001[music] Good evening and happy new year. Welcome to our first Akran public school board meeting of the year today, January 12th, 2026. Roll call. Mr. Bowers. >> Mrs. Hall, >> present. >> Reverend Harrison, >> present. >> Mr. Jerro, >> present. >> Miss Kelly, >> present. >> Dr. Molinar, >> present. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> present. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> present. >> All board members present. We also have with us Nvea Een who is our student board member. present. [clears throat] >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance if you're able. Nvea Een, would you please lead us in 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
002for that. On January 5th, 2026, we held the swearing in ceremony for our newly elected Akran public school board members at Garfield CLC at 6:30 p.m. Member Reverend Gregory Harrison was sworn in by Judge Jennifer Tao. Member Nathan Dusel was sworn in by Sandra Kirk, clerk of courts. Member Carmea Kelly was sworn in by the Honorable Barbara Sykes. And member Phil McGomery was sworn in by Judge Eleanor Stormer. Let's give them another round of applause and welcome. Okay, let's get the good stuff rolling. Is there a nomination for board president? Member Harrison. >> Thank you. Uh, member Hall, >> I rise. >> Michael, >> I rise today with a nomination. Um, the school board is facing some serious challenges. Um, we have a lot of work to do. Um, [snorts] and I think that we
003have a member of the board who is um, has the experience and the leadership, the legislative um, knowledge and wherewithal to lead this board and this district forward. So, I place a nomination that Barbara Sykes be president of this school board for 2026. >> Thank you, member Mayor Harrison. Is there another nomination for a school board? Okay. Any discussion? >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. Okay. Any discussion? No. Okay. Hearing and seeing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Bowers. >> Miss Hall. >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison. >> Yes. Mr. Gerose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Yes. [applause] >> Congratulations, Mrs. Sykes. >> Thank you. >> Is there a nomination for vice president?
004Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Madame Chair, we again we have serious challenges and we have a member of the board who brings forth legislative and policy experience. Um, and I think the dynamic duel of Barbara Sykes and Renee Molnar as president and vice president would serve this board well. So, I put into nomination uh Dr. Renee Molnar. >> Thank you, member Harrison. >> Are there any other nominations for vice president? >> I'll second the motion. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Second. Thank you, Nathan. Okay. You threw me off there. Any discussion? Hearing none. And seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Bowers. >> Reverend Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jerose. >> Yes. >> Miss Kelly. >> Yes. >> Dr. Molinar. >> Yes. Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >>
005yes. >> Motion carries 70. [applause] >> Congratulations, Dr. Molinar. Next, we will do the oath of office for our president and our vice president. And the oath will be given by Judge David Hamilton. Amen. >> Good afternoon or good evening. I'm Judge David Hamilton, administrative and presiding judge of our ACA municipal court. And I have the distinct honor and privilege of swearing in Barbara Sykes to as the president of the ACA school board. Give her another round of applause. [applause] Barbara, raise your right hand. Do do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will perform faithfully the duties as president of the Akan Board of Education to the best of your ability and in accordance with the rules
006and regulations of the Board of Education and laws now in effect and here and after to be enacted during your continuence in said office and until your successor is elected and qualified? >> I do. Congratulations. Thanks. [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> Dr. Molina, do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will perform faithfully the duties as vice president of the Akran Board of Education to the best of your ability and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the board of education and laws now in effect and hereafter to enact during your continuence in said office and until your successor is elected and qualified. If so, say I do. >> I do. >> [applause] >> Thank you.
007member Sykes, would you please step over here? And as you're moving your seat, it has been a pleasure and my honor to serve as President Pro Tim. I am excited to see what we achieved together, all of us. And I now pass the symbol of leadership, this gavel to you, Miss Barbara Sykes, as our new president of the Akran public school board. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Thank you. So, uh, one of the last things that I will do as as member Sykes and not President Sykes is, uh, stand up and give my speech. [laughter] Uh, I will miss that recognizing that as president now, my role will be to conduct the meeting and make sure that everything is going as they should. But uh let me just start off by saying let me just thank
008you uh Judge Hamilton for swearing me in today. [applause] >> And let me just embarrass him and say congratulations on your engagement. [cheering] [applause] >> I saw your smart wonderful fiance. Would you please stand? Didn't I see I saw her? [cheering] [applause] >> This is what I do to Judge Hamilton. Whenever I can, I try to embarrass him. Whatever I can. [laughter] >> Absolutely. [gasps] >> Uh, good evening. >> Good evening. >> Let me just say members of the board, educators, students, family, and the entire Akran community. I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you tonight as I take on the role as president of Akran Board of Education. I want to begin by expressing my heart heartfelt gratitude. Thank you to my colleagues on the board for placing your trust in me
009even though you're not paying me. Thank you. [laughter] Thank you to our educators, our current educators, our past educators, and I see some of all here who work tirelessly to shape the future of our children. Thank you to our families and the foundation of our student success. And thank you to the students of Akran. You are the reason why we are here. Thank you to my family. It was surprised to see to see the congresswoman here. Thank you. I am s very pleased. very pleased to have you here. [applause] I know normally she's on a flight headed back to Washington. Thank you. I appreciate you being here. Thank you to my husband who just uh a few days ago we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. [applause and cheering] [laughter] >> Poor Vernon. Poor Vernon. [laughter]
010and our other daughter Stacy who could not be here who is an employee of the Akran public school. Thank you. My grandchildren Hugh and Hope and Hugh of course is a graduate of Early College and I don't know why they're not here. I guess they just I don't know. I don't know why they're not here. They too busy. I guess I don't know. But thank you. Thank you to to all of the faces that I see out here that is constantly here on a weekly basis or bi-weekly basis. Thank you Malcolm Costa Community Action Agency who I can look out and see you on a regular basis here. Thank you Carolyn Felter who I see you on a regular basis here. Thank you to the elected officials Lindo Mobian. I see you here. Thank you
011to the Federated Democratic women. I see that you're here. Thank you. [laughter] Thank you to the lady today. We celebrated our birthdays together, Jackie Deose [laughter] and her husband Charles. Thank you to NJ. Thank you to our state representative Veronica Sims. and know that for all the elected officials that we will call on you especially. We will call on you. We have no shame. We will call on you for the work that we need you to help us with in Columbus and Congresswoman for the help we need you to do in Washington. We know you can do it. We know it's tough, but we know you can do it. Thank you to the union members. Thank you to Pesh. I see you. Thank you for all that you do for our children on a regular
012basis. And let me just say thank everyone. If I miss you, it's just because of like not not my heart. Forgive me. Thank you to Dr. Curtis T. Walker. Let me just say that as I as I take on this task, when I say we're going to meet in the boardroom, I will say we are going to meet in the Dr. Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker senior boardroom. [applause] >> There he is. There he is. because we could not be here without Dr. Walker and all of the other school board members that came before us to ensure that we had a strong foundation to take care of our children. And so I want to on a regular basis remember of those that came before us of those whose shoulders we stand on. And so some
013of the past school board members are here. I've mentioned a couple of them uh uh NJ Dr. Walker and uh uh Representative Sims. Is there another past school board member here? Lindo Mobian, who I thanked as as a school board member, as a city council at large member. Thank all of you for being here today. As I take this oath, I am reminded of the great responsibility we share to ensure that every child in Akan re receive the quality of education that they deserve. Education is more than just a pathway to opportunity. It is the cornerstone of striving community of this Akran striving community. We face challenges from ensuring equity across our schools to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world. But we also have immense opportunities. Together we will champion together. Superintendent Artley.
014We will challenge the policies that promote innovative teaching, [clears throat] support our educators, and work hand in hand. Yes, >> we will work hand in hand with families and community partners [applause] to make sure that we do what we were elected to do and appointed to do. I pledge to listen to listen to your concerns, your ideas, your aspirations. I pledge to lead with integrity and that word transparency and focus on what is best for our students. And finally, I say to our members and Miss Hall, thank you for taking care of us the last 30 days when we had no president, where we had Thank you for doing the work that was necessary. Let us embark on the journey today. Let us build a future where every child in Akran thrives and where every
015education lights the way towards a brighter tomorrow. Thank you. I am excited for the work ahead. [applause] You were summer hall the whole time. [laughter] Thank you. >> Member Molinar. Member Molinar. Vice President Mullinar. >> Thank you. And I'll stand for this one. Um, I want to say first of all, thank you to my colleagues for their confidence and for your support. Um, I'm honored to serve as our vice president. You are vice president and I take this responsibility seriously. I want to say thank you to my husband and to my family. Um, and thank you for being here with your busy schedules. I know you have to rush out and go to karate as soon as I stop talking. Um, but I'm so glad that you're able to be here, especially because they weren't
016able to see me being sworn in because it was in the middle of the school day and the work day and I wasn't going to pull them out of school just to watch mommy give a speech that's on YouTube anyway. So, I'm so glad that um you got to be part of this with me. So, thank you. And I also want to say thank you to everyone else that's here. All of the community members that are here that I know you're not here for me, but you're here and you're willing to get to know me because you care about our community. We care about our community and our schools. And so I appreciate all of you for those reasons and so we can help our students together. Um, I also want to say thank you,
017a special thank you to member, now president Sykes, um, for encouraging my growth. And I want to say I believe the role of the vice president is to support our president, help ensure continuity, contribute to thoughtful, respectful, effective governance. And so I'm committed to working collaboratively with the board, with administration, grounded in a shared sense of purpose and responsibility. So, as we move forward together as a team, um my focus will be on clear communication, transparency, listening to our community. And while we may bring different perspectives to the table, and while we should, I hope we are doing a good job of bringing different perspectives to the table, we're united in our obligation to serve our students, families, staff, and our broader community with integrity, care, and grace. So I look forward to working ahead
018as we strengthen our governance and build trust together. So thank you. [applause] All right. So I know there may be someone on that want to leave. If so, we can stand down for five about five minutes if those of you want to leave. If not, we encourage you to stay for the meeting. You're going to stay. Yay. Okay. All right. All right. All right. Item 1.7, suspension. [laughter] >> [laughter] >> All right. They usually go to >> All righty. >> Safe travel, daughter. It's people speak. language. >> I don't know. I understand that we do have uh a number of individuals that's here to speak to the board. Uh so what I would do is ask member uh Montgomery if you would call the first individual. >> Uh yeah. First up, we have Courtney Brown.
019>> As Mr. Brown is coming up, let me just say to you, Mr. Brown, that uh you know, there's usually a speech that the president will read, but I will simply say that uh I know you, Mr. Brown, will be respectful and uh that you will try and speak within three minutes. Uh if you do not uh speak within those three minutes, then don't worry, >> we still No, we will not cut you off. you can still continue to speak. What this what the treasurer will do is let you know when we're at uh 2 minutes. So, you have one minute left to speak, but uh we I know how when you speak that you tend to want to end with the real bane. So, I won't cut we won't cut you off at all.
020Okay. >> We won't cut you off. >> You know, I appreciate it. >> Okay. And there will not we will not we will not count down. >> Thank you. Um, good evening, president, board members, new board members, and superintendent Otuley. Um, my name is Courtney Brown. I'm a resident of Akran and a graduate of East CLC, class of 2006. I'm here tonight seeking clarity, transparency, and consistency and process um, and just a little bit of understanding. I have board members, current board members, and previous board members who have supported me um, off behind the scenes and even on the record. I'm I have been actively pursuing employment with Akam public school since 20 2024. During that time, I completed all required academic degrees, internships, and field experience aligned to school counseling and educational leadership. I
021will complete my education administration degree this May with will account for my third master's degree, which includes school counseling and also general education in coaching and sports science. Um only barrier I faced prior to 20 2024 was my background check qualifications which has been restored by the state hence Ohio Department of Education. After graduating from my counseling program in December 2024 from the University of Akran my initial lensure application with the Ohio Department of Education was denied because of my background. I exercised my right to appeal and won that appeal and now I'm fully cleared by the state. I have written confirmation that no further action or documentation is required for me at the state level. Superintendent Utley has that verification. As part of my educational and professional development, my leadership field experience was supervised
022and academic capacity by former board president Carla Jackson in which I served as an intern principal and a long-term sub grades 3rd through 8th grade. During the period of my appeal, the district experienced multiple leadership transitions. I was encouraged by previous superintendants to apply to ultimately assist in leadership related capacity because the district can use more presence of successful African-American males specifically due to the demographics in our district. More recently, I met with Superintendent Outley. I provided documentation verifying my state clearance and I was granted permission by her to apply to current openings while she sought additional clarification in which I hope to hear feedback from her soon. However, since that time, she has given me position per permission to apply sub and openings such as substitute teaching and coaching openings that have um appear
023on a career opportunity site on the um board's website. My applications have been repeatedly denied by human resources without explanation, specifically by Todd Wellness and Julian Foster, and my attempts to seek clarification have not been returned. This is occurring while the district publicly acknowledges staffing needs and while I'm actively receiving interviews in neighboring districts for roles that include Dina students in Garfield Heights and coaching opportunities in Canton South local school district. I have indicated this to Superintendent Utley as well. In addition to my academic and professional background, my passion for the city of Akran desires to make impact right here where I was born and raised and received all of my academic and educational achievements. I maintain strong relationships with Akran families and students through coaching and nonprofit work that has been supported by our
024city and county government. The work has allowed me to build trust, consistency, and accountability with the very students and families our districts worked and support. It has even been I have even had the opportunity to go speak at a variety of schools in our district. Most recently, November 24th at LAC when the principles were wanted me to talk to the 9th grade commitment to graduation and I was a guest speaker for that ceremony. I'm here tonight respectfully requesting clarity and guidance. If there is a policybased reason why I'm not eligible for employment opportunity, I'm asking that it be communicated to me in writing so I can address it appropriately. I'm committed to Akran. I want to serve Akan students and I'm simply asking for fair, transparent, and clearly [snorts] communicated process. I appreciate all of
025you guys' time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. >> Member Montgomery, would you? >> Yep. Next up, we'll have Pat Shape. President Molinar, members of the board, Superintendent Outley, and members of the Akran community. First, I extend my sincere congratulations to our newly elected board members, and welcome back to our returning board members. Your dedication to leading at this pivotal time for public education is deeply appreciated. While I speak directly to all of you here tonight, I most importantly want to speak to the Akran community. Not only those with families and children which are directly involved with Akran public schools, but those who believe they have little or no stake in the decisions that affect our district. The truth is this. Every community member has a direct interest in the success of our schools.
026The backbone of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods is a system of healthy, wellsupported public education. The success of current and future generations, the workforce that will power our community, the leaders who will guide our city, and the neighbors who will shape a shared quality of life is tied directly to the education our children receive in our schools every day. Strong schools benefit not only families with school-aged children. They benefit homeowners, every business owner, every taxpayer, and every resident who wants to live in a safe and prosperous Akran across Ohio. Public education is under attack. Legislators in Columbus seek to diminish and weaken Ohio public education for the monetary profit of a few. A.eA is committed to working with the superintendent to provide the board with regular updates regarding legislative changes and developments that directly affect our
027district. We must all confront these challenges honestly and constructively. Our educators bring the vital lived experience of the classroom, but all of you bring the responsibility of governance and policy. When these perspectives are joined rather than placed in opposition, we are at our strongest. True collaboration requires transparency, respect, and a shared commitment to Akran students. It means listening deeply, engaging in difficult conversations, and honoring the essential role that educators play in student success. We believe that a strong partnership between the Akran School Board and the Akran Education Association is essential to making that vision a reality. So tonight, Aea extends our collective commitment. Let us move forward together united in purpose. If we commit to true collaboration and courageous leadership, we will strengthen our district, uplift our neighborhoods, and ensure that every child and family
028in Akran has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you very much and congratulations to the new board. [snorts] >> Thank you, sir. [applause] Uh, >> Madame President, last is Danielle Francis. Good evening. I'm Danielle Francis. Good evening, President Sykes, uh, Vice President Molnar, um, Superintendent Mary Otley, and fellow board members. I'm here tonight to address an issue that is ongoing. Um there is a current Firestone head girls basketball coach on paid administrative leave due to an investigation that's taken place that um began on December 19th after an incident at the school on Thursday, December 18th when a parent entered the office of the coach Isaac Williams and attacked him. Please do not please do not use individual names. >> Okay. Um so I uh just want clarification on why the integrity and safety of our staff
029members um is not being protected, but the parent that attacked the coach is still able to attend games was at the North game on Thursday and is currently at Book High School at the game now. the principal of Firestone High School was notified by referees and the assistant coaches that are furthering the um team at this time that she was in the stands and nothing was done. Um I don't Todd Wamus has been contacted multiple times um about this investigation um and is the coach is being told that um he still needs to further his investigation while the video and statements have all been read by the principal of Firestone High School, the AD of Firestone High School. um other athletics and um principles have seen this video and there has been no clarification um
030as to the process or what is taking so long. So I just w um want to know what the accountability of um all of this is and why the integrity of our staff members who he's not only just a coach but he's also a mentor. Um he has been there for these girls. He's been on the staff for 3 years and took over coach Mitchell's position when he left. Um, these girls look up to him. We now have girls that are quitting because he's no longer there and no longer coaching. Um, so it goes [clears throat] beyond athletics, ab beyond coaching, um, but the mentorship that is there that these girls look up to him and depend on him to be there to support them in their education and furthering their athletic career. Um, I
031just I'm confused and I don't understand why it's taking so long. This has been ongoing for three weeks, um, if not longer than that. Um, and it's vital for him to be there for these for these girls. Um, you've started off with 19 girls and now have 11. That says a lot to a coach. Um, and so I'm just wanting clarity on all of that and why our safety and protection of our staff is not being protected. Um, [music] and parents that ensue this situation are still allowed in attendance to our public schools around our students and other community members that are vital to our community and the safety of our children. >> Thank you. And uh I also should have said earlier that we will refer the comments to our superintendent and uh we
032would work to make sure that she respond to all three of the individuals that made statements uh this evening. We appreciate you taking the time to come and to speak with us. So that concludes the speakers. Member Montgomery, thank you. Mr. Treasurer, would you note that uh the parliamentary authority uh governing the board of education shall be the most recent addition of the Robert Rules of order? Thank you. All right. Item 1.7, suspension of bylaw 131. Uh suspension of bylaw 131 uh is the operation of that requires more than one reading of an amendment to an adoption of a policy prior to a board vote as it relates to the proposed amendment and adoption of policy 0155 committees and to terminate the suspension at the conclusion of this meeting. So the question is, is there
033a motion to approve 1.7 suspension of bylaws 131? >> I make a motion to uh approve suspension of bylaw 131. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Is there discussion? [snorts] >> I see any or no discussion. The question is, will the members uh should we pass 1.7 suspension of bylaws 131? Members will prepare to vote. Treasurer will call the role. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Item 1.8, amend policy 0155. 0155 policy includes the following. Standing committee, finance and capital management committee, instructional policy and student achievement committee, legal and contract committee, policy committee, rules committee, and
034students success celebration committee. Is there a motion to approve the amendment to policy 0155? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Uh for the discussion part, let me just say that we have up until this point had four committees. We are now including two additional committees. One of the committees as you heard is the policy committee and the second committee is rules committee and as we get to the point of actually announcing who will serve on those committees I will give you a further explanation for those committee. So the question is the question is will the members uh support and pass issue 1.8 amending 0155. Uh members will prepare to vote and the treasurer will call the role. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >>
035yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, Mr. Treasur. As you heard, uh we just included uh additional two committees and now I will uh assign the committees to the assign the members to the following committees. These are standing committees for 2026. Standing committees for 2026. Finance and capital management committees will oversee the budget, finance, financial planning, and capital project. The chair is member Montgomery. The vice chair is member Harrison and and the member the third member on the committee is member Gerros. The committee will meet the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Occasionally it may be necessary for the committee to also call the meeting on the first Wednesday uh
036when it would be appropriate. The second committee appointment is instructional policy and student achievement. This committee will focus on curriculum, student achievement and instructional policy. The chair will be vice president Molinar. The vice chair will be member Jeros and the third member on that committee will be member Harrison. The meeting date will be the first Monday at 4:30 p.m. The third committee appointment, legal and contract committees. Legal and contract committees will review and recommend on legal matters and contracts, including employment agreements, vendors, services, contracts, and policies, ensuring compliances with state and federal laws, as well as local laws. The chair will be member Gerles. The vice chair is member Montgomery and the third member on the committee is member Hall. The meeting the committee will meet the third Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. The third the
037next committee is policy committee. The policy committee will review and recommend new or revised schools policies. The chair will be member Harrison. The vice chair will be member Kelly and the third member on the committee will be vice president Molinar. The committee will meet the first Monday at 5:30 p.m. The next committee meeting will be student success celebration committee who will recognize and celebrate students accomplishments. The chair will be member Hall. The vice chair will be member Kelly and the third member on the committee is member Montgomery. The meeting date will be the third Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The final committee is rules committee. Rules will manage the AMAN school board meeting agenda by determining the format, preparation, and dissemination of the school board's agenda. Assign the resolutions and or legislation to be placed on
038the agenda for a vote. when resolutions should come on the agenda at resolutions and or legislation can be considered when it will be considered. The chair is member Sykes, the vice chair is vice president Molinar and the third member will be member Kelly. Those are the standing committees for 2026. In addition, I will announce the member clusters. The cluster members, East cluster will be headed by member Hall. The uh Garfield cluster will be headed by member Harrison. The Firestone cluster will be headed by member Geros. The North cluster will be headed by member Kelly. Elliot cluster will be headed by member Montgomery. The specialty cluster will be headed by member Molinar. and the book the cluster will be headed by member sites. In addition to that, I am appointing the joint board of review known
039as JBR. The joint board of review is a combination of a board between the city of Akran and the Akran school board. The joint board of review members will be member Harrison, member Montgomery, member Molinar, and they will also be joined by our superintendent, member Auntley, and our treasurer, Treasurer Bowers. They will be the voting members on the uh joint board of review. uh however all board members as with any committee are invited to participate when these committees are taking place. So that is the assignments of our of our boards and our commissions. Uh I will also note that as far as OSBA trustees, Ohio school board association trustees, uh member Kelly will serve as trustee and representing Akran as well as the urban network. Member Molinar will serve as the uh alternate to the
040OSBA. We will now go to uh 1.10, the establishment of board meetings. All board members should have a list of the 2026 board meetings uh at your desk. Is there a motion to approve the board meeting dates for 2026? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> There is there any discussion? If there's no discussion, the question is should we establish the board meeting dates for 2026? All members are prepared to vote. The treasurer will take the role. Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, Mr. Treasure. Approval of previous meetings minutes. Is there a motion to approve the
041previous minute meeting minutes? >> I move to approve the previous minutes of the meeting. December 20 December 8th, 2025. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> So the question is, shall we approve the previous meetings minutes? All members are prepared to vote. Treasurer Bowers. >> Mr. Montgomery. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Mner. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Item uh number 23. No, Mr. Treasure, I guess I was I was eliminating some things here. So, I guess uh Madam Superintender, you're up. So I understand that is the National School Board Appreciation Month. >> You are correct. >> So that is the beginning. She stole my thunder already.
042So did you know that January is National School Board Appreciation Month? We celebrate National School Board Appreciation Month because school board members provide crucial leadership by setting vision, creating policy, and overseeing budgets, making complex decisions that directly impact student success, requiring immense time and dedication to serve their communities. making it vital for us to acknowledge their superhero service to public education. The Ohio School Boards Association, also known as OSBA, leads this recognition to thank our school board members and also to educate our public on their vital role. Each board member has at their seat a certificate [music] from the Ohio School Boards Association. The theme this year is scaling new heights in public education. This evening we have a special guest who will pay tribute to the board in song. Don Wilson, our fine arts
043specialist, will do the honors of introduction. Good evening everyone. Um we are so pleased that we're able to support our school board with school board um school member appreciation month. You have a folder in front of you and in that folder you have a card that's tied up with a ribbon. So these cards were designed, created and completed by several co scholars at Jennings CLC in the advanced art class. Um, and the cards have they they say something very special to you. Their teacher is Payton Young. And so I think they did a wonderful job, but they know that it is original art that you have. Okay. [applause] Next, we have with us a student, Khloe Banks from Firestone Community Learning Center. Khloe is a 12th grade student. She's in the Academy of Performing Arts.
044So, just some general background is Khloe is one of 59 students at Firestone CLC and many more students across the district preparing for the Ohio Music Educators Association solo and ensemble contest solo and ensemble adjudicated event. So, this will be held on Saturday the 17th at Barbton High School. And what this program is um students are responsible for learning a selection that is from a list that's created and when they go to this event they perform it. It's it can be a singer an instrumentalist perform perform before an adjudicator that provides constructive growth comments for them so that they can better um develop their skills. So Chloe is going to sing for us what she's going to present on Saturday. The song is called Queres Dexter Patric. It is Latin and it's by composer Antonio
045Valdi. [applause] Are you good? [music] >> [music] [music] >> We serious. [singing] These are all mean. [music] [singing] [music] M [singing] [music] [singing] beast crazy [singing] [music] The dark [singing] miser [music] miser miser. Lord and no [music] heat. [applause] >> [applause] >> Please, let's give Chloe another round of applause. [applause] In closing, I would like to also acknowledge Khloe's teacher, Megan Meyer, who's right there, [applause] and to encourage you as a board to become embedded in the things that we do in fine arts um along with the other things that you have to do. If you haven't gotten an invitation from me to do some things that we have coming up in February, just know it's coming. Okay. Thank you so much. [applause] Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, President Sykes, that does conclude recognitions.
046>> Thank you. And I'm so sorry I took your thunder away. That was not my intentions. I do also want to recognize Chloe parents. Would you please stand? [applause] Thank you. Thank you. And it was beautiful. Just beautiful. Just beautiful. So, as you heard, we do have our scholar board member here. And so, before we get started, I just I I I kind of pumped and said I'm going to we just we're just going to have a little short discussion. So, uh Naa Isa right from Ellen High School. So, tell us what do you think about it so far? What do you think about this meeting? It's very different from what I expected. [laughter] >> Okay. What do you expect? >> I don't even know. I [laughter] didn't expect this. >> Well, this is the
047first meeting. So, it doesn't this is not normal. This is not the usual. This is just the first meeting of the year. So, you know, we swearing in new officers and appointing. So, this is not which means that you have to come back. >> Yeah. >> You have to come back. So, you heard that uh we have uh board members that represent clusters and so uh member Montgomery represents your your cluster, but I understand that you have a you have a prepared statement that you would like to share with us. >> Yes, I do. >> Okay. >> You're on. >> Good evening, madame president, madam superintendent, honorable board members and guests. My name is Nvea Een and I am a junior at COC. I am in the applied engineering academy in the construction pathway to
048hopefully prepare myself for my plans after high school. I am a very active student excelling both academically and athletically. My commitment to my academics and athletics is demonstrated by my consistent [music] 3.5 through 4.0 GPA while also participating in five sports including track and field, basketball, cross country, soccer, and football. My sports and grades mean a lot to me. These activities are a major highlight of my day. Being around my teammates and working towards a common goal or getting a good grade on an assignment brings me great joy. Sports help me grow by building leadership and social skills. My academics are helping me prepare for my future. After I graduate, I plan to attend college to major in interior design and graduate with a bachelor's degree. I also plan to get my real real estate
049license shortly after. Before I step into the next chapter of my life, I want to leave a positive impact here at Elliot that will sustain long after my graduation. Whether that's being here and being a voice for all it students or being at school lending a helping hand or an open ear to those that need it. I like everything about Elllet. I've built so many friendships here with the students, coaches, and staff members. These staff members always make sure to keep a positive and welcoming environment and they are always willing to help. My friends fill my day with fun and laughter and they have helped me realize that there's more to school than just coming to learn. With that being said, I think students aren't as united as they should be. I believe we can
050create more unity among the students by having events that involve more teamwork and collaboration like schoolwide projects or community service days. For example, tutoring sessions where older students can volunteer to tutor younger students to provide academic support. Another example is having a unity day where students from different grades work together to create work together on a creative project which could help break down barriers and form friendships. Ultimately, this could lead to a district-wide service project where all schools can come together. These simple ideas would make our school more inclusive and also allow us to share our diverse talents and backgrounds together. Having a united and inclusive community at school doesn't just have to be a possibility. It can be reality and together we can make that happen. Thank you for your time and willingness to
051listen. I look forward to working together and helping Elllet become a more inclusive place for everyone. [applause] Member Montgomery. Did you want to make a >> Yeah, I thank you. I just um applaud you for being here today. Those are great remarks on behalf of the Elllet cluster as the newly appointed liaison for Elllet. I'm going to lean on you to come show me around when I come visit the school. Uh but I like your ideas of the tutoring and the unity day and we'll continue to talk about how we can uh maybe make some of those realities. So, congratulations. Member Mullen. >> Thank you, Madame President. Um, first of all, um, you did a great job. I know this is your first time coming to a board meeting and we have more people here
052than usual and so it's a very intimidating Well, it's a nice audience, but it's an intimidating experience. You did a great job and I'm just so impressed because I heard you list off all of the things that you're involved in. You're in applied engineering. I heard track. I heard something about football. A list of extracurriculars. we want to invent a new curricular um a unity event, but I also know that you did a social media takeover of our Instagram and you didn't even mention that additional thing that you've taken on all day. And my uh New Year's resolution is to be more social media uh aware or adept. But can you please explain to everyone here um just a brief um about your Instagram takeover enough that we we might be inspired to do it
053to to come see it? So, my Instagram takeover, I basically just did a kind of like follow me throughout my day at Elllet. So, I just recorded like me learning in class, taking notes. I did a few fun interviews with coaches and friends, and I showed my construction cuz I'm in the construction um pathway. And yeah, I just showed me building some stuff and just having fun really. >> Member Hall. >> Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say congratulations thus far. You're doing a great job and keep it up. Um, by you taking on construction, you're setting yourself up for success because construction, interior design, and real estate, that's just a multi-million dollar industry. So, I'll call you when I need a room done. [laughter] But, I just want to say good job
054and keep following your dreams. And if you ever need any of us, please reach out. >> I do want to second what U. Member Hall was saying. If you do, if you need help, uh please definitely stay in touch and we'll be in touch with you as well. Thank you for spending your the uh the your Instagram takeover with us. [laughter] >> Thank you, member Kelly. Thank you. Now, now we like to take care of you. So, we're going to take care of you. So, you must in introduce your parents so you can go home tonight. [laughter] >> Introduce your parents. >> Do I just want to stand up or >> whatever you want to do? Whichever way you want to do. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Introduce introduce your family and your parents. Yeah. >>
055This is my stepmom, Alicia Een. >> Um that's my dad right there, Dante Een. And that that's my mom, Misty Ashford. And my stepdad, Robin Ashford. >> Wonderful. What a wonderful [applause] support group. Yes. Yes. Yeah. So, you know, we didn't want to miss that. We didn't, you know, we did not want to miss that. >> Introducing your parents. Yeah. Thank you so much parents for being here for both sets of parents and it shows uh the work that you're doing with your with your children and we appreciate that and we want to make sure that we continue to do whatever we can to support you in every way uh to make sure that uh they grow up, take the leadership so we can rest, right? We want to be able to rest. We want
056you to do the work. So that that ends that today. I would ask that you stay the meeting. It won't be much longer. Uh because I want you to at the end also to just give us some more feedback on what you think and let us know how we can improve what we do and know that you're always welcome to come back. Moms, dads, you're always welcome to come back and visit us. Thank you. >> Principal is >> Are the principal here too? Oh, [applause] and so we have principal um Sabetta is here and also academy principal Mr. Holtz from Elllet CLC. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay, so now we'll have the report from our treasurer. Okay. Okay. Tonight we're going to go over the November financial report. Um, our monthly
057financial reports provide us with totals and comparisons for month ended as well as the fiscal year to date for our general fund. Uh, this this report reflects the first five months of our fiscal year which runs from July 1st to June 30th. uh through November, financial activity trended slightly positive for both the month and the fiscal year to date. [snorts] So here on page three at the top, the first set of blue, yellow, and green tiles compare our 2026 fiscal year-to-ate revenue, expenditure, and cash balances to the same fiscal year-to-ate amounts for fiscal year 25. So far this year, we've received 19.6 million more in revenue. Our expenditures have been 5.9 million less, and our [snorts] cash balance is almost 8.1 million higher than through November of last year. At this time, we'll go into
058greater detail on this year's revenues and expenditures on pages four and five. The second set of tiles is comparing the first five months of this school year's actual data plus seven months of projected data to our forecast. [snorts] Through the first five months, our revenue has come in 1.7 million higher and we have spent 417,000 more than we expected. And adding those [snorts] two together gives us a positive trend of about 1.3 million. Very close to forecast. Um, we'll go into those amounts in more detail on page six. [clears throat] Down at the bottom, we have a gray and blue bar chart that shows the ups and downs of our cash balance. [clears throat] What it does is lines up last year's cash balance with this year's cash balance. The gray is last year and
059the blue is this year. Um it highlights how our property tax collections cause two distinct cash flow cycles. Every year in July, August and September and then again in February, March and April, we receive our property tax revenue uh income. During those months, our cash balance increases and then [snorts] as we accordingly as we post that revenue to our books. But in between those months, our cash balance declines as we continue to spend without that property tax coming in. Down at the very very bottom of this page, there are two tiles, a gray and a blue one. The gray one is our beginning cash balance for the year and the blue one is what we're projecting we could get to at the end of this year based on five months of data. Moving over to
060page four. This is our revenue detail for November. [clears throat] Our total revenue was down about 146,000 which is like 0.9% for us. though it's not a lot of money it relative to our to our total amount we bring in. Um in section two [snorts] we see that our revenue collection through November is up 19.5 million more than through November of last year which reflects our new levy we passed November 8th of 24. Um and the biggest increase has been to taxes and reimbursements where we've received 12.5 million more than last year. [snorts] All other revenue is also up by 6.3 million more than through last year at this point which is reflecting some tax increment financing revenue. Moving to page six, five, sorry. These are our expenditure details. And at the top is our
061November expenditures compared to the prior year. And [snorts] our expenditures this month were up $2 million or about 7% when compared to last November. Salaries and benefits are trending at about three and a half% which is about normal. But [snorts] purchase services were up 48 48% [clears throat] primarily to an increase of 976,000 in pupil transportation costs. [snorts] All other expenditures were down 20% with real no significant variances noted there. [snorts] And down in section two on this page, this shows our total expenses so far this school year compared to last school year at this point. And through five months, our expendences expenses have been 5.9 million or 3.8% lower than through last year at this time. And the majority of this decrease has been that we did not adopt a textbook purchase earlier in
062the year for about 4 million [snorts] and then buildings expenses have been down about 2.8 million so far this year. However, we did forecast and contained in that data, we did forecast a 1.83% increase to our pupil transportation costs for this year. But unfortunately, those costs have been up 1.8 million or 65% so far this year. Uh through November of last year, at this point, we had spent 2.8 million and so far this year, we've spent 4.6 million. Moving on to page six. This is a summary of our revenue and expenditure detail compared to our forecast projections which continue to be very accurate. Uh through five months our revenue is trending 1.7 million higher than the forecast which is about 1% because we forecasted 377 million for this year. And then our expenditures are trending
063almost perfectly dead on to our $387 million. We're only off 0.11% so far. [snorts] This is our monthly bank wreck. We do this every month. [snorts] It represents all of our bank accounts, not just the general fund. On the left hand side are our book balances and on the right hand side are our bank balances. At the end of November, we were maintaining a total cash balance of 227 million. [snorts] We performed this reconcil reconciliation every month [clears throat] as an internal control to ensure the accuracy and completeness of our financial records. This concludes my report. Madame President, >> thank you. Treasur Ber, are there any questions for the treasur? So for our uh scholar school board member. So you just heard all of the money that we spend in this school district. Any questions?
064Any comments? Any observations? >> No, I don't have any questions. >> Just a lot of money. >> Yeah, just a lot of money. It's a lot of money. >> It's a lot of money. That's what we think every time we hear it too. It's a lot of money. It's a lot of money. Which says that what it it does it takes it takes a lot of money to educate our children adequately and and we're looking for more money because we need more money to adequate to educate to educate our children. So, we're going to continue to make sure that we work to do that. Uh so, I'm not going to put you on the spot anymore. [laughter] So have hearing no questions from our board members, we will move on to uh the consent agenda.
065So uh is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> I make a motion to approve our consent agenda. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Member Harrison. Uh is there a second? >> Second. Is there any discussion? Uh at this point, let me just say ask are there any requests to remove any items from the consent agenda? Okay, hearing no questions and no requests to remove any items from the consent agenda. The question is shall the consent agenda be approved? If all members are prepared to vote, the treasurer will call the role. Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you, M. Mr.
066Treasurer. Uh, is there any unfinished business that any member would like to bring before the board at this time? hearing and see a no member with unfinished business. Is there any new business that the board would like to bring or the superintendent would like to mention at this time? Certificate. >> Yes, we do have item 25.1 certification of 2025 high school graduates. [clears throat] We're looking for approval of these graduates, please. >> Thank you, Madam Superintendent. Uh, is there a motion to approved the certification of the 2025 high school graduation class? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? I would simply ask you, Madam Superintendent, how many students did we graduate this year? President, that is an excellent question. >> And I'm going to go with um with confidence
067[laughter] 1295. That's 1,285. >> That is correct. [laughter] >> And she's sticking to that. Thank you, Madam Superintendent. >> [laughter] >> Thank you very much. So you may notice that we have eliminated member reflection. Uh but under new business, if there is a comment that member would like to make, this would be the time to make it. Even though we're we're not doing member reflections, we are uh at this point uh prepared to hear any comments on the new business from members. and know that uh uh the clock will not go and and that you have an opportunity to uh let us know what you would like to share with us. Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam President. I I would just like to thank um Karen Rodocker, the principal at Garfield CLC um and
068the student ambassadors um the custodial staff and administrative staff and everyone who came out last Monday. um as we were um sworn in. Um I think it was a wonderful event. The school worked really hard. The administrators worked well with us. Um and just want to thank everyone and invite anyone and everyone. Um if you have not been to a CLC, um it was a wonderful event, but it was also a wonderful venue. If you have not been to a CLC, if you have not used a CLC, I would encourage you to visit our CLC's and especially um Garfield. Garfield CLC is a beautiful building. Um and so just want to thank the Garfield community and all of the staff. >> Thank you, member Harrison. Member Hall. >> Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted
069to make sure that you all have it on your calendars to attend the I Promise to fashion show. That fashion show will also host our students at East High School. Um so come out and just support our kids um January 30th at House 3:30 um from 7 to 9. >> Any other comments from any other board member? Thank you. hearing none. Uh uh Vice President Molinar, is there a reason to go into executive session? >> Um Madame President, there is, but I believe um I know this I'm sorry, I'm out of um I think we still need to vote on the consent agenda. >> Yeah, we need to vote on 25.1 the certification of the 2025 high school graduate. Okay. The question is, shall shall the uh certification of the 2025 high school graduates be
070approved? All members are prepared to vote. The treasurer will call the role. >> Miss Hall? >> Yes. >> Reverend Harrison? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dro? >> Yes. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Dr. Molinar? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgomery? >> Yes. >> Miss Sykes? >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Yes. Now, executive session. Is there a reason uh to go into executive session? >> Yes. I would like to um make a motion to recess into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22G1, 22G1 the appointment employment dismissal discipline promotion demotion comp or compensation of an employee or official or the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee official lency or student unless the employee official lency or student requests a public hearing and also um executive session would also include discussion
071of 121.22 22G4 preparing for conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining se bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Hearing no discussion, the treasurer will call the role. >> Reverend Harrison. Yes, >> Mr. Gerros. >> Yes, >> Miss Kelly. >> Yes, >> Dr. Molinar. >> Yes, >> Mr. Montgomery. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Sykes. >> Yes, >> Miss Hall. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. 70. >> Thank you, Mr. Treasur. So, we will we will adjourn into executive session. Before that, I did skip the committees uh intentionally. When we come back, uh we will announce uh the committees. Uh I do not believe that there will be a reason to offer a a uh any type
072of uh legislation out of executive session, but we would like to hear if there's going to be any committee me meetings that's going to take place uh in the coming weeks. Let me just say that as we re recess into executive session, it's 6:49. The executive session will start in 10 minutes. So in 10 minutes, we will start the executive session. It is the intent that the executive session will last one hour or less. If the executive session lasts longer than one hour, then Vice President Moladar will come down to let you know uh that it is lasting longer and why it is lasting longer and when we expect it to end. Uh let me just say also that uh we appreciate you giving us the opportunity to take your business outside of your ear
073and eyesight. This is a serious serious process that we go through because you have said that you entrust us to make decisions that you cannot hear that you don't know what we're talking about but you trust that it is serious enough that if we did talk about this in public that it would hurt first of all our students, our district, our staff, our community. So, thank you very much for allowing us to go into executive session. We will not waste our time. We will come back and let you know uh if we are going longer than an hour and we appreciate your consideration. Hearing nothing else, we will adjoin into executive session in 10 minutes. Thank you to everyone who has been on standby in person and online. As this was our first meeting of
074the year, there are a number of items to discuss. So, we will plan to use another 30 minutes and return at 8:30. Thank you. All right. >> You ready? [panting and sighs] >> Okay. We are back in session for Akran public schools board meeting January 12th, 2026. There is no action to be taken from the executive session. However, uh I would ask if the committee members would uh like to announce any committee meetings uh that is taking place in the coming week or so. So let me just begin by you can just raise your hand who anyone who wants to announce a committee meeting. >> Montgomery. >> Thank you madam president. The finance and capital management meeting will be January the 21st at 6:30 p.m. >> Member Hall. >> Student success celebration committee will be
075on the third Wednesday um of the month. Oh, I wrote the date. Mike, I'm sorry. [laughter] >> January 21st. Thank you. >> Okay. U member Moladar, >> thank you. Instructional Policy Committee will be meeting tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. >> Member Harris, >> board policy or policy committee will be meeting tomorrow, January 13th at 5:30 p.m. in this um in this room. Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom. >> Thank you, Member Harris. [laughter] >> Members, your role. The legal and contracts meeting will be on the third Wednesday of each month and the next meeting will be January 21st from 4:30 to 5:30 here at the Dr. Reverend Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Thank you. [gasps] Uh anything else to come before the board? Okay, all members are ready. Could I have a motion to adjourn? >> So move.
076>> Second. Uh wait a minute. Nope. Let's not talk over each other. So, we have a motion to adjourn by Montgomery. We have a second by Jeros. You got that? Okay. Uh the um uh treasurer will call the role. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Miss Hall, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. First meeting of uh 2026 is adjoined at 8:31 p.m. >> [music]