001All right, we'll go ahead and get started for this. She's coming up. We'll have Mr. County. >> Good afternoon, Board of Education. Thank you for allowing me to be here today. My purpose is to swear in the newly elected board member for her fourth term, Holly Taylor Gerkin, who is also my wife and proud member to meet her husband for over 25 years. And family tradition is we swear each other here so we don't swear at each other. So please raise your hand, your right hand. Taylor Derkin, do you solemnly swear or affirm that you support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the board of education of the Toledo City School District, Lucas
002County, Ohio, and to the best of your ability in accordance with the laws that are now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence of office and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> Congratulations to come for administrative import. Do you solemnly swear that I that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will to the best of your ability in accordance with the laws now and in effect and hereafter enacted during your continuence in office faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as member of the board of education of the city school district of the city of Toledo. Lucas Co, Ohio during the term for which you are elected. that you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of
003the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will to the best of your ability in accordance with the laws now in effect in hereafter and hereafter enacted doing your continuing to office faithfully and impartially discharge your duty as member of the board of education of the city school district of the city of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio during the term for which you were elected. Thank you. We have the elected president for Tim6 organization meeting. Mr. Park >> here >> Mrs. Bartwood >> here. >> Mr. here. Respond >> here. >> If you're willing and would like to stand for the pledge of allegiance, please stand and justice for all. Dr. please. Yes. PF provides innovative education opportunities that ensure each student prepare for their future education to empower each and
004every student to live and serve a purpose life. Thank you. Thank you Dr. I would like to request a motion nomination for president. that >> I'd like a motion. Can I have a motion to approve the agenda to add the second session to the agenda for today? >> What purpose? >> Oh, I'm sorry. The purpose of um discussing uh disip dismissal of employees. >> Do I have a second? >> Hearing no second. The motion. Can I have a motion to approve the agenda? >> So second. Any discussion? Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. >> Thank you. At this time, I would like to request the nomination for president. I'd like to nominate Chris as president. Do I have a second president? Second.
005Second. discuss. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. You saw that you support when it comes to statewide. President turn over to President M. Right. Thank you very much. Um, we will go ahead and move to section four, which is election of vice president. Can I get a nomination for vice president, please? >> I'd like to nominate Parker. >> Second. It's been moved and second. Any discussion? >> Please call. >> Mr. Parker. >> Yes. Mrs. B. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barley. >> Yes. Yes. And smart. >> Yes. If you solemnly swear that you support the Constitution of the United States in the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as vice president of the board of education of
006the 6 school district Lucas County file to the best of your ability and in accordance with laws of effect and hereafter to be enacted due to your continuence in set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. Okay, thank you. Uh at this time we're going to move to 5.01 which is a resolution establishing regular board meeting for 2026. Do you have a motion? >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion hearing? None. Treasur. >> Mr. B. >> Yes. Mr. Yes, >> Mrs. Barber. >> Yes, >> Mr. Best. >> Yes, Miss Barnes. >> Yes, >> thank you. Uh, 6.01, which is a walk-in resolution establishing the committees of the board of education of the city school district for the calendar year 2026. I'm going to
007go ahead and read this, please. Whereas board policy PCP provides that new committees may be established to better serve the district and advise the decision making of the board of education as a whole. The need for these new and more revised committees is to provide oversight and transparency to our community as the district embarks on developing a plan that transforms its operations, stabilizes funding while providing a highquality education for students. Now therefore be it resolved voted by the board of education of the little city school districts county Ohio that section one pursuant to board policy BCE the board hereby establishes the following committees with descriptions for this calendar year one transformation plan oversight committee the oversight committee for the public schools monitors the district's strategic and financial plans by tracking budget academic operational and community
008engagement metrics to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term stability. The committee reviews projected versus actual savings, enrollment, and student outcome trends, operational efficiencies, and implementation of school level changes while providing regular public dashboards and reports. Through consistent communication with the board, staff and community, the committee ensures clear expectations, measurable progress, and the ability to adjust or redirect actions as needed to deliver on district commitments. Two, academic and program redesign committee. The academic and program design committee is responsible for evaluating and improving academic programs, career pathways and support services through data-driven analysis of student outcomes, enrollment, attendance, assessment effectiveness, program costs, and the availability and impact of mental health supports. The committee also reviews academic and career pathway offerings, special education services, academy models, including alternative schools, and career and technical education to ensure enlightenment with student
009needs, social emotional well-being, workforce demands, facility capacity, and fiscal sustainability. Additionally, the committee supports marketing, recruitment, and retention efforts, strengthens workforce development partnerships to labor, business, and community organizations, and promotes work-based learning opportunities to enhance student success, well-being, and postsecary readiness. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. Three, early childhood education committee. The committee oversees the district's early learning programs to ensure high-quality accessible services for young learners and families. The committee monitors Head Start prek programs by reviewing enrollment facilities, staff transportation, food services, parent engagement, and associated funding, including grant oversight and policy council requirements for Head Start and general fund cost. In addition, the committee supports resources and partnerships and reviews federal and state laws and policies to assess current compliance, identify gaps, and recommend changes needed to strengthen early childhood
010programming and sustainability. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. Connect parent, community, staff engagement, and student services committee. This committee coordates meaningful opportunities for parents, community members, and staff to provide input on district priorities, including pathways, school programs, student activities, and available resources. The committee facilitates meetings and surveys, ensures multiple feedback, touch points, and transparently shares results to inform decision- making. In addition, the committee reviews student services such as mental health supports, nursing services, resource hubs, partnerships, and funding opportunities, as well as student activities, but not limited to, but including arts, athletics, clubs, and alternative schedule to ensure student needs and committee perspectives are reflected in district planning. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. The fifth committee, budget and finance stabilization and operations committee. This committee is responsible
011for overseeing the district's financial recovery and operational efficiency efforts by monitoring between financial metrics, including budget savings and pro projections, staffing reductions, facility and transportation cost efficiencies, and three-year forecast updates. The committee also reviews implemented actions and future projections related to the submitted state plan and recommends adjustments. In addition, the committee examines redistricting considerations such as enrollment data mapping potential repurposing of schools and operational efficiencies as well as athletics participation, safety, zoning, costs, and transportation strategies including bus hubs, partnerships, and event support. to support long-term financial stability and responsible resource management. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. Human resource committee. The human resource committee oversees staffing and personnel systems to ensure effective illumination of the submitted state plan and alignment with district priorities. The committee reviews organizational restructuring, staffing adjustments, professional
012development and training to support stable and effective workforce. In addition, the committee evaluates employee benefits and labor contracts including terms and costs and conducts required evaluations by the board of the superintendent and treasurer um to ensure accountability corresponding and strong leadership. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. And finally, the legislative and policy committee. This committee monitors and evaluates federal and state legislation to assess recent impacts, track pending bills, and guide district advocacy efforts. The committee will also oversee district policies by reviewing current policies, recommending updates, and identifying areas in need of attention to ensure compliance and alignment with legal requirements and support with the district strategic goals. All information collected will be submitted to the oversight committee. Pursuant to policy BCE, the chairperson and co-chairs of committees will be named president.
013Section two, the board hereby finds and determines that all formal actions related to the adoption of this resolution were taken in open meetings of this board and that all deliberations of this board and of its committees which resulted in informal action were taken in meetings open to the public and form to enact the law. Section three, this resolution shall be in full force in effect from immediately after his adoption. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. This been seconded in discussion that president please just want to thank you for putting the time and effort into creating this plan. I know as vice president uh we didn't have a lot of time to move from that last meeting in December to where we we find ourselves today and everybody knows where we are
014moving from and are moving to require a lot of additional uh planning. So really appreciate that. I I would like to um have an opportunity to discuss with other board members just one of the descriptions of your committees uh just for consideration and that is um the um engagement committee which I guess I'm sorry for parent community staff student services. Um I'm I'm wondering um and what others think about this as well if the staff engagement portion of that work uh would be well suited for human uh the human resources committee. Um I know that in human resources we have worked hard to do more than um just the nuts and bolts but we've had some pretty significant efforts in staff wellbeing and staff uh care and um even staff engagement and trying to do
015some surveys and things that as it relates to their work. Um and and I I feel like it would be uh an obvious extension of that work to to do the staff engagement portion of the discussion plan within the human resources committee. Um we're you know we're going to have to look at welcoming staff just walking in here. I heard I don't know how we're going to do it seven people short in our department. Um I know we're going to hear more and more of that. I don't know how we're going to do this, how we're going to do that. And so the staff engagement um I think um is going to be pretty comprehensive not just what is there in how you know on what we're how we land. So few would consider being
016that part of um not for committee under right now but to human resources committee. Um and then obviously all of those things flow up to the oversight committee for sort of the coordination and making sure that dots are connecting that sort of thing. just members. Anybody else have any comments because they can certainly let you know the reason. So when I'm reading this to me, staff engagement and input on resources and how to fill those gaps. Um I do agree that maybe staff wellness would be good resources but this part of how I'm seeing it or how we should say is that the staff that is uh coming or participating in this community is actually saying hey we pertain in our classroom this is the resources that we need or this is what has been
017taken away how can we get that that's how I've seen the staff engagement piece of that >> their engagement what they need to to keep. >> I guess that would be a yes thing. Yeah. So, it would be more what they need from the students or the family aspect of how to make sure their classroom is, you know, as much as possible with, you know, their behaviors and things like that. The only thing I would other thing I would add to that is as far as and I and I I think you're right. We've definitely I mean and it sort of has been the case anyway like that engagement like when you start talking about some of the mini grants for Indian classroom and things like that. Um so I can see why that would
018still be there. But the other thing I think about too is state engagement in terms of this transformation plan specifically and how we land whether it's with fewer schools, fewer programs. um the engagement of the staff at that level is going to require communication cooperation. Clearly I still ask for that next time together require um negotiations quite frankly. I mean even something as simple as a staff survey go very far without collaborations with leadership departments and then also um you know when it comes to labor management falls under human resources. So, it just seems like another opportunity to to kind of throw all those things together. I I think what I'm hearing is maybe the engagement piece, right, is not where it aligns with the HR, but maybe staff um I don't want to say
019some other term for engagement. um maybe some tool for that HR community. You're talking about when I hear you, you're talking about well-being, you're talking about processes and things like that that we don't discuss as much in face because it's more of a common source of you know resources that would help in the classroom. So I think maybe uh determining that second term for staff participation in for wellbe without removing it from one but making sure it also is. >> Yeah. So the reason for the the way that these committees or that particular committee was created was so that way when we have community engagement sessions where parents community it is also a similar pathway for staff so they can provide input into that transformational plan as we move forward. they're just as their is
020just as important as anyone else's and so I wanted to keep the same format and so housing it in that committee was the reason for that. I see a lot of overlap in all of our committees and so I don't see any reason why there wouldn't be um you know board members connecting on certain topics and participating in that involvement of the um you know the um community the engagement sessions with staff. I mean, absolutely. We're going to have great unions involved. Have a seat at every single one of our communities and so they can certainly um get involved in that process. Madam President um I think a lot of this discussion surrounding and I would hope that my understanding is is that board members were privy to allation and we're also allowed to have
021input into all these subjects across every committee. We're not giving up that responsibility number one and uh that ability to do that. So I think that when we talk about description of committees, I for one are hoping that uh we're going to be cross-pollinating through each of us as board members and as staff. I want I think that's very important too is is that you know we're talking about committee but I want to make sure that it's important to understand that we're doing that in partnership with the staff. So um I I guess I'm not you know looking at some of the things particularly I'm reserve the right to do that input everything 100% absolutely so that's why I wasn't too concerned about keeping that um at least what the description in resolution any further
022discussion roll. Was there a motion made? >> We already had a motion and a second for the resolution. >> So now we're >> Mr. Parker. >> Yes. >> Mrs. G. >> No. >> Mrs. Farley. >> Yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. >> Thank you. we are going to move on to section seven which is designating um we have the committees and organization um but I'm going to go ahead and list the chair co-chairs of committees so for the uh TPS oversight committee um I have desk as it chair and myself as co-chair the leazison is Ryan Sulty and Jim G for the academic and program redesign committee. The chair is Paulie Miller Griffin, co-chair Chris Bwig and leison on Jim for the parent community staff engagement and student services committee and you can certainly shorten
023that with um the chair is Ray Parker the third and co-chair Gina Barnes leazison is Jim B. For the budget and finance stabilization and operations committee, the chair is Bob Vasquez. The co-chair is Chris Bwick from January through June and then Randall Harper III from July through December for the early childhood education committee. The chair is Sheena Barnes. The co-chair is Rand Park and Leah is Jim. For the human resources committee, the chair is the co-chair the third and the leazison is Dr. Trevor Jeff. for the legislative and policy committee. The chair is Chris Farley, co-chair Shea Martins, and Leison is Chad Kimberly. Okay. A reminder um committees and the chairs and vice chairs, if you'll take a moment at the end of tonight's meeting to establish monthly committee meeting days and times, although I
024suspect that we will do more than just monthly meetings um at the beginning. And then please email your confirmed day of the month and time to read as um the meeting notifications for January 12 tomorrow. So we have some more difficulties. All right. And then um let's see here. Let me go to the workplace organization. Okay. Um the 2026 TPS board education organizational appointments. So the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the delegate is Randall Parker the third, alternate Shane Martins, Ohio School Boards Association, Annual Business Meeting Delegate Random Parker the third, alternate Chris Farwick, Black Caucus Delegate Rand Park, Board of Trustees, Random Parker the third. Legislative Leazison is Chris Hartley. Northwest Regional Exec Council, which is already a large representative, Bob Vesquez. Student Achievement is Rand Park. The third, urban school district advisory
025is Bob Vesquez delegate and alternate is Rand Park. Council of Great City Schools delegate is Paul Gilder. Alternate Bob Vesque. Vouchers of Parable House Committee Dele Resource Development Board member Sheet Barnes, audit committee board member Bob Vasquez, business advisory board member Chris Harwood, strategic plan board member Paulie Taylor Berin and TPS foundation board member Paulie Taylor Burken. At this time, we'll move to section eight, which are um comments by superintendent. First, >> again, welcome back. I want to congratulate again three of our reelected board members. At the same time, congratulations to our new installed president, vice president. So, again, thank you and look forward to continuing operation. >> Thank you. >> And treasure comments. Congratulations to the lucky board members. There's also >> comments that board members reelection swearing in and that's all >> also
026congratulations and thank you uh to the leadership group who has stepped up. uh we do have a lot of work to do in a very short time to do it. So I I know that meeting more often than there would like to think possibly looking for meetings in between um April very quickly and they work to do short period of time. So I'm all for it. Thank you. Thank you, M president. I just want to say happy new year and welcome back after the winter break. Um just be reminded to like wash your hands. If you are feeling sick, please wear a mask. Um uh we have a bunch around and we just want to make sure everyone get to our schools to learn how to stay safe and doing so. Um and also I'm
027excited for this year. Um, my name is senior. So, I will be reminding everybody every board meeting. I have a senior in the household. So, uh, this is going to be a awesome year. Um, and you know, >> thank you, Madam President. To our colleagues who were elected here this morning, congratulations. Thank you again for all the work that you do. To my colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to allow me to serve this year as the vice president and as said, there's a lot of work that has to be done in a short time. And I think the bigger picture is that we have to see a bigger picture to make sure that we work together for the best that we also show. Congratulations. So, we do have a few comments and I apologize.
028Um, I I usually like to be short sweet, but um tonight I'm going to divulge you a little bit. So, um, a new year represents a new beginning and public school is an opportunity to reimagine our future while honoring our strong foundation. I'm honored and ready to help guide our district through the next year. I thank my colleagues for having faith in me um to lead the charge. A year that will reflect hard work, tough decisions, discussions, improvising, and doing what's best for kids. I have one simple belief that our future will be brighter because of the thoughtful collaborative work we are beginning now. Chilling public schools is beginning a comprehensive transformation process to ensure the long-term stability of our district and to strengthen the educational opportunities we provide students. Like many school systems across
029Ohio and across the nation, we are facing significant financial pressures due to declining state and federal funding, enrollment shifts, and rising costs. These challenges are real. They require us to plan carefully, responsibly, and transparently. While this moment is difficult, it is not unfamiliar. TPS faced challenges before. Granted, our challenges are a little bit off here today than they were 13 years ago, but our history shows that we responded with innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to students. And that's what we need to do now. This transformation is not about abandoning who we are. It is about building our past to stabilize build I'm sorry, building on our past to stabilize and strengthen our future. As we begin this process, we know that change creates uncertainty and we understand the concern many of our staff, families,
030and community members may be feeling. We have already had to make difficult decisions, including staffing reductions and program cuts. Not one person on here wants to do any of that. These decisions were not a reflection of the value of the people or programs impacted. They were the result of very real financial constraints and they were made with care. The first discussions of our plans didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped. I want to rectify the missteps that were taken and rebuild the relationships that might have been damaged. We are committed to engaging openly with union leadership and staff as this work continues. Your voices, experiences, and expertise matter, and they will help shape the best path forward. I want to be very clear. We are in the early stages of planning and no final
031decisions have been made. Remember, the initial list of items was for discussion, not for negotiating a public. We needed to develop a plan to submit to the state and we asked our administration to think outside the box to begin developing an initial framework of a plan that will save our district dollars yet provide new and innovative ways to educate our students. From this day forward, we are committed to communicating openly and as early as possible with our stakeholders. In return, we are asking for the same collaboration and transparency. Some difficult decisions may ultimately be part of this plan, but every step will be approached with transparency, empathy, and respect. We will begin a series of community meetings in the coming weeks. And I'd like to mention the community meetings now. in February. Wednesday, February 4th,
032Woodward High School at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, Bowser High School, 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18th, Start High School at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21st, Rogers High School at 10:00 a.m. In March, March 4th, Wednesday, Wake High School, 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 11th, Scott High School, 5:00 p.m. All of these dates will be listed on our website. You all have them in your packet right now, and we'll make sure that we are communicating out to the public for those community meetings. No formal action is taken until matters are presented, discussed, and voted on publicly at a full board meeting. We are generally genuinely looking forward to hearing ideas, questions, and feedback from families, staff, partners, and community members. The final plan will be stronger because of that input. This is a collaborative process, not
033a predetermined one. When there is new information to share, we will share it. When decisions are ready for board consideration, they will be made to the public. We understand that conversations about the future of our district can raise strong emotions. Our commitment is to minimize disruption, support our students and staff, and ensure that any changes ultimately serve long-term success schools. This work will take time, but I believe deeply that our future will be stronger and more stable and more innovative because of it. We will continue to share updates as this important work moves forward. And I have absolute belief in my board members, the administration, and our community as a whole, including our staff, uh, that we can get through this tough financial times, and we're going to be stronger on the other side of
034this. With that, I would ask for an adjournment motion. So move. >> It's been It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> M. Yes. Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. >> Members, if you could meet back there where the outside can take a picture, please.