001Mie Mr. Clark Mr. Klein Mr. McDonald right out. Mr. Klein, Mr. McDonald, after I read the respond by saying, "I do." Please raise your right hand. Do you swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and partially discharge your duties as member of the board of education of the Fairfield City School District, Butler County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence and set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. Congratulations. This is Abby Miller. If you come up front and we have a special uh person swearing you in this evening, one of our trustees, Mr.
002Michael B. The oath you'll continue with. Yes. Yes. I do. Do you swear right? Do you swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio? That you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as member of the Board of Education of the Fairfield City School District, Father County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. now in effect and thereafter to be enacted for your continuence in set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. Do you >> CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to all three of you. Welcome back. Good to be back. Um, as president Tim, we're going to hold the election of the president of the Fairfield Board of Education. Are there any nominations? stand
003to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> I nominate Scott. I was going to nominate >> you. >> Motion to accept >> J. Yes. Mr. N. Yes. Mrs. Bernie Miller. >> Yes. Mr. Clark. Yes. Mr. Clark. >> Yes. Mr. McDonald. Yes. Mr. Clark, >> Mr. Phillips, would you administer the oath of office to >> I will do that. Once again, I do have your right hand ready. So, here we go. Do you swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and discharge your duties as board president of the board of education of the Fairfield City School District County, Ohio to
004the best of your ability and accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. effect and here to be enacted during your continuence and set office until your successor is elected and qualified. CONGRATULATIONS, MR. PHILS, will you make sure that the treasure Yes, it's in the election of vice president board of education. Are there any nominees for vice president? >> Second, Mr. Maker and Mr. J. Call please. >> Mr. Maker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cl. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bing Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Miller vice president of education administrator. administrate the oath. Yes. raise your right hand and repeat after. Youly swear you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and
005partially discharge your duties as board vice president of the board of education of Fairfield City School District County, Ohio to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. to be enacted during your continuous and set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> CONGRATULATIONS, MR. MR. SMITH. >> YES, MR. CLARK. Members of the board, we do have several items for your consideration under new business and board recommendations. Letter A, establish 2026 meeting dates, times, and location. Uh you can see the suggestions there. Work sessions as listed. Regular sessions also as listed. Letter B. consider establishment of a board service fund for 2026 in the amount of $9,942. Letter C, recommend approval of the following standing authorizations for 2026. At this time, I'll turn it over
006to Mr. Phillips. He will uh read the first seven and then I will start back with number eight. >> Recommend approval of the following standing standing authorizations for 2026. Number one, authorize the treasur to secure advances from the auditor when funds are available and paid to the district. Number two, authorize to borrow short-term funds as needed for cash flow purposes. Number three, authorize the treasur to invest inactive funds whenever funds are available. Number four, authorize a treasur to modify appropriations and advance money from fund to fund as needed. Modifications must then be presented to the board for approval. Number five, authorize a treasur to pay all bills within the limits of the resolution as bills are received and when the merchandise has been received in good condition. Number six, authorize the treasur to utilize a
007legal firm of Benmore and SH when fiscal legal opinions are required. And number seven, authorize the treasur to dispose of assets or property not exceeding $10,000 in value that are no longer needed. Number eight, authorize superintendent or designate to act as purchasing agent for the district to make purchases of supplies and or services within the limits of the appropriation measure. Number nine, authorize the superintendent or designate during periods when this board is not in session to make offers of employment directly to candidates for either teaching or non-eing positions on behalf of the board this board and to acknowledge acceptance of such offers on behalf of this board subject to a subsequent vote of ratification by this board. provided, however, that upon ratification by this court, the employment shall be deemed effective as of the date
008and time of the employees acceptance of the superintendent's office. All right, that was a long one. Hang in there. Nothing in this resolution shall require the board of education to employ or continue to employ an individual who has not provided a criminal records check satisfactory to the board or who has not satisfied any other prerequisite to employment created by law or board policy. Number 10, authorize the superintendent or designate on behalf of this board to accept resignations which have been submitted by employees during times when this board is not in session subject to ratification by this board. provided however that upon ratification by this board such resignation shall be deemed effective as of the date and time of the superintendent design acceptance. Number 11, authorize the super designate to appoint substitute support staff as necessary
009within the limits of the annual appropriation resolution. Number 12, authorize the director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent, director of special services, and director of business operations to approve to approve professional day request for professional and support employees for state meetings, workshops, and events in an amount not to exceed the limits in the annual appropriation board policy and negotiated contracts. Number 13, authorize members of the board to attend workshops, seminars, and meetings for professional development and to benefit the academic and financial status of district. 14. Recommend that in accordance with section 3313.26 OC that the board the reading of minutes from previous meetings. Uh that concludes the items that we have for your consideration under new business and board recommendations. At this point, I will turn it back over to Mr. Clark for item D,
010appointments to OSBA and city committees. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. A few of the board members have rolled off. We have some new committees that need to be filled with seats or seats legislation legislative state of Ohio. >> Yes, it is parks and recently held right Doug Robertson who's a city resfield has to be held by the city that seat and then student achievement was normally done by she did a great job a little bit more fun to take off here we move on >> achievement is fun >> it is a lot of fun >> I was trying to let you know >> Mr. Would you be interested in that seat? Absolutely. All right. If there's no questions or comments about those, can I have a motion for these recommendations? Make a motion. Mr. M.
011>> Mr. Phillips, you call please. >> Mr. Klein. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Passes. Congratulations. Mr. Smith, we have presentation resolutions. I hand it back to you. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Members of the board, we do have two presentations scheduled this evening. Our first presentation is in regard to school board recognition month. So, at this time, I'll turn it over to Mrs. Gentry. >> Sorry, I was on Facebook. >> Mr. Smith, if you would mind helping me out. I am pleased to join my colleagues in the Fairfield City School District as we celebrate school board recognition month. It's held annually in January. The appreciation we have for our board of education is year round, but it's nice to have a
012time set aside each year to ensure they get the thanks they so deserve. This year's theme for recognition is scaling new heights in public education. That's truly fitting of the work that board members across the state and our board members now face. Thank you for your service and please come forward when I call your name. First up is Mrs. Abby. Mr. Scott Clark. Mr. John Klein Jr. >> Mr. Kevin McDonald And last but certainly not least, Mr. While they're all standing up here, why don't you guys give them another Don't worry about >> yell at me. Ready? Smile on three. One, two, three. Billy and Jay, would you guys >> heard? Come on now. Okay. Ready? One, two, three. >> Certificates facing up, right? >> I didn't even look. Thank you, Miss Gina, and Mr.
013to all of you for the honor and recognition provided us. Um, our second presentation is a school spotlight on our high school. At this time, I will turn it over to the principal at Fairfield Senior High School, Mr. Ryan. I was getting members of the board, Miss Bernie Miller. Congratulations on the term, Mr. M. Congratulations. Look forward to the collaboration with you guys. Obviously, the relationship I've been able to have with you guys, having your students, your children, the students. I've been able to see firsthand uh your guys' passion, love, for the community. So, I look forward to the continuations. Um, another year we get to talk about something very passionate about some really, really fun and meaningful work that we've been able to do here at the high school with our pre-apprentichip program. This
014is year two of it, like I said, and we were able to already double our numbers from what we had from last year. A lot of things have happened since the past year with internships, jobs, college opportunities for students, college courses, but just new opportunities and new partnerships. Uh kind of look at the screen. This is kind of the reason why this came about is we started to see that there's a need uh for students that weren't interested in going to college after high school. So we started to notice close to about 50% of our students are are not looking to go into the college route. And then of those 50 that do go, we're starting to see less amount of possibly finishing. So we know we had to change our mindset of of what
015we could offer students and that's when the pre-apprentichip program has come along along with Mr. Mahalberg coming on our team have a big time passion for this. If you ever got to talk to Mr. about the pre-apprenticeship. Buckle up. You're in for a long ride. Very passionate about it. But u so this kind of just some of the numbers that we've had it this work that we get to do with students and with local businesses and community partners for lack of better. It's just fun. It's really neat to see success stories with students. Uh to see kids get jobs and new opportunities or to try new things out. this really isn't for me, but then they try something new and that might stick. Uh, so this is kind of the main goal and the opportunity
016with this pre-apprentichip program is just for kids to be able to be exposed to new things that they might be passionate about or new things they didn't even know were existing right here, even in their community. Um, being able to go work alongside Mr. Bahberg, uh, I kind of like to say I just kind of set the passenger seat and give some direction here and there and some advice, but on this thing and he has done a fantastic job. I couldn't be more proud of the work that he's done and the passion and the love that he has for our students. You'll hear that in just a minute. So, get ready to buckle up. At this time, I'll go ahead and turn it over to Mr. Wber. Talk a little more to I actually made
017a video so that way I could package an hour into 10 minutes. Low budget film. I did my best. Um, but first I just want to say everybody who's here and anybody in education, you chose either to be here tonight, whatever your role capacity is, new when you've been in for a while, um, support organizations, you're here for the kids, right? That's why we're here from preK all the way through 12 and seeing it with my own kids uh, starting as a preschooler here uh, in Fairfield. That's that's why we're here. Um, What's unique is that each of us come into these roles in different capacity um to be able to see those light bulb moments for kids. Some of us maybe we feel a little bit more distant from it uh than that teacher
018in the classroom. Um, but what I what I hope tonight in this this video and kind of our presentation from the high school does is it helps you see whatever seat you sit in, whatever role you have, organization you're a part of. Uh, this is a community that is impacting the lives of students. I I love this phrase, scaling new heights. And then you see the the quotes, it's needed work right now. What is so exciting that brings the passion Mr. Bellamy talks about is being able to look at a telling them you have potential, you have something worthy, you can contribute right now. Um, all right. We're gonna play a video because I think you hearing it from the kids themselves as well as from these business partners is is the best the best
019way. This year, Fairfield High School continues to partner with local businesses to support Mark, you've now made my video. >> To support students in taking an intentional next step in their career journey. This year, we're partnering with Elite Welding Academy, the local electrical union, Schneider Electric, Performance Automotive, and Mercy Health, where professionals are connecting with our students to support them to help them understand more various career fields. Over the summer, Performance Automotive trained many of our students and offered jobs. Here you can see two students receiving a certificate of completion for their summer training. Additionally, Schneider Electric offered many internships for our students. And here you can see a student receiving a certificate of completion for their internship. Our school counselors have also started visiting the different businesses we partner with to learn more about
020what they offer for our students. The businesses, they're always so fun to connect with our students because our students here at Fairfield High School are awesome and anytime they come into the school, they see it and they want to continue being here, meeting students right where they're at. It's powerful to partner with local business partners to help students that they have something worthy to contribute to society and they can begin taking those intentional steps. Now, I want to take you into a few of the sessions that students attended this year led by local professionals in the industry, helping them gain some hands-on skills to help support them in their career journey. I would probably terrified to have this baby customer. David is one of our two current high school students to go through the program
021introduc. It's powerful to watch our students connect with local leaders across industries. Students are selected for these experiences through career survey data gathered from the career fair as well as career pathways class counselor recommendations, teacher recommendations, and just through student conversations. You're now going to hear from Miss Taylor as she shares about her students experiences with pre-apprenticeships. >> So, we just finished our second semester of pre-apprenticeships with students here. some of whom are my career pathways classes, some of whom are other students um that have been invited into these programs has been so incredibly positive. Apathy is something that we deal with on a daily basis here at school and to see students getting excited to learn more about career fields to have an opportunity to see how what we're learning in the classroom, interview
022skills, resume building, um professionalism skills, interpersonal skills and soft skills to see how those can correlate to a real world experience, how those can help connect them to a career where they can feel fulfilled and be financially independent. It's brilliant. It's everything that we're wanting to be doing here. Uh the partnerships that we're building are creating avenues for students to walk into really successful careers. Um we're not just preparing kids for the future, but we're preparing them and getting them into industries. We're giving kids information about careers that they didn't even know existed and then building connections with the actual people that they can reach out to to further their education, to get started in a career, to get into a pipeline that's going to lead into success for them in the future. So, I
023I can't speak highly enough about the pre-apprenticeships. I'm so excited for what's coming this next semester. Um, and I just see such value in what we're doing because embodies our goal here. Our goal here is to help young people develop the skills in order to be successful into adulthood and beyond into um their communities, how to become an active member of their community. And giving them the tools and the connections and the on-ramp into some really successful careers is what this whole program is about and I love being part of it. >> I had the opportunity to ask students share a bit about their experiences. >> So, my name is Jacob Yoger and I've been learning from Elite Welding Academy. >> So, basically, he showed us the introduction to welding and showed us mainly the
024basics of it first through watching a video and then we got to get a little hands on and feel a few things, feel a few different materials that they may be welding. And then we got to go actually outside and experience that welding and watch it. Watch them do some welding. Um, I'm part of the Mercy Health Nursing program and I've learned how to, this may sound dumb, but I learn how to properly put on gloves and take them off and how to talk to patients properly like I mean talking to a medicine. Hi, my name is Kevin and I and I've been doing the electrical pro program with um IBW which is union right down the road from us. Uh we've been doing hands-on stuff once a month. Um it's been pretty good. Like
025last month we uh bank which is really nice and then the first couple months we were wiring stuff too through outlets and stuff which is really cool. My name is Carter and this experience has opened up many doors for me. I'm able to get a head compared to other people that are already signed up and already test. I think it was good that I was able to get a little bit of both time. I would say it's a good thing because it's given me kind of a sense of direction and I know where I'm going to go with my life, the career that I'm going to choose. >> Yeah. For me, the same thing. It gives me like a little test of what a being a person would be and like since I like it,
026since I'm liking it, I probably choose to be an electrician. >> I'm Tom Riley. my role as a technician retention specialist as part of those duties. We are responsible for what happens here at the technician training center. It's been an incredible experience for us. It's kind of the first time that uh we've been able to take a relationship to this level. So currently we have five students that through our contact at Fish High School brought them over into our business and working as technicians in their shop. I'm excited to see the the interest level that students have. Uh we bring kids in that have no experience, not even maybe seen the bottom of a car before and in a threewe period are prepping them to take a job with us and as an entry level
027technician. I am the technical trainer performance. Um this experience obviously gives them a way in the door. Uh gives them some basic knowledge to get them in the automotive field. You can tell this year is different than last year. There seems to be more interest in the program. We decided to offer the program early. You can see we're getting set up today for a start. Well, we start with the basics. Got to know what the parts are called. Then we transition to what the parts are called on the car and then we start the whole process on how to properly set a lift, how to change the oil, rotate tires, and get them basic maintenance training. >> I ask students to share one word to describe something they gained through these experiences. I'm excited for
028you to hear what they have to say. >> Insight, >> teamwork, >> knowledge, >> careers, connections, >> confidence, >> voicing. >> Hello, my name is Ben Wine and I am the marketing director at Lead Welding Academy. Uh, Lead Welding Academy has been part of the pre-apprentichip program at Fairfield High School this year. I would say that these visits are all about exposure and opportunity. Uh, we understand understand that not every student that graduates out of high school is ready or even wants to go into a four-year college degree pathway, right? What this program does is it creates a atmosphere of respective alternatives that have very high paying and very high demanding jobs at the end of their training courses. Um the value of this partnership is is it's twofold really. Um, first, it allows us
029to connect with students early, right? So, more often than not, when somebody does, um, you know, do trades for a career path, it's it's normally a second choice. More often than not, it's somebody that maybe dropped out of college or maybe after high school that worked a lot of jobs that they didn't like or had no real career potential before they found the trades. What this does is it skips that step. It's going to save students time. It's going to save your students a lot of money and they can get a start in life and I'm very happy to say that um we're already seeing a a positive impact from it. Uh secondly, it's it's the local workforce. Um it's creating that direct pipeline from education to employment. Um when schools like Fair when schools
030like Fairfield invest in a program like this, it benefits students, employers, and the community as a whole. >> Hello, my name is Randy Trust. I'm the train director here at IBW Local 648. Overall, working with Fairfield High School students through this program has been really positive. Um, I've been super impressed with the students. Um, I actually went to Fairfield myself, so it means a lot for me to be able to work with the students from the district that I went to. Um, we're already seeing results from this program. Several students from the program have already applied to the apprenticeship. Three or four of them are actually taking our aptitude test tomorrow. and then one of them has already completed the aptitude test and he interviewed last month and did very well in her interview and
031has a really good shot of getting to the program. So, a big benefit for us is that the classes that the the students take at Fairfield are is a large majority of our um first year apprenticeship classes that you would take here as a first year apprentice. So, essentially what we'll be able to do with these students is slot them into our second year after they complete one or two classes over the summer. and we could slot them into our second year of our four-year apprentichip program right out of high school. So, it's a big plus for them. You know, they're starting in their second year of apprenticeship right out of high school. And for us, it works out well, too, because uh you know, we need electricians uh as fast as we can get
032them and um it would be a plus for us to get them in the second year straight out of high school. So, overall, it's been a great experience. Um our classes here that we do our hands-on training, they are mandatory, but all the students seem to love showing up. They they're here to learn. They're uh very respectful. They've been great to work with, and I'm really excited about this group. Um it's been a great partnership. I look forward to continuing to do this and hopefully grow our local workforce, uh keep continuing to give students a clear, debt-free path into a solid career path. Fairfield High School wants to thank each of the businesses and professionals who have taken their time out of their workplace this year to meet with our students right where they're at
033and support them in that next step of their career journeys. We are so thankful for the investment you have in our students and are excited to see where this continues to grow. I uh I have a list of like 30 people I wanted to thank because this doesn't happen without them. But I I'm not going to read that. I just want to say like literally this doesn't happen without janitors, our tech team. All right, I'm going to start listening. Even our SRO Rob will pop in my office and he'll just like creatively help me brainstorm. We'll have to reach out to this business. Let's do it. So everybody, seriously, thank you. This doesn't happen without you. Dan, I see you back there. We talked on the phone 30 times to try to unlock this curriculum
034for kids. Like literally every single one of you things. Um I added up I tried to add up the amount of hours Katie Hamburg with Mercy would have spent supporting our kids this semester. It was difficult to come up with 30 is a low ball number but it the drive time here and back the time she spent at six sessions just this year alone. The hours she spent preparing and setting up field trips is just it's impeccable and it doesn't happen without people like her. So she's going to come up and few words. Um, this is Katie Hamburg with MERC faces in the room. Um, I'm really proud to um, uh, to represent Mercy Health. Uh, Mercy Health has had a long-standing partnership with Fairfield City Schools uh, most notably with uh, sports medicine and
035our athletic trainers um, who are taking care of our student athletes. But this has been an awesome opportunity um for Mercy Health to um be represented in a different way working with our students and our student athletes. Um and I agree with you know what you said um what you both have said. Um then also it's definitely twofold. Yes. Um you know we we love being a part of the community. We're a community hospital. um love working with students um and kind of watching them being a part of their journey. Um it's not something we take lightly. We we really feel like it's an honor to be a part of a student's journey. Um determining what they like or think they want to do. Um but also on the flip side of that, sometimes they
036think they're interested in something and then they, you know, come to our pre-apprenticeship class and they're like, "This isn't really for me." That is great. We want them to figure that and you know not wasting money and time down the road. Um, another thing that we we really want the students to know is that healthcare is not just nurses and doctors. There are careers and there are pathways right out of high school. Um, and that's something that Mercy is very proud of. We have um a tuition assistance program that's second to none. Um, so we want students to know about that. You can, you know, students can be in healthcare positions, um, making a great living serving and helping others. Um, which most people get into healthare for that. Um, there are definitely jobs where
037they're not, you know, patient facing and they're still making a big difference, but most, you know, most people that want to be in healthare want to take care of patients and people. So, um, again, we are thrilled to be a part of it. Um, Billy always says, you know, this is kind of he always saw our partnership going. Um, so we're just really thrilled to be a part of it, continuing to kind of grow and uh build the students so that they can take my job someday when I hope to retire. Um, but yeah, thank you for the opportunity. >> Usually these presentations are 10 12 minutes. We'll be surprised if we get invited back next year for this, but Uh you can obviously tell the passion and you know the meaning of this work.
038So we're very excited about where we are. Um and then also if you look there's more things coming up with construction, possibly fire, aviation, food services and education. So there's this kind of only just the tip of the iceberg and we're looking forward to what this will continue to involve in. So thank you for your time. You guys have any questions happy. >> Yeah. First of all, thank you Mer. Thank you and thank you for coming. This is just incredible. But I'll let the board members speak first. Thank both you guys for the high school for you. How passionate you are for student success. Appreciate you bringing Joe on this. >> Yeah. Thank Thank you. What a what a great opportunity for students. I mean, what a great way to get them plugged into their
039future, get them excited, help them discover talents, and what a great way to serve population, our community. >> Yeah. One of the uh things in my time volunteering as a showfire dad is got to meet a lot of people that were professionals uh in these fields, electricians, carpenters, auto mechanics, plumbing, you name it. and uh they're very passionate about what they do and they obviously make a very good living doing it. And so it's wonderful to see the high school and you guys given the opportunity to just investigate those career paths uh for something that's doesn't require you to go to college. So thank you for doing that. I really appreciate >> Mr. Mr. Thank you so much for everything you do. Um you guys are meeting our students needs as the things are changing.
040When I went to school, we didn't have a lot of programs. We only had the Butler Tech program and so we were not able to explore any really career options. Uh we were expecting students and we still are sometimes expecting students sophomore year to expect to know what track they want to get into to apply for Butler Tech and even then they don't necessarily guarantee to get into that track. Um and so we are for the fact that you guys are able to provide them options that kind of appetite for that career path is amazing because it gives them kind of an an insight to know that that's something they want to pursue or give them that foot in the door to be able to pursue that career. Um, a lot of students are taking
041college tours and stuff and you guys are giving a career tour essentially with this program and I think that's absolutely phenomenal. Um, and you know the going to college there's only so many options we have that allow our students to in our community and by giving them this choice, you are giving them not only um highs but roots in our community to keep them here so they continue to grow our community and bring skill sets to our community. So, thank you so much for everything you guys are doing. This is an amazing program. You're having um so many great partners work with our students and even building better um community ties with our school system so that we can even build this even better year after year. So, thank you so much The community piece
042is huge, right? We have so many people that graduate from Fairfield, come back, teach, raise families. Um the community businesses, you know, that we're utilizing here and more to come and this is the second year, right, for this and it continues to grow. Two things I took away from some of the video, the two words, the value definitely has value, super super value and debtree. As a banker, I see adults in their 30s and 40s that are still paying college debt and a lot of them are not in a business occupation that they paid for that degree and it's unfortunate kind of sad sometimes that's the way life goes. This gives another opportunity for these kids right in school to say hey I wish I wish I had something like this right it wasn't two
043or three years after you scratch your head and think you might know what you want to do but they said you know some of these kids don't have seen the side of And that's true, right? They don't they don't run a lawnmower. They don't they don't change the oil or they they have the one lady talked about just putting on medical gloves. I mean, there's a skill to that. There's a right and wrong way to do that. You don't think about it unless you put hands on how you know that can spark something even that small can spark. Hey, this might be something. This is just phenomenal. Thank you so much for presenting. And yes, you will be back. not telling you to. I'm asking you, we're asking you to come back next year. This
044is just going to grow and I'm excited to see those other five or six occupation. So, thank you so much. What grades do you start at? >> A lot of the actual pre-appren they can still at least get in there and connect to build relationship. as well. A lot of things we started to do with these companies is kind of that 1.0 to 2.0 as a senior. How can we get them out into the business doing trainings and things like that? >> Mr. Clark, one last thing, Mr. Hustle and Mr. Scurman were in my Fairfield leadership class and the businesses that he visited during that time, many of them spoke about uh the reason they located here was because of the workforce and so have kids being coming out of high school to be part
045of that workforce. It also attracts businesses here which helps our community. So, just wanted to pass that along to again. Thank you. >> Yes, Mr. Clark. I'd just like to say a few things and I know Ryan talked about Joe, you know, before he introduced him, but I can still remember and by the way, I have a terrible memory and I think it's just because there's so much that happens over time, right? I still remember when Joe called me and said, "Hey, I just I have this idea and you know, I'd like to do this." I'm like, "Yeah, that sounds great. That's awesome. I love that. Yeah, go." And he was, I mean, before he even got started, just so excited just to have the opportunity. And and I often have talked about publicly and
046individually with people just about the fact that he has the freedom to go explor, right? that Ryan gives him that freedom that this district is all about that that it's okay to take risks. Um just I mean this is really cutting edge and that's why you got more than 10 to 12 minutes by the way and so I could I've been looking forward to this presentation all year because this is this is the district stepping outside of the box. It's not something we've done before. And again to the high school team and Katie, uh, thank you so much for all that you've done, for being here this evening. Uh, we've been in Zoom meetings, our leadership team and and Mercy's leadership team for several years and and Mandy's nodding because, you know, I'm always talking
047to her on the side like, hey, let's just, you know, I'd like to for our partnership with Mercy to expand beyond um, student athletes. you know, it's just sometimes that's hard to get to think of new things that we can do and explore. And so, we're here. You know, I've often talked about can we try to get to that next level? And, you know, we have we we have other things that we offer as well, but this this is where it's at and we've done it with that partnership with Mercy and I love it. U and the last thing I want to share is um one of the students made a comment I think He was asked uh maybe it was the the piece about the one word and he said and maybe it's a
048different part but he said this this program has provided him with direction and he said I now know what I want to do with the rest of my life and that's why we do what we do and kudos to everyone for stepping outside the box because just that's just a little snapshot for one student who said who says in that moment I now know what I want to do with the rest of my life. How powerful is that? So kudos to absolutely I wrote down we infield school district a lot of things we do prematurely and it works we did some things it worked and Mr. Smith tried things and it works so I think it's unbelievable and is there a cost performance and all they charge us for that We kind of tell it
049we want it to be mutually beneficial for both. We want to give opportunities for our kids. We also want to give them pipelines to hopefully future employers. So like we talked about with Snder Electric, they kind of talked about just the kids that they've got now hired that's complete investment on them. It's beneficial to them. So all the companies now we've kind of been able to venture out bring other companies in say hey look at this product. Look what we've been able to do. a lot more right and the reason I bring up the cost thing is you know we've got some cost we're going to talk about here and this is something that public education from the state does not help with and this is something that our community the relationships that we have
050in our community is participating to help our students our kids grow and be better community members themselves and get back as they grew That's kind of why I point it out because it's awesome, but that it is a it's an interaction with relationships that doesn't cost anything. Thank you very much. Uh this is the portion of the meeting where we have communication from the uh the community and I don't believe have anybody signed up at this portion of the meeting where you are invited to share your thoughts with the board in order for the board to fulfill its obligation to complete the planned agenda in an effective and efficient fashion and maximize a maximum 30 minutes of public participation may be permitted at each meeting. Please at this time set aside for the board to
051listen to you. Your comments are valued and will be taken into careful consideration. The board will not engage in dialogue at this time. Presentations are limited to three minutes for today. Mr. Smith, I'll pass it back over to you. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Members of the board, at this time, I'd like to ask Mr. Hustle to cover the items listed under personnel professional and personel support. Thank you, Mr. Smith, Mr. Clark, and members of the board. I have one item for your consideration this evening under personnel professional number one, employment letters A and B. That concludes all the items I have for your consideration under personnel professional. >> Mr. Mr. Mr. >> Mr. Yes, Mr. Yes. Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bing Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mr.
052Clark. Members of the board, I have four items for your consideration this evening under personnel support. Number one, resignations, letters A through C. Number two, unpaid less of absence, letters A and B. Number three, employment letters A and B. Number four, athletic event workers 2025 2026. That concludes all the items I have here consideration under personnel support. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> McDonald, please. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mrs. B Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Mr. Klein, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Mr. Clark, members of the board, we do have several items for board discussion this evening. Our first item is in regard to our middle school and high school program studies. At this time, I will turn it over to Mrs. >>
053Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Mr. Mr. Clark, members of the board, tonight I want to share information about the middle school preschool programs to study. The program of studies contain information regarding course offerings and other academic program information that students and parents need in order to schedule courses for the upcoming academic year. Uh there is a link to the site in your and I also emailed that to you earlier in the week. Uh there are typically only a few changes from year to year. So I will want to highlight this year's changes. First, we added the GPA addon to all the CE courses that we discussed at the December 11th board meeting. Butler Tech expanded their exercise science program by adding to fitness evaluation and assessment and athletic injury. Fairfield expanded their PE options by
054adding advanced strength training. The math department added a CCR statistics class and world languages added a CC CCP or college credit plus Spanish class that will give us a fifth year of Spanish for students. So the program of studies will be on the next agenda for approval. I'm happy to answer questions that you have now or you can feel free to contact me in the next couple of weeks because I know there's a lot of information in there. So, if you come across anything you want to talk about, I'm happy to answer those questions. >> Our next discussion is in regard to policy at this time. >> Thank you, Mr. Mr. Clark, members of the board, I have one policy for discussion this evening. Due to House Bill 57, which goes into effect on January
05519th, we are now legally required to adopt new policy, procurement of administration of reversal drugs. The draft policy in your packet matches what house 57 states that any district that maintains supply of overdose reversal drug in an emergency situation must have the policy in place. This will not be a change in practice for us and anything that we're doing. So any questions that you have asked to take action. Our next several items for discussion this evening in regard to our current and future financial status of the district. Our next item for discussion is a financial update. Before I turn it over to Mr. Phillips, I would like to say uh and for those of you who have been around, this statement will sound familiar to you and you'll hear it for the first time in
056a while this evening and then you'll hear it several times moving forward uh into the future. And that is that at no time this evening will we be advocating for the passage of a levy during these discussions. I think again it's important to make that statement as we enter into discussions about finances and potential ballot issues. So at this time I'll turn it over to Mr. Phillips. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith, Mr. Clark, members of the board. I don't think anything I'm going to say this evening is going to be a surprise or shock to to all of you. We've been speaking about this since August when I got here, but I think even prior to that with Miss Lane and Amy before after her before me. Um, but I did want to give just
057a quick financial update um where we stand currently. You know, the district remains solvent and we're able to meet our current financial obligations. However, the 5year forecast reflects ongoing defic spending with expenditures projected to exceed revenues in each of the forecasted years. This structural imbalance is driven primarily by rising personnel related costes cost inflationary pressures that are outpacing revenue growth and you know I don't want to say continue attack but I'll say continued property tax reform. Okay. Um, you know, when I mentioned property tax reform tomorrow, my dollars and cents videos on House Bill 335, uh, House Bill 335, we talked a lot about it over the fall, was signed by the governor in December. Um, it's going to have an impact on us, not as big of an impact as some of the districts
058locally that are on the 20th floor. We are not on the 20th floor. Um, but it is going to impact us. you know it is um from a inside mill standpoint it is limiting the amount of growth we can have on revenue from inside millage uh typically in the past we had 6.79 mills inside mills by the way um typically in the past when property values grow inside mill also grows with that same percentage uh they are limiting it to a three-year GDP deflector um basically an average of inflation over three since right now we're estimating they're going to use a number about 8%. So, you know, you think back to the last time property values were reappraised. You know, I can't remember exactly what Butler County was, but I would probably say the neighborhood
059of 33% or thereabouts, just like the rest of Southwest Ohio, um, and instead of getting 33% growth on 6.79, we stuck at 8% growth. Now, I'm not saying when reappraisals come out next, which they should be released any any time, they're estimating anywhere from 13 to 25% uh growth. from a appraisal standpoint, but that's going to hit us and that's going to hit us to the tune of about a million dollars annually uh less revenue than what we would have otherwise expected to generate. Um and I've talked about this many other times, piggyback the piggyback exemption um that Butler County enacted this past fall that's hitting us for about three of a million dollars this year uh in less revenue for us than we would have anticipated. Now, They say that's a one-year thing, but
060I would very firmly expect that that will continue annually year after year. Um, so those things continue to really uh hamper our financial position. Revenue trends, total revenues are projected to grow modestly over the forecasted period in increasing from approximately 112.8 million in FY25, which was last fiscal year to about 114.7 million in FY30. Obviously a two million increase in revenue over five years when you're talking about those numbers that's not very significant. On the other end expenditure trends uh total expenditures including transfers and advances are projected increase from approximately 120.3 million FY25 to 141 million by FY30. So obviously a significant disparity between our revenue and expenditure increases. Our our deficit spending cash balance forecast reflects annual operating deficits beginning approximately 2 million in FY25 and increasing in subsequent years. As a result, the
061district's cash balance is projected to decline from approximately 44.5 million at the end of FY25 to about 2.1 million by the end of FY28, FY29, FY30, the forecast shows a negative cash balance absent of corrective action. While we're not facing immediate immediate fiscal emergency, the declining cash trend significantly reduces financial flexibility and the importance of longterm planning. As we review the 5-year forecast, it's clear that while the district remains operational today, the long-term financial picture shows ongoing deficit spending and a steadily declining cash balance. These projections are not driven by one time measures, but structural cost increases that continue to outpace revenue growth. So, you know, it's clear that we're in a position where and what that is ultimately up to education but we're here and I know Billy had talked about it you know
062as I was coming on on board to Fairfield I went back watched all the board meetings that I could and I think it was May of 24 Mr. said, "We're going to be talking about this again in November 25 and we were talking about it November 25 January 26." So, you know, something something has to change. So, that's a a quick synopsis of where we are financially. Where we are right now. All right. So, our next item uh is a recap of our community engagement sessions that we held back in December. Mrs. Howard, Mr. Phillips, and I will give a very broad those sessions as well as the feedback that we received uh from our stakeholders on those evenings. One of the most important pieces of information that I have often shared over the years
063that there is no low hanging fruit uh in this district when it comes to reducing expenditures. And during those sessions, I I shared the fact that this district, and I think a lot of people who maybe weren't around back then, uh many of us were. Uh so we know we experienced it. But fiscal years 2009 to 2012, this district eliminated 140.5 jobs. So again, that's a lot. That's a lot. And again, that has come up repeatedly. And I and I think it's worth repeating. In addition to that, again, I share this sessions. Most people don't know as as Jay has shared, anyone who has been in a board meeting or been at board meetings or taken the time to watch them over the years should not be surprised by the discussion we're having this evening.
064Uh we have uh worked really hard to be transparent to make sure that school finance stays uh to at the forefront so people have an awareness of what's going on. I I don't think most people were aware until I shared this that since 2023 we have eliminated 26 positions 26 and a half I believe. Uh most of those reductions have been made through attrition and that was done with purpose because we knew that we were going to be here and so that was part of us trying to delay these conversations as long as possible. Um I also highlight the fact that we've been able to maintain and this is all of us are proud of as we should be. Uh we are able to maintain that balance between providing an outstanding well-rounded educational experience for
065our students while also being fiscally responsible. I assure you that is not easy. That is a challenging task. And and Mr. Clark talked tonight about some of the things that we did during CO and um I can recall we were one of the few districts left uh that were not one to one. We were not a one to one district and there was reason why why we weren't and that was money, right? Uh but we took those extra funds that was part part of those funds that we received. Um we used those funds for many things uh SRO's, school counselors, but also onetoone technology to fund that. And by the way, I'm getting off topic and I'm really good at that. I often talk about the fact that it that has changed what we do
066every day so much and it's beneficial for our kids. I I love going into I love going into all classrooms at all level, but I I especially love going into our elementary classrooms and seeing uh a classroom teacher working in a small group with students at a table and then the other students are all actively engaged, you know, on their laptops working at their own pace, right? And and that's that has made a tremendous impact uh for kids because you know it's it's different and it's easier for them to be engaged, right? Um so again, it has changed the services that we deliver. Uh during those sessions, uh we also highlighted the statistics that show how we've been very fiscally responsible compared to other districts in our region, uh when it comes to spending per
067pupil, administrative cost, etc. Now, again, I'll go back to that balance. Um you know, there's some people that would say you shouldn't be proud of spending less per pupil than everyone else, right? Uh but again, we we just we try to do do the best we can in both areas, provide the very best student experience and be fiscally responsible at the same time. In a moment, I'm going to turn it back over to Mr. Phillips so he can share some of the information he shared uh during those sessions as well as discuss the three options the district has uh as it attempts to address the financial burden that we face. As I've said on many occasions, this issue is bigger than Fairfield City Schools. Uh many public school districts across the state are in the
068same uh situation as a result of the changing landscape related to funding public education in the state of Ohio. After Jay shares some of his information, Mrs. Hower will share some of the feedback that we we received from our stakeholders in regard to those three options. So, I'll turn it back over to J. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Um, so you've heard the financial picture where we're at and so really as we talked at the community engagement and as I mentioned here tonight, we've got to do something. Okay. And and that something there's really three options that that we saw. We either need to decrease expenditures, which Mr. Smith has highlighted. We've been working continuously at that by losing teachers through attrition, um, doing other other things that Mr. Smith talked about. Um, So
069you decrease expenditures or you increase revenue and really the only way to increase revenue is to put a levy on the ballot. Okay. Now there's different types of levies. You know you have a traditional operating levy which Fairfield has always run in the past. Now we have not passed one since 2011 which I still think is remarkable that we have not passed an operating levy since 2011 and we're still solving. That's that's a little bit of an anomaly across the state. I've said this before, but most districts are back every 3 to five years, especially districts that are not on the 21 floor. Um, the property tax right now is no surprise to all of you. It's a hot button topic in Butler County, across the state, across the country, but especially here in Ohio
070and here in Southwest Ohio. You know, as I mentioned, Butler County was the first county in the state to exact enact the piggyback exemption, uh, which really helps our seniors and those uh, on disability. It lowers the value of their of their property so they pay lower taxes which is which we're all for. Uh so that that has a little negative connotation right now. The other options are uh income taxes. You there's traditional uh income tax which taxes all all income across the board and then there is an earned income tax and earned income tax actually benefits those that we were just talking about seniors and those on disability those on fixed income. Uh you Because all we hear, all I hear right now, I should say we I don't want to do generalizations, but
071all I hear is and across the news, which I know is true, is that folks on fixed income are hurting the most from the increase in property taxes because they can't pay the taxes on their home. They're having to sell their homes, they lose their home, they have to move. Um so an earned income tax will protect those most vulnerable. Um and that's what we talk about community conversations. You know, if we were to look at an operating levy, our ask our need right now be about 8.6 mills. Um traditional income tax would be about 1% and a earned income tax would be about 1.25% because obviously a lower tax base that you're taxing with an earn income tax as opposed to a traditional income tax. So those are the three different options I guess
072you could say really four options when you talk about decreasing expenditures that we talk about at community conversations. So just wanted to give you guys all an overview of that. Um at this time I know Mrs. wants to talk a little bit about the community conversations themselves a little more information. So, as I shared, we guided the participants through two community engagement sessions when we came together. And the first focus on hearing directly from our community about what they value most about schools and what is it that makes us special, what they take pride in, and what is it that they want us to try and protect at all possible. And we find ourselves So during the first breakout session, what we found is that it was very easy for community members to express all
073of the things that they all feel is special. To name a few, there's appreciation for our students and our diverse student population. We all know our students are always the why behind why we do everything that we do. that pride and those conversations, it naturally extends to our caring staff who are supporting all of our amazing students. So, our support staff, our bus drivers, our teachers, our administrators, our custodial staff, our counselors, nurses, related services, the list goes on and on. We have a lot of students with a lot of different needs and their needs getting are adults who show up for them each day in each of our buildings. So again not surprising people. So community members also express great pride in our academic programs for all students education students access to technology transportation
074for students the extracurricular opportunities our fine arts programs our athletics and diverse sports offerings, world language instruction, and more. There were so many things that were shared at the different tables as people were talking. And ultimately all of these conversations just highlighted an appreciation for ability to provide this rich wellrounded educational experience that focuses on the whole child not just looking at how we can set our kids. What was interesting is when asked what should be protected at all costs if additional reductions are required. This question proved to be a lot more difficult. People weren't as quick to just start talking at the table. silence that you many participants shared how challenging it is to prioritize when everything feels important so what we're doing now so it's hard to imagine without presentations and things that
075I just listed there opportunities for students and it's hard to imagine districts. But that said, the responses were very clearly student centered. Common themes included protecting our strong academic programming, continations for our students and staff, maintaining student and staff safety, preserving our levels to the needs of the whole student as much as we possibly can. Maintaining student transportation and ensuring access to mental health supports for some that we converge. Then the second breakout session was designed to deepen the understanding of the different revenue options that are available to school districts that Mr. Phillips just spoke about. So our community members were highly engaged in discussions and gain better understanding of benefits and challenges of a property tax levy versus a traditional income tax versus an earned income tax. And as we walked around the room
076answering questions, there were several consistent themes that were emerged um which Mr. Phillips many expressed concern that property taxes are already very high and that further increases would just be very difficult for the residents of broad appreciation for the concept of an income tax with participants noting that it scales based on income costing more for those who earn more and costing less for people who earn less. And when comparing the differences between the traditional income tax and the earned income tax, many of the participants favored the earned income tax because as Mr. Philips said, it protects the elderly and disabled residents who are on fixed. They appreciated that these vulnerable populations would not see an increase in their taxes and many described that the earned income tax they found they believe to be the most
077fair and equitable option of what we have as a district. The last thing I'll share is that as we work to educate the community about school funding and our financial position that we're in, we found that the more people learn, the more thoughtful questions that developed a lot more they wanted to know and asking more questions and those questions I just want to make sure that this is shared have directly informed the content of the SCSD and the dollars and videos that Mr. Smith and Mr. Phillips are out to the community on a regular basis which I just love because doing that it's this feedback loop that we're able to continue with our community and it's just critical as we keep hearing from all we want to have so that based off of what they're
078hearing from the community themselves and the questions that they have it really just helps to increase transparency to build those relationships and to increase the trust as we continue to move forward by responding directly to the information that they're asking for and that as we continue to engage our community in these meaningful and hopefully informative sessions and having conversations about the future of our district. I just think that is really important and kudos to the two of them for taking that information and flipping it into okay let's give the community the information that they're asking for so that we can continue to figure out what our future is. >> So now at this time our next item for discussion is increasing revenue options. Uh so you you've heard uh what those options are and Jay
079talked about the fact there actually four and one of those is reducing expenditures which Again, as we've said, we we have we have done been doing and regardless of um the potential the the possibility of increasing revenues, we we know and as I've had conversations with groups of people um you know, for for months and months, we know that this is the new norm. the new norm is that we will continue to look uh for opportunities uh to reduce spending uh regardless if we have the the an increase in revenues. Uh we we are already um I can't tell you the amount of time that we've spent and conversation about looking at every single resignation that we get and I expect a large number of those um openings not being filled uh for the next
080school year but that's we'll talk in more detail about that at a later date. But again my point is we were that that's where we live now is always looking and have been looking to reduce expenditures. So you you've heard from Jay about those three options for increasing revenue. You've heard from Mrs. Hower, uh the feedback that we received from the community, from our engagement sessions from the folks that were there. Um so at this time, I wanted to turn it over to the board to give you an opportunity to have some discussion around u those three options for increasing revenue. So I'll turn it over to M. >> Thank you. Can you explain the earn income tax a little better? Is it for people that live in Fairfield? >> Yes. Work in Fairfield. So,
081school district income tax, whether traditional days or earned income, it is for people that live within the Fairfield City School District. Doesn't matter where they work. Doesn't matter where they work. It's people that live outfield. Is that a weekly tax on your paycheck? >> Well, it can be withdrawn from your paycheck. Yeah. Whenever whenever you get paid, your employer typically would deduct it. >> Okay. And then you need to I think more on how much people are looking at coming out so they understand it's not a large amount. >> Yeah. So it's it's 1.25%. So you know if if you make $50,000 you're talking above just above $600 a year. Um you know if you're if you're making $100,000 a year is $1,250 a year. >> So you 52 and it gives them a lower
082number than they expect. >> Correct. you know, it's actually it's different because we've never done that here and a lot of districts haven't, but there there are a lot of districts that are going in this direction. Um, so it's it's hard to it's not it's actually easier to understand because it is percentage, right? Um, than it is if I was to tell you your property is going to go by 8.6 mills. Well, that that's pretty confusing. People, you know, I've been trying to educate people through our our videos and other conversations what what a million people, that's 8.6 million. That's not 8.6 million. Um, so it's actually easier to understand. It's just different. Um, but to your point, you know, it's a percent. A traditional the traditional big traditional income tax, we're looking at 1%.
083That's very easy to understand. 1.25 is a little more difficult, but it's same same math, same calculation. I think it helps your seniors a lot on a fixed income. >> Absolutely. They're not going to be paying any more money. >> Correct. Most people, like Kim said, if they make a whole lot of money, they're going to pay more than the people who make less. >> Correct. And you know, and the other, in my opinion, the other benefit to an income as opposed to property tax uh increase is because House Bill 920 that you've heard me talk about before, uh there's a reduction factor involved for schools that are above the 20th floor. So, you know, if you levy 8.6 mills, you can only ever collect that value that 8.6 mills brings in. property values go
084up that that rolls back so that you're only bringing in the same amount. With an income tax, as income rises, the amount of revenue you bring in rises as well. So that that helps the stability of the district a little more and would hopefully potentially help keep school district off the ballot as much and also it would be continued forever. >> Yeah, it's continuous. >> So it's not like a fouryear levy where we have come back in four years. >> Correct. In all the operating levies that I've seen that I've researched here in Fairfield, they've always always been continuous operating levies as well. It's just at some point with an operating levy, even with an income levy, um expenditures outpace revenues, you know, you're forecasting out typically we try to make it last at least
085five years. So, you're forecasting out about five years. And that's why we say every 3 to 5 years, we have to come back and have the same conversation. And same thing with this with the income and with the uh property tax 8.6 mills, we're forecasting about 5 years off the what we're thinking. However, we have a better opportunity, better potential to stay off the ballot longer with an income because, as I said, you bring in more revenue as incomes increase. So, and and just I would also like to point out the fact that uh Jay, Mr. Phillips talked about that projection to last five years that is with the laws and everything as we know it today. But as we know, as all of us are aware, as I mentioned earlier this evening, the landscape
086continues to change. But as it is today, the projection is five years. If something happens and the state takes additional steps um that harm public school public school districts in Ohio related to funding, then that could change. But as it stands today, that's the projection. I think that's important point to make. And I also do want to say that um the 1% and the 1.25% is based off of this past year's values. We're waiting for the release of the reappraisal update um to determine what that percent is. It's probably going to be similar and and you only can go in quarter percents. So, you know, if it rises a little bit, the ask because of property value increases decreases a little bit, it still may stay 1.25 for earned income and 1%. But we are
087still waiting for those numbers to come in. All right. So, you mentioned bad news. It's really reality and those are the facts. And the facts are that Mr. Smith and Miss Lane and you have been cutting and looking at for many years. So, those are the facts. Um, you know, we've heard three different options tonight. We feedback from the community and most all of us I think are at those meetings. So we heard it firstand as well as collective. Thank you for sharing that. So we'll do some more discussion on those three options. discussion about >> um I know from the session that I attended uh the table I was sitting with they were definitely passionate about this earned income tax and it's evident based off of the votes that went for the last ballot
088that people want to help protect those on base a stable income on a fixed income and that's why you know we passed the last law that helped our seniors by giving them that Um, so I think that, you know, this is never an easy decision and never a fun conversation to have. Um, but keeping our students um being the reason why I think that the earned income tax uh ballot levy is the option I think is the best option for us at the current state. >> Mr. Yeah, I think just the the discussion of the community engagement um it did focus around that earn income income tax and I think that uh it's just something that shows our compassion for our community for those that are on fixed income but still puts our students first,
089puts our schools first. That's what a lot of the discussion was that we had. Um, again, it was great to have that factual information during those events and for people to be able to see the kind of get that peak behind the curtain of finances and how things are working within not just our district but across the state. Um, but yeah, from the the ballot option that was discussed. Yes. Yeah, I certainly agree and uh the table discussion we had earned income tax was definitely the preferred choice and you know quick Google search tells me 210 out of the 611 school districts in Ohio have currently have a school district tax. So this is not something you know abnormal and I would be curious how many more are going to be looking to do something
090like this given you know some of the recent legislation. So certainly that would be my I couldn't agree more. I think it's got benefits to the elderly and makes sense. If I hear correctly on the board recommendation income tax that helps me as in a few minutes we will start talking about process moving forward next steps and so that takes us uh to our next item for discussion which is timeline. Uh so uh Mr. Phillips and I like to share just a few things in regard to that timeline. Uh in a few minutes Mr. Phips will talk about some key dates and meetings that will take place. Uh before he does that, I'd like to just take a moment to talk about uh kind of what our leadership team will be doing in the near
091future. Um as we've said and and the reason for our community engagement sessions in December, just really important for us to educate our entire community. Um not just educate and inform, but also solicit feedback. And so we will continue uh with that trend and and phase two. that it's also important for us to communicate and be transparent with our community about what will happen to our district. What will be the ramifications pass or fail? Uh so if ballot issue passes, the district will not move forward with large reductions uh in staffing, programming, and student opportunities. However, again, as I mentioned a few minutes ago, we will continue to identify opportunities to save money in a v variety of ways, uh, including reducing staffing, uh, through attrition. And again, not to, uh, just go into great
092detail about a variety of other ways. But, you know, as we've mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is our bus purchase cycle and how if we want to maintain our fleet, the professionals say we should purchase number of buses per year. We have not been doing that. The only reason that we haven't followed that recommendation is because we are trying to save money. Um so again, it's not just reducing staffing through attrition. Um there are other capital improvement projects that we have put off to the side. Um and again, but I've always said we will keep our students warm, safe, and dry. Um so there's no reason to be concerned about that. But again, just want to give just just a little bit of some information, some more examples about what that is
093because I know we continue to talk about attrition. Uh if the district um isn't successful, we will be forced to make some of those tough tough decisions. So much like our sessions in December, uh we will educate, inform, solicit feedback. We will have multiple uh community engagement sessions. Uh I believe that we will have sessions specifically for community members and specifically uh for staff members. Those will occur sometime in February um with the goal that we would be able to uh share with our entire community sometime in March, hopefully early March, maybe even at the March work session. Uh we can tell them what the impact will be in August 2026. a ballot issue in May 2026 and it isn't successful. So again, we will just continue with our engagement process, continue to be transparent
094uh and continue to keep everyone informed moving forward. This time I'll turn it over to Mr. Phillips so he can share some information about potential dates for meetings and other important dates in regard uh to the board of elections. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. and the conversation amongst the board this evening does help give us an idea of next steps moving forward. Um, as the board considers the option of placing an earned income tax on the May 5th, 2026 ballot, there are several statutory steps that must occur within a defined timeline to allow adequate time for discussion, legal review, and compliance with required deadlines. Our administration is recommending a special board meeting on Thursday, January 15th to review the options presented to discuss next steps and if the board so chooses consider adopting a resolution
095of necessity. Based on that outcome and the discussion therein, uh we would then recommend a second special meeting on Tuesday, January 27th to consider a subsequent resolution to proceed. This approach ensures the board has sufficient opportunity for deliberation while keeping all options available within the required election timeline. 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 contract with nation's classroom tour company for the 8th grade Washington DC trip scheduled for October 21 through 24, 2026. Number two, recommend approval of the following board policy letter A. And number three, recommend approval of the resolution the appointment of associate school board member to serve on the Butler Technology and Career Development Schools Board of Education. Whereas the Fairfield Board
096of Education, which is to appoint a member to serve on the Butler Technology and Career Development Schools Board of Education, and whereas to be qualified to serve on a board of education of a joint vocational school district, a member must meet the qualifications set forth in Ohio Revised Code 33119. And whereas the named appointee meets the qualifications for Ohio Revised Code 3311-119. Now therefore, be it resolved that Abby Birdie Miller meets the qualifications of the Ohio Revised Code 3311.19 and is hereby appointed to serve on the Butler Technology Career Development Schools Board of Education for the remainder of the term beginning the date of of appointment and ending December 31, 2027 in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3311. That concludes the items that I have for your consideration this evening under letter D. Other items
097>> I have a motion for all the ABC motion. >> Mr. Naker McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. N. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bing. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. Yes. Mr. Clin. >> Yes. question to explain something. >> Sure. >> For people my age and over, what does attrition mean? >> Attition, an example of attrition would be if someone uh resigns from their position, we we don't fill that position. If they retire or if they accept another position, another district. Uh that position is vacant, but we don't fill it. >> I just looked it up. You're correct. >> Mr. Something from way back. I don't really have questions. >> Yes. Thank you for our members of board education. I have several recommendations this evening. My first recommendation letter A recommend approval
098of the minutes of the following meeting. December 11th, 2025 regular meeting, December 18th, 2025 special meeting. Letter B recommend approval of the financial reports for the month of December 2025 as submitted. Letter C recommend approval of 2526 amended appropriations resolution as submitted. Letter D recommend approval of the fiscal year 2027 tax budget that will be submitted to the Butler County Auditor's office as submitted. Uh letter E recommend approval of the following rates to be paid to seasonal and sporadic athletic workers effective January 1st 2026. Keepers timers ticket takers $20 to $60 dependent upon sport and work. Site manager, $60 per game. Bookkeeper, $150 per tournament. Letter F, recommend approval of the annual membership with the Ohio School Boards Association for January 2026 to December 2026 in the amount of $9,442. Letter D, recommend approval of
099the Ohio School Boards Association legal assistance fund service contract for $250 pursuant to revised code section 3313.171. That's effective January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2026. Letter H recommend approval of the new IRS mileage rate of 72.5 cents effective January 1st, 2026. Letter I recommend approval of J. Phillips to act as designate for board of education to fulfill the public records act training requirements as required by policy KBA the public's right to know. And letter J recommend approval of the following donation. A donation in the amount of $500 from Anna Braum for the Fairfield High School food pantry total donations for 2026 is Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Motion to accept these recommendations. >> So moved Miller and Mr. >> Mrs. Bernie Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Maker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >>
100Mr. Klein. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> No idea. Yes, please. >> So, Butler Tech has been working with Miami and some other local community members um and they have what is called the Aub um that is just about to have its opening in February. However, this week they actually started teaching students in that facility. So, I want to give a huge shout out. This has been a huge innovation that they've been working on for quite a while. I'm excited to go to the opening on February 2nd and actually see the ribbon cutting and go and get a tour of the building. I know this has been a huge project that they've all worked on. I actually got to meet the president of Miami University at their last board meeting
101and he got talking about and it was very exciting. >> It's going to be a great day. >> Yes. This is my favorite. I'm so excited about this. Thank you for giving this up for me. >> You're welcome. >> I'm happy to pass the torch along because it's still fun. >> It is. I was trying to make it easy. >> One of my one of my favorite things to do is uh celebrate uh just students doing doing really good things. So, just want to say congratulations to uh Coach Nelson and the girls basketball team on their win last night and Anderson. Uh always nice to go on the road and win. And also congratulations to our world wrestling team for taking a team victory enrichment uh last week uh with champions and three weight classes.
102And um on the fine arts side, our wonderful showers under the direction of Mr. Baker will be hosting First Look on Friday, January 23rd at 7 p.m. and Saturday, January 24th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Great way to see shows before they hit the road in February for the competition season. Uh so if you haven't seen those before, make sure you uh take one of those shows. >> Thank you. also spoke his victory last week. >> Students, >> Mr. Smith, would you like to go next? >> Sure. Everyone overie. It doesn't surprise me commission. So passing along his sentiments, he said, "I look forward to support the board as their design for the planning commission for 2026." Last meeting was December 10th. Uh the commission recommended approval of the application for the planned unit
103development for the 9.12 acre part located the corner of Patterson Boulevard and River Road adjacent to the existing River Road Marathon Station. Three plus acres on River Road are proposed to be a drive-thru facility. remaining six plus acres along Patterson Boulevard to be 22 resid puzzle guy on February only is the inaugural crossword puzzle contest at the community. >> That sounds fun. >> Yeah. Sign up. Go there. Visit the parks. Visit the parks. 27 >> weather's getting fish. And where can you fish? >> Marsh Lake. One of our parks. >> Can you kayak there, too? >> I think so. >> Now, the swings are covered in snow. >> All right. Well, thank you all. Uh, announcements. January 19th, 2026, Martin Luther King Day. There is no school. February 5th, 2026 board meeting work session at
1046:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Senior High School Catholic and the hard work they do keep our students busy. Administration team, we couldn't do what we do without you guys. Fantastic. possible to help support my family. Their sacrifice and their support over the years have allowed me to do the things that I have done here in the district uh and certainly continue here on the school board. So, thank you. Love you. Um want to also thank other friends that came to support. Um truly an honor to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who just care about the community, care about the district. Thank you for that. To my fellow board members, I'm so happy I can say that now. Um, and to Mr. Smith, Mr. Phillips, the rest of the staff, um, you've been incredibly welcoming, uh,
105in orientation, uh, entertaining my sometimes probably silly questions as I try to get prepared for this role. Um, and I really appreciate how welcoming everyone has been. U, the presentation were wonderful. Uh, Mr. about me. That was absolutely fantastic. Something that just I have a heart for. My daughter Cameron was a graduate of Butler Techch um as well as Fairfield in 2018. So those types of programs um are are really near and dear uh to me. So I think having the opportunity for students to experience that high school is just fantastic. Thank you for allowing that, Mr. Smith. And finally, Mr. Fletcher, one of my faves. Um, just everything that you do to promote the district. Um, we put a positive light on everything that's happening. Thank you for the gift tonight. So, thank you
106for all you do. >> Um, yes, board members, I'm excited to to serve with you. um administration, staff, um just very excited to serve our our school district, our students, our staff and work with you guys to help continue the incredible things our district has done over the many years here. Um I do want to thank my wife and thanks for for all your support and my son and his girlfriend. Thank you, too. And my father as well who's here. Thank you for instilling in me and and supporting my love for education and and for our community. So, thank you uh thank you for that. Um, Miss Gentry Fletcher, thank you for the the recognition on behalf of everybody represented tonight. Um, look forward to all the gifts we're going to get at all of
107our meetings. Excited to see what the next meeting holds. Since we had two other meetings scheduled, that's two more. So, you guys bottle. >> It was good while it lasted, but thank you very much. Um, you know, haven't really done anything, but you know, disappointment, but thank you. for the recognition and uh excited to to get into this and dive into it and serve with my fellow board members. Um it was great to see the the presentation um from Mr. Mullberg and Mr. Bellamy. What an awesome program. Um what a great way to serve our students and and help them um just go on that path of life discovering the talents and interests that they have. And the fact that it doesn't cost us money is also an incredible thing. And that just is is
108wonderful for our students. So it was it was great. Also, I love that they they mentioned there it was debtree. What a what an awesome way to start your journey as a as a young person on a path of of you know your career to go into a debtree and that that's awesome and I love to see his excitement too. I could definitely see how he could talk for an hour about that program. So great to have him at the event. So that was that was excellent. Okay, >> I know we've all been here for a while. I only have one scroll, so I'll try to keep brief, you know. Um, >> I know, I know, I know, I know. Um, I'll try not to steal all your points. Uh, also, welcome and to the
109board. Uh, I got to get to know you guys very well over the last few months, and it's been a great, um, honor to get to know and see how big of an impact you guys had on the for serving the board. And so now that you guys are making that um step forward and making that um sacrifice to serve our community even more, you know, thank you so much for joining us. Um and I look forward to seeing what we come and get to do together as a community. Thank you to the community for giving me the opportunity to be able to continue to serve you guys. Um this truly has been something that I uh have grown to really be passionate about. Um the community has always been amazing at Fairfield. I grew
110up here. I'm raising my own kids here. Uh my family continues to continue to serve the community and I'm happy to be just a small part in the big well of our community. Um thank you to the board for voting me to be vice president. I'm happy to have that seat on this board and you know following Scott's footsteps. Um working with you guys and being able to serve you in that capacity is amazing. Um also thank you for appointing me to tech. I that's something I've been wanting to do since I got on the board. Um they are doing amazing things over there and the work the fact that we get to work with them as our school district and build that community connection to help our students have those pathways is amazing. So,
111thank you so much for allowing me to be part of that solution. Um, thank you to my family. My dad and mom are here. Um, you know, it's so so great and touching that my dad's able to sit here and square me in and we're able to have that moment and that connection. Um, Phillips But, you know, I did got to have a moment with you for my vice president oath. Um, but to be able to have that moment with my dad. Um, and in December, we I actually gave him his oath of office, not in the meeting. Um, but we went to the u the township meeting after celebrating my son's first birthday and we got to swear each other in in front of a very intimate family gathering. And so to have that
112moment is amazing and be able to share that with all of you is great. Um, and thank you to my You probably heard my son giggling and yelling dad because he just learned how to start talking recently. Um he is making such a great sacrifice for me to be able to serve on this and be able to be part of these committees and be able to be a part of Butler Tech. You know, he's being Mr. Dad and Mr. Mom all at once. Um he gives he's able to make that sacrifice because he knows how much I'm passionate about serving you guys. So, thank you so much to him. Um, Bellamberg, I know I already said it, but thank you so much for your presentation and the great work you're doing with our students. Um,
113you know, Fairfield is is an innovator. We are always setting the standard for making new ideas and coming up with great ways to serve our students and this is just another program that's going to jump off and the other schools are going to see other districts are going to see the great work we're doing with this and it's just going to grow from there. So, thank you so much for being that. Um, in the video, Miss Taylor talked about how this was a on-ramp for career bar students, and I think that's a great analogy to be able to give them this on-ramp to jump into their adulthood. Um, thank you, Miss Fletcher, for everything you do. Um, I'm sad I won't be able to read your post publicly, but I know I'm still reading them
114at home, even if I'm not sharing them to everybody else here. Um, Miss Og and Howard, thank you so much for everything you guys do. Um, you guys do so many things and we only get small snippet of these meetings. So, thank you so much for the dayto-day that you guys take care of and bring to the board. Um, the community sessions were amazing. Thank you so much, Mr. Smith and Philhower, for providing that to our community to get that feedback and and provide them to have an actual voice in this so that we as a board got to attend those and you know, we are we are their designates. They vote us in to serve to be their voice for the district. And so for us to be able to have those meetings, we
115were able to hear from the community what they want so that we can then make an educated informed decision on how the community wants us to serve them. So thank you so much and providing that insight and education to our um communities. Mr. Phillips, you said you're the groom. Um as Scott and I always were on the same page, I had it set here that you did a reality check, not doom and gloom. Um, if I appreciate you bringing that, um, because you know, sometimes we need those hard reality checks because if not, we're going to run into a wall and and it's coming. So, thank you so much for everything. Um, you are constantly trying to predict what crops to plot now based off of the weather that's going to be next season and
116it's always changing. Next week could be something that we didn't expect and you are constantly doing as much as you can based off of what you're gi. So, I appreciate the work that you do and Mr. Smith, you run an amazing administration team and the district really flourishes because of your guidance to the team. So, thanks so much for everything you do and welcome back students back to a new semester. Um, I hope that everybody had a great break and enjoyed the holidays and that you got to enjoy your snow, but we had some um and that we are ready to be fresh and learn for this next semester. except for my family. >> I love them too. >> Um yeah, just really copy everything that my fellow board members have have said Mr. Bell
117and Mr. Moberg and the pre-apprenticeship is just an amazing program. Everybody's already said it. I don't think we can highlight it enough, encourage it enough for Awesome for everything you do. the administration just fantastic Mr. Smith Mr. you're you're sort of elementary explanation a lot of stuff. I intentionally say it that way because it is very complex but those are facts and we appreciate the videos that you do get those facts as clear as they can be understood to the community and I encourage the community to watch the videos go to the website go to the Facebook page watch watch share and share facts as Mr. Smith said in the beginning, we we have to share the facts. The facts don't lie. We get more people involved. The community engagement gatherings, the events were were
118awesome. Um, it was a good crowd, but that's a small portion of the whole community. So, the more we talk about it, more shares with others, encourage others to share that that positive spin on the negative situation that the schools in. And another fact is that the state pulling money back. They're not necessarily helping public education. So, we need to make sure that we're sharing the facts that that you put out there and visit those community events coming up. I would say also that contact your state representatives, email them, call them, write them a handwritten letter. Let your let your voice be heard. Your your opinion is valued as a as a civilian and they work for us. So, as Mr. Smith has said, I'm not putting words in your mouth, but I may get
119it wrong from you and Mr. Phillips, that the state legislation, the representatives are kind of tired of hearing from superintendent and treasures. They need to hear from us, from the parents. So, reach out to your state representatives, text, call, email, whatever it is, reach out to them so they hear your voice. Very important. >> Did you know that there's a website called fivealls.org and you can You can put an issue in there and it'll give you five contacts to reach out in your state and national representations to know who to contact. >> What was that again? >> Five calls.org. >> Mr. Sorry to interrupt, but uh if you wouldn't mind um in light of the discussion this evening, would you just mention under announcements to include those two board meetings that Mr. Phillips talked about
120January 15th and January 27th. So I kind of just said that, but you're welcome. >> Yes. Other announce we have to make sure the room is available but we will announce it once we confirm availability such but it's good that we have January 15th January 27th tentatively here in this room high school 630 comments at this time we're going to recess executive session to discuss court action 121.22 G3 pending or litigations motion to excuse ourselves >> second >> Mr. N >> yes >> Mr. Ber >> yes >> Mr. Clark >> yes >> Mr. Klein >> yes >> Mr. Yes. >> Passes at 8:27. Thank you all for coming. >> Thank you.