001[Music] All [Music] right, we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order. Uh before we stand for the pledge, I want to introduce our student for tonight leading our pledge. It's Valdez Wilburn. He's an eighth grade student here at Fremont Middle School and he is the son of Melinda Woods. So, if we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance and Valdez will lead us in the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible. >> Very good. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Okay, let's line up for this man. >> Let's go. That's right. You did it. [Laughter] All right. It's nice to get back into the swing of having a student come in, lead
002the pledge every time we have a board meeting. So, um, with that, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> here. >> Miss Layman, >> here. >> Miss Lewis, >> here. >> Mr. Nelly, >> here. >> Mr. Price, >> here. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from our regular meeting held August 25th, 2025, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Could I or uh any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. >> Mr. Nelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. Moving on to legislative report. Don, >> yes. uh wanted to mention a few things. Most of them are were in the uh facts in a flash
003that was uh sent out to board members August 25th. Uh one of the items that I wanted to mention which um you know a lot of times we complain about uh the general assembly and some of the actions that they're taking. I think this is one that in my mind we can buy into and that is the state commissioned a study to evaluate the needs of economically disadvantaged students uh and addressing their needs and the cost of those services. And uh the the full study is available um if uh by clicking the the link there. But the nice thing was is it shows that uh we are as a state we are underfunding the disadvantaged students uh by $3,294 per uh per year and it's really calling for an investment like 48% increase. And so
004if that comes to fruition, obviously that's a positive. I think for us as a district, you know, for those uh children who are in economically disadvantaged situations, um it allows us to have more dollars and this is tied into um replacing the current disadvantaged pu pupil impact aid. So, uh hopefully I'm not missing anything on that, but uh it it looks like that it's a positive that something's being tried and done. Also, the uh governor's uh uh workg group that he put together uh had a presentation um I think it was a couple weeks ago now. uh and it was uh from the fair school funding work group and they presented and talked about uh several topics, but obviously one of the main topics they talked about was uh residential property owners and and the
005taxes that are that are paid. And so they did have some of those discussions. Um, also, um, I wanted to mention, um, our our representative, uh, has sponsored three new bills. Um, and I guess they're calling them, uh, taxpayer freedom trilogy. And there's an act one, two, and three. And um and those are dealing with um one um House Bill 420 uh as proposed is talking about disallowing and eliminating continuing levies uh by 2030. Uh the second one uh deals with um electors being able to reduce unvoted property taxes by a referendum vote. And then the third item uh talks about um this is the one that talks about um an increase would increase the approval threshold required for passage of certain property taxes. And obviously when we're talking now, you know, 50 50% or
00650% point plus one vote uh will pass, which means a majority of the con um of the electors have said this is a good thing. If something like that is kicked into obviously uh at 55 or 60% it's going to make it virtually impossible to you know uh get to those some of those levels. And so I think, you know, um we definitely need to be part of proactive in talking uh to our legislators and especially those that are uh sponsoring and uh co-sponsoring uh those types of bills. So I I kind of wanted to share that. Um and then the third thing uh just wanted to make a statement regarding uh the vouchers. Um I think there was a an article that talked about um like the state of Missouri um there was a
007judge that basically said uh vouchers are unconstitutional and he did not say vouchers are unconstitutional. we have to stop it immediately. what he said uh is the same thing that our Ohio um an Ohio judge said was they're unconstitutional but let it run the appellet uh system you know and that's fine but what ends up happening so often in that appellet system it just drags it out you know you go to that next level then you and then finally to the Supreme Court, you know, and um and then in the course of that time, the bill or the questions change. So, I think it's really important again that we keep track of that. And um you know, I definitely and you know, I know we all are strong uh supporters of public schools. We really
008need to continue to be a part of the voucher system of understanding what's going on. And uh I think it was uh whereas Missouri uh one of the things I was reading it said um they're talking about $51 million is their investment in that the voucher system and uh that's like for one year. Well the state of Ohio currently uh in this next bianium is 1.5 million so over two years. So again, 750 million as compared to 51 million. So our state really has made a significant investment and you know when that investment happens it also means it's coming off the same line item as our public schools. You know uh it's taking dollar for dollar away from what could be helping our public schools throughout Ohio. So, um, so I'll continue to keep you
009informed of any changes, but just wanted to mention those areas if anybody has any comments. But where do we start? Right. Yeah. >> Or just once again, they just put the cart before the horse. I It's great to talk about levies and taxes, property taxes, and everything else. Changing percentage of approval. Are we going to do that across the board or is it just going to be for levies? I mean, you know, I mean, are state representatives and senators going to have to go with the same approval percentage that a levy does, >> right? >> You know, um, but it's great to talk about everything, but no one has come forth with an answer of let's fix how we're going to fund this stuff first, then we'll get rid of that stuff. Because otherwise it
010feels like a very pointed attack on >> public education, right? >> Yet we can help spend what $600 million on a Cleveland Brown stadium, >> right? >> But we're going to eliminate I mean it they want public schools to fail. I mean it that's the bottom line. >> Yeah. >> They can do everything they want to and they just want it to fail. Well, and it's very scary to, you know, when we hear that and then realizing that um putting uh again uh when we're affecting how taxes are collected and paid and what would end up happening with a lot of these scenarios, it's going to throw it back to the local and local property taxes. And we know property taxes are, you know, the voters are not just going to click their finger and
011say, "Hey, this is a good idea." You know, we have to sell them on it, obviously. But where are those dollars that are being taxed in our community going to the state? Are they flowing back to us? And what we're seeing is some of those dollars are now flowing to um those other uh entities, right? >> Uh you know, and and I think again, we're in scary times. >> Yeah. Funding public schools is not the job of the local person. Funding public schools is the job of the state of Ohio, >> right? >> That's in our constitution. >> Exactly. >> So why are they going to put it back on levies for our local community? That's not our job. We pay our state taxes. The state should fund public schools. >> It's for failure. >>
012Yes. >> It's for failure. >> Oh yeah. Absolutely. >> Oh boy. >> Next. >> Yes. >> We better move on. We can be here all night. >> That's all I have. >> All right. Thanks. >> Uh, no walk-on items tonight. >> No, sir. >> No one from the community wanted to speak, so we don't need to worry about that. Moving on to superintendent report. >> Thank you, Mr. Price. Good evening everyone. Um I just have a few things. Um the wonderful Gina Heinline has left a newsletter for all of you. If you did not receive yours in the mail, um there's a copy for you that did go out to our um greater community this last week and a lot of good information, a lot of kickoff information for the school year and end of
013summer um within those pages. So, um I think it's another well done, uh communication that we can really share a lot of good information on. So, I wanted to make sure to share that with you. Um we do are we currently do have a board meeting scheduled for Monday, November 17th. Um due to the OSBA conference, we will be in Columbus on that time. So, what we would like to suggest is that we would move that meeting um November meeting to Monday, November 10th at 6 p.m. here um and just shift that up a week and we'll put out a public um notification as well if that change works for all of you. Um we'll just go the week before capital conference. Um I sent out with uh my weekly last Friday um some information
014about the work sessions and just kind of wanted to make sure that everybody saw that piece. Um it was it's been several years now where we you as a board we as an administrative body um looked at that second board meeting of the month as an opportunity to educate ourselves um wholeheartedly as well as share information with our community. So, in the past several years, we've really had a variety of topics that were have been shared. Um, we've looked at individual grade levels and content areas. We have looked at departments within um the district. Most recently, last year, we shared out um our current strategic plan in the process of revamping and reviewing with everyone to move us forward to develop our new strategic plan. Um so what I'm would like to suggest to you
015is that we would use our work sessions this year and I will create a schedule where we will highlight individual buildings. Um I will work with our building administrative teams and um ask them to brainstorm some things that are happening in their buildings that may be aligned to their building plan and their work to keep our strategic plan moving forward. um or some things that are just going really really well and we want to share that message with. So I think every month you'll get um obviously you'll get a message from a different building um with a different administrator but I also feel like we will get a different snapshot of the happenings of the district. Um I'd like to very much leave that open to my administrative teams in the buildings to decide their
016topic and who comes with them. and you may they may involve students, they may involve staff. Um, but I think it will be a really nice opportunity to have a sharing of the the entire district piece by piece. Um, so if that if there's no objections to that, we'll move forward to that and start that next at our next meeting on September 22nd. >> Sounds good. >> Awesome. Thank you. Um and then the last thing that I had I just wanted to share um Mr. Norris at the high school has shared um a challenge with his parents in his building um asking them and and Mrs. Parker has followed suit for her middle school parents and we have asked our our parents of our student athletes to be topnotch fans when we are out and
017about. Um certainly when we are home in our own facilities um but most definitely when we are traveling the traveling team. um is a challenge that we are asking for all of our community to step in with um and to share that information. And I know that I shared with you and I really just would like to take that opportunity to also share with our community um a this two weeks ago now um our high school football team played at Sunduski and we pulled out a wonderful win and it was a fantastic evening. for any of you that were there with us. >> Um, but I am just thrilled, thrilled, and I was the proud mama of a whole lot of people in the stands. Um, of our student population, of our players, of our
018coaches, of our cheerleaders, our band. We had received um a wonderful acknowledgement from a community member from Sunduski. Um, she is a current grandmother in Sunduski. She is a she is an an alumni of the system. Her children graduated from the system. So, a lot of layers to her connection to Sunduski High School. Um, and for those of us that are connected to Fremont City Schools or Sunduski City Schools in any capacity, um, you feel that as soon as you say those two words, you feel that it takes you to a whole another place. Um, so the fact that she felt moved enough to share her thoughts with us, I thought was just fantastic. She congratulated our band for being respectful and upright students. She congratulated our cheerleaders, our football team, our fans. It was
019a wonderful, wonderful note to receive. Um, so I want to take that and I want to run with that and I really want to challenge continue that challenge to our parents, to our community that there are lots of opportunities for you to come out to support our student athletes. Um, but I challenge you to make sure that we are always acting in the manner of a respectful little giant regardless of who you are in our community or our building or our district. Um, but that's our challenge. So, we want that behavior from everyone in every location. Um, so I just wanted to reshare that with you and and make sure that you were aware of that challenge. Um, I I we will continue to throughout the school year to keep coming back to that. I
020think that it's a very positive piece. >> I think that that's excellent. And I think making sure that the students hear that letter too, >> you know, and you know, it's it's good for us, but they need to know that >> somebody's watching and somebody's aware of that behavior. Yes. >> And and that's I mean it speaks so well just knowing, you know, the history between the two schools. >> Yes. Very much so. Thank you, Mr. Ny. Mr. Norris did share that with his staff and our coaches um so that they too can reiterate that to our student athletes. It was powerful. >> It was very very >> wellreceived. So >> that is all I have this evening. Um if you're okay, Mr. Price, I'll continue on. >> Yep. >> Right. Um item number one,
021if we could please consider the approval of donations. Um the Amcor backpacks and supplies. If you remember, we've been planning with this. Mrs. Abernathy brand point on this project. Um, Amcor donated a backpack full of the backpack of the school supply list for the first graders, one for every one of our students and they brought those into open house. Um, and they had the representatives from their organization in our buildings for open house. They got to hand them out to families and kids. So, they had a good time doing it. Um, and our first graders were thrilled to receive that. So that's a wonderful partnership with Amcor. Um Gerasau, Prometica, and the VFW Post have once again restocked our supply of American flags. Um they are very generous to making sure that all of our
022classrooms. Um and all of our buildings have beautiful flags to display and utilize with the Pledge of Allegiance every day. And then they partner with us. If we get one that needs to be respectfully disposed of, they take that and and do that for us. So nice. >> Um, wonderful partnerships there. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve item one, please? >> So, move. >> Motion by Miss Lewis. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mr. Nally. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Rice, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Um items number two and three I would ask uh for your approval for the contracts um for our school resource officers. Um
023there are no changes to the contracts from last year. Just a update of time frame and we do have one deputy that comes from the sheriff's department for us and two of our police officers that come to us from the Fremont Police Department. Um and again just a reminder that they serve a huge role for safety and security of our building. um as well as the advantage of the relationships that they build with our students um as they're in our buildings. So those three individuals do a really really great job for us. >> Can I get a motion to approve items two and three, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >> I would just like to um tag along with
024something that uh Mrs. Hurt said earlier um about being at the Sunda game. It was really nice to see our our school resource officers present um and some other law enforcement officers local um present at the game. I know we have one out here somewhere, but um >> Officer O and Officer Vasquez were both there. >> Yes. So, I I appreciated seeing uh seeing them. Um and I think that is helpful for the kids as well to see a familiar face um to help them stay in line. Absolutely. Absolutely. Thank you. >> 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 four, if you would consider approval for our varsity softball
025to um take a trip uh over spring break of next year um for a training session. >> Can I get a motion to approve item four, please? So move >> motion by Mr. Nally. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? >> Same as what they did last year. So >> different location, very similar setup. >> It seemed to go well last year for everybody. Very positive experience. >> Very good experience. So >> Yep. >> And they're taking the chartered buses. Um, I believe last year they used school vehicle vans, but they paid their their fundraising then pays for all of that. >> Right. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Nally? >> Yes. >> Ms. Layman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bloom? >> Yes. >> Miss Lewis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >>
026Yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Um the next item is uh to for you to consider approval of our FFA students to attend a trip. This is their state trip, but it is an overnight trip. That's why I bring that to you um for approval here. Um they will be it's a leadership opportunity for them within here in the state. Uh all of their new officers go and I think new to FFA go, I think is how that state one runs. They go every year pretty much. >> Okay. I see on the agenda just clerical. So there those two items don't have an item number. So as I go through I'm going to change. >> Okay. So that was >> because it jumped down to item five is down for >> seven. Okay. >> So
027this will be um can I get a motion to approve item five please? >> So move. >> Did we do Miss Lewis? >> I'm sorry. Who' you say? >> Oh >> Miss Lewis motion. Sorry. I'm about >> I have a second. >> Second by Mrs. Bloom. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ny, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Perfect. >> Um, item number six then, um, same group of students, but this is their national event. So, they go, uh, out of state for this one, and again, it's an overnight trip, um, that is completely paid for by them. Um but we will your approval would support our students to attend that event. Okay. >> Can I
028get a motion to approve item six, please? >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mr. Nally. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Thank you. Excuse me. Item number seven, um we have the resignation, uh retirement and resignation of two staff members. Um Tina Moses will be retiring at the end of this school year. Um long time coming, lots of years uh and an excellent excellent math teacher for many many students um in our community. And Leah Eept is resigning her position um earlier in August. Item number eight, uh we have some appointments starting with some certified staff substitutes as well as a
029custodial position and some support staff substitutes. I would like to note with you um under the support staff substitutes, Deborah Sorg is listed with an asterct. Um I'm happy to say that all of her materials have come in. So we will remove that asterisk and do a full hire this evening. Um, she is currently uh going to sub for us, but she's already employed with our North Point partners and is a bus aid for us. So, she's been working and and doing things well. So, we're going to add her on our sub lists and times that she's available, we might grab her up. Um, item number seven, we begin with some supplemental contracts. Um, and there are several of those. These are again are all um extra positions outside of the instructional day for the
030student. So it may be that for those focus interventions provides some additional tutoring that takes place during the school day. Um but it's an extra for our students. And then you'll see a lot of our coaches and club advisors listed there. Item number eight, we again have some of those supplemental contracts for our lay staff joining us. Item number nine, same thing. We have some special event workers there. Item number 10 are just two status change um to some salary pieces. >> All right. So, actually that'll be item 12 to finish off. No, you're all right. I got it. >> Okay, good. I'm sorry. >> So, can I get a motion to approve items 7 through 12, please? >> So, moved. >> Motion by Miss Lewis. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs.
031Bloom. M any discussion >> on the uh focus intervention tutor >> who determines like hours and schedules and stuff. >> Mhm. Um all of that would be arranged by the building principal. >> Um those positions run through Mrs. Abernathy's department. Um so we have a set dollar um that we budget with and then the building principles create the schedule as to the need of their building based on their their building data. um what grade levels, how much time, what content areas um are necessary for each individual year. So there's fluctuation from year to year. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Absolutely. >> All right. Roll call, please. >> Uh Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mrs. Bloom, >> yes. Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. >>
032Thank you. Um item 13, right? Um if you would please approve Jana Franks as a clinical fellowship uh mentor for this year. Uh Jana is one of our um speech and language therapists that work in our district and she is going to be mentoring an incoming uh person to that's going to work underneath her. >> Can I get a motion to approve item 13, please? >> So move. >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Mrs. 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. >> All right, moving on to report of the treasurer. >> Uh, good evening. I'm happy to announce that
033we are closed out of the month of August in my department and now rolling in September. It's weird to say, but um and as crazy as this is going to sound to any of you that know the cycles of school finance, I'm already starting to work on our 5-year forecast because it's no longer a 5-year forecast and the deadline's now October 15th, I believe. Thank you to our legislators. Um, and there's a lot of joking around as to what that actually is going to be called because there was a lot of changes to the forecast in this um, legislation bill as well. So, I'm just know you are all going to be so excited when I report on it. Um, so just I know you're just waiting on pins and needles for Megan's forecast. >>
034Is it still 5 years or No, >> no, it's three now. >> Yes. Which at least that's a plus because year four and five meant nothing anyway. >> Like that's where it kind of got a little >> Yeah. >> I mean, does it really Never mind. We won't go there. Um, so I will be so happy to say this. I will be out of the district next week. Everybody's still going to be able to reach me if needed, but I will be in Portugal. So, >> wow. >> But I have warned all directors. I still can get into SE view and deny purchase orders. >> So, nobody and Justin will also be in charge. And he's not any nicer than I am. So, >> it will not spending money. >> I have my backup in
035place and he will hold the line on not spending any extra money while I'm at gone. So with that, if we can move on to my two items for approval. >> Okay. >> Uh the first is some appropriation changes. These are funds that the different athletics raised last year from their fundraising and they missed getting these appropriated before the beginning of the year. So we're just adding those in so that those kids can spend the money that they worked really hard on raising. You'll notice that the girls softball um is it not? Oh yeah. Um that's a rather large dollar amount and that's going to really help them in their efforts for their trip this summer. >> Can I get a motion to approve item 14, please? >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Nally.
036Could 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, >> yes. Motion's approved. >> Okay. And then item number 15 tonight is always the worst thing for a treasurer to have to present to their board. Heads did roll last week when this came up. Um, but in all seriousness, we did the employee that this I I don't know was due to, um, we did sit down, have a discussion. the explained the proper protocols to make sure this does not happen in the future. Um they called for service and didn't check to make sure that a purchase order was in place first. So we have discussed it with
037them and let them know the importance of this and that we can't let this happen again. Um and they've I'm feel like they're on our p on the same page as us now with those rules. >> Understand to go forward. Yep. Okay. Can >> I get a motion to approve item 15, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Miss Layman. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Lewis. Any discussion? >> Can we discuss what would be the next step if it happened again or just let it lay how it is? >> That would be determined by their supervisor and HR. I mean, >> and there potentially could be additional discipline if if action continued. Okay. >> Yeah. If I mean if there's blatant disregard for these rules then there is discipline like >>
038more consecutive would call >> they don't get to ignore my rules. >> Thank you girls. I >> I think in the 3 years that I've been on the board I think this is only like the second then and now. >> Yeah. We work really hard to make sure these don't happen. Um, >> roll call, please. >> Miss Layman, >> yes. >> Miss Lewis, >> yes. Mrs. Bloom, yes. Mr. Nally, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. Motion's approved. All right, moving on to board member communications. done. >> I just want to uh for the public and all of us just with school zones just now that school's in session need to slow down. And I know sometimes when I'm going through and you get down to 20 and that car is on your uh on
039your bumper behind you, you know, you just have to continue at 20 and and you know, force them to realize that they need to slow down also and just watch. >> And can I add on to that real quick while just while you're right there with that? um because I forgot and it was something that I did want to mention. So, thank you. I appreciate you triggering my brain. Um I had the um good fortune and fun to ride one of our elementary buses last week. Um, and while I was on the bus and the bus was clearly stopped with the red stop sign out and students exiting the bus, um, a vehicle ignored all of that and came right past the bus. Um, and so I completely agree with what you're you're stating and
040I would strongly encourage our community to be very thoughtful now that school is definitely back in session. um that we have little ones that are moving and big ones that are coming and going off of our school buses. We transport a lot of children every single day. Um and the driver that I the bus I was on, the driver was very clear. She reminded the students, you know, wait for my hand. They have signals. They have they teach the children. So thankfully that child was standing here and was waiting until the driver put her hand up and pulled them across. >> Wow. because that car came right past here. >> So, just we really really do. So, not only those school zones where it's 20, there's a reason why it's 20, there's a reason why
041we are asking our um community and parents to slow down just a little bit when they're driving by us there, but really really be mindful of the the stopping behind the buses, waiting, making sure that all of the children have crossed safely. So, thank you. I didn't mean to jump on your comments, but yeah, I mean, >> you helped me remember It's all about the safety of our state. >> It really is. >> Um the other the other thing actually throws back to you is a question. Um I was reading uh some some comments about the new math on Facebook and it was just a couple parents and they weren't necessarily our parents. >> Um yeah, not not necessarily local. What what supports or guidance are we giving parents to help them help their child
042when they come home? Cuz you always hear those comments, you know, with this new math, how am I supposed to help this kid? I don't know. Are we providing some helps and guidance? >> Absolutely. Great point. Thank you. Um, I would strongly encourage any of our parents because doing homework sometimes with your child in today's world looks a little bit different than how we may have learned. We may come up with the exact same answer at the end. Um, but the process and the thought process and the completion of the project, the math problem many times is different. Um, so I would encourage if a parent is unsure how to help their child and would like to hear it again, um, or would like to hear how did my child hear it so that I
043can then help um, to reach out to their child's classroom teacher um, or their building principal and they will get that connected. We do have a couple of our elementary buildings, all of our elementary buildings will do some title one family nights um throughout the course of the year and the focus of those sometimes do change um but sometimes it's just that. So I would also encourage families and parents that when you get those invitations to your child's school um for a family night that maybe has information about how to better understand or how to help um to make sure that they're attending those because there's good information to share. Yeah. >> Yeah. I I think the other trigger and uh for me was the um I think there was a a newsletter that was
044sent out to us as board members that talked about uh a presentation on the new math. >> I think it's later this week and it and and it's the like big scope of new math, not just here in Fremont. And that that kind of made me think about, you know, how does that parent, you know, if they need help, where where is that? >> Absolutely. Please ask. >> I think it's good what you just said. Thank you. And >> to go along with that, as a parent that had that, I mean, >> when I grew up, if it was 15* 12, it was just 15* 12. There's not all these other steps off to the side. And >> it didn't turn into art class, too. >> No. No, not at all. you have an array
045and a table, >> but I had asked a teacher. I didn't come in for a parent conference. I just happened to know this teacher and asked them. And so if parents do have questions, please ask because our teachers are wonderful at saying, "Yep, I understand you did it the easy, the short way, the old way, whatever you want to call it." And they can kind of help you through the understanding of everything to help. So when your student does when your kid asks you it's like oh yeah now I remember I mean I can >> but yeah >> I think a lot of parents are afraid to ask because they feel dumb or I mean I when I came I think you were the principal Otis when my oldest son you guys came out the
046lattice and all that the math and I literally got a hold of his teacher I said I need to make an appointment with you because we're going to go over this at the board together with me included. So, we went in there and he showed me and and he says, "And I understand that you can get you can solve that problem the way that you were taught, but I'm going to show you how they have to have on paper the way that is supposed to be solved for this method." And I said, "All right." So, I sat there probably for a good hour and I learned. >> And many times the idea behind doing the math problem in more than one way. >> Yeah. >> The idea behind that is that not all children think
047in the same manner. Not all children will compute that math problem in the same logical step. And some kids will need to see it in a different way. Some kids will need to manipulate it to figure it out. Some So educationally, if we can instruct five ways to figure out 15* 12, >> then our hope is the entire class can pick up on at least one of them, >> right? and everybody can get the answer and be able to take that a step further and not just compute it but to be able to have understanding as to what they came up with, how did they come up with that, what does that mean curricularly. That's sometimes the bigger aspect because that then leads us into the problem solving and the thinking outside the box and
048all those things that we want to make sure that our graduates have. >> Yep. And so >> I my grandson, he could look at the problem, he could just give you the answer, but he couldn't do what they wanted him to do. So he was really struggling and my mom was struggling. And when Ashley went through it, I'm like, that's not right. This is how you do it. I'm like, that's not I don't know what they're teaching you, but So we fought. >> Yeah. >> I never did learn how to do it. And the other three, I don't know what their math looked like cuz they fought with their dad at the table. I was like, I'm not dealing with it. >> So, usually one more than one way. So, thank you. Really appreciate that.
049>> That's all I have. >> Okay, Sarah. >> Um, I guess I just want to encourage all the parents um to look at the newsletter that came home. Um, especially all the content is important, but the the first two things I think are most important to the parents in our community. Um, parent square. I am definitely going to speak as a parent and not necessarily a school board member right now. Um, love I I like it a lot because I don't have six apps. I don't have a band app. I don't have a cheer app. I don't have a you know what I mean? The club app. All these things to manage. I have one app that has all the information. Once you get used to it, it kind of like the daily stuff kind
050of reads like social media, other social media apps. Um, so you can just get your days worth of information by scrolling. >> Um, which is neat as well. Um, and it's connected to final forms, um, which is advantageous as well. So any um extracurriculars that your when you complete final forms, any extracurriculars that you have assigned or designated for your child, the information for that pours into parent square. So if you haven't signed up for parent square, if you're nervous or intimidated, um see somebody in the district to help you. um whether it's um a building principle, I'm sure at the district office um there's assistance for that. Um the next page with the mission and vision statement. Um lots we've talked about this for the last few meetings. Lots of hard work um went
051into creating um these mission and vision statements. And that work wasn't done just so that we can have something really neat to slap up on a on a poster in the schools or something. These are um living working um statements that we should all be held accountable to. Whether you're the school board member, the superintendent, the treasurer, the fifth grade teacher, um the custodial staff, the cook, the bus driver. These are all um standards that we should all be held to. Um and we want to make sure that our our families in the district feel feel that these things are happening. So, please make sure that you read read these things um and and then make sure that they're happening um for your for your kiddo and your your family. >> I can interrupt. >>
052Mhm. I was talking to my daughter who works in a school district down in Georgia and she was telling me that at the beginning of every board meeting they read somebody read the mission statement and I thought that you know for our viewing audience and for us to hear it more and so that it really sinks in you know that might be something I would suggest we take a look at. I'll do it if you call on me. I I'll do it. But but let's maybe can we take a look at that? I mean, that might be a >> a way to reinforce it to us >> or at least have it as a graphic um like for the playback for the live stream to be able to show it, you know, on on there
053as well. Sure. Um, just to piggyback again on what Superintendent Her mentioned about um, our student body. So proud going just around the district from from everything to start the school year off. The painted parking spaces. Kids did an awesome job on that. Um, driving by to see, you know, full parking lots out here today for a middle school volleyball game. the high school is, you know, packed with a a volleyball game. Um, just keep up the good work. We travel well, too. Like when we go uh our our school um is well supported at different events, so I think that's really really awesome. Um congratulations to the Fremont Ross cheerleaders. They were selected as the 13 ABC cheerleaders of the week um after last week's game against Parisburg. So they they all got to
054um they had a little spot on the news on Friday night and this mama recorded it. But that was that was really neat. And they they took a a shot of our student section which again for a an away game we had several students there. they were dressed in the theme. Um and and cheering the team on despite the tough the tough opponent. Um nice environment to be in over in Parisburg too. Um their band was also very complimentary of of our band and our uh fans. Uh last thing, um in the same vein of safety, um if if we could maybe take a look at when you're exiting Fremont Ross's parking lot onto North Street, that is a right turn only. There is a tiny sign there. Um I I I would like to
055maybe entertain with Mr. and why um superintendent her yourself um it is often not obeyed and it is it it will be it it is a safety issue. Um, it's not just about keeping the line moving, although keeping the line moving means that the kiddos whose parents do one drop off and they have kids walking to the middle school and also over to the high school, if that line is backed up, a kiddo is going to get hit. You know, there's a potential for that if that line is backed up. Um, also, God bless Jason Smith and and the other personnel that are out there every morning directing traffic. Um, it's too much for them to have to get kiddos across the street. Well, and it and it's a busy time. We have a lot
056of walkers. We have a lot of bike riders. um to have to direct traffic, but also direct traffic like get the kids across the street and also, you know, try to wave their baton to get the get the the people traveling in cars to go to the right and they often times don't listen. Um, so maybe a lit sign um that says like no left turn or something real obvious so that uh we don't have a situation. >> Thank you that >> she wants bright flashers at the top and the bottom of the sign >> or just a whole lighted sign. I I challenge anybody to go out there in the in the morning to see to see that. You know, it is we just don't want anything to happen. And there's been a lot
057of good improvements out there. The sidewalks make a difference and they look wonderful from, you know, the Y past the middle school and and those things have all made a difference. I think this would just be a another cherry on top to the improvements for the pedestrians and whatnot. >> All right, I have to have a shout out. I have a shout out for Mrs. Meek at the Krogan School. Um for what her media center looks like. Um so I obviously catch up on Facebook the school pages and I said it before last year when I was going through the schools. I think that that's one of the most important parts of the school because each, you know, kids need a place to go and be comfortable and just something that's very warm and they
058can just go there and hang out and relax. Even if they're reading a book or they're just having somebody read to them or whatever, it's a nice cozy place that they can meet up at. And I've just seen how she decorated and I think she did a wonderful job. She did last year, too. They all did. And I can't wait to see them all again. But I just seen her picture in there and I thought Mrs. Mink did a really good job. I just wanted to let her know that it didn't go unnoticed. So, >> pass that on to her. Her learning center is important to her. So, >> it definitely caught my eye. Mhm. And uh I hope we beat Whitmer Friday. >> Yes, that's all I have to say. >> Well, thank you
059Valdez for the pledge. He did an amazing job. Mhm. >> I was at the the um parade for Labor Day and the band I love our band. I love the drums. I don't make it to the football games cuz I don't have anybody to go with so I don't want to go sit by myself. But I to watch them perform in a in the parade was just I don't know. It reminds me of when I lived on Still and we'd watch them go down Franklin. You all run go watch them. it. I just our band I just love them. Um the How's the phones going? >> I'm sorry. >> No phones in schools. How's that happening? Are we doing okay with that? >> Doing Yeah, we're doing well. >> Cuz I seen a thing on
060the news. One of the schools have these bags that they put them in and they they uh lock them with a magnet, but they get to keep the bag, but you can't open the bag. >> That's correct. >> I don't know. Is that what we do or >> We do not do that. No, we have not purchased those. Um, uh, yander bags, I believe they're called. >> Um, uh, currently we have very strong cell phone policies, um, across the district. >> Um, we rol tightened those up and rolled those back out this year, um, at the start of the year and, >> um, I just checked in with building principles a week or so ago and >> knock on wood, uh, we're we're doing okay. Now, there are some tweaks to that law that will
061come January um 1st of 2026. So, we may have to continue to tighten a few things, but as of right now, um students are complying um and it has not been an issue. And if it is a concern then there's also the handbook also includes information about what those consequences would be for the students um the first time the second time you know or if it's repeated um and we'll deal with them individually in those situations. >> I I think the high school students have been made aware >> um about this is what it is now but in January this is going to look different. So shout out to Mr. Norris and the crew for being transparent, >> you know, with the kiddos. Um, and I think we've been ahead of this >> for the
062talk started a couple years ago and I think we've been ahead of the game um as far as making sure that we pair down the >> the cell phone usage. So, >> good glad to hear that. I don't have any kids that have cell phones in the district, so I don't know what it's like. So, just hoping it was going okay or good. Yeah, it really is. It's going well. Um I think so much of the importance there relies on the communication. Um and we've communicated with students and we've communicated with families um that they just don't have a place in during the instructional day. >> And I agree. >> Um we are we have enough devices if we need some technology pieces um we have those for our students. They don't need their personal
063cell phone. >> Good. And then congratulations on uh Tina Moses on her retirement. Thank you and good luck with the the football team this weekend. >> Um thanks to the community for the donations. Um we always do um appreciate everything that our community does for us in in those ways. Um to piggyback off of Sarah for parent square as a parent and as a coach and as a board member, it has been pretty seamless. >> Um things just get added in and it's all right there for you to look at. Um, so from an adult standpoint, um, I like it instead of having different apps, team reach and this and that and everything else like where do I need to go for this one again? Now it's all in one place. So it does make
064it easier. >> Nice move. >> Um, as I was looking at our website, just looking at different upcoming events. If anyone in the community is looking for something to do, I encourage you to just go to our website and look at what's going on just for the schools. Um, we're getting into that time where sun's going down earlier. It's getting cooler at night. We're not doing the stuff in the evening as much. If you're just sitting at home and you want something to do, there's usually an activity, a sporting event, a concert, something is going on somewhere. Um, and a lot of times it's no charge. So there's a lot of things that they could see and do and see all of our students participating in and and having fun with. So um, with that,
065no reason for executive session. So uh, could I get a motion for adjournment, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Bloom. Could I have a second? >> Second by Miss Layman. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bloom. Yes, >> Miss Layman. >> Yes, >> Miss Lewis. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nelly. >> Yes, >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. Motions approved. Meetings adjourned. [Music]