001Thank you. Um, and please don't hesitate to jump in and tell me when I'm missing something. >> Haven't done this for a while. Um, so we met earlier for the organizational meeting, called it the meeting to order, and did this. So, we're continuing. So, we're going to move right on to adoption of the agenda. And is there a motion to adop adopt the agenda as presented? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> It's moved. Moved and seconded. Uh, this requires a roll call vote. Please, >> M. >> I, >> Miss Dottman. >> I, >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> Hi, >> Mr. Galahan. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Kassenberger. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Next item is approval of minutes um for a meeting held November 24th as well as the approval of minutes for the regular board
002meeting on December 1st. We've had a chance to review them. Are there any additions or corrections that board members? No. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Approval passes. And we come to the superintendent report. >> Good evening, President Shaughnessy, Vice President Dman. First, I would like to invite up to the podium our principal Aber from Roosevelt to share an update about Roosevelt Elementary. President Shaughnessy, board vice president Dottman, esteemed board members, Superintendent Nidwicki, and Treasure Zean. I am honored to be here with you tonight, this evening to share about some of the work that we're doing here at Roosevelt. I'm going to begin by presenting our resilient ranger award to an
003exceptional Roosevelt student, Mahika Mana. Mahika, would you join me up here, please? >> [applause] >> I'm gonna brag a little bit about Mika for a second here. Mika challenges herself in math and science, always asking why and exploring different ways to solve problems. One of her teachers shared that she even plans her weekends around learning, saying she saying he overheard her talking with a peer about her weekend plans, saying she'd be reading a book and then studying for the math test. Beyond academics, Mahika spreads kindness and positivity. Every morning, she greets her teachers like a ray of sunshine. And in physical education, she shows determination and thoughtfulness in every activity. She's a natural leader in the classroom, supporting her classmates and modeling collaboration and respect. Mika, you are a role model for your peers and
004a true resilient Ranger. We are so proud of you. Congratulations. [applause] Congratulations first of all on your great performance. We're very lucky to have you. There's something from the board. You can keep that let you know how much respect we get for what you're doing. Are you here with family members? Yeah. >> Would you like to introduce them? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Here. >> So, >> I'll hold it. I'm here with my mom and my dad and my two sisters. >> That's great. Would you like to have them come up here? We can get a picture of them with you. Okay, come on up. [applause] >> Easier said than done. Sorry. >> [applause] >> Tonight's presentation will highlight three important aspects of Roosevelt Elementary. Strong student attendance, building goals, and our efforts to foster global
005awareness, belonging, and community through our American Sign Language Club. Leading our attendance initiatives is our family resource coordinator, Mrs. Schaefer. Mrs. Schaefer plays a vital role in promoting strong attendance habits through prevention, connection, and support both at Roosevelt and as a member of the district attendance team. >> Good evening everyone and happy new year. This makes me nervous. I don't know why, but typically [laughter] I'm not nervous in front of people, but this makes me nervous. Good evening. At Roosevelt, we are proud to note that 88% of our students have missed no more than 10% of the school year. The graph on the slide illustrates this with the majority of our students in green, showing up on time every day and ready to learn. This success is built on strong partnerships with families and a
006schoolwide emphasis on attendance that begins long before the students walk through our doors in August. from welcome back postcards and a check-in phone call to a handful of home visits um postcards welcome back postcards that are sent home. We make a priority to connect with families early and set students up for success. We know that strong attend attendance is closely tied to a strong relationships. One example of how we strengthen relationships is through the use of the 2x10 strategy for atrisisk students. spending two minutes a day for 10 consecutive days connecting to build rapport, provide support, and ensure each student has an attendance cheerleader. In recognition of this commitment, Roosevelt is proud to present the Stay in the Game Attendance Award to one of our outstanding students, fourth grader Violet Milis. Violet, where are you?
007[applause] This award, the stay in the game award celebrates showing up, staying committed, and doing your best even when the journey includes some really big changes. Our fourth grade honore, Violet, joined us in September after switching schools within Lakewood, and she didn't miss a beat. She's a funny, witty student who brings joy in every room and quickly makes new friends with her warm personality and sense of humor. Even with the transition to a new building, Violet has shown real dedication to being here, learning, and making the most of every day. I also want to take a minute to recognize Violet's mom, McKenzie, who immediately partnered with us to support Violet, encourage her, and make sure she has what she needs to succeed. Their teamwork has made a tremendous difference. Violet, we are so proud of
008you. Thank you for reminding all of us that every day in school truly matters. Congratulations on the most improved attendance and the stay in the game award. [applause] >> Cool. Violet, >> this is a certificate of achievement from the board. Just recognizing what a great job you've done. It's hard to change schools and I think you really are setting a great example. >> Thank you. Would you like to have your mom come up? >> Get your picture. Oh, wait. Come on. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Just as strong attendance sets students up for success, the instruction that happens in the classroom is key to student growth. At Roosevelt, improving academic achievement is our focus, and our faculty is committed to using engaging strategies that challenge and support every student. For the past two years, our building goal
009centered on high engagement strategies in math, boosting critical thinking and problem solving. Building on that work, this year we are focusing on improving our students writing across the content areas. Writing is a powerful way to reinforce learning as research shows that we remember up to 70% of what we write. At Roosevelt, we're working on writing not only in language arts, but also in math, science, social studies, and other areas as well. The through explaining their thinking and constructing responses, sharing ideas in writing, students deepen their understanding of content and strengthen their communication skills. At the same time, this year, our staff is focusing on writing strategies from the writing revolution. And right now, we're working on emphasizing sentence level instruction. We know that students cannot write quality paragraphs if they can't write quality sentences. By
010analyzing student writing and learning strategies to build strong uh strong sentence construction across the grade levels, we're helping students become stronger communicators, critical thinkers, and writers who can express their understanding across all subjects. Here are a couple of examples of our because but so writing strategy used in these in these examples for social studies and science standards. It uses simple sentence starters to help students think more deeply and write stronger sentences by adding because, but so students explain their reasoning. They show contrast and they also describe cause and effect. This turns basic statements into more complete, thoughtful responses across subjects. It's a scaffolded strategy, meaning it gives students structure wherever they are at and builds their understanding and comprehension and critical thinking. It pushes them to go beyond stating just the facts and explaining into
011explaining their thinking in a clear meaningful way. At the younger level, we have students writing about how 6 + 6 equals 12 as a double addition fact. We have examples in other areas as well. And in our January meeting, this is a um a little bit of an alert to our students in the audience. In our houses, in our house meetings, we're going to be writing because about our houses all together, K to 5. So, we're just looking at using this in different places to help build that strategy. The third thing I want to share about tonight is our American Sign Language Club. And as we coni we continue to focus on developing our academic skills, we also really recognize the importance of communication, collaboration, and global citizenship in our students growth. One way we
012bring these competencies to life is through a unique opportunity that began last year, our American Sign Language Club. To help illustrate the impact of this club, I'd like to invite our club adviserss, intervention specialists Jessica Farmer, educational interpreters for American Sign Language Laura She Walter and Christine Mason. And Christine Mason just joined our staff a couple months ago and jumped right into this club. And I'm inviting them forward to help share about the club tonight. All right. Um, I'm Mrs. Jessica Farmer. Um, and I'm one of the co-founders. This is Laura She Walter and Christine Mason. And the American Sign Language Club at Roosevelt works with around 75 students ga grades K through five to provide meaningful opportunity opportunities to learn a new language while developing global awareness and respect for deaf culture. Uh throughout
013our session, students learn basic ASL skills such as greetings, use of finger spelling, and foundational vocabulary. Students also learn that ASL is a minority language with its own grammar, structure, and cultural significance. Lessons are interactive and student-driven with time for questions, discussion, and addressing common misconceptions about ASL as a language. During one of our early club meetings, students shared what they wanted to learn most, and um that helped guide us through our instruction throughout the club's our club's time together. Um topics have included animal signs, expressing feelings, and communicating personal ideas. Like students favorite color. The impact of the club extends beyond our meeting time. Club members help lead the sign of the week. During our schoolwide video announcements, allowing the entire Roosevelt community to build awareness and participate um in ASL together. Through their
014work, students are strengthening communication skills, deepening cultural understanding, and expanding their view of language and community. One student shared that she joined the club because she has a neighbor who is deaf and wanted to be able to communicate, which highlights how learning connects to students lives outside of the classroom. So, at this time, I would like to invite six amazing students to join us. um and they're going to share what they have learned through the American Sign Language Club and the impact those experiences had to them. So, who better to share than the students? So, if you could come on up, we're going to and we'll start with Reagan. We learned how to greet someone which helps everyone feel like they belong. We learned to sign good morning, hello, and how are you. Learn the
015learning the alphabet is helpful because you can finger spell some words when you introduce like when you introduce yourself. My favorite thing about sign language was learning a family signs. I learned how to sign the words brother, sister, father, and mother. >> I love learning the colors in sign language. It's fun to practice with my friends. My favorite part about sign language club was the games. I love playing Halloween bingo to help us learn some signs for Halloween. I learned how facial expressions are important when signing and they change the meaning. Now I'm going to be demonstrating stop versus stop. This this is just any older siblings. >> Thank you so much. Um, the Roosevelt ASL Club wanted to wish everyone Ready. Happy New Year. Good job. [applause] This concludes the Roosevelt Building Report. Thank
016you for having us. >> Questions members or comments? Wow. >> Sure. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Well, I was just gonna we were commenting on 75 is such a large number and uh that that buy in there is is great. So wonderful to see so many kids engaged in that. Um and also what what um the mention of the home visits in terms I that really has to be I was just pleased to hear that and I imagine that that's impactful. I mean we know um as folks who've run for office that you know greeting someone on their home, you know, at their home is is an effective way to communicate, right? And um I'm I commend you for that. So thank you. >> Yeah, I just wow. I I'll stop there. I mean just the
017whole I mean everything that you're doing really. So no, I guess I'm not stopping. >> [laughter] >> um the because but so um I teach um at TRIC and I sometimes am trying to they're so used to just being on their phones and they [clears throat] just give very short answers and so I'm going to try that actually um in my course this spring um so thank you and um yeah all of it um that's just a really charming wonderful place to be a student. So, thank you for your leadership and thank you for everyone on the team and for the families and and the students who show up every day. That was an impressive attendance record. >> Wonderful. Yeah, >> thank you very much. >> And the ASL club again, great numbers of participation.
018I didn't It's interesting to think about how important facial expressions are, especially with stop. That's good to know. Um, and uh, a great way to think of it as a global citizenship um, aspect of uh, vision of a Lakewood Ranger. I think that's a really good way to frame it. So, I think that's wonderful. >> I just think every time we come here, I want to thank the staff for the house system. It's fun to see like as you come back to kind of where it started in Lakewood and it's fun to see it going all over. So, thanks again. >> Kim, >> I was Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, no. I was just going to ask about the house system and then >> do you think that's had an impact on the attend you're
019addressing attendance issues? >> I think it's a part of it. I do absolutely the house system builds belonging but I think it need that's like the tier one of what we do and I think the interventions [clears throat] and the home visits and the other things that we do are all part of the package for coming here. I will say when we welcome new students to our building, it's a really exciting thing to share with them and something that helps them right away grasp onto something like I'm a part of something bigger than me from day one and I'm spinning a wheel and students are my classmates are cheering and they're hoping that I'm going to be part of their house when I spin the wheel. So that's I think I think that right away
020builds that connection. >> It's excellent. And you work with all the other school like your ideas that [clears throat] you share. >> Well, we're constantly talking [laughter] Pardon me. >> We're constantly talking and learning from each other. I mean, as other buildings start, they're forming new traditions and new things. It's like, oh, maybe we should try that here, too. And it's really a nice nice to have a a really local network of people working together. >> Great job. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Just before the holidays, the principles were talking about lessons learned and really leaning into you and Eric and what were your lessons learned? So when they wrote rolled it out in their buildings um this year, all of them have now um they wanted to know what not to do. [laughter] >>
021We figured that out too. Well, that you've had that. >> You know what? Uh I I know our board knows this, but when our staff members take on after school or before school programs, there's not a stipen for it. And I'm just always amazed at how many of our staff members take on these roles and are amazing. They come up with these great ideas. I that's h almost half your school is in that club. That's pretty amazing. So, thank you all um for doing that for our students and and it does just build upon the excellence of the education our students can get. So, appreciate it and appreciate you. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Next, I would like to invite to the podium Dr. Palumbo. He has some staff spotlights.
022>> Thank you. Building on our years of successful work with our vision of a Lakewood graduate and with input from our many stakeholders, we proudly recognize colleagues who we believe most exemplify our vision of a Lakewood educator. Tonight, I'm honored to share with you two exemplary educators to be recognized because of their commitment to our students and the ways in which they embody our vision of a Lakewood educator. Please join me in welcoming up Liz Street and Laura Shewalter so that I can share with you how they exemplify our vision of a Lakewood educator. [applause] So, first I have for each of you a gift certificate to the Ranger Shop at Lakewood High School. >> All right, Liz, we're going to start with you. Roosevelt first grade teacher Liz Street has always been a team
023player. From her childhood sports days to her time coaching basketball and volleyball for our district middle school and high school teams. When it comes to teaching, collaboration and teamwork are key for Liz, says Liz's principal, Allison Aber. Liz is a dependable and collaborative teammate who is always ready to help others and contribute to the school community. Besides her teaching duties, Liz coaches the fifth grade basketball team, also assists with the walking club and the school's PBIS team. Liz, who moved to Roosevelt after spending 14 years at Garfield Middle School, prioritizes connection with her students and their families through clear communication. She holds weekly class meetings where she shares her expectations for the week and the students share something about themselves. She and her fellow fourth grade teacher Chris Johnson each select a student to be
024featured in a weekly student spotlight. The winners enjoy lunch with the teacher. Liz also makes a point to attend her students extracurricular activities. Miss Street understands the unique needs of each child and consistently finds ways to help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She ensures that every student feels valued and supported. Principal Aber says. She also notes that Liz's creativity and care make learning meaningful and exciting for every student. For example, during a CKLA unit on Empires of the Middle Ages, each day Liz picked two students to be class royalty and brought them a cape and crown to wear. It's that kind of creativity as well as her dedication, compassion, and belief in her students that makes Liz a teacher who truly shines. Congratulations, Liz. >> [applause] >> talked about. So, thank you very much.
025>> All right, Laura, you're next. Roosevelt Elementary educational interpreter Laura Sheiwalter, who assists students identified as hearing impaired or deaf, is the embodiment of the vision of a Lakewood Ranger global citizenship competency. As you heard earlier, as the co-founder of Roosevelt's ASL club, Laura strives to raise awareness among students about ASL and the deaf culture. More than 40 students have already signed up for this semester. Laura helps these students to develop and expand their ASL communication abilities and helps them to be able to better communicate with one of their schoolmates now and in the future with others who use ASL to communicate. Laura, whose interest in AL ASL began when she was young, changed careers from a social worker to an educational interpreter to work with ASL full-time. Laura says of the switch, "It allowed
026me to learn the language and connect with the deaf community." Laura's nominator, Roosevelt Principal Allison Aber, is proud of the work Laura is doing. Laura's dedication to building global citizens and fostering awareness of the deaf community shines through in her work every day. Another way Laura builds global awareness at Roosevelt is through her work with communities in need in El Salvador. As a service group volunteer, Laura collects items such as clothing and school supplies to bring to El Salvadorans. It warms her heart to see the collection box at school fill with items that students and their families donate. Principal Aber also notes that Laura's collaboration and growth mindset skills are excellent as well. Mrs. Shealter works closely with staff to collaborate, teach, and develop new approaches that support support both academic and social understanding. Although
027Laura only works with a single student, her impact at Roosevelt is widely felt. Thank you, Laura. [applause] >> Thank you. This is for you. >> Thank you so much. I don't know how to start thanking you for [laughter] this. >> Thank you very much. >> We respect what you're doing and appreciate >> [applause] >> That concludes the superintendent's report. And uh I'm going to talk a little bit about uh the role of the uh school board's legislative liaison. This year I'll be serving as the uh Lakewood School Board's legislative liaison with the Ohio School Board Association or the OSBA. Every school board in Ohio designates a member to serve in this capacity each year. This year, I hope to make it a more prominent part of our board efforts and meetings, considering the especially high
028level of legislative activity currently targeting public education that could have a direct impact on our school, students, and community. This role works both ways. I'll work to inform uh the Lakewood community about state and federal legislation and I'll also communicate with our legislators about the local impact of their decisions. As an OSBA legislative liaison, I have the following objectives. To share at least monthly information from OSBA about state and federal education related legislation with my fellow board members in the community to encourage my schoolboard colleagues and community members to contact legislatores legislators on important legislative issues and to establish and maintain relationships with legislators when appropriate. will also address when and how the board will take action in response to proposed legislation or measures that have been signed into law. I hope everyone will find
029this increased level of legislative information helpful. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. There are usually about 200 pieces of legislation in various stages of passage at the Ohio State House, all of which are tracked on the OSBA website. There's also a notfor-profit group, Honesty for Ohio Education, that's an excellent source of information about legislative issues and opportunities for action. To lead things off, the Lakewood community should be aware of the fact that on December 19th, Governor DeWine signed into law five pieces of legislation aimed at property tax reform that could have a direct impact on public school funding. Here's a very, very brief overview. Um, House Bill 124 gives county auditors greater control over property valuations. House Bill 129 caps inside millillage property tax increases at the rate of inflation.
030House Bill 186 reduces school district property tax revenue if it hits a certain mill floor. House Bill 309 gives county auditors the ability to limit collection of levies passed by school districts if they deem them excessive, which reduces local control. And House Bill 335 caps outside millage property tax increases at the rate of inflation, which potentially limits what school what levies schools can put on the ballot. While these bills don't have an immediate direct impact on Lakewood City Schools, they do have the potential to reduce revenue growth during the next trial tax ex update in 2027. We'll keep you updated in the first quarter of 2026 on how these laws develop and ways the community can help if possible. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. I I know over the last year we've kind
031of spontaneously talked about things that had come up to the top in Columbus and that could have had a direct impact or would directly impact the schools and just in discussion the board feels like this is something that needs to have a regular time for us to communicate with the public um and keep you a breast of what's going on. So I appreciate this. >> Yeah. And if anybody has any questions or anything >> Sure. Okay. So, um very excited to see this happening. So, thank you for your leadership on that. Um [clears throat] you have said and Mr. Zean has said in uh communications that this does not have a immediate impact on the Lakewood City Schools. And so, um but I want to just be clear on why. Is it because there's a
032delay in the implementation? Is it because we live in Kyogre County and Kyogre County is supportive of public schools or like what is it that is allowing us to proceed with our levy without worrying about these details right now? >> Um you might have a better >> Sure. So not to go into each one specifically but right >> but overall so one of the ones that what u that Mrs. Kenberger mentioned is the ones that restrict growth. So Lakewood City Schools and majority of the schools in Kaaga County as you mentioned um are not at something called the 20 mil floor. So the 20 mil floor is is part of those legislation that is a as effective mills as we all know as property taxes as property values go up the effective millage of a
033levy goes down. Right? So the levy that was passed in 2020 at 3.9 mills is now effectively being collected at 2.3 mills. That's the House Bill 920 impact. What they're saying is that now with with districts that are at the 20 mil floor that House Bill 920 will continue even though that floor used to be in place. So they could go below that 20 mil of effective millage. Correct. Without any reimbursement from the state. That's kind of one of the big ones. So we're we're not at that point yet. We could be down the road depending upon how values go up and those affected millages go down. The other one that's that's important to note is on the county commissioner side. Um and again you you brought up the point of how counties individual counties
034are treating that our very neighbor Lraine County um did the piggyback provision which is part of those which allows um additional homestead and rollback property taxes to not be collected by the county that then would flow directly to school districts. Lorine County chose to do that. Some of the school districts are losing close to $2 million annually that they would have collected in Kyahaga County immediately. In Kayahaga County, they they determined not to do the piggyback provisions and therefore we will continue to have those revenues come in um throughout the next next years. Um, and there's a lot of inequity in that and there's going to be, in my opinion, there's going to be a lot of legislation and judicial determining on on whether or not these things are even completely lawful down the road
035because how can you have one county treated one way and another county treated differently? And it's also I mean part of the what's crazy about that is a community votes to have uh you know their taxes used to support their schools in a certain way and a certain money come to their schools and to have the county say well we're not going to collect those taxes and that money is not going to that just that's disenfranchising your voters which is obviously wrong. So the fact that there, you know, it's there's a lot of potential for a lot of things to go a lot of bad directions. And so it's a, you know, something to make everybody aware of. This is definitely a new uh position for me and something I'm wanting to dive into and
036dig into a lot in the coming months. So uh I will keep you guys posted. >> You know, another one to note that um that we just talked about earlier today is the the kindergarten age. >> Oh, right. So again, and that'll be provide you'll provide that, I'm sure, a little bit more information on it, but it used to be local decision in regards to whether you had an August 1st uh age of five or September 30th. Now, by law, a child has to be five by the first day of school. So, every school might start on a different day. Keep that in mind. But say Lakewood starts on August 20th, it's not August 20th, but say [laughter] it is. the child must be five by August 20th in order to attend kindergarten. But say
037a neighboring district starts on August 17th, that child needs to be five by August 17th. >> So it's total madness. >> It'll be very confusing. >> Yeah, >> we were just putting some documents together to share that out in the future. So, >> with kindergarten registration coming up and then also working on our preschool, normally we have always had our preschoolers um have the September 30th date just as our kindergarteners did to make it very easy. Um but we're working through what that still looks like. I think we're going to keep the September 30th date for our preschoolers and then move forward with what legislation said we have to for the kindergarten date. And so that will impact our our enrollment numbers >> at least on, you know, four years that may have a birthday
038between and and I'm going to use August 20th because we already said that number, but I I don't know what next August is. But if if it's August 20th, if you have a birthday on September 1st, you can't go to kindergarten like you were planning on going to kindergarten. So you we're working through that. that we're going to be working with our families, especially the ones that um will work with all of our families. But we also have so many in our preschools now that will be able to have to share this information that they they will not be able to attend kindergarten potentially if they were thinking of coming with those September birthdays. >> Yeah, it's a big change. >> And again, a little more of local control. >> It goes back to it
039goes back to us being to decide being able to decide how we want to run our own district according to our own community values. It's also how decisions are being made and then you find out about them >> when families are already making plans, >> right? >> And so that's um >> August 24th. >> That is the [laughter] date >> is the first day because we don't want that rumor getting started >> for all students except for of course fresh start uh starts on that Friday before for a freshman. >> Correct. >> Oh, I have a question though. But kindergarteners start later. So what would the start date for kindergarteners technically be? >> August 27th. So, so like the state wouldn't do our district. It would do when we start our kindergarten. >> Kindergarten, right?
040Which is August 27th. >> Okay. >> Oh, wait. There's that. >> This is why we want to do this more frequently [laughter] >> and more, you know, keep it >> thoughtfully >> more thoughtfully and communicate a lot. So, preview of coming attractions. >> Thank you. >> Before we close out, I don't think we got a picture of all the kids that presented this evening. No, let's do that real quick before they're going home. These kids also came in on a non-school day, including our educators were here for professional learning day, but um they had to get dressed up and come get out of their pajamas. So, they deserve a picture that we can put on our website. Come on up, guys. >> Come on, guys. >> All of our sign language experts. >> Some people
041couldn't see you because you're smaller than our podium, I think. [laughter] So now we all see you. >> You could do the emphatic stop. [laughter] Oh. What a good group. Thank [applause] you. Okay. Did that conclude your report? And you're you concluded picture taken. >> We're moving around. >> Okay. We're going to move on to discussion of our agenda items for the second meeting. But anyone who needs to leave or would like to go home and get theirelves ready for school tomorrow um is free to leave with our thanks for coming. Thank you so much. >> Yeah, like talk all night about all the legislative stuff. I'm just going to do this. >> The agenda. >> It's just a lot of like tonight and this just makes me stressed out. >> Snuck in that. >>
042Where did I People aren't paying attention. Well, thank you for staying. [laughter] >> Hi everybody and Martha. >> Martha, I wish we could just leap to uh comments, but [laughter] >> no, we'll we'll expedite this. Um, okay. So, we have to get used to the new uh finance. Mr. Callahan, >> thank you, President Shaughnessy. It's great to be back in this role. I think it's been several years since I held this uh um finance chair. We have investments purchased and matured November 2025. Tables included in the agenda materials identify outstanding and matured investments during November. Investment earnings uh for regular board funds for the month of November totaled $173,641 bringing year-to- date total to 1,221,616. Financial info for November 2025 for the month. General fund receipts totaled um just over 1.8 million. General fund expenditures
043totaled um just over 6.8 million. Fiscal year 26 summary. The initial 5-year forecast for FY 2026 reflects various changes from fiscal year 2025. Revenues year-to-ate actual and projected revenues are trending with the 5-year forecast. Other revenue is exceeding forecasted trends due to an additional dispersement from the county related to the 2024 reappraisal process. On the expendit expenditure side, year-to- date actual and projected expenditures are trending within the 5-year forecast within the majority of categories. Purchased services trending slightly over the forecast, which may be due to timing. Both substitute staffing and utility costs are contributing to the negative variance. And with regard to cash reserves and compliance items, cash reserves sufficient through fiscal 26. A financial summary reports provided to show the monthly fiscal year-to-ate cash position for the non-general funds maintained by the district. Appropriation
044modifications will ensure the district is in compliance with the state auditor's office and the county fiscal office. And as always, all accounts have sufficient funds available to cover the increase in the appropriations. amendment increases allows the district to legally encumber and pay funds up to the amounts appropriated. That does conclude my report unless Mr. Zean has anything additional. Thank you very much. Moving on to building sites purchases, Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> Thank you. Um we now move on to education report. Mrs. Kenberger, >> thank you. Uh, first we have an agreement between the Lakewood Board of Education and the Stepping Stones Group. The Stepping Stones Group will provide a one-to-one nurse substitute for a student whose student needs require specialized services for the 2025 2026 school year. Next, we have a resolution to approve an
045extended field trip uh to Costa Rica, which sounds delightful. Uh Lakewood Heights School students will travel to Costa Rica and will have the opportunity to broaden their vision of our world community um and off which offers a platform from which they can come to an enhanced understanding of the world that surrounds them. Students will experience expertly led tours in Guanacost to experience snorkeling and visit the Buena Vista Lodge, explore the Aral region and visit the Rinkon de la Veha Vieja National Park. Finishing the trip traveling to the Ala to uh to experience a coffee tour and enjoy white water rafting. I'm assuming it's a coffee plant uh you know farm rather than drinking coffee. Um the trip will take place June 20th to July 2nd, 2027. Uh next we have a resolution to adopt courses
046of study uh in the Lakewood City School District. The courses of study for Westshore Career Technical Education have been developed collaboratively by representatives from the Westshore Career Technical Education and the Department of Teaching and Learning. Next, we have several gifts to Lakewood City Schools. First, Elliot Frank of Supererscript Limited donated one Army Painter mega set, one box take and paint Space Marines and one box take and paint Stormcast to Lakewood City Schools to be used by the Warhammer Club at Lakewood High School. Um, sounds cool. Uh, Lakewood Suzuki String Strings donated $1,000 to Lakewood City Schools for scholarships for Lakewood Suzuki Strings. Scott and Denise Engin donated $1,000 to Lakewood City Schools for scholarships for Lakewood Suzuki strings. And Linda BB donated $250 to Lakewood High School's coral music program benefiting the AC capella group.
047And that concludes the education report. >> Thank you very much. And we'll be voting on those issues at our next meeting. Um, next items would be policy. We have none to consider this evening. And so we go on human resources and community service. Mrs. Dman. >> Okay. We have um 12 total certified actions both appointments and special compensation. One certified non-employee coaches advisor appointment. Um six total actions for classified employees appointments, special compensation salary and pay rate adjustment. Uh one appointment for classified non-employee coach or advisor. And then we have seven for community recreation education um for aquatics athletics field maintenance and programs. And then the community recreation education 2026 pay rates. Um they have pay rate changes for game workers. The attached hourly pay rate reflects the increase in minimum wage and competitive wage
048adjustments to the aquatics event staff summer camp field maintenance and game workers hourly rates effective January 1st, 2026. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. >> We now move on to the communications portion of our meeting. >> Thank you for >> We will now have board comments. I just hope everybody >> I thank you. I've just hope everybody's had a restful winter break. Uh welcome everybody back um today and tomorrow. Um and uh wish everyone the best in this new quarter, new new semester. So thank you. >> Happy new year everyone. Um I am very excited um that we have found that the 2026 will see an eventual change in our regular meeting schedule. So thank you um to the second and fourth Mondays of [clears throat] each month. Um this empowers
049residents to stay up to date and participate in the public meetings for the Lakewood City Schools and the city of Lakewood. So I'm very excited about that. It will there's a lot of happening in our buildings. So, it doesn't take effect until August um because things get planned out way far in advance. Um one of [clears throat] my learning curves. Um also, um I would like to just remind people to please shovel your property. Um and then, um please your sidewalks, uh your aprons of your driveways. Um and please don't get annoyed when students or others walk on your grass. Um sometimes the crunchy snow, even in a shovel drive sidewalk, sometimes the crunchy snow is still safer. And um and then for walkers, um please recognize that even the most conscientious of us that
050try to keep our sidewalks clean and clear cannot do so when it's totally like my driveway, my sidewalk is completely clear right now. And then it's going to get cold and it's going to rain. And when people are walking to school tomorrow, it's going to be icy and so they need to walk on my tree lawn. And we just have to give each other a little breathing space for mother nature to be doing her thing. >> Um anyway, uh that's it for me. >> Yeah, I could piggy back to if you know a neighbor that needs some help shoveling, maybe try to like help out for the kids too, those who walk. >> If I could add to that, >> please do. [laughter] that Lakewood Alive has a wonderful program um for for snow shoveling
051for those who are in need. I would encourage anybody who is in need of assistance um shoveling to reach out to Matt Clark at Lakewood Alive and they have a wonderful group of of volunteers um that does great work throughout the community. So, >> I do believe there's a wait list, too. So, don't hesitate. >> And of course, everybody look out for everybody else. Keep your uh walkers. And remarkably, there are still bike riders this time of year. You know, use caution and make sure you're visible. Um, use lights and flashing lights and visible clothing and all that fun stuff. And drivers, >> don't try and make that yellow light. Just really drive slowly. Make sure you're paying attention to school zones. And when you're turning onto side streets and everything, it's just a really
052good time to for everybody to take it slow and and give yourself plenty of time to get everywhere because uh that it's harder to stop sometimes when it's icy and we all just really need to keep an eye out for each other and stay safe >> and so we can all enjoy this lovely new year and second half of the school year that we're going into, which is all very exciting. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Now we move on to public comments. Um, and the following procedures govern public participation at all regular schoolboard meetings. These procedures apply to all speakers. The board does not discriminate based on the identity of the speaker, content of the speech or viewpoint of the speaker. In order to speak during a regular board meeting, attendees must first sign
053in and indicate their intent to speak before entering the meeting. During the public participation portion of the board meeting, speakers will be called in order of signing in and will be requested to state their name, city, and street. Speakers will be limited to three minutes as indicated by the clock on display. All statements must be addressed to me as the presiding officer. Questions or comments directed at individual administrators or board members will not be permitted. Comments that are repetitive, obscene, and or threatening will not be tolerated. Participants may be asked to stop speaking and or leave the meeting for engaging in such behavior and or for not observing reasonable decorum or for being disruptive in the meeting. Participants are encouraged to direct any concerns about individual staff members to the superintendent prior to bringing them
054to the board. Thank you all for adhering to these procedures and I will now begin calling up speakers to participate. Um, the first person to sign in is Trish. Thank you for your time. I acknowledge all of you. Don't want to waste my own time. On December 17th, we received an email that said to Beth, "Please keep in mind that your employment with Legacy Schools will end on December 31st. Your services will no longer be needed in any capacity, including as an aid or volunteer. This includes assistance to the Lakewood Project or any future concerts or related activities." We emailed requesting clarification and received no response. We got together as a family and decided even though we have not been explained this punishment yet that we would do the following things. As of today, there
055are five entities that have our or excuse me that have been informed or will soon be informed that the funds from the Hendy, excuse me, the Dr. Newton family and Dr. Henens family will be terminated. As we are the only benefactors, we hope others will pick up where we have been asked to remove our funds. First fund is the eyeglass funds for kids. Second is the Suzuki program. We supply funds for all Lakewood students in need. This is a prek music education program. The private music lesson program for the funding of the LHS students in addition to middle school students that Lariff can't cover. The purple and gold basketball tournament for all five fifth graders. We can we uh fund all needs for this program. This one is painful for us. This is the Anne
056Gilles dignity closet. A place in each building where any student can enter and select any personal hygiene items needed or we are informed of special needs at any time by the health aids. We ask for your patience in trying to finish this requirement. Again, I will say what it is. Her employment in Lake City Schools will end on December 31st. Your services will no longer be needed in any capacity, including as an aid or volunteer. This includes assistance with the Lakewood Project or any other concerts or related activities. As a family, we're devastated. We're not quite sure what this punishment is for. We can't get it all done that fast. We are asking for your patience and for you to extend the December 31st deadline. There are some larger entanglements that we need to process
057through and remove our names obviously as directed by the liquid board of education from this email. We remain stunned. We received no explanation as to this bombshell and what this punishment is all about. So for clarification, I would like to read the email that was sent. Uh, dear Dr. Henkins, on behalf of the Lakewood City Schools, I'm extending our sincere gratitude for your decades of dedicated service to the students of our district, your foresight and expertise in developing the Lakewood project have left, [clears throat] excuse me, a lasting and meaningful impact on student learning and the arts in our community. and I continue on and I will share that with all of you through an email. >> Okay. Thank you. Our next speaker is Martha Warner. [clears throat] Good evening and happy new year to
058all. My name is Martha Warner and I live on Chase Avenue. I'm the parent of two future Lakewood Rangers and I'm here tonight to speak in support of the upcoming school levy. When my husband and I decided to buy a house, a major reason that we chose Lakewood was the strength of its schools. We weren't parents yet, but we were looking to the future. We looked at student, school, and district outcomes, the kinds of opportunities available, and talked with everyone, parents, graduates, students, teachers, and we were impressed by what we found. No matter who our future children would be, athletes, musicians, book nerds, scientists, collegebound, or headed for careers right out of high school, or kids with unique learning challenges, Lakewood has an impressive array of opportunities. And as somebody who has worked most of
059her career in public education, I know that what is here is special. It is not found everywhere. And I know that it requires sustained support from all of us to maintain it. And I've seen over and over again that this community is deeply committed to its schools and its students. And it shows. More than just a parent, though, I'm also here as a taxpayer and a community member. Our schools are an essential part of the fabric of this community. Whether we have children enrolled in the district or not, they're a local institution that belongs to all of us, and their strength supports the health and desiraability of our city. And it's up to us to support them. Our schools support our excuse me, our schools produce strong outcomes and do the hard work of educating
060the whole child, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed to grow to their greatest potential and become contributing members of our community and beyond. And I think that this evening's presentation um was such a wonderful demonstration of that. Levies allow for an education built for the future and the attraction and retention of talented staff who nurture our students talents. Our schools provide opportunities for students to stretch, discover their interests, and develop lifelong essential skills such as collaboration, communication, empathy, and critical thinking. Skills that are desperately needed. In the time that I've lived here, I've seen our district use its levy funds as well as grants from other sources to continuously expand and improve its offerings, including the introduction of STEM classes in elementary school and additional career pathways at the high school.
061And they ensure that these opportunities are available for all students regardless of background or means. I know how precious every dollar is to people in this city, including in my own home. Just you could look at my daycare bill and you would know. Um, but this money is money well spent. It is money invested in our kids, in our future, and in our community. And there is no greater return on our money than that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And that concludes the um list of folks who would like to address the board. We do have some important other business. Um first item is a classified action. Mrs. Dottman. Yes. All right. Um I am requesting approval on one reading um for two resignations for the purpose of retirement. >> Okay. >> Second. >>
062May we have a roll call? >> Miss Shaughnessy. >> I. >> Miss Dman. >> I. >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Catsburgger. >> Hi. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank you. The resolution carries. The next item is uh Mr. Callahan. >> Thank you, President Shaughnessy. We have a resolution declaring it necessary to levy an additional tax for the purpose of providing funds for current operating expenses and for general permanent improvements and requesting the Kyhoga County fiscal officer to certify the total current tax valuation of the school district and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by that additional levy pursuant to sections 5705.03 and 5705.217 of the revised code. Um, we are being a asked to approve this on one reading and I understand that
063it has to do with the the the timing of things necessary uh to uh put this matter on the ballot. Um, the board of education and administration has been exploring the need for additional resources to expand academic programming, retain and recruit professional staff, expand preschool program, and maintain district facilities. In order to place a levy on the ballot in May 2026, two resolutions must be approved and submitted to the appropriate county offices. The first resolution declares the necessity to levy an additional tax for the purpose of current operating expenses and requests the county fiscal officer to certify the value valuation and dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by the additional levy. The proposed levy amount is 6.9 mills of operating revenue. This will be first assessed in tax year 2026, collection year 2027.
064Through sound fiscal management and operational efficiencies, the district has not requested additional operating revenue since March 2020. In addition, over the last six years, the district has refinanced and advanced refunded over 34 million in debt service payments. In tax year 2026, collection 27, the previous refinancing of debt will reduce the overall debt service millage being assessed to the community by 2.0 mills. The current debt service tax rate for tax year 2025 is 7.1 mills. The tax rate for tax year 2026 will be 5.1 mills. This represents a reduction of two mills for the community and the district. The district cannot shift the millillage rates between the various revenue funds. Therefore, the community must approve the additional tax question. Once approved by the community, the net tax rate change for tax year 2026 will be 4.9
065mills versus the 6.9 mills that will appear on the ballot. The reduced levy millillage equates to approximately $14 per month on a $100,000 home or $172 per year. Um, with that, I move approval of uh that resolution. >> Second. It's been moved and seconded. Are there any questions? >> I have just one. Um the I appreciate all of the the reduction of the other debts. Um and so are those partly the bond issues that are paid. Okay. >> All bond issues. Yes. >> All bond issues that like that the voters approved over the last 20 2003 to 2013. Um and then because of your investment strategies and the way the market has run, you are able to retire some of that debt because those bond issues were 20 and 25 and 30 years I believe.
066Right. >> Right. And again they were refunded at lower interest rates. >> Okay. >> So that helps reduce the overall debt millage going forward. >> Not just for one year going forward. >> Going forward. And so then that takes the total off. And so some of our buildings are free and clear technically from >> there's still outstanding debt. It's just the overall cost of that is reduced. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And so so while we have our our newer buildings and all of our state-of-the-art um facilities, we we're also being very careful about that debt service so that the operating expenses then become more manageable >> instead of having to ask for a double digit levy. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Okay. Hearing none. May we have a roll call?
067>> Uh, Miss Shaughnessy. >> I. >> Mrs. Dottman. >> I. >> Mrs. Clarkson. >> I. >> Mr. Gallahan. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Katzenberg. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Resolution passes. We have an additional resolution. Uh, Miss Stapman. >> We have a resolution to approve the deputy treasurer's employee contract and I request approval on one reading. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any questions? >> Then Mr. Zman would you? >> Mr. Sh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Davin. >> Hi. >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Kenberger. >> Hi. >> I am statement. Thank you. [laughter] >> Thank you very much. Um, if there is no other business to for the board to consider, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved
068and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. And we are adjourned.