001[Music] Hey, hey. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] Woo! [Music] Heat! [Music] Good even good evening. Tonight is Monday, November 3rd. Welcome to the Lakewood Board of Education meeting. Um earlier this evening we met for executive session um for consideration of the appointment employment dismissal discipline promotion demotion or compensation of an employee or official or the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee official lency or student unless the employee official lency or student requests a public hearing and for conference with the board's attorney to discuss matters that are subject of pending or imminent court action. We now return to public session and I invite you to join us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
002under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Next, we will uh move to the adoption of the agenda. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> So, move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Zean, can you call the role? >> Uh, Mr. Katzenberger. >> Hi. >> Mr. Sonosy, >> here. >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> I. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dman. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> I thank you. >> And that brings us to the superintendent's report. Good evening again, >> President Katzenberger, Vice President Shaughnessy, distinguished board members, Mr. Zean. It is my pleasure to invite uh Principal Joy Morgan to the podium treasure. I know they get me every time. Uh we're so pleased to be here tonight to recognize our National Merit Scholars. So at this
003time I would like to invite to the podium associate principal Mrs. Bridget Fenberger. Thank you. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognition includes Lakewood High School students who are among the top academic students in the nation. More than 1.3 million students in over 21,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competition with 16,000 top scorers named semi finalists. Students enter the competition by taking the PSAT during their junior year. So these students would have taken the PSAT last fall. Um, semi- finalists represent less than 1% of US high school seniors and are the highest scoring entr entrance in their state. The latest Lakewood High School academic stars include five uh semi- finalists and one commended scholar. So, as I say your name, please step to the podium. Um, so our first student is Kora Barcelona
004and Kora is a National Merit semi- finalist. She plans to attend college and major in political science and economics. [Applause] Uh, Zachary Carnival is a National Merit semi- finalist and he plans to attend college and major in mathematics. [Applause] Allesio Matara is a National Merit semi-finalist and he plans to attend college and major in physics and music. And we'll hear a little bit more about Allesio in just a few minutes. Adele Wel is a National Merit semi-finalist and she plans to attend college and major in English andor psychology. [Applause] CC Whitmire is a National Merit semi-finalist and she plans to attend college and major in musical theater or acting. [Applause] All of these students are now eligible to continue on in the competition in hopes of being named a finalist and receiving one of more
005than 7,500 scholarships to be awarded in the spring. Um we would also like to recognize um Abby Peek um and she has been named a National Merit Commended student for placing in the top 5% of PSAT participants. She plans to attend college and major in medical laboratory science. So although Abby will not um continue in the scholarship competition, um students that earned commended student status have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. So on behalf of Lakewood High School, congratulations to all of you. Just have some Hello. Hello. Um, I'm going to hand hand out some certificates on behalf of the board of education to recognize your wonderful accomplishments and uh, congratulations to all of you and good luck to you as you pursue all of your academic pursuits
006and enjoy the rest of your senior year. So, hold on. Yes. >> I'm sorry. She should. All right. So, I need you all to stay up here for a few more minutes, but before I call the next person to the podium, I need Allesio to take a step forward. So before I conclude my part of this evening, um we also want to take um a minute to recognize him one more time because in addition to his incredible achievements and Allesio, I had to say this only because I love your mom and she needs to hear this publicly, but not only did is he a national merit semi-finalist, he got a perfect score on his ACT at a 36, but he auditioned for the All State orchestra. Um, and one might ask, why is um a
007bassoonist, which is a woodwin instrument, auditioning for the orchestra? I had that same question. So, I talked to Mr. Stein Burner who said that um in the All-State Orchestra, it is very difficult for um woodwin players um to get in. It's just it's very very competitive. Allesio was chosen as one of four bassoonists in the state of Ohio for the all-state orchestra. Um, and so in talking with Mr. Steinburner, he's like Allesio is one of the best. He's been in wind ensemble all four years that he has been at Lakewood High School. Um, and has made significant positive um, contributions to our music program. So, please join me one more time in congratulating Allesio. >> You get another one of these. >> I get to shake your hand again. So, I would now um like
008to um ask Nikki Antonio to come up to the podium. [Applause] >> Hi there. Um I really appreciate the fact that we got some time to talk at the reception to the students. Um you're very impressive, all of you. Um and we are so excited for seeing where you go. Um the world is open to you and one of the things that uh I always say to the students especially our national merit scholars is um I want you to remember that to whom much is given much is required and no pressure but yeah some pressure. Uh we are so very proud of you. Uh wherever you go, you represent Lakewood, you represent this school, you represent your family. Um the state of Ohio, I'm here to tell you that the state of Ohio is also
009sees you and is very proud of you as well. So, I have a couple things for you. This is the Oh, and I just knocked some on the ground. Don't tell the mayor. Okay. So, these are um what I have here for you and I'm gonna we're going to go down the line and and give them to you, but these are um senatorial citations uh from the Ohio Senate. And I also have with me uh citations from the House of Representatives from uh Representative Tristan Rder who couldn't be with us tonight but very much wants to congratulate you as well. Okay. So again, thank you so much for all the hard work and I know that there's some people in the audience uh that have helped along the path um the the family members that
010are out here as well. Um so again congratulations congratulations to the families and congratulations to the students as well. >> Okay. [Applause] So, now that your hands are all full, um I just wanted to make sure everybody had a chance to thank the folks that are here with them tonight, and then we're going to go over to the lovely backdrop for a photo. So, Kora, you get to go first. Who's here tonight? >> Oh, my mom and my dad. >> Excellent. And they did all sorts of fun things to help you. >> A lot. My mom and dad >> and they were very helpful to you as well. >> Very helpful. >> How about you? >> Oh, yeah. My mom is here tonight and I really can't thank her enough. >> My mother is here.
011She did lots of stuff. >> My mom and dad are here. Thank you. >> My mom and dad are here, too. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Okay, now we all get to go over here for some pictures. This one. [Applause] and that concludes the superintendent's report. >> Well, that's delightful. Um, okay, moving right along. >> Oh, right. Um, I believe our honores are on a tour of honoring. So, I think they are moving on to the city council meeting. So, please feel free to move on. Thank you so much for being here. We're so proud of you and good luck with everything. So, we'll give them a minute before we move on. Great. Okay. Next on our agenda, we have the finance report with Mrs. Clark Sutton. >> Hello. So, this is the overview of agenda
012items for the November 25 uh board of education meetings. Um, investments purchased and matured as of September 2025. Um, there are some tables included in our agenda materials that identify outstanding and matured investments during the month of September. Investment earnings for regular board funds for the month of September totaled three thou $320,0002 sorry $320,272 bringing the year-to-ate total and this is um July 1st year to date of um 7 $752,335. So our investments continue to do well for the month of September 2025. General fund receipts totaled $4,964,121 and general fund expenditures totaled $6,824,66. The initial five-year forecast for fiscal year 2026 reflects various changes. >> They didn't want to come. Um year-to- date um actual and projected revenues are trending with the five-year forecast. Expenditures year-to- date actual and projected expenditures are trending with the
013five-year forecast within the majority of categories. Purchase services are trending slightly higher over the forecast, but that may be due to the timing of reporting. As the five-year forecast is updated and reviewed with board and administration for the October submission, there will most likely be some changes and updates to various categories once the final November forecast is completed. An analysis between the May 2025 forecast and the October 2025 and else 26 will be presented. Cash reserves and compliance items. We have cash reserves sufficient through fiscal year 2026. A financial summary report is available to show the monthly and fiscal year-to-ate cash position 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 the county fiscal office. All accounts have sufficient funds available
014to cover the increase in the appropriations. The amendments increases the district to legally encumber and pay funds up to the amounts appropriated. And that concludes my report. Thank you. And we do not have a buildings report, so we will move on to the education report with Mrs. Dotman. Okay, >> we have a few things tonight. Um, first up is an outofstate field trip to Elliotville, New York. Members of the Lakewood High School ski and snowboard club will have the opportunity to improve their ski and snowboarding skills on more difficult terrain at the Holiday Valley Resort in Elliotville, New York. This one-day trip on February 8th, 2026 and February 21st, 2026 will also help to keep students engaged and invested in being part of Lakewood High School. Um, and then we have two student clubs. The
015first is pop-in practice. This club will be open to any orchestra student at Garfield Middle School. The purpose is to encourage students to purchase to practice their orchestra instruments and develop friendships along the way. And then there's the Nintendo Switch Club open to any student at Harding Middle School. The purpose of this club is for students to come together to enjoy the Nintendo Switch games that are educational and fun. And then last, we had the agreement between the Lakewood Board of Education and Thrive Early Learning Center LLC. Thrive Earn Early Learning Center LLC provides special education consult consultation and support to classrooms and teachers whose student needs required specialized services of the 2526 school year. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. And now we'll move on to policy which is my
016report and we have a resolution to adopt special education model policies and procedures. The Ohio operating standards for the education of children with disabilities identify the state requirements and federal part B individuals with dis disabilities education improvement act IDEA requirements that apply to the implementation of special education and related services to students with disabilities by school districts, county boards of developmental disabilities, and other educational agencies. The Ohio operating standards for the education of children with disabilities, quote unquote, operating standards, require school districts and community schools to adopt written policies and procedures in a number of different areas. Our district has chosen to meet this obligation by adopting the model special education policies and procedures prepared by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The o operating standards for the education of children with disabilities have
017undergone periodic updates to align with federal laws and improve services for students with disabilities. These changes aim to enhance the educational experience for students with disabilities, increase parental involvement, provide more individualized support, and ensure districts are meeting the legal and educational needs of students in a consistent and fair manner. And that concludes the policy report. Next, we'll have human resources and community services with Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Thank you. >> Um we will be considering 251 certified um actions, appointments, special compensations, and salary and pay rate adjustments. Um the special compensations include um primarily training or professional development in the science science of reading pathways um training as parent liaison. Um this sort of thing. And then um the salary and pay rate adjustments are primarily step increases um and contractual pay increases. Um there will
018be five certified non-emp employee coach and advisor um actions all appointments 14 classified actions appointment special compensation and salary and pay rate adjustments 26 classified non-employee coach ECES advisors um and those 26 are appointments and then we will have one action uh resolution to abolish a position Um, and this um is a position that was held at the Franklin School of Opportunity that will not be necessary with the closing of the school and uh this is based on our collective bargaining agreement with Oopsy local 134. Um the union was notified before this um before this happens and we'll be voting on that at our next meeting. >> Thank you. This brings us to the communications portion of our meeting. We'll start with board of education comments. Do any of my colleagues have anything they'd like
019to start with? >> That I have a few things. >> Go ahead, Lisa. >> Okay. Thanks so much. Um, first I just want to remind everyone that there's a lot going on at the state level and the federal level. Um, if you are not following Ohio for or I'm sorry, honesty for Ohio education, definitely do. They give a lot of information and it's a lot to keep up with, but it's so so important to keep informed. Um, I believe last week the Ohio Senate passed the success sequence which means right you have to do things in a certain order which in in my opinion would certainly blur the line of separation of church and state. So again honestly for Ohio education they have a lot of really really good updates. Um and then tomorrow is
020Nino is election day. There are a lot of big sales going on at a lot of our schools. So, if you are so inclined and are able to donate to those, I know Harding is having one for the eighth grade field trip or eighth grade field trip to DC. Yeah, that's right. And then Hayes has one always for their fifth graders, but I know it's going on kind of all over. So, if you are voting in one of the schools or you just want to stop by for a snack, >> morning's probably better. >> Um, and then I kind of want to just piggyback on something I've been talking about. Um, Mr. Caner is the custodian right now at Hayes and he is taking his talents to Roosevelt after this week. And again, just kind
021of like the impact that all of our staff have on our kids. I was with my middle school daughter and her friend when they found out and they are not even at Hayes anymore and were just like devastated that Mr. Caner was going to a different school 10 minutes from our house that they could probably bike to really easily. Um I saw a lot of parents on Halloween, this came out on Friday, that were they said they cried when they read it. staff that are really upset. Our staff has such an impact on our students and our families and the people they work with. And I think again, it's just more than they will ever realize. So, I just wanted to point that out. It it might seem something that is kind of like in
022passing and not a big deal, but to those kids, they you leave an impact. So, thank you to our staff for all that you do. That's all I have. I um have a follow-up question from a couple months ago um about um our conversation about moving the board meetings to the second second and fourth Mondays of the month. >> Um >> what do we have to like we all kind of seem to be like in agreement that night but do we have to have a motion to that or is that just a procedural thing that >> takes care of vote on the calendar? Right. >> Is that correct Mr. Zean? Yeah. So we >> during the during the organizational meeting the time and date of all the meetings for next year are set at that
023time, >> right? But my memory is that they're all printed out and then we say yes. >> What? >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. That's it. >> I think Go ahead. >> I'm Isn't it then we would just if if we all like that idea then we would just print it out differently and approve it. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, and I I think that part of what we discussed last time was exploring how that would impact like what parts of the calendar, the school calendar would impact making that change. >> So, I don't know. I know that you were because it was something that you were interested in. I don't know. >> So, could that be something >> that we could ask the superintendent or the assistant superintendent to look at that impact and
024then bring something to us? Absolutely. >> Yeah. I think I think >> one of the meetings here we'll discuss it. >> Yeah. >> Because holidays and all that might have more impact. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Um >> I have a couple I have a couple other things. Um so two weeks ago um Superintendent Nidwiki stated that she moved forward on researching school consolidation with consent from the entire board. That is true. Um, some of you have listened to me at block parties and in one-on-one conversations where I've explained that school district has too much real estate and that at some point all decisions are financial. Superintendent Nidwiki was acting um under the um with the direction or consent of the entire board including me. At that same board meeting, a clear majority of
025the Lakewood Board of Education voted in favor of Superintendent Nitzwicki's recommendation to redistrict elementary students into six buildings, set up a single site preschool building, and relocate some of this district's special education programs. My no vote was about timing and details. Now, I will honor that vote and support the superintendent and her administrative team as they spend the next 19 months making this transition and implementation as successful as possible. To be clear, my questions and statements as an elected board school board member are never intended to humiliate anyone. That being said, it is important that I acknowledge when my message is heard differently than I want. Two weeks ago, I was looking for clarity. Two weeks ago, I was hoping for a professional, courteous public meeting. Two weeks ago, I was seeking more time. To
026be very, very clear, I am not an obstructionist in democracy majority rules. While I have the microphone, I'd like to say something about the residency of the superintendent. Um, the Lakewood City School Board policies state that superintendents and treasurers are encouraged to live in the city of Lakewood. Please note that residency requirements tied to employment have been nullified in court cases over the last couple decades. But more importantly, there is a matter of professionalism that includes respect for private family decision-making. Maggie Nidwicki and her husband raised five children in the Perry public schools. when she was offered a three-year contract as superintendent in Lakewood. Her youngest child was in seventh grade. Currently, he is a junior in high school. She drives an hour each way every day to do her job and stays to attend
027several evening events like we expect all of our superintendents in the past to do. She made a personal decision to not uproot her family for a position that could have ended after three years. her contract was renewed and extended. Should she then have moved her family as her youngest was getting ready to start high school in the same place where all of his other siblings had graduated? I can't help but note the hypocrisy um for some for some people who are upset about the new boundaries for our elementary schools will do for their walking distances but expect our superintendent to relocate uh their entire family for a temporary job. Nobody makes a career of being a superintendent. I would also like to say something about sharing um of a film clip from a schoolboard meeting
028in which I was trying to break protoc protocol by thanking a speaker immediately after she spoke during public comment. Mrs. Katzenberger the as president of the school board has the unhappy task of reigning in reigning me in in my exuberance um when my ex in exuberance interferes with public meeting expectations. I have come to realize the public comment portion of our meetings is for residents to speak. And while I'm clarifying the difference between my reality and the way that events have been portrayed on social media, um I did not interpret Miss Mrs. Shaughnessy's asking about voting on the full resolution as I was making a motion for an amendment to that resolution as an attempt to silence me. I have learned it is uncommon for school board members in Ohio to propose amendments to resolutions
029in their second reading. I am finishing my second year as a school board member and I still have a lot to learn. So, um, Lakewood and I'll just close with my Lakewood City schools are amazing and it is an honor to serve. >> Thanks, Colleen. Um, okay. Does anybody Commission, >> I was This has been such a busy few weeks. The governor and Mrs. Dwine visited after after our last meeting, right? >> So, I just wanted to mention that um that Governor Mrs. Dwine came to honor um four of our schools. I believe there were 46 in the state that received this recognition for their um accelerated acceptance of the science of reading and meeting all the requirements and four of those were in Lakewood. So we were the only school district that got four.
030Others were scattered all around. They came and it was honestly they came to ask questions and listen. Um, some of us were were able to juggle and get there, but it was very interesting. But our staff is so good. >> They answered questions. They, you saw their passion for this, for teaching students to read, their willingness to change the way they do things, their collaborative nature. And the governor has a little notebook and he was writing things down. and you know that I don't agree with the governor on many things but um he does care about reading literacy and and students and it was great but our staff was just so commendable so um all administrators that start started with leadership years ago I I believe when Mrs. NWiki started there was some concern about
031the teaching of reading the conversation started this looking at the science of reading started. So again when the state had um came to the same conclusion we were already on the road to addressing the weaknesses and building on the strengths. So, I just want to say it was very it was very nice and it was wonderful to see our staff um present to the governor. >> They were spectacular. >> Yeah. >> And I think there we were only one of two districts in the state to have multiple buildings earned that distinction which is there's so many opt so many things that keep happening where it's like we're one of only one or one of two in the state where we get grants or awards or things like that. And I think that's a lot to
032be proud of. So, Mike, did you have anything you wanted to say? Okay. Um, yeah, that was a wonderful event. Uh, the, uh, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Steven Dakan was also here. Um, it was really, um, awesome thing and, you know, to to show off our district and our our educators were spectacular. Um, and I hear our book vending machine was also a big hit. [Laughter] Um, I just wanted to there's been a lot going on lately and I just want to take a minute to talk about some of the wonderful things going on in our district because, you know, I think it's all good for us to do that, you know, as often as we can. So, there's a few things I wanted to highlight. First of all, congratulations to Lakewood
033High School junior Porter Gilland who placed 16th in state for cross country championships and achieved all state honors. He's only a junior. He's going to keep going. Can't wait to see what happens next. Um, Horus Man and Lincoln Elementary had their sorting ceremonies for the Ron Clark Academy House system, joining Roosevelt and Hayes. Emerson, Harrison, and Grant will also have their ceremonies later this year. And I think this is an awesome uh system that gives our elementary students a way to connect with other students throughout the district. So, I think that's very cool. And um, kudos to Roosevelt and Alison Neighbor for getting this whole thing started. Um, our high school orchestra had their music marathon fundraiser this past Saturday, raising over $12,000 to fund music lessons and equipment for our students and they played
034from six o'clock in the morning till 7:30 at night in various combinations. There was always music playing on stage um in various combinations and they wrapped it up with a performance in their pajamas at the end of the day which was a riot. Um, and then some of some people may have seen our Harding students walking from Harding to the high school and back for their uh uh fund run that raised money for their own PBIS activities throughout the school year. So, I thought that was a cool way to reward themselves and reward themselves throughout the year. So, it's I thought that was great. And then, um, this week our barntormers are staging the witty Oscar Wild play, The Importance of Being Earnest, in our Blackbox Theater. It'll be especially cool because it's going to
035be staged as theater in the round. Um, which is a testament to the talent and skills of our fine high school actors. This is not, you know, easy stuff to be do theater in the round for anybody, let alone high schoolers. So, it's pretty cool. Tickets are available for performances on November 6th, 7th, and 8th. And I really encourage you guys to check it out. I think it's going to be it's just really impressive. Um, so there's lots of great things going on in our schools and I think it's wonderful to stop and check it, take a look around and check it out every once in a while. >> Miss Kath, um, can you explain to some of us who might not know what is theater in the round? >> Oh yes, theater in the
036round. The theater round. So um, typically you have an audience. There's a stage and you and the audience look at the stage, but theater in the round, the stage is in the center and the audience, oops, is around the stage. So the actors have to play to people all around them. um which is pretty sophisticated uh performing and um the fact that they're doing this as high schoolers I think is amazing. I can't wait to see it. Um but I know they're up to the up to it and I think it's it's really great funny material and I think it's going to be awesome. So get your tickets now. It's going to be great. And the Blackbox Theater, I know we all love the Civic and we all go to the Civic all the time.
037Blackbox Theater is much more intimate and um it's it's a cool spot. So I I may very well if you haven't been there, check it out. >> It may very well sell out. >> Oh yeah, it's a smaller space, so definitely get your tickets early. Um, >> anybody else? All right. Um, so now now we'll move on to the public um portion of our evening. I will read my usual school board meeting participation statement. Um, the following procedures govern public participation at all regular school board 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 in and indicate their intent to speak before entering
038the 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 or 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 for not observing reasonable decorum or for being disruptive to the meeting. Participants are encouraged to direct any concerns about individual staff members to the superintendent prior to bringing them to the board. Thank you for adhering to these procedures.
039I will now begin calling up speakers to part participate. Looks like Helen has one. And our first speaker is Kristen Sanker. Good evening. My name is Kirsten Sanger and I live on Erie Cliff Drive. Tomorrow's election day and while I am sad that Lincoln will no longer be my streets neighborhood elementary, I'm delighted that my dreams of Lakewood offering accessible early childhood education will hopefully be realized. I became involved more than two decades ago because I was an angry parent, frustrated about class sizes and disparities between and within the schools. My grievances were heard, the challenges were explained, and later I was invited to help find solutions. Between 2003 and 2016, four elementary schools and one middle school were closed, three bond issues were passed, and we renovated the current 10 buildings. then is now.
040Transition was challenging, but it's necessary if we're going to continue to provide the breadth of programming in the equal equitable environment that we have come to expect and enjoy. I learned that restructuring is not just about finances, but a tool to learn how to best serve our diverse student body while being thoughtful to the concerns of the entire community. The robust community support that our schools have historically enjoyed has helped to maintain excellent public schools, attract new residents, and strengthen property values. I am very sad that the conversation around repurposing one of our schools has become so divisive and latigious. While volunteering at our schools on the 50-year committee and for bond issues, I worked closely with community leaders as well as school board members. I developed a greater understanding of how challenging and often
041thankless their jobs can be. The current board members that I know from these committees have never been cavalier about the concerns of the community they serve. You may disagree with their process, the timing, or the decision, but their willingness to take a vote just weeks before the election speaks to their integrity, transparency, and willingness to assume responsibility. Additionally, there's been a precipitous decline in state and federal funding and unprecedented attacks on public education. Ohio schools that are too small are now at risk of being forced to sell under market value to charter schools. In these tumultuous times, we can't allow ourselves to be distracted from the bigger picture. We need school board members that are not just against an issue, but for all of addressing all of the challenges that face our community. If you've
042not already voted like me, please look to the League of Women Voters website for information about all of our local candidates. Your vote is powerful and I trust that you will vote your conscious wisely across the entire ballot because in Lakewood all things are connected as they should be. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Paul Porter. Thanks everybody. Uh I'm Paul Porter. I'm a Lakewood resident. I live in the last house in the Lincoln catchment area on Clifton. Our street number is the final number uh the western most final number. Since 2015 2016, the district has lost a thousand students. Families are smaller, not larger than they were then. I, you know, the person who spoke ahead of me talked about the building consolidation that occurred prior to that, but I think
043it's clear that the enrollment of our district has changed since that consolidation took place. I won't pretend that families who attend Lincoln or live in the neighborhood don't have an emotional connection or that this isn't a challenge for them. Though we live in the Lincoln area, we moved when both of our boys were in elementary school and chose to remain open enrolled at Grant because we felt like we were part of the Grant family. All of that kind of personal feeling stuff aside, to me it's clear that if you look at the sheer number of students enrolled in the district, it wouldn't be prudent if the school board didn't take action. So, I came today after being on the sidelines for this entire process, apart from attending one of the early community meetings at Grant
044to say thank you. like it's not an easy call for you guys to make as board members. It's clear that you've put a lot of time and consideration into this decision. And I'll echo the same sentiment that I come today because I'm discouraged about how things have gone, particularly in the last month or so. you know, parents suing our school district, uh, parents suing board members because of alleged Open Meetings Act violations. Uh, I'm the public servant myself and I know how important, you know, kind of the Sunshine Law stuff and Open Meetings Act stuff are. And to my eyes, you guys have conducted this entire process and in an open, transparent, communityoriented manner. the decisions you made aren't easy or the decision you made wasn't an easy one to make, but for the sake
045of people who live here and have chosen to move from outside Lakewood to build like a life, a family, a home here, I'm glad that you guys are having foresight so that families 20 years, 30 years down the road can have the same type of quality education my kids have been fortunate to have. I think it's critical that we all remember that from West Clifton to West 117th, Lakewood Heights Boulevard to Lakewood Park, we're all Rangers. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And our last speaker is Tom Farquor. All right. Hello everyone. My name is Thomas Farbar and I live on Clifton Boulevard with my three kiddos. I'm not up here to give a speech about the troubled nature of the school repurposing and everything around that. I'm not going to give a speech about
046reagging on community wishes when Lakewood residents put up the money to build three new elementary schools not even 10 years ago. Nor am I going to give a speech about the foolishness of pushing a school repurposing without cost analysis and traffic studies. On the contrary, and my esteemed colleagues, I have some points to bring up to the school board and community that may or may not have been considered. Taking into consideration some legal trouble that has already occurred from the missteps. These points may not have been considered. First, Lincoln like Grant and Roosevelt were built in 2016 with the help of Ohio classrooms facility assistance program. For Lincoln, the state funded 31% of the rebuilding. The community funded the rest. The master plan for Lincoln submitted to Ohio states that it is to be used
047as an educational building for preK through fifth grade. Repurposing Lincoln into a preK will fall under this definition. But please note, you must legally inform the state of this change. On this note, I want to ask why the superintendent treasurer treasurer initially presented the idea of repurposing one of these schools into a community rec center. This would have violated the previously mentioned agreement with the state of Ohio and we would have been responsible for repaying the remaining balance of the 3.5 million. One other aspect I think the school board has failed to consider in closing Lincoln is that there is a private school Lakewood Catholic Academy that is located next to Lakewood Park and within Lincoln boundaries. LCA could serve parents disenfranchised with the decision the school board has made and current and future families
048who do want to send their kids to a walkable neighborhood school. With the current 18 to 24month wait list, the voucher system in Ohio and increase demand in the surrounding area, LCA may expand student capacity, decreasing the enrollment of students in Lakewood, and therefore the funding that the state of Ohio provides. For my final point, I want to comment on what I perceive as the lack of empathy the school board has shown for any student and parent affected by this change. It really feels like the schoolboard wants to stick it to Lincoln in particular. In no sense have I ever felt like the school board didn't want to do this or contended not to do it. Most school boards would be sad and have a heavy heart to put an end to a neighborhood school.
049On the contrary, with the exception of Colleen, I sense that they're nonchalant and indifferent. If anybody on this school board thinks that this process spearheaded by the superintendent has been well researched and well communicated to the public, then I have a bridge in Lakewood to sell you. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. That concludes the communications part of the evening. Uh now we move on to other board business with Mrs. Shaughnessy. >> Thank you. We have three items. >> Microphone. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> We have three items. The first is a certified action. Request is made that we approve this on one reading. It is a resignation for the purpose of retirement and I move adoption. >> I second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Uh Mr. Zean, can you call the
050role? Mrs. Kassenberger. >> Hi, >> Mr. Shaughnessy. >> Hi, >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> Hi, >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Don. >> Hi. >> Thank you. The second item is a also approval requested on one reading. This is a classified employee resignation. I move adoption of the resolution. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Zean, can you call the role? >> Mrs. Kassenberger. >> Hi. >> Miss Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Dman. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Next is Miss D. >> Um, we have a field trip to the University of Toledo and Oregon Clay High School. Lakewood High School boys varsity basketball team members will travel to the University of Toledo for a team building experience and scrimmage at
051Oregon Clay High School. The team will also engage in a campus tour of the University of Toledo and attend the UN University of Toledo Collegiate Basketball Game. This trip is scheduled for November 7th through November 9th of 2025 and I request approval on one reading. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Zman, can you call the role? >> Mrs. Cassburgger. >> Hi. >> Mr. Shaughnessy. >> Hi. >> Miss Clark Sutton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Callahan. Hi. >> Miss Dot. Hi. >> Thank you. >> Great. >> Uh, now we are. Can I have a motion for adjournment? >> So move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All in favor? >> I. This meeting is adjourned.