001[music] Good evening and welcome to the Akran Public School Board meeting May the 11th, 2026. I'm Barbara Sykes, president of the board. Uh, Mr. Barer, our treasurer, will call the role. >> Miss Hall, >> present. >> Reverend Harrison, >> present. >> Mr. Derose, >> present. >> Miss Kelly, >> present. >> Dr. Bonner, >> present. >> Mr. [snorts] Montgomery, >> here. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> present. >> All present and accounted for. >> Thank you, treasurer. Would you please stand with us for the pledge of allegiance? [clears throat] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the regular board meeting minutes from April 27th, 2026?
002>> So moved by member Jerose. Is there a second? >> Second. Second by member Montgomery. Uh any discussion? Hearing none and seeing none, the treasurer shall call the role. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> abstain. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion carries 601. >> Thank you, Treasure. We appreciate that. You know, we have the honor of recognizing tonight our scholar board members. Uh, Mr. Eric Fletcher, would you come forward, please? >> Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> Hello, Madam Madame President, Superintendent Oddly, Madame Vice President, members of the board. Uh, my name is Eric Fletcher. I have the privilege of serving as the college access program manager through CCAA here
003with APS. And it is my honor and privilege tonight to recognize our student board members. Uh we have nine student board members who represent all of our high schools here in APS. Uh we have a few here today. Two had a baseball game so they couldn't be in attendance. And I know one is uh rushing because he needs to get on the pitching mound as they [laughter] finish their last game of the season. Um, but I wanted to recognize our students for all of the hard work and dedication that they put in. Uh, this year, um, all of our students had to come here and speak to the board. Some of them were very nervous. Um, but they did a fantastic job doing so. Our students served on our superintendent advisory council where they met
004uh once a quarter with the superintendent as well as five other student representatives from their school to talk about some of the things that are going on here in APS and in the Agran community. So, our students have been busy um doing different volunteer work. So, tonight just want to recognize um the student board members that are present and yet we do have a special recognition for two of our graduating seniors um this evening. So, student board members when I call your name, please come up here. Um I'm going to call those who are in attendance first. We have Miss Nvea Een. She represents Elllet CLC. >> [applause] >> Aziza Makumbo. She represents North High School. [applause] Uh, Miss Lenel Turner, she represents Garfield TLC. So the other student board members who couldn't be here
005u is Mr. Kimyataka Cooper III. He represents Bookto. He's actually at a baseball game. Mr. Andre Thomas represents East CLC. Brook Ewing, she represents Firestone. And then Miss Gabriella Hood who represents Akan Public Schools online. So with that being said, we have two seniors who have served on the board for two years. Um, and it's been fantastic to see them grow into the leaders that they are today. So, first up is Miss Shalia Davis from Akan Early College. So, she is a recent graduate of AEC, uh, class of 2026. During her time at ACE, Miss Davis was a member of the dance and step team, the flag football team. She participated in volleyball, track, and cross country. She was a member of the Black Student Union, and I heard she's a fantastic rap artist. So,
006they have video of her. So, she got to show that to us one time before she leaves. She was also a member of the Always Climbing Organization. She served on the Summit County Youth Coalition, the Caca Committee for two years, a member of the Superintendent Advisory Council, as well as a student board member for the last two years. She is one of our students that we took to Columbus last year that spoke at the board um uh excuse me the state board her Jordan um two other students. So she's definitely been around and has done some fantastic work with us. After graduation she plans to attend the University of Akran where she will major in social work and with a minor in addiction. It has been an extreme honor to be amongst Shay's greatness. Whenever
007I call, she's always answers with great enthusiasm. Her energy is very infectious. It has been an honor to serve alongside you. Clap for her. >> Yeah. [applause] >> Next up is my neighbor and good friend, Mr. Jordan Leon. Soon to be graduate soon to be soon to be graduate of NT STEM High School, class of 2026. Thank you, sir. Uh during his tenure at uh in high school, Jordan was a member of the Booked baseball team where he has earned all city honors and is a four-year letterman. Congratulations. We're still waiting to see if he'll get first team here in the next couple of days. Okay. >> Jordan was a member of the National Honor Society, a former junior leadership Akran class 38 member, a member of the superintendent advisory council, and also a student
008board member for the last two years. After graduation, Jordan plans to attend the University of Akran, major in computer information systems with a cyber security option. It has been a great honor to see Jordan step into his leadership role this year. Watching him grow on personally and professionally has been a great joy to watch. I am excited to see Jordan step out of his shell and flourish in his greatness. Thank you, Jordan. [applause] So on behalf of college and careermies and the director Marcy Ebrite, it is my honor to present each of you with a scholarship to help you with your post-secary education and to further your dreams of being great and being great citizens of Akran Ohio. You're so very welcome. So here's a scholarship in honor of of those two students. [applause] >>
009[applause] >> I would like to get a picture with the the board members as well as the student board members if possible. Superintendent Ali, if everybody can come up here to the front. >> You all the stand. >> Why don't they sit up here? >> Yes. >> Come stand here. You all stay here. >> Yeah. Superintendent even want to get in [laughter] the three. One, two, three, four, five, six. We'll do seven, eight, nine. [laughter] >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you all for the opportunity and time. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Uh any comments uh from any of our members? Member Hall, >> you know, you can't say comments without me making a comment, but I just want to say congratulations to you all. I look forward to hearing about your your careers
010and you finish in school and just following your dream and your path. Always remember nothing comes easy. Everything you get, you have to work hard for it. Okay? So, just keep um striving for greatness and do your best. Congratulations. >> Member Molina. >> Thank you, Madame President. And yes, congratulations to all of our scholar board members. I look forward to all the juniors that are going to be able to come back again next year. Um, but I also want to say a few special words to Jordan and Shalia because you started our school year this year. You were the first ones to speak. You wanted to present and get it out of the way. Smart. [laughter] Uh, the juniors might learn from your example. Um, but really it feels like you've been our scholar board
011members for longer than two years. Um it's been wonderful getting to know you and um getting to know your specialty schools. Um early college STEM. Um one of the reasons why I wanted to uh participate more in specialty schools was because of getting to know both of you and how much you have represented your schools and explain them to us and got us to know everything. it like what it's like for one of the students at our specialty schools to participate in sports and to have access to activities within your specialty school or um back at your home school. What happens when you're injured? Come back to pitch your final game for your senior year the day before graduation and also to come back for an award even after graduation. Um just so proud to
012get to know both of you. Looking forward to continuing to see both of you next year at the University of Akran. Please uh don't be a stranger. >> Thank you, Beverar. [clears throat] Any additional comments from any members of the board? No. Well, let me just say it has been really exciting to have each of you come before the board to give you a message on behalf of the cluster that you represented and your school that you represented. You brought us such wonderful, amazing ideas. I think some of those ideas, Madam Superintendent, we have looked into and we are trying to make sure that we follow up on your opinion. We we so much appreciate uh the value of your words. We so much appreciate you being willing to actively participate in this process and
013to sit through the entire board meeting. [laughter] We so much appreciate that. We thank you so much to the two graduating seniors. Oh, it's just like our child is going off. Two. Both of you are going off. We're sad to see you leave, but we are excited about what we're going to find out that you've done in the next year's coming. So, please come back, visit us, keep us up on what's happening to you, and know that we are always here if you need us. Thank you so much. And one big applause for all of you. Thank you so much. [applause] Thank you so much. So, uh, there appears to be a request to speak before the board. So, um, member Harrison, would you, uh, announce our first speaker, please? >> Our first speaker is
014Marisa Marina from Fi Delta, I'm sorry, from the national chapter of Fi Delta Kappa. >> Thank you and welcome. uh we would ask that you would try to keep your uh comments to three minutes. However, if you appear to be going over, I will not interrupt you. I will let you finish your your statement because we know that uh it is important that you get your ideas out. So, we appreciate uh that you are here. Uh we ask that you speak on business related to this board, which we know that you will do. So, please welcome. We're so happy that you're joining us today. >> Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Good evening, President Sykes and distinguished members of the Akran Board of Education, Superintendent Outley, Akran Public Schools staff, and valued community members. I promise I
015won't be before you long. My name is Marrisa Mariner, and I have had the privilege of serving as president of the Beta Iota chapter of the National Sority of Fi Delta Kappa Incorporated for the past three years. It is an honor to bring greetings on behalf of the dedicated sores of Beta Iota chapter here in Akran. At this time, I would like to ask the members of Beta Iota who are present here this evening if they would please stand. Thank you, sis. [applause] For over 70 years, we have been one of Akran's bestkept secrets. We have served this community and we stand before you today as committed partner ready to support collaborate with and uplift Akran public schools its students staff and stakeholders. The National Sority of I Delta Kappa Incorporated is a professional organization
016of women in education founded in 1923 by eight African-American teachers committed to sisterhood and service. The Beta Iota chapter was chartered in 1955 by 11 educators whose legacy continues to inspire our work today. Our chapter includes both active and retired educators, many of whom have served in Akran public schools. We remain grounded in our mission to support educators, uphold our profession, foster sisterhood, and develop our youth. Our work is guided by our national programs which stands for youth education and service through youth. We invest in students through our Zenos and Kudos programs which provide leadership and service opportunities for high school students and our Kappa omccron talk group for college students pursuing careers in education. We also mentor and tutor within Akran public schools. Through education, we provide scholarships and academic enrichment. We have awarded
017thousands of dollars to students pursuing careers in education, including a recent bookto graduate. During the pandemic, we hosted a six-week virtual ACT workshop to support college readiness. Through service, we support schools and families by partnering in events like Bookto's Harvest Festival and providing hats, gloves, socks, food, gift cards, and student incentives. Our retired educators volunteer through reading, tutoring, and mentoring. We believe education empowers young people to discover their purpose and achieve success. And that belief continues to guide our commitment to Akran. Because of this commitment, we look forward to working with APS as a new pathway partner for the 2627 school year. In closing, we invite you to visit our table in the main hallway to learn more about our organization and our affiliate groups, the Zenos, Kudos, Anthropos, and HUP parents. We are also
018seeking passionate educators committed to service, scholarship, and sisterhood and making a difference. So, please stop by our table. We would love to connect with you. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued dedication to the students of Akran public schools. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam President, and members of Bayota chapter. Thank you so much. [applause] >> Member Harrison, our next speaker, >> Shannon Painter. Shannon Painter. >> Thank you. if you would please uh state your name and your group affiliation. >> Um Shannon Painter. I'm the family liaison at Piper Elementary. >> Um and I wanted to talk about the cuts possibly of the deans. I would like someone before all of you vote to come out to the schools and see what the deans do. My dean is always running with kids,
019putting out fires, has kids reading to her. I've know other deans that also do all the same thing. It would be horrible for the kids to lose another support system. So, I just wanted you to think about it and come visit before you vote. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate it. [applause] >> Member Harrison, >> Jason Le. >> Thank you. if you would state your full name and your group affiliation, please. >> Thank you. My name is Jason Le. I'm the business manager of Labor's Local 894 here in Akran, Ohio. >> First off, I'd like to thank everybody for this opportunity tonight. Uh the board, administration, and the community that joins us behind me. First, I want to recognize the importance and the decisions being made regarding the future of Akran public
020schools. These projects are more than just construction projects. They are investments in our children and neighborhoods and the future of this city. As you move forward in the process, I respectfully ask a strong consideration to be given in the highly skilled union workforce and contractors who have helped build and maintain the infrastructure not just in the city of Akran, but in Northeast Ohio for generations. Union labor is not just about jobs. It's about training, safety, accountability, and long-term quality. Our trades men and women complete extensive apprenticeship programs, ongoing certifications, and hands-on training to ensure the projects completed safely, efficiently, and the highest standards possible. Many of our members are Akran residents themselves. Their childrens attend these schools. They shop in these neighborhoods. They take pride in the work that they do, not just because they're
021simply building infrastructure, but they love helping them build the future of our own community. When public dollars is invested in the public schools, those dollars should help them strengthen the local economy. Union contractors employ local workers, support local families, and create career pathways for young people right here in our community. This contract has not yet been awarded, which means there is still an opportunity to ensure these projects reflect the value, the quality, the fairness, and the safety of local investment. We're not asking for any special treatment. We're asking for the opportunity to demonstrate the value of the skilled union labor and responsible union contractors to bring projects of this magnitude. Every parent, teacher, taxpayer, and student deserve schools built the right the first time, built safely and built to last for generations. Uh in the
022past few uh meetings, we've been hearing about Miller South and Piper Elementary, $3 million change order, still ain't got no answers. subcontractor for the Miller South Piper elementary schools. Still no answers. We hear about the hours that are being given by CTO. And if you ask me, they're taking that $3 million and trying to balance it out just to get their palms greased so they don't lose no money on the North High School project. Let's talk about prevailing wage. Prevailing wage isn't even offered in the big context for this project. But our union contractors make sure that they're going to pay every single man and woman on that project a prevailing wage for a good, honest, livable wage. And we always talk about local and community. Well, CTO, it's owned by a Green Building Council,
023an organization based out of Washington DC with two Ohio branches, one in Dayton, Ohio, and one in Cincinnati, Ohio. Last I looked, that ain't too close, and that ain't local. When you got another contractor is right in the running with it, that's a few miles down south of Akran and Green. I ask you, everybody on the board, to stand with us and make the right decision and do the right thing. And as I always once heard, you guys can feel the power, be the power, and use the power. God bless. I'm Jason Le, business manager, Labor's Local 894, and you get more at 894. Let's get it done. Thank you. >> Thank you, [applause] >> member Harrison. >> Uh, Mr. Bay Edwards. >> Thank you. Would you repeat your full name and your group of
024>> Yeah, thank you very much. It's Jay Edwards. So, uh, yeah, from Southeast Ohio. Thank you very much to the board president, to the superintendent, to the treasur and members of the board. Uh, I'm from southeast Ohio. I'm down in Athens County, a little town called Nelsonville. uh former state representative, current candidate for statewide office, but I'm here in my capacity as really just an individual. I'm standing with my boys back here from local 894. Uh just a fun fact, my I'm a proud product of public schools, public education. I've got about eight school teachers in my family. Um all in public schools. Um and uh when I was chair of the finance committee, when I was a state state lawmaker, um was proud to support the fair fair school funding plan. And I don't
025know what happened this past budget cycle that they pulled it out. Um but we've got to get back to funding fairly our public schools. Big big believer in our public school system here in the state of Ohio. Fun fact about my hometown, my home high school, Nelson York High School is in a little village called Bal, Ohio, named after J.R. Bookl. Uh he might have a prominence here. Same name. Somehow he left his mark in southeast Ohio here and here in Summit County. So with that being said, I'm here um supporting my guys. I have nothing bad to say about the contractors in question here today, but I'm here to tell a little story about some things that have happened in southeast Ohio on school projects. Number one, we've had three schools fail um about
026about within the last decade, we've had three schools fail. One of them, they forgot to wrap the rebar in the walls in the schools. You imagine the cost that spent to those public schools, the time it spent, we remember COVID when kids were out of school. We're still playing catch-up. the time it spent for those kids to be out of the school while that school had to be worked on. One, one period you had uh of a subcontractor, they forgot to wrap the rebar in the walls of those schools and had to be shut down. Couldn't withstand 45 mph wind. Another story we have in southeast Ohio. Um I showed up on a job site of of a school that tried for 25 years to pass a school levy. Finally got their levy passed to
027build their build them a new school. showed up on the job site, undocumented workers laying the block for that school district. Think about the pride that takes away from that local community. That local community passed that levy to build that school for 25 years. They've tried to do it. They finally got it done. And put yourself at the perspective of the kids. I know that's why we're here. We're here for the kids. It's not about us. Think about the kids that the passion they have walking into that public school to know my dad helped lay that block. my mom or dad helped put the HVAC. They painted this building. All of a sudden, now those kids are paying more attention in that class. They have pride. Again, I have nothing bad to say about the
028other contractors that are here. When you can get skilled trades people that come in below your average price um of this bid and you're getting skilled workforce of your local people, I think it goes a long way. We got to support local contractors. We got to support our local jobs. And think about those kids, the pride that they can go into school to walk in North High School and say, "My family played a part and put this great building together." Thank you very much. I hope you support labor and uh Jay Edwards. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Edwards. [applause] >> M [cheering] Harrison, is this our last? >> Our last speaker is Abby Drummond. Abby Drummond. Thank you. And if you could repeat your full name and your group affiliation. >> Yes.
029Hi, I'm Abigail or Abby Drenin and I'm a case CLC parent. >> Okay. >> Uh so good afternoon madame president, members of the Akran school board and superintendent outlay as well as treasurer Bowers. Uh my name is Abigail Drenin and I'm the parent of two students at Case CLC as well as I have other involvement uh through PTA and other organizations with the schools. I've reached out a few times in concern about the cuts that impact reductions in force and specifically dean positions, but wanted to come in person today to reiterate these concerns live, as well as speak to the board directly. I appreciate the steps that have been taken to make this process more transparent to caregivers and members of the community, including a new format adopted by the finance committee, as well as
030look forward to the resolution that member Molnar introduced at the rules committee meeting last week and is currently working on that will include additional detail and background around options and other avenues explored as the administration worked through this round of cuts to rightsize the APS budget based on underfunding from the state level and the current UNC unconstitutional funding model. I fully understand these cuts are necessary as well as only the beginning as the administration and board look forward to future larger cuts. So, as much transparency and information that is allowed and available to the community is so very appreciated. While I've written before in opposition to the specific dean positions that have been proposed for elimination, I'm here today to ask for more transparency and detail around other options and alternatives to the 1.6 million
031in proposed employee reductions. The positions included in the supporting budget cut documentation, CT pair professionals, LRC technicians, dean of students, and art therapists are all people who interact with our students daily. I won't rehash what has previously been shared in regards to concerns around reductions of deans across the district. But as a reminder, these roles are crucial in managing all of the 504 plans within a school building, expanding building leadership's capacity to address behavior issues, and addressing and promoting academic progress. Uh with the superintendent's current proposal, 10 schools would have halftime assistant deans. And this change would directly impact every single student and staff member in those 10 schools. Reducing the capacity and presence of the assistant dean reduces the capacity of both the assistant dean and the principal to fulfill their required duties. This
032means less bandwidth to engage and support staff, less bandwidth to engage parents proactively rather than reactively, and less bandwidth to identify and proactively address needs before they turn into crisis. While I understand that the vote today will only eliminate the 11 million from the budget, as well as the administration's authority to spend these specific dollars, I'm still requesting that you take a little more time to seek alternative options for reducing funding in ways that do not directly impact the day-to-day learning in our schools. And if that work has already been completed, I would request that if possibility or possible visibility be shared with the community so we understand that the due diligence has been completed. Again, I acknowledge the incredibly difficult position that the superintendent and this board are in to find 11 million in
033budget cuts and not to mention what will need to happen in the coming years as the result of the horrific decisions made by our state legislature. And as a parent, I am committed to doing all I can locally and statewide to change these conditions for the future. Thank you. >> Thank you. That concludes uh our speakers uh who have requested to speak before the board. Uh everyone who has signed up. Is there anyone in the audience that did not sign up that would like to speak before the board? Seeing none and hear none. Thank you. Uh superintendent's report. >> Thank you, Madame President. I would like to start by drawing attention to a new partnership. In 2018, the University of Akran became the first sister university for the college and careermies. A partnership that continues
034today with Elllet CLC and STEM High School. The University of Akran has long partnered with Akran Early College High School, now the number one high school in Summit County. The University of Akran is a pathway partner at nearly every high school in APS. Today we celebrated the addition of the University of Akran as a postsecondary partner for North High School. The University of Akran is again demonstrating its commitment to the scholars of Akran public schools. Just want to put out there so our parents as they although we're we haven't had a chance to go into summer break I do want to put something on your calendar for August. Governor DeWine has declared a sales tax holiday from midnight on August 7th through Sunday August 9th. So please make sure you mark that sales tax holiday
035on your back to school calendar. This year, you may recall, we missed about a week's worth of school due to calamity. We did have one school that needed to make up some time due to um our calamity days. In consultation with legal counsel, it was verified that making up the remaining 165 minutes on May 29th align with our board approved Calamity makeup schedule and keeps us in compliance with state instructional hour requirements. So, please uh this is directly for our Betty Jane families. Mark May 29th on your calendars as our makeup calamity makeup day to make up 165 minutes. And that means our students will report to school at their normal time on the teacher's last day uh in the morning at 8:00 for their normal breakfast and then dismissal around 1:00 that afternoon. I
036would like to close by congratulating all of our teachers uh and other staff who was recognized as part of our employee celebration and also our students who were recognized as part of our scholar of the year recognition program. So congratulations and we look forward to our teacher of the year that's coming up. I believe it's next week. Thursday. This week on Thursday, [laughter] [gasps] Madame President, that does conclude my remarks. >> Thank you, Madam Superintendent. Any questions? Any comments for the superintendent? Hearing none. And seeing none, report of the committees. Finance and Capital Management Committee. >> Thank you, Madam President. The Finance and Capital Management Committee held a special meeting on April 29th at 4:30. The two topics of conversation were the North High School building project CMR contract as well as the proposed reductions
037to budget appropriations. We uh recommended that those go to the rules committee uh which it did and was moved to the agenda this evening. And our next meeting is May the 20th at 6:30. That's our report. >> Thank you. Member Montgomery, Instructional Policy and Student Achievement Committee. Member Molinar. >> Thank you, Madame President. The Instructional Policy and Student Achievement uh committee met here last Monday in the Dr. Reverend Reverend Dr. Curtis Walker boardroom. We met and discussed the Akran after school expansion strategy. That conversation will continue. We also discussed um adding advanced placement and a proposed policy to replace the equity policy that was rescended last year. And so we will be meeting again here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom uh in June. And the topics that we agreed would be uh
038to continue the Akran after school, the equity uh comprehensive education and institutional oversight policy. Additionally, uh we will have an update on the transcend data and I ready data. Um and that data has been collected. So we will receive those reports from administration and um some updates on some policy recommendations on grading and class rank. And so all board members are encouraged to send any questions about those topics now before administration um completes all the presentations so we can work on this together and be ready for our next meeting. That concludes my report. >> Thank [snorts] you member Mullinar. Legal and contracts committee member. >> Yes, Madam President. The legal and contracts committee will be meeting on May 20th at 4:30 p.m. in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Thank you, member Rose. Policy
039committee, member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. Madame President, the um policy committee met May 4th um here in the Dr. Reverend C. Walker boardroom. Um we covered five policies. Um last week, administrative leave policy, public complaint policy, the procurement policy, AI policy, and accessibility policy. Um and we anticipate that those um two of those five will be completed and ready to move out of committee um by the next meeting um if we get the cooperation needed. Um and we have no our next meeting is June 1st, 2026 at 5:30 here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. >> Thank you, member Harrison. Rules committee member Kelly. >> Thank you, Madam President. The rules committee met on Monday, May 4th, where we there were three resolutions that were brought forth. Uh actually, not three,
040there were four, excuse me. One of them were um was moved to the finance committee meeting, which will be discussed on May 20th. The other three resolutions uh we will review during tonight's meeting. Lastly, the next rules committee will be held on May 18th where we welcome the community to join us. That meeting is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. >> Thank you, member Kelly. Student success celebration committee, member Hall. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um the Student Success Celebration Committee will meet on May 20th at 5:30 here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis Walker boardroom. Um and we will also showcase um some students that won the Dazzle Award. And that award is a musical award that um students receive. Um I'll just give you guys a little snippet. Um some of our students
041won the best musical tier one, best actress, um best supporting actress, and best scenic design. So we are creating um not only scholars but actress and actors and everyone that will one day maybe hit Broadway. Um so please come to our meeting. We celebrate student student success um on May 20th at 5:30. Thank you. >> Thank [snorts] you member Hall. We will go to the consent agenda. Is there a request to remove any additional items from the consent agenda? request to remove any item from the consent agenda. Member Hall. >> Um I would request to remove 211. >> Member Hall, you want to explain? >> Um the funding is being um presented by my employer. So I would like to put it out there so that I can abstain. Okay. >> And everyone else can
042vote yes. >> All right. Sounds good. So that request uh will be uh honored and we would move 21.1 to under new business hearing. No additional requests to remove any items from the consent agenda. Member M um Monola. >> Thank you Madame President. At the rules committee, we uh were planning to remove item 224 from the consent agenda because this item also um is related to my employer and so um I think it was not removed from the consent agenda. So I uh need it moved to the regular section. Thank you. >> Thank you member Molina. So that request will be u honored. Uh hearing any additional requests to remove any items from the consent agenda? Hearing none and seeing none, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda recommendations? >> So moved by
043member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Second by member Gerose. Uh thank you. Any any addition? Okay. No discussion. Okay. The treasur will call a ro. >> Reverend Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. Derose. Yes, >> Miss Kelly. >> Yes, >> Dr. Molnar. >> Yes, >> Mr. Montgomery. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Sykes. >> Yes, >> Miss Hall. >> Yes. >> Motion carry 70. >> Thank you. I see there's no unfinished business. So, now we're before new business. We will first take up uh agenda item 21.1. And the new business, is there uh a motion to uh approve item 21.1? That would be the motion that member Hall just mentioned. >> So moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Uh is there any discussion? Hearing none and seeing none, uh the treasur should
044call the ro. >> Uh Miss Hall, >> abstain. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. Motion carries 601. >> Item 22.4. Uh that would be the item that member Molenar mentioned. Is there a motion to accept item 22.4 on the regular agenda? >> So moved. >> Uh there's a motion by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second by member Hall. Is there any discussion hearing? None. And seeing none, the treasurer should call the role. >> Miss Hall? >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison? >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molner, >> abstain. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion
045carries. 601. >> Thank you, Treasure. Before we continue with the new business, let me just acknowledge it is a little warm in the room. We apologize. I thought it started to get a little cooler, but I think it has not. >> So, we appreciate your patience. We're working on it and we will continue to try and make sure that you are as comfortable as possible and we're sorry for any inconvenience this heat uh may be causing you and uh we'll probably have some water someplace if anyone needs any need a bottle of water. All righty then. Let's start with the item 25.1 under new business acceptance of donations. Is there a motion to accept the donations? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? A second. >> There's a motion by member Hall, second by
046member Harrison. Any discussion? Seeing none in hearing none, >> the treasurer should call the role. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molnar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, Treasure. Item 25.2, facility management express LLC service agreement. That is a service agreement in amount of $53,524.76. Is there a motion to accept item 25.2? >> So moved by member Harrison. Is there a second? >> Second by member Hall. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. And seeing none, the treasure, would you please take the role? Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes.
047>> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, treasurer. Item 25.3, resolution, budget res reduction for fiscal year 2027. Uh, a resolution approving budget reductions for fiscal year 2027, including reductions in force, accepting administrative expenditure reductions, and directing their incorpor incorporation into the temporary and permanent appropriations. >> Madam President, I move >> Is there a motion to accept? >> I move to approve resolution 26079. >> Is there a second? Motion by member Montgomery, second by member Gerro. Any discussion? Member Mullen. >> Thank you, Madame President. Last Monday, I did propose a resolution um as we will have continued reductions likely next year. Um and the purpose of the resolution is really to um balance the conversation of um alignment at the point of decision- making and to
048define the lens at which uh the board interprets the decision that we're about to make. There's been a lot of conversation on what is micromanagement and what is transparency for the community and what is oversight for the community. And at that time last Monday it was mentioned that all of the elements of transparency the district did not have time to provide that transparency to us in one week's time but some additional information would be provided. Um however I was not provided additional um information. Um, I did receive additional information from uh community members and so at this time the information I have received more strongly supports maintaining these positions rather than eliminating them. So as a result I cannot support this plan or proposed reduction in force at this time or student facing positions. >>
049Any additional discussion? Morrison. >> Thank you madam president. Um, I first want to acknowledge all of the emails um and the conversations um that have been had, all of the people who've come down to the board to speak. Um, this is a tough tough decision to make. Um, and it's not one that I think any of us are making lightly. Um, we have to cut $11 million this year. We have to start by cutting 27 million for next year. Um I am mindful that last Tuesday on election day, five school levies did not pass. Five levies did not pass. Um, and so I have to look at this with an eye towards if we don't receive any money from any other source. We know that the state is trying to defund public education and undermine
050our public school system. Um, but we also have to spend the money that we have. We have to spend it wisely. Um, I will support this $11 million reduction. Um, it comes down to me. I understand the deans. The deans are a hard pill to swallow. Um, but it comes down to with me the mental health aspects of this and the mental health aspects of this plan has been saved. Um, and I understand I can't save everything. So, I will support this 11 million reduction. >> Thank you, Mr. Harrison. Any additional comments? Member Hall. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, as we received emails regarding the dean of students, we have had people come to discuss it. Um, I look at the dean of students as assistant principles. And when a principal does not have
051an assistant or help, where does she get her help from? Are members of this administration going to go down to the schools and assist when um the principles may have to take a day off or is sick or ill? Um I know I sent an email uh superintendent oddly asking um have we looked at our administration building here? I mean, when you look at the or chart, we are topheavy here, but we're taking away positions that are helping the students who create Akan public schools. Um, so I just I have um heavy feelings about especially when I attended um a middle school the other day and the principal was gone and it was only one assistant over 400 students by herself. and we're we're here today to vote on dean of students to be removed.
052And I'm just nervous about how one person can do the whole job by themselves or if someone is gone. Um if she that if that principal has to take that day off. Um so thank you for the um sorry uh president, but thank you for the um more of the information, member Harrison. um how you broke it down to, you know, morally understand, but with the Dina students being gone, I wish we could find another way or if we could say yes, if principles have to be off or they need help that this administration will go down to those schools and help those principles. Can we guarantee that? Member Hall, are you asking a question of the superintendent? >> Yes. Superintendent AI, >> thank you for the opportunity. Um, member Hall, I have previously shared
053with the board that we do have a plan in place. Uh, with your support, we were able to make some adjustments to our budget and we do have some um, administrators that would be released. And so, I can reshare that plan with you just to give you some comfort to know that yes, we do have uh, three multiple plans in place. So, if they're out ill, if they're at a meeting, also uh it included if there's a hearing that they need to attend, having the hearing at the building and not pulling them out of the building. >> Thank you, Madam Superintendent. U member Ger. >> Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to start off tonight just by thanking this community for the patience they've had with us as we have worked through what is a
054very daunting and undesirable decision that we have to make. I remember the very first proposal, the very first draft. It started off with 36 positions and as a board we challenged our superintendent to try to find another way and she did reduce it now to 17. when she reduced it to 17, we again asked her to find another way. And unfortunately at this point of the process, this is where it is the best solution at this time. I realize too that what all of us are experiencing right now due to the lack of fair funding is that we're all going through a grieving process and we understand that the five stages of grief involve denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and eventually acceptance. And I think we've all felt those different stages throughout this process. I know
055I know as the superintendent knows we've been through bargaining many times of trying to explore alternatives. But if we don't come to that acceptance and if we don't decide to make this decision, we are one step closer to the state making those decisions for us. I do want to echo member Harrison's his comments about thanking all the community members who have expressed their support, who have emailed us, who have spoken to us, those who have pulled me aside, some even with tears in their eyes talking about the impact that the deans, the pair of professionals, and this art therapist have had on this school, on our district, on the kids' lives, on their fellow staff members' lives. And to all of those of you who have expressed that support, I just want to say I
056believe you because we have some remarkable people in this district. And I know that the next steps now become the superintendent's plan to how will we have a new normal after this decision. It's not an easy decision, but it's one that we do have to make. I will be supporting this resolution. Madame President, >> thank you. Member J. Rose. Any additional discussions and additional questions? Hearing none and seeing none, the question is, shall resolution 25.3 budget reductions for f fiscal year 2027 be approved. The treasur will call the role. >> Dr. Molnar, >> no. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Jeros, >> yes. Miss Kelly. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 6 to one. >> Thank [snorts] you. Item 25.4
057resolution appropriation increase fiscal year 2026. Is there a motion to approve the resolution? >> So moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second by member JRose. Is there any discussion? Any comments? Hearing none and seeing none. The question is sh resolution 25.4 be approved. appropriate appropriation increase for fiscal year 2026. The treasur should call the role. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Dro, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Moliner, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, Mr. Treasurer. Resolution 25.5 to determine that CT Taylor Incorporated is the best value for construction management at risk services for the new North High School replacement project and ranking all shortlive CM firms. Is there a
058motion? >> So moved. >> Is there a motion by member Hall? Is there a second? >> Second by member Jeros. Is there any discussion hearing? Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Madame President, we just reduced our budget by $11 million at a cost that we yet know. Um, when I read this resolution, um, naming CT Taylor as the best value, um, I think there's multiple factors that go into someone or a company being a best value and we have one building under construction. Um, well, let me go to the policy committee. One of our policies in the policy committee that we are reviewing is to make sure that when we are scoring that we are looking at um our prior relationships if contracts have been done on time and on budget. Um we
059have currently a contract that we are doing that I am concerned uh because I have not received um sufficient answers as to why we are overbudgeted. Um and the answers that I did get um reference pricing from 2023 and we are here in 2026. One of the issues I've raised is construction goes up approximately 16% every year. So when we are looking at companies or when we're looking at doing business with companies, um I am not a construction manager. I do not own a construction company, but I do know enough to add that in into a construction budget. Um, additionally, um, to find that they are the best value, um, we've had administrators who sat in and scored, um, on this particular project. Um, and they had the help of a construction manager, but because
060I'm in a room with a surgeon does not mean I should be performing surgery. So I do not find that they are the best value uh based on a 3 million um additional for the Miller South Per. I'm not sure that it is good business to do two schools with one company. Um so I think going into a best value situation there are multiple factors that we should take into account. Um, and again, we have a building project that we are 3 million over on and we have not received sufficient answers. And as we previously reduce our budget and cut administrators and cut support services for our children, I think it would be um not in the best interest of the schools to not get answers on a $3 million overrun um and award another
061contract to that same company. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Member Harrison. Member Hall. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um I know we've asked plenty of times about a rubric or a scoring sheet of how certain um projects are scored um in a $3 million increase. And I know I last year or earlier this year I had asked are there any plans of coming back to the board to ask for more money and I was told no. Um secondly we say we support um our unions. We say we want our unions and our schools. We say we want the unions to um come into the schools and help our students learn and then you know potentially get a job from them to become apprentices or potentially journeymen and make a living for themselves especially for
062the students that do not want to attend college. Um but yet we not only one but we stand to approve two um non-UN companies to build our schools which we say we want our children to participate in building the schools such as as Book's Press box um if we're saying out loud we support the unions and we're saying out loud that we want the unions to come into our schools and help our children but we don't show any support when it comes to jobs. Um, I can't support this resolution because it doesn't stand for what we say we want. Um, I know the labor union came to the finance meeting, um, I think this was last month, and everyone was so excited to hear about the good things that they were doing here in our
063schools, but yet we stand here with a resolution to approve $3 million over and take away the deans for our students who need the assistance. So again, I will be not supporting this resolution. Thank you. >> Any addition, discussion? Member Montgomery. >> Thank you, Madam President. I I and if I may, I would like to ask a question of Executive Director Folk as it relates to this because I think we need to clarify. >> Would you come to the mic, please? I I think we need to clarify what the role of the CMR best value and what the board's role is going forward in ensuring there are local and skilled trade workers on this construction project and kind of where we are. I I have not made it unclear where my position is on local
064and and skilled labor uh hiring for our construction projects, but I just want to make sure cuz I have had several conversations with our construction legal council with executive director Folk that we know that the process was set up for this selection before some of us were ever here. And that kind of ties our hands with how the scoring model does and works and what we have to do in what the Ohio Revised Code scripts as a selection process. And so in the various conversations I've had, I believe I have gotten some reassurances that this board will be the one to select the subcontractors no matter who the CMR is. And so, Director Faulk, I would ask you to kind of address uh explain or address that piece of the puzzle. So, that way as
065the board is making their decisions, they they have all of those pieces parts uh that would hopefully uh assure some folks that we we'll have a say in in who gets awarded uh the packages that are part of this construction project. >> Thank you, Member Montgomery. Director Folk, >> uh President Sykes, members of the board, Superintendent Otley, and Mr. Bowers. Yes, [snorts] Mr. Montgomery's conversations with us were very detailed. At this point, all we are asking is a the ranking to be approved to allow the ranking to go forward to negotiate the contract. If that is allowed, you actually do have the say so in the contract to select the final people that actually do perform the work as the GMPs come forward listing the people that actually bid. And we have already supplied to
066you as an example from CTO and the second rank Hammond as to what companies they already had reached out to which are union and non-union. [snorts] As you put out the bids, as an example, for masonry or carpentry or uh building envelope items for electricians, you will receive those companies that bid. And you do have the final say so as to which companies we hire and select for each one of those bid packages, including the fact that if you wanted all union, you could do that. But we also want to be coste effective in the budget that we have for this project. So that's all we're asking tonight is to be allowed to move forward with the ranking. >> Thank you. Director uh folk u member Gerro. >> Yes. I had a question. It was
067mentioned about CTO not being local. Was it reported as local? I recall it was. >> They actually have an office in Hudson. They are local to Summit County. The other uh second ranking has their h um their office in Green. Okay. >> Member Hall. Um, thank you, Madam President. Um, Mrs. Folk, who is on the scoring committee? >> The scoring committee actually has everybody listed in the resolution. Um, as you read it, it was uh the business director. It was just myself. I see. >> And those were the members that represented APS. And then we also had our design team, architects, and our owners rep. >> Okay. Thank you, Madame President. May I follow up? >> Yes, me Hall. >> Thank you. So, you're asking us to move forward, give the okay to move forward
068with this, but it states CTO. I know that you're saying that we the board can select um what am I trying to say? We can select the um other components, meaning the other companies to do the work. But right now you're asking us to vote to determine that CTO is the best value >> only for the CMR. >> Right. >> That is the ranking that you are asked for tonight. And per the process, they are ranked 1, 2, 3, and four. And if you approve it, we only get to start negotiating with the ranked number one, which at this point is CTO. >> Understood. Thank you, >> mirrors. >> Thank you, Madam President. I I I I want to restate that we are using this particular company and we're $3 million over on the building
069project. want to re remind people that we are 500,000 over on the bookto project and there there are members of the board that were not here uh in December but the board that was here laid out a specific we had an ask um when it comes to bidding when it comes to contracts when it comes to what is brought before the board. First want to say if we vote yes on this, they are the people because you you you've said before that it's only to approve the ranking, but the ranking goes into negotiations. Um you know, we live in this community. We should be supportive of this community. If we're cutting educational dollars, then we have to make sure that any other dollars that we spend that we're being responsible with, that we are making
070sure if we say this company is the best value, they're the best value. I don't see the wisdom in not getting answers from a $3 million overrun. I I don't see the wisdom of continuing to go down that road because these are public dollars. Um and >> sure. >> No, ma'am. You have not been recognized. So, >> member Harris, >> when we look at approving this resolution, and I know that the people on the resolution have work diligently to find the best value, but they're not construction people. And so, when I look and I ask a question, then I if I don't get the answer, then I have to go and do research. I don't find that they're the best value. I think we have to take into consideration prior constructions. I think we have
071to take in consideration our budget. You know, we don't know what the the cost is going to be, but we know what our budget is and we can't spend more than what our budget is. So, if our budget is $76 million, I remember our budget was $63 million on this school and the school was going to cost $63 million. Then the school we had $76 million. So now the school cost $76 million. So now we're above that with money we don't have. I think we have to take that into consideration when we're looking at a different school, a different build. And and again, I I would question the wisdom of having one company in charge of two buildings that we have to have finished. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you. Are there any [applause]
072are there any any other questions? Any other comments from members of the board? Member member Molina, I'm sorry. Thank you, Madame President. Um, I've been listening to everything everyone's saying here and trying to look up because I I do remember what member Harrison said about um and what member Montgomery saying this process began before some of these u newer members were seated this year. And when that process began, the seated board did lay out and we did agree on a lot of things that we thought were really important um aspects to uh measure when defining best value. And that's why in the beginning of the year the policy committee began member folk you and I or folk sorry [laughter] yes director uh began this year we met I tried to open my calendar just now
073how many times on um policy 6320 and 6320 to lay out how we examine our purchasing and bidding what our policy is and our role from an oversight perspective. I don't want to, as the word keeps coming up, I don't want to micromanage afterwards and continue to have board members inserting themselves if we just approve the right way to begin with. And um in looking at our notes for 6320, I also was while we're sitting here uh the gentleman from Nelsonville uh I I've taken some trips down. I know very familiar Nelsonville brick and the history. Um, and that reminded me to look at our current administrative guidelines on how the policy would have laid out and if 6320 had been um approved, what we could have done with the new policy. And one of
074the items was about contract modifications and change orders. and the contract modification change order stipulation in the new policy if it were included that could have existed in the existing administrative guidelines but because it didn't would be in the new policy would um was about reporting things like a $3 million change a $3 million overrun and require board o uh approval. Additionally, those items would have affected the scoring of a best value and so it no longer would have been the best value because of that overrun on the other existing um contract. So with that, I'm confused if we still don't have answers on the 3 million why we are rushing to get through this now. I'm very very uncomfortable with making a decision now when this seems to be against maybe it not against
075our current policy but certainly against our upcoming policy which is not in conflict with we could still have followed and as we were well aware of the new policy and the direction that this board was heading >> director >> um first I would like to advise we are not $3 million over budget on the Pyer Miller South project. We are still working on that was an estimate of cost from CTO. We have had no change orders to this item. The board has approved only one GMP for the on-site work that is currently going on as you approved for the top pro process under GMP1 GMP2 which is the bid packages are out on the street. They they are currently bidding on various products that need to go into the building such as masonry, carpentry, electric.
076Those bids are due on 520 and we will obviously get those bids back and review them as a team and select those particular items. I can advise the original amount of $63 million was the original item uh uh scoring budget when the building was put together. It did not include the program of requirement which was actually what would be taught and used in the building. When that was done with the design team, it increased the square footage of the building by 7,000 square ft. I can also advise that the uh information regarding the square foot cost between when the board approved this project in 2023 up through recent in 2025 has gone from 369 I think it is per square foot to well over 400 due to uh the construction cost Pastor Harrison has actually
077referred to. So yes, that's where that 76 came from as the program of requirement. There have been no changed orders. This is just an estimate of what it would currently do if it went out on the street and we're waiting for those bids to come back. Thank you. >> Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, I I I would submit that when a builder tells you what something is going to cost, it will cost no less than that. So, even if our budget is 76 and they estimate it's going to be 79, it's it's going to be 79. Uh, and that's based on what you've just said. when the project was $76,0006 >> we talked about scope modification value engineering and phase development >> and we're still in the process sir >> okay but
078we talked about that as in relations to bringing the cost down from 76 so we're still talking about these three things but the price has went up the issue become well madame president if if I can ask a question who approved 7,000 extra feet of building space. >> Yes, >> that was what came back from the PR, the program of requirement, because no program of requirement was ever set when the building was originally put. No one actually talked to the staff or the instructional people as to the needs of what Miller South needed in the building and what Pyer did. And I'll give you an example. Have you heard prior um the people on Miller South had requested a thousand seat auditorium as an example that wasn't possible. It wasn't it was too exorbitantly above
079cost. It currently is permitted for 750. Those are the value engineerings that we're still working on as reported out in the finance committee and >> and I appreciate >> Harrison. Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate that. I appreciate the conversations that u the extensive conversations that you um and the team have had with um member Montgomery. Um I would have appreciated to have some of that information so I could have asked some of the questions that would have given me a a more um informed decision. But again, we have 76 million dollars. We don't have any more than that. We're cutting [clears throat] teachers. We're cutting deans. We're cutting, you know, personnel that directly face students and touch students every day. It is unwise for us to give a blank check to build a building
080and then balance the checkbook after the build or during the build. We have $76 million. >> Thank you, Member Harrison. You know, I do want to recognize the gentle lady that that uh came up. Did you want to add something? I recognize you as one of the consultants that the city that the uh school board has entered into a contract with. Do you have some information that you feel uh can add to this conversation? >> A question that's been asked or something some misunderstanding that you want to clarify. Would you please introduce yourself? Thank you. >> Yes. Um, good evening. Barbaralis, Westfield Consulting Group, owners rep for the North High School project. And I'm >> And would you, before you go any further, would you just kind of explain what your role is in this
081project? >> Yes. As uh the owner's representative for this project. We are here >> be the Akan public schools. for the Akran public schools. We are here to support uh the administration in the decisionmaking pro process for all owner related decisions on the North High School project. >> And so is there some information that you feel you need to bring forward? I was coming up previously, but I believe that director Folk addressed the question about the Miller South project. It's not $3 million over. No dollars have been expended. I'm sure that Deborah is relaying to that project team. As an owner's rep, I would to the north project team that $76 billion is the limit. Figure it out. An additional 7,000 square ft uh happens on lots of projects. No project is complete until it
082meets the budget. I'm sure that what that team needs to do is get back very quickly to the drawing board and um reduce some of the areas of the building that will not impact teaching and learning to pull that back to the $76 million. And I'm confident that director Sykes and her or excuse me, Director Faulk [laughter] and her team have been relaying that message. Having been here, I hear um very loud and clearly the message from all members of the board that times are tough. Um every decision is important. We want to put as much dollars if forward- facing to our students and that will be our charge moving forward with the North High School project. It will be very open and transparent. A construction manager is not a general contractor. A construction manager
083holds all of the subcontractor contracts. On these kinds of projects, there will easily be 20, 30 plus subcontracts on each job, both Miller South and North High School. Multiple vendors, both open shop and union, will offer pricing for each of those. It's transparent. We call that open book. We see the absolute numbers from every single subcontractor and those will come forward to you for individual approval that will then tally up into a GMP. >> Thank you. Any additional questions, comments, discussion? Member Jerome. >> Thank you, President Sykes. So one of the concerns in the committee was the capacity of doing two buildings at the same time. Now one of the potential benefits would be an economies of scale. Now is there any benefit of an economies of scale with CT doing two projects that will
084lower the price for the north project? >> There could be. I can't advise you exactly what they would be at this point, but that could be because they will already have staff available and they also could have contractors that they well known in the area that they could bring forward as any good construction manager at risk is going to be able to do. >> Thank you, director. Any additional questions, comments? All right, so we all clear. The question is resolution 25.5 uh shall the resolution be passed to determine does CTO Incorporated is the best value for construction management at risk services for the new north high school replacement project and ranking all shortlisted CM firms. So the question is shall this resolution be passed? >> Mrs. S. >> And the uh treasurer will call the
085role. >> Mrs. Sykes. >> Yes. >> Miss Hall. >> No. >> Reverend Harrison. >> No. Mr. Gerose? >> No. >> Miss Kelly? >> No. >> Dr. Molinar? No, >> Mr. Montgomery. >> Yes. >> Motion fails two to five. [applause] So, just to be clear, board members, what we've just done, if we uh did not pass this motion, it means that now we go back to the drawing board because the question is whether or not this item shall pass. It's not whether or not the second item on the row on the list pass. So now we go back to the drawing board. Just so we're clear on what we're doing here. All righty. Is there a reason for an executive session? Member Monica. >> Yes, Madame President. I make a most motion to recess into executive
086session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22G1. 22G1 to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official and 121.223 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 motion? Uh, is there a second? >> Second. Having heard a motion by member Molinar and a second by uh member Montgomery, the treasurer will take the role. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Rean Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Jerose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. So, we will go into executive session. uh if it lasts beyond one hour one someone will come out to let you
087know that it's going be beyond an hour. So we are in executive session Good evening. The Akran Public Schools Board of Education remains in executive session. We will return in under an hour. >> [laughter] >> All right, we are back from executive session. And there is action to be taken. Is there a motion to approve the settlement resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. >> There's a motion by member hall. There's a second by member Harrison. [clears throat and music] And uh I will will read uh part of the settlement resolution resolution to approve settlement agreement and release. Be it resolved by the board of education of the Akran City School District as follows. Whereas the district is a respondent in a matter identified as OCRC charge number [snorts] AKR7321432 0112206. And whereas the administration has
088negotiated a proposed settlement agreement and release to resolve this matter. And whereas the board has had the opportunity to review the terms of the proposed settlement agreement and release attached herein as attachment A. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the settlement agreement and release attached hereto to attachment A resolving OCRC charge number AKR73 and be it further resolved that the board authorize the treasurer to make the payment set forth in the agreement in accordance with its terms and be it further resolved that the superintendent and treasurer are hereby authorized to take any additional actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. The intent of the resolution is payment made to legal counsel within 30 days in a in the amount of $80,000 hearing. Any questions? Any discussion?
089Hearing none, the treasurer shall call the role. And the question is whether or not The question is, shall the resolution to approve settlement be approved? >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Mr. Dros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molner, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 26, 2026. Is there a motion to adjourn? So moved. >> Hear the motion from member Hall. Is there a second? >> Second from member Kelly. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. And seeing none, >> the treasurer will call the role. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes.
090>> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. We are joined at 9:08 p.m. [music]