001All right, we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order. Before we stand for the pledge, I just want to introduce our two students that have come to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Um, they are sisters obviously. They look alike. So, it is Andy and Amara Moya. They are fourth grade students at Lutz and they are part of the Luts Make a Difference Club. Um, we've had a couple students from Atinson Make a Difference Club. So, great time for students to get involved, get to learn a little bit about community service and helping around the school and other students and teachers. So, it's a good program for our students to be in. So, if we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance and they will lead us in the pledge. >> I
002pledge 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. Get it back. >> Great job, ladies. >> 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 November 10th, 2025, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Boom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mr. Nally. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. >> Yes. Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Uh, moving on
003to legislative report. Don, >> um, couple things. uh wanted to mention uh really two topics. One uh vouchers and two uh property tax one and they definitely tie together well. um just reading the equity and adequacy some of their information and I'm going to repeat some of the things that I've said over the course of time but uh the key thing that I wanted to emphasize is with the $1.7 billion that are going over to vouchers in Ohio um the financial aspect of our public schools. Uh if that 1.7 billion did not come off of our line item for public schools, um we should be able to fully fund uh the fair school funding plan. And because of those dollars coming away from there, uh that's uh forcing our legislators to well, it's it's forcing
004us not to have the money coming down from the state and it's forcing us to look at where are those deficits going to be in the future and how do we meet those? and and really we don't have a whole lot of options other than down the road looking at uh property taxes. Well, that's the other area that our state say legislators are reforming is um a lot of the things with property tax and I think they're doing some of that kind of head off the movement to get rid of property taxes totally and but apparently that with a lot of the things that I've read it kind of indicates that um those kind of stop gap measures are not going to be enough. And so it's going to fall back to us on a
005local basis. And and again, you know, the vouchers have a direct correlation with us uh whether we have property taxes or not. Um see uh the other the other thing with uh property taxes um there's uh several bills that have been pushed through um both through the House and and um Senate um that are uh things like uh capping growth uh on our 20 mil floor to inflation. And it it sounds good, but I'm sure that it causes a lot of um angst for people like our treasurer who have to kind of uh uh look at those and our superintendent to look at how are we going to fund our school out uh a ways. And I believe uh um Miss Miss Parkhurst will probably mention that a little bit more later as to some
006of the changes that are happening um with with property taxes. But um one of the areas again um with the uh property taxes. Another another area is um House Bill 309 which allows for the county budget commissions to reduce millage on certain voterapproved levies. Uh two concerns there. one um that another body is able to make a decision after we have made that decision that we need those dollars and two that if they're voter approved, they're looking at the budget commission can override. And that concerns me that, you know, that that there's a body out there that can um override those decisions that are made by our voters. Um, one of the areas that really concerns me, um, the House Government Oversight Committee, uh, just held its third committee meeting. One of the concerns I
007have was, and I think when I read this one sentence, you'll realize what what they're looking at is to collect and report data concerning the citizenship or immigration status of persons with whom they come into contact. And that that to me is a very very scary uh sentence because what that's doing is kind of opening that door to uh uh some of these other departments and immigration to have that direct access to the data of uh people in our schools and in our community. And and I think, you know, that's bringing it very back to a very scary time. And I think that's kind of all I wanted. And uh there's some things that have gone to the governor. I don't believe at this point he has signed the veto on House Bill or Senate
008Bill 50. and that's dealing with um uh school age um certificates to work and so that I think 14 to 16 year olds being able to work later into the evening and I think um he has some concerns and so there's a possible veto there but like we heard last this past summer once something is vetoed it doesn't mean that it can't come up in the next session. It doesn't mean that it's totally out of the cycle. And with the uh with us having one party rule kind of with that supermajority um that can that can be a great concern. So again, those were the main two areas that I wanted to cover were the vouchers and property taxes. And I think people just have to realize that um we all need to educate ourselves.
009I there's some staying even away from social media. If you look at our news messenger, there's been some really good articles in there uh in regards to schools. Not that I agree with the articles uh all but there there's some editorials and there's some articles. So I would just encourage you as fellow board members and the community that's out there listening right now to make sure that you're reading those. And if you have questions, you know, feel free to contact us in the district. you know um you know our our administrators can help with that and they can also help guide you to the right people. You know the people that really are making the decisions are uh and that we need to continue to affect are our uh senator, state senator and our uh
010representative from the house of representatives. uh those two individuals um uh Mr. Riniki the senator senator and Mr. Click uh our house house of representative um member uh those are the people that we really need to make sure our personal and our family uh thoughts are shared. So, I don't know if anybody has any comments. >> Just kind of piggyback off of what you just said. Um, those are those two individuals are probably the the people who if the public has questions or concerns, you know, too about how things are going to contact those people directly. >> You know, as well. >> That's all. >> All right. Thanks then. Uh, moving on. No walk- on items tonight, >> sir. >> Uh, no one is here in person for a hearing of the public, so we'll
011move on to the superintendent report, please. >> Fantastic. Good evening, everyone. Um, just a couple things to share with you. Um, first of all, I believe in it was shared into your um, information on Friday and it's part of the board agenda this evening. The two draft school calendars for the 2627 school year. Oh, that seems very crazy to say 26 27. So, we have two different options. Option A, option B. Um just would like to publicly make sure that you are aware that we followed the process that is outlined in um our negotiated agreement with our FEA um group and we've met with a committee a couple of times. Um there were two different calendar pieces A and B that went before um the membership of FEA. Um there's there were a couple of
012differences uh between those two. Um one thing that we tried to make different and have conversation around at the committee level um you know that every year uh Fremont for Fremont City Schools, it's a challenge on that start date in August. um with where the Sundeski County Fair falls and we know that many of our families are involved um with the Sundeski County Fair in a variety of manners and we have a lot of really cool activities that take place. Um but we always have that start time right there. So that was something that we put forth, the committee put forth. There was a little bit difference um at what day of the week that started on and what that looked like uh for our teachers. So that was a piece that we tried to
013take into consideration. Um the teachers union has voted. Um 53% of them have chose uh option B. Um 46% of those who participated in the survey um were option A. So um I bring those before you today. We'll bring those back on um to officially vote on those back in January. So when we come back together after the start of the new year. I wanted to make sure to share that piece with you. Um any questions on those pieces that you've seen? >> So, so the main part was this the main difference is that August start >> that's a piece >> and 53% voted to start get things going on Tuesday of that week. >> On Tuesday um of that week. That is correct. Or no, I'm sorry. Wait a minute. >> Yeah. >> Yes.
014Yes, you are correct. Um the other thing that changes between those two calendars um are sometimes the where the the breaks fall and the length of those breaks sometimes is a different piece. >> Um we always try to look at with a little bit longer winter break and a shorter spring break and a longer winter break and a longer spring break and um again where those professional development days fall, where those parent teacher conference days fall. Um, so all of that is conversation that takes place at the committee level. Um, and making sure that that we they're different enough um that you know there's something to look at and vote on. Um, but that that is that piece. >> Okay. >> Fantastic. Um, moving on. We've had two committee meetings um since our last uh
015board meeting um to report on. So the first is uh CQC. Um our curriculum uh quality control committee has met under the direction of Mrs. Abby Abernathy. And I believe Miss Lewis, you're going to share out with us a little bit on that. >> Yes, thank you. Um for CQC, um just a few bullet point things to um to report back. um officially approved stats as a fullear course. Um so lots of good discussion even in the previous meeting um surrounding that good rationale sound um I I would say background work on that to make sure that that's a good decision for the students that would be um put it affected I guess by by that decision. Um, we are going to be sending out interest surveys um to the underclassmen uh to just get
016their uh thoughts and feelings about any new courses that they'd like to see. Um, I I think that's a strong piece for the district to offer um for the students to have a voice in um what kind of things they'd like to see um or or courses they'd like to take beyond what's required. Um maybe even related to um following or or creating a trajectory for a career plan. um how to incorporate that um CQCC piece or or however it will affect that that child's um learning trajectory for their future. Um so that's pretty exciting as well. >> Um and lastly, we meet this week and we'll discuss the course description guide. Um again going back to why we're all here and it's for the for the students and and what we um have to
017offer them. So >> fantastic. Thank you. A lot of good work coming out of that department. U Mrs. Abernath is doing a fantastic job. Thank you. >> Um the other committee that we that met um just last week was our policy committee meeting. Um and I can talk a little bit about that and Mr. Dley, Mrs. Bloom, if you want to jump in there, feel free. Um, we spent a little over two hours walking through a whole lot of policies that that we shared out with you all to take a look at >> and it showed. >> There was a lot there. Um, I I will tell you that the majority of changes um and and the majority of the changes that came before the committee were based on some legislative changes. A lot of
018the pieces came out of House Bill 96, which was our budget bill back in uh beginning part of July. Um a couple other tweaks from a couple other different um legislative pieces. Um there were a lot of pieces with the transportation aspect that were came to us from the governor's um safety committee, his council that he put together to survey some of those pieces. Lot of recommendations that came forward from that um that gave us the some of those pieces. is there was some cyber security. Um, and the other really big one that we had a lot of conversation about and really as the in the district we've had a lot of conversation since July because we knew this change was coming is that cell phone piece. Um, and I will share with you that
019u Mr. Norris and I put out a notification this morning to all of our students and uh guardians at Ross High School um just to make sure that they all know based on House Bill 96, it is required in law that beginning after schools when they restart back in January of 26 that those cell phones and all electronic devices must be put away during the quote instructional time. So, current language, which is what our policy has been written around, defined instructional day, uh, I'm sorry, defined instructional time. And that's currently what we have in place. At our elementary buildings, it's not a problem. Students may bring that device to school, but it's put away in their book bag. It's put away in their cubby. It is out of sight. It's a done done deal. At
020the middle school, students may bring that device to school, but it is in their locker. It is out of sight all day long. Currently, at the high school level, students are have the opportunity to not be on their device during instructional time, which is the opportunity of when our teachers are teaching and the students should be academic. However, there are downtimes in the high school day. So, current law, current policy allows for our students to have access to their device in between classes, during lunch, essentially during a study hall. Um, and that is how we are functioning currently. And I will tell you that my staff at the high school and my students at the high school have done a very, very good job with that. I will tell you in Fremont, that's not broken
021and we're doing okay. And I will tell you that due to the legislative changes, it is outside of the control of the local level here at Fremont City Schools and that across the state, the new language coming through the legislation says instructional day. The language in the law did not define that. However, DEW did an instructional day has been defined for every local district from the start of the day until the end of the day. So, at our high school from 7:30 to 2:30, our students will not have access to their devices. So, at the high school level, they are going to build in um a little bit of time at the beginning of the day where students will have an opportunity to make sure they all can get to their lockers. We've made sure
022that every student that is in the building for what classifies as a full-time student, um which is going to be 50% or more of their day will have access. They'll be assigned a locker with a lock and their phone will go in there and it will be safe and they they have time at the beginning of the day to get it there and still get to first period on time. So, we've changed the schedule a little bit. We're assigning those lockers and everyone will have a lock. So, if you choose to bring that device to school, it will be locked up and safe. for all of our students that are under that 50% um which is a lot of our students. High school looks very different than when I was in high school and we
023have a lot of kiddos that are coming and going whether they're at Vanguard or they're taking a CCP course or they're working and coming back in. >> Those students already check in every day at our attendance office. They have to sign in there. They scan their card. They get in there. they're come assigned to the building and make sure that we know they're in the building for security and safety reasons. They are then going to be assigned a number in a caddy that will be locked up in Mrs. uh Zisky's office. So, no extra stop for our student. They're coming there anyway. They'll hand in their device there. It's their slot on the caddy. It's assigned to them. She'll turn around behind her. She'll put it in that caddy and it will stay in there
024locked and safe until the end of the day or when they leave >> end of their day >> at the end of their day and then they'll stop in there and retrieve it back and out the door they go. So I believe that my high school administration has come up with a very sl solid plan um that will go into effect when we return to school on January 5th. There was a communication that went out um signed by Mr. Norris and myself this morning um detailing all of that for our students and our parents and guardians so that they are very well aware the consequences um are listed in there as well. Um and we are taking this very very seriously. This is legal. This is a law aspect. Um I can tell you that
025Mr. Norris and um his crew have been talking to students since the very first day of school. Um they have been telling them this is what we do right now. This is what it's going to be when we come back in January. This is how it's going to have to change. Um so we will do that. Um I encourage all of my parents that if they are not receiving parent square notifications, please make sure that your final forms is updated. Please make sure that you're downloading the app. Please make sure that you are controlling how you want those parent square messages. Um because your child will not have their device with them during the school day to text you anything. And so if you need a communication if in case there would be an incident
026at the building that parent square communication will be very important for you to know those pieces. I would also say that there are a couple of exceptions. Um if there's a medical need or a student with disability need, um those teams are in place and putting those pieces together. Um and then finally, I would just remind our families and guardians at home that we know how important it is um for you to have access for your child to communicate to you. Child can walk into the office at any time and say, "I need to call my mom. Forgot my lunch money. I need to call my mom. My bag for practice is at home. I left it in the backseat of the car. We will continue to make those calls and support um those communications.
027That's what we do. >> You know, I was thinking critical part of all that is >> we don't remember phone numbers anymore. >> Right. Well, the good thing is is we in the office can look them up. Exactly. >> So, we got you. But again, that's the >> the real importance of making sure that our our families and guardians are keeping that information and final forms updated, that is on them. They have that option to do that. >> But so if that cell phone number changes, >> right, and you're you're 100% right. I don't remember all of my kids' numbers because it's in my phone, >> right? >> Um >> so if what you have on record with us is not accurate >> Mhm. then we're going to have a disconnect, right? So, this is
028going to take a team. This is going to take all of us, but it is the law and we will be ready and we have a plan in place and it was one of our policies, one of the many, many, many that we discussed and walked through and >> yeah, I was looking there were 30 39 >> policies that we reviewed. >> Yeah. So, there are 39 policies. Thank you, Mr. Nally. Coming to you tonight for first reading when we get there. One question on the cell phone thing. >> Yes. >> Because it's state law. >> Uhhuh. >> And it's defined now by DEW. >> Does that mean every school in the state of Ohio or just public schools? >> Because we all know that there's that double standard of well, if I'm a community
029school, I have different standards. or if I'm a private school. Do we know? >> I am not positive with that. I would simp I would say that all aspects of DEW are not always applicable to all aspects of the educational bodies. >> As a public school system, we have no wiggle room. Every mandate that comes out of DEW, we must follow. >> Right. Um, but I can check on that to double check with you. But >> this isn't something that's coming from DEW. This is state law. >> This is legislative law. It was in House Bill 96. My mind all have to >> Right. In my mind, that should cover if you are in any type of educational >> Yep. >> thing for kids, >> right? >> That should fall under that. >> Yep. It's
030a K12 learning environment. >> Yeah. I think you're just trying to start a fight. No, I I agree. I agree with you that >> second, >> you know, I think >> I I agree with you that >> that >> what we need to see is consistency there, but you know, all the different papers that I was just reading through, you know, they were there was a lot of discussions especially with the uh equity and adequacy. there were a lot of uh times when they were talking about that that fairness component and some you know in different states are dealing with that AC you know across the country >> and but I'm not sure from the things I've read that that's going to go much beyond our public schools but it should. Yeah, >> that's usually
031how it plays out, right? Pretty much. I guess I would just encourage parents and families um we we've already kind of soft launched this like um like we went from having no real cell phone policy um I shouldn't say no no no real but like a less restrictive cell phone policy >> to what we've put in place that we're replacing right now. Um, so we've want like we're just traveling the gamut here and we've all made it. We've all survived. We've all been able to communicate. Um, I I think the piece um, Superintendent Hurt that you mentioned about it's the instructional day. It's not that they can't have it, you know, they can bring it to the school. It has to be put up. Um, and then when they're done at the end of the
032day, so if there are those critical, you know, pieces like I I frequently send that text that says, "Hey, I know I'm supposed to pick you up. I'm going to be 15 minutes late." Do you think the first thing your kid's not going to do when they get to their their locker is get their loan? I mean, they're going to, you know what I mean? So, they're going to see those messages that, you know, that you said. So we um it it sounds like good work has been done. I can attest to Mr. Norris has been and and the administration has been um from day one like you said um because that was a that was a dinner conversation in January, you know, so the kiddos know and we're all going to make it. It's
033going to be fine and we're all going to make it. And if we have legitimate, you know, concerns about communication and contact, you you talk with the building administrator and we work it out. >> Absolutely. And the rationale behind the language in the law >> was never the intention was never to cause hardship, correct, >> for students or for families. >> Correct. The the intention, my understanding of the intention of the law is to build the opportunity for students to engage with each other, >> to engage academically with their instructors. >> Yep. >> Um and to have to learn again to have conversation that doesn't look like this, >> right? Um and I think that that's that's the purpose in the law. And I will tell you, I have had in the last year and
034a half when we have gone to that more restrictive piece for I've had students say to me, you know what, I kind of like that I can't have it in class. There are pluses to that they're engaging more >> for the reason that they're there. >> Um, now I still hear from kids that tell me it's horrible and stupid and I'm, you know, cutting off their arm kind of a thing. So, >> I can't breathe. >> Yeah. Yeah. But it is the plan. We are here and it was a it was a big discussion in the policy committee >> and one day we all did survive without cell phones in our pockets >> anywhere unless you wanted to pay for it. And >> I think the other thing too is for especially for parents is
035and we tell kids this and sometimes they don't take it to heart. >> If you simply ask a couple questions that can eliminate frustration >> or anxiety. Ask questions before you jump the gun or just assume anything because sometimes two questions answered can make things a whole lot smoother. You know, we tell kids that all the time. Well, all you got to do is ask. >> Everybody's here to answer a question if you need it. You got to ask, though. So, same with parents, man. If you got questions, call the office, call the school office, call every administrator is going to be able to explain this to you >> or principal or whatever else and you could get that frustration maybe taken care of before it >> gets too bad. So, >> absolutely. All right,
036a quick check from my fax person out here in the audience, Mrs. Abernathy. Um, private schools are not required to ban cell phones, >> which doesn't mean that they won't. >> Mhm. But they're not required by law. However, community schools are required to have a policy very similar to ours. >> So, >> yeah, I think they should all be banned at dinner time. We never let the kids have them at the table. It irritates me when you go to a restaurant and the whole family sitting there like this. Like, put that down. Talk to them. Talk to those kids. My grandson, he's he'll probably won't have a cell phone till he's in somewhere in junior high maybe, >> but he's I go out to eat with him and the phone goes away and I sit
037and talk to him. So, good. Very good. So, we will get through January. >> Yep. >> Right. Um, any other questions about policy? >> Okay. >> All right. I >> think we can go ahead and move on to recommendations. >> Wonderful. Thank you very much. Um just some information um and does not need to have um a roll call but just that we will need to appoint that president prom for the organization meeting scheduled for January 12th. Um organizational tax meeting scheduled for January 12th that those pieces are coming. So I just wanted to make sure that we include those pieces here so that um public knows that we will be getting after those pieces um and getting in front of January. Um item number one, I would ask that you consider the approval of
038some very very generous donations. Um once again coming into our community, um Gatorade and water for our wrestling teams, um hats, gloves, hats, uh crutches. We had somebody had some extra crutches we took um that we can keep in our nurses station and our athletic trainer. Um sometimes those needs really do come up. So it was just been wonderful. socks and underwear and um a very generous donation um to our district food pantry. So I would ask that you approve those items, please. >> I have a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Motion by Miss Lewis. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Bloom. Any discussion? I would just like to say for one, uh, Gunther at G&D Extreme Autodetailing, the Gatorade and Water, just not to just pull one donation out
039because they're all very important and we appreciate all of them. I just happen to be a part of that one in the wrestling world. Um, it is what he does is he donates Gatorade cases of Gatorade and water. He brought it in on a trailer, pulled a trailer in with his truck. Um, and he got enough for boys wrestling and girls wrestling. So, we unload it and it is literally cases of Gator Gatorade and water for us to take to tournaments, to meets so that they can stay hydrated throughout the day. Like yesterday, we were at an all day tournament. We had two cases of water and a case of Gatorade for us and that was taken care of from them. So just >> it it's a huge help for the wrestling community >> to
040have that. So Gunther, thank you. >> You're generous. >> All right, roll call, please. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Um, thank you, sir. U, those policies begin with item number two and go to item 43. Um, >> so you slipped in three policies. >> I didn't count them. They are all there. >> Um, she I think Yep. >> Um, so if we could please look at um item 2 to 43 and have a first reading on those policies. >> All right. Uh, can I get a motion to approve items 2 through 43, please? So move >> motion by Mr. Nally. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >>
041Roll call, please. >> Give me one second. I got to add the roll call to my version. Sorry about that. >> Nope, you're good. >> Okay, so it's Mr. Nally and >> Laura. >> Miss Layman. >> Thank you, >> Miss Layman. >> Okay. Sorry about that. >> All right, Mr. Nally. Yes, >> Miss Layman. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bloom. >> Yes. Ms. Lewis. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Price. >> Yes. Motion's approved. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Um, you will see them all again at the next meeting so that we can make it get that official. Um, item number 44 uh starts some of our staff pieces. Um, and I would like to acknowledge the resignation of our head football coach, uh, Coach Chad Long. Um I was very surprised to receive that resignation letter and
042he is leaving us with 10 years of dedicated service to the district. Um he will be maintaining his uh teaching position and his other coaching supplementals at this time. Um so but he's going to step away from the helm of football. He has informed us. Um item number 45. Uh we have some appointments. Um yay Mrs. King's department. She keeps really working us with a couple we have a couple certified staff substitutes as well as some support staff and uh Victoria Biggs will be joining us after winter break at Ross High School as one of our cooks and Paul Ladage who has been subbing for us as a bus driver um has completed all of those pieces and we will now be hiring him on um and so he will have a regular route with
043us and that is fantastic anytime we can add a Um item number 46, we have a couple of supplemental contracts beginning with Angela Hush um and down to Joe Hershey. And I would like to just call out there um Isaiah McDonald with the Men with Manners Advisor for Fremont Middle School. >> Um Men with Manners is um one of those pieces that we've had in place at the elementary level for for several years now. And it's kind of like that make a difference club that Mr. Price noted at the beginning with our ladies from the pledge. Um it's an opportunity for those elementary students to ha come together in this aspect as men um as students growing into men and having opportunity to hear from speakers and learn different aspects and be able to put
044things in place in their lives. Earlier this year, we added for the first time girls with goals and um that component. >> Men with manners is new here at the middle school with Isaiah McDonald running helm. When they made an announcement, I was informed that they because we do have some policy in the district that if we're going to start a new club or an activity, um you know, there's a threshold of how many kids we need we want to have involved. So they made an announcement that if there was to see if there was any interest and 80 >> 80 middle school boys came down and signed up on that clipboard. And I just think that that is worth shouting out because that a that tells me that our what we're doing at the
045elementary level is fantastic and is working and that those gentlemen who were then coming to the middle school were maybe missing that aspect a little bit and wanted to start that and have that here at FMS. >> Um so Mrs. Parker went all the way through and got found and we posted for a advisor and they're going to get up and running in January. And I think that that's just pretty cool aspect. Wanted to point that out. >> And what a perfect example of a man with manners. Um and Mr. McDonald um he is a he is an asset. >> Um >> and and will continue to be a strong asset in this capacity. I I wholeheartedly agree with you. He will model and lead. Well, >> do we have men with manners at all
046the grade schools or we do? Okay. >> We do. I wasn't sure because I asked Grayson and he said I don't know. He didn't say anything about it. He's in >> some of the buildings do a little bit different grade levels. Sometimes it's just four five, sometimes it's 345. Um, so there's they they >> very similar concept. They run a little differently. Um, but yeah, all the buildings have that aspect which is very cool. >> All right. Um item number 47 gives us uh some supplementals. We have a couple coaches being added there. Um item number 48 is a lifeguard, a student to be um to join us. And item 49 are a couple of status changes. And that takes us to the end of the staff. >> Can I get a motion to approve
047items 44 through 49, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second. Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >> Doc just couldn't stay away, huh? >> Coming back to give us one more junior class prom, I think. >> Oh, nice. >> We're on it. >> And to uh Chad, thank you for the years of service as our football coach. Um, being an outstanding coach, but also helping those kids along the way for those 10 years. So, still have him on staff and we still have DJ Gordo as our wrestling coach. So, he's that's a nickname for him. Sorry. So, but uh he'll get it if he hears it. But, uh so anyway, we're we're happy he's still wrestling coach, but just stepping back from Thank you. >> Roll
048call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. >> Yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Nelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> All right. Thank you. >> Moving on to report of the treasur. >> Good evening. Um like Mr. Nally said earlier, there are um some significant house bills with school finance. Right now, our top four that we've really been focusing on um is House Bill 29, House Bill 18, 129, 186, 309, and 335. They're all really focusing on the subject of property tax and reforming. Um, this is a really hot topic. They are all currently passed in the House and Senate. They have not been sent to the governor yet, which is interesting that they were all passed I want to say late like November 21stish. Don't quote
049me on that date exactly, but >> Thanksgiving. before Thanksgiving. They have yet to go to the governor for signing. Um the really like the governor has 10 days to move on that with vetos and signing those bills into law, but they have not been sent to him yet for signature. So, we're just kind of in a waiting realm with those, which is really interesting with how move quickly they moved through both the House and the Senate, and now they're not being moved into that last step. So, I feel like we've talked about these four house bills for a while and saying about how quickly they've moved and now we're in the spirit holding area. So, just a fun little um >> I think that's why I had uh was kind of researching today and I
050was really having a hard time figuring that out because I had heard that some of those four or five had been moving on and then, you know, all the information just says that it's been moving on, but then I went to the governor's site and it nothing was showed. showing that something's on his desk. >> Yeah. Yep. I checked all four and they are all they've completed the whole process. They have not been sent to the governor. So, that is where they are currently all sitting. So, >> you shared a chart with us that kind of showed >> the inflation. >> Yeah. because I I know that basically that was showing that we'd be down about a million dollars which is significant in 2027. >> Yeah, that was the effect of Let me find that
051real quick. I think it's this last one. Uh that was the So, House Bill 129 and 186 that they did simulations or we've done simulations to figure out what our actual local um effect would be and it would result like you said in a million dollars in fiscal 27 because that's when um it would touch our values cuz it was based upon collection times and when reappraisals happen and that those different cycles that happen in the county auditor's office. So, >> well, and my point was, you know, that's just again an example of why we have to really kind of be aware and on top and um because it can be kind of one of those poof million dollars is gone from the budget and and that is significant in our school district. Yeah, that's
052never something I like to see when they give us simulations for our funding and we all of a sudden have a million dollars that it's not there anymore. It's fun time. I always go tell Mrs. Hurt she needs to start cutting >> her spending and just went and slashed her budget. Um I also had >> funny not funny though that well by the way >> because there's certain things like oh I don't know the electric bill the gas bill I can't cut. So >> yeah. Um the other thing I know I had sent with one of my updates. I really think this is his take on the um different house bills with property tax. Senator Blessing had some really interesting comments. I hope you guys got to watch that link that I had sent out
053cuz he really talked about how I don't I think it was House Bill 309 what that's really going to do. Yes, it looks like a great fix for now, but what does that look like over time? He goes, "Are we sitting here saying that we don't think that um schools are not spending their money correctly? Like, is that really what we're saying?" And I just really thought his take on the whole thing was very interesting on from a public from school finance like he kind of got it and he talked about more of a long-term um fix to maybe this problem. So just I can resend you that link. I just really It was nice to actually hear somebody that sounded like they got it >> that's out in our >> There's very few. >>
054Mhm. >> Yeah. So, it was just I really liked hearing somebody kind of step up in our legislature and say, "Hey, our school districts aren't just out there spending money like it's >> making it rain." >> Yeah. >> Right. So, it was it was like I said, it was just really nice to have somebody not bash on school districts and how we spend our money. So, >> it's amazing to me, too, that that's kind of the the >> thinking that you get from everybody, yet we're audited every single year. So, how do they think that we're misappropriating money? Yeah. When we actually have the state >> like to know is our state legislature audited very well every year. I mean, I I mean, >> if we're holding feet to the fire, let's go across the
055board to everybody, >> but I mean, we're audited by the actual auditor of state every year. So, it's not like we're hiding $10 million and we're giving kickback somewhere. I don't know what they're thinking, but >> and I can tell you it is like a hawk what those auditors pull and you better have every signed, sealed, delivered. >> Some of the funniest stuff that we're like, >> "Oh, well that should be fine." No, >> no, I'm sorry that's not. So, >> yeah. I think another thing people don't realize and I was uh had had read where in 1999 um our public schools were funded by the state at a rate of 45.7%. Now this year we're closer to 35%. So as costs have gone up through the years since 1999, all these costs have gone
056up and then boom, you know, now you know, hey, here's 35% instead of, you know, 45%. >> Make it work. >> And yeah, so you know, we all know costs have gone up. That's the whole big issue that's out there right now. >> Question is is where did that money go? >> That that part or as the kids do? Well, one point $1.7 billion is going to, you know, that voucher system and >> and really that system has kind of gotten out of >> that system's gotten out of control where it's basically >> everybody's eligible. >> Yeah. >> And you know, it was originally put out there for people who, you know, had maybe who were economically disadvantaged or those individuals. Now it's everybody. And it's not to say that the people who are sending
057their kids to private school are rich or wealthy. It's the fact that um you know constitutionally those dollars are supposed to be going to public schools. >> If you want to change it, that's where you change it. And >> sorry we're interrupting you, Megan. No, but I can I can see the governance of like what what we would call carryover funds like like to make sure that in a district, you know, if this is your annual, you know, operating budget that we make sure that we do things appropriately and so to have some type of that governance over funding that we got. I I get that at some level. All the rest of this is like I I don't I don't understand. >> They don't either. So >> So there's that part. >> Um we
058also have a finance committee coming up this week that will be going over some different finance items. We're closing out November this week. Um, moving into December with our books, open enrollment is done for the district and payroll was all set to roll with new effective rates first pay December. It's a huge undertaking. Marina and Justin were double-checking, triple-checking, making sure everything was where it needs to be with those insurance rates. Marina was all over every employee in this district to get their open enrollment done if it was not. Um she's she's got it. She's on them. She has laptops in her office. She had spares and know she's like, "All right, come in. I will walk you through it. I will hold your hand, but you are doing it." I'm like, "H, love that.
059>> That's good. Good." >> Yeah. We are also getting ready to wrap up the end of the year with our calendar year end items. We have a a meeting with our a site that goes over just those annual things that we have to do in the office to get everything wrapped up for the year end. And it's just with some of those tasks that you only do one time a year, there's it's always nice to have somebody say, "Okay, now remember this is what we do." And it's like, "Okay, yep, now those wheels are turning." You can go back and kind of go, "Okay, this is a process. Does anything pop out as what we need to adjust?" So that will always be a fun meeting to attend. Okay. >> Um so if we want
060to move on to the recommendations. >> Yep. >> Of item 50, we have the October fiscal year um 26 financial report. that really kind of got tied up into my first forecast. Trying to come up with a title for it. I don't remember. Um, just a couple things to note. Our income tax, we had the first two collections. They're up just over 1.35%. That's very reflective for our local economy. We normally are more in the 4% range of that being up annually, but we're only looking at 1.35. So, just kind of reflects how we are moving with um our current economy. And that again just kind of highlights that lack of predictability when it comes to income tax. That number floats so heavily for us. I can't stress that enough. That's just uh it's not
061easy to forecast on our income tax levy. Just we're always unsure where that ball is going to hit exactly with those collections. Our state funding is just up 1% in 4 months, which is a little sad because our expenses are up 1.4% for just salaries alone. Um, we also had some other purchases with buses and stuff that increased our expenses a little bit in other areas, but we have to get our buses back up. I think our last bus finally put us into having the whole fleet working. I know we had >> and I think we're scheduled for two in the spring. I think we were >> Yeah. The last one we got was um a specific >> special bus for our students with disability, >> right? >> so if I >> unfortunately we got
062to have them and they're not cheap. >> No. >> I know when I started I think they were like under a h 100,000 and now they're up to like >> 30 to 150. Yeah. >> I can remember 90. That's >> easy for a for a decent bus. And >> yeah, we won't get one under 130 now. >> And we have to have it and we have to we'd be farther off if we didn't stick to a schedule where we were regularly, you know, trying to stay update updated with those items. So that's kind of where our October is hitting for the year. Like I said, that's really more it was highly we went over it in the 5-year forecast, so I didn't go into too much detail to bore you with tonight. >> So, >>
063okay. >> Yep. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve item 50, please? So moved. >> 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. Motions approved. >> Um, item 51 on the agenda tonight, um, some changes to permanent appropriations. The vast majority of these are for athletics. This is their fundraising money that they've earned throughout the year and now they want to be able to spend it for their different programs on different um things for their teams. And then that last one I do want to go over just a little bit more in depth. >> Good
064answer. >> So that last one is for our food service fund and it says 120,000. So when we approve appropriations, we do 100% of what we spent the previous fiscal year. If any of you have looked at your grocery bill recently, your grocery bill is a lot more expensive than what it was last year. We are running into that same thing. Our cost for the food service program is going up. We are very fortunate in that we have a very good food service fund. Um I think we have a balance of I believe one. We started the year with 1.5 and I believe we're sitting right around 1.5. So we are pretty much bringing in what we're taking out. So we are just wanting to be able to spend some of that money. We only
065currently have about $700,000 appropriated to that line. So, we want to free up a little bit more of that 1.6 to spend. This kind of directly correlates to our being completely um free for our students for our regular meals. Um our reimbursements are only for kids that actually qualify for free status and reduced, but we have that for the whole district. So we are seeing that we have to spend a little more money which was with our balance and our food service fund that was part of our spend down plan because we did have a financial review and they said to spend down that separate fund which is um our food service. So, we are just we very conservatively looked at where we're at right now and where we think we're going to come in
066on some of those higher bills and we felt like 120 should help for the rest of the year, but we will reook at that in a couple months and have to may have to increase it later. We're not sure. >> so that's a pretty educated guess based on costs and getting through the end of the year right now. >> Yes. But as things continue to inflate, that might need to be adjusted. >> When we say end of year, we say >> school year. >> Our school year. So we're >> Yes. Our school year. Yep. >> Yeah. Better not be the end of this month. >> Yeah. >> So I'm coming for lunch. What are we having for $120,000? >> Um and and just another note in there when we look at those food service that
067food service fund. Um, just a reminder that >> that is all federal funds. >> It's all federal funds. That's very specific about how those funds can be utilized. We can only spend those funds on certain items that are very specific around how we're serving children, who is serving children, what we're serving children. Certifications that are employees hold like all that like that is very specific and that is heavily audited every year. Not that nothing isn't but right. straight out of the federal government with those funds. And so just I think it's important to just say that to our community again um when we talk about having six million sitting there >> that can only be used for these things. >> Mhm. >> So >> and we do. >> Yes. And we do. Yes. >> And
068we do it appropriately. Yeah. I think we feed our kids really well. I got invited to a Thanksgiving feast at Krogan Elementary and the kiddos were tasting squash. >> Um, which was really fun. >> Yeah, >> it was something very different for them. >> Um, and kindergarters had that predisposed notion, right? So, they were all into it and they were all excited to try something new and >> um, but you know those vegetables, those those real produce pieces, those cost money, too. >> It's hard. So, >> it was actually funny. My nephew came to Thanksgiving dinner and he was like, "I want what we had at school." I'm like, "What?" >> Was it the squash? >> What they tried? Each building may have something different, but >> it was basically like mashed potatoes with your
069whole Thanksgiving like just mixed together. >> Yeah, like a bowl. Yes. >> So, he had a mashed potato bowl and he thought that was the coolest thing ever. So, >> they're learning good things in the cafeteria. That's good. >> Yeah. We will let Miss um Michael live another day. >> Um could I just ask a question real quick? With these other appropriations, is it coincidental that the number is exactly the same? >> I just looked at that myself and was like, that's interesting. We get the numbers from the athletic director, so I don't have a good enough reason for that right this second, but I will definitely let you know next meeting. But I will also send the board an email to what why it's exactly the same. I don't know if they got a
070certain dollar amount or if they just saying everybody gets to spend this much. >> I'll have to Yeah. If it was like divided out, >> I'll have to ask cuz Yeah, I just looked at them like that's interesting that they are all exactly the same dollar amount. >> Okay. Yeah, those come in from the different appropriation requests like that usually come in from the department heads and then go down to my accounts payable person and she usually gives me a great rundown, but we had a little bit of a Megan was on vacation overlap and so I did not get that rundown before tonight. So I will definitely let you guys know though. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh can I get a motion to approve item 51 then please? >> Motion by Miss
071Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Mr. Nelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> All right, moving on to board member communications. Uh, Lori. >> Um, well, thank you to Andy Mari for the the pledge. I've known their mom ever since she was in grade school. The whole family. Um, my mom was friends with their mom. So, and then all the donations are highly appreciated very much. Gunther, awesome guy. Him and D, I know both of them. Known both for a long time. Great people. He was so excited the first time he did it. So, I'm sure he'll come back and do it again. and the
072policy committee. We had quite a day was it was a long it was 2 and 1/2 hours. It was a lot of going over state just loves to change everything. And Megan, thank you for your uh forecast and your uh explanations. And that's about it. >> Well, first off, I want to give the eighth graders kudos to what this whole pod looks like. You guys really made it look like Whoville in here. Looks nice. >> It is amazing. >> From the characters on the wall to the everything. There's even a fireplace over here with stockings on it. >> It's very nice. Uh-huh. And I will say again, I know we talked about a little bit earlier, Coach Long. I mean, I've kind of been on the road with you ever since you started coaching in
073Fremont. Um when I was helping with the football feed, uh we had uh Craig East then and we were actually serving out of STOM school and then you came and it was just a really good it was a good run of football. I mean, and I and I kind of, you know, sent him a a note on this and just told him, you know, there's just so many things to be proud of, but um I mean, you were just a good leader down to taking the kids to camp before the season started in the summer to I don't know, you were just really always really involved with the kids and and they appreciate that. And I always knew that my kids were safe with you. So, um, I would have to say thinking back to
074all the years, and I also told him this, the years of football, the packed stadiums, the roaring crowds, it was fun. It was always a fun environment. And I think my favorite year probably would have been in 2017. We were down in Finley and we ended up playing three overtimes that night. Now, we came away with a loss, but those boys, and this is what I'm saying, all those years, man, they battled it out in the field and they went back and forth, and you guys are the coaching staff. You guys led these boys to do that. And we came away with a loss that night, but I mean, pulling out of Finley at 11:30, quarter till midnight. We were about our nerves were shot. I will say that much. All of us parents, but
075it was a really good game. And the Fremont stands of course were packed even at the away games and we were just man it was a good game. But anyways I I always think back to all those years and I I would have to say that was that was probably something. But I mean how many coaches can say yeah my team went into three overtimes at this game and if Finley on at that you know that's that's a big rivalry. So I don't know. I'm going to miss uh seeing you out in the field, but I mean I understand, you know, you just got to do what you got to do and I'll still see you around and we'll look forward to seeing what Fremont has coming up next. So, just thank you. Thank you
076for everything you did for the boys and for Fremont Fremont football. Sarah, >> um the holiday parade um on Saturday um was was really awesome and included a lot of our students in different capacities. Um it was really neat to see um not not um just a lot of school-aged kids from our community participating in like I said different capacities. Uh the ballet school had um the the dancers in the one intersection. Um our marching band, some of our local churches, >> somebody else I know was uh bus yeah >> driving a bus during the uh the the parade. So it was just nice to see so many people um and the community really showed up um for that event. So Front Street was just packed. There was some some little guys standing beside where
077I was sitting and when they saw I don't know if it was Mr. Chambers and the drone, you know, going over, they're like, you know, like they were famous, you know. Um, but I I I really like our holiday parade and and that so many of our um our young people participate um in that. Um, I would just encourage families to visit all the local um holiday attractions around if you're looking for something to do. Lots of things that don't cost a thing. Um, or or have a minimal um fee. There's lights at the fairgrounds, the courthouse. Um, just going through the downtown. Um the some of the the shops did window decorating and it's lit up down there and it's just a nice way to get in the in the Christmas spirit. Um changing
078directions just a little bit last week here in the district. Um and I don't want to cause any alarm, but it just seemed like a week of Mondays. I mean, some some things were, you know, small and tedious. Some things were a little bit more public and involved. Um, and it just seemed like there's a school cancellation, there's a accident, you know, it's just a a week of Mondays. Um, but I really wanted to commend um our district administrators for how things were handled. Um, and and that in all that we we um we can still come out on top and live to fight another day like somebody else said, but um just job job well done and how things were handled last week. >> I have something to add to yours. If you want
079looking at lights and you go out Morrison, I think it's called James Street. >> You turn right, there is a house and it is just beautiful. And if you go at the right time, there's Santa and some elves and they're passing out chocolate, hot chocolate and cookies. My daughter took the grandkids through there. The two older ones held hid and the 2-year-old wouldn't stop talking. So, but I drove through and it's just beautiful. And Fremont has stepped up this year with the lights. I mean, Morrison Road all over by the um the Haye Center them. It's just beautiful. But that house out there is just you got to come in through James and then you come out on miles. But it's beautiful. It's absolutely I didn't even know it existed till she told me about
080it. Mhm. >> I don't know how long it's been there, but it was gorgeous. >> For a number of uh number of years. >> See, and I didn't even know about it. >> Yep. >> It's gorgeous. >> Yeah. Um just kind of going back when we um talked a little bit about the donations, you know, I I think it's just >> Bless you. really neat to see how our community you were talking about, you know, the kids involvement and different things. And, you know, when you look at that donation list, it it really covers a lot of things that impact our families and our kids. You know, when you talk about gloves and socks and um you know, and then you know, we received a a nice donation. you know, I know they're not looking
081for attention, but from um the Zimmerman's at Westview uh Veterary Hospital um made a nice donation to our food pantry. And I think, you know, just the recognition that we're doing some good things and that our community's good about stepping up and, you know, helping when it's needed because I think uh Mr. or talked a lot about the um uh when we're going through that issue with SNAP benefits and you know and people having that uh food insecurity and to be able to have a good uh room or access to food, you know, for our high school kids and uh and throughout the district. So, uh I think that's a real uh a real positive. The other thing, uh, a number of us had the opportunity to go to the, uh, Ohio School Board Association
082conference down in Columbus, uh, last last week and, um, there were some really some good speakers, uh, in terms of some of the the topics and, you know, I I think it in the long run, I think it's money well spent when a district can have some of their board and some of their administrators participate in a conference of that magnitude and you know it's you know a thousand thousand plus people there and you know people are moving from room to room but you know when you if you take the time which most you know we we all did you know put together our list of what sessions we're going to go to it it helps us become better board members and you guys become better uh administrative people and you know then there's some
083sessions that are just you know more motivational and uh we one of the speakers was uh John Khonis who you know we see on TV all the time and uh one of them was uh I think it's pronounced Leila >> Leila Ali, >> Ali, Muhammad Ali's daughter and, you know, kind of talking. So, you know, it gives a different perspective of, you know, what people are experiencing in their in their lives. And then I think the other thing is, you know, for some of us, you know, stepping outside of um maybe our comfort zone. And um I know this year um Mrs. Miss Layman and I, you know, had the opportunity to go to the Black Caucus dinner and uh it was different than it was last year, but the key thing there is they're
084they're recognizing people that have done some good things, but also they they provided a number of scholarships for kids and you know, so I I think that was a positive. And um and then the final piece was um you know some of the the vendors and I I did not get to go into the vendor area last year but this year kind of got got around uh probably about half of it. It's just amazing how many vendors are there and and it's just like going to an auction. You just have to, you know, keep your blinders on and you walk forward. Otherwise, you're going to be talking to every booth and but but there's the the things that are available to us as a district and, you know, people not afraid to take their expertise
085and start a a business and be a consultant and do those things. you know, it take, you know, you got to be able to step out and do those things. And um I think it just helps make our district and our state stronger despite all the uh political side of things down in Columbus. There's there's that that side of uh us with growth. So that's all I had. Um, well, thank you for Andy and Amara coming in to lead us in the pledge again. Um, I like that part of the board meeting, just having the students come in. It's just fun. Um, thank you again to our community for the donations, um, and all the help that it does for our kids. Um, and last thing, just a plug for the wrestling. Thursday night is
086a big night for us for Fremont. It's going to be boys and girls wrestling. Um, it's going to be senior night, so we can honor our seniors who wrestle, both boys and girls. Um, it's at Fremont Ross in the gym. It's alumni night, so if you are a wrestling alum, um, you're free to get in for the match. It's against Finley. It's a duel against Finley, and we'll be wrestling boys and girls, not together, but at the same time. So, it'll be a girls match, a boys match, girls match, boys match. So, you get to see everybody. Um, we're trying to fill it up and we're doing some special things just to kind of get some some uh energy going and stuff and have a really fun night. So, it should be a good night
087if if you're looking for something to do on a cold Thursday night. >> What time is that start time? Around 6, >> I believe the senior uh recogniz or recognition is going to be like 5:45. Wrestling is supposed to start at 6. So, >> yeah. So with that, uh, no reason for executive session. So if I could I have a motion for adjournment, please. >> So moved. >> 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. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. Meetings adjourned.