001All right. Good evening. Today is August 20th, 2025 and welcome to the business meeting of the West School Board. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> here. >> Mr. >> Here. >> Mrs. Miller >> here. >> Mr. Monty >> here. Mr. Sh >> here. >> All right. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance 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. All right. Well, hopefully you guys can hear me just fine over here. Oh, you're >> Well, while we work out some mic issues here, I'll start with some introductions. We'll start with uh the corner over here. Not corner, I guess, to my left. Um I think Jack Hey will be here in an
002out. So yeah, he's he's working on some building projects. So he um he might be in by the time that it hits his part, but that would be Jack. And then we got Dr. Robin Jordan. Good to see her second time with the school board meeting here. We got Miss Oh, wait. And of course you're also the Sorry, I probably should say uh who you are. You're the director of curriculum. And then we have Miss Becky, the director of student services. And we have Deon Barry, the director of human resources. And as we move on around, do you want to say everyone's name, Haley? >> Hi, I'm Haley Schustster, and the other representatives are not able to attend tonight. Uh, but their names are Ava Croninwit, Abby Nicely, and Daniela Rodriguez. >> Yeah. >> And
003those are our student reps that are part of the board. It's nice because now we have four stairs on the board. >> Well, three and an alternate. So, that's really exciting and first time we've ever had that. So, >> we're excited about that. Moving right along, we have board member Lorie Gibson. We have our superintendent, Dr. Andrea Townson. My name is Nate Mundy. I'm also a board member. We have our vice president, Miss Leslie Miller. We have another board member, John. And then we have another board member, Angie Shley. And at the end there, we have our wonderful treasur. >> Yeah. And >> I'm for two. >> I got your names wrong. >> Thank you for that. >> All right. All right. I will need a motion and a second >> for for the agenda
004to be adopted as presented. >> Roll. >> Mrs. Gibson. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sh. >> Yes. She's using the hand today. >> All right. Uh we have no comments relating to the agenda items. So we'll move right along further communication. >> Good evening. >> I think my mic works. Just just saying. Okay. Okay. So, I wanted to remind everyone how you can stay in touch and know what's going on in the school district, west carltonschools.com. You can connect to any school from there. You can also go to Facebook at west carlton city schools xwcitychools and Instagram at wc_city schools. And talking about finding your school, westchools.com, that's what you're going to see at the top of the page. and you'll see
005the schools um written out there and you just click on that you'll get the menu of all the schools that are in the district. Just to remind everyone, download apps West Carlton Schools. Um you can use our website to connect or just go to your app store, whichever way you would like to do that. It does give you access to what's happening in your child's school as well as classroom activities. Remember to keep watching for your back to school news from your child's school. I know a lot of kids already came today, but they're still sending out info and messages from your child's school principal will be coming throughout the year. You'll get texts, emails, and phone calls. Reminder of some upcoming dates. It's hard to believe, but we need to talk about Labor Day.
006There'll be no school. Monday, September 1st, and QPT day is Friday, September 12th. There will be no school on that day. I recently had the honor of giving out the pirate pride award. If you heard the song yesterday, we used the pirate song in a video last year. We got permission from the band to do it and that was via email. They happen to be in town and just to tell you the story because I think it's kind of funny. I went up after and afterwards everybody wants their picture, their autograph, you know, all that kind of stuff. And I walk up to the guy on the left and I said, "I've got something for you." That frightened him, I'm sure. I explained to him how we had reached out through email, got permission to
007use the song. I showed him the certificate. Now, the other two guys are kind of, you know, they're they're there, but they're away talking to other people. As soon as he saw that, he said, "Hey guys, get over here." So, it was really cute and they really did appreciate it. They said, "We can use the song anytime." And we used it yesterday. So, um yeah, we've kind of adopted them. Of course, the pirate marching band will always be our favorite, but these guys are second. And pirate pride award on our uh web page, the pointing arrow there. You can click right there. You can nominate someone for a Pirate Pride Award. We already have some folks in the time in the pipeline for later this year, but always take a moment to nominate someone if
008you know someone. And if you work in the school district all year long, you you are bound to have someone that says, "What do you do all summer?" And our jobs kind of change during the summer. We do different things, but we are still working. So, I wanted to give you an idea. This is just some pictures and some things that have happened just since the 1st of August. I don't know if you can hear the whole video or the sound, but he was being introduced by his principal. So, he was very enthusiastic. >> My Pete was having a little little issue with his face, but that's okay. >> And this is our favorite, Ben. He uh >> showed up to give give the uh Have a great year speech to all of the staff.
009So, that was really nice. And that brings us to today. So this was the intermediate school this morning. Flag was waving some pictures. This is from kindergarten screening. And so that was happening. We also had welcome back to first grade. Those kids were doing a great job. So tell me, how excited are you about coming to kindergarten? >> So excited. >> What do you think you're going to learn? >> Study. in first grade. >> Yeah. >> And what are you looking forward to this school year? >> Math. You like math? >> Yeah. >> Why do you like math? >> Because math has cuz math has has subtracted and I like doing that. >> You like to see track. >> What else do you think you're going to do this year? >> I read books. >>
010Do you like to read? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I love to hear that. I like to read, too. What are some of your favorite books? >> Um, maybe books. >> You were sitting with some of your classmates. Are any of them kids you know? Are they friends of yours? >> Um, well, the only one I know is Kamari. She's my neighbor. >> She's your neighbor? >> Yeah. >> So, you get to make new friends this year, too. >> That's always fun. >> Is Kamari your friend? >> Yeah. >> But you just told me you're going to go play football today. >> Yes, I am. So, you're pretty excited about that? >> Yes, I am. >> Going to the middle school. >> Game. >> Oh, how good have you been doing this season? >> Good. >>
011So, what about school? You looking forward to the school year? >> Yes, I am. >> What's your favorite subject? >> Anything else you want to tell me? >> No. >> So, that was that. That was some things happening this morning. um some of our older students, some of our younger students were there at kindergarten screening because not all of them started school today. So, got to talk to a lot of kids today. Um again, we appreciate your patience and your kindness as we get through these first days of school. Watch out for pirates. Um they're going to be in the neighborhoods walking to and from bus stops and they are going to be entering and exiting cars and buses. So, please be careful when you're driving, especially on school property. Always keep your eyes out.
012We want everyone to get here safe and back home safe. And so, again, we appreciate your patience and kindness as we get through these first days of school. And a reminder, be safe, be respectful, be responsible, be kind. >> Fantastic. >> Thanks. >> You know, your videos are just always so much fun, >> you know, especially the ends. They always end pretty good. >> We try. >> All right. Well, we'll be moving right along to our business portion here. Item number eight deals with some financial items. >> Thank you. I asked the board approve as presented items 8A through 8 C. >> Second. >> Is there anything you would like to add to uh your final >> on the the petty cash thing? That is just for audit purposes just to show that uh some
013petty cash moved from Schnell and Russell to the new elementary school. Um item C is is required by OCC in terms of setting up a separate escrow account relating to the contract for um the demolition and abatement at Chanel. And so we we did this previously a couple months ago uh when we set up we had to set up two separate escrow accounts um for the 24 and the 712. So um it's just kind of a directive from from OCC to to set aside some money for escrow. >> All right. that get it gets it gets paid at the very you know once we've signed off once OCC has signed off that that everything is done as supposed to be related to Chanel then then that final payment gets released to to show >> okay
014>> all right well without any further discussion from anyone will move on for a vote >> Mr. >> yes >> Mrs. Miller >> yes >> Mr. Mike >> yes >> Mrs. Yes, >> Mrs. Gibson. >> Yes. >> All right. Item number nine. Some personnel items. De. >> Good evening. The superintendent recommends that the board approve the following personnel items 9A through 9. >> So move. >> Second. >> Anything you like to add? I see another alumni here which is always exciting. >> That is correct. Yeah. Are you talking about the Yeah, the one to me as well. >> Yeah. So, yeah. Very exciting stuff. >> All right. Well, no further. >> Oh, is she? actually love alumni which is really good. They always come back. >> All right, we'll move on for a vote then.
015>> Mrs. Miller, >> Mr. Mundy, >> yes. >> Mr. Shley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> Mr. Dwell, >> yes. All right, we'll move on to item number 10, which deals with some more personnel items. >> Superintendent recommends that the board approve the following personnel items 10 A through 10B. >> Second. >> Anything you'd like to add to this one? >> These are all the coaches. Uh we've met with um and we're working on um doing a better job ensuring that each coach has the proper license prior to the season started. So some of these are for winter. >> Okay. >> Mr. Money. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gibson. Yes, >> Mr. W. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Miller. >> All right. Item number 11 deals with an agreement between
016the school district and University of Dayton. Becky, >> yes. Good evening. The superintendent recommends that the board enter into an agreement between the West Carolton School District and the University of Dayton School of Education and Health Science. is for an individual gradu graduate assistantship agreement with an external agency as presented. >> So second, >> anything you'd like to add to this? >> No, this is just a great opportunity for us. We have a graduate assistant from UB. I met her the other day. She's going to be wonderful. She's um it's a second career, so she's already licensed as a intervention specialist. >> Has a lot of experience, so she'll be great this year and a great help at the high school. >> Nothing better than adding opportunities, that's for sure. >> Okay. Mrs. Shley, >>
017yes. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> Mr. Wilder, >> yes. >> Mrs. Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. Item number 12 deals with a contract with an educational program. >> Sure. The superintendent recommends that the board enter into a contract as presented with respect to the educational program for a student for the period beginning August 6, 2025 through the 26th of June 2026. >> So second >> and this is pretty typical stuff, right? Nothing. Nothing new or further up. >> Mrs. Gibson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Llewell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mendy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sher. >> Yes. >> All right. The next item is number 13 and that deals with transportation. Do you want to? >> Sure. >> Um I request that the board approve the release
018of transportation liability. for schools to transport a West Carolton student to and from Bishop Lville School 24 South 3rd Street Miami 45342 for the 2526 school year. >> So second I know it's Jack. >> It's okay. Um this is we share transporting students to different charters. So >> typical stuff. All right, we'll move on for a vote. >> Mr. >> Yes. Mr. Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Mundy, >> yes. Mr. Shley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> All right. Um, item number 14 deals with our bus stops. Um, I'd like to recommend that the board approve the location of the school bus stops for early childhood center at West Carolton Elementary, West Carolton Intermediate School, West Carlton Middle School, and West Carolton High School for the 2526 school year. inend C per of
019the Ohio Revised Code and um myself or my design delegated by the board of education to designate and relocate subsequent stops as necessary. >> So, I mean this is also pretty typical stuff. I know it's a lot of work though, so I thank the transportation department for doing such a good job. All right. We'll move on for a vote. >> Mrs. Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Maker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> Mr. Dwell, >> yes. >> All right. Item number 15 deals with Oh, the quick claim deed. So I need a motion in a second that the board approve as presented the resolution authorizing execution of the um claim the rel property owned by the board of education West Carolton Elementary School grades two >> second came
020in just in time. >> We're done. Have a great night. Oh man. Well, and we talked about the the last time. >> 15. >> I don't know. I mean, we talked about it last time. I guess we don't really need to go over it again. So, um, >> are we on 13 or 14? >> 15. >> Damn, you guys are quick. >> We're trying. >> Yeah. I don't know if there's anything you want to add there. No, just that this is what we talked about like you said last time so we could finally get all of our properties here into one large property. It's the first step in that process. >> Yep. And then the second step will be the next meeting. Is that correct? >> I don't think so. I think the way they
021did this resolution is going to cover both of them. >> Oh. >> So, we'll have to file the one then file the second. So, I think we're going to be covered on that one. >> Oh, good. Okay. That works for me. >> All right. We'll move for a vote then. >> Mr. Mundy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sh? >> Yes. Mrs. Gibson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lew. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. >> All right. For item number 16, I'll need a motion. Nice to see. I'll need a motion and a second uh that the board will approve the following items effective August 1st, 2025. >> Second. >> I don't have really much to say on it. Kind of weird being under the spotlight for that. So, we'll just move for a minute. How about
022>> Mrs. Shley? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> Mr. Well, >> yes. >> Mrs. Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. All right, we'll move right along to our comments and reports. Well, rep report. Anything to add? >> Um, nothing. We're just working on carrying closet stuff and all those little kind of things as school gets started. Fantastic. >> It's always exciting. >> Okay. Well, I don't know if you guys any you guys want to add. >> Um, we're we're getting the the girls all put together. Um, the uh the big organization that we work with that's going to be presented at OSBA. We're starting to put that all together, too. So, everything's in expectations. All right. Well, other than that, I guess we're move along to some committee reports. Does anyone
023have any committee reports? >> Do you want my high school for the high school? >> Oh, you mean like uh >> the information they shared with me like what we're supposed to >> Oh, yeah. I guess that would be a committee. Yeah, we can do that. >> So I uh Dave White provided the information that uh the staff focus for this year is to improve test scores a minimum of 6% on each end of course exam. The um class meetings to set grade level goals start today and will be completed next week. So not too much right now. >> We'll be building on that. Okay. >> So, was this technically adoptive? >> That was adoptive school. >> Okay. >> I mean, I guess it's nice to get a little >> All right. So, um my
024school this year is ECC. Um and um I was able to attend the open house for the first graders. Um that was so much fun. They were uh so most were so excited to be there. Um some not as much. Um but it was really good to see them. They were so excited. Um there was a a huge uh rainbow arch that they could take pictures under. The Lions Club handed out um Italian ices for as they were leaving so they didn't get the floors all sticky. Um it was a great time. Um we are So September is ECC month. Um and so we are working diligently to impress you all. Um other committee reports. Um I did go to the CTC uh board uh meeting. Not a whole lot to do. School had already
025started for them. They've been in for about a week. Um most of the report uh was about the Aspire program, which is their senior or their um adults. um and just kind of updating on that. So, not a whole lot to report on that. >> Good. Well, that's good to hear. I guess we'll just keep going with that. >> I forgot to mention the education foundation will be selling globe items at the concert, West Carolton concert tomorrow night to raise funds for class. >> That's important, too. But I'm happy you mentioned that because yeah, I totally forgot. That's really exciting. Um, >> I guess I'm joined in either. I'll talk about the >> I'll talk about the open house as well, but I'll talk about it later because might as well say it all at
026once. >> Okay, fine. I'll say it now. So, I went to It's very similar to yours. It's almost like a ditto. kind of split it up a little bit, but I also went to an open house also handed out Italianis. >> I mean, well, I would have went >> I would have went the fire pack stuff I struggled with, but uh but yeah, that was um that was yesterday actually. I think I think I remember seeing you guys funny enough and uh it was a great time. We uh we had a blast. I did a lot more navigating than I was like direction guy. >> Yeah. >> I might have also been socializing. Okay. All right. So, yeah, that's cool. >> Hey, rumors and such. >> It was a good time. I handed out ices
027though, you know, just >> more like five. >> But yeah, it was a good time. And >> Oh, yes. Um, my school is the intermediate school. Uh, the best, right? So, we uh Yeah, but the intermediate school is exciting. A lot of new people and uh I'm so excited to see what they're going to do. So, >> yeah. And I also did I don't know if you know about this. I've read a part of a book, >> Wonder. And I hope my mic wasn't muted the whole time because I spent like 35 minutes reading that book because I put a lot of emphasis on words. So hopefully the mic was not muted or muted. We'll see what happens. So you have any reports anyone else? >> No, I'm just trash talking Lori down here. >>
028She's going to sign us in September, but you wait. October's coming. >> Yeah, but you got to follow September. >> Okay. for >> Okay, >> there you go. Okay, well we'll move on for comments of from the superintendent. >> Thank you. Um, first of all, I have our OSBA time for our student rep presentation. Um, it will be on the 18th at 10 a.m. >> So, I wanted to share that with you. >> Um, yesterday we welcomed our staff back at convocation. It was a lot of fun. Um, welcomed back by Ben. Sorry. Um, and then today was the first day of school. We had a great first day. And for anyone who's been calling asking when the homecoming parade is, it is the 25th of September at 6 o'clock here. >> Great. All right.
029Ryan, you got anything to add? >> Um, just with the opening of school, um, just wanted to like tie that into the construction project. Um, I don't have the exact date, but two two and a half years ago, you know, the board approved Levvenporter and Shook to build these two new buildings and um two or two and a half years ago, you know, Shook Shook told us that it would be done by June 1st of 2025. And um just want to commend Leven Porter and Shook and Jack for for doing a great job on the construction project in terms of you know they told us what what was going to happen the timeline and just the fact that you know they met the timeline and it's just a beautiful building and um you with everything
030that's involved with with a building project in terms of the ordering logistics and Jack can explain all that but u a pretty major pretty major construction project and just the fact that I don't know if Jack would say it went went seamlessly. I'll leave that to him, but um just a beautiful building and just great job by those guys making that building being open to the teachers the first week in June so they could so they could move in. So just wanted to state that publicly. >> Beautiful building. >> That's really nice. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So we have no comments from any of our associations. So, we're moving along to central office. Whoever wants to start, I'll leave it up to you guys. >> I guess it's Evan. >> Actually, I wanted to commend
031Becky uh who wrote the script for convocation and the committee. Um Jack and I were excluded from that committee and we read the script. >> True. >> That's definitely true. >> We were just there. So, I would say I think the change I think the change was good. Um, and and I actually enjoyed it. I think the inclusion of more of our students >> um was was really good and and uh Nate, I thought your speech was excellent to start the year off very heartfelt and resonated really well with a lot of our staff. So, thank you for sharing. >> Lucky was a little disappointing. I thought it went really well. Thanks, Ste. But it was a team effort. And Nate, you're again, thanks for doing everything you did. >> Kind of stole the show
032with the pirate and the speech and um you and Ben were kind of competing for >> MVP. >> Yeah, I don't think I'll be a part of that. >> But I have some ideas for next year refinements. I think having a student MC from each building represent and just have students lead lead I think would be some some other touches we can also wanted to shout out Morgan Burning from Women's Center of Ohio. I don't know if anyone attended the um open house over at the new elementary building on the 14th. I know we were all there for the the ribbon cutting, but it was amazing and she did a really nice job getting some community resources in the building to pass out um information of how you know folks can get help and support
033in the community. So she had over 17 different community agencies there. So she was amazing and thank you Lori for putting us in touch with her. I'll be at the game >> as a hired and a lumberjack. So, see you then. >> All right, Robin. >> Yeah, I just want to echo what's already been said. I mean, I need to do that, but I do want to echo what's been said. Um, Nate, I was really touched by your story and that was just really special. Also, thank you for sharing that. And um Jack, excellent job really in preparing all the buildings, but um just really impressive job really. So, so yeah, excited about the school year and you know, teachers are have been working really hard and now they're getting ready to move into, you
034know, screening and some assessments and preparing for that, you know, that preassessing and getting our kids ready just to see, you know, kind of what they know and and being able to prepare them for the school year and and to get going. So, we're off and running to the races. So, >> all right. Thank you. >> All right. Last but not least. >> Okay. I want to apologize for running late. Um I was working online with our air balancing company that does the air balancing for the new building. They were under the impression that I was like the mechanical engineer for it and they had no idea. and I'm on my computer and I'm opening and closing all these things and finally I told him I said look I said who do you think you're
035talking to you know and I explained to him that I wasn't the engineering company that I was just the business manager and I'm late for a meeting I kind of have to go so I I kind of shut him down a little bit when they asked me I answered everything got him to a certain point but then it got to a point where my computer system I use to monitor the building doesn't go as deep as what they wanted me to so I had to point them a different direction. So, I am sorry for being late, but I was over there working honestly before I came in here. Um, a couple things. One is yes, excellent convocation yesterday. I thought everybody did a wonderful job. I appreciate every all the support and everybody being there
036and excited about the school year first day. I felt pretty good about things the first day of school. Um, again, for people with buses, just just know it's going to start slow. They're going to be a little bit late because we're taking our time and it'll get better. Little bit better every day. So, get it two weeks. Once we get through the holidays, it'll be like a old hat just like it was years past. And um just so you guys know, tomorrow I will be going up to Columbus to OFCC. Um they do a spotlight school during their commission meetings and they are spotlighting our elementary school tomorrow. So, I will be meeting Tom up there and um letting Tom talk about the building and providing support or or funny antidotes when it's uh when
037it fits in. >> Wow, that's really exciting. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Now, uh we do have one uh public comment. So, I will read this first and then I will to to speak. So just in general um for all those who uh want to have public participation, we have board policy uh we have a board policy covering the public participation required uh that requires the following procedures. The board will schedule maximum 45 minutes of public participation except in unusual circumstances. Individual participants may be limited to maximum of five minutes each during the 45minute participation period. Any exception or exemption to this board policy would be granted entirely at the discretion of the board. The West Carolton School Board District of Education will listen carefully to the comments and suggestions presented during
038the public participation. The board will genuinely not respond to the public questions and comments during the board meeting. However, the board superintendent or the designate at the direction of the board will respond later in those instances when a response is appropriate. So, Christopher and Shelby, I don't know if you guys or if you guys I don't know if you both coming up, but come up. >> I want to thank you uh for the opportunity to speak with you today. We've just had um a little run in with policy that I wanted to just uh read just a couple of comments to you about my son Gideon who's coming into kindergarten. Uh and just see if there's a way to just maybe respectfully address it. Um I I serve first of all I serve on quite
039a few boards and from my experience uh I know that every one of you takes this role very seriously because I know how I take my role seriously and I know that you are committed to doing the very best job possible and I want to begin by thanking you for that and I want to especially thank Dr. Talson uh who has been very supportive of us and our family in the past and has tried to support us again in this small kurfuffle that we're in right now. And so my son Gideon, who's five years old, uh has been preparing diligently for kindergarten for many months. And uh he knows his numbers one through 100 and can identify them on site and he knows his upper and lowercase letters and uh he's engages with the other
040children uh respectfully and cooperatively and is able to take direction and he's pretty excited and and we reach out to the school um and we were we were told by Dr. Townson that enrollment was no problem. We could move right on forward. Uh, and with that reassurance, we went ahead and told Gideon the news, which he was very excited about that, um, as you can imagine. And so we we bought him his Hot Wheels lunchbox, which he has brought along with him today. He's holding it, and he was thrilled and ready to ready to rock. Of course, a few days later, we found out that um that the acceptance was rescended for some technicalities. Uh, and we were told that because he was 11 days younger than the cutoff, um, the deadline to test for
041early admittance had passed. And so after our appeal to Dr. Townson, uh, she went ahead and moved some red tape around and got us through to be tested. And so we did do that. And so Gideon went on to the school and was tested by the psychologist Ryan Leech. Uh, and and a few days later, we received a call from Ryan and he told me that Gideon would not able to be admitted because he could not yet read words or perform basic addition and subtraction. Um, and I admittedly was started to become, I think, a little combative in that conversation. And so, my apologies on that, and you'll have to communicate that on to Ryan. Uh, I was disappointed, and I was taken by surprise because I didn't think we would be heading that direction.
042Uh, he explained that if a child enters early, even 11 days early, that the child must demonstrate skills beyond what is typically expected for a kindergartener. a policy that requires him to be more advanced than his peers in order to qualify. >> And I if I might be so candid to say that I find that to be absurd to me that that is that's the standard because the very purpose of kindergarten is to teach children how to read >> and how to do addition and subtraction. we were preparing him with the skills that would preempt that, which is why he can identify letters and numbers and those sorts of things so that you guys can help him begin to put those pieces together. And so my question would be, why would we require demonstrable performance
043on these competencies that kindergarten is intended to teach before he even walks into the classroom? This decision means Gideon will now be the probably among the oldest in his grade. This decision will set him back an entire year in his life. A year. He'll graduate a year later, start college a year later, and based on current life expectancy, that's 1.6% of his adult life. And the weight of this decision hit us very hard at our dinner table this past Monday night because at dinner, I had to look at my 5-year-old son who had been told he was going to be entering kindergarten and told him he would not enter kindergarten this year. and that the lunchbox we had bought together would not be going with him to school. And in that same moment, my daughter,
044my oldest daughter, Evelyn, who's now entering the 8th grade, shared some news of her own with us. You see, Evelyn, who was 62 days past August 1st when Dr. Townson helped us enroll her early, told us she is now taking two high school level classes as she begins 8th grade, something many of her peers have not qualified for. In the very same moment that we in a sense had to crush the excitement of my my young son, we were reminded of the proven success of a very similar story. And that is what makes this so difficult because we already have evidence and we know that the decision that we're asking us to make was the right one before. Across all three of my children in the school today, all in West Carolton, every one of
045them is an honor student. When you add up their combined 272 school days across all my kids, do you know how many they've missed? One. One day, a single absence. That's the kind of household that we run, the kind of emphasis we put on education. That's the kind of parents we are. Parents I imagine every school would wish to have across their whole student body. Parents who serve on the PTO, who contribute to fundraisers, who vote yes for stu for the school levies. Our decision to admit Evelyn early worked and it was the right decision then. And what I'm asking of you is the right decision now. And so I'm appealing to you, Dr. Thompson, and to the board. Please do not deprive my son of a year of progress. We do elect you for
046moments like this to step in for us when policies and red tape get in the way of the spirit of the work that we're doing. And so I hope today to ask a very simple thing to reverse this what I believe to be a wrong decision and admit Gideon into kindergarten. I believe this is the right decision for our family and my hope is that this board will consider our request and hopefully submit a reply quickly so that we can get moving if possible. And so that is my comments for today. I do appreciate that you guys have given us the opportunity to make our comments. Thank you so much. We appreciate you taking the time to come out here and talk about some comments from the board members. So, we'll start with >> Okay.
047Um, so I'm not going to talk a lot about the first day because probably everybody else will. So, um, I'm going to backtrack. And again, the convocation was excellent. Still think the lighting could have been worked on a little bit more. Yeah. Next year, >> right? >> Sure. >> Yes. Um but only if he's speaking. If it's anybody else, that wouldn't. So >> me last year. >> Yeah. Yeah. So yeah. Um and I I I already nominate him for a speech of some sort. I don't care what it is. which is something just something. Um, so enough of that. Um, the ribbon cutting, that was my first time ever doing a ribbon cutting. Um, that was exciting. That was awesome. Um, the building is, if you haven't seen it, um, of course you can't go
048where I needed it now because there are kids in it and we'll probably tackle you if you try. However, there was an open house. Um, and it is just absolutely gorgeous. um the the architect, the the decorations, the the the the way it's put together. It is an awesome awesome building. I am so happy um to have been and actually my name's on it and I've had such a minimal role um in this whole thing. So, I kind of feel like I got something I didn't deserve, but I'm kind of happy to um you know me, I say it as it is. Um, so, um, I think that's all I have. >> All right. All right. Angie, you got anything? >> Um, I want to comment on the new school as well. It's it's just
049wonderful and all the hard work you've all put in is so appreciated. Um, I also want to comment on a little bit of what Janine said. I think a lot of people have a misconception that nothing's much is going on in the schools in the summer. There is a lot of hard work. All of the everything would not be happening if it wasn't for that summer work. So, I think people really need to realize there is a lot going on. And I want to thank you all for all the hard work you put in all year round. I don't think they get enough credit for that. So, that's all I have. Uh, two things. First, I want to um thank you guys for coming to speak. It is not easy to speak at that microphone
050and uh advocate for your kid is commendable and appreciate you doing that. I know it's a little nerve-wracking. Done it myself. So, appreciate you doing that. The other thing I want to uh say because this is the beginning of the end for me sitting here is I want to take uh the last few meet And I want to publicly thank a few folks instead of waiting till the very last one and taking 20 minutes to say something. Um, so tonight I'm going to ask Becky or not ask her but tell her that I appreciate the the time I've spent working with her. She's been principal at Schnail for a couple years. Really kind of get that building. Now it's obviously not a building anymore, but when it was, you got that thing back in solid
051ground and appreciates your effort there and your passion with the fire packs program as well. just want to thank you for um for the passion you have for the school and the kids and what a joy it's been to work with you. >> Thanks. >> So, and I'll pick on everybody else as we go, but I wanted to start with her. That's all I got. It's a strong start there. All right. >> Um well, just to touch on a few things. Ribbon cutting cere ceremony was great. Um we have a few of the uh other board members that have gone on came back out. Uh it was nice to see everybody there and the building is absolutely gorgeous. Um they do such a wonderful job and I know that the high school middle school is
052going to be even better. So that's yet to come. Fall sports are up and running and uh there's matches, games, needs, whatever you want to call it. Uh do go out and support our pirates. Pirate Island Fest is September 13th and you can get tickets from any of the athletes uh or over at the athletic office at high school. Uh so please um support our kids. The athletic boosters do a lot for our athletes and uh it's it's a great time for the families. There's lots of blowups and so on and so forth. So, >> they also need I told Sarah I mentioned they need volunteers, too. >> They need volunteers. >> A lot of volunteers right now. So, >> yeah, the athletes are going to be Yeah. helping with the inflatables, but they have
053other opportunities for you to help out. So, please sign up. Uh I know they they put out a couple things on Facebook. >> Yeah. >> So, please support our athletes. They're out there. And if you are uh I I think some of the programs, the no cut programs, if you still want to uh join sport and the door is still open. I know tennis does. I believe golf is another one. So, um cross country. So, reach out. Thank you. All right. All right. So, I don't have too much. Um, I did want to say the ribbon cutting was a really good time. I mean, everyone else said it. I thought I was going to be the only one that said it, but the school is beautiful. I mean, it is absolutely gorgeous. And, you know,
054to the excitement of the kids walking in there and knowing that they're like in a new place, you know, it's just so exciting. I also have to say for literally cutting the ribbon, the doll scissors was not good for me. I didn't get to cut any ribbon. >> That's probably what it was. That might be a good point though. >> But u but yeah, the ribbon cutting was really really good. >> Except for the ribbon cutting >> except Yeah, except for everyone else. But it was really embarrassing for meat. >> Yeah. >> And it was horribly embarrassing in front of all those people to be the only person that cannot cut the ribbon >> and and it's all on video. >> It is. >> Yes. >> Thank Thank >> me struggling for it. >> Um
055I that's how I interpreted it. >> Oh, thanks. Okay. >> So yeah, don't watch that. >> I also wanted to mention >> Yeah. I think >> Yeah. Yeah. You don't have to watch. Uh convocation was really really good. It's a really great opportunity to really thank the staff for just all the incredible things you guys do. It It's the coolest thing to see a room full of the most prideful people that you mean will do anything for this school and do anything for these kids. And uh there's not a better feeling than being in that room and to be surrounded by those people is is really amazing. Um, >> I just wanted to interject real quick is that we just checked and there is proof of him having trouble cutting the ribbon. So, if you
056go to the web page on the web page, there is if you zoom in, he's looking up like somebody helped me figure out how to cut this ribbon. >> It has been >> Oh, thank you for zooming in. That's really cool. >> It has that function. >> Yeah. To all those watching me, that's fantastic. Um, I wanted to uh do a little Don Henry and say uh the big yellow taxis are out and about. Be sure to be extra patient. Like Jack said, Jack Jack, but be extra patient. You know, they'll they'll get around and they'll get moving. Um, and I definitely want to thank the bus drivers, too. I know. I just thank the staff, but I know the bus driver, it it seems like it's more dangerous than ever being a bus driver
057out there. Seems like no one knows how to drive. So yeah, so just be extra careful. I mean these buses are filled with the most precious souls you can ever imagine. So so be sure to be extra safe around them. And I mean don't be taking risks around taxis. All right. And then I'll end up with a quote like I always do. It's going to be the I'm going to recycle the same quote as yesterday because I totally forgot that today was >> I know. Well, it's what you're getting. So, for those who didn't go to convocation, um this quote is uh is by Ronald Reagan, which when I was in high school, that was my that was my quote guy, but uh it is uh live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave
058the rest to God. And I think other than that, we have no executive work session tonight. So, entertain a motion a second to adjourn a meeting. Second. >> All right. Mrs. Gibson, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Mr. Sh. >> Yes. >> All right.