001move to approve the agenda, but I do want to add to the agenda uh an executive session. Is there a second to uh approve the agenda? >> Second. >> Uh discussion. >> Roll call. Prep. >> Yes. >> Lazinski, >> yes. Kenukan, >> yes. >> Lamb, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Dr. Gagan, I'd like to turn it to you for recognition informative report. >> Uh very minimal report this evening. Uh we are in summer. Um going through hiring processes. Most of them have been completed. Uh all certified um is uh filled are filled. um big project that the biggest well we had a couple big projects um do campus if you are familiar with the playground behind do intermediate school that's been uh completely repaved repainted looks great um other do project that's uh big for
002student use is the vestibule uh that's well underway they have it completely torn apart inside where it's going to go they're going to begin masonry this week. Uh I believe they're going to get to that. They had a lot of uh work to do up in the ceiling matching everything. Uh but that project uh is going well and I think it's going to look really good. For those of you who don't know, we're adding uh all of our buildings have a double entry system, high school, middle school, and elementary school. And what that means is someone buzzes in to get into a vestibule and then they have to an out visitor would then have to buzz in to get into the main office. If you're familiar with over intermediate school, there's just a one door
003system and currently there's one buzzer and then the person is right into the office. We're adding an internal vestibule to reroute people. So you do have the two levels uh of sec security in place. Um, so that's well underway. Uh, but rooms are rooms. Buildings cleaned. I mean, middle school's always the first one, uh, that's done. They get on it real quick. Um, and that building's ready to go. They also have the least amount of activity happening in it through the summer. We still run in the elementary school the link program, Camp Link. Um, high school level, there's always activities going on even in summer. Um, but the buildings are looking good, the grounds are looking good. Um, and then the rest of the agenda items I'm happy to talk about as we get into
004>> Is that veil at disc going to be finished before spring stops? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, we're we're expecting um like I said, I was surprised how much work they did up top in the ceiling. >> Yes. >> Um in there. But when I when I was talking to some of the workers there, um I get what they were doing because if you look over by their ma the main office in the intermediate school above it, there is a a wall that they're going to extend so it looks like it belongs there. you know, one of the issues when you do add-ons, it kind of looks aftermarket, but I think with what they're doing, it's going to look like it belongs there and and it's not going to stand out in in that way. So,
005um, when I had gotten there, they had just gotten uh approval from the city inspectors to, you know, finish the drywall in there because city inspectors will come in and they'll want to see what's going on behind the walls before they let them close it. And so everything was good to go and we're moving forward with that. So it but yes it's we we expect it to be done probably what what are they targeting >> the week before the students return. >> Okay it's on budget as we know. Yeah, we haven't >> faced any issues with so it's good thing. >> I think I think you recall some of the uh some of the early cost estimates that we're looking at and well below those had a good addition to the finance discuss. >> Great.
006>> Anything else for Dr. God? Move on to the treasures report. Mr. Thomas. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm happy to report that I don't have a report tonight. So, uh, I will just go over my recommendations when we get to that. >> All right, that sounds great. At this time, we have a hearing of the public. The public may address the board during periods of the meeting designated for public participation. We, the board of education, do not engage in public debate, especially do not have a public discussion about individual student situations in this setting. Each person addressing the board shall give their name and address. Several people wish to speak. Each person is allotted three minutes until the total time allotted is used. During that period, no person may speak twice until all desired
007speak had the opportunity to do so. The period of public participation may be extended by a vote to the majority for the president voting. Is there anyone who would like to address the floor? You can approach the podium and if you would share your name and your address with us. Thank you. My name is Megan Notardino, 1400 East Melrose Drive. On June 24th, I sent an email to each member of this board of education, Dr. Gogan, and many administrators. The email was regarding the safe transportation of my son, Nicholas, to Camp Imagine. He was not picked up on the first day of camp. His bus didn't have air conditioning on a day when the heat indices were over a hundred. There was no aid on the bus, leaving 10 plus children, all of whom struggled
008with communication to literally fend for themselves while the driver navigated the road. Dr. Gogan followed up with me the next day, and although the air conditioning was fixed, my to my knowledge, no aid was ever hired. I did not feel comfortable with my son on that bus, so I decided to drive him for the rest of the summer. Not one member of this board of education reached out to me to follow up. Not one. I would think that there would be more concern for the health and welfare of our district students, especially the ones with intellectual disabilities, a group that is often victimized because they are unable to communicate. These are the district's most vulnerable students. And not one person on this board bothered to even send me a generic email telling me that they
009had heard my concerns and that they would look into the matter. Not one. In the seven years Nick has been a student in Westlake, we have never had more issues than we've had this year. And I feel like I've talked to the transportation department more this summer than I have in all seven years of him being in school. I've not once spoken to anyone from educational services centers. I remember the olden days when Christina Mecha would call me at the end of the first week of camp to check in and see how things were going. That clearly hasn't happened this year. I'm afraid that the district that we love, the district that has always gone above and beyond our expectations with both of our children is not able to provide the most basic services for
010our for our students. I implore this board to take action to follow up with parents concerns and to write by our students with intellectual disabilities. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um and that's on me as board president and uh we'll have a follow-up conversation. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who would like to address the board at this time? Thank you. We're going to move on to >> number four. >> Approval of minutes. Thank you. We have all had the opportunity to review our minutes and uh all of those in favor of approving minutes say I. I. >> Those opposed say no. >> Does that cover both sets of minutes? >> It does. >> Okay. >> We are going to move on to the treasurer's recommendations. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh before the
011board here tonight, I think I just have uh three recommendations uh for your consideration. Uh the first one I have is some then and now uh certificates. This is really the time of year where we get our biggest amount of then and nows um as we have closed all our books. We close a lot of the POS, things like that. So you can look uh look at the list there. Um and if you have any questions, please let me know. Um the second uh B is our student activity purpose statements budgets. Um, as the board is fully aware, we run a large number of clubs and activities. Uh, many of them uh generate uh do fundraising uh or generate revenue and then of course have associated expenditures. So all of those are listed out for
012you as well as attachments of the original uh copies we'll put on for your review as well. And then uh the last one is I have uh declaring transportation deemed impractical. Um at the end of the uh fiscal year June uh June 27th meeting uh the board approved a number of um uh students as transportation deemed impractical. Uh these are new uh enrolles or new uh uh students who have uh reached out for uh transportation. Uh per the law if they're attending a school that we've already deemed impractical uh we deem them impractical as well and they receive a payment in transportation. So again, those are uh the three that I have listed there for your consideration. Um if it so pleases the board, uh I'm happy to combine all three of them uh into
013one vote. Uh but as always, uh please let me know if you have any questions. >> Is there a motion to approve treasurer's recommendations 5 A, B, and C? >> So moved. >> Second, >> discussion. Roll call. >> Pukan, >> yes. Bazinski. >> Yes. >> Craft. >> Yes. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you, >> Dr. Gagan. We're going to move on to superintendent recommendation. >> Sounds good. Um, in my recommendations this evening, I did them together in themes uh for us to go through. Uh 6A is are the handbooks. Um I would when we have our discussion like to talk about cell phone policy a little bit since um we have new legislation that impacts that. And then 6B are some contracts that I am recommending. 6 C are some employment positions
014at link. Um 6D is uh some classified hiring. 6E through G are going to be some recommendations for hires in the athletic department. And then H through J um are going to be kind of like getting ready for our school year with activities, clubs, um department chairs, team leaders, uh extended days. Um 6K through L are ESY hires. That's extended school year. And letter M is uh resolution to uh approve the employment of classified substitutes for this upcoming school year. And then N and O are uh resolutions to amend uh previous items that were approved by the board. So we don't have donations. We typically do those on on their own, but we do not have those for this month. So, what I would like to do or recommend is that 6A be a standalone.
015So, we could talk about um uh the handbooks, but in regard to B through O, uh but please the board combine those for one motion. >> And as we take on uh do you want to address cell phones now or do you want to wait for discuss? New discussion just Yeah. Yeah. We do. Very discussion. >> Is there a motion to approve superintendent's recommendation 6A, the resolution to approve the 2025 through 2026 student parents? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I just I just had a quick question. Um, and looking through the different TAN books, I noticed that this each of the different uh schools, their leadership was listed on the cover page, uh, except for the preschool and LBMS. Um, probably want to keep it uniformally. >> Sure. >> And had them
016listed also, especially since we got, uh, Mrs. Mka now leading us at LBMS. >> Since we have what did you? >> Mrs. Matka is now the leader of LBMS. >> Okay, cool. So, in in regard to cell phones to to jump on that situation, as you may be aware, um in the budget bill that was just passed, they included a cell phone ban. And um while it's a a cell phone ban with asterisks, you know, there are uh different um uh times that we can allow cell phones and and that sort of thing as well. What's going to be a little unique is we just received the updated policy based on because you know the the budget bill passed the very end of June, right Todd? As you were taking a drink. So >> yeah,
017so it's really less than a month old, >> right? >> And um so we're just catching up policy-wise. So, we're actually going to um request a vote on handbooks that's going to have a cell phone policy that's based on a board policy that we haven't passed yet. So, the the the board usually we do it the other way around is we pass the board policy and then uh approve our handbooks afterwards. Um the current policy in which we're looking to adopt is not too far off of uh what we currently do. Um in grades let's call let's even add PK. So in in PK through six students are actually not supposed to have their cell phones out at all. All right? It really should they should not be out at all. And in fact, uh,
018as we put in the upcoming policy, they should be in a locker or cubby. If you're in the elementary school and you do have a cell phone, we we do have elementary students who have cell phones. So, if you're in the elementary school and you have a cell phone, they should be inside your cubby. If you're in the intermediate school and you have a cell phone, they should be in your locker. They should be secured. We also have that policy in grades seven and eight. However, we kept we're going to keep um a little door open for the use of cell phones in middle school because we do have uh class like app creators. you know, we may have an appropriate a class where the teacher can request of the principal um to allow cell
019phones for a particular lesson or unit or something that's appropriate. So, that's where it's going to be a little bit different as they go up. And then grades 9 through 12, um the we do allow the unstructured time whether it's uh passing in the halls or the lunchroom. So grades PK through six will be carrying the same cell phone policy where you really shouldn't have them at all. Um because we also do the onetoone with Chromebooks. So the Chromebooks are a part of that where they can do most of their work with that. We found in the middle school there may be some courses that the teacher would require um or not require because not every kid has one but um would allow a student to utilize uh a phone but it would have to
020be on principal request or principal permission and then the high school's a little bit different in that. So just that that's why I wanted to point out in these handbooks um that's what's spelled out. You've had a chance to look at them but just so you know that the policy will be following. We got to go through policy committee and the two reads but the two are a lot >> when you think about say K through six cell phone discipline uh I'm not aware of a lot of issues I would expect if we had any issues and people the older grades the later grades have we have we had issues five >> yes well and and so what happens is so 56 is usually that 56 when you get to the intermediate school it's different
021than elementary school. You're using lockers, you're you're putting your combination in. You're going from class to class instead of having most of the time one teacher. And so a lot of times the intermediate school is like new territory. So they they do try and be very clear about what the parameters are, what the consequences are, and they try and lay it out that way. >> So, but you do have problems with it. And and I think uh uh I again this is something that I I um we have a pretty stringent policy in place but now to add a little bit of a layer on top of it we'll see how that goes. >> So I thought I heard that the state is not going to enforce it maybe till 26 possibly 27th. >> Well
022so that's that's a no. So that kind of and and I think that's a really good point because >> I know they policy about now. >> Yeah. Well, but here's so here's the choice I think schools have is I don't believe the policy has to be in place and enforced until till January 1st. >> Yes. So J in place on January 1st and then that led to the conversation in reviewing what we currently have in our policy and then the amount of a shift it would take to en enact a new policy or to revise it to be compliant. It wasn't a huge leap. And one of the things that um when you talk to building level folks, teachers and those setting those routines, I think it's it would be a nightmare to start the
023year with one cell phone policy, go through half of the year and then say we're going to do another one now. And and so our as we reviewed it, um because then what do you do with your handbooks? you change those mid year too and and so it like I said as we reviewed it didn't see a huge leap you know we're not doing the thing there there's some that do the pouches and you have to put it in in in something like that that's not something that we're we're getting into um so that's why so you're right I mean you don't not until January 26 but we thought procedurally it would be better to just start the year with the policy and and not have to shift midy year >> can you give some
024examples of all of these exceptions. >> Yeah. So, and when we actually looked this up where in the high school, so the the core behind it is um instruction during class instruction time. So, um we had a class at the high school that we had to look up to see if we offered anymore that was um like iPhone photography or or some what was it called? Something similar to that. >> Okay. And so you're offering a course on iPhone photography and >> heavier. >> Yeah. And and so uh doing something like that, you can have something in computer science uh with Shantae where there may be a block or a lesson where they'll need it during instructional time. Um there's and and this is non-instructional but things we had to think through is in the
025high school uh voting like a lot of times they do uh homecoming week votes and they're using QR codes, right? You know, so you're in the cafeteria and they're like, you know, vote for this person for homecoming king or homecoming queen or buy your dance tickets using this QR code. And so, um, there's there's times where you do now you can send a link through the email and do it through your Chromebook and and those sorts of things. But >> how are you going to inform the students? >> Yes. And parents in the event that they aren't aware of what's been going on in Columbus with the budget bill and what we've been discussing with the last circle. Well, we we're talking about uh we are adding components of this to behind the W to
026actually share with the entire community. Um but we would be communicating through uh the principles on the building level to make sure that those um uh adjustments are clear. Now again, you know, in the elementary school and and even the intermediate school, I don't think they're going to see a a huge difference um in there because, you know, and and even the middle school, they're not permitted. The high school is the only place where hallway and cafeteria um they can really utilize those. And then I think the other part is also going to be with the staff to make sure it's consistently enforced. and and that's going to be the other part as well. >> Other thoughts, comments for Dr. Guy. >> Did I miss anything? I got Paul and Amanda here? >> Oops. outside
027of things like that. >> Well, now but there's also medical conditions like you you have I think a a good example would be a diabetic, >> you know, where um uh like some there's some monitoring that you can do or you need to do by utilizing that and we would need to have parents communicate with us and like our our clinics will know that as well. So those are obviously carved out and and in the legislation that is discussed addressed. Thank you. >> Other thoughts or comments? >> Roll calls. >> Pukan. >> Yes. >> Wasinski. >> Yes. >> Raft. >> Yes. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> I move to approve superintendent recommendations 6B through 6 O. Is there a second? >> Second discussion. >> Take your time. I know there's a lot
028there. There might be something that you want to >> That's why I broke them up to to that question about link hiring or any of the supplementals, right? Anything on 6B through code? >> If not, I'll ask for roll call. >> Craft, >> yes. >> Benukin, >> yes. >> Lamb, >> yes. >> Winski, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> At this time, we have a second hearing of the public. Public may address the board during the periods of meeting designated public participation. We the board of education do not engage in public debate. Especially do not have public discussion about individual student situations. In this session, each person addressing the board shall give their name and address. If several people wish to speak, each person allotted three minutes until the total time allotted is used. During
029that period, no person may speak twice until all desire to speak and have the opportunity to do so. Period of public participation may be extended by a vote of the majority board president voting. Does anyone wish to address the board at this time? See none, I'm going to move on. Board comments. Albert. >> So, um I kind of spent the last uh 10 days out of the country and it was amazing being in Italy and seeing all of the artwork >> and I haven't talked to that guy about this, but I'd love to be able to see our students doing more artwork within our schools, especially the high school has a lot of just white walls. I don't know if there's an opportunity there where we can get kids involved in um something some sort
030of artwork less like schools related. >> Is that something you saw like or or >> Well, I mean >> was there inspiration there that like to point to? Well, I mean, just all over the city of Rome for, you know, just walking down the street, you just see artwork everywhere. And then, uh, you go to visit these museums, everything. It's just amazing. And I don't know if there's an opportunity there to work with our art classes to do something. So, >> you noticed at the art festival, they had artwork by kids and those little plaques periodically spaced. >> It was very nice. >> Oh, yeah. the art wall as going going from the element to the library. >> So that was nice the way it was displayed. So >> just a thought that I had
031while I was there. >> Yeah, >> you know. So, speaking of the artfest, um I did have uh a a parent approach me and we had a conversation um about she was wondering if we would be open to revisiting the school calendar um in regard to uh starting a little earlier and ending a little earlier. Uh last year was a year where we stayed in session later um than other communities and she pointed out um uh some camps, some internship opportunities and different types of things that started earlier. Um and so that was brought up and it's something that I would I want to open up at some point talk about as we go through the year. Now you could say, "Yeah, that sounds great. You know, let's start a little bit earlier." But then
032for one summer, it shortens the summer a little bit by um a few days. And so we'd have to be uh make sure we we understand that component of it. But um you know, just something that was brought up and we did hear a good amount of it. And but a lot of times you'll hear if um a lot of times you'll hear at the end of the year if you're longer it's frustrating but then at the end of summer they're like, "Oh, I'm glad I have a little bit more time." But the other things we heard is that you have activities that start in early August. Um especially on the high school level. Um, and like I said, there's uh at the end of the school year, are we cutting into internships and uh
033camps and and different types of things like that? So, um, typically we like to do calendars two years in advance. Um, but I don't know uh your thoughts on revisiting and having some conversations with staff and families on this year's this upcoming next year's calendar, not this one. I think about board discussion that we had been as recent as the last board meeting uh where we talk about starting earlier starting later that there seems to be that as you mentioned I think that push in that pull uh when we adjust that calendar once we have a calendar situation in place especially for two years allows them to pay and do you have any more specifics that you would add to the calendar conversation >> no I mean not not really specific specific, but I think
034it but it has been interesting where um and Barb and I have talked about this because like in 2018 >> there was legislation introduced to have all Ohio schools start >> after Labor Day Labor Day, >> right? Because there was a big backlash from families because they felt um schools were starting earlier earlier in August and cutting more to to summer. And I feel like we've come 180 or you know we we've come to the other >> right >> uh side of it where um folks are like well no we'd rather be out earlier than um than later and than to be able to do something like that. So, it's just interesting where the conversation started one way where there was huge backlash for um starting too early in the summer and and then you
035know now it's reversed. >> Well, you have your calendar committee uh what's there? >> I haven't brought that. We haven't had it. I mean, when when we start the school year, it's something that I I would intend to bring, but I don't know if it's something I'm just kind of introducing it to let you know that that conversations may be starting. So, start thinking about it. >> It's great to have this a type conversation like this publicly to get some feedback, >> right? And I would encourage you to always have the two-year one. Yeah, that that helps a lot. So it may be something that if we do consider it, it's not on next year's calendar, but maybe the year after >> that might be best just to give people the lead time to understand
036what's going on and the, you know, the perceived shorter summer, >> right? Yeah. People plan a vacation sometimes out. >> And did you hear from a lot of parents or was there just this one? No, no. We I I had a few parents at the end of the year and this uh uh a parent I spoke with um indicated that it was a larger conversation and she'd be happy to come in and and talk if we wanted to. But I'd also like to get the feedback, bring it to staff and say, "Are you hearing this? Did you hear this at the end of the year?" And and to be able to look at that as well. >> And there was some heartburn. There was some heartburn at the end of the year in regard to
037to being >> because all the other schools were out. We had three more days. So it was always going to be grumbling but but then we started later too that some of them >> right. >> So there's that. >> I had a number of people ask me about it too. Yeah. Just you know I don't think it's one person. >> How are we still in you know school and brother? >> So >> and we're talking days every month. >> Uh week >> probably a week >> week to 10 days maybe. There were some, you know, situations like that where hearing from like we're, you know, I had people that I work with that have kids in the district that are questioning why are we still in school, everyone else is housed, so on and so
038forth. >> Any other board comments? Um, one thing that I wanted to bring up real quick was that, uh, over the summertime, um, we were fortunate enough to have, uh, um, a former student dressed in the demon costume for us for the 4th of July. Um, but in addition to that, while taking the costume back to the high school, um, I was able to speak with a member of the custodial staff that assisted me with getting the costume into Mr. Wood's office so that it got returned properly. But, uh, it opened up a conversation where, uh, she was extremely grateful about, uh, the fact that the board increased the, uh, pay for summertime help. And in fact, the gentleman that wore the costume for us, Cooper, is was actually a staff member was helping out
039in the high school cleaning it up over the course of the summer. And I I bring this up um, in addition to this morning, I dropped my son off at LBMS. Uh, football has begun. And uh as I was dropping him off, I noticed that there were a number of staff members out uh cleaning mats and such. And Mr. House was there too. And um it was great to see uh you know kids uh you know that were being employed by the district and the schools prepared. And um I know that Mr. House also appreciated the the fact that we did raise the pay on that so that we could uh have a I think what did you say we had a full staff of uh students cleaning up. at least four in it. >>
040So, which is great to help uh you know, help us uh make sure the schools are all prepared for the upcoming um school year. So, I wanted to make sure to pass along those two things uh to the rest of the board. >> Other board comments, >> Mr. Hopkins, if I'm missing something, you let me know, but I I would like to move to a journ to executive session. executive session. This the board has a private meeting to discuss the approval removal or motion to motion of an employee and many times a student situation. Uh is there a second >> second >> discussion? Welcome >> to adjourn into executive session to discuss the appointment employment dismissal discipline promotion demotion or compensation of an employee or official uh at 6:35 p.m. >> Yes. Lynn, >> yes.
041>> Wasinski, >> yes. >> And >> yes. >> Motion carries. You are in executive session. >> And thank you.