001Good evening and welcome to the regular Board meeting of Akran public schools May 26, 2026. Roll call, please. Mr. Bower. >> Miss Hall, >> present. >> Reverend Harrison, >> present. >> Mr. Gerros, >> present. >> Miss Kelly, >> present. >> Dr. Molinar, >> present. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> here. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> present. Please stand with us for the pledge of allegiance. >> I aliance 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. Is there a motion to approve the regular board meeting minutes for May 11, 2026? >> So moved by member Jeros. Is there a second? >> Second by member Kelly. Thank you. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none, uh, the treasurer
002will call the role. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the special board meeting minutes for May 18th, 2026? >> So moved. So moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second by member Gerose. Any discussion hearing in seeing none, the treasurer should call the role. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Jeros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molnar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. There are requests to speak before the board.
003Mr. McGomery, would you call the first individual, please? >> Uh, yes, Madam President. First up is Jennifer Boswell. >> Thank you. As you come, would you please uh announce your full name and the group, if any, that you are with? >> Good evening. Uh, my name is Jennifer Boswell and I'm here with Mom's Demand Action. Uh, President Sykes, members of the board, members of the administration, and fellow members of the public, my name is Jennifer Boswell, and as a local leader of Mom's Demand Action, I'm part of a grassroots organization that advocates for public safety measures to reduce gun violence and also works in our communities to encourage responsible gun ownership. We are coming up on National Gun Violence Awareness Day on Friday, June 5th and Wear Orange weekend on June 5th, 6th, and 7th.
004Wear Orange began as a commemoration for Hadia Pendleton, a student in Chicago who was shot and killed on a playground in 2013, one week after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade. Gun violence has been the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 17 since 2020. Children are victims of community violence, suicide, unintentional shootings, and family violence. A new study published just one week ago in the Open Journal of American Medical Association found that 6.7 million children in the United States live in homes where at least one firearm is loaded and unlocked and that this problem has worsened over the past 10 years. Preventing child and adolescent access to firearms is the most effective way to reduce child suicide by firearm and unintentional shootings by children. In Summit County, 18 children and young
005adults ages 0 through 25 died by suicide in 2025 and nine in that age group have died by suicide so far this year. In the last few days, we also learned about a troubling increase in deaths linked to domestic violence with eight eight domestic violence related homicides in Summit County in 2025 compared to two in 2024. Too often, access to firearm leads to death and injury that could have been prevented if there was simply additional time to slow down an acute situation in order to get help. For families in which one or more members are struggling with intense feelings of depression, anger, or hopelessness, please consider storing firearms outside of the home until the situation improves. Also remember that you can access the crisis hotline at 988. I'd like to conclude by inviting everyone present
006to participate in National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend by wearing an orange ribbon that I have for you today. Please wear them the weekend of June 5th, 6th, and 7th in remembrance of those killed, injured, or in any way affected by gun violence. I hope you and all of your families and all of Akran students and their families have a safe and happy summer. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I don't know the best way to distribute. >> Just just pass it around. Be fine. Thank you. We appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. McGomery. Would you call the next witness? >> Uh, next up we have Richard Gibson. >> Thank you. The next speaker, not the next witness. Uh, so I just want to say um >> I should have also said that
007we appreciate you not taking more than three minutes. However, if you happen to go over, you will not be interrupted. We will we'll continue until you finish your sentence for sure. I appreciate you being here. Go ahead. >> Well, trust me, I'll try to be brief. >> Thank you. >> Um so, my name is Richard Gibson. I'm the executive director of Students with a Goal, also known as the Akan SWAG program. um we work with ACRA students across um the core areas of academics, mentorship as well as leadership development. I came here to just wanted to come and learn more about board processes. But the next thing is last time I stood in front of this podium. It was nearly two years ago when I took over the role as executive director of students with
008a goal and I sat there urged through this committee about supporting nonprofit and grassroot organizations. I will say that within those two years we have seen an increase in student enrollment with us serving 144 students for the year 2024 to 2025 and nearly 180 students for 2025 to 2026. We have also led and ended our year with a program average of a 2.8 GPA and with the hopes of taking our students to Washington DC um from June 9th to June 12th. We also have five graduating seniors from our program with all of them actually receiving well three of them full rides scholarships two to Kin State, one to University of Akran as well as we have one that actually got his job that he wanted to detail cars and the other one going to a
009trade. So I again wanted to report that because I feel like we always come here to this committee asking for support but never reporting back on those result results. So our organization has been thriving. I see a lot of familiar faces up here in front of me as well as behind me. And I want to say thank you to individuals in this committee for supporting our organization as I came into the leadership within these two years as well as thank you for the individuals behind me for addressing barriers such as our meals assistant for our students as well as transportation. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Mr. Montgomery, would you call the next speaker, please? Uh >> yes. Next we have Brandy Vickers. Thank you. If you could uh say your full name
010and the organization that you're with. Good evening, Superintendent Outly, President Sykes, and board members. My name is Brandy Vickers with Buckeye Logistics and Transit. Um, tonight I'm asking you, Superintendent Outley, and this board to step back and truly examine not only this proposed contract, but the pattern surrounding Buckeye Logistics and Transit. From the beginning, before Buckeye was formed, administration strongly advocated for a single vendor transportation model. We were told consolidation was the answer. One company would create efficiency, accountability, and stability for the district. The moment Buckeye was created, a company built specifically for APS, suddenly the idea of a single primary provider no longer seemed acceptable. That contradiction has been difficult for us to ignore. Buckeye only exists because APS stated there was a state mandate requiring independent van drivers to form a company for
011liability and compliance purposes. We answered that request because we wanted to continue serving Akran students and preserve the jobs of drivers who dedicated over 55 years to transporting APS children safely. The board then established Buckeye as the primary vendor. That designation mattered. It was not symbolic. It was the foundation upon which we built this company, secured insurance, created compliance systems, and committed ourselves to fully serving this district and its students. Now, under the administration's proposed cluster contract, Buckeye stands to lose 16 out of 26 elementary schools, three out of six middle schools, and three out of six high schools. That's not a minor adjustment. That's a >> Excuse me, Miss V. So, I don't have my gavvel, and so I'm just going to say, let's let's not talk so much about a contract. Uh I
012I uh we want to make sure that we're not we're in we're in the contract season now. So we can only say so much. So you're getting counter into the particulars that we cannot speak about. >> Okay. We don't want to lose half of our work. >> Okay. >> We want to continue to remain to be the primary vendor for um APS. Our company was solely created for this particular situation. Um, we have over 175 drivers. The other vendor only has 45. So, >> okay. So, we're kind of getting into >> Sorry. Um, I don't really know how to say what >> Well, that's the issue. It's just very difficult to talk about contracts during public meetings like this. uh when you end negotiation with the administration over contracts. >> Okay. Um our concern and
013it has always been just the division of the work. >> Okay. >> Um that's kind of all I can really say. Um what I will say is that our loyalty has remained with APS and not any other district. Um, we've tried to donate back into the school system to let you guys know that we are trying our best to help APS. Um, and since we have been the primary provider, we were told that um, attendance went up 10%. >> I can't say that either. >> Let's not get into those particular. >> Okay. So, I I pretty much have to stop cuz we're >> Okay. All right. So, noted. So we understand. Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh Madame President, there's one other name, Andrea Morton. >> Okay. Hello. Hello. I'm Andrea Morton um with Buckeye
014Logistics and Transit. So, I'm just going to just do a couple of little bullet points. Um finishing where Brandy left off and this is not contractual uh information, but um just so you guys know like Buckeye Logistics and Transit, you know why we were formed, you know why we're here, and you know why we're fighting. I think everyone knows that at this point. Um we have reinvested over $20,000 back into the community. Um 10,000 went to Project Rise alone to help support the students that we transport. We are passionate about this. We were um can't say that. Um okay, let me skip to something else. Um, we just want equal treatment and we do feel like we've been basically um harassed a little bit. We It's It's not been a fair situation, but I I'll
015say that we've stayed committed. These drivers that we have with Buckeye, they're not just drivers that were just hired. some, but over a hundred of our drivers have been here for years and years and years, and we don't want to have to come up here every year to fight for our jobs. And just like when you have to make cuts with teachers, right? Everyone can't stay. And if we have the capability to do the work, we should be allowed to do the work. We were told last year that we came >> not get into the details of the contract and what you was told about. >> Okay. All right. I apologize. >> Yeah. I want you to be able to say what you can say, but at the same time, you know, we we're you
016know, you're not permitted to speak on matters that's dealing with the uh >> the contract. Contract. >> Gotcha. Okay. I apologize. Um, so I guess my my our big thing is like have we not earned the trust of APS all of these years? I just I I'm I'm I'm not understanding why we are still I'm not going to say that. See, I'm reading your face. All right. Okay. So, here's what we're going to do. We're going to regroup. >> All right. We're going to make sure that nothing we speak about is of contractual information and we'll come back. But thank you for having me. Appreciate you guys. >> Always welcome. You're always welcome. >> That is all of our speakers. Madam President Swag's transportation too. >> Thank you. Uh superintendent report. >> Thank you, Madame
017President. I would like to welcome everyone here this evening as we share some very exciting news for our community. Tonight, I want to take a moment to celebrate a massive win for the district, our schools, and most importantly, our students. Recently, the state awarded us $1.7 million in supplemental school improvement funds to support literacy and math. However, some of you may know that these funds came with very strict compliance strings attached, making them incredibly difficult to deploy effectively. Our leadership team refused to let this stand in the way. We designed a major strategy to invest these dollars directly into our greatest asset, our people. Specifically, by supporting our instructional coaches and earning their credentials through the rigorous Ohio assessment for educators taking their foundation of reading assessment. I am thrilled to announce that our coaches
018stepped up to the challenge. Not only did they step up to the challenge, but they passed the exam and now they are fully credentialed. So, this was a massive collaborative effort and I just want to take a moment to extend some deeply deserved thank yous. First to Dr. Tuan Dengwin, our literacy leader. This milestone is a direct reflection of the years of her unwavering support that she has poured into our coaches in shaping their deep foundational understanding of literacy. We also thank her for connecting us with Lisa Lynhard at the University of Akran who has also supported us in the past with our third grade reading guarantee and the assessments that our teachers had to take at that time. Janette Nativio and Sharon Pisker for their seamless coordination in arranging that vital professional development was
019provided and Pat Ship and Michael Harkness for hosting an informative webinar with our A.E.A. members to help champion this opportunity. and also Keith Liy and Chrissy Sims for working directly with the Department of Education and Workforce to think outside the box and to help navigate us through these bureaucratic hurdles. So, at this time, we do have some of our coaches present and we would like to present them with a certificate. All right. So yes, while they cannot all be here with us, I'd love to read the name so you can hear who these individuals are. Perhaps they're cooking dinner, taking care of their families, and watching us from home. Uh so the first instructional coach is Sarah Bailey from Higher Middle School. And then we have Kite Boatfield from Bdull CLC, Rebecca Butler from the
020I Promise School, Dr. Summer Carol from Elllet High School and Bridges uh learning center, Carrie Kleó from Betty Jane CLC, Jennifer Cooper from Inis CLC, Holly Datic from Pyer and Windermir CLC, Kim Edmonston from Mason and Portage Path, and Dr. Michelle Jones from Jennings Middle School who is here with us tonight. >> Stay right up here because we'll probably grab a picture. We have Deborah Mr from Finley CLC. >> Janette Nativio who is our lead and supports all of our new and veteran coaches. Sharon Pisker who's our district uh ELA. She's here this evening. I see you Dr. Wyn. you can come on up. Uh Toby Ly Clifford at Hatton CLC, Reagan Straer from David Hill CLC, and Shanoa Brown Thornton from Krauss CLC who's not here. So, thank you for for being here with
021us today. This is an incredible opportunity for us to um add flexibility to our Title One dollars. So being able uh the board is familiar how we sometimes swap our federal funds. So to be able to transfer them from title one funds to these SSI funds gives greater flexibility to our principles to provide greater student programs, afterchool programs, supplemental reading and math teachers and so much more. So thank you again for stepping up. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Can we do a picture with the superintendent? >> Not now. Fine. >> And our president. >> And the president. Yes. Everybody. Everybody. >> Yeah. Please. >> Thank you. >> Well, I would suggest if you would come stand here and all of our board members would come here. >> All right. Congratulations. Uh oh. Let me stand
022up. So if you guys kind of like go in between, it'll work really nicely if you do in between. So if >> maybe >> I like the chair. It hides a multitude of sins. Stop it. >> I love it. >> Okay. And then if the treasurer would move over just a little right there. Right there. That'll be perfect. Get out. That works out great. Okay. All right, >> ready, go. >> Everybody say hooked on phonics. >> Hooked on phonics. >> On mine, I want you to say hooked on Phoenix. One. Okay, nobody's laughing, too. >> That's why that was about >> She always come up with something. >> She just didn't give us time to process and then laugh. a hook on Phoenix >> and I would um the next part of my presentation is
023around our calamity days this year. You know, we've moved from the state moved from days to hours and so we did have one elementary school that was impacted by this shift. And so Betty Jane CLC just their kindergarten students need to make up 165 minutes. And so we collaborated with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to make sure we understood how this was to be done, what was allowable. And also uh the staff at Betty Jane and the students, kindergarten students only will report for a half day on Friday, May 29th to make up their missed hours. Also, this Thursday, May 28th, is our last day of school for students. As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to wish all of our students and families a safe, fun, and relaxing summer
024break. Take time to enjoy your family, explore new experiences, and make great memories. Students, don't forget to keep new to keep reading over the summer. We It is very important that we do not go the whole summer without staying on top of our literacy skills. So, please make sure you enjoy the library and we also have summer programming. Parents, if you have not registered your student, please visit our website at akranpublicschools.com for more information about our summer expanded learning opportunities. And this evening, we would like to say congratulations to our graduates of ECLC who will be crossing the stage around 7 o'clock. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Madam Superintendent. Are there any questions, comments, remarks from any members of the board? >> Hearing none and seeing none, we'll go to the treasurous report.
025>> Thank you, Madam President. I have two items tonight. >> I'd like to start off with >> something the finance department earned this past school year, which is the auditor of state award. I just wanted to mention that we work hard and they dropped this off so there wasn't really a photo opportunity but I would like to pass around if you'd like to take a look at that. >> All right. >> The award um it reflect reflects exemplary recordke keeping. Um it's a recognition given to local governments, school districts and public entities that achieve a clean financial audit report issued by the audit of state's office. It honors public entities that demonstrate a strict commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent financial tracking. So, I thought I'd mention that tonight. That's a very uh good honor
026for the finance team. They work hard and I'm very proud of them for all that they do. Um, I also have the April monthly financial report. It should come up on the screen here. In your packet, I've actually given you three reports. You have the regular financial uh report. Uh it's several pages long. We have a newer appropriations report I'm working on with the finance committee that eventually we'll be talking about more in these meetings. Um, >> there we go. I think I pushed the button too quick. So, okay. So, this is our April numbers. So, through the month of April, we are um 83.33% of the year through the year through the fiscal year. Um over in column A you can see that so far this year to date we have received 338.7 million
027in revenue and other financing sources. Uh down towards the bottom you can see that we have received or spent about 312.3 million in expenditures and other financing uses. Um and down at the very very bottom you can see that in row 6.01 1 is showing us that after our April revenue and expenditure activity, we're predicting that we'll end the fiscal year with 8.1 in deficit spending, which is an improvement. Our August forecast actually was uh projecting that we would have 10.4 million in deficit spending this year, but we've made up some of that ground. Um, our projected cash balance at the end of June is now 81 million, which would be 2.2 million higher than our February forecast as well. So, we're continuing to show some progress. Uh, we're continuing to monitor this and we'll
028have, you know, we have just a couple more months and we'll have have the actual numbers nailed down. And that's all I have. >> Thank you, treasurer. Are there any questions for the treasurer comments? Hearing none and seeing none, is there a motion to approve the resolution for the April 2026 finance report? >> So moved by member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Second by member Montgomery. I'm sorry by member Gerro. Um any discussion hearing? None. And seeing none, the treasurer shall call the role. >> Mr. Derose? >> Yes. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. Thank you, treasurer. Uh are you going to go over the resolution for
029the uh destruction or just earlier the committee met the uh the committee to look at records that could be destroyed and it was a recommendation that we accept the list of those records. So is there a motion to approve the resolution for records destruction? >> So moved by Mr. Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second. Hearing a second by member Hall there. Any uh discussions, any comments? Hearing none and seeing none, the treasure should call the role. >> Mr. Derose? >> Yes. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Dr. Moler? >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgomery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sykes? >> Yes. >> Miss Hall? >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. 70. >> Thank you. We'll go into Finance and Capital Management Committees for the committees report. Thank you, Madam President. >>
030The Finance and Capital Management Committee met on May the 20th at 6:30 in this boardroom. We received finance updates from the treasurer, uh, including the April finance report, the debt rating process for the North High School project, as well as the arbitrage, potential arbitrage update for the Piper Miller South project. On the capital management side, we received updates on the three major active projects with the Book Press box, Piper Miller South, and North High School. Several items were referred to the rules committee at their June 1st meeting. Uh the next meeting of the committee will be June the 17th at 6:30. >> Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. Instructional Policies and Students Achievement Committee. >> Yes, Madame President. Uh the instructional policy and student achievement committee is scheduled to meet next Monday at 4:30 here in the
031Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. The topics for next week are going to be in board docs, but they will include um a discussion on I Ready and Transcend data along with four policies that uh once they are completed, they will be sent to the policy committee. Thank you, Vice Chair Molinar. Uh, legal and contracts committee. >> Yes, Chair J. Rose. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam President. The legal and contract committee met on May 20th at 4:30. We had an overview of over 55 contracts spanning from April through June. We also talked about the OSBA diligent platform which was recommended to the next rules committee. And that is our and our next meeting will be June 17th at 4:30 p.m. >> Thank you. All right. Policy committee chair Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. Madame
032President, the policy committee met uh May 4th. Um and during that meeting um we discussed a number of policies that are um currently in a revision process. Um we discuss administrative leave policy, the AI policy, artificial intelligence policy, our procurement policy, and our public complaint policy. Um with your permission, I would like to take um item 25.3 uh from new business and incorporate that into my report. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Um, we recently sent policy 8310, um, our public records policy to the rules committee and asked that it be put on this agenda and we are ready, um, to ask for approval of that policy, policy 838310. Um, our public records policy covers a um it it's a u current policy that is being re revised and uh I think it's a really robust
033policy now and it covers the definitions of a public record and public information the availability of records acknowledgements that we will send acknowledgements of the requests um what purpose we would deny a record or the reason for redactions. Um we have electronic communications how you can receive the records. Uh we also have incorporated in this particular policy um a clause to prohibit the evasive practices of not u creating a public records. We cover the fees um and board member access to public records. Um, I think that policy came through with the cooperation of the board and administration and I would ask that we would pass that policy. >> Thank you, Chair Harrison. Uh, is there a motion? There's a motion. So, is there a second? >> Second for member Jeros. Are there any comments, statements?
034Let me just say that it it was moved from the uh uh rules committee and it should have been on the uh I do not see it under new business but the >> 253. Okay. Yeah. Hearing no uh questions or comments, the treasurer will call the role. Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> 70. Motion carries. >> Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, our next policy committee meeting will be at 11:00 this Thursday, uh, May 28th, here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Um, that meeting will not be televised. Um, but it still is open to the public and we have a
035member joining uh, a member of the committee, Dr. uh, Renee Molnar will be joining virtually. So, the meeting is open to the public, but it will not be televised. Um I'm I'm not familiar with this under under what I'm not this is this is I'm not familiar with this. How are you having a meeting? >> We were having a meeting with the committee. There are some questions but the uh the majority of the committee the a quorum of the committee is meeting and so it has to be publicly noticed or >> but under what rule are you meeting without being present without if the majority of the under what rules are you meeting? I'm not familiar with this rule whereby the board members whereby the committees can meet remotely. What rule are we meeting under?
036I I need to know that rule is the attorney. Are you what? What rule? Yeah. I I don't know what rule gives us the authority to to meet in such a manner. Yeah. Uh 121.221 is a revised code section. Uh members, >> I need you to speak louder. >> Sorry. Yeah. >> So, yeah, this is this this need to be on record. I need >> adjust this. >> Uh the statute doesn't permit board members to attend virtually, right? >> So, uh there if there's a majority of the committee, >> they could meet >> attend in person, right? >> Yes. So um I guess I was ask I'm trying to understand the question. >> The question is how are you meeting with a board member? Is the board member going to just are you saying the
037board member would just watch the meeting >> as any public member could? you can can watch the meeting, but I'm not sure how the board member can legally participate in the committee meeting remotely. That's what I'm asking. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. And and I'll let them answer. >> Yeah. How that how that is happening. >> Yeah. >> You can try, but you're not an attorney, so I I want to hear the legal opinion here. >> Right. And I don't I don't know who recommended necessarily the solution but the solution from my gathering was given because the meeting could not be livereamed and so then it could not be watched on YouTube is what I heard >> and it cannot be a legal meeting with the member participating remotely. Committee members can only attend. >> I'm
038not an attorney, but from my understanding of the rules. Yeah. >> The members of the committee are required to attend in person because they're elected to their positions. >> Right. >> So, um, Chair Harrison, so so the committee can meet and would you have two members meeting? So, there still a a committee meeting with two members meeting. It's just that a member meeting remotely and participating is just not something that the rules will allow. >> Okay. No, I'm fine. I'll be here. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so this Thursday at 11 o'clock here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom uh from 11 to 12. >> Member Kelly, did you have something to add? >> Yes. Thank you, President Sykes. Um, Attorney Sepusk was reading off a uh code number. If we could, I
039want to make sure that I documented that correctly. If we could um uh give him permission to come to the podium to recite that number again so I can make sure that I documented it correctly. >> 8310. Is that what you made reference to? >> 8310 I believe was the policy that the board just approved. So the statute is 121.221 Ohio Revised Code. You want to say that again please so she can get mad >> president >> slower. Sorry. Yep. 121.221 Ohio Revised Code. I believe it's B5A little V. Don't quote me on that part, but I'm trying. >> And what is that heading, please? >> Ohio Revised Code section. >> Mhm. >> I'm not I don't want to I got the numbers right. I'm pretty sure. I don't want to if I can go
040back to my computer and quote that heading real quick for you. I apologize, Madam President. >> Yes. Because we tend, you know, I know we deal with numbers, but we want the public to know under what section you're quoting that from, as well as the members. >> Chapter 121, State Departments. Chapter 121, State Departments is listed. >> State Department. >> Yes. And that is the heading is under state department that says whether or not uh the board can meet remotely. >> Okay. >> Correct. It addresses when uh certain boards can meet and attend virtually. Uh but if a if a member is elected to their position, that's what the section that I had mentioned incorporates. They cannot attend virtually. So, does it say if the member is elected and paid? >> If the member is
041elected to their position. >> Okay. I think it says elected and paid, but Okay. But, uh, that's a section. >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. But in any case, so the policy committee will meet this Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in this uh boardroom and there will be present at least two members and I will be present. So you would have have exofficial member present. So it would be a legitimate committee meeting. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Thank you. That concludes my report. Madam President, >> thank you. a rules committee. Member Kelly. >> Thank you, Madam President. The rules committee met on May 18th at six at 5:30 p.m. where we went over a variety of um different agenda items to prepare us for tonight's regular school board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for June
0421st at 5:30 p.m. in its exact location. >> Thank you, member Kelly. Student Success Celebrations Committee. Thank you, Madam President. Um, Student Success Celebration Committee met on May 20th, 2026 at 5:30. Um, we celebrated uh, Firestone CLC um, for being selected um, receiving the Arts Special Dazzle Award nomination. Um they had three students, Maggie Bulman, who received best actress. Um nominee Jada Blackman, best supporting actress, and Van Warkey, best student, scenic design. Um we received these three nominations out of 44 schools. So congratulations, Firestone CLC. Yes. >> We also recognize our city champs. Bookto CLC boys bowling, Garfield CLC basketball, Elllet CLC girls basketball, Garfield CLC's wrestling, Elllet CLC girls bowling. So congratulations to those students for becoming city champs and representing Akran public schools. We also celebrated 22 students who enlisted in either the
043Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Army. So, congratulations to those students for just staying steadfast, not listening to the outside noise, knowing what they wanted to do with their life, and for their parents um support and their family support. Um that concludes my announcement. Our next meeting will be June 17th at 5:30 p.m. here at the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Thank you. Thank you, Chair Hall. Uh, approval of the consent agenda. There has been a request to remove item 11.3 from the consent agenda and to place on the regular agenda. The 11.3 item is administrative specialist for safety town. Is there any request to remove any additional items from the consent agenda? >> I'm sorry, Madam Chair. Can you repeat the item that we're removing right now? >> 11.3. >> Okay.
044>> Administrative specialist for safety town. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Hearing none and seeing none. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. Thank you. Member Gerro Roth. Is there a second? Second. >> Second uh by member uh Kelly. Uh is there any the treasure will call the role. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Dr. Molinar? >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgomery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sakes? >> Yes. >> Miss Hall? >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gerros. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. So, we'll go directly uh there's no unfinished business, so we'll go directly to new business and we'll take up the first item 11.3 administrative specialist for Safety Town. Member Gerro. >> Yes, Madam President. I did have a few questions and some
045comments about this item. Uh the first question I had was we currently have a day rate of $431 for two positions. >> So member Jerose, we first need a motion. So do you motion to approve or not approve or what what are you doing? >> The move would not to be not to approve item number 11.3. >> Motion not to approve 11.3. Is there a second? second >> for member hall for Okay, second. So we can at least discuss it. Go ahead. >> All right. Thank you, Madam President. So we see the item on the agenda has a daily rate of $431 not to exceed 30 days. Two positions. The first question I had was how many hours a day are these positions expected to work? Madam Superintendent, would you or one of your staff
046like to respond? >> Sure, if you don't mind. Uh Katrina Halasa is our lead for our safety town. We've been in partnership uh for seven years with um if you if she has permission to come forward and we can tag team on any questions that you have. >> Good evening everyone. I have to work on this microphone that keeps moving. All right. >> Your first question, please. >> Yes. The first question was, "How many hours a day are these positions expected to work?" >> Um, this is scheduled starting September, end of September, and it ends at the end of April, and it's three days a week. Usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday is when our partners can participate in this in this project. It's a full day. >> Okay. And then do these two positions
047work together at the same location or independently? >> Independently. >> Okay. Are the two current employees current AAN public school employees? >> Currently they are. Yes. >> Okay. Where do they work currently? >> One word. Would you like to answer that? >> So these are retired administrators and so they work as needed. And so these two particular employees run this program and so they work the schedule that's provided to them by Miss Halasa. >> Okay. May I ask why the daily rate seems to be so inflated? They're administrators. And the reason we need administrators to be part of this program is in the past our community members were taking on the brunt of it. And they could not do the programming. You have to be there all day. And in a case, for example, we've
048had this happen several times um throughout the years where another member cannot make it. And this person will substitute with um to be that person. So they run the entire program, manage the different students moving from one um there's two classes going on at the same time in two different areas. So they manage that process. In addition to that um I personally have done it uh when we were low on on things and it's a lot of work of moving parts as well as equipment. So they actually set up the equipment for the day. They talk to the teachers. They send out information. They communicate with the um also we have them communicate with the parents. We usually have some on call and those types of things. So there's multiple moving parts to this that
049we have. And so because our partners were unable to help move these things, they they begged us to bring somebody in to be supervising the whole process because each individual, for example, um the police do a certain part in the morning and then the fire do in the afternoon or somebody does it at different times of the day. I think fires in the morning now and um police department is in the afternoon. So they cannot um give somebody to us all day long in doing this program. >> Member Jurro. >> Okay. When I look at the $431 a day though for 30 days of work, if you were to annualize 431 days or $31 a day, that would be $112,000 a year if it were on a annual schedule. So is managing going from the
050fire department in the morning to the police department in the afternoon. Well, there's also >> six figure work. >> Well, it is more than just that. I mean, there are four partners that we work with. That's the fire department, the police department. We also have children's hospital. We also um and in the past, we used to have the pedestrians come and help us for walking. They um they no longer can do that. So, we do that. We actually um do that part. Nurses, we usually use them from our schools um and the nursing department. And we also have children's hospital injury and protection and they bring in um helmets for us as well. So everyone is putting in a price in here. If you want me to ask my partners how much they they are
051paying for their people to come, we could look at the whole entire program and it is a little probably you know everyone is contributing to that. So this is our contribution of having someone managing the program making sure it moves smoothly. We've been doing this for seven years. I piloted it to um at the beginning to see if it was even worth it. And to be honest with our kids, it is worth our kindergarteners who do not get the opportunity in the summer. So you could look at 200 or 300 students possibly being serviced. And in our system, it isn't even that many that participate. We now give 1,400 throughout the entire school year from September to the end of of of April. >> Right. I don't question the quality of the program at all.
052I think it's a wonderful program. I think the question is we're looking at retired administrators when maybe we could have current teachers or even current downtown administrators possibly taking on this role and maybe for a more cost-effective. >> So I would love for you to come and and see the program itself and see what it takes to make this thing happen because it is I did it myself personally and so did my coach at a time but then you're asking me to not do something else that's in my job. And for me personally, I I'm always juggling, you know, 30 projects in in a year, you know, like within on time. This is one of the major projects that we have a true partnership with our people. So, us investing having a supervisor being there
053and having someone who's an administrator who's who takes on that challenge whenever needed, knows how to deal with discipline if needed, knows how to work with all our adults. That's kind of what we were looking for at the time that we were proposed to have a supervisor at that time. We went with a retired person because it has that flexibility to work with the program. And um if you have someone who's working downtown or myself or somebody else, that flexibility is not going to be available. And I'm I'm truly being honest. I mean, I'm not a person, if anyone knows me, I'm the one who says we can make things happen. But in this particular programming, I know because I personally walk those shoes, uh Janna and I did that, that means I worked beyond
054the hours of the day that I normally do to make sure everything else worked as well. Somebody's got to eventually conduct the engine, you know, the engine for the uh train to move forward. And so for us, this programming does deserve having someone who has that historical background of being able to to orchestrate. Um um you know, I I can't imagine this being a full-time job for somebody else to do. It's only three days a week some and it starts late September and it ends in, you know, in April. So I'm I'm just giving you the facts of what I see that you know from my own personal I'm I'm standing here because I personally did that myself. >> Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate that. Uh so we have member Kelly and then then member
055Harris. >> Um thank you for coming forward. I I just want to I I I'm supporting member Jerro's question um regarding the daily rate amount that's being pulled from title four which I believe is the student uh >> safety >> title title four is our student and student student support and academic achievement fund. Mhm. >> So the question is, how are we justifying a daily rate that's being paid to these two retired administrators? My question is, is this currently the only contract that they have? >> Superintendent, >> it may not be. Um, also Mr. um Jones assist um in the human resources department conducting interviews. Um all of this is under review as we did take a $500,000 reduction to our budget for next year. So that was part of that the work that they're
056going to be doing. I should say the reduction of it. >> Member Harris. I'm sorry. Member Kelly, was there a followup? >> You want >> I do have additional questions regarding this agenda item that I will utilize our uh board member questionnaire link and submit my questions after tonight's meeting. >> Thank you. >> If I could just add another possible option that I believe um Dr. Halasa was referring to is some um we could look at offering it like a summer school opportunity. We know that all of our students will not get it that way. Right now all of our kindergarteners have the opportunity to experience it. If we offer it during summer um they will not but we could see how it what they >> I also can't speak for my partners because then
057I'm asking them to change their schedules. So, they've been very >> like again, we're looking at four or five other entities that and we actually inherited um the canines from uh a therapy therapy dog because the canines that were coming from the police didn't always um uh allow us to pet the dogs, but you know, demonstrated how to to work with them. So, um they um they volunteer their time as well for that. So, and their organization >> member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, we had some discussion, a short discussion on this in the rules committee and I I don't think anyone is questioning the um the value of the program, the commitment of the program. Um, I don't think uh I didn't hear any anyone questioning that we appreciate the partner support.
058Um but it's uh I think the question that that I'm hearing and and the question that I had Tuesday uh or Monday simply is um can this work be done without an administrator um because we would pay um a substitute or a a teacher under an extended contract a certain amount um and to use an administrative specialist um is I think at the top of the food chain. And so that that's the question in my mind. Um not the value of the program and and we're certainly not trying to um say that we don't need the program. We don't want the program, but it's just really hard to cut a pair professional and we know what they do and they're making their hourly rate and then bring in an administrator uh a retired administrator at
059this amount. Thank you, >> member Molinar. >> Thank you, Madame President. Um, as as I spoke in rules committee, I'm probably the the biggest fan of Safety Town um and our opportunity to give um this experience to our students, especially because we have so many students in our community who are um immigrants and refugees and the processes that we consider normal um are brand new to some students and some families and not even possible um to to learn elsewhere. Um, but I do hear my colleagues questions and I wonder um about the the daily rate calculation and I wonder if it would be possible for um superintendent if we could get um an idea of how that is calculated. What goes into uh coming up with that not just for this program but just generally
060as we have lots of different contracts. Um, is daily rate calculated based on the position or based on the duties of that position? Um, because the daily rate for something like this is probably very different than the daily rate as member Harrison spoke for a substitute or for something like that um where we might not be we might need someone of a higher um rate category. Can I give a a small example just for a substitute just? >> No, excuse me. There's a question on the floor. >> Okay. >> So, the question is about the daily rate. So, I think what she what member Molinar is asking is what is the hourly rate for a person making $431.14 per day? That's a simple question that's being asked. >> What is the rate of an individual
061that's being paid $431.14? What is that hourly rate? Could one of our HR representatives address that for me? >> And there is a different rate for retirement versus full-time. >> There should >> I can only address the question that the president asked and that is $53.87. >> $53.80 >> per eight hour day >> per hour. That's how much a person is being made. $53 per hour. Okay. Any additional questions from the members? >> Member Montgomery. >> Thank you, Madam President. So, two quick questions on this one. >> The two individuals that are in here, have they served in this role before? >> Yes. >> And what was the rate last year? >> Is this on par with is it been in this wheelhouse every year? >> Okay. Thank I think is a standard. You don't
062get to change it, right? Am I correct? It's a standard. >> Yeah. >> So, all administrative specialists make 43114. >> The everyone should have the same rate. If I'm not mistaken, everyone has the same Let me reiterate that. Yes. Everyone has the same rate that is considered this retired administrative specialist. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> member uh Gerro. >> Thank you, Madam President. It sounds like the role is more of a program manager, but we're paying executive or we're paying director level compensation for we are having to explore funding cuts, $27 million worth of reductions, and I don't feel it's as responsible to move forward with this item. We have to start finding ways to save money and I think this is one area where we can start. Madam President, >> can I >> thank you
063for giving it back to me. I appreciate that. >> Uh >> can I respond to that? >> Yes, you may. >> Okay. The only thing I'm going to I'm going to give a slight um scenario so that you can get what I'm saying. I have um substitute teachers that are retirees that are in the system as substitutes and they've gone out and they've worked with our teachers on a project. I'm not going to name the project or this. I'm just going to give you this scenario. And um I've then talked to one of the teachers and I said something uh that is working on my team and said something like, "Hey, we didn't do this. Why didn't we do this?" Well, I didn't think I had the authority to say that. And I was like,
064but you're going out and you're working with the teachers on this project. This particular, especially Safety Town, the way Safety Town is arranged. It's not coming in and just teaching a a project or working with the kids directly on something. It's a little more than project managing because project managing means like I'm just putting a project together and you go out and you do it. This is also managing people. We have people from the community. Just to be very fair, we have people from the community that expect us to take a lead and that's what they asked us to do when we use this. So that is the a little bit of the history of it. So you know when somebody doesn't feel um they have the authority which somebody who went through training as
065an administrator who's done the work who's actually you know worked with all kinds of people in the community we we take that for granted but that is another part of it. So to consider, so you may see it as a program management. I see it as also being able to work with our community people and taking a lead as a leader for that. I'm not saying teachers can't be leaders cuz that is not true on any level whatsoever. What I'm saying is this gives them the authority to work with a kid needs to be suspended, a child needs to be removed, something needs to be taken care of. I know we've had >> Thank you. Thank you. Let me let me just suggest may I It seems that there are more questions to be asked.
066Uh so u member Jerose may I ask that you withdraw your motion. We can refer this back to the committee uh for further uh for further discussions. >> Yes. And which committee would it be referred to? >> Rules. >> Uh yes. >> Yes. Any objections? Okay. Hearing none. So I will refer this back to the rules committee so that we can uh continue to discuss this. Let me just ask you I suspect that there is a time on this. When are these positions scheduled to start? >> They will start in September. >> September. Okay. So >> but I will be meeting with the um committee to talk about next year's information in June or July. So >> Okay. So we we have some time >> because that will change their perspective. Yes. So, let's let's
067refer back to Ruth for more discussion and then see if we can't figure this out because everyone that I hear spoke agrees that this is, you know, we support safety town and we want to do the very best that we can. >> I agree. >> To make sure that that we have the we also support having the adequate staff to carry out the responsibilities also. So, we want to make sure that we get a chance to do that. So, we will refer this back to rules and we'll continue to work on this and thank you so much for >> Thank you for your time everyone and have a nice evening. >> Thank you. You too. All right, we'll go to business uh new business 25.1 resolution authorizing contracts with parents for transporting their children to
068and or from school. Is there a motion to accept a resolution authorizing the contract? >> So moved from me by member Jerose. Is there a second? Second. >> Second by member Harrison. Is there any discussion hearing? None. And seeing none, the treasurer shall call the role. >> Dr. Molar? >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgomery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sykes? >> Yes. >> Miss Hall? >> Sorry. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. Thank you. And the treasure will note that Miss uh that member Hall left to attend the graduation for East High School where she is the uh lead for for this board and will be speaking. Okay. Uh item 25.2 resolution Cascade Sales Proceed Grant. Is there a motion to
069accept the resolution for the Cascade Sale Proceeds Grant? >> So moved. So moved by member Jerose. Is there a second? >> Second. Second by member Kelly. Is there any discussion? Uh let me just ask the treasure if you would just give a real quick overview about the Cascade sale proceed uh grant. >> So Summit County through the development finance authority has reached an agreement and sold Cascade Plaza to Pleasant Valley Corporation. Mhm. Under the terms of the agreement, proceeds from the sale of the property would be used to repay on a PR rata basis all political subdivisions that would have received any delinquent or current real estate taxes. The ultimate sale of the property on February 28th, 2025 for 2.8 million provided sufficient funds to satisfy all of the otherwise discharged and foregone delinquent or
070current real estate taxes. We Acro Public Schools, our portion of those delinquent taxes is 640,24397. Uh in the attached to the minutes, you have the complete tax distribution to all of the other um governmental entities receiving the tax proceeds. Uh Summit County has provided us an agreement for us to approve so that we would allow them to send us our share of the delinquent tax and we are here to approve that. >> Thank you. So the treasur will call the role if we agree with this resolution in the amount of $640,243 97 that the public schools will receive. Treasurer will call the role. >> Mr. Montgomery >> abstain. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Moler, >> yes. >> Motion
071carries. 501. >> Thank you. Item number 25.4, Republic Services Service Contract Amendment. Is there a motion to approve the Republic Service Service contract amendment? >> So moved. Moved by member J. Rose. Is there a second? >> Second by member Montgomery. Is there any discussion? >> Treasurer, you want to just mention that one real quick? >> I am not. Excuse us, sir. >> Who has this one? >> Did you have a question? >> Yes. >> Oh, that's right. You asked this be put on member Harris. That's right. >> Thank you, Madam President. Madame President, um the question on this contract was the the the contract was not um it it read as this was an amendment to the contract um for additional services, but the contract is not due to but we still have a year
072on the contract and I was unclear of the additional services and also um In looking at the contract, we did not have a actual the contract that we were provided um prior to the meeting um is expired, but I understand that there is an addendum, but we haven't had the benefit of the addendum. Um so my major question would be, do we have time to review this contract um prior to voting on it? um in time. I mean, do we have time that we're not going to lose services? I I guess that's what I'm asking. >> Who would you who would like to answer the question from member Harrison? Is that the >> If director >> is director, >> yes, director Faulk. >> Welcome, director. Good evening, President Sykes, uh, Vice President Molnar, members of
073the board, and Treasurer Bowers. Um, the original contract was entered in in July 1st of 22 through, including optional years through June of 2025. And this is the original contract. If you look at the optional third-year contract covering July 1 of 24 through June 30th of 25, the total cost approximated at that time was $358,412. At the board meeting of August 24th of 2025, an amendment and extension was given to this contract with board approval. At that time, uh, Republic Services was willing to match a contract through the provided Ohio schools council at their pricing, which is what came to board at that time through Mr. our previous service director. At that point, that did allow for a 14-month contract to start May 1st through June 30th of this year. And then as Pastor Harrison
074noted, additional two years through June of 2028 at a total cost of 210 250,000. However, at this point, there needs to be a reconciliation because the amount of tonnage that was actually removed during this time of a 14-month contract is above the $250,000. We have the funding available. We would just like to authorize the additional funding to be provided. Adding the $75,000 in this recommendation would then increase the authorization to $325,000, which is still less than the original contract extension and allow for the removal of tonnage and uh waste that was considered contaminated equal to the contract. >> Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. that that was a lot of numbers and a lot of dates and what would really help is if we had the paperwork for what you just explained. Um and
075it uh when you when you say to me there was additional tonnage and um um hazardous waste or >> contaminated waste, you know, things come to mind. What's contaminated waste? What does that consist of? How do we measure? And those not the things that I want to get into a contract, but those are the things that should be in a contract. And so when you say we we had an extension or we u and there's an addendum, what we have is a contract that reads that there's a possibility of um an addendum that we can extend it, but we don't see any paperwork on the extension. And I'm not sure when you say we have the money, um >> the funding >> I don't know that we do. >> The funding is in the account.
076I just was looking for an additional authorization. If you'd like the detailed information that was done during the recent reconciliation, we can provide that to you. >> That would be most helpful. >> Thank you, member Montgomery. >> Thank you, Madam President. So, have has this work already happened? >> Actually, this work has happened and will continue through the end of June. So there has been a reconciliation and at this point they are servicing us through their current work and have agreed to continue that while the reconciliation was going forward to increase the authorization. So we have not paid all the bills that are currently available as we reconciled this >> member Montgomery. >> Thank you Madam President. So I guess why didn't we revisit this when we hit the not to exceed amount? It took
077us this long to actually go through every page of the reconciliation that was provided. We were due some credits and some offsets that we found that were not tallied correctly on their original bills. Any additional questions, comments? Member Kelly. >> Thank you, Madame President. Um, Director Folk, thank you for uh providing the the hard copy of the contract for us. My question is, if this contract was negotiated May 23rd of 20122 is when it was signed, how were we able to predict the future cost for the school? Well, for the optional year June 1st, July 1st of 2023 to June 30th, 2024. So, there's dollar amounts that are already written in this column. How were we able to uh predict how much this was going to cost us? >> This was actually an RFP that
078was put out on the market at the time that this was issued. Um, and we were able to get an actual quote per um, school rate as you saw in some of these addendums in the back. And when you calculated them out, because they gave you a quote for the original year and optional years, that's what the tally tallied at the time that this was originally brought to the board. >> Member Harris. Oh, member Kelly, do you have a followup? >> Yes. Thank you. Can you tell us who wrote these amounts in here? >> Actually, those came off of the contract that was done through the purchasing department with the facilities department at that time that through the director who was Mr. Boxler. >> Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. >> Mayor, I I don't
079uh Thank you, Madam President. I'm not sure that it's it's a question that could be answered right here, but I do want to ask the question for uh the general public. >> When we put out an RFP and we we we enter into a deal, um what's the implications of changing the terms of that deal into year one? because it would almost seem like it's not fair to the other biders if we're if we put out a bid, we accept a bid, but then some kind of way we end up changing the terms or we reconcile something or we we got more services and the vendors, even though they're doing more work, we're still paying more. So is there a um is is it good faith when we enter into a bidding process and then
080year one we we we change the terms of the contract but keep the same vendor. Um, actually this was compared to a uh contract that we could have taken part in last year at this as this closed out through the Ohio Schools Council and it would have changed a vendor assignment from Republic Waste to Waste Management and because Republic Services came and had also bidded and said they would do the same pricing that Waste Management was through that contract, it was determined at that time by the facilities director to recommend the amendment to the contract and do the extension and it was lowering the original cost. >> Member Harris, >> but now we we have an additional cost. I I don't want uh Madame President, I don't want to vote no on this contract because
081we we certainly need the trash removal. We certainly need the U services they pro provided. They obviously already provided a lot of these services, but I I just want to be a little more clear on the details and and how we're operating. I think it's more operational than it is uh anything. But again, if we um everything now is looking towards how do we save money? The the facilities director made the best decision. It sound like he saved us some money at the time. Um and we want to be appreciative towards that. But we also want to look at these contracts. And it seems like we're moving a lot of stuff around without paperwork. It's it's great to tell us, but I I I would really like to see to the extent possible the paperwork
082for these things. >> Um I if I may answer please. >> No. No. So the question on the floor now is uh shall the uh shall the uh actually motion pass. Is there a motion to approve the Republic service contract amendment? So uh do we want to withdraw that motion? That's the question. Um because we do we need to deal with the motion that's on the floor. So, so uh >> I believe it was I who made the motion and I'm willing to retract it. >> So, you want to withdraw the motion? Uh so, in withdrawing the motion, uh director, let me just ask you. You said that this work had already been is it already completed? >> Just just want to be clear because we want to honor our bills too. >> Yes. service
083has already been completed and will continue to the end of the school year which is June 30th. Okay. So you see the predicament that we're in here. So um uh when does the vendor expect to be paid? This contract goes until June 30th, 2028. >> Yes. and it by realigning it correctly, it will be a 12-month contract going forward, not a 14-month contract. So, that was also some of the reason for the change in the amount that originally was brought in the amendment in April. >> All right. So, if if we withdraw this motion and we send it back to a committee, I mean, did it did it go through finance? What committee did this go through? Does this go through a committee or did it come straight through rules? was put on the contract
084committee >> under contract. >> Okay. >> Uh so what problems would it cause if we not vote on this tonight? >> Uh we would certainly still owe the the amount of funds that are already being build for the services that have already been rendered. >> Okay. So, uh, Chair Jeros, would you make sure that you schedule this on your committee as soon as possible so that we can continue this discussion and make sure that we uphold our our responsibilities and the bills and then so the question that that uh, member Harrison asked for the addendum, >> we can provide the information and the audit that occurred. >> Okay. So, that's that's what we want to see. Is that correct? >> Yes, Madam President. >> We want to see that addendum. Any additional requests? So, we'll
085bring that through member Jerome's committee. We'll do that as soon as possible. >> Thank you. All righty. Seeing no other business has come before the committee at this point. Uh, Vice President Molina, is there a reason to go into executive session? >> Yes, Madame President, I motion to recess into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22G1 to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official. And 121.223 223 conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action. >> Is there a second? >> Second by member Harrison. Is there any discussion hearing? None. And seeing none, the treasury should call the role. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >>
086Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molnar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. We will convene into executive session at 6 in the next five minutes. I won't say at 6:54. Give it look five minutes to by 7:00 p.m. we will convene into executive session. Uh and there will be a need for action at the end of executive session. Ready. Thank you. We are back from executive session and there is action to be taken. Is there a motion to approve the resolution accepting and adopting the referee's report and recommendation and termination of the employment contract of Darien Johnson? >> So moved by member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? I will just read into the record part of the resolution. Akran City School District
087Board of Education resolution accepting and adopting the referee the referee's report and recommendation and terminating the employment contract of Darien Johnson. Whereas the board employed Darien Johnson as an administrator and whereas on January 29th, 2026, the board of education adopted a resolution declaring its intentions to consider the termination of Mr. Johnson employment contract pursuant to RSC 331916 on the statutory grounds of good and just cause. The specification for the grounds of termination was set forth in the January 29th, 2026 resolution, a copy of which is attached hereto as exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference and whereas the board provided Mr. Johnson with written notice of his intention to consider the termination of his employment contract and Mr. Johnson requested a hearing as provided by RSC and following and whereas following Mr. Johnson request for
088a hearing. A hearing was conducted before referee William Dowling Exquire in accordance with RSC on February 27th, March 24th through 25th and March 27th, 2026. And whereas on March 28th, 2020 on May 28th, 2026, referee Darren issued his report and recommendation called report which set forth the referee finding effect and recommendation, a copy which is hereof, which is hereto attached as exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference. And whereas revised code 331916 requires the board to consider the referee report and recommendation and to determine whether to accept or reject the referee finding effect and recommendation. Now therefore be it resolved by the board of education of the Akran City School District, Summit County, Ohio, that section one, the board of education after independently reviewing and considering the referee recommendation and report hereby accepts and adopts
089the referee finding a fact as sets forth in exhibit B and finding a good and just cause exhibit for termination of the employment contract of Darien Johnson pursuit to revised code 331916. The board d hereby terminates the employment contract of Darien Johnson effective immediately. Section three. The treasures directed to provide Mr. Johnson with this order of termination and written notice of his action on behalf of the board. The treasurer should call the role. >> Reverend Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. Geros. >> Yes. Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the resolution adopting arbitrator's opinion and award? >> So moved by member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Second by member
090Molinar. I will read part of this into the record also. Akran City School District Board of Education resolution accepting arbitrators opinion and award. Whereas a grievance was filed against the Akran City School District on June 4th, 2025 by Breck Dale and SEIU Local One on behalf of all affected employees. And whereas on May 11, 2026, arbitrator Daniel Ziggger issued an opinion and award denying the grievance, a copy of which is incorporated herein as attachment A. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of the Akran City School District pursuit to article section article article 8 section 8.09 09 D3 of his agreement with SEIU Local 1 Maintenance Grounds, Custodia, Warehouse, and Transportation Employees that the board hereby accept the May 11th, 2026 opinion and award issued by arbitrator denying the June 4th, 2025
091grievance. The treasurer should call the role. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> The next meeting will be on May on Monday, June 1st, 2026. Is there a motion to adjourn? >> So moved by member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Madam, I don't think that's the right date. June 1st is committee meetings. >> Okay. When is the next board meeting? I have 20. >> June the 8th, I believe. >> When is it? >> June 8th. June 8th. >> Sorry. >> And I will I'll move to adjourn. >> Thank you, member Montgomery. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 8th, 2026. Second by member Montgomery. Any discussion?
092Hearing none and seeing none, the treasurer should call the role. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Dr. Molinar? >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgomery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sykes? >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dro? >> Yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. a meeting to join at 7:28 p.m.