Board Meeting, May 7th, 2026

001me. Are you good? Okay, he's good. Oh, you don't have a gabble. That's what he was saying. Here. Do you want Do you want my cup? You can use my cup as a gabble. Don't break your phone. Ready? No gabble. Good evening. Welcome to the May 5th, 2020 or May 7th, 2026 uh Board of Education, Fairfield City School District. Uh, pledge allegiance or I'm sorry, roll call. Mr. Phillips. >> Mrs. Birdie Miller, >> present. >> Mr. Clark, >> present. >> Mr. Klein, >> present. >> Mr. McDonald, >> present. >> Mr. Napier, >> here. >> Mr. Klein, would you lead us in the pledge, please? To our right, your left, and your in audience. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

002under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> What a great evening. Thank you all for coming out. We know we got a a a joyous celebration tonight. So, uh I'm going to turn it over to uh Mr. Smith. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Members of the board, we have one very special presentation scheduled this evening, and that is the awarding of our golden apples. As you know, these awards are only given out to a select few individuals across the school district each year. This presentation provides us with an opportunity to celebrate these outstanding employees. We take pride in being a school district that puts kids first and we're very proud to recognize our employees this evening for what they do day in and day out for our students, our schools, and our

003community. At this time, I'll turn it over to Mrs. Gentry Fletcher, Mrs. Neil, and Mrs. Hower. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Tonight's honores represent the very best of our district. Each was selected by their building or department administrators for going above and beyond in service to students. They join a distinguished group of staff members who embody our values of excellence, preparation for life, and opportunities for all. As each name is announced, we will share the words written by the administrator who nominated them. When you hear your name, please come forward to receive your award. Family members are invited to step into the aisle to capture photos and celebrate this special moment. The first winner from our transportation department is Patty Einfeld. AFTER 13 and a half years in our transportation department, it's safe to say

004Patty has officially earned veteran status. Though she still shows up on time like it's her very first day on the job. Patty is the definition of dependable. Great attendance, always punctual, and consistently hardworking. When there are field trips to run, she's already a step ahead. And if you ask the coaches, they'll tell you she delivers top tier service every single time. On those especially challenging days when schedules are tight and drivers are scarce, Patty doesn't just step in, she steps up. Her flexibility and problem solving skills keep everything moving. She's also the friendly face of safety and support for her students, building strong relationships while making sure everyone knows the rules of the road. Parents appreciate her, students trust her, and everyone gets a smile at no extra charge. And as if that weren't enough,

005between routes, Patty seamlessly shifts gears to assist in the garage, helping keep our bus camera hard drives running, and serving as the ultimate go-between. She saves the team time, keeps things organized, and somehow makes it all look easy. Of course, Patty's most important title is Gigi to her two adorable grandchildren. future transportation VIPs, no doubt, and we always enjoy when they come to visit. Simply put, Patty is a vital part of our department. We are incredibly lucky to have her, and today we're proud to recognize all the ways she keeps us rolling, literally and figuratively. Congratulations, PATTY. The next winner from our transportation department IS NICK DOWERS. NICK JOINED THE TRANSPORTATION department four years ago and in that time has become the kind of employee every team hopes for but few are lucky enough to

006have. He is dependable, consistently on time and has achieved perfect attendance this year, which let's be honest already puts him in rare air. If you've ever seen his bus, you know it's less school transportation and more mobile showroom. Cleanest in the fleet, no contest. And if something around transportation needs attention, like the bus wash, you won't hear Nick announce it. You'll just notice later that it's been taken care of. Nick is also the first to step up when help is needed. Whether that means covering a route or going the extra mile, sometimes quite literally, for his students. He provides exceptional customer service to both students and parents. And it's no surprise that the kids genuinely love Mr. Nick. One moment that truly captures who Nick is happened after a major snowfall this winter. When plows

007blocked his turnaround, he could only get within half a mile of a student's home, leaving the student to walk in bitter cold. Most people would accept that as an unavoidable situation. Nick didn't. On his own time, he went back, shovel in hand, and cleared enough space to safely turn his bus around, making sure that student could once again be picked up and dropped off at their regular stop. Nick is quietly humble, but more importantly, he's incredibly dedicated. He doesn't seek recognition or attention. He just shows up every day and gets the job done, and then some. Nick, your work ethic, pride, and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are proud to have you as part of the team and grateful for everything you do. Congratulations on this well-deserved golden apple. Our next winner is from

008our special services department, Shaina Ellison. It is our honor to recognize Shaina Ellison as this year's Golden Apple Award recipient. Shaina is an exceptional school psychologist who exemplifies professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff in a role that demands both precision and compassion. She consistently delivers work that is not only timely, but thorough and of the highest quality. Her attention to detail ensures that teams have the information they need to make meaningful student centered decisions. Simply put, when Shane is involved, you know it's going to be done right. Beyond her daily responsibilities, she naturally steps into leadership roles within her building and across the psychology team. Whether guiding colleagues, supporting complex cases, or helping to navigate challenging situations, she does so with confidence, humility, and a team first mindset. What truly sets

009her apart is her willingness to step in when it matters most. In difficult situations, she remains calm, solution focused, and always ready to support others, no questions asked. Her impact reaches far beyond reports and meetings, which I'm sure there are plenty of. It is seen in the trust that she builds, the teams that she strengthens, and the students that she serves. We are proud to honor Shaina's dedication and excellence with this Golden Apple Award. CONGRATULATIONS. The next winner from special services is Elizabeth Miller. It is our honor to recognize Elizabeth Miller as this year's Golden Apple Award recipient. Elizabeth is an exceptional occupational therapist who exemplifies professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to supporting students and families. In her role as an OT, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students have access to

010the tools and supports that they need to be successful. She works closely with families and school teams, building strong relationships and creating meaningful student- centered solutions that make a lasting impact. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Elizabeth has made significant contributions to the district through her work in assisted technology. She has been instrumental in helping to develop and improve our resources, including supporting the special services hub and providing ongoing education to staff. Her willingness to share her knowledge and build capacity across teams has elevated practices throughout the entire district. What truly sets Elizabeth apart is her genuine care for others and her positive collaborative approach. She brings a steady, thoughtful presence to her work and is always willing to lend a hand. Elizabeth is truly a treasure to our district and we are proud to honor her

011with this Golden Apple Award. Our next winners are from North Elementary School. First up is Erica Pyer. When you step into Mrs. Pyer's classroom, you don't just observe a lesson, you experience it. Her passion for music fills the space not just through sound, but through energy, movement, and joy. She has a unique ability to think outside the box, transforming everyday moments into engaging, hands-on, creative musical experiences that draw every student in. She doesn't miss a beat. Students aren't just participating in her class. They're fully immersed, smiling, moving, and making connections. Her passion is contagious. It's nearly impossible to walk in without wanting to join right alongside them. With every visit to her classroom, I find myself singing, dancing, or playing an instrument right along with the class. What makes her even more special is that

012her impact starts before the first note is ever played or sung in her room. Each morning at car duty, she sets the tone for students days like a perfect opening note, greeting every student with warmth and love, so each child feels seen, valued, and ready to start their day in harmony. In fact, if excellence had a soundtrack, she'd be the lead melody, setting the tone, and making everything around her better. We love her so very much and feel incredibly fortunate to have her. Thank you for all you do, ERICA. We are pleased now to honor Samantha Stinganger. An exceptional educational assistant is someone who sees every child. And that is exactly who Samantha Stinganger is. She brings a level of kindness and patience that is truly rare. Meeting students where they are with a calm,

013steady presence that never waver. No matter the situation, she responds with grace, understanding, and a genuine love for children that feels as if they are her own. She has a special gift for reaching students who may feel unseen or struggle the most. In her care, those students feel safe, valued, and important. She doesn't just support learning. She builds trust, confidence, and connection in ways that leave a lasting impact. Even with students who have moved on to a new grade, they ask for her support again or find their way to her each morning for a hug, kind word, or reassurance for the upcoming day. Her passion for helping children s shines through in everything she does. From the smallest moments to the most challenging days, her heart for North extends far beyond the classroom. As a

014dedicated PTC member and the person behind our yearbook, she helps create lasting memories and streng strengthens the sense of community for our families. She goes above and beyond without seeking recognition simply because she cares so deeply. In fact, I know she's dying inside standing here in front of you. Our students are better because of her and so is our school. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her heart, dedication, and unwavering commitment to children. We will be her biggest cheerleaders as she works to become an intervention specialist. You're the best, Samantha, and we can't wait to see all that you accomplish. Next from South Elementary School, we want to welcome Becky Howard. Mrs. Becky Howard is a beloved kindergarten teacher who has dedicated over 25 years to our students and families. She brings a

015ton of energy to her classroom and truly pours herself into helping students grow, build confidence, and develop a love for school. Becky hates to miss school and wants to be with her students every day. She knows her students so well and adjusts what she does to meet their individual needs. You can see how much she cares and the way she supports them each day. She is also very communicative with her families and builds strong, positive relationships with parents. Becky's impact goes beyond her own classroom. She welcomes students from other grades into her room, whether they need a break or a place where they can help and feel successful. This year, she supported a student on a unique hybrid schedule and chose to meet with him during her plan time each day for additional support. One

016of her favorite days of the year is South's color run. She loves seeing everyone in white and doesn't hesitate to jump in and participate alongside the students. She is such a pleasure to work with and a huge part of what makes South special. Congratulations. Our next winner from South is Teresa Fritz. Teresa is someone every school hopes to have on their team. She leads with heart, humor, and a true love for kids. She has a way of making every student feel seen, valued, and cared for, especially those who need that steady adult the most. Teresa is the first to offer a hug, check to make sure a student has enough to eat, or step in when a child is having a tough moment. Sometimes all a student needs is to see her and she's right

017there sitting with them, supporting them, and helping them work through it. She's flexible and never hesitates to adjust her day if a student needs extra support. She also brings so much joy to our building. Teresa is funny, full of energy, and always makes people laugh, even on hard days. And when it comes to spirit days, she goes allin, creative, enthusiastic, and always helping build school pride. She comes in early, stays late when needed, and consistently goes above and beyond for our students. Teresa is truly one of a kind, and we are lucky to have her at Cell. Please welcome our next winner from East Elementary School, Bobby Bogard. Bobby consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. What sets Bobby apart is her commitment to students. If a need arises and resources

018are limited, she problem solves creatively and persistently to ensure that every student receives the support and/or resources they need. She does not allow barriers to stand in the way of meeting student needs. Bobby does an exceptional job with scheduling, data management, and title one compliance. She maintains an understanding of current laws, regulations, and district expectations related to interventions in Title One Services, ensuring that our building remains fully compliant. Her expertise allows her to analyze student data effectively and recommend appropriate interventions. She carefully monitors students moving into East, coordinates necessary assessments, and ensures that all required plans and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner. Bobby invests in the growth and consistency of our intervention support team by training educational assistants on assessment tools and reading interventions. She ensures they are wellprepared, aligned, and

019equipped to provide support to our students. Her willingness to step in, answer questions, and offer guidance makes her an invaluable resource to everyone in the building. In addition to her work with interventions, Bobby serves as the key leader in planning and organizing our annual literacy night. She leads the literacy night committee, clearly communicates event logistics and needs with staff, and thoughtfully coordinates all aspects of the event. Her coordination skills and attention to detail ensure that our literacy night runs smoothly from start to finish, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for students and families. Bobby's dedication, expertise, and most importantly, heart for our students are unmatched. There are not enough words to fully express our appreciation for all that she does for East each day. We are blessed to get to work with her. Thank you,

020Bobby, for all you GIVE TO EAST. THE NEXT WINNER FROM EAST IS Sandy Herman. Sandy consistently goes above and beyond in her role as cook, demonstrating an exceptional level of dedication, professionalism, and care. She brings a positive and welcoming presence to the cafeteria each day. Sandy remain maintains high standards in her work and ensures the kitchen operates efficiently and smoothly even during the busiest and most challenging times. She is organized, dependable and proactive, often anticipating needs and stepping in without hesitation to support her team. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence are evident in everything she does. Sandy excels at building meaningful relationships with both students and staff. She takes the time to connect with others, showing kindness, patience, and genuine care in her interactions. As one of her colleagues shared, not only is

021she an amazing co-orker, she has also become a dear friend of mine. This sentiment reflects the strong connection Sandy builds and the respect that she earns from those around her. She is always willing to lend a hand wherever support is needed. Fairfield East is incredibly fortunate to have Sandy Herman as part of our team. Thank you, Sandy, for all you do each and every day. From West Elementary School, please welcome Mike Holtz. If you ever see someone rocking a half Barbie, halfKen outfit, a pink bunny costume, or a Hawaiian shirt, there's a ve very good chance it's Mike. And there's an even better chance something incredible is happening. That playful spirit is just the surface of what makes him a phenomenal person and music teacher. Mike's passion for learning and growth is evident in everything

022he does. He is constantly seeking ways to refine his craft, making both making music both meaningful and engaging for every student, whether they consider themselves musically inclined or not. His classroom is a place of joy and inclusion filled with laughter, clapping, and infectious rhythms that draw students in and make them feel successful. Mike works tirelessly to provide rich experiences, even securing instruments like ukuleles, drums, and creative tools such as Home Depot buckets and yummy treats like free crumble cookies, so every child has the opportunity to participate and explore. I want to be in his class. Beyond the classroom, Mike is a true leader at West. He serves as a choir director, ORF director, and talent show director while also contributing to the culture of the building by organizing staff initiatives like Sterling shirts, talent acts,

023and social events and participating in meaningful traditions like Reagan's mic drop. His leadership extends into the broader academic community as well. Year after year, he welcomes numerous practicum and student teachers into his classroom. so many that it sometimes feels like every extra chair in the building has been borrowed to accommodate them. He is one of the most requested mentor teachers and university professors consistently praise his ability to model exceptional teaching with both skill and joy. What truly sets Mike apart is the impact he has on people. He brings a warmth, humor, and kindness that cannot be taught, creating an environment where both students and colleagues feel valued and inspired. Most recently, he stepped in to support our social communication students, ensuring they experienced con consistency, care, and a strong finish to their year. His dedication

024knows no bounds. Mike is not only an incredible educator and colleague, but also a genuinely remarkable person. The world is a better place because of him. Not just for his musical talents, but for the love, light, and positivity he brings to everyone around him. Mike Holtz is one of the people who truly carry the banner for West is the best. Also from West, congratulations to Kelly Bowen. Kelly is an amazing educational assistant who consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. She may be quiet, but she is truly the math brainiac in the room. Working with our upper elementary students, Kelly brings patience and kindness to every interaction, helping students build confidence and believe in their ability to succeed in math. Her positive reinforcement empowers students to take risks and grow

025even when learning feels challenging. Kelly also takes on some of our most challenging behaviors with strength, patience, and consistency. She holds students to high expectations and remains steady even when faced with unkind words or difficult moments. When teachers need assistance or to step out, Kelly seamlessly steps in, ensuring that students focus and learning continues without interruption. Hired initially through ESSER funds, we were incredibly grateful and relieved when we were able to bring her back permanently. Her sharp mind, loving spirit, and unwaving unwavering dedication make her an essential part of the West family. Kelly supports the reason why West is the best. We are now excited to recognize from Central Elementary School, Alejandra Espinosa. From the moment she joined our team, it was clear we had someone special. As a quick learner, Alejandra stepped into a

026fast-paced environment and mastered it with ease. Her organization and attention to detail keep our office running smoothly each and every day. Behind the scenes, she ensures that countless moving pieces come together seamlessly for our staff, students, and families. But what truly sets her apart goes far beyond her efficiency. Alejandra brings kindness, compassion, and a genuine care for others into everything she does. Whether she is greeting a student, helping a parent, or supporting a staff member, she does so with warmth and respect. And in the midst of a busy and sometimes stressful day, she her great sense of humor lifts all of us and reminds us to find joy in our work. Perhaps one of the most impactful contributions she has made is her ability to communicate with our Spanish-speaking families. This has been nothing short

027of a gamecher. Alejandra has broken down barriers, built trust, and opened doors for meaningful connections. Because of her, families feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, and sharing their needs. Our students and community members feel seen, heard, and safe. And Mario really appreciates the support. This is the heart of what we strive to be as a school, and Alejandra brings that vision to life every single day. We are truly the lucky ones. Thank you for all you do to make Fairfield Central a better place for everyone. Please welcome our next central winner, Lacy Clark. Lacy is the kind of person who will stop whatever she is doing to help anyone at any time. Whether it's a student, a colleague, or a student's family member, she shows up with a willingness and a smile that make all

028the difference. Her impact reaches far beyond the art room and into every corner of Central. Her artistic talent is undeniable. for our just a pair of shoes event. She painted an amazing mural that was so meaningful and well done that Matt Klein wanted to purchase it. We kept it so that we can hopefully use it next year. What makes her truly exceptional is how Lacy uses her art to deepen learning. She has partnered with our fifth grade math teacher to design crosscurricular lessons that bring challenging math concepts to life. Through creativity, she helps students see, understand, and connect in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. And somehow, she does even more. Lacy paints signs for our parent events, creates posters that celebrate our students, serves as our school's photographer, capturing moments we'll treasure, and

029leads the set design team for our school play, turning ideas into something magical on stage. All of this while teaching nearly 700 students every week. One of Lacy's most impressive skills is how she knows every student by name. She greets them every day and calls them by their name when she sees them in the hallway. Each time their faces light up, knowing they are deeply loved. Lacy carefully organizes her students artwork to ensure each child has a piece of art displayed at our annual arts fair. This is no easy task, but she checks, doublech checkcks, and triple checks her pieces because she truly cares that everyone has something to display. Lacy doesn't just teach art, she builds belonging. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Central. Thank you for all you do. from Compass

030Elementary School. Congratulations to John Stepple. Mr. John could not be here with us tonight because in true Mr. John fashion, he is covering a shift at a building that needed to be covered and he wanted to step up and do that. So, but we are still going to honor him and read these kind words. Mr. John, can you set up tables for the PD meeting tomorrow? Can you make sure the doors are unlocked for the afterchool program later today? Can you have someone remember to empty the front trash cans? We have this idea for a little library. Can you mount it on the walls of our front of our our front entrance? Mr. John, can you make sure there's caution tape on the slide while it's being repaired? Mr. John, do you know when that

031slide's going to be fixed? Can you set up the risers and chairs for the chorus concert? Oh, we forgot we will need the cafeteria cleaned up from cleaned up from lunch and enough time to host the EL graduation. Would you be able to shovel and salt the walkway this morning before staff and students arrive? And this is all in a day's work for Mr. John. Sometimes even before 10:00 a.m. Even with the long list of requests, we never hear complaints. Simply, "Yep, I'll take care of it." John was preparing for retirement when our head of maintenance had an unexpected turn of events resulting in a leave of absence. And Mr. John stepped up to take on the role that he didn't ask for, but he answered the call. Thank you, John, for all that you

032do for our Compass students and staff to help keep our facility looking and operating beautifully. We appreciate you. Please welcome our next winner from Compass, Kim Prather. What can we say about our beloved Kim Prather? She is the teacher who is the reason you became a teacher. One who makes you feel like you are good at something and have the ability to succeed even when you're struggling. She once told us a story about a student she had coming to her class who absolutely hated reading. This was an area the student struggled with. But Kim decided to get ahead of things and plant a seed before he ever stepped foot into her classroom. One day she said, "Hey, you're going to be in my class this year and your mom told me how much you love

033reading. I have so many interesting books I think you'll like." In complete disbelief and probably a little confusion, the child said, "Uh, yeah, I love reading." And the rest was history, and that's who Kim Prather is. She makes our students believe and discover unlocked greatness, all while making sure that their basic needs are met, too. Kim can always be found with a stash of good snacks. and she regularly holds family classroom family chats where her students talk about things that they're dealing with and how school is a safe space. Kim is a prime example of the educator who teaches the whole child. Kim, you deserve this award and so much more. Thank you for pushing through every day to support your students, your colleagues, and being an inspiration to the next generation of leaders. CONGRATULATIONS

034from Crossroads Middle School. Congratulations to Lauren Sweeney. Lauren Sweeney is an incredible asset to the Crossroads team. As an instructional specialist, she supports teachers in all aspects of curriculum, including instruction, content, and design. She consistently provides guidance that strengthens teaching and enhances student learning. Lauren also excels in data analysis in a way that truly sets her apart. She doesn't just understand data, she has the unique ability to translate complex information into practical, teacherfriendly insights. that directly impact classroom instruction. Lauren continues to support both building and district administration, consistently contributing her expertise and insight to strengthen systems, processes, and overall student outcomes. In addition, Lauren has a strong understanding of student scheduling and the overall needs of the building. She is always willing to step in and support wherever needed, demonstrating flexibility, dedication, and a true

035team first mindset. The Crossroads staff and students are incredibly fortunate to have Lauren Sweeney as part of the Fairfield team. Please welcome our next winner from Crossroads, Karen Smith. KAREN Smith serves as our cafeteria manager and does an outstanding job meeting the nutritional needs of nearly 1,200 students and staff each day. She brings a consistently positive attitude that helps keep both students and staff calm and collected even during the most demanding times. For example, we had technical issues with the student number system. Karen ensures that operations continue smoothly and that students are served without disruption. Each day, Karen and her team efficiently serve approximately 1,200 individuals in under 75 minutes, a testament to her organization, leadership, and ability to coordinate her staff effectively. Her flexibility is also evident in the successful implementation of our breakfast

036service within a tight 15minute window. Karen is a true team player. She works hard, remains positive, collaborates effectively in all situations. Our building greatly benefits from her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. CONGRATULATIONS. We are pleased to honor our next recipient from Creekide Middle School, CINDY THOMPSON. MISS CINDY Thompson exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve students with both strength and heart. As our ISD monitor, she works daily with some of our most challenging students and situations, yet consistently meets each one with patience, kindness, and respect. walking into her classroom before school one day last May. There was a group of students in her room. Um, did we really give her these students together as a group today? Yikes. Instead, what was actually happening was that those students chose to be there.

037They were stopping in to check in, get a pep talk, and connect with Miss Cindy before starting their day. Her room may be assigned as a consequence, but she has transformed it into a space where students are both held accountable and genuinely cared for. We are so lucky to have you on our team. Congratulations, CINDY. The next winner from Creekide is Angie White. Miss Angie White is a cornerstone of Creekide special education team and a steady, trusted leader. As an intervention specialist and department chair, she always rises to the moment. When only intervention specialists can write IEPs and everyone's case load is full, Angie steps up. When another intervention specialist is ill and we are up against a get deadline, like a superhero sees a need and appears, Angie saves the day. She steps in

038without hesitation, ensuring every student's needs are met with care and precision. In the classroom, Angie models exceptional co-eing, working seamlessly with her colleagues to support all learners, not only those on her case load. She has mentored new staff, resulting in sometimes writing not only her own case load of paperwork, but a second as well. Through it all, Angie is a consistently positive presence. She is a fierce advocate for her students. Families routinely share how heard and understood they feel through the IEP process, confident that their child will receive not only the required support, but also encouragement, reassurance, and a genuine belief in their potential. Everyone has a teacher they would want for their own child, and Angie White is certainly one of them. We are proud to award this year's Golden Apple for Creekide to

039Miss Angie White. We are pleased to now recognize the winners from the freshman school. First up is Robert Green, also known as Kappa. So, Robert Green joined the freshman school in 2022 to help maintain the safety and security of our school's hallways, bathrooms, and lunchroom, while also supporting investigations and addressing disciplinary matters throughout the school. While Robert stands out in all these areas, working tirelessly to make himself truly indispensable to the front office and our school as a whole, Robert really shines in the relationships he fosters with our students. students reach out to him to talk, seek advice, vent, solve their personal problems, or whatever else a 14 or 15year-old needs at that time in their life. Robert never lets them down. He is committed to being a mentor for any student in need while

040also being viewed by all students as a respected authority figure, maintaining and enforcing all of the school rules. The freshman school is blessed to have our safety and security as well as the emotional wellness of our students in the trusted hands of Papa Robert Green. Next, we are pleased to honor Scott Smith. Scott Scott Scott Smith joined the freshman school staff in 2009 as a science teacher before spending the majority of his career teaching nth grade math. Anyone who has taught math or worked closely with students understands the challenges that come with that role. Scott's superpower is building strong relationships with his students. And for many years now, Scott has focused his energy on our e population. Not only is he tackling the challenges of teaching algebra 1, but many times he's tackling the language

041barrier as well. This does not stop him from succeeding or from constantly having a positive outlook at school. Scott is Scott is constantly smiling and seems to just love what he does even when the days are tough and in education there are many tough days. Scott never skips a beat and he is always ready for the next challenge. His competitive spirit is also well known among staff. Scott has claimed more titles than anyone else in the building, no matter the contest. And if the GMC ever introduced a fishing team, we'd be the first to recommend Scott to be their varsity coach. Scott Smith has been a workhorse at the freshman school for years and we are all blessed for the impact that he's made with our students and our staff. CONGRATULATIONS from the high school.

042Please welcome winner Nate Robinson. Robertson, I'm sorry. When you hear the phrase jack of all trades in a school setting, Nate Robertson truly embodies it. As one of our educational assistants, Mr. Robertson has the ability to step into virtually any classroom and support or lead instruction across a variety of subjects. He creates an environment where students receive the additional resources and support they need to be successful. while confidently taking ownership of the classroom when needed. Beyond his work in the classroom, Nate goes above and beyond to enhance the student experience. He creates graduation videos for our seniors that capture the memories of their time at FHS. More recently, Nate took on the responsibility of running our morning announcements. When presented with this opportunity, it was clear he would not only meet expectations, but elevate the

043entire program. He has built a student-driven team that works behind the scenes editing, recording, and managing equipment while also mentoring students who serve as the on camera hosts. In addition, Nate has begun producing highlight videos that showcase the incredible work happening at FHS. These videos truly capture the spirit of our students, staff, and the opportunities we provide each day. Nate is a tremendous asset to Fairfield High School and we look forward to seeing what he takes on next, knowing it will be done with creativity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. The next winner from the high school is Joanna Gilbert currently serves as Fairfield High School's multiple disabilities teacher and she has created far more than a classroom. She has built a culture of belonging where every student is known, valued, and meaningfully included. Her

044room is a place where inclusion is lived daily, not as an idea, but as a commitment reflected in every lesson, interaction, and opportunity she creates. Joanna ensures her students are active members of the school community. This year, she led a classroom coffee cart that not only brightens staff mornings, but also gives her students a powerful way to contribute, connect, and take pride in their work. Through their efforts, they raised enough money to purchase a bed for a child in need, an example of the real impact she helps them achieve. Her influence is deeply felt by families and colleagues alike. One parent shared, "We have truly been blessed to have Mrs. Gilbert in Dina's life. We have personally witnessed the passion, patience, and unwavering dedication she brings not only to Dina, but to other but to

045each of her students. She creates an environment where Dina feels understood, valued, and supported. And that has made all the difference in her growth and confidence. Mrs. Gilbert is a gift to her students, Fairfield City Schools, and the families like ours. A classroom aid added, "Joanna is incredibly with every incredible with every student and every person that enters her classroom. I could not be more thankful to get to work and learn from her daily. Joanna Gilbert's compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion have shaped a space where students thrive and families feel truly supported. She is deeply deserving of the Golden Apple Award and is an asset to Fairfield High School each and every day. The final winner from the high school is Nick Flannry. History teacher Nick Flannry cultivates a learning environment where students

046feel seen, valued, and challenged. He values student voice and demonstrate strong rapport with students and staff alike. Students describe Mr. Flannry as someone who cares for them. Before diving into contact content, he takes time to check in, getting a pulse of the room. One student shared, "Before we start work, he engages with his students and asks what's going on in their life u they or if there's anything they may want to share. He has a lot of dialogue and engagement with his students. Students appreciate that he often begins class with conversations, sometimes even about sports, which helps build connections and creates an inviting atmosphere. While his classroom is fun and engaging, Mr. Flannry also holds high expectations for both himself and his students. He challenges students through meaningful, engaging projects that encourage them to think

047critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. Whether it is through engaging discussions, interactive activities, or creative activities like the picture round in Seventh Bell, Mr. Flannry creates experiences that students remember after they leave his classroom. He is an example of what it means to be an outstanding educator. He builds relationships, values student voice, creates engaging learning experiences, and inspires students. One student said it simply, "He really cares for his students and makes learning fun." Congratulations, Nick Flannry, on receiving Fairfield High School's Golden Apple Award for the 2526 school year. THE next winner is from Fairfield Academy. Congratulations to Jesse Grimes. Fairfield Academy High School math teacher Jesse Grimes exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students each and every day. She possesses an amazing combination of empathy, genuine care, and unwavering

048commitment to every student that enters her classroom. She understands that many of her students come to school carrying challenges others may never see. And she meets them with patience, compassion, and grace. She creates a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and capable of success. What truly sets her apart is the genuine care she shows for every student. She takes the time to listen, build relationships, and understand each student's individual needs. She celebrates their victories, supports them through setbacks, and never gives up on them. Her students know they have someone in their corner who believes in them even when they don't always believe in themselves. One student said, "Miss Grimes engages her students and really understands us. She never gives up on us and always helps us find a solution. She always gives us a

049chance." Another student said, "She always takes time and makes an effort to understand us. She is so patient and pushes us to do our best. She is warm and welcoming and dedicated to her students and her volleyball players. The Fairfield Academy has been fortunate to have Jesse as part of our team and she is truly deserving of this well-deserved recognition. We are pleased to honor our district winners starting with Debbie Facina Rulan. Debbie has served as the heart of the curriculum department since joining Fairfield 19 years ago. As the secretary, Debbie is the center of everything we do, keeping us organized and on track. She works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail is handled and every person is supported. Her expertise in managing budgets, coordinating professional development, and improving processes allows the rest

050of us to do our work more effectively and efficiently. She is the steady presence we rely on. Whether solving a problem, managing complex logistics, or stepping in wherever help is needed, Debbie's commitment to supporting others shows in everything she does. From ordering textbooks and materials to coordinating travel, she works hard to make sure no detail is ever missed. Beyond her work skills, Debbie brings calm, kindness, fairness, and a great sense of humor that lifts our entire team. She not only supports the work, she strengthens the people doing it. Debbie's impact is felt every day, and our department and district are better because of her. She is truly deserving of this recognition as our Golden Apple Award winner. Congratulations, The next district winner is Ryan Bellamy. It is an honor to recognize Mr. Ryan Bellamy with

051the Golden Apple Award. Ryan leads our largest school with a rare combination of calm, compassion, and unwavering integrity. He is always willing to listen. And honestly, nothing rattles this guy, which is really impressive in a high school where anything and everything can happen in a single day before lunch. That steady, reassuring presence lifts up everyone around him, students, staff, and families alike. At his core, Ryan is about kids. Every decision he makes reflects what is best for them. And that commitment has led to very meaningful success. Under his leadership, Fairfield High School earned the state's Momentum Award, recognizing strong academic growth and progress. What really truly sets Ryan apart is how he invests in others. He develops his assistant principles, our staff, and our students into confident leaders and supports them every step of the

052way. He also makes time to be present at games, performances, and events, cheering on students, and showing up where it matters most. And somehow in the middle of all of that, he remains a steady, devoted dad at home, too. Ryan is the kind of leader who makes hard jobs look easy. and we are incredibly lucky to have him here in Fairfield. CONGRATULATIONS. Our final winners are selected by Superintendent Billy Smith. And the first recipient is Shereice Slaughter. It is truly an honor to recognize Shereice Slaughter with the Golden Apple Award. Charice is the definition of a teen player, someone who goes above and beyond every single day for the children and families she serves. Her care runs deep and her commitment is unmatched. Whether she is mentoring a student and guiding them toward a more

053positive path or spending hours making and selling her famous pickles, which I have some in my car, to raise money for families in need. Shereice leads with heart and purpose. Shereice brings light wherever she goes. Her positivity is contagious, and you are never far from a smile, a laugh, or one of her warm hugs. And boy, that laugh is awesome. She supports families in ways that truly change lives. From organizing holiday gifts to helping those families facing crisis situations get back on their feet. She shows up time and time again without hesitation. She is deeply connected to our community, always finding a way to meet needs no matter how complex. Simply put, Charice is a vital part of our school community and we are all the better because of her. Congratulations, SHEREICE. Our final Golden

054Apple winner is Jay Phillips. It is with genuine pride and deep appreciation that I recognize Jay Phillips as a Golden Apple Award recipient. Since joining Fairfield City Schools last August, Jay stepped into the role of treasurer at a time when the district was facing a very difficult financial forecast. He understood the challenges from day one. And rather than shy away, he leaned in with courage, commitment, and a belief in the importance of the work ahead. Public school funding is one of the most complex and misunderstood aspects of education. It can be difficult to explain and even harder to engage people in meaning meaningful conversations about it. Many would be tempted to avoid those conversations. But Jay has done the exact opposite. He has embraced the responsibility of educating others, meeting people where they are, and

055patiently working to build understanding. When something doesn't click the first time, he doesn't give up. He simply finds another way to explain it. His bi-weekly video series, Dollars and Cents, reflects that commitment and has become an invaluable resource for our district. More importantly, it represents his belief that transparency and understanding matter. Beyond his professional expertise, Jay brings positivity, humor, and authenticity to our leadership team every single day. He is someone people trust, someone people enjoy working with, and someone who truly cares about making a difference. Jay, our district is stronger because of you. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. That concludes our presentation for this evening. After the board members have made remarks, we ask that all winners meet on the stairs up here for for a group photo. >> Thank you, Janet. Can we give

056them all a round of applause? It's definitely a momentous uh celebration and very much deserved. Uh, I will pick out one person because she does make good pickles and she makes the best oven fried chicken you've ever made. And we all know that's shares cup shares. You can clap for the chicken. >> Yeah. Um, I'll finish comments, but we'll start off with our board member comments to uh just highlight uh the exceptional role. Mike, you want to go first? >> Yeah. I think it's great that everyone showed up for their their family. Uh, it just shows you what's what how special our school is with all these awards and all the nice words that are said. Uh, I just want to congratulate everybody. >> Mr. Klein, >> congratulations to all the winners. Um, man, what

057an incredible testament to what you do day in and day out. You reach our students where they are. Um, I wrote down just some in some of the words that were said over and over in describing how you interact and in your deserving of this award. Humility, leadership, compassion. Um, two phrases, seek success for students over and over. That that was one that came up. Um, another one I wrote that was just great is discovers unlocked greatness. A and it's not it's not something that happens once. something you do over and over for the students of our district and those are those are qualities and characteristics that they're going to take in and exemplify one day. Thank you for all that you do. Congratulations. >> Yeah, >> Mr. McDonald. >> Uh yeah, best word I

058can come up with is inspiring. Um it's truly inspiring to sit here and listen to those stories and and just incredibly makes me incredibly proud to be a part of this district. Um listen to the stories uh John said some of these some of the words I was going to say but just the stories of just going above and beyond uh beyond what's in the job description to have such a positive impact on the lives of students. Um it's so appreciated uh for some of the winners. Um, I've had the great pleasure of of knowing you and and having worked with you side by side on the sidelines, Coach Green. Um, or pap, can I call you papa or does I call you coach? Um, uh, or or volunteered with you in the past and

059and show choir and and other other things, but um, I can say I've witnessed it firsthand. So, Miss Thompson, uh, Miss Stanger, Coach Green, Mr. Holtz, um, Mr. Holtz, by the way, best performer at the mic drop. Hands down. If you've never seen it, find the video. Uh, Mr. Bellamy and uh, very recently, Mr. Phillips. I'm I'm very excited that your work and your impact is being recognized and just want to say to all the winners, thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do. Thank you so much. you know, >> I am absolutely aruck with the stories that were shared today. My uh high school English teacher would be so proud because of the amount of like things I could site because there was just so many great

060quotes and situ um and words given to each of you guys. Thank you so much for everything you do for our district. Congratulations. Um I'm going to highlight real and try to take every one of them off of Scott so he can't say anything. Um but one of the key things was that you guys strengthen the people around you and you're enhancing our students experiences. Um you provide uh cap uh you provide them and prove that they're capable of success and that they're generally cared for, seen and you are so committed to not only what your job is but our students in our district. um you get you provide the parents to be heard and understood and then you're doing meaningful included inclusion and building belonging. Um not only all of that but you're providing

061strong and stable connections to uh these students and giving them adults outside of their family to rely on. Um that is something that is not able to be measured by any means and I am so thankful for each and every one of you and everything you do. uh you guys are creating a home and community for our students to come to that's a safe space. So, thank you for that. Um lastly, I just want to bring out two things that really stood out to me of of of you guys going above and beyond. Um talking about going out and shoveling on your time off to be able to turn around to make that student not walk. Thank you so much, Nick. That is that is just genuinely caring and thank you for that. Um, and

062then lastly, I forgot I did not catch your name, but raising funds to be able to buy beds for our student who was not having one and then having the students have the opportunity to be able to be part of that project. So, thank you so much for everything you guys do. You guys are one of the reasons why I joined the board because the staff that was in Fairfield when I was in school meant a lot to me and you guys continue to make great impacts on our students. So, thank you so much for everything you do. All the award recipients, thank you. Congratulations. And thank you for the administration staff for bringing those recognitions and stories to us. >> Yeah. >> Well, as you have to follow as the last guy speaking, all

063of this is still an honor to be able to uh say that this is my favorite meeting to to attend. Um the um start of the year meeting is good. the the the best day ever or best year ever. Uh back to school bash is is one of my favorite. But this recognition of showing the greatness the as the other board members wrote down words uh the greatness that you guys present to the kids, the support you you give to the kids, their families. Um helps unlock the student greatness, strength, love for kids, care, caring, humble, top tier, dependable, compassion, passion, steps up. All those things are just quality of of of just a high level. And thank you for what you do and we see that. And for the families and friends that came

064to support the winners tonight, thank you. You should give yourself a hand because what they do is very tough and you supporting them helps them get through day in day out, week in week out. And uh just thank you all. And to the winners again, congratulations. You very very very much deserve it. So give yourselves a round OF APPLAUSE. SO WITH THAT, you're more than welcome to stay for the rest of the boring part of the meeting. Oh yeah, that's right. Picture. So after the picture, you can stay for the rest of the meeting if you wish. But I think uh Miss Gina wants you up here on the steps. >> All right. All right. We'll recon or reconvene. Let's get started again. Uh superintendent recommendations and reports. Mr. Smith. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Clark.

065At 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 four items for your consideration this evening under personnel professional. Number one, resignations, letters A through O. Number two, retirement correction, letter A. Number three, unpaid leaves of absence, letters A through C. Number four, employment, letters A through I. I just do want to pay want you to pay special attention to uh 4B. Uh it was recently asked about uh auxiliary funds. Auxiliary funds are funds that we receive um from the state and that money is a fiscal agent. So uh the employee recommended there um she is our employee Fairfield's employee and then services uh special needs students at Sacred Heart uh via the auxiliary fund. So

066just wanted to clarify that. Uh that concludes all the items I have for your consideration under personnel professional. >> Thank you Mr. Hustle. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> Motion. >> Mr. Klene. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. Mr. Phillips. You call roll please. >> Mr. Klein. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bing Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Napier. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Mr. Clark. Members of the board, I have five items for your consideration this evening under personnel support. Number one, resignations, letters A through J. Number two, unpaid leaves of absence, letters A through E. Number three, employment, letters A and B. Number four, support substitute support substitutes 2005 2026. And then number five, promotion letter A. That concludes all the items I have for

067your consideration under personnel support. >> Thank you, Mr. Hustle. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Napier, Miss Birding Miller. Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mr. Napier, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bing Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. Klene, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Mr. Clark, members of the board, we have quite a few items for board discussion this evening. Our first item is a a simple statement I'd like to share regarding the failing of the May 5th ballot issue. as a school district, you know, we simply want to acknowledge the outcome uh of that ballot issue. At the same time, uh we want to say thank you to so many people, our staff included, community members

068who work so hard to educate our community about our financial history, our fiscal responsibility, and all of the complexities of the funding of public education in the state of Ohio. As a result of the outcome, the district will be moving forward with the implementation of approximately $4.5 million in reductions prior to the start of the 2026 2027 school year. For quite some time, the district has shared uh that additional revenue is necessary to avoid further significant reductions. In the coming months, our leadership team will engage with the board of education regarding the possibility of future ballot issues while also continuing discussions about additional reductions should future potential funding efforts not be successful. It is currently estimated that an additional $15 million in reductions may be required if a future ballot issue such as one in

069November is not approved. Uh the district remains committed to transparency and will continue to keep our community informed as we navigate through those steps. Uh just a few days ago, uh we we've already had conversation um about that timeline uh for those discussions. And in order to put a a ballot issue uh up in November, you have certain steps that the board must take by certain uh deadlines. Uh it sounds as if we will start those discussions at one of our June meetings. Uh probably our last one and then conclude that at a meeting in July which I do would like to give the board uh a heads up per our discussions the other day. We may have to move. It's very likely we will be moving our July meeting. Uh we will have some

070discussion about that uh the movement of that in the near future. Again, uh just this is yet another uh opportunity to communicate with our community. We did release a statement. Um but again, every opportunity we have following uh the same um this goes along, you know, consistent with what we've been doing, every opportunity we have to communicate and be transparent, we we've worked really hard to take advantage of that and that's why I wanted to share that information uh with the board and community this evening. Any questions or comments on that? >> Just thank you for sharing that information. 100% agree with all the support from the community on on up from the staff and uh everybody that you mentioned, Mr. Smith. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Our next item for board discussion

071uh is in regard to a board policy. At this time, I'll turn it over to Mrs. Howard. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clark, members of the board, I have one piece of policy for discussion this evening. This policy matches what I sent you last week to review. That's letter A, policy EDC, artificial intelligence. We now live in a time where we need a policy on artificial intelligence for our schools. House Bill 96 legally requires school districts to adopt a new policy on artificial intelligence use by July 1 of 2026. The draft policy is recommended by OSBA and has also been updated based on the ODU model policy. It aligns with best practices and emerging trends that are related to AI, emphasizing AI literacy as a critical component of AI training for both students and

072staff and aligning educator use of AI with the lure code of conduct for Ohio's educators. Our tech and curriculum departments, especially Mr. McKini and Mr. Jeffers, they are working very hard behind the scenes to ensure that we have district level AI procedures in place for the start of next school year that include a plan for all legally required trainings for staff and students. Goes without saying, but those procedures and trainings, they will constantly be reviewed and revised as the AI world changes right before our eyes. So, pending any questions that you have, this policy will be an item for board action on May 21st. >> All right. Our next item for board discussion, 2026 tree project and also a partnership through a partnership with the city of Fairfield. At this time, I'll turn it over

073to Mr. Perry. Thank you, Mr. Smith, Mr. Clark, members of the board. As part of its America 250 celebration, the city of Fairfield has generously donated 25 6-foot native Ohio trees to the district. Jen Carroll, the life science teacher at Fairfield Senior High School and the tree club adviser, along with some of her students, will assist with the planting of these trees this Saturday. The trees will be planted on both freshman and high school campuses. We are always grateful for the opportunity to partner with the city of Fairfield and truly value our continued collaboration. So, um I guess I just learned today that the the trees that were selected and donated were actually voted on by the uh by the tree club uh students. So, I thought that was a pretty cool detail as well.

074>> That's awesome. >> So, uh this something you may see uh in the ground on Saturday. >> Nice. >> Thank you. >> All right. Our last item for board discussion, uh, 2026 27 special education related services staffing. This time I'll turn it over to Mr. Hustle. Thank you, Mr. Smith, Mr. Mr. Clark, members of the board. Due to current special education enrollment, the district will reallocate an existing position to support uh, multiple disability social communication classroom at Creekide Middle School for the 2006 2027 school year. we we are able to meet these needs with current staffing and will not need to add or create a new position. This adjustment is required by the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children to meet mandated student staffto student ratios. Additionally, the district will need to add

075a speech language pathologist. Currently, the district contracts that position with Butler County uh educational services each year. Uh Mrs. Scurvan and her team have identified a candidate that they will recommend to become a Fairfield City School employee. Uh please note both of the items that I've just uh discussed uh come as a cost savings to the district. Is there any questions I can answer for you? That's all I have. Thank you. Mr. Clark, members of the board, I do have several items for your consideration this evening. Under other items for board action, letter D, number one, recommend approval of the following administrative job descriptions as listed. Number two, recommend approval of a special education settlement agreement as facilitated through mediation by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. That concluded concludes the items that I

076have for your consideration this evening under letter D. Other items for board action. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Motion to accept these recommendations, please. >> So moved, >> Miss Bing Miller. Second, >> Mr. Klene. >> Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mrs. Bing Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Klene, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Napier, >> yes. >> Committee reports, legislative update. Mr. Klein, >> uh, not a not a whole lot going on. Um, still keeping an eye on a few bills. There's a Senate bill, Senate Bill 19. Um that bill is going to address certain math interventions and addresses requirements for advanced learning in math. Uh mathematics and and addressing intervention and also addressing advanced learning for math is a a key piece of um

077it's a priority for the uh the state of Ohio. So the senators and uh for our house representatives as well as our governor. So we're going to keep an eye on that. It's been through several committees and has had several several amendments to it. so far. So, that's going to be an interesting one as it comes out. And other than that, there's not a whole lot going on, a whole lot of movement on some of the other bills that we've been keeping keeping an eye on. So, >> good. >> Continue to watch those. >> Thank you, Mr. Klein. Butler Tech, Miss Birding Miller. >> Uh, Butler Tech had their last of three ribbon cutings um since our last meeting. It was their bio center, biocience center. Um, it was a very cool, very windy day.

078The real MVP was the lady handing holding the banner behind the speakers so they didn't get whacked with the uh nice Butler Techch banner. So that was really appreciated. Um they had a great coffee truck that I was so mad that I missed because I got there just in time for the ribbon cutting cuz you know baby uh and then I couldn't couldn't get coffee because I didn't have enough time. Uh they did have um 170 students represent them at the districts at the USA Ohio State Conference. Um I did have a number of how many of those were for Fairfield students and I lost my notes somewhere. Um but a good number of them were from Fairfield. Um and they had a lot of winners and first places in that competition. Um once again

079I lost all my notes. Happy to bring that information next time. Uh right now they are actually just concluded their all boards meeting. They've been doing student showcases uh this Thursday, last Thursday and the Thursday before that which was pretty cool to go and see some of the I went and saw a couple of the Fairfield students in the school of arts and in the D Russell Lee um which was great to be able to see them. And then they had a wonderful world of music presentation where they did all the different um students came up and did music from like where their heritage is from. And so that was really cool. >> That's awesome. >> New cafe lee. So it's all over. It's >> all over. >> If you missed out, you got to

080wait till next year now. >> Thank you, Miss Birding Miller. Student achievement, Mr. McDonald. >> Yeah, it's uh when there's this much time in between board meetings, it's really tough to pair down uh everything. But uh there's been a lot of exciting uh things happening. Uh so to start with uh I was fortunate enough to uh be able to attend the 2026 academic awards ceremony uh where we recognized the top 15 in the class as well as 79 AP scholar students. I'm not going to name them all, don't worry. Um but what an amazing night it was to celebrate uh their academic achievements. Uh, also something that wasn't lost on me was how many of those 80 total students that were recognized that night uh were involved in extracurricular extracurricular activities. Uh, it was the

081vast majority. Uh, from cross country to golf to band to show choir to baseball, uh, the list goes on. In fact, uh, a handful of the top 15 when they were recognizing the teacher who influenced them the most, um, which is really cool, by the way, if if you haven't experienced that, uh, they made reference to their coaches and their teammates and talked about how those activities help them get through. I think sometimes when we think of, uh, you know, the top 15 in the class specifically, you think of kids that are just heads down in their books and not doing other things, and that is just not the case. These are students uh who are student athletes or students who are involved in the arts and in a lot of cases like I said

082they credited their teammates uh and coaches in helping them actually get through way they said I wouldn't have been able to make it uh through without them. So um you know just my my little plug for how important it is uh to as Mr. Smith says all the time uh kind of service the whole student and and not just uh the academic side. Um, we've had quite a few athletes of the week since our last board meeting, so I want to recognize them. Uh, Sammy Bowling for volleyball. Skyler Jones, track and field. Adeline Huey for softball. Sam Lisk for baseball. Aurora Wallace softball. Uh, Jaylen De Jesus track and field. Allison or I know Ally Bryant lacrosse. And then Alex Bur for baseball who also happens to be one of those uh top 15 uh

083academic uh honores in the class of 2026. So, Alex, way to get it done in the classroom uh and on the field. Um finally, uh for those that uh were able to attend the arts fair this past Sunday, um it is just absolutely amazing to walk down the halls of both uh the high school uh which turns into kind of a temporary art gallery showcasing the the work of these students, which is just amazing. I I was talking to one and asking her uh what she used to create these and it was everything from pencils to paint to anything else you can imagine which for somebody who can barely draw a stick figure um I was obviously very impressed. Um I could go on and on about the talent that was on full display from

084the choirs to the bands uh the the art gallery I mentioned. Um, but one of the coolest things that I saw was the display of plush toys at the freshman school and the freshman students took drawings from second grade students and turned them into real life plush toys >> and they are then returning those to the second graders with their drawing and this this plush toy. Um, and just the >> how closely they were, you know, uh, they recreated what was on the drawing. First of all, the drawings of the second graders, holy crap. Like I that was just an impressive itself. But then the ability for freshman students to be able to take those um and and turn them into uh real life was just impressive. And it just goes to show the talent

085um that we have in this district. Um the care that we have in this district uh and the and the dedicated teachers and staff who really help bring that talent out in the students, but give them the avenue and the vehicle to do it. and and the district uh giving uh these students the uh the opportunity to do that uh is is amazing. So, thank you. >> Yeah, that's awesome. That drawing and plushy is incredible if they could do that. Thank you, Mr. McDonald. Uh Parks and Wreck, uh you can start registration for the uh city golf championship. Registration's available uh now. Oops. Get out of that. Um all of them. Michael. Um, let's see. The What we got here? >> Do you also lose your notes? >> Yeah, I was trying to scroll here.

086So much going on. >> I don't know if you want to talk about that. And Mr. Hustle, >> we're getting to that. Yeah. >> Uh, you still register to be in the memorial parade. >> Uh, goat yoga is back, Mr. Hustle. May 26, 6:00 to 7. 6, I'm sorry. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Village Green. I >> think there was a dog pond that got filled. >> I'm getting there. >> Okay, >> slow you roll. >> You already take all my notes for >> I know. >> I'm an overachiever. I can't open. >> You are. I'm glad to follow you. Walk in your shadow. Uh farmers market is is still open. And that is if you've never been to the farmers market, that's an incredible place to get snacks and fresh fruit and crafts. And

087the furfield pool is up and running. It is full, so you can take your puppy there. And I think that's really about it. Yeah. So, go visit the parks. They're open. It's amazing. We got 27 of them. Go visit those. Uh, planning commission, Mr. Smith. >> Uh, yes. Last planning commission meeting was cancelled. As a result, there is no update for the board this evening. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> Uh announcements. May 18th, 2026, last day for seniors. Wow. May 18th, 2026, senior elementary walk. 10:00 a.m. at uh FCSD elementary schools. Uh May 18th, 2026, Butler Tech Senior Ceremony. 8:00 p.m. Sitas Center, Xavier University. May 21st, 2026, board meeting. It's regular session 6:30 at Fairfield Compass Elementary Cafeteria. May 21st, 2026, end of second semester, grades uh 9 through

08812. May 21st, 2026, end of fourth quarter, grades K through 8. May 21st, 2026, last day of school for all students preK through 11. May 22, 2026, last day for teachers. May 23rd, the big day, graduation 9:00 a.m. Sith Center, Xavier University. So, we got a lot going on as the year comes to an end, which has been the best year ever. Right, Mr. Smith? >> Right. That's right. >> Till next year. Yeah. Board member comments. Mr. Napier. >> Yeah. I want to thank all the uh Golden Apple winners tonight and their families that came along. I want to thank everybody up here that worked so hard on our income tax thing last week. I mean, everybody up here worked really hard on it. Disappointing the way it went, but you know, November November be

089here before we know it. Especially thank Jay did a great job with the numbers, explaining them, even to someone like me. Um, it's all I got, >> Mr. Klein. >> Um, a great night. What a fun night um to celebrate so many teachers and and staff members and people that just again influence our students day in and day out. Um just create an environment for our students to be to be nurtured, to grow, and as as we say all the time, to to reach the whole child, um our whole student. And it it there aren't enough words to just congratulate you on on what you've done for our our students and our community. those are our future community members and uh we just love that you're you're sharing and and giving and pouring into their

090lives. Um also want to just thank everybody who went out and and worked for the uh the ballot issue. Um takes a lot of work behind the scenes and a lot of people put in a lot of work to make make that happen, get the word out, share what our situation is. Um share the the the truth of our our finances. Um, Mr. Phillips, again, also want to thank you. Um, we are we are very blessed as a district to have someone in our treasures position, Mr. Phillips, that not only understands the the situation of school finance and stays on top of the the constantly changing landscape there, but also understands how to do numbers, but to communic communicate that to folks. Um, you did an excellent job communicating to our our community. Um, I

091I can't tell you. I I worked the the polls on Tuesday. I can't tell you how many people walked by and said, "Hey, I learned so much through this leading up to to the the election." So, thank you for for taking time and and to educate people and to to share um what is really a complicated um uh and this is my translation, nonsensical um way to do finances for public education. Um and uh just again enjoyed this evening. Um I also you know Mr. McDonald enjoy hearing about the student achievement too. There was always some really cool things. So arts arts fair was awesome. If you didn't get to attend attend that next year it's such a great time. So thank you Mr. McDonald. >> Yeah. Uh just again congratulations to the uh Golden

092Apple winners. Uh just outstanding. uh the word that comes to mind is just advocacy just for the students and and just above and beyond what is required in the job description and I think that's the uh you know my own myangelo said it's they'll always remember how you made them feel and I I think that's what really came through to me is um you know from the staff that's uh maybe supporting administration more than the students how they make them feel but also then obviously the staff that's directly interacting interacting with our students um you know, uh, Coach Green and Miss Thompson and some of the ones that were honored that I've mentioned are people that I've known for a long time and I just I've seen it firsthand and so to see their names

093on the list and see them come up and accept the award is just uh, outstanding. Um, to, you know, Mr. Holes, um, you know, I have a sophomore now now junior, she just finished her sophomore year, uh, in music education to to so to see folks like Mr. holes and to hear them talk about the impact that he's had and how he uh the environment that he creates in his classroom and and to think that uh you know my daughter can be that someday. So like somebody for me to even see like oh I hope she has that same impact someday as a as a teacher um is amazing. Um you know kind of playing on that theme of just advocacy um Mr. Smith, you know, just there is no better advocate for not just

094Fairfield City Schools, but for Fairfield than you. Um, thank you for your leadership through just an incredibly tough situation and continued leadership as we kind of navigate the next steps um after Tuesday. Um, you know, it's it's not any it's not what any of us wanted. Um, but I can't think of a better person to have, you know, at the wheel, uh, you know, guiding us through it than you. So, thank you for just continuing to be an advocate for public education in the community of Fairfield. Um, and Mr. Phillips I I I you know again just it it's something that's so difficult to understand and and the more that I understand it and the more then I kind of talk to folks and in public about it and try to explain it to them

095they're like what I mean that's kind of just this puzzled look like that makes no sense and I'm like right it makes no sense but that's where we are so thank you for making sense of things that don't make sense. So, um, yeah, that's all. >> Thank you, Mr. McDonald. Miss Birdie Miller. >> Uh, thank you so much for all of the staff and the supporters that came out to the Golden Apple so we could recognize these amazing people that work in our district day in day. Uh, you guys are impacting our students and staff's lives and leaving a lifelong impression on them. So, thank you so much and congratulations for the well-deserved awards. Um, I recently had a pleasure of doing a mini marathon through the district with Billy. Um, we did four schools

096all in one day. It was a great tour. We started and we did we did literally every grade level. So, we started um with I took I took a picture of the schedule so I could remember. Um, >> lose your notes. >> I did lose my notes. Look, I cleared my camera reel and that's where all my notes are. Okay. Um, but we started in the middle school and then we came over to the freshman building and then we went to the high school. So, we kind of progressed and then we took a leap back and went back to the elementary school and it is just so incredible to be in the environment because we make all these decisions and you know we we're doing this for the students but to be able to go

097and see them and see like the very dayto-day. Um, unfortunately we were here during testing so a lot of them were very stressed and very quiet. Um, but still you could feel just the just the pulse of the community being here. Um, one of the coolest things we saw was it was the week that we were doing the play and so the the theater group did a matinea for the elementary students. So kids walked over from Compass and came and got to see the play during school. And then on top of that, not only did kids come over to Compass to be able to see the play, but then the high school sent some women in steam or STEM over to the Compass building and they were doing demos of little projects with first graders,

098second graders. >> It was first grade and and I just have to add because this is one of my favorite things that happened that day. So that this was obviously a scheduled visit um for Abby, but we did not know that those high school kids were coming over. >> That's awesome. >> And so that we weren't even scheduled to be there for that, but we just happened to run into it. And so we we made several stops that were not scheduled because other so so many cool things were happening. And that's what I said to Abby and and the teacher. I'm like, the beautiful thing is that this was happening. We didn't even realize it. We weren't even supposed to be here. But that's an indication of what happens here every day. >> There are

099amazing things happening every day. And the average person has no idea. >> Right. And so just really cool. I love that >> it was truly amazing to be able to, you know, get a step in that dayto-day. Uh May 21st is a very busy day. Uh, not to mention also my birthday. Um, just so everybody knows. Um, uh, I I also want to thank the levy committee. Um, you guys put in a lot of work and, uh, the amount of not only from the committee, but also this administration, you know, the amount of communication and transparency is above and beyond what I could have expected. Uh, you guys, I think, were probably the most vocal I've ever seen. a levy. And when I say vocal, I mean just being able to provide the facts. Um,

100and J, I really truly want to thank you for bringing this to the district um uh with the dollars and cents. You are literally um I work a lot with other districts recently with the OSBA regional committee and you're my poster child. I'm like they're like, "Oh, you know, we're we're suffering this and this." And I'm like, "Well, are you educating your community?" I was like, "Our treasurer does a bi-weekly, you know, two to five minute segment where they're educating our community about finances because it's such a complicated thing that we are still learning dayto-day and our community has little information on. Um, and you are just providing a snippet, you know, something digestible in those little videos. So, thank you so much for what you do. Um, thank you so so much for all

101of the work the administration team has done leading up to this has prepared us, you know, for whatever results came through. Um, and thank you for the work that you guys are going to continue to do as we progress through this next chapter. Um, you know, it wasn't the results we wanted, but Billy and I were, you know, um, talking that night. You know, we prepared for the worst, hoped for the best, prepared for the worst. And, um, we we definitely went into it prepared. and um we're ready to face this next step. Uh lastly, I'm going to continue to do this. I'm going to encourage the community to reach out to your state reps. A lot of you are vocal on the Facebook and and and the social media that you know that it's

102not fair for the um tax levy to be put on that because it's not fair to burden the taxpayers with these kind of things because you don't agree with how things are being funded. We already know that. We are vocal at that. That's why we are talking with our state reps and that's why we go to the col we go to Columbus and speak with our reps and we speak with our local reps. They need to hear it from you. And not only do they need to hear it from you, they need to feel it at the ballot. So all of you that did not come and vote this May, make sure you come vote in November because a lot of people's seats are up. And so they need to hear it from you, the

103community, how you want to have the state funding, how you want the schools to be funded, or however you feel about that. Um, so I encourage you to get active and be heard. >> Yeah. Well said. >> I wish the best of luck to the end of the school year, the greatest school year ever. Uh, and I'm excited for graduation. >> It's coming up. Yeah, >> it's coming up. Uh continue on with the thanks uh for the golden apple or um congratulations to the golden apple winners. Very much deserved. Uh elegance, incredible, exceptional. All the positive words and encouragement that we could give to you, you give to the students and the families. As been said, you support the whole child, which includes their families, their emotions, and everything. So, uh, to the the one

104teacher, and I forget her name, and I apologize, who knows every single student's name, and I think I heard over 700 students that she interacts with. That is amazing. I have trouble remembering seven people names. My wife always jokes that I have nicknames for people. >> Her first name is Erica. >> Erica. Good job, Erica. Congratulations to all of you. Welld deserved and uh, greatly appreciated. You are why this district is as good as it is because of you. So, thank you. Um yeah, the the levy um committee, great job. Special shout out to Laura Metsler for leading that. She did a great job. Um to all the community members that helped her and uh I want to give a shout out also to the uh um to Kurt and the uh um um um

105teachers >> team teachers. Yes, teachers union. Thank you uh for helping as well. It's good to see that collaboration. Um, and the more we get the information out uh from all of us, uh, especially Mr. Phillips, the great job that you do, we just keep building on that and keep going. Um, November will be here before we know it, but we continue the efforts pushing forward. As we saw, there were many schools that had a similar ask on the ballot and, uh, none of those passed either, but I have faith that ours will because our community continues to get educated. Um, as as John said at the polls, Mr. Klein said at the polls people were acknowledging how helpful it was. Miss Bernie Miller said that about people. I know all of us can acknowledge

106that too. We talked to folks off to the side and they're learning more as we go. So uh thank you Mr. uh Phillips for doing that and to the admin for the community uh engagement meetings that we had in evenings. Those were huge as well and I hope we keep those up. But that that part of the education also is is huge. um more of those people that attend can tell other people and that's you know that's how it works. So thank you so much for for that. Um I attended the AP dinner uh the other night as uh Mr. McDonald said there's a couple uh athletes that were uh attending that that meeting. We had a baseball student that got the baseball game got rained out so he jumped real quick into a dress

107shirt and came over and got his award that night. So that was awesome to see. So great great night there also. um and scheduling to visit the buildings. If if the Mr. McDonald and and Mr. Klein, I know Mr. Naper, you guys kind of have lived here in your past, but I would highly recommend that you always schedule with Mr. Smith to do these visits, but go into some of the classrooms and and see what goes on. Visit, see the see the the in the uh the works on the inside that the public doesn't normally see. It's a great example that you gave with the high school coming over. your timing was impeccable to to experience that and that's awesome. But key is to set those schedules up anytime we go to a building to

108schedule with Mr. Smith so that he can uh uh make sure we do it the right way. Um >> I forgot to mention one of the little first graders literally took the time to draw a picture of a butterfly and say that you are beautiful. Thanks for coming. I was like oh my gosh. I literally was like trying not to cry with Mr. Smith as I was like oh my god look at this. I almost threw it away cuz I thought it was trash. Gosh, I thought she was handing me trash to throw away. >> Anyways, continue. >> That's a great story. >> I know. That's the moments that you get by being in the classroom. >> That was uh graduation be here. Congratulations, seniors. Uh and all those students moving up. Um the next

109year is for you. It's going to be the best year ever. So, thank you. And I think that's all we have. So, we're going to uh dismiss and recess to executive session. Court action 121.22 G3 pending or uh immediate litig litigation the employment dismissal uh discipline or compensation of public employee 121.22G I motion to ex uh convey to executive session >> make a motion >> Mr. Napier >> second >> Mr. uh uh McDonald Mr. Phillips you call roll please >> Mr. Navier >> yes >> Mr. McDonald >> yes >> Mrs. Bing Miller >> yes >> Mr. Clark >> yes >> Mr. Fine. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Uh we'll move to executive session at 8:20 p.m.