Board of Education Livestream - 05/27/25

001[Music] [Applause] [Music] Good evening and welcome to the Akran public schools board meeting on what is this May 27th, 2025 at 5:31 One. Dr. Thompson. Roll call, please. Miss Autry, present. Miss Hall, present. Reverend Harrison, present. Miss Jackson, present. Dr. Molinar, present. Mrs. Sykes, present. Six present, one absent. Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Could we all please stand for the pledge of of allegiance led by uh member Altry 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. We'll now have recognitions. Um, Superintendent Ali. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to begin with our superintendent book club of the month. Congratulations to our top readers for April. We have a tie in the elementary category with both

002students reading an amazing 34 books each. When I say your name, would you please come up? We're going to start with Slater Harris, who is a kindergarten student at Betty Jane CLC. [Applause] And we have Briana Ramsay who is a first grader from Windemir CLC. Thank you. If you're with either one of these scholars, please feel free to come up and join them. Principles who may be in the audience, we would like to also congratulate Slater who has now claimed the top spot for January, February, March, and April. [Music] We're also proud of Briana who won for two consecutive months for March and [Music] April. Now we're moving on to our middle school. Congratulations. Oops. They were so excited they left me before I gave them their certificates. Wait. Come back. Come back. Can you

003hand them out for me? Thank you. They look beautiful. Okay, we're going to move on to our middle school category. Angelina Melvin is a sixth grader from Inennis and she read six books and we are proud of Angelina. please come [Applause] forth. And we're going to wrap up our recognition by looking at our high schoolers. The winners for grades 9 through 12 is the winner for February, March, and now April as well. And that is D Boone, a 12th grader from Elllet CLC. I think her principal is here. Just in case D is not, you can take her award certificate back for us. We're proud of this 12th grader who has read nine books. Oh, okay. Congratulations. Let's give one more final big round of applause for all of our top readers. April was a

004busy month. We had our testing, but our students also had spring break. And yet, they were able to read and earn this recognition. In total, our scholars achieved the following milestones for the month of April. For grades K through 5, they've read 498 books districtwide. Grades 6 through 8 read 27 books and grades 9 through 12 read 19 books. We want to give a special shout out to the schools with the highest number of books read. All three schools were winners from last month as well. and I challenge other schools to try and win this title for May. So, let's hear it for Betty Jane CLC with an amazing 168 books, Nis CLC with 10 books read and Elliot High School with 11 books read. Congratulations. We would also like to thank Acme who is

005our partner with APS for their generous donation of gift cards to our top students. So, some of you may be like amazed by this beautiful table that we're sitting at today, and I would like to read a little bit about it, and then you will meet the students and the staff behind the new boardroom table, which was commissioned in the late summer of 2024. The architectural design and renderings were created by Jason Labovitz Labovitz, a content specialist in the office of college and careermies. The overall construction was led by Christopher Gross an APS carpenter and recent goat awardee. So on the screen you'll see the work in progress throughout the last year of this project and just how it came together. Scholars from the construction and building technology pathway at Garfield CLC rough cut the

006lumber to um the required dimensions and revisited the carpentry shop at Grant Street over several weeks to help assemble the materials. Scholars learned the following skill sets throughout this project. They worked with adhering for mica to wood structures. The routing of form mica and wood using a router with specialized bits and trim to shape or edge a piece of formica uh laminate. I'm impressed already. Adding pocket holes and also understanding different types of adhesive. So, our scholars from the welding technology pathway at East also played an essential role in creating this new table by helping to cut and weld the support brackets that stabilize each section. scholars from the welding technology pathway at East are we are grateful for your work and I'm going to turn things over now to Marcy Ebrite who's going to

007recognize just who these amazing scholars are. Yes, thank you. They are amazing. Um so, uh before I do, could I get the families to either stand or wave who have been supporting these kids through their pathways of their waves? There they are. Give him a little round of applause. Thank you. And don't forget them. I'd also I'd also like to express our sincere gratitude to WordJet AG for donating their time, talent, and precision water cut uh cutting equipment which created that custom APS logo that adorns the new table. I'd also like to give a big shout out to Nate Ruran who took a very complicated multiaceted piece and was able to bring all the right talent including the students and the the adults to the table to make sure that this came together and the

008AV department for all their support and the technology uh that went into the desk. So to recognize the students, I'm going to read their names. I'm going to ask them to come stand and I'm actually going to ask them to take a place up at the table because we're going to get a picture of them with their table with all of you at it. Is that okay with you? Okay. All right. So, the ones that are here tonight, we will have a plaque with everyone's names on and all the students who contri contributed to the table uh up for uh us to see. We just don't have that ready yet, but it will be coming. But the students that are here tonight, I do want them to be recognized. So, students from the Garfield CLC

009construction and building technology pathway and the Acme Fresh Market Academy of Innovation and Industry, we have Travis Elder. Travis, can you come on up and just welcome start them off. Barbara, it's right over there. Uh Jessica Rogers, Corey Alberts, Darvon Wallace, Pete Cameron, Rory Bell, and Nathaniel Evans, and Brashan Nichols, all from Garfield. We also have the students from East CLC in the welding technology pathway in the Bridgestone Academy of Applied Engineering and Technology. Carly How, Carlos Luscowski, Jaden Parker, Maris Terrell, Marcus Henderson, Davon Jones. Second. There we go. That looks good. Oh, that looks nice. Thomas Kenny, Dylan Spinx, Jana Suggs, Curley, Nathaniel Diaz, Nathaniel Kaiser, and Donovan Nie. Thank you. Yeah, just fill in between. And could I ask uh Nate, uh Chris, and uh Jason to come on up? And and Mr.

010Olds, I apologize. I didn't realize he was here. Josh Olds, teacher. All right, let me get a picture of you all. We have you looking this way. Excellent. Right. One, two, three. Perfect. Thank you. A big thank you to all of our scholars, staff, and business partners. Your hard work and vision will certainly stand the test of time. Thank you. And kiddos, we can head right out the door if you want. If you want to follow your kids out, Nice job. [Music] I was impressed when I first Okay, at this time I'm going to conclude the recognition portion by asking for uh Tommy Bruno from Summit FM to come forth who has some exciting news about one of our students at ACT. Akran Early College. Good evening board members and distinguished guests. It's my absolute

011honor to be here tonight representing the Summit FM as we celebrate an extraordinary young woman, Riami Douglas from Akran Early College. Riami has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Jim Chano Attitude for Gratitude Scholarship, a $1,500 award that recognizes students who have faced significant challenges and emerged both with strength and gratitude. What made Ryani stand out among the many deserving applicants was her profound wisdom. And I quote, I realized that my sensitivity was not the source of my pain, but instead a tool for understanding and showing compassion to myself. These words just don't show maturity beyond her years. They embody exactly what this scholarship represents. The scholarship honors our late colleague Jim Chano who believed that our greatest struggles often become our greatest strengths. Rami has proven this through her journey. At the

012Summit FM, we're passionate about investing in our community. That's why we're proud to partner with the Akran Community Foundation to provide this scholarship. Ryani, your authentic voice, your resilience, and your gratitude inspire all of us. We believe you're going to make an incredible impact on this world and we're honored to support your educational journey with this $1,500 check. This is amazing story for you as you begin your college career. Right. I don't want to talk too much because I know you got a lot to get down. I don't want to keep you here late. But I first I just want to say I'm really thankful for Akran public schools since I go to Akan Early College and know how important education is for everyone. And when you guys make these decisions I want you to

013think of not only me cuz I just graduated but the other kids who haven't graduated yet. I'm going to continue my education at the University of Akran probably pursuing political science or psychology. So if you see as me as a lawyer you can trust me guys. And you guys got some good stuff to do. So get to work. [Applause] Madame President, that concludes recognitions. Thank you, Superintendent. Uh, next we will have um we don't have a scholar board member. We have all of our scholar board members just about that's here with us today. And typically we will have a schol scholar board member um to address the board, but I don't believe that's happening on today. I didn't have a name for anyone. However, we do have a student board recognition. And so this is

014what we will observe at this time. At Akran public schools, cornerstone one is a culture of safety and belonging. We want every member of our community to feel seen, heard, and valued. One of the ways we intentionally do this is by seeking out the voices of our students through the scholar board members. Tonight, we would like to take a moment to recognize our scholar board members who have served in this capacity and have juggled countless responsibilities to serve as part of the scholar board this school year. Scholar board members, please stand and be recognized. Thank you for your time and serving our board. We would also like to acknowledge the following board members. Taylor Blair, Devon Caldwell Sales, and Zia West, who will be graduating this week. Will school board members Dr. Molinar, Summer Hall,

015and Diana Autry please join me in presenting these certificates of appreciation for being a difference maker to these scholars. Mrs. Culver, I believe there's another senior in the crowd who's graduating. A senior. No, that's okay. That's okay. Thank you. at Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] Wait a minute. You could get your last words in if you would like to say anything. Otherwise, you Why not? Y'all know I love to talk. Now, I was at the track banquet and I got to experience your words of gratitude. Oh, you saw. Can we keep it under three minutes? No, I'm I'mma try. I'mma try. Y'all know I like to talk, but I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you for this opportunity and allowing not only myself, but the connections that I've built on the board.

016Um, it will be a lifetime thing that I will cherish and I just again thank you so much. Oh, and then after I graduate, I'll actually be going to Ursland College for track and field. Uh, and I'm studying education. So, [Applause] I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here today and not only to be here today to meet all of you beautiful people. I just want to say it was a blessing to be able to get this chance to speak in front of you today. And after after high school, I just want to say I will be attending a barber college either ABC or BEBC. And I just want to say my plan is to also get another job. Thank you. Um, good evening. I just wanted to

017thank each and every one of you um, for me and everybody else who's here to support their own students um, especially the younger generation. Thank you for the opportunities and thank you for everything that you do not only for myself but for these students as well and their families. Thank you. And sorry, after high school, I'm going to the University of Akran to study marketing. And I'm hope hoping to get down to the Ohio State so I can take the Navy ROC. Thank you. So impressive, Madame Chair. That concludes the scholar portion. Thank you, Superintendent. Um now we reached the portion of our agenda to where uh the community members can address the board. Um before uh the community members address the board, we have board reflections and I read our uh preamble. Participants will

018not be permitted to speak on matters related to vendors, business matters, formal complaints, grievances, specific student or student record, personal matters, and potential or pending legal matters. Participants must speak on matters related to the business of the board. Please keep your comments to two minutes or less. The board will not respond, but will assign through the superintendent the appropriate person to follow up. Please state your name and your group affiliation. In our efforts to try to streamline our meetings and to be timely, um we are going to adhere to the three-minut rule. Also, if you are with a group or affiliation, if you all want to come up together as some people may not use all their time, that is fine, too. And just for a matter of record, we do have 18 persons signed

019up to address the board at this time. Are there any board member reflections? All right. I'm trying. Yeah. Okay. Uh, member Altry, you've been recognized. Thank you so much. Um, so since our last meeting, I had the opportunity to go out, visit some schools and promote literacy. Um, share about our roles as schoolboard members. Um, talked about the need uh for um students to consider going into the field of education and nursing. Um, and so thank you to KCLC, Mrs. Saddowski's um early learning program um at Portish Path. U Mrs. Sero's early learning program I was able to read to as well and share. Um they had butterflies or they were in cocoons ready to hatch at any time. I'm awaiting a picture. Um but all of those students are ready for kindergarten. Um Mrs.

020Lockheart's uh third grade class at Portage Path was amazing um to read to. They had uh baby chicks that just hatched. Um I learned about imprinting. Thank you, Dr. Halasa. Um and so those chicks got to stick their beaks in water and then that teaches them how to go back and get their water every time. It's called imprinting. Um I was able to read at Resnik just today to Miss Broad's fifth grade class. Those students were also very amazing. Um and then um I had to wear my Grammy hat. I got to visit King with my first grade granddaughter for their summer slide boost program. Uh very impressed. It's a customized program for students around literacy and math. Um so they have several things they can do throughout the summer and I am thankful for

021that. I know my granddaughter got most improved today. Um also was able to visit bookto's literacy through art. Thank you Mrs. Turk English language arts teacher over there. This is her second year with a G grant. Um 150 10th and 11th graders read, journal, and then created art pieces around the theme of the book. Um in collaboration with their hospitality uh program. Nice refreshments. Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. Also at Book Doll got to attend Frozen. It was their first musical in many years under the direction of Mr. Hall. Those students were amazing and it was well attended and I was grateful to be able to experience that. Um, also Akran Early, uh, I'm sorry, Akan Urban League scholar lunchon honored 15 of our scholars with scholarships. Uh, very grateful for that. Thank you to Goodyear

022Tire and Rubber, Cleveland Clinic, AANA General, Suma Health Medical Staff, Stark State, Jam Smucker Company, and Richard Chennowith who awarded our students. Uh, Bridges had a um Bridges Got Talent talent show based on informed therapeutic uh dialectical behavior therapy. These students were amazing. They had bands. Um, they were great to watch. Thank you, Mrs. Eddie, the music therapist over there. Mrs. Sheenan, the art therapist. Also, uh, because of a G grant, they were able to do this. And lastly, thank you for the scholar of the year, employee of the year. The first ever programs we had to honor our scholars and our employees. It was a wonderful program. Thanks to the committee who put all of that together. Thank you. Are there Thank you, uh, member Altry. We appreciate that. Are there any other board

023member reflections? Member Harrison. I'm Member Harrison. Uh, member Hall, you've been recognized after member Harrison. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I won't be long. The um I know we have a lot of people here from Kimmore um the comm Kimmore community. Um regarding the schools um want to say that everyone who sends an email um I try to answer the email if it's but briefly. So um if you're not able to come to a meeting, you certainly can send us a email or contact us that way. Um but we do hear you. We do hear you. Thank you, member Harrison, member hall. Thank you, Madam President. Um, so since the last time we met, I have had the pleasure of visiting multiple schools, so I probably will be talking about this until throughout the summer.

024Um, but I did have a chance to visit. Um, and I know I spoke about East last time. Um, I just wanted to let you know that the welding welding program received 12 certifications this year. That was one of their goals. Um, as well as, uh, their IT program. They would like to do podcasts and also morning announcements for new teachers to, introduce new teachers and also board members or anyone else that's coming into the school. Um, I can't go as fast as you, Diana. You were like on point. But I visit I had a chance to also visit Elllet. Their animal science pathway was absolutely amazing. Did you know that you can take your animal there and get it groomed? Um, also when we had the power outage, um, Finley and multip, it was

025about three or three or four different schools took the little chicks that Mrs. Autry talked about over to Elllet so they can help um, continue to help them hatch. So, we didn't lose any eggs. So, thank you for that. Any chicks, they are all born 100%. Um, also at Elllet, their hospitality program was very, very overwhelming and it was beautiful and I'm like, "Wow, I was hungry." Right? Then they had cheeseburgers on the um, list to be cooked that day and everything. Um, they also started their first athletic hall of fame where they honored um, George Alton. He was the first track coach and his his family was able to attend and um be honored of, you know, the blessings that his family um that Mr. Alton gave to the school. So, they were able

026to witness that. Um also, Miss Taylor, I think she left already. Taylor as our student board member, she was able to pass down the chain of command for ROC. She was the manager of their school store. she passed that baton down to someone that she trained and she also was um woman of the year at her school. So, congrats to you, Taylor. Um also, Les Baker will be retiring this year. And he told me that they used to build houses back in the day where they would sell, people would live in, and if we could get back to that, that would be amazing. Um I had a chance to visit Firestone. Um, at that time they were having an art and fashion show where people could buy their artwork and correct me someone the name

027of their choir. S come on Satonic choir. Thank you. Um, those young adults, young children had me in tears. They sang There's a hero and I was blown away. Blown away. I had to walk out with pride and go in the hallway and fix my face. Um, so they were very awesome. Also, real quick, they are learning about drones. Drones, they can get college credits, receive drone certifications, and also um start to record the football games and graduations. So, learn about drones, guys. Thank you, Hall. Member Molinar. Thank you, Madame President. I want to begin by celebrating our 2025 scholar of the year, Olivia Hoitz from Firestone CLC, who's going to go to Barnard in the fall. Um, when she told me that she hadn't fully realized how meaningful the honor was until she received

028it, I told her I was proud of her, but I should have explained that what I'm really proud of is for her embracing and owning her achievement. Um, for those of you that know Olivia, she's very humble, but this is something that's important for all young women. Um, it's moments like these when our young women can confidently recognize their growth and their strength. And it reminded me why we're here. And it was such an honor for me to speak to the seniors at Garfield and present the womanhood award to Kristen Simmons as she is also an incredible example of a young woman with drive, focus, and the ability to lead uplifting change. Those weren't my words. Those are her teachers words. the people who know her best said that she that they saw that in

029her. So, celebrating her. Um, another thing about last week was I attended the NIFT STEM openhouse and I was genuinely impressed not just by the teachers and the programs but also just the innovative design of the building uh within the building itself. their utilization of the movable walls and the flexible furniture that allows the teachers and students to shape their classrooms daytoday, not just um semester by semester, but um depending on their needs that day. It was really inspiring for me to think about, especially as we consider the future of North and our Miller South Fifer buildings. Um as member Harrison said, we do get your emails. We might not have responded to them all yet. I'm trying to say it in the microphone now. Also, we do hear you and I remember the promise

030that I was part of making to build Pyer in Kenmore. And I do have serious concerns about the viability of an alternate Fifer option and the room we have in the other buildings. So, I think we have to continue plans and build a school on the Kenmore site. I'm unsure what's happened to the original timeline, but I understand it's time that we establish and then be accountable to the plans that we are making. Thank you, member Molinar. Are there any other board member reflections? All right, seeing and hearing none, we'll move on to our community reflections. We have Tina Boyce Boyd. Thank you, Madam President. Schoolboard members, I appreciate the opportunity to address you. I am the W 9 council person representing Kenmore here on Akran in Akran. And as you can imagine, I've received

031many, many phone calls and emails over the past week. Last Tuesday, we were provided a set of plans um wouldn't say plans, options that you all are to consider related to the affforementioned Miller South Per campus on the Kenmore High School site. As we've had time to digest these things, again, the many phone calls I'm receiving, the 11,000 voters of Kenmore are feeling like they're participating in a bit of a bait and switch. On November 5th, Akan passed a levy to rebuild North. That was 16 months after this board vowed not to reduce your footprint in Kenmore and rebuild Miller South School for the Visual Performing Arts at the Kenmore High School site. I hosted an APS uh committee member at one of my W9 meetings and the crowd was very enthusiastic for the very

032reason that you all promised to build that campus on that Kenmore High School site. It's been almost two years later and the only advancement we've seen on that project is the demolition of our beloved high school. As you can imagine, for a community whose city was named Kenmore, whose high school was named Kenmore, which is now has no schools with the Kenmore moniker on it, this is devastating to folks in our community. I just wanted to say, you know, I understand population changes, but Kenmore is still the second largest neighborhood in Akran. When you compare the number of schools in Kenmore to the number of schools in Elllet, there are six schools in Elllet. We are talking about having a potential three schools in Kenmore and a community similar size to Elllet. I know you

033guys have to consider clusters and I understand that. But Akran isn't made of clusters. It is made of neighborhoods. And the social fabric that is built is built around neighborhoods, not clusters. So I just encourage you take a look at your cluster map. One of the options that you have listed will not only in decrease Kenmore but increase one of the smallest communities in Kenmore to not six but seven schools. And to me that is not a viable option and that is not keeping your word to the Akran community or Kenmore. And again, these 11,000 voters, they may not have all turned up for the last levy, but I I I can guarantee you what I'm hearing is not only will they not vote for the next levy, they may even advocate against it. And

034I, as an Akran War Council person, I do not want to see that. So, please, as you consider these things, take that into consideration. Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Boyce. Next, um, we have Amelia Clark. Hi, my name is Amelia Clark and I am a supporting Piper um, in Akran. I'm going to be reading my essay about why I love Piper. Have you ever wondered why you should keep Pyer open? This essay helped me realize you should keep Pyer open. This essay will include information about why I love Py so much. This essay will also give three reasons why I love Py so much. The first reason why I love Piper so much is because Miss McIntyre and Miss Marsh, my principal and dean reward us Piper parties when we earn it. The

035second reason why I love Piper is because I want my little sisters to have the same experiences I had here at Piper. The third reason why I love Pyer so much is because I is because I have special connections with some of the teachers at Piper. I hope you learned why I love Pyer so much. Thank you for reading my essay. But you also promise to rebuild Pyer and I need you to keep your promise. Thank you for your time. Um, I do apologize for if I mispronunciation of this name. It looks like it says uh, Alenni Monagus. Please tell me sonakius. Manosakias. Thank you, Miss Manosakius. Good evening everyone. I stand before you as a piper and Kenmore highrad as well as the executive director of better Kenmore CDC. I call upon both your

036intellect and your humanity. Starting with logic, I imagine that APS construction contracts likely follow the by American act, meaning materials and goods are sourced domestically and therefore excluded from recent tariff hikes. Secondly, the Ohio inflation rate is between 3 and 4%. This is hardly near the stated project increase of over 20%. Of the options presented, there has been no mention of considering changes in scope to the designs, and even those have not been made publicly available. The heart says this isn't just about construction and budget, right? It's about you breaking a promise. A promise that was made to our voters, to our children, to our families, and to our community. a promise that a new school would rise, that investment would finally come, and that someone out there believed we were worth it. It's about

037justice because a community already fighting poverty, violence, and systemic neglect is being asked to carry yet another burden. When a school is promised and then never built, it sends a brutal message. You are not a priority. It tells our kids, our parents, our teachers, you don't matter enough. And in a community already struggling to be seen, to be heard, to be valued, that kind of betrayal cuts deep. Imagine what it does to a child to watch the lot sit empty where their school was supposed to stand. To pass by it every day and wonder why their future is always the one put on hold. You told them you deserve more and are now discussing giving them nothing. Schools are not luxuries in our neighborhood. They're lifelines. They are where people gather not to buy, not

038to consume, but to grow, to learn, and to connect. Teachers become mentors, janitors become guardians, and principles become pillars. And when a school is taken away, an entire ecosystem collapses because the damage doesn't stop at the students. It weakens the sense of hope that is essential to any revitalization effort. Community revitalization depends on strong anchors, and schools are among the most important. They attract families, support workforce development, and build a sense of local pride. As families move away, businesses hesitate to invest. Our current businesses suffer, and potential residents look elsewhere. Generational hope that dims. Kenmore is not broken. It's been betrayed. We are the second largest neighborhood, yet have the fewest schools. Our children should not have to beg for a safe, modern, fully funded school in their own neighborhood. We deserve to see cranes

039in the sky and doors opening, not padlocks and empty lots. Build both Miller South and Pyer as promised. You see our kids are watching, right? Thank you. Next we have uh either Jalin or or Jacqueline Bush, Andrea Morton, Brandy Vickers. Hi, it's Joselyn. Over the last 50 years, independent contractors have proven to be the cheapest, most responsive, most responsible option. But times change and so do circumstances. Unfortunately, as we saw this administrating administration wanting to head in a new direction and all of us wanting to keep our jobs, we conformed and transformed ourselves to still fit the district's need. which is why Buckeye Logistics and Transit was created by van drivers for van drivers and other qualified candidates. Understanding Akran public schools need to be proactive, I urge the board to vote Buckeye Logistics and

040Transit primary. They understand that the district needed to maintain a certain budget to be able to exhibit financial responsibility, which is why they came in at the same rate the district is paying the current vendor. If any supplemental transportation is required, then it makes sense to add the next three lowest vendors. Top three vendors on the list have at least 74 vans total, plus Buckeye Logistics and Transit has 118 vans, totaling 191, and the district is asking for 200 total. Buckeye Logistics and Transit is aimbased business, also being a double minority business, both MBE and WBE. All of their drivers are vetted, background checked, and certified through the state of Ohio. I have been a van driver for over 10 years. I trust that Brandy, as I trust Brandy, as do all the other van

041drivers. They trust Brandy. That's why transportation employees have needed her to contact her for information because of her knowledge and expertise. I sincerely hope the board continues to push the climate change that is needed so badly so that we can get back to being a family again. We've been loyal to the district for over 50 years and did exactly what they asked, which is form a company. Please remember this. The board knew nothing about the van drivers for over 50 years because for 50 years we did our jobs and did it well. Just ask yourselves why would you want to trans who would you want to transport your children? Thank you. I did it early. Hold on. I wanted to say something about the Kenmore as well. Um, I was a Kenmore student as well

042and I agree with them in the community about um, keeping the schools and doing what's right. So, thank [Applause] you. Hello. Okay. Um, so I have to say this. um everything that we're going through right now with uh Buckeye Logistics and Transit and Transportation um it it feels like an auction. These children are not objects and should not be sold to the lowest bidder every year. You can't tell me that responsive and responsible um that it's responsive and responsible to give these students to companies you've never seen or heard of driving through the city of Akran. Why are we so quick to put a price tag on the stability and safety of our children? In the previous committee meeting, the administration said 1,400 students will need transportation. So, let's do a quick math breakdown. One

043route equals six students. Each van holds between seven and nine passengers. Buckeye has 118 drivers who can easily drive two routes, which 99% of our drivers drive multiple routes anyway. This means that we will effectively transport 1416 students with no problems, well over the district's needs. Give Buckeye the same consideration that they gave the current vendor last year who only had 12 vans. Give us the whole contract and maybe one or two supplemental vendors, but not eight. Transportation fought hard to give the current vendor the entire contract with only 12 vans documented on her RFP last year. Yes, only 12. and they fought hard for her even after being told no by the board. Well, where's the fight for the loyal van drivers? I'm not going to say that part. Um, how is it that

044Buckeye Logistics and Transit has 118 vans at the same rate that they accepted from the current vendor last year before the levy passed, yet we're at the bottom of the totem pole. Five is the bottom to me. I've always been taught if you're not first, you're last. This is an insult to us. We are the same drivers who have held this contract for the past 50 years. Yes, we're going to keep stressing that because it's facts. We're the same drivers that transportation encouraged the current vendor to hire in order to help her be successful, but offer our backs. This whole thing with wanting to control routing by attempting to separate them into clusters is just another way for them to feed the current vendor and take away from us van drivers. Never has clusters been

045done before. This is not efficient. Um, previous vendors never did clusters. Neither did transportation when it was just ICOs. Clusters is a big it's a formality for them to control things. In fact, it also contradicts the rules outlined in the RFP. Specifically, question number 17, which someone asked, are biders expected to do the routing for these students or will the district be providing routing? And their answer was, the vendor will be responsible for doing routing for the students. The difference between us and them is that we are hungry. We're dedicated and we're committed. We're in here fighting for our jobs. Nobody else is in here fighting. We are. And I can promise you that if you make Buckeye Logistics and Transit the primary, rightfully so, you will not need any additional vendors at all because

046we will meet the needs of the district. Thank you. So, I had a speech, but I don't think I need to reiterate to this board where I stand. I've been here for two years, and you guys know my position. What I will say to you all is that all over the world there's a driver shortage. I have seen districts stop being able to transport transport certain students because of this shortage. And however, this district is afforded 120 van drivers that have been here every year fighting to keep our jobs. Every year it's been some new attempt to prevent us from maintaining our position, some narrative that's been created. Um, year one there was an emergency, so they justified paying two vendors $3 million to transport 151 kids when we were paid the same 3 million

047to transport 1,158 children. Um, year two it was recommendations, mandates, liability issues after 53 years and now this year they need eight vendors. Just seems like another attempt to stop the van drivers from being successful. I do understand that being proactive is the board's responsibility and I will respect your decision, but I do believe that the van drivers deserve to be the primary vendor on this contract. Um, we I lost my place. So, no other vendor had constraints on them. There were no clusters. There were no this. there were no that and we're just basically asking to have the same opportunity that all the other vendors had. I don't feel like we should be the one that they want to put the handcuffs on and we were the people for the last 54 years that

048transported these children responsibly. And you know whether they care to admit it or not, they have relied on me heavily over the last 10 years. And to maintain driver compliance, but more importantly um to ensure ensure student safety, that's always been my priority. And I'm just asking the board to continue to support the van drivers and to remember to please be loyal to those who have been loyal to this district. Thank you, Miss Vickers. The next speaker to address the board is Rayan Deiso. Rayan DeViso. Good evening, members of the board. My name is Rayan Daviso. I spent 13 years as an intervention specialist in Stowe before joining joining Akran public schools as a job training coordinator. As both a JTC and a CCAA teacher, my classroom is the community. I work with students with

049significant cognitive disabilities, helping them build real life job skills so they can transition successfully from school to work. I'm speaking today because my position and one other JTC have been recommended for elimination. This would reduce our current team to seven JTC's from seven JTC's to just five. With six high schools plus bridges and AAA, five JTC's simply will not be enough to provide equitable access to our transition to work pathway. Next school year, we already have 140 students enrolled in our pathway, more than half of whom are in an AIM multiple disabilities classroom where staffing ratios are eight students to two adults. If we dropped to five JTC's, our ratio would jump to 28 students per JTC. That's not only over the recommended 24 to1 ratio for intervention specialist, but it's also unsafe in community

050job settings. We contacted the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. They confirmed that JTC should follow the intervention specialist ratio of 21 24 to1 as a max, but emphasized when looking at the specially designed instruction for students with the most significant disabilities and when instruction takes place in a community setting, that ratio could be significantly lower. We currently support 14 business partner job training sites. These partners were told by the path the pathway would continue, but they also understand that fewer staff means fewer students can participate. That puts our growing program and the futures of these students at risk. Other districts like Toledo public schools will serve only 12 more students than us next year, but they'll do so with nine JTC's, which is four more than us if you make the cuts. and uh

051they also have seven job coaches which we have none. This represents a staffing difference of 11 additional personnel despite serving I'm sorry 11 additional personnel despite serving a similar student population in a JTC program. Akran public schools has said it wants every student to be a part of a CCAA pathway. But if these cuts happen, a large portion of our students with significant cognitive disabilities will lose access to their only viable pathway and not have the same opportunities as their general education peers. Our pathway is a transition service which is specified on a student's IEP. I understand the reality of tough financial decision decisions, but this particular cut disproportionately impacts students who already face the greatest barriers barriers. The transition to work pathway is a bridge between school and adult life adult life for these

052students. I urge you to reconsider. Thanks. Thank you, Miss Davidson. Our next person to address the board is Sonia Presper. Presper. Good evening. My name is Sonia Presper. I'm a proud alumnest of Kimmore High School and actually Rhyr Smith and um Rhymer Smith and uh I think those are the only two grade schools. Um I'm a taxpayer and an active voter in the city of Akran Ward One. I was president at the 2023 board of education meeting where the new construction of Miller South and Piper Elementary were approved. During that meeting, then President Derek Hall made a statement that deeply resonated with me. He said could he could not in good conscience support the tear down and rebuild of North High School because the board had done nothing but take things away from the Kimmore

053community and that if he was a Kimmore resident would not vote for another school levy. This is exactly how I was feeling at the time and the reason for my attendance. Mr. Hall's comments validated what many in the Kimmore community have felt. I decided that if Kim project failed, I would not vote for another levy. The Kimmore project was approved. And I did vote for the levy. Now here we are. I do not know the start dates for the be when the building was supposed to begin. Were there not projections for possible price increases? We were still ruling from COVID not to anticipate labor increases and cost as well as material costs is negligent. The frustration for the Kimmore community is ongoing. I could go back to the seven school closures in Kimmore or how

054the Kimmore Garfield merger went. It was no merger. A merger is a business deal where two existing independent companies combined to form a new singular legal entity. Nothing was formed. Nothing new was formed. Kimmore was closed along with its names, colors, mascot, and property discarded. While the topic of the merger may seem irrelevant at this point, once again, the board is letting down the break and breaking promises to the Kimmore community. Supporting each neighborhood should be part of the job for all board members, not consistently awarding enhancements to one neighborhood, which I live in. I strongly encourage you, the board, to find a way to make good on your promises to the taxpayers, especially those in the Kimmore community. Don't give me and me, many others a reason to vote no on the upcoming levies.

055And as I listen to all the accolades from your talented students, I don't know, maybe you could get creative and somehow incorporate them in building the new Kimmore High School or the next tear down. Consider repurposing the building material so you get something out of it. You know, you just got to be creative because this is not working. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Presper. Next, we have uh Lorine Wise or Lorraine Wise. Good evening. I am here tonight to speak to you about the Pyer and Miller South new building. As a community member, property owner, parent, grandparent, and a former Akran public school student from grades K through 12th who graduated proudly from Kenmore High School in 1990. I want to say that Akran public schools has done wrong to Kenmore community. We began with

056seven elementary schools. We are now down to three elementary schools and one middle school. If you do not rebuild the Pyer Piper, we will only have two elementary schools in Kimmore. The Kimmore community has been working hard on rebuilding our community back up, but it is going to get harder if this board decides not to honor a social contract that was made in on March 13, 2023. Families will not want to move into the Kenmore neighborhood without having any schools, elementary schools in their neighborhoods. You would be redistricting Piper students between three schools with the majority going to Mickey Brightite which is not even in our neighborhood. These kids would be buzz across town. Admin administration keeps asking the question why are our enrollment keeps declining? This is the prime reason that declines. Our beloved

057Kenmore High School would not had decreased enrollment if APS did not redistrict and take students that lived in Kenmore area and went to Kenmore High School and actually put them redistricted them to Garfield to up their enrollment so that they could say Garfield had more to comi to justify closing the Kenmore High School. This board and the director of communications stated that we are committed to transparency and responsible financial stewardship. We are working diligently to navigate these challenges and ensure the successful completion of construction projects while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. If you are truly committed to transparency and safeguarding our taxpayers dollars, then as a taxpayer and a community member, I want answers. Can the build and Kimmore still happen for both schools by coming up with a new building design? Yes, ideally it would be

058great to have a bathroom in all kindergarten rooms, but it is not necessary. Many of our new buildings, the students don't even use those bathrooms. Teachers keep them for theirelves or use them for storage. Thank you. Thank you so much, Miss Wise. Next, we have Barry Wise. Hello. Hello, Mr. Wise. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. And I must be insane. Some of you may remember me from that March of 2023 meeting. I was the one who stood here and said that I was a proud Kimmore High School graduate of class of 1992. I raised my family in Kimmore. All my children went to Pyer Elementary School. I myself went to Pyer Elementary School. I still live on the same physical block that

059I grew up in. I spoke on how the closing of Kimmore cluster schools hurt the Kmore community and how families do not want to live in neighborhoods that they don't have schools to send their children to. That day, I spoke of how many years ago we were told, "Pass this levy and we will build you new schools." So, we did. But instead, you closed our beloved Kimmore High School, merged it with Garfield. We were told in the Kimmore auditorium that there would be a new school name, new mascot, new colors. Instead, the new building was named Garfield. Their mascot is the Rams. Their colors are maroon and gold. Our beloved Cardinal, our beloved black and red, thrown away like yesterday's trash. We were lied to. We were told the new building will have I'm sorry.

060That Monday in March of 2023, the school board voted to build a new school on the Kimmore High School site, combining Pyer and Miller South, thus saving one of the four remaining schools in a community that once held eight. So, we said we would help pass the new levy to rebuild North like we agreed. I did vote for that levy. Then I listened to the meeting on May 19th of 2025. The sick feeling of anger came back. We once again had been lied to. Once again, the school board doesn't care about Kenmore. I don't know if any of you know the neighborhood, but by sending children to Sam Salem and Rhyr from Pyer District would cause them to p cross Campbell Boulevard, walk Manchester Road. two roads that my children and myself were not allowed

061to cross at that age and then to send the remaining to Mickeybrite two and a half miles away that's not even in our neighborhood. I feel it is easy to close schools move children when you are not affected by that closing or those movements. I suggest that if you want the support of Kimmore and the levy that has been mentioned several times here the last few months, I suggest you build on the site. Keep your word. I taught my children that your word is the only thing people can't take away from you. Continue to teach our children to keep their word. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Wise. Next we have Shannon Painter and Vicky Lamson. Hi, I'm Shannon Painter. We live in the Chemmore. Our kids went to Piper and we work there. I'm the

062family liaison, which is like being the mom of 197 kids. I take away any home barriers so they can learn without worry. If they need school supplies, clothes, food, or a hug to make sure they have a good day, that's me. Believe me, I don't earn much money, so I'm there for the love of my school and my kids. Our community has lost four of our elementary schools and our high school. We're begging you to keep our only remaining elementary school that's actually in Kenmore. Kenmore matters. Pyer matters. We started a position to save our school. And over 1,127 people agreed. Please vote to rebuild Piper. Our kids deserve a school they can walk to, not be busted neighboring schools. Do you realize the closest school is actually Colonial Prep, a charter school? Have you

063thought how many of our students will leave APS to go there? vote to rebuild Pyer and our kids, our kids in community deserve it. I made some printouts from our kids for each of you. There's letters for the board as to why you should keep Piper if I can. While she's passing out, I'm going to go ahead and get started. My name is Miss Vicki and I have been the lunch lady there for 32 years. Yeah. I have teachers that I've fed their kids. I have uh parents that I fed their kids. I need my paper though for the for the school. And um I've lived in Kimmore all my life and I graduated from Kimmore. My husband from 39 years we've been together and he graduated from Kimmore. But more importantly, I want to

064give you this and I I'm not fibbing. You can call child nutrition and Mrs. Folk, she knows me very well. I I I I'm honest with my word, but listen to this. During co me little piper school, listen to this. Total I fed 88,582 mills the first year of co. You know why? Because they could walk to me. You know why? Because they were in the neighborhood. I had people coming all over. And why did they do that? Because they knew me. I'm in the neighborhood. Oh my gosh. Miss Vicki lives right by the school. I get out all the time. I love our kids. And this really hurts so bad. You know what I got coming in in the morning this morning? Miss Vicki, what am I going to do if they close our

065school? What am I going to do without you? Do you know how bad that hurts? Those babies don't deserve this. And yet we go to fifth grade. Those fifth graders are still babies. They got their whole elementary school putting them in these other schools. And I know you board members are sick of hearing it because I would be too. But we deserve it. We deserve it so much. And if you're not in Kimmore, you don't get Kimmore. Kimmore had so much pride and so much there's it's just it's Kimmore and we need to be rebuilt and I don't understand on the options how we were not even included in two. We just had one. Come on guys. Kimmore is good. Kimmore deserves this. I thank you for your time. I thank you for listening. And

066if I do get rebuilt, I would like the cafeteria to be Miss Vicki right above the door. Thank you. For a slight donation, we can make that happen. Miss Vicki, what did you say? Not something he shouldn't have said. Thank you. Thank I got your number, buddy. Hey, who in here with dog? And I'm sure she probably get a lot more, too. Thank Thank you uh for that. Uh Miss Vicki, I was just trying to recognize uh your time cuz you had moved in on your colleagues time. So, you actually had time, so I wanted to be respectful of that. So, thank you. That's good. I got it. I got it. Okay. Thank you. Um next we have Jessica, uh I think it's Swigen. Swagger. Swagger. Swagger. Swagger. Good evening, members of the board. I'm

067Jess Swagger and I'm a proud mom of three Akran public schools kids, two of which um attend Miller South. I also serve as the executive director of First Glance Student Center. Um we are an APS out of schooltime provider. We take kids from Rhymer, Pyer, and Sam Salem every single day after school until 5:30. And I'm also a longtime, I think it's 15 or 16 years now, resident of Kimmore neighborhood. I'm here tonight because I deeply care about our students and I know you do too. I care about my families and I care about our community. I'm concerned and I'm heartbroken over the options being considered for the removal of Pyer and the location of Miller South. Pyer students deserve a school that was promised to them. The school that was meant to be built

068in their neighborhood on the Chemmore campus within walking distance of their homes. That promise wasn't just about convenience. It was about equity, access, and keeping the words to the families who've already experienced more than enough disruption. Research is clear. Students who attend school closer to home within walking distance have better attendance rates. We see that over and over at first glance. All of our students are within our neighborhood walking. We service over a thousand different individuals a year. Um it's not just about data though. It's common sense. Less travel for our families means fewer barriers. We want to overcome the obstacles that are presented to our families. It means more stability, greater engagement both for our students and their families. When I personally voted yes to the levy, I did so in good faith. I

069believed in your commitment to build Miller South and Pyer on the Kenmore campus. That promise mattered to me as a taxpayer, as a as a parent of Akran public school kids, and as someone who supports Akran public schools every single day. Kenmore has already lost so much. our high school, five elementary schools. And yet, despite all these losses and all the betrayals, our community continues to rally around Akran public schools. We continue to believe in you guys. We offer after school programming every single day for our families. We provide them with tutoring support so parents can maintain employment, which is so big for our families. We also just hosted the Miller South um art show which was beautiful and such a fun experience to collaborate with the community. This isn't just about buildings, it's about

070keeping our promise. Today at afterchool programming, one of the kids from Pyer came up to me and said, "Why did I have to fill out a survey for Akran public schools?" And I remember my kids filling this out of all the wishes, all the wishes that I wanted in a new school and they're not going to fulfill my wishes and it broke my heart. So I'm asking you fulfill the promises you made to these babies. Thank you. Thank you, Miss. Next we will have Malia Shance. Uh good evening. I am Malia Shaunce, an art teacher at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. I am here to advocate for the rebuilding of the school and its own building and keeping it as an independent program. I have four points to make. The first,

071let me highlight a few unique offerings at Miller South. It offers more arts than any other middle school in the area. All students receive a lesson in their interest area each day. Students can start band and orchestra in the fourth grade. We are the only middle school to offer dance, theater, and piano. Furthermore, we also offer steel drum band, jazz band, dance ensemble, chamber choir, show choir, and a costume club that is rare among among other middle schools. I find it unlikely that these features will attract and retain APS students would we be in option three. Second, Miller South works because of our close connection between academic and artistic instruction. Miller South academic and art teachers work together for many assignments to learn and teach each other's subjects. Just this year, I have collaborated with

072colleagues to include academic standards into 18 art projects in my classroom. I've also helped other teachers include printmaking, upcycled fashion, and watercolor into their classrooms. And this is just from me, one single teacher in the entire building. Integrating the arts encourages students that are attracted to Miller South. While it certainly develops their artistic skills, it also helps them master the core curriculum, which is very evident in our state testing scores. Third, enrollment. Miller South continues to grow. Our audition process has improved over the last four years, allowing for better equity and opportunities for students. We currently have a wait list for entry. Miller South is in high demand and we continue to grow each year. We attract students from outside of Akran and growing APS and keeping our students in the district. Lastly, Miller South

073program is possible because it is housed in its own contained environment. The entire student body and all teachers meet each day in the auditorium for a morning meeting. We review school goals, give reminders, and we even sing a special happy birthday song that was written by a founding teacher over 30 years ago. This special, unique environment is what allows Miller South to have an outsized impact in the community and have the most engaged alumni of any other APS middle school. We had over 60 alumni return, many performing in one MC scene at our 30-year anniversary event. Miller South alumni return as guest artists, speakers, teachers, and subs. They inspire our current students to be creative problem solvers and creative thinker critical thinkers. Please consider Miller South as an independent building voting for either option one

074or two when deciding for our future. Miller South offers a focus on the arts with an academic integration that isn't dominant in other area schools. Miller South is a growing school where quiet kids become performers, timid children become confident, and shy students become leaders. Thank you. Thank you, Miss John. Next we have M. John Bunton [Applause] Jr. Good evening. Uh my name is John Buntton Jr. I am a business owner on Kenmore Boulevard. I'm a resident of Kenmore and I'm the president of the Kenmore Chamber of Commerce. I was asked to come up here for information about the chamber, give you facts and figures about how this would affect our businesses, but I'm not going to do that. Um, I think I'm going to concentrate on another thing I was asked to talk about, and

075that's something positive. Uh, the Kenmore Chamber publishes a community newspaper called the Kenmore Connection. It is uh mailed to every business, apartment, and home in the Kenmore Ward 9 area, about 8,600 places. It's about the good news about Kenmore and I want to talk about its relation to Piper Elementary School. Year after year after year after year, Piper has put in a full page article about its students and its school system. They have been the biggest supporters you could ever imagine having, you know, in a school, which I'm very certain you're not aware of. I want to be able to hopefully pass these out to you after I'm done. They have done such a good job of saying why students should be going to Piper Elementary School. You're you're all in a battle right now,

076the Akran school system against charter schools, other school systems, religious schools. There's just so many choices these days. And right now, you've got Piper. All they do is talk up how great it is to go to their school and go to Akran public schools. I I know it's easy just to throw numbers around and try to figure out what's the best cost and all that, but sometimes you have to go looking at more than just some short-term savings. And you got to think about what you're going to get in the long run. And in the long run, from a school like Piper, who is such a great cheerleader for the Akran public schools and for their students, I just can't imagine why you'd want to let them disappear. You shouldn't be benching a school like

077Piper Elementary School. They really need to have a new school to continue the hard work of for free publish public p public uh promoting you know all that it is that Akran public schools does and all that it is that those great teachers do at Piper Elementary School too. So thank you for your time. Thank you Mr. Bunson. Next is Caitlyn Hlett. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Hi. Um, thank you for this opportunity. I just want to first say I'm simply a parent of a student at Miller South. She might kill me if I say her name, so I'm not going to. Um, I just I was when we started Miller South this year, I was very excited to hear that we'd be moving to Kenmore. Um, I know that Kenmore is this vibrant area

078and has an amazing community. Um, the first nights, the first glance is so cool now to put a face face to it. Um, it just has many opportunities and I thought Miller South was going to be perfect at to integrate into this community. Um, I also want to say how Miller South serves as a model about how public schools can truly make a difference. Um, Miller South's test scores outperform Lichfield's and Miller South reading is 71% while Lichfield is at 31%. And Miller South has 40% of its kids on IEPs. We can do this as public schools. We can truly make a difference in kids' lives. Um, and Miller South is just an example of that. And to take that away would be devastating. Um if and also we have parents that are involved in

079kids education at Miller South. And this is what we want across APS. We want parents involved. We want parents to show up to performances. We want them to see the awards. And I know as a parent I don't make it to every single event, but I make it to some and I've made it to more at Miller South because they really do make you feel included in the school. Um, with that being said, I think if Miller South closed, there's a lot of parents that would not feel comfortable sending their kids to Lichfield. I think that they would pull their kids and that might be half of the school. It might not be, but that is voucher money and that's money taken away from the district. It's money not available for use in the district.

080And honestly, as I I just really believe public school is where we should be at. Um, and those are kids that are not going to come back and that follows them through high school. So 13 million might sound like a lot, but if you think about the vouchers you get, you lose 4,000 per student and you multiply that by 200, multiply that by how many years are with us in all those future kids coming up, it doesn't 13 million doesn't start to sound that much. Um, you're going to be losing more through the voucher program if you do not fund this school. Um, in addition, APS has one of the highest suspension rates in Ohio. Um, we suspend blacks and Hispanics two times and 1.8 more times more than white students. And I could not

081find data on Miller South, but I would suspect that the suspension rates would be lower due to other outlets to express themselves and to integrate themselves into the school. This being said, we have to create a culture of understanding in our schools that benefits all children. If we could use Miller South as this model in other public schools, that would be fantastic. Um, we also need to make sure that we have a way and a model to show how to improve test scores, how to show that higher um, teacher ratios to students. We are 10 to one at Miller South where other schools are up to 12. I'm sorry, that's it. Okay. Anyways, I'm just really want Miller South to say thank you. So, thank you very much. to finish. But uh next we have

082Mr. James Hardy. Good evening. My name is James Hardy. I'm a former Akran public school board member, deputy mayor and chief of staff of the city of Akran and W 8 Akran city councilman which incorporates the Firestone cluster. I'm also a former board member of better Kenmore wherever Alana's at. More than most, I understand the difficult financial position the board is facing with this project, but I'm pleading with the board to please don't break your promise to the Kenmore community to rebuild both the Miller South and Piper schools on the Kenmore High School site. During my six years on the board, we faced similar tough choices with East CLC and Booktal CLC. I know Superintendent Dr. Utley was there for all of that. In both cases, we proceeded with what those communities felt was best.

083even though it made no financial sense at the time. During my time with Akran public schools, we also closed many schools, relying solely on financial and enrollment data, disregarding strong community objections. My biggest regret across my entire career in public service has been closing those schools. The devastation that occurred in those neighborhoods in the wake of these decisions will haunt me for the rest of my life. Nothing compares to how a center of education anchors a neighborhood. And I only wish I had understood this sooner. The community, myself included, went to the ballot box last fall believing North Hill and Kenmore neighborhoods were going to be taken care of. Altering that premise now is disingenuous and wrong. I'm begging the board not to break their promise to Kenmore and to the Brier Akran community. There

084is $18 million sitting in the CLC account. Don't let the city tell you that you can't use it for this project because you can. We can close this gap, whatever gap there is, and we can do the right thing for the community. And in closing, I just want to say as a proud graduate of King Lichfield and Firestone, and as a lifelong resident of the Firestone cluster, we got ours. It's time to invest in Kenmore. Thank you. Thank you. Uh the last person we have to address the board is Cynthia Blake Stokes. Good evening. Um, good evening, President Jackson and board members. My name is Cynthia Blake Stokes and I'm a resident of Akran and a taxpayer and a proud resident of the third ward that overwhelmingly helped pass the last school levy. I cast

085my vote to support the school levy for uh the new North High School. We, this community, we show our commitment. We put our trust in you. But today that trust feels a little betrayed because after we say yes, after we agree to invest, what do we find out? We hear Kimmore project is suddenly 10 million in the hole to 13 million cost an explosion and questions are swirling and is north also facing massive 15 to 20 million deficit. How can this be happening now? And if that weren't shocking enough, this news comes right after the announcement of 10 million in budget cuts for the next school year. Cuts that will impact our students, staff in our classes. So, let me ask, how does this make sense? Millions missing from buildings while millions are slashed from

086education. Where is the financial stewardship? Where is the competent oversight for the district treasur and the finance committee? The community is asking what exactly are you overseeing? Are you focusing on these gaps financial holes or are you perceiving that you are more consumed with micromanaging overreaching and wrestling with org charts while the district's financial stability is crumbling. While effective leadership focus on the real crisis, we are also expecting board meetings that are modeled of clarity and of good governance where the treasur's role is to ensure financial transparency and not a parment of not of afterthoughts. These issues are now landing on the desk of our new superintendently. She deserves to lead this district on solid ground and not on plague of past financial missteps. And thank you for helping to uncover this, Miss Otley. So

087tonight, I am just asking the questions and demanding some actions. Where were the taxpayers why were the taxpayers kept in the dark about 25 million of construction shortfall for Kenmore North High School? Who's accountable or held accountable for the gross mismanagement? We expect accountability for the treasur and the finance committee. What are the concrete plans to fix this? And I only got 25 seconds less because everybody is dancing around it. The current superintendent, he is incompetent to do this job. He did not do any forecasting, any inflation, any contingency reserve, and you don't need to open up an investigation to show that he is incompetent to manage this district and he needs to be terminated immediately. [Applause] Thank you. Next um we would have uh the president's report um simply um just for the sake

088of time because of the community reflections I just want to highlight that I had a wonderful time um in recent events credible spirit of Akran public schools um I had the honor of attending both STEM high school and APS online graduation ceremonies each filled with pride community inspiration um and it was just a wonderful thing to see the students was completely supporting the the leadership of the school um as they were honored. Um APS online, Miss Aboud and her team were clearly intentional in building strong relationships. Although the students were online, it was overwhelmed by the waring cheers that Miss Aboud received when her name was called. I also was excited because one of our student ROTC members who originally attended BookTo graduated from ACT um APS online uh Jessica and I was very happy

089to see her walk the stage following the APS online ceremony. I was approached by two graduates who asked whether their friend, a former classmate who tragically passed away during high school could be acknowledged during graduation or have a diploma awarded um postumously. Now, the co the thing about this is that although this they were um graduating from APS online, I believe maybe their original school was Elliot and I did share with these young ladies and I talked to our student board member Taylor earlier because this student was at um from Elllet CLC that uh member Sykes had brought this up as a result of a parent who addressed this issue earlier this year and that uh member Altri had researched and found some information uh concerning that. So on behalf of these students and the

090board, I respectfully request an update or a timeline regarding the thoughtful and compassionate consideration with this. Like where are we at with that? Because I know it was brought up and sometimes we bring things up in a circle back never happens. So I want to be sure that we really look into that with fidelity is how can we read out students names or award their parents with a diploma or something to show they were here, they in fact um existed and this would have been the year that they graduated. Um I think I I'll conclude uh my report there as I said to respect time and I can pick it up at the next meeting. Uh next we have the superintendence updates and report. Thank you madam chair. A recent Firestone CLC graduate Sarah Harris

091received the Harrington scholarship. This is a partnership between the University of Akran and Akran public schools that focus on recruitment, employment, and retention of APS graduates who aspire to be teachers. Applicants are APS graduates committed to the profession of education and to working in APS immediately after graduation from the University of Akran. Candidates must apply at the end of their senior year of high school and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their course of college studies to be eligible. Sarah is the first Harrington Scholar graduate and has signed a letter of intent for employment at Akran Public Schools. We would like to say congratulations to Sarah. I received a letter recently uh via email from the Northern Ohio STEM Collaborative thanking APS for five years of support and partnership with their Army Education Outreach Program, Junior

092Solar Sprint Program, also known as JSS. They mentioned in the letter that as a result of APS ongoing support and leadership of our own Dr. Katrina Halasa, science and health supervisor and her dedicated staff that we have helped to make the junior solar sprint program a success. So we would like to again say congratulations to Dr. Katrina Halasa and her team. [Applause] You will notice the generous donations in our board agenda. And we would just like to take a moment to thank all of our partners, families, and supporters who generously donate to provide grants and support to our scholars and to let you know that you are truly appreciated. And I would like to conclude my remarks with a be kind update. Blooming kindness is spreading throughout Ritzman CLC thanks to the fourth and fifth

093grade student ambassadors. These students have been busy coloring and cutting out flowers and encouraging and kind statements written on them. They've been posting these flowers around the school, hoping to inspire others to bloom acts of kindness. It's a beautiful reminder that kindness can grow and spread just like flowers in a garden. We would like to thank our counselor over at Ritzman, Katherine Meyers, for sharing this wonderful initiative and for helping foster a culture where kindness continues to flourish. Madame Chair, that does conclude my report. Thank you, Superintendent Outly. Next we have the treasures report. Uh, I appreciate the opportunity to address uh the some of our the at least in the first section our five-year forecast uh Miss Jackson, President Jackson, uh members of the board, and uh Miss Alley. So, that's not working. So,

094we have a five-year forecast that has to be submitted in the month of May. So, we are very close to that. We've covered this in our finance committee meetings. Um, but I just think it's worth um reviewing, but I'm not advancing. So, why do schools need additional levies? The average is 4 and a half years. Every four and a half years, school districts in the state of Ohio are consistently on the ballot for new money. And why is that? Is it mismanagement? Is it something else? Some of you that are a little bit older will remember in 1976 when we were just coming off the Vietnam War. Uh we were ex Jimmy Carter was just elected. The economic environment in 1976 was horrible. Uh inflationary rates were at o over just over 20%. Compare that

095to where we were just a few months ago and they were at 7 or 8% at their height. So with inflation rising at 20%, most people's instinct tells them that that would be bad for their home value, but it it wasn't on paper. As inflation rises, so does the perceived value of your home. So that rises at that point in 1976, schools as as your property value was reassessed and increased in value, so did your taxes automatically. So while the economy was in shambles, public schools were flushed with cash. uh a man whose a name you may recognize, George Voyovich. He was a the mayor of Cleveland at one point, I believe, a city council person, uh state state legislator, uh eventually governor of Ohio, and US senator. He writes House Bill 920, and House

096Bill 920 is the impetus of why school districts are on the ballot uh so frequently. So I think we all would agree that expenses will rise in any institution almost no matter what you do. Now you can alter the axis in which it rises, the rate in which it rises to some degree, but the fact of the matter is it will always increase. So, House Bill 920 as a result of as a res as a result of uh inflation being at 20%, they wanted to put a cap on it. This is not working very well. I apologize. They wanted to put a cap on it so that it, you know, we are running people out of their homes. So the House Bill 920 which is codified in the Ohio Revised Code and in the Ohio

097Constitution says that when revenue or when a levy is passed, it stays frozen in collections. Meaning that when we pass a levy, it never increases. It stays flat. So imagine, you know, you have a job and you get out of school and maybe you're making $20 an hour. Not bad. But what if you were making $20 an hour 5 years from now, 10 years from now, the same salary repetitively over the course of time, eventually you would find yourself upside down. So it creates these things called boom and bust cycles. When you pass a levy, you pass a levy for more money than you actually need, building up cash reserves. You try to hold on to that as long as you can, but because of House Bill 920, you will eventually go upside down. You

098start eating into your cash reserves and then you find yourself back on the ballot. So, boom and bust cycles are very normal. So how did we do in our fiscal management and how did we do in our uh look from the beginning of the year to the end of the year in terms of accounting for those dollars. So we began the year with 106 million in cash reserves. We ended the year at 88 million in cash reserves. Where did that money go? Uh the general fund of 365. Uh we projected the general fund uh the general fund expenditures at 3.84 and we projected a loss of $18 million. Where does that money come from? State funding provides 56% of our budget. Local taxes 39% and 4% others. So projected rev projected local taxes we projected

099at 140 144 million 127 million in real estate public utilities at 16 million state funding at 205 million fair school funding act at 159 restricted state funding which can only be used for specific things at 33 million our state share of local taxes at 13 million and our projected all other revenue venue at million. So, how did that end up? So, where does it go? It and unfortunately, I'm not sure why it's not reading over there on the on the PI side of it. It does on mine. Uh, but the projected personal personnel costs are 310 million, which if that which was represented by the green, that's 81% of our budget is people. So when you run a school district, unlike Ford Motor Company that builds a product and has raw materials, we don't. So

100cutting when you have to cut cost, it becomes very challenging to not cut into personnel somewhere along the way. You can see 220 million of its salaries, benefits almost 90 million uh projected purchases for ser or projected purchase services at almost 40 million and all other expenditures at 34 million and that includes supplies, capital debt and other operating advances and transfers. So this graph shows you actual in 2024 projected to 2029. The blue represents right represent Whoops. Blue represents our um Wow. Blue represents our revenue and or and orange represents our expenditures. And you can see from 2025 on we are in deficit spending. Meaning we're spending more money than we're actually bringing in. Leaving things exactly as they are, we project in 2029 we would be in state receiverhip. So we have a district

101policy that says we need to have two months of cash on hand at all times, which is about $64 million now. And you can see that these are days on the top are days of cash on hand and we fall below that in 2027 down to 18 in 2028 and minus 30 days in 2029. student district enrollment continues to decline and as it declines and it declines for a variety of reasons, but what you're seeing is you're seeing this decline in all of Northeast Ohio. Per pupil expenditures continue to rise. So when you break it a daily cost per pupil, it's $111 every day for every student. And what this was showing you was the breakdown, but I'm not sure why it's not talking clearly, but gives you a pigraph breakdown of where those expenditures

102are coming from. This is important. The top part, the top part of this slide that you're looking at is our five-year forecast in in November of 2024. So, how did we do in terms of forecasting, accounting for our dollars? Revenue we projected at $364 million and revenue came in at 3659. We projected expenditures to be at 384 and they came in at $384 million. So, our current total revenue is over our forecast by a million dollar or.3%. And our current expenditures are below prior forecast by $413,000 or.1%. I don't think you can get much closer than that. So, what you heard me mention the word state receiverhip. What does state receiverhip mean? State receiverhip is the process of a of the state coming in and taking over fiscal management and control of a public school

103district. So the first um step or the first warning is fiscal caution and it's triggered by early signs of financial issues. Fiscal watch is defined when or is declared when deficits exceed 8% of your general fund revenue. So when that deficit hits 8% of our general fund revenue, that triggers us to be in fiscal watch. We'd have to submit a financial recovery plan within 60 days to the o ODU. Fiscal emergency is declared if the district fails to submit an acceptable plan or if deficits exceed 15%. a financial planning and supervision commission is established. They uh sideline the school board and the administration. They cut to state uh minimum standards and tell you to pass a levy. So, it's it's analogous in my view to uh uh surgery being done with a with a hammer

104and a saw versus being done with a scalpel. So, we're trying to do it with a scalpel. So, what is the May forecast? So, the assumptions, the House version looks like it's going to hold um unfortunately in the way we hoped it would not. Uh I went to Columbus last week, met with some folks, and each person I met with told me the same thing. Don't expect any significant change to House Bill 96. That's our budget bill. Madam Chair, I'm sorry. What? Um, one moment, please. Uh, member Harrison, c can I call a point of order and ask that we get to the the budget without the commentary if we can get to the numbers. Sure. That's what we're we're on right now. 1.75% is the holder for um the wage placeholder for wage increase.

105Please know that that can go up, it can go down. It's simply a number to uh put in in the um 5-year forecast so that we um account for pay increases. Health insurance is forecasted at 11% and 8% in fiscal year 28, 29, and 30. This assumes reductions of 10 million in permanent expenditures in fiscal year 26. 10 million reductions uh in fiscal year 27 inflationary growth on all major categories and 10% on property values. So what does it look like? So across this is the important piece of the five-year forecast. Those red numbers are showing you deficit spending. The number below it is the amount of cash reserves we estimate to have on hand by the end of that fiscal year. So um when you look at it from a state receiverhip perspective um

106in fiscal year 27 we were at 7% which um probably constitutes fiscal caution although it's vague. This is not vague. $33 million is 11% of our total general fund revenue which triggers fiscal watch 54 million is 15% which triggers uh state receiverhip. So, additional other impacts on our five-year forecast, the building projects and rising cost of construction. We're at we're seeing 16% year-over-year. So, and it's been holding on construction costs. That's partially impacted by tariffs on some of those goods. Please remember when the buildings were projected, uh GPD put that those projections together for us. They were put together in 2023 to be completed in 2026 and to be well in construction by now. Aging CLC's, we're starting to see a need for repairs. Current contract negotiations certainly will impact our 5-year forecast. We have

107a need to re refresh vehicles and buses. And we have a resolution. We have um outstanding ulps, unfair labor practice charges, grievances, and other legal matters which are going to impact our 5-year forecast. So, construction um alternatives or overruns I can hold here actually unless you want me to continue on to the building parts. Um member Sykes. Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh and Dr. Thompson, let me just say that the uh finance committee did meet on May 19th and we did review uh and not only did the finance committee review, but the whole board was there on May 19th and so we did take a look at the five-year finance report that Dr. Thompson submitted and and we approved that report. We also took a look at the finance report for April as well

108as the bond issuing that we will be asked to look at uh which will be not to exceed $30 million of notes in anticipation of the expenses that we will have at at North High School. And so those all of these areas we have reviewed this during the committees. We've asked questions dial had dialogue about this. And so, uh, the request from the finance committee is that we reprove these issues, uh, as we, uh, move through this report of Dr. Thompson. Thank you, member Sykes. Are there any other board uh, comments? Uh, member Harrison, did you Okay. Um, then, uh, member Hall, I just want to say real quick, thank you, Madam President. This is depressing, you know. [Music] Um, we talk about we doing this for the children and yet by 2027 we may

109be overthrown by the government. I don't want to say overthrown like that, right? So I mean the state could come in. I'll say it like that. Yeah. Um, but you stated what is acceptable plan? What is our acceptable plan? I understand the cuts and things like that, but what really that's what I would really like to hear is boom, you know, just what is our real acceptable plan for sustainment of APS? You know, how do we get our kids back here so that we can continue to sustain? Um, Miss Oddly provided me with the toe path numbers of how many kids we're losing because they can't pay the $50 fee per credit. U member hall, we just want to remain drain on the topic for what he's discussing, please. Okay. For Yeah, thank you. on

110the budget. No, I was just saying like what can we do to make these numbers better instead of constantly every time we have a board meeting where it's it's just so depressing that it's like no life. How do we bring life back with these numbers and what's going on? Fair question. So our cost overrun alternatives um alder or modify the current plan projects is an option reduce size certain design elements. Uh utilize a tax anticipation notes or TANS and I gave you a a handout so that you can read it at your leisure to give you an idea of how it works and what it does. but it could help help us offset some of our cost overruns that we're projecting on, for example, the Kenmore project. Okay. Thank you, member Harrison. Madam Chair, I

111I think what the ask is um because we do go into in in depth in our committee meetings. Um so I think the ask today is to present what we present what we what we should be approving. Um, I think in our finance meeting, we had a two and a half hour finance meeting. Um and uh member uh Hall asked a great question and I think that question um is is a committee question because we want to have public input and for the public you can come to the finance committee meetings and you it is a little more lack so you can um engage in conversation but for the meeting tonight I think the ask is to approve what we covered on May 19th. Um, so I think that's the ask if we can be

112presented with the 5-year forecast um and to vote on that. That that would be the ask. Mr. Treasurer, I'm not sure what you what you want me to do at this point. We can vote. Obviously, I'm finished with the five-year forecast. Um the other part that you would be voting on if we're going to skip all the construction. Well, just um I'm not I'm not sure what you what the board wants me to do. Is there any board members that are went on to that? Harrison. Thank you, Madam Chair. I think we have people in the audience that really wanted to see the options that were presented um with the understanding that those were options that was presented to the board. Those are not the board's options, but because they're here, they came to see

113that. But that is where we should be going. We should um if the five-year forecast, we reviewed the five-year forecast. All the board members was at that meeting. If we're going to approve that, let's approve the five-year forecast. We looked at the bond issue. We're going to approve the bond issue or we're not going to approve the bond issue. I think that's what we want presented. And then I think the um public that came tonight to see the options that were presented to the board um they're here to see those options. And after they see those options with the understanding that those options are not the board's options, those options were presented to the board. Um I think that that's the ask. Did that add clear? Uh member Molinar. Thank you, President Jackson. Um I

114I agree with everything that uh member Harrison is saying. I think there might be some confusion even from some people in the audience that tonight the board might even be making a decision on something with the buildings. And it is to my understanding that there are no decisions tonight on anything with the buildings. And so I don't want to clarify or belabor the issue. And so the a one question I have of the treasur is there any information tonight that was not related to the buildings was that was not already presented at the meeting that we have a recording of and recording for. No and and this is what I sent to the whole board that I was going to cover tonight. So so then as followup I I would agree that um this conversation

115should continue in committee. I I really appreciate member Hall's recommendation of some positivity. Also, I am curious as we as we talk about finance committee's um I'm curious about enrollment and the effect of enrollment on our projections if enrollment increases if enrollment decreases. Um I know I heard a lot of of comments, you know, we might have students leave the district or coming to the district and I think member Hall was getting to that with some other options. So, I think that's a great committee conversation. Thank you. So the the the um the point order is just that he's presenting a financial report and the qu the pause for the questions was directly on that and it he it seems as though that do you understand what the ask is now and where they would

116like for you to go in the report. I'm just trying not to talk so much. Well, I I'll this is something that requires a board vote. So I'll finish this and that's approval of $30,000 in bond anticipation notes. Uh, if you're unfamiliar with how a bond works, it essentially th Excuse me. Oh, I'm sorry. Did I I $30 million. Yeah, big difference there. $30 million in anticipation notes. But this is part of the $85 million that the community voted on. So, what happens is you'll see these dates pop up. July 7th and 8th there'll be a public offering uh to when I say public offering it's to investors a public in uh offering to investors to buy bonds uh that will fund the school. So exactly what the payment will be on that works just

117like a house payment as you know your interest rate of your house drives your payment. So depending on how the sale goes and the offering goes, we'll keep the interest rate as low as we can and sell as many bonds at that level. And when when we're trying to get to 30 million, if we're struggling to get to 30 million, they may have to sell a certain number of those bonds at a slightly higher interest rate, um, which costs us more. But the but that's the that's what will happen on July 7th and 8th. The pricing is set on the 23rd and we'll receive that 30 million in funding which will be the money that we need to start the north project. All right. It is there a motion to approve the fire fiveyear forecast?

118Thank you, Madam President. Madam President and the members of the comm of the board, I I move that we approve the five-year forecast as submitted by our uh treasur. Thank you. It's been moved by member Sykes. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Harrison. Is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, roll call vote, please. Dr. Thompson. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Motion carries [Music] 60. Thank you. Next is the approval of the April 2025 financial report resolution. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, members of the board, I move that we approve the financial report of April 20, 2025. It's been moved by member Sykes. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Harrison. Any discussion? Seeing

119hearing none, Dr. Thompson, roll call vote, please. Dr. Molinar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autri, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson. Yes. Motion carry 60. Is there a motion to approve the bond issuance resolution and 8.5? Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, member of the board, I move that we uh approve the bond issuing as submitted to us by our treasurer. It's been moved that we approve the bond issue by member Sykes. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Harrison. Is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, roll call vote, please. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, yes. Motion carry 60. Next. Is it a um I'm sorry. Next is approval of the previous meeting meeting minutes from

120May 12th, 2025. Is there a motion to approve the regular board meeting minutes from May 12th, 2025? Madame President, I move to approve the regular meeting minutes from Monday, May 12th, 2025. Thank you. It's been moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 12th, 2025 by member Altry. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Molinar. Is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, Dr. Thompson, roll call vote, please. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Motion carry 60. Next is our personnel recommendations from Superintendent Alley. Thank you, President Jackson. Section 10, professional staff and administrators. Before we move forward, I would like to offer brief clarification regarding the reappointment list included in section 10.9. It was brought to our attention

121that the treasurer's name was included in the list of the administrative contract renewals. This was an error made during the preparation of the recommendation and I want to acknowledge that error at this time and clarify the process. Per board policy and standard governance practice. The treasurer's contract is not recommended by the superintendent. Rather, it is a matter exclusively between the board and the treasurer. and any contract decisions are determined collaboratively by the board and the treasurer directly. Human resources inadvertently included the treasurer's name alongside district administrators. This was not appropriate and I want to be clear that my recommendation tonight is for all positions listed in section 10.9 excluding the treasurer's position. So, at this time, are there any questions regarding section 10? Thank you, Superintendent Member Harrison. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madame Chair,

122I would ask that uh 10.9 be moved to executive session um be voted on after the executive session. It's been moved by member Harrison that uh we move 10 point uh the employment matters in 10.9 uh to executive session to be acted upon after executive session. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member hall. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, Dr. Thompson, roll call vote, please. Mrs. Sykes. Uh, madam chair, members of the committee, because my daughter is included on this, I will have to abstain. Thank you, member Sykes, are is are there any other questions or comments by the board? Any discussion? Excuse me. All right, seeing hearing none, Dr. Thompson. Dr. Molnar, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Reverend Harrison, yeah. Yes, Miss Hall. Yes, Miss Autri. Yes. Uh motion carries 50 with one

123extension. Thank [Music] you, Madam Chair. Oh, yes. Member Harrison. Thank you. I I believe this to be a typo in in 10.2. Um um I I'm I'm assuming that we're looking at May 20 May 9th, 2026 and 10.2 uh revision administrative extended time revision 10.2 Where are you at on 10.2? I'm on 10.12. Oh, you said two. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Flip them. Flip some pages. Go to Genesis. Is at the beginning. [Music] Okay. Revision. Okay. 10.12. Uh, the dates don't don't seem to be right. Is that 2026? Oh, yes. that that it would be an air uh that's clear. Yeah, I think that's that's not an air to from June to May 2025. That's how can that be? I don't know how that's uh possible. Miss Carter, could you um come forth and

124address that question for the board from June to May? So it's being his ending date to receive um any extended time has been changed from June 30th to May 9th. So he won't earn any more extended time. He won't earn extended time up to June 30th. So initially it was to end on June 30th, but we're ending it on May 9th. Okay, understood. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Are there any questions for section 11 miscellaneous? Member Hall. Thank you, Madam President. Um, for 117, I think I have more 11s, too. [Music] Um, is this a new position for the teacher special projects autism and JP scholarship program? And I'll just ask my question. Is that a new position? And how does that fall in the same does that fall in the same category as

125the um JTC's? Miss Fry Meyer from our um office of students with disabilities will come forth and address that question for the board. Thank you. It is not a new position. We have a retirement in that position. So, it would be refilling that position. Just a followup. Yes, member Hall. Just a quick followup. Um would because I know we have on the riff list two JTC's. Would one of those positions work within this position or are those two separate? They're two separate. So this teacher special project does not exceed 24 hours and they just write and hold and participate in the scholarship meetings. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Any questions regarding section 12 supplemental contracts? I apologize. Uh, member Hall, I'm sorry. I had another um couple more questions for section 11. [Music]

126Um, section 1110 with employment for home instructors. Um, I think I counted what maybe 15. What exactly are the home instructors? Are they the ones that like online schooling? And is it one home instructor per student or how many students do they have? Because I thought that was I don't know if that's enough or if that's too many um home instructors online. So for the home instructors, they're as and when needed whenever students um are accessing home instruction, which is a bridge whenever they can't be in school for whatever reason, but we are still providing access to their educational environment. They um receive one hour per day of instruction students. So the home instructors typically can have up to four students, not to exceed 20 hours in a week. Okay, thank you. Did you have

127a follow? Yeah, that's fine. If they have like four students, I was just sorry. I was just curious like how many students do we have that are doing home like online? Um, and is this enough or is this too many home instructors? If they have four each, I'm curious to find out how many students that do we have um receiving this service. And you know, with all of this um rifting and things going on, um can they take more than four students? Can one home instructor take more than four students or do we need this many home instructors? They can't exceed 20 hours a week. So, they can only take up to four students. The home instruction students that are accessing home instructions, it is not online. So, it may be for uh mothers that

128are off for eight weeks, new mothers. It might be a student that broke both of their arms. It might be a medical doctor that has requested that they have a certain amount of time away from their school. And this gives them a bridge while they're off school. So, it varies throughout the year depending on the length of time that students are on home instruction, but it's not an online school. Thank you for explaining. I have a better understanding. Thank you. Thank you, member Hall. Superintendent on section 12 supplemental contracts. If there's any questions, section 13, there's no items for substitute teachers. Are there any questions for section 14? related to tutors. Section 15, support staff. Section 16, pair of professionals. Member Hall. Thank you, Madam President. Um 164. um with the programs that we have

129um before us I see there's maximum hours of um and some 45 over 40 hours. So if these educators are teaching over 40 hours, is this overtime? And if it's overtime, how can we cut back on the overtime and maybe get another professional or two to help offset the overtime? This is for our summer programming, correct? So the hours is for that extended two that whole period for the um summer school period. It's not per week. Okay. It's for the whole So we're not falling into overtime. Okay. Thank you for that. You're welcome. Uh we're on section 17 which is child nutrition. Section 18 is maintenance, operations and transportation. Section 19 security. There are no items under section 20 for students, section 21 through uh 21.1 through 21.4 and 21.5ou with APS and OAPSE. Madame

130Chair, I would like to request the removal of the RIFF teaching position for 1 through eight licensed teacher consultant and the staff associated with it on item 21.4 resolution teacher reduction of force. The rest of the list riff positions and staff will stay the same. Okay. Could you repeat the recommendation, Miss Paul? I would like to request the removal of the RIFF teacher position for 1 through8 teacher consultant and the staff associated with it. On item 21.4, resolution teacher reduction of force. The rest of the list riff positions and staff will stay the same. Thank you. Is there a motion to rem remove the riff teacher position for 1 through 8 item 21.4 I make a motion to remove correct item 21.4. It's been moved by member hall. Is there a second? Second. It's been

131second by Miss Alrey, member Altry, excuse me. Um, is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, roll call vote, please. Dr. Thompson. Dr. Molnar, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Miss Sykes. Mrs. Sykes. Yes. Miss Autry. Yes. Motion carries 60. Thank you, Dr. Thompson. I wish to recommend the approval of the personnel recommendations presented in categories 10 through 21.5 except for the reappoint of the treasurer in 10.9 and 1 through eight licensed teacher consultant and staff associated with that teaching position. In item 21.4, [Music] I need to be listen. Okay, Madam Chair. Uh, one second. Uh, member Harrison again, please wait to be recognized by the chair when you speaking. Mr. Harrison, please. Yeah. I I make a motion from items 10 through 21 excluding the items 10.9 which will go

132to executive session. Um and the resolution the 21.4 lead teaching consulting excluding those. Um I make a motion that we accept. Thank you sir. The motion has been made by member Harrison. Is there a second? Appreciate that. Second. It's been second by member Hall. Any discussion? Mad Monar. Thank you, Madame President. I am frankly confused at quite what's going on here. Um, I understand that that budget cuts are necessary. I got that part of the presentation. Um, but how we implement them matters. the procedure and the process of of how we do things, it matters. Um, at the May 19th finance committee meeting, the treasurer recommended a free staffing audit to provide data for informed strategic decisions that would be similar to um and prepare us for a worstcase scenario of a state takeover. I'm

133concerned that we're being asked to approve RIFF re resolutions tonight without that audit, without supporting data with things coming and going and I I know that the finance committee has often asked for a a package, a clear package of things. Um, and moreover, the recent investigation that was published last month raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process and specifically mentioned potential targeting of employees who have raised valid concerns. giving these issues. I think we should delay rift decisions until we have a complete data-driven understanding and con ensure a fair process. Um I I have a lot more here and I don't even know how much of it is relevant because we're we're moving things. Um but without a clear data-driven rationale, I cannot in any good conscience support staffing reductions um

134because I find it procedurally and ethically inadequate. So, I don't support any of the resolutions 211 through 215, whichever ones are still there. Thank you, member Molar. Any other discussion? Member Sykes. Thank you, Madame President, members of the board. Uh, so as we heard from Dr. Thompson, our five-year forecast. Um, and we heard a speaker earlier to today ask, well, where was the treasury? Where is it? the finance committee with this part of the five-year forecast is about uh uh you may remember that our former superintendent brought in the budget and the finance committee indicated that we have to make additional cuts in order to have a five-year forecast that reflects we may be in deficit spending but we're not in a deficit and that's a big difference deficit spending and in a deficit which

135means that we're basically using our reserves in order to balance our budget and to keep things going. And so, uh, when the member asked, is there any good news? Well, yeah, we have some wonderful children that we have to take care of and teach, some fabulous teachers and support staff that we have to take care of. And in order to do that, in order to keep the state from taking over this district, we do have to make cuts, unfortunately. And so with that, we requested the administration to bring in cuts. Part of those cuts indicates what we're looking at tonight. Part of them were staffing and other parts dealt with operational. Originally, it was all staffing and then we then they came in with a combination of operational and staffing. And that's what we're seeing

136here. So, if we want to send a five-year budget to the state that says that as of next year, we won't find ourselves in deficit spending, that we are willing to make the cuts. We also said at the time that because the community was willing to vote for a levy during a very very difficult time as they came to the board to vote they said I really can't afford this but because I care about this community because I want to see North High School built because I care about middle south from middle South and Fifer I want to see that taken care of I'm going to vote for this levy and though we could not send a five-year budget forecast to the state showing that we didn't do anything but vote for the levy. We

137have to show some cuts. And let me just tell you, in addition to this not looking good, we're going to have to make some more cuts. We're going to have to make more cuts than just what we're asking to be sent to the state soon. That's about We're looking at We're saying about 10 million. We're going to have to make 10 million. 10 million. Yes, ma'am. 10 million in next fiscal year as well. Yeah, we're going to have to make more cuts. This is just the beginning of what we're going to have to do in order to keep control of our financial of our district, in order to meet the needs of our community, in order to build in buildings that we want to build, in order to do what we want to do in

138our community, we are going to have to continue to make the cuts. And the good news is that we will be able to continue to teach our children, to care for our children, and give them what they deserve, what they deserve, and what this community has earned. So, as much as I do not want to see the cuts that the administration has made, I do understand, we've had several meetings about it. It is a hard thing to do, but this is just the beginning. It is just the beginning. So therefore, I do I do support uh the resolution authorizing the partial reduction in force that we are faced with tonight. Thank you, member Sykes. Member Hall, just really quick on some of the teacher reduction force when I look at the um job training coordinators

139um art therapy, I visited um Bridges and also uh another school. I can't remember. I visit so many schools when I look at their programs, how they're helping our special needs students play the piano, drums. Um there was one student that couldn't speak and we asked if we could come in and sit in. He hit no. So we left. But um those students, what will they have once we start declining on those positions? because they take those students out for real life um education, real life work. Um when I was at Garfield, they were, you know, cleaning up the cafeteria, things like that. Without those professionals and really anybody that's being rich, what are what are we going to do? What's our plan when we take away who steps in and help? Will they be

140overloaded? Will they then be, you know, trying to leave the district? What's going to happen? Yes. Yes. Uh, superintendent. Thank you. Um, member Hall, we will be working closely with all departments. We will continue to work closely with all of our departments as we make these decisions. Um, we also have ratios that we must maintain. So, we will make sure that we're within the law as we're making our reductions and we will continue to work through the finance committee. So as we make the reductions, they'll go through the finance committee first. Any questions that you have actually based on what the reductions are at that time, we will address them. So if it's a ratio about a special needs classroom, an art program, I'll know exactly what program it is that's being recommended and can

141give you better responses at that time. Okay. Just quick followup, Madam President. Are there other um areas of funding that certain things can be paid out of out of this riff? A lot of this stuff is general fund, but I hear you a lot of people talking about title one, this fund, and that fund and these donations. Has any of that been considered? Yes. Yes. So, um, we can certainly bring that also to a finance committee meeting so that you can see how we've actually taken positions out of the general fund and reallocated them to other without supplanting into other title funding that we're permitted to and even some of our subsidy funding from um the um Northeast Ohio. Um I'm trying to why am I ESC? Thank you team from our ESC. So we

142are looking at all funding sources member hall. Then I mean sorry member Harrison. My apologies. Thank you Madam Chair. Um uh you know I I I too it's a hard sale to cut positions but um the treasur u during our finance committees and that again I want to tell everyone if you want to know where cuts are coming and how they're coming um the finance committee meets and the treasur does a good job at showing us where the money is how it's spent where we maybe can look at um so the conversations that we're having on Monday is we can have really in-depth conversations during the finance committee. Um and for the public um it's it's a time to really engage the school district. Um let us hear from you. Um but the the hard

143reality is when the treasur gives us the numbers, we have to cut. And that's a hard reality for um our students, but that's the reality. That's where we are. Thank you, uh member Harrison. I call for a vote, please. Miss Autry. No on 21.1. Yes on the rest, Miss Hall. No on 21.4. Um, yes on the rest. Reverend Harrison. Um, point just a point of order. Member Har there. I know it was a lot of discussion that happened in the meantime, but members Harrison offered up a motion. We were at the point of discussion where uh many of these items were moved to till after the executive session. Um and the only items are Can you help clear it up for me, member uh Harrison, please? This motion, Madam Chair. Yeah, please. Um Superintendent Outly

144recommended the removal of 21.4 four. So, we took that off. Not the whole item. The consultant teacher one through eight. The consultant teachers one through eight. I'm sorry. And I don't know if I I just know it was um I 21.4. It was 21.4 uh 1 through 8 and staff teacher one through eight. It was just that portion. It was just that one. Okay. That she removed, not the entire. Can Can we make sure for the record that we only removed that my motion that I stated the motion correctly? You did. You did. You did. Well, okay. Okay. Okay. All right. You Okay. Yeah, you were clear. Yes. and the so it was the two the two things that were in this motion was to remove the treasurer and the 21.4 teacher one through eight

145or uh the teacher and the 10.9 is moved to after executive session. Yes. So yes, so when we're voting yes is to move that to vote after executive session and then for those uh two positions treasur I mean parliamentary we already voted to remove those out we already voted to remove those [Music] 109 we voted on I don't know that's the ready Reverend Harrison Jackson. Yes. Dr. Molinar. A point point of order. Are we right now voting on the items or voting on the moving of the items? That would be point of clarification. Clarification. Sorry. Thank you. The it's the removal. You're right. because I guess it could have been two separate mode but it's the rem it's the removal of the two items and the moving of uh the things that's going to executive

146session. So then the vote on the items will come theoretically next after this. Yes. Okay. Then yes on the movement of the numbers. Thank you. I'm sorry Madam President. Oh Lord Diana and I voted right and then you stopped and started talking about the motion. And so it sounds like our vote was like you started talking about the order, right? 10.9 214 and whatever other one, but we had already voted. So are you going to ask us this question again? Are you going what I have is a motion to move 10.9 to executive session, vote on it afterwards, and that was voted on. That already occurred. The superintendent requested 21.4. 4. If I'm correct, items 1 through eight be removed from consideration. That's not accurate. The teacher and that then I'm confused. I'm confused. Yes.

147Yes. Um we're going to what we're going to do is um this what happens when we have those lengthy discussions in between the motion, but we're going to have member uh superintendent outlay restate what her request was. Thank you. I wish to recommend the approval of the personnel recommendations presented in categories 10 through 21.5 except for the reappoint of the treasurer in 10.9 and the 1 through 8 licensed teacher consultant and staff associated with that teaching position in item 21.4. All right. So, that is the motion. Uh that is uh what the recommendation recommendation the mo the conversation that's what we're voting on now is what she stated. U member Harrison made the motion. So when I'm saying that is the motion that is the what she what the superintendent just read is what's on

148what's the motion on the floor is exactly what's on the motion on the floor is the for the treasurer position and the removal of the rift teacher position for 1 through eight in item 21.4 4. Are there any other items in 214? Oh, I see. So, you're talking about number number two. That's why it was just that one's part. Okay. It seems it's some unreadiness. Uh member Harrison, so a point of clarification, are are are you rescending are you asking us not to vote on 214 in part or in total? 21.4, I'm sorry, 21.4 is our 1 through eight licensed teacher consultant and the staff that's associated with that position, but not the other items, right? but not the other items. So each of these items, there's items in section 10, 11, 12, 14. All

149of that still goes through. Okay. I'm just asking for the treasure to come off and the 21.4 to come off. Right. The entirety of 214. You're asking just number two in 214, right? Let me look for it for for for a point of clarification. Um, so that we're clear, can we remove 214 and have that restated? Can we vote on the agenda on the personnel and then really know what we're voting on in 214? Because I'm unclear. There seems to be two sections in 214. section um right where it's the resolution of the teacher reduction of force that's 21.4 for and I guess that's what I'm asking for the clarification. Are we at Are you rescending 214 in its entirety to come off correct? Yes. Okay. No. Okay. Okay. Just for this is where it's

150getting mixed up and we do because there when you look at the agenda on 21.4 for that resolution teacher reduction enforce just the and then under it is two other sections which are am I understanding that those section one and two are supposed to still remain just the resolution is removed all right well number two but all of this is under 214 and all the positions associated with it just So it's section one and two. It's section one and two. Okay. So number two section. Okay. Yes. Okay. So, under section 21.4 there are five sections. Okay. And I'm asking for removal of section one and section two under 21.4. Number two. That's the whole resolution. That's the whole That's what I thought it was. It's a section three, four, and a five. But section 3,

151four, and five is making reference back to section, right? To section one and two. So that's the whole resolution. So what was wrong with Right. Right. Just in its entirety. Let's just take it out in its entirety. just say okay. Um, actually, Superintendent uh, Shaver is asking, did you want her to come on? Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, please come on up if you I would. Thank you, Superintendent Outl. So, in this item 21.4, four. We're not superintendent has not requested the removal of the entire item. Every time she stated it, she kept stating for the 1 through eight licensed teacher which is listed under section one. It's item number two under section one. That's the only thing that she asked you to remove and she kept that's what she was trying to say numerous times.

152That's what I said. Section one. section one number two that's listed on here. She asked could you remove that and and she asked for the rest of the resolution to remain. She also stated and any staff members associated with that license and that would impact the names that are in the next section. Not all of them. Mhm. anyone that's associated. So I hope that was helpful, Madam Chair. So uh so how would we know? The record has to show which individuals are associated. So you would have to say those individuals name. It's number two. It's the number two. Number two. I apologize. I didn't mean to cut you off. Miss, you want me to repeat it? No, I got it. No, I I know I the name associated with number two. It's just that the

153the the treasurer needs to know who treasurer. I'm clear. The name associated the record keeper needs to know the name associated with section two number two. Number two. Got it. Okay. All right. Listen. Okay. So, yes. All right. Harrison and Hall, these H last names, boy. Okay. Um, can can I ask um what section section one item two? Who are those teachers? What is that? A program? Is that a um so either we have to say names for the record which I know we don't want to do or is that a program? What are we keeping in this section? So this is our PAR program and that's what we're keeping. Okay. So those eight one through eight is the entirety of the PAR program. The names in section two are the the individuals that we're

154asking to keep to keep. Okay. Correct. Number two. And in order to keep I'm asking to remove them from the riff list. Okay. I'm uh Thank you. Um because I'm guessing this is still the discussion on on the riff items. I just feel like I need to reiterate. I know we discussed riffs and we we've needed the riffs. I understand we need to do this, but procedurally I have to say it is so inappropriate to do it this way. I find I I I'm glad to hear that we're saving the PAR program. I know that's important to a lot of people. I'm glad that we are editing and improving, but everyone else on the riff RIP list that these are human beings. This is their livelihoods. These are their jobs. And I just think that

155the way we're handling this in a confusing manner is is disrespectful to the levity of the decision that we are making right now. And I still cannot support any of the reductions that are conducted uh under these conditions. Thank you. Uh, member Molinar. All right, Mr. Uh, Dr. Thompson, do you want to start over? Okay. So, we're gonna we're going to start this over the entire board meeting from the beginning. [Laughter] They're coming back. I called them. Miss Autry. So, no on 21.1 and the rest of what was 21.4 and yes on the rest. Got it. It's not in that amendment. The 21. We do that the next round. Um, no. 21.1 through 21.4 and yes on the rest. I thought this was on the no on 21.4. No on 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4. Got

156it. Yes. On everything else. Understood. Let me just I I'm just not clear on this because I thought we're just we're just voting on the amendment of to remove and then when we come back we're going to vote on the total list and then that's when we will vote no on those other individual ones that we don't want. Right now, we're just voting on the recommendations to remove that the superintendent asked. Okay. Are we clear that are we on the same page that 10.9 that Reverend Harrison um rem um made a motion to remove has actually been removed? Yes. Okay, that's done. 10.9's done. So what we're doing right now is a is to approve taking right 21.4 section one item two off of this particular consent agenda. Yes. On only that's it. That's it.

157Okay. That I that that I can follow. Thank you. Okay. Sorry folks. Thank you. Uh okay. So I'll So again, we we are voting simply on 21.4 section 1 item two to a resolution to pull that off the consent agenda. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. That motion carries 60. [Applause] Now we go back to 21.6. You got 21.6. The presented the personnel agenda. Personnel. Okay. It is there a motion to approve the personnel recommendations? uh in 21.6 I'm I'm sorry in categories 10 through 21 five correct and that's less 10.9 less 21.4 for section one, item two. So that So if you have any of those you want, you'd have to pull them out and say no on. Does that make sense?

158Okay, Miss Autry, wait. Uh oh, I'm sorry. I just said second the motion. You made the motion. I'll make the motion. Okay. Is it a second? I'll second. It's been u moved by member Altree, seconded by member Hall. Any discussion? No. Member uh Dr. U Thompson. Roll call vote, please. Miss Autry. Um, no on 21.1 and the rest of 21.4 and yes on the rest. Miss Hall. No. On 21.1. No. On 21.2. No. On 21.3. No. On 21.4. Yes. On the rest. Got it. Reverend Harrison. Yes, Miss Jackson. Yes, Dr. Molinar. Uh, no on 211 through 215. Yes on the rest. Could you please repeat that one more time? Sorry. 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 are all nos. Yes. On the rest. Understood. Mrs. Sykes. Yes. Okay. Let's make sure I got this. So,

159okay. So, on everything except 21.1, 2, three, four, and four, there are two nos and four yeses. On check that there are 21 21.1 fails. It's 33. It's no no correct. So 21.1 does not pass. Everything else passes um 60 with the exception of 21.1 2 3 and four which pass 42. Good luck with that, Ruth. Good thing it's recorded, [Music] right? Next is the division recommendations, resolutions, and motions. Uh, Miss Oley, I wish to recommend the approval of the division recommendations, resolutions, and motions in section 22. Is there a motion? Is there a motion to approve the division recommendations and resolutions? Resolutions and motions. So moved. It's been moved by member hall. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Altry. Any discussion? member Harrison. Yes, madame chair. Thank you. Um in

160um 22.8 we are given options that we uh this is the um bus contract the van contracting. Um so there's four options that are presented here. Uh so I I uh there's a standing motion on the floor but we have options that we have to discuss. I don't know how we want to proceed there. [Music] So you you want to make an amendment to the the current motion that's on the floor. Is that what to or are you just discuss because we're at the point of discussion if you need to discuss the options. Okay. Yeah. But we have to we have four options in 22.8 that we have to pick one of those four options. So, uh, we, uh, member Sykes was giving me, uh, some guidance. So, we can go up to 2027, um,

161and then deal with 228. We can go up to 22.7 and then deal with 22.8 because it's the last issue on in 22. Okay. Okay. So, I'm asking So, you're asking to amend the current motion, right? That's what you're asking. Okay. Um All right. So, make a motion to what you just said, but just make a motion to amend it. I make a motion to amend the motion on the floor to um only items 221 through 22.7. There is a motion on the floor. I'm sorry. There is a motion on the floor to uh a amend the current motion to only go to um 20 22.7 22.7. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Autry. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, roll call vote to remove uh to items 20 1.20. 20.7 20.

162Give me the right number. What's the number? 22 point up to 22.7. Excuse me. Okay. Clarification. So, this is we're voting to amend. Yes, that's it. Just to amend. Thank you. Uh Dr. L. Miss Hall. Yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molnar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Motion carry to amend the previous motion. So, it will entail 22.1 to 22.7 on a vote and then 22.8 a separate. So now you want off an amendment up to 22.7. Um, now we need a motion to approve 221 to 227. All right. Um, member Molinar. Thank you. I'm sorry. When we were voting to amend, I didn't re Are we now going to vote to approve 211 through 20 or 221 to 227? Okay. Need a motion? Yes, we're going to motion it. We

163have to do a motion at the discussion point once we make the motion. All right. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I make a motion that we approve items 22.1 through 22.7. Second. Okay. It's been moved by member Harrison, seconded by member Sykes. Any discussion? Member Hall. Thank you. We're going to get it together. Um 22.6. I just had a quick question with the naming of the baseball field. Um Mark Liddell. Um who I guess I was just trying to read a little bit more about him and I tried to Google him. Um he did not attend APS schools. Is this correct? He grew up in many different places and and graduated from Wsworth High School. So my question is um why or are we naming a field after this gentleman? What significance does he bring

164to APS? Um the uh uh Miss Faulk, you can come up, but you're talking about the resolution where it's talking about him as the Greater Akran Baseball Hall of Fame. That resolution. Well, 22.6. Yes. And naming the baseball field. Okay. Uh good good evening, President Jackson's members, the board, and treasurer. This particular field at Forge has been an athletic field since 1931. It's when the property came. And this particular person's actions on behalf of the Roy Hobbs Association is what maintains the baseball field located at Old Forge behind central distribution. He has put a huge amount of time with his organization in a partnership with APS in maintaining, upgrading and making the field schedules to work through the Roy Hobs. This was a action that was taken over a number of years by him individually

165with Roy Hobs and the community felt that because of his dedication although not originally from APS because it services our students and our community is part of the use of that field they felt the individual baseball field located at Old Forge just could be considered is named in honor of his presence through Roy Hobs. So just a followup. Yes, member hall. When you say they thought they thought you're talking about the Hobbs community, this was the Hobbs community. This is their request on behalf of the maintenance that they have done as a partnership with APS. Okay. Thank you, Madam Madam President. I think that what the member is asking is that could you tell us a little bit about Mark Landers? That's suit. Uh, as stated in the resolution, he was not an original member

166of the Akran community. He did graduate from Wadsworth High, but he has been associated since his work with Roy Hobbs to be an active member with our baseball community that has serviced our students throughout. Um, we have had our own teams work and play at the baseball field down at Forge. We have also assisted other scheduling of summer ball and fall ball with Roy Hobs so that the community can keep active in outside of the normal season of baseball at the high school level and he's also helped make those active students schedule for other community agencies. We've done some other high schools down there and we have done some community groups through Roy Hobs. So they play beginning in April. And his efforts on this has been helping grow this sport and activate our students

167to interest in baseball through fall ball, which usually ends at the end of September. And he's done this for well over a decade. Not to take the honor away from him, and I do appreciate Roy Hobbs and also Mark Lindell, but when we say when we do things like this, there's been many people that's come before him. Um, and that's just my my personal thought. Um, so we're just naming a field after someone because they've put um some money and some time within the past 10 years. It's very it's very similar to how we have named other locations at other uh of our facilities. Um think of Marshall Field over it is another baseball field we have uh over near Firestone that was a very active person within our community. We helped support baseball with

168um Wobble which is the West Akan youth team community. Right. Is did he live in our community? He he did recently live in our community while he did this work. Yes. Through Akan. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Yes. Um member Walnar. Thank you, President Jackson. Um I have a comment on item 223. Um everyone knows I love school calendar time and school calendar discussion. Um, but I did notice on 223 there is no plan to close schools on primary election day. And I understand that there seems to be confusion about approving school calendar advance with floating professional development day for teachers on the primary election day. Um, that would allow minor adjustments once the official election date is confirmed. Honestly, it it doesn't matter to me what needs to be done or rearranged. In my

169opinion, there's just no excuse when planning this far out for the buildings to be open to the public on days with students in session. The fact is other districts handle this every year. They figure it out. They figure out how to not have school on primary election day because they don't want the liability of students in the building while their buildings are open to the public. Um, so I cannot support this calendar and I also recommend that if this calendar goes through, I'd like the legal committee to look at writing a policy, a board policy to uh what the school day is like when the buildings are open to the public. What is the school day like? What do what expectations should the family and community have on days like election day but not limited

170to an election day? If we're going to open buildings to the public, what does that look like? Thank you. Um, we have a motion on aren't we? This how we keep getting draped off because these motions be on the floor. So, I'm going to call for the vote um so we can start moving this meeting along. Uh so, we're voting on 21 22.1 to 22.7. Miss Autry, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Dr. Molinar, no. On 223, yes on the rest. Miss Jackson, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Uh, motion carries 51 on uh 22.3 and 60 on the balance, leaving us still with 22.8. eight. Okay. Oh, I'm sorry. I wish to recommend the approval of the business affairs recommendations presented in 20 category 23. Um, superintendent, we we have 20 so 22.8 has not

171been voted on. So um right now we are at the disc so we can um call make the motion for 22.8 and then 22.8 will be led into the discussion. So um is there a motion to approve um 22.8 in uh the vision and recommendations resolution and motion section. This the motion because then we have to discuss it. It is 22.8 is a resolution to request authorization to enter into service agreements of contracted uh student support transportation. So this is the this is the item and as it's been uh stated you know between committee meetings and a board meeting as far as how the discussions are supposed to go. So member Harrison I make a motion to um accept u the re for the purpose of discussion to accept the recommendations in 22.8. Thank you

172member Harrison. It's been moved by member Harrison properly second by member hall. Now any discussion member Harrison you've been recognized. Um thank you madam chair. In this particular um amendment the resolution um gives us four options. Um I think we have been here for a long time. We've been here two years ago with the independent van drivers um with transportation. Um and in this particular re uh resolution with four options, I would like to offer a um a reasonable amendment that would put this to rest. I think we created a situation where we didn't have one. We created a problem where there was no problem. I think that the solution here um and I would like to offer um an amended motion to or option two with two vendors, Buckeye Logistics being the primary and

173Templeton Transportation being the secondary. And I think those two companies fulfill the needs that we have as a district as they have do been now. That's simply keeping what we're doing right now in place. So I think we've created a lot of stuff here. Um but I think Buckeye Logistics as our primary transport like they are now. Buckeye Logistics represents the um consolidation of our current independent van drivers. It's it's it's it's simply them coming together under one umbrella. Um Templeton Transportation provides um the um additional transportation that we need. So instead of recreating clusters in that, my recommendation or or my amended motion is to have Buckeye Logistics as our primary transportation provider with Templeton being um our secondary provider. And those two are the only um unless we need additional then we can

174go down the list but we have procedures in place to do that. single source providing procedures already in place to take care of that. So my amended motion is Buckeye Logistics being our primary and Templeton being our secondary. Uh thank you member Harrison. Uh uh Mr. Parliamentarian, do you understand what it's saying? I do understand. I I think that we have to then we've amended it. We've amended this resolution to Buckeye Logistics as the primary provider, Templeton secondary provider. We would need a vote to make that the resolution and then a vote on yes or no. So, two votes. Yes. So, so it's a vote to amend the resolution as described by member Harrison Harrison, sorry, to just represent um Buckeye Logistics and Templeton Transportation is the amended uh motion. Uh motion is to amend

175the resolution. Yes, ma'am. Second. Okay. Uh the it's been moved by member Harrison and probably second by member Sykes. Is there any discussion? Member Hall. Just a quick question. Um when it was presented to us, they had made notion of 200 vans. Um but I know that the two companies have been doing the work. So, is it imperative that they have to have 30 um the 200 or can we continue to make it work the way we've been making it work? Because if you need the 200, that's 31 more vans. But if you we haven't heard any complaints all year. So, I would support the motion as Mr. Harrison stated if we don't need the 200 Um I think the uh superintendent did you want to send someone up because I think the I will

176ask Miss Folk to come up. I thought she said we needed a minimum of three to cover all but if you could come up Miss Folk and add clarification to that. I am more than happy. Thank you very much. Superintendent Utley. Um, we did put proposals together and we based it on the answers of the vendors that proposed and we were looking for 200 vans. So therefore, we would propose that we be able to also engage a third vendor to meet the needs and this was a committee discussion that went forward based on the information that we have. So we would like to propose that we have a minimum of three vendors to engage Okay. Okay. Thank you, Miss P. Just to um because I just want to clarify because when member Harrison I defer

177to I'm not member Harrison. Um no, I think I think three is reasonable. Um if if they if they need three, I think three is reasonable with Buckeye Logistics being primary, Templeton being secondary, and if option four has three vendors because the um the issue becomes um well well it's not an issue at this they want three vendors. Let's take from the top to the bottom the the highest number of vans to the to the smallest number in that order. So option four has three vans. Um but if if if three companies are needed, Buckeye Logistics being our primary uh because they are our van drivers. Um Templeton being our secondary because they are our currently our secondary with the second number of vans. And um option number four was smart ride. Smart ride. Smart

178ride. And they are from um Parma. Mhm. Member Hall. Yes. And if we do that, then we don't need their 35 vans. We only would need 31. That would give you the full 200. So, if we go into contract, I don't I I would recommend that we not go into contract for their full 35 vans because that could potentially take away business from the other two top people. So, I would recommend that you only do 31 that's needed for smart ride if we were to take the third option. Member Harrison to the board. My my intentions is that we employ all of the van drivers that we currently use. Okay? And that's why I want to make sure that we have primary, secondary, and then a release on that third one. So, the intent is

179to employ, and I want to be clear with this, the intent is to employ the van drivers that we have now. First, So if transportation needs an additional um company, a third company, I think that's reasonable. But I also think we already have the means to do that. When we hear about single source provider, when we hear about that's right, are these the why did you go with this company? Well, because we needed them right now. But if if if three companies is what's needed, um then that's what is needed. But let us do prioritize those. Uh thank you, member Harrison. I know as the chair I'll disc I'm not supposed to be in this debate. However, the single source provider comment that you made earlier. I thought why couldn't that work with the two

180and then the if it's additional needed then go to the single source provider. So just select two and then use the single source provider. Right. That that was that was my original. Yeah, that was his original. So, okay. Um, no, I'm sorry. That was his original ask, but I was just going off of the conversation that was brought to the finance committee for 200 vans. So, I just wanted to just clear that up so that we're not, you know, disregarding what their ask was for. But if we can do it with the two companies that we had last year and we didn't have a problem and it's an issue having so many people to report then we should we can stick with the two companies. I'm okay with that. I just wanted to clear that

181up. Member Molinar. Thank you. President Jackson, I have a question. I know that in the proposal phase and we did receive the the chart where um the fleet size was listed but in the resolution where we are listing a primary, a secondary and a potential tertiary solution. Um, are any of these vendors locked into the fleet size that is posted or are all of the vendors locked into the fleet side that is posted or as they are primary, secondary um if that fleet size grows, will they remain primary before moving on? Uh, that's uh thank you for that. Member Monard, member Harrison. Yeah. Well, one of the things that we were told and and certainly we we would want to get a clarification for this because I asked this question and um because I was

182wondering why would we if we had 1,400 kids why would we put a RFP out for 10 vans? So I asked could they grow and so the the answer at that time was yes the companies could grow they could scale up to where they needed but I would like since member Molnar brings that up I absolutely I would like to hear that again if that was the case right uh thank you uh superintendent did you the answer is yes. Correct. Yes, we will allow. No, I love when it comes to recorded meeting and people get amnesia or forget how it happened. So, all right. Excellent. Um, all right. So, again, that's all this discussion. We have a motion on the floor to amend the resolution, right? Because we were first. So he made an amendment

183to the motion to approve the res resolution and his amendment was to amend the resolution. So there is a motion on the floor which amends the first motion which stating that the resolution needs to be amended. So we need to approve that first um to to only represent Buckeye Logistics and Templeton Transportation. I already second. Um, it's been motioned by uh Reverend Harrison, seconded by Mrs. Sykes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molnar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Yes. Mrs. Miss Autry. Yes. Miss Hall. Yes. Motion carry 60. So, all right. Um, I need to offer the motion now. Uh, now we're Yeah. resolution. So, is there a motion now to approve um 20 22.8 as made as amended, excuse me, as amended. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve

18422.8 as amended. Buckeye Logistics being the primary, Templeton being the secondary um provider for APS transportation. Thank you, Member Harrison. It's been moved by member Harrison. A second. It's been second by member Hall. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, roll call vote, please. Uh Dr. Thompson, Miss Hall, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Dr. Molinar, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Motion carry 60. Next, Miss Ali is the business affairs uh recommendation. Thank you all. Thank you. Quiet. The meeting is still in session. Thank you. We're still in a meeting. I wish to recommend the approval of the business affairs recommendations presented in category 23. All right. There is a motion to approve the business affair recommendations um in section 23. I move to move to approve the business affairs recommendations. Is there a

185second? Second. It's been moved by member Altry, seconded by member Harrison. Any discussion? Uh, member Molinar. Thank you, President Jackson. I have a question on item 239. Um, I was just wondering, I know sometimes you need to spend money to make money, but I was wondering, have we used this or other similar providers before, and if we could kind of get an idea of the uh cost uh on or the return on investment. Thanks. Thank you, Member Monos. Good evening again. Yes, we have used this vendor for multiple years and the return on investments has been substantial. They have not only helped with educational grants that have done curriculum supports. They have also done energy um other grants for items that are related to operations and they have been successful in a number of them.

186But off the top of my head, I can't tell you what the amount is. Thank you. Yes, please. Thank you. I I knew I was taking a risk. I know sometimes you just have a number um magically. Um but I I wanted to at least have as part of the record that we we have used this before and it does provide a substantial return on investment and they also meet the timelines that are required which sometimes can be very strict. Thank you. Member Hall. Oh, sorry. I didn't work. Thank you, Madam Chair. I was just actually that information was provided to us. It was a question that I had. So, uh we actually from that company, they brought in uh $21,000 in grants. Uh but there's another 4.2 million that's pending. And so they've helped

187us in the past raise $63,000 in grants uh in collaboration with Megan Manion that I'm happy to hear she might be coming back on a part-time basis. So I just want to share that. Thank you, Member Altry. Uh member Hall, um two quick things on 23.2 and also 23.8. Um for 23.2 too. Bless you. Um, is this company a mailer company? Um, or are they putting the packets together? Is it like postage that you're paying for or could this be done with um summer students, summer employment? This is actually a print house and a con um actual company that does the whole process. We give them the information. They print all the packets and they take the data that is provided by us per student to make a packet per student. So you send them

188and you've seen this before. It has the opening letter from the superintendent with the individual students. Um as an example, my son is enrolled at case and his day begins etc. It tells them how to use the actual online items that you can update your particular students records. It has the whole handbook in it along meeting with some federal and state mandates for translations and stuff that we are required to get out. So we bring it to them, they put it all together after we do the rollover in June, they take the individual data, they collate the whole packet and put it in the mail for you. and this will be our 12th year using this type of process. Okay, thank you. And then just for my second question, cuz I put two in one

189real quick. Um 23.8. Um I understand from the finance committee, um the APS transportation complex. Um I didn't realize you were bringing this this week, but you have some areas here where it's like Mason block repairs and things like that. um $452,755. Have we are we incorporating any of our students that can help with this? At this point, we can uh not ask our our uh vendor to have them come in and do this work until we have authorization to move forward with this, but this could be an option. This is very specific concrete and flashwork that needs to be done in related to the doors that needs to be replaced. So, we have not had that discussion, but we're open to doing it once it's authorized to do so. They gave us a quote

190through their buying group. Can I just have a quick followup? Uh, yes. And I'll be the end of um so when you're looking for vendors, you don't lead with students assisting because you're saying that you can't ask now, but you can probably ask later. Why don't we lead with uh these particular items are very specific in in the construction world regarding the replacements of these doors and these fascias down there and therefore it it takes them to come in. We had three vendors look at this particular site. This is the lowest cost that came in and at this point these are man doors and stuff with overhead items and they may not be student conducive to do the type of work but we are open to seek that and possibly you use jogs if we

191could do so which Miss uh Ebrite has brought to our attention before member Harrison you're recognized. Thank you Madam Chair. Uh, Madam Chair, I did I I didn't realize that this was coming before us this soon either. Um, the financing the numbers didn't really seem if we can get the numbers again. We're getting 200 from uh 200,000 was originally in the budget for FY25 as a building improvement. The other $260,000 was a savings for the replacement of the bus radios for the new buses that came in. So, it was not encumbered at the time that we were able to put this plan together. And we were had asked the treasurer to allow us to move forward with this needed improvement to the building to meet the needs of a 60-year-old building and safety concerns knowing

192it was already allocated in the FY25 budget. We were just moving it from the radio line back into the improvement line to cover the cost in the original budget that was allocated to transportation. Okay. Madam Chair, so the $260,000 that came back to the budget, where did that come back to the budget from? It came it remained in the transportation line exactly where it was, it was part of the radio replacement for the buses that arrived in November. And it we got a better pricing on those radios than it originally that was originally anticipated when we did the budget a year and a half ago. So the so the radios we we budgeted 260,000. We actually had to budget over 400,000 for the radios because you had a dozen buses that had to be redone

193and the savings came in way under the original estimate. So we had it in the budget line. So we were moving it from a fund that was left and unencumbered into the line that would support this improvement. Thank you m Madam Chair. I I would ask that that we would table this particular project when we have 260,000 that was slated for something else and we say it it we didn't use that 260,000. I don't I'm not sure what comes in over 260,000 bid that brings us back 260,000 but given our financial situation in the district I think money that has not been used if we have allocated money for something we may have some more pressing needs at the time so $400 and something thousands for to to and I'm not disputing that transportation needs

194these repairs, but there's there's probably some other places we're bleeding. And for for one, I can say I sent pictures of a a football field in the fieldhouse that has no water. That that needs done. There is a burnt out uh concession stand for a high school that depends on those concessions to raise money for their school. And and I know it may seem like I'm going off, but if money is not used, then that money needs to go back to the pot and be reallocated, but these different departments should not be holding money and saying we're going to use this because we didn't use it for this, we got something else we want to use it for. So I think that this project needs to be assessed and we need to prioritize this particular

195project and you know when it came to the finance committee is there do you have a mo are you making a motion about 23.2 to member Harrison. You're telling me I'm talking too much? Yes, ma'am. M madam chair, I'm making a motion. I'm making a motion that 23.8 that we sideline 23.8 we put that on hold for now and look at the priorities of that $400 something,000. Oh yeah. Thank you. Thank you for the clarification. Um there is a motion on the floor. Uh well, he just asked to table 23.8. Uh this is uh member Harrison. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member hall. Any discussion? Member Altry. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to be clear. So this money um for this project is it specifically from the transportation department

196or not? Thank you, Miss Fault. Yes, it was money that was allocated out of their total FY25 budget in specific lines and we had the $200,000 in the building improvement budget. We had over $400,000 in the radio budget. When that bid finally came in, it came in less than it was. So, it is all part of the FY25 budget for transportation. This took us time to put this project together knowing, as I explained at the finance committee, that we were into phase five of getting this property ready for the bridge demolition that is related to the Route 8 bridge construction. And this was the time in which these items needed to be done and we were just asking to move it from line one to line two to cover the whole improvement on the FY25

197budget. Madam Chair, followup. Yes. Thank you. So is this money specifically earmarked for transportation? Yes. in the I mean is it like state money or something where we have to use it for transportation purposes or can it be used for I see what you're asking. Yes, I'm sorry. Um we get state foundation money that comes in by monthly from the state that is received for the operation of transportation. So they said this money is for transporting when it comes in that's how you ga gather the money. It's off of the services that you provide. The money when it gets here is put into what is called the pot. And the pot then is then allocated to all of the various areas through the budgeting process used by our uh trans treasur's office. So as an

198example, we got we received a little over $10 million last year in transportation of state foundation funding. Okay, that's that helpful. Yeah, because when you say the pot, I think general fund that it's all general fund when you want to use that wording because that's what the wording that people understand general funds. It's one thing when it's designated funds and my apologies in advance as the chair. I should be stepping down from the chair so I can engage in this, but that's why I'm saying less. So, I'm going to be quiet at this point, but I just my head is hurt. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, can this money only be used for transportation? No, it's part of the state foundation payment. Thank you. All right. So, there is a uh member Harrison has

199requested that this item be tabled uh 23.8 eight uh be tabled second. It's been second by member Sykes. Any discussion? That's where we are in the discussion. Okay. No, we already here. So, roll call vote, please. Miss Jackson, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Dr. Molar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autry. Yes. Motion carry 60. All right. So, is there a motion to approve uh the b the other business fair uh recommendations? So, moved. Oh, wait. Hold on. I'm Where are we at? Superintendent Okay. So, we are at the approval of the business fairs because we moved 23.8. Somebody so moved. Okay. Everything with the exception of 23.8. Thank you. It's been moved by member Harrison that we approve this all the business hall. I'm sorry. Uh, member Hall that we approve all the

200business affair recommendations absent of 23.8. Uh, is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Sykes. Any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, Dr. Thompson, roll call vote, please. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, abstain on 2310 and 2314. Yes. On the balance, Mrs. Sykes. Yes, Miss Autri. Yes, Miss Hall. Yes. Motion carries five 0 on 20 on on 23.10 23.1 uh 14 and 60 on the balance. Thank you. Uh, next we'll have committee reports, legal contracts and board policy. Thank you, uh, Madame Chair. And so the legal contracts and policy committee uh, met uh, on May 19th, and we reviewed several policies during our discussion, including the parents bill of rights. The conversation focused on adding a clear timeline for notifying parents. Um, edits will be made and brought back for a

201first reading at our June 16th and a second and third and final reading at the June 23rd board meeting. We're working to meet the July 1st state deadline. Electronic equipment policy um is a new policy for APS and is moving forward for a second reading on June the 9th. purchasing and bidding policy was updated to reflect changes in state law raising the competitive bidding threshold. This policy will be discussed further especially in connection with our federal procurement policy. Also discussed vendor relations policy which included uh adding a formal vendor complaint process and this will return for further review. We also discussed a new independent contractor and service provider policy to formalize expectations and include a complaint process. As previously mentioned, the procurement policy for federal grants and funds was reviewed. Due to its complexity, it

202will be revisited at a future meeting. And then lastly, um, honorary diplomas was introduced as a topic for future discussion, including, uh, using Cleveland's policy as a reference. And so, I don't know if you have anything further to add. Um, also for your consideration, um, is the third and final reading of our nepotism policy that you'll see in the agenda. Um policy 113 0.1 3113.1 4113.1 0141.3 and this is uh third and final reading of the nepotism policy. Thank you Madam Chair. Thank you. Is there any questions? Member Hall. So I want to make sure I'm saying this right. Miss Sykes, correct me if I'm wrong. Okay. Um I'm asking that we revisit the nepotism policy. Um when we look at this, um you have people that are just kind of like related to you,

203but you don't have like the in-laws or um candidates relationships and things like that. So um I would like to revisit this to put probably put more into it. um cousins. Um if we're going to do it, let's totally do it right. And my apologies for not saying something earlier, but um I think that we need to add a little bit more into this, especially authorizing the employment of family member or or whomever else. Um when you state family members, you just have family members listed, spouse, parents, siblings, children's, grandparents, grandchildrens, but we don't also have like in-laws and things like that in there that's still close to you. So just seeing that we could revisit that in um in the policy committee probably state law doesn't include in those member Harrison. Yes. Um thank

204you madam chair. Um this um this is the third and final reading of this. But it's not to say we can't go back and read it but this was vetted by the attorneys, our attorneys, the district attorneys. Um, we kind of went back with this probably over the last five months, five, well, five months that I know of. It's been in the committee and the attorneys, this just simply follows state law. So, to go deeper, if we go into cousins or we go into relationships, that's not a a matter of law. So, this came from um the policy the the attorneys and this kind of went back and forth and that those things were mentioned, those relationships were put on the table and um this is the policy that that came out of that. Any

205other questions? I just um No, that's fine. Um, member Roger. Thank you, Madame Chair. So, I know I wasn't at all of the policy uh meetings for this particular discussion. So, I wasn't privy to the discussion around those particular relations. So, I don't know if there's we can get some type of clarification around that understanding uh member hall's uh point. I don't know if you can you said it's not a matter of law. I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know. I wasn't there but um me uh one second before so member Hall you can can make a a motion to refer it back to committee um and then it can go for a vote but member um Harrison go ahead we'll just take it back to committee this was the third and final reading

206but we can always just revisit it so we'll just take it back to committee that all right so Uh even that uh uh member Harrison um the policy I mean the legal contracts and policy committee does does have a meeting on June 2nd at 5:30 p.m. to review the um CLC handbook um and our um regular meeting um our our regular monthly meeting June 2nd is a call meeting but our regular meeting will be June 16th at 5:30 in this boardroom. Thank you, member Harrison. Next we have finance and Thank you, Miss V. Member Sykes. Finance and Capital Management. Thank you, Madam President, Madame President, and members of the board. The finance and capital management committee met on May 19th as I stated earlier and we reviewed the five-year forecast the financial report for April

207as well as the personnel reduction and the bond is uh the b the bond issuing uh um uh note uh as well as we were giving the uh we discussed the options well we were given we didn't have have as much we didn't make a decision on the option for the middle south apply for school. So, I would just simply say on that that we uh would uh want to make sure that we try and make a decision. We know the community was here tonight and they're very anxious to find out what we're going to do, but I think that we want to make that decision and then make that make that announcement per our president as to what our decisions are as it relates to the u middle of uh Feifer School. Uh, our

208next meeting is June 16th here at 4:30 in the uh, board meeting room. Thank you, member Sykes. Next, we will hear from instructional policy. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, instructional policy student achievement committee will be meeting um, next Monday, June 2nd at 4:30 here in the boardroom. Thank you uh member Altry. Okay. Uh now we are at unfinished business and we do have some unfinished business which is the approval of the new board committee um that was uh introduced per uh member Molinar at our last board meeting. Uh, is there a motion to approve the establishment of the student success celebration board committee? So moved. It's been moved by member hall. Is there a second? Second. It's been second uh by member Harrison. Is there any discussion? Member Altry. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um,

209I just wanted to thank Dr. Mona for this uh resolution. I think it's very important to the district with everything um that we've experienced in our recent past. It is so important that we put our students at the center. So, I really appreciate you bringing this. Um every meeting I'm rushing through my comments because there's so much to share and I think that should be in the headline. And so I appreciate that we will have a standing committee if the board approves to celebrate our students and remind us why we're here. So thank you member Hall. Yep. I just want to concur with um member Altry. You got me messing up names now. Um but no job well done on this. This is important to showcase our students and again I have six board things

210to report out and I'll probably be reporting out till the summer about all the schools that I've visited and all the great things of our students. So, I think this is a great resolution. So, thank you. All right. Uh, call for a vote, please. Dr. Thompson. Dr. Molinar, yes. Mrs. Sites, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Motion carries 60. Thank you. Uh, next is new business. We do have uh new business which is the approval of the interim which is 26. We have two items 26.1 and 26.2. 26.1 is the approval of the interim superintendent superintendent salary. Is there a motion to approve the interim superintendent salary? So moved. It's been moved by member Harrison. Is there hall? Is there a second? M second. It's been second by

211member Altry. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, uh, call for the vote, please. Dr. Thompson. Mrs. Sykes. Yes. Miss Autry. Yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molnar, yes. Motion carries 60. Now we're at 26.2, the approval of the re resolution for the superintendent contract. Is there a motion to approve the resolution for the superintendence contract? I move to approve the superintendent contract in item 26.2. Thank you. It's been moved by member Altry. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Hall. Any discussion hearing and seeing none role member Molinar. Thank you, President Jackson. Uh, tonight's my procedure night. Uh, following our last board meeting May 12th, I received several emails asking why the board voted against certain contract. Uh, while I can't speak for any other board member, I

212want to be clear, my vote is never about an individual. It's about the process. And as a board member, it's my duty to uphold due process, transparency, and accountability. Tonight's vote on item 262 is another example where I must vote no, not because of the candidate, but because of the lack of process. To date, the board has only had one brief discussion on this matter lasting under 20 minutes as reflected in the approved minutes. As I stated on May 9th, bypassing an open merit-based superintendent search undermines public trust, excludes qualified candidates, and sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests merit and transparency are secondary to board power dynamics. It is relevant to note that all of this happened last month as we received serious reports of a hostile work environment among senior staff at 10 North

213Maine. employees who have devoted their lives and careers to Akran and Akran public schools and who are often the type of candidate to apply for a superintendent position. The report detailed intimidation by a core group of individuals and inaction by human capital and a staff fearful of retaliation. So far, I'm unaware of efforts by the board or administration to specifically address the behavior and of this core group highlighted in the report. So, it's deeply concerning that the board not only failed to mitigate the documented mistreatment of senior staff, but chose to exacerbate it by denying them the opportunity to apply on the very same night that we had the report of workplace hostility and exclusion by further isolating the very employees who raised the concerns. Due process in a superintendent search means conducting a fair,

214transparent, and structured process that gives all qualified candidates an equal opportunity. Since May 9th, no board member, attorney, or anyone actually has addressed the concerns that I've already raised, but I'll go ahead and say it one last time. I believe that proceeding this way disregards due process and exposes our district to significant legal and financial risk. risks that ultimately divert resources away from our students. So for these reasons, I cannot support any contract in 26.2 tonight. Thank you. Are there any other uh comments? Uh member Harrison. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I agree with um Dr. Molnar in part um the process. Um, but I will be voting yes because I do not feel it's fair. Um, I I think um our superintendent has been put in a difficult situation and um I think

215it would be unfair of me to vote no. But I do want to state that the process um is a dangerous process. Um but I I do believe that me voting no on this particular um issue is not fair to the person who is leading the district at this point. Thank you member Harrison. Member Sites. Thank you Madame President and members of the board. U so if you look at AC Akran history would tell us that in the fall of 1847 that this school system established it K2 system. And with that of course came policies and procedures. And so that's 178 years. So policy and procedures are important. Policy and procedures are important because it is the foundation of this system. It is what ensures that this system continues to succeed that this district continues

216to exist. And when we as a board sit here and make policy and we send information back to a committee to look at the policy again, then it means that we know how important it is because we want it to survive us and we have not followed the policy and procedure as it relates to how we should choose a superintendent. Now it did say that if we we may if we want to you in choosing a superintendent look at uh who we want to involve in the process. If we want a a consultant if we want to talk to the past superintendent if we want to involve the community we may do that but it also says we shall have a job description. We shall do a number of things that we have not done

217including what shall be in the resolution for the superintendent's uh employment and those things are in there because it says we shall do those things. So the the the foundation of this system of this 178 school system is so important and the foundation is a are the policies and procedures are our traditions are our norms and that's what we don't want to you lose because that's why we exist. That's why it's so important to me that we follow our policies, follow our procedures, you know, um, and that's how we survive. We got rid of DEI and it was said that let's get rid of DEI, but we still have our laws, our rules, our policies and procedures, and we do. And that's why another reason why we need to make sure now, if ever, that

218we're following those. And so I want to make sure, you know, we we I I know what it's like. Let's let's forget about what happened before, but we can't forget about the past. We can't act as if the last two years did not happen. You know, if we're going to do that, let's just bring in those board members that was here two years ago and voted for the voted for the past superintendent or those those board members that was here and made the decision that they made did. But I can't do that because I'm here now. I was elected legally. I was elected fairly. And my constituents expect me to answer the question, is this the best decision that you can make? And I am not because of the process able to say yes. What

219I am able to say is that I can judge this individual by what I have seen. I have seen professionalism and I have seen grace and I am proud of her. I wish her the best. I will vote for this. But at the same time, I will caution all of us. Let's not tear down our foundation because it is so much much much more important than any one of us. I expect 178 years at some place in 20 wherever we will be. Wherever I will be, I know where I will be. I am hoping that my ancestors, my great great great great grandchildren can say my grandmother was on that school board and these are some of the things that she stood for and these things are still here and we are still here doing

220the work of this community because she was there. So I don't want us to lose the significant of us and the significant of those that came before us. And I would hope that as we go in the future that we put emphasis on our policies, on our procedures, on our foundation, and that we all can be proud of what we did, that we do have to remember what happened before. Because if we don't remember what has happened in our past, then we are we are we will make the same mistakes in the future. So I do ask that we all vote for this. And I do welcome our superintendent. Madam superintendent, I do welcome you. And I am so honored to be working with you and I appreciate your professionalism and your grace. Thank you,

221member Sykes. Any other discussion? Uh, treasurer. Roll call vote, please. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, no. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Motion carries 51. All right. Thank you. Uh Dr. Thompson, uh there is a need to go into executive session um pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 G1 to consider the employment dismissal and discipline of a public employee employees andor officials and 121.22 22G4 to prepare for conduct of review uh negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. Is there a motion to go into executive session? It's been moved by member hall. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Harrison. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, Dr. Thompson, roll call vote, please. Miss Autry, yes. Miss

222Hall, yes. Reverend Harrison, yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Motion carry 60. Thank you. We stand and adjournment at 9:26. Wow. Hello. We reconvene from executive session at 10:59 p.m. Um, there is action from uh executive session. It it is there a motion to approve uh the agenda items from 10.9. Oh, you saying because the member 10 uh she'll be ready vote 10.9 uh on the agenda uh the uh employee recommendations. I move to accept the resolution listed in item 10.9. It's been moved by member Altry. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Hall. Any discussion? Member Molinar. Thank you, Madame President. I just want to note that these are all administrative positions and so as we are looking at our staffing audits and things that touch the

223classroom and directly work with students, these are all admin positions. Thank you, member Molnard. Any other discussions? Member Harrison. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the the um 10.9 contains 25 coordinator positions. Um as with Dr. Molnar stated, member Molnar stated, these are all admin positions and I really just think that we need to be looking at these positions and as as many cuts that we make that touch our frontline students, we need to make on the back end. Thank you. Thank you, Member Harrison. All right, Dr. Thompson. Uh, call for the vote, please. So, the resolutions to accept 10.9 is that Yes. to accept the recommendations from 10.9 is a resolution. Mhm. Miss Hall, no. Reverend Harrison, no. Miss Jackson, no. Dr. Molinar, no. Mrs. Sykes, abstain. Miss Autry, no. Uh, motion fails. 05

224with one abstension. Um, thank you, Dr. Thompson. Our next meeting will be held Monday, June 9th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. right here in the board room. Is there a motion to adjourn adjourn? It's been moved by member hall. Is there a second? Second. It's been second by member Harrison. Any discussion? Seeing and hearing none and we stand. Uh, roll call. Roll call. I'm sorry. Dr. Tossa, roll call, please. It's almost Reverend Harrison. Yes. Miss Jackson, yes. Dr. Molinar, yes. Mrs. Sykes, yes. Miss Autry, yes. Miss Hall, yes. Uh, motion carries 6. Thank you, Dr. Thompson. We stand adjourn at 11 11:03 p.m. [Music]