well, a [music] lot of love, a lot of love, a lot of happiness, um, a lot of energy behind it, which is great. >> Welcome everybody to Garfield Middle School. My name is Josh Margarm. I'm the principal here at Garfield. Tonight we are here to commemorate a legendary coach, teacher, and family man

054from the Hamilton community, Coach Tim Reed. I was fortunate Yeah. [applause] I was fortunate enough to have played for Coach Reed, as I'm sure many of you in the crowd were. We often talk about how many wins coaches have or how many years they coached. But typically, we don't hear many stories or talk about what really matters, which is the lessons that coaches teach their players that go beyond sports. One thing that sticks out to me that I still bring up to this day is a conversation I had with Coach Reed in high school. He was talking about how important it was that we are good people and not just good players. Of course, he had his own way to explain this. He said, "Margroom, [laughter] it's not about the X's and the O's. It's

055about the Jimmies and the Joe's." At at that time, I just thought that was funny, but I I didn't understand what he was really saying. Um, and since then, I've thought a lot about that frequently in my day-to-day work. Without a good group of people around me to support me, I would not have been as successful in life. The people we have on our team in life are the most important teammates we will have. Coach Reed was not just a great coach, but a great person. I'm sure many of us in this room are glad he was on our team. I would now like to welcome up our next speaker to the podium. Please help me give a warm welcome to Coach Reed's son, Jimmy Reid. [applause] Good evening, everyone. Uh, first off, I'd like

056to thank everyone for coming on the behalf of my family. Um, my mother, uh, Diane Reed, my sister Shannon Reed, my grandma Willow Reed, my uncle Wes Reed. Um, it is incredible seeing everyone come together to celebrate this special moment. As many of you already know, our dad was a very humble man and he would have a hard time accepting all of this being done on his behalf. Dad spent 32 years teaching and his efforts have made a lasting impact on many lives. This was very apparent with the outpouring of love from the community since his passing. He left his mark on many people's hearts and we are all better for knowing Tim Reed. Our family would like to thank Josh Marram and the the principal here at Garfield and the board of education for

057making all this possible. Also, we would like to thank the community for keeping his memory alive and sharing with us the impact that he left on the hearts of everyone that came into contact with him. He is truly missed. I was going through some pictures the other day and I came across some statements made about my father. I'd like to share with you a quote from Walter Vickers. I started teaching at Garfield in the 1985 along with Tim. We coached basketball together the years I was in Hamilton. Like everyone who knew Tim in any manner, I was immediately impressed by his kindness, calmness, and genuine care for all people. Tim was a treasure for all students he served at Hamilton. I know that words cannot express how good things about my father and that I

058know that words cannot express good things about my father and that left. Sorry guys. Okay. I know that words cannot express good things about my father and that the life he led. We pray that future scholars and student athletes see his name on the court and become curious curious and inspired. [snorts] I know I may be biased but my dad was a pretty awesome guy. This floor dedication truly gives him the recognition he deserves. His in incredible legacy will live on with this floor dedication and the Tim Reed scholarship that has been made in his memory. Um, can the board members please stand up >> on on of the scholarship legacy fund. [applause] You guys, you guys do an awesome job with everything you do. Um, as many of you know, there is a legacy

059fund created in dad's memory. Since 2019, the Coach Tim Reed Legacy Fund has provided over 35 scholarships to collegebound seniors from Talawanda High School and Hamilton High School. Coach Reed exemplified the traits associated with outstanding teacher and coach. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, respectfulness, responsibility, humility, compassion, and fairness were all strong principles and core values that Coach Reed modeled daily when interacting with his students, co-workers, players, and people. Our hope is that the floor dedication reaches the community of Hamilton and inspires the young students. His legacy will live on for many years to come and we are very appreciative of everyone that made this happen. [clears throat] Thank you. [applause] At this time, I would like to bring up Miss Diane Reid, um, and also Coach Reed's mother, um, and also city council member Tim Nab for

060a ribbon cutting ceremony. >> Everybody's going to get a haircut. [applause] >> [applause] >> We would like to welcome you for the first time to coach Reed Court. [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, before we conclude, and I am going to let everybody walk around and talk because I know you guys want to do that. Um, before we conclude, I just need to thank a few people um for helping make this event possible. Uh, all of our Hamilton City School officials, including those who brought these giant scissors. Um, please give them a round of applause for supporting this. [applause] I would also like to thank our Hamilton City School Superintendent, Miss Andrea Blevens, and our school board members who supported this event. Please stand so everybody knows who you are so we can give them a

061round of applause. [applause] Uh have to thank Mr. Kilby, uh Mr. Jeff Kilby, Mr. Tom Scheler, and all of our custodians who work behind the scenes with the company who completed this project. They did a wonderful job. >> [applause] >> I would be remiss not to thank the person that runs this gym, uh, Mr. Jimmy Seismore, for helping me design all this and staying involved the entire time. Shout out to Jimmy Seismore. [applause] Of course, I'd like to thank Miss Diane Reed and Coach Reed's entire family for helping make this night possible and always supporting our schools. [applause] And finally, I feel like I'm giving an award speech or something. Uh, finally, uh, most importantly, I'd like to thank Coach Reed for his patience and for always taking care of the Jimmies and the Joe's.

062Thank you guys for coming out today. Um, thanks Coach Reed. And, uh, feel free to hang around, grab some waters out front and uh, converse. Thanks for coming. [applause] So this is Hamilton's pre-apprenticeship [music] program. Enables the kids to learn core fundamentals of all these different industries. State of Ohio recognizes it for construction, manufacturing, agriculture, architecture, and engineering. So these are core fundamentals for all of those different industries. We don't like to call it [music] even a core curriculum anymore. We call it a confidence class. So it's to give you confidence in using hand tools, using power tools, understanding what you're learning in class [music] and how it applies to the real world and careers that are available for you. So there's two different aspects to it. So in order to complete the class, the

063kids complete a series of quizzes based off the curriculum and they also have to attend class so much. So they're actually getting hands-on [music] instruction from Durana employees on site. The kids are actually working with them. They're exploring on that side. We do it to the curriculum. They do it to the quizzes. However, if the kid chooses to go to the next level, they're able to take what's called the credential course. So, they're now able to go and get a full credential from it. So, even if they don't do it now, the beauty of it is they can take it later on in life. And it's [music] the first half of 39 different apprenticeships that are out there in the industry. They're ready to go. Um they're ready to go right into the workforce right

064now and today. [music] So, we want employers in the Hamilton area to say, "Hey, if Durana taught these guys, they're ready to go. Guys and girls, we have a lot of girls that are coming in the program now. They're ready to go directly into the workforce and [music] come work for my company. They are going to be able to do their OSHA. They're going to be able to understand a power tool. They're going to understand how to work inside of a working environment. What people don't realize is we have so much talent sitting inside that school, sitting inside this community, and it's ready to go. They just need somebody to sit down with them, tell them that we believe in them, show them the confidence, and then to back it up with opportunity. Now, I

065need employers to step up and say, "Hey, we'll take them because they went through this program." We knew teachers were routinely spending their personal dollars to [music] get their classrooms ready. >> A lot of people don't realize how much money teachers spend out of their own pocket to support [music] their classrooms. >> We have lots of new teachers who don't have anything to prepare [music] their classroom. So, they've got to go out and buy all this stuff. We have teachers who are switching from one grade level to another. And then we have teachers who oftentimes will become certified in another area and [music] so they switch too. So all these people are saying if I'm going to have the best most interesting classroom it's got to be right. And so what do I do? I

066go shopping. They're spending on average between $500 and $900 a person. Sometimes annually [music] just to get their classrooms ready. every year I spend [music] hundreds of dollars on my classroom and uh I've never received any outside assistance there and so this was really nice. It put some money back in my pocket. >> There's so many teachers who do [music] have needs and have really legitimate things that they're proposing and I'd like to see us be able to support more. They literally cheered when [music] I emptied a new box of dry erase markers into our bin because we use those supplies every single day [music] and they really appreciate, you know, a new fresh product that's working. >> I believe teachers have been spending their own money forever, [music] but I don't know of many

067other communities where there is an organization like our foundation [music] that has stepped forward. I think that's really um special. When I first saw the application and was asked how I would spend up to $300 in my classroom, I was stumped. Teachers dream of having extra money, and this isn't a question we are asked very often. School supplies are expensive, as are supplemental learning materials and [music] social emotional tools that are all key to a student's success. Teachers often spend their own money to make sure our classrooms are equipped to meet [music] the needs of every student. This is just an outstanding way to say we understand the community foundation is a [music] perfect place to have a fund like this um where we can show support for teachers year in and year out. [music]

068Heat. Hey, Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> couple. Couple years ago, we had a plan that we wanted to work with a company to start designing a cafeteria that was different than [music] your typical school cafeteria. We wanted it to feel more like a food court and less like your typical long tables, benches, rows. So, we wanted some different types of seating [music] in there. The response has been wonderful, not just from the students, but also from the community. We've had lots of adults in here on open house. We've had other jealous teachers from other buildings that have been telling us how great it looks. Uh, so we've had a wonderful response. [music] Honestly, >> it feels more like when we went to Miami, we just got

069to [music] sit in their cafeteria and it felt just more like mature. And so it just is really cool that our cafeteria is a lot like that. >> The kids are doing better this year like from last [music] year. We always would get up, scream across the whole lunchroom cuz you couldn't sit with like all your friends. It's like kind of a small space, [music] but now it's like a bigger space, more tables. You can just sit and eat with your friends, be comfortable. It's a very big [music] change from last year. >> I feel like it's very comfortable. Um the students enjoy [music] eating there while talking to their friends. They really um seem to like [music] the new changes that were made this year. >> We tried to bring not just Garfield in

070here, but also the city of [music] Hamilton. We brought in Hamilton things from around our community, including some maps of the neighborhoods that our kids come from. [music] >> It makes you feel like you're being part of the community and enjoy the places that are [music] important. >> I'm just so glad that we get to share this with our students. I'm so glad they get to enjoy [music] it. And I just love making Garfield even better. As a new principal at Hamilton High School, I was really thinking about this Hamilton Baiten game and how we could make this a community celebration. But really at the core of the Ben mission is service to our community. And that's always been an important part [music] of uh what my passion is in education. So whether it's working

071with 17 strong and micro grants with our youth or just getting [music] out in the community and doing cleanups, we really wanted to launch something that was bigger than the football game, [music] something where our kids give back to the community. Some of them are actually throwing stuff in the dumpster right now, helping out Miss Ebony, the executive director at BTW. And then we have boys [music] out in the community, walking the streets, picking up trash. Over the summer, uh we had the the opportunity to meet uh with Hamilton High's administration and and just talk about this game. Uh this game is such an awesome opportunity for both schools uh to showcase really what we believe [music] what we're all about. And in meeting with Tai and talking, we wanted to do something to make

072our community better to bring our uh our two football teams that that obviously are competing to win win football games. Uh but more importantly, we want to come together to to serve the community in the midst of a rivalry week that we're working together to make things better. I think that, you know, when I look at, you know, our guys and Hampton's [music] guys, there's so many little faces in those crowds, little kids that look up to them. I mean, they see them as celebrities at times and just [music] to inspire in them a desire to to be more than just what they are on the football field. I mean, they're leaders in our community. They're doing great things and I think the opportunity to showcase that really to inspire [music] hopefully some other people

073to get involved in 17 strong uh here at the Booker T. Washington Center to get involved here, which are great organizations uh that need need people like this to [music] come out and serve uh and make the place better. And it's just really to me signifies kind of a new launch of service to our community for both of our schools, for Baden and for Hamilton. So it was great to see everybody out in their jerseys. Uh it is Hamilton versus Ben Friday night, but right now everybody's working together to make our community a better place. >> Arrow is the Hamilton City School District's first therapy [music] dog. Um she is certified through the AKC as a certified therapy dog. Um she is here for our students and our staff [music] and uh just a part

074of our the Hamilton community >> and I'm just so impressed [music] with her poise. Um she is so well trained and just does a great job already uh to lighten all of our moods. I I [music] couldn't be thankful enough to leadership Hamilton Hamilton Community Foundation and the Pauls and Stripes College for preparing such an amazing partner. We couldn't have asked for a better [music] dog. I know Andrea just saw the benefit and all the research that was behind how therapy dogs make a solid [music] impact with students, you know, through attendance and grades and behavior and she did a lot of research herself and brought it to the team and wanted to take the project on. And this is one [music] proactive strategy that local communities are using to help build resilience, kindness, [music]

075positivity. There's a lot of research out there about how a therapy dog will lower anxiety and [music] stress, which so many of our young people and our staff are facing on a day-to-day basis. Our goal is to get a dog for each of our buildings. Um, as you know, there's a lot of needs [music] that go around and Arrow is just one. We're a very large district. And so, our goal is to onboard four to five dogs a year that would allow us to [music] eventually get there in the next few years to a dog per school. that will allow that dog [music] to become really a part of that school culture. Through community donations, through different agencies, we've been able to raise the money completely so that [music] not one district dollar is being

076used for this. >> She's calm, mild manner, just very sweet, very gentle, listens very well. A lot of love, a lot of love, a lot of happiness. [music] Um, a lot of energy behind it, which is great. Welcome everybody to Garfield Middle School. My name is Josh Margger. I'm the principal here at Garfield. Tonight we are here to commemorate a legendary coach, teacher, and family man from the Hamilton community, Coach Tim Reid. I was fortunate Yeah. I was fortunate enough to have played for coach Reed, as I'm sure many of you in the crowd were. We often talk about how many wins coaches have or how many years they coached, but typically we don't hear many stories or talk about what really matters, which is the lessons that coaches teach their players that go beyond

077sports. One thing that sticks out to me that I still bring up to this day is a conversation I had with Coach Reed in high school. He was talking about how important it was that we are good people and not just good players. Of course, he had his own way to explain this. He said, "Marroom, [laughter] it's not about the X's and the O's. It's about the Jimmies and the Joe's." At that time, I just thought that was funny, but I I didn't understand what he was really saying. Um, and since then, I've thought a lot about that frequently in my day-to-day work. Without a good group of people around me to support me, I would not have been as successful in life. The people we have on our team in life are the most

078important teammates we will have. Coach Reed was not just a great coach, but a great person. I'm sure many of us in this room are glad he was on our team. I would now like to welcome up our next speaker to the podium. Please help me give a warm welcome to Coach Reed's son, Jimmy Reid. [applause] Good evening everyone. Uh first off, I'd like to thank everyone for coming on the behalf of my family. Um my mother uh Diane Reed, my sister Shannon Reed, my grandma Willa Reed, my uncle Wes Reed. Um it is incredible seeing everyone come together to celebrate this special moment. As many of you already know, our dad was a very humble man and he would have a hard time accepting all of this being done on his behalf. Dad spent

07932 years teaching and his efforts have made a lasting impact on many lives. This was very apparent with the outpouring of love from the community since his passing. He left his mark on many people's hearts and we are all better for knowing Tim Reid. Our family would like to thank Josh Marram and the pre the principal here at Garfield and the board of education for making all of this possible. Also, we would like to thank the community for keeping his memory alive and sharing with us the impact that he left on the hearts of everyone that came into contact with him. He is truly missed. I was going through some pictures the other day and I came across some statements made about my father. I'd like to share with you a quote from Walter Vickers.

080I started teaching at Garfield in the 1985 along with Tim. We coached basketball together the years I was in Hamilton. Like everyone who knew Tim in any manner, I was immediately impressed by his kindness, calmness, and genuine care for all people. Tim was a treasure for all students he served at Hamilton. I know that words cannot express how good things about my father and that I know that words cannot express good things about my father and that left. Sorry guys. Okay. I know that words cannot express good things about my father and that the life he led. We pray that future scholars and student athletes see his name on the court and become cur curious and inspired. I [snorts] know I may be biased, but my dad was a pretty awesome guy. This floor dedication

081truly gives him the recognition he deserves. His incredible legacy will live on with this floor dedication and the Tim Reed scholarship that has been made in his memory. Um, can the board members please stand up >> on on of the scholarship legacy fund. [applause] You guys, you guys do awesome job with everything you do. Um, as many of you know, there is a legacy fund created in dad's memory. Since 2019, the Coach Tim Reed Legacy Fund has provided over 35 scholarships to collegebound seniors from Talawanda High School and Hamilton High School. Coach Reed exemplified the traits associated with an outstanding teacher and coach. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, respectfulness, responsibility, humility, compassion, and fairness were all strong principles and core values that coach Reed modeled daily when interacting with his students, co-workers, players, and people. Our [clears

082throat] hope is that the floor dedication reaches the community of Hamilton and inspires the young students. His legacy will live on for many years to come and we are very appreciative of everyone that made this happen. [clears throat] Thank you. [applause] At this time, I would like to bring up Miss Diane Reid, um, and also Coach Reed's mother, um, and also city council member Tim Nab for a ribbon cutting ceremony. >> Everybody's going to get a haircut. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> We would like to welcome you for the first time to Coach Reed Court. [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, before we conclude, and I am going to let everybody walk around and talk because I know you guys want to do that. Um, before we conclude, I just need to thank a few people

083um for helping make this event possible. Uh, all of our Hamilton City School officials, including those who brought these giant scissors. Um, please give them a round of applause for supporting this. [applause] I would also like to thank our Hamilton City School Superintendent, Miss Andrea Blevens, and our school board members who supported this event. Please stand so everybody knows who you are so we can give them a round of applause. [applause] I have to thank Mr. Kilby, uh, Mr. Jeff Kilby, Mr. Tom Scheler, and all of our custodians who work behind the scenes with the company who completed this project. They do a wonderful job. I would be remiss not to thank the person that runs this gym, uh, Mr. Jimmy Seismore, for helping me design all this and staying involved the entire time. Shout

084out to Jimmy Seismore. [applause] Of course, I'd like to thank Miss Diane Reed and Coach Reed's entire family for helping make this night possible and always supporting our schools. [applause] And finally, I feel like I'm giving an award speech or something. Uh, finally, uh, most importantly, I'd like to thank Coach Reed for his patience and for always taking care of the Jimmies and the Joe's. Thank you guys for coming out today. Um, thanks Coach Reed. And, uh, feel free to hang around, grab some waters out front and uh, converse. Thanks for coming. [applause] So this is Hamilton's pre-apprenticeship program enables the kids to learn core fundamentals of all these different industries. State of Ohio recognizes it for construction, [music] manufacturing, agriculture, architecture, and engineering. So these are core fundamentals for all of those different industries.

085We don't like to call it even [music] a core curriculum anymore. We call it a confidence class. So it's to give you confidence in using hand tools, using power tools, understanding what you're learning in class [music] and how it applies to the real world and careers that are available for you. So there's two different aspects to it. So in order to complete the class, the [music] kids complete a series of quizzes based off the curriculum and they also have to attend class so much. So they're actually getting hands-on instruction from Durana employees on site. The kids are actually working with them. They're exploring on that side. We do it to the curriculum. They do it to the quizzes. However, if the kid chooses to go to the next level, they're able to take what's [music]

086called the credential course. So, they're now able to go and get a full credential from it. So, even if they don't [music] do it now, the beauty of it is they can take it later on in life. And it's the first half of 39 different apprenticeships that are out there in the industry. They're ready to go. Um they're ready to go right into the workforce right now and today. So, we want employers in the Hamilton area to say, "Hey, if Durana [music] taught these guys, they're ready to go. Guys and girls, we have a lot of girls that are coming in the program now. They're ready to go directly into the workforce and come work for my company. They are going to be able to do their OSHA. They're going to be able to understand

087a power tool. They're going to understand how to work inside of a [music] working environment. What people don't realize is we have so much talent sitting inside that school, sitting inside this community, and it's ready to go. They just need somebody [music] to sit down with them, tell them that we believe in them, show them the confidence, and then to back it up with opportunity. Now, I need employers to step up and say, "Hey, we'll take them because they went through this program." We knew [music] teachers were routinely spending their personal dollars to get [music] their classrooms ready. >> A lot of people don't realize how much money teachers spend out of their own pocket to support their classrooms. >> We have lots of new teachers [music] who don't have anything to prepare their classroom.

088So, they've got to go out and buy all this stuff. [music] We have teachers who are switching from one grade level to another. And then we have teachers who oftentimes [music] will become certified in another area and so they switch too. So all these people are saying if I'm going to have the best most interesting classroom it's got to be right. And so what do I do? I go shopping. They're spending on average between $500 and $900 a person. Sometimes annually just to get their classrooms ready. Every year I spend [music] hundreds of dollars on my classroom and uh I've never received any outside assistance there and so this was really nice. It put some money back in my pocket. >> There's so many teachers who do have [music] needs and have really legitimate things

089that they're proposing and I'd like to see us be able [music] to support more. They literally cheered when I emptied a new [clears throat] box of dry erase markers into our bin because [music] we use those supplies every single day and they really appreciate, you know, a [music] new fresh product that's working. >> I believe teachers have been spending their own money forever, but I don't know of many other communities where [music] there is an organization like our foundation that has stepped forward. I think that's [music] really um special. When I first saw the application and was asked how I would spend up to $300 in my classroom, I was stumped. [music] Teachers dream of having extra money, and this isn't a question we are asked very often. School supplies are expensive, as are supplemental

090learning materials and social emotional tools that are all key to a student's success. Teachers often spend their own [music] money to make sure our classrooms are equipped to meet the needs of every student. This is just an outstanding way to say [music] we understand the community foundation is a perfect place to have a fund like this [music] um where we can show support for teachers year in and year out. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Couple years ago, we had a plan that we wanted to work with a company to start designing a cafeteria [music] that was different than your typical school cafeteria. We wanted it to feel more like a food [music] court and less like your typical long tables, benches,

091rows. So, we wanted some different types of seating in there. [music] The response has been wonderful, not just from the students, but also from the community. We've had lots of adults in here on open house. [music] We've had other jealous teachers from other buildings that have been telling us how great it looks. Uh so we've had a wonderful [music] response. Honestly, >> it feels more like when we went to Miami, we just got to sit in their cafeteria and it felt just [music] more like mature. And so it just is really cool that our cafeteria is a lot like that. >> The kids are doing better this year like from last year. We always would get up, scream across the whole lunchroom cuz you couldn't sit with like all your friends. It's like kind of

092a small [music] space, but now it's like a bigger space, more tables. You can just sit and eat with your friends, be comfortable. It's a very big change [music] from last year. >> I feel like it's very comfortable. Um the students enjoy eating there while talking to their friends. They really um seem to like the new changes that [music] were made this year. We tried to bring not just Garfield in here, but also the city of Hamilton. [music] We brought in Hamilton things from around our community, including some maps of the neighborhoods that our kids come from. >> It makes you [music] feel like you're being part of the community and enjoy the places that are important. >> I'm just so glad that we get to share this with our students. [music] I'm so glad

093they get to enjoy it. And I just love making Garfield even better. >> [music] >> As a new principal at Hamilton High School, I was really thinking about this Hamilton baiten game and how we could [music] make this a community celebration. But really at the core of the Ben mission is service to our community. And that's always been an important part of uh what my passion is in education. So whether [music] it's working with 17 strong and micro grants with our youth or just getting out in the community and doing cleanups, we really wanted to launch something that was bigger [music] than the football game, something where our kids give back to the community. Some of them are actually throwing stuff in the dumpster right now, helping out Miss Ebony, the executive director at BTW.

094[music] And then we have boys out in the community, walking the streets, picking up trash. So over the summer, uh we had the the opportunity to meet uh with Hamilton [music] High's administration and and just talk about this game. Uh this game is such an awesome opportunity for both schools uh to showcase really what we believe what we're [music] all about. And in meeting with Tai and talking, we wanted to do something to make our community better to bring our uh our two football teams that that obviously are competing to win win football games. Uh but more importantly, we wanted to come together to to serve the community in the midst of a rivalry week that we're working together to make things better. I think that, you know, when I look at, you know, our

095guys and Hampton's guys, there's so many little faces in those crowds, little kids that look up to them. them. I mean, they see them as celebrities at times and just to inspire in them a desire to to be more than just what they are on the football field. I mean, they're leaders in our community. They're doing great things and I think the opportunity to showcase that really to inspire hopefully some other people to get involved in 17 [music] strong uh here at the Booker T. Washington Center to get involved here, which are great organizations uh that need need people like this to come out [music] and serve uh and make the place better. And it's just really to me signifies kind of a new launch of service to our community for both of our schools

096for Ben and for Hamilton. So it was great to see everybody out in their jerseys. Uh it is Hamilton versus Ben Friday night, but right now everybody's working together to make our community a better place. >> Arrow is the Hamilton City School District's first therapy dog. Um she is certified through the AKC as a certified therapy dog. [music] Um she is here for our students and our staff and uh is just a part of our the Hamilton community >> and I'm just so [music] impressed with her poise. Um she is so well trained and just does a great job already uh to lighten all of our moods. [music] I I couldn't be thankful enough to leadership Hamilton Hamilton Community Foundation and the Pauls [music] and Stripes College for preparing such an amazing partner. We couldn't

097have asked for a better dog. I know Andrea just saw the benefit [music] and all the research that was behind how therapy dogs make a solid impact with students, you know, through attendance and grades and behavior and [music] she did a lot of research herself and brought it to the team and wanted to take the project [music] on. And this is one proactive strategy that local communities are using to help build resilience, [music] kindness, positivity. There's a lot of research out there about how a therapy dog will lower anxiety and [music] stress, which so many of our young people and our staff are facing on a day-to-day basis. Our goal is to get a dog for [music] each of our buildings. Um, as you know, there's a lot of needs that go around, and Arrow

098is just one. [music] We're a very large district. And so, our goal is to onboard four to five dogs a year that would allow us to eventually get there in the next few years to [music] a dog per school. that will allow that dog to become really a part of that school culture. Through community donations, through different agencies, [music] we've been able to raise the money completely so that not one district dollar is being used for this. >> She's calm, mild manner, just [music] very sweet, very gentle, listens very well, a lot of love, a lot of love, a lot of happiness. Um, a lot of energy behind it, which is great. >> Welcome everybody to Garfield Middle School. My name is Josh Marram. I'm the principal here at Garfield. Tonight we are here to

099commemorate a legendary coach, teacher, and family man from the Hamilton community, Coach Tim Reed. I was fortunate Yeah. [applause] I was fortunate enough to have played for Coach Reed, as I'm sure many of you in the crowd were. We often talk about how many wins coaches have or how many years they coached. But typically, we don't hear many stories or talk about what really matters, which is the lessons that coaches teach their players that go beyond sports. One thing that sticks out to me that I still bring up to this day is a conversation I had with Coach Reed in high school. He was talking about how important it was that we are good people and not just good players. Of course, he had his own way to explain this. He said, "Margroom, [laughter] it's

100not about the X's and the O's. It's about the Jimmies and the Joe's." At at that time, I just thought that was funny, but I I didn't understand what he was really saying. Um, and since then, I've thought a lot about that frequently in my day-to-day work. Without a good group of people around me to support me, I would not have been as successful in life. The people we have in our team in life are the most important teammates we will have. Coach Reed was not just a great coach, but a great person. I'm sure many of us in this room are glad he was on our team. I would now like to welcome up our next speaker to the podium. Please help me give a warm welcome to Coach Reed's son, Jimmy Reid. [applause]

101Good evening everyone. Uh, first off, I'd like to thank everyone for coming on the behalf of my family. Um, my mother, uh, Diane Reed, my sister Shannon Reed, my grandma, Willow Reed, my uncle Wes Reed. Um, it is incredible seeing everyone come together to celebrate this special moment. As many of you already know, our dad was a very humble man and he would have a hard time accepting all of this being done on his behalf. Dad spent 32 years teaching and his efforts have made a lasting impact on many lives. This was very apparent with the outpouring of love from the community since his passing. He left his mark on many people's hearts and we are all better for knowing Tim Reid. Our family would like to thank Josh Marram and the the principal here

102at Garfield and the board of education for making all of this possible. Also, we would like to thank the community for keeping his memory alive and sharing with us the impact that he left on the hearts of everyone that came into contact with him. He is truly missed. I was going through some pictures the other day and I came across some statements made about my father. I'd like to share with you a quote from Walter Vickers. I started teaching at Garfield in the 1985 along with Tim. We coached basketball together the years I was in Hamilton. Like everyone who knew Tim in any manner, I was immediately impressed by his kindness, calmness, and genuine care for all people. Tim was a treasure for all students he served at Hamilton. I know that words cannot express

103how good things about my father and that I know that words cannot express good things about my father and that left. Sorry guys. [laughter] >> Okay. I know that words cannot express good things about my father and that the life he led. We pray that future scholars and student athletes see his name on the court and become cur curious and inspired. I know I [snorts] may be biased but my dad was a pretty awesome guy. This floor dedication truly gives him the recognition he deserves. His in incredible legacy will live on with this floor dedication and the Tim Reed scholarship that has been made in his memory. Um, can the board members please stand up >> on on of the scholarship legacy fund. [applause] You guys, you guys do an awesome job with everything you

104do. Um, as many of you know, there is a legacy fund created in dad's memory. Since 2019, the Coach Tim Reed Legacy Fund has provided over 35 scholarships to collegebound seniors from Talawanda High School and Hamilton High School. Coach Reed exemplified the traits associated with outstanding teacher and coach. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, respectfulness, responsibility, humility, compassion, and fairness were all strong principles and core values that coach Reed modeled daily when interacting with his students, co-workers, players, and people. Our hope is that the floor dedication reaches the community of Hamilton and inspires the young students. His legacy will live on for many years to come and we are very appreciative of everyone that made this happen. Thank you. [applause] At this time, I would like to bring up Miss Diane Reid, um, and also Coach Reed's mother,

105um, and also city council member Tim Nab for a ribbon cutting ceremony. >> Everybody's going to get a haircut. [applause] We would like to welcome you for the first time to Coach Reed Court. [applause] Okay, before we conclude, and I am gonna let everybody walk around and talk because I know you guys want to do that. Um, before we conclude, I just need to thank a few people um for helping make this event possible. Uh, all of our Hamilton City School officials, including those who brought these giant scissors. Um, please give them a round of applause for supporting this. [applause] I would also like to thank our Hamilton City School Superintendent, Miss Andrea Blevens, and our school board members who supported this event. Please stand so everybody knows who you are so we can give

106them a round of applause. [applause] I have to thank Mr. Kilby, uh, Mr. Jeff Kilby, Mr. Tom Scheler, and all of our custodians who work behind the scenes with the company who completed this project. They did a wonderful job. I would be remiss not to thank the person that runs this gym, uh, Mr. Jimmy Seismore, for helping me design all this and staying involved the entire time. Shout out to Jimmy Seismore. [applause] Of course, I'd like to thank Miss Diane Reed and Coach Reed's entire family for helping make this night possible and always supporting our schools. >> [applause] >> And finally, I feel like I'm giving an award speech or something. Uh, finally, uh, most importantly, I'd like to thank Coach Reed for his patience and for always taking care of the Jimmies and the

107Joe's. Thank you guys for coming out today. Um, thanks Coach Reed. And, uh, feel free to hang around, grab some waters out front and uh, converse. Thanks for coming. [applause] So this is Hamilton's pre-apprenticeship program enables [music] the kids to learn core fundamentals of all these different industries. State of Ohio recognizes it for construction, manufacturing, agriculture, architecture, and engineering. So these are core fundamentals for all of those different industries. We don't like to call it even a core curriculum anymore. We call it a confidence class. So it's to give you confidence in using hand tools, [music] using power tools, understanding what you're learning in class and how it applies to the real world and careers that are available for you. So there's two different aspects to it. So in order to complete the class, the

108kids complete a series of quizzes based off the curriculum and they also have to attend class so much. So they're actually getting hands-on instruction from Durana employees on site. The kids are actually working with them. They're exploring on that side. [music] We do it to the curriculum. They do it to the quizzes. However, if the kid chooses to go to the next level, they're able to take what's called the credential course. So, they're now able to go and get a full credential from it. So, even if they don't do it now, the beauty of it is they can take it later on in life. And [music] it's the first half of 39 different apprenticeships that are out there in the industry. They're ready to go. Um they're ready to go right into the workforce right

109now and today. So, we want employers in the Hamilton area to say, "Hey, if [music] Durant taught these guys, they're ready to go." Guys and girls, we have a lot of girls that are coming in the program now. [music] They're ready to go directly into the workforce and come work for my company. They are going to be able to do their OSHA. They're going to be able to understand a power tool. They're going to understand how to work inside of a working environment. What people don't realize is we have so much talent sitting inside that school, sitting inside this community, and it's ready to go. They just need somebody to sit down with [music] them, tell them that we believe in them, show them the confidence, and then to back it up with opportunity. Now,

110I need employers to step up and say, "Hey, we'll take them because they went through this program." We knew teachers [music] were routinely spending their personal dollars to get their classrooms ready. >> A lot of people don't realize how much money teachers spend [music] out of their own pocket to support their classrooms. >> We have lots of new teachers who don't have anything to prepare their classroom. [music] So, they've got to go out and buy all this stuff. We have teachers who are switching from one grade level to another. [music] And then we have teachers who oftentimes will become certified in another area [music] and so they switch too. So all these people are saying if I'm going to have the best most interesting classroom it's got to be right. And so what do I

111do? I go shopping. They're spending on average between $500 and $900 a person. Sometimes annually just to get their classrooms ready. Every year I spend hundreds of [music] dollars on my classroom and uh I've never received any outside assistance there and so this was really nice. It put some money back in my pocket. >> There's so [music] many teachers who do have needs and have really legitimate things that they're proposing and I'd like to see us be able to [music] support more. They literally cheered when I emptied a new box of dry erase markers into our bin because [music] we use those supplies every single day and they really appreciate, you know, a new fresh product that's working. >> I believe teachers have been spending their own money forever, [music] but I don't know of

112many other communities where there is an organization like our foundation that [music] has stepped forward. I think that's really um special. When I first saw the application and was asked how I would spend up to $300 in my classroom, I was stumped. [music] Teachers dream of having extra money, and this isn't a question we are asked very often. School supplies are expensive, as are supplemental learning materials and social emotional tools that are all key to a student's success. [music] Teachers often spend their own money to make sure our classrooms are equipped to meet the needs of every student. This is just an outstanding way to say we understand the community foundation is a [music] perfect place to have a fund like this um where we can show support for teachers year in and year out.

113[music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Couple [music] years ago, we had a plan that we wanted to work with a company to start designing a cafeteria that was different than your typical [music] school cafeteria. We wanted it to feel more like a food court and less like your typical long tables, benches, [music] rows. So, we wanted some different types of seating in there. The response has been wonderful, not just from the students, but also from the community. [music] We've had lots of adults in here on open house. We've had other jealous teachers from other buildings that have been telling us how great it looks. Uh, so we've had a wonderful response. Honestly, >> it feels more like when we went to Miami.

114we [music] just got to sit in their cafeteria and it felt just more like mature and so it just is [music] really cool that our cafeteria is a lot like that. The kids are doing better this year like from last year we always would get up scream across the whole lunchroom cuz you couldn't sit with like all your friends. It's like kind of a small space but now it's like a bigger space more tables. You can just sit and eat with [music] your friends, be comfortable. It's a very big change from last year. >> I feel like it's very comfortable. Um the students enjoy eating [music] there while talking to their friends. They really um seem to like [music] the new changes that were made this year. >> We tried to bring not just Garfield

115in here, but also the city [music] of Hamilton. We brought in Hamilton things from around our community, including some maps of the neighborhoods that our kids come from. that makes you feel like you're [music] being part of the community and enjoy the places that are important. [music] >> I'm just so glad that we get to share this with our students. I'm so glad they get to enjoy it and I just love making Garfield [music] even better. As a new principal at Hamilton High School, I was really thinking about this Hamilton Baiten game and how we could make this a community celebration, but really at the core of the Ben mission is service to our community. And that's always been an important part of >> [music] >> uh what my passion is in education. So whether

116it's working with 17 strong and micro grants with our youth or just getting out in the community and doing cleanups, we really wanted to launch something that was bigger than the football game, something where our kids give [music] back to the community. Some of them are actually throwing stuff in the dumpster right now, helping out Miss Ebony, the executive director at BTW. And then we have boys out in the community, walking the streets, picking up trash. So, over the summer, uh we had the the opportunity to meet uh with Hamilton High's administration and and just talk about this game. Uh this game is such an awesome opportunity for both schools uh to showcase really what we believe, [music] what we're all about. And in meeting with Tai and talking, we wanted to do something to

117make our community better to bring our uh our two football teams that that obviously are competing to win win football games. Uh but more importantly, we wanted to come together to to serve the community in the midst of a rivalry week that we're working together to make things better. I think that, you know, when I look at, you know, our guys and Hamilton's guys, there's so many little faces in those crowds, little kids that look up to them. I mean, they see them as celebrities at times. And [music] just to inspire in them a desire to to be more than just what they are on the football field. I mean, they're leaders in our community. They're doing great things. And I think the opportunity to showcase that, really to inspire hopefully some other people to

118get involved [music] in 17 strong uh here at the Booker T. Washington Center, to get involved here, which are great organizations uh that need need people like this to come out and serve [music] uh and make the place better. And it's just really to me signifies kind of a new launch of service to our community for both of our schools, for Ben and for Hamilton. So, it was great to see everybody out [music] in their jerseys. Uh it is Hamilton versus Ben Friday night, but right now everybody's working together to make our community a better place. [music] Arrow is the Hamilton City Schools District's first therapy dog. Um she is certified through the AKC [music] as a certified therapy dog. come. She is here [music] for our students and our staff and uh is just

119a part of our the Hamilton community >> and I'm just so impressed [music] with her poise. Um she is so well trained and just does a great job already uh to lighten all of our moods. I I [music] couldn't be thankful enough to leadership Hamilton Hamilton Community Foundation and the Pauls and Stripes College [music] for preparing such an amazing partner. We couldn't have asked for a better dog. I know Andrea just saw the benefit and [music] all the research that was behind how therapy dogs make a solid impact with students, you know, through attendance and grades and behavior. And she [music] did a lot of research herself and brought it to the team and wanted to take the project on this. >> All right, we'll call this meeting to order. will stand for the pledge.

120I >> aliance 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. [clears throat and cough] >> I have a motion for approval of minutes agenda. Second. Second. >> Mr. President, >> Mr. Davidson? >> Yes. >> Dr. Copus? >> Yes. >> Miss Matthews? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baker? >> Yes. >> Thank you. I'll accept another motion to approve the minutes. >> I'll make that motion. I'll second it. >> Thank you. Mr. Fraser, if you call the role, please. >> Dr. Copus. >> Yes. >> Miss Matthews? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Davidson? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Um our next I'm looking for uh

121super I don't see anyone here for public participation. We'll move for our next item which is our superintendent um update and I'll turn it over to M. Levens. >> Yes. Thank you, President Matthews. Uh just a few comments this evening. One uh you know tis the season with inclement weather um and so we work to make our decisions to cancel or delay schools as early as possible. Uh with two potential storms coming, we're just reminding families to please be prepared. Uh, information is shared via all calls, text messages, news stations, and social media outlets. Um, it looks like the storm that's coming tonight might have fizzled a little bit, so hopefully that means we get to finish a full week of school this week. I'm sorry, kids, but um, it's just important to know we're

122constantly monitoring. Our team goes out on the roads about 3:30 in the morning to make sure that they're safe and our our parking lots and our driveways are are cleared to be able for buses to transport. Uh so if there's ever a reason for us to call uh school, we will do that as early as possible and communicate quickly throughout the community. Second thing, I just once again want to honor uh Mrs. Baker and Mr. Sprag and thank them for their service. I know we got them a little offguard earlier with some surprises tonight. I know this won't be the last time I'll see you. Um but I just want to thank you uh for your service here in Hamilton. Um I do want to remind families that winter break is quickly approaching. We are

123one week away from um our holiday break. And so just to all of our families, a reminder that students will not have school Friday, December 19th through Friday, January 2nd. Third quarter will begin on Monday, January 5th. Uh for many of our high school students, it's exam week next week. So we wish them uh great luck as they study and prepare to end out their content. And I also just want to wish everyone a very merry h happy and safe holiday season. Um on the agenda this evening, you will see there's several items up for approval. There's various HR items. Um on our consent agenda, you'll see an approval for a student placement at Warren County uh educational service center for a special education student for the remainder of the year. You'll see we have

124a service agreement with Butler County ESC to provide behavioral coaching and support in our buildings for for throughout the remainder of the year. It's important to note that that those funds uh are coming out of IDEIDA, special education dollars, and not our general fund expenses. We also have two field trips up for approval this evening. One is a swim meet actually for our 7th through 12th grade students going to Lawrenburg, Indiana. And then for our amazing inharmonics that you heard tonight, uh going to Indianapolis to compete at uh in Indianapolis. On our business agenda, there are a number of items and I kind of broke these down by where those dollars are coming from. As we're in such a a time of fiscal responsibility, I think it's important for our board and the community to

125understand where each of these items are funded. We do share that information with the board, you know, and plenty of time for you to make an informed decision, but it's important. So, the first two items on the business agenda um are actually two grants dollars coming in to the district. The first is a wellness grant that we're getting through our uh Butler County health plan that uh will help to provide kind of lunch and learns and make sure that our adults are taking care of themselves because we know healthy adults breed healthy children. The second one um I crack up at the name of this grant. It is a Hamilton Community Foundation. It's the grant that has no name. Um, but it is a $5,000 grant that was awarded to Hamilton High School that will

126be used for field trip costs and transportation for experiences. There are two general fund expense items on the business uh agenda tonight. One is the purchase order for our second semester paper. You know, it's about $37,000 for the amount of paper and we are that's actually a reduction. Mr. Frasier was very happy to see that that's less than we have spent in years past. The second is, as I talked about, it's this time of the year. Uh we are purchasing our road salt from the city of Hamilton, uh so that we can ensure that our parking lots and sidewalks are safe for students and community members. Um we have two items, uh up for purchase this evening that actually come from our food service fund and those are replacement of kitchen equipment at Highland. And

127then we have two capital improvement dollar expenses. The first one, both are fine arts, uh Mr. Spreg, you'll be happy to see those on there. One is upgrading Garfield sound uh system. What's amazing about this is it will now uh equip Hamilton City Schools with two fully functional auditoriums. Uh and the capacity at Garfield is just as large if not larger in my understanding than Hamilton High. And now they'll have amazing technology to boot. The other one, as Mr. Sprag shared earlier tonight, um is a portable sound system uh for inharmonic sappella group. So hopefully that's going to pass tonight because we told them it was going to happen. Um, but I think that's Yeah, don't let them down. Uh, with those kids, uh, just were so very excited about that. Uh, but those are

128our items this evening. >> I know Mr. Sprag, you asked to share a comment. >> Yeah, I'd like to share a comment real real fast. Number one, I want to thank everybody for tonight. It's been a wonderful night and I think Megan and I would agree and having in harmonics. Did they have to sing that duet? I don't know. But they did a great job on it. That was that was a toughy. Um, last night at a city council meeting, uh, Steve Cowwell was, uh, recognized. I'm not gonna bring you up here, so just relax. But was recognized by city council and Mayor Mhler, uh, for all his hard work in our community. And, you know, TV Hamilton plays such an important role in us as a school district, uh, with businesses, nonprofits. We were

129meeting yesterday um with all the different things that they have been involved in and I think in 19 oh let's see 19 2016 how many videos Steve >> 67 videos >> 67 and >> Oh yeah >> yeah and how many this year? 400 >> four over 400 videos uh have have been produced. Now, everybody thinks we have a huge team over there. We have a team of Steve and he's a really good team. We have Sam helping out, but Steve does the shooting, he does the producing, he does editing. Um we are very fortunate as not just our schools but in our community to have him with us and working so hard. And for the schools, what this means is uh this past year he's done 28 uh what we call non-live shots where they're

130edited and sent back out and 30 um live shots including schoolboard meetings, uh concert, I know that some of the concerts go out, but basketball games, football games, uh you name it. And it's an invaluable resource for our community. And we talked earlier about or spoke earlier about promoting ourselves. And I can't think of a better way to promote ourselves but through TV Hamilton. We are on multiple platforms. We are on um um remind me see cable >> Cablecast. It's an app so you can watch it on your computer, your phone, your iPad, anywhere you go. I've watched it while I was on camping once. I pulled it up. Um but this year uh just to s show you how big TV Hamilton is 4.5 million views that is reaching people not only in our

131community but around the state and around the world because I do know uh I've heard back from people uh in Italy that saw a video that Steve had done uh and he's won some awards too. I won't go into all that stuff, but anyway, uh, very, very fortunate and I just wanted to take a second at my last meeting to say thank you to Steve for all he does and and it's been great working with him as a schoolboard member and I hope to continue that working with you. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Next on our agenda, we have um personnel items on human resource >> um um motion. I'll make that motion. >> I'll second >> one comment. Just looking through the uh section, there's stipens for teachers who have that's awesome. Have quality

132teachers out teaching. Um they get a a small stipen. I mean it's very minimal for the amount of work. But that's not general fund dollars. That is passed through. >> Yeah, those come from the university themselves. Yep. >> I just want to commend our teachers for doing that. >> It also helps recruit down. >> If I may, Miss Matthews, that's one thing that I was going to say, Dave, is we've worked really hard with our partnership um specifically with Miami just because of the location um with us being there. Um, but we we have a very very strong partnership with them. Um, and they actually we look to place kids here all the time because of the experiences that they're having with our teachers um and in our buildings. Uh, and a lot of times

133when they're doing their methods blocks, they actually request to come back to Hamilton. Um, so this semester alone, we have over 30 student teachers um, in our district. Um, so you figure that's probably about probably about a fifth probably about 20% of Miami student teachers are in Hamilton. >> Um, Mr. Fer, will you call the RO? >> Miss Matthews? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag? >> Yes. >> Miss Baker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Davidson? >> Yes. >> Dr. Copus? >> Yes. Um, >> next, uh, we have our consent agenda. I'll accept the motion. >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Any, uh, comments? M Fraser call a roll. >> Mr. Sprag, >> yes. >> Mrs. Baker, >> yes. >> Mr. Davidson, >> yes. >> Dr. Copus, >> yes. >> Miss Matthews, >> yes. >> Next on

134our agenda, we have our TIFF CRA um approval or agreement to be approved. Any discussion? >> Oh, so moved. >> Second. >> Motion. Second. >> Yeah. >> Uh Mr. Frasier. >> Mrs. Baker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Davidson, >> yes. >> Dr. Copus, >> yes. >> Miss Matthews, >> yes. >> Mr. Sprig, >> yes. >> Just so we're clear on it, people know >> what that tiff is for the new Hilton and >> and the home to sweets that's on the corner of MLK and High. Um it's uh we went over the deal in work session um last meeting. Um but just to put a bow on it, >> um two hotels on the corner of MLK and High. Uh we're looking at about 180 rooms total. So, a large development. Um, there's a 30-year

135TIFF, a 15-year CRA. Uh, we've struck a deal with the the city and the developer for uh a makehole agreement. Uh, keep in mind currently that's a municipallyowned parking lot and so we receive 0 off of that. Um, conservative estimate for the life of the tiff is just shy of $8.5 million. >> Good work. Very good. >> And with that leeway, it leads us to you for our finance agenda. >> Thank you, President Matthews. Uh, typically in December, we have a a light, um, finance agenda. We have the normal treasur reports, uh, which include our investment reports, our cash flow analysis, our cash reconciliation, and our cash position reports. Uh we also have uh a lane library appointment. We had appointed uh Miss Connie Malone, but she has requested a resention a us to resend

136that uh at her request. Um luckily for us, u Miss Brenda Dales, who was coming off, has agreed uh to be appointed again for another four-year term. So, we will need to uh have an approval for the rescion and um the appointment. Um and then as I have been doing um I'd like to highlight the uh donations here. Again, it just it always amazes me how much money flows through this district um in the form of donations um to the various programs and the students. Um and so I want to bring that up and um show that for for the folks out there. So those are my items this evening. >> Any discussion or thoughts about it, guys? >> No. >> Do we need to make two motions? >> No, just just the one for

137the finance agenda. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'll accept an emotion. A motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you, Mr. Further, if you call the role, please. >> Mr. Davidson? >> Yes. >> Dr. Copus? >> Yes. >> Miss Matthews? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baker? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Our next meeting will be u our special meeting will be December 19th at 9:00 am uh right here at the uh board office. And then next I'll um accept a motion for tojourn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Uh Mr. Fraser. >> Uh Dr. Copus. >> Yes. >> Miss Matthews. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sprag. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Davidson. >> Yeah. Meet John.