001Thank you. years. Heat. Heat. Oh, hey. Bless Down down down down down. Um, welcome. So happy to have all of you here tonight. Um, the board had met prior to this meeting. We had recess for executive session. We returned to public session and now we're here with all of you. So, if you would join us in the pledge of allegiance, we'd appreciate that. 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. First item is the adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. May we have a roll call vote, please? Mrs. Shaughnessy. I >> Mrs. Dottman. >> Hi. >>
002Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you very much. Next item is the superintendent report. >> Good evening again, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dman, distinguished board members, treasure, I almost said Zean Rowy, excuse me. Uh tonight I would like to invite our amazing principal of Harrison to the podium and she'll be sharing our improved attendance building report and resilient ranger. >> Okay. Good evening. I am Sabrina Jackson, principal at Harrison Elementary. Um, President Shaughnessy, Vice Pres, President Doment, distinguished board members, uh, Superintendent Dwiki, and Treasurer Roadie. At this time, I would like to recognize our resilient ranger, Macy Graham. Macy's going to come up, and I'm going to have Miss Burley, our fifth grade teacher, come up and say a few words about Macy. Good
003evening. Thank you everybody for coming. It's good to see you all. Um I just wanted to say um Macy came to Harrison new this year and I could not be more thrilled that she's here. Um what a what a joy that she's been. Um she is very very involved in school this year. She is on the garden club team. She is on um news crew. She's also one of our peace pals here at school. Um Macy is also very very involved in the 4 club outside of school. And she has a horse named Cupcake Lily that she will be showing at the fair, the Lraine Fair this summer. So she is really really involved. Helps grandma a lot. Um Macy starts the day with a smile on her face and a story to tell. She
004um helps grandma a lot on the farm. They have oh my gosh, how many goats, donkeys, um mules, horses. Um so she's out there quite a bit. Um she helps out many times a month and um she's so knowledgeable about um animals and farms. I told her, I always tell her, I go, I could go to a coffee shop with you and just talk all day. Um so she is really um wonderful. She shares her experiences with us all day during um good news bad news in the morning. Um and most importantly Macy school is not the easiest for Macy, but she never ever gives up. Um she works so hard. She asks questions. She'll be like, you know, I'm just not getting this. And it's like, okay, well, let's keep going. Um, so that's
005one of the things that I really really um appreciate and and honor her for that she just doesn't give up. Um, she's willing to try new things. She's very kind to everyone. Um, gets along with her classmates. And real quick, I just wanted to share a story that just made me cry. So, my stapler broke before Christmas, and I kept telling the kids, "Oh, Santa's going to bring me a new stapler. Santa's going to bring me a stapler." And um so Macy got um to shop with the cop during the holidays and stuff. So after that weekend, she comes back and she goes hands me this box and she goes, "Santa came early." She used her shop with the cop to get me a new stapler. So that was just one of the sweet things
006that she does. But um anyway, like I said, that's just one of the sweet things that she does all day. So you keep being you. I cannot wait to hear more stories and you got to come back and tell me about the fair after this summer. So congratulations. I am so proud of you and I can't wait to for the rest of the year. So thank you so much. >> You sound like a wonderful student to have in this school and a wonderful person. And I have a lot of times where I have to ask somebody to explain something to me too. Um, this is just something calling you the resilient ranger that you are from the board and we all appreciate your hard work and what you bring to Harrison. Would you like to
007say anything? >> Thank you very much. >> Very nice. Here, sweetie. >> You want to have your family come up and be in a picture? Yeah. >> Who's with you? You want to introduce? >> This is my mom. >> Hi, Mom. >> Hi. >> Congratulations. Thank you. Okay. And for uh improved attendance, I'm going to ask Lola Gonzalez to come up, please. So Lola has been around a long time. She's finally in fifth grade. Um so uh very proud of her. She was chosen to be recognized this evening for most improved attendance. Uh her attendance has improved significantly. She has only missed two days of school thus far this school year. That's it, right? >> Yes. Um the commitment and effort that Lola and her parents have put forth is truly commendable. So congratulations to
008you parents too. Thank you so much. Who's here with you tonight? >> Um, my nana and my mom and dad and my sister. >> Would you like to have them come up and have a picture taken with you? >> Sure. Come on up. biggest. >> Awesome. Okay. Engaging and connecting with our families is something our Harrison team truly values and considers essential. relationships truly matter. As we prepared to unveil something magical and exciting for our school community, we were intentional about honoring the traditions that have strengthened family engagement and fostered meaningful, lasting connections. We believe that celebrating together is what makes our Harrison community so special. As we continue to implement experiences that positively impact our school climate and support student learning, we were also thoughtfully building momentum for the launch of the RCA house
009system at Harrison. We hope our presentation helps you truly visualize excitement, purpose, and heart behind it all. I'm going to have a seat. Wow. next to Sabrina Jackson. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hi, I'm Kristen Adams. I'm a third grade teacher at Harrison Elementary School. I've been asked to talk about the initial thoughts and undertaking of the house system. And when we first heard that this is something we were going to be doing, I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous at first. Excited too because it sounded like a really cool thing for the school environment, but I was also a little nervous because it seemed like a lot it was involved. So that was initially how I felt. But then as the process started, I was able to see how the house system
010develops in a individual school building. I was a part of a number of meetings where we discussed as a staff what this is going to look like in our building and how we can make it our own. I also had the opportunity to go to another Lakewood elementary school to watch a house meet there some of the house meetings and then also a house assembly which was really cool because I finally got to see it in action not just on a video or being told what it was about. And that's when I really first kind of decided, you know what, this is going to be a good thing for Harrison Elementary School. I saw the excitement that the students had. I saw the excitement and the of the staff. I know that up until now
011in at Harrison and in Lakewood, we have implemented the PBIS systems and had things such as tickets and rewards and assemblies already. And over time, things like that can, while they're exciting, can need a little refresher or a newness. And so, this brought a whole new way of looking at behavior in a school and developing a positive school culture. Then after going to those assemblies and talking about it, we started our journey here at Harrison of getting it all together. And I soon realized that yes, at first it may have seemed like a lot of work, but anything that is done well starts with a lot of upfront work. Once that was done, it was clear to me that our students were really going to get excited about this opportunity at Harrison. Um, the teachers
012were first put into their houses. We had a really fun staff meeting that turned out to be a celebration with music and candy and colors and a bunch of excitement and we had our secret envelopes and we all opened our envelopes and found out what houses we were in. And I saw how exciting that was just as a staff to bring us together. Then to be able to do that with students later with their own revealing where they um were able to scratch off a ticket and they were able to see what house they were in and just the excitement and joy that it brought. It really made our school culture even better if possible than it already was. And I knew for the kids the buyin wouldn't be too tough. It's something exciting, fresh,
013uh, for them to get excited to come to school and also not just to come to school, but also to collaborate together. You know, you have a house of kindergarten through fifth graders plus staff members, not just teachers, but all staff buying in to being a part of something bigger. And it really gives kids a the motivation to want to be a part of making their house the best, making their house greater. And even if it's not their house, but a friend from another house gets another point. They are excited to see their friend succeed and do the chant and show that excitement. So, I think this has been a positive addition to Harrison Elementary School. >> Does the world call you black? Does it say you are white? Whatever its color, your skin is
014just right. We all wear our skin just like trees wear their bark in infinite shades between light and dark. Hi, I'm Megan Widen, the student wellness specialist at Harrison. Um, in our school, social emotional learning is embedded into our house system. The house system helps our students to feel connected, valued, and responsible for one another across the grade levels. Um this naturally builds uh empathy, kindness and cooperation. So recently we connected this work to our district's competency of empathy using the book we belong by Lorie Pertie Solace. Uh we chose this book because it highlights that everyone has a place and that our differences makes our community stronger. Um, after reading, students discuss what belonging looks like in our school and how their actions can help others feel included and supported. Uh, the house system
015gives them daily opportunities to practice those skills, cheering each other on, helping younger students, and showing that they care for their housemates. So, this experience brought everything together by reinforcing that empathy isn't just something we talk about, it's something that we live out as a school community. Loud loud friends, quiet friends. >> What >> do you enjoy? >> Oh, look at interesting. >> Lot of not surprised. >> Not surpris. >> Okay, so look at this. >> A lot of us prefer >> quiet. Fruits or veggies? What do you prefer? >> Interesting. >> I like >> Here's the thing. I like them both, but I know what I prefer. >> Wow. >> Look at our good for you. >> Good for you for being who you are. >> Look at that. Look at these individuals. >>
016So, we have way more people who like fruit better. But look at Good for you. It is great to like >> Hi, I'm Stephanie Grant. I teach elementary music at Harrison and Lincoln and the house system has really transformed the way our school builds community with one another and the way we celebrate meaningful moments throughout the year by giving each house ownership of an important event or a monthly focus like um Black History Month, Solivari took MLK day, revertic women's history month, altruismo took uh multicultural month, Amastad took kindness and friendship month and by giving them ownership of these monthly focuses and celebrations. We've kind of shifted from being a solely teacher-led committee to a more dynamic student-driven celebration and collaboration. Um, now we work side by side with kids to plan, lead, and create
017experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and memorable for the entire student body. Isabindi just brought some real energy and excitement to Black History Month by organizing a daily Jeopardy style challenge that the entire school eagerly anticipated uh during the morning announcements and really looked forward to participating in. Um the house system has really deepened our student leadership. It's strengthened our school pride and it is ensured that each focus is not just observed but it's really experienced by our students um and even us by teachers. understand America's full story, C to pass math tests, or D to travel the world. Noah, >> B to understand America's whole story. >> That is correct. All right. And the last question is, writers and leaders for 100. James Welen Johnson helped write this song often called the black national anthem.
018Was it a America the Beautiful? B, lift every voice and sing. C, this land is your land. Or D, we shall overcome. Uh, Noah. >> Um, B, lift your voice and sing. >> That is correct. >> And the winner is the winner is Isabendy. >> What's your chant? Watch your chant. >> B I N D I B I N B I B. We have some Harrison students who want to share how the house reveal went and how it made them feel when they found out what house they got in. So, Susie, how did it happen when you found out what house you were in? >> Um, so we got cards and we scratched them off at the same exact time and that so showed you what house you were in. >> You show them the
019card. >> Yeah. Noah, how did you feel? I felt very excited and and I didn't know what I was going to be, but I hoped for green because green is go. >> Green is go. >> And guess what? Where I am now? >> Right. Right here. Here. >> B I N D I B. >> Nice. Fiona, how did you feel when you found out? >> Um, I felt really excited because this is one of the houses I really wanted to be in and I got to be in the same one as my teacher. Cool. >> Best friend. >> I felt really happy because I wanted to be in Isabendi. >> Cool. Why did you want to be in Isabendi? >> Because Miss Pickle was in it, >> her kindergarten teacher. And we tie it into
020our competencies, right? Our monthly competencies. >> Yeah. >> So, what was our most recent one in the house meeting? We learned about >> Empathy. Yeah. And we learned about it through a story. What was our story about? >> I don't know. Um, >> you belong. Yeah. Can you point to the camera? Say, "You belong." >> You belong. >> Point to everybody in the meeting. Say, "You belong." >> You belong. >> Hello, my name is Travis and I have two children here at Harrison and I wanted to share my experience about the house program. Uh, first of all, they come home at least once or twice a week talking about who's who's what house is leading in points and what individual in their class got their team points uh that day. Uh, but really the biggest
021uh experience that I got to experience was the day that they got sorted into their houses. Uh when I pulled up to the school to drop them off, it felt like the entire staff here at Harrison uh was out there to greet them. Uh they were smiling and singing and dancing and it was just such a an amazing experience uh for me. uh and to see that my kids uh are going to such a a wonderful school uh with such a wonderful staff and teachers here uh that really just make it a very positive experience. So uh I wanted to share that uh I shared that with Miss Jackson uh with how great this this program has been. Um, but I also wanted to make sure she understood and knew that we really appreciate the
022whole staff here at Harrison. Uh, you know, our kids have been going here since preschool and it's just been wonderful. >> And that concludes the Harrison experience. >> Any questions or comments? I really like the scratch off. I thought that was fun. I feel like we've seen a lot of different ones and that's I like it. Probably maybe Do you feel like it was um I was at Hayes when they did their second day of it and it was kind of insane. Do you feel like it was a little bit calmer or was it still kind of crazy? >> Right. Our goal was So we had the privilege of being able to see different schools do it. Um, and so I was trying to do it in a I guess a more intimate kind of
023way. So students were in their classrooms. They all had their cards and I got on the announcement and I said, "All right, it's time to scratch." And so, um, I think it was really cool like that. And you got to be they were excited for one another. That's awesome. I just wanted to say I really appreciate being able to see the reactions from the students and a parent and the teachers just sort of all the different perspectives on the house system because I know um you know it's been making its way through the district and and growing and you know the schools have been learning from each other which it and working together on it which I think is really wonderful to see. I mean, we are one district and I'm glad to see the
024those different schools collaborating. Um, so it's it's cool to see I appreciate you including all the different perspectives. That was nice. >> Thank you. >> Neat. Okay. Thank you. I love coming to Harrison, but I love that whole video because it just gave such a sense that I always get when I'm here of people and students and parents that are really committed to lifting up all the kids here. So, I you lead that and uh that was very that was delightful. >> Thank you. It was super fun to see the differences and how every school does it. So, it's so unique to each culture of the school. So, that's perfect. Um, I would have liked a little scratch off, but I'm already rever so I can't. Um, all right. Next, I would like to invite
025to the podium uh Mr. Schlade, our director of human resources for educator spotlight. >> Thank you, Mrs. Nidwicki. Thank you, Mrs. Jackson. Um, building on years of intentional work around our vision of a Lakewood Ranger and shared by the voices of our many stakeholders, we continue to celebrate the educators who bring that vision to life each day. Tonight, I have the privilege of celebrating three colleagues who consistently bring our vision to life. 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 Adrien Parker, Kim. Maybe we'll just go one at a time, but I'll I'll share how each of them exemplifies the vision of a Lakewood Ranger. >> Hi, Adrien. So Adrienne Parker has a mantra that she lives by
026as she goes about serving families in her role as the family resource coordinator for Harrison Elementary. The mantra, do what it takes. Do what it takes to help find adequate housing or transportation for families in need. Do what it takes to establish trust and relationships with her families so that they are comfortable coming to her with concerns. Sometimes that means home visits to families. Sometimes just sitting and listening to a parent who needs to share their struggles. Adrienne, who joined the district in 2022, leans on her extensive community outreach experience and her communication and collaboration skills that she's developed over her career to connect with families. Collaboration is everything, says Adrien. Whether it's Principal Jackson, staff, or different outside agencies, we come together to see how we can support the families of this community. The
027vision of a Lakewood educator competency of empathy is also one of Adrienne's strengths. Sharing about her own struggles and experiences helps her build that trust, connection, and mutual respect she needs with families to be able to best serve them. I have an empathetic heart, says Adrien. Principal Sabrina Jackson praises Adrienne for always going above and beyond. Says Principal Jackson. Adrienne has worked tireerlessly to helped families. Her dedication, compassion, and persistence have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our families. So, thank you very much, Adrien. We have a small token of our appreciation. Um, gift certificate to the ranger shop at the high school. All right. >> This just is a a symbol of our respect for what you do and how much we appreciate it. And I can tell you bring the emotion
028to your job. But thank you very much. But don't go far because we're gonna get a picture of all of you and introduce >> who's with you. >> Stand up. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So now, please join me in welcoming another individual that we prepare to recognize this evening, Kim Spurley. Kim. Hi Kim. Good. How are you today? >> Good. Harrison fifth grade teacher Kim Spurley has gone through many changes of instructional strategies over her nearly 40 years with the district and through all the variations she has come to rely on the vision of a Lakewood educator competencies to guide her through. The biggest thing I believe is communication. Kim says about her student teacher relationship in the classroom. setting expectations about what's expected and what I know they can do. Those expectations also carry
029over in her communication with families. She shares with parents that she expects them to work with her as a team so together they can help prepare students for their transition to middle school and the many changes they will experience. Kim sends home weekly updates and daily planners that require a signature to keep everyone informed. Empathy is also key for Kim to create a we're all in this together environment. Each morning the class has good news bad news time where students can share whatever is on their minds. If any student is having a not so great day, Kim often allows them to hang in her room at lunch or recess for quiet space. Kim has been a steady presence for Principal Sabrina Jackson throughout her time as principal, says Principal Jackson. I truly can't say enough
030about Kim's dedication and professionalism. I especially appreciate her flexibility and her willingness to take on challenges, always putting her best foot forward, and making the most out of every situation for the benefit of our students. Kim, thanks so much. And this is just a little token of our esteem and I think we got such a like look into your heart when you were talking about your student. >> So thank you so much for what you do. >> Thank you. >> And finally, Greg Stormer. Greg, could you join us up here? Harrison Elementary preschool teacher Greg Stormer believes he's exactly where he needs to be, teaching our youngest Ranger learners. The play-based focus of preschool allows Greg to flex his creative thinking skills and be playful himself. For example, noticing that students tend to miss the
031same numbers when learning to count in sequence, Greg came up with a strategy whereby he himself starts counting out of sequence and then the students excitedly correct him with the right answer. So, working with young parents just starting out on their children's educational journey, Greg must exhibit plenty of empathy to help assure families that their children will be in good hands. PreK parents are nervous at the beginning, Greg says. I tell them I can relate to them as a parent having been through it and that their child is going to be okay. Greg enjoys connecting with the parents and building a a relationship of trust over the school year. One creative way that Greg helps bring families together and help them feel more comfortable with the school is through the annual Harrison Preschool Cultural Potlook.
032Each fall, families are invited to bring a dish related to their family heritage. Each student has a chance to talk about what their family brought and why it's meaningful to their family. Greg feels fortunate to be exposed to so many different cultures through his students. I learn about the outside world from the families I meet. He says, "It seems as if Greg's methods are working." According to principal Sabrina Jackson, I have received numerous compliments from families regarding the outstanding job Greg has been doing. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students have not gone unnoticed. Thanks, Greg. Greg, thank you so much. I too have gotten many reports of what an excellent job you do with our students and I'm very happy to have finally met you. So congratulations. >> Um we would you like
033to say anything and do you have anyone who would here to go? >> It's just me. I'm solo today. >> Okay. >> How about would you like to say anything or invite? >> Just thank you everybody. I've just loved teaching here and I Yeah, that's why I'm still around. But thank you. >> You're welcome. >> The same. Thank you. I'm truly honored and humbled by this recognition. Um I wouldn't be able to do what I do without the support of Principal Jackson, Merritt Waters, and my colleagues. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> I'll say one thing. It's not just counting out of sequence. It's calling 11, 12, and 13, one teen, two teen, and three teen, and then making them correct me on that >> with a lot of laughs, I'm sure. >> Right.
034>> Yeah. And so finally, I believe um Treasurer Roadie has a levy statement update. And I I do have to give uh our new treasurer just amazing accolades for the amount of documentation that she has pushed out factually has been wonderful. and um just being able to e educate ourselves, our staff, and our community. You're doing a great job. So, thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Good evening, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dottman, distinguished members of the board, and Superintendent Nitwicki. I would like to provide a finance update uh tonight from the treasur's office. Starting with the levy statement of facts um for the district's upcoming May operating levy. That statement is included on tonight's agenda and as recommended uh by the Ohio Auditor of State. This document provides clear factual information regarding the
035upcoming May uh levy. Um also the district's financial outlook, the purpose of the and the purpose of the levy request. adopting adopting this statement ensures transparency and compliance with Ohio law as we communicate about the levy with our community. Um, in addition, I've preparing been preparing a series of community handouts and educational materials to hopefully explain the district's financial position and incorporating information into those statements from um, that main levy statement of facts. Um, another point that I would like to highlight that I received recently from the Ohio Schools Council, the district received a statement of savings for fiscal years 24 and 25 through proactive cooperative purchasing and sharing services with other districts in our area. Lakewood Schools has achieved over $861,000 of savings over those two fiscal years. These savings were realized in areas
036such as electricity, natural gas purchasing, waste management, school safety services, and other operational purchasing programs. Uh I feel like this reflects the district's continued focus on smart spending and financial management. Um an update regarding the board of res revision commercial and industrial complaints. I met with legal counsel last week regarding five upcoming commercial and industrial property valuation complaints that will be um potentially filed with the county board of revision. The statutory filing deadline is March 31st and board action requires 7 days notice prior um to approval. So because of that timing um the resolutions will be presented at the next board meeting um in order to meet that March filing deadline and um therefore it won't have those two readings. Um there will be five separate resolutions but they can be voted on as one
037collectively. And finally, uh, late last week, I received the annual tax rate resolution from the county, and it, um, is required to be approved and returned by March 31st. So, it will be presented at the next board meeting. Um, this will also only allow for one reading because of that timing. I do want to point out that this resolution reflects a reduction in the bond levy millage rates from 7.1 mills to 5.1 mills. So that 2.0 mil decrease in the amount of residents t um the amount that residents will pay in taxes is reflected on that tax rate resolution. Um and that reduction was a result of prior debt refinancing and proactive financial decisions um by our board um which demonstrates long-term planning and measurable savings for our taxpayers. So thank you. >> Thank you.
038Thank you. And that concludes the superintendent's report. >> Thank you very much. You really had to hit the ground, not just running, but flying, but you're doing a great job. We appreciate it. >> Um, at this point, I was going to offer that people could leave if they needed to had young children, but I think that they've taken the initiative on their own. So, um, we would normally do that. Okay, we're moving on to the legislative report. This is something we've been doing this year and I think it's been very useful. Thank you, Mrs. Gatsenberger. >> Sure. >> Uh, great. So, um, I last week participated in uh, the first uh, OS Ohio School Board Association legislative liaison call of the year. Uh there were 20 plus other uh representatives from other school districts on
039the call and three representatives, legislative representatives from the schoolboard association and they just kind of went through different pieces of legislation that are going on at the state house. Um as I may have mentioned before, there's as many as 200 pieces of legislation at any given mo moment across both houses of uh legislature. So it's a lot to keep track of. Mo some have more activity than others. Um so another thing to note is that the bian bianial budget process is underway and there's a March 12th deadline for requests for the capital budget. Um one of the things I was looking for is just to see if there were any bipartisan measures going on to see if there's if there is any cooperation at the state house and there actually were a few. So I
040I just wanted to highlight a couple of those. Um the committee heard sponsor testim the house education committee heard sponsor testimony on the house concurrent resolution HCR30 from um representatives Barl Brown Picolatan Piccolo Antonio a Democrat from Gahana and Andrea White a Republican from Ketaring. HCR30 would honor the 50th anniversary of the original enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or the IDEA Act and urged the US Congress to enact the IDEA full funding act. So that would be lovely. Um the House Health Committee um passed HB 437 which is sponsored by our own Tristan Rder from Lakewood, Democrat from Lakewood, and Gene Schmidt, a Republican from Loveland, which would alter existing requirements regarding youth cardiac monitoring, um which is always an important thing. And then the House Judiciary Committee held its second hearing
041on HB 314, which was sponsored by Republican Danny Isacson, a Democrat out of Cincinnati, and Shannon Ray, a Republican from Ro Wadssworth. This bill would restrict harassing or disruptive public records requests and permit private contractors to respond to voluminous public records requests. Um, the committee heard proponent testimony on the bill. Um, were there any questions on those before I move on? Okay. Um, and then I just want to touch on the uh abolish property tax constitutional amendment that has been in the news lately. Uh, just so everybody knows, the amendment requires 413,488 signatures um from 44 of Ohio's 88 counties by July 1st if it get in order to get on the November ballot. That's typical of a constitutional amendment. Um and they reported that they had just over 100,000 signatures toward the end of
042last year. Um often when people are trying to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot, they employ professional signature gathering firms and to so far it does not sound like they've employed such firms. So we'll see if they do. Um just to so people know, I know it sounds attractive to get rid of your property taxes. I know people are concerned about the burden of property taxes and the legislature did pass some measures addressing those which have their pros and cons as well, but um $24 billion in locally collected property taxes would be lost each year and 60% of that goes to public schools. So that's a devastating measure. Um if this passes, the legislature has so far has not proposed any sort of alternate alternate school funding plan. It's been speculated that sales tax
043would be 18% or higher maybe in the 20% range and income tax would be at 10 an additional income tax would be a 10% rate or higher would be introduced. There would be a greater burden on families especially those who have lower income because of the high sales taxes and income tax and a greater burden on small businesses. And a better solution would be for the state to increase their share of school funding to take the burden off of local funding through tax levies. So these are just things to consider ra you know when this subject comes up and um it's it's important to do a little research on on things such as this and contact your local representatives if you want more information. >> You said that they don't have an alternate plan to
044fund schools. So just to reiterate too, it has been found unconstitutional in Ohio how we fund public schools. So they've had a long time to think about an alternate plan. >> 30 years ago >> they're all Yeah. There like four times, right? It's been found unconstitutional. Something like that. >> It was 30 years ago for >> Yeah. If they're if they've had that long to consider a plan and they still don't have anything, that's that's a pretty dangerous like rug to pull out. the fair school funding p funding plan was enacted and then he started enact started following it and then they stopped and >> then we can the voucher thing is also draining billions of dollars from public school funding. So there's a lot of things that are at issue and and to put
045the focus >> yeah put the pressure on the legislature definitely >> unfortunate. Yeah. >> Anyone have any other anything else? Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. We now move on to discussion of agenda items for the second regular monthly meeting uh where we will be voting on them. The first um group is the finance report. Mr. Callahan. >> Thank you, President Shaughnessy. We have uh an overview of agenda items um beginning with standing committees uh investments purchased and matured January 2026. The tables included, excuse me, in the agenda materials. Identify outstanding and matured investments during January. Investments uh earnings, excuse me, investment earnings for regular board funds for the month of January totaled um $69,93 bringing the year-to- date total to uh just under 1.6 million. Financial info January 26 for
046the month. Um general fund receipts totaled $4,453,152 and general fund expenditures totaled uh $8,55,7 fiscal year 26 summary. The initial financial forecast for FY26 reflects various changes from the previous year. Revenues year-to- date actual and projected revenues are trending with the financial forecast. overall revenue is exceeding projections driven primarily uh by the other revenue category. This favorable variance is uh due to um an uh unanticipated dispersement from the county related to the 24 reappraisal process. With regard to expenditures, year-to- date actual and projected expenditures are trending with the financial forecast within the majority of categories. Overall expenses are less than forecasted. The favorable variance is mostly due to the salaries and benefits categories trending lower than expectations at this point in the year. Purchased services is trending slightly over the forecast which may be due
047to timing. Both substitute staffing and utility costs are contributing to the negative variance. Uh as the financial forecast is updated and reviewed uh with the board and administration near the end of the fiscal year, there will most likely be changes and updates uh to various categories. Cash reserves are sufficient through fiscal year 2026. A financial summary report is provided to show the monthly and fiscal year-to-ate cash positions for the non-general funds maintained by the district. Appropriation modifications will ensure the district is in compliance with the state auditor's office and county fiscal office and all accounts have sufficient funds available to cover the increase in appropriations. Uh the amendment increases allows the district to legally encumber and pay funds up to the amounts appropriated. And then, as Treasurer Rodie uh referenced tonight, the board is considering
048a resolution to adopt a formal statement of facts regarding the May 2026 6.9 mil operating levy. As recommended by the Ohio Auditor of State, and referenced earlier, this statement provides clear, factual information about why the levy has been placed on the ballot, the district's financial outlook, and the purpose of the request. Adopting the statement of facts ensures we are communicating accurate information to our community in compliance with Ohio law. uh and auditor guidance. And so this is our first reading on that. We'll of course be acting on that uh at our at our next meeting. But I wanted to um read a few items from uh the statement of facts, particularly item two under financial data and operational context. Again, the annual revenue generation. This is a 6.9 mil levy calculated uh to generate 12,328,420
049annually. And with regard to valuation, the district's total valuation uh is roughly $1.79 billion with 1 mill generating $1,786,728. Um the current financial status, the district is currently deficit spending in the current and prior fiscal year. This trend is projected to continue in the financial forecast. Uh with regard to spending efficiency, 76.4% 4% of operating expenses go directly to the classroom compared to a state average of 67.2% and a comparison district average of 68.6%. Local funding share the district is 62% locally funded. With regard to personnel, 82% of expenditures are for personnel salaries and benefits. And then level uh excuse me, levy cycle history. The last operating levy was approved in March of 2020. Uh the current cycle is six years while the historical average is four years uh range of 2 to eight. Um
050the again the full um statement of facts will be available to the public in in various ways um of course but I wanted to highlight those items. So thank you. That concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. Um we would move on to building sites and major purchases report. However, >> there is no report tonight. Um the next item is the education report. Mrs. Kenberger. >> Thank you. Um first item is career technical education agreement between the Westshore career tech technical district partner districts. Uh the partner districts of Bay Village City Schools, Lakewood City Schools, Wrecky River City Schools, and Westlake City Schools have reviewed the terms in the career technical educational agreement for the purpose of maintaining the Westshore career technical district programs at Lakewood High School. The Westshore program offers comprehensive career
051technical training opportunities to students from all four partner districts. This is a four-year agreement beginning on August 1st, 2026 and ending on July 1st, 2030. Our next uh couple of items are student clubs. The first one is um the request for approval of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This club will be open to any student at Lakewood High School. The purpose of the club is to give an outlet to Christian students, especially athletes to grow in faith as well as a community. Next is do we have any next is a spelling bee club. Uh the club will be open to any third grade student at Horus Man Elementary School. The purpose of this club is to empower third graders to strengthen spelling skills while developing a growth mindset, resilience, and critical thinking through practice, challenge,
052and perseverance. There will be a spelling bee contest with Grant Elementary School in May. And finally, we have some gifts to Lakewood City Schools. Um, Lakewood Elks Lodge 1350 donated $2,200 to the Franklin School of Opportunity to be used by the principal for the students at Franklin School of Opportunity. few. Any questions? >> Any questions? >> I have a question. >> Yeah. >> Okay. For the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, just to clarify, that was students that sought a sponsor. It wasn't staffled with a group of students. >> Correct. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. And that concludes the education report. >> Thank you very much. The next uh committee is policy and we do not have any policies to consider this evening. So we move on to human resources and community services. Mrs. D. >>
053Right. We have um 163 certified actions including appointment special compensation, salary and pay rate adjustments. We have five total certified non-employee coaches adviserss five appointments. uh 21 total actions of classified employees, 12 appointments, nine special compensation, 15 total actions for classified non-employee coaches, all appointments, and then 97 total actions for community wreck and education. Um the majority of that being aquatics coming up and then programs. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. So, we now move on to the communications portion of our meeting. Um, first I will ask the superintendent or treasurer if they've received any communications that they care to share. >> No. Um, board members, >> I have a question if I could ask. Um, some of you may have noticed over the last I don't know how many years
054that we have modular classrooms outside of TAP and um, I believe those were sold. Is that correct? >> Yes, there are three modular units uh, that have been at Taff for at least two decades. I don't have the exact date at which uh, they were placed. um they were put up in public auction mid November uh with a removal expectation in the calendar year 2025. That did not happen. Uh vendor came out uh late December, got more details, uh got a plan in place. Uh I believe weather impacted uh the removal. Um it has been a peacemeal project at best in in the removal. Uh supposedly it's a nationwide company that uh purchases modular units, sells it to uh a third party and they make the uh the move out of the sellers area and
055sets it up. And that's the situation that that Lakewood has. Uh the company uh purchased it through public auction uh found a buyer north of Pittsburgh uh who has since prepared a lot on their school property uh with the expectation of these three units being transferred. Uh there has been some uh some hitches along the way uh as it relates to pulling one of the units out. Uh some wheel issues with another. Uh again, it seems like every weekend a little bit more gets accomplished, a little bit more gets accomplished. Um last Thursday afternoon, a letter was issued to the company giving them um the deadline of March 9th to have everything completed. Uh and we will hold them to that. Uh the fortunate thing is uh we we sold the uh units for $100.
056So, uh, I am trying my best to avoid having to salvage them. Um, the the buyer north of Pittsburgh, uh, because of their vested interest and financial, uh, spend thus far, uh, may be prepared to find another vendor to, uh, prepare the units and haul them as well. That would be at this point uh that would be um the best solution because I I'm struggling with what I've heard in the past every weekend from this uh from the buyer. Uh so we'll see in the next couple days how committed uh that vendor is to removing uh the units. >> Good. Thank you. I just you they were always there and then all of a sudden that now every time I go up to the board there's slight difference in correct like where they are but
057they're still there. >> Okay. Hey so you've experienced the peacemail approach as well. >> Oh yes. I've noticed it. >> I'm I'm surprised that they're surprised that tires are not holding up 20 years later. But >> well it uh it's been a an experience for me as well. Uh obviously if we can if we can avoid uh having to salvage those units and then having to pay for that. >> Um but in in discussion with the uh school north of Pittsburgh, uh they they want these units and um they will schedule a visit this week if need be. >> Great. Well, thank you for the update. Any questions for >> any other questions? All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other board of education coming? >> Just a quick comment. I wanted to uh
058thank Mrs. Katzenberger for in a sense like formalizing the the legislative updates. Um you know with so much happening you referenced so many bills um that that potentially can be can impact um public education. Um I appreciate you um again, you know, with the regular uh updates and and doing that research and passing it on to us. So thank you. >> Oh, you're quite welcome. I'm learning a lot and uh it's being fairly new to digging into it at this level. I appreciate you appreciating it. >> As past president, you could have just rotated down to the end of the table and coasted a bit, but she's chosen not to do that. And uh her sleeves are still rolled up and uh in action. >> Mention it. Um actually um since we're asking questions, Treasurer
059Rodie, you know, the one thing I mentioned was about um public records requests and you have you've been here how long? About a month. >> Um a little over a month. >> So um like since you've been here, how just to get a a feel for how many records how many records requests have you received? At the end of last week, I was at 17 and then at the end of the day today, I had seven more. So, I'm at uh 24. >> Yeah. >> So, >> now based on your p is it would you consider it to be a high volume based on your previous experience or >> this seems to be high volume for the amount of time. Okay. >> Um but I'm still getting used to uh the district. But it um
060it does keep me busy. >> And just is that typically I mean 24 requests would that mean from like 24 separate people or is it >> No, oftentimes they're from um there one individual may submit like for example today um seven requests. >> Um so there it's not always one request per person. >> Gotcha. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So that would be the kind of thing that that bill might be >> potentially, right? Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. I just was curious to put that in context. >> Um >> I have a comment if a happy comment if anybody >> Oh, it's good. >> Sure. So I had a great uh experience outside of the confines of Lakewood, Ohio last week. Um actually on President's Day, we were on a college visit
061to Carnegie Melon with my daughter. Um, and even though we weren't looking at the engineering program, they were taking us on our on their general tour, showing us all their best stuff. And we were in an engineering building. And we walked past a classroom that had yellow film on the windows. And I said, "Hey, that looks like our MEMS's classrooms in our high school." And the tour guide actually stopped the tour, turned around, and looked at me and she said, "What did you say?" And I said was a little embarrassed. And I said, "That looks like our micro electromechanical systems labs that we have in our high school." And she said, "You have a MEMS lab in your high school?" And I said, "Yes, we do." And she's like, "Wow, I wish I went to
062your high school." Um, and considering that Carnegie Melon is one of the top 10 engineering uh universities in the country on every single such list, it was pretty cool to be able to say that about Lakewood. Um, so, uh, and I just wanted to point out that as we're, um, you know, that this program, we've talked about it in the past when we were preparing to open the doors and it's going gang busters since we opened the doors last August. Um, and to remind everybody, it trains uh, our um, students in semiconductor manufacturing, soldering, and circuit board design. Um it provides them with careers in semiconductor manufacturing, digital electronics and industrial maint maintenance. They can go into consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare and aerospace. Um it even includes a scanning electron microscope for advanced research grade
063imaging. And all of this was provided with a grant that our wonderful administrators applied for from the state of Ohio. And we're the only school high school in the state of Ohio to win this grant. and we're one of two with the MEMS program in in the state of Ohio. And I was trying to search around in the country and I could only find one other high school in the country. That could be wrong. It was not a scientific research, but I leave that to these guys. Um, but it's it's very unusual program to provide to high school students and it was very well respected at this highly respected engineering school. So, um, as we're talking about, you know, how we manage our finances and how we fund our schools and all of those things,
064it was, uh, I just think it's important to remember the high caliber of programs that we offer here, too. It's easy to forget when we're we kind of stay in in our and within the boundaries of Lakewood, but when we get outside and we tell people about what we do, they're pretty impressed. So, I just wanted to share that. It was pretty great moment. Thank you very much. So, we now move on to uh Oh, >> oh, I thought you said you did go. >> Sorry. >> Okay. So, um I just have a I was invited by someone I know at the Uklid City Schools uh school board to attend the Ohio School Board Association urban network meeting um at the Uclid City Schools next week. And in the agenda, it says um district updates.
065So, I may need to talk with you, Superintendent NWiki, about if there's anything that we're supposed to say or that you want me to say. Um and because I don't know if anybody else is going or like what the protocol for that is. So, I'll be in touch with you and we'll figure that out. Thank you. Um, and then, um, since we're being recorded, um, in my government history teacher role, I I want to speak out to, um, Lakewood residents um, and encourage every Lakewood resident to weigh in on the 6.9 mil operating lobby that the school board unanimously approved to put on the ballot on May 5th of this year. This is voter input at the most local and specific level. Uh we are living in an era of unprecedented distrust of our elected
066officials and public employees at all levels of government and the opportunity for voters to um participate is extremely important to the well-being and functioning of our democracy. um fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, varied learning experiences, continuous improvement are all important to all of us involved in the Lakewood City School District. I will speak only for myself. Um the Ohio Revised Code, um section 9.03, etc., uh lays out instructions and restrictions for employees of public school districts about our involvement in local levy and bond issue campaigns. Some of it is vague, some of it is very clear. Um there's a the summary is that every citizen has a including elected officials has a first amendment right to participate in any election campaigns, but it must be on their own time and with their own dime. Um, and
067since we technically only I only get paid when I'm here, like I'm only officially on the clock when I'm sitting here at a board meeting. >> But when I go out into the community, people know that I'm a board member. And so there's a a tug between my first amendment right as a citizen and my role as a representative for the school district. And I'm I'm struggling uh in 2026 because since 23 2003 I have volunteered as a resident for eight levy and bond campaigns here in Lakewood. Um and so um in my official capacity as a Lakewood I've been to some trainings. Uh in my official capacity as a liquid school board member I am allowed to provide facts about the need for an operating leby. Hence the resolution and the um that we'll
068be voting on next time. I cannot persuade you anyone to vote a particular way on our levy issue. The trainers say I can share information, but I must leave my passion and persuasion to the Lakewood committee and the Lakewood community. It is a thin line for me between teaching information and sharing passion for a topic, one that I and others are trying hard to navigate. I am passionate about many topics, including my love for the Lakewood community and my respect for the Lakewood City School District employees. I was part of a unanimous board vote to place a 6.9 mil levy on the May 5th ballot. Neither I nor others did so because we want to collect as much tax money as possible from our neighbors as soon as possible. Um in we um there are
069several factual reasons for our vote and decision. Treasurer Roodie explained some of those facts this evening and Superintendent Miss Wiki has certainly given us um several facts in previous board meetings. And so I'll just end with please, please, please do your diligence as um a voting citizen in this city and um learn about our 6.9 mil operating levy on the ballot this May. >> Okay, thank you. Sorry about that. I >> um now we move on to public comments. I believe we have one and a half, one and a maybe. Oh, we have one. We're down to one. Um so um that person would be Mr. Pigot and if you would give your name and address that would be lovely. >> Uh thank you uh school board president Shaughnessy and thanks to all of the
070board and superintendent and treasurer in Harrison Elementary for hosting tonight. My name is Jeffrey Pigot. I live on Wagger Avenue in Lakewood and I would like to speak for a couple of minutes about the school levy that will be on the ballot on May 5th. So I am a proud I'm proud to be a part of the Lakewood School District. uh as a parent of a fourth grader at Grant Elementary. Uh one of if not the main reason that uh my family returned to Lakewood after moving away to moving away from Lakewood to Los Alamos, New Mexico was so that our son could start kindergarten in Lakewood schools. Uh because we really truly have something special here in Lakewood. Uh the levy would continue funding a few things that have currently uh have and currently
071benefit our son and our family. Many of which were highlighted uh and discussed tonight either uh by uh staff uh community parents, students or the school board. Uh some examples uh specifically are the free full day kindergarten that my son uh and family enjoyed. uh all of the elementary STEM education which is as a scientist um I really appreciate uh all of the mental health support and social emotional learning which is critical uh and it will all but it will also allow the district to continue offering a large number of technical education particularly the MEMS program uh that I'm excited about uh I don't know if my son will be but I'm hoping he will be uh and all of the AP course offerings that we are excited to have available to our son when
072he gets there. Um, these options uh make Lakewood unique as mentioned and and progressive such as a AP African-American history and the MEMS program to highlight a few that I think are uh really special. Um, the proposed levy will allow the district to continue planning as we heard about and investing in the future students of Lakewood as well as strengthening our public schools for the current students. Uh, funding isn't about having just enough to make our schools function at the absolute bare minimum. Uh it's essential to invest in our schools as the district has done to sustain the excellent education that our students currently receive. Uh with state and federal funding uh being slashed uh particularly the state funding, it is critical that we all do our part as community members and chip in to
073provide funding to help Lakewood retain its local control over its public schools and keep them as one of the best education options in the Cleveland area and and in Ohio. So I'm asking everyone uh here to join me and if they're tuned in online or watching later to join me in voting for the school levy on May 5th so that we can continue to keep Lakewood schools uh strong. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. That concludes the um community comments, public comments. So we move on to other board business. There's two items and I think they're both Mrs. Dman's. >> They are both mine. All right. Um I request approval on one reading uh three certified resignations for the purpose of retirement. >> Second. >> Uh the resolution for uh certified resignations for the
074purpose of retirement has been moved and seconded. And we have a roll call. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. I >> Mrs. Dottman. Hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. Hi. >> Miss Katsenberger. >> Hi. Okay. And then I also request approval on one reading for two classified actions, one resignation for the purpose of retirement and just one resignation. >> Second. >> And the resol resolution dealing with a retirement and resignation um for classified employees has been moved and seconded. This requires a roll call since it's on one reading. >> Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dottman. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. I >> Miss Kenberger. >> I >> thank you. And the motion carries. And that concludes um the business we had to the items we had to
075present tonight. Is there any last minute anything? >> Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So move. >> Second. >> Great. >> It's been definitely moved and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. I >> and there are no opposed. So, thank you very much. Thanks everyone.