West Geauga Board of Education Meeting February 17, 2026

001meeting is a meeting of the West Giaga Local School District Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the West Giaga Local School District's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There is a time though for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the agenda. Call the RO please. Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Miss Leworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Please stand for the pledge. Pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Are there any additions or changes to the agenda? >> No. So I think we're going to start with uh programs

002and reports. Um Dr. Ben & Kasa. Great. Thank you. So we are happy to welcome our middle school here today. Uh we've heard from our little learners at Westwood and our um elementary students at Lindsay. And today our highlight will be Westiaga Middle School. >> Good evening everybody. Thank you for coming. Good evening to the members of the board. For those of you who do not know me, um I am Erica Misor and I am the proud principal of Westa Middle School. It's an honor to be here tonight to showcase the opportunities and achievements of our students. Our goal this evening is to provide a brief but comprehensive glimpse brief um into the daily excellence that defines our middle school. We're going to start with the fine arts department. The display behind the board is

003um artwork from our talented visual arts students across all grade levels. So I believe the sixth grade work starts on our left and then goes through to so feel free to take a glimpse of that but that's from our talented students at the middle school across all grade. To highlight our performing arts I'm joined by our coral director Misskit and two of our premier corals and summers. Miss will introduce our students. >> Hello. Good evening. Thank you so very much for having us tonight. We're so honored. Over here. Um to start, we have our eighth grade choir. They will be singing a piece titled SA, which is a Zabian folk song. And then we also have our AC capa group, Class Act Senior, and they will be performing a snippet of try everything. It's coming.

004Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Great job. Yeah, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh. I messed up tonight. I keep falling down. I keep falling in the ground. I always get a Too amazing. Try everything. Great job. >> Thank you again, Miss Weissman, and our wonderful performers. That's just a small glimpse. Again, you come to our full choir concert, and the next one is I probably should have had that prepared. There'll be plenty of notice though, but they're great performing. So, thank you again. So, moving from the stage to the court, we want to celebrate our athletic programs as well. We're joined tonight by two of our winter sports teams who demonstrated exceptional skill

005and sportmanship sportsmanship this season. To share their highlights and introduce the student athletes, I'd like to welcome our middle school athletic director, Mr. Vosiki. Thank you. Uh Brandon said I just sang my report, but I'll I'll I'll spare you all that. Um can we have the eighth grade girls basketball team come up front and their coaches? So, I'm going to read the blurb that coach Pruzik put together. Um we're certainly proud of all of our middle school athletic teams, but we're just here to spotlight a couple of them tonight. Um, so the eighth grade girls basketball team concluded their season with commendable record of nine wins and nine losses. You might wonder why we celebrate a team that finished 500. However, the essence of sports lies not only in winning, but in the journey and

006resilience displayed throughout the season. The team demonstrated remarkable growth as they won four out of their last five games. Their momentum began with a thrilling one-point victory over the Orange Lions to finish out the regular season, setting the stage for a spectacular CBC tournament. In the first round, the girls triumphed over Ashtabula Lakeside, advancing to the next round. They continued to impress with a stunning 32 to23 victory against the number one seed Geneva, followed by a fiercely contested 21-6 win against the number two seed. I think in my time as athletic director, we've never had a team beat a number one and a number two seed in the tournament. So, it's very impressive. Uh although they they faced an undefeated Perry team in the finals and secured a second place finish in the CBC tournament,

007the excitement and spirit they exhibited throughout the season were truly commendable. Congratulations on a great basketball season. >> And the next team is the middle school wrestling team. if they can come up. Coaches and wrestlers. Uh, the middle school wrestling team had a historic season. For the first time ever, they were the CBC champions. They also took fourth place at a tough Northwest tournament, sixth at our own reindeer rumble, and ended the season with a 17-2 dual record. They also qualified seven wrestlers to the OAC state tournament, which is tied for the second most in Westa Middle School history. All of the success is the result of hard work and dedication. Wrestling is a year-round sport. It takes a high level of commitment to succeed. Without the support of families, coaches, teachers, and the rest

008of the community, this level of commitment would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who made the season possible. So, thank you to the board and administrators for your support of West Middle School Athletics. >> Thank you. And last but not least, we're going to turn to academics, specifically our science department. We have invited a few of our science students here tonight to demonstrate the hands-on learning occurring in our classrooms. So, if they could come up, please, the science students that came. Thank you. You can grab one of these. I am going to show two brief clips um before they speak, but I wanted them to come up and hold. >> Hi guys. So, we've been doing these soul activities a couple times in science. Um just talk me through it. What do you guys

009like to do in science when you do these kind of activities? >> Oh, I get to work with partners. It's kind of challenging because you have to use one computer for it. >> What about you, Anna? What do you like about these activities? >> Uh, I like like I like hearing other people's opinions like especially these are the questions. So, people have different answers or different ways that they see things and that's like good for learning. >> And then Vienna, I want to talk a little bit about what do you do after you make the poster together? Um, I like presenting them because I think that's a lot of fun like presenting with a group because then some people like show photos and some people like to think it's just like fun to present it

010and like show the class what you did. >> All right. Thanks, guys. >> All right, Adam. Um, why don't you explain a little bit about the sole method that we use in science sometimes to learn things? >> So, the soul method is we have a group of a team and we all work together. We make a few drawings. We go on a piece of paper. We kind of divide it up. There's a big question where we have to answer and we write at the top of our paper. We answer the question with drawings. Uh just different symbols, cool a lot of words, just facts, artifacts about what the big question was. We answer it with just lines and stuff. So, all right. What are some of the things that you like doing uh during this

011project together as a group? I like doing the drawing. I'm artist. I like to draw, but we also work we all put our brains together. work together. So the team might draw on the drawings and other people might do the drawings. People also brainstorm, some people research, some people just answer questions. All we all work together. And what are some of the things um for example that you learn in this little method on the flares of the earth? Uh we learned a bunch of stuff. We learn I learned about what some indirect methods are like or earthquakes which teach us about the layers of the earth and some direct methods like volcanoes which teach us some of the direct methods that we know that how layers of the earth are direct ways that we know

012the earth is how the earth is. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. So, we've brought some of the finished products. So, I'm just going to have them quickly introduce themselves and maybe tell us either something you learned from this project or what is your the favorite most favorite thing you've learned in science so far. What's your favorite thing about science? >> I'm Jack Vidmar and my favorite thing about science is we get to do stuff that's like hands-on. Perfect. >> Hi, my name is Adam Nits. Uh, I like >> I like learning about the layers of the earth. >> Hi, I'm Dylan Laughaferty. And what I really liked about this project was we all kind of worked in groups and we only used one computer, so we all had to stay on task and work as a

013group together. Um, hi, my name is Leia Williams and my favorite thing about this project was probably like Dylan said, the teamwork that we had to do for it. So, yeah. Hi, I'm Adley Vodica and I think my favorite part about these projects is the goal is to not really use any words like shown in this one is to mainly do it by pictures cuz those are sometimes easier to understand. So, that's just one of the projects. Um, some of you may have saw the roller coaster project. I know all the kids enjoy doing that one, too, which was another hands-on one. So, that's just some of the examples. Thank you all. You can just set those down. I'll grab them. Thank you for coming. Appreciate it. So that's it. Thank you for your time

014for allowing us to share just a small sample of the incredible things that were happening at the middle school. Um we're grateful for the board support um of not only our students but our staff so we can continue these great things in our building. So thank you >> and Erica. Maybe we get a picture with the kids on the board before they get going. That'd be great. >> You want everyone? >> Yeah, I think so. one that came can come up for a quick picture. Choir, science, athletes, if you're still here, um let's take a quick picture up front and then um you can go after that. Correct. They can leave. Where's everybody going? >> Second in her weight class ever. >> Okay. Oh, that's what people are going to announce about the boys high

015school. Tell me wrestling time >> in wrestling what what took >> first ever all girl first ever girl >> division >> for her >> and she took second okay >> perfect I don't want to say awesome thank you >> now the real >> the crew I'm surprised they didn't want to stay. I They never want to stay. >> Erica, I was going to suggest that we give everybody five bonus points, but >> forget it. Forget it. Sorry. >> Bye to you. >> Yes. >> No, you work for him. So, >> okay. We ready? Okay. Next is Karen there. All right. as we uh get ready for the most exciting part of the meeting, the 5-year forecast. Uh as we talked about in um December's meeting that the state has changed our five-year forecast schedule, you

016know, schedule. So, we did one in October and then now we're doing an update in February. Now, February gives us a bit of a challenge because we have a number of property tax reform bills that have not been approved yet. She's excited about it. >> There's my accountant right there. >> There's my accountant. >> So, squeal of joy. >> So, the February update, we really just tried to update the revenue, leave our expenditures as they were. We did make one modification to a transfer and then really have an update for you in May once we get the Department of Taxation's final rulings on the property tax reforms that will go into effect into law on March 19th. Um so we're just looking at that. So what we're looking at is a kind of an abbreviated

017version today is u looking at our revenues. Now you have a copy of the actual forecast. You've have the notes. you've had those in place and then you have a more robust PowerPoint presentation. So, we're just going to skinny this down for us today. So, if we look at the and I got to remember to talk into the mic. We look at the revenues in itself. If we look at the revenues, our local sources are about 76% of our total revenue pie. And we look at the state sources. Our state is really presenting giving us about 24% of our revenue. When we look at the real estate taxes that are component of that, we pay about 71% of our total revenue in real estate taxes. And that's because we're considered a highwealth district. So depending

018on the socioeconomics of the district, you know, you may pay more or less than what the average would pay. Um, state foundation, we have a what we're on is the guarantee. We we look at that. Uh, that's a meaning we pay the we get the same amount as we got two years ago in the last bianium budget. So, we're just guaranteed that same amount. And then we have the homestead and roll back reimbursements that they pay as well that they reimburse the district for. And those are on all of our levies that we have in place right now. So, when we look at we have two emergency levies and now they're called fixed sum levies. They've changed the name of them because they're not in most cases there are 300 over 300 districts that have

019these. They're not emergencies or fixed sum. They collect the same amount that they collected when they were first passed and ours were uh certainly collect u passed many many years ago. That represents about 15% of our total funding. So $6 million $6.05 million. And those, as you know, we had one of those that will expire. Uh a $3.7 million emergency will expire uh this year. So we really have to deal with that as we talk about this going forward. Other local in uh revenues would be tuition that we get uh but the bulk of it interest income and we're getting about 3.84% in the star and we're getting 3 to 4% in our investments that we have at fifth third. Our total estimated revenues for this year will be about 39,766,000. As we look at

020our com, you know, just to reiterate, the local versus the state and again we look at the state is going to be in the gold our and then the local is in our red. So we see that additions coming in. So you can see as we look at this kind of an up and down thing because we've had a lot of things happen in the last couple of years. So if we look at um in tax year 23 collected in 24, we had the million dollars uh levies, the emergency levies that the board voluntarily suspended for that one year. So that was for one year. So you really see the impact of that in fiscal year 25 and part of 24. So from 23 to 24, this is that revaluation that came into place. We

021had a 32% increase in our property taxes and valuation. And that's where you see that large increase coming there going into 25. Then we had a $2.35 million emergency levy suspended for one year. So that impacted us in fiscal year 25 and 26. So we see that suspended going down then it goes up a little bit in 26 and then you start to see it come down in 27. So in fiscal year 27 this is where the property tax reform bills are coming into play for the board. So now again we don't have all the authoritative literature we don't have all the rules and regulations the normally we would get that from the county they would tell us but this year because of the complications of these bills that the department of taxation is is

022doing those calculations for the county and then we'll present those to the county and then they'll give it back and then what will happen is you'll have an adjustment on your property tax bill that will come into play in the second half which will be collected in our August which is fiscal year 27. So you'll see a little credit come through in in 27 depending on, you know, your property tax and how much you owe. We estimate about $3.6 million of lower revenues for that year. Now, we're going to get a reimbursement back from the state. They had said there was a hold harmless clause in there, but we're only going to see about $800,000 of that is a hold harmless clause for us. So, we're going to have a a very significant impact on

023our revenues. And then as we go along, you see a little bit of a dip, not much because of the scaling. Um, more of an impact of that coming through because we do split those years. And then in the last years 29 or 28, 29, and 30, we see the falling off of the emergency levy, the $3.7 million emergency levy. Now, that's below in your forecast. We kind of assume that we would renew at that in some way, but we want to show that revenue and how it's being impacted by the expiration of that levy. The next levy coming on would be expiring would be the 2.35. So we only have two emergency levies. The other ones are continuing levies that we have in place. That gets a little confusing as we because there's a

024lot of movement that the board has made and that the tax budget commission has made. we look at the overall one of the things that uh we we've been talking about in school funding as as we were going through the property tax is really the shift to the local taxpayer and this is on average the changes in the state uh funding share has fallen in 1999 it was 47%. So you local taxpayers paid for half of it. The state paid for half of it. Then through the years after changes uh that the legislation has made in 2025 the state paid 38% on average for all the schools and you paid 62% as a local taxpayer. As we look going into how the bianium budget's going to affect us, we look at 32% going into 2027.

025So, we see that decline um of what the state has been paying as a as a portion of the um school funding. >> And this is statewide. >> This is statewide. So, this isn't ours. You know, ours is a 20, you know, we pay 70%, you know, state based 24, but on a whole, this is what we're looking at through the state. And that Howard Fleeter is one of the experts in school funding. And this is one of his slides that he's put through. And again, you see this D Roth case that we've always, you know, since 1995, we've looked at that D Roth case and, you know, you can see it coming into play for us. Um, so we are looking at that shift to local taxpayers and that results in higher property taxes.

026So, because the state is not funding as much as they used to, >> is that reflecting um money that's going to vouchers through vouchers and to the state? No, this is purely what's going into our public schools >> into public schools only. >> Um when we look at those are the revenues and that's kind of the highlights of the revenues to to summarize those revenues. Uh we look at the expenditures uh it's typical of any school district that you know salaries and wages would be the largest uh component of our pie chart. We pay about 53% in wages, 20% in benefits. That's 73%. We probably were closer to 80% is what we see. But some of those purchase services are in that gold area. Uh because we pay tuition to other district to an uh

027to an outside third party. Uh one of the things that we're looking at, we did this year was pull that preschool that we had with the county, pulled that back into our our um into Westwood and we'll see another portion of that come completely come back to the school district as well. So you'll see a shift from purchase services to salaries. So we see that >> and that net that's a savings to us. That's a net savings to us a after we recoup the uh price of that very nice uh playground and all that. But but we it should it's really given us savings into the second year given the cost. >> Um purchase services like I said are 20% and that includes um our SRO's we spend about a half a million dollars on

028our uh security that we have here at the district. We have utilities, tuitions to other schools, um transportation contracts for uh that we have to transport some of the kids that are outside the district. So those are all kind of purchase services that we would have in play. And then um as we look at other expenses, that totals about 7% that supplies really, you know, we don't have any debt. There's a zero debt payment. We're we're don't have any debt at the district. We paid that off. And then a capital would be some of those um you know computers that we have things like that that we would pay in capital. So it's not the big projects it's it's really our little projects >> when we look at this and kind of where are we

029at? Where are we going? >> Before you Yes. Sorry. Before you move on. So on the revenue we're talking about we're going to wait until uh the Department of Taxation gets us uh final numbers. it it our we're aligned with what everybody else is doing in that scenario. I I assume there's a bunch of treasures across Ohio going what am I supposed to do? >> Help me understand that a little bit better. Yeah. Yeah. >> There's other words they're using. >> I suspect but >> well because and not everybody's affected by it. So we were affected by these property tax reforms because in 2023 which is you know the year they were looking at with the the big revaluation uh we were under the 20 mil floor. So that impacts us. Other districts may not

030be and that and for Jaga County that was uh West Yaga and Bergkshire. None of the other districts were allowed. Uh so that's one thing there. >> Just because I forget these things all the time. The 20 mil floor is what is >> that is the constitutional minimum amount of property taxes that you as a taxpayer would support your school district. >> Thank you. >> So that created a gap. So we may have dropped down to 15.5. And so by getting us back up to the 20% you saw a 4.5 mil increase on your property tax because that because the valuation as the valuation goes up the millage drops and that's on the continuing and that was because of the emergency levies were outside the 20 mil floor calculation now under one of the new

031property tax bills those are now included. In addition to that, the the PI levy that we or PI levy that we had in place was that movement that the board made I don't know 20 30 years ago that we made uh that was now moved back into the general fund as well which will eliminate we're over the 20 mil floor so we won't see that increase again where others were not. People kept their PI levy outside it. So every school district has a different story. >> Gotcha. >> And they were all impacted by this. Now there are some things that will everybody will be affected like inside millage will be limited. So an inside millage is something not voted on. It's the first 10 mills and so what's going to happen now is it's going

032to be capped and they have these inflationary caps that they've used there. Look back three years but uh so those things will be consistent for every district but others it just impacts them differently. And so I would say that there are two or three models out there that we use as as treasurers and there's been a lot of discussion on the chats. >> So I imagine >> and and really I think the overall decision was let's get something in place and estimate it. That's what we've tried to do to let the board know this is coming and then May let's do a real update and that will feed right into our budget and that'll feed right into that August forecast because there won't be a lot of time to close the books and do an

033August forecast. We close the books in June, >> we usually end in July 15th and then boom. So it'll give us a good barometer and it'll really tell the board what we really need to do. >> And and the revenue numbers you've shared with us, those are uh we I know we discussed this in our finance committee meeting, but just uh like for the rest of the board, uh this is the >> I don't want to say worst case scenario, but like the it's a conservative estimate and this is like true forecasting. Before forecasting was you kind of did the math and recorded the math, right? Right. >> Like now we're actually >> we're looking at a lot of forecasts now. So every you know >> we're trying to anticipate what's going to happen and

034so uh before we've used it to twice a year to kind of update the budget and then we would make tweaks and all this. Now the we're really trying to anticipate what's going to happen because of the timing of these forecasts now >> in the October time frame in February. So February is kind of early to say, "Hey, this is what's going to happen by the end of >> June, but we should it gives us a little bit more discipline, I think, >> in place." And it really gives the board time to react, >> you know, to to anything that we might need to do between now and and what we did like by looking at this February forecast, we did make a change in a transfer. We lowered the transfer to the PI fund

035because we had plenty of money uh assigned to the PI fund to carry on the summer projects that we had in place. So >> it allowed us to make some decisions. >> Thank you. F >> revenues and expenditures. If you look at this, our um red line is the expenditures. And again, we trend this out. You know, like I said, I think in May we'll have a very good idea of, you know, retirements, things like that shifting. anybody who's, you know, we have some volatility in staffing when there's retirements and what, you know, kind of moving people around. Um, and then the blue line is our revenue. So, you see it kind of flattening out and kind of reducing as we go along. That's from the expiration and those uh the House bills that we

036have in place. And then as you see the purple and the green. So, if the let me get this right. If we don't renew the 3.7 mil levy, then that's your green. You're going to go negative and 29. That's where kind of an estimate because you can see it um here. We won't have enough cash to go through it. And a lot of this is because, you know, when we did the October forecast, we we didn't have the impact of these tax bills, these property tax reforms, and we're going to lose, you know, estimated 10 to 11 million is the impact over five years. I mean, so it's it's significant to us. We would have had very different we have a very different forecast in October. And then if you look at the purple line,

037this is if we we were to renew that levy or something in its place that equals that levy. So that $3.7 million emergency levy that we have in place. >> So that's like that's the cash reserve that we go negative, but we go deficit spending earlier, >> right? If you look at deficit spending, we'll go deficit spending next year. And that's because our revenues will drop. >> Okay. >> The one thing about the implementmentation of the tax reform bills is we're going to get hit one and a half times because of the way that the tax bill, you know, they didn't have the numbers to give the rebates or the reductions in this tax bill. So, we're having to make it up in a, you know, in the June collection in August. So, we're getting

038hit twice and then we just have then we'll be on a normal cycle. So, >> so the purple line I mean is that mathematically >> go on the purple line mathematically goes about the same. It doesn't really kick us too far >> out far >> before going >> negative. Yeah. So, when you look at 30, it's pretty much zero >> and then next that 31 would be you've got to put a you've got a new levy on the ballot of some type. >> Yeah. zero cash reserve wouldn't be well it's not even you can't we can't have a zero >> yeah in in the state of Ohio you can't go below zero without having a plan which we'd have to apply a plan um and then for us we have a different level of cash

039reserves that we you as a board have put a policy in to take action and that's what we'll talk about next >> but we do have deficit spending going into 27 because of reduction in the revenues uh in the October forecast we did not we were pretty much break So when we look at the ending cash balance, the gold uh bar is the 120 days. Now that's the board policy that says, "Hey, you need to look at this. You need to come back with us with a plan." And then the uh green is our ending cash balance. And then they have the unencumbered balance. And people go, "What's unencumbered?" It just means we haven't issued any purchase orders for it. It's just kind of And usually we have about 300,000. So there's not a lot

040of difference. Um so when we look at this that 120 days triggers action. So in 25 you made a transfer to the capital fund. You said we had funds left over. We needed to have we had a number of capital projects had that had been deferred for many years. Part of that was waiting on whether or not we were going to build a a new high school. And so those plans had been deferred. So those are really coming into effect and and getting u processed um some tonight and and looking at that in addition to the water treatment center or facility. So we made that transfer. Then in 206 we saw that pop back up because it was a transfer in 25 you go back to the normal operations we're pretty much at 120 days

041and I could probably get you 120 days you know is what we're looking at. Then we start uh looking at that decline as we see those deficit spending and then we'll see that go down 103 82 48 and down to three. Now do I anticipate us being there? No. I those are the things that we need to come back to you in May and say here's some things that we are looking at from a cost containment standpoint and then we won't be able to make up all of that. So there will have to be some other uh revenue discussions to be had as well, but we will look at those as we go along and working with the board and the finance committee will be looking at that on what kind of cost containment measures

042that uh Nancy and I will come back to you with. Okay. And then last but not least is kind of our what's the what's the story here at the end. Um the new tax legislation has heavily impacted local funding in our ability to manage our district. So we are in the last three years I've never seen this type of volatility and I've been doing this for 20 years. So we just haven't seen this type of volatility on the revenue side. It's usually it's very consistent. It's like you go up a little bit, you go up four or five% on your your valuations. We didn't see 32% that was back in the 70s with Vonovich. I mean so this is this has been a challenge uh to estimate what those are going to be and what

043the impacts are. Um house bill which are these are the tax reform bills and the real big one is the house bill 186. Those are estimated to take 11 million out of our total revenue over a 5year period. So we're looking at three and a half we may look at five. Now there's again our tax department of tax has not put the authority literature in. There's conflicts conflicts between House Bill 129 and 186. There's also language in there that conflicts with whether or not our 2.35 million suspension levy suspended levy would be included in the guarantee and whether or not that would be going forward. We've assumed in the forecast that it will um because you were build for it. So uh but we're assuming that it will go forward. Now that could come back

044and and not be the case. So some of those things will change. The new bianium budget that was passed uh continues the fair school funding plan and then we are still on the guarantee just mean we're going to assume that we'll continue that. Now the guarantees had some discussion that that would be something that was on the table if the state wanted to look at that again uh because that's really kind of a transitional amount um between the formula and what we've been um funded in the past. That's the that's the difference. We're projected to have a very small unencumbered balance as of the fiscal year 30 even if all levies are renewed. So that $3.7 million even we have to renew that or replace it with something in its place in order to achieve

045the $300,000 that we have at the end. So that's what's bringing us to the cost containment measures that we have to put in place and then um we either do the cost containment measures or we have to pass a new levy from that >> or a little of both >> or it's going to be a balance of both. I mean, we can't do all of it and make up $ three and a half million dollars in one year. >> No, >> that's not going to happen. Um, so we look at different measures that we can put in place that would not be disruptive to the programming that we have for our students. I mean, we're a top 10 district and this is not, you know, we want to keep that trajectory going on and we

046want to make sure that every student has the opportunities that they've students in the past have had and what we're looking at building in the future because we have some new programming that we have, you know, that the board has already looked at. the district will uh like I said update the final revenue and expenditures amount in the May forecast as we get the DOT completions and you know they once the law goes in effect it was passed in December it goes into effect in March which is what's created some of the tax budget you know Nancy and I met twice with the tax with Mr. Walder to talk about the tax budget, which is we're going to be doing that on Thursday at 9:00. Anybody wants to come? Um, we've met twice with them

047to kind of get through this because it's complicated. They've had their attorneys looking at things. We've had ours, you know, we've had us coming in and say, you know, we're we're both at a disadvantage. So, we've come to some agreement on what the tax budget would be and uh hopefully that will be passed on Thursday. But, um, we're we're hopeful hopeful. Um, but this is all kind of in flux and so the tax department of taxation. So this impacted us because in March it goes into effect in law before we vote on the tax budget and then the department of taxation has 30 days after it goes into law to put the guidelines out and give us new numbers. So it'll be tight for May, but we we should be able to do that. If

048we have to have a late May meeting, we'll we'll do that, but we'll do our best to get to that point. I on one of your slides um there's a thing about being able to leave the fixed sums in if they're in existence prior to 2026. >> Correct. >> So nothing new. >> So the fixed sums if you recall in some of the property tax reform that we were discussing in the fall they were going to eliminate the fixed sum levies and they were going to eliminate the substitute levies. That's why we put a substitute levy on the ballot in November in the final resol in the final laws. And again, there are many that could come back. The substitute levies we can no longer do, so we can't do that. But what they did

049was take the emergency levies and call them fixed sum levies. And so now we we've had them on the books for 10 years. Now they're limited to five years. But if we had the fixed sum levies on the ballot before 2026, we can have them go for five years a piece. In addition to that, we will keep the um homestead roll back because they were in place and it'll treat it the same, which is something we would have lost before because we would have had to put new levies on. So any new levy that goes on the ballot, we we don't have the homestead roll back provisions, which is 12 and a half% of the of a of a levy amount. So very positive for us. It does limits from 10 years to 5 years.

050So, you're going to be on the ballot more frequently or you're going to replace it with something that doesn't have to isn't isn't a fixed sum levy. But, they've changed the name. So, it's now a fixed sum levy. And they've changed the language on the ballot as well. So, that'll be something we have to tell them what our cash balance is going to be and some um and and what we anticipate there. I think it's also important to point out that some of these things that you just said were were changes happened late in the year. >> Yes. >> And they continually seem to be changing what they are amending and what laws they're passing. And so decisions that we may make at one point in the year based on the information that we have

051at that time may be different later in the year when the laws have changed >> again. >> Right. And I think when you read the notes to our finan to our forecast, there's a lot of caveats in there. There's this is the best, you know, information we have at this time. We still don't have authoritative literature to help us with this, but we've made some estimates to be conservative to, you know, the board has to know. I mean, and y'all been asking this, how much is this going to impact us? And so, that was our best estimate at that time. Um, but I can tell you from the time we did one in December to the one when I came back to you in January, it had changed. >> Um, >> and that didn't normally

052happen in the past. >> That did not change that. We typically it was very consistent. We could we could tell you what your property when I got that schedule B from the county. I'd say this is what we're going to have. Um, >> I think one of the important things, as you've mentioned a couple of times, is just the amount of flux that is going on in all of the school funding right now, which is a lot more than it has been in the past. And everybody has said in the past, school funding has been complicated to follow and to understand. And we just put all that on steroids. Gave us a whole bunch of new House bills to try and track. The the bottom line is things are moving. It's a moving target. The

053basically it doesn't look like the state is helping us any as much as they used to at least. And so we've got to figure out how to manage with what we've got and to plan ahead. >> Yeah. And I think, you know, schools need to know what their funding sources is going to be because we make long-term plans. I mean, we look at staffing two or three years down the road. We look at programming two or three years down the road. We're not, you know, we don't move that quickly. We're not that agile. So, when we commit to a a teacher, it's for a year. I mean, you're not, you can't just say, "Hey, you know, October comes and guess what? You don't have a job." Well, I've got kids in your classroom. So, these

054are things that we can't move as quickly. So really having a stability in our funding sources is critical for schools to plan to use a you know to develop a strategic plan to move forward with with the projects and and things that the board wants to do. And we make decisions also on operations versus capital that we're looking at is how can we one maintain the facilities that we have because they do have to be maintained as we as we've seen and still have the programming that every student here en enjoys and and deserves. Another slide you had um showed a decrease in enrollment um projection, if I did it right, it's like 10.86% or something by >> 2029. >> So, how does like would our normal funding of the district usually stay the same

055if we're thinking that we're having a 10% >> decrease in enrollment? >> Right. So what would so what happens there is our funding uh is based on from the state is a guarantee. So they they fund the same no matter how many students we have. Now other districts are on different funding mechanisms under this fair school funding. They may be like what we call butts in a seat. >> So they fund up to that. So we have this transitional aid that gets us the same amount. So, and there's probably 300 400 schools that are on the guarantee because the fair school funding plan has changed over the years. So, what we look at is I, you know, Nancy and I look at this, we lose about 25 kids, you know, a year is what we've

056kind of averaged in the last couple of years. One year we didn't lose any. I mean, so it just depends. Um, and saying, okay, what does that mean from a staffing standpoint? So, we really look at from a cost standpoint. What is happening? you know, can we as as like we had a last year the board approved a buyout for for staff and we had 12 staff that took advantage of that buyout. So, the question was how many of those do we have to replace based on what we're projecting? So, we're really using that for to help with our staffing projections and um kind of utilization of the buildings. >> Yeah. And it gets complicated when you have a school because if you lose, let's say you do lose 20 students, you know, they're not

057all in one grade, >> right? >> I mean, >> you know, 5% is one per grade. And so, you're not really um they're fixed costs is basically >> I mean, last year, I mean, this year the high school went up 60 kids. I mean, it's like >> eighth grade and you know, that wasn't what we projected. We projected like 30 or 40, but we went up, you know, 60. So, it just depends who's coming in. Particularly when we get to levels at the middle school and high school, those are good entrance points from some of our uh charter schools and some of our um parochial schools. Those are entrance points that they want to take advantage of the um offerings that we have of our number two school high school in the state. I just

058want to make sure I got that for Ryan. >> But those are I I'm all here for you. So, but those are just as we look at those sometimes that fluctuates a little bit. Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. And I I think I don't know you were talking a little bit about like I >> I'm thinking about the structural impact of that that downward trend, right? Right. >> And I and I'm Karen, I'm glad you mentioned the the the idea of like we don't know, right? There might be 60 kids because I mention I don't know what the home sales in our district are, but let's say it's 50 houses a year. I know that's crazy. Well, what if there's three kids in each one? That's 150 kids. Yeah. >> Now you're talking about a

0597% increase in that population, right? Like so I I think that there's like we can and I assume you're using like live births or something. >> I do. I look at the live births and we're pretty consistent in our live births were about 150 140 to 150. >> But this year in our kindergarten class, we only had 100 sign up. But >> but but it doesn't address people moving into the community. And I've noticed like even in my neighborhood, there's like 35 houses and the turnover has been tremendous. And it's it's >> Younger families with children. I mean, when I moved there, there was one child in the whole neighborhood. Now, I think we got like 30. I mean, it's I don't know how many it is, so don't quote me on that. Don't put

060that in a newspaper, but it's a lot. >> And I think one of the things that Nancy and I were looking at is, you know, we had open enrollment for so many years and then we added the Newberry uh when we when we had the chair transfer. We were trying to look at and see what those trends are. We're down to what 20 19 or 20 open enrolled students. So we're really not losing that residential residential was has been stable or growing just a little bit. And with Newberry coming into this district that real estate has really more and more we're seeing that turnover with families. Um, so it's just, you know, but as you know, when you look at the real estate listings in our district, you know, a median house price for is

061not really an entrance level >> price. It's it's really for a more established family. that that was one of the things that was highlighted when we merged with Newbury for you know other things for many reasons but um Newbury has a lot more open space or space for development >> than than we do and uh a lot of the realtors and others were were looking at uh the schools is in our school is a much better position than Newbury was to be much more attractive for people to move there and that is slowly >> panning I would imagine. >> All right. >> Nice shot. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Thanks. >> Uh time for public remarks. So Mike Kilroy, just please give us your name and address and I think three minutes. My

062name is Michael Kilroy, 9465 Marshall Run. just wanted to come and say congratulations to the new uh board members. I didn't know this was going to be a finance uh meeting and I just wanted to say this is a this is a real business. 39 million bucks. Um once upon a time I was told no this is a school. This is not a business. That's not true. This is a business and you guys have the opportunity to um help this school district. It was a long battle to get back up into the top 10. We were number three when I moved out here in 1995. And when things sunk, the mentality at the time was shoot the messenger, don't fix the problem. And we had two board members at that time that are still on

063the board that liked shoot the messenger don't fix the problem. So I just want to say be strong, get good advice, get good mentorship because you may not. Be open-minded. Ask questions. But probably most important, if you want the town to believe you, you have to be honest, transparent, and straightforward. and the petty politics needs to stop today. So, I'm going to give back and hand out to each of you. First thing I did when I was on the board was to raise money for the smartboards. Bill, I think you remember calling up the school lawyer and saying, "How do we stop him? He's making us look bad." >> That's not true, Mike. >> Okay. >> You're making up too many stories for me, Mike. >> I don't think so. But here is a here's

064a plaque that was given to me which I'd like to have put back on a wall somewhere that just basically says Michael Kilroy during his membership on the board displayed dedication service passion was a member of the district long range planning committee and charter goals and objectives for the district took a keen interest in appropriate in appropriate integration of technology in the classrooms uh including money doesn't matter 10 grand towards the iPads 100,000 for the for the football fields. Be it resolved the West Yoga School District recognizes Michael Kilroy for his tireless interest in the academic well-being of the students of West Giaga schools, his service on the board of education, and his philanthropic generosity towards the district. It's sometimes hard to do the right thing, but you need to do the right thing. Be

065open-minded, ask questions, and uh do what's best for for the district. take the data in, put it through the sifter and figure it out. But I will give this back to Karen if you would. I have my copy. >> Put it back up on the wall where it belongs. >> Thank you very much. Congratulations again. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, next, um, Mrs. Davis. >> Hi, Katie Davis, 9559 Winchester Valley. Um, I have two things. The first thing is that there was recently an incident at the middle school where one or more students left in an ambulance. And I feel like the um the parents of the kids at the school should have got an email notice about um as much as you could tell us about the

066incident. Um because the kids came home and we heard about this incident for days and days and it would have been nice to get an email from the school. I it felt like if um if my kid was on a bus that got into an accident, but the school district didn't let us know like because when we we get notices when the when the bus gets in accidents. Um so something like that which which doesn't give health information out kind of says what's going on um would have been helpful to the parents I think. Um, also the fifth grade Lindsay musical is coming up on March 6th and 7th and I believe the show is sold out for the 6th, but we have two shows on the 7th and tickets are for sale. I It

067would be nice if all the board members could purchase a ticket and come and see how the, you know, if you don't spend a lot of time in the facilities, it would be a great opportunity to and to see how we're putting on play productions in the elementary school. I believe they have almost 75 kids doing it this year. So, it's a big um effort. And then I also sent Pam an email about um an OFCC grant for performing arts facility. And so, I think if you came to the play, you could really see that we're really lacking in some sort of auditorium here. And what a benefit would be to our community to have one. And the match for that for local dollars was only onethird. And the twothirds are state tax dollars which

068are also our dollars. So I feel like if we should pursue aggressively as many state grants as possible because it is our money also but the local portion could be value of like just the land that the building goes on. It could be donations from outside companies. So we could potentially get a performing arts center here on this campus somewhere. Tuck it away in a corner if you need to. um that for very few dollars spent of district money and I think you could rent it out like the my kids are doing a play at Fairmont and they rent facilities at other school districts Birkshshire or Hawin or wherever else Gilmore to um you know where we pay to go see the kids shows. So if it was here I'm sure it would be the

069closest one to Fairmont they would rent from us. Um so that's it. That's my comment. Thank you >> Katie. Thank you, Katie. >> The the name of the play is Nursery Crimes. >> Yes. >> And what were the dates again? >> Six and seven. >> March. >> So, so how do we get tickets? >> Um Oh, I can send you the link for it if you want. >> That'd be a good idea. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Yeah, just give us your name and address, please. >> Your name when you stand up there. Name and address so we have it. >> Oh, well, I have to try like this. I guess you can hear me. Okay. Um, I just wanted to thank the board >> name and address. >> Oh, that's nice. You think I

070just wanted to thank the board for >> You have to say your name and address. Oh yeah. Okay. My name is Eileene Fisco and I'm on Hunting Hills. You want the full address? 144 51 Hunting Hills Drive. Novelty comes up. Um you employ someone named Diane. Help me. It's a joy to call the school. I wish you do it every day just to hear the oldfashioned recording that says dial O for operator. You have no idea what a joy that is. What makes it better is that Diane represents everything fantastic about a receptionist. I mean, she's just so good. I can't tell you. She goes the extra mile. Then she called me and she wanted me to meet with the assistant superintendent, the superintendent. I got to meet the principal and I thought, "It's a

071good thing I'm not a student." So anyway, I didn't know really what it was about, but I got to meet them and I just was so impressed with everything they're doing and their sense of dedication, their intelligence. So, I'm very pleased. Thank you very much. That's all I wanted to say. I got to meet Nancy and Amy and Ryan and Diane. You're just wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fiscal. >> No, I did not pay Mrs. Fisco. No, I did not. >> I'm going to leave. I don't want. >> Erica, I think uh Diane gets all the bonus points from the kids that left, so pass those along. Okay. Resolution 45, resolution to approve routine matters of the Westiaga Local School Board of Education. Can I have a motion, please? >> So move. >>

072Second. >> Any discussion? Call the RO, please. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clayole. Yes. Miss Levvenworth. Yes, >> I'm sorry, Miss Naylor. >> Yes, >> Mr. Bidmar. >> Yes. >> Resolution 46 to approve the warrants for January 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the RO, please. Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levorth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Resolution 47 to accept donations. So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Thanks, Pam. >> Thanks, Patterson's. >> Resolution 48 to accept the increase and decrease in the fiscal year

0732026 appropriations as listed. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yep. What are we doing here? >> Okay, so what happens is during the year we set the appropriations in September and so what happens is we get information on federal funds in November. We get auxiliary funds and you know October and then we get um changes in this case these little ones that go along um 22 and 200 as student you approve the student activity. Gotcha. >> So those are changes. Okay. And then we again, like I said, we reduced the general fund by 500,000. There's another 67. We reduced it by 500,000 because of the we lowered the PI transfer this year. >> Thank you. >> So, you'll have the certificate and we'll turn that. We have to send that to the

074county and then you have a new permanent appropriations where we can't exceed spending unless I come back to the board. I can't exceed that limit. >> Gotcha. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Call the RO, please. Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vidmar. >> Yes. Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, >> yes. Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Resolution 49 to approve the February 2026 5-year forecast. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the RO, please. Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Dr. Benasa. >> Thank you. Resolution 050 is a resolution to approve certified long-term substitute assignments. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Call the role, please. Dr. Beers, >> yes. >>

075Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Resolution 051 is a resolution to approve classified staff appointments for the 2526 school year. >> So move. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Just really quick, I'm going to explain my abstension. Uh, uh, one of the candidates is a friend of the family, so I'm going to abstain. Okay. >> Call the RO, please. >> Mrs. Clayole, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> abstain. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Thank you to your family friend for joining us. >> She's She's a real treat. >> I appreciate it. Yes. 052 is a resolution to approve a change in classified staff contracts for the 2526 school year. >> Move.

076>> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. Resolution 053 is a resolution to approve a revised classified contract for the 2526 school year. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Leort, >> yes. >> Resolution 054 is a resolution to accept classified staff resignations. So >> move second. Were these um any discussion? Yes. Were these um planned? I mean are we losing >> um >> do we have >> no and no. >> So do we have enough bus? >> We do. >> Plus

077two >> because we had planned >> Okay. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? Call the role, please. Mr. Bidmar. Yes, >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Clayool. >> Yes, >> Miss Leworth. >> Yes, >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Resolution 055 is a resolution to approve supplemental contracts for the 2526 school year. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Call the RO. Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Miss Scapel. >> Yes. Miss Levvenworth. >> Yes. >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vidmar. Yes. >> 056 is a resolution to approve service contracts for the 2526 school year. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Mrs. Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers >> 057

078is a resolution to authorize the award of service contracts for the 2526 school year. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? Call the role, please. Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, >> yes. Resolution 058 is a resolution to approve the spring softball trip to Orlando. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Resolution 059 is a resolution to approve the spring baseball trip to Myrtle Beach. Do move. seconded. >> Any discussion? It >> doesn't say anything about transportation in >> they will be transported by parents. >> That's what

079you did last year, too, I think. Right. >> What I thought >> both trips are actually fully parent transported. >> When you say both trips, >> well, I'm sorry, >> the softball and baseball. >> It's a I mean huge undertaking for that, but >> great. Any further discussion? Call the role, please. Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayel, >> yes. Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Resolution 060 is a resolution to approve the second and final reading of new policy 4162.01. Revised policies 1422 1623 2260 2260.01 2430.02 O2 24 31 31 22 31 23 3130 4122 4123 4162 5130 5200 5410 7540.02 8400 8462 8600 8600.04 8640 8650 9270 and rescended policies 1662 3122.02 02 3362 4122.02 4362 and 7541. >> So move second. >> Any

080discussion? >> Sounds like you just sold a cow. >> It feels like it. So this um takes us to being caught up with our Niola policies. You will have another batch that will go on um maybe March, April or April, May. I we I'm meeting with our Neola representatives. So, there's one more batch and then we will be on the six-month cycle. So, this gets us um in goodstead. So, thank you. >> And I know it looks like a lot, but a lot of these were um rescended and then condensed into I mean one policy, one or two, which is much better cuz many policies. >> Yes. Niola tries to keep us um a little bit more grounded and fewer policies. >> Actually glad to see that. Yeah. Thanks. >> Yeah. And I just wanted

081to say too, it's probably not a very fun job, but it's when when you read through um you know, it reads better, the the the policies are clearer. Yes. And one thing that stuck to me was um you with the new policy that was there, you know, it's nice to know our school district is, you know, really cares about the safety of drivers that are outside. >> Yes. you know, official drivers. They're outside the bus drivers as far as, you know, um, substances and things like that that it's it really says a lot for the safety of the kids. I just >> Yeah, because they don't fall under CDL, right, license, so this catches them into that. Yeah, I agree. I thought that >> I just wanted to, you know, it's probably a thankless job,

082but you know, I you know, there's things to that you appreciate about >> about what's going on there. >> Yes, Niola is very helpful in this end. I can tell you that. So we're grateful to them too for their help. Thanks. Any further discussion? Call the role, please. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Mrs. Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Resolution 061 is a resolution to approve a college credit plus partnership agreement between Lakeland and Westiaga local schools for the 2627 school year. >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? Call the role, please. Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Resolution 062 is a

083resolution to approve college credit plus partnership between Kyhoga Community College and WestG Local Schools for the 2627 school year. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Just a quick question on that. Do we we have multiple ones? They all read this. It's the same contract. It's just with different colleges. Is that just is that to offer more to the kids or >> It's really because where our kids choose to take classes. So, we enter into anou agreement. So, they are covered under that. >> Okay. Mhm. Thank you. >> Sure. Call the role, please. Miss Levworth. >> Yes. >> Miss Naylor? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bidmar? >> Yes. >> Dr. Beers? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clay? >> Yes. Resolution 063 is a resolution to approve a service agreement between Hogan Transportation and West Local

084Schools for the 2526 school year. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I do. Uh I'm just like some color on So is this provide I read through the contract. I'm still kind of unclear. Are we renting a bus? A bus and a driver. Do we have a need for a bus and a driver? Help me understand. >> It's a deal. >> A van and a driver. So this is like like outside >> outside services. >> It's outside the services where we can provide it because we only have so many vans and so many drivers available. >> Okay, understood. Thank you. >> Is it a a need that just came up now? That's why we're doing it in the middle of the year. >> Okay. Yes. >> Got it. Thank you. Particular student

085need. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Any more discussion? >> Call the role, please. Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scapel, yes. Miss Lemmore. Yes. >> 064 is a resolution to approve um the reserve school of Applewood centers agreement for ES for educational services, pardon me, with Westiaga local schools for the 2526 school year. >> So move. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clayool, >> yes. >> Miss Leworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. Resolution 6 065 is a resolution to select and approve as a design build firm determined to be the best value and authorized negotiations for a design services contract. And if I can have a first and

086second then we can discuss. So move >> second. So, this first resolution is a resolution um literally in isolation to select between the two bids the firm that you wanted to go with. And I just wanted to remind the board before you begin your discussion that you have gone through a statutory process up to this point. You have um announced the availability of the contract. You have requested statements of qualifications from interested service firms. you have um employed an evaluation committee to help give you a recommendation and at this point you have a recommendation in front of you. That recommendation was Cold Harbor or E War Warner. Um and so we're going to talk about the two selections and then we can talk about um amending the resolution to reflect the selection and the vote.

087So thank you >> to amend the selection in what >> to amend the resolution to make the selection for this particular one. This first resolution will have you just select the firm. The second resolution, the one next resolution will have you select the scope of the project. >> Yeah, this it's two-step process. >> Yeah, I missed the word scope. >> Sorry. >> Yeah, that's yeah, that's next. And we'll have to amend this resolution and then finalize that resolution once we choose the vendor um that we want. It's a little bit tricky. So now we're open for discussion as to let's discuss which vendor we think we want and uh and then we'll have a vote. Okay. And then we'll move on to the scope. >> Okay. But we'll have to amend this resolution for the

088specific >> right name. Yes. >> Yes. Correct. Yeah. At some point after this we'll have brief discussion. We've sat through you know right everybody. We've evaluated, we spent a couple hours with um the team from Osborne. Um I think it's important to note that we chose um a third party to do this because they had a specific expertise in this area. Um they were not involved in the bid themselves, but so they could remain objective and and you know arms length if you will and um gave us their recommendation. So going from there, if um each one of us want to say and then maybe once everybody has their say, then we'll make an amendment. >> Okay. >> Sure. >> Yeah. I mean certainly not as a water treatment facility expert. I you know I

089was uh uh you know informed uh and how this works and you know the the differences between the two providers. uh you know based on you know that education that I received uh Cold Harbor Cold Harbor excuse me it's catchy here Kold Harbor Warner is uh you know seems like the the right approach for me uh based on their knowledgeable approach and frankly detailed >> plan of attack right so >> thank you >> Kathy >> I would agree with you >> okay me as well I think you know I I said you know it was tough I know that it looks as though um Igley came out a little bit less expensive, but um when you really look at an apples and apples comparison um with some of the things that we think are needed,

090it really isn't that far off. And um they had the tech the other thing is Cold Harbor has the technical expertise to do the whole thing. >> They had where um the other vendor would have to uh outsource some of that. And so we thought that was important. Um the detail was very important. They seemed very reasonable and they had um allowances in their in contingencies and the other and the other bid did not. So um or at least didn't have what we felt were adequate. So we think that's important. We should have less surprises. I think we we feel confident. So I also am for a cold harbor. >> Ditto. I think yeah I I was uh when I first got the information I was thinking well it looked like Higgley but then after

091we had the meeting and had uh recommendation from Osborne with a lot of other information that we it was too difficult to pull out of all the paperwork that we were given. >> Yeah. Um, I definitely think that um, Osborne has got the experience to guide us as to the right direction and they're supporting Cold Harbor and it looked like to me like it was the right move as well. >> And um, I'll mention too that Osborne is going to be um, our rep advisor, I don't know what you call it during the process as well. And Cold Harbor has a full-time uh, superintendent uh, available on for the project. Ellen. >> So Pam went twice and took one of mine. >> Oh, I'm sorry because I know about the um you can reiterate, you

092know, the supervisor uh that was there. Um, also, um, I believe the way that they, uh, were setting up even the construction access road, um, like prepares it perfectly to have the permanent road there, which in the end could be cost-saving, but also is nice that that's um, done during the process. And and I also agree with the other um with the other comments that were made >> and also the uh as I recall the 3D modeling of the whole structure before they start building because I know when I start building something it frequently runs into conflicts halfway through the project. That's why I'm not a builder. >> Yeah. And they they also thought it was a um that they had a a more real realistic timeline. It still was going to be done within

093our time frame, >> but it they thought it was a little bit more realistic that it would be done in in their time frame. So, okay. So, could I have an amendment? Does somebody want to make an amendment? Want to just adding All we got to do is add Cold Harbor to this. Yeah. Do you have it? Yeah. I can even do it, I guess. thought we could have. >> Uh, okay. So, the amendment is to approve um I'm sorry, I'm not following you. >> Yeah, it's okay. Uh, resolution. So, the amended resolution for 065 will be to um that we select Cold Harbor as our design build firm uh as we determine them to be the best value and authorized negotiations for design build services contract. Could I have a second? >> A second.

094Got a second. >> Okay. Um first I'm sorry. >> Kathy. >> Uh call the roll, please. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wel. >> Yes. >> Miss Leworth. >> Yes. >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Good. >> Yes. >> Now we need to um actually vote on the resolution as amended. >> Right. Okay. Do I have to repeat that Karen or >> can can I say it the same? Okay. So, uh amended resolution 065 uh to where we selected Cold Harbor and approved them as the design build firm determined to be the best value and authorized negotiations for a design build services contract. Could I have a >> second? >> Any discussion? Call the role, please. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, >> yes. >> Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss

095Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Okay, that's we have the vendor. Good. So, the next resolution is resolution 0 66, pardon me. And this resolution will be to approve the design build scope of work determined to be the best value and authorized negotiations for a design build services contract. We have um given you we've actually run off both options depending on whatever vendor you selected. So Pam is going to hand the um resolution that you will be looking to >> for Cold Harbor. And if you look at the language of the resolution, it has the three options that we have discussed in public session. I guess I shouldn't talk and tell you first and second the resolution. >> Resolution. Yeah, let's do that >> please. Yes, if somebody would. Resolution 066 is

096a resolution to approve the design build scope of work. >> So moved. >> Second. >> So >> now we have discussion. >> Yes. before you you have the resolution as it will be laid out. We've we've started with all of the options and through discussion and an amend and an amendment to the scope that you would like to choose um that's how you'll select the scope of work. So what you see before you is if I'm talking about you see the soup to nuts version with everything included all of the options laid out before you. so that um it can help in your discussion. >> So this one is similar in that. So you guys see on page two where it says 1 2 3 4 5 um we'll choose like right here. >> Oh,

097there. >> Yeah, page two. >> Yeah, not page two but second part of the resolution. Um so we what will happen is we'll make an amended resolution once we decide unless we choose >> this one right. If we choose unless you choose the entire then we have the resolution and we'll vote on that. But if we if not we're going to have to have discussion here >> um to decide and then what we would do is make an amended version where we would cross off what we do not want. So basically what we're deciding is on the the five choices. >> It's the scope. Correct. Um you know the first one being the complete water treatment plant and maintenance facility. >> So do we have do we have the motion that's the complete in uh

098in front of the board at this point or not yet? >> Okay. >> Well just for those following in the home and in in in the gallery here today. Can we walk through what we're looking at? >> I think we have to do the motion first. That's what Bill's saying >> to talk. >> Yeah. Then we discuss. I thought we did. >> We did the motion. I thought we >> That's what I thought. >> You did the motion. >> Yeah, that's fine. So, we did do that. So, now we're open for discussion. And so, we should talk about right what the what the options are for for us. The options have been right from the beginning is option one, which is the water treatment plant and a maintenance facility. Okay. With um well, I'll talk

099about that after. And then or we would do the water treatment plant with a partially built, we'd call it a prep partially built maintenance facility. It's an open garage so that in the future if we wanted to add the building on, we could that the prep work would be done, the road would be there, all that. The third option is just the water treatment facility with nothing to do with the maintenance uh facility. Um there are two alternatives as well. One alternative is to add the access road improvements for $108,000 which we had discussed quite a bit at the last at our our special meeting we had and then add alternative number two the vehicle lift for 15,900. So those are all options that we have. So we this will we'll have to discuss and

100as and then we'll we'll vote we'll make an an amendment. >> Sure. based on what everybody wants and and then we'll vote and uh if it fails then we'll go back and come up with another option. So with that I think we'll open it up to discussion. So does anybody have anything that they I I guess I can say from my point of view >> I mean at first I was probably the one who didn't think we should go ahead with the maintenance facility. have been sort of the one hold out all along like always being sure that you make sure it's separate, make sure it's separate, make sure it's separate. But the more that I've seen and the more that we get involved in this and the fact that that where the maintenance facility

101is now is really prime real estate for us and and thinking ahead to the future and things that we want to do and might do and space we're going to need and and and it might seem as though we have a lot of space around here, but some of it is not conducive to some of the things that we want to do. um that happens to be a very nice piece of property for us. I suspect in the future that will become of value. So I I'm I'm leaning I'm in favor of doing the whole project. Um I think doing part of it now is just going to be more difficult later to to to finish it and it's going to be unfinished there. So I'm and it the cost will change no doubt. Um,

102so I'm in favor of uh the whole project myself, but >> yeah, I'm in favor of doing the whole project as well. And part of what I think about is that um we have as a board, we've got what I'll call stewardship responsibility. If we were talking about finances, you'd probably call it fiduciary responsibility, but we've got a stewardship responsibility for the equipment that's here and for the people that are working here. And because of that, um, we need to have a place where the equipment can be worked on. You know, this has been called what we've got now is the maintenance garage. And after having viewed it last Friday, I would say that it is a garage. Several garages smushed together. And um, they look more like my garage than any kind of maintenance

103facility that I would expect at any place. And uh so therefore I think that we really need to have a decent maintenance facility, not at Taj Mahal, but at least someplace where the men can or women can work on the equipment in a reasonable way and that we can have uh the equipment stored undercover and collected in one place for all of our campuses rather than having to send stuff out to uh Newberry for storage. I'm glad we've got that option, but still that's extra work. And the other thing that I was thinking of is that the uh the building that we have now, it's going to need its own work to be done on it, like repairing of roof, sighting, uh when you go in there and you see what's being done for heaters

104to keep the place warm, uh what the electrical system looks like, and other things that I won't go into details. I really think that uh you know they've done a fine job with the garage that they have, but we need to be taking care of the equipment that we have and therefore we should provide the maintenance facility, not just a set of garages for the guys to be sitting in and working in. >> I would agree with my two fellow board members. I made a statement um following our our meeting um with Osborne saying I can remember back and yes I have been on the board for a long time but I think in many ways that is a value to this community um when we had a bus garage that was at Russell where

105Russell uh police department is now and our maintenance uh facility workers worked under terrible conditions in that facility and yet they still provided wonderful service to this um to our school system and to the community and think they're still doing the same thing under not less than ideal conditions and we're not looking as Bill said and I said before our Taj Mahal we're looking at at an adequate facility that will um serve us and serve our um school system and our employees well So I'm also in favor of that. Number one, >> Ellen. >> Yeah, I think I was also convinced after hearing the whole thing and they they didn't do a full assessment of it, but they in the old building they were quite confident that if we tried, you know, to to do

106upgrades to that one, we would not pass um you know, what need what needed to, you know, that that would not be whatever. an in inexpensive option um to try to to to bring that up to a different level. Again, also the uh the the prime place um that we could use things in our future plan. Um and um I just agree. They also went into great detail about um it's fireproof. You know, there's there's water for them to use, you know, if if they need that. there's restrooms available for him. So, it it um it just seems at this point to go, you know, to have that done and not try to save something left till later. I I did the one question I have is we're we're looking at one, two, or three,

107and then four and five are both add-ons. >> Well, and we we can talk about those. We'll get through the first I think the first three are the big options, the big >> decision. Yeah. I would also agree that the complete treatment plant and maintenance facility, >> Mark. >> Yeah. So, uh I'm I actually have a contrarian opinion on this. And by the way, that's okay, right? >> Uh I so I've I've been I've toured the facility. I've been in a lot of maintenance facilities. Uh my opinion is it's not dissimilar than other maintenance facilities I've been in. Uh you know, it's a a covered area where we're doing some work. if we have issues with uh like oil and water separation or anything like that. We do have a maintenance facility, the bus garage,

108we have wash uh stuff like that. What I struggle with in this scenario is spending 1.2 on our maintenance facility versus uh in something a little bit more student focused. I understand the contention could be that maintenance is student focused and I agree with that and I appreciate what the team does. Uh but their maintenance efforts are out in the schools, right? They're not like sitting in that garage all day or if they are that's probably a problem, which I don't believe they are. And you know, and I certainly appreciate the efforts that they that they they put in. And so for for that reason, you know, I I I'm I'm a no on this. And and that's okay. >> You're you're a number three, right? I'm a number three. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um

109in terms of the um road improvement um and can we we can >> clarify exactly what that was? I guess I was thinking that was included already. But is that the >> No, it's an inclusion for that for that road. >> Was that making it the uh this the road that can be driven on clearly or I mean >> I go ahead Scott, maybe you can help. I I also thought it was included but >> uh yes from hearing it was the what was included in Harbor was the the stone base that the two layers of stone. >> Yeah. >> This was to uh put an asphalt cap on it all with construction. So rather than leaving it as stone uh construction road it would it would be as >> okay that helps a lot

110to clarify what it is. That's why base. >> It improves that base for the asphalt. >> So, we'd still have the good base. >> We still have the good base. And of course, what we talked about was >> because it's a road specifically to this facility, you want you don't want to make it an inviting road, >> right? >> The asphalt obviously would make it a much more longerlasting that surface >> than having gravel. >> But I think you also >> less than concrete. Yeah, I think you also mentioned being able to put uh dirt on the solid base and then seat it. So, >> yeah, that was the other thing we talked about, which is if you were to hide it with a rough just seating on the gravel. Eventually, you can get grass

111to grow, although depends on how much you use the road. So that's the only drawback which we didn't talk about in the special meeting um was getting that grass to root and gravel and then actually stay there. It's tricky when you're using it day. >> But what was included in the bid would be s more than sufficient for for the trucks and construction. >> Yeah, from a structural standpoint. Absolutely. >> But it would not necessarily preserve surface >> require top drive. You'd have a gravel road. >> Yeah, that was the nice thing what you mentioned is that their plan for construction activities automatically leaves a gravel road, a very substantial gravel road. >> Yeah. >> J, help help me out on on alternate two. Was there a lift included and this is a second lift

112or this is the only lift? >> That's the only lift. >> Only lift. And if I understand correctly as well, we've we've agreed to the vendor and now what we've agreed to is that we'll um negotiate a final contract with them, right? And come back to the board. I mean, Scott's >> Scott behind you is shaking his head and you got >> I just want to make that clear because I think, you know, as we go through some of these, we may, >> you know, we've we've got some other ideas already. Scott um of things we might want included. Um so but not for money. I'm I'm just saying there's some changes, right? And so this isn't so if we agree to these things, they can still be changed if we get into this process

113and and and into the detail and say, you know, maybe we don't need that, right? >> Can we do that? >> I think once you >> pay less, right? I think once you agree it's included. >> No, I think we don't because we're still negotiating >> because it's and I'm speaking now as the criteria engineer because of the selection process that you chose. This is you're choosing a design field proposal. You're absolutely correct. The final design is part of this process. The permitting is part of this process. And yes, this is a this is a cost proposal, budgetary cost proposal that there will be final decisions along the way, >> right? >> But like if you included this cost estimate for the asphalt but decided to not perform it, then it would not be spent.

114>> Okay. >> This is not like a design bid build, >> right? >> This is a bid. This is a cost proposal. So you're absolutely correct. >> All right. Great. and and also then one more thing I know that there's going to be discussions then now going forward um with with you there and then the school and then I think that there might be one or two board members that might want to participate in that and they would be welcome to do so right um I I know they would be but um and you know I know Mark you've brought up some specific things so it might be something I mean we can talk more about who but I just want to make sure that everyone understands that this is not This is we're not

115done. This there's work to be done here. >> Well, I I mean because of that, I would probably include both of those options. Um and then as we go through the process, we gives us time. >> It gives us options going forward. >> When you say you mean four and five? >> Yes. >> And but they could be taken. >> They could be changed, taken out. They might be, you know, marked, you know. >> Yeah. Right. >> It's the lift, right? I mean like you can buy a lift for 5K and >> there's some discussions about that kind of stuff. >> Struggling with the price, >> right? And I think there'll be other things that you might find that we can discuss and >> um you know, we've talked about restrooms. >> Mhm. >> So

116I think that so I so what I would suggest then um is somebody make an amendment. Well, we don't need one because we have the So this so this resol now all we need if we're done with discussion is to vote. >> That is correct. >> Any more discussion? >> Well, I guess I want to make sure that that's correct because it looks like as this resolution is stated, it includes all of the options, but we don't want two and three. >> You need to eliminate what >> we need to amend this to include um I I move that we amend this resolution to include item number one. actually built it. If you look underneath the options, >> yeah, >> it the first whereas lists the options. The second whereas is that resolution as the

117basis of the resolution. So based on the current needs and in consultation with the criteria engineer Osborne, the board's evaluation committee recommends the approval of the plant and estimated cost at that is option one >> plus the allowance plus the two alternatives. So this resolution actually encapsulates the entirety of the scope of the project. >> We have to change it if we picked one of the other ones. >> What's what's the allowance here then? >> The the allowance is um the that would apply to any of them for changes in terms of the project >> like a contingency but it's a contingency. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> But again >> I believe it's based on the soil borings because they came out. >> Okay. So I didn't see that up in the top five. >>

118Right. So the resolution is as as we've motioned and Right. So now we just have to Is there any more discussion? >> Call the RO please. Mrs. Clayool. >> Yes. >> Miss Levvenworth. >> Yes. >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bidmar. >> No. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion carries. So to Mrs. Clay's um this is only the beginning. So, lots more to come and lots more discussion will be had as we work through the process of the design build. So, >> and I think we'll probably want some board um input for sure and we'll figure that out. >> Yes, we'll be talking lots more about it. Um resolution 067 is a resolution to approve the advertising and receiving of bids for the Westwood water filtration upgrade project. >> So moved. Second.

119>> Any discussion? Call the role, please. Miss Levvenworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, >> yes. >> Resolution 068 is a resolution to approve the owner contractor agreement between Westaga local schools and Cenmark under the Ohio Council of Educational Purchasing Consoria under the authority of OC Chapter 167 andor section 9.48. So move >> second. And this is the uh high school roofs. >> That's great. >> Yes. >> Yeah. This is the roof phase one. >> And has um who's doing this work? >> It'll be >> Santa Mark. >> Yeah. Trumpco is actually Zach is here with Trump. Say hi Zack. >> Hi Zack. That mark is uh the bid component that um that TMCO worked through four different we had five

120different contractors for submitted numbers and obviously Scott and I had dialogue in regards to that. Um we actually sat down with cinear about schedule all that stuff and I had conversation >> has um trim so trimco is doing the work. >> No they're are kind of our construction think about it like that. So we are the actual manufacturer but we are the ones that do the scope specifications basically bid this out to the contractors through the or through the OC to the hospital. >> So do we know who's doing the work? >> I was going to say like so who's contracting? >> So Cenark's doing the work. >> Have they done work for us before? >> They have not. I presume they've done work for you TMCO before. >> Yeah, they actually just did a

121job at a Springfield schools. Uh they got a job this summer at Kent City School. So they've done a whole lot of school work with us. They're the second largest contract in the United States. Give you where they stand. >> And one of the things that frustrates me looking at the roofs is it seems like I'll say every time I turn around, but I've been on the board for a long time. We have another roof problem which when we dig into it a little bit, it's like the previous job wasn't really done the best that it should have been. And so here we are fixing a roof again. And I don't know, maybe that's the way it is at all schools or something, but >> flat roof. To be honest with you, it's not. And

122here's kind of where we've come into play. We act as the basically the customer liaison from this standpoint >> because we're the warranty order at the end of the day. >> Yeah. >> So if that's not installed correctly, guess what? >> Mr. Beard is coming back to me. What the is going on? So that's where we kind of come into play is we're kind of the middleman, per se, but we hold the warranty from longevity standpoint because most contractors basically have a 2-year labor warranty on it. After that, they wipe their hands clean. >> What's our warranty? What would our warranty be? >> 30 years >> for everything. rather than across >> it's lean free for 30 years of >> course. >> So you're you're accepting the uh the liability rather than the school having

123to take on the liability. >> 100% correct. >> And that's I mean there when we were looking at the whole uh construction of the whole campus with new buildings and everything part of what we learned about was that there are different ways to do these projects. And so one way, and I forget the various names of them now, but one way was for a middleman like you to be accepting the the liability rather than the school accepting the liability. We may need to pay someone to do that. Like we're paying you to do oversee the job and all that, but then if we didn't do that, then we would have all the liability. >> You guys would oversee the start, >> right? And if it went wrong, it'd be Scott contractor tell >> we did

124it right >> right >> you guys taking their word >> right >> and then my my question is um financially it's nice to be able to do a phase one which is the section you know like the section I'm assuming it's it's definitely bad but that that makes sense to everybody as far as getting the whole thing complete eat. >> You mean ask for the painting? >> Yes. Yeah. I'm new. So, >> I'm coming in late in the conversation. >> A lot that goes into that is not just, hey, we're having issues with leaks and all that. Right. Logistics. Like, you don't want to do a roof dead center of the building when you got other roofs around that are swapped. And I'm going to be honest with you, the prior design build of the

125basically the hodge podge. I hate to say it like that. >> Yeah. There's I I know Scott I broke out a lot of it to basically I broke out this phase right here into two different phases. The price differential is basically one phase because of design issues with 1.3. The other one was three basically 350,000 bucks because of the design flaws. You almost have to do basically 60% of the roof basically accomplish >> that was thanks for clarifying my question. That was my question. I don't want to we you know based on the history don't want to keep hodge podgeing but we also don't you know like it's easier to spend and approve money for you know the phase instead of the whole thing is some of this rough that we're doing now was this

126some of this the stuff that was done the most recently which was probably 15 years ago I don't know but it is cuz I've I'm I'm getting you know what I mean like the public wonders why are we doing we just did the rough. Yeah, just 15 years ago we did the roughs and was this part of that and it just was not done well enough? >> Yes, there was a there was a portion of it that was 15 years old. >> Yeah, there was another portion I did some historical imagery on it looked like it was from early 2000s like 2001 2002 somewhere in that neighborhood but unfortunately >> um how do I want to put this? You can put it frankly. >> Go ahead. >> All right. Enough said. We got it. >>

127We got it. >> We got the picture. >> Yeah, we got the picture. All right. Any more discussion? >> You said that you had three to four bids on this through uh contract just is this best price? Was this >> This was Yes. >> Okay. >> This actually was best price. Okay. process and having that meeting with Santa Mark and our previous group, we've we've had some situations that we've had to deal with. I had very very specific questions about manpower crews, when they work, you know, when do they augment the work? Do they work on Sundays? I think the nice thing they're committing to 18 workers at the beginning, which is a which is a bigger crew, and then they might scale back to 12 potentially because of the size of the room. Um,

128synthesize of the project. So, and learning from this situation in middle school and how how that kind of elongated is those are the questions that that I wanted to make sure that they had the manpower uh for this group done and successfully done right around what we have. >> Well, and it has to be done in the summer. I mean, we've talked about this. So, this is the one project that got a short timeline. I mean, summer goes fast. >> That's why I kind of brought it up to Scott. I wanted him to meet cinear directly in their schedule. They actually had I think four and a half weeks of rain buffer in there. >> Good for them. >> So to kind of give you an idea, >> we get rained out like we did

129last year the whole month of June. >> last year was a disaster. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions? Any more discussion? Call the role, please. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, yes. Miss Levmore. >> Yes. >> Resolution 069 is a resolution to approve the owner contractor agreement between Basco Sports Contractors, Omnia National Cooperative Purching Purchasing Alliance and CPA and West Local Schools. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah, I do on this one. So, uh I've been trying to get to the track to like go walk on it, right? to just go see if it's like bubbling and whatever, right? Cuz if it's going to happen, it would happen after sub-zero temperature and now we're in a thaw, right? Fortunately, when

130I looked at it last night, it was still snow covered and didn't have a chance to get back to it. I mean, it part of me like I want to I want to see the failure, right? I mean it because we're we're going through a lot of cash, you know, without kind of that strategic plan that we'll discuss a little bit later, but like the idea of uh you know, like I like kind of want to wait a month to see if if it failed, right? Because I think that's we're we're planning for it to fail and maybe it did, maybe it didn't. It's not going to fail in May, right? I mean, we're going to be in a scenario where it, you know, like, so for my, you know, not that I'm, you know,

131I guess up for discussion, I mean, three days be fine, right? Because the snow will be gone, right? I'd kind of like to see what our current state is before and prepared to make a decision. >> Well, Mark and I walked in today. >> Did you? Okay, good. >> Yeah. And >> we met on September 30th um of last year to evaluate the visual with Bas like we always do. Um he did give us a window of of one to two years depending on what actually happened through this winter and then we went over numbers in October. Here are the things to consider. >> It is a worn track. It is at end of life. There is ring. >> By the way, there's no argument. I understand >> in the first couple lanes where there's

132standing water. We have drainage issues in some areas around the outside. Um we do have some bubbling spots. Mark and I come free and they're hollow. When you tap on them now, can you run on them? Will they settle? Maybe. Uh, but we did find those there. It's it's pitting and then there's undulation in the track that eventually, you know, when you resurface that and you put a new surface on that all becomes flat. But because it is such an old track or and the last rejuvenation was in 2015. So, it's been about 10 years since they put a a new, you know, rejuvenated surface on that. So, there are a lot of things going on with that track. Could we run on it this year? Potentially. Yes. you know, but the when Vasco sat

133down with us, he said, "You have one or two. You're going to have to do this, you know, but it's what our the board and what we decide to look at." And then the two different types of versions of we want forest track or we want a perial track. One's a little bit better than the other. So, there are things you go one through four in the lanes. There's spots on the track that almost look like concrete because all of the the track surface is kind of almost out. And then you go to the the the outer lanes and they're not as warm. So, uh, but Mark and I, we specifically went out there today to look at drainage as well. And we have pooling in three different areas. You can see in lanes where

134you see water, standing water because of the rudding of those lanes. So, um, we wanted to make sure that we went because we were doing the same thing thinking, "Oh my goodness, let's go look." But um we that's what we found. But also it is end of life and we're going to have to make a decision sooner than later to to resurface and do what >> Sure. I appreciate that. Thanks. >> So just to clarify if I remember right a rejuvenation is expected to last seven years seven to eight >> I guess depends on how much you use it. No there are some yeah >> but it's less than >> it is >> a full less than 10. Um, the other thing is if we waited, because you know, I'm back and forth on this

135myself. I mean, this was helpful. But one of the other things is we would be really having to run on it two seasons, not one. Because if we didn't do it this summer and we did it next summer, we'd be running on it this season and next season. >> So, that's more than I was thinking. I was thinking one year. You know what I mean? One season, but and I was thinking maybe we could delay it one year. But Brandon Stewart is chomping at the bit. And >> no, >> I was just going to say from a hosting standpoint, um, we're one of the schools that gets asked a lot as far as hosting the conference tracking. We host our big one as well, but for the CDC, um, we hosted it two years ago.

136We hosted the middle school one last year. We plan on hosting high school one, I think, next year. Um, that we're back up from the rotation, but there's not many schools around that can do that because of our location and the other schools around us. It usually makes us a good candidate for that. So, um, as far as usage goes, that's a pretty big event for high school and middle school. >> Cool. Out of district, thousand bucks a seat. Perfect. >> I was like, how much money do we make from that, Brandon? >> Right. Right. >> Yeah, I see. Well, I think I mean, do you wanna Mark, do you want to because we could have a special >> I don't I don't doubt or Mark, you know, I if you went out there, you

137you did exactly what I was going to do. If there's bubbling, that was the cause for concern. So, I'll >> you don't see this big mound. You know, you find hollow spots on the track. And then the one thing that I noticed more than I did in the past is kind of the the slight undulation in the in the lanes. I mean you can feel that it's not a smooth surface. Um but that's again that that's because it's end it's becoming end of life. So um there there are multiple reasons um to to resurface this but again do we run on this? I mean, yes, this year, but we're gonna have to replace >> I was going to say it's either this year or next. And the fact that we'd have to run two seasons

138on it is makes me a little apprehensive to wait, but >> I don't think it'll be cheaper next year. >> Yeah, I doubt it. You don't think? All right. Any other discussion? >> Well, I I don't know if I can ask him for hosting and that kind of thing. Do you do you have a preference in the the top that we are doing >> as far as the surface goes? >> Yes. >> I mean, I think given the two choices, I I think the better choice is usually the safer one because it's going to be it's going to be longer lasting. It's going to be better on the athletes. It's better condition. It's going to last longer. Um, so I think if we're we're getting the choice between the two, um, going for the higher

139end and and getting it right on that that end of it, I think is a is a big thing. So we're not doing it again and trying to make up for it later down the road. >> There's there's different layers. Um, the the two that we had proposed was a latex, which is porous, which is a lower lower cost, but the the the life cycle is not as long. The rejuvenations are probably still about the same. You're looking at three uh, with the polyurethane um it is a non-porous um mat and seal. Um that surface stays more uniform. It's a better running surface. So as for the polyurethane, it's right at the beginning of a polyurethane track. So it's not, you know, a Cadillac is right at the beginning and the latex is probably the

140higher end of it. But when you look at the longevity of what we can do with that, you're still looking probably 30 to 35 years. Um we can that if we do the rejuvenations at the right time, which is roughly eight or 10 years, the latex is a little less. It's between se it's right around seven or eight years you're doing rejuvenation. >> Yeah, I think we did some math on that and it came out that if you if you have to do the rejuvenations based on the life, you might just well spend a little extra and get the long the longevity of the of the track >> if you do cost per year. Yeah, absolutely. replacing the one earlier. So, it ends up coming out that if you do the the polyurethane, you're going

141to save, you know, you're going to save more money in the long, >> right? >> As I recall, this uh polyurethane that we're talking about is not the top end track either. >> There were others that were more >> more robust and much more expensive that you weren't even suggesting that we look at. So, we're in the middle two and we're talking about one of them being the uh the better track and or whatever. It doesn't mean that it's >> um >> the Cadillac. >> It's not a Cadillac, right? >> It's not the Yugo, but it's not the Cadillac. >> Yeah. >> People don't remember what a Yugo is, do they? >> Yeah. You're dating yourself. All right. Any other discussion? Anybody? All right. Uh call the RO, please. >> Mr. Bedmar. >> Yes. >>

142Dr. Beers. Yes, >> Mrs. Clayool. >> Yes, >> Miss Levvenworth. >> Yes, >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes, >> resolution 070 is a resolution to approve the Always Construction LLC proposal for the Lindsay Elementary Park Elementary parking lot and sidewalks project. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> This one? >> Yeah. Yeah, it's another one of those summer it has to be done in the summer. We've talked about Lindsay for how many years, Mark? More >> Yeah, more than I've been here. So, I think >> the visual help with the outline and what we would >> Yeah. Ellen, do you have any questions? Well, that was another one that I didn't know if you know the two things could be separated out, but it does look like from the drawing that like it's not

143just that there's a sidewalk here and the parking lot here. It's all um connected. So, I it doesn't seem like you actually could completely finish the parking lot and not not that it it said safety. I'm not sure. I'm not sure what the safety concerns exactly were. >> Here they are. >> Are deteriorating. >> Cautionary, too. >> Yeah, >> that's that's you. Oh, no. I'm just kidding. >> Our sidewalks are deteriorating. And then as they lead up to the parking lot, we want to make sure the parking lot into both of those at the same time. >> Makes sense. Yeah. Thanks for that picture. That was very helpful. Any other discussion? Call the role, please. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clay, >> yes. >> Miss Leworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes.

144>> Mr. Bidmar, >> yes. >> Resolution 071 is a resolution declaring an urgent necessity to replace certain building boiler systems and dispensing with statutory procedures to proceed with purchasing and installing a new boiler system. >> So, move >> second. >> So, this is the high school boiler that we've talked about that needs to be replaced. Any discussion? Call the RO, please. Mrs. Scapel, >> yes. >> Miss Leworth, >> yes. >> Miss Naylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Vidmar, >> yes. >> Dr. Beers, >> yes. >> Resolution 072 is a resolution to establish scholarship funds. >> So move. >> Second. >> Can you explain this one to us, please? >> Karen, go ahead. Um, we were approached by the Miller family. they are establishing uh a number of scholarships to four schools. So, this scholarship will be

145first awarded to one of our uh seniors for $3,000. And then if they continue their uh studies in either a college or a vocational program, then they would continue for three more years at $3,000 for so a total of $12,000. And each year that we would have that available. So, the first year will be this one. Then they'll have two the next year and three the next year until they have four. So this is something they've set up. Um I believe Kinston is also another one of the schools that they've established. So we're very very fortunate that they listed us as one of the benefactors >> and I'm sure they gave you the criteria for like and yes choose. Okay. >> Yes. >> And I've we went back and forth because we were having trouble

146on how we would do the second, third, and fourth year. So, what's going to happen is we pick the first year and then they will follow up for the second, third, and fourth because I said I don't want to be tracking somebody's college transcripts. Um, so they're going to be doing that through the through their foundation. >> Okay. >> Do we have a bunch of like I see we're approving this obviously because we're supposed to, >> but >> we're accepting money. So, we >> So, is this like like different than the donation or >> it's a scholarship. But I think it establishes criteria that that you're accepting >> accepting a duty to here like we have a duty to >> right. So Ryan and his the guidance counseling uh department will select that student. So

147there's criteria. So we want to make sure that we're following that criteria the family has set in in place. >> Got it. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Any other discussion? >> Call the role, please. Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vidmar. >> Yes. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clay? >> Yes. >> Miss Leworth? Yes. >> So, we've come to the discussion of some old business and I do have some um things to discuss with you. Um we had I reached out to Megan Bellen and Erica Casoric to discuss um an issue was brought before the board with some safety concerns about the Washington DC trip. So, they have brought some information to share with the board. >> Great. >> Yeah. So, we spoke with Noak um tours who we've been using for a

148number of years. Um Ryan Novak is the owner of the company um and also um a father who sent me some detailed communication about all of the safety procedures um that are behind the scenes which were super helpful. Um we've been using them and had very successful trips in the past. Um but some of the the highlights of of the information he shared was the prof professional oversight. um the night security that's provided, supervision ratios, meaning that there's a manager on every bus tour um of that that's driving our students as well as accountability. So um you know, some of the highlights is working with only a limited number of carriers for the transportation. They're using Anderson Coach. Um they've been around since 1937. Um they talked a lot about the hotel supervision um in

149terms of making sure that they're um that no back is um supervising for going to the hotels at least once a year. They just completed their annual site inspection in January. Um making sure that there's interior corridors, long street hallways, um blocking rooms by gender um providing a chaperone at night um where there's there's clear supervision um along the stretch of the hallway. um the tour safety, anybody that's new that's training with them, um DC has to actually go with him to DC um to to to get the the on the spot training. Um they just completed that February 5th and 6th. Um and then and then furthermore, they you know, we talked a lot about the communication with um um the information. So when they're on, you know, we have an itinerary and we're

150moving all these students, but what happens when there's a protest that was unanticipated? How are they getting that communication um and and what are the outlets? So we've had experience with that where we expected to go here and all of a sudden, you know, there's communication between the office and our person who's got a cell phone like actually we're going to go, you know, and usually that's all behind the scenes. the students are not aware of of those minor transportation um um pivots that we do, but those things do happen in a in a city um such as that. So um we have lots of ways to make sure that the venues are what we expect and as predictable as they can be um in those things. Um and then he talked about, you know,

151just the security um in DC in general. Um in terms of the the the places that we're going oftent times, you know, we tell the kids, you can't bring in a bag because they go through security. So um you know, obviously with a city such as as DC, some of those those things are outside of the tour company and part of the general uh visitors um thing. So, um I you know we feel secure in that relationship that we've built with that the company. Um and um we think that you know obviously one thing that we want to always impart to our families regardless of any of these trips including you know the the recent baseball trip is that this is a family's optional um choice. Um and so that if they have concerns or

152you know depending on the the qualifications of the student or the child um that it's always going to be an optional and that we will have staff back to be able to provide an educational opportunity for the student if they choose not to send their child. >> Okay, great. Thank you. Thanks, Megan. >> Thank you. Um, also there was um I believe part of that discussion was about the sign out front and I think um you know the sign getting parts for that sign. We had a sign in my former school district where I came from that looked exactly the same and and we were in charge of running the sign. So I can tell you from a firsthand basis as uh you know it becomes aged in terms of um parts and getting parts

153it's it's problematic sometimes to keep it always functioning but I think ultimately it's a larger conversation for us. I know that the board plans on having some very um robust conversations about planning and facilities as we move forward and I think that makes the most sense to be a larger part of that um as we move forward. But um certainly were aware and and we try to keep the sign up and running and current. Um it's not always as easy as it would seem like it should be, but aware of the problem and certainly trying to be responsive to that. >> Yeah. >> How how old is that sign now? >> I don't know. >> Was it there when you were there, Ryan? >> Yeah. There's your house here. >> That old? >> Oh my.

154The sign that was before that was the one that you put separate letters out there and then it ran out of the letters. >> Yeah. Never had enough vowels. Right. >> The late 90s. >> Yeah. It's time. We I was going to say, do you remember technologies probably changed a little bit since then? >> Those names on there. Yeah. >> Yes. Folly. >> Yeah. I I don't know that. I'm not sure. We wouldn't know that, but we can find out for sure. I remember too. And signs are like so much more robust now. I mean it, you know, technology changes and and so people compare that sign to the newest technology and it looks >> right >> inferior and it >> you can't read it. Oh gee. >> But it was really >> Yes. But

155it was so such a beautiful tribute at the time and we want to honor that as well. So we there'll be work to do as we as we make you know as we plan for facilities moving forwards and we're grateful to the lyrics and we love the lyrics too. So we want to make sure that we're honoring them as well. So well there's work to do there and we understand it. So I just wanted to get back with you on those two things. >> Well I'm sure when he when they first put in that was state-of-the-art. >> Oh my goodness. That was probably one of the only of that kind. Yeah. That was pretty cool actually. Um, and then very very briefly because I know you have done your due diligence this evening and you've

156only just begun because you have more to do yet board members, but I do want to um recognize two great pieces of news. And I don't know if you are following on your Instagrams and your reels, as my children call me, my mom reels, but um our wrestling team went to the state um dual tournament over the weekend for the first time for um the high school and they placed sixth in the state. Um three of our students went three and 0. I think Maverick, Milnar, U Brian Denimman, and >> Wheatley. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Brian was na nationally ranked. Ryan is nationally ranked. So, we will I won't get too far into the weeds. I know Xander Jolton went two and one. A couple other kids went two and one. I won't list them

157all for you because we certainly will be having them here. I have a feeling um so that we can congratulate them in person because man, they are having a killer season. and I went um to the qualifying uh round, >> a tough a fabulous season, but I went to the >> I went to the qualifying uh duel meet where they qualified to go to states and it was about as exciting um a Saturday morning we were lots of us were there. So it we have a fantastic wrestling program and and they are really exciting right now. So, there's lots to celebrate and obviously we'll look to see um if we can get some qualifiers to the state uh tournament. That'll be a march down in Columbus. So, they're doing great. And then swimming, I know

158Ver Codle just qualified. Brandon, help me out. Who else? >> Uh Ver qualified for So, for districts, uh we had 10 swimmers qualify last week at Cleveland State. Uh on the girls side, uh Verer qualified in the 200 free and the 500 free. Uh Molly Way Dove qualified in the 100 butterfly. Um we also have the 200 medley relay, the 200 freestyle relay, and the 400 freestyle relay. All on the girls side. And then uh on the boys side, the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay uh both qualified. And then Mason Tally in the 500 free um set the school record, new school record of 5 minutes 14 seconds. 008. >> Yeah. You're right. >> Exactly. Right. So, they'll swim again this Friday afternoon back in Cleveland State uh for districts uh for

159the chance to move on um after after districts. So, that'll be Yeah, this Friday will be back there. >> Thank you. So, and congrats to Mason. I knew I had just seen that um pop up. So, our swim team is having a great season. And I'll tell you what, if you want to um be popular and lose weight, uh go watch our swim team because that natitorium is uh one hot place to watch an event and our kids are always so grateful that you're there to support them. But we have um a great swim team having a good season. And then last but not least, um I did want to mention Mrs. Fisco who is so fabulous and um she actually came to meet with Amy and Ryan, um Diane and myself. Um because we're

160talking about the opportunity of our wisdomkeepers, not our seniors, our wisdom keepers and what kind of programming that we might be able to come up with to um reach out and create a bond with our community. And that's what we're talking about. So, Mrs. Fisco is helping us think through some things. And I will tell you what, after we met with her the next day, I had typed uh notes from the meeting that were the most fabulous thing I've ever seen in my entire life. I was like, "Thank you, Mrs. Fisco." So, she's going to be very helpful to us and so we're grateful for her um support and we will be coming back to the board as we work with several um of our um committee community rather seniors and senior supporters to come

161up with some ideas that we think um would be beneficial to some of our um wisdom keepers in the community. So, we're a teacher. >> She sure did. Yes. Good thought. >> Thank you. That's it. Okay. Do >> superintendent report also? >> Yeah, I know. I I guess >> yeah, the superintendent. But I didn't know do we talk about our our uh strategy s here? So the strategy session um will be will take place here. We have reached out to a facilitator to get you some possible dates. Um so there are three weekend dates. We'll um Kristen Montag will send something out to you. You did. Oh, fantastic. told them. So just I just I didn't know how much >> responded. >> Did everybody respond? >> It was just the two of us at the

162beginning and I didn't check again. >> And Mark responded too. >> That's because everybody's been keeping me busy. We'll take a look at your responses and we will email out um if there's one that works. If not, we'll come back with different dates, but the next board meeting will be in time for you to announce it and for us to post it. >> Correct. Good. >> Okay. Great. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. Sorry. So, superintendent report. >> That's it for any board reports. >> Can I do something just quickly? I decided >> Thank you. Um, I just wanted to encourage I don't know whether all board members are getting the uh newsletter from Bill Phyllis, which is part of the Ohio Coalition of Equity and Advocacy. Uh and we as part of the

163vouchers here at Ohio uh group um I think hopefully people in the community could could sign in too and we could all be a part of it because it is it brings us up to date on what's going on on a regular basis and unfortunately there are people like a local representative Jamie Calendarer who put a uh bill proposed a bill and he couldn't get anybody else to sign on but the bill was to withhold funds from school districts that are exercising their constitutional right to challenge the state in court to to be um questioning the the whole Ed choice and um you know now he has backed off on this and only wants to take back money that is spent that the district spend on challenging the legislation not all of our funds for

164if we participate in this. So it was I mean it it was bullying. I mean just ridiculous that so a lot of people wrote in and and challenged this. Um so I'm just just for your information if you wanted to sign up. It's free. It's just getting on for information every day way for what's going on legislatively and particularly on the voucher situation which is taking billions of dollars away from local from local schools. um which contributes to the lack of funds that come in our direction. So >> thank you. >> Mhm. >> Okay. All right. Well, uh so a resolution 73 to adjourn to executive session. Whereas the West Yiaga Local School District Board of Education is committed to conducting its business in compliance with the Ohio Open Meetings Act as set forth in

165Ohio Revised Code section 121.22 and whereas section 121.22G1 22G1 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes a public body to enter into executive session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or public official. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of the West Giaga Local School District, Giaga County, Ohio, section one, that the board of education hereby moves to enter into executive session at 8 >> 19 pursuant to RC Revised Code 121.22G1 22 G1 to consider the appointment of a public official, specifically the appointment of a representative or representatives to the West Yiaga Community Joint Recreation District Board. There will be no official action taken after executive session. Um, and this motion shall be adopted by roll call vote of the members present. >> And

166no action will be taken in executive session either. >> Did I say didn't I say >> you said after executive session? >> I'm sorry. taken in executive session >> there. No official action will be taken in executive session and no action will be taken after executive session. >> Thank you to >> both. Uh so roll call. >> Motion please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? No. Call the role, please. >> Mr. Vidmar. >> Yes. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clayool. Yes, Miss Levvenworth. >> Yes, >> Miss Naylor. >> Yes. >> Can I get you something? Does anybody need something to drink or anything that you're going in? >> Some more water would be good. >> Okay. Okay, we're back in 97. I got 28. >> Right. Let the minutes report that

167the board reconvened into regular session at 9:28 p.m. Our next board meeting will be regular board meeting will be on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 6 p.m. here at the board office community room 8615 Cedar Road in here in Chesterland. Could I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. Call the RO, please. >> Dr. Beers. >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Fel. >> Yes.