Board of Education Meeting: Monday, May 19th, 2025 @ 6pm

001the roof chair. Yeah. No, two us. iPhone. [Music] Are you ready? Everybody ready? You'd like to call to order the Monday, May 19th, 2025 regular meeting of the city board of education. Call the role, please. Uh, Mrs. Hennters, present. Dr. Lefay, here. Mr. Ragger, here. Mrs. Hartley here. Mrs. Mass here. If everyone could please stand with us for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. We need an approval of tonight's regular meeting agenda. Second. Uh, Dr. Lefay. Yes. Mrs. Hers. Yes. Mr. Ragger. Yes. Mrs. Hartley. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Um, we are on item number three, audience community comments. Okay. Great. We will

002move on. Administrative reports. Yeah. Excellent. So, for the first uh building or department uh report, we want to recognize our Heron retirees, and they're all from Woodlands. So, we're going to turn it over to Brian to be the MC here. Awesome. Well, first and foremost, thank you so much uh to the members of the board, um you know, staff, families, and members of our great Heron community. Um, tonight I have uh a true honor of recognizing uh four unique, passionate and dedicated individual individuals that have made a lasting impact on our Heron community. So, first up, I will talk about each one of them individually. First up, Carolyn Oaks. Uh, for over 11 years, Carolyn has faithfully served as an assistant cook at both McCormack and Woodlands. And even before that, she spent several years

003subbing in our cafeterias. always showing up with a can do attitude and a heart full of kindness. Just think about think for a moment over those many years, how many thousands of lunches has she served? And more importantly, how many smiles has uh has she shared with our students? Because here's what I believe. Every part of a child's day is an important is an opportunity to make a difference. Whether in the classroom, the hallway, or the lunch line, every moment matters. And over the past two years especially, I've had the chance to really observe Caroline's daily approach with students. It's been nothing short of amazing. She doesn't just serve food. She serves care, consistency, and joy. Every day, she greets students with a warm smile, friendly conversation, and genuine kindness. Kindness. It's these moments, small

004as they may seem, that can lift a child's entire day. And Carolyn has lifted more days than we could ever count. But her impact goes beyond the cafeteria. Carolyn has also stepped in as a substitute in our before and after school child care programs. Always ready to help out whenever she is needed. And let me tell you from firstirhand experience. When I've needed someone to step in to ensure students were safe and cared for, Carolyn has always answered the call. No hesitation, no question questions, just a willingness to go above and beyond for our kids. On a personal note, I will sincerely miss our daily hells. And yes, me singing to her as I grabbed my lunch. Carolyn has always had a way of keeping me in check, especially when it came to reminding me

005to eat my fruits and vegetables. That's just who she is. Caring, consistent, and quietly looking out for those around her. Carolyn. Caroline, as you look back on your time in Heron City Schools, I hope you feel a deep and welldeserved sense of pride. The difference you've made may not always have come from fanfare, but it's real. It's meaningful, and it will last far beyond your final days. From all of us, thank you. Thank you for your service, your heart, and your unwaving dedication to our students and staff. [Applause] Next up is Deb Finny. Yes. Um, tonight again I have the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing someone who has been an extraordinary part of our school family and our community for over 30 years. Miss Deb Finny. Deb's career is not just marked by longevity

006but by a legacy of deep and lasting impact. For more than three decades, she has made a difference in the lives of students, families, and fellow educators. When we pause and think of the many children who have walked into her classroom and left more confident, more capable uh capable and inspired. It's nothing short of remarkable. She has touched countless lives with her compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief in every child's potential. Deb's legacy will not fade with her retirement. that will continue to live on through her traditions she started like the kindness rocks initiative that brought hope and positivity to our entire school community or their incredible yearly stu uh student book project that allowed children to not only dream but to see their dreams in print. These are just uh these aren't just activities. They

007are milestones in students lives. Memories they'll carry forever. Deb has always held herself and her students to the highest standards. You could feel it walking to a classroom where learning was challenging, engaging, and always rooted in care. Many parents over the years have come to me to share how lucky they felt to have their child in her classroom. That kind of feedback speaks volumes. On a personal note, I want to uh to say how much I will miss Deb, not only as a colleague, but as a friend. Her collaborative spirit, her dedication to doing what's best for kids, and her presence on our team have meant the world to me. Over the year, over the years, we've built something truly special. Not just this professional part partnership, but but a friendship that I'll carry with

008me always. Our hallways will miss her smile. They will miss her laugh. And I know many of us will miss the sense of calm, joy, and commitment she brought to every day. But tonight's not a goodbye. This is just this is a proud moment, a moment to reflect, to celebrate, to be grateful, to have your career something to be truly cherished. You leave behind a legacy that will be left for many years to come. So instead of good s goodbye, I'll simply say see you soon, my [Applause] friend. Before you sit down, has a small very of our pass. Um, next up is D. Frostto. Yes. Yes. Uh, again, tonight I have had the honor of recognizing someone who has devoted over 30 years to making a real lasting difference in the lives of students,

009families, and colleagues. Miss D. Frostto. For more than three decades, D has not has been a powerful presence in our great community, shaping young minds, building confidence in students, and helping them discover their true potential. Think about that. 30 years of care, consistency, and commitment. Think about the many lives she has impacted along way. the students who left her classroom stronger and more capable and families who felt comfort knowing their child was being taught and cared for by someone so special. At Woodlands, the love and care de shows her students is something we all witness on a daily basis. Her classroom has always been a place of warmth, structure, and genuine connection. over the last 11 years that I've had the privilege of watching her bring out the best in our students, pushing them, encouraging

010them, and most importantly advocating furiously, furiously to make sure they receive the supports and services they need to succeed. That's something you've never wavered on, D over the years. I often tell D after evaluation that her instructional approach is magical, and I truly mean that. There's a unique magic in the way she teaches. It's in her tone, her energy, and her presence. She has she has a way of drawing every student into a lesson, making sure each one feels a sense uh se seen, heard, and involved. And if someone isn't engaged, she finds a way every time. But D's impact doesn't stop with students. As a leader, I value you direct and honest feedback. and Dia has always provided just that over over the years. Her insight, her honesty, and her support have helped me

011grow both personally and professionally. I always knew her feedback came from a place of care and investment and our shared goal doing what's best for our students. D I'll always be thankful for your trust, your honesty, and your belief in me. One thing I'll absolutely miss, and I mean this, is our nightly routine. For the last 11 years, at the end of each day, D and I would say goodbye and take a few me moments to catch up. Those small conversations, those daily connections, they matter. And I know that the first day without them next year is going to feel different. D, when you take a look when you take a moment to reflect on your incredible career, I hope you feel nothing but pride. You've made a difference not only with the wall within

012the walls of your classroom, but throughout all of Woodlands and the entire city of Huron. You're an amazing educator, a passionate advocate, a trusted colleague, and most of all, someone who truly made a difference. So, this is your moment, and it's so welld deserved. Congratulations on your retirement. And as always, this isn't goodbye. It's just see you soon. [Applause] [Laughter] And um last but not least, Karen Barry. It's an honor and a privilege to stand before you tonight to recognize and celebrate someone who has been the heart and soul of early childhood education in Heron for many years. Miss Karen Barry. For more than 30 years, Karen has made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of so many children and families in our great community. Think of how many little ones began their

013educational journey with Karen by their side, offering guidance, compassion, and structure during those crucial first years. The impact she has had isn't just meaningful, it's foundational. Karen didn't just teach preschool. She built Kiron's preschool program. The strong foundation and the stellar reputation our program enjoys today is because of her vision, her leadership, and her unwavering standards. The respect this program receives across our community and beyond is a direct reflection of Karen's commitment and excellence. Let me share a quick story that speaks volumes. During our most most recent audit, the auditors made it very clear. They insisted on auditing our preschool program again this year. When I asked them why, they said without hesitation, we just love the atmosphere of your preschool and the way everything is in or organized. It's a model program. That's not

014just a compliment. That's a testament to Karen's work. Every label Ben, every uh perfectly filed document, and every student's uh smile, it all reflects her st high standards and passion. Over the past 10 years, Karen has also helped me grow professionally in more ways than I can count. When I started at Shaunie 11 years ago, she took me under her wing, offered steady guidance, guidance, and honest advice. That meant her ship and her friendship have meant the world meant more to me than words can say. Karen, you always hold a special place in my heart for the support and wisdom you gave me, especially in those early days. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention our shared taste in music. Some of my favorite moments were ending a long day with a few laughs

015and a great music playing in the background. Those small meaningful moments I'll truly miss. Karen, your influence can be seen throughout the district in our hallways, in our classrooms, and even on our Ohio State test results. That the foundation you laid with each preschooler set them on a path for success that echoes well beyond their first classroom. You've touched so many lives, students, families, and colleagues alike. You've truly made a difference and your legacy will continue to shine for years to come throughout Woodlands and the entire city of Hiron. So tonight we say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, your friendship, and your heart. Be proud, Karen, because everything you've done will continue to make a difference long after this moment. This isn't goodbye. Just just heartfelt. See you soon, my friend.

016Congratulations to all retirees. I love you guys all so much. You always had a special place in my heart. Thanks. [Applause] Thank you, Brian. Excellent job. Thank you, retirees. Congratulations on reaching this milestone and uh as Brian said always please stop in visit and uh if you want to start subbing again then we'll well we'll welcome you back on that of course all right we'll move to Grant our student leazison good evening everyone and thank you retirees you guys have done amazing work I just wanted to say that real quick but um A lot has been going around around the schools lately. Um before the last meeting, the weekend, that weekend was the junior class trip. It was amazing. The experience was like none no other I've ever had. So, and everyone had fun. So,

017it was a small group, but we all had a lot of fun on that. And then last week was the middle school dance on Friday. I heard really good things from that. And then this weekend was also prom. Um it was a great first experience I would say for prom and it I've heard everyone liked it so that's a good thing to hear. Um but before that though too um final state tests were and I've heard the scores also came out pretty well on that too. Um just this past week as well track has won both SBC championships which was pretty cool to see. Um, I believe all other sports are doing well. I haven't heard a ton from them, but I've haven't heard anything bad. And then, uh, this is the senior's last week

018as well, so it's going to be weird to see them gone, but congratulations to the class of 2025. You guys will be happy to have some extra parking spots, won't you? Oh, yeah. Where was prom this year? It was at BGSU finance at the Cedar Point Center. Yep. How did that go? Everyone liked that. Yeah. Change. BGSU was very open to having us there and they were extremely helpful. I was on the community helping to set up everything and they did a lot like for cleanup. The next day we came, they came outside. They were like, "We did it for you guys." We're like, "Oh, okay." And they uh gave us food. I mean, they did so much for us. I mean nothing that we even imagined. And then the night before there was actually

019a symphony there and the symphony donated flowers to us. So we got a bunch of flowers to come as well. So beautiful. Great. Thanks evening. And um before I give my report, I'd also like to say thank you to our retirees all you guys have been awesome to me and I every one of you will hold that dearly with the three of you and what would they have done? So um enjoy and yeah please stay in touch you did a great job. So um with that I did want to talk about um tonight uh we had a culminating activity last Monday at Kell with um the Erie and Sundi County juniors and seniors uh careers fair. So um we started planning that um a core group of us across Erie County and um with the

020idea again um harnessing the benefits of the business advisory council. So in that group, a smaller group coming together um to bring the students together for this experience. So um we had about 70 different regional employers on site um and we used the you science school data to develop passports. So each student had two aptitude areas and one interest area um and they had 20 minutes to um hit three different stations if you will. So the big huge ballroom was transformed. They did a really nice job. The kids were colorcoded. Um, and we took 100 about 160 students between the juniors and seniors. So, we showed up and we showed out. So, again, the preparation that the teachers did. Our kids look great. They look professional. Um, we had some kids do some self edits

021and perhaps go home and change and come back. Um, so u interviewed on that spot. So they not only color coded everything um logistically they had set the balloons so for employers that were on the spot doing interviews. So whether it be for summer when you graduate those kind of things um so kids could take their resumes. Um we have a meeting coming up next week I believe. So we'll do some debriefing um with that see what um supposed to be the survey. I haven't seen one yet, but um and then uh get feedback and then build an opportunity out. So the biggest the next question is as you come in and there's a lot of logistics that go into this. Um we were able to finance it through a lot of donations and in

022kind of things. So this become a one-year thing, do we do it every other year? What are people thinking about? So that would be kind of like the next decision made I think based on the outcome. But I I thought it was I don't know. I'm a little Yeah. All right. Um so the financial report for April, uh we are uh 83% of the way through the fiscal year. So uh for our revenues, we just crossed 100% of our projections in both in all fund and in the general fund. So things are looking good. Um what we had projected originally back in November, we didn't really have a total evaluation number. So we took a stab at it and we came in a little higher. So that's that's pretty good. Um as far as expenditures

023go, we're we're running under on expenditures. So we're at 75% in all funds and 73% in the general fund. So I'm anticipating low 90s um for for where we from where we projected. So there's a little bit of a savings there. uh donations $12,58346 to several different scholarships and then the offer of Evelyn Dance uh fundraiser that occurred. Um okay, the item C is the five-year forecast. I gave you guys two different versions. Um the first version is um so the revenues and expenses on both uh are the exact same. The main difference on this May update is the transfers. So, when we're talking about uh potential legislation, particularly House Bill 96, um where they're discussing the 30% cap on carryover. So, on the top one, um is what it would look like if we

024weren't doing massive if we did if we don't do massive transfers. So, our our balance is well over the 30% threshold. It's up in I think it's 60% is what it would be. So assuming that that legislation takes effect, we'll be over that cap. And then what I'm hearing is then they wouldn't collect any tax revenues for us. Um assuming the budget commission votes to do that. So the first one is that the second one I have for you is on that same line I highlighted it. That's how much we would really need to transfer to uh stay under that cap. As of right now, I I went a little bit below that. That's about 27%. Um, so it's a substantial amount of money that we were going to have to move to stay under

025that cap. Um, that is the forecast I'm recommending and the reasoning is is to stay ahead of this legislation if it passes. Um, it would go into an 070 account which um is easier to transfer back to the general fund if need be than if we put it in the PI fund. So that's why and actually I think it's D on my report is the setup of those funds. Um the other one is an 035 which is a severance and termination benefits. Um we pay those out every year anyway. So we're going to set up a fund and set money specifically aside for that. And I think I put a 100,000 in there. Uh which should cover us for this this year for sure. Um as far as uh revenues, like I said, we took

026a shot in November at what we thought the valuations would be. We we shot it a little low. So revenues came in a little bit higher than than the November forecast. And um your big savings on the expenditures so far have been purchase services. Um right now we're going through all of our open POS and trying to contact vendors and make sure we don't have any outstanding invoices and close those. So I'm thinking that this is about the number that we'll be at. Uh it could vary a little bit by the next month and a half depending on on what's still outstanding. um uh FY25. So this year was the uh first year that we got to see half. So if you remember in the fall, our tax collection was still from the valuations of

027the previous year. So moving into 26, that's why you see that jump in revenue here, we're going to see the full benefit of those new valuations. See if I have anything else. Yeah. So, like I said, my recommendation for now just to kind of stay ahead of it. We talked to bond council too on this and they said, "Hey, what are you planning on doing for the 30% potential?" And uh I said, "Well, you know, we'll we'll discuss it and then we're looking at, you know, in June when we do our transfers." They're like, "I don't know that I would wait." So, that's kind of why I have it on here for you tonight. Kind of recommendation from Bond. Anything on the five-year? How does that impact the uh resolution we put on? Yeah. So,

028we went back the policy because we have that policy for 50%. So, basically um if we happen to fall below that, which we will here, uh Dr. Tapman and I will come with a the policy says to come with a plan to fix it. Um I guess that's what we'll do for now. And I think what we're going to end up having to do, depending again on legislation, is just re-evaluate the policy. And how does that impact the uh how does bond council feel that's going to impact the ratings if we do get a bond? Oh, that's structure. Does that money we're transferring go into that calculation or no? Um, for our ratings, I'll have to ask them about that on the ratings. What it does do is it it will bridge that gap for

029the cap between the bond amount and the amount of money for the project. It'll bridge that gap to where we won't have to do a cops or anything, but we did ask them about that and I think that they said they'd get back to us on how that's going to possibly affect. We're not really going to have a assuming this takes effect. We're not really going to have much of a choice and everybody's going to kind of be in the same boat. So, this is like the first time in I can't say how many years there's not been a deficit spending, right, on the fiveyear forecast. It's pretty incredible. It's a good thing. I kind of want to um item D is the uh new funds I was talking about the 070 which is the

030capital projects really it can be used for just like a PI fund. Um anything with a greater than 5-year life expectancy. Um and then the 035 which is the severance and termination benefits fund. Um and then item E under my report is the actual uh transfers that are there. So, you can see we have 5.7 going to the 070 account. Um, and then 100,000 to the 035. And then, um, when we move into June, we'll do the other transfers that I'm anticipating, which will be like the food service, um, athletics and grant funds that are negative until our PCRs come in. Just for clarification, the the severance, that's because public employees get to cash out their sick time and so it's not a Right. Right. for like No, it's just more of a like a

031unique thing about public service is that like unused sick time can be cash out is called severance. Correct. Yep. A portion of their unused sick time can be used as a severance package. Yep. Great. Thank you. Anyone have any questions for Mike? We'll move on to uh Dr. Chap. Okay. I'll start with the agenda items and then move to some other items. Uh the first item a is the list of graduates. So there's 100 graduates for the class of 2025 and this is still contingent upon satisfactory satisfaction of all requirements. Um but that is our anticipated graduation class. Item B and C are for u special education programming for for students who need specialized services and then transportation to it. Item D is um a rebroof over the high school's um weight room and locker

032room. That according to the TMCO preventive maintenance service that we have that is the the worst spot uh of roofing and so it's like uh we probably should have done it a year ago, but we've been delaying it and we can't delay it any longer. Um so that would just um go into assuming the bond um passes and we start looking at a major renovation and some additions that part could come out of that scope of work uh but we need to get it done sooner than that. Item E is acceptance of a scholarship through Bass's global leadership development program. So, this is a multi-state uh program where for Ohio, there's five or six districts that have been awarded this. Um, essentially uh it's a scholarship to pay for uh global leadership development where um

033the superintendent will go u study and learn about programming um international programming and how that could be uh brought into here on schools. We already have some international travel experiences. uh as I was submitting the application, I uh came at it from a perspective of our work with the business advisory council with BAC and how we're preparing our students for work force in an international um with an international lens and so looking at what are ways we can incorporate that um will be explored on that uh opportunity. Uh item F are certified personnel. So, we have a few retirements and then we also have a continuation of uh services for special ed uh consulting from Holly Charville, our former director. Um Allison Litz is going to provide some Orton Gillingham summer reading tutoring services. Molly

034Ryan's doing uh similar. And then Amy Jeremy, who's in the audience tonight, uh is on the agenda for our next our new intervention specialist. Um, as a reminder, uh, Jess Taylor was an is an intervention specialist for us. She's advancing into assistant principal at Woodlands. Uh, so that created the opportunity. Uh, and we're excited at Amy. Um, summer work institute. Julie, do you want to add any comment about that other than um, so just real quick, um, we have carryover funds that the state redisers through 2A from districts that didn't have their funds this year. We were notified. So um in doing so we put out um teachers that they can submit proposals to do uh curriculum instruction assessment work over the summer. So what you see before you are the list of individuals that

035submitted uh projects and uh the timeline is that done by that second week of August. So some of them are working, this is kind of some of them are working individually. Some of them are working as groups. Some of them are working individually and with groups and some of them are also bringing in friends from other districts that our district will award contact hours. We're not paying them, but um we have some staff like wanting to expand their network and pick other people's come on in. So um it was neat to see all their proposal looking for. Julie, Julie was the one that organized it, put out, you know, the requests for proposals and analyzed them and then awarded them. So, thanks Julie. And then the last item for certified are extended school days for

036next school year uh mostly for school counselors and then for band um personnel uh classified items. We have continuation of the food service uh consultant, continuation of the communication consultant, and then we have Cla Kathleen Hobie. is that right? Uh she'll be joining us as the assistant cook at Woodlands. And then Jane Tigan Tigus, uh she has interest in subbing for us, specifically looking at bus driving. So we're going to get her going with the coursework and uh certification part. And then item H are um supplementals. So this month is the first month that we start approving uh for the next school year. Majority of these are uh continuations of so people who held it previously. Two uh new head coaches. One would be bowling. We have Georgia Sutzman who um is looking to be

037the new bowling coach. And then uh our new cheer coach um wow is your last name. Kate, thank you. Kaitton. Um and so uh she went through the interview process. Uh we had a good pool of candidates and she rose to the top. So, we're we're excited u to have the board be able to recommend her to the board. And then for personnel stipens, uh we have um again first month of the new year where we have the large grouping of ticket takers, uh event uh workers, gate workers, things like that. Also, the inter uh intervention assistance team um coaches. So, at each grade level, there's one there. Um there'll be additional ones in months for moving forward as we get going, but this is sort of the the initial um big drop of people.

038Any questions on the items? Yes. Uh we've always had a large staff of football coaches and they split contracts. Um, so I think the total FT is six, but then they split like somebody takes a half or a quarter and shares it. So, um, the head coach and the coaches work that out and make it work. So, a lot. Okay. Uh, and then not on the agenda, but just uh to recap for the board, um, last week the uh, Erie County BAC, Business Advisory Council, hosted, they've been hosting all year a series of career summits. Last week was their third career summit, and they had breakout sessions. I was invited uh, to be a presenter at one of the sessions, which was administrative support for career readiness. So myself and the high school principal from

039Belleview, uh we really did um a gallery walk where we had some different uh themes and we had them put ideas and then like a share a share out and found it beneficial because we could facilitate the conversation but even I walked away with some new ideas and things like that. So um so that was fun and a way to give back to the BAC and uh share different ideas that's happening in our region related to work uh work and career readiness. Uh next is that uh last week I attended um the North Point's regional superintendent meeting and former state senator Randy Gardner came and presented shared about all the happenings uh at the state level specifically about the budget uh which a lot of the stuff Mike talked about. He is currently serving as

040the executive director for the coalition of rural and Appalachian schools. So this is a newer uh advocacy group. Um he equated it to the advocacy services that um are OSBA, BASA and OASPA. What Mike what's your group called? Oaso. OASBO. Thanks. Uh similar that they do but they do it with that lens of uh the rural or Appalachian schools. So uh he gave some examples of how his work with uh different state legislators has been able to move a few needles on areas of interest for those types of schools. Um so continue to study that group and see if that's something that um here on might benefit from joining. Um and then also last week it was a busy week. Uh North we have North Point students. We host a classroom here. So we had

041North Point graduation. Uh this is at the parents discretion or the students discretion. Sometimes students um don't want to be in that large uh commencement ceremony, you know, out on the sometimes hot uh turf and and everything else. So, they facilitate a North Point graduation here and it was well done. Uh led by Tim Lamb and his administrative team uh students from uh the high school's TLC group uh participated. So, it wasn't just the two kids, but it was like a group of kids. Uh our choir sang uh the alma mater and we had a student forget her name. Claire Dr. That's right. Claire uh sang the uh national anthem. Uh and it was it was great to have that uh special moment and we were able to Tim was able to share a little

042bit of the students aspirations for moving forward uh and what they're planning to do after high school. Um so that was great. And um and then looking forward um we've been working with the Greater Sunduski Partnership. they've sort of absorbed all the different uh local chamber of commerce and so they're working on different programming and one that they're looking to restore is the state of Hiron. So like state of the schools, state of the community, state of Hiron. Uh so they've set a date. It's June 11th. It's going to be at again at Cedar Point Center because they're good hosts. Uh it starts at 5:30 and they're talking about an agenda that's not simply a 90 minute sit and get uh but uh different panels. So there'll be like an educational panel so uh school

043representative uh BG Fireland's uh representative and I think Hovie um and then they'll have a like city township represented like panel uh and then some time for networking so people can get up walk around talk to different entities and learn more. So, uh, more will come on that. Uh, they'll start promoting it here, but save the date for that, June 11th, uh, in the evening, 5:30. And then make sure um, and then the last is that uh, this week I got a email letter from our director of operations, Mr. Carter. And so, instead of me trying to relay it, I asked if you could come tonight and just read it. Uh it's in recognition of uh of our transportation department and their efforts this spring. Thanks, Dr. Tapin. Uh yeah, I sent James an email

044last week because uh we're slowly closing in the last three weeks of school and it's spring break or springtime's very busy time anyways in the transportation world. I just want to let uh him know and let you guys know that I'd like to take a moment to formally recognize the uh the exceptional dedication and professionalism uh demonstrated by the Heron City Schools transportation department over the last three months. During this period, our transportation team has ensured the successful and timely coordination of over 170 athletic and field trips along with a uh along with the coverage of vacant morning and afternoon routes daily. Uh because of this commitment, our students and athletes have been transported to and from school and events safely and reliably, often outside the regular school hours and under tight scheduling demands. Uh

045this level of support is a testament of the of their unwavering commitment to the student safety and the overall success of our district programs. I'd like to especially take or like to acknowledge the following individuals for their outstanding efforts. uh Tracy Yoast, Kim Wire, Tammy Schling Baker, David Boochek, Jeff Needler, Eggy Schaefer, and Pete Zimmerman. Uh their work behind the scenes have been has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards we strive for at her schools, and like I said, I'd just like to extend our sincere gratitude for their timeless effort. So, thank you. Yeah. And um I would say even an example of this would be Friday. So Friday we had six routes and five drivers. So I said, "Chad, what are we going to do?" And he said, "We'll get it done." Uh,

046so the one route we spliced up and uh we did a couple double loops uh with getting the kids home safely. It did take a little longer than we anticipated. We were anticipating five to 10 minutes. It pushed 20 minutes for some uh but we were able to get the kids home safe and uh you know, it was a team effort. And then this morning, um I was driving this morning and I could hear chatter on the radio. Apparently I missed someone at a stop. And um we got him. So that was that was I was going to say like I heard all this chatter on the radio and I didn't know exactly everything they were saying because maybe they have a little bus lingo that I'm still learning. Um but I knew that someone

047behind me was coming with a bus and was going to get that kid and got that kid to school. So, um, they work as a team and they're passionate about their work, which means that sometimes that causes friction. And so, um, a little bit of friction is okay. We just need to make sure that we're always coming back to, uh, developing that positive culture, uh, and keeping our eye on the focus, which is, uh, student safety and, student transportation. So, thank you, Chad, and all the drivers really. So, u, let's do any questions. That's my report for tonight. questions. Need a motion to approve um agenda items in sections 5 through seven. Second, Mrs. Hers. Yes. Mr. Ragger. Yes. Dr. Lefay. Mrs. Hartley. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] Good to see you. Item nine.

048All right. So, item nine. Before we start item nine, you guys have been sitting here so patiently. Please don't feel like you have retired now. I'm surprising. We appreciate you coming and we appreciate You're welcome to stay. [Music] Thank you. Yeah. So, uh, last month the board approved two resolutions, one special need and one necessity for the bonds. Um, so this month there's the second resolution for the u necessity for bonds. Uh, so approval of this will mean that we are on the ballot in November of 2025 for a bond issue. Uh, it's worth 77.5 million. Uh, which isn't the full as Mike shared already. that's not the full scope of the cost of the project. Um, but using some of this money transfer, cash on hand, um, example would be the sale of Shaune

049and then also if we had to, we could do a cops to borrow against our PI that makes up the difference. And so really when people say, um, hey, like are you going to turn off some of those emergency levies? We're we're redirecting those emergency levies right now to fund this project. Uh, so by being able to do that, it lowered the bond debt amount that we have to ask for. And so the millage works out to be 6.98. 6.98. So under seven mills. Um, and that's because we're going to other fund sources to help round out the project. Um, any other questions for Mike about this item? I I don't know about the item, but I guess I just When do you anticipate there being a a levy committee or bond committee put together?

050When do we anticipate um you know literature coming out talking points for the board? People always want to know what is this going to cost me? Um, you know, I guess I'm looking at this and it's, you know, roughly about five and a half months away that we're people are going to be voting on this. And um while I understand the necessity, I I just feel like it's five and a half months and you know I I don't I don't know that our community is been educated about it and I I just I want the best for our district and I I want this to be successful. I just I'm just not sure of where we are um as far as organization and Yeah. So, I'll just remind the board that uh at the start

051of this school year uh we formed a community based uh comm uh a community wow facilities committee. I can't talk tonight. Uh and so really the work of that community facility group uh drove the direction of this uh scope of work. Uh it changed us from you know originally OFCC said brand new preK12 and we all were like no way right and so then we moved towards let's make some improvement woodlands and build a new 6 through 12 and the committee really that's where they started from and they grew into this idea of the bones of both these campuses are good if we make renovations to these campuses put some more square footage on these campuses it will meet the needs of what we need for learning instruction for the students. Um, and so the

052whole concept of the scope of work that's coming uh was driven from that community based group. I believe that there are community members on that group who are ready to shift from a finance committee group o or a a facility committee group over to a bond levy campaign group. Um and as a reminder, the U Ohio has sort of redefined what superintendent and treasures and even board members are able to do with campaigning for a levy. We can come to meet we can come to meetings that we're invited to and present facts. Uh but we can't be the rahrh guy out there leading the work and getting it done. It needs to be a true community effort. Um and so I think uh from that uh facility committee group there will be those in the

053community that will step up and say I believe in this plan and I'm ready to to um communicate it out to the to the public and get going. I think some are sort of waiting to make sure that you know because we don't want to comm they don't want to communicate too soon and then um it's not it's not coming to fruition. So, um, I know Beth and Chris were on that committee group, so I don't know if you have more comments. Yeah, I mean, we definitely have a gentleman who's already stepped forward and said to spearhead a little committee, which is nice to have. And I think the the beauty of having done that and having it be large is that each individual member, can I be talking about this? So, I don't think

054it's going to be surprised when it comes, excuse me, the committee um wanted to wait till the board signal that we we wanted to go to the ballot. So with the second resolution before we reconvened and uh you know either pushed for more info from ABG or um starting that that bond committee that was kind of what the direction was. We just wanted to make sure that things were going to progress because it is pretty much this timing. You're right. I mean you got to get that going maybe to echo the work you guys did is great. the committee did. My concern is the timeline to go from where things are now to being able to to be like to get the electorate and vote on it. And I I am concerned and you know

055kind of like judging how successful um projects have been approved by voters in other districts. It seems like the timeline between that signal that you're talking about and going to the ballot sometimes is more about the year than than where we're at now. And I guess my my concern would be if we if we go too fast on in November without kind of all of the the hype, the education, the debate like leading into all of that and and they didn't know. Um does that like what is that zero process going to get a yes down the down the pike? I personally um believe that like we shouldn't be putting a levy on unless it's a major general election. I don't I don't think it's the right thing to do to put you know sneak

056it on in like May or August like some some districts do because you're asking the whole community to bear a load, right? Um, so I just wrote that out there as like one possibility being could we do something with the board to give that signal like you're talking about Chris um to the committee to whoever wants to be on the committee but give them a longer timeline like maybe March of 2026 to be able to kind of get that all that momentum all that communication even on our end the AVG like a little bit more of the tangible kind of plans so that I get the but like and you know what comes first. I just I feel that you not that's just my my personal was worked on this for two years prior to

057me joining. I don't I mean I don't know how many two more years of the work we've done the last year and a half is um how much more of a signal that I think we're looking at project right. I mean, we've been two different architect firms, many months of, you know, two different committees basically. Um, if the timings aren't right, it's not right. But you don't really want to have that all those renderings, that final what it's going to look like until you're you're a lot closer to election. everybody we we talked with and you know I'm on the board for the Hovi and for representing us and you know they they went obviously they have a little bit different um group you know constituents they're they're looking for um getting support from but

058you know they even AVG has talked to us about like making sure you know you have that that pizzazz like closer to the election like you don't want to let that either. So like if if you say you go to March and you you have AVG go and do a bunch of work in this summer or whatever and they come out with like here's what it's all going to look like. We're all done. We you know maybe something's changed but you know there's a lot of talk too about you know that could Wayne and um the excitement will will dwindle by the time you get to that election too. So you know we probably have to balance that a little bit. I I think for me well and just things we're going through right with

059our own personal households right now too is just the volatility in the economy right now and um understanding that you know as we see a healthy five-year forecast um that's because a lot of individuals and homeowners are paying more in taxes um and I think I don't know I guess maybe I could waiting a little bit longer and I don't know what a timeline is like we still move and take action now but if it's to push it out we know it's going to happen committee can start working and that gives them ample time I don't know if an economy can settle down a little bit and people have a little bit more sure footing um and kind of get a little bit more acclimated to the existing taxes and the new collection rates um

060I could see be a benefit to that. The gentleman that has said he would step up and do head up 11, has he done that? things in the resolutions. Do they have to change and do a first one over again if you want to go? Were they worded for this fall or do you have to start over? Yeah, they were worded for the November election. I think important to decide is I'm ready to just throw this out there and and hope that I I mean I I've not been part of your communities, but it sounds like they've been running well and people are engaged and so you know they've probably been a lot of work that's been done behind the scenes that rest of us aren't. I mean Whoever is on the committee, it feels

061deflating. I'm not going to lie. Um, and I guess if we push it back to March, Will the community ever be ready for that? Well, that's that's a very valid question. Um, you know, having been through several levy committee planning things and levies that have failed. It takes it takes a lot of work. It's not engaging. Engaging our community is is hard work. Really hard work. Um, you know, it's been said probably at Nauseium, you know, we have an aging community. We have we have people that don't have a lot of extra margin. And I think to those people already are being taxed real estate wise more and then to bring this to our voters. I guess I guess I'm and not not that you guys haven't done the work. You guys have done the

062work. I just don't want I don't want it to be for nothing and I don't want want it to be the right time and I just I just I'm I'm a little concerned with the timeline the the the tax you know the bond levy we're asking for or the bond issue we're asking for is slightly higher than the amount we uh gained with the tax you know changes this year in the valuation and you know the goal would be to you know adjust those figures. I mean, we don't need to collect that extra two million. You know, that we kind of this year we didn't have really time to respond because uh we talked um last time about you have to do that in um November. Tell the tax commission like, "Hey, we don't need

063that this year." So um because I asked James and Mike outside in a separate meeting um how that works if we wanted to go like halfway through the year and say, "Hey, we don't really need like all of this." But it's you have to tell them in November like yeah pause for this year for the following year or whatever. So um we kind of we are where we are this year with it right because it was like you were notified right in November you had to tell them right away which we were still evaluating everything and and um so we got those funds this year we're looking to move them maybe to a um 70 fund you know to work towards this uh goal. Um, but I think the the long-term goal with the bond

064passage would be to adjust those emergency levies and everything. It's going to be, you know, a little higher than now, but it's not a lot of a difference when you do all the guess. Is there a disadvantage to giving a group that might be working to get passage an extra couple of months to get word out there's a it's a primary fortorial underneath. Wish I had my notes. I would just remind the board that the work came out of that community committee. So they had several meetings uh five or six and they worked through different concepts. they have a subgroup that looks at different elements of um the whole of the whole uh and so it's really the voice of the committee which is representative of the community saying that this is um the the

065proposed solution for the facil the long-term facility needs of um it wasn't created by an outside architect. It wasn't created by the executives Mike and I. It was created by the community who spent their time um giving input, considering facts, studying and then um coming out and those participants were recruited um I believe by board members uh trying to find people who were influential in the community also that covered different circles or you know networks within the community. So we didn't have just a bunch of like retirees or a bunch of PTO moms there. We had a a good representation of of the whole um and so I just want to remind the board that that's where this work came out of not you know which is the which are the people. So did we

066have a lot of retirees on a fixed income serving on the committee? I don't think at least perspective. It's not a a question about the work that was done, especially the work that was done like but what do what do we need? What's it going to cost? Right? Like that's that's work that whether it goes on the ballot in November or it goes out in 2026 like that's good work that will be used like hard stop right so that I I don't want any takeaway about this is a different question and that is okay now how do we shift into as a community like going out and educating broad base of voters frankly many of whom might either be completely not because even though we we've been public about it, we know people pay attention

067to what they want to pay attention to, they may not know anything about it and be starting at square one or in some cases um you know there might be some resistance like how do you how do you at least educate that body of voters so that they can make a decision. So to me it's not it's not a recommend at all. Did the community on that committee do good work now and I I am concerned about I think is especially decide whether we want I don't I think that is still on the table right now. So instead of I guess does anybody have any more a little bit I guess my my point would be having done this multiple times, if it was me and I was on the committee, I would want as

068much time as possible to get organized, to get word out, to get print material, to be able to have town hall meetings in people's neighborhoods, and maybe We whoever Junius has already has a schedule for all that and once on yeah once this is approved then man tomorrow they're going to hit the ground running and all this stuff is going to happen. But I think it's just so imperative to be organized and know how you're going to what's your plan of attack. So personally, I would like if it was me, I would want as much time as humanly possible to get my team together and know what we were doing. So I sort of there that would give me all right maybe talk at the of the last meeting full meeting we had was mostly

069around a lot of people didn't want to do much more until we passed the second resolution that says put it on the ballot honestly I mean that was the Have you guys heard it different no I mean because you can't get funding you can't really do anything until You can get a plan together which we did and some of the things that we were working on whether that second resolution is for this November, next March, the following November. Like we could do them now or whatever. They just have to have them by probably certain time. Yeah, I would think we'd have to start over sooner than later, you know. So if if it's not this November, what would need to be done? Have to check with bond council, but I would think the two resolutions

070we passed last month would have to come before the board again with the new case. Um, and there's probably like the the consultant that helps with the finance part, he might say, well, it's kind of hard to predict what an interest rate would be out that far. um and the interest rate estimate is required in those resolutions. So I mean he would make the best guess but that could create uncertainty um and so legal counsel might say it doesn't make sense to do this suit from procedural standpoint. I don't know. I didn't ask him that question so I don't know. is a general like I might be fine. I know at ehovi we did like probably April like last month when we passed the first resolution here they did kind of like a resolution in

071it wasn't the first one it was like we intend to pursue this project and and then the next month or maybe a month later we did the first following month. So they really didn't have all the stuff done and you know to go on the ballot till very close to that July 8th but they had passed the intent kind of um prior to that by a month or so prior to discovering technical resolution. So I'm hearing if we do something right like even if it's symbolic um soon now whenever um that clearly states like this is a time frame this is when and then when the formal documents come to us maybe closer so that that exact amount that goes in but then a levy committee could start organizing and going like okay like the

072board has said this is what is going to They need to know how much they Yeah. I guess I feel like I'm wondering if that's maybe just like that is one data point, but there's so much other information and organization to happen and structure and figure how are they going to pay for all of it, right? all of those things to that they could be working on knowing that like this is going to happen and this is when it's going to happen. And so building out the timeline just like if you're planning an event for something and having a little bit more time build out the timeline and then if it's like they'll have the data point of the exact amount with whenever that whenever we get the word that this is when we can

073know when it would be. they'll have that data point, but then they have everything else like ready to go and can plug in that piece. Like if they have nine months to do it instead of five months to do it, just more time to plan. Probably also going to raise the project. It's been at least 5% a year. I feel frustrated a little bit still kind of toward November. I feel like it was like, oh, the final day and now we're having this discussion. Why didn't we last? I think I' I've shared my my concerns all along the timeline on this. I've had concerns all along that I thought we needed a year from the inception of this to putting something on the ballot. So, I mean I No, it's fine. It's fine. But I

074told you and Chris have put a lot of time and effort into this and I I get it. And I don't think anyone is saying you've done a bad job or anyone is trying to say It's it's I think it's just our our concern with the timeline. We want this to be successful. We want our community to be informed and um so I I guess that was my initial question. So we we started the the two step of the resolutions early in case there were issues in case there were we didn't wait till like the two months right before it's due in July. Um what if we have the facility committee meet lay out that what the bond levy team would plan and we could always bring it back next month but there's plan there's

075still time I mean what that would have to be done next I have to yeah so our next our next meeting is late J uh late late June um so we' have to be there council would say we could do a special meeting up until it's really correct. I'm not suggesting I'm just saying maybe we bring the facility back together the community feels is that is five months enough or is a year enough? Yeah. And it's interesting because I in my mind it's it's like two distinct phases like the work that the community group did knowing that like we're going to plan this out for you know nine or 10 months and we're going to take it slow and break it in so so people have a really good understanding of what this is and

076everything that goes into it and they can process it and digest it and talk to people and then what comes out of it is coming from that group. Right. which you said it it really changed it based on where we thought we were a year ago, right? And then we changed our work. And then in my mind, it's like okay, that is the the critical first phase. That's the what it's defining the like what are we going to do? What is it that's the right fit for the community and then it's a second phase of now how are we going to accomplish that? But like the actual doing it then. So that's where in my mind like I'm find and because I've known Jod has said all along like try to get a year try

077to get a year I'm comfortable with less than a year but coming up on like four or five months that makes me a little nervous and only because I want whoever is going to be on that committee I want to position I want to give them as much time to be as effective as they want to be. But I agree like drawing it out too long. And I guess I I just want to say I like in my mind it's it's not a divert. It's not a change the plan. It's not that kind of a thing. It's like this is you all have defined what it is we're going to do and what is the best fit. It's how do we get the how done effectively in my mind. So by that is it more

078of that? So you're saying have the group come back together prior to the next board? I'm just trying to find a middle ground here. But is the group coming back together as like a levy group talking strategy and that I know that's I mean it gets really gray really fast of what we can be part of. That's why we haven't had more of a robust discussion about it in that committee of other than designating the leaders and them getting an out. It sounds like we're not necessarily talking anymore about like tweaks to the plan. It's how do we market the plan? And that to me is a levy community that Mike and I for sure can't be part of. Uh legal guidance would say that board members outside of a board meeting are like private

079residents, private citizens. So they could be more engaged than what we can be. Um I find a little bit different. I think for us we're not saying for but like how the reason for that and I think, you know, is so right. You're right. You can't know how to reach that position. But I think as a as a voter, I'd like to see, you know, successful, you know, at some point you or more. But that's really for us now to education school. I mean I I don't know what if this can be salvaged quickly and just you know like a quick tweak. I don't know what takes like what the shelf length is for the calculations right and then at what point does it recalculate um all the stuff they give you so far it's

080based on the calendar year. It is I mean and a lot of it's just calculations right so they'll reset the rates next January and then it'll say it's 5 million more and until we have every design done and you know TRS and I do it in those plans you don't know that that number um for sure all estimate at this point If there's talk of a resolution for not a resolution for the bond, but it was resolution for the scope of work for the project. Is there a way for us? I think this action item is this specific document right for November 25. So then we would have to take a vote on it, turn it down. This is pulled out. Yeah, we could table it. Yeah. Um I after this is if it were

081hypothetically if it were to be voted on and passed um it's not wouldn't even be official until I send it off to the board of elections to be certified. So it could be one of those things where and I'm not telling you what to do but you could pass it. I not send it until maybe or we can table it for next month. Um I think both would be options. So, this says have to have this to the Erie County Board of Elections no later than July 29th for the number for the November 4th election. But what we're talking about is March. So, that date would have to change. Correct. Yes. Yes. I'm assuming Well, potentially the cost, like Chris said, the cost of the project would be probably reassessed. Um, check see about rates

082and then the dates obviously. This discussion is probably enough if we want to I think people just wanted to know like we were we put the two resolutions as a a guide for like immediate for November like yeah, we're going to be on November's ballot. We need to get everything going. But I don't if we're just saying, "Yeah, we like this idea, this project, then it's probably enough to get people back together on it." I mean, I don't the board of election. anything about timing for me. That's all. Move to item number 10. This is a motion to go into executive session for the reason of the appointment, deployment, dismissal, discipline. Promotion, demotion or compensation of an employee or official for the investigation of charges or complaints against official or student unless such individual requests.

083Anticipate action after we've got three more. I'm sorry. We will be back after Mrs. Hartley. Yes. Mrs. Hers. Yes. Dr. Lefay. Yes. Mr. Ragger. Yes. Mrs. Mass. Yes. Thank you. like I remember having to work many hours. Yeah, but the material of the time is right. All right, you're back. Um so the next item under board discussion and action is letter A is investigative services. So Venice Solutions Group is a private investigating investigation service. Um they can provide service with investigating complaints and uh help relieve that administrative burden or the investigative burden off the administrative staff and also serve as a outside third party neutral uh entity. Um there questions any other discussion just looking for a motion. Do we need a motion to say yes, we want to hire Venice? Okay. Um, I'll make

084a motion that the uh Heron City Schools employ Venice Solutions Group for invest investigatory purposes. Second. Um, Mrs. Mass. Yes. Mr. Ragger, yes. Dr. Lefay, Mrs. Henners, yes. Mrs. Hartley, yes. And item B is a student safety work session. So, at the last at the special meeting, the board talked about asked a motion to hold a uh work session sometime in June or July with the topic being the focus on student safety. both student on student and student on staff. Uh so I I guess I'd like to use tonight's um meeting to just learn more from the board about what's really like what is a little more detail on what's the focus of that work session so that as we prepare materials and agenda um we come ready so that we meet your expectations uh

085and then go from there. Are we thinking of employing somebody to come in and present this to the board and then we from that presentation we come up with student safety plan or are we coming up with this ourselves? So I work for a large employer educational employer. We have mandated trainings every year. These are all done through a platform online. Um there's title nine, there's workplace safety, there's preventing sexual violence. Uh it is at your own pace. It's you log in much like you just did with the other one about the cyber security. Um so I'm familiar with that type. It's been effective for for me. Um so I would encourage and I'm sure that there are things out there like that that wouldn't require staff members get trained in something specific and for

086one person I'm sure they're not chief um but I know that there are some platforms out there. I think mine I would love to see not just our staff um I would love to see something for students that they go through and have the opportunity to learn and then I think it would be really great to have something for parents. Um, I know in the past when we the district has tried to do things for parents about internet safety and things like that, it can be mixed, but I think that there can be ways and you know the Department of Education for Ohio may have I I think there was something that was developed and I'm not clear if it's for staff or for families, but I think it's really important for everybody kind of

087understand the baseline like understand what the professional code of conduct is for our educators. um you know what what expectations should they have for how um professionals conduct themselves? Uh what are appropriate boundaries? And in a small town that's really hard things we talked about before, but I think for some things I think it can help delineate those for the students and also for for the parents who are interested in in learning those things. Yeah, it could be into any adult volunteers. Yeah, I go even a step further than than that. when you think about like um volunteers that that we have control over and then people have access to our kids that we don't and maybe even watching like can we identify maybe where we have some blurry line and you know while we

088may not necessarily have the ability to background check or get pe you know people activity um permits for those folks we can control who gets to come certain places on our property or during certain events, right? Um, so it may be that that we just need to tighten up some of our order for lack of a better word in that in that regard. Yeah. And I, you know, I volunteer as a chaperone to drive for the Catholic school for field trip. I can't do that unless I've taken the online learning about how to keep kids safe. So there are certain institutions, I know there's one that's been mentioned before by an athletic parent for coaching and for athletic environment. So I know that they're out there um and maybe some are appropriate for certain for

089certain populations of students. I think the key is and I guess James to kind of answer your specific question which is like you know how do you build prepare is you know I think this will work when we're all students parents employees like working off like a simple and aligned program for lack of a better word or speaking the same language. we maybe learn different things because maybe only certain things are pertinent to certain populations, but it's like it's a unified approach. Um, and so I don't know what that is, who has the best practice for that. I feel like we're not inventing fire. Somebody's probably already done this homework well. Um, and you know, our our job is to kind of like find it and then figure out how do we, you know, make

090it make it work here in in her. But I that's what I would envision is like some sort of unified program standard model and then you know we figure out how to drive it to the different populations. I think online's a great option. I don't think everybody learns like this cowgirl does not learn well in an online learning and I think a lot of parents or maybe students it might be a mix of some train the trainer some online you know to reach people where where they are and where they get some and then you know where do we get where do we already have opportunities um with parents with students that we can build this into so maybe it's like beginning of the year kind of stuff maybe it's you know um student assembly,

091something like that. But so that everybody walks away knowing what their rights and responsibilities and and really like where like you said like what is and isn't generally okay. We know that there's always going to be pushing of those boundaries, but it's nice to be able to find where our hard lines missing. What will be our measurables though from doing something like this? How will we know that the survey this is this has been this has been well and that will it be I don't know I mean I think you can do online classes you can do you can verbally tell somebody you can't do that but they're still going to do it then we can refer back to the training policy you for this is like a hard reset, right? Like like and we

092know that we're going up against a history where lines have been blurred maybe what's okay like has been unclear um but even you know past boards of past administration has been unclear. So this is a hard reset. Um, and then I think it's really easy easier to hold people accountable to the line when it's really clear that Yeah. And I think the students, you know, I think in my experience, students do a really good job when you give them the information and empower them. Um, and then they can support one another when somebody is saying something, but they're like, "Hang on a second." You know, it's are you okay? and and kind of check in with each other about that um and be able to identify where there might be some um points of tension

093that maybe needs to get a little bit of intervention and where do they go with that? Do we have a I'm embarrassed? Yes. Do we have like a um like a reporting line that like if we have a consult? Do we like we market that to let's figure on the school board he would know about that? I it's on the website. I believe it's in student handbooks. Should be posted in offices and counselor's offices, cafeteria, things like that. It's the state of Ohio's safer school hotline and so anonymous calls could be made. Uh I believe they pick emails too and then they direct it back to the school district of origin. Um so that's a way for an anonymous have you can leave your name but um but yeah so we're part of that. Um

094there is a legislative code that requires us to have some sort of mechanism like that and the state of Ohio provides that one. uh when they first started offering it, it was not that well done, but now it's well monitored and um we get calls. Um they they assess the the complaint and if it's like an emergency and it's 2 o'clock on a Wednesday night, they don't call us. They call the local law enforcement to like a claim of self harm. Um if it's like a claim of bullying, they'll call us the next day or send us the email the next day to say, "Hey, here's what came in. here's they identified your school. Um, take action. So, um, it is more responsive. It when they first started it was like two months later you

095got this thing. It's like okay well that was no help. So, but it is much better to our point about this project that's something we could highlight in. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I'm thinking too like existing trainings and then uh considering where do we have gaps where do we where do we need to expand training where do we maybe need to do something totally different review of the code of conduct would be good uh that's set by the um Ohio's office of professional conduct and I would say most educators are aware that it exists but could they tell you three of the nine tenants maybe not right so um having a better uh working knowledge of that would be good. Um, so talk in our work session talking about that and how we can communicate

096it out. And you're right, uh, when staff come back for the new school year in August, um, there is an opportunity there for like a full day of PD, uh, they do like some set up your room time. So, um, balancing, you know, what we need to get done with what they want to get done, um, would happen. But yeah, we can work on that sort of at our work session. we can work on those potential agenda ideas uh for that return to work staff day that all staff were in. So you remember when it was not this school opening but it must have been the previous year you had a gentleman come in from the law firm and he did a incredible presentation on title n what it is what it isn't how you

097report it how long it takes. I thought it was very informative and it was title N for those who aren't in law. It was very understandable. I don't know if there would be something like that for a PD in the opening of school that someone could come in and say this is what purp this this is that. Yes. I would say that was my first year in the district. Um and um coming in I was aware of concerns about conduct and uh understanding boundaries and specifically with title 9 and mis m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss m miss mis uh application of title

098nine regulations. So yeah, we had the legal counsel come in and present. Uh I I thought he made it like um title N for dummies kind of like understandable, right? Yep. And at least he you left there with at least enough information that if something was going on, you'd pause and say, I I need to find out more from like a supervisor or uh you know, go study myself more about this title N to like dig into this kind of idea. So, it's not going to cover every scenario and every possibility, but it's going to make you more aware and sensitive. So, if you're presented with a concern, um, you're going to take it for what it is and not brush it off as I got to focus on instruction. I don't have time for

099that. Thinking of two pieces of legislation that I think are kind of newer, Aeron's law, which is to prevent and I don't that's mandated like curriculum or something, but I feel like this is part of that. So that's something that you would come to us and say and this is what it is and this is where we do it with where we um have that education piece with students. Um so for us to be able to understand what that looks like. Um there is a new grooming law um in the state of Ohio. So it is going to look at the conduct of people who are grooming minors differently and that there are criminal penalties for that now and that's a new law that is separate. Aaron's law is about the education So now there's

100criminal code about bringing not just outright abuse enough to work with you're going to help me. And I think what we envision there is like nothing like heavy like I'm a lawyer and even I only want to sit with the law so long right. you know that our policies sometimes are like brutally written in a way that if you could say in six words they use you know 600 like I think what we're looking for is definitely more in that minds of what's accessible high level like easy to understand because we don't need people to be lawyers or experts we just need people to be able to like flag issues spot behaviors and then know what to do with them right I mean as a community that really should be what success looks like. Yeah.

101So, tell me about like an online platform. So, we use public school works for training. Okay. So, are you thinking in terms of um we're on the um mandate rotation if you will when we work with our um lovely person with our accounts. We don't do that annual this is what's due this year for all staff. your rotation rotation. So, are you thinking um in addition to those videos that we watch and that we do or um would that be something that we would roll those videos off to accomplish? I don't know what those videos are, but I think if we have a work session, I think that's the kind of thing for you to say these are the things we're already doing. And then, you know, for us to say because I'm coming from

102my perspective of like what I as a staff member and a mandated title N reporter, what I see and so what helps my understanding. So, you may have something that is similar to that already and then can say, "Okay, we we've got that checked off." Um I don't I don't know what is done currently but I I think that's the work session is a place to talk about that and share ideas if there's a way to identify like that gold standard or something benchmarkable whether you need to get some help to do that. I mean I'm not saying you guys know what's the best one out there but um you know a lot of us referenced in previous discussion like I worked with scouts and they changed their program I think three times in nine

103years to try to keep getting better. um churches and um you mentioned your you know employment right now um and I think anybody in a large company has you know all those videos and stuff like that. So but like you know what's kind of benchmarkable in schools so um maybe a little bit of education for us and what you do currently like you just said is is great that goes along with that. So especially when we sorry when when we change like a policy like two weeks ago on minor changes or big changes in uh um you know like kind of policy or things like that. How does that get besides an email out to staff? How does that get you know re-educated too? I wonder if there's you know from like a measure or

104I wonder if that's something that we um like I think of in a corporate you have a board of directors and there's different committees and the board of directors but like you usually have to report out of like your ethics and compliance and harassment and all of that. Not specifically necessarily but like aggregate, right? And so I wonder if there's a process and I want to give this some thought and but like is there a process whereas a board and administration we have that kind of um regular cadence of you know here's the here's the things we did to prevent um here's maybe like x amount of complaints you know and then these ones required discipline action just like aggregate types of numbers because right now we don't really and I guess we don't really

105keep a baseline, right? I think it's bullying is the only mandated report. Bullying is mandated twice a year and then restraint restraint and seclusion is mandated once a year. So, and I mean obviously we would want to be thoughtful about how we do that and connect but I think if we did it like in an aggregate as opposed to specific case by case might might give us a little bit more information. Well, the only hard thing, right, is is driving a number and ideally a lower number is better. Making sure that we have the culture behind it that you know for in the beginning at least that number may go up as people understand and identify behaviors. Um, and so there's more reporting and then ideally you can get to a point where it's not

106that things are being not taken and not reported, but it's that really there's there are fewer reports coming out The reporting system works, right? You would always expect somebody to be reporting something, right? We'll just have to figure out a date, but we can do a doodle or something. Yeah, it sounds like we're trying to angle it to that we have whatever action that you could be able to roll it out at least begin for PG in August. So, so I'd say the date would be like June. June or July. Yeah, maybe. Yeah, thank you. Uh, yeah, but wait, there's more. 11C is the third reading of the policy J EFB, which is the release for religious instruction. Uh, we've, this is our third meeting where we're reviewing the policy. There's been robust discussion amongst

107the board. I think uh my assessment is the board wants to get it right. So, it's clear for all parties, those interested in participating, those not. Um, talking uh with legal with legal counsel, they reminded me that um it had to it was supposed to be in place by April 9th. And so, uh we're technically in violation of the statute. So, one suggestion was that um again we've read it three times now is that uh the board picks one of these three either the base sample version one or version two uh puts it in place and then if continued discussion wants to happen we're at least not in violation of uh the statute. Um so that's what I'm presenting to you today. But I want to make clear that we understand this is state law

108that the rights are protected and that the district did release children when requested. Yes, we did. Yes. So we comply with state law. This is our policy that we need to enact today just to find detail that. So I mean having policy is included in the state law but the other elements of like people actually benefiting from the allowance was done. Yes. Yes. Um so the base sample is what OSB provides us. Version one is what we looked at uh I believe last month and then version two had I think one additional based on the discussion we had last month uh which was number five the individual receiving the release students must be listed as emergency contact on each participating student. So um we've been saying that's the expectation but now the policy makes it

109clear that's required. Think so. Yeah. So someone motion to adopt policy sample version one version two and then but there could be more discussion about that one number five for version two. So the individual receiving so is that supposing that it is a single person that's coming each time to get and so and that one person is listed on an emergency contact or is it more like an organization? How did that would be a individual's name? So um our system allows you to put in up to 11 emergency contacts. So, if a group that's running the release for religion instruction has two or three hosts or whatever they call them, um they could have parents list all three in their emergency contacts. Um but that that's actually an attendance policy where you know if you

110send uncle up to get him, well, we need to know that he's allowed to take him. So, um, it's just confirming it within the policy where if someone's reading just this policy, they would see that they don't have to travel over to other policies to get that clarification. Y, but no, they can't just put a group. They have to put a person who's responsible for that. Okay. Yes. Questions? I'd like to make a motion that the board accept um release time for religious instruction policy number two. Second. Uh Mrs. Mass. Yes. Mrs. Hartley. Yes. Mrs. Henners. Dr. Lefay. Mr. Regger. Yes. Um I do have a followup question. We talked in the fall about the core. Do we need to define the core classes so they don't uh if we want to have um music

111arts or anything defined as a core class? Would we have to do something to change that wording in our policy? Sorry, I didn't have time to go look for it. We could table it for next time. I mean, like I said, we could continue to talk about this, but um student is not absent from but you want to know we have to like specifically say what our and I know the the current group's intention was not to do that but this is open for any group in any time frame so we did talk about yes so if someone called me tomorrow and said hey what are your core curriculum subjects I would say anytime a student's in a class that gets a letter grade that's a core subject so lunch recess you don't get a

112letter art, gym, music, you do. So, grades get letter grades. Well, I should say a report or a grade. Sorry, I shouldn't say. No, I was thinking that, but it but it's also I think things like statemandated curriculum, right? If there's certain things that the state says state standards. Yes. that they get out. That is a letter. That is a great with an S like an ad. I think you're you're right to say this. We're not designing this one specific request designed. Are we can add an addendum that says any class that receives a grade or as part of state All right. Do we have any we have any business joking? has a few things. I'm just teasing. We do have a second executive session. Uh motion to go into executive session for the reading

113of appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official or the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee, official or student. Unless such individual requests a public hearing. Dr. Lefay, Mrs. Henners, Mr. Reagger, Mrs. Hartley. Yes. Mrs. Mask. Yes.