001Yep. >> All right, here we go. Uh, good evening everyone. Uh, today is July 15, 2025. We're going to call to order our River Board of Education regular meeting uh, for this evening. Mr. Pine, please call the RO. >> Mrs. Bracket >> here. >> Mr. Hy here. Mr. Bell >> here. >> Mrs. R >> here. >> Mrs. St >> here. Okay, if everybody could stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we have uh no presentations at this time. Uh if there's anybody that wants to uh speak to any agenda items, u you may do so at this time. >> I mean, are you guys
002going to go over like rationale and stuff? >> Rationale >> like there's there's some hot button agenda items. I'm assuming we're going to talk about you guys are going to talk about them. >> Well, we're not going to have a question and answer session during our meeting. So, I guess would Yeah. So, if there's something in particular you want to talk about on the agenda, now is your time to have comment. >> Okay. I would just love to hear you guys address um what is the plan um for not having to admin at Richfield with a month before school. So just if we can talk about what's going to happen that would be fantastic. Thank you. >> I also have just some comments to make. >> Sure. >> I don't need answers. >> We need
003just a matter of profile. We need to have identification of the I know Whitney. >> Oh, they know me. I just talk a lot. >> I know Whitney, but I'm sorry. Just >> I don't know who you are. You don't know who I am. I'm Jennifer Henry. >> Thank you. I have a son at Richfield Elementary and I'm here tonight because I'm really concerned and disappointed regarding several developments in our district. First, I want to express how disheartening it is to see the newly disappointed newly appointed principal of Richfield, who is highly respected and valued as an educator within our community, leave our district. This departure is especially troubling because it appears we were unable to ensure her safety or provide the support she deserved from the administration. The lack of communication following the situation,
004the absence of any new policies or safeguards leaves both our students and staff vulnerable. I would also like to express concern regard regarding the hiring process for the open positions at Richfield. It is my sincere hope that these roles will be filled with filled through a fair, transparent, and unbiased process. Meaning, there have been comments that have circulated in the community suggesting that certain board members expressed pride in deviating from their political affiliations during the hiring of the previous principal. While I appreciate the intention behind those remarks, I want to emphasize that political considerations should have no place in our district's hiring decisions. Your focus must remain solely on the qualifications, experience, and character of the candidates. Always with the best interests of our students and staff in mind. The board owes it to our
005community to ensure that every hiring decision is made with integrity and free from political influence. The board must do better to prevent this kind of messy and embarrassing circumstance that has unfolded in the past school year. Second, I would like to understand the rationale be behind the decision to appoint Mr. Pesh as assistant principal of the middle school. There have been concerns raised about his conduct. concerns that while denied appears on the outside to not have been adequately addressed by moving him to be the assistant principal at the middle school. Transparency and accountability are essential when making leadership decisions that directly impact our students and staff. And I feel the board has failed to keep the public well informed according to policy 1.05 section K. Lastly, I want to revisit an issue that's been brought
006up before, and I want to know how this will be handled sometime during the school year, and that's the presence of certain board members in our schools. While parent engagement is important in me as a parent, I totally get it. I'd love to be there. I love to see my son in his classroom, but there's a growing perception that some members are definitely overstepping their roles. And I strongly urge the board to review the conflict of interest policy 1.07 07 and the board staff communications policy 1.14 to ensure that our staff are empowered to do the jobs they were hired to do without someone looking over their shoulders without having the pressure and interference of a board member constantly on site in a school. Thank you for your time and consideration tonight. >> Thank you.
007Anybody else? Uh there's nothing on the board of uh education's agenda. Um Mrs. Burke, >> hello. >> Um I left at all of your seats um enrollment information. So a couple of questions, good questions I got last month regarding this information. So the two-sided page is information that I reported out on probably last October and then I'll report again this October when we get new enrollment numbers for CBCC in se at our September meeting. Um and this year I'll make sure that I have hard copies for everybody so that you can see where we're at. But consistent with what I had said last month um there was a dip in enrollment the years of COVID and following COVID and there's been quite the rebound since. And then on the other side is the river attendance.
008And so I was a little bit off. I said there were about 60 students. There are actually for this past school year um 71. And I'll have River's enrollment um come this fall that I'll be able to report out on. And then in terms of completers, uh, last month I had reported 407 and I was asked the same about how that was trending and very very similar to the enrollment numbers that I reported that we kind of bottomed out in 2122 probably the effects of COVID, but since then it's been rebounding. Um, so if there's any questions about those, but I wanted to put the the numbers in your hands. Um, at the last CBC board meeting, we received the bullying and harassment report and for the third straight semester, there were no reported incidents
009at CBCC. And then in the news flashash that was put out, um, the latest one, there are some really great updates about what has been going on with career tech education at Revier. So, I just wanted to highlight a couple of those programs. I was not aware of all of them because I don't have kids in all of the schools. Um, so in April, sixth graders at the middle school participated in the very first careers in the arts program. So students had the chance to meet professionals from creative fields such as a children's book author, a dance studio owner, instructor, and a digital design student from CBCC. Uh, the seventh graders explored green careers as part of an annual program that's sponsored by the Holden Foundation. So they got to explore careers such as biologist
010and ecologist um through activities at the botanical gardens and arburetum up in Cleveland. They also practiced extracting DNA, identifying plant species and gained insight into educational paths for those salaries, responsibilities, etc. And that's the third year that those students have done that. And then in May, first graders at Richfield Elementary enjoyed the ever popular vehicle day. Um so they got to see a variety of careers on wheels. So, firefighters, food truck owners, bookmobile librarians, arborists, construction workers, farmers, electric bus drivers, postal workers, and all of that. And then the big hit this year was um adding the Summit County Sheriff's Bomb Squad vehicle. Um all of that is thanks to um career specialist Nancy Bondra, who that those just sound like really amazing programs. So, that's all I had. Um there is no July meeting,
011so I will not have a report for August. >> Thank you. All right. Thanks, Mr. B. >> This is exciting to see we match the highest number we have in 10 years. So, that's great. >> All right. Mr. Berdine, treasures agenda. >> I would propose taking all Roman numeral 8 is one action item, please. >> Okay. So, moved. >> Second. >> The minutes for the two June meetings have been provided. The financial report was provided. We ended the year about $230,000 negative from my forecasted projection. Um the bulk of that was essentially I I missed the tiff payment allocation I thought we received from various tiff developments in our district was higher last year but one of those is since rolled off. So that was the variance there. There were other variances, but that essentially
012accounts for the total of that. So, but we still ended with quite a healthy cash balance that keeps the forecast you heard last month intact two months ago intact. So, there's no deviations from that. The I think there were three purchase orders on there that were out of sequence. Those are provided for your approval according to statute for donations. Beer School's Foundation Richfield Elementary sensory room donation $1,912.92. Stephanie and Michael Fener School Feed the Future $100. Anthony Mesician Bath Elementary donation for miscellaneous student scholarships for activities. And the Gar Foundation awarded Michelle George a $7,000 scientist and schools grant that we just received. So, continually are appreciative for the generosity in our community. And then transfers and advances annually. Um we have been doing $300,000 for our roof replacement fund, repair replacement fund, and then
013$200,000 for technology. And then the annual allocation this year to cover the prior year operating deficit for athletics is 95,69437. I'll ask for your approval of those so that I can get those processed. All of those are incorporated within the 5year forecast. >> Uh thank you. Uh any questions for Mr. Berdine? >> How's the roof coming? >> It's coming along. They they've slowed down a little bit recently, but they were going like gang busters early on, but that'll be done in >> time fashion. >> Oh, yeah. We'll be ready. We'll be ready. >> Yeah, >> we'll be ready. No worries on that. That's a that's a solid company. And um we've been meeting with the roof consultant about some different plans possibly going forward to uh try to take care of some more areas within
014the allotted budget. So we're working on a plan for that right now. Mike and I are with truck. >> We'll get this one done first. >> So obviously to reiterate uh Mr. Verdine indicated uh thank you uh to our donors. We're always extremely appreciative of the generosity in our community. Uh Mr. Berdine, do you want to maybe briefly highlight some of the things that have happened here recently at the state level? >> Briefly is a challenge for >> those of you who know me know that's true. So briefly, last month or last meeting, Mrs. Bracket had asked about state budget. I kind of want to direct a little bit, but most of the provisions I spoke against hoping they didn't happen or were vetoed were vetoed by the governor, which was great for rever. Having
015said that, on July 21st, I believe it is, the House scheduled to convene to potentially vote to override those vetos. The Senate is scheduled to convene the day following. It would require I think it's about a twothirds about 65% or something of each of those bodies in order to override those. Um the one that is not subject to veto at least at this time although it can be introduced at any point in the future within the 2-year budgetary period is the 40% cash cap. We're at about 48% based on the FY24 data they looked at. Um, we'll make some modifications in the next forecast that will help alleviate that because there's a line in the forecast we can use that then doesn't count 5% of your prior year's revenue um in that calculation. I don't
016know that that one will get overridden ever, but I'd rather get it out of there for calculation purposes in the future when we know we can. Um, there are three that are pending before for veto currently in the budget bill. One is future types of levies you can do. Frankly, whatever they are, we don't need a levy for the foreseeable future. So, that one doesn't give me a ton of heartache. There's one that would allow the county budget commissions to roll back Millage. Not sure where Summit County's budget commission sits on that. It would be very interesting to see given that it's a Republican state dominated government and a democratically controlled county government. So, I don't know how all that necessary would play into it. um in order to roll back millage if they determine
017you have too high of a cash balance is not a simple process. It's not going to be politically popular and I don't know what their threshold would be. So that one doesn't give me much concern at this point based on what I know. Um the third one would be combining three or four other types of millillage into the 20 mil floor calculation calculation. That one does impact us from my preliminary calculations. what we would gain in state revenue from the state budget that was passed, we would lose in local revenue if when that becomes law. So of those three, my efforts would be most expended on that particular one hopefully not being overwritten to get the right vocabulary here. So that that's to the budget bill. Um, you know, there's the voucher legislation. I know
018there's been interest from at least one taxpayer about this board doing something u to join that coalition. I mean, I have my own feelings. Board's opinion. May or may not agree with mine. I prefer at this point in time we expend our energy on that budget bill and trying to minimize the impact from overridden vetos versus participating in that legis that initiative because there is a billion dollars but those voucher students now are direct funded and why I prefer to see that money go to traditional K12 public schools we are a very small recipient of state funding because we're a highwealth district. So, um how much time, effort, money do you put into fighting that particular voucher litigation for minimal gain that would likely come to our local district, our local students in my opinion
019is it might not be worth our time, effort, and expense for that. The other piece that's out there is House Bill 335. That's in Ways and Means Committee, um which means it's just getting started. Um hopefully it ends sooner. It doesn't track far at all. It is co-sponsored by our representative. Mr. White and I have met with him. I'm confident that he knows we don't like that bill. Um but that bill has at least short legs right now. So we'll see where it tracks to. We will stay on top of that for the impact to us. But it has if if you are a taxpayer, you might like that and like what it sounds like on the front end of that. What that does in terms of you know cash balances and the need for
020future levies. And you know we this district as I understand it prior to me being here was on a seven to 10 year levy cycle five six mills each time. Last time we were on for do operating funds was 2011. So the current tax legislation as it exists serves us well. Um, so anything that impacts that negatively obviously hurts in how we do our business. And I think, um, I've been kind of torn. I I mentioned this last time, you know, we sell a $20 million cash bounce all over that. And we try to do the right things to manage expenses as we've replaced staff positions this year. We've saved over a half million dollars in those. Kudos to Karen for that. >> She's led those efforts. But so should we not do that? I
021mean, it just logically doesn't make sense to me that we wouldn't do that. 40 years I've done this, we've almost always tried to do that because it's an opportunity to save money to help you long term. So, if you can't have certain amounts of money and you have to go back about every three or four years, it seems to me that it discourages um sound fiscal management or operations and and that one doesn't sit well with me. Um people might see a tenth of a mill reduction in their taxes shortterm and then they'll see us on the ballot um having worked in the district previously where they had four renewal levies. Three when I got there one had just converted right before me getting there. By the time I left the other three had been
022converted because no one wants to see you on the ballot constantly. There's voter fatigue. They cost money. Um you have to raise money to finance your campaign. They cost money to the district to be on the ballot. So going back to that methodology doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I've done this a long time. But we'll continue to monitor what happens and stay ab breast of all those developments and do the best we can to impact it. I do feel that our lobbying efforts Dan and I contact Mr. White and I contact through our associations. Um and they have lobbyists who have greater influence for all the districts they represent. But you know we certainly let our voices and opinions be heard. We saw some of the things we talked about come into
023those um changes, but I said when the governor vetoed those things, you know, he was my hero and uh it it sounds like the House and Senate might override a good bit of that, but I'll be uh I'll be glad to see that not occur. So, I'll try to answer any questions anybody might have. >> Thank you. >> On how that was. >> That's good. >> Only half the crowd fell asleep, right? Totally understand. No offense taken. >> Uh, Mr. White, superintendent's agenda. >> I think I need to do school. >> Oh, yes, you do. >> Mr. Malik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brack. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heiden. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rainey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stein. >> Yes. >> Thank you all. >> All right. Roman numeral nine, number one, letters A through
024E. I recommend we do as a consent. >> So moved. >> Second. Um, letter A there. I just want to share I I've heard some of the comments and fortunately we have to abide by confidentiality rules. We will not be able to talk about the agreement. I just hope people understand and we respect that. I know it frustrates people. We don't want to frustrate people but we won't be able to go into any details and talk about that. Um, letter B on the agenda, Mr. Pachy going to the middle school as the assistant principal. One of the things I think we're very fortunate to have is some great building administration teams. Uh Doug Ferris and Tiffany and George had a great year together this year. You have Dan Fry, Andrew Wilson at Bath Elementary. We
025had Bill Connley and Dr. Overberhouser at the middle school and they've done a great job. And so with Dr. Overberhouser taking over as principal, Mr. Py was interested going over to be the assistant principal. I think their strengths complement each other very well and they will make a great team and keep moving the middle school forward. So, our plan moving forward is to look for an interimm principal and an interimm assistant principal at Richfield at this time. And we're looking for a seasoned a veteran, if you will, most likely retired administrators to come in and give us a great year, make the community proud, and very early next spring, we'll start looking for a full-time assistant principal. >> Okay. >> Um, letter C, we have some salary increases based on people gathering some additional semester
026hours. D is our game workers and the list there for you. And then E, we have some additional hours to work with our for our new gym teacher and new art teacher. >> Okay. Uh any questions? >> They're going to be mentoring the new people. Okay. Yes. Thanks. >> Hey, Mr. Verdine. Mr. Malik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bracket, >> yes. >> Mr. Hyen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ryan, >> yes. >> Okay. >> All right. Again, Roman numeral 9, number two, letters A through E. Recommend is consent. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All right. Letter A is change of employment for Ka Fucci. >> Fuji. Well done. >> You want to talk about that for a sec? >> Yeah. Keith has worked in in the treasur's office for a couple years
027now in the accounts payable position and with Lee Evans leaving us for another employment opportunity. Kea will step into that role and then uh we will we have that job posted. I think posting comes out tomorrow. So we'll move to uh fill that position in combination with student services to serve dual capacity those two offices. Letter B we have Brenda Mo picking up district communications specialist for she has worked with Mrs. Arvagast and Mrs. Arguest role is public relations. Since I've been here, they are uh tight and they work very closely together. I know she's been great support for Karen and we feel she's ready to step into this additional responsibility will do a great job for us. Letter C is our kindergarten and preschool drivers for the coming school year. D is substitute uh
028classified personnel for us. And E is a list of game workers for us. Okay. Are there any questions? Mr. Berdine. >> Mrs. Bracken. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stein. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heisen. >> Yes. Mr. Mal. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rainy. >> Yes. >> At number three, we have um well, A through E. I recommend as a consent as well. Number three, A through E. Motion. >> Second. >> All right. We have additional hours for speech language pathologist there and then also our school psychologist. These really BCD we have some agreements there. The need for some student services and student needs. Any questions for Mr. White? >> I have a question on is that I know you can't go into that. Is that pertaining to a student? I was a little confused. Okay. Thank you.
029>> You're welcome. Okay. Mr. Bine. >> Mr. Hy. >> Yes. Mrs. Raymond. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bracket. >> Yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. >> Mrs. St. >> Yes. >> All right. Number four. A we have the rever boys cross country overnight trip. B is no action. So just stick on number letter A. Motion. >> Second. Any questions? >> Yeah, pretty self-explan. >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Bracket? >> Yes. >> Mr. Heidi? >> Yes. >> Mr. M? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rainey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stein? >> Yes. >> All right. >> For B and Mickey's absence, she asked me to cover this, but um DPIA funds, these are not new funds. We've received these forever. my forever is getting long as you know, but um our district because we're a high wealth district, we actually
030received like $1,824 this past school year from DPIA funding. So, it's kind of comical. We required to talk about do it and have a plan, but we do have a plan for how we utilize those funds and the long-standing plan has been to utilize those for our atrisisk coordinator that services students throughout our building. So, similar to how we had to present about the IDE plan, IDEA plan last month, the DPIA is now a requirement, which is a new feature that we need to present on that plan. So, that's I wanted to cover the amount we received and we spend well in excess of $1,824 on that service that we provide to our families. Said it's a it's a bit s amount, but we are now in compliance. >> Thank you. Do >> you have
031anything else, Mr. Good. >> Okay. Uh just someformational items. Uh the August work session will be held on Tuesday, August 12th, beginning at 5:30 here in the uh admin building. Uh our regular uh meeting will be Tuesday, August 19th at 5:30, and we'll be uh back in the River High School Media Center. Um at this time, we open it up to the public for any community announcements. Is there anybody that want to share any? Okay. Uh the board does have the uh need to go into executive session to discuss the employment of a public employee. Uh may I have a motion in a second, please? >> Motion second. >> Mr. Perdine. >> Mrs. Stein. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bracken. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heidi. >> Yes. Mr. M. >> Yes. >> Mrs. R. >> Yes.
032>> There won't be any action when we come out of executive session. >> Thank you all. Enjoy your evening.