03-16-2026 Lakewood City Schools Board of Education Meeting

001Hallelujah. discuss the consideration of employment for a public employee um and the subject of pending or imminent court action. So, we are now returning to public session and we would love to have you join us in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much. We now move to adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. This requires a roll call vote, please. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> I. >> Mrs. Dottman. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> I. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> I. >> Thank you. And

002the agenda is adopted. Next item of business is approval of minutes. We have minutes from the regular board of education meeting held February 17th and approval of minutes of the regular board of education meeting held March 2nd. Um we've had a chance to review these. Are there any additions or corrections? >> Did we want to agend that uh amend the agenda for that one? >> Oh >> item. I think I thought >> we revised it and we just we did. So we just need to >> It was previously in the agenda >> because it was the agenda. Yes. Okay. So >> So can we undo our vote? I take that. >> Can we read >> that in the printed part? >> So someone can move to amend the agenda >> now. >> Do you want

003to move to agenda the >> I move to amend the agenda. >> Agenda with modification. >> Second. >> Okay. The agenda has been modified and is now being approved. It's been moved and seconded. May we have a roll call. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> I. >> Mrs. Dottman. >> I. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent. >> No, I apologize for the inconvenience. >> Um, and then approval of minutes of the board meeting March 2nd. And we've had a chance to review. Are there any corrections to the minutes? No. >> No. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Thank you. And we come to the

004superintendent report. >> Good evening again, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dman. Distinguished board members, Treasurer Roadie. It is my pleasure to invite our high school principal, Mrs. Joy Morgan to the podium to share her resilient rangers and her building report. Good evening, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dottman, distinguished board members, Superintendent Ned Wiki, Treasurer Rodie. Um, I would like to start with my resilient rangers. I have two of them tonight. I'm actually going to call them up together. I told them differently. So, at this time, I would like to call up Lauren Lampiric and Grayson Walter. Hey, we're going to start with Lauren first. That's correct. Um, Lauren is an outstanding representative of Lakewood High School and truly embodies what it means to be a resilient Ranger. She is consistently kind, thoughtful, and considerate, and she leads

005by example in everything she does. In AP3D art and design, Lauren has been an incredible leader. She stays on top of her work, approaches every challenge with determination and creativity, and regularly goes above and beyond by offering thoughtful, constructive feedback to her peers. Her willingness to collaborate and communicate with her classmates helps create a supportive and creative learning environment. Her dedication and artistic vision recently earned her recognition as an Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition State winner. For reference, there are about 8,000 pieces of art submitted annually, and Lauren's piece, Innocent Heart, is a top 275 winner and will be displayed this April at the James A. RH State Office Tower in Columbus. This is an incredible honor and a testament to her talent and hard work. Lauren's relation Lauren's leadership also shines in other classes.

006In practical communication, she brings a positive attitude each day, embraces challenges and takes feedback with maturity and a true growth mindset. Teachers describe her as someone who makes the classroom better by simply being part of it. Her empathy for others and her ability to lift up those around her are qualities that stand out to both her peers and her teachers. Beyond academics, Lauren has been a two-year member of the gymnastics team and has also given back to the community by participating in the LLS Blood Cancer United campaign. She balances these commitments while also working as a hostess at Woodstock Barbecue, which demonstrates responsibility, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. After graduation, Lauren plans to attend Ohio University, where she's currently undecided on her major, but will continue to explore her many interests and talents. Lauren's

007collaboration, communication, empathy, creativity, and growth mindset make her an incredibly deserving recipient of the Resilient Ranger recognition. Congratulations. Too soon? I can wait. Okay. I actually like giving some special attention to individuals. Lauren, congratulations. On behalf of the board, we just have this simple >> um >> I don't paper plaque. Um I look forward to seeing your artwork. >> Yes. I think it's wonderful. And I'm OU alum, so >> it's wonderful school. >> Yeah. I'm excited. >> Um would you like to say if anyone's here with you and introduce them? >> Um yes. I have my mom and my dad back there, Jessica and John. And my boyfriend Miles is in between them. Um, and thanks to them for always supporting me and everything. And my cousin Alisa is here, too. I'll give her a

008shout out. And yeah, >> the more shout outs the better. Well, thanks again. Congratulations. >> Next up, we have Grayson Walter. From the moment his teachers met him as a freshman, it was clear that Grayson genuinely enjoyed learning. He's inquisitive, engaged, and thoughtful, consistently showing that he values every opportunity he has as a student. Over the past two years, Grayson has been a dedicated member of the Ranger Rundown team. He adapted to changing schedules and different groups with flexibility and reliability, always stepping in when help was needed. Even when aspects of the class were challenging, Grayson demonstrated true resilience in a growth mindset. Persevering until he achieves success. In choir, Grayson has brought the same energy, leadership, and collaborative spirit. He ensures that every student feels included, offers help whenever it's needed, and encourages those

009around him. Over four years, he has grown tremendously as a singer while supporting his peers and fostering a welcoming environment. In addition to academics, Grayson has also been a committed four-year member of the Lakewood High School baseball team and at sporting events, he is unmistakably loud and proud in the student section, cheering with unmatched enthusiasm and inspiring everyone around him to get in the spirit of the game in a positive way. Teachers describe Grayson as one of the most upbeat, friendly, and kind students they've had the pleasure of working with. He participates actively, asks thoughtful questions, and celebrates the su the success of those around him. Even first thing in the morning, he brings energy and enthusiasm and sets the tone for the day. Outside of school, Grayson enjoys spending time with his family. And

010next year, he plans to attend Kent State University where he will study either broadcast journalism or sports broadcasting. With his ability to communicate and and collaborate along with his determination, there's no doubt he will continue to excel and make an impact. Congratulations, Grayson. >> Congratulations, Grayson. Um, on behalf of the board, congratulations. And we have this for you. And you sound like you'd be a great delight to have in any organization, work, school, um, neighborhood. So, thank you for what you bring. Do you have someone here with you? >> Yep. Um, in the front row I have uh my mom and dad, Shauna and Brock. And then also in the front row I have the Poland's, my neighbors Debbie, Lance, Piper, and her friend Ell. >> Excellent. Welcome. Thank you. Everybody. maybe in a minute.

011Okay. Um, so I'm going to quickly talk about our focus for this year and then also a program we're going to feature today. So some of the focuses that we've been taking on at Lakewood High School um our focus on college and career readiness. So it's certainly been a change with the state in terms of what graduation look like looks like, what pathways students can choose. So we are currently doing work um particularly with teaching and learning to figure out how we can best curate a pathway for every student from the time that they start here and even before. So and then that can dictate what classes they're taking, what pathway on graduation they can choose because it's not cut and dry anymore. There are so many variables that go into graduation in terms of

012seals, 12point credentials, um all of the different things that students can do. So, we're excited about where we're going with this. Uh, we'll talk in a minute about a program that's going to help us get there. Um, some other things we're doing is just continuing to focus on graduating all students because that's really the goal is to graduate all students and we want to do it in four years and we want to use as many pathways available as possible. And I think that we are really doing a nice job of that. So, we just want to continue to stay ahead of the curve with the everchanging landscape of graduation requirements from the state of Ohio. And then equity and access to curriculum for all students. And again, I think the program we're going to feature

013tonight will also talk about that and just making sure that our students have access to grade level curriculum all the time and that we're exposing them to everything that they need to see to make the best choices moving forward. So with the vision of a Lakewood Ranger, Miss Gazowski, who's going to come up in a minute, is going to talk specifically about communication, collaboration, and growth mindset, and how those work into career shadowing and what they're doing within our practical communications class. So, Miss Gazowski and a couple of students are going to come up and talk about practical communications as a class and then also an extension that she pitched to us about career shadowing and the experiences that she can give kids in practice and she's very dedicated. So, I'm going to call up

014at this time Mrs. Amy Gazowski. Hi, I don't I don't know how to formally address all of you, but I know all of you. So, thank you for having me. Uh, my name is Amy Gazowski and for the past 10 years, I have been an intervention specialist at Lakewood High School, co-eing with Greg Cooper. But for the first time this year, I can also say I have a second title which is career shadowing facilitator. Because of the approval from Joy, from Steven, from Dr. for Palumbo. For many people who saw the need for this, we have been able to launch a career shadowing program for all students in the practical communications class. It's a senior elective. It's an English course. I know many of you have come to our networking event, so you're familiar with

015what I'm talking about. Um, but Gray and I particularly saw the need for students to go in the field and have hands-on experience with what they'd like to do. For example, Grayson Grayson has said he'd like to be in broadcast journalism. he is in in the school um ranger roundup rundown. Sorry. But nothing is going to give him that exposure and and a feeling for what it's like to be in the field than to go in the field, which is what he did twice. He went to channel 5 and he went to channel 19. Um and even Miles in the back over there, he went to a company uh TMCO and I also have uh Piper in the front who went to a company um in in advertising. So I have many students here who

016spent the day in the field and I I will show you momentarily just the the results that it had has given these students. So I'm not really following the script. I apologize. But there's no doubt about the fact that communication is vital in every field that is in that's available for students. But in this day and age especially, students feel they they need it and they want it. They want to know how to communicate clearly. Um, and so Gay Cooper and I have done that seamlessly over the past 10 years and we continue to morph and change it. So, uh, there is real world world application. There's, um, every, uh, aspect of the vision of a Lakewood Ranger. We we display it in the class and we see it in our students. So, I have,

017um, a little video, if you will. Here's some images from some of my students have been in the field. Um, I should highlight that of the 130 students in the course, I've been able to place 98 students in the field. I know. And I'm going to say something and it might be a little bit um it's not humble. I'm extremely proud of it. I am um because of the fact that when students last year said they wanted to go shadow, they had to go to guidance and guidance has so much going on. It was really hard for them to do this. And I think there were only a handful, maybe five or six students that went in the field last year because it was so much to manage. And so when I've been able to

018take over this program, because I've been given the gift of time and I've been able to connect with companies, I've been able to put these students in the field with hopes of getting as many of the 130 out as possible. The other thing to note too is that these companies, I've worked with 55 organizations, are chomping at the bit. They want students in the field. They set up these wonderful experiences. They're creative. Um, I have students who want to uh go in sales this week and they're not able to. So, someone's being creative and saying, "Okay, we're going to meet at Panera for a couple hours so that way we can talk about what it's like." And so, people are in the field want to give this to our students. So, it's it's pretty remarkable.

019So, I have a little video of um some testimonials. It's roughly two and a half minutes, but hopefully you'll stick through it because it's very important that you hear what they have to say. My day in the field helped me open my eyes and realize that marketing wasn't the only thing that I wanted to do. Originally, I wanted to do marketing as my major and not anything as a minor, but after I went to the advertising agency, I realized that that was something that I would want to do as a minor. >> My day in the field was different than the auto program because I got to see the actual flow of a shop and the way that shop works and runs. really it it opened my eyes to all the different options that are

020available in the field. It it showed me the different variations of like what I could be doing or I'm not necessarily put in a box. >> An important lesson I learned is that it's equally as important as to what you're going to do in work as what the community of your work environment is. And it really helps me uh finalize my decision for college and decide that it's what I want to do with my life and what I want to become in the future. >> And this really connects to my career path because I've always wanted to be an occupational therapist and now I can work in the internship and get paid to work with kids and make connections with kids. And my boss is also been such a great mentor and she wants to

021work with me in the future to achieving my goals to become an occupational therapist. My day in the field opened my eyes to what it's like to be a teacher. Um, I've only ever experienced school from a student's perspective. So, that was very eye opening for me. >> Okay. Uh, my day in the field kind of opened my eyes to maybe this is not exactly what I want to do and that there are other opportunities I can look into besides just what I was exploring that day, which I thought would was really helpful in choosing my career path out of high school >> so far. So I I really appreciate like those who helped me during that day. It really helped me and now I know like I can decide to do two things at

022the same time while going to college and going to the army. I >> thought I did. As I left the building that day, I had sat in my car and just wondered like wow. I felt as if I wasn't didn't have as many questions as I expected to. Wasn't very interested in everything that she was explaining to me. And it actually made me look into other career options that I am looking into exploring now. And then like overall it just showed me that I do really want to to continue in this path and I think it was a successful shadowing overall >> storage. I really think it was more beneficial than I thought it was. I went in thinking that it was just going to be a field trip that I would forget about but

023I ended up leaving more satisfied than I thought I would >> and honestly I think it was a great uh investment for my future and what is to come. So again, before I bring up my two students, who by the way, this is really nerve-wracking. I do this for a living talking in front of people, but it's kind of nervous. So I'm going to stand alongside them just to provide some comfort. Um, one of two things happens when you go in the field. You either come back and say, I love this. This is my plan. I need to put together a wellthoughtout, structured idea as to how I'm going to make this happen. Or you come back and say, nope, that's not what I want. Which is just as good. and then you find another

024avenue as to where you like your life to go. So, anyhow, on that note, I do have two students who had a successful day in the field and I'll call them up together. Gabby Carol Greaves and Nick Carnavas are going to come up and explain just briefly about what their day meant to them. We can clap for them. So, Gabby is interested in pursuing a degree in political science um and possibly um pursuing political office someday. and she was able to go down to Columbus to spend a day with Senator Nikki Antonio, which was such an incredible treat. So, you want to tell us a little bit about your day? >> Hi, I'm Gabby Carol Greavves. Um, I just like to thank Lakewood High School and also Miss G for this opportunity. Um, so I

025had the really unique experience of going down to Columbus uh early last fall and going to the state house and getting to shadow Senator Nikki Antonio. Um, so I met so many different people, uh, and got to see so many interesting things. So, um, I sat in a caucus meeting. I got to sit in session. She's such a genuine and like just such a great person. Uh, she introduced me to different senators and introduced me to everyone in session. Um, this definitely did solidify that this is something that I'd want to do in the future. Um, and I'm just so grateful for everything uh that she did for me, but also that Lakewood High School offered this. Um, so yeah, I got to meet so many different people. Something that I learned was how many

026moving parts there are to make like her job as effective as it is. Um, so again, just amazing opportunity and I'm so glad I got to do it. Thank you. It's a little nerve-wracking. I'm gonna help Nick. So Nick, my friend, I sprung this on him today. So I know what a guy, huh? So Nick is in our auto program, second year in his auto program, and he um wants to pursue a career in motorcycle repair and service technicians. So he had a really cool day, which I wish I was able to go on. He shadowed with rock and roll Harley-Davidson in Cleveland. They loved him, by the way. So much so that they bought him pizza and they gave him a TV. So I know, what a day, right? Right. So tell us a

027little bit about your day. What was it like? >> Um well, it was really fun. I had a time with Alex, the lead technician there. Uh, he taught me how to take apart a motorcycle basically completely almost in about three hours. Um, I learned how to use a tire machine with him. Uh, there's also another guy named Tyler. He took me through the whole place. I learned about all the like mechanical components. I took apart a few things with him. Um, >> and then next year at OTC? >> Oh, yeah. Next year I plan to go to OTC for motorcycle like repair. So yeah, >> It was a good day, right? That's good. Yeah. So that's again like the the end of um my slides, but again, I'd like to thank um everybody that gave

028me the opportunity and the time. And again, a huge uh um thank you to Greg Cooper for being my co-teer all these years and being such a support in making this happen. So thank you >> and that concludes my presentation. Any questions? >> Can can I just give a shout out to the students for your presentations? Like wow, you didn't have notes. You just fl it just flowed of both of you. I I have notes all the time. I'm 62 years old and I still write things down before I talk. So, um, and the cool opportunity and Mrs. G, I I just love everything that you and um, Mr. C do, you are just so dedicated to the students and um, and helping them to achieve their potential and I'm very very happy to be

029supporting you guys. So, I just want to say I think the Sorry. >> Thank you. The most important thing about this is that it's not a failure if you go and you don't like it because I think a lot of people get caught up and they have an expectation and they're find out it's not really for them and then they keep going or they stay in the same major and then they're stuck. And I think it's a great thing and I know that that's the whole vision of our our students is that you learn from not fa it's I I don't even want to use the word failure but disappointment or and then you your eyes get open. So I think >> Excellent. Excellent. >> Yeah. What like a time and money saver too if

030you think like a lot of that in college you don't go until maybe your junior or senior year and then all that time and money has already been spent if you decide you're not just going to stick it out. So that is a fantastic opportunity. >> Yeah. As I still paying my loans off. I also want to say I am been uh fortunate uh to have attended some of the practical communication networking events that you guys have put on and I just have always been blown away by the um amazing uh communication um uh skills that uh our students have possessed in those uh events and I just have such a great time talking to all of them. I love the fact that it's extended to the shadowing experience and especially the exponential growth that

031you've brought to it Amy. It's it's fantastic. Um it's so important and you know communication I was just reading an article that one of the founders of one of the biggest AI companies said that you know with all of the developments in technology everyone's going back to hum you know humanities degrees and everything because people need to they really need people who know how to communicate. So these things are so so so important. So, thank you for putting so much effort into it and helping our our prepare our students for what's uh what's ahead. So, thank you and great job guys. >> If I could just add that um that range of companies was really impressive and I and it's only going to grow from there and I think it's also kind of reflective on

032so many different um interests that kids have and so many different programs that we have available today, you know, at Lakewood High School. um the number of uh all those different companies and I'm sure there'll be continued growth you know from there. So those opportunities will only only continue. So I commend you for establishing those relationships you know and maintaining them I hope and and only growing them you know moving forward and again great job on your uh uh presentations tonight to the students. Thank you. >> Yeah thank you. Great job. And you know I must have missed the phone call. No out of those 130 nobody wanted to be a superintendent. >> Not yet. They can watch the meeting. >> I'll wait. >> All right. Really excellent job. Thank you, Miss Morgan. Thank you

033all. You guys did a great job. Appreciate it. Representing the high school. Next up, I would like to invite Mr. Schlade to the podium for our educator spotlight. >> Thank you, Mrs. Nidwiki. Um, building on years of intentional work around our vision of a Lakewood Ranger and shaped by the voices of our many stakeholders, we continue to celebrate educators who bring that vision to life each day. Tonight, I have the privilege of celebrating two colleagues who consistently bring our vision to life for students. Their commitment, their character, and their daily work with students reflect what it truly means to be a Lakewood educator. Please join me in welcoming Joe Demaniferit and Mary Ellen Ready as I prepare to share how each of them exemplifies the vision of a Lakewood Ranger. When Lakewood High School pair

034professional Marie Ellen Ready retired from her career as a baiff after 35 years, she traded in courts for kids. Having been accustomed to dealing with serious legal matters, Mary Ellen said, working with students is a breath of fresh air. Working with kids, it's like I see a whole other side of life, says Mary Ellen. The best part, she says, they make me laugh. Mary Ellen, who joined the district in 2015 and has worked a a number of paraprofessional jobs from lunch and study hall monitor to what she is doing today, is constantly using her vision of a Lakewood Ranger competencies of communication and empathy kind of goes handinand communication. They all have their own stories, Mary Ellen says of the students. I love to listen to them, talk to them, and get to know them.

035Mary Ellen says students often approach her to talk and that she has gained their trust. They know that her space is a safe one. She makes a point to get to know something about each student and find out what is important to them, says Principal Joy Morgan about Mary Ellen. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, always demonstrating patience, care, and a willingness to help wherever she is needed. In addition to the support she provides students each day, Mary Ellen also takes time to help new staff members acclimate to Lakewood High School, making them feel welcomed and supported. Her steady, supportive presence helps create a positive and encouraging environment throughout our building. Thank you, Mary Ellen. Congratulations and thank you so much on behalf of the board. Um it's so important to

036listen to young people and all people and I'm sure that you're a great support. Is there anyone here with you or you want >> My family's here. My nephew Billy, my brother Billy, my sister-in-law Karen, my niece Kelly is over there and my little niece Bernardet. >> Hi Bernardet. Well, you're lucky to have them and they're lucky to have you. >> Thank you so much. >> So, when you think of chemistry, you probably don't think about creativity, but for Lakewood High School chemistry teacher Joanie Mansford, being creative with his lessons is key to his teaching. For many students, chemistry is not intuitive. Joe develops lessons that help his students visualize a concept or a formula while engaging the students in the lesson at the same time. For example, when teaching about metallic bonding, Joe has

037the students act as the veence electrons moving freely around the classroom while the desk serve as atoms that remain stationary. That would have made sense back when back in the day. I always try to make the students a part of the lesson when appropriate, Joe says. Joe, who joined the district in 2013, also relies on his vision of a Lakewood Ranger competency of collaboration to hone his teaching skills. Having returned to teaching chemistry after many years away from it, Joe has relied heavily on his fellow chemistry department colleagues to learn about Lakewood's approach to teaching the subject. There's a lot of bouncing ideas and strategies off of each other. Joe says. Joe tries to stay in tune with his students by listening to them when they share and trying to understand what they are going

038through, which may lead him to adjusting to take in account the students struggles. I try to figure out what they need based on where they are. Joe says Joe's efforts have not gone unrecognized by his principal Joy Morgan who says in the classroom Joe has brought a renewed energy to class to chemistry creating engaging lessons that keep students actively involved in their learning. His enthusiasm, dedication, and positive impact on students make him a valued member of our team. Thank you, Joe. found your niche and are bringing an awful lot to students here at the high schools. >> They're they are wonderful. >> Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say that. Would you like to say anything to >> I'd just like to point out my my wife Jessica did join us today. So, Very

039good. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Schlaid. So once a year and we're so happy again this year we can have um the smart program with us today with Miss uh Kathleen Mcgory to share about um secure firearms storage. Thank you for coming again. >> Thank you. We are so pleased to be here tonight. Uh my name is Kathleen McGory and I uh lifelong Lakewoodite, but um my career in education was spent with the Lakewood schools as a teacher and elementary school principal. And Hi, I'm Elise Lamper. Um I've lived in Lakewood for over 12 years now. I have two kids that are at Harrison Elementary. Charlie's in second grade and Lucy is a kindergartener. Um and I've been volunteering with Be Smart and the messages that we're going to share

040with you tonight for four years now. So, for the last several years, the Lakewood schools along with the mayor and the city of Lakewood have been working together to spread the important message of secure firearm storage. Our city leaders came together in response to the incredible statistic that firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, a uniquely American problem. When approached in 2022, several board members along with Miss Nitzwiki and Dr. Palumbo responded immediately to determine how the Lakewood schools could help spread the message to adults to help protect Lakewood students. The board promptly passed a resolution advocating for secure firearm storage and our group presented to the board and to the PTA council about the BS smart initiative. BS smart is an a education initiative of Mom's Demand Action

041for Gunsense in America. The mission is to educate adults about the importance of secure firearm storage in order to protect children and teens from injury and death due to unintentional shootings and gun suicide. Be smart is a framework built around the smart acronym which this short video describes. I think it's about uh four minutes if we let's see. >> We each come from different walks of life. I'm the retired police chief of the St. Louis Police Department. >> I do a lot of writing. I write a lot of poetry. >> So, I've known since I was very young that I wanted to be a pediatrician. >> I'm a dad. And I love to study history. And firearms are a way for me to access that history. >> So, I'm a dad. I'm a husband. >>

042I'm a mother, an advocate, and I'm a proud military wife and mother. As parents, we all agree that raising happy, healthy children. And right now, we're dealing with a major national public health issue. My son was at his uncle's house playing with his 13-year-old cousin when his 13-year-old cousin found a gun that was unsecured in a drawer, not realizing that one of the bullets was still in the chamber. So when Jawan told him to put the gun away, he said, "Look, it's not loaded." And pulled the trigger. In approximately 17 minutes, my son was gone. >> So many of these deaths are unintentional. And when that happens to everybody involved, it's devastated. >> Anytime a young person dies, you think to yourself that, you know, this is something that could have been prevented. I don't

043think I ever thought I would see a child with a gunshot injury, but yes, we have all seen them. Unfortunately, >> he was my all. You know, when I look in the back seat now, it's empty. And that's what I'm used to seeing. I'm used to seeing him. >> Nearly 1500 American children are killed by guns every year. >> A leading cause of death for children in America. >> As adults, we are responsible for our children. And there are five simple things we can do to keep them healthy. Secure and store your guns locked and unloaded and separate from ammunition. >> Most guns used in school shootings come from the home. >> Talk to your kids about gun safety, but remember that's a precaution, not a guarantee. Ask family members and other parents if there

044are any unsecured guns in their homes. >> And it could save a life. >> Recognize the role of guns in suicide. If you think your kid is at risk, make sure all your guns are stored or just get them out of the house. >> Tell as many people as you can to be smart. >> So, to recap, secure, model, ask, recognize, and tell as many people as you can. Be smart. >> I store my guns responsibly, and I ask my neighbors and my friends to do the same thing. Whether or not it's your gun, it could be your child. >> We can't afford to stay silent. So, you all have the power to continue to save lives by remembering that you can be smart. The central part of the BS smart message is the S

045for securing all firearms to eliminate the great risk of children or teens finding unsecured guns in the home. As they said, it's critically important that all firearms are stored locked and unloaded with ammunition stored separately. and cable gun locks are free at the Lakewood Police Department. And biometric gun safes are well under $100. So that makes it very simple to securely store a firearm in your home or or your car. 4.6 million children in our country live in a household with at least one loaded and unlocked gun. And we don't want any Lakewood children and teens to live in one of those homes with such easy access to firearms. Securely storing all firearms in the home and in the car, too, is a critical step adults can take to help keep children safe. The M

046is for modeling responsible behavior around firearms. It's an adult's responsibility to prevent access to guns, not a curious child's responsibility to avoid guns. Talking to kids about gun safety is a good precaution, but it's certainly not a guarantee. The BS smart message is to just assume that children and teens can find guns and store them securely. Many adults don't have guns in their own homes, but their children do visit the homes of others, friends, family members, caregivers. So A is for asking. It's the primary goal as we seek to normalize talking about secure firearm storage. And it is one of the main things that drew me to this movement. um because I my kids were starting to go to other homes and I was feeling very nervous about how I could become aware of this.

047So, one of the most important parts of BS smart is normalizing conversations about secure gun storage with other parents and caregivers. Wherever children visit, we ask other parents and adults, family and friends, whether they have guns in their homes, and if so, we ask how they are stored. Since asking can feel awkward at first, I can attest to that. We recommend breaking the ice by talking about one's own home first. When having children visit their home, parents can say that they always like to let people know that they don't have firearms in their home, or if they do have them, how they're securely stored. Talking first about one's own home may make it easier to ask if there are any firearms in another person's home, and if so, how they are stored when you're arranging

048a play date or a get together. It may be more comfortable to ask about guns as part of a text exchange than asking about guns face to face. The conversation, however it works, is what's important. The goal is as is that asking about guns in the home that Lakewood children visit becomes as normal as discussing food allergies, pets, and other common safety concerns. The R is for recognizing the role of firearms and suicide. Unsecured firearms in the home create a significant risk of teen suicide. Almost 1300 children and teens in the US die by gun suicide each year, and firearm suicide has been rising dramatically. Access to a gun triples the risk of death by suicide for everyone in the household. When teens die by gun suicide, they are most likely to have used a

049gun they found at home. Suicide attempts with a firearm are particularly lethal. Most people who attempt suicide do not die unless they use a gun. But eliminating access to guns through secure storage can play a crucial role in helping to prevent firearm suicide. Access to firearms has other far-reaching consequences. For example, we know that in most mass school shootings and other incidents of gunfire on school grounds, the shooters get their guns from the home of a parent or close friend. That's why the T in be smart, tell is so important. The Lakewood schools has led the way in this communication. Soon after the 2022 board resolution and presentations, BS smart resources were posted on the district website in the family hub section and brochures and posters shared with the schools. The district's commitment to helping

050ensure the safety of our school community is demonstrated by a secure firearm storage message in every family handbook to promote awareness and invite parent partnership in protecting our school communities and helping reduce firearm related injuries and deaths in Lakewood. Importantly, since 2023, a summer safety flyer has been emailed to all families each year with a secure storage message from the board and the superintendent. The superintendent, the mayor, and the police chief also issue a joint community safety message every June. With the welcome of the school district, our BS smart group presents to parents of tween each year at the H2O home alone sessions and talks with parents of little ones at early childhood PTAs meet the trucks in June. We also have been to I believe at this point almost all of the um elementary

051and middle school PTA meetings um and continue to join those. schools have such important broad outreach to parents of course and we recognize that Lakewood schools is really a model in the US in spreading the secure gun storage message. In statewide presentations, we've shared and bragged about our school district's proactive prevention approach and we respond to those across the country seeking to partner with their own school districts to spread the message. Together, our goal is to normalize the conversation and help Lakewood become a community where adults secure guns in their homes, ask about guns in the homes their children visit, and recognize the risk of suicide. We do have a brochure for you, which is also available in many school offices. It includes the website address, which is bsmartforkids.org. Thank you so much for inviting

052us this evening and for your important leadership in spreading the secure firearm storage message to help protect our children. Thank you. Any questions or >> No, but I just I've seen that video multiple times and the impact of it is doesn't change at all. Actually, sometimes it's even more moving. But I'm I'm think we need to talk about it not just when there's a tragedy, but to keep it in the front of mind all the time that we can do something on a daily basis or weekly conversation with someone and not wait till there's a headline. So, thank you for bringing it to front of mind tonight. >> Yes. And to that point, we are proud that, you know, each year that we attend the different PTA meetings and meet the trucks, the message truly

053is becoming more familiar in Lakewood, >> um, you know, we have a tendency to say, "Do you ask this? Have you been asked this?" And that number is increasing. >> I think that's so helpful. Another we we go to a big um uh event down at Rocket Arena um called healthy it's a YMCA healthy kids day and we were there last year and and we were asking people as they came up to our table um you know have you know do you ask about guns in one another's homes and and you know most people would say well I I haven't thought of that or you know what and but one person said well I'm from Lakewood so Yeah, we do that. We >> uh that's >> music tour. >> That's a great a great measure.

054>> Exactly. I think that repetition is so important because I remember the first time you guys presented early on and when we first introduced this I remember myself trying the ask part and it's feeling so awkward about it which I'm like why is this so hard you know and I think you're right the more people are familiar with it the easier it is not only within Lakewood but elsewhere you just get kind of get used to it but it's so important so I really your your work is really important so thank you so Thank you again. >> So, I do have an update tonight. So, as August 2027 feels like almost right around the corner for me in my office, I have an update to share where we're at today. So, tonight I'm proud to

055share an exciting step forward for our district. The principal of Lincoln Elementary will become the principal of the new Lincoln Early Learning Center, which will open in August 2027. Brenda is truly one of the finest educators I have had a privilege to work alongside. Her deep commitment to children, her leadership, her passion for creating outstanding learning environments make her the perfect person to lead this important work. As we look ahead to opening our first early learning center, Brenda will play a critical role in helping us design a space and culture where our youngest learners can thrive from their very first day of school. I'm incredibly excited for the months of planning ahead and confident that under her leadership, this will become a truly special place for our students, families, and staff. It is my great

056honor to welcome Brenda Budsar to the podium. Good evening. Thank you so much, Superintendent Nizwiki, Treasurer Roadie, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dottman, and and the rest of the board. Um, I feel so privileged to and honored to be able to serve the district in this new capacity and to collaborate with the exceptional early childhood staff that we already have in place um in the district um to build a new nest where we will help our youngest learners um to launch into um our six remaining outstanding elementaryaries. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> No, I I'll just be excited to hear about this as it unfolds. So, I will I'm really happy you'll be in that position. >> A big piece about sharing this now is it's it's so important. Brenda

057and I have had many conversations and she has a lot of work still on her plate with um the work she does for Lincoln Elementary and and excited to um celebrate that building as a K to5 building next year and and we've been having those conversations. But what she spoke about is being able to pull those early learning um educators together and synergize about what they would like to create in that space is is very exciting. and she has shared some incredible thoughts and ideas ahead of time and we'll be able to push those out to the families in months to come. >> Perfect. >> I think that's great. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> And then I know that uh Treasurer Roadie does have a finance update. >> Thank you. Good

058evening, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dottman, distinguished members of the board, and Superintendent Nitwiki. Tonight I have an update on property tax reform and I will also include some information on past uh leg legislative changes that have affected school funding today and um a little bit about our state funding. So some recent changes that affect Kyhoga County are have to do with the changes in the reappraisal cycles. um a every six years um uh something called a complete reappraisal occurs and that's a very um robust look at every single property in the county and um based on that reappraisal property values are changed and um they're typically up um increased in value. Um we saw really significant changes um across the state of Ohio as a result of the property reappraisals in the last several years

059um 20 30% in the state. So really significant changes and increases in um land and property um values. So our last complete reappraisal was in 2024 and so typically six years later that next reappraisal would be in 2030. um because of some property uh tax reform changes, that reappraisal has been bumped a year. It will now occur in 2031. Here are a couple key bills that are affecting um property tax revenue and that are also um significant to Lakewood City Schools. House Bill 335, the inside millage revenue cap. Inside mills are that small portion of the district's tax revenue that's not voted. It's part of the Ohio um constitution and that is the only um portion of our property taxes that increase when our property values increase. This um House Bill 335 works to cap

060that growth. So um it is in line with um the GDP growth over the three preceding years. So there's a measure that is calculated and that measure is applied to the amount of growth that the school district can realize on that inside millillage. House Bill 96 that expands property tax exemptions. Um there are some property tax exemptions in law where um qualifying residents get tax relief from the state of Ohio and a lot of these tax relief programs are then reimbursed to the school district be um for that loss of revenue. The state kicks in and makes up for that difference. This um House Bill 96 allows for at the county level those tax relief um programs to be expanded. However, it's without any sort of revenue um makeup from the state or anywhere else.

061So, what happens in these instances are um some qualifying residents get tax relief, but then it's up to the district to ultimately make up for that revenue loss. The good thing for Lakewood City School District right now is that Kyhoga County is not elected to um expand exemptions at this time, but um we are keeping an eye on this for the future. So this graph um it's important to talk about the when we're talking about property tax reform in school funding the state amount that is applied to the cost of a school district in any um school district. And in the black bars on this graph that is showing the state share of um what it costs to educate a student or a pupil. The red bars show then the local expectation to um for

062the local taxpayer to supply to educate a student. And the thing that's um I wanted to point out here is that is projected to the state share is projected to decrease and um that's what's showing in this tread line. And the it's important to take note of this because this is all happening while property tax reform is occurring. So they're occurring at the same time. So the state is paying less to our school districts for the cost to educate a student and at the same time enacting legislation to reform um where directly where our revenues come from. Um and the important thing about this relationship between the state and local um partnership to fund our schools is that as property values increase, the state's share of um educating a pupil decreases. So um that's something

063to keep in mind as we keep talking about um property tax reform. This graph um is showing something that's important to Lakewood schools because we are on what's called a funding guarantee. And that means that the fair school funding plan formula um which is the basis for all state funding for public schools in the state of Ohio that really doesn't work for our district. And so we are guaranteed therefore the same amount of funding that we received in 2020. So we really haven't seen an increase since 2020 in our basic state funding um because we are on that guarantee. As um property values go up and therefore state funding decreases that just pushes more and more districts on that guarantee because again that state share is dropping. So they are forced to in essence flatline

064their state funding by being on that guarantee. What this means really is that the fair school funding formula works for less and less districts as time goes on because this is a projection out to 2030. >> Am I allowed to ask a question? >> Sure. >> Is that okay? >> If I wait until the end, I'll forget my questions. Um, so in the flatlining and in the decrease of the state per pupil funding, but we're guaranteed, but the red line is moving up and like can you just walk me through that? >> This is showing the number of districts on the guarantee, not the state's funding. So this is strictly talking about districts that are guaranteed funding like ours. So when we're on the guarantee, it means that the formula used to for the state

065to determine how much funding they're going to contribute to education, it's not working for them. And this just shows that the formula is not working for more and more districts as time goes on. Okay. >> Yeah. which is really counterintuitive to um the ultimate the initial um outlay of the fair school funding plan because the whole idea was to get all school districts onto a fair formula to provide um equitable education across the state of Ohio. So this is just a little bit about how that state local share works. So, um, the state share that's based on actual costs to educate students. So, it looks at classroom instruction, building administration, um, instructional supports, and district administration. And again, that's what what does it cost to educate a student. Um, and that's what the state is

066basing their share on. The state share is then calculated for each district based on local wealth. um so the property values of the um district's property and its residents incomes to get that um wealth measurement in your district. Also um in the calculation are the number of students and then the specific needs of students because there are some additional funding sources for special education and economically disadvantaged students. Um so really the state share is calculated by taking all of the districts in the state of Ohio and um numbering them based on most wealthy to least wealthy and then dividing the total amount of funding available for public education and then divvying it up um based on that local wealth. And excuse me, the um local wealth is a measure to point to how much the

067state expects those local residents to pay in taxes. Here's a look at the state share percentage and its um decline over time. So this starts at um fiscal year 99 and that is the first year after the deval ruling. So the dal case um that was a case in which the court declared that Ohio school funding system is unconstitutional and schools relied too heavily on local property tax among a few other things. It's interesting to note that then since that time um it's decreased and in our current fiscal year fiscal year 26 we are at 35% and expecting to go to 32.2% next year. So continuing continuing that decline. Um why does this occur? The big part, and I'll get into this in a little bit more in the next slides, is that the the

068inputs that are necessary for the formula to work have not not all of the components have been updated. And that's really messing with the fair school funding formula or fair school funding plan. >> When you talk about the inputs, you mean like the population, the wealth of the district? >> Yes. Here is what I'm talking about specifically for the inputs. So these inputs um on this grid their property valuation, income, base cost of the enrolled um students and then um the and and the base costs of um the inputs. So what does it cost to for those classroom instruction support and administration over time? We have fiscal year 24 through 27 here. property valuation has grown because you can see um the inputs for property valuation increase every year along that red line. We see

06922, 23, 24 and 25. So property valuation is increasing. Same thing on the income level. Um they're using data from 21 and then 22, 23 and 24. And then the base cost um for um enrolled ADM 23 24 and 25 and 26. The important part here is that the inputs or the actual cost part of um what it costs to educate a student, they've remained constant. um their fiscal year 22 based in cost inputs and fiscical year 24 average base cost are used and it's flat. So those are the um cost side that aren't being entered into the formula. So when you have only property values and income rising in the formula and you don't have the costs rising, your math isn't mathing and you get more districts on the guarantee because the formula doesn't

070work when you don't treat each component equally and rise and raise them across the board. You pick and choose. And it is a choice because these inputs aren't updated because the data is not available. The data is available. It's a choice to not put the available data into the formula. Here's just another look um at the information that I presented just um to highlight that decrease over time in the state share that state portion. So what does this mean? that the burden of educating our students, that cost burden and tax burden is shifting from a state level to a local level. And that is why we um have seen districts go on to um have to raise money on the uh via ballot measures at a local level. So, um state share again fallen to

071a historic low because those components aren't fully updated. there's more districts on the minimum share. That's us. We get the minimum share 10% of what it costs to educate a student. Um and that pressure shifting to the local communities. Another thing that I want to highlight as we go over some policy um are some important changes at a policy level that further creates a shift. Um I'll start with in the 70s. That's one that House Bill 920 really significant legislation for schools that limited tax tax revenue growth for schools as property values increase. So that's House Bill 920 to really um uh minimize the impact of inflation on homeowners. So what does that mean for schools? Every voted levy that a school district passes, the amount that's collected in year one remains the same forever

072because of House Bill 920. There is no growth. Even as your property values increase, the voted taxes do not increase because of this legislation. So, it's meant to control um that growth in taxes. In 2005 through 2013, some interesting things happened and these were focused on business taxes, business tax reform. Um, something called the tangible per uh personal property tax was eliminated which helped businesses. Um, and then for a while the state was making up for that loss of revenue. Eventually, the state pulled back that loss and then it was completely on the local district to make up for that loss of revenue. So, the commercial um properties got a break um that was ultimately picked up by the local homeowners. Um in 21 through Oh. Oh, excuse me. And then we also had in

0732013 the elimination of those property tax credit relief. um reimbursement from the state. So, we still have the property tax credits, which is great because it provides tax relief to qualifying residents, but the state no longer opted into reimbursing districts for those credit credits. So, it's all up to again the local um property owners, the local district to make up for that revenue. We had the funding um fair school funding plan um and further property tax cuts to businesses. And what this shows is um decades of policy decisions and a pattern by the state that changes the tax burden from um the state to property owners and from within that subset from commercial businesses to homeowners. Here's a look at um the decrease over time. It's 1975 to 2023. The percentage of property taxes paid

074by businesses um decreased from around 54% to um 32.5%. And then how is that made up? That's from our um residential property owners have to make up that difference. I have been getting um questions about what's the difference between property tax and income tax. So, I just have a few key highlights here. U with property taxes, they're levied on all real estate within the district boundaries. Um, House Bill 920 keeps that those tax levels um those tax rates level and um municipalities or cities or villages can limit the um growth for commercial property or construction. And so with a property tax, you have the tax burden being shared between residents and your commercial businesses. With an income tax, the income tax is levied on the income of all residents. It does not apply for school

075districts on workers. So, it's just your resident income. Um, it can be based on different kinds of income. Um, it does allow for growth opportunity as incomes rise, but this tax burden falls fully on the residents. There is no um sharing with uh commercial commercial property tax owners. A quick aside regarding our federal funding, because we do get a portion of the district's funding from the federal government, those um those amounts have been appropriated for next school year, but they do remain flat. So, we expect to get the same amount as we're receiving this year. There is a co a property tax constitutional amendment um being an effort being led and just to point out that this is forformational purposes only and neither I nor the board of education is advocating for or against. This

076is just um the facts we know right now. What's required is um over 413,000 signatures and 5% of the vote in each of the um each county um and they have to meet the deadline by this July 1st and the statewide constitutional amendment would affect all property tax levies. So, um not just schools, but city governments, county governments, EMS, fire, any taxing entity. um this would affect and it would affect not only operating levies but also levies for buildings and building debt. So a lot of lot to think about and consider there. Ask you a information question. This is when they want to abolish property tax. I think as I'm saying this out loud I might be answering my own question. Um it would it would stop the collection. It theoretically would stop the collection

077of all property taxes even on the things that we've already voted on. >> Correct. >> It's not it's not saying no new property taxes. It's just saying they don't want us to collect anything. >> Correct. All property tax would cease. And then for point of information, if somehow they get the signatures and if somehow they get on the ballot um and if somehow it passes, it will probably just go to court, right? I mean like like a lot I mean anything that's that controversial like someone is going to sue >> 920 went to court too and court said it was wrong and it took I'm not sure we should speculate on that. >> No. Okay. Sorry. Were you right? Thank you. Um we shouldn't but um but procedurally >> um there it Okay. >> Yeah.

078A lot to consider there. >> A lot to consider. >> Um looking ahead um just to summarize, our state share is declining um across the state. Uh federal funding for Lakewood and most other schools is flat for the next upcoming school year. the homeowner burden across our state um for those residential property owners is increasing significantly. And um this just makes uh districts have to work even more strategically on when when and how much of their um local revenue they're going to um need to raise. Because we're talking about taxes and because this um annual tax budget is on the board agenda tonight, I did want to call attention to our bond retirement fund tax. Um and I have circled here that the tax rate that has been um discussed with the county for all

079of our bond outstanding debt levies is 5.1. Last year it was 7.1. So, it this I wanted to highlight and point out that 2 mil drop because we've been talking about that a lot lately. Um, especially when it comes to discussing that our new levy on May's ballot is 6.9 mills. Um, and then at the same time, we have a 2 mil decrease. So, that's all I have this evening. Thank you. >> Y >> and that concludes the superintendent report. Thank you very much. >> Chalk full of awesome information. >> Thank you so much, Super Treasure Rodie. That was a lot of wonderful. >> Excellent. >> Yeah, >> you're welcome. Thanks. >> We could talk about it all night, I'm sure. We're gonna We'll move on to another stimulating topic, legislative report. >> Yes. Well,

080hard to hard to follow that. Um, >> not necessarily positive. >> Well, yeah, some of it is. Um, so I've been trying to keep on top of all the fun things that are going on in the uh legislative world. I'm focusing a little bit on the governor's office this time. Um, Governor DeWine gave his state of the state address recently and focused some of his time on uh the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. I'm going to touch on a couple topics that he touched on. One of them uh was the science of reading instructional implementation teams. And so he focused a lot on science of reading. And um the reason I'm bringing up some of these things is I figure sometimes people uh hear these things in the news and are wondering how does

081that affect Lakewood? Um we uh are fortunate in that we have 100% implementation of training for teachers in our district. We were fortunate that last October, Governor DeWine visited our district um because four of our elementary schools earned the science and reading champion award. Um so we're doing a great job with science of reading in our district and while they are you know Governor Dwine talked about um you know adding read Ohio coaches um and you know expanding that throughout the state. Um we're in pretty good shape here in our district. However, as new teachers enter our district, we will be they will need to receive the training and there will be some refresher courses need to that refreshment that will need to have a refreshment training that will have to happen and the um

082the funding that uh was in place in the beginning of this effort will not be in place as it continues as is often the case with such programs. So that's unfortunate. Um, so it's just something to keep an eye on, but we're uh glad that we are where we are with it because it's uh it's a good place to be. Um the he also talked about a statewide attendance dashboard. Um it's another one of those things that sounds really cool on paper. Um it's probably great for districts that aren't doing such a great job of monitoring their attendance figures. Um thankfully we are. Um and we have a lot of measures in place and it's understandable why you would want to do that because attendance is a you know really good predictor of school success

083and graduation rates and um we are uh having a a special board meeting on Thursday evening where we're digging into some some topics and attendance is one of them. So, um, uh, what you would hate is if we have something in place that's working that we are, um, that that we're keeping on top of that's helping our district function and then to have a tool foisted upon us. That is not necessarily what we would want, especially if there's no funding behind it. that and I to borrow a phrase from uh Stephen Astar, director of teaching learning, it takes time, energy, and attention away from what we're already doing to try and implement something that the state wants us to do. So hopefully we can stick with what we're doing, but we'll learn more on Thursday

084as we dig into attendance. And then um the last thing from his uh speech is the recess increase for grades K through eight. Uh um this is in reference to House Bill uh 304, which is sponsored by Representatives Tom Young, who's a Republican out of Washington Township, and Melanie Miller, who's a Republican out of Ashland. Um it's uh wants it's a bill that would double the amount of recess time for schools from 30 minutes to 60 minutes per day and would require these recess periods for all students in kindergarten through 8th grade, except on days when students have physical education class. Um, again, one of those things that sounds wonderful. We all want our kids to move as much as possible, and we do that already in our classrooms. Um, the bill allows districts to

085count these recess periods toward the state's minimum instructional hour requirements, which again sounds wonderful, but it doesn't reduce any of the requirements of the instructional requirements that the state has for the time. Um it does not include additional state funding for diff districts to implement any changes. Um these positions for staffing for you know uh lunch and recess monitors are very very difficult to fill. Um and it was funny because one of the this representative Miller said she declining enrollment makes new funding unlikely, but she believes schools will find ways to adapt. So, while we appreciate everybody's optimism, that's a you know, so it's just one of those things where there are some great ideas that um come up with some of those things, but it's it's one of those things where you kind of

086want us to be able to manage things the way that are working for our district. And so, >> yeah, I think I all those things are great things, right? Um but every district just like you know if we go to the kindergarten registration date or the first day of kindergarten now every school has a different date that kids go to start kindergarten and that's in the same mandate now you know you have to be by that certain date that's confusing um recess is a great thing we I mean we would love to give it but as educators we also know we only have so much time and so I I do believe a super power of our elementary staff and every level has it, but we're talking recess right now. The superpower is providing energy

087releasing activities while learning and it doesn't necessarily mean you have to go to the playground. Um, every school has a a set different amount of hours their students are in school. So again, it's it's not an applesto apples comparison. And unfortunately, the number one reason that is so difficult is we have, you know, six to eight positions right now not filled. And those are the positions we're talking about that we are unable to find staff for. Um, which, you know, we would love to fill them, but if we're there was more time, you're also talking a budgeting aspect of that. And so it it, you know, things do sound wonderful. You know, I I know we all love our littles and we want them, but we provide great education for our kids and and at

088the same time provide many energy outlets for our kids purposefully um because of the the schooling that our elementary teachers have gone through in order to do that. So again, looking forward to seeing where this all lands, but um hopeful in the sense that we still be able to continue to have the local control of um building our student day the way we would want to in Lakewood. Yeah, I think that that it kind of keeps going back to that local control issue of just letting you know being able to know our own district and our own resources and our own people and trying to figure out what works best for us, what works here. So, I agree. >> Thank you. >> It's a fixed number like we have so much time, right? You take

089out 15 minutes and probably add another five for just general >> transition >> before and after. >> Yeah. You don't you can't like teleport them here and there. >> It's a chunk. Well, you'd have to add on to the day and that goes into contracts and >> Right. >> It's like a butterfly. Yeah, for sure. Yeah. So, it's it's it is interesting when you hear um ideas and and things that are floated in and you know these in a public way >> um to to think about how that is implement how that can or cannot be easily implemented and how it affects everything else. So, just thought it was I've noticed that that was in the news and I wanted to make sure we touched on it. So that's it for today. >> Thank you.

090We now move on to the communications portion of our agenda. Um first of all, are there any board members who have comments they'd like to make at communications? >> Yeah. Or >> Oh, no. But I did um I did visit I did go to Uklid High School um last week for the urban network um meeting and um I had asked Superintendent Nwiki if she'd been invited and if she was going and um she said no, I didn't get the invitation and it turns out that it was to board members. Um so the only superintendent there was the Uclid superintendent because he was giving us a tour of his district. So um but it was it was very interesting to there weren't very many of us. I think we represented >> talk. >> No. So, and

091and I got it because a woman that I met the first year when we first were when Mrs. Dottman and I were first elected and we went to the first Capitol conference in November in Columbus. I met this woman from Uklid who had just gotten elected. We were in a workshop together. We started talking. We had lunch. We started we kept talking. We saw each other at another workshop and we've been kept we've kept in touch. Um, and so she reached out and said, "Hey, you want to come?" So, I don't know exactly how, but it's from OSBA. Um, they're like, "Well, we try to invite everybody." I'm like, "Okay, whatever." Um, >> so I do wonder if So, from my understanding, um, we're not, um, it's for the urban districts and we're considered based

092with Ohio Department of Education as a suburban district and that's probably why everyone didn't receive it. I can dig into that again, but I'm pretty sure that's the >> So, I actually there were some OSBA people there like because it was there and as I said, you know, we weren't we weren't invited. And um they said, well, you know, we don't always do a really good job of reaching out to everybody. They're not closed meetings. Anyone can come. Like, okay, whatever. Um but anyway, it was very interesting to see um a district similar in size um and um with new facilities and um and then we we had lunch from their col at their culinary program and it was as yummy as ours. Um and but we all commiserated about this challenge of living in

093Ohio with these unfunded mandates and this um you know appears you know that is this attack on public education and each of us are feeling it in very similar ways. So, there was something very valuable about having people from six different local school districts all finding some some community and solidarity in >> that we're all struggling with this. >> Yeah. >> Mike, did you >> just a um uh wanted to recognize the Lakewood uh the athletic boosters, their night at the racist is coming up this uh this Saturday. Um it is from 6:00 to 11:30 p.m. at St. Mary's on uh Warren Road in Cleveland. I think tickets are still available, but just want to recognize the folks who uh put that on the many many volunteers. Um obviously that's like the signature event of

094the year and uh a fun time, but uh also a worthy cause and one that is uh typically pretty successful in in raising revenue that that uh goes to uh support um all of the efforts of the of the athletic boosters. So >> wonderful. I would just uh would like to remind everybody to get your tickets to the Barnsttormer's musical Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 which will be uh March 26 through 28 in the civic auditorium. It's based on a small sliver of War and Peace by Leo Toltoy but the musical was written by a Lakewood High School alum Dave Mallaloy class of 94 >> 94 and it was nominated for I believe 10 Tony's when it was on Broadway. So, um, and he is, uh, apparently, uh, taking time out of

095his schedule to do a Zoom, uh, meeting with the kids, I think on Wednesday, just to sort of check and see how they're doing with the show and then, you know, just a egg them on for having a great, you know, great production, which is incredibly wonderful of him. So, um, the pit orchestra is on stage. There's cafe tables on stage. There's all sorts of different things that might not be what you're used to in the civic. It's very interactive and fun as far as I am here. So, um, I think it's in a lot of Russian dancing, all sorts of cool stuff. So, get your tickets. It's supposed to be really, really great. >> Great. I'll just say today um we went to the W Nor and I and the superintendent um were happy

096to be at the Westshore programs um awards given by the Lakewood Rocky River Rotary and 14 excellent students won I can't we have 14 really solid programs in this um Dr. Badat has done a wonderful job and his enthusiasm just spills over, you know, to whoever he's around. But that program really grows all the time and adapts to what the needs are in our society. And I just want to congratulate them. Okay, we now move on to public comments. And we have four people who I hope they're still here have um signed up to speak to us. And um just to remind anyone who hasn't, the board does not discriminate based on the identity of the speaker, content of the speech or viewpoint. Um you indicate that you will speak before entering the meeting that

097you would like to and if you would give your name, city, and street. and you will be limited to three minutes and um comments that are uh you know I would just say repetitive, obscene or threatening um won't be tolerated. So uh we look forward to hearing from the people who I'm sure will be none of those things. And the first is Bir Browning. Birch family and I live on 1524 in Cohasset, obviously here in Lakewood. Um, unlike a lot of folks in Lakewood, we are not Lakewood natives. We moved to Lakewood in 2017. Uh, we were living in an east side suburb. we had an opportunity to relocate and so we were able to choose where we wanted to move and we moved to Lakewood specifically because of the quality of the school system

098and because of the arts program. Uh we have two students who have or children who have been part of the school system here. Our oldest graduated two years ago and now is attending Western Carolina University. Uh, and our youngest is actually in Civic working on the show. And I apologize for dressing like this. I'm supposed to be helping build the work on the set tonight. Uh, so I'll be headed over there. This issue uh, Nora stole a little bit of my thunder, but the issue of this show brings a lot of important points about the levy. Uh Nor mentioned that uh the composer of this piece uh Natasha Pierre and the great comet of 1812 is a Lakewood grad from uh 1994. And here's the point. We're we are not only benefiting from our current

099funding. We are benefiting from the funding that the community invested in the school system 32 years ago when Dave graduated. So even before that, 35 years ago, I want to make sure that the students who attend Lakewood High School 30 years from now benefit from the decisions we make coming up on this this levy. The arts programs are not the only ones in Lakewood that change lives. Uh we are especially appreciative of the arts programs. That's why we moved here. My wife and I are both uh music teachers, but just tonight we've seen students from all kinds of programs who have benefited right from the 3D art and the athletics and from Amy and Gray's program. Um they exemplify why we should pay uh support this levy. We moved here for a reason. There are

100faculty members who choose to work in Lakewood because of the quality of the programs and for the chance for them to pursue the same sort of passion for living the great life and sharing those lives with students. If we don't pass the levy, we will lose current teachers. And I want you to think about this. Next year's firstear teachers will be teaching in Lakewood 30 years from now. We owe it to them to all the students who come in the next 30 years to pass this levy. Thank you for their time. >> Thank you. Uh our next next speaker is Trish Hendy. Sorry, I'm a little slow tonight. I decided to go down a flight of steps last night the hard way. Uh, don't start yet. I am Trishendy. I live on Emerson Avenue. That's

101where I was not born in the house, but close enough to it. Um, sorry. So, I'll try to be polite tonight. President Sy, Vice President Dman, and board members. Um, I have to read this specifically or I get in trouble. So, I won't be looking up at you. I won't be doing eye contact or anything like that. Last time I was here was to inform the board that we working hard to comply with the 127 email clearly stating that we are no longer needed in any capacity. Days later, we received an email not clearing the impression of 127 bill. Instead, chastising us about taking money away from kids. Let me state we didn't take money away from kids. The liquid board of education instructed not needed in any capacity. On to the next issue. I

102said that day that there were a couple issues that were going to be harder to resolve. Excuse me. One of the issues was that we knew would take longer to to resolve is the trademark of the Lakewood project. In 2002 2003, meetings were held with the district's attorney, Chess Sumpter, and one of the issues with the trademark. The district stated they had no want for holding the mark. Flash forward to today. As you know, our attorneys contacted you, informing that a conversation needed to be had about the mutual use of the mark, but no need to cease use until after July 5, so there would be no pressure to get things done quickly and stupidly. At some time in all this, an administrator contacted the director and informed him, rebranding must be done by the

103May concert. This was then shared with students and parents. President Shaughnessy, there's a board member with a child in Lake Project that as far as we know made no attempt made no attempt to correct this lie. Instead, it is now your normal pattern just to smear us. Let me remind you that we are residents of Lakewood unlike your cabinet members and have been given decades of providing opportunities for our students. How and why did you let students and parents think that we would harm the very programs we built for them? or even better sharing legal and confidential conversations with non board members. We are requesting that you make a public statement correct this issue of using the mark and that can be used to July 5th and that there are ongoing legal and confidential conversations.

104I'm asked a lot frankly right now I'm asked about the levy. I'm asked about yay or nay. But you know what? The integrity of the board and this administration just shoots itself down every day. I'm sure you'll be getting a response. Um, the next speaker is Vicky Smagielski. Good evening. I'm Vicki Smeagielski and I'm um a proud graduate of Lakewood High School, class of 1978. I live on also live on Cohasset Avenue here in Lakewood. Um and I'm a lifelong resident of the city of Lakewood. I'm also the proud parent of two LHS alumni, one of whom is um now a eighth grade teacher at Garfield Middle School. I'm also a retiree living on a fixed income. So I understand very personally what it means when costs go up. Every dollar matters in retirement. That's

105exactly why I've thought carefully about this operating levy and why I believe it's still important to support it. Our schools are one of the most important investments we make in our community. The quality of education our students receive today shapes the opportunities they'll have tomorrow and the kind of community we all live in. Strong schools attract families, support local businesses, and help maintain the value and vitality of our neighborhoods. But more importantly, strong schools give our students the tools they need to succeed. the dedicated teachers, the academic programs, the arts, the extracurricular opportunities, and the support services that help every child learn. These things don't happen by accident. They require consistent support from the community. I believe that I benefited from all of these opportunities as a student and believe that they've prepared me to

106serve my community over the last 50 years since I left Lakewood High School. As someone who no longer has children in the school system, I could easily say that this isn't my responsibility anymore. But I don't believe that the education of the next generation benefits all of us. Today's students will become tomorrow's workers, leaders, neighbors, and caregivers. When we invest in their education, we invest in the future of our entire community. Even on a fixed income, I believe this is a worthwhile investment. I'm supporting issue two because I believe it helps ensure that our district can continue providing the highquality education that our community values and our students deserve. Our students, our teachers, and our futures are worth it. Thank you. >> Thank you. And our last uh speaker is Gray Cooper. Mr. Crane told

107me I could say whatever I wanted for three minutes if I signed up. So, um I'm I'm here to talk about Amy. Uh you know heard her talk about our program. Uh what you didn't hear or see in the video is what happens behind the scenes and I'm privileged to that every day. I feel really lucky that I get to work with Amy. She's my my teaching partner for the better part of 10 years. Um, so what got cut from the video was all of the students talking about how confident they felt going into this like big scary space, like I'm going to this professional setting where like maybe I want to work someday. And they all sat down with her and they're like, can I talk about how you got me ready for the

108event? It's like, no, we're not putting that in the video. So, I'm taking my time here to say, uh, this program is a great idea and a great program is awesome, but a great program only works if you have the right people doing it. Uh, and Amy is the right person for it. So, um, she's a huge asset to this district. And I mean, I think about almost a hundred kids who've had an opportunity to find out if it's right or if it's not a right fit. And you mentioned like the cost savings and just what an asset Amy is to our district. Um, and also just want to acknowledge that like how lucky we are that we get to work in a district that I think there's a lot of districts that like maybe

109don't have that kind of vision where we would just have like English four, right? And we're just very very lucky that we get support from our admin to have these kind of programs. And um Amy's deeply committed like I am to establishing like setting kids up for long-term flourishing. Um and so I just wanted to make sure that we recognized Amy and and her efforts. So that's it. That's all I wanted to say. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And that concludes the public comment for this evening. We now move on to the consent agenda. Is there a motion for the consent agenda? Which was >> so moved. >> Amended. Thank you. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Uh this requires the roll call, please. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dman. >>

110Hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> I. >> Thank you. And the consent agenda is adopted. Um, we the next items are human resources and community services. Mrs. Dman. >> Okay. So, can can we do all of these or do they have to be separate? Mrs. Rodie, I can't remember. >> Um, one through five can be in one vote. >> Okay. >> Human resources. >> Okay. So we have sorry okay so we have two so 204 total actions uh certified certified non-employee coaches classified and classified non-employee coaches all for appointments special compensation or salary and pay rate adjustments I move to vote >> is there a motion >> the motion to approve Thank Thank you, Mr. Callahan. >> Second. >> It's been a long night. >>

111The resolution's been moved and seconded. Uh, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. >> And the motion carries. >> Okay. And then I >> we now move on to other board. >> No, no, I got one more. And then I have 97 total actions for community recreation and education and aquatics and programs. And I moved to >> Oh, I thought it was one through five. Sorry. Sorry. I thought you said one. >> Oh, that was one through five. I'm >> That's all right. >> It's been a long It's been a long week. It's Monday. M. >> Sorry. >> No, nothing to be sorry about. Other board business. Um there's several actions here. >> It's me again. >> Yes, it is. >> All right. So, I request approval on one reading. We have

112um five total actions. Three resignations for the purpose of retirement and two resignations. Second. >> The motion's been moved and seconded. This is on one reading, so requires a roll call vote. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dman. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you. The motion carries. You get the next one. >> And I request approval on one reading. Again, five total actions. One resignation for the purpose of retirement and four resignation all resignations all classified positions. >> Second. >> It's been moved and second. And just to remind people that we do these on one reading so they can get the process of filling positions going. Um toot sweet. Um this also requires a roll call. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy.

113>> Hi. >> Mrs. Dman. Hi. >> Mrs. Clerk Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katzenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you. We now have a resolution um approving filing of a complaint against real property. And this would be Mr. Callahan. Thank you, President Shaughnessy. In April 2022, the Ohio legislature passed and Governor DeWine signed amended substitute House Bill 126, which requires boards of education to adopt a resolution at a public meeting prior to filing a complaint regarding the valuation of real property within the district. The resolutions before you this evening authorize uh the filing of five separate commercial and industrial property valuation complaints with the county board of revision. While each complaint requires a separate resolution, uh they may be approved in a single vote. Uh and this is being requested to

114be approved uh on one reading. So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that we approve the filing of five uh separate commercial and industrial property valuation complaints with one uh roll call vote. >> Can I Mrs. Shaughnessy? >> Oh. Oh. >> Oh, can I ask a couple questions? I have a question. Um can So um I I'm the stick in the mud that is always um asking why do we have to do these on one reading and usually they're timing issues. So um can you just walk us through that and Sure. Um yeah, there is one reading request for this because of the time sensitivity of the um filings. The um filing deadlines for the county board of revision are um pretty they occur early in the year. So there

115isn't um there's a condensed uh timeline as far as when the property valuation information is received. It's reviewed by legal. The um resolutions are prepared when they arrive here. um and they have to be filed by the end of the month. So, it didn't allow for two readings because in there is also a window of time that you have to alert the commercial property owners. So, there's several deadlines that were up against. >> Thank you. I just I appreciate you walking us through that um so that we all know why we're doing this. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, the Any other questions or comments? >> Uh the resolution's been moved and seconded. We'll have a roll call vote, please. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy, >> hi. >> Mrs. Dottman, hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton, >> hi.

116>> Mr. Callahan, >> hi. >> Miss Kenberger, >> hi. >> Thank you. And we have a resolution accepting amounts and rates uh as determined by the budget commission. Mr. Callahan. >> Thank you. Again, President Chani again request approval on uh one reading. Approval of this resolution is required annually by the Kyhoga County Fiscal Office to indicate the board of education acceptance of the amount and rates as determined by the budget commission and to authorize the assessment of tax levies by the voters of Lakewood. So moved. >> Second. >> The motion has been moved and seconded. Are there any questions? >> No, I'm sure it's the same time sensitive and the county taking its time. Mhm. Um, thank you. And may we have a roll call? >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dottman. Hi. >>

117Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you very much. And that concludes other board business. Um, hearing nothing from the board. I would ask for a resolution for adjournment. >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> None opposed. We are adjourned. Thank you very much.