Board Meeting April 9th 2026

001Good evening and welcome to the April 9th, 2026 board of education meeting of Fairfield City School District. Uh Mr. Phillips, would you call roll, please? >> Yes. Mrs. Bing Miller, >> present. >> Mr. Clark, >> present. >> Mr. Klein, >> present. >> Mr. McDonald, >> present. >> Mr. Napier, >> here. >> Mr. Naper, would you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? If everybody would stand if you're willing and able. I pledge algiance 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, Mr. Napier. >> Public hearing to consider reemployment of Michelle Hilbert, Jason, Mr. Hustle. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark. Members of the board, we're here. First item on our agenda this evening

002is a public hearing regarding the proposed retire rehire of Michelle Hilbert, current assistant principal at Fairfield South Elementary School in the Fairfield City School District. In accordance with Ohio law, public notice of the board's intent to remploy Miss Hilbert in the same position following retirement was provided at least 60 days before the board will act on the proposed reemployment. And this hearing is being held between fif 15 and 30 days prior to the action date. The board is scheduled to act on the proposed remployment at the next board meeting on May 7th, 2026. The purpose of this hearing is to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the issue of remploying Miss Hilbert as a retiree in the assistant principal position at Fairfield South Elementary uh in the Fairfield City School District. At

003this time, any member of the public who wishes to speak specifically on the proposed retire, rehire of Michelle Hilbert may come forward to the podium, state your name, address for record, and share your comment. Please limit your remarks to three minutes so everyone who wishes to speak will have the opportunity to do so. Seeing no one, this will conclude the public comment portion of this hearing. The board of education will consider the proposed retire rehire of Michelle Hilbert, assistant principal at South Elementary School, at its next board meeting, May 7th, 2026. Consistent with the notice that was issued, this concludes the public hearing on the proposed retire rehire of Michelle Hilbert. We will now return to the regular agenda. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hustle. Presentations and resolutions. Mr. Smith. >> Yes, Mr. Clark.

004Members of the board, we do have one presentation scheduled this evening and is one of our favorites. We often talk about our favorites and on many occasions uh we don't have much of an audience here. Uh but this one uh this you look out here and you can see a lot of happy faces, right? And that's why that's why it's one of our favorites. A lot of happy faces. We are so excited uh to recognize our retirees this evening. Uh every year we do have some individuals uh who announced their retirement after this April meeting and especially last year. Uh if you recall STRS changed the rules uh very late in the game. So we had a lot of lastm minute uh retirees. So we're honoring uh them this evening as as well. So in

005addition to 2526 school year, we are we are also honoring those from the 2425 school year. So, prior to reading the names, I would just like to say thank you uh to all of our retirees for your years of service. At some point, you made the decision uh to serve kids, our students, uh our schools, and our community, and we are better off for it. So, on behalf of all of the students and families uh in the entire school community, I would like to say thank you and well done. WE WILL BEGIN WE WILL begin by recognizing the 2425 retirees. Once your name is called, please come forward so that Angie Neil, our coordinator of district information, and Scott Clark, our board of education president, can present you with a certificate and a gift. Also,

006for those in attendance, please don't rush off afterwards. We'd like to get a picture uh with all of our retirees and our board of education uh members out in the uh lobby once we have uh completed our uh recognition. I will say uh obviously it's a busy time of year. It's the seasons the season has changed. We're in a new season. It's warm. It's sunny. Uh I think everyone welcomes that. So uh regardless uh we do have some folks who aren't here this evening. we will I will say every name. Uh want to recognize them even if they're not able to be here this evening. So again going back to 2025 Barbara Guth. >> Thank you. Up next, Linda Cervidio. showers more. >> That's right. >> Deborah Allen, Laura Bell, THANK YOU SO MUCH. Lisa

007Gaddy Thomas, Sally Haynes, Cindy Hines, Jody Hensley, RHONDA HURST, LINDA MCCCLURE, Iris Rasp, Vicky Rudder, Allison Schik, DEBORAH SOURS, MARY VILLA REALEL, Pamela Wooten, MILLER SLOW. And last but not least for 2024 2025, Laura Yoder. All right. 2025 2026, Jennifer Charles. Amy Dunn. Yes. JUDY FALCONEE Trisha Funk. Gina Gentry Fletcher Nancy Lotus, Rose Lamb, DON MAN. >> CONGRATULATIONS. Lisa Mesaker. Kathleen Maize. Elizabeth Moore, Julie Wineset, Pamela Wright. Congratulations Linda Cox, Lanita Drake, JUDY GARRETT, REBECCA JONES. >> YEAH, BECKY. That was awesome. >> Wait, wait, wait. There's another picture in the back. >> Call out. >> Thank you. >> David, >> Mikey Masonic, TJ Schwart, Y congratulations. >> Cheryl Smith. GARY SMITH and Patty Stepple. All right, those uh that concludes the reading of our uh the names of our retirees this evening. Before we go

008outside for a picture, I will turn it back over to the board so that they uh can share some comments with our retirees. >> Mr. Nav. >> Yeah. I want to congratulate all of you. I was sitting out there 5 years ago looking forward to this day. Uh a lot of you I worked with over here at the high school and I'm I'm glad to see that you made it through. That's all I got. Go ahead, John. >> Well, congratulations. Um, some familiar faces. It's awesome to to get to this milestone and hopefully it's just beginning, a new beginning for you. And just thank you for all that you've done for our students, investing in them over the years. And uh, and I too am glad you made it after he left. So, thank you

009for everything you've done for our students, for our community, and and your service. Enjoy retirement, >> Mr. McDonald. Uh just thank you for all your years of service uh to our students and to our community. Uh and I'm glad that you made it with Mike. Probably smooth sailing after Mike, but no, seriously, thank thank you for everything. I I wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. Hope you get to enjoy uh some really nice weather and some really nice places. So, thank you. >> Yeah. >> Uh I want to thank all of you for the impact that you've had on our district, on our students, on our staff. Um I have a long journey before I get to enjoy um what you guys are about to embark on. So I am excited to

010see this next chapter for each and every one of you and I hope that you get to enjoy it to the fullest. >> Yeah. I concur with my fellow board members but thank you all so very much. You have impacted so many kids over the years. So many families as well. Uh when you touch the the children that touches the families and you can't count on your hands, toes or feet. uh all all the people that you've touched in a big big way. And um as you tenure on, there'll be students that come back because of you. There'll be students that come back and do great things because of you. So, thank you for what you do. And uh I'm sure if you live in this area, you're going to see that impact grow. So,

011thank you all very, very much. At this time, if we could make our way out to the lobby uh for a group picture. >> All right. Communication. This is a portion of the meeting where you're invited to share thoughts with the board. In order for the board to fulfill its obligation to complete the planned agenda in an effective and efficient fashion, a maximum of 30 minutes of public participation may be permitted at each meeting. Please know that at this time that this time has been set aside for the board to listen to you. Your comments are valued and we will be taken into consideration carefully. The board will not engage in dialogue at this time. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes each. And I think we have no one that signed up today, so we'll

012be able to move on with the agenda. Superintendent recommendations and reports. Mr. Smith. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark. At 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 under personnel professional. Number one, resignations letters A through H. Number two, unpaid leave of absence, letters A through D. Number three, employment letters A through K. That concludes all the items I have for your consideration under personnel professional. >> Thank you, Mr. Hustle. Motion to accept these recommendations. I made a motion. >> Mr. Napier, >> second. >> Mr. Klene. >> Mr. Phillips, you call a roll, please. >> Mr. Napier, >> yes. >> Mr. Klein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burning Miller,

013>> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark passes. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. Mr. Clark, members of the board, I have four items for your consideration this evening under personnel support. Number one, unpaid leave of absence, letter A. Number two, employment letters A and B. Number three, support substitutes 20252026. Number four, athletic event workers 20252026. That concludes all the items I have for your consideration under personnel support. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> Motion. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Second. >> Miss Burning Miller. Mr. Phillips. You call roll, please. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burning Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. Klein, >> yes. >> Mr. Napier, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Mr. Park. Members of the board, we do have six

014items for board discussion this evening. Our first one is in regard to a potential meeting location change for our next board meeting, which is May 7th. Um, if you don't if you may not be aware, but that meeting is where we were we will be honoring all of our Golden Apple recipients. Uh, that meeting is also one of our favorites. So, we have backtoback favorites. Um, if you recall the meeting, that meeting last year, uh, it was standing room only. Uh, in fact, we had some people on the out outside in the lobby and overflow over there. And so, uh, as a result, I would like to propose that we change the location of that meeting to our freshman school, that very large area when you walk through those front doors. Um, we've taken a

015look at that. We think that would be an outstanding venue for for um that evening u because of the golden apple awards and we'll have plenty of space and um but because we approve locations uh in our January meeting if we change one I do need to get that approved. So, it is on the agenda this evening for action, but be happy to answer uh any questions you may have about that. >> Questions? Just this comment. I think it's a great suggestion. We had plenty of people here to see the excitement for one of the the biggest and most fun events like tonight. So, I think that's a a great opportunity to showcase >> the Golden Apple. >> Okay. Awesome. Thank you. >> I make a motion. >> Well, we got to go through the

016rest of them first. >> Oh, sorry. Yeah, just I appreciate your excitement. >> I'm excited to be able to attend this year because I'm not scheduled for my conference as I usually am because it's usually the second. >> It is. So, we we switched it up this year and that had to do with the you know, usually the forecast is in May. That's bumped up to February. Is that right? So, it allowed us to do make some changes um in our calendar. So, it worked out. >> All right. Awesome. Super excited. >> All right. Our next uh item for board discussion is in regard to board member roles at graduation 2026 uh which isn't that far away. So uh each year board members a board member one board member will distribute diplomas while uh two

017assists students as they uh greet students as they come up onto the stage uh and then two others assists myself and that other uh board member who is giving out uh diplomas. In addition, one board member presents the class to Mr. Bellamy uh prior to the distribution of diplomas. This evening, I'd like to uh give the board an opportunity to discuss and it's okay if you know you can't figure that out this evening, but uh time we're getting close. >> Uh and so just wanted to give the board an opportunity if you had uh any ideas about uh the roles for board members this year. Uh I also did send an email uh this afternoon uh as I mentioned one board member uh will have the opportunity to distribute diplomas. We do generally rotate all

018these positions uh within the board so that different board members have opportunities to do different things uh year after year. Um but uh and I believe May 8th was the deadline uh that I shared in the email about if you have a small number of students you would like to present a diploma to um and you're not the board member distributing this year then please share those names with Christy Tuloo and I um by May 8th. The reason for the li, you know, in theory a small number is if you've been to our graduation, you know, it is rapid fire and everything moves very quickly and so if you have a lot of people changing roles and whatnot, that can be a little disruptive uh to the ceremony in general. So that's why we try

019to keep that to a minimum if possible. Anyways, uh tonight I'd like to again give you an opportunity to talk about if you have any thoughts about which board member uh will distribute diplomas and specifically present the graduating class to Mr. Bellamy. The other ones are easy to arrange and that day by the way I know we do have two new board members. We will have a room in the back. We will have drawings and arrows and maps and all the things. And sometimes that changes the day of and then you'll get very confused. >> But we will we will take care of you. >> It'll work out. >> It will work out. It always does. >> Also, make sure you're very early. That's what I sometimes have to park in the boonies even with

020your special parking pass and you're walking on the stage after everybody's already seen it. >> Yeah. If you get there late, your special parking pass will not be affected. >> Nothing. Yeah. And so you don't want to get there late and have and be running to catch up with the rest of us down a back hallway at CentOS. I appreciate that. >> Yes. Good, good point. Good point. >> I did not definitely sneak on the stage last year at all. >> So we need two rolls of greeting students on the stairways left and right and then two to distribute the diplomas and one to announce the class to uh to Mr. Bellamy. You'll have two uh to assist with the distribution at the table and one to distribute specifically distribute and then one to present.

021Yes, that's correct. >> Any I'm good with standing behind you again. >> All right. >> Just no chewing gum up there. >> Yeah. Thank you. Appreciate that. >> Oh, unwritten rules. >> Yeah, those that Well, we I think we're going to put that one in writing. But that was that one in writing. That was on the jumbotron. >> Yeah. Bill Rice hits me on the leg. He goes, "Hey, put you in your guns." Texting me. They think you're >> All right, moving on. >> I I will, as the uh newbie, I will absolutely defer to all the others and take whatever role that you guys don't want. reading across the stairs is very important, let me tell you, cuz you are there to make sure the students walk across when their name's called and not

022like three kids before them or after. >> So that's the bouncer rule. >> Yes. Got it. Yes. >> You you are there for traffic flow. It's very important. >> Got it. That's this is a great discussion that now we can have that so you can start mentally processing that. So the students are very nervous as you can imagine and so sometimes a student doesn't show up and when that student doesn't show they will read someone else's name and and that the next student will automatically just go and so you know you have an opportunity to say is that you you know and then they go it's an important role every role is important >> it is. Yeah. Yeah. So like Mr. Smith said, "We don't have to have a full answer tonight, but kind of

023think about if you have a special um position that you would like, then definitely speak up." Um, and to your point, if you have a couple, three or four students that you want to hand it out to, if I remember correctly, they would move those into one group and have have those students come up for that particular handoff. Well, what we will do is uh wherever your position is, we will change the seating arrangements of the kids. That's why all this is so important. And put them on your side. So if you're the greeter on the left side, then those three students are going to be seated on the left side >> regardless of their last name, >> right? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I know it's all very >> Yeah. We'll do whatever

024you need to structure. >> I got my job. I'm good. >> Okay. >> We'll get it worked out by May. >> All right. >> Throw a dart at a board. >> All right. All right. Moving on along, then. Uh at this time, our next item for discussion, administrative job descriptions. I will turn over to Mr. Hustle. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith, Mr. Clark, members of the board. As a best practice, job descriptions should be reviewed and updated every 3 to 5 years. The administrative job descriptions and proposed changes have been shared with you this evening. A recommendation for the approval of the job descriptions will appear at the next board meeting, May 7, 2026, under an item for board action. Uh, are there any questions that I can answer for you? That's all I got.

025Thank you. >> All right. Up next, we have a uh some discussion about 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 just one piece of policy for discussion this evening. This policy matches what I sent you earlier this week to review, and it's letter A, policy EBDE, procurement and administration of overdose reversal drugs. This policy has been updated to include examples of trainings that school employees may be required to complete. This is not a change in practice for us. It is just an update to reflect language from the newly released Ohio Department of Education and Workforce model policy. So, pending any questions that you may have, you'll be asked to take action to approve this light language edition

026this evening. That's all. >> Okay. All right. our next two items uh in regard to a a financial oversight written plan and a proposed tax abatement. At this time, I'll turn it over to Mr. Phillips who will be covering both of those items. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clark, members of the board, um you're somewhat familiar with both of the next two items, I believe, but I do want to go through just a quick overview of the written plan and narrative. Um, as you are aware based on FY28 school year, really the fiscal year 28, so it's a 2728 school year and us uh estimating that we're going to have a negative balance at the end of that year. We're placed on this precautionary fiscal status. Uh, as part of that status,

027we have to do a bunch of leg work. Uh the Ohio Department of Education workforce has sent us a workbook that we had to complete and basically the gist of it is is we had to identify enough reductions to not be not have negative cash balance in FY28. It was just over a million dollars is what we're projecting to be negative. Obviously, as a board, you've already approved reductions totaling uh just over $4 million going into next year should our um income earned income tax ballot uh not be successful. However, we still have to complete all the leg work. Um with that, the written plan itself uh led to about over the cumulative to FY29 led to about 12.5 million in reductions. just what we're doing um in our already approved plan. If you look

028at it over the course of the next three fiscal years, it totals about $12.6 million. You may have already seen that in the narrative that I I had written and sent to you all. Um obviously plan A is 1.25% earned income uh tax. If that fails, plan B is the uh reductions. Um, as you already know, but as I have to list publicly, the reductions include a district office custodian, two part-time district office receptionist, director of communications, uh, position preschool supervisor, reductions in technology staff, five instructional specialists, 14 teaching positions through attrition, one elementary administrative position, 10 English learner tutors, eight custodial positions, um, and then one school psychologist through attrition. Other reductions include the elimination of district funded field trips, a 10% reduction in building level budgets, adjustment to the Chromebook replacement cycle, and

029elimination of district funded funded AP and PSAT PSAT testing fees. Um, other than that, this plan is a required submission to the state demonstrating that we do have a path forward using only the tools within our control. That's why we had to come up with the plan B. Um it's not a recommendation of what we want to do. It's a reflection of what we have to do absent addition additional revenue. Um and so I will ask you uh during board action to approve that written plan as well as a narrative that accompanied the plan and the official resolution approving the narrative and the plan. That is it for uh the OD written plan and narrative. Any questions on that before I move to my next item? >> If I could make a comment, Mr. Clark,

030just I know that Mr. Phillips will not share this information with you, just like Mrs. Flick didn't share some information about the work that she does on a regular basis about a month ago or so. What Jay's not telling you is the work the hours that were required to go into this plan were un is unbelievable. Um, it shouldn't have been because we we had we put the work in in front to we had everything right. I was only involved in one meeting uh with someone from the state. Jay had multiple meetings after the fact with that same individual just to make sure that the formatting and the spreadsheet and all the things were just the way that they wanted them and needed them to be in spite of the fact that he had all

031the information. Everything they needed we already had because we are prepared and ready to go. But the hours that he put into this document is it's it's unbelievable. So I just he I know that he wouldn't share that with you. And so I just want to commend him for all the work that he did to to do what we had to do according to um ODW. Even though it was already done, we had to do it their way. >> So >> thanks for saying that. And the pinch point came because it's not due till April 30th, but it has to be board approved. And so where spring break fell and our board meeting being April 9th, we had to extradite it. So so a lot of hours went in up front. But thank you for

032saying that, Mr. Smith. Appreciate that. >> Appreciate that acknowledgement. >> Um the next item I would like to talk about is the proposed G&W products expansion tax abatement um in alignment with Fairfield with the city of Fairfield incentive guidelines. Um periodically we are brought uh a proposal from the city regarding community reinvestment act or community reinvestment area. Um this is one that already exists. G&W already exist. Uh they actually currently have 120,000 ft building at 8675 Seward Road and they want to expl expand that by approximately 17,000 square ft. They are asking for a the proposed agreement is asking for a 70% um abatement with 5-year exemption uh with a school compensation payment equal to 32% of the annual taxes abated. That is right in line with our agreement with the city. It's exactly what

033they have on the 120,000 square foot building that exists. Uh the the dollars during the abatement don't add up to a lot for us or for um Butler Tech. It equates to about $4,661 annually uh for us and about $146 annually for Butler Tech. Uh but once once that is off the abatement and the full taxes come online, it will benefit us pretty I wouldn't say significantly, but it'll it'll be much better than what is proposed here. Um, and just as a reminder, the city doesn't have to come to us for approval for anything. They can actually do up to 75% for 10 years without our approval. Um, but they are always very thoughtful of the school district and they never do a full 75% abatement. As if you realize here, it's a 70% and

034we are still getting 32% of taxes that are abated. So, it does help generate revenue for us. Um, so we appreciate the city always being thoughtful and mindful of the school district when doing these developments, but I will ask you to formally approve that uh tax abatement when it comes to board action. >> Yeah, I think that's a great point. The relationship we have with the city and they're um being uh um working with us um collaborating in a great way. They don't have to do that, but they are um that little bit or that little bit of add-on. It is large, but it's small compared to what's already out there. Doesn't make a big difference. So, it seems like an actual, you know, great agreement. And >> yeah, I guess that's great. I'm just

035glad we had that relationship with the city. >> Me, too. >> So, thank you, city of Fairfield. >> And they uh just this week uh there was another one um that was brought to me. So, I'll bring that to you and I'll send you the information. I'll bring it at the next next board meeting as well. Um there's a little bit bigger project, so stay tuned. >> Yeah. Good. Thank you, Mr. Phillips. >> Thank you. All right, Mr. Clark, members of board, I do have several items for your consideration under letter D, other items for board action. Number one, recommend approval of the change in location for the May 7th board of education meeting from Fairfield Senior High School, Katherine D. Milligan Community Room to Fairfield School Cafeteria. Number two, recommend approval of selected curriculum

036materials as discussed in the March 19th, 2026 board meeting. Number three, recommend approval of the following board policy, letter A. Number four, recommend approval of the district's written plan workbook accompanying narrative and the corresponding resolution as required by the Ohio Department of Education workforce in response to the district's deficit notification letter. In accordance with state fiscal oversight requirements, the board authorizes the treasurer to submit the approved written plan workbook and narrative to the Ohio Department of Education and workforce by the required deadline of April 30th, 2026. Number five, recommend approval of the school compensation agreement with the city of Fairfield for the G&W products expansion project and authorize the treasurer and superintendent to execute the agreement on behalf of board. That concludes the items that I have for your consideration this evening under letter D.

037Other items for board action. >> Motion to accept these recommendations. I make a motion. >> Mr. Navier. >> Second. >> Miss Bing Miller. >> Mr. Phillips. You call roll, please. >> Mr. Navier. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bing Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. Klein. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Treasurer recommendations and reports. >> Yes. Mr. Phillips. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark. Members of the board, I have two recommendations this evening. Uh the first recommendation is letter A, recommend approval of the minutes of the following meetings, March 19th to 2026 regular meeting. And letter B, recommend approval of the financial reports for the month of March 2026. That includes my recommendations uh for this evening. >> Motion to accept these recommendations, please. >> Motion second. >>

038Mr. McDonald, Mr. Klein. >> Mr. Phillips, call roll, please. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Klein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burning Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. Navier, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Committee reports, legislative updates. Mr. Klein. >> Well, um there's a lot going on as far as uh legislation goes. Um there are not a ton of updates. Um, I did I was looking at a few things um this week and the uh the House Bill 661 about middle school and high school athletes not receiving compensation for their name, image, and likeness has had uh I noticed had several committee meetings on it. Um they've had probably look like about 15 or 18 different people speak in front of that. So there's passion around that. We'll see how

039that plays out. Um we're still continuing. Um it it does it it I didn't see anything on committee for House Bill 671, which is um the bill about withholding state funding um for school districts that file a legal complaint um or part of a legal action against the state for foundational funding. So um that one doesn't seem to be a whole lot of action on that. That's one we want to keep an eye on because that is although it doesn't directly impact us. Um that funding piece when whenever they start getting into that, we want to keep a close eye on those things. Um House Bill 203. Um that's a one from a from a local member here um in over in the Lakota district. It passed the House. Um it's in the state senate

040right now. um that is to increase the penalty for vehicular assault or homicide that occurs in an active school zone. Um there was that tragedy in 2024, May of 2024 um over at by Lakota East Freshman School and uh although that's tragic, it's good to see that they're doing something um positive with that to to make an impact and make a change. So um House Bill 715 was introduced. Um this bill would uh it's still sitting there in that introductory part. It is one that is important I think for us to to keep an eye on. It's going to change um how how chartered non-public schools that have ed choice and scholarships are reporting to the to the state. Um there's not a lot of transparency in that right now. Um and uh there that

041bill is introduced and the goal is to to really push that transparency of of knowing where those um more than billion dollars of spending is going. So >> that's a good one to keep in mind too. That's transparency. >> Yeah, transparency is good and that that ed choice affects our district as well as every other district in a dramatic way. Um that's pretty much everything for uh for updates. So yeah, great. Thank you, Mr. Ber Tech, Miss Birding Miller, >> um I just want to touch on John's Mr. Klein's uh legislation real quick. Uh when I was at the conference and then again on Tuesday, they told me something like 300 different bills that the legislation branch is currently, the OSBA legislation committee is currently following that affect education. Over 300 bills that are currently

042floating around. Yeah. And so I can't imagine the amount of work they have to put into it. And the and like the good news is like good things are happening. They're listening and some of those bills are being revised like Senate uh Senate Bill 19 which is involving math education. You know originally it was looking at cutting out eighth grade math and now they're looking to move that forward. And so like stuff like that, they are listening at least to OSBA and like not on everything obviously, but like they are working with OSBA to make sure that these bills that are getting passed have some say from, you know, the education people who have to implement it. So um insane. Um so thank you so much for helping us keep educ educated on that. Uh

043as far as Butler Tech goes, um Butler Tech is busy as always. Um they hosted OSBA's Southwest Regional Executive Committee at their aviation uh on Tuesday which I had the pleasure of attending. It was a very good meeting. Um the facility there is gorgeous obviously. Um it's great that they were able to uh basically double the amount of students they could provide uh aviation programming for. Uh they had a business advisory council meeting also at the aviation today. I was there actually. Um and it was pretty cool to see a lot of partners working with students and um having that connection and three different of the partners were talking about job opportunities to these sophomores, you know, like they're just starting in this aviation program and they're already talking with recruiters about, you know, options

044for once they graduate. So that I thought that was pretty cool. Um, unfortunately I I was misinformed when I was initially put on the board. The all boards meetings does fall on one of our meeting nights again this year. I will advocate that that does not happen next year. So hopefully we can attend. Um for those of you who are new to the board and uh Butler Tech's all board meeting is they invite all of the home district boards to come and they do like a student showcase and they have cafe Lee cater and it's time for us to see with the students and talk with all the other districts and it's a really great time. Um and every year for like the last 3 to four years it's been on a Thursday night while

045we have a board meeting. Um and uh ours is the golden apple this year so can't miss that for sure. Uh, however, they do still have other student showcases. So, if you did want to go see some of the students and and and um kind of um uh support them on April 23rd and April 30th, there are student showcases. And if you guys are interested, let me know and I can give you the locations and times for that. Uh they have a ribbon cutting at their bioscience building on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Everyone's invited to that. Um, and as a last note, my niece actually got accepted into their teacher program. So, she's going to go into there as a 10th grader uh and uh get some certifications and wind up being a teacher. And

046so, I'm excited for her and and um really proud that she's choosing to go into an education path, you know, cuz she's seen how much it's impacted us, me and my father. And so, I think that's really cool. >> Nice update. Thank you, Miss Birdie Miller. Student achievement, Mr. McDonald. >> Yeah, thanks, Mr. Clark. Uh, so coming off spring break, a little light on uh activities uh uh with the with the week off, but uh prior to the break, uh our track teams uh went over to Northwest High School. The boys finished first overall and the girls finished fourth out of 11 teams. And this exhausted me just reading it. I can't imagine the people that ran it. Um, the boys distance runners uh dominated as top finishers, including a one, two, three sweep in

047the 1600 meters. 1,600. That's a lot of meters. >> That's a lot. >> Um, by uh Ronnie Dos, uh, Grayson Hoffman and Eric Thomas, and then a one-two sweep by Mike Tucker and Tyler Hendricks in the 800 meters. And then, uh, not to be outdone, Orion Meyer and Jackson Lewis swept going one two in the 3,200 m. And the boys 4 by 800 relay also won first place. So, it's a lot of running. >> Uh again, I'm exhausted just reading it. So, kudos uh to to them. I also want to congratulate the girls lacrosse team who uh won a nailbiter over Oak Hills uh two nights ago with uh Sophie Gorchic scoring the winning goal and uh leading to a 76 win. And then I want to give a huge shout out to uh all

048of our elementary students who drafted awesome letters to the high school students. I absolutely loved reading those. Thank you for posting those. Uh that was amazing. Um but uh they write letters to the uh students who are attending prom uh just reminding them to have fun uh be safe, make good choices, all the things. And so uh they were a blast to read uh to all the students attending prom. Listen to the elementary school students, especially the seniors. I hope you have an amazing night. Uh have fun, stay safe, and uh remember that little eyes are always watching you. Uh and they look up to you. So be a good example. Thank you. That's a great great closing statement right there. Little eyes are always watching. >> Thank you, Mr. McDonald. Uh parks, we haven't

049had a meeting since uh last. I will say that they have the um farmers market is going to kick off on May 13th. Um, keep an eye on Marshall Lake. There's some great things developing over there. A lot of uh new builds coming that area and uh summer camp for uh parks signups are coming as well. So, you can go to the city of Fairfield parks um city of Fairfield, Ohio parks to get children registered for that. So, all right. Planning Commission, Mr. Smith. >> Uh yes, they did meet. They had a meeting last night. However, uh they did not discuss any topics relevant to the board. So, that's the update for this evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. >> You're welcome. Announcements. April 11th, uh Fairfield Senior School Prom from 8 or 8:00 p.m.

050to 11:00 p.m. at receptions. April 11th, Fairfield Senior High School, excuse me, after prom, 11:30 to 3:00 a.m. at the Fairfield High School Arena. Uh, April 23rd and 24th, uh, The Wind in the Willows, 7 PM, Fairfield Senior High School Performing Arts Center, The Gym and Pat Davis House. April 25th, Wind and Willows, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Senior High School Performance Arts Center, the Gym and Pat Davis House. April 27th, AP Scholarship Night, Top 15 Dinner at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Oscar Event Center. Uh, April 28th, uh, fishing trip for students with special needs. That's always a good good event to attend. 10:00 a.m. at the Optimus Club at Joyce Park. May 3rd, arts fair, 1 to 5:00 p.m. Fairfield uh, Senior High School, Fairfield School as well.

051There's magic in the arts is the uh, motto this year. And May 7th, uh, board meeting, work session, 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfield freshman school building in the cafeteria area. um there at the freshman school building. So, that's going to be exciting. Board member comments. Mr. Napier. >> Yeah, I want to thank all the retirees that showed up tonight as being the only retiree up here. You guys don't know what you're missing. And thank everyone for all the work they do up here. Mr. Phillips for all the extra hours you put in and everything. Um it's all I got. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Uh yeah. I also want to thank the retirees, especially those that came back from uh the previous year and um certainly nice to recognize them and all their years of service.

052Uh I think everyone said it uh said everything earlier that really needs to be said, but uh thank them again for sure. Um I also uh echo what Mr. Smith said, Mr. Phillips. As I was reading through, especially the spreadsheet and looking at it, I I had uh nightmares of things that I've done in the past in my career where it's like, why does it have to be in this format? But um just the amount of detail that has to go into that and translating what you had already prepared just into their format. Um I can't imagine the amount of work that it was, especially given spring break and kind of the early uh April board meeting. So, thank you for uh you know, taking care of that. But I know it's uh a requirement,

053but the the effort doesn't go unnoticed. >> Thank you. >> And I started having nightmares, too. >> He's been really We're really glad this is done. He's doing great. Can you make sure Barrow spend some time with Mr. >> Yeah, he's crawled down there. >> He doesn't even hear us saying his name. No, he's so tougher. There was so much commotion. >> Yeah. Um I also want to just recognize again and and Mr. Phillips, you talked about the the relationship with the city and and just kind of recognize also that the growth in the city um as someone that has gone out and visited these uh some of these companies that are expanding um or or coming new to the city, it's in no small part due to the schools and the future workforce that

054they can get in this area. That's one of the big reasons that that companies move here or certainly ex choose to expand uh their operations here because they need to staff that um those operations. Um so just a gentle reminder to the community uh strong schools lead to strong communities uh and bring those businesses in and continue to bring those businesses in and make them want to stay and expand. So I think I think that speaks not only to the effort of the city for sure and and the team that they have uh bringing companies in, but it also speaks to the work that you guys do all the you know all throughout the year uh with our students. So wanted to recognize that. And then lastly, Mr. Klein, I'm so glad you brought up

055that piece of legislation. I I I won't even tell the board what the reaction that I had to reading that article that came out about that. Um and and this specifically the the uh transparency for non-public schools that that piece of legislation that's uh being considered. Uh but what got me riled up was the comment by um the representative of the non-public schools who was speaking on their behalf and he was lamenting the quote costly requirements that would be uh that they would then be subject to and I thought welcome to the club. So I just would highly encourage those voting on that to think about um leveling the playing field as Mr. Smith said and others um to say hey if they are receiving public funds they should be subject to a lot of

056the same um and and it wasn't even it's not even putting them subject to all of them just some of them. Uh, so anyway, >> a little peak. >> Yeah, just a Yeah. So, thank you for bringing that one up, >> Mr. Klein. To piggyback on that, I don't know that I'll ever understand how uh how there isn't transparency in that when there, you know, there's transparency in so much of of the financial budget spending, where money's going and all those kinds of things in in our state. I'm not sure I'll understand how that one got through without transparency and the impact that it has to to public education. So, it be interesting to see as that passes and uh as we dig more into that the impact for us specifically. Um the retirees again,

057thank you um for all all of your your your giving to the to the students and great to recognize such a packed house of great to see families here with people um celebrating that as well and uh man what a just what an awesome milestone. Um and a great milestone for us too for to to recognize them and uh just uh tell them how much we appreciate what they do. So, um, again, thank you, Miss Howard, Mr. Hustle, for all that you guys do, for all of the mundane job description stuff and reading and the red the red lines that's in there and all the changes and reading all of them to change one word. Thank you for that and for all the policy stuff that you share with us, Miss Hower, and Mr. Phillips.

058Again, I do want to recognize just the work you've done. I I was reading through in all all fairness and honesty, I was reading through it and I'm like, man, this is a lot. And I'm a numbers guy. I love analytics and numbers and I'm looking through some of that stuff and I'm reading the chart. I'm you know looking at it and it just it's a lot of work. But thank you for doing that um for the district for um you know as a obviously it's a requirement but just getting that into their format and you know I'm sure that was knowing how government works that was quite interesting with uh fonts and all those kinds of things you probably had to adjust. So thank you for doing all that. Um, and on the graduation

059piece, man, that's going to be here quickly. And, uh, and prom is here. Just, uh, you know, hope our our juniors, seniors, and some of the sophomores going to prom will make great decisions and have a great time and and then as graduation season hits that our seniors would uh would make make those great decisions and and be able to, you know, really celebrate the right way. So, that's an it's an exciting time of year. And the Golden Apple Awards coming up are going to be exciting as well. very nice Miller. >> Uh I want to congratulate all the retirees. Um thank you for coming out and celebrating with us. Um because as the board, you know, we don't get to be part of your last day and all of the the commotion you bring

060through the whole school year. So this is our way to be able to celebrate with you. And so we appreciate you guys coming out and attending tonight. Um I want to talk a little bit about the legislation conference real quick. Um it was really great to go out there and connect with other districts. Um, and it's it's no, we're not a island out here. We are all facing a lot of the same issues. Um, the amount of school districts that are going to the levy this 2026 year, even if it's not in May, they're like, we're already talking about November. Um, that that is not something that is new. That is not something that we are only facing. Um, a lot of schools are facing. And so I think that should just be kind of

061a reality to the people in Ohio of, you know, it's not just us that maybe it's something else. It's not that we're spending incorrectly. It's a bigger problem. Uh it was interesting. Um I got to be in a room with Mike Dwine uh for like 30 minutes. I was like 20 ft away, which is probably like the biggest politician I've ever been that close to. So that was cool. Um >> Mayor Mitch, >> that's true. That's true. >> He's got a bigger personality than Jawan, even his, uh, >> yeah, I'm sorry. >> No, no, no. You're good. Um, uh, his speech was interesting. Um, his highlights were, uh, physical, you know, students physique and getting more physical and, uh, um, and vision because they have a new program about vision. Um, and that was his

062highlights and that was really all he talked about during his speech to us. Um, and then we brought in a panel of senator uh there was some senators and house u representatives who both serve on the education committee for uh their repres their representative um and it was a mixed pool of people very for or not so favored of public school. Um, so it was interesting to hear them fielding the same questions um that was given to each of them because it kind of gave you kind of a just a little highlight of like what their communities have to be like because it's a not a lot of agreeing and a lot of kind of picking on each other um because they know they don't agree on the same things. And so it was very

063interesting. Um, I did get to meet with a couple people. Unfortunately, um, the day that we went up there was caucus and so our representatives were all out all day. So, I did not get to speak to any of our reps personally, but I did speak to a couple in Ohio in general. Um, and the conversations were good. I got a couple cell phone numbers actually from some representatives who don't represent our districts, but I still have their contact immediately to be able to reach out for issues. Um, so that was fun and cool. Uh but overall the conference I think was beneficial. Um and like I said it's it's good to connect with because I sat with people from like Claremont County and just in the southwest region um and people from like ESC

064and stuff like that. And so it was it was interesting to us to get together kind of um it was almost like u more of a table talk at that point cuz we didn't have a rep at our table. Uh so that was good. Uh prom is literally this weekend. Please be safe. Um, I'm very happy that all of our prom is now contained in Fairfield. Uh, when I went, we went downtown to the Centa Center. Um, and so I'm glad that we did we are not making any of our students drive out towards the city and that we're able to contain them in Fairfield and keep them safer here. Um, God, I can't imagine safe till 3:00 a.m. now. So, >> we signed you up. >> Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. No, no,

065no. I have a baby. I'll be home. Um, but thank you for all of the volunteers that are going to be there this weekend. You know, our students really rely on us being able to provide that safe area um and giving them that outlet. So, thank you to all of our volunteers that are going to be there this weekend. On top of that, uh, thank you to the entire administration team um, especially Mr. Hustle who had to go through all of those um, rewrite or adjusting of the job descriptions and Miss Howard always bringing the party with the policy updates. I appreciate it. Um, and Mandy, I've learned a lot about math curriculum over the last couple weeks, and I'm really not excited if that passes and we have to all go down to one

066system. So, I'm rooting for you that that's not the case. Um, but thank you so much for always keeping us compliant and always, you know, being on top of those kind of bills and bringing that to the board. Um, and Mr. Phillips for basically picking up a second and third job on writing this a proposal and and taking the spreadsheet workbook. So, thank you so much for everything you have done for that. And Billy, the captain of the ship, you know, always helping and driving and so I appreciate everything you do. Um, seniors, we are getting so close to the end and and students in general, like we are in the single digit weeks left of school this year. Um, please continue to progress. I know that this the weather outside is getting warmer and

067everybody just wants to be outside. I promise you it is right around the corner where you will be out of school and can do it all day as much as you can. Um, please try to buckle down, tighten the belt for those last couple weeks and enjoy as much as you can because 2026 2027 year is coming up very quickly. Um, lastly, I look forward to the Golden Apples and I'm excited to be able to uh move to a location that we can house everybody and make comfortable for everyone. >> Thank you, Miss Birdie Miller. >> Thank you. >> Um, did get to read to a fifth grade class a couple weeks ago. That was exciting. That was a right to read week and um the story ended abruptly that I was kind of shocked

068the way it ended but it ended in a good way but it was just the end. You needed full closure. I should have I should have read it first but not it was just that was it needed full closure. You know I had a similar experience >> and the teacher said there's one more page. I wonder maybe if that's what happened to you. Nobody said there was another page. I'm like, "Oh my god, you're right." Yes. And I had read mine before I went. So, >> I threw the teacher and brought my own book and she was not prepared for that. >> Okay. Okay. Maybe that's what I need to do. Just just pre-re I guess maybe. But it was a good time. The kids asked some great questions. The third graders asked great questions.

069The fifth graders also wonder what kind of car I drove and what kind of car my bike drove. you know, but it's always a lot of fun. And then uh Miss Howard, Mr. Smith, Mr. Belly, and myself met with three young ladies, juniors that are part of the uh mayor's uh coalition, youth coalition. And uh man, it's just it's just amazing. And this kind of relates to the retirees I'll speak to in a moment, but these young ladies just want to absorb as much information about not just the board, but the school. Um, once we started talking about how political the school system can be, they were intrigued and wanted to know more about how all that worked versus a a a business or a corporation. Um, so it was it was pretty interesting to

070to to hear them uh ask some questions and just dialogue back and forth for about an hour. It was really good time. So, thanks for setting that up, Mr. Smith. It's the three young ladies that spoke or the two with the third one that spoke at the last meeting uh about that. So, it was it was a good good lunching. Good lunchoning. Uh, Mr. Phillips, it's already been said, but uh, kudos to you and thank you for digging in deep. And, um, as we have done for many years, we get in front of this and we're prepared for that next step and and we were, you just had to modify to appease people in a certain format. So, thank you for doing that. Um, Miss Hower for the policy party again. Thank you so much.

071Mr. Hust, Mr. hustle all all that you do and uh Mr. Perry and Miss OG the same. You guys do a tremendous job. We're we're thankful. I don't want to speak for everybody on the board, but I think I can fairly do that to say we're very grateful for you and all the time that you guys do and ladies do put in because um you guys do an amazing job. We got a great district and to uh Mr. McDonald's point about the city, we have a good relationship with the city and the township and that's uh has to do with Mr. Smith and and you up here as well. When that relationship is strong, that collaboration's strong, it helps with the city, with the chamber, with the businesses, and all that trickles down to what's

072best for the community and the students. So, uh, city, thank you for your collaboration. Township the same. And, uh, we just appreciate your your, uh, your working together. So, uh, prom, yes, be safe, listen to the littles, read those letters, and, um, Miss Bernie Miller said, I'm glad it's close to home as here in Fairfield. So, uh, less traveling and, uh, enjoy your time up until 3:00 a.m. I'll be sleeping. So, um, I think that's all we got for today. So, uh, motion to adjurnn. >> So, moveing Miller, Mr. Napier. >> Mr. Phillips, you call roll, please. >> Mrs. Bing Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Napier, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. Klein, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Meaning jurism 41