001Okay, let's go ahead and call the Coventry Local School District Board of Education organizational meeting to order. Um, Lisa, could you call the role, please? >> Yes. Mr. Bowser >> here. Okay, let's go ahead and call the school district board of education organizational. >> Mr. Stler >> here, >> Mrs. Pap >> here, >> Mrs. McGra >> here, >> and Mr. Soul >> here. >> Very good. Now, we're going to have the oath of office for the three recently elected board members. So, we can Should we do that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Stand for the pledge. >> Dan wants to do the pledge of allegiance, but why don't we do that at the regular meeting, Dan? It's not on the agenda for the organization. We'll do the I swore swear. >> All right. Good evening. As
002you know, as a district treasure, you don't have to stand up. I have the distinct pleasure and honor of swearing in the newly elected board members. Um, by taking this oath, you are committing to uphold the laws of the state of Ohio and to represent the taxpayers of our community and most importantly to serve our students with full integrity. Um, so at this time, will you please raise your right hand and repeat after me? With an effective term commencing January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2029, >> with an effective term commencing January 1st, 2026 >> and December >> December 31st 2020, that would be great. Or you can just show it from now the right. >> Okay. 2029. >> Now we're good. Okay. >> 29. >> 2029. >> I solemnly affirm >> that I will
003support the Constitution of the United States >> that I support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio. >> Constitution of the State of Ohio. and that I faithfully and impartially >> And that I faithfully and impartially >> discharge my duties >> as a member of the board of education >> of the Coventry Local School District >> Summit County, Ohio. >> To the best of my ability and in accordance with the laws. >> To the best of my ability and in accordance with the laws. now in effect and here and after to be enacted. >> now in effect here and after to be enacted >> during my continuence in set office >> during during my continuence in set office >> or until my successor is appointed elected and
004qualified >> or until my successor is appointed elected and qualified >> by the powers vested in me by the state of Ohio. I now declare you official Coventry Local School Board me >> board members newly appointed uh Mr. Johnson and our returning members Mr. Josh Hostettler and Mrs. Laura McGrath. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> And then I will need you to sign those oaths for me, please. And then Terry, if you wouldn't mind being the witness and signing below their signatures, I would greatly appreciate that. >> Oh, do you want to just sign it? >> I'm sorry, Rush. >> Yeah, you you have 2025 on here. >> Yeah, I was correct. >> It's 202. >> We fixed it. Thank you. >> All right. Next on the agenda is the code of ethics. I think this
005is just a reminder that all board members need to sign the code of ethics. Um so if you could do that at your first availability if you haven't done so already. Um and next is the adoption of the meeting agenda. So is there a motion to >> adopt the meeting? So move >> second. Are there any questions or alterations? >> I'm sorry. We're back again. >> You just have a seat. It's okay. >> Right. Hearing none. Lisa, could you call the role, please? >> Yes. Mr. Hostella? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fauser? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pap? >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGraw? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Svin? >> Yes. >> All right. Very good. Next on the agenda is the nominations for the 2026 board president. So as president prompor, I'll go ahead and open
006the floor for nominations for president. Dan, you have your hand raised. Do you have a question? >> I would I would like to nominate Josh Hassetler. >> Thank you. >> I second that. >> Right. Thank you. Is there any other nominations? Any discussion on the matter? Okay. Is there a formal motion to elect me as president for 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Could you call the role, please, Lisa? >> Mr. Fer. >> Yes. >> H. >> Yes. Miss McGraw. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stoic. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hostetler. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we'll open up the floor for nominations for the 2026 board vice president. Are there any nominations? >> I would like to nominate Terry Pep. >> I will second that. Any other nominations? Okay. Any discussion on
007the issue? Hearing none. Is there a formal motion to elect Terry as the vice president for the county? I'll second that. Call the roll. Mr. Bowser, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGra, >> yes. >> Mr. Sulie, >> yes. >> And Mr. Host, >> yes. >> All right. Very good. Now, we'll move into board appointments. Is recommended that the board appoint three members to serve as representatives on the Portage Lakes Career Center Board of Education. Um believe we've had some folks express interest already. So suppose we have formal nominations or do you guys just want to go ahead and volunteer? >> I would love to volunteer. >> Okay. So we have Lauren McGra >> Dan Bowser. >> I'm the president so I that's why Joe's on. >> Okay. >> Because usually that only
008usually only two right. >> Yes. >> Very good. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Next appointment. In accordance with section 3313.23 Ohio Revised Code, the board of election shall designate a treasurer pro 104 in the event of the absence of the treasurer from any meeting during the calendar year. Would anyone volunteer for the president? Pro temporation. Nope. Everybody good with that? Any discussion or anybody else like to volunteer? All right. Okay. Next up is the legislative liaison. Per Ohio school boards association requirements. The board shall appoint a legislative liaison for calendar year 2026. Believe we already had somebody that had interest in that. Was that did we have who's interested in being the legislative leaison? I'm willing to do that. I've done it though and not sure that I did. >> You attended the capital
009conference. >> I But I just wonder if I did the most. >> Yeah, it's >> But I'm willing to do it if that's >> Yeah, if you're willing, that's great. >> Okay. >> Historically, there hasn't been a whole lot of work for the legislative liaison. I mean the outside of going to the capital conference, it's kind of just keep it updated. You should received a newsletter in the past. Okay. >> So if anything in that newsletter sticks out as like super pertinent to Coventry, then feel free to bring that up at our monthly meetings. Okay. That's really the the thing adequate. I'm willing to do. >> Yep. Okay. Thank you. >> Uh per OSBA, a student achievement liaison shall be appointed for calendar year 2026. Is anybody interested in that role? >> Last year wasn't
010me. >> It wasn't last year. >> Yeah. >> Sure. >> I'm willing. >> Okay. All right. >> Number four. >> Well, sure I do. Oh, wait. legislative. Oh, I'm sorry. You're in. Okay, we have one more board appointment and that is if the one cannot attend the OSBA capital conference held November 2026, an alternate alternate legislative liaison delegate is appointed. Um, I'm happy to serve as the alternate. Nobody else is interested. terms. Okay. >> Okay. Next on the agenda, board of education 2026 regular meeting calendar. It is recommended that the board adopt the regular meeting dates, times, and location for the 2026 calendar year per exhibit B1. Just to note, this was the same as what we reviewed last month with the exception of May. Uh because I believe the date May was on graduation.
011So that was moved back a week. >> Is there a motion to approve the calendar? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> You. >> So the correct date is >> I believe it's the 27th of May. Is that right? >> Okay. I believe there's copies up on the table there if you wanted to make sure it was the correct. >> All right. Next on the agenda is the establishment of the service fund. In accordance with section 3315.15 Ohio Revised Code, the board shall establish and utilize a service fund for the 2026 calendar year in the amount of $5,000. Um, historically the service fund is not is underutilized I would say. So we do not spend a whole bunch. Yes, >> we need to vote on that. >> Are you sure? Okay. >> No, we
012did. >> All right. So, we have a motion in a second. I'm just I'm trying to move things. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Mrs. A. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGra. >> Yes. Mr. Sulik. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Host. >> Yes. Thank you, Lisa. >> Okay. Next is the service fund. In accordance with section 3315.15 Ohio Revised Code, the board shall establish and utilize a service fund for the 2026 calendar year in the amount of $5,000. Is there a motion to discuss? Second. I'll second. Any questions on that, John? Just so you know, it's it's really a fund that's set aside for the board. I don't think we've ever spent all of it. It does help to cover some of the cost if somebody wants to go to the capital conference in
013November cost, but >> we're going to the workshop. Yep. >> Okay. Could you call the role on that, please? >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. Mrs. McGra. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hoster. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solic. >> Yes. >> All right. Consent agenda authorizations and approvals. We have exactly one minute to read three pages of authorizations and approvals. Just as a summary, um, a lot of this is just granting the superintendent and the treasurer the authority to the business activities when the board is not in session. Um, but I'll go through these annual authorizations and policy approval. Number one, authorize the treasurer to request and execute on behalf of the board of education the advance of all taxes and funds as they may be available for distribution from Summit County and the Summit County treasurer. This
014authorization shall extend to any advances, including but not limited to weekly advances within the time periods prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code section 135.351. Number two, authorize the treasurer to obtain advances against tax collections as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code 321.24 from the Summit County Fiscal Office to meet current expenses. Number three, authorize the treasurer to sign, useimile, email, and/or electronic signature thereof, all checks drawn on bank accounts of the school district as prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code 3313.08, and to pay all bills within limits of the appropriations resolution as prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code 3313.18, as bills are received under assumption that goods received or services performed are acceptable. Number four, authorize the treasurer to invest interterm and inactive funds in permissible investment accounts pursuant to board policy and as prescribed by
015Ohio Revised Code 135.07135.13 and 3313.051. Number five, authorize the treasurer to make fundtof fund advances, advance returns, and transfers as needed throughout the year with board ratification as part of the financial reports at a regular meeting. Number six, authorize the treasurer to borrow funds in anticipation of future tax receipts as permitted by Ohio Revised Code 133.301 at the best available rate for cash flow purposes. Number seven, authorized treasurer to request to revise and amend the district's certificate of estimated resources and tempor temporary permanent and final appropriations as needed throughout the year in accordance with the Summit County Fiscal Office. Number eight, authorize the treasurer to pay professional meeting expenses for the superintendent and treasurer within the appropriated accounts and amounts. Number nine, authorize the treasurer to make payment of bills and salaries when due with
016an appropriated amounts, sign all payroll checks, all general account checks, purchase orders, and all contracts with original electronic or mechanical signature. Number 10, authorize the treasurer to establish an appropriate account to expense miscellaneous employee fringe benefits. Number 11, authorize the treasurer to renew the treasurer bonds, superintendent bond, board position bonds, and liability insurance as needed. Number 12, authorize the treasurer to conduct the yearly transfer of $59,48 from fund 003 permanent improvement fund to fund 034 maintenance fund. Further requirements of the bond PI construction project of Coventry High School. Number 13. Approve the treasurer to serve as the district's public records custodian to manage, amend, and update the district's public records retention guidelines as needed per Ohio Revised Code and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Number 14, authorize the superintendent to accept appropriate donations
017to the school district on behalf of the Board of Education. Number 15, authorize the superintendent and treasurer to enter and or accept participate in federal, state, or local grants or agreements, and authorize the treasurer to appropriate funds for the grants awarded. Number 16, authorize the superintendent or designate to recommend the purchase of textbooks, school supplies, and equipment, and to authorize emergency repairs to buildings and equipment to be made against the appropriate accounts of the board adopted appropriation measure. Number 17, authorize the superintendent or design to act as a purchasing agent for the school district and shall authorize all requests of such purchases. Upon superintendent approval, requisitions are sent to the treasurer for confirmation and approval of available funds for such purchases. Number 18, authorize the superintendent or designate to se to solicit bids for the
018purchase of equipment and/or services in accordance with board of education policies. Number 19, authorize the superintendent to approve all special trips on school buses, including educational field trips for band and athletic activities based on guidelines as defined in board policy. Number 20, authorize the superintendent to send school employees to professional meetings within the amount of appropriation for calendar year 2026. Number 21. Authorize the superintendent to make offers of employment when the board is not in session directly to candidates for either teaching or non-eing positions on behalf of this board and to acknowledge acceptance of sub such offers on behalf of this board subject to a subsequent vote of ratification by this board. provided, however, that upon ratification by this board, the employment shall be deemed effective as of the date and time of the employees
019acceptance of the superintendent offer. Number 22, authorize the superintendent on behalf of the board to accept resignations which have been submitted by employees during times when the board is not in session. subject to ratification by this board, provided, however, that upon ratification by this board, such resignations shall be deemed effective as of the date and time of the superintendent's acceptance. Number 23, authorize the superintendent or designate and treasurer to declare obsolete and dispose of property assets valued at less than $5,000 and to update the district's capital assets records accordingly. Assets valued at $5,000 or more will be presented to the board to be declared obsolete and disposed of in accordance with board policy. Number 24. Authorize the superintendent or treasurer to determine and declare asset purchases by the local non-public using funding using federal funding
020to be officially deemed property of the non-public. Therefore, not recorded on the district's capital asset inventory record per the funding's guidelines and Ohio revised code. Number 25, authorize the superintendent and treasurer to enter written contracts and purchases involving less than $5,000. Contracts and purchases totaling an amount equal to 5,000 or more will be presented to the board for approval at the next available board meeting. Number 26 authorizes the superintendent and treasurer to approve the attendance and reimbursement of expenses made against the appropriate accounts of the board adopted appropriation measure incurred by certified and classified staff members at professional and or inservice training meetings based on guidelines as defined in board policy. Number 27, authorize the renewal of the Ohio School Boards Association membership for the calendar year 2026. >> Number 28, authorize the treasurer to
021continue the practice of allowing board members to participate at their own expense in group health, dental, vision, insurance plans provided to the employees of the district as permitted by Ohio Revised Code 3313.212. Number 29. Authorize the board of education to dispense with the reading of the board minutes of each regular and special meeting provided the minutes are available to the board members at least two days prior to the board meeting where approval is anticipated. Number 30. The board authorizes the use of legal services from Peters, Khalil and Marakus Company, LPA, Pel and Wagner, Bricker and Grayson, Wretzel and Andress, Squire Patton and Bogs, the Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Association of School Business Officials, Stark County Educational Service Center, Summit County, City of Barbardan, and New Franklin prosecutor computer's office. Is there a motion? >>
022So moved and well done. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion on that? >> Sorry. Sorry to bore everybody. I know you've all read through that stuff before, but I think it's good to review once a year and also get it out on public record on video. So, >> anything else? [clears throat] >> Please. >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pat. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGra. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solit. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Mustin. >> Yes. >> Is there a motion to adjourn the organizational meeting? >> So moved. >> Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Think that was unanimous. chat. >> Thanks. >> Are we switching seats? Okay. So excited to see. >> I don't need to switch. Do I get >> Can I just Oh, I moved
023to >> Unless you went to next meeting, but you're vice president. You could bet. Hi, George. See you. >> Sorry, I kind of moved in when I get a seat. Last thing you need. >> Are you using your computer? You want me to move that over for you? >> No, I'm fine. Everything you're saying? >> Congress and just read things to stop them from building started. your first year. Okay. something effect >> maybe. Oh yeah, because you uh witnessed all my >> Thank you. >> I kind of messed and I sit some pass on the windows that >> Oh, okay. This goes to Laura. >> Yeah, I think she's the only person that has to sign statement. That's her signature line. This will be yours after you talk to SBN. >> So, do you want
024me to keep this for now till next month? >> No, just pass it down to Laura. We'll give it back to Lisa. She can bring it next month for you to sign. >> Okay, fine. >> Thank you. >> Sure. All right, let's go ahead and call the regular meeting to order. January 7th, 2026. Lisa, could you call the role, please? >> Mr. Bowser >> here. here. >> Here >> we also please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Um, is there a motion to adopt the meeting agenda? >> So, moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Just had one question
025about the agenda. I suppose I don't know if it's a big deal or not, but um other business items. Number two, the revised policies and procedures. Um, this was to be the second reading for all of these policies and procedures. And since this is John's first month on board, he hasn't really had a first reading officially. >> That's okay. >> Should we can we >> you can postpone or you can you can still vote. >> Okay. Did we have a chance to review those? I did. Oh, that's I'm good with leaving it on. So, could you call the role, please? I'm sorry. What's the second on that? >> First, >> I thought it was Terry. Yeah. >> Mr. Fer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pap. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGraw. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sulie. >>
026Yes. >> And Mr. Host. >> Yes. Okay. Is there a motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on December 17th, 2025? Make a motion. I'll second. >> Would you call the role, please? >> Yes. Um, and everyone noted the change the minutes from the ones I sent out after last month's to Yeah. So >> Mr. Bowser, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pat, >> yes. >> Mrs. Le, >> abstain. >> Mr. Stewart, >> yes. >> And Mr. Host, >> yes. Okay. And we'll move into district updates. >> Um, I just wanted to share one update with you. Um, Mrs. Kendrick is currently working on updating the costs uh of our master facility list um so that we can have our annual meeting to discuss uh which items we'd like to do over the summer uh
027that are from that list. Um as well as uh she'll be doing walkthroughs of both the elementary and the middle school with the principles uh to get their projects as well as we continue to make um that comprehensive list as best we can of everything that that we hope to do uh in the district sometime in the next five years. Um, so we hope to have that ready for you in February so we can start discussing. Um, so we can get things lined up. Uh, summer will be, it's crazy to think, but summer will be here before we know it. Um, so item under updates and we don't have it in spotlight, excuse [clears throat] me, this month is um, we take uh, January off. So our next update will be or spotlight will be
028uh, next month. Okay, great. Thanks, George. >> All right, let's move into superintendent recommendations. Okay. >> Um, superintendent recommendations number one, certified personnel. >> I'm sorry, Jordan. I skipped things. I skipped board of education. >> Keeping it moving, >> man. [laughter] A little rusty. >> Um, yeah. >> Go ahead. >> I happy new year to everyone. Didn't get a chance to get those in. I We're on a on to another year. Uh it I'm looking forward to everything's it's amazing how far Coventry has come in the last four years, three years, it just continues. Uh it I'm looking forward to everything and and I hope that as things do change and morph into whatever they do change into uh we're prepared and we're ready to uh meet any uh problems straight on and uh handle
029those working. Glad to be here first meeting. You don't have to say just what Dan said. Okay, fair enough. >> We'll just So, welcome John. Happy to have you. I'm sure you'll be a valuable addition to the board here. Um, just want to say I know some of our neighboring districts are having some financial issues. Definitely feel for what they're going through. Um, but it does highlight a lot of the work that we've done here over the past 10 years and especially that we're in a good spot for now and we hope to stay that way as long as we stay vigilant financially. Um, and I believe uh Coventry is playing Norton tonight over in the gym. So, go comments. That's all. >> Um, I'd mainly like to welcome John Sulick. He's a good friend
030of mine and someone that I highly respect. think he has a lot to offer to the board and um I I welcome him and thank him for serving. >> I just want to say how thankful I am for um the people that run our schools, our principles and our administration staff. Um we are just so very lucky to have the people um in those positions that care enough to make sure that our buildings are safe, our kids are safe, and they're being taught well. And I'm just very very thankful starting to start this year just to acknowledge those people that don't ever and they do get accolades but like just the people who clean our buildings, the people who take our kids everywhere um and clean up after everyone and the teachers who do more
031than just teaching. And I'm very thankful that our district is is um strong and um we can weather a lot of stuff and you it it shows that we've kind of come out the other side. We're not through all of it, but um definitely we have the grit to do the hard work and you know it shows in our facilities and in our staff and um just very very thankful for everyone who makes our district what it is. Thanks very much for doing that. Good. All right. Now, superintendent recommendations, please. George, >> certified personnel or number one, certified personnel. Um, recommendations. One, salary status change. It's recommended that the board approve a salary status change for the following employee effective with the beginning of the second semester of the 256 school year. And as for
032Mr. Carabio from Mast's to masters plus 18. Number two is employment teaching assignment amended date. It's recommended the board employ the following for the position indicated effective January 5th, 2026. And that's Mrs. Strebler. And this was an oversight on my part. When we approved last month Miss Masters changing her retirement date, I overlooked that we needed to move Mrs. Streler as well to avoid having a a twoe substitute for the kids just to maintain that consistency for them. Uh number three, supplemental coaching contract 2526. It's recommended the board grant and or reissue the following supplemental coaching contract for the 25 months of the school year. Non-staff contracts are contingent upon receipt of a clear record of the required background checks. And that's Miss Colgrove who will be the I believe the first ever girls wrestling
033coach for Coventry High School. Those are all of the items under personnel certified. >> Thanks, George. Is there a motion to move? I will second questions or discussion on those items. >> I have a just quick comment. Um that is awesome that we have a girls wrestling coach. Um this is really cool like to be able to have and we have a handful of girls that are in there and then um I have a friends in some other districts that are also doing it and I think this is really cool. Like >> thank you for getting them here and for these kids to do this. This is awesome. And also to Mrs. struggler for becoming back to full-time. These kids are going to benefit from her. She's amazing. Mr. Cario, good job. Good job getting
034a the next level up in in his masters. That's amazing. >> Just a piggy back on that. Of course, uh my granddaughter is wrestling and and it's amazing to see and she is uh eight and she's in little little wrestlers in snow. She lives in town. She lives over to snow. I was in Perry last night and they've got little kids running all over the place and they're all wrestling and about half of the those kids are girls. So there's it's not it's a nice sport anymore. It's a 50/50 down in that area and they're coming up and Coventry is ready and that one of its plus is Coventry. much credit to Coventry youth wrestling organizations both that are encouraging the girls to get in at a young age and learn their skills uh for
035middle school and high school. So definitely thanks to them for all the work they do for both the boys and the girls. Uh it's a great huge organization with a lot of uh involvement by the community. So thanks thanks to them. Good. So [clears throat] call the role please. >> Yes. Mrs. McGrath. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Under personnel classified, we have one item. It's a recommendation number one, a stipen. It's recommended the board approve the following CMS school crossing guard stipen. And I'm very thankful to Miss Thomas for being willing to do that. It's a very difficult position at times to fill. So, I'm very appreciative the willingness to step up and do that for us. >> All right. Thanks, George. Is there a motion for that item? >>
036So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All right. Lisa, could you call the role? >> Mr. Fther? >> Yes. >> Mr. McGraw? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sulit? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Osters? >> Yes. >> Number three, other business items. A recommendations. Number one, school calendar. It's recommended the board adopt a school calendar for the 26 27th school year per exhibit S1. Uh and there were no changes um requested or uh really any suggestions from community staff um any of the groups. Uh so there are no changes. It's the same version uh that you received last month. Uh number two is revised policies and procedures. It's recommended the board complete the second reading of the revised and or deleted policies and procedures for approval per exhibit S2. And I'll share it's a big list,
037but it's because the state passed a number of uh education related bills uh in the spring and over the summer. So, this gets us caught up to make sure that our policies are in line with all the new laws that were passed. Uh number three is accept donations. It's recommended that the board accept the following donations and that's $400 from the Coventry ARP. And number four is an agreement with Gardener. It's recommended the board approve the agreement with Gardner for CHS chiller repairs to completed to be completed during fiscal year 26 for a cost of $99,998. Um, and that's the agreement that I shared with you and discussed uh last month. Uh, we're asking to get that done early um so that there's no issues with uh time getting the parts in. And those are
038all the items under other business. All right. Is there a motion? I'll second. >> Any questions, comments? >> If I may ask, please on the the readings for the policies. Um, I was comparing them a little bit to the policies that are posted as publicly available and I noticed that there were on the markup versions some of the black text. So I assume black is keeping, red is crossed out to be deleted, green is new or alternate text. But the black text, some of the black text did not line up with the documents that are posted on the on the on on the internet. Um, so I guess my question or would be as we're making our final marks that were are we going back and using the documents that are deemed to be the
039last revised or are we maybe did we accidentally grab a set that is different dated? Just a comment. But I've been proceeding with the readings of the documents as they are as they've been presented in the exhibits. >> So what you're see what you're saying is on board docs the presented procedures policies >> that the public would see. >> Yeah. the and then the second reading policies the original text has some >> there might there might be some minor black text variances as if it's like rev A versus Rev A1 >> was used and it was it was minor inconsequential text it was just something different that's all >> that sometimes happens in the cycle if uh at the time the superintendent at the time >> chose not to adopt to update that policy maybe
040it wasn't substantial enough. Um, but we try to prevent that from happening. We try to keep um them all updated as OSBA suggests. We update them, but that would be my guess is what's happening. >> And OSBA updates them for us, right? >> They do. They give us the >> So, they're doing it through the legal counsel. >> Okay. >> Not just us doing them, correct? >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I'm not an attorney. I can't do that. >> [clears throat] >> And some of these have multiple like it was it was we we a board approved it in like 99 1998 and then 2001 and then 2005 and then 2019 and then like some of them had multiples. I could see there could be some variations on it but >> again nothing earthshattering or
041stopping of work. It was just an observation. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's good. Thanks for touching that. So just to >> let us know >> and to clarify the version you have that you're approving will be the version that OSBA will upload to that site. >> Thank you sir. >> Um I just want to say thank you to Coventry ARP for the donation. That's great. Um I should like to talk about the chiller but I'm not sure what questions to ask. Do they have an idea of when they will get the work done? >> So we're very nervous about that because as you know this building never sleeps. Um, so it looks like it's going to be early June. Um, so that's going to drastically affect a lot of the camps. Uh, Mr. Boggas is going
042to work with the coaches. You figure we're talking volleyball both basketball teams. Uh, they're typically in the gyms that time of year. Um, and there will be no air conditioning in the building because we have to drain the entire system out for the last time. Part of this uh renovation will be putting isolation valves in so that we do not have to drain the entire system, all three floors of the system to fix one item. Um so that will be an improvement through this project. It's just disheartening that eight years in the chiller uh these components didn't last and there's no warranty for them. >> It's the new What's the new chiller then? uh a few of the part one of the parts I believe has a five-year um but it's typically one year parts
043of labor. >> Any other questions? >> Call the role, please. >> Mr. Bowser, >> yes. >> Mr. Gro, >> yes. >> And Mr. Hostell, >> yes. And next up we have treasures recommendations. >> Under the treasur's recommendations this evening, there is just one item and it is it is recommended that the board approved the 26 2.7 alternative tax budget according to Ohio advice code for exhibit C1. Furthermore, the board hereby authorizes the treasurer to make any necessary modifications or adjustments to this document as may be required or requested by Summit County Budget Commission to ensure compliance with statutory requirements without further formal action by this builder. That includes um sorry that concludes item one. >> Is there a motion? I'll second. So really you're the what we're granting you is just the ability to change
044this based on the feedback you receive from the county, >> right? Because they typically come back with some adjustments and tweak what they see. >> So it's not like you're independently adjusting things after this. It's based on their recommendations. especially this year with all the changes and how things are going to shake out for all public schools. I think it's extra important to have a little bit of flexibility. Now, it is due um by January 15th to them. So, there's not a lot of time to make adjustments, but even today talking with them, it's small things. Um, for example, what what I have for you, if I may. So, >> please. >> Um, so you have your official copy and then you have another copy for this reader that kind of outlines details and numbers.
045So if you want to go ahead and flip through the second page which at the top the division of task that okay this page breaks down for you all the current taxes property taxes that are being selected for the school district. So the first line there um says general current expenses an I for inside millillage and there's a rate of 5.60 6 and then it tells you how much that laps or earns for the district. The amount of revenue that we've received. These numbers have been pretty consistent for Coventry Schools for many years with the last reappraisal and property taxes. We did see some increases because prior to the current house that just have been enacted um things like inside millillage would uh you would recognize some growth. However, those things are being capped. So
046the district won't see growth any longer from certain areas. um how this can ultimately impact our forecast and our finances. It's still something I'm working on. I think at the best case scenario, it'll flatline for us between now and the end of the forecast. That's probably the best scenario with the worst scenario being significant obviously significant decrease in our potential. Um but we'll have to see how it all shakes out. What I have prepared for you here is just kind of a highlight of the major house bills that are going to impact the property taxes for us. And this one of the most significant one is House Bill 129. And this one involves 20 mil floor calculation and how that's determined. Coventry has been on the 20 mil floor which is the bottom of um
047of effective mill age. Okay. Outside of the 20 mills, we have our two emergency levies that are in addition to that 20 mil floor. Like they're not part of that calculation with the House bill 129. Now the two emergency levies which are about 9 mills are going to be added to the 20. So that's going to take us off our 20 mil. All right. Um which means why that's so important. If there's any growth in regards to someone's house being reappraised and assessed to a higher value, we will not see growth in revenue from them. Even though they might have to pay more, the district will not >> get it. And that's because of House Bill 920, which has been around since the 70s, I think, which was a which kind of like the last
048time something this dramatic and drastic happened in our state, they implemented House Bill 920 to help reduce the cost of uh property taxes and how much was and making sure that when people vote them in, that amount stays relatively the same. that schools don't see this big huge increase or they're not paying more and more based on reim every three years or what have you. Uh but being on the floor, the reason why that's a positive thing for school districts is because House Bill 920 doesn't come into play because you're at the bottom. Therefore, they're not going to take any more re and then if there is growth, you get you recognize that district will receive that. But now by adding our two levies, two fixed sum levies to that floor again, it takes us
049from 20 to 29, we're off the floor. Therefore, 920 comes into play and will keep our effective millage rates below what um it's actually planning. It's very complicated. Uh but that's about as straightforward as I can maybe explain at this point in time. Um, in addition to the all the property tax changes that are happening, we also need to keep in mind that state funding for student education has also changed. Um, legislators have opted not to increase the base cost inputs for student or student costs. Okay? meaning that when they determine how much does it cost to educate a student today, they're not using current numbers and take it into consideration any inflation over the last few years. Those numbers that they're using to determine the cost are still based on the 2122 calendar years
050or school year. So, we're dealing with these rises and the increases and all these costs and things like salaries and utilities and all that stuff. However, the the funding is not keeping up with that. And so, that's going to greatly impact school districts across, as you guys are well aware, seen it all over the news, uh that's going to greatly impact how schools are funding in Comry. We are a unique in a unique situation as we always have been right on paper we are considered high wealth. So when it comes to state funding state aid they look at our property values and say okay Coventry your community this year your community can pay 82% of what it costs to educate a single student in Coventry. 82% your your taxpayers have to make up that 82%.
051We are going to give you 18% for the state. Next year that 18% is declining. So it's all very there's a lot going on say the least. The one good thing for us at this time is that we are on the guarantee, the funding guarantee, which means that our district should not on the guarantee receive less money from the state than we did in 2021. So although if we were not on the guarantee, we would really be in serious trouble. However, since we are, they're offsetting that kind of loss of revenue for us at this time. An example of that would be this. And these are general numbers, estimates, okay, conversation. So in Coventry, it cost about 8,000. They have determined it's cost $8,000 to educate a student on average every child. That's our base
052cost. However, they have only provided us $1,400 for the state, expecting again our taxpayers to make up the difference. Because we're on the guarantee though and because of supplemental revenues such as um grants or additional aid for economically disadvantaged things of that nature. We actually receive about $4,000 versus just again because I'm here. It's still considerably less than what we really should be receiving given the uh dynamics of our community and so forth and our population. However, you know that this is our situation. It it's been a tough situation for this district for a long time. we have been done very very well managing it but we have also not had to deal with all these levels of changes in revenue and how ultimately that so that's kind of what the first page is out
053of this eight page documents the next item just for your reference and I won't go through every single page but the next one is a very interesting bit of details and it outlines for you what I've shared with you here is kind of the breakdown between fiscal years what we did actually receive in fiscal year 25 what we're projected to receive by the end of this year in 26 and how that's going to look moving forward. So, the purpose of this entire report is to uh communicate with the county budget commission where we stand, what are our needs, what does it look like, uh are we bringing in enough to stay positive year after year for cash end as well as where we are within a given year. So, yes, our bottom line is important.
054Obviously, we want to have a a nice hope probably reasonable carryover. However, to maintain that, it is essential that we look within every single fiscal year and are we spending less than what we brought in as far as revenue for that given year. So, this is a tool that communicates where we are with Summit County. Uh the data and the information is based on a number of available resources such as our forecast, the certificate of estimated resources that was last approved as well as the the anticipated um tax amounts and rates that were provided to the district last year. I didn't have this year. And then of course we're also looking at down the road where did this it was it was an interesting approach this year because the numbers on our forecast are not
055updated based on all the current legislative changes. So normally I would just use those. Instead, I like I mentioned, I flatlined our revenue for the next two fiscal years instead of the uh slight increase that we're anticipating. So, that's one of the changes there. And then at the very bottom, something else new this year that's included in this report is a reserve balance count for budget stabilization. We as a as a board um you approved a couple of years ago a 30-day cash balance policy. Uh we have uh been making sure we maintained that's the the guidance within that policy. But now that amount is being basically set aside or at least reported to the county so they know you know what we believe um is a reasonable amount to have in that that process.
056There's not act an actual account. It is part of our total budget but that is something that if we got close to we would have to initiate uh some type of initial deduction plan or it's basically being on the verge of going to again the fiscal watch and caution that status. So that kind of helps us guide when we really start or not turn there. Um and then just moving forward then the next documents actually get a little bit clearer. The next page outlines for you uh where we stand as far as our bond, what we still owe as far as the overall um total principle. It's actually captured on the last page of this report, but this information breaks down what we pay over the course of a year. Okay? So, it's based on
057our debt schedule and it's specifically for the bond. So then this helps the the county know what to set the the millage rate at the effective rate at to collect this amount. So we make okay so that is the bond and of course we have our permanent improvement which is is a continuing fund and it is at 1.1 mills. So it is something that is also established. And then the next page hopefully the numbers will look a little familiar kind of bring some of this all together for you is the statement of fund activity. So these are all the funds that we manage beyond general fund beyond the bond and beyond the PI. These are specific funds related to all kind all kinds of different activities for a district. As you know, on a regular
058basis, we review the official certificate of estimated resources. It's a process where we again report our current standing spending levels as far as what those levels against our appropriated amounts which you approve as an award and the county approves. um or ask for additional information. We have to make adjustments on our end or not spend in a certain area based on their input. So on and so forth. So it's an ongoing process. We use the official certificate of estimated resources basically to establish our allocations for the individual funds and that's how we monitor our progress throughout. So I just took a snapshot of what that looks like and put on that page because those numbers should match. Then the next thing is our unvoted general obligation debt. So this is where we report the cops
059debt, the oaso pool loan, and last but not least, the Sant Tander bus purchase agreement. So I did a little snapshot there just kind of make everybody happy that last year's debt details. You can see we were there's two of them for this year's report and in addition this is the last year that we have payments for sale and tan so that will also be >> amazing >> that and then again the last page is just more specific details regarding any questions No high >> when you mentioned that next year, I'm sorry, this year 82% of the cost of educating a child is expected to come from the community and 18% is expected to come to the state. That's what your budget. >> Yes. >> Next year, you said 18% is going to change. >>
060Yes. Is it going to change simply because the cost of educating a child has gone up and it will still actually be 18%. Or is it or is it a set amount? $1,000. I think you actually said 14. So, so let's say 14. So 14 this year. Is it going to be 14 next year, but it'll actually be less than 18% because the cost of a child went up from 8 to 8 and a half. Is that the reason? question. No, actually it's because let's say the 8,000 is going to stay the same. There's it's going to lower the percentage by the state because they believe our community is growing. >> So that is specific to our community. They're not lowering every community by percent. >> It's on on your makeup. >> So it is
061dependent on the what they consider the wealth of the community. >> Yes, that's correct. Yeah. So every district will be impacted different. when they review the wealth of the community, do they also look at the business capabilities of the community or the industrial capabilities of the community or is that a different consideration? >> It's a great question. If it is involved, it's minimal. Um, what is more of a factor is the income. So that is a voltage determine but on paper um just because of some of our property values our rates so forth they're so much higher than all our neighbors and benefit that we are considering. >> Yeah. And when you say income less you mean like income from tax revenues right? >> Yeah. >> Because they're not looking at like people's personal income.
062They're they're basing this off of the tax the real estate tax basis, the potential taxes. >> The potential taxes, right? >> Um no, your people's medium income or your community's income level salaries. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> How about high? >> That part is not high. That is not high. I'm saying our property taxes are so high >> that there's not a big >> um impact by the factor >> and as far as the $8,000 that's part of the base cost like those inputs have not been updated. Therefore, that $8,000 $8,000 have been the same every single year. Even though truly the cost to educate a kid in entry is probably more like 14,000 but they're not up to eight. So we have to offset that back >> because they're not added cost of living
063increases that every other business in the world sees. >> Yes. So it's quite a it's a tough situation and um you know for those districts who are not on the guarantee we're seeing the result of that across the area and I will just share the reason why we're on the guarantee. Now, Coventry has been on some form of guarantee for a very long time and it is again as the way of the community makeup. When they went from the old formula for funding student education to the fair school funding plan, Coventry actually at if they went number by number, Coventry for Manchester for Springfield, so on and so forth, we were going to be negatively impacted by those changes. Therefore, they establish the guarantee as it currently is where even though we might not benefit
064from this fair formula, fair school funding formula, we will not be negatively impacted to the point where we're going to be using so much money that we couldn't even schools. So, they said we will keep you at least this level. And then the plan was that every two years that level would be updated so that we can maintain or at least keep up keep pace with some of the costs. I also just wanted to mention that next month, February, will be the month that we approve the five-year forecast. Yeah, that that's one of the changes this year with all of the legislative changes. It is an insane view in my opinion to have the five-year forecast roll out. You don't have as many months of of actual expenditures and revenues as we did in the
065past, but we know we're certainly going to do what we can and put in all the work that needs to be put into based on changes and what have you. as well as we know that >> we just did it in October, right? >> I was just poking through the old meeting. >> Yes. >> Minutes. It was October. >> Yeah. I think >> just October. >> Yeah. Second one is now February. Next year, the first one will be in August. >> Okay. So, we're just kind of in between their change. Like the October was kind of normal >> and now we have a compressed time frame between the two. Okay. All right, thanks for all that information. Anybody have any other questions or do you have anything else to add, Lisa? >> So, if if
066your income remains the same, the property that you're living on increases, it's not like you have more money, you have more value, and that's they're going to tax it. >> Is that where they're getting their money? their ideal remember is to decrease property taxes from our >> right >> but here that's not happening >> but for us all negative >> not just us all schools >> property vals all schools it's not just us >> going up yeah property values are going up but our incomes are remaining we'll say the same we're not changing >> [clears throat] >> Oh, search. >> Okay. >> Taxes. >> Okay. >> All right. Is there a motion? Do we already have a motion for that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. Hearing nothing else. Could you call the RO, please? >>
067Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Yes. >> And >> yes. >> Okay. Uh there are no board of education recommendations this evening. Don't believe we have any need for executive session at this point. So there's nothing else for the give of the order. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Thank you journ.