Board of Education Meeting (November 20, 2025)

001Call the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Can you take the role, please? >> I apologize because I forgot my glasses, so this should be fun. Good thing it's the same five names over and over. Mr. Fishell >> here. >> Mr. Keaney >> here. >> Miss Mrs. Kinski >> here, >> Mrs. Grassi >> here, >> and uh Miss Brewster >> here. >> Stand for the pledge. >> 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. Welcome everyone. On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome all students, staff, parents, and interested community members to tonight's board of education meeting. I would like to remind everyone that this is a meeting of the

002board of education held in public for the purpose of conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There is time for public comment during the meeting in the public participation section on the agenda. Approval of minutes. >> Um excuse me. Can I make a motion to amend the agenda um to add an item under I guess board business >> uh at the end? >> Yes, please. >> Board of Education update. >> Yes, please. >> Okay. >> Business board there. I don't know if there was a board business section. >> There is >> uh section 15 is board of education. >> Board of education business. We we have uh stuff in there, but we can add it there. >> Yes. >> Um Okay. So, it'll be in section 15,

003Board of Education business. And Okay. Go. Um, I would like to, um, make a resolution authorizing the installment payment or lease purchase financing in the form of one or more series of installment payment obligations, lease purchase obligations, or certificates of participation issued as taxexempt obligations. providing for the acquisition, construction, equipping, and improving of real and or personal property for school district purposes, including one or more installment payment agreements, ground leases, lease purchase agreements, and or trust indentures and matters related there, too. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Mrs. Krenniski. I believe that we will be talking about this further um during the treasurer's report, but I'll pass that out now. so that we can have that further discussion. There's any discussion on that and if not can we call the

004role and for clarification the role is just to amend and put it on the agenda. It is not approving or disapproving. >> Miss Kreninski >> I >> Mr. Fishell >> I >> Mr. Keiny. >> Nay. >> Miss Brewster. >> Hi. >> Miss Mrs. Grassy. >> I motion carries 41. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Section two, approval of minutes. A motion to approve the amendments as attached. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Can you call the RO? >> Mrs. Mrs. Grassy. >> I >> Miss Brewster. >> I >> Mr. Fishell. >> I >> Mr. Keaney. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Kreninski. >> I >> Motion carries 5. >> Special reports. >> There are no special reports tonight because we started at seven. We're going to skip that for tonight. I do have a

005superintendent report for nothing. Special report. >> How was the play? >> I did not see it. I was going to see it tomorrow. >> I >> Miss Brewster and Mr. Kenny, I think, were there. >> Yeah, they they did a super job. They really did. >> Right. Very good. And I always miss the last 10 or 15 minutes, which is hard to do, >> but great job. And also a wonderful job on the dinner. Um I was sitting among a lot of the seniors in our community and um they were just so complimentary of the students and how they just waited on them hand and foot. It was really nice and they they said thank you and enjoyed the experience. So and it was packed. They had to spill over into the next room. >>

006They did. >> So but the department did an excellent job. >> Okay. So that's our special report. Um old business. Anyone hearing? None. New business. Hearing none. Buildings and grounds and superintendent uh business advisory council liaison. We had a buildings and grounds meeting yesterday and Rich Arlesic shared with us that the health department u school reviews were going on a a few small issues nothing major items are being corrected. Daily monitoring of heating systems continues as the weather continues. It's normal fluctuation of cold to warm or I would say vice versa either way. First snowfall occurred November 10th and 11th. Maintenance used that as a spring training exercise. We are ready to for the real snow to come. A plethora of roof leaks throughout the district were attended to. Um unfortunately a couple of those

007were on our newer buildings. Um but those are are had been attended to and hopefully are done. Um, we have had other roof leaks on the older buildings, the older roofs, and um, so far they're fixed. So, we'll see. Monday 27th, Vasco company. Vasco is out to repair the turf from the underground water leak and to do a full service to the turf. Six repairs were made throughout the playing surface. Field received a deep grooming and sanitizing. The field still holding at fair to good. Pretty impressive for the amount of usage the field gets and the expectation is two to three years of remaining life. Trenching was completed this week and the wire run for the new softball school scoreboard and purchase order on Thursday's board agenda today um in in what we had previously

008talked about approved a purchase order for $89,000 and splitting it between two vendors to fix Parkside and Riverview heat exchangers. Um, since those buildings were built, we've had problems with the heat exchangers. And, um, so far it looks like what we're going to get is uh, yearly care and maintenance with Robert's Mechanical with Ethernet monitoring. So, they think if they monitor it and and and clean it up with the water and other dust and other things that are in there, they think they can prevent this from happening again. And um supposedly uh we're going to get from Roberts a the two heat in changing the two heat exchangers with some other parts. They are looking at guaranteeing 20 years of life. And so u I had asked Rich to talk with Dan McIntyre, our attorney,

009to maybe Dan cleanup, maybe include some language that would make that have a little bit more teeth. >> Yes. >> Has he reached out to you yet? >> Uh no, not yet. I'll catch them tonight. >> Yeah. So, if you guys could talk and then um I mean they're offering 20 years, right? But we want to make sure we can have it if we need it. >> Understood. >> Okay. >> And are we pursuing anything with the former company and recovery? >> Um we've discussed it internally. I don't think we're prepared to bring anything to the board as of yet. Probably will, >> but it's still in the works. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. And then uh I was out of town hiking the Grand Canyon. So, how'd that go? >> So, it was wonderful and

010I cut a half hour off my time. What do you think? >> So, so Dr. Ratino will handle the business advisor. >> Business advisory and we continue to work in our committees and um actually I have part of that in my update um sharing some of the great work that our business advisory um for career planning is doing with Lake County. had the opportunity to share that uh programming from second grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, uh eighth grade, and then a couple high school um programming as well. So, it was a great another another great meeting with great business advisory council and a lot of great things that come out of it. And I know a lot of greats there, but it really truly is one of the nice things that happens at Riverside from

011the portrait of Riverside Beaver that started um to really we're going to do a um it's not a touch of truck, I forget what you call it. >> Check out. check out the truck. Um as a touch truck, >> that's what they typically see. >> Um but an event an event of that type to introduce our youngest students to different career fields um to a true career finding pathway to some field trips and things like that around Lake County um for the experiences and business operations that are here. So it's uh really exciting things uh going on in Dr. Malacher's swan song. But uh it's going to be great. She's leaving a legacy of career planning that's top-notch in Lake County. >> Thank you for that. Curriculum and programming. >> Okay. Um the curriculum and

012programs committee met on November 14th. Uh the staff had a very productive uh professional development um meetings that occurred over Monday and Tuesday of November 3rd and 4th. Dr. Malikar stated there was a legal update for the staff by our schoolboard attorney uh Mr. Dan McIntyre and it was wellreceived. There was training on the new CPM math and benchmark reading programs. also uh technology um they further explored the technology and training associated with uh magic school which is a program we uh purchased for the district and um which is an AI program for staff and uh grades 6 through 12 trained on schooling which is another online program is that right >> on schooling yeah there was some schooling >> okay all right so on Tuesday of those that two-day training the staff met in

013their respect active grade and department level teams with a focus on personalized learning. Uh teachers will continue to meet in um meet together over the coming months in their teams to do check-ins. Uh benchmark data will also be examined. Um the MTSS process um which is an intervention tool of identifying students needing additional help um will continue in the elementary and middle school and it is just um being explored further into the high school which is a little bit more of a challenge given the way they are arranged by subject areas and departments. um cursive writing was a topic. Um you know over the course of the last two years I've had many inquiries from parents and even grandparents about um do we teach cursive writing in the district. So I asked the question and

014it is taught at second grade with the Zerb blower program. It's a workbook that the kids you know get to practice as there is no requirement to teach cursive at third grade. Mastery is not um expected. So maybe, you know, people are under the impression that, well, they had it, so they should know it and use it all the time. Um, when you're teaching it to a second grader, um, it can be a challenge developmentally, especially in the beginning of second grade. A lot of districts wait till second semester for that. So, you know, um, basically there are staff members who continue to give students opportunities in third grade to practice cursive. There is also um a foundations phonics program that we use that does have some cursive practice in there and also there's practice

015pages and benchmark correct which is another program that we're using this year. Um, any parent or grandparent or community member should follow up with their classroom teacher if you feel more time should be spent on instructing children in cursive writing or that you want that practice for your child and can reinforce it at home. Um, and I'm sure that there would be materials available, you know, if someone asks their teacher. Okay. Um, and then our executive director of student services, Mrs. Camille Rit. And I don't know if everyone's met her, but um, she's new this year and but she's not new to the field. She came from Willby Eastlake and and oversaw, you know, quite a few programs, especially preschool. Um but she reported that the special education department um uh you know that we

016have here um every year they get rated by the state and they achieved a standing of meets requirements. That's the best you can do >> is Dr. No, said you met it. You're good. But as opposed and it was a rating of 3.75, but then there's some subcategories and things, but it ranges from 3.75 to four. This score was highly desirable as our program is compliant with federal expectations and uh well done to our special ed staff. There's just so much to juggle in a program like that to meet all the specific needs of the students. So, thank you for everything. I I I know we joke about meats being it, but I will tell you that our special ed staff works really hard to earn that and all of the compliance that goes into

017it and not just special ed staff. I mean, it is our entire teaching staff. >> So, I think that is such a it's it's such a key and it's something that we should be proud of. Um I don't think we're going to hang a banner that says meets anywhere, but uh >> but I think it's something that honestly we need to celebrate um because it's a huge it's a huge a testament to the effort that goes on every day in classrooms, >> right? for sure. And there is a lot of coordination between the special ed department and regular ed staff uh because you have to work uh together to make or help that child become as successful. Um Mrs. Rit also followed up with the high school construction teacher, Mr. Shook, um and uh regarding

018some projects that the high school students could design and build for the new preschool playground equipment at Riverview. And uh originally we came up with some you know just going on the internet finding some pictures of cute little things for uh you probably can't see it but cute little things that could be on there uh that would be um you know where kids would have fun playing. But when you try to buy these things they're three four $5,000 for just this like little farmers market stand. Um that would be one example. And um so it gives our kids the opportunity to design it, build it, and contribute to uh putting that on the playground. And so uh Mr. Shook was pretty excited about that because he said that he had some uh students in the

019program that were looking for something and they're going to do a presentation on what they come up with and pitch it to us. So I thought that'd be great. So thank you for following through with that. And then um we also talked about subject acceleration. Uh typically um at the elementary level, let's just say Buckeye Mel Ridge, they their last grade level is fourth. So if they are in fourth grade, but they're taking fifth grade math, there's nowhere for them to go. Um, and it's my understanding at Riverview and Parkside, if they're in fifth grade there taking sixth grade math, then they have had the opportunity on a case-byase basis to come over to Lmouth uh so that they can have that instruction. And so we're looking at that. There are some policies um that

020we currently have on the books. We want to make sure we're up to date on those, but we do want to make sure we're accommodating these students. um and uh making sure that we're meeting their needs. And so we do have a meeting on December 4th at 7:30 um and we'll review those and um I asked um our attorney to come as well. And um and if parents have any questions, certainly you can reach out to Dr. Moar. We also have a gifted coordinator in the district and in order to be an accelerated program, they probably had a meeting uh with a team of people including our gifted coordinator to be accelerated that way. If you are accelerated in reading, that's just accommodated because there's different levels of reading within any classroom and and that's

021more easily accommodated that way. All right. So, um, our next meeting will be held in January once, uh, new dates are set by the board. >> Just to clarify that, December 4th meeting is a policy meeting, not a curriculum meeting. >> Yeah. December 4th is the policy meeting. >> Policy meeting. We're not having a curriculum meeting till January. >> The next programs meeting will be sometime in January of 26. There will be no December meeting. Okay. Thank you. And then um let's see. We had um the uh strategic plan less said we're going to wait until the beginning of the year. We might want to revisit our strategic plan. >> We are pretty much closing it out. So most of the bench we've hit and >> yeah, >> we've done some good work. So >>

022okay, so that's it for me. >> When was the last time we did the strategic plan? Like how old is it now? >> It's 40 years old now. It's time for a refresh. Okay. policy committee alumni. >> Um we have policy on today's agenda for first read. Um most of it is due to updates and rags are just um corrections in the policies. Um we also have a policy meeting on December 4th um to review those policies and discuss uh another one that's been brought to the table. And then alumni association uh met on November 18th and um some of the discussion is around um just closing out the year like the golf outing um the uh alumni hall of fame dinner things like that and thinking about the next thing that'll come up is

023the um scholarships. So, if you are a Riverside grad and have a Riverside student that is a senior, I'd keep your eyes out for that because it's an awesome opportunity to get a scholarship and that information will start to be um sent out here and great opportunity. Um, and I think that that was it covered at the alumni association. >> I'd like to add Yeah. One question I had about the policy. Um if if um you know I just always think it's a good idea to have the our attorney um look it over. I don't know if you got a a chance to look over these um but you know there's sometimes suggestions especially when you know across districts there might be something we're missing. It could be a word. >> These are these are

024all updates to new recent language um basically done by Nola which are pretty standard boiler plate. took what were our current choices and put them into the new ones for this for the first read. >> We have any questions specifically, we will talk about them in the policy committee, then they'll go on for a second first read. >> Okay? >> So, they have to be good as is and then at the policy committee, we review them and then they they go to again so they so you'll get a chance to read them between first and second. All right. Thank you so much. >> Okay. And I'd like to add to that uh often scholarships are available not only from the alumni association but from other places. very few kids apply for them. So, please help

025and encourage kids to apply for those. Okay. Thank you for that. Uh booster. >> Sure. I'm going to make a suggestion that anybody who is involved or has kids that are involved in boosters um in athletics, in any other extracurricular activities to make sure that you are on their social media pages. They are posting all of their information on social media. Please make sure that um you get on there and also with your PTO groups. They're also on social media. So, make sure that you connect with them. Their Facebook pages. The district will post things on our Facebook page when we have meal deals. So, make sure that if you don't want to cook, you check our Facebook page for all those listings. Um those are always really helpful. And also check our district calendar

026because uh our schools have been very good about putting their events onto the school calendars this year. So make sure that if you need to know about things that are going on in your individual schools to please make sure that you check those pages. That's all I have for now. >> Okay. And update from the superintendent. >> All right. Um a lot going on and a lot of exciting things as always in these months. Um, first of all, really excited to the progress of CTE as you drove by. It's lit up. Um, really big space, great looking space. I would suggest that maybe next week uh or I'm sorry, not next week, next month during our regular board meeting, we maybe go and do a mobile tour of of CTE and walk through. It'll be

027a spot where I think we can walk through it and walk through the spaces that are there and it'll be near completion. It is very exciting to see um that we have the the large construction space classroom, the manufacturing space classroom, which is the bottom left there, and then the actual um student classroom with the storage shelves that are about 20 ft tall. Um but that's actually for long-term storage. Uh great hallway, really well designed in terms of multi-purpose space going in serving as our night doors uh for nighttime events. I was even talking to the seniors tonight, the senior dinner, and I said, uh, when you come here in the springtime, you're going to come in through these doors right here and have to walk through the hallways like, "Oh, that's such a great

028idea. This is going to be great." So, just to have that open, to have that accessible as a nighttime entrance and really kind of changing um the accessibility and increased accessibility to our common areas is a is a fantastic thing for the community. And then of also being able to secure it into that area is going to be a great thing as well. So that's CTE. Riverview is moving too. Riverview is um it's on schedule. Uh still it's on schedule and I think on on budget as well. We had a meeting this morning and they're both kind of there. It's it's set to open in the beginning of first quarter next year. They're kind of uh finishing up some flooring along the way. We have some classrooms that are really developing in there. Um the

029the different classrooms. They're waiting on the windows and I think some of the the heat part. So, it doesn't look as finished as CT cuz CT is all the windows in there, but it is it is just as far and they have actually put blocked the windows off so we don't get rain inside the space until the windows get installed. So, that those windows are coming in early next December which is uh wow it's almost two weeks. So, so they'll be here soon and then that space will be ready to open as well. Um, November 11th was Veterans Day and thank you to all who served our schools. Uh, we all celebrate veterans. We honor our districts with a breakfast, lunch and and entertainment. Uh, we have a number of veterans who show up and

030we have a number of veterans who have who show up to more than one event. Some of them get two, three meals out of me and it's a great opportunity and uh they've earned it. So, they can have as many um as they you can keep coming. uh it's our kids kind of really get to see, you know, and and thank thank our veterans as they should on that day. Uh as well, the next day on the 12th, I had the opportunity to present with all of the local eastern uh state county superintendents to present to about workforce development to the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Uh we each had about five minutes because alphabetically we're last. I was the last to go um which wasn't necessarily the most ideal, but it was it was

031a great day. It was a great presentation. We got to share all the great things happening at Riverside uh and really truly how we are working to introduce workforce development for every student so that when every student graduates they have a successful path uh in life. Really really excited about this next one. Uh this year we had an opportunity on the 12th as well. 12th was a really busy day. We had an opportunity to congratulate our first ever AP Capstone diploma recipients. Uh they will be graduating this year. Uh this is an internationally recognized award from the college board given to students who complete AP seminar which is a sophomore level class, AP research which is a junior level class and then they take they they earn a score of three or more on four

032additional AP exams. >> Wow, >> that's a lot. >> Those are really really smart kids. And we had for the first time ever we we are going to walk and present seven eight >> eight eight students with that AP capstone diploma and congratulations to them all and it's really exciting to see what the future brings with those students. So again just uh we kind of took some time and and fed them and said congratulations and and takes time to enjoy. When you talked about what they're doing one um one young lady was going to triple major. >> Yeah. It was ridicul. It was ridiculous. Literally. >> Okay. So, not in decision making. Another was going into political science. One was going to be an attorney. Um, one >> was going to be a teacher. >>

033One was going to be a teacher. >> Uhhuh. >> So, that one we gave her, we gave her our card said, "Come back." >> One was going into engineering. She didn't know which kind, but they were >> really high up there. Either a rocket scientist or a bioengineering people. >> Yeah, that's great. >> Yeah. And the one thing about the teacher, usually we don't get any applicants to the Lake County Retired Teachers Association. They give like $1,500 minimum. Um, but we've not had a Riverside applicant. So, your way now, we need to make sure. Okay. Please, >> she may not have to pay for college. I mean it's it's always some other school district. >> She may she may be okay. So >> if you need information, we're just starting that committee right now. >>

034Okay. Another one to another day of celebration is congratulations to Clara Granty senior for signing her national letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career at Oakland University in Michigan. Clara is receiving a full ride scholarship to the division one school. Um >> can you back up one second? Yeah. is we have multiple pictures. >> Had a big day that day cuz she >> with an AP capstone diploma rep and then went and signed her national letter of intent um to continue at Oakland. So just a big day um and an awesome day. Um tonight was look that's how real time these are pictures in tonight with senior citizen night uh appreciation night. We welcome nearly 200 seniors um to our appreciation night. They had a free meal that the service I I

035said any complaints about the service? Absolutely none. Um loved it. Loved the food. Nothing but great things. Um and then they got to go see the pre free performance of the fall play, which is the odd couple, the female version of it. And the parts I went in to see. Uh it was pretty funny. So, tomorrow night at 7:30 or Saturday night at 7:30, there are still tickets available. Well worth your time uh to come out and check out the play. And our kids really, our theater department is second to none. Um, one of the things that we've been doing, this is our third year, is a district-wide community kindness day. Next week on 11:25, all of our schools are participating with local nonprofits and do different projects throughout the community. Something we're really excited

036about giving back. So, Buckeye is doing a sock collection for Riverside or for Subzero Mission. Um, and they're kind of running that sock drive and I think we're going to do something with that. Mel Ridge has a Lake County Humane Society. So, the animal items and money collection. Park's doing St. Gab's food pantry. Um they're collecting non-p perishable food items. Riverview is doing a school fundraiser for sleep and heavenly peace and I believe they make beds um for then I know they make beds. It's a that's a neat project local too. Uh Luth is doing their student council and choir visiting Concord village skilled nursing and rehab. Uh that was really special for me last year. My dad was in there for a while. I got to see our students with him. Um, so really

037kind of a neat thing and they just do a great job working uh with with those seniors there and and I know that they were very appreciative and enough to have them back. Uh, the campus we have student groups volunteering at United Way, Salvation Army, Project Hope, the Hope Chest and Subzero Mission uh, kind of going out throughout and then our last key even wanting to get involved. So last key are collecting socks and winter items for Project Hope. December is a busy month still going. House of Holly Saturday, December 13th is from 12:00 to 3. This is it's it's amazing. I um our side leadership program puts on a familyfriendly themed uh event hosted by uh hosted by them. I even believe the big guy shows up for a little bit. Um and it's

038just it's amazing. And they go through and all kinds of holiday events that really put you in the spirit uh at that time. and our students enjoy um working with younger students and giving back. Also at the same day, which is a really great time, means our parking lot's going to be packed, uh is our holiday market craft show put on by NA put on by National Honor Society. Local vendors stop by and present all different kinds of wares in the gym. Um it it's a great opportunity to get some early Christmas shopping done as well. So those are some dates to see. And that concludes my report. And I know Dr. talk and I heard some of the seniors asking about when this was. So if there's some other way to get it out,

039I know that they did receive some kind of email about their tickets. >> Sure. >> So maybe through that avenue, >> we can we can send that out to our community. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Down. Yeah. >> Well, hello all. Uh I know that the word is out. I think we have to go through the finance and audit chairs first. >> Oh my bad. See those glasses. You're getting >> see. Yeah. Can't read. >> Finance, Audit, and Personnel Committee. >> Thank you. >> Um, okay. The, uh, committee met on November 13th. Uh, we had a, uh, short superintendent report. Just a little bit of, uh, update on the health insurance. Uh he talked about some agenda items which are on the agenda now. Uh personnel updates. There was really nothing new there. It's just

040always ongoing. Um replacement of finance department personnel. They hired an internal uh candidate and um are uh going to reboot the finance department with some new job descriptions and what have you. And uh the last was finance questions and there was no questions. Uh I would like to say that uh over the weekend I attended the uh Ohio School Board Association's convention in Columbus along with uh some other board members and administration and uh they always put on a real good program a lot of uh good learning sessions and one that I did attend uh was it called AI in uh K to2 education and uh this was put on by um uh schools out in Henry County by Napoleon in northwestern Ohio. And uh I found out as they were into it that they

041were using the um magic school uh AI program which as Denise mentioned earlier, we already have that and how they've used it. They've had it for about 3 years and they've been able to utilize it in many different aspects of you know uh the school for the uh the kids uh the teachers and and setting up their uh presentations uh CTE categories they can um improve communication throughout the district uh handle with streamlining maintenance and one thing that they did this is not program has not been been around a long time. So, they didn't, you know, you got to get it to market with what you have. Well, the school had some other requirements that um would really help them better serve them. So, they approached them and they were very willing to work with

042the district to customize another sub app that they have in their categories and that's been working super well for them. Uh with all of this, there's some real opportunities for increased efficiency across everything, but what it what it's going to take is some real intelligent input uh and uh really find out where do you want to get your efficiencies throughout the district. So they they said within next within the next five years, you're going to see a total change in the education industry. So just uh you know we have the tool already. It's just a matter of applying that tool to create better efficiency. And that's the end of my report. >> Thank you for that update from the treasurer. So I as I was about to state previously, I know there was a posting

043that went out that said that I would be presenting tonight. Um, I have to thank you all for showing up. I mean, I did not expect a crowd like that. Um, but if you have any questions, you just hold on to them because there's way too many of you. So, I what I'm going to cover first is just where we are uh fiscally uh in our general fund. So, we're actually in really solid shape and and I really want our staff to understand and know, yes, we talk about being levy imminent and we are levy imminent and that's because of House Bill, somebody help me. >> 920. Thank you. House Bill 920 freezing our revenue in perpetuity. Eventually, that axis will cross. It is crossing. Uh most unfortunately, we just had a $1.3 million hit

044that we were not anticipating that came at the county level. So that will change our forecast even more. Uh but regardless, the district sincerely has been very fiscally responsible, has run a really tight ship. And for that reason is why in the state of Ohio, the average is every 4.5 years a district's on the ballot for new money. We're going to be pushing 10 or 11 years hopefully before we hit that number. So, you know, it's it's inevitable. You can't you can't not go to your community. That's the way the system is structured. But to stretch it out that long says an awful lot about the school board, about the administration, and about the staff uh making sacrifices to make that happen. So again, at our our that's our cash balance, 36 million, uh general

045fund at 26 million. That's stable and we're still tracking a little bit above my original forecast. our investments still keep yielding, thank goodness, uh very well. And when they yield, obviously, we get more money in our general fund. And that's part of the reason that we're um seeing more revenue than anticipated. We're on target for revenue and expenditure so far. You can see that we did our bank reconciliation. It is to the penny. And you can see there where the majority of our money sits. Star, Ohio, it's got a little over 22 million. Red Tree, which is through US Bank, about 12 1.5 million. Huntington 2.1 million. So those investments where we're putting our funds are are doing very well. And then general fund, we're sitting at that 26 million with 19 million almost 20

046million still unencumbered, meaning no PO written against it at this point. uh food service continues to do so well here. So, uh maybe we need to take a page out of their book and figure out how they're doing that, but our food service, and that's not true, by the way, of of many school districts. Most school districts food service is a is a dog financially, but here it's not. I don't know what they do, but they're doing great things. Our permanent improvement levy still stays steady. I'm going to go into more depth on that in just a minute. Yeah, >> all funds, our encumbrances, and our unencumbered balance. So, we're sitting again uh as we're about getting close to halfway through the year in a pretty solid position. Uh total appropriations, meaning how much did

047we say we were going to possibly spend? $73 million. And so far, we spent 301 million. Uh so, that gives us a nice chunk. still sitting where we are right now and those major expenditures are aligning with our forecast, our original forecast. Uh year-to-ate estimates, 56 million collected uh 25 million. And where do you suppose our the majority of our money comes from? How are how is Riverside Schools funded? >> Taxes. >> Specifically, what taxes? >> That's right. So, we are property tax dependent. Some school districts get a lot of money from the state or feds. We don't according to the state, we're rich. And that's why uh real estate taxes, you can see that that what they've collected so far. Our state foundation. Look at the difference between real estate taxes and state foundation.

048Pretty shocking. Um some Where does our money go? It's no surprise it goes into personnel and benefits at when we hit the end of the year it's going to be about 84% are in those two areas purchase services 2.4 million and our supplies not even a million to date. So when you talk about making reductions and you don't you know everybody wants us to reduce and I understand that I I I do understand that but also nobody wants us to do anything that negatively impacts kids and learning which I totally understand that so that leaves 16% of the budget to move on of which most of it is up beyond our control fuel repairs etc electricity on and on. So general fund summary year to date at 25 million expenditures at 199 million we have

049a net surplus obviously uh we're projecting an ending cash balance of 26 million um unreserved fund balance is almost 20 million and structurally uh we are balanced. So I I think the key takeaways here uh remain steady from our last month. Our revenues and expenditures are balanced. We have good liquidity. We and fund balance. Our investments are still producing solid returns. All of our funds are reconciled. And at this point, I have no fiscal concerns to share. I do have a PI update that I want to cover to give you some understanding of what uh we're looking at from that perspective. So, I had some questions that were submitted. I thought I would just answer them. So, you heard a resolution put on the agenda. The board to date has passed a resolution to do

050roughly $12 million in work, renovations, expansion at Buckeye Elementary and potentially, excuse me, some at Mill Ridge potentially. Uh, but it won't it it it won't do everything. and and when when we endeavored upon that that was known that not everything could uh could be done. So the question is if we took out a little bit more could we do the whole building and wrap it up and be done with it? Uh which I support because when you take out an issuance it it's not free to take out the issuance. you got to pay fees and and got to pay your municipal advisors, etc., etc. So, I was asked, well, what would $15 million look like? So, if we took out 12.5, so in this particular scenario, we took out this projection is based on

05112.5 million in cops, certificates of participation. What is that? That's basically a low interest loan based on using your property as collateral. That's what it is. So you you don't you don't pay your bill just like your house that forlo they foreclose on you could take your school building. Uh 2.5 million in tans that's tax anticipation notes and those are just basically it's uh like getting your paycheck a little bit early. So to equal these payments out over this time frame because the tans can only go for 10 years and the cops for 30. We're trying to keep it so it's structured in a way that keeps our payment steady over the course of that time. So that first graph you're looking at shows you year 26 through through year 3 2035. The light blue

052represents the money that would go to the tans and the blue and the yellow rather signifies or shows what would be going to pay the debt um issuance on the uh t or on the cops. Then after then in 2036 the tans is paid off and we shift all of our money onto the cops to get that paid off. So it stay the the payment I'll show you in just a second here. The payment doesn't change much, but so the debt service on the cops for the first 10 years is $624,000 a year. Uh and the and the average debt after that 2036 to 2055 is $991. Now drop down though to the tans. You can see we have $330,000 on the tan. So, put it all together. What's it look like? Look at that

053middle column where it says or excuse me, the end column. So, in 26 through 2035, it's $955,000 a year. The tans will fall off, drop to the bottom one. 2036 to 2055, we're at $9.91. So that's roughly about a third, just a little bit less than a third of our PI levy going towards debt. Is that unusual? No, it's pretty common. Uh it is it it's a way to do some projects that you need to get done. Not every school district does it. Not every school district has a PI levy, but it's not uncommon. Uh, I've been part of um cop deals at two different districts before coming here. I didn't bring that idea here. It was already in the works when I got here. So, what is the impact on uh the PI levy?

054The PI levy is the permanent improvement levy that brings in roughly after interest about $3 million a year. So, when I mean by assumptions, this is all that's built into this 10-year projection. Those obligations to pay the debt are in there. It still has four buses to purchase each year. I don't suspect that we need four buses per year. So that that might be something we can work with. But I also want to be conservative because if you get too far behind in your bus purchases, it's really hard to catch up again. So we have to massage that the right way. But we've been doing bus undercoating. We'll continue to do bus undercoating. You'll see it on the agenda tonight. Uh I think it's a great way to stretch out the life of the buses.

055doesn't make them last forever, but just like your car, if you rust proof it, it lasts a lot longer than if you don't. And one of the most common ways the state troopers are the ones that inspect the buses each year. One of the main reasons they knock buses out is from rust under on the undercarriage. So, it I think it will most definitely help. over the course of time, we'll know to what degree, but I do think there's room to make movement on our on our PI levy by simply looking at at our bus rotation. We need a couple new vehicles, so we're purchasing those. Those are in the forecast. All of our historical spins are in there. uh because of that property tax change that the state that the county just made, $60,000

056of that impacts our PI levy. So, I reduced our PI levy by that as well. I assume 3% inflation on expenditures, went super conservative on revenues, and kept it at 1%. That's probably low, but I'd rather be low than uh than miss. Uh so the be beginning cash balance direct cash balance to reconcile with 50 with uh fiscal year 25 has been done. That's closed. Um and this reflects um all of our yearly expenditures. So the board you have both sheets itemized all the way across. Um I purposely made the font super super small so you couldn't read it. >> No, that's not true. But there's a lot of numbers that fit on that on that paper. But these are what I think matter most. If you understand this, you got a pretty good idea

057of where we are. So from fiscal year 12 to 21, that cash balance in the account would fluctuate from anywhere from 650,000 to 2.1 million. Didn't grow much. Then in 22 through 25, we we saw a sharp increase because there was money dumped into the PI levy. Um and that was around $9 million was in the account in fiscal year 25. Then in 26, still elevated, then a significant drop comes in fiscal year 27 because fiscal year 27 is when those debt repayments would start. assuming the board makes the resolution to move forward uh with the Buckeye project. Um the reason you'll see a sharp decrease in how much money is in the PI from that from 25 with 9 million is because that money was used to for uh no debt was taken out

058to do uh Riverside >> Riverview Riverview >> and the CTE. So it those dollars went to construct along with an incredible grant that um Dr. Malacher got for us. >> Yeah. Yeah. So Dr. Mocker got $2.5 million grant. So the cash added to that was about one and a half or so. >> The majority was right there. >> Yeah. Incredible opportunity. And you know a lot of people look at her and say, "Oh, she's beautiful. She can't be that smart." Oh, that's true. >> And funny. They also say I'm funny. >> FUNNY, TOO. >> AND very quiet. >> Yes. >> All of the above. >> It's like AN ECHO CHAMBER. >> IT IS. I KNOW. THIS IS GREAT. >> What you'll see from 28 to 36 is those balances are going to flatten and they'll

059be on a downward trend with some of those years are projecting lower balances depending on what we're budgeting in the PI account. But >> PI grows with um new new construction. Correct. >> Yes, it grows. So there's >> so so you'll get some substantial money into the PI starting in about five or six years of the casement development. >> Well, and once the RITs Well, we'll get some too with the R >> from the tip >> from the the new ones in Concord. >> Yeah. Very little. >> We'll get some for that once those fall off though. And so we'll start to improve a little bit in the PI as houses are completed and people start paying taxes on those. Of course, that's a much smaller percentage coming into the PI. >> And again, if

060you want to refer back to the larger number of homes, the Casement Development, Greyhawk Landing, Harborview Crossing. Um, so anyway, you you put all those together and and you're really going to start to see general fund improvement in in tax income. It's going to be about five or six year years out until you start to hit a million and $2 million of revenue coming in and then that'll keep growing as the as the construction is completed which is probably about a 12-ear cycle for that construction. >> I also believe and I know that we haven't necessarily discussed this at the table um because it hasn't been presented to us formally Dr. Thompson or myself but the county is working on some alternates as well solutions to school funding and trying to develop some as well.

061So, as we get that information, I will share it with the board as soon as we get it. Um, because I know that they do feel um a little remorse from the from the the piggybacks. Um, so they're trying to look for different ways to make it right and different opportunities to uh more efficiently fund the way that we do schools at a county level. Um, so I think we're going to have some discussions about that instead of um I know that Commissioner Beverage thinks that that may be an easier an easier ask countywide than the individual districts. So kind of coming together. So as I get that I'll update you. >> So the figure that we have right now on the homestead reduction is that I guesstimate or >> Yes. Yeah. because they said

062it was going to take a long time to >> so they have to so the homestead has to have an application process for them. The owner occupied is pretty easy. They know what that is. It's it's basically a another percent and a half of a roll back. It's homestead which is an individual application that needs to be filed for all of them and there are a number of them >> and and it's not automatic. You have to file for it. you do and you don't and there were there was a time when you automatically qualified and if you may have come off of that and you just say I continue to qualify but you have to reapply and you may not want some people may not want to do that because they may not qualify

063this time. >> Okay. And on the PI, um, uh, as far as allowable expenditures, um, you know, um, I see floor scrubbers, but then I also see the musical, uh, instrument replacements, which we've voted on, but, um, Chromebooks. Is that something that's >> the >> Yeah. >> What what can come out of a PI is something that has a useful life of five years or more. So that is the uh statutory requirement for an expenditure from the PI levy. So, uh, we're going to take a hard look at all of those as we we're going to do a very formal budgeting process as we move into, uh, next school year that I think will be a way to actually reduce some funds and also certainly give uh, all of our employees a better opportunity to

064understand what their budget is and what they can expend on, etc., etc. So our our Chromebooks are currently on a six-year replacement cycle. >> So we replace them twice in a student's >> except for the ones they have >> students career. >> Well, but it's so an individual Chromebook is not count but it's the mass purchasing of the Chromebooks that does. So that is that is what um it is and they are on a six-year cycle and >> even when they're damaged, they're still replaced with that same year Chromebook. So they don't get if it's if you if you're a Chromebook, if you got if you're on the 2025 cycle and you damage your Chromebook in 27, they will give you a 25 Chromebook again that they have some extras from or they will fix

065it. We do all of our repairs inhouse as well. >> Okay? >> And so just to add to that, the Chromebooks, uh there are districts that do not pay it out. They pay it out of the general fund, not the PI if they have one. And there are districts that figure they can pay it out of the PI. And so that's There are some it's so some districts are in a four-year cycle. >> So it's I we >> well to to your point right the global purchases right that's one way to look at it. Other people look at it as the Chromebooks generally don't last 5 years from what you said they break need repair blah blah blah. And so just just putting it out there that districts look at it differently. >> That is

066true. But I can see the crowds getting restless cuz you guys are stealing my time and they're they're very upset about it as you can see. and I don't want them to start throwing stuff. So, uh, here it's just graphed out so that you can see that high spike. That's when the 9 million was there and then it shifted. Nothing crazy happened or unexpected happened or irresponsible happened. It was just shifted towards building projects. Um, so I want to kind of move into continuing to answer some of these questions. And this is really starts to get at the heart of a potential resolution that the board will consider tonight. So the board has already acted and voted and passed a plan. Uh we have already started to move on said plan and spent money on

067said plan. So somewhere very close to a million dollars has already been in invested at this point. So the original plan was uh that or the plan that was passed that were uh that we were seeking the funds for but have not yet executed have not yet executed is eight classrooms at this is Buckeye Elementary with air, a gymnasium, new boilers, a playground and equipment, outdoor land improvements and furnishings. GMP means gross maximum price. So that means it cannot go over that. If it goes over that, uh, the CMR, the construction manager at risk, which for us is is Cleveland Construction, eats that. So that's at $9,581,000. >> May I just say something, please? >> Surely. >> That does include new boilers for original Buckeye. >> Correct. and new >> water line too, which is

068really important. >> Some utilities, >> right? >> Yes. With the idea that renovation of that side would take place at some point in the future. Well, not even all of it in the future. So, let's drop down to the bottom. Um, that would leave roughly $2.4 million left to do as many improvements as possible. On the flip side, what we're taking a look at at this point is could we do the entire building, meaning add air conditioning to rec to the rest of Buckeye, replace the flooring, the windows, the doors, the lightings, the roof repairs, the interior paint, the finishes, and make uh Buckeye essentially no different educational experience than what we're seeing at our new elementary schools. Those folks voted for the levy that passed in 15 or 16 uh to to to construct

069those buildings, but yet there's a segment of the population that doesn't directly benefit from that construction. So the idea was if if we just if we went to 15 million in the issuance, that's what we believe would do the entire building. So before any decisions are made on how large should this expansion be, these are things that uh that as a finance person I would recommend that we do and we do a complete and thorough um current and projected enrollment study. We need to know how many students are enrolled by grade level. review five and 10 year enrollment projections. Look at the look at the demographic trends. Are there housing developments? All those things have to be studied and understood before you know you maybe make a decision to add and close another building and

070find out 3 years later you're going back and trying to reopen a building you moth balled and mothballing a building is not good for it. Um then capacity of existing educational spaces. Again, evaluate classroom utilization. How much of that space is available? Class size. We need to know what's an acceptable class size. You know, I personally think that 50 kindergarteners is a good number. That's a good number. No, of course it's not, right? You know, no one would want want to see that. So, but to to take a hard look at that, what are the numbers that keep us financially sound, but at the same time and most important able to effectively educate these kids? >> Yeah. Can I add to that? >> Yes, sir. >> Generally in elementary and Miss Brewster, who's many years

071in that can speak to it. Elementary, you probably don't want more than 22 to 23 per classroom. Right now we do have places that have 26 27 and so you know that's something to to keep into consideration. >> Absolutely. So again um determining what that is and identify rooms that are currently used for special special services. Sometimes the special needs uh units kind of get become an afterthought and then we're scrambling around and that's when you see them in closets and hallways etc etc and we don't want that. Uh the infrastructure and site constraints evaluate whether existing utilities mechanical systems all of that um can support added classrooms. Now, in the Buckeye situation, that's I know that's being accounted for. Um, review site layout, determine the best expansion locations. Um, consider zoning traffic flow. A

072traffic study is necessary. Um, do we have the parking to support if you were to close a building, do you have the parking to support? If you just do an addition, do you have the parking to even support that? And then of course a green space study. I if you build these classes are is there room for sufficient room to support not only the students in the school for for recess but if there's a soccer league that's out there or a softball league or whatever that have been consistently use that green space that's probably a consideration or should be a consideration. Um estimate staffing needs associated with classrooms, you know, how many do we have there? Uh whether specialized staff like nurses, counselors, do they require what space do they require? Again, that's often overlooked.

073And uh review our operational cost associated with the total expansion. Almost done. Do a financial analysis of the various scenarios and see what works best. Uh and then importantly uh we need to engage the community uh and just have conversations. And we had a meeting last Saturday. I don't know if anybody in here was there on Saturday, but my perception and I Chris's perception was that it was a very positive engagement. So I think that you know we learned a lot there and um and hopefully those that came learned something as well. So, that concludes uh my report. And board members, I'm sure you're going to need some time to dive into that PI. You probably have questions. If you want to set up a one-on-one or a one-on- two, uh we can do that.

074uh and look at different ways that we might want to address what we're using PI for and um and what else uh you know what are some other ideas that we might be able to do to expand that revenue >> and uh have you um because you don't have hard fast figures yet because you made some changes with our health insurance but are we realizing any savings this year will it be another year >> it's not so We're spending more, but we're not spending as much more. >> Okay. >> So, our our overall um raise, you know, the rate still went up. They went up, I believe it was 10%, which was forecasted or it was it was in our forecasted range, 10 or 8%. >> Total as opposed to if we stayed with the

075consortium, it was 20. >> Yeah. So that's so in terms of what realized savings we're more on the forecast um than we are in terms of actually um you saving money like like like so I think that's a that that's a clarification from that also with some of the other programs that we've put in place um we do think we will see more savings from that as they get utilized uh we do know that we have a couple of program people who have taken advantage of some of these programs which benefit both them and and the district as a And it's um it is it's moving forward rather well. So >> So I think the forecast was 8%. >> I think we we kept it at the forecast level >> and then you know it

076would have been 20. >> Yes. >> And it's really 10. >> No, I think it's eight. It's right at the forecasted level. >> Oh, is it at eight? Okay. >> Yeah, cuz the forecast was eight originally. >> Yeah, it it was it was at the And that gives us a chance to build up reserves. >> Okay. >> Can I ask a couple questions? So the $60,000 or the $120,000 that the county took that that's affecting our PI that's a one time that is not in perpetuity. That is a one time thing that they did. Correct. Like >> it's not clearly it's going to be every year. >> So they can I >> I mean they have to agree to it. They have to >> I think they have to agree to I think it they

077have to agree to take it away. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> They have to vote to rescend it. >> Yes. So once it now that they they've enacted, I think they have to vote yes. That's how to move it back. >> I I asked that very same question and the answer I got was um it's highly unlikely that you'll see that go away. So it is built in across. >> It's built it's built into the rest of this after the first 27 all the way through. >> Okay. >> The other thing to note there are a number of tax uh property tax bills that have just passed the Senate and are waiting the governor's the desk. We are not um in terms of the loss from that, we're not seeing um what other districts are

078seeing. We we are somewhat held harmless until I believe it's the third year. And it's not we just we still we gain but it's not the the projections were like favorable and and and okay in that aspect. And because we were down in Columbus, like was there any updates about when we are going to know more information? I mean, what do they say? >> We um the Senate's finishing up their >> they they finished their session. I believe they were going back. >> They did. They passed four. >> They passed four. Um about the 20 mil floor. So, our substitute levy now counts for the 20 mil floor. They passed one on inside millillage growth u capping inside millillage but it wasn't the um hard cap that was before it was a little bit more

079realistic. Uh they passed they took in any income tax for districts that have income tax. They they don't count it towards the 20 mill floor anymore. It was before >> and they gave some powers back to the county commission um in terms of what they can do with tax and I forget what the fourth one was. They just passed today. >> Okay. >> And I read up and I was like, "Oh, I should mention those." And then I forgot. >> Yeah. Okay. >> We don't have any money in here for the casement. >> No. >> Correct. Right. We're not they they've not broken ground yet is to my knowledge. So >> So that can only be a positive to this. Correct. >> Yeah. Okay. That was because we have that schedule. >> Yeah. Real revenues.

080Real meaning hitting a million dollars are going to be five, six years out from that development. We'll get a little bit as we start to go. >> They are behind schedule. They were supposed to >> They're on schedule. Little update. Okay. So, they had a little sewer issue, okay, which is probably what you heard about and you were talking about. So, they they that was taken care of. >> Originally, when they had met with us, they said they expected students to be coming in at the end of 2026 and they're on schedule for that. >> Okay. So, and then my last question is just for clarity for the public, we're looking at moving from eight classrooms to potentially 12 depending depending >> depending on what the studies say um and what the out, you know,

081what the board ultimately decides. Um but as the plan states right or is stated right now which is board approved is eight classrooms. So that is what is sitting that's what the contractors have and are doing until something changes. But the idea behind passing additional the approval for additional dollars is to add classrooms, >> completing some studies and adding additional classrooms. >> And and then I know on the agenda we're going to start seeing being, you know, headed towards second semester retirements. Um >> there are a lot on tonight and a lot of people in the room who are on those agendas. So yes. >> And um so that's we can't factor that in yet how that's going to look. Yeah. Typically, retirements outside of having to pay severance. Um, you know, a $100,000 person's

082replaced by a $65,000 person. Not trying to put a dollar on top of your heads, teachers, but I mean, just from a mathematical perspective, >> you put it you put it this way, the end of a career and the beginning of a career. >> Sure. It only makes sense. and and knowing early who we have on these lists makes it a whole lot easier for us because then we can go out and recruit earlier and get them um out of, you know, out of get good ones out of college so we can have them ready to go. Um it's a lot easier in the earlier months and and kind of get our get our recruiting down earlier than it is in June. So, >> um, my last question is if we proceed to the resolution

083later and determine that the board wants to pass that, it's going to mean that the construction process doesn't start immediately because we have a lot more questions to ask. Correct. >> You there's an awful lot that could get mobilized and going quickly. um and still be able to pivot. Now, how long it can pivot, that's a question for the architects and for Cleveland Construction, but there's an awful lot that needs to take place before you'd be in a position where we couldn't go to 10 classes or 12 classes, >> right? and and down in Columbus, uh Ryan from Ven Design said that, you know, the playground at Buckeye would not be impacted um initially be with what they would be doing is preliminary work. >> So at the beginning of construction, the existing play playground

084would not be interrupted. >> Right. Right. >> They were saying the playground will not be interrupted at Buckeye during initial construction. >> During the very start, right? >> Yeah. Um Okay. Um, just one clarification. I'm sure it's just an oversight. >> Uh, on the PI, you have the Buckeye Melidge 12 million financed 25 years and I think you're stating 15 million 30 >> if it goes to that. >> Well, I'm saying because the 955 >> that would be that's the number for the 1530. >> Yeah, those are Yeah, those are those are the high numbers, right? Those are 30 25 and 15 million is what that reflects. And then u the the forecast doesn't go out far enough to pick up the 991, but that would come later. >> Right. >> Okay. All right. Um

085is that it? >> Yes, sir. >> Any more questions? Uh public comment. 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. >> I guess this is the podium. >> Congratulations to the winners of the school board election. and I'm exceedingly happy with the outcome and wish you, the returning members, faculty, teachers, and staff, Godspeed on your mission to educate our students. I want to recognize and thank the stakeholder alliance. Dog gun, I'm proud of you people. You guys came together, conservatives and liberals, saw through the BS that keeps us divided and became a team. We focused on a goal and succeeded as a unified front. Congratulations and thank you, Mr.

086Fishell. Begrudgingly must also render thanks to you, sir. You remind us that we need the haters to inspire us to keep going forward. Speak truth to power and stand up and fight. Like the sunrise, we predicted what you do and you didn't disappoint. Did you actually believe that George Davis and Lorettto Eiffel funding your campaign fundraiser at his residence wouldn't enrage the electorate? George and Ler sure as hell knew it would. How about the fact you defied your own focus group and impacted the surplus of the permanent improvement fund to build a Riverview addition years early? Did you ever ask yourself the question, are they funding me to win or only to think I could win? Sometimes blood is thicker than water. You manipulate, you manipulated this board, the district email system, funneled untold thousands

087through multiple packs, sent tens of thousands of hit pieces and your own political fluffery. You directly spent more than $10 a vote a vote for a meager fifth place showing. What kind of an idiot does that? Oh, you do. How much would 202 of those votes cast for me have been worth to you? I got 632 votes and I didn't spend a penny. I didn't spend the gas to reuse my campaign science, didn't work the polls. I used my engineering degree to conduct the risk analysis and concluded the statistical probability that if I didn't campaign, my name on the ballot would strip more votes from your crew than from the winners. Was I right? We may never know. I'm proud I came in dead last in this election. I gained 631 reasons why my ex-wife

088is wrong. And you, sir, you and your cuckolds are defeated twice. You should be aware that your campaign donors and pack cutouts aren't the only people with power and money in this town. A lot of people outside this room are paying attention. People you're going to desperately need if you have any hope to continue your political aspirations. Yeah, right. At this point, you're best moved to stand down. Every unlawful thing you've done in these last two elections has a statute with years left to run. You're about to give the people with more power than you have a reason to act. Oh, and I also found out something about you, Miss Brewster. Did you try to scam the school board back when you were an employee here to send you to England to a teacher symposium

089and foot the bill for it and get you out of the last two weeks of teaching school only for the board to find out that you really wanted to go there for a friend's wedding? I'm going to ask you to stop. >> That's enough. >> Anyone else? >> No. Go ahead. away. >> Good evening everyone. Matt Ozinga, for those of you that don't know, I'm uh president of the Riverside Local Education Association. I have a question tonight. And that question is, what's it like to be Denise Brewster? It must be a little like making a deal with the devil. I've never met him. Must be frustrating to know that my thoughts and actions aren't my own, that I answer to somebody else. As you sit here in front of all these people, the teachers, Facebook,

090parent groups, community members who th so thoroughly trounce everything you were told that would work. To watch your benefactor go down in a blaze of electoral glory must be difficult. It must be confounding to be told that the community isn't interested in your brand. When just a few years ago, you were told that the only way you could win was to embrace fraudulent, phony conservativism. Well, now it seems you have a choice. Your benefactor is everything wrong with modern politics. A person completely uninterested in anyone other than themselves, acting as if they are on a holy crusade to save the Riverside School District from itself. masquerading as a conservative while spending or sending the school district into deficit spending and running up debt. A person completely uninterested in children, the school district, staff, or the

091administration and only interested in exercising power. A person who is acting like an impetuous child who isn't getting the candy they want from mommy in the checkout line at Giant Eagle. The way I see it going forward, it's your reputation on the line. Your benefactor got beat and he lost. He played the game poorly and suffered the consequences. You have a choice. Instead of participating in this ridiculousness, you can put a stop to it. You know what's going on is wrong. The question is, will you do anything to stop it? Why are you still believing the lies of your benefactor? Why are you ruining your reputation? You have a choice. Scott Fishell doesn't matter. You've got two more years on the board. You can't run and hide on January 1st. The final chapter of your

092your reputation is going to be is about to be written again. Another choice. Stop saying yes to Scott. Do what's right. Stop this lunacy. Or be forever remembered as Scott Fischel's lackey who couldn't think for herself and was too cowardly to do what was right. Remember, your power is gone. Last I checked, the winners get to write the history. Good evening. My name is Crystal Archer of Belmore Street, and I'm here tonight as a parent, a homeowner, and someone who spent years volunteering and supporting our schools. I truly care about the students and this community. And I hate public speaking. But here we are a year later. Many of us are deeply disappointed in the decisions over the past year made by Mrs. Brewster, Mr. Fishell, and Mr. Keaty. What I'm especially upset about is

093knowing how hard parents and volunteers work to fundra for schools all year long. I know the budgets are millions here, but when we all volunteer and put all our time into it, you know, maybe just a few hundred thousand's not a big deal to you guys, but why are we continuing to waste funds on things like the LLB resources at $250 an hour to send subpar redundant communications and no proof of efficacy? And this isn't just about dollars. It's about integrity, justice, or well, integrity, judgment, and priorities. So, I speak mostly to Miss Brewster since you'll be the one that's remaining on the board in January and um Miss Graassi and Miss Krennky, of course, also, but at times, Miss Brewster, you seem to be considering and doing what's morally right, but then fail to

094fall to the party line. I'm not talking about Republican versus Democrat. the Republican voters, myself included, made it known on election day that we don't just support any Republican candidate and that the Lake County Republicans should choose some better candidates to get behind. Um, so and we want our school board to be positive examples for our children. And speaking of positive examples, this one just after watching Dr. Thompson today, I think you bring a great vibe and welcome. Thank you for um explaining a lot of the terms that some of us might not have known. And um Dr. Aino, over the years, while we might not always 100% agree on everything, I'll chase you down. We'll talk it out and things and you know, there's still something on the books. But um when the shooting

095happened at Riverview Elementary last year, where my son goes to school or he did that year, um he was riding his scooter through there at that time and our friends were dropping their kids off, things like that. Dr. Dr.ino led the board and everyone there and it was like a welloiled machine and we thank you for that. So in closing um again welcome to the new school board members next year and Miss Brewster please take time to consider what you are voting on and vote with your heart and your morals not political alliances. This is your time to shine. If not, we'll make sure make the same promise that we did last year and it'll be our new side hustle to ensure that you are not reelected in the future. >> Thanks. >> Anyone else?

096>> Hello. How are everyone tonight? Uh my name is Jeff Jordan. Um I'm a resident. I have three kids in the district. Uh in the aftermath of a decisive election, our community sent a clear message about uh the direction it wants the district to go. And that me that message should have ushered in a respectful transition, one focused on stability, transparency, and honoring the will of the voters. Uh but instead of accountability or collaboration, we've watched a scramble behind closed doors and an effort to direct blame anywhere but where it belongs. Uh that lack of transparency, especially at a time like this when we're getting ready to usher in two new board members, erodess trust. And I'm here to tell you that as a community, we expect better from all of you. We expect a

097decision that puts students first, not politics. We expect that major leadership choices uh will not be made by uh board members whose terms are nearly over. Uh and we expect those that are leaving uh leave with integrity. uh not with actions that bind the hands of those who have uh who have been elected. Thank you. Okay. Anyone else? >> Okay. Uh >> monthly finance report. >> We got one more. >> Sorry, a little indecisive, but I'll >> Hi friends. Hi, I am Nicole Boyage, Nikki Boyage. Um, I have three children in the district. Um, and I'm a resident obviously. Um, I just I didn't have anything planned, but I really just want to let you guys know that when I'm raising my children, I raise them for accountability and integrity. And I really have, as

098a parent, and as someone who is new, I I fostered and adopted my children. So, I'm a new parent. So granted, I could get this wrong, but I should have expected more from the leaders of our school board um to help in prospering our community. And the last couple of years, it's felt decisive and divisive. Sorry, decisive. Divisive. And I don't appreciate it. So I would encourage, you know, I know that everyone is trying their hardest. I would at least that's in my heart of hearts what I expect and what I'm telling myself to believe. But I would really really hope that the remaining individuals of this board take into account the the voice of the um constituents that you guys are helping the voice of the students and really take integrity and accountability. Um,

099I don't think that people in this volunteerish role um have malicious intent until you show me that you have malicious intent. And it's been really hard to overlook some of those actions, words, statements, and uh backings that have come up. Um and and you are getting more younger families into the district um that are going to be more um well they're going to be more affluent, more um well spoken, more educated than I, I'm sure. Um but you are going to be getting new individuals into this district and they're going to be millennials. they're going to be younger than some of the people that you're currently trying to um support, I guess, through your actions on the board. And I just want to make it aware that that we talk and um we're not very

100happy with it. So, please continue to support our teachers because our teachers are what makes the school district wonderful. And please continue to act with integrity and accountability and as a team as a team. Like this is not this is not okay. Like it's really not. Um the the you're here, you're here. It's we're a school district and I'm a Republican. Like I I I get it, but no. Like this is not the place. This is not the time for any of that. So, thank you all. >> Monthly finance reports and check register check payment register report. >> I think this is a consent agenda. >> Consent agenda, Mr. President. >> Sorry. Consent agenda. >> Finance consent agenda A through >> A through a lot. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. Uh, I make a motion to

101approve the items uh listed A through I on the finance audit consent agenda as recommended by the treasury. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I'd just like to publicly thank the people for their donations. We've got some dollars from Kate Stewart to the academic capital team. We have some funding from an anonymous donor to the Riverside Veterans Memorial Fund and we have quite a number of donations from the Buser Family Foundation to the Care Closet Culture Creators and Sidekicks for Connecting Kindness and Culture Playbook um for the Valentine's Day dance and for the side program for upcoming project needs. So, thank you to all of them. Any other discussion? Hearing none, please take the role. >> Mr. Fishell, >> I. >> Mrs. Grassy, >> I. >> Mr. Keaney, >> hi.

102>> Miss Brewster, >> hi. >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Motion carries 5. >> Consent agenda personnel. Uh, I make a motion to approve items listed A through G listed on the personnel consent agenda as recommended by the superintendent. Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Uh, Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> A through G. >> I believe it's G's. Let's go. So F, A through F, right? >> A through F. >> F. Oh, >> excuse me. A through F. You sit corrected. Yeah, I Oh, yeah. I sit corrected. >> A through F. Okay. Second. >> Any discussion? >> I would like to just congratulate those teachers who have um who are on the agenda tonight to retired. Uh one kind of technicality, Mrs. Javor is also um although she is resigning,

103she is retiring. She's learned she's taught a long time at Riverside's been a staple and it's going to be hard to replace. Um along with um Mrs. Burka and Mrs. Watson. I know we have others who we had we got your paperwork but um didn't make it this time. We'll get you out in December so you're can skip oz. We'll make sure we get that for you so you're all set. So congratulations early and we will celebrate you again in May and it'll be a fun party and I just want to say that the finance department which you wouldn't believe the number of people that want to come in and work in the finance department like pretty much the whole school district wants in there but um so we had your interview actually line up

104for interviews. >> Yes they did. We were down the hallway. It was crazy. But we hired um um April who is out of the high school office and doing extremely well, picking things up quickly and just been a really a nice breath of fresh air. So, we're excited in our little department to have another good team player. Also on there is uh Mr. Slug is resigning as a bus driver. So, we do have an opening. So, if anyone's looking for some fun, get your CDL and, you know, feel free to drive in with kids. It's a great time. >> Yeah. >> Especially in the winter. >> Put me on the curvy roads in Leroy, please. >> Take the role anytime you like. >> Thank you, sir. Oh. Oh. Miss Brewster. >> Hi, >> Mr. Keaney.

105>> Hi, >> Mrs. Kreninski. I >> Mrs. Gracy >> I >> Mr. official >> I >> motion carries 50 >> consent agenda curriculum and programming >> no I don't >> there are no there were no >> there are no there are no items where are they moving on there were none to approve it yeah section there was furniture and things she's gone rogue >> uh consent agenda buildings and grounds make a motion to approve the items listed on the buildings and grounds operations consent agenda as recommended by the superintendent items A and B. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Can you call the role? >> Yes, sir. >> Mr. Fishell, >> I. >> Miss Brewster, >> I. >> Mr. Keaney, >> hi. >> Mrs. Gracie, >> I >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. Motion

106carries 5. >> First reading of new revised board policies. >> Any any questions? These are these are the transportation policies um from Neola. >> These are mostly wrote >> wrote mostly wrote um adding a couple things uh here dealing with buses and just a little bit of revision. Nothing nothing of note. >> Okay. So that's done. Board of Education business. Um we have uh an amendment to the agenda and we have two other items. So the first item is hack excavating resolution to approve a purchase order with hack excavating and demolition inc for the removal of the office trailer at Mel Ridge Elementary School. Removal of the hold down peers. filling of the resulting holes with bank gravel and restoration of the area to its original condition at a total cost of 16,500. Can I

107get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Can you call the role? >> Mrs. Keski, >> I >> Miss Brewster, >> I >> Mr. Keaney, >> I >> Mr. Fishell, >> I >> Mrs. Gracy, >> I. Motion carries 50. >> Second item is Armor Lighting Armor Linings resolution to approve a purchase order with Armor Linings, Inc. for a 4-year contract for the undercoating of 50 school buses per year at a cost of 17,900 annually. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Will they be doing that on-site? >> Onsite. Can you take the the role? >> Yes, sir. >> Miss Brewster, >> I. >> Mr. Fishell, >> I >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> Nay, >> Mrs. Gracy. >> I >> Mr. Keaney. >> Hi. >> Motion carries 41. Then we have the

108uh agenda amendment item um which was passed out. So I would like to take some time to read it >> um before we move on. Has everyone read it? >> No, >> I just received it tonight. >> Okay, Mr. McIntyre and correct me if I am incorrect, please. Um the language is simply the language that was passed before it. It's identical. It's just a different number. That's the only difference between that and the original uh resolution. >> I I have a question on that. It says um additional classrooms and a gymnasium. So there's no specificity as to the additional classrooms. That's correct. >> And so my recommend my personal recommendation would be conduct our studies. Difficult to make a decision about exactly how many classrooms when for example you don't even know if the green

109space is there for example >> to extend or the size of the there's a lot of technical questions that someone smarter than me is going to have to answer. >> Okay. So, um, I was involved in this from very beginning. >> Yes, sir. >> We ran several different scenarios on where we could place classrooms, how many, what that site would uh, hold. Um, then it was turned over to the uh, Buckeye committee. They uh, studied it and they came up with the a classroom addition with the um, full-size gymnasium. So, in trying to maximize the use of that space, uh, eight classrooms is it. And I'm going to tell you, you're going to waste a lot of money on studies and you're going to end up back where you're at. Uh, number one, the existing

110storm drainage, uh, we are going to keep utilizing. We're going to redirect from the parking lot to meet the existing. We got the okay with the uh storm water for that. So all we have to we don't have to detain that water. But the new addition and the other things there we do have to detain that water. So where do you put that? Originally, it was proposed immediately behind the um the gym area and it was originally not sized right. It was too small. So, where does it go from there? because that would have taken away any field space, any any play areas other than the playground which the playground as it is uh will be reduced in size and the configuration will be much different. The um so where does where does all that

111water go? You have to find a place. So okay well let's just put it back in the woods. The first study was let's put it along the westerly property line and it went from where the woods begins clear to the end of the property line and it was about 120 ft wide. So that would have been all clear. Well, we come to find out that there's potential wetlands there. So, we can't do that there. And so we had to look at a little bit more. And we um thought, well, to maximize use of field area and maybe a little bit of woods area for the kids, let's put it all the way in the back on the eastern half, the north half of the eastern half. That way it's out of sight, out of mind

112for the most part. Well, the original site uh design for that I thought, okay, that's that's not too bad. It, you know, it'll fit in there pretty good. Well, you know, they forgot to figure something and then it ended up a lot bigger. So, it's very big. Now, if you try to add any more structure to that site, you're going to have to then redirect the old drainage because you're going to interfere with it no matter what you do back to the detention pond, which is will only be like half the size of what it needs to be. So you totally blow out the woods on the east side and that's so you wouldn't have any woods left at all and you would have a much diminished field size. And so I'm saying the professionals

113looked at this. They went through all different scenarios. You can spend a lot of money doing these other studies and it's not going to come up any different. You're wishing for something that is not financially feasible. You can do anything you want if you spend enough money. But is that what we're here for? Is just throw money at a problem and maybe it'll be fixed? No. No. You're just going to throw money as >> Okay. I just want to caution everyone. If you interrupt the meeting, we'll have to clear the room. >> Okay. Please. as approved and ready to break ground. You have an eight classroom addition and a full-size gymnasium with expanded parking. The expanded parking, that's as big as you're going to get. I don't care how many, you know, rooms you add

114over there. The the parking that's proposed is as big as you're going to get. That site is maximized. It has physical limitations due to size and other constraints. uh maximum uh productivity is what has been designed and approved. Uh financial feasibility the only way to go is what we have already approved. I'm sorry to say that to you. If we looked at this 9 months ago and they says, "Let's do it all at once," we could have come up with that $15 million and we'd have done it all and it wouldn't have been a problem. But it would have been all with eight classrooms because you're not going to get 12 there. But go ahead and spend the money if you think that's what you're going to get, but you're not going to get it.

115So let me just add that originally when we started working on this um I had meetings with uh Miss Smolan who's the principal over there and what was determined with her was that eight classroom is what eight classrooms is what was desired and what she needed. So we did look at cuz I originally brought 12 and and I said well what if we do 12 and and it was reduced down to eight after a lot of discussion with the administration administration being the principal of the school. So there was a lot of work done on that and there's I would have to say that sometimes money can enough money can overcome some obstacles and sometimes it doesn't matter how much money there is the obstacles won't be overcome. What surprised us a little bit was

116that the the wetlands designation or pro probable designation took away would that take away? >> It took away an acre >> close to it. Yes. >> Okay. The property is only 8 and a half acres as it is. And so you you lost a considerable amount of space um from losing that area. And so what I would say is if if we had that area >> that would be a benefit, but the cost to overcome that it's not feasible. >> Yeah. So just putting information out. It's it's just a general discussion with info. So you just know what the process was and and how we got here. >> Would it make sense to do the formal wetland study like was recommended? No. from the walk through. >> No, >> to get the actual designation of

117what of what that space is. >> Here again, throw some more money at it, but you're gonna get the same answer. >> So, um, when is it the same woman that did the investigation as before? >> It's the same at Riverview. It was the same company um recommended by TDA to do a >> Do you know if it was the same person? >> I think it was a different person for the >> Okay. Yeah. I was just looking for some consistency of thought. >> Sure. >> You know, if someone had spoken with her. >> I I spoke with the person who did it who mentioned in the report he noticed a little bit. He said it potential, but he would recommend the full study just to have the paper in hand. Riverview was a lot

118easier because there was absolutely nothing and it was a form for that. So they their their recommendation was >> to continue with a full study and and to go ahead and and look and see what that is and how big the scope of the issue would be. So, do you know how long it takes for a full study? >> I I do not have that information off the top of my head. No, I know it's a couple of months, I believe, at least, but I don't know. >> Yeah. Um Okay. So, anyway, justformational. >> Yeah. I just wanted to add um in working with um Ryan from um TDA um he did not recommend if you remember with that long corridor with eight classrooms um you get to a point where you really want to

119go up now. >> Wait, wait, wait, wait. Are you talking about the east portion? >> The the east portion where the the eight classrooms are. So, if there were going to be two to four added um on that side or even if you do two there and two on the the library side, he he had some concerns about the length of the quarter. He >> without going >> he he did mention that he also said that with the that you could put two there with that that setting um and still have a building look like scale. If you go to 12, it looks a little it just won't look right. He says 10 will fit on the site with the potential um with the current plan that's there and not interfere with the land that

120could be a wet land. It could not be. >> Yeah. >> So, you did mention that. And with that long corridor and the windows that face the current playground um if that's going to be have to be utilized for playground that I know Riverview Parkside they make sure that the windows where kids are learning that they're not distracted by the playground the noise the whole thing and that is a very tight space. So, um, you know, the idea was that we were going to be able to utilize the space out there beyond the library, um, for a baseball field because it's going to need to be replaced. Uh, definitely the basketball court. And if we have wetlands back there, we're going to be limited in what we thought could have been a soccer field. Um,

121so, you know, I want to make sure that we are um, you know, thinking about the kids. And if you're only talking about Buckeye, if you're going to be adding in additional students from Melidge, then you're also compounding that by having limited space. I >> think that's why >> it's important for those kids. >> I think that's why Mr. Thompson was was proposing the green space study as well as a traffic study to make sure that that whole area could >> Yeah. And I know that we were concerned about um the current lunchroom and knocking out the stage to make more room over there. Um but the fact is that if we're adding that many more students, how is that going to affect that smaller gym which was now going to be a lunchroom because

122we're going to have a real gym um with the stage? We certainly don't want. >> So my understanding is the issue with that um is they would they have limited amounts of lunches there because that space is used for the gym. You have both separate spaces. You add you add additional lunches like are at our larger schools. So they have lunches that are a little bit they have more lunch times instead of because you don't have to clean up and then you have to switch over into the gyms. You can add easily add additional lunch sections. I mean, the only thing we have to keep in mind is that, you know, Riverview and Parkside, they were built from scratch. They have an unbelievable amount of space. We actually made the gym at Parks or at

123Buckeye very as similar as we could to that design, but you can't do that with the interior of Buckeye. It is what it is. It's an older building. But what we want to get rid of is, you know, we do have even our officer can't be in the front because of those windows. It's like a greenhouse. It's so hot in that room. >> They're not in the They're They're not in the front at um your park site either. The officers kind of stationed off to the side. I think it's Yeah, I agree. It's >> But you can't have instruction in there. It's just too >> No, we need to have those instructions. >> But, you know, we also had drywalled um areas on each side of the stage so that we could have um support

124services like you were mentioning. You know, that we need the proper space. we can't keep jamming um all these support services for kids and pods and things like that. And what I don't want to do because the whole intent of this was to rightsize the district and not create um you know space issues again and and then you know we've got four interventionists in one room trying to work with kids and or we're taking away a library that is a nice library and we're throwing it in a classroom or a different space because we want to add on some more classrooms. So, I I just want to protect, you know, I I want to rightsize the district and I don't want to get an A in overcrowding again. >> Can I ask a couple things?

125>> Yep. >> So, this this agreement is strictly for the cops. I want I want to make clear that this is just the cops. The TANS is already that's already been approved. This is just an amendment. >> Yes. Yes. We said the it is amending the amount for the cops the TANS is set because of the 10-year statutory requirement, you know, and we don't want to, you know, >> and that was already approved by the >> that was already approved anyways. >> Okay. Cuz I I I had asked Miss Grassy cuz I saw the number 13,750 and she said, "Yeah, the TANS is already approved. This is the cops." >> That's correct. >> So then I have a couple of other questions. So, we're all speculating about a lot of things, but our construction team

126had some things to say about it. Correct. >> Um, about pricing and about the ability to get this done for that amount of money. >> Correct. >> About the ability to do what we're considering. Can you elaborate on that just a little? I mean, I I know we can't speak for them fully and you can't they haven't done their all of their due diligence yet. >> Can you at least expound on what they've had to say about what that proposal would look like? >> Yeah. When you uh when you sent the email out for us to ask into, you know, Mr. for some of the information and costs as well as what it would look like. Um, in looking at that, they're estimating that 15 million would cover the cost of a an additional four

127class addition off the library if if desired there as well as a re redoing of the entire inside building so that is wrapped up and buttoned up roof windows, floors um to that aspect. Um, it does it is not uh if we were to add two classrooms on to the one side because that's what the property could hold. That's what the traffic study reveals with the green space study. That's about another additional $660,000 according to Mr. Ratchi. Kind of that was his estimate from that. His estimates have been pretty close. Um in addition to the 2 to3 million that he would look for the full complete renovation of of the bu of the inside spaces >> and and that would then allow us to consider consolidating Buckeye and Melidge at the same time. We would

128we could look into considering that as well as um look into even some redistricting. We have some buildings that are that are decreasing in in their enrollment. Um their enrollment is kind of trending down so we could shift some areas around. Not necessarily a full boore redistric like happened when we opened up our center but shifting some fringe areas to other buildings. Moving some students to get those class sizes down to where where we would study. These are ideal. So the library would become a hallway, right? >> No. >> Yeah, it would. If you're going to go out the back of the library, the library becomes a hallway. >> If that were the four classroom initi that's the direction you're going, I'm telling you that's going to be your limitation and what that's what you're

129going to give up. So I'm just saying we've been through all of these scenarios. We have been >> well the part part of what what we're talking about right now is the 80s is that an 80s edition >> 90s >> '90s edition it's irregularly shaped. It's very difficult to attach to and um inevitably if there is a structure added on there you're going to lose part of that library. It's inevitable. And part of what we're what's being discussed right now is how do you go down the hallway and the library is here? And if you had classrooms here, how do you get to the classrooms? Are you going to go around the library? You're going to go over the library or are you going to go through the library? >> And the architect thought that

130adding on to the library because of that uh irregular structure was not recommended. >> Yeah, the architect was very much against that. >> Recommend that. Um >> I mean we went through all the all the scenarios >> but one of the things that when we were talking um you know at the end of last year we were um discussing uh whether uh some classes who wanted to team teach could use the library and then um you know we just put the library in a classroom but um you know in talking to a lot of kids because I'm at a lot of games with the number of grandchildren I have that and Most of them were Buckeye. They did not like the idea of losing their library. They love their library. And you know, Buckeye has

131a library. The the type of libraries that are at Riverview and Parkside, we are not creating equitable space. >> Well, and I I would say too the addition to the back and could be the STEM lab with the door connected to a larger space that could be used as a new library and then turn those into classrooms. Look, kind of repurposing some of that space. That could be something that uh that in talking with Ryan, he seems to feel like he's got some ideas um that he's kind of bouncing. >> He'll turn out anything you want. Just pay the money. >> Yeah, >> that's what I'm telling you. He'll turn out anything you want to see >> within the within the price range that we had mentioned. >> So, Roger, >> both of those people

132do believe that >> most things come down to money, right? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So, >> all right. So, I have one more thing I wanted to talk about. um this whole idea of um merging Mel Ridge into Buckeye. I mean, everything I've heard of that everybody wants is communication, but how many people are from Buckeye or Mel Ridge or have kids going to Buckeye or Mel Ridge? All right. So, that's not the whole school. And when you have a meeting like we had last year, you know, there there were less than 10 people there. Um, so I guess, you know, I mean, I would feel that they would want to weigh in. This is dramatically changing their school. Um, and and where they attend. And most of the feedback we had, especially, you know,

133with Mel Melridge was that they like their neighborhood school. And, you know, the thing I don't want to see happen is that, you know, we're going to relocate our board office. I know you want out of the high school, but we have a perfectly good house next door that construction-wise could be um definitely added on to doesn't have to meet the specs of a school building. Could be a beautiful board office um but it keeps them on campus where I feel it's important. When you have an emergency, you're here. You're not out at Melidge. And then if Mel Ridge, you know, if we bring our preschools back there, you know, we had a problem when they were isolated at Hail Road and so then we brought them to Buckeye and Melidge so they weren't isolated

134and now it's looking like we would possibly isolate them again. So, you know, I mean, there's a lot of thought that needs to go into what we're doing with that space. >> There is feedback from those parents. There is opportunities at Mel Ridge to increase some space there. Physically, there is enough room. Not for any more parking, but you can add some real classrooms and maybe a gymnasium there. You'd have to uh get real creative with a detention. You may have to go down at the bottom of the hill, but it could be worked out. So, there's opportunities there and a lot less money than, you know, going somewhere else. So justformationally speaking, when you held the meetings at the different schools and the meeting at Mel Ridge was held, uh I spoke with a

135couple parents in the parking lot and uh I asked them uh what their thoughts were about keeping Mel Ridge or not. And those two parents uh said that they different families, not not not a couple. Uh they they said that they definitely wanted to keep their school. So what I did because I was only talking with two people. There were only about 10 people there and some of the people were not from Melidge. What I did then is I walked the neighborhood and I asked people who lived in the neighborhood, did a little survey about did they want to keep the school or not keep the school, merged or whatever it might be. And not one person said no. Everyone said they wanted to keep their neighborhood school and that includes people that didn't have

136kids. So, um I did speak with someone else um that has a family that has kids there and that person told me um just because I happened to run into them that they wanted to keep their neighborhood school. So, I'm just saying getting community feedback. Everyone's here, right? Community feedback is really important. Do we want the community feedback from Melidge, their community or not? and Buckeye if they want to >> well and Buckeye too for more kids. But uh so I'm just putting it out there for information sake because sometimes we want something and we'll disregard other other pieces of information just because we want something. Right. >> I I I think that's fair. I would I think that's I think in our capital improvements plan that we voted on one of the things it

137clearly says is Melidge has a future in our district. We don't we're not aware of what it is but it does definitely has a future and everyone is saying that Millage is going to have a future. >> So and there's different uses different opportunity agree that that's actually mentioned a different use the other day that no one had ever thought of. Maybe it's an intermediate school. >> Who was that? Oh defin >> yeah I was like wow that's a you know that's a so I think yes absolutely when we say that >> um Melidge has a role in this district. It does. Do I, you know, we were um at the people think that we're it wants to be the board office. That was a spitball of an idea that I don't know if that's

138the answer or not. I don't know if it is a good answer. I think that's a that's where studies come from and we can do a lot of different studies to to make that out there. I think in hearing some of the community feedback, it is about, you know, kind of looking at that plan. Our plan said 8 to 12 classrooms. Um I know Mrs. Small one said eight would fit the needs that she has. Um I also know that 12 would really be impactful if we can make it on the site and the the construction professional said it that uh it will fit on the site. Um I think it is fair to see what that site looks like. Um I am not an expert in in the field of what needs to go

139into that. I that's why I trust those professionals who say that that they're there. But I think having those mockups and SketchUps and potentially not dragging it out but quickly moving it um because we do have a GMP and it is a could be a change order to make it work that way. I think that's a that's a quick way to do it to really get a lot of feedback. I know when we asked for feedback before we have it. I know that this is there's a lot of people here who if we can continue some of this to continue to get that feedback. I think that's great. I think that's what we need to be. We say we're one community pursuing greatness. We need to continue to do that and I think it's it's

140all of us involved. So I would be ultimately know let's have the meetings. Let's sit down um you know let's go over House Bill 920 and intricacies. We'll get Dr. Thompson there to kind of spell it out. would love to, but let I joke about it, but let's really sit down and talk. Um, listen quickly, mobilize, kind of get things going. But flexibility, I think, is key to all this um to make sure that this is what really is best for this community moving forward. And I think that's that's a key. Okay. >> So, what we have >> I would like to know that um each Buckeye and Melidge parent would be contacted and have an opportunity like they understand what is being discussed and that they would be allowed to have >> we will

141set up different sessions to have them in person. We will have >> so they understand what's being proposed. >> We will we will walk through all of what they need. And I I don't believe it's just Buckeye and Melidge. I do believe that anything we do and we've talked about this a little bit. We've danced around it. Casement's coming. We know it is. That's a lot of homes. That's a lot of rooftops. It's going to slowly work its way in. Mr. Fisher, you said end of 26. That's end of next year. >> Kids are supposed to start coming in the end of 26. >> Is correct. So, it's going to start impacting where we are. It is going to truly impact our enrollment. Um, the same way that that Heisley Park did, although I would

142say >> larger scale. Um, in that what I know is in looking at enrollment trends at Buckeye, it it hit the height when Heisley Park first kind of started. Now that school is actually getting smaller. Its enrollment is going down as the Heisy Park that that area matures. Um, and we start to see less of, you know, the equilibrium look and change. And I think that's the key to the study is also with case spin of the houses. What types of families are moving in there? Are they young families or are they are those houses at a price point where they're older families? So, we won't go through all of that, but we basically have figured >> one point I think it was 1.3 kids. >> Well, you have to guess how many because the

143development is a different kind of a development and it's not going to be like Heisley Park where there's a lot more kids. Okay, there's going to be fewer kids >> and it's slow >> and it again, you're not going to have the full effect at the end of 26. The next school year, you probably have about 24 to 26 kids coming in a year. Now, that doesn't mean one classroom. It'll be distributed. >> So, so you're hoping to get maybe six years out of Riverview before you might have to do something. I >> Okay. But then, okay, with the descending normal descension and the ascension from the development, you don't know where that's going to meet. >> But when you start getting out four, five, six years, you have more information to make an an

144intelligent decision, right? And at that point as we're out, I think that's the other part is where are the next this is this is kind of a a phase one. It's going to have to have continued phases. I absolutely agree that this is something that we can we can make work um and continue to build on. And I think that's what what we're hearing from kind of everyone is >> all the information being discussed, put on the table, different different thoughts, ideas, opinions, directions, all of that. So, and then maybe to kind of wrap it up a little bit because of how this construction would happen and if there's additional classrooms, it would not slow down the beginning of the project because those wouldn't go where the beginning is. And so, change orders, additions, whatever

145would want to be done could be done. That would allow for some time for study and and all of that. If if I could mention the other key point to this when I spoke with Roger about is if we are doing the entire building it the two summers would be um key to get that entire building completed so they could do the work over the summers to do >> there's a lot of work inside >> there is a lot of work and that that will give them the summer time and if the other classes are open shifting kids around I think that it's a it's a good thing that we're shifting four preschools out of Melidge to give space there um we may have to be creative and there may be you know we've talked

146about what are we going to do we're going to It's it going to be a lot of pivoting. We may get dizzy from pivoting so much. >> So, we want the least amount of disruption possible. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> And I think Roger's the guy for that. >> How are the interest rates at because I the bond console said it >> Well, they were down under four. They're up over four. They're up over 4.1 right now. So, we don't I mean, the payment will fluctuate some with that. It's not going to be a huge amount. Obviously, we would like it closer to four or even under if it could be, but they've been bouncing around and and it not and not always in what would be a normal common sense way. >> He he

147did mention you don't go chasing rates. >> Exactly. You can't chase you can't you can't figure it's fixed. It's not variable, right? >> No, it's it is the same. >> It's fixed once it's sold. >> It's fixed. Um it would be fixed insured and um looking for fiveyear options. Yeah. Five year options. not allowed to refinance for 5 years. You can at that point >> at that point, >> but okay, we can get into all that, >> but but to kind of bring us to a close here, um what we're with the resolution is just to change those dollar amounts. I think everybody agrees that we're we're in we're doing Buckeye. We're into it. Let's get it finished. Let's get it buttoned up. Let's get the funds. any studies that we have, I would love

148to get a hold of them. I I can compile them and put them all together and if there's studies that are done or or um data that we can let's make data driven decisions, you know, let's let's get those in, look at them, and some of them we may not have to do a full study on because we already know the information or >> but it'll be your job to acquire those studies. >> That's what I'm that's what I'm asking for. So, so I want to get all that together um and get and get this project going. But but I would respectfully ask this board to come together unified 50 and pass this. >> Um one of the things I want to just ask um there's a study for the traffic because the way Buckeye

149is situated, I mean you do have the line, it varies depending on what day and function. Uh because Mr. Ardino said he's in that line. Uh but then you also with Mel Ridge, you'd have people coming the other way and it's a bottleneck to get into even what we had unless there's a whole reconfiguration on that front yard. >> I I I would agree. I think that's one thing that needs to happen because >> Yeah. I one of the ideals would be separate bus and car drop off as well. >> Yeah. Well, and they need to look at Melidge, too, because I've been in that Melidge and you look at how Melidge and how many parents are over there. And then you add that to I we need to look at that. It's a real

150I'm telling you it's a bottleneck. >> I think we should put the littleer kids on drones and you can just fly them in the land. High school kids could fly them in a certificate. >> So, I would like I would just like to say a couple of things. So, there's a lot of pros and cons to this plan and I I get it. Um we've had a lot of individuals who have done a lot of work on this project. This project did not come about the way >> in the usual course of >> business I would think but at least from my perspective it is time for us to listen to the community. >> We have a lot of planning to do is what I'm hearing from this. Um, >> I I would like to

151place my faith in our administration and that this is the right thing to do. >> I'm not a big fan of indebting RPI fund, but I have decided that I would like to collaborate and get a project done that can move this district forward. And it is time to put all this garbage behind us. And I'm willing to do that. And if I'm willing to do that, I believe the rest of this board should be willing to do that. And it is not the ideal project that we had wanted probably from the beginning. But if this board and the future members of this board are willing to be more open and receptive to listening to what this community has to say, then maybe this was not all for not. So that's all we have to

152say. >> Yeah. And as long as that includes a concerted effort to engage those Buckeye engaging >> it has to has to >> and not just have five people show up. >> No, it must I agree. >> Um and then um you know I mean we heard a lot about bankrupting the district. Uh financial you know concerns. I even heard it tonight at the podium. Um and so now we're going to borrow three million more. But now everybody's on board. So, I just want to be clear that our treasur has all along said we are secure >> and I do believe that. That doesn't mean we're not levy imminent. We're going to need your help, but we'll push to 10 or 11 years before we ask. >> Thank you. I have one fan. I think

153>> I'd like to make an amendment to this resolution um where it says uh item A in the first paragraph additional classrooms. I'd like to amend that to say eight additional classrooms. >> Well, I mean we have eight on the plan. >> This for this is for different money. So I'm >> there's there's not a specificity. I'm trying to avoid a lot of >> heartache. I'm right here. >> Oh. >> So we have already seconded the Didn't we already second the resolution? Like we put the resolution up, but it was second. >> I don't think we've done that yet. >> We were just in discussion. >> We were just discussing. Well, at first I said I wanted to read it cuz I hadn't read it. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. So, we hadn't gotten there

154yet. >> I think you made a motion. >> Oh, I started to, but then we didn't go there and and I wanted to read this and so right now uh well, we obviously you made the motion we we amend. >> Correct. >> Okay. But we haven't made the motion to approve. I'm not I'm not sure adding limitations to this is in our best interest if we're going to increase the dollar amount of these funding. So I would not be in favor of that. So >> So you want >> I would I would go back to our the plan that the board approved the capital projects plan which does state 8 to 12 classroom addition. I think that that's in that's been important approved by everyone. >> We had a five to zero vote to approve

155eight classrooms in a gymnasium. >> All of a sudden, we didn't. >> Yes, we did. All of a sudden, something changed. >> No, we didn't. >> We did not. We went back and watched it. We did not vote yet. A I whatever on the um GMP the other day. It was 3-2. >> There was not a 5-0 ever. >> That was for the GMP. Correct. >> For the GMP. Okay. But anyway, I make the I I vote to or I make a amendment to the resolution to say eight additional classrooms. >> Second. >> Is that all right? I'm going to second it for discussion. So, what can you explain that? You're saying the eight that we >> eight classrooms maximizes the space. It gets us moving immediately on construction. The extra money then would be

156able to take care of the complete renovation of existing Buckeye over those two summers. I don't have a problem with the additional money, but additional classrooms are a no-go on that site. >> Yeah. And the thing about Are we in discussion then? Yes. >> Yeah. So, um, you know, I can see where there wouldn't be that much of an impact if you're saying two additional because you're you're basically saying there's eight. If you added two more on that wing, that's not going to impact that whole field. But if you add to that side, you are totally impacting that field. You're impacting the library. There's it it's >> doubling the detention size. Yeah, >> I think I I I think eight limits what you can do too much and it's >> Oh, what about 10? >>

157I think 10 would be >> I don't Can I just for one second? I don't think this can actually say a number of classrooms because because you're this is a lease purchase agreement and and you're going to be held and bound to whatever you put in here. >> I think I think that's a good idea to be bound to a classroom. I I I firmly believe that. Mr. McIntyre, is that true? >> Well, I think the better place for the limitation would be when you approve the GMP that would or the expenditure for those additional classrooms. So if if the answer ends up being two or maybe zero, whatever the feasibility studies show, then you would either approve or not approve when that expenditure comes before you as a potential resolution. I think these are

158I didn't write this. Your bond council wrote this. Um, but I believe bond council would recommend to you that you keep it general enough so that the monies could be used for that purpose just in case because this is what goes out to the investors so that they realize what the funds are available for. But you you as a board still control the final product that ends up getting built because you have to approve the GM Thank you for the clarification. >> Well, by the time you approve the GMP, you have finished drawings, you have your design. It's and you've spent money, more money again, um because we already had a design for the eight in the gymnasium. So, um you know, that's a little late to pull up stakes again. Another approach is that

159you know oftentimes you know an architect goes through different uh phases of their drawings. So they start out with like a schematic design phase which is just a pencil drawing you know site plan and then the board can require that that come back to the board for approval before you would move to the next phase of drawings. So if at that point the board was not comfortable with what this schematic design looked like then the board could stop it before additional money would be spent. Certainly way before the GMP would be >> well and you could conceivably if you're talking I don't know if you're talking a year from now I I don't know what your timeline is. You don't know how prices are going to be and what you can afford. The existing plans

160for original Buckeye to do the improvements are only maybe architecturally they're probably 80%. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing nowhere even close. You're two to three months out on that. So you're you're looking with if you're going to, you know, to go with this extra money, like I said, I don't have a problem with that. uh it's the additional classrooms because with that uh moving into next spring before you even are going to have a GMP for original Buckeye if you go full boore. You know as originally proposed we were going to do what we could do. I can understand wanting to go in and doing it all and but you know going through all of those other iterations you know it could be a year before you finally get a GMP >> understood. You know, another

161approach is that the board could approve the resolution as it's currently drafted and then um only approve a feasibility study for what this new improvement plan would look like w without really improve, you know, approving the expenditure of significant funds and then control the process that way. >> Yeah. And and I like that idea because in some ways I feel like we're putting the curve before the horse. I mean, we need to know what we can do before we tie our hands in this. So, >> but we know what we can do. >> Yeah. Well, I know based on what we've heard so far in those wish for. >> Yeah. That's all I'm saying. >> I agree. Have an amendment. >> So, what's on the table right now, Mr. president is to make an a

162an amendment to the resolution with the limitation of eight classrooms. So there needs to be it's been moved and seconded. So it needs voted on. >> Is there any further discussion on that? >> Do we have would there be an issue with if it does not go 50? Would there be an issue with bond council or the municipal adviser engaging with us? >> Can we amend it to 10? >> This this is an amendment. >> The amendment. >> We're not voting on it yet. This is the amendment. >> The amendment to >> this is just the amendment. >> So this is not this is the resolution to amend the agenda. The amend the amendment. >> You got that you you got that? >> I got it to see these minutes. Okay. >> I'm ready. Okay,

163let me take >> Can you take the role? >> Yes, sir. Uh, Mr. Keaney, so if you vote yes, you're voting to amend it to say eight classrooms. >> Well, then yes. >> Yes. >> Miss Brewster. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miss Mrs. Kreninski. >> Nay. >> Mr. Fishell. >> Nay. Mrs. Mrs. Grassi. >> Nay. >> Motion carries. 32. >> No fails. >> No. >> Motion failed. Two. Three. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I I >> I stand corrected. >> Motion fail. >> The motion went the way I wanted it to go is what I meant to say. Motion motion fails to three. >> So there is no eight >> eight limitation on the amendment. So, that brings us back to what we already started, which we've moved and seconded for help. >> I don't think we

164moved and seconded. >> We did. We didn't move and second. You're right. We did not move and second. >> There has not been a motion yet. And so, Miss Graassy, do you want to make a motion? >> Sure. I So, you want me to read this all again? >> No. >> It's already been amended. And right now what we're looking at doing is making a motion to approve the amendment as stated. >> As stated originally. Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Thank you, Mrs. Keski. >> Any discussion on that? >> I think we ran that horse dead. >> I think that horse has run its race. Right. Uh, I thought that I I liked what Dan had to say about um you know um that the additional classrooms were dependent on some

165of this preliminary thing. In other words, >> so so what we're hearing from the board is do some do some studies, bring it back. >> So >> talk about it in money is no object, gentlemen. Money is no object. Well, I I would I would rephrase that and say any study that's been completed, any study that reinforces what you're saying, please give me the study and then I don't have to do it. >> Okay. So, right now, what's going on is not so much that there have been studies, but it's it's my understanding at least that Dr. Thompson, our treasurer, is going to solicit and acquire a couple studies to see what the possibilities are or are not >> correct. >> Feasibility and and possibility >> as quickly as I can get it. >> So,

166where it is right now is those studies can be had if the project moves forward, none of the breaking ground and moving forward w with what needs to be done first would be affected. So, this would only be later in the process on the other side of the property, the east side of the property, which would allow time for studies to be gathered, and then the board at that point in time can decide what they want to do. >> That's correct. >> Or not do. >> I want I want to be clear for the community that this is a this is bond council providing a resolution so that we can actually go out and sell bonds. like it's not it's not we can't add language to that for let's add feasibility. So this is going

167out to investors. So this is like pretty much standard boilerplate language with our dollar amounts in here. So >> right you're not deciding how to spend it just to borrow >> to borrow it. So >> So when is this supposed to go out? >> Uh we would have to um see if we can re-engage. We re-engage and see when they can get the insurance. Um, it's >> probably going to take them two weeks to do their work. >> I would guess a little bit more with the holidays coming up. >> Plus or minus. >> Yes. >> We would also be asking for insurance with this issuance. >> Correct. >> You you Yes. So that's a technical that no one knows about. >> Like we didn't we didn't last. >> So it would probably take about

168two weeks plus or minus for them to do their work. >> And then after that they have to schedule. And the earliest they'd be able to schedule is a week out. So, it's a minimum of 3 weeks. It's most likely going to be a month. >> And it's and our Moody's, all the work we did with Moody's and the ratings that we have still stay in place. >> That all stays in place. None of that's affected. >> Still have a high grading. >> We We are >> very favorable in terms of that. >> We are November 20th. >> Okay. >> So, realistically, >> realistically, you're looking at about a month. So, maybe a little bit before Christmas. That would be the likely timeline. >> Merry Christmas. >> All right. Well, if there's no further discussion,

169Dr. Thompson, can we call the role, please? >> Well, I just want to clarify that. In other words, the um no work can be done until the bonds are sold. Correct. You're saying >> the only Okay, so let's back up. Okay. the original GMP was approved subject to the bond the financing being secured. So that's still in place. So once the financing is secured, that GMP can move forward. >> Okay? Even though >> Okay. And the way the the way the way that it's written is it leaves flexibility to do whatever building and or renovating you want to do. That's how it's written. >> Right now you can do anything you want to do with the money. on the one we approved >> the previous one that's already approved. >> Right. >> Okay. So, the

170money that's coming in it was it was a hybrid because the originally we were looking at that GMP as eight classrooms, a gymnasium, boiler, and renovations as much as we could get done with Buckeye and Melidge. So there you're allowed to use the money throughout the district the way you wanted. There was flexibility built in. This would not change that. that I just to clarify that 95 GMP >> that is for the eight classrooms, gymnasium, new water line, new boilers, but it's specifically spelled out as to what that is. There's a second GMP coming for the remainder of the renovations and that would include windows. >> I say corrected. Yes. So, thank you for that. And so, right, that was for the general construction and we were still working uh with the architect to get

171some specs so that we could find out how much renovation we could do, >> what it would and and specs would be given from the architect. >> Roger Riachi, the the owner's rep, would then go to Cleveland Construction and get a GMP for that and then we would know, you know, what it costs and how much we can do. So, that was the original 12 to 12.5 million. It's now being bumped to $15 million, okay, with other possibilities, whatever the board would decide to do. >> And that's dependent on the results of these studies and if there's any limitations. >> Right. Well, you want to be responsible and find out what you can and can't do. >> It may end up being eight classrooms. >> Yeah. >> And that's just entirely possible. I I would

172if I could just um in in in trying to put this deal back together. Um this is a weird ask. I don't think I've ever run into this in 30 years, but the the bond municipal advisors um want to have confidence in a collaborative together board and they've in my conversation today to pick right up and keep right on moving, which would save us a lot of time and money. Uh they would feel a whole lot more secure in a 50 vote. Is that fair to say, Dan? That that was our understanding. So, I know not I understand not everybody's getting what they want. But I assure you that my recommendations and and I know I can speak for Dr. Ratino. Regardless of what we think we want, if the studies show something different, we're

173not going to manipulate manipulate those studies or drive the district in a direction that's not good for the district or not good for our students. So, please I ask you to take that leap of faith in us and I'm asking for you to go 50. Yeah, it's an interesting statement because uh the representative from the bond council um asking for something like that is very unusual. >> It is >> because school districts do not default and not pay. >> That's correct. >> So for him to try and drive that is uh a little unusual. And uh I would say that uh I would just question does a board want to stay engaged with that or does a board want to acquire someone else to to go for the financing? >> I mean that's a very

174very unusual and unique request from a bond council. Yeah, >> I I would I don't I don't disagree, but the only thing I can tell you is that I I personally in other districts have done multiple deals with Mr. Priscilla and I've only known him to be intelligent, good advisor, easy to work with, and I just I also think the situation he's in is a bit unique as well. Yeah, I think he was u erroneously engaged which uh changed his behavior and uh that's that's an unfortunate situation. >> We call the roll. >> Mr. Fishell >> I. >> Mrs. Grassy >> I. >> Mrs. Brewster. >> Hi, >> Miss Kroninski. >> I >> Mr. Keaney. >> Nay. >> Motion carries 41. Okay. Um, next order of business is board of education update. Does anyone have

175an update? I'll just share if any anybody saw the story the Riverview um kids drew the um what are these called? Coffee >> holders >> sleeve. Thank you. From 1922. So I stopped and got a hot dirty chai today and I have my decorated sleeve from one of our kids. So >> Oh, that's great. >> Michael, I don't know. >> I don't know. Okay. So, thank you for that. Um, next meeting announcement, um, it's listed on here as, uh, November 23rd. I don't think that meeting is is going to happen. Uh, but notice would go out if it's not. Um, and special board meeting November 24th at 5:30. Special meeting November 25th, 5:30. Policy Committee meeting December 4th, 7:30 a.m. Finance and Personnel December 11th, 8 a.m. Board of Education meeting December 18th. And normally

176we would have buildings and grounds 2 days before. So December 16th, do we want to add that? >> Uh, I did not know. Um, you typically don't add a lot in December, but you want to add that? >> Yeah, let's add it. I mean, we got a lot going on and >> Sure. >> I mean, if there's nothing to do, the last meeting was 20 minutes, so >> Okay. So, it would be uh December 16th for buildings and grounds. >> 7:30 a.m. Right. >> Okay. Uh move to adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> And call the role. >> Mr. Fishell, I >> Mr. Keaney. >> Hi, >> Miss Brewster. >> Mrs. Broy, >> hi. Miss Kerninski. >> Hi. >> Motion carries. 53.