001Well, good evening and welcome to the June 25th, 2026 Fairfield City School District Board of Education meeting. Mr. Phillips, would you call roll, please? >> Yes, Mrs. Birding Miller. >> Present. >> Mr. Clark. >> Present. >> Mr. Klein. Mr. McDonald. >> Present. >> Mr. Napier. >> Here. >> All right. Abby, would you mind leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance? >> I absolutely would be honored. >> Will you all stand? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Ms. Birding Miller. Uh communications, uh this is a portion of the meeting where we are we where you are invited as community to share your thoughts with the board in
002order for the board to fulfill its obligations to complete the planned agenda in effective and efficient fashion. A majority of 30 minutes of public participation may be permitted at each meeting. Uh please note that that's a set time and it'll be set aside for the board to listen to you. Your comments are valued and we will take into careful consideration. The board will not engage in dialogue at this time. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes each and we have no one that signed up today, so we'll move on. Um superintendent's recommendations, Mr. Smith. >> Yes, thank you, Mr. Clark. This time, Mr. Hustle will be covering the items listed under personnel, professional, and personnel support. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clark, members of the board, I have three items for your consideration this evening
003under personnel, professional. Number one, resignation letter A. Number two, employment letters A through G. Number three, correction letter A. Before I conclude, I would like to introduce our recommended candidate for the new assistant principal role at North Elementary School, Ms. Marisol Rosser. So, she is here with her family. So, welcome. Want to introduce you to the board here. She comes to us from Texas. Marisol has an extensive and diverse background in education working with bilingual students and students with disabilities. She has experience as an assistant principal in the state of Texas. She's licensed in both Texas and Ohio. Neat fact, her husband and father-in-law are both North Elementary alumni themselves. So, a great thing there. Fluency in Spanish, commitment to equity, data-driven, and student-centered leadership are some qualities that really complement her. She is the
004we feel the ideal candidate as the next AP at North Elementary School. So, >> Sounds great. Yeah. We'll take a vote on that and then we'll surely congratulate. >> That concludes all the items I have under personnel. >> Professional. >> May I have a motion to accept these recommendations, please? >> a motion. [clears throat] >> Second. >> Mr. Napier, Ms. Bernie Miller. Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr. Napier. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bernie Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein. Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> All right. Well, welcome aboard. We're glad you're here. Thanks for coming tonight. Family, thanks for supporting and we're really excited for you to be on the team. Thanks for coming back to to Fairfield and North alumni, I guess, right? Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah.
005>> It's all right. >> [laughter] >> Keeping the family. Yeah. Welcome. Thank you so much. We're happy to have you. >> Mr. Clark, members of the board, I have four items for your consideration this evening under personnel support. Number one, resignations, letters A through F. Number two, unpaid leaves of absence, letters A and B. Number three, employment, letters A through D. Number four, promotion, letter A. That concludes all the items I have for your consideration under personnel support. >> Okay. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> Make motion. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Second. >> Mr. Napier? >> Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes. >> Mr. Napier? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Birding Miller? >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark? >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein? >> Mr. Clark and members of the board, we
006do have several items for board discussion this evening. Our first item is in regard to some board policies. This time, I'll turn it over to Mrs. Howard. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clark members of the board, I have four pieces of policy for discussion this evening. These policies match what I sent you last week to review and they're also in your board packet for you. First up, letter A, policy JHCD and the regulation that goes along with that, administering medications to students. This was revised due to House Bill 462 and it's updated to refer to epinephrine delivery systems rather than auto injectors or EpiPen. Letter B, policy DJH, credit cards is updated to provide language addressing a recently released memo by the auditor of state. Specifically, language added was added regarding the credit card
007convenience fees and that those are okay for the district to pay if needed. This is not a change in practice for us. This is just a recommendation by the AOS to formalize it in our policy. And then letter C, policy GCPA, administrator reduction in force. Just a slight revision there to provide more clarity, but again, no change to our current practices. So, pending any questions that you may have, you'll be asked to approve these revised policies at our next board meeting on July [clears throat] 16th. >> Thank you. All right, hearing none. Our next item for discussion is in regard to 2026-2027 special services staffing. This time, I'll turn it over to Mr. Russell. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clark members of the board, due to the projected special education enrollment for the 2026-2027
008school year, the district will need to add two additional intervention specialist positions. >> [clears throat] >> One of those will be assigned at West Elementary, the other will be assigned at North Elementary. These additional positions are required by the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children to meet mandated staff-to-student ratios. Any questions I can answer for you? Thank you. That's all I have. >> All right, our next item is [clears throat] in regard to Board of Education presentations for the '26-'27 school year. I know that may seem strange because we are still in June, but in order to start creating that schedule, giving our presenters time to prepare appropriately, it's a good time to start having those discussions. If you look in your folder this evening, I have given provide you a last year's
009schedule so you're familiar with the topics presented last year. Many of the presentations given are on the calendar each year. Examples include school spotlights with some of our schools, open enrollment, state report cards, state of the district, five-year forecasting, etc. So generally, we we usually add about three to four new presentations to the calendar based on the conversation that you will have this evening. So this evening, each of you will throw out some potential suggestions for presentations, and as you that make those suggestions, Mrs. Hower will record those over there on some chart paper, and then once you've completed that process, each of you have three dots. You'll take each of your dots and place them on those presentations that you have preference for, and then I will then take a look at that data
010after the fact and and try to incorporate the ones that are most popular with you throughout the course of the school year. Generally, we start those in August, usually the second board meeting in August. However, this year, just the way the calendar is this year, and you can credit Mrs. Hour for that. She's >> Best calendar ever. It It is a little later in August than last year. I think a lot of people were happy with that. Again, that happens that way sometimes. We're thankful for that. But, as a result, we may or may not start in August. A lot of our people are gearing up and getting ready to launch a new school year. So, depending on >> [clears throat] >> how the production of that schedule goes, it will either be the second
011meeting in August or the first one in September. So, at this time, I'll turn it over to the board so that you can start tossing out some suggestions for potential presentations for next school year. >> Just to clarify, Mr. Smith, >> [clears throat] >> the ones that are on these list will automatically >> Yeah, typically, unless the board says, "Hey, uh you know, we hear about open enrollment every year. I think we can take that off the list." We generally have been operating as if those examples that I gave are on the list every year. Open enrollment, for example, even though we present about it every single year, is still one of the most misunderstood programs in our community. So, that's why we keep that on there. >> Yes. >> I think the board also
012has consistently shown an interest in, >> [clears throat] >> you know, a state report card update and an analysis as well. So, yeah, unless the board has other thoughts, I would just assume we would want to keep those certain presentations on the calendar and then look for maybe three or four more that we can squeeze in. In addition to the school spotlights, we do try to keep it at one presentation per meeting for the year. So, sometimes we can't do that or sometimes uh this is another thing I like about a new school year. Sometimes things come up and it becomes necessary to have a presentation we didn't think about and and if that's is necessary, we do that. >> And we we love that as well. The more information we get to see, the
013better. Although we don't want to drag a meeting out, but we enjoy the good things going on. So, okay. Well, thank you for clarifying that. I just want to make sure those that are on there were pretty much um uh staples to be there and that that's good as that's a great list. >> don't need to waste one of your suggestions. Some of those are you one of your thoughts. >> The health one was one of them. >> So to speak, yes. >> I'll say the health center is not actually every year, correct? That >> It is not. It used to be. >> year. >> That was one we used to have on every year and then at some point the board said, you know, we keep seeing good data on the health center every
014year after year. Let's take that off and then we went a couple years without that presentation. The board said, "Hey, it's been a while. Let's hear about the health center and how it's doing." >> Yeah, good. Okay. >> Do we happen to have a like a a picture cuz I was trying to look for my phone I couldn't find one of the suggestions from last year that we did not select? I know we talked about last year making that list for this year and I appreciate you providing this so we know what presentations we had this year. But do we have a picture of what last year we suggested? >> We do not have that this evening, no. >> I will take a picture for next year and I'll send it to the board so
015we have it for next year. >> Perfect. Great. Okay. Anyone Any board members have a suggestion of something? >> I'm going to go ahead and steal steal Scott's thunder and suggest the Hope Squad. It's always a great presentation and a real joy to hear about the students and how they're connecting with students of the of their peers and lower or younger not lower. >> All right, that was Go ahead and >> Also with Scott. So, the one I had mentioned to you, I think that would be like a great accompaniment to that versus two different presentations. That >> Yeah, I think that would be two different. Yeah, and so I think one year we kind of maybe had like a a larger topic of mental health services and supports. And so we could combine some
016of those things into, you know, a Hope Squad if the board chooses. If you want Hope Squad by itself, you want to hear about that. Or if you want to make that into a larger topic, mental health services and supports, including the Hope Squad, we can do that as well. So >> So, Mr. McDonald, what was your thought or suggestion? Possible? [clears throat] >> Uh so Uh he senior this year, but Braden Heckler, he worked with our athletic trainers to put on the mental health awareness games where they recognized teammates of the game and they had mental health providers. And they did it at every home game for every sport. And the Purple Monkey Project recognized the teammate of the game, so I got to attend quite a few of those. And I just think
017it's a great cause. He also did, and I can't remember, I think they were every week. And they got so big they had to move them out of the lobby there into a bigger space with students coming in. I think it was like first bell of the day, 8:00 to just talk about mental health and uh specifically athletes. So just a lot of good work going on there. >> So, you got to end up there? Uh how about Mr. As you finish, Mr. McDonald? >> I I have a couple more just thoughts. I don't know. And and I think, you know, in the time we're in and some of this uh could be timing. Um we can talk about that later, but just kind of the state of athletics and our arts programs. Um, I
018think sometimes it gets lost how many students actually participate in these things um, because you know, you kind of you're in your bubble or you know, it's like, "Oh, I know how many people do this." But how many of our students are impacted by our extracurricular activities? Um, I think just kind of a state, you know, and that could be Mr. Blankenship from our athletic standpoint, could be Ms. Wilhelm, you know, just talking about the arts in general, but yeah, I I think that would be really nice. >> Okay. I know some of us touched on the state of the school, but it could be a a separate presentation for sure. Okay. My turn. Do you have anything else, Mr. McDonald? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Uh, I'd like [clears throat] to do something on
019the fishing trip if possible. Maybe have after the trip in May, some of the students come in and talk about how they enjoyed it and everything. Um, just a thought I had. >> Yeah, that's a good one. Anything else pop up? >> No, I was going to go with the sports and music like Kevin has a lot of our students are involved in that. >> Yep. How about um, Mr. Moberg's project? This be his third year I think doing it, culinary apprenticeship? >> Yeah, pre-apprenticeship. >> Um, I was trying to see if it was on the Oh, it is on there. Ryan Bellamy. >> Yeah. >> Well, we had that last year, but it has continued to grow. >> Yeah. >> And and actually I have asked uh, Joe and to to work more closely
020uh, with our curriculum department to try to expand that some of that programming down into the lower levels so that we could start at an earlier age, specifically um, middle school and freshman. >> Yeah. >> Um so, uh that was just something I um proposed to them at the end of this past school year. So, um I I think so much is that that program has continued to evolve and grow. And so, I think it you know, that you wouldn't necessarily be getting the same presentation. I think there's more to share. >> Yeah, agreed. >> Yeah, larger impact than what they're than what you heard a year ago. >> And one one more, Scott. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh I like to see something with our security guards at the high school freshman and middle
021schools. Presentation. >> SROs? >> No. >> Security guards, not not SROs, but uh like Randy Johnson and like I used to do and the other people. Uh maybe presentation on that, how they work, cuz they really work with students more than they even know. So. >> Anything else, Mr. McDonald? >> Nope, we're good. >> Uh something along the pre-apprenticeship and um kind of out there, but something we don't really traditionally talk about [clears throat] is maybe some of the um uh the cause and effects of the Butler Tech courses that we have at our actual schools. And I know that there's talks of future stuff coming to the high school for programs that students can take in in-house here, so they don't have to go to Butler Tech to take those courses. And then I
022always enjoy the like um pre-college uh pre-SAT, the kind of programs and stuff we have to assist students to prepare for college and stuff like that, cuz we have a lot of like the career tech and the um the pre-apprenticeship stuff that doesn't involve college, but what about some of the programs we do to help assist students prepare them for college? >> Sorry, I'm a lefty. It's hard to do this. >> No, you're doing great. [laughter] Thank you so much. >> It's really level, and I think that's amazing. >> It's my elementary teacher days. >> [laughter] >> Anyone else? I think it's a it's a pretty good list. I love the mental health piece. I love the athlete and uh um arts uh title as well. The fishing, there's there's some really good titles up
023there. >> Transportation's kind of a solid, tried and true, right? We don't need to put that up on the list cuz I think that's always a great update to have. >> from March. >> I I know, but >> Well, from last year. So, if you want another transportation update of some kind, uh I think you know, that's not one that we typically do every year. >> No. >> So, if that's something you're interested in hearing more about, then you would want to add that to the list. Otherwise, it's not necessarily going to make the list. >> Okay, I misunderstood. I thought you meant everything that was on this list would be approved. >> That was last year's schedule, right? >> And most of these, but three or four of them are ones we picked. I
024think health center, transportation, and I'm going to guess the Butler County succession liaison program. >> program. That was a >> one that we decided to add last year. >> Yeah, that was a special one. I'm going to pull that list up now. So, student health center, um transportation liaison program, those are the those are the three that made it in last year in addition to the school spotlights and the regulars. So, about three usually. So, you got some tough choices to make up there. >> Yeah. >> Some really good ones. >> Anyone else? Anything else? >> No, Sherry took down the other page. >> She consolidated. >> I have [clears throat] that so I don't want to add any more. I don't want >> Oh, if you have more, I can bring them down. >>
025It's not It's not It's not too far gone. >> [laughter] >> It's quite all right. We have great choices already and I'll take a picture and uh we'll have some more for next year we can add back to the list. >> I got one possible. Um We have like you, but you're a banker, right? Someone come and explain I guess it'd be better to do it to the students than us. Explain how to do a checkbook, explain how to do stock market, how to do this and that. >> That would be >> But that wouldn't be us. That'd be >> Yeah, curriculum. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I believe we actually do have a financial class now that is as class they can take as a math math credit in high school. >>
026How to make change? >> They have that. Yeah, how to make change, how to do >> Not with pennies. >> checkbooks and stuff like that. >> Not with pennies, though. >> No more pennies. >> Not with pennies. >> A A potential presentation on that topic would be financial literacy education and what that looks like and we actually we have done that. We didn't do it last year. Maybe two or three years ago is the last time we did it, but it's certainly an option. >> Bring the paper back, Mr. >> I think I think Mike just wanted you to come do a presentation for all of us. >> I'm not No, no, no. You can give me a >> [laughter] >> No, it would not be me. >> Just teach them how mortgages work. I
027have one. I still don't think I know how it works. >> And just cross that off cuz I really don't know. >> Yeah. >> So that we don't put the sticker on it twice. >> Right. So we have accurate data. >> Yeah. Waste a dot. You really like that. Anything else? >> That's it. >> All right. Y'all want to grab your stickers and put your three up there? >> red. >> And and we could probably, just to make your choices easier, we we could probably put mental health supports and Hope Squad together. >> Yeah. >> Um that would probably a very large, you know, a significant presentations uh >> It's kind of connect the >> just because we do just have a lot of mental health supports. >> Yeah. >> But I think we can
028combine that. That makes it easier for you to make choices. >> Yeah. >> All right. Michael, you want to start the dot sticks? Sticking the dots up. >> I've never done this before, but I'll go. I just put one dot like every different thing. >> Yep. You can put one dot by your top three. Whatever you want to put the dot Special Ed, put a dot there, and then you got two more. >> Your dots are you good? >> If you really want to put all three of your dots on the one, I guess you can put them all in one basket. Is this fishing trip? How about that? That's pretty good. >> Can I have the other one cuz I want to hear all she has to do? I know it's one thing to
029say it. >> [laughter] >> At least I can do you a favor, right? Yeah. What did you guys >> They're both reds. I don't know whose who. No. I said I know. >> Mine are on the right. >> Yeah, that's that's >> [laughter] >> I want to be special. >> It's like Kevin, you don't have to leave. They weren't that bad. >> I think my house is going to blow up. >> Made pretty easy. >> All right. All right. >> Well, let me get my picture. >> Yep, take your picture. Very good. All right, thank you so much. Thank you board members for your participation and thoughts and ideas. >> And dots. Your dots and ideas. >> Dots and ideas. >> All right. Our uh next item for board discussion uh relates to the school
030and community relations director position. As the board is aware, uh Gina Gentry Fletcher has retired just in fact 2 days ago. It was her last day, June 23rd. And after uh much consideration, we've made the decision not to fill that position at this time given our current financial situation. Uh however, we do recognize that that role has uh been an important part of our district's work and communication and community engagement. Uh moving forward, the responsibilities of that position will be shared among members of our district leadership team along with support uh from several staff members at the administrative office. Together, we will focus on maintaining the most essential functions of that role and continuing to serve our families and community as effectively as possible. With that said, I do want to acknowledge that our approach
031will look different with multiple individuals supporting various aspects of that work. There may be some changes in how communication and engagement efforts are carried out. We appreciate our community's understanding and partnership as we move forward in this model and we are already experiencing that at a very high level. Just I mean just even as she began to transition out, we've spent lots of time trying to figure out who's going to do what and making sure we do it as effectively as possible, but I I think it's again in full transparency. Want everyone to know that we we don't have a dedicated person for that position. And so it it will not be the same as it always has been and that is one of the sacrifices that we have many sacrifices that we were we
032are having to make. Any any questions or comments on that? >> Are you going to try to get our meetings back on Facebook like they were before? >> Um >> I don't think they ever were. But no >> Yeah, there may have been a link to a meeting. I think what we're planning on doing >> They they were on Facebook. You could click on it and watch it. >> Yeah, I think what we are transitioning to YouTube channel is what we're doing. We've been working with our technology department on that. >> Okay. We are also just as a side note since we're talking about it. >> Um we are launching a new website uh on July 1. Uh there's a lot of work going into that, but again, uh that is going to be different.
033And um everything will be different in terms of from a public relations standpoint. Again, we're all going to work together and we're our we have already spent lots of hours, you know, um talking about how we're going to do that strategically and do it as effectively as possible. But it But it will be different. >> Your link You You are a link is not changing, just the look of the website, correct? >> Correct. Yes, it'll be totally redesigned. Yes. >> So, Mr. Napier, were you talking about a like a live version? >> Yes. >> Is that through COVID only? >> No, it's been since I've since I've had >> really had a a live version. It's always been posted after the fact. >> been Oh, no, it wasn't live while we're here, 2 or 3
034days later. >> Yeah, it's on the website. >> On Facebook. Click on it and different parts of It didn't show the whole meeting in a row. It's like board member comments here and presentations. You could click on it and watch like a a minute or 2 minutes. >> The YouTube channel has been created. It is now live on our website and we did a soft opening of the new platform today. >> Okay. >> So, you'll be able You can get on there and see that. >> And I do know from the website you can It has those segmented >> Mhm. >> items like you're talking about, too, so. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, we we will always And again, just we want to make sure our community has accessible access and I mean, even
035Jay and I were talking uh this evening and sharing with our guests from the media tonight that probably next week he and I will probably do a video to recap the conversation from this evening uh because we know that not everyone tunes in to to board meetings. And so, again, that's another example of I was trying to make sure we get our messaging out. So, we'll continue to do that. >> I think it should be noted, too, that from the high-level admin for the district that we're not filling a role for the communication piece, that we're sacrificing, as you said, another another position for retirement, and we hope she's enjoying that 2-day retirement already. But, that from the from the high level of admin that we're making cuts there or sustaining a cut. >> No,
036and I I appreciate you bringing that up, and and we don't advertise. You know, for example, um many people don't know that we haven't had a full-time custodian in our office since December. And so, we do have some help with some maintenance staff that come over, but all of us are responsible for taking out our own trash and all of our own offices. We are responsible if we want our offices to be vacuumed. We have been doing that since since since December. >> Yeah. >> And that is all part of cost savings reduction. We also are now effective July 1, we will not have the same person. We That job was split. The receptionist at our our district office, that those positions have been eliminated, and now so our current staff is on a rotation
037taking turns. So, people are being pulled away from their their daily jobs to go fill that role. Again, that's not something that we openly advertise, but since you brought it up, our our office our administrative offices are in the same boat as everyone else. We're sacrificing and being impacted just as everyone else is. >> Thank you for that additional information because it goes if the leadership's willing to take out the garbage, that's It's the example I would use as a leader in my, you know, secular job is I'm willing to take out the garbage, wash windows. If I can do it, you can too. And I think that sets a good precedence and a strong message that we're all in this together. >> Yeah, absolutely. Well, uh before I turn it over to um our
038next item for board discussion is regard to a potential ballot issue uh in November. Before I turn it over to Mr. Phillips to review some of those potential option, I I'd like to take just a few minutes to provide a brief recap and and share some context as as we begin to have those conversations. We we have some updated numbers as we have uh finished up the new school year and and as we move forward, we undoubtedly continue to hear conversations about quote unquote tightening our belts. Uh and I will say that if you if you are on social media and you see articles about other districts and I know there's a big article that I've seen multiple times just this week alone that and I I believe it's that 20% of school districts in
039Ohio are going to have a negative cash balance by the year 2029. And and a lot of times if you you hear the narrative of well, they need to tighten their belts and and things like that. And so, I think it's a it's another opportunity as we as we start to engage in these conversations to share some factual information. And and I think most people are are going to be surprised by these um updated numbers. Uh the fact that we are that work has been ongoing for us for several years. I'm not even going to go back to 2009 through 2012 and I believe there was 140 positions were eliminated. I I'm going to focus specifically uh on the number of positions that have been reduced since the 22-23 school year and that number is
040significant having completed this past year. We are now over 80 positions have been eliminated in Fairfield City Schools since 22-23. So, over 80 positions. There are a few clear examples of the steps that we have already taken to manage our expenses. In the interest of transparency, I will note that we have added some positions during that time. However, the overwhelming majority of those additions were required to meet state mandated caseload and staffing as evidenced by what Mr. Hustle shared this evening. Those are two examples. We are mandated. We don't have a choice. And of the additions that have been made, the overwhelming majority of those additions were were just those, the kinds that that he mentioned tonight. Beyond staffing, we consistently look for ways to be physically responsible. For example, in our last meeting, we
041we discussed the fact that we haven't purchased the recommended number of buses that are needed to properly maintain our fleet. That's an intentional decision to reduce expenditures. We've delayed capital improvement projects focusing instead primarily on those necessary to keep our students safe, warm, and dry. We've used I've used that phrase repeatedly over time. And lastly, another common narrative we hear, not just we, but school districts facing these challenges or you know, the narrative that schools are too top-heavy with administrators. That's simply not true here. Our administrative team makes up approximately 4 and 1/2% of our total workforce. 4 and 1/2% for a district that serves nearly 10,000 students. I believe that speaks volumes about how lean our leadership structure truly is. And how And as we've shared tonight, we've made difficult reductions across our organization
042over the past 3 years and and our administrative staffing reflects that same commitment to fiscal responsibility that has guided every decision we've made. The point I want to emphasize is we we do have a strong record of being careful stewards of taxpayer dollars while working to protect the core of teaching and learning for our students. We We talked about that through this last round, just trying to protect teaching and learning as much as possible. However, again, full transparency, um those reductions that we have had to make, uh they those those things are already making an impact. As staffing de- decreases, class sizes, for example, we are going to see those class sizes increase. The level of support, I know Kevin talked about it that in one way or another means. One of his questions is
043or was, you know, what does this mean for the level of support? That means people are going to be doing more, right? And and just a few of the examples I gave earlier, while while our staff is not working directly with students, they are working indirectly to impact teaching and learning, right? But inside of these buildings where reductions are being made, those reductions or those reductions are having a direct impact on teaching and learning and the support services that we we provide to our kids. And it And it's not just teachers and administrators, it's bus drivers and office staff, maintenance personnel, others who contribute to their daily experience. I remember we had a presentation about SROs several years ago. And and most people they think about SROs and they think about SROs are there for
044law and order and uh and things that just that that's the mindset they have about our SROs. If you if you go into one of our buildings and you see our SROs interact with kids on a daily basis, it's not necessarily about law and order. It's another human being that they [clears throat] can build a relationship with. And we have had kids and and Mike talked about security guards tonight. Um they're in the same boat. People think security and safety and security and locking down doors and all the things, but time [clears throat] and time again those kids get close to those security guards. They get close to SROs, cafeteria workers, office staff. I know specific office staff members across this district who will pull a kid into their office to chill out for a
045few minutes when they're have a bad day, give them some time to settle down, send them back out. That has nothing to do with their job [clears throat] description. >> Right. >> But that's what they do. And so those are the impacts I don't I don't think people uh realize. Um I share all of this because as we we talk about the possibility of a future uh ballot issue, it's important to recognize that further reductions, if necessary, will become increasingly difficult to absorb without affecting the overall student experience. Uh earlier this year we we already identified $4.5 million in reductions through a thoughtful process that uh included community input. Um without additional revenue, we'll be faced with identifying even more reductions that are significantly greater, possibly three times that amount. And while we're not discussing
046those reductions tonight, that work will be an important part of the process moving forward, and that will be an extremely difficult part of the process. And for many of you, you attended those community sessions, and and it was evident as people were trying to make decisions about what how they would prioritize certain things, they really struggled with that. Because it is a struggle because every person and position matters uh for our kids. And so, that'll be an important part of the process, but I also want to point out that that groundwork has already begun. We we we we did that groundwork back in February. Um we developed a list of potential reductions and used the feedback to narrow that list. Um now as we look ahead, items not previously selected will serve as a starting
047point. And I think starting point is the best phrase to describe those discussions. Because some people have the mindset of, "Well, exactly what was on the list is exactly what will be eliminated." And that's not what we're saying. It's a starting point. I go back to a couple examples, the EL tutors. That they were on the list, 40. All 40 of them were on the list. And I think we narrowed it down to 20, but based on the feedback, we eliminated 10. Is that right? >> That's correct. >> Yeah. Okay. Because of feedback, unfortunately, with the kind of number that we could be looking at, we are not going to have that flexibility. We're just simply not because as I mentioned a moment ago, we're looking at a number that's three times the amount potentially
048of what we had to reduce uh a few months ago. So, with that context in mind, I'll now turn it over to Mr. Phillips to walk through with the board the options related to that uh potential ballot issue in November. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. I I did want to elaborate on something that Mr. Smith talked about as far as kind of punting the capital improvements down the road. You know, he talked about not purchasing the buses that really are required to to maintain the fleet where we want it. You know, when I when I first started last August, I met with Mr. Perry and he gave me the capital budget outline. And and we're look to maintain all of the grounds, all of the equipment. You know, this year, next year, '27, '28, we're
049looking anywhere from five to seven million dollars a year to do that. And I knew what position we were in financially. And I I looked at him and said, "You know, this isn't going to happen, right?" And he said, "I know." He said, "What what can we do? What what can you know, how much can I spend?" And really, the answer was zero. But obviously, you can't you can't maintain a school district with the number of properties we have, the number of buildings we have, and not put any money into it. So, you know, that five to seven million dollar budget he was asking for last year was two million dollars. This coming up year, it's one million dollars. That doesn't get us where we need to be or where we where we want to
050go, but that's our reality right now. So, I just kind of wanted to add a little bit of context to to what Mr. Smith was saying in terms of just the capital improvements. Um now going into uh what Mr. Smith asked me to speak to tonight, you know, we talked a little bit about this last board meeting in terms of what our options are uh moving forward. And And back in the fall, we talked about this as well um going into the spring but really you know what we we've heard a lot of feedback throughout this entire process throughout the engagements and and the only ways to way raise your revenue in a school district are through property taxes or income taxes, right? And through all the engagement that we had we heard a lot
051about both and and why the pros and cons of each and then throughout the actual spring the months of March April May after we decided what direction we were going we heard a lot about the earned income tax and um you know I think there were some misconceptions. You know a lot of feedback we heard was well this is a a permanent tax this is a forever tax and it never goes away we heard that a lot and I think what people maybe misunderstand is that all every tax ballot that Fairfield has put on in history has all been they've all been perpetual levies. The property taxes are the same way. There was not an end to any of the property taxes you know the need for revenue doesn't ever end it only increases and
052as as you guys all know and as we've talked about pretty much ad nauseam whatever the community approves that's all you ever get. Generally speaking you know that and that's why that's why House Bill 920 is in in effect is so that you do not gain more than what the community approved okay. So all the levies that we've passed in the past have been perpetual levies as well. Um you know as as our leadership team has talked about it one of the things again we heard over and over again was that perpetualness. So one of the ideas is to to put a a sunset on an earned income tax. Again looking at property taxes property taxes they did not when I say they those that are really wanting to put on the ballot um an
053end to property taxes they didn't get the signatures needed to put it on this November. They didn't even turn it in they're working towards the next November. So, there's still a lot of uncertainty in terms of property taxes. Again, an earned income tax, you know, that I think there's multiple pros for that. Um as we've talked about in the past, it doesn't harm your seniors or those that are on fixed income. Um you know, it allows them to be able to maintain their homes and and stay in their homes cuz we heard a lot about that, you know, seniors are being taxed out of their homes. They can't, you know, they bought their homes in in the '80s at $40,000. Now they're worth $300,000. They can't afford the taxes on them. So, it really it
054helps those that vulnerable population. But then by putting a sunset on it, you know, a 5-year sunset, it takes away that that feeling of a forever levy and it allows a community to really to to take a look at what we've done as a school district. It allows us as a school district to say, is this what the is this the need still in 5 years? Um how we, you know, it gives everybody the opportunity to say, how has the district been spending their dollars? Are they spending them wisely? Are we doing what we said we're going to do? All of those things. And it also keeps us away from the property tax in terms of in 2027, they may vote to say, no more property taxes. And then and then where does that leave
055us and every other public entity? You know, so those are all the things um to think about and and those are the options. Again, earned income, a regular income, or a property tax ballot. So, those are are the three uh available avenues for us to generate revenue. >> In front of those community gatherings, [clears throat] meetings, I think there was eight of them if I recall. Um that was pretty much the feedback from the community was the earned income. Is that correct? >> Th- That was the That was the feedback during those meetings from those meetings was the earned income. And then after we actually approved, voted to approve that uh ballot issue, what we heard a lot of was the the perpetual nature of that earned income tax because, you know, it is a
056forever unless uh and I think down the road you can get a referendum and uh, put it on the ballot to to remove that, but that, you know, that's there that's a lot. That's a heavy lift. And so, um, by putting a sunset on it again, there I think there's a lot of advantages and a lot of pros to that. For especially for our community. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Any other questions? >> questions? >> Or thoughts? >> Just thank you for the transparency again and the the additional information that we all just need to be reminded of in the community as well of where we were, how we've progressed in in reductions from years ago uh, to get to where we are today and still looking to do those reductions and we're we're down to
057almost nothing now, but we're still have choices um, decisions to make, uh, which is going to be hard, but it's what we have to do. That's the reality of where we are today. So, thank you for for the information that you brought to us this evening. >> Absolutely. >> All right. So, our last, uh, item for board discussion is, uh, potential special board meeting in July. I'll turn that over to Mr. Phillips as well. >> Yes, thank you, Mr. Smith. Uh, Mr. Clark, members of the board, we we want I want to talk a little bit more, you know, kind of take the next step on this. Depending on what the board decides, there's some timelines as as we've discussed back in the in the spring. Um, you know, if you're looking at a property
058tax, there is no deadline in terms of, uh, the resolution of necessity needing to be passed. You just have to pass it in enough time to get it back from the Butler County, uh, uh, auditor's office, so that then we can pass a resolution to proceed and get it back to the, uh, to the Board of Elections by November 3rd, which is a deadline, I think it's November 3rd at 4:00 p.m. You have to have we whatever direction we go, we have to have that ballot issue and language to them. Obviously, you want to get it to them a little sooner, Uh, so if there's any mistakes or errors that we can correct it. On the earned income or regular income tax side, you have to have that to the Ohio Tax Commissioner 100 days
059prior, okay, to the to the election. Again, you want to do it a little sooner than that so that they have time to they have 10 days, I think it's 10 days to get it back to you. And then we would then have to pass a resolution to proceed again, which then also still has to get to the Butler County Board of Elections by November the 3rd. So those are the timelines, and so what that takes us to, we have moved our board meeting in July to July the July the 16th. So we will want to pass a resolution of necessity either way by that time. Then that resolution of necessity would either be taken to depending on what type of ballot issue we would go for. Either needs to be taken to the Butler
060County Auditors for certification or needs to be sent to the Ohio Tax Commissioner. And then we'd be looking at a special meeting the week of July 27th. Really would be the the last we would want to wait. That gives 10 days for the for either the Tax Commissioner or the Auditor to certify, but then it would also give us some time if we do that board special board meeting that week in order to have the resolution to proceed to [clears throat] the Butler County Board of Elections. So looking at a special board meeting that week, so tentatively you want to check your calendar for the week of July the 27th. >> So July 30th is a Thursday. >> Mhm. Again, the sooner you do it that week The sooner you do it that week the
061more time we have to get things right and get it to the Butler County Board of Elections. So I would recommend earlier that week, but depending on your schedules, you know, the latest you'd want to do is probably that Thursday. >> Yeah, I I think the 27th is is applicable, and I hope we can all do this to be a special meeting like we've done in the past, Mike. >> I checked my work schedule. I'm good. >> [laughter] >> It's going to rain that day, no golf. >> Just >> That's all right. >> Just for clarification, uh when are you thinking that the board needs to have more discussion and reach consensus on, you know, the direction they want to go, whether it be an earned income tax at 1.25% that sunsets after 5 years
062or, you know, kind of talk a little bit about that. I mean, is that something you think we need to have more discussion on on July 16th or does the board, you know, >> Yeah, I would my recommendation again would be for you guys to have, you know, more discussion around that on the 16th and then actually a vote following that discussion on the 16th one way or another so that we can get things so that I can get things to, you know, again, either the Butler County Auditor's or the Ohio Tax Commissioner that day, you know, that day or the next day. So, I think, you know, we don't have another board meeting in July. So, July 16th is really it unless you unless you would schedule a special meeting earlier in July, but
063I think >> Could we just do it tonight? >> You Well, I mean, we can have some discussion tonight. Absolutely. It's It's an open forum for that, for sure. We have 20 days if you want to have some time at home to think about some questions to bring back on the 16th, you can do that. >> all agreed with what we ran in May, we're just now putting up a sign. >> speak for every board member, though. >> Okay. Well, what I'm saying, though, is it's the same thing that we agreed to in May >> not. >> except for we're putting it at a 5-year limit. Correct? >> That That's my recommendation. As a treasurer, that that would be my recommendation. I'm not sure if that would >> Yeah. Yeah, that's what that's what we've
064talked about. And so, you know, and again, it's up to the board if you want to talk through that this evening or you want to take some time and think about it and revisit it on the 16th, that's the board's decision. Um, totally totally up to the board. >> Yeah, I think a a good thing would be you you've heard the information tonight, take it home, think about it, chew on it, process it, have some have discussion on July 16th, and then put uh whatever it is to the vote that same night. That would be my recommendation. I think that would give you guys some time to really think through some questions and things like that. >> And again, we, you know, as Jay mentioned in the beginning of the conversation, that's the one thing
065that we heard repeatedly as we had conversations with people is that it was permanent, right? The second piece that I think is important, and maybe you mentioned this as well, is that um that gives some time, you know, I I think more than ever people are starting to realize because it's this is bigger than Fairfield City Schools. It's it's happening across the state. I mentioned the one in five number. Uh by 2029, I think more than ever, and I think we still need to continue to educate people as much as possible, they are now coming to realize this is a state this is a state issue, our our state legislature, our state senators and representatives, you know, they they've this issue has been created with them in regard to decisions they've made how to fund
066public education. So, I think you know, one of the things we have often talked about is that five-year window. There's some time for people to advocate and to lobby our our our elected officials at the state level to try to get that pendulum to swing. Uh and and in my many public conversations, my concern has always been because some people are saying that they have the mentality of I support schools, I'm going to vote no, and my no vote is a message to the people of the state to fix it. And my concern is what damage is done in that window of time. >> Mhm. Right. >> Right. And so, one of the great things we talked about was this a 5-year, you know, that gives them five That gives people 5 years to advocate,
067send messages to Columbus at the ballot box, and and communicate with their elected representatives as well. So, >> Yeah. >> those are some of the things that have guided us in our conversations. But mostly from the feedback that we received from people through the process was they, you know, the permanent part piece of it. So. >> Well, I think we should wait till next week, Mark. I I hear what you say, and you're right, that is the only difference. Mr. Klein's not here. I think we we have some information to take back take back to think about for the next 19 days. I would open it up to if there is any questions for Mr. Smith or Mr. Phillips for the board members that we can jot down, take down to take home to think
068about. So, Mr. McDonald, do you have any questions or anything you'd like clarified? >> Uh not certain about tonight. >> Miss Abby Birdie Miller? Mr. Napier? >> Nope. I'm good. >> Well, I think we're good, and we'll proceed with that for the 16th. Um and then if we need clarity or um a yes to the 27th meeting, um it it um we can come back to that on the 16th, but Mr. McDonald, would you be okay with the 27th meeting of July? >> I am out of town that week. >> That whole week? >> Uh I'll Friday. >> Friday? >> But that doesn't >> Okay. >> mean, unfortunately. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Is that Is the 27th is kind of what we've landed on? >> That's a Monday. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >>
069But I feel I feel I mean, I'm I'm comfortable, obviously, if we have the discussion and then the vote on the 16th. I think that 27th then is more of a formality than we did in >> Yeah, yeah, procedure. Yeah, yeah, right. Okay. >> You're okay with that then? >> I am. >> All right, thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Ms. Birdie Miller? >> I will literally be in the city for 24 hours, which is Monday night through Tuesday night. So >> You're good? >> If you have it in that time period, yeah. I'm leaving Pittsburgh, coming here, making a pit stop, and heading to Indianapolis, so >> Okay, so that works for you. Mr. Naber? >> I'm good. >> No golf outings in there? >> Okay. [laughter] >> I'm done by 1:00, I'm
070good. >> Okay, and we'll check with Mr. Mr. Klein, but all right, then let's go ahead and do that for the 27th as well. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, board. >> All right. >> Mr. Clark, members of the board, I do have several items for your consideration under letter D, other items for board action. Number one, recommend approval of the updated courses of study for math, science, social studies, and health. Number two, recommend approval to award the 2024 pavement improvement and project to Nira Construction. And Lance, is that 2024 or is that should be 2024? >> Uh of course not, that is 26. >> 26. So, I'm going to change that to 2026. John, do we need to do anything officially on that? 2026 paving improvement project to Nira Construction, 10750 Evendale Drive,
071Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. Nira Construction was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting specifications at amount of $292,800.00. Number three, recommend approval of the following resolution. Whereas the Fairfield City School District Board of Education wishes to advertise and receive bids for the purchase of one or more school buses. Therefore, be it resolved the Fairfield City School District Board of Education wishes to participate and authorize the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council to advertise and receive bid on said board's behalf as per the specifications submitted for the cooperative purchase of five school buses with an estimated total cost of $713,768.00. Number four, recommend approval of the extracurricular participation fees for the 2026-2027 school year as presented in the fee schedule below. That concludes the items that I have for your consideration this evening under letter D, other items
072for board action. >> Motion to to accept recommendations, please. >> I'll make a motion. [clears throat] >> Second. >> Mr. Napier, Mrs. Burden Miller. Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr. Napier. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Burden Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein. Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Mr. Phillips, Treasurer recommendations and reports. >> Yes, thank you, Mr. Clark. I do have several recommendations um this evening. My first recommendation is to approve the minutes from the May 21st, 2026 regular meeting and the June 4th, 2026 work session meeting. My second recommendation is to approve the financial reports for the month of May 2026. My next recommendation is to approve the 25-26 final appropriations resolution. At letter D, I recommend approving the 26-27 initial appropriations resolution. Letter E, I
073recommend authorizing the Treasurer to make any advances, transfers, appropriations, and other budgetary adjustments necessary to maintain compliance with Ohio law and accounting requirements for fiscal year end closing with a report of all such actions provided to the Board of Education at its next regular meeting. Letter F, I recommend approval of the following donations, a dona- donation of $100 from Caden and Caylin Sim uh raised at their lemonade stand to purchase supplies for Fairfield South Elementary and a donation of school supplies valued at $83.03 from Diana Vickovich for the annual back-to-school bash. Uh thank you to both of them for those donations. Letter G, recommend approval of the disposal of the following fixed assets that you see below. Letter H, recommend the approval of the following fund-to-fund advances listed below. And I I do want to
074explain a little bit about this item as well as letter I. I'm going to first start with the advances. Um just kind of an educational piece. Uh at the end of school fiscal school year, uh the fiscal year goes from July 1 to June 30th. In order for us to close the fiscal year, we are not permitted to have any accounts in the negative, okay? And And a lot of times, obviously, things don't just stop June 30th. They bleed into the next year. And so, we have to cover those in negative negative accounts in order to to officially close the fiscal year by law. So, what we do is we advance money from our general fund to those accounts. And then I'll come back to you in July to advance money back out of those
075accounts back to the general funds so those accounts will essentially go back to the negative, uh but we have to do that as procedural requirements. Um so, that is for the advances. And then letter I, I'm going to recommend the approval of the following fund-to-fund transfers. And I want to talk about transfers. They're a little different than advances. Transfers are permanent. Transfers don't come back into the accounts, and I want to talk about specifically these accounts. Uh summer school Summer school does cost us uh some dollars. Essentially, that account runs in the negative um by $6,869.53 this year. General fund always supports the summer school just like it would regular school. Uh permanent improvement, uh the million-dollar budget that I mentioned to you guys already, what we'll do is and and we don't have typically
076capital improvements come out of the general fund. What I'd like to do the permanent improvement fund is there for capital improvements. And so they can only be it can only be used for capital improvements and it also is a lot easier as a fiscal officer to track. So I'm wanting to move the million dollars from our general fund to the PI fund so that Lance will have that to be able to spend on the capital projects that we have established. Um termination benefits again very similar the 035 account is for termination benefits. So it was approximately $800,000 this year in termination benefits. Again for me it's cleaner and it's more transparent to our community to be able to see what our actual financials are because otherwise that million dollars sits in our general fund and
077our general fund looks a little more inflated than what it actually is because we know it's going to termination benefits but nobody else does. So if I move it out and put it to the 035 which that is established for termination benefits it's much cleaner and more transparent. Um and then the athletic senior high transfer of $740,294. I'm sorry $740,294.54. Again a lot of most districts almost every district I've ever come across athletics comes at a cost and and it's always in the red. It costs school districts money to run athletics but what a lot of treasures do is they will instead of making this a transfer they do advances and that so they would advance money from the general fund and then advance money right back to cover that negative cost year after year
078that athletics deficit builds up. And what I'd like to do is starting back at zero. It helps me understand to see exactly the athletic costs from year to year and it also again is more transparent to our community. It tells us where we actually stand financially because we're not carrying this major debt and deficit year after year that eventually has to be paid back. So, I'm asking to transfer that $740,000 $740,294.54 to the athletic fund which will start us at zero zeros out for next fiscal year. >> Okay, thanks for the clarity. >> You are welcome. And that is the end of my recommendations this evening. >> Any questions or comments? >> Motion to accept these recommendations. >> motion. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Second. >> Mr. Napier. Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr.
079McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Napier. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Burlingmiller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein. Motion passes. Committee reports. Mr. Klein is out today, so we have Butler Tech, Mrs. Burlingmiller. >> Uh last So, Tuesday, not last not last night, but Tuesday we had a board meeting and at the meeting we got to recognize all of the students who went to the ACT Nationals. Those of you don't know, it's the career tech Olympics essentially. It's like their form of athletics programs. And so, these students went in competed nationally. We had many students place in the top 10 across the whole whole country. And it was really cool to get to recognize them. And you know, they came up and shook our hands and introduced themselves and that was really cool.
080Also, just wanted to give kind of a shout out to a gentleman named um Jim Miller. He has been a prominent part of the Butler County um community for a while. He was a student who went who Butler Tech. He then graduated from Butler Tech, then went back for went into the adult education and got his certification for EMT and firefighting. And then after receiving certification, he then came back and helped um be an the instructor and uh, director with transportation there. Um, and he is now leaving and um, going out to, I think Oklahoma. Um, so, you know, we we had a a nice little goodbye for him last night. Um, and we're sad to see him move on from our community, but hopefully take part of Butler County and Butler Tech out to
081more of the West Coast area. >> Yeah, nice. That's exciting. Thank you very much. Uh, Mr. McDonald, student achievements. >> Uh, school's out, so not a whole lot there, but um, I have noticed a ton of uh, camps and open gyms and open courts and open fields and uh, our student athletes uh, hard at work over the summer and you know, they say champions are made in the off-season, so uh, I would encourage everybody to uh, just check the Facebook page for all these opportunities for uh, youth all the way through middle school and high school and take advantage of them. Uh, those are chance to learn from our uh, great coaches and in some cases from our student athletes as well. >> So. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah. Thank you, sir. >> You're very
082much. Uh, Parks and Rec. Um, >> [clears throat] >> I wasn't able to attend the meeting uh, this past week, so nothing really to report there, but will encourage people to uh, visit all parks and uh, Harbison Park's got the splash pad working and uh, it's a good time to do that. So, and visit the Village Green for the movies and music and and all [clears throat] kinds of fun down there. >> Tomorrow 9:00 to 12:00, touch a truck. >> Touch a truck tomorrow? Yes. >> At the Village Green. >> Yeah, kids always love that. >> My husband's off, I'm making him take the baby. >> Is that [clears throat] right? Touch all kinds of trucks. >> Yeah, all kinds of trucks. >> Saturday's noon to 10:00 at the Village Green for music, all kinds
083of stuff. >> Okay. >> Saturday, I think it starts at noon. >> Yeah, noon to 10:00. >> And then at 10:00, there's some kind of drone show. It's a really big deal, please. >> Drone is like uh, not going to take place of fireworks, but it's pretty cool what they can do with drones in the sky at night. >> All kinds of pictures and stuff now. >> Yeah, yeah. Computers and AI's taking over the world. >> [laughter] >> When did I pet the kitty cat? Uh, that's all that I have. Thanks Mr. Napier for bringing that up. I appreciate that. Mr. Smith, planning commission. >> Uh, they had a meeting last night and I did not receive an update from Doug Robinson. And so, I'm guessing that means nothing relevant to the board. If he
084calls me later, I'll share it at the next meeting. >> Sounds great. Thank you so much. Announcements, July 3rd, 2026, Independence Day observed. All FCSD buildings are closed. July 16th, board meeting, regular session, 6:30 p.m. right here at the Fairfield High School Catherine >> [clears throat] >> Catherine D. Milligan Community Room. Board member comments, Mr. Napier. >> Yeah, I want to welcome Mrs. Rodger to our family out of North. I think she'll be a great asset. Uh, thank everyone up here for all the work they do. You guys are You know, Billy come what, back at 2:00 in the morning, he's here tonight. And he's pretty pretty chipper. >> Yep. >> 10. [laughter] That's all I got. >> That's what holding your grandchildren will do. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Uh, yeah, I also want to
085welcome Mrs. Rodger back to Fairfield or to Fairfield, her family back to Fairfield. Super cool to see two North graduates, her husband and father-in-law join her here. I know they couldn't stay long, but just the fact that they made the time to to come, I thought was really cool. Also, you know, sometimes we just skip over these things and just cuz there's so much else on the agenda, but for those that didn't pick up the donation of $100 from Caden and Caylin Sim, raised at their lemonade stand to purchase supplies for Fairfield South Elementary. Cayden and Kaylin, if you're listening, thank you so much. I think it's amazing. You know, we talk a lot about, you know, and Mr. Smith referenced it in his comments related to the, you know, potential ballot initiative. This isn't
086a problem of the community's creation. But it is a problem, unfortunately, that the community is going to have to be involved in helping to solve. And they that may not be fair, but it is the reality of where we are. And so, you know, when I see things like you know, two I don't know their ages, but I'm assuming two young kids, you know, putting a lemonade stand and doing all that work and then donating back that $100 for supplies to, you know, their elementary school. I think that's pretty amazing. Want to also thank Mr. Phillips just for the the organization [clears throat] that you're bringing to the financials. I think it's extremely helpful for me as I ask questions and obviously then have to vote on things to understand your rationale and your thought
087process. But I also love the fact that one of your guiding principles is transparency. Like this not only does it help you from an organization standpoint, which, you know, from from a guy with OCD, like I appreciate it, but it's also, I think, great for the community from a transparency standpoint. And to that I would simply add, you know, as we go forward with this process, whatever form that takes, I would really encourage the community. You have a treasure in place who values transparency uh values conversation, values getting out the correct information to the community, take advantage of that. And rather than looking to Facebook and and community members who just quite frankly don't know what they're talking about, go to the source. The information is all there. The facts are all there. Use this
088Use this resource that you have to form an educated opinion versus simply relying on social media. So, I will just stop there. Thank you. >> Is Bernie Miller? >> Um I also [clears throat] want to uh congratulate and welcome on um Miss uh Roser Roser uh to the team. Um definitely it's always cool to see kind of generational even if it's second hand through her um in-laws and a husband to be part of the community and I'm excited to see somebody who is also versed in um multi-language and uh diverse in that aspect to bring that to our administration. So, that's really great. Thank you so much to the whole administration team. You guys always do such an amazing job. And I know I say this every year, you know, the summer is not a
089summer party for you guys even if you get to go on a vacation, the one vacation you take a year um and you're still in your pocket um you know, taking care of the district even on your time off. Uh so, thank you for everything you guys do, you know, updating policies and making sure the capital um you know, we're we're doing all of that work over the summer so we're not impacting our students. Um so, thank you for your guys' work uh and everything you guys do. Um >> [clears throat] >> I'm going to continue to challenge you guys. Uh reach out to your representatives. If you don't know um our house representatives, whether you live in the city or the township is different. Uh the township is Diana Mohns Mullins and the city
090is Jennifer Gross. Um and then our senator is George Lang. There are elections coming up for some of these people in November. Make sure you reach out to them. Make sure you hear they hear your voice whether you do or do not agree with what's going on. Everybody's voice does deserve to be heard. You can reach out to them via the other contact pages via the website of Ohio senator.org or Ohio I think rep, Ohiohouse.gov. Have a safe summer. >> Yeah, good stuff. Good stuff. Mr. House, [clears throat] is it Rosser or Rosser? >> It's Maricela Rosser. >> Rosser. So, congratulations Ms. Rosser and I know we're excited. I was excited to see how excited she was. She was glowing and smiling ear to ear, which is awesome. And to Ms. Birding Miller's point being
091bilingual, multilingual it sounded like possibly is a huge benefit to our district because if you've seen in any of our schools, it is is very diverse, multicultural all over the place. I think Central has close to 60 different country flags hanging up in the in their gymnasium [clears throat] and that's that's pretty amazing. So, welcome aboard. We're glad that you're uh that you joined us and and like you said, the history of North Elementary, even even Michael went to that school. So, that's pretty [clears throat] good stuff. Um admin team, thank you so much for all you do. You know, I know we say that a lot, but that's not just lip service. We truly appreciate your hard work and don't want that to go unrecognized because it's it's a lot easier for us to
092get that information prematurely, be able to look over it, and then have you all the work you've already done before it gets to us, it makes our jobs a lot easier. So, thank you for all that time and effort you put into that. And you can say that's that's my job and it it but I work with a lot of people in the professional world and it's not always done that way. So, thank you for being so thorough and uh I hope you see that trickles down to the people that work under you or for you um that that reciprocate and and uh really um uh copy how how how that's that's done. So, thank you all for what you do. Uh Mr. Phillips, I'm going to call you out personally again uh for the
093amazing job that you do, the transparency, the the videos, how you bring it down to a level that people can understand as best as finance for a school district can be uh and I 100% agree with everything Mr. McDonald said about social media uh gets gets misinformed and that seems to be the gospel to a lot of people and it absolutely is not. Majority of that information is is not factual. Uh you have the facts, you're transparent with the facts, you're very clear with the facts, and accessible with those facts. So, thank you for doing what you do and I encourage the community to to uh check out the videos, go to the website, reach out to Mr. uh Phillips. Um he he's accessible, he'll answer emails, he'll even talk to you on the phone
094um and and have that clarity with you as well. So, thank you so much for what you do and and Billy, you you as well, sir, cuz you're you know, all a part of the team that that leads that. So, thank you so much. Um that's all we got um I think for today. We're going to just recess to executive session uh where we discuss the compensation employment of public employee 121.22 G1. Motion to uh convey to executive session. >> Motion. Mr. McDonald. >> Second. >> Ms. Bernie Miller. Ms. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bernie Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein. Mr. Napier. >> Yes. >> It's been very long. >> Motion passes. Meeting adjourned.