001Hey. All right, we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order. Um, tonight, uh, like we have been doing, we've had, uh, students come in and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. So, tonight we have five students. They're all from Otis Elementary. They're all part of the news crew advisor or news crew. Um the adviser is Carrie, Miss Carrie Wend, Mrs. Carrie, Mrs. Carrie Wendling. Um but tonight we have three brothers, Bryce, Adrien, and Colin Holmes. Their parents are Carrie Len Holmes. And then we have Fiona and Penny Wright. And their parents are Josh and Gretchen Wright. So they are going to lead us in the pledge tonight. Could every Could everyone please stand? Placing your right hand over your head. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America
002and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Sorry. >> Thank you. Nice job, everybody. All right. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> here. >> Miss Layman, >> here. Miss Lewis, >> here. >> Mr. Nally, >> here. >> Mr. Price, >> here. >> Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from our regular meeting held on April 27th, 2026, please? >> So, move. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. >> Yes. Miss Lewis? >> Yes. >> Miss Layman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nally? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. Motion's approved. >> Um, moving on to legislative report. Don. >> Uh, yes. Um just as I
003had mentioned at the last meeting would just encourage with all the things going on regarding property taxes in the state uh don't want to spend a lot of time on it but I I just want to remind the board to go in and look at that Ohioans to protect public services uh to their website um you know gives you if you have to have a conversation with someone about property taxes. It just helps to give you kind of some of the pros and cons and and also some of the different entities that will be could be affected by that. um just would encourage that. And and if you go to the their website at the very bottom there are uh four documents from the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, Policy Matters, Tax Foundation, and
004uh Board on um bond councils. each of them have a uh it's a common perspective but gives you other information so that you're able to respond uh to people and um that's what I I just wanted to mention on property taxes um and looking at the um um budget that's being worked on at the state level. Um, you know, uh, right now I I looked back and about 10% of the money that's on the line item for uh, public schools is going into the voucher and the ed choice system, which is uh, it was 1.2 million. it's uh projected to be two and then 2.5 in the 26 27 year. So just kind of keep track of that uh so that you're aware of where those dollars are going and uh what how that 10%
005uh or $2 billion could impact if it was coming to the public schools where it's supposed to. And again, um, you know, it's I understand the perspective of people um that are are benefiting from the vouchers, but it all goes back to choices that are made by um people in the public school section or the private school section. So, uh, just just some things to to take a look at and that's all I had this evening. Okay. >> Thank you, sir. No walk on items tonight, >> sir. >> Um, no one is here except for Abby and Corey. So, we'll move on past the community part and go on to the superintendent report. >> Thank you. Good evening, board members. Um, this evening, I just have uh just a couple things to make note of.
006Um the first one being we have communicated with um our stakeholders and have made the official announcement that we will be extending our school calendar year by two days this year. Um we have missed um a significant amount of instructional time this uh school year for various calamity reasons. We've had everything I think this year involved. We've had fog days. We've had ice days. We've had extreme freezing weather days. We've had 10 inches of snow days. Um so all of that included. And so we will be extending our school year and that has been communicated to students. Um new last day of school for grades K through 11 will be Friday, June 5th. Um seniors get lucky. Um, and our preschoolers have a little bit different, uh, calendar as well. So, uh, the new end
007date is Friday, June 5th for all of our students, uh, kindergarten through grade 11. Um, and if if community members or families, um, parents have questions, please reach out to my office and and we'll make sure you have all the information that you need for those pieces. Um along those same lines, uh I would like to invite all of our stakeholders and community members to join us for our high school Ross High School graduation um this year that will take place on Sunday, May 31st at 2 p.m. at Don Paul Stadium. Um so we are very excited to once again um bring a group of seniors through that threshold of ending a long lengthy academic career in our high school and middle school and elementary system and now creating alumni little giant alumni which will
008be very exciting for all of them. So May 31st is that date that is coming up. So we're very excited. did want to make sure that people start getting those dates on their calendars. Um, and just another big opportunity for community members to join us this Friday for a uh very large fine arts festival uh combining both our musically talented students and our artistically talented students. Um, and Ross High School will be a buzz um from 5:30 to 8:30 that evening with a lot of activities. So, I I encourage everyone to be able to try to find a little time in their um schedule to come out and see our students as they're showcased. Um, next thing I would just like if I could turn this over to uh Miss Layman, if you are ready
009to share some health and wellness tidbits because that committee did meet as well. >> Yes, that we did. All righty. We got a few keyyn notes here. Um, these are the notes from April. Um, the new members signed the security and confidentiality agreement. The self-funded report was not presented and will be distributed uh via email. Healthworks screening dates um is August 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st were shared along with the introduction of the new My Health Works app by Integrated Health 21. The app will allow employees and spouses to schedule screenings, complete health assessments, and participate in wellness challenges. Um, the committee discussed future planning, including app training for staff. Um, incorporating movement breaks into professional development days. um beginning insurance language discussions for upcoming negotiations in November and avoiding uh scheduling conflicts with conference
010days. And then I will add that um a congratulations to Candy Kane. Um she was the wellness bingo winner and I'm sure they've told her >> um I was just going to say if they did it, she's supposed to call you girls >> and uh get a hold of her prize soon. So, and then uh just be on the lookout for some new challenges coming soon. >> They're going to come up with some new stuff. So, that's what I got on that. Fantastic. Um and then the only other committee um that has met in the the meantime since our last meeting was their finance committee. I didn't know if you wanted to share any. >> Yeah, I'll just share a couple highlights and Mr. Nally, if you want to jump in anywhere. Um, we talked
011about there's a lot of legislation right now now out there that um, legislators are hoping is going to address the property tax issue affecting our state right now, which greatly impacts school funding. So, we just kind of reviewed the different ones that were on the table as of right now. They're still in committee. They're not um being pushed out yet, but we are they are very much so on our radar. Um I attended a conference in the month of April and that was the main topic of discussion was these legislations and how we're going to address them as they come down the pipe. Um it seems like and the legislators rush to address the real estate tax problem, a lot of this legislation counterix each other or um works against it almost. Um and it's
012a scramble not only for school districts but also counties um any public service and how they're going to um change make the changes that this legislation is going to push through. So we're all just kind of waited on waiting to see what actually makes it through and try to have plans um to address that. We also reviewed the March financials that were presented at the last board meeting. Um, no big um things in the financials and then we talked about our next meeting that will be in May, which I actually think is a week from today. >> You you covered it all. >> Okay. >> Fantastic. Right, Mr. Price, if you're okay, I'll continue. Yep. >> Recommendations. Thank you. Um, first item of business this evening. I would ask your approval for um some donations.
013Once again, very generous community members and supporters of our district. >> Motion to approve item one, please. >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Nally. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >> I'm so far down here. I just >> I can speak up. I voice pretty loud. They're good. I just have to pay attention. >> Uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Um, item number two is a contract with Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Centers. Um, and this is something that we do annually. This is just setting aside some dollars in case additional dollars are necessary to provide all of the services
014that Vanguard um provides for our students. So there are some years that we don't need to dip into this and then there are other years that just depending on all of the services. So this is just getting us ready. >> I have a motion to approve item two, please move. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom, yes. Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Nally, yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Item number three, um, will be a second reading for our policy EBDE. >> I have a motion to approve item three, please. >> So move. >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mr. Nally.
015Any discussion? Roll call, please. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Miss Bloom, >> yes. Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Item number four is second reading for the policy EDC. >> I have a motion to approve item four, please. >> So move. >> Motion by Miss Lewis. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Bloom. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom. >> Yes. Miss Layman. Yes, >> Mr. Nelly. >> Yes, >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Item number five would be a second reading for policy EFD. >> I have a motion to approve item five, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second
016by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, yes. Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. And our last item in this section, item number six, uh second reading for the approval of policy JB. >> I have a motion to approve item six, please. >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Nally. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Bloom. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Um item number seven in your packet la at the end last Friday there was a memo from Mrs. Abernathy just
017giving um some direction as to the need for uh the change of dates since we've decided to change our calendar year. >> Can I have a motion to approve item seven, please? >> Move. >> Go ahead, Sarah. >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Go ahead. Sarah's going to second it. >> Second. >> I'm sorry. I'm looking at Laura like >> second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion other than who's going to make the motion and who's going to second? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Um, moving on to our staff items this evening. Um, item number eight, we have uh some resignations that individuals
018who will be leaving us. Item number nine, we have the appointment of a certified staff substitute. Item number 10, uh we have a teacher who will be joining us as an intervention specialist for next school year. Um Miss Reinhardt will be joining us at Lutz Elementary. Item number 11, um we have some administrative contracts that get us ready for next school year. Um that continues with item number 12. Item number 13. Um these are individual certified staff members who have met the criteria to be and have applied to receive their continuing contract. Um this is a little noteworthy. This is something extra that not everybody obtains in their teaching career. Um they must held a master's degree. They must have successfully taught three of the last five school years within the district. Um they have
019to have the support of their building leader. They have to have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They do some extra things. Um so in item number 13, please consider those continuing contracts for Jessica Avance, Amber Carbelloo, Sherry Henle, Britney Ljun, Jessica Sugar, and Lorie Taylor Willie. Um item number 14, we have a list of contracts. These are all staff members who are returning to us for next year. With your blessing for new contracts, um they're divided up by year two and year one contracts. And that takes us to the end. Mr. En, sorry, I'm behind here. Can I get a motion to approve items 8 through 14, please? Move. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? Second. Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >> I do. The the the
020teachers that resigned in item three. >> Yes. >> Or I'm sorry. >> Four. >> Uh item eight. >> Okay. >> Are they going to another spot or they or they're just leaving the district? >> Um >> they have the the two teachers are going to other positions in other districts. Um variety of reasons. uh closer to home. Um >> just wondering >> taking Yep. take taking their items and and moving on to their their next thing that's on their >> All right. >> On their path. >> All righty. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. Yes. Miss Layman. >> Yes. >> Miss Lewis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nally? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Item number 15. Um we set aside this lovely young
021lady. if you would please um award her or uh approve her contract for the next school year, but we need to set her aside for Mr. Price's benefit. >> I have a motion to approve item 15, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Mr. Nally. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> abstain. and the motion is approved. >> Thank you. Um item number 16, these are all returning coaches to us. Um again, I just I I say a lot for those individuals on our staff who um come to us to do something extra with our students after that 3:00 bell. Um those are just very
022important people to be in the lives of our students and have those opportunities for our kids. Can >> I have a motion to approve item 16, please? >> So moved. Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mr. Bloom. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Ny, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. That is all for me this evening. >> Okay, >> moving on to report of the treasur. >> Good evening. I am happy to report. I don't know, happy, but April's over and we're all closed out for the month. Can't believe it's going to be May. Um Denise, last week Denise and I attended a >> I don't
023know um >> conference down in Columbus where the topic of discussion was property tax reform. But I will say the good thing about this, it was more giving us resources so that we can educate the community as to what our financial position is, what it looks like if these different pieces of legislation go through and giving us tools to address that as well. So that we're, you know, we're making sure that we're being very um transparent and communicating effectively, but at the same time following the rules of the auditor of the state and um just and our legal advice, but >> the legalities are are very similar to those conversations we've had in the past with um >> levy discussion. >> Um it will be the same sort of pieces. So >> that that was
024going to be my question is is you know what you're what you gathered from this conference is there you don't have to describe what the plan would be but is there a plan then to >> um get that information to the public or is that just so that we can field those questions as they come in? both um they gave us, you know, different um cuz with the auditor's states rules regarding levy, which is what they're saying this falls under. Um >> also Nate, >> yeah, go ahead. >> Cool. Love it for us. Um there's certain words you can say and certain words you can't. So they gave us kind of like >> verbiage to use. Sure. >> So that and we'll make sure to share that out with them. um one of the books
025that they're actually working on some language for a board resolution. So when that's prepared, we'll bring that um for your con consideration as well. Um and then there's kind of a toolkit of sources that will give us some of those good information pieces. Um and actually later this week, u Mrs. Abernathy and Miss Parkers are going to represent the district um in a similar conversation that is a little more regional to our area with some of our um partners with other districts within our county as well as the counties surrounding us. So, um that will also be very good information for us to obtain and then be able to share so that we all have the same message. we feel like we're saying then you know everybody has every district has a little bit different
026of a story but it all has the same theme. So um and then yes there is actually I can't think of it off the top of my head. Oh I think you mentioned it the um citizen the Ohio Ohioans for um >> Ohioans to protect public services. >> Yes. So they're out there. Um, we got to see a commercial that they've put together to help educate community and that kind of stuff. So that specific group is out there pushing to educate um individuals as to what this would actually mean and do. The advantage of that, I think, is that it's not just school district perspective, but it's all of those public entities that will be >> negatively impact as we run through this >> next couple steps. Um, townships and municipalities and department, fire, police,
027>> uh, our libraries. >> Yeah, >> there will be a lot of pieces. >> Yeah. So, >> and again, I think their website, that's why I was encouraging the board to look at that because it does have a pretty comprehensive list of all those entities that would be affected. Plus, it has a breakdown for each of those um entities to give more information. Yeah. It's kind of amazing that when you see people who are for the elimination of it all, >> everything is drilled at schools. >> Yeah. >> I mean, you wouldn't even know that fire departments are going to be affected or cities are going to be They don't want to say that, but they'll say schools because we're the lowhanging fruit once again. >> But yeah, there's so many other things that are
028affected. It's not just schools. >> Well, it's it's a along those lines, Mr. price. It's a good opportunity to um educate the average citizen about funding and where it comes from. Um I noticed this week on on the worldwide web um at a local level, so to speak. Um there was conversation about, you know, the property tax situation and the um there was a comment made like the the Ohio Lottery funds the schools and like it's, you know, but if one person believes that, there's 20 more that believe that we're rolling in the dole because the Megaillions was 800 million gajillion dollars. Um and that's just simply not the case. Yeah. >> Um so this this opportunity I mean we can look at it like that. >> This this um you know property tax being
029in question, it's also an opportunity for um you know school districts and and boards and you know across the state to educate >> on you know what that really means. Like >> yeah, >> there's no Ohio lottery funded basketball court here. No. Do you know what I mean? There's no >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I might put a doorork knob on somewhere with the Ohio lottery money, but you know, we're not >> over the course of a year. Take the whole year to get one door knob. and sixUS and >> and I I think in um I did the same thing in terms of googling a question and and to look at directly to the uh Ohio um the Ohio uh government site and in there it showed a breakdown and what of that $13 billion
030that it costs per year 1.7 billion is what they generated from the lottery. So you can, you know, it's kind of like um, you know, we've still got that 10 plus that has to come from somewhere and and and and I would just encourage that too is if you think of a question, Google it and you know, you get get to the government sites where they'll give you the information >> credible source. I was just going to say >> source >> and I think there you'll see uh the answers to your question so you can have those numbers and show that uh it costs a heck of a lot to run all the schools and and we're talking I think it was um the number of students I think it was 1 uh 1.14 million
031students in the state. And I'm throwing out kind of what that had shared, >> but you know, that's that's a lot of kids. And when you break that down, you know, uh, yay many billion divided by yay many million, it it it doesn't come out to as much as people think. But people are looking at it as to what am I paying on my property tax and >> and it's very valid >> and you know and then you look at what was what did I pay 10 20 30 years ago and on my property taxes and things have gotten to be more well you know everything has gotten to be more and and I know that they're looking at, you know, how do you re that in, you know, well, um, one of the ways
032of reigning it in are you vote and but when you vote, you have to have good information. >> That's right. >> To do that. So >> I think we were talking one day one day at work and to explain it really simply when it comes to taxes and public entities is if you take a public entity whether it's a school, fire department, a police department, a city, we provide services. We don't have a product that we can up the price of. You know, everybody thinks retail and I mean at the cookie shop it's when my electric bill goes up and I need to raise prices. I try to raise prices very minimally, but I can do that. A school, a city, you know, a city has to provide roads. We see all orange barrels all
033over the city of Fremont right now. That money has to come from somewhere. The city doesn't sell a product to make that money. Yet, we all want good roads around everywhere, you know, and has to come from somewhere. And I and I get it. But you know, if you just think of only because I travel around Okar Road every day, so it's just a mess right now. I get it. But like you said, Don, everything is expensive. Asphalt is expensive. >> So it's not just, oh, the city is paying these people too much money. It's not that. It just to get the product that you need to pave a road is expensive. It's an oilbased product. >> City has to come up with that money somehow and they can't sell more widgets because they don't
034have widgets to sell. So the money has to come from somewhere. So um it's just an easy way to think, okay, public entity that provides, you know, a fire department. They need the fire truck if they want to put the fire out at your house. Costs gas. It costs everything else to keep that maintained. And all they're doing is putting your fire out. They don't have a product to sell. >> Yep. >> So, and that's that service that they're providing is unbelievable. But, >> Yep. >> So, just an easy way to trying to think of those things sometimes instead of just jumping on the bandwagon and saying I pay out too much taxes. I I'm not saying I disagree with that. However, >> everything is expensive. And I guess the only other thing I would
035add is looking at the the report that uh Megan is sharing. I I feel good that we have people going to those sessions to learn and and again to make sure that we are doing our due diligence and that we are sharing the information correctly. And um you know and I and I think you know I I appreciate the fact that um you know we have good people going to those meetings. >> So enough said about me. Well, now I'm going to get on my soap box a little bit because another thing that one of some very highly intelligent people spoke at this and one of the big things that I took away was, you know, we've had so many different school funding formulas and if you really look at it, if they would just
036put in current actual data, the funding formulas, multiple of them would work. So if with this new budget bill, cuz I'm sure they're going to come back and say, "Oh, the fair school funding plan, that calculation doesn't work." Well, they've held us at fiscal year 22 inputs, so no, that doesn't work for fiscal 27. You >> So it's just kind of another >> that correct? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. Um, so that's wild. So then who how does that information then get to the legislators? Like >> that's the legislators that are making those decisions with the budget bills. lobbying groups are having conversations currently, I think, with and we had some representatives to that um at the event that we >> they're waving the flags and they're having those those caucuses throughout the state to
037try to to bend the ear and to impart that um >> that objection that wait a minute um because that that's really hard. >> Yeah. Well, like please hold. Yeah. Um, can we fix any of this by using current data? Like, can any of this be alleviated? >> Because I think a lot of it comes down to they look at the overall budget for the state of Ohio, which is not just school districts. >> Certainly, >> and they go, I want to take off, let's just say 1.2 billion. So, how do we evenly distribute that? Oh, well, we're going to do this. Oh, well, the schools only get this portion, so we got to mess with their funding formula because it no longer fits in our budget. So they do these different things and it
038I know >> with 5-year-old data. >> Yeah. >> I mean it's that part that I'm like well who's allowed to do that? like right >> there's no business model >> that would say >> well >> go ahead and use old data >> and I think as we talked the last meeting Sarah was um the state in 1985 >> they were funding us to 42% um of our needs and now they're providing 20 to 30% of those dollars when costs have gone gone up. >> So they're giving us less costs have gone up and then they're we're limited as to what types the besides bake sales what you know how do we go out and get additional dollars and >> it's funny not funny >> we can't do we can't do sales tax because sales tax
039are set not not just that it would go up but sales tax if I understand it Right. To get a sales tax for Fremont schools, it has to be the same number across the board throughout our county. >> So that means Clyde and Woodville and all these other schools in Gibsonburg would have to be in agreement, have that same need, you know. So, um, you know, those are some of the other challenges that end up coming out. I should I'm just gonna be quiet. It's >> okay. I'm gonna speak. >> You can also write letters to your the legislators if you'd like to complain to them as well >> or or educate. You know what I mean? Like I I think that's a really good >> term to >> to use like this is what
040this looks like in reality. >> And every system has to have that. You know what I mean? It's not just specific to, you know, legislation and education. You know, every I this isn't a unique issue. Like there has to be conversation between, you know, the powers that be and the people that do. >> Yeah. >> And that's where the imbalance seems to be occurring. Well, and when you talk about where where are they getting where are they getting the information? They're getting the information from these uh governmental entities, the treasurer and of the state and all. And those are factual numbers and it's kind of like one of you were saying, it just doesn't fit into their scenario at the state level. So, they're looking at how do they adjust that? Well, they adjust it
041the way that I I had just mentioned. They give us less, but our options to go out and get additional dollars are very limited. >> Certainly. >> So, >> and it makes us more rely more heavily on local income, which is problem we're fighting against right now is that they're overextended, >> right? >> Or they, you know, community feels overextended. So, you're looking at it going, "What are my other options?" Like, "What are we supposed to do?" >> Everybody wants a piece of the pie. >> Yep. >> If the state would stay in their lane at what they're supposed to be funding, it >> be, >> you know, but I mean, just simple example, OFCC used to be the Ohio School Facilities Commission. Now, there are many projects that are not a school that are
042it's part of the OFCC project. So because that money is sitting there and when money is sitting there hm I wonder if I can get my hands on some of that and so then it happens. So everybody wants a piece of the pie. I mean cuz what's the state budget for a year overall? >> You know >> I don't know off the top of my head. >> I mean billions of dollars. So you see that and you're like >> and I'm all I'm only asking for 50 million >> but it's not something the state should be dealing with. So no go do your own thing. I mean it's same with federal government. it just if everybody would just stay in their lane. >> Mhm. >> But >> and like you've brought up several times at
043past meetings, $620 million went to um help build the football uh stadium in Cleveland. >> Yeah. >> You know, >> ticks me off as a Steeler fan. >> I wanted I wanted to get you going. I will never attend that Brown stadium ever in my life >> and my tax dollars are helping pay for it. >> That was my point of bringing it up >> just to >> Thanks, Don. Now I am upset. So, um, you know, there's >> Sorry, we've gone off on tangents. >> Yeah, that's okay. I'm just >> all very relevant though, you know. >> Yeah. Um, >> but I'm sure pretty soon they will stifle our language as to what we can actually say. Pretty soon the board meetings will be just like levy talk when then we can't speak whatever.
044>> I'll give you a script. >> Yeah, I won't go by it. Come talk to me. I'm at the cookie shop every day. You can come and talk to me whenever you want to. Last time I checked, this is a free country and we can talk however we want to talk. So >> that was addressed as well. of us and freedom of speech. >> Freedom of speech >> as a school business. >> We'll continue to learn and share. >> Oh, we appreciate that. Thank you. >> Now, on to more fun things. Um, tonight alls I have on here is the item for annually we have to fund our um classrooms facility maintenance fund. This was part of when we passed the bond levies to build the new schools with OFCC. And um every year we
045have to um take a certain amount of proceeds from our PI fund and move it into our classrooms facility maintenance fund so that we can make sure to maintain those buildings in the future. >> This is one aspect that I will say they got it right. I'm happy that they do this because anyone who uses OFCC and and had It makes you put away money to maintain these buildings to keep them in good standing. So, I do like this because if you're not fiscally responsible, >> all of a sudden, then >> your new facilities go downhill real quick. So, >> absolutely. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve item 17, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Miss Lay or Miss Lewis. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Bloom.
046Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mali, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. Moving on to board member communications. Done. >> Uh, yes. Um, fortunately over the last week or so, I've been a able to attend several different events and functions in the in the um district and and I've got to tell you and I and I know the rest of you also attend uh different events um probably a lot more than maybe I do, but it it is very heartwarming just to to go to some uh had the opportunity, Miss uh Miss Lewis and I uh were at the top 25 banquet and just to to hear some of the comments of some of the students talking about
047their teachers, whether it's current or past. Um you know, it's again heartwarming. um had the opportunity to go over to the um there was a varsity baseball game and a varsity softball game going on at the same time and just uh that atmosphere of you know the people that were there to cheer on and uh the kids who were riding by on a bicycle. you know, it it was really kind of neat and I just on that one I would just encourage the community, you know, get out to a ball game even if you don't I mean I didn't know, you know, a lot of the uh a lot of the students uh didn't know a lot of the parents and it was my my opportunity to say hi and kind of introduce myself and
048kind of hear, you know, you kind of kind of hear, you know, But what's positive? And and most of it uh most of it was very positive. 99.9%, you know, and and just the parents talking about their kid, you know, playing second base or uh those types of things. And track meet got rained out. That's the other thing like uh like you were talking about with uh weather. um the track meet I was going to go to. But then the final final event I and it was not able to attend it the last couple years uh was over at Atkinson the parking lot um party and it it it was just so neat to see the families that were coming in and out and the kids eating you know uh their icy and uh you
049know the the meals and and to see the staff out there, you know, encouraging, you know, activity. And there were a couple tables set up um like the one guy was from the Y to encourage kids to sign up for uh the football uh uh league that they have for I what is it grades three to six and then seven they come kids come over to this the schools. Um but it it was now the only bad thing about that event was uh I didn't win anything. So uh but but it was really cool to see and to experience that and just you know walk around talk to people and and you know and that's the flavor that we want people to experience about our district. And so I would just encourage people to to
050do to do those things. They don't have to do a lot. I mean, I feel like I should get out to more things, but uh you know, just get out to a few and just experience that culture, that flavor. And that's all I had. >> Sarah, >> um I I am told that prom was a success. Um that the the student body had a good time. um saw some pictures circulating around. Everybody looked wonderful. Um congrats to Talon Brown and Malise Lee, our prom king and queen. Um also wanted to recognize um Reagan Smith uh for her impactful um M crash um senior project for the teen leadership corps. um when I came to the school prior to prom um on mom's taxi duty um we're almost at the end of that by the way
051um to pull up and see that um you know back in back in the olden days I remember going over to the high school there was the crash set up at the or at the high school at the football stadium and um but just seeing that when I did pick my child up. Um that sparked a conversation um with her about, you know, how to be safe and um this is a real thing that could happen when you, you know, make poor choices. So um that was a really impactful um project that Reagan put together. >> Um I know we've had the school or kind of district-wide mental health days that occurred last week. Um I heard a lot of positive um things about um oh the goings on in the building. Um I had
052to come here on Friday or to the high school on Friday afternoon. So to see um the kids were just all ab buzz. There were some kids doing sidewalk chalk. There were kids out um you know they looked like they were coming in from where the soccer fields are. So, I know that there was a a lot of different activities for um it seemed like every student um to participate in. So, I think those things are meaningful. I know there's some discussion about do you send your kid to school on that day or do you just let them, you know, have a mental health day at home. And I would encourage parents to really um make sure their kids are at school, you know, on those on those scheduled mental health days. Um because again
053we can't say well the schools don't do anything for you know what I mean and then there's this opportunity to just unwind and and relax with your your teachers and your peers and um just have that time to to relax. So I think it's a nice opportunity um and I'm glad that we do that as a district. Um the last thing I'm going to say is um kind of personal and I just on behalf of um my family, I just want to thank um everybody uh in the community and in the district for reaching out to us and the passing of my father. um specifically the the athletic department. Um they did such a nice job um first of all reaching out to me first um before they put anything on social media. Um my
054family really really appreciated that. Um, and once I, you know, gave the go-to, um, what they came up with and posted was so nice and so meaningful to our family. Um, so we just appreciate the outpouring of, you know, love and support um, for our family and the recognition of our dad. That's all. >> Because he left such a great legacy. We talked about that. He did. He left a great legacy behind. Um the only thing I have to say is I'm looking forward to the music and fine arts festival Friday. There's nothing better in my mind than music and art. And I can't wait to go listen to it and watch it, look at it, and just see what these kids came up with and what they sound like. And I'm >> right at
055my alley. Yes. I can't wait to go. Mhm. I will be amazed. >> Mhm. I can't wait. >> That's all I have to say. >> Lori, >> um I don't have a whole lot. Just thanks to the kids who came and did the pledge. It was it was it was never had anybody tell us how to put it together, but that was I like that. I mean, that's they they know and that they can explain it and and for all the donations and the teachers and all the coaches that give everything to the kids and and it's almost over, so hang in there. We're getting to that end. My grandson's like, "Two more days, they put two more days." I'm like, "Well, you know, you got to have the hour, so and you'll be okay."
056That's it. Okay. Um, sports are winding down for the spring, so good luck to all of our sports teams. Postseason is right around the corner for everybody. Um, prom is over. Graduation is just around the corner. >> If anybody in the community is looking for something to do, we were just talking before the board meeting started. I think Denise, you said there's like five different things going on tonight in the district alone, just in the schools. So, >> there's all kinds of stuff to go to. The big one this week is the fine arts festival um at the high school 5:30 to 8. Again, I'm not a music person. I'm not an art person. I can't draw a stick figure to save my life and I can't sing on key at all, but I'm going
057to be there because I'm amazed by people who can because I cannot. So, um I think that's a great opportunity for the community to go out. Plus, it's free admission, so it costs you nothing but coming out and enjoying some music and seeing what our students are doing. And I, if I'm right, the art is K through 12, is it? I mean, elementary all the It's not just middle school, high school, it's elementary on up. So, you can see all kinds of stuff um when you go. So, >> um on behalf of the district, Sarah, we are sorry for the loss of your dad. Um, I've known Big John for quite a while. I think he's probably been a customer of the Cookie Lady probably since we started 37 years ago. >> Agreed. >> And
058uh, so I the one thing there's so many people in this community that have been affected by your dad. I mean, with all of the teams that he's coached and been a part of and just around and everything else, but the one thing that always, it didn't matter if I saw him at the cookie shop or wherever I saw him, two things were always going to happen when you had a conversation. One, you were going to talk about sports, which I was perfectly fine with. And two, he will make you laugh. >> Guaranteed those two things in every conversation that will happen uh with John. So, um the community is is uh at a loss for um missing John right now. So, um but again, if there's anything your family needs, obviously we are here
059for all of you guys for all that your dad did and meant to everybody. So, >> thank you. I appreciate it. >> Um no reason for executive session tonight. So, can I have a motion for adjournment, please? >> So, move. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second. Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. >> Yes. Miss Layman, yes. Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. N? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. Motions approved. Meetings adjourned.