001Notice of this meeting was given in accordance with the provisions of bylaw 0164B of the Riverside Local Board of Education which was adopted in accordance with section 1.450 of the OC and the Ohio Administrative procedures act. >> Dr. Thompson, can you take role please? >> Kindly. >> Mrs. Krenki >> here. >> Mrs. Grassi >> here. >> Mr. Adino >> here. >> Mr. Buyers >> here. >> Motion carries. 4 Z or excuse me, it's not a motion. Four present, one absent. >> Thank you. Can we stand for 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 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Second, second. So, I just want to mention that our two new board members
002um Joe Adino and Jimmy Lee Buyers, they have been sworn in, but we are going to do it for the audience um during our organizational meeting to make it official official. And also, Miss Graci was uh reworn in also earlier. Oh. All right. The purpose of this hearing is to review the tax budget for the following fiscal year 2026. The tax budget provides justification for tax levies to support the operations of the district. The tax budget also provides the county auditor the other sources of revenue for the following fiscal year. The revenues and expenditures listed in the tax budget for the following fiscal year are from the board approved 5-year forecast for the general fund and projected revenue for the permanent improvement fund based on historical collections and the county auditor schedule A. This is
003projected spending plan of the district for the next school year. However, the tax budget does not provide any spending authority. Spending authority is established through the appropriations of the district. This tax budget hearing allows community input prior to the adoption of the budget. Approval of the tax budget will be considered during the organizational meeting to follow. >> Dr. Thompson, is there anything you'd like to say about the tax? >> Just that um want all everyone to understand the the current uh how things aren't so much in motion there. There's a lot of changes that are occurring uh legislatively. Uh, in fact, today was one of them. It wasn't a financial one, but yesterday was the ban on on cell phones in schools, for example. But there's just been a lot of legislation and there's still
004a lot of pending legislation as it uh refers to uh taxes and property taxes and how that might unfold or not unfold. Um so what you're looking at board is you know the actuals which are 24 and 25 and then the the 26 and 27 budget years pulled off of our forecast. They'll adjust as uh as we adjust and then next month there'll be another it is a four-year forecast now not five. Um but I'll still continue to go out five years just for your viewing pleasure. But um but what we turn into the state will be a four-year plan. So everything's right off of going off of where we've checked against current expenditures, made some uh modifications, and then um plugged in the numbers, but you can see that our expenditures are growing as
005slowly as we can make them grow. And you know, I'm going to every single time I get a chance to the point where I hope I become really annoying. Um, school funding is capped and stays stays flat because of >> House Bill. Do it with me. House Bill 920. Look it up. Please look it up. And then it it will change your paradigm of why schools are on the ballot. I swear it will if you just take 10-minute Google search, read it, and you and you understand. So um fiveyear forecast or four-year forecast will be coming uh next month. Any other discussion? All right. So we'll make a motion to adjourn at 5:20 p.m. Can I get a second on that? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Miss Grace. Dr. Dr. Thompson, can you call
006the role, please? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Mr. Adino, >> I >> Mrs. Grassy. >> I >> and Mrs. Kreninski. >> I. >> Um, motion carries 401. So, just so everybody knows, we do have to wait till 5:30. >> So, notice of this meeting was given in accordance with provisions of bylaw 0164B of the Riverside Local Board of Education, which was adopted in accordance with section 1.450 of the OC and Ohio Administrative Procedures Act. First on the agenda is the oath of office for Belinda Graci, Joe Spadino, and Jimmy Lee Myers. >> No, I'm worried. >> You got it. >> And would you like your blood sample taken now? >> We can wait. >> You will wait. Okay. >> Please rise. Oh, >> raise your right hand. >> Sorry. Sorry. You
007didn't want my backside in your picture. We'll blur it out. >> So awesome. >> Do you solemnly swear? >> I do, Belinda Graci. that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the Board of Education of the Riverside Local School District in Lake County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence in said office and until your successor is elected. and qualified. >> I do. Congratulations. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear? I do, Jimmy Lee Buyers. that you will support the Constitution of the United States or excuse me, of the United States and
008the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the Board of Education of the Riverside Local School District, Lake County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence in said office and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> I do. >> Congratulations. Just so you all know, Mr. Adino is my favorite because he's my height and he's bold. So, this guy right here only gets half of it. Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear, >> Joseph Adino, >> that you will support the Constitution of the United States in the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties
009as a member of the Board of Education of the Riverside Local School District, Lake County, Ohio, to the best of your ability, and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during the continuence in said office and until your successor is elected or qualified. I do. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> All right. Uh, Dr. Thompson, can you please call the role? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mrs. Kerninski, >> here. >> Mrs. Graassi, >> here. >> Mr. Ah, Dino here and Mr. Buyers here. >> Four present, one absent. >> Thank you. >> So, President Promple requests nominations from the floor. They are they require no second. Once a nomination is made, a request for further nominations is made. If none, a motion closes in order. This is for the election of officers, beginning with
010the motion for president. I'd like to nominate Lori Krenniski for president. >> Second. >> Are there any other nominations? A motion to approve the president for 2026. Can we get a second? >> Yes, we did. >> Yep. Sorry. >> That's okay. And can you call the role, please? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Buyers. I >> Mr. Aino >> I >> Mrs. Grassi >> I >> Mrs. Kreninski >> I >> motion carries 40. Congratulations President Kreninski. >> Thank you. >> Next is the nomination for vice president. So the president prom will request um nominations from the floor. They require no second. Once a nomination is made, a request for further nominations is made. If none, a motion is um a motion to close is in order. Any nominations for vice president? >> I nominate Miss Belinda
011Graci. >> Any other nominations? >> All right. Can you call the role, please? We need a second. >> We need a motion and second. >> A motion to approve the vice president for 2026. Maggots. >> I second. >> Thank you, Mr. Ryers. >> All right. Zoom names. >> Can you call the role, please? >> Yes. Mr. Adino, >> I. >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mrs. Graassy, >> I. >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Motion carries 40. Congratulations, vice president. Hey, we're going to establish our schedule of meetings for 20126. This will be the establishment of our regular meetings. I believe that Mr. Patrice has put a calendar in our packet just so everybody has that. We'll start with the dates he highlighted and make sure they work for everybody. >> Yeah. So, what you're
012looking at, of course, great job, M. Mike does so many things. I hope you all know that that he it's wonderful. Um, but in the the peach color, it would be just traditionally what's been happening on the fourth Thursday of each month. But in March, that's the first one where we have a little bit of a conflict. He put the green for the 19th, but I've learned subsequently that even the 19th is problematic. Um, so but your choices would be uh the 12th, the 18th or the 19th. Uh, the 12th being I think the date that works for everybody, but I know it puts meetings close together, but >> um, well, let's start at the beginning. So, and then we'll make sure we Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, January 22nd. Are we good with
013that date? >> Yeah. >> All right. Uh, February 26th. >> Everybody good? >> Mhm. >> And then you said the 19th is problematic for what? >> Yes. the the me the fourth would be the 26th which is uh spring break >> and the 19th we'd be missing um we'd be missing a board member and uh and a superintendent likely. >> Okay. So we can do the 18th >> week >> or what day what >> is that is that is that a problem 18th >> for that week? The 20th would only be the only date that work for me. Okay. >> Any concerns with doing the 12th? Oh, you know, I've got to Okay, I'm good. So, yeah. So, we'll do the 12 for March. >> Okay. >> The 23rd for April. >> 28th for May.
014>> That's graduation. >> Oh, so we have to go to the green. Sorry. The 21st. Right. Everybody good? >> Yep. >> 25th for June. >> All right. 23rd for July. >> All right. Um, August. I know there's a couple dates on here because we like to have the meeting earlier in the month due to preparing for beginning of school year. So, are we suggesting the 13th of August? >> Right. That way that'll give us for example like transportation cuz you have to prove those bus routes things like that that give us an opportunity to anything changes from you know your July meeting to your August meeting which is highly likely it'd behoove us to have a board meeting before first day of school. So the 13th. >> Yeah, that's a long time between meetings though
015from August to September. We have an >> Well, we probably schedule another. I don't remember if we schedule two. >> We usually schedule a second one >> in late August. >> Like the 27th. >> There's normally two in August. >> Okay. So we could do the 13th and 27th is what I'm hearing. So the would our regular meeting will be the 13th >> and then a special meeting. >> There's typically two regulars in August. >> We typically do two regular. >> You've done the past. >> I have to look at my prior calendar >> probably. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Uh September 24th. >> Yeah. >> All right. October 22nd. >> Still good. Um, November 26 or no, sorry, November 19th, we will not be here on Thanksgiving. Correct. >> Not this year. >> All right.
016All right. And then December 17th. So just real quick, just to go back through January 22nd, February 26th, March 12th, April 23rd, May 21st, June 25th, July 23rd, August 13th, August 27th, September 24th, October 22nd, November 19th, and December 17th. >> And and August 13th, right? There's two August >> August 13th and August 27th. >> And will we begin meetings at 6:00 p.m.? Is that good for everyone as we have this prior year? And and we're going to keep the uh keep the meeting location the lecture room. If there are any changes to that, they would be noticed. Any questions or any discussion on the schedule of meetings for 2026? All right. I make a motion to approve the schedule of meetings for 2026. Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Thank you,
017Miss Grassy. And Dr. Thompson, can you call the role? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Mr. Kinski >> I >> Mr. Odino >> I >> Mrs. Graassie >> I >> and Mr. Buyers >> I >> motion carries 40. >> Next is our um standing authorizations for 2026. Motion to approve the following standing authorizations number one through 34 as recommended by the treasurer and superintendent. Can I get a second please? I'll second. >> Thank you, Miss Graci. Any discussion? So, these are just um authorizations that we make at the beginning of every school year that give um our administration and staff the the ability to make certain or do certain things for the district. I don't know if there's any questions. >> Is there a big new one here? >> We didn't make any changes, right? Okay.
018So this is this is what you've been doing year over year. But there for for new board members, this probably looks a little weird, but you know, there are times when we would might find ourselves where the superintendent needs to hire uh an employee and if we waited to the board meeting, we'd go so many days without a teacher, for example, or a custodian or whatever it might be. So that that's just an example of um but mo most of these things are just mundane >> conducting business >> just just yeah just doing day-to-day business. >> Any questions on any of them? >> Number 19 >> 19 >> is not something that is applicable to us anymore. >> Never even got it. >> That is true. Good point. >> And we don't have anybody that
019could do that in place of a superintendent. Will you be able to do that in your volunteer capacity? >> Sure. I'm so smart. Funny. >> It doesn't matter. I just We probably should correct that to somebody who has that offer. >> Yeah, actually. >> So, we should just remove that one. >> Yeah. For now. Back to someone else. And and the reason you see this on here, for example, is if the superintendent was out of the state, like at a conference or something of that nature. The way our system works, it'll log jam purchase orders because he has to sign, then they come to the treasur's office, and then they get processed. So that's the reason for wanting somebody else to have the authority to do it on a only needed >> Yeah. >> basis.
020>> Right. So we will remove number 19. We'll make consideration or discussion on if that role or responsibility should default somebody else in the future. >> True. Perfect. >> Any other discussion? >> We double checked names. We went through to make sure all the names were updated. Um, so all right. Uh, so again, we're approving all the standing authorizations excluding number 19. Can you call the role, please? >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mr. Odino, >> I >> and Mrs. Grassy. >> I. >> Motion carries. 40. Next is our standing committee appointments for 2026. First committee is finance audit personnel. I would like to ask uh Jimmy Lee to be the chairperson for that committee. Right. Um a member would be Denise Brewster. Next is our policy chairperson. We'll ask
021Denise to be the um chairperson for that committee and Julie, we'd like to ask you to be the member for that one. >> Okay. >> Uh curriculum and programming chairperson. We're going to ask Joe Aino to be the chairperson for that. And Miss Graci, will you be the member? >> Sure. Uh buildings and grounds and operations chairperson. Miss Graci, will you be the chairperson there, please? My pleasure. And Mr. Rodino, will you be the Thank you. Make a motion to approve the standing committee appointments for 2026. Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Thank you. >> Policy is who who's the chair? >> Uh Denise. >> Miss Brewster. >> Okay, >> Mr. Adino. >> I >> Mrs. Grassy. >> I >> Mr. Vyers. I >> and Mrs. Kreninski >> I >> motion carries
02240. >> All right. Next is our standing board leaison for 2026. >> We have the alumni association liaison. Mr. Buyers, I'd like to ask you to be that person. Thank you. Booster organization liaison. Mr. Ardino, would you be sure? >> Thank you. Um, we'll ask Miss Brewster to be the legislative liaison. and Miss Gracie um the strate strategic plan committee leaison. >> All right. And you um I will be working as the business advisory committee. Um that's not on here, but that I'll join back on to that committee. >> That means Mr. Al needs to get fired. >> That's right. >> We'll work out the details. We already talked about >> Sorry. >> No, you have to stay on the camera. >> We'll work out the details. That's okay. >> Can we read through that
023list one more time, please? >> Sure. Alumni Association is a dancer. >> Mr. Buyers, um, booster organization, Mr. Adino, legislative, Miss Brewster, and strategic plan leaison, Miss Gracie. >> All right. Can we make a motion? I make a motion to approve the standing board leaison for 2026. Can I get a second? Second. >> Thank you. >> Call the role, please. >> Mrs. Graassy, >> I. >> Mr. Adino, >> I. >> Mrs. Krennki, >> I. >> And Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Motion carries. 40. >> Next is a motion to approve the tax budget for fiscal year 2026. a second. >> Any discussion? >> Right. Can you call the role, please? >> Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mrs. Graassie, >> I. >> Mr. Adino, >> I. >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Motion carries
02440. Sorry. Um, let me turn on one thing real quick. >> Can we are allowed to make a statement during this part, right? If somebody Yeah. Mr. Ardino would like to address the audience real quick. >> Thank you. It feels unusual being up here without a three-minute clock running. I'll start with that. But good evening, Riverside, and welcome to our new chapter. Tonight begins our healing process. Tonight begins restoring trust between the board and the people it serves. Tonight begins moving past division and drama and focusing on unity and collaboration. Healing is not instant. Right now, it might feel instant, but this will take time. It will take patience and a commitment to do this together. Tonight marks a return to a time when professionals of our schools can focus on their craft. A time
025when they can come to work knowing that they have an administration, a board, and a community who value their skills and their expertise. to the administration. While it is the responsibility of this board to ensure our standards are high and our outcomes are even higher, that work must never be done through fear or intimidation. It must be done through collaboration, through listening, and through genuine partnership. You are in these roles because of the training, the experience, and the development you've spent years obtaining. It is my hope that you will soon be able to do your work with confidence, without hesitation, without second-guing, and without the constant worry of what might come next. You deserve a board that respects your expertise, values your judgment, and supports you in doing the work you were hired to do.
026That is the environment I intend to help restore. To our teachers, you are the foundation of this community. My wife and I chose Riverside because of the education you preside provide. You deserve unwavering support. Support, however, that comes with high expectations. Expectations we know you strive to meet every day. Your work is not just about lesson plans and test scores. It is about shaping lives. It is about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and helping students discover who they are and who they can become. Every day you walk into a classroom, you carry the responsibility of molding the future. And you do it with dedication, creativity, and heart. You should never feel that your commitment is questioned or undervalued. You should feel empowered to innovate, to challenge, to inspire. This board's role is not to micromanage your
027classrooms, but to ensure that you have the resources, the respect, and the support you need to succeed. When you stand in front of your students, you do not stand alone. What you what soon should be evident once again is that you stand with an administration, a board, and a community that believes in you. To our students, you deserve having a board that celebrates your achievements and believes in your potential. We want you to dream big and challenge yourselves. And when you walk across the graduation stage, that you do so knowing that you have a board that stood behind you every step of the way. To our parents and broader community, it is my hope that while you continue to hold your elected officials accountable, you can now take a deep breath and enjoy your day-to-day
028lives, not having to constantly worry about what comes next. I thank you all for that you have done, keeping everyone on their toes and constantly reminding members of this board, past, present, and future, that they, we work for you. To those who voted for me, thank you. Your confidence means more than I can express. I can assure you with zero doubt in my voice that I take this responsibility very seriously. As I mentioned before, to those who didn't vote for me, I'm here for you just the same. Your expectation should be high and your voice should be heard. To my fellow board members, I truly look forward to serving alongside of you. Each of us brings different perspectives, experiences, and strengths to this table. And that diversity of thought is an asset when we use
029it right. I am confident in our shared commitment. I also want to thank my wife Lauren and my three beautiful children Elizabeth, Katherine, and Emily. Your love gives me my drive and determination to succeed with distinction and honor. I will close with this. We have all witnessed the illusion that can surround the life of elected officials. A life that can too easily become centered on authority and control. But in my view, authority is easy and control is cheap. Both require minimal acumen, minimal judgment, and minimal persuasion. But being known for restraint, courage, and character, that takes work, that takes an unyielding moral compass. That takes the kind of leadership people long for. And that is the legacy anyone who sits at this table should strive to leave behind. Riverside, let the healing begin. Thank you.
030>> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. So, next meeting announcement. We have a special meeting immediately following this meeting that will begin at 6:00 pm. Our next I'm sorry. >> Oh, we changed it to 5:45. >> We'll begin immediately. Um, I will make a motion to adjourn at 5:55 p.m. from the organizational meeting. >> I'll second. And can I ask you to call roll please? >> Yes ma'am. >> Mrs. Grassy. >> Hi. >> Mr. Buyers. >> I. >> Mrs. Kreninski. >> I. >> Mr. Adino. >> I. >> Motion carries. 40. >> All right. So we'll call our special meeting to order. Again, notice of this meeting was given in accordance with the provisions of bylaw 0164B of the Riverside Local Board of Education, which was adopted in accordance with section 1.450 of the OC and the
031Ohio Administrative Procedures Act. Can you call roll, please? >> Mr. Buyers, >> here. >> Mrs. Grassy >> here. Mr. Adino >> here. >> Mrs. Kreninski >> here. >> Four present, one absent. >> Right. I make a motion to adjourn to executive session. The Riverside Local School District Board of Education hereby recesses into an executive session for the purposes of considering the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, demotion, and compensation of one or more public employees and/or officials under revised code 121.22G1 and conferring with an attorney for public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action under RC121.22G3. 22 G3. Upon conclusion of this executive session, the board shall gavvel the board back into open session at this location. All matters discussed in these executive sessions are designated to
032the public officials and employees as confidential pursuant to RC 102.03b 03B because of the status of the proceedings and/or the circumstances under which the information will be received in preserving its confidentiality is necessary to the proper conduct of the government business. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you. And can you call roll, please? >> Mrs. Graassie. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Kreninski. >> I. >> Mr. Adino. >> Hi. >> Mr. Buyers. >> Hi. Motion carries 40. >> The board has returned to regular session at 8:04 p.m. >> Um, we do have a special report tonight. So, presentation from the treasur, Dr. Steven Thompson relating to the permanent improvement expenditures in the Riverside local school district during fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, andor 2025 and the reports presented to the board
033of education by the Brisco Consulting Group during the meeting on December 10th, 2025 regarding its financial analysis and related work for the Riverside local school district. So, we'll turn it over to you, Dr. Thompson. >> Thank you, Miss Mr. Penski, board members, and community. Thank you. And and I'm going to go through this pretty quickly because I think the slides really tell tell the whole story. And then finally, a recommendation from uh the finance department. But after reviewing the reports, um there was some questions about uh Mr. Brisco and who is he? And what we discovered is that he's a uh works for a district in Texas called um Cypress Fairbanks. Um he's a director of procurement uh which is not part of their finance department. Um he has an MBA and he is a
034registered Texas business administrator, but he does not hold a treasurer's license. Um and we've had now um someone the uh assistant superintendent and I believe another gentleman inquiring um as our understanding is he's under investigation by their school district. Next slide. Um so general fund, we'll take a look at the general fund. Um and and again these were and I'll just give you just a few highlights like for example um in his report under expenditures he said that there were 1,442 dormant accounts. So you might open up an account for a reason and then that reason no longer exists. And basically what he's saying is you're not cleaning that up. You're just letting them um compile. uh and he said there was an 114 million budget to those dormant accounts. Well, the reality is there
035are 21 of those accounts in general fund, not 1,400. It was 1.54 million and a million of it's encumbered. So, while uh not all accounts stay on forever, there could be an account that's dormant but still has activity in it the next year or the year after that. So that was just a pretty much a an error. And then uh you know another one in 2024 um he believed we were overbudgeted um by 3,367 accounts were were overbudget uh by $6.54 million. Um and total and all of them totaled at 33 million. Um, and then when you look below, you can see that there weren't 3,367, there were four. And the total transactions were $267,000. And um, and they were advances. And advances aren't part of your budget. So, it was zero. Not um not
036uh the numbers that you know, not $26 million. So, and you can just keep going on and on and on and you you get the you get the idea. And what we want to make sure is that our new board members are up to speed on this prior to making any kind of vote on it. Next slide, please. So, um, and again, you see some of the same things on appropriations, uh, the fiscal year, what was appropriated according to him, what was expended or spent, and he has us in 2020 spending over $12 million, then we budgeted. Uh, the truth is that, uh, that wasn't it at all. numbers. While his numbers uh weren't far off, as you can see, not off at all, but $17.8 million of that were carryover incumbrances from the fiscal
037year before construction projects. So, they're getting done in one fiscal year, but they might not pay out until the next fiscal year. And that's what made it look like we had overspent, and that just simply wasn't the reality. Um, so again, just a lot of errors uh like that that we knew there had to be because he wasn't pulling data that we knew he would have needed to see to really effectively audit it. Next slide. So then, you know, we've had a lot of talk about our permanent improvement account. Um, just so you know, there we have a permanent improvement account that brings in roughly $3 million a year. And there are very specific limitations as to what those dollars can be spent on. And it almost the name almost tells you what it is.
038It's there for at least 5 years of life or more. And so usually you'll see that in large computer purchases will be one that you'll see it in potentially uh a curriculum purchase. certain curriculum things can be spent out of PI, actually the majority of it, but not all of it. And then construction projects are the ones most people think of, you know, the new roof or, you know, whatever it might be. So um so we found several errors um in the report. Um there were he he was say his report indicated that uh you can't buy furniture with it. >> Yes, you can. Um, we had what's called an owner's rep on our on our construction projects. That was significantly high number. 460 470,000. Mike, is that about right? Um, and we use PI
039money to pay for that. He said, "No, you can't use PI money to pay for that." And it was mostly because he's looking at just codes and there the 600 are what you would normally see coming out of PI and he fixated on those codes but other codes can come out of PI too but we think he just took anything that wasn't 600 and said it shouldn't have been spent out of PI which is not not the case. Um but uh TDA that's our architects their services. We bought land um uh for Riverview which has been beneficial for us. He he said that shouldn't have been used out of PI. That's a legal expenditure out of PI. Buses, laptops, you on and on and on just because it wasn't um a coding that he want
040that he thought we should have. Um and I'm not sure exactly how that happened. So to get to show you how much that really skewed things. So from 2020 to he said there were 252 um transactions. We don't differ much there. 251. You can see the transaction amounts are not far off. Um but he said there were $4.6 million. If you remember back a little while ago, we were talking about transferring 4.6 6 million from general fund to the PI. Remember that whole discussion? Um, and this is what it was based on. This is what they're basing it on. Cuz in the Brisco report, 4.6 million was not permissible. But as you can see, 251 out of those 252 accounts were permissible are permissible out of PI um at $4.5 million. So the difference being
04160 thou $60,000 is the difference. And what happened there was it was um put captured in a curriculum purchase which is legal. Um however there were digital licenses and some consumables that were part of a much larger package that we bought. So, we know now we need to really take a look at those and far it out what we cannot use PI for. Um, and it came out to so $4.6 million after a couple of days of digging through this data. Again, Mike Patrey's a rockar guy is excellent at his job and he was incredibly helpful and it came out to $60,000 that we should not have spent out of PI. It happened one year in fiscal year 25. Um that's what we've that's what we have for invoices to pay for that incredible report
042um to date. $20,482. Um, so you know, I and I'm not going to dwell on this much at all, but it's important to look at this is what our 5-year forecast is showing right now. Uh, what are what is left in our revenue? We're in deficit spending. We're not in a deficit, but we're in deficit spending. We're eating into our cash reserves. And you guys, you guys are my spokespeople. Why would a district eat into their cash reserves? Because of >> Thank you. We're getting there. We're getting there. And remember, House Bill 920 freezes your revenue. >> You know, it freezes it in perpetuity. So, there's the system is the system forces school districts to go back on the ballot. The average in Ohio is every four and a half years. We're at 10 now.
043And the district has done a phenomenal job of taking a limited amount of resources and stretching them as long as we can. But we're going to need your help. And I almost want to be direct and upfront every time I get a chance to say that we we are levy eminent. When exactly that happens and how it's structured, uh, that's a board decision, but it it will come. But so these are our cash reserves and you can see we go into an actual deficit in fiscal year 29. State will not let you go into a deficit. If you do, it's called state receiverhip and they come over and take over your district. We're not going to let that happen. But you can see over here, if we would have made that $4.6 million transfer, look
044what it would have done to our situation. That was a one of the several reasons that um I had a difficult time signing something that would start this. Okay, thank you. Um and you can see that's where it's just graphed where, you know, both the blue and the red we're going down uh in terms of our reserves, but at what pace are we going to do it? Next slide. So these would be um the recommendations to the board from our finance department is that the board resends. However that needs to be done. I'll leave that up to our good attorney to help us guide that if the board so chooses. But my recommendation would be to resend the approval of the BIS the Brisco report and that was done in December of 25 and then
045do a one-time transfer of those funds to make sure that that's whole. Uh and we uh just make sure we don't make that mistake again. And so it's not like we didn't learn something from that report. Um there was one report piece of the report that was 100% right and spoton. He said that the the uh treasures department needs to hire more people. You know, you know, I don't know, Mike. Can we just keep pushing on and just manage with what we have? >> We're going to plug away and manage with what we have. What a sacrifice we're making for the greater good. So, that's really the end of my report. You've heard it before, so this is twice, but any questions? All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Great. That brings us to
046public participation. Anyone wishing to address the board of education will be recognized by the board president. Speakers are requested to speak from the podium, identify themselves and their topic. Comments are limited to three minutes. >> Is there any public comment tonight? Right here. >> Here's a podium. >> Good evening. I am Sarah, a senior at Riverside. At the last regular meeting, I did want to say these following words as I wanted to speak of gratitude among chaos and uncertainty. However, some things don't go according to plan. So, here I am here to extend my greatest appreciation towards Belinda Gracias and Lorie Krenninsky for their actions they have taken to protect our district. I want every board member, old and new, to know that we see the ways you approach our school and the way you
047behave in front of us. Mrs. Kreninsky and Mrs. Graci, you two have been professional in your conduct, inquiring for the people and remaining strong willed in the face of bullying and unprofessionalism through these past two months. Not only does the school board have influence on all of the school, but they have influence among students. And Mrs. Graci and Mrs. Krenninsky have been women who are never afraid to speak up on their beliefs and voice their own opinions in a respectful manner. They live by Riverside's maxim. Do the right thing, be a positive influence, and get better every day. And all of us in this community are thankful for your leadership. To Mr. Arduno and Mr. Buyers, welcome to the board. I've seen your actions you have taken even before the new year. and I have
048great confidence that you will serve the goodwill of Riverside students, teachers, and taxpayers well alongside Mrs. Graci and Mrs. Kreninsky. I'd like to thank all four of you, Dr. Thompson as well, and the community who have stood up for the good of the students. Thank you. >> Good evening. I'm Rick Pompus. uh had three kids come through the school district, two grandkids who not quite school age but or live in the district as well. I want to start by reflecting on the last meeting which was the meeting that the student referenced. I was there in attendance. It was obviously a very energetic meeting and at one point during the public conversation, what seemed like an somewhat arbitrary decision to limit the voices in the room was the trigger, right, for some continued and escalated reaction
049and participation so forth. Mrs. Graci, I know you stepped down at one point and kind of asked for a restoration of order that I appreciated and was probably necessary and appropriate at that time. I also think that the energy and the words and expressions that were given that night were absolutely necessary for the community to express what has been a long-standing frustration over the behavior of the board and the lack of transparency, the lack of trust that it generated, the lack of collaboration unfortunately that was exhibited throughout the decision-making over time and time again, including during the last stretch of meetings um that were you know accelerated from the time of the election to the end. So I just you know want to say I think that was a cathartic meeting for the community and
050very energized now and congratulations and welcome new board members Mrs. Graci for your reelection because I think we're all excited to recognize that this chapter is moving on. Mr. Rodino, the the words you said in your address, I think were great. The reestablishment of trust and transparency and collaboration are so essential and listening to the voice of the community that you serve. Thank you. >> Any other public comment? Great. That brings us to board of education business. There's a resolution authorizing and directing the res recision of the resolution accepting sorry resolution authorizing and directing the recision of the resolution accepting the reports prepared and presented by the Brisco Consulting Group on December 10th, 2025. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Miss Brown. I'll say any discussion. >> Are we reading
051these? If if you want to >> Okay. If you don't >> Do you have the Brisco? I do. Right. Um I'm just going to read this resolution. A resolution authorizing and directing the recision of the resolution accepting the reports prepared and presented by the Brisco Consulting Group on December 10th, 2025. Whereas the Brisco Consulting Group prepared and presented to the Riverside Local School District Board of Education two reports containing its financial analysis and related work for the Riverside Local School District during the special meeting on December 10th, 2025. And whereas the board voted to accept the Brisco reports during its meeting on December 10th, 2025. And whereas the treasurer and his staff have reviewed the Brisco reports and concluded that the Brisco reports contain numerous factual inaccuracies, method, methodological flaws, unsupported assumptions, and errors that
052material affect their validity and reliability. And whereas the treasurer has presented his conclusions regarding the Brisco reports to the board in open session during the special meeting on January 2nd, 2026. And whereas based on the treasur's conclusions regarding the Brisco reports presented to the board by the treasurer in open session during the special meeting on January 2nd, 2026, the board believes that reliance on the Brisco reports would not be in the best interest of the Riverside Local School District, its staff, students, or taxpayers. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Riverside Local School District Board of Education that based on the treasur's conclusions regarding the Brisco reports presented to the board by the treasurer in open session during the special meeting on January 2nd, 2026, the board hereby determines that reliance on the Brisco reports
053prepared and presented at that meeting on December 10th, 2025 would not be in the best interest of the Riverside Local School District, its students, staff, or taxpayers. Number two, the board resins the resolution passed by the board accepting the Brisco reports during the meeting on December 10th, 2025. Number three, the board authorizes and directs the treasurer to complete a written report and deliver it to each board member containing the treasurer's conclusions regarding whether and to what extent monies were improperly paid out of one or both of the district permanent improvement funds during the fiscal years 2020 through 2025. Number four, the board authorizes and directs that the Brisco reports not be used, cited, represented, and or relied upon as an official or or authoritative report of the Riverside Local School District. Number five, this resolution
054shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. Number six, it is hereby founded determined that all formal actions of this board concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this board and that all deliberations of this board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements included in including section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Any discussion? All >> right. Can you take the role, please? >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Mrs. Grassy, >> I. >> Mr. Adino, >> I. >> Motion carries 40. >> Thank you. Next, we have a resolution authorizing and directing the termination of contract with LLB Resources LLC.
055Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Um, do you want to read that one, too? >> Mr. Read that one. resolution authorizing and directing the termination of contract with LLB Resources. Whereas during calendar year 2025, the Riverside Local School District Board of Education previously approved and entered into a contract with LLV Resources LLC for consulting services, which was subsequently modified in an agreement entitled first modification to the consulting agreement between the Riverside Local School District Board of Education and LLB Resources LLC. And whereas section one of the contract provides the board may be terminate may be terminate the contract for convenience and without cause upon seven upon 7 days advanced notice to LLB resources. Whereas the board believes that it is in the best interest of the Riverside Local School District to terminate the
056contract and whereas the board desires to authorize and direct the termination of the contract. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Riverside Local School District Board of Education that one, the board hereby determines that it is in the best interest of the Riverside Local School District to terminate the contract LLB Resources LLC. The board hereby exercises its right to terminate the contract between the Riverside Local School District Board of Education and LLB Resources LLC for convenience or Yep. and without cause in accordance with section one of the contract. The board hereby authorizes the directs and directs the superintendent or treasurer to provide notice of termination to LLB resources LLC immediately. The board hereby authorizes and directs the superintendent and treasurer to take any and all actions necessary to effectuate the termination of the contract including
057execution of any related documents. The board authorizes and directs the treasurer to make any final payments to LLB Resources LLC required under the express terms of the contract if applicable consistent with its terms and applicable law. This resolution shall take effective immediately upon its adoption. It is hereby found and determined that all formal actions of this board concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this board and that all deliberations of this board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements including section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Any discussion? Um, I just have two questions. I don't know if we ever got any of
058her documentation on what her plan or communication strategy or report was. And I also would like to follow up and find out what happened to her email list. >> So, bar barring um different direction from the board, we've held the last two invoices. Uh we're we're getting invoiced $4,000 a month. Um we have we've held those two invoices and it was my intent to continue to hold those invoices until she um fulfills the contract which has not been fulfilled. So that is that's our intent. uh you know it ultimately it's uh not worth court battle for $8,000. So I would I will I'll keep you up to date on how it's transpiring, but my guess is that we'll never see the email distribution list, for example, and um we'll probably see a plan that's already
059outdated if there is a plan. Um, so that I I doubt we see either one. Um, but I would like to with your support like to hold on to those invoices. Um, just because it makes me feel good. Um, and if she produces what she's signed a contract to do, then I'll be more than happy to pay her. But until then, my intent was to hold those last two invoices. Have we um you'll send an email communication letting her know we've terminated and >> first thing Monday morning she'll get a little email >> and ask requesting the materials that we're looking >> requesting the materials that are she's contractually obligated to provide. >> Perfect. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. Any other discussion? >> Right. Can you call the role please? >> Mr. Buyers >> I.
060>> Mr. Adino >> I. Mrs. Kreninski >> I. >> Mrs. Grassi >> I. >> Motion carries 40. >> Next is a resolution declaring certain prior board action null and void and further declaring that the roof connect proposal dated December 1st, 2025 is null and void. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. That one's really long. Any discussion? You good with >> I don't need It's It's a really long resolution >> and again it's declaring everything null and void um per previous vote. >> If no discussion then can you call the role please? >> Yes ma'am. >> Mrs. Penski >> I. >> Mrs. Grassi >> I. >> Mr. Adino >> I. and Mr. Buyers >> I >> motion carries 40. >> So next on the agenda was the board action regarding the appointment
061employment dismissal discipline demotion indoor compensation of Dr. Christopher Ratino if needed. Um we did spend some time in executive session tonight and we have spoken to Dr. Ratino and we have begun the process of restoring him to the role of superintendent. We owe Dr. Tino, our staff, and our community the diligence to do this the right way. Um, there are a few final details to work through. Mr. McIntyre, we would like to ask you to please take the lead on coordinating those remaining items and bringing the final steps back to the board. >> Thank you. I will. >> Thank you. Um, I want to say I appreciate everyone's shared commitment to getting this done properly and we intend to move as promptly as possible. So, we want to do this quickly. I will set a
062teaser out there that there will be a special meeting. Sorry, but there will be another special meeting. Um, but again, we do want to do this as quickly as possible um and get Dr. Tino back um behind his desk and the administration office. So, >> any other comments FROM THE BOARD? WELL, I YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK I WOULD LIKE to just apologize to Dr. Ratino and his family for the headache, the heartache, and to the members of this community that we've put you through as a result of all of this. So, >> thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I um I I had something formally prepared, but it doesn't quite fit. Um so I'm going to wing it, and I'm not really good at that. Um >> but I first and foremost want to thank
063the members of the board for your support, your trust, and your action. Um leadership at the board level is challenging, and I appreciate all the support and and how you're willing to reflect act thought act act thoughtfully and make sure that this is done correctly. that means a lot. Um, I've learned a lot over the past month. Um, and one thing I've learned is patience, and I'm going to continue to trust on and and continue to to to work with my patience. Um, but I also am incredibly grateful and humbled um by everyone in this room. And first and foremost, I can't thank my wife and children more. Uh, my wife's here tonight. My kids are not because I wouldn't let them come. Um, my son does say they call them board meetings for a
064reason. Um, and for Mr. Adino's children, I am sorry. Um, but they truly bore the emotional weight of uncertainty with grace and strength. And they remind me every day of who I am, why integrity matters, and why leadership must always be anchored in character. I could not have weathered this without them. I'm deeply grateful to Dr. Thompson for his leadership and his um and to the entire administrative team uh both past and present for all the support that they provided. And and finally, and I will say more on this later as I get a better chance to reflect, but to everyone in this room and to everyone on the everyone on the internet, everyone who's reached out, the cards and all of that, we speak a lot about one community pursuing greatness and be and
065getting better every day. And I cannot think of a better example than this past month of of what that looks like in person. It's not just something we say, it's something we believe. I've said to everybody, Riverside is special and it's a special place to be and there's no place else I want to be um than Riverside. So, the opportunity to come back and to do it correctly is I'm truly humbled by all of this and I'm super grateful for it and please know that I will carry your kindness and trust with me every day and it's only deepen my commitment to serve the community with humility and gratitude and thank you all. Great. So, that brings us to our next meeting announcement. January 22nd, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Again, except for the spoiler alert
066that there will be a special meeting. Um, make a motion to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. Can I get a second? >> Second. Thank you, Mr. Buyers. And can you call the role, please? >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mr. Buyers, >> I. >> Mr. Adena, >> I. >> Mrs. Grassy, >> I. >> Motion carries. 40.