001We're trying to stretch it out. >> I'd like to call to order the special meeting of the Lorraine Board of Education on December 17th, 2025. Call the role, please. >> Mr. Burger, >> Mrs. Washington >> here. >> Mrs. Nazario >> here. >> Mr. Steril >> here. >> Pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Recognition [clears throat] of B visitors. See Seeing none. Okay. First hearing of the public. If you would, if you'd like to speak, sign in. Nope. I would entertain a motion to approve or amend the >> We're skipping that. Okay. Yeah, we don't have that one yet. Any old business? >> Reports and recommendations of
002the superintendent. Okay. Before I begin my recommendations, I would like to read a couple of resolutions uh for our exiting board members and a level of appreciation for your service. And I don't see Mariah out there, but she put this together like a thank her. She did a great job. A resolution of appreciation and recognition for Ms. Barbie Washington. Whereas, Miss Barbie has faithfully served the Lorraine City School District as a member of the board of education from 2022 to 2025, [clears throat] excuse me, bringing to her role a lifelong connection to the Lorraine community and a deep personal commitment to public education. And whereas Miss Washington is a proud Lraine native and Amherst Comet, it's true story. Class of 1998 and a graduate of the Lraine County Joint Vocational School, excuse me, [clears throat]
003whose educational journey reflects the strength and diversity of Lorraine's public school system. And whereas Miss Washington's dedication to Lorraine City Schools is rooted in her family's generational ties to the district, including her husband, Ken, and her children, Desiree, Kenneth Jr., and Sly. and Ariana, [clears throat] all graduates, as well as her continued investment in the district's future through her grandson. And whereas throughout her years of involvement, Miss Washington has served the Lorraine City Schools community and numerous roles, including room mom, vice president of the board, Titan family member, advocate, and mentor, consistently placing students and families at the center of her efforts. And whereas during the period of state takeover under House Bill 70, Miss Washington demonstrated steadfast leadership by helping to create it takes a village, an organization dedicated to strengthening family engagement and
004advocating for the return of local control to the Lorian City School District. And whereas Miss Washington's uh service of the board of education was guided by her commitment to equity, accountability, and ensuring that every student is provided the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed both now and in the future. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Lorraine City School District Board of Education hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Miss Barbie Washington for years of dedicated service, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of the students, families, and community of Lorraine. So, Miss Barbie, [applause] do you want to share what's what happens next? the job you've been preparing now for the past or petitioning for for the past year and a half. >> I'm gonna be president of Lorraine. >> There we go. She's also
005going to be a volunteer liaison. Uh she wants to continue serving the district in a volunteer role to help coordinate and organize our community members, families to make sure that we have um all engaged who choose to be. So, thank you Barbie for your leadership. >> Volunteer, >> a volunteer volunteer leazison. That's right. No price tag associated. A resolution of appreciation and recognition for Mr. J. Ferguson. Whereas Mr. J. Ferguson has served at the Lorraine City School District with distinction as a member of the Lorraine City School Board of Education from 2022 to 2025, including his tenure as board president. And whereas Mr. Ferguson's service to Lraine schools spans more than four decades, including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and board member reflecting a lifelong commitment to public education in the students
006and families of Lraine. And whereas a proud graduate of Lorraine Admiral King High School, class of 1973. Yeah, I was in kindergarten. [laughter] Mr. Mr. Ferguson has remained deeply connected to his hometown and its schools, exemplifying the values of loyalty, service, and titan pride. And whereas following his undergraduate studies at Dennis University and graduate work at Baldwin Wallace University, Mr. Ferguson dedicated more than 30 years to Lorraine City Schools, retiring in 2014 after career marked by ste [clears throat] exc excuse me, steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and a focus on student success. Whereas during his term on the board of education, Mr. Ferguson brought the perspective of an educator and administrator to board governance, contributing thoughtfully to district decision-making in the areas of human resources, finance, teaching and learning, athletics, and student achievement. And whereas Mr.
007Ferguson consistently demonstrated a belief in the promise of Lorraine City Schools and a commitment to returning the district to excellence guided by his firsthand experience of what of what Lorraine's schools can achieve. And whereas his leadership as board president was marked by professionalism, collaboration, and a deep respect for the role of public education in strengthening the Lorraine community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Lorraine City School Board hereby expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. J. Ferguson for his dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Lorraine City Schools. [applause] And the things that aren't on here, um, most of you don't know and wouldn't know, uh, but before many, many, many board meetings, he's meet with groups of students to tutor. Um, he's the the tutor, the ultimate tutor. um took students who were struggling,
008getting A's um and that's lasting into the following school year. So, uh he's also continues to volunteer. He's trying to help us develop courses at the high school uh for uh opportunities for our students. So, in addition to what you see uh on camera on a regular basis, so many things happen behind the scenes when it comes to Jane Barbie uh serving the family and children of Lorraine School. So, again, one more time, thank you. Thank you. [applause] I ain't going away either. >> I know. [laughter] I know. >> Lucky that either of them are going away. >> They're not going anywhere. >> Care too much about >> folks are going to see a lot of students leaving. They actually came here for part of the class because the assumption was we're talking finances and
009actually that's going to be an executive session. Um but we have offered uh T and I will go visit their class and kind of walk them through the process uh with others because there's a lot going on um again that we can't share publicly yet. Uh but when it comes to balancing a budget, uh we've got our work cut out for us because as I've shared before, uh the state government took away 4.1 million right before the school school year started. Uh federal government took a million dollars away right before the school year started. And our county commissioners voted uh to extend a piggyback or extend Yeah. extend a piggyback uh to retirees, which cost the district another million dollars. So, we've got our work cut out for us in terms of making sure uh
010that we provide our community with the quality education that you deserve. Um, but there's a process that goes into that that we'd love to share with you. We're just not quite there yet. So, please let us know when you want us and we'll be there. All right. >> I told that and she was really happy and we'll definitely work. >> You let us know. We'll block a day off and just it >> would be awesome. >> Yeah, of course. Of course. No, appreciate it. Thank you. come back. [laughter] >> And I would like the board to consider for approval items 9.01 to 9.04. And the big one on this is the um I was asked or was recommended that I elaborate a little bit more on some of the topics that are are um unusual
011on our agenda. Uh just to make sure that our community understands all that we're we're doing up here. Uh the one is anou with LEA. uh the Ohio Department of Education uh workforce uh challenged the um credibility of an institution that many of our teachers used. So we are entering to anou to make sure that we're on the same page and that our teachers get um re get what they're entitled to financially uh based on the contract. So moved. [snorts] >> We need discussion. Does that come before? >> It comes after >> after we pass gets on the floor. >> That's right. Four years now. You don't [laughter] >> discussion. So >> who supported it? >> I thought did you support it or >> no discussion? >> Yes. >> I have a [snorts] motion. >>
012I'll support it. Okay, >> discussion. >> There you go. >> It's my turn now. Um, I had a couple concerns and I just I tried to catch tea at the last minute. We were sitting in here for minutes and I totally forgot. Um, if this isn't appropriate for public, tell me. >> Sure. >> I totally forgot. Um I want to make sure that theou is not taking away the power from the LPDC. Uh it does not uh right now uh what theou does is allows us uh to continue with what has been in our minds approved. So, and again, for those of you who don't know, the Ohio Department of Education is challenging the credibility of Idaho Idaho State uh college where a lot of our teachers took credits. Um, according to our contract, when
013a teacher gets um a certain number of credits, they get payraises accordingly. Uh there's also reimbursement that comes in that's part of the negotiated agreement. Uh but with OD challenging the credibility of Idaho State um we wanted to make sure that what we were doing was appropriate at the state level for auditing purposes. Uh what the language says is uh anything after October 10th is something that OD will not accept and that's consistent with what the MOU approves. But we did not go around or need to go through LPDC. I'm sorry. LPDC is a local professional development um committee that looks at credits to make sure they're appropriate. Um but this is outside of their their purview. >> Okay. And then >> should I go keep going? Okay. My other um I guess comment because
014I I called and I wanted um everyone to know that there will be a separate um correct for the LAA member at least one LAA member. >> Correct. >> This should have covered thisou should cover LAA and no >> no this another draft that was sent over by our legal >> Oh, I've not seen that. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thanks. >> Okay. And [snorts] then you know what? I talked to Miss Tia. I needed to talk to Miss Carol again. I I was bouncing back and forth. You know how I do. >> Way back. >> Um, so my question is when they fill out the form, you might have to help me with this, Miss Tia. When they when the teachers fill out the form and say, "This is my plan. This is what I
015want to do." Do they put on there what university or where they're going? No. Um but it gets approved their plan. >> So it's the strategy of how they are planning to renew their their license and their credits. >> Who >> but not necessarily specifics on which courses or what what colleges. >> I remember that. Thank you. >> Yeah. Accredited is the key. >> So um this college was accredited right? >> Past tense as I understand it. >> Yes it was. >> Yeah. >> Um so we have no clue like teacher wanted to go to it takes a village university and I mean they're they're sort of signed off on and what if I put on my website that I'm accredited or I do something crazy like you could get your you know master well
016you already have to have your masters you could get your doctorate in like five days so how how do we know that like I mean is that normal or do we Uh, thank you. I I'm sorry I didn't um >> I thought he was going to the microphone. [laughter] >> Steve's got this. He got took him. >> I want to make sure I understand this before I >> Your microphone is off. That's why I was working on it. >> Oh, gotcha. >> Sorry, >> Mr. Mike. >> Oh, okay. So, [laughter] grab the other microphone. >> I feel like that's taking that from >> Oh, you know. Okay. We're going to be here all day. Um, do I need to re take that seriously? Uh, >> oh, no. I think you're I'll rephrase your question. How
017do we know that a university is accredited? Uh, does LPDC look into that? And Stephen's shaking his head. Yes. So, >> LPDC's are approves. >> Now, we need you to get into a mic so the community can hear. >> So, I thought the answer was no. that the teacher doesn't have to >> turn in where they're going. >> Barbie's looking for the process from the beginning to end, not just at the end. >> So, they can come to it takes a village university. >> They can come, >> but the contract doesn't allow them to get credits for the state >> if it's not accredited. It takes a village university. >> So, when they're done, they they turn in their their credits and they just hope >> so transcripts and certificates, things like that. So then
018they like they hope basically is sort of I'm hoping I get reimbursed. I'm hoping this >> Well, they have an obligation to find an accredited university. [snorts] >> Okay. I I'm just say like it's weird, you know, because this happened here. Is there is this process something that all all districts I I know Ayria I've been talking to them a little bit go through the same thing so everybody doesn't have to turn in. It's normal for you not to turn in where you where you're going to correct the process. >> Yeah, but the but the teacher and administrator, we all have the obligation to make sure that it's a through an accredited >> Okay. >> place. >> Got it. I think >> I'll [clears throat] follow up with a question. So, is Idaho State the
019only one that we run into an issue with this term? >> There are two others that I know they're looking into and I'm staring at Carol and I think one was Lyola. Maybe >> Lever is one that Idaho State is the formal one that is designated >> and there are two others I know they're looking at that must be one of them but we take our lead from OD on those things >> and uh last thing is um there is no approved list like um an educator couldn't go to a website or go to somewhere and look up I like you know I want to I want to >> um increase my education my knowledge, uh, I want to get paid more. Um, I can go here, here, or here. Is that correct? >> I
020don't know if I don't know if we have a list. >> Yeah. >> Like OD W. >> I'm not sure. >> Yeah. >> I don't know. >> Okay. >> It just seems like a crazy process, doesn't it? I mean, I know I sound probably crazy up here asking the question, but >> I think your point is that there's a lot of confidence in what we're told, right? If I say I'm accredited, I we trust that you're accredited. And I think that's >> because the Okay, I'm sorry, but the so theou to me it sounds like we're sort of blaming teachers for not doing what they should have done or we're not >> the teacher. Yeah, I >> No, I don't I don't read it that way. >> We by by accepting these credits, we're setting
021a precedent. If we don't have an MOU, we'd be going against the state who is no longer set accepting them. So, this is just saying we're doing this now, but we can't do it anymore in the future. >> Well, we're not going against the state because the state says if you were um already enrolled >> before, so we're not going against them. >> But what we're doing is we're saying we're paying this, but now we're no longer. I mean, yes, that's the it's not a precedent. It's not >> further. I mean, it's like a How many pages is theou? >> The lawyers take that long to say hello. >> Um, what we then we need a different attorney, but I sorry. Um, between the conversation, the I don't know. I'm I'm just going to say
022you're going to have to find me. the conversation, the email, and theou, it just seems like we're placing blame on educators and saying, "Oh, well, you sort of should have figured out that um it should have taken you longer to complete this process." >> If I could jump in again real quick. I think what you're referencing is the lawyer's narrative. Um, but I don't think that's what we're saying that the lawyer is saying that the lawyer gave his opinion, but our what we asked him for was theou that would allow us to do what Jay just mentioned, allow us to pay in a way that doesn't um force us to do these things long term. [snorts] >> Yes. But I just in my I I in my um understanding that even theou I believe got
023>> places blame >> well >> or >> if there's blame excuse me but if there's blame it's in Columbus. >> They were accepting this on October 9th and on October 10th they sent a letter that said we're not accepting it as of October 12th or whatever those dates were. Yeah, 100%. >> They changed the rules and we have to play by their rules. >> Okay. Thank you. I just feel more comfortable sharing. >> No, and I agree with you that they they are the ones who, you know, retroactively tried to create a mess. >> Roll call, please. >> Dr. Ballard? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Washington? >> No. >> Mr. Ferguson? Yes, >> Mrs. Nazario. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sturgil. >> Yes, >> that's all I have. >> Second hearing of the public. Anyone? >> I
024was going to say, please. >> I was looking at Cheryl who was nodding her head while we were talking. >> Sorry. [laughter] Hi, I'm Cheryl Draga. Um, I teach real real world problem solving. So, it's a math class. We've been learning about um continuing education, right? And that you can advance yourself through education and asking for raises and we'll begin learning about budgeting and things like that in second semester. So, we just saw this as an opportunity to disrupt your meeting, but um for them to see as a citizen of Lraine like what your role could be. So, um, but as I just sat here and listened to the discussion about theou that we didn't know anything about, um, we I want to point out that I did attend Idaho State University's Albian Center. I
025did 30 continuing credits to get my master's plus 30. And I learned more doing those courses than I learn on our PD days here. And that I learned during my master's program because I was able to pick things that are relevant to what I'm studying, what my strengths are, what my needs are, and what I need to um pass along to my students. I am disheartened that you would go along with what the state says because it's my understanding that the state is saying they won't accept Idaho state credits for license renewal. And if they want to say that this doesn't contribute to teachers renewing their license, to me that's different from professional development. Ongoing learning is a responsibility that we have and I'll speak for myself and my friends, not all my colleagues, but
026for my friends. We take that responsibility really seriously and I'm disappointed that you don't have the backbone to say we can recognize that you have done professional development courses to help serve your students even if you can't use them for lensure. if I could respond quickly. >> Sure. >> And based on our contract, we can um through the CU component, but it's for the purposes of passing audits is terms of how we spend our money. So, but I understand your point. Thanks, Cheryl. And also, real quick, you mentioned you kind of apologize for disrupting the meeting. This is what we're here for. So, thank you for coming in. >> Okay. The next board meeting will be the organizational meeting January 12th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. right here immediately followed by the regular meeting. And Barbie
027and I will not be on this side of the table. Um, at this point, I would entertain a motion to go into [clears throat] executive session for A2 employment. >> So moved. Second. >> Roll call. >> Dr. Ballard. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Sturgil. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ferguson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Washington. >> Yes. Mrs. Nazario. >> Yes. >> What's your favorite? >> And we will not be conducting any business when we leave. So, >> and again, appreciate you coming. We have to have kick you all out of here now because it's all double top secret. Um, but again, and we talked about it while you were gone, anytime you want us in, let us know. We'll be there. Yeah. Thanks. [snorts]