001We will start the board meeting. >> Please rise for standing. >> Ice 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. Mr. Nero, if you could please state the role. >> Tyler B here. >> Chitler >> here. >> Jack Dawson here. >> Johnson. >> Terry Loud >> here. Okay, if I can please have approval for the agenda minutes from last time or I'm sorry for this agenda. Motion to move. I'm moves. Tyler seconds. All in favor recognitions. >> Yeah. Best part of the evening is to celebrate our students and staff and the month of May. we really take time to to pause and to celebrate um staff who are retiring and or working um throughout the
002school district. So today we are going to celebrate staff retirements and our cafeteria staff. And I'd like for Mrs. Pierce to come on up and start with the cafeteria. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, next week marks the beginning of my 11th year at South Range. And the moments I've had the priv privilege of sharing with the incredible staff here tonight, and our Raider students have been truly special. If you ask students what their favorite part of the school day is, many will quickly answer lunchtime. Of course, having time to eat and socialize with friends is something they look forward to, but after witnessing the daily interactions between our students and cafeteria staff, I know that is only part of the reason. Every day, I see the care and kindness these women show our students.
003I see elementary students running in for their daily hugs at breakfast and lunch. I've watched apples and oranges be peeled and cut for students, sandwich crust removed, and lunch items carefully separated so nothing touches. All to make each child feel comfortable and cared for. Every woman here goes above and beyond for our students as though they were their own children or grandchildren. I feel incredibly thankful and blessed to work alongside this group every single day. They are truly here for the students and do everything possible to ensure the food is not only safe and appealing, but also prepared with genuine care and love. As cheesy as this sounds, it's the truth. I would personally like to thank Julie, Lorie, Jeanie, Rose, Patty, Carol, Rachel, Danny, Maggie, and Jodie for your patience, teamwork, dedication, organization, and
004the love you show our students every day. Thank you for making lunchtime one of the brightest parts of our students day. And then I'm here to present a little certificate of rec recognition. So if everyone um wants to come up, >> you come up and you're going to stand right in front and then we get >> So we're hoping to get pictures. >> Rose, I want you raise your big. >> Okay. Danny Hiveley, Lorie Strabula, Julie Binder, Carol Aella, Rose Dog, Thank you all. >> Jodyie Hannah, Jeanie Schneider. >> It's so funny seeing everyone with their hair down. >> They all look so different. Rachel Perry. >> Round of applause for OUR two rows. >> Go ahead. That's a good idea. right here. >> All right. One, two, three. >> Thank you all. >> Thank
005you, sir. Continuing with the celebrations, um we have a few retirements this year. Uh decades of service to our Raiders. And I would like to first have Mrs. Hammond come on up and just say a few words about >> she's not here. say a few words for our driver and then just to let audience know >> few years ago we started something small and it's just a small token of appreciation and then it states you know the person's name the years of service never forget your you're the piece that made the difference thank you so >> this is for Donna Evans who I worked for years and years with um she's retire retiring this year. She was always at I must have worked probably 13 year 14 with her as a regular driver with her
006and then as her supervisor for the last seven years. Don has always been very dependable. I never had to worry if the kids were in good hands. Uh she's truly been a very important part for the transportation team. So, we're going to miss her. Um she drove Liz's kids for years and um yeah, she's She's going to be missed. I wish her all the best in her new chapter in her life and I hope all goes well for her. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Mus with a few elementaryirements. We have uh two uh huge pieces of the elementary retiring this year. Um, the first is Kimushi. Um, I've worked with Mrs. Msushi for over 20 years. Um, ever since my my first year here at South Range, uh, my youngest son, Jake, I had the
007pleasure of being in her class. Um, after 37 years of inspiring young minds with kindness, patience, and love, your legacy will live on in the hearts of countless childrens whose lives you have touched. Uh, it was pretty special this past Friday. WKBN came in if anybody saw it and did a story on Kim. Um it was just great seeing all of the the comments of all, you know, former students, you know, posting on on Facebook and on our South Range uh page that and Kim and I have been talking all week just, you know, a lot of names that have been coming through that that um you know, Kim had not heard in a long time. Um, on that story, Kim said, you know, back in 1989 when she started South Range was the best
008kept secret. And, uh, Mrs. Isuchi is truly unique. You don't find people these days that start their careers in kindergarten, last over four decades, um, and are finishing their careers in kindergarten. Some people might call you crazy, but uh, you truly are are unique and a treasure, and you just can't can't replace a Kimuchi. Um, Kim said in that story that I just hope they remember having so much fun talking about her kiddos that they didn't realize they were learning today because that's really been my goal since year one and I'm still doing that today. So, just want to say congratulations to Kim on her outstanding career, all of your accomplishments and hope you have a wonderful retirement. step over here. >> Sure. >> Got one more. So, also retiring this year, uh Cindy Maynard.
009Um and Cindy's been with us for a long time. Uh not just in the elementary, but of course also at the high school. Um, and Cindy's been in education now for 42 years. Um, she I've worked with Cindy now for the last 10 years. Um, Cindy for the last 42 years. Your compassion, guidance, and unwavering support um has helped generations of students grow with confidence, kindness, courage, leaving a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. Um and this year city was recognized for her 42 years um as the Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year for 2026 for South Range. Um and that was quite an honor that that we were we're pleased to recognize Cindy for. Um and Cindy had a had a quote in there where she said, "I believe education is one of
010life's greatest responsibilities and privileges we hold as educators. Children are deeply important to me and I approach my work with understanding that every child deserves to be valued, understood and supported. I strive to meet children where they are academically, socially and emotionally. Each child comes with unique experiences, strengths and challenges and I try my best by recognizing and respecting those differences. And uh even up through today, Cindy still on her, you know, second to last day was doing that all day long when she could have been just, you know, phoning it in and enjoying her time with with the staff and she spent her day pretty much one-on-one with with kids and watching video with me trying to to solve problems and and working working her butt off all day to to do, you know,
011what's what's best for for the kids in our building. And um I just I I I love working with with with Sydney each and every day. Um but one of one of Cindy's greatest strengths is just the respect and rapport that that you've built with the students and the parents and our your colleagues over your 42 years in education. And so again, Cindy, congratulations to you on all of your accomplishments over the years. And congratulations on your retirement. >> Thank you very much. THERE we go. I can help you. >> Let's get a picture right in the middle. Good. >> Thank you. Thanks, Steve. Congratulations. >> Before we moved on to public participation, I just wanted to make um Thank you. >> So, no, I was just going to say thank you again. Um, one
012more round of appl of applause for our cafeteria and our retiring staff. So, at this point in the in the meeting with recognitions, if you would rather go to dinner or um with a concert or anything else, this is a good time to exit. We're going to continue with the regular agenda items. Um, so thank you for coming and we will give you a minute to exit out. >> Okay. >> Sorry. With the middle school concert going on, Miss Johnson might have to leave, but she will come back right after concert. We have some of our students and children singing. Don't worry. Um, public participation, I just want to remind speakers, um, you're limited to two minutes, no more than 15 minutes total. And if we have anybody, please say your name and >> Richack
013North Lima. Um, last month's meeting, we had a rather contentious discussion back and forth about open enrollment and as that affects the school's finances substantially. I would like I came in before this meeting to find out how many uh kids we were going to accept into kindergarten for open enrollment next year because at the last meeting I was told that it was in the contract that you couldn't take more than 22 kids in a kindergarten class. So that's why we had to keep three teachers. Fine. Now I'm being told we're taking up to 25 kids in a kindergarten class. So I would like to know one why we're doing that because we keep stating that kindergarten is so important. the smallest class size possible is what we should strive for. And I wouldn't argue that.
014I think the more individualized attention a child can get, the better off they're going to be. But now we not only have exceeded the 22 student limit that I believe Mr. Bates said was the restriction why we had to keep three teachers last meeting, but we're adding three onto that. And this at the same time we're going to have a a young teacher who's you I don't know how much experience she has, but I'm assuming not much. So, why are we overburdening our staff by adding more open enrollment children? Uh, I'd like to know if the five of you agree with that, don't agree with that, or why we're permitting that to happen. >> Uh, because I, as a taxpayer, who 60% of what I pay you guys in property tax, and it's substantial, goes
015to fund this place. I find it offensive that we keep letting people in who do not live in this district and do not have to pay my taxes, and especially when that's going to be a detriment to the kids that are entering kindergarten next year. Uh, I think it's ridiculous. So, I'm hoping you will continue to uh advocate for that 22 limit that Tyler was so fond of last meeting and not let in the 25 per class that they are proposing. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Agenda items. >> That was the not the contract, but the administrative guidelines. I I'm that would be on me for misspeaking on on on behalf of the of the contract. The terminology was mixed up. It's the administrative guidelines that were that allow for discretion. So that was what
016was agreed upon just for clarification. >> Moving on to communications. Yeah, >> Dr. So communications I'll share with the board. We have several several communications. First, I'd just like the board to know once we get to consent agenda items, um, after the consent, we do have some new hires here in the audience, and I would like for the new hires to come up and shake each of your hand just you could put a face with some of these new dynamic, phenomenal uh, individuals from from coaching, which super excited that that coach is going to be taking over to to teaching kindergarten. So, very excited. a couple other the new hires. Uh they're just that like one's out of state actually doing a presentation right now. Um and the other one is working. So just really
017really excited. So just take a moment for that. I'd like to first start by saying congratulations to Harper Pitts. Harper was picked for the Ohio State Veterary Buckeye camp. Um there were over 200 applicants, only 50 chosen at the high school. And a special shout out to Mrs. Berky for encouraging her to apply for this real career readiness workforce opportunity. Continuing with student celebrations, I'd just like to communicate with our greater way student performance. Congrats to a um a middle school student who went to the power of the pen. Lily went uh we don't know her ranking right now, but she we know she placed out of thousands of people participate up in the top 500. We just don't know what the finding final ranking is. I'm waiting for Mrs. Rakita to to let us
018know about that. Um, also spring athletics is underway. The last I checked the girls softball team was up. Um, I could check here in a second, but they were up 3 nothing. They're playing. That's why Mr. Zolic is not here right now. He's covering that event. Um, baseball team tomorrow, coach. >> Yep. >> And good luck to them. Also, our middle school boys track had an outstanding year. Uh they won the Mahoney County track meet, the South Range Invitational, and actually a couple of the relays finished second and third in the state. Uh we actually had a top 15 discus uh places. So just dynamite um for our student performance goal. Um and continue with student performance. Next, I would like uh Mrs. Dividio to present work she and our math team have been working
019on for advanced learning opportunities. Thank you, Jacine, for being here. >> Yeah, thank you. I just wanted to update the board and um everybody here on the new laws of under advanced learning opportunities for math. I know we have a lot of math teachers here today too. So just a couple things to go over and I don't know Dean if you can project it a little larger. Is that possible to like view the show? So Ohio advice code is at the top. There is a law that the state is mandating that students that score advanced or higher on the Ohio State tests have to be offered advanced learning opportunities where those are already happening in a school. So, I'm going to kind of walk us through first what the law says and then kind of
020where we're at in our South Range process of looking at data to determine what that's going to look like here and what the changes are going to be. So, it is a mandatory provision districts offering these programs, they must provide them to students who score an advanced level. Some of us that look at data, that's a number five, but um you many of you that look at reports for your kids would see that as advanced um on that OST, the Ohio State test. Um course specifics, these would exceed grade level standards. They could be up to two grade levels beyond that current math grade. And um this this is all triggered by student data. We're just looking at data. We're looking at is this a good fit for the kids and how that's going to
021look here at South Range. It's going to look different in every district, but again, we're going back to Ohio law, which does mandate those opportunities be offered to kids. Next slide. Um, so again, just a little review on the district requirements. This is going to be effective next school year. So, the 2026 2027 school year. Um, districts offering advanced learning opportunities to some students have to now offer them to all students who score again that advanced with that five on the Ohio State test. So, some exceptions. Um, it's not required for students scoring below advanced. That would be accomplished or lower, a four or lower. Um, but some districts may choose to offer that to kids. That's something that we we might be looking at, too, depending on, you know, what course offerings that we're
022we're seeing once we get the data and really comb through everything. Um, and it's not required if the district does not provide such opportunities or courses. So, there's some grade levels that students take that grade level math. There's not an advanced opportunity for any of the students. They would just continue with that at this point. So, some examples just so as I'm talking through and I'm saying advanced learning opportunities and again not teachers correct me if I'm wrong but this is all coming from the the states um ideas there's many other ideas too again they would be data driven enrichment so decisions for kids based on where they're at in their specific math area and math has many subcategories that it's divided into so it could be offered in different areas for different kids compacted
023instruction a model where students complete full current grade levels plus part of another grade level. That's currently something that's happening in the sixth grade here. Above grade level courses, some students can take grade level courses accelerated of the grade level or bel or beyond. Um, and double enrollment, the practice of doubling up or taking two different math courses concurrently. So, those are just some examples. There could be more. There's many more that the state even gives examples of, but just some general ideas. So, you know what that means. Um, opting out. So, parents do have the opportunity to opt out. The district has to notify all parents who scores at five at advance or higher that they'll be offered this opportunity. However, some of us we we know our kids, we have different maybe ideas
024of where they're at currently or maturity level or just that particular year. They are allowed to opt out in writing to the district. >> And this is a pamphlet from the state really to help help the parents decide like is this something good for my kids? So, this pamphlet has a lot of good questions um that parents could, you know, reflect and talk with their family about if that's something that they're considering. Um, and again, I really like that Ohio's math vision because, you know, we're trying to expand opportunities for all kids in math and not just so someday they become one particular thing, but for real life experiences, for career exploration, it it all ties in and the state is really pushing career exploration. So, that kind of comes into play too in this.
025So currently, you know, as I said, this is where South Range is at. It's we're in a process right now. We don't have a final answer to come out and say because the data did just come out recently. We're combing through everything. We're looking at what what our kids are scoring, what we're doing. So, currently we're looking at fifth grade OST scores. And we have some projections up here. These are not the current numbers. These are just projections from other years just so we could kind of prepare ourselves. Um so once we look at those scores, we determine how many kids would be offer those advanced learning opportunities and then the other kids that would score a four and under who may be in general math and again that is something that can be considered
026for students. And then if you look at that that 54 kids advanced learning from there we do start an acceleration program which many people might be familiar with. So we would then decide who would continue on that accelerated pathway and who would be offered advanced learning opportunities, college prep courses, kind of those types of offerings. And we're building right now a rubric. Again, the state wants us to go back to that data driven decision-making and that's what that would be. And these are just a couple more slides and D you could kind of go through these next two. We've just been playing around with like what this looks like for different kids because there's different pathways for each child. Some kids might encounter this score in sixth grade or seventh grade or eighth grade. So,
027we're we're just projecting what that could look like. So, then we can have an actual course offerings and numbers of kids. So, and thank you. Like I said, the work is continuing and we'll keep you updated, but I really just wanted to make sure we understood the state's law and their stance and how we're working through that right now to really again go back to that vision from the state to offer the best opportunities for all of our students. So, thank you, >> Jack. Is this something we're offering from 5th through 12? So we again going back to the law, we start to offer those advanced opportunities in sixth grade. So we're looking right now this year to where we are offering it. >> That could be something in the future, but right now we're
028going to follow the law and what it says um and and determine, you know, what that's going to look like in sixth grade. >> Okay. >> So like a kid normal, but how it was like they qualified in fifth grade, they get advanced in sixth grade. Mhm. So now you're saying like there might be a kid that didn't qualify in fifth grade but then could qualify in sixth grade and now >> Okay. >> Yeah. And there there could be >> happens because they missed half that curriculum. >> That's kind of what we're looking at because we're going to build and you're a math teacher. So like >> we're building multiple data points so that we put kids on the right track because the last thing we want is to accelerate somebody and then oh my
029gosh that wasn't a good fit. So now a kid that maybe wouldn't be like it would be a good fit for them to take that advanced opportunity because that's going to help them along the way. Whereas that accelerated opportunity, they just might not be there yet. >> So the we're building a rubric currently that's going to help make sure that kids are meeting are in a class that matches their needs and their advanced levels. And this could all change based on legislation that's out there that is suggesting students that score a four or five. This whole model was based on students that score a five. There's legislation out there to say well we want kids who score fours in fives would make it it makes it very >> So is that two programs then >>
030challenge? >> It could be four or five. >> It would be two opportunity. It could be for the state. you have to offer those advanced opportunities. So advance could be acceleration, advance could just be those advanced opportunities within those math courses. And then going back to some students are in that path of general math. >> Um so there could be those like three different offerings in a grade level or more depending on the school and what the needs are of the kids. A lot of that. So, we're right now that's what we're combing through to make sure that we're offering the best possible choices that match kids needs because acceleration sounds great, but some kids they're just not there yet and they need to fill in their math their ma math knowledge so they can
031get there. >> Well, um Mr. Franch has a question for you. I'm allowing it because with this >> Well, if if you go back a slide, it said fourth grade. You had that you had that inordinate number of children that are advanced. It was it's a huge number. Yes, we we were looking at projections going back to fourth grade because that was helping us know how many courses a teacher might have to teach that are advanced offerings. So that year was two years ago and there were 96 is it 96 students that were advanced and also possib What is the number? I'm sorry I can't see it's like fuzzy. Yeah. Oh, that's 96 students total that took the OST. Of those 96 kids, 50 54 kids were advanced. So now we have to build courses
032to meet the state law for those advanced. >> Well, my question is, and I know this h two of my children did and a couple other kids after fourth grade if they tested advance, they could take fifth and sixth grade math together. >> And I know that was an option in the state then where you could double up courses. >> Currently doing that next year with those children. >> Currently, South Range offers it starting in sixth grade at this point. So we only have to offer it for sixth grade based on the state law. Yeah, but why wouldn't we offer it to those kids starting as early as fourth grade if they're showing that kind of promise >> and that's that's something that could be looked at, you know, as we're building into this and
033trying to see what this is going to look like. It takes a while to build those programs, get curriculum set, that's something that could come down the pipeline. So, >> great. Thank you, Jackie. >> Yeah. >> So, continuing Thank you, Jacqueline. Continuing, as you heard Jacine say, the state last night in the last few uh last few days have released preliminary OST scores. I know we were up 1,2 a.m. 1:00 a.m. uh looking at some of these scores and I must say the scores are pretty impressive. We have some of the highest scores in the history of the district. Especially um when we look at transitioning the old OAS go back almost 20 years where it was paper pencil some of the older assessments to now the online the rigor the text complexity the students
034are reading um really challenging content and it's just it's really interesting to see how well our students are performing. Our three-year trend data is remarkable across the data across the district. And though we we will find areas to get better every day, I'd be remiss if I don't thank the teachers, the aids, the tutors, the principles, drivers, cooks, secretaries, custodians, Mrs. Dibio, and her team and all the work they've done to come together to collaborate and to implement the greater way. I mean, once you start to see some of these scores, you're going to be like, whoa. And then it's a good problem when you have 60 kids ready for advance. It's like whoa, you know. So, it's just showing the hard work of um all the effort that we put into instruction, curriculum, and
035assessment. >> You took my kudos. >> I was talking to Dr. Zapulic this morning and I just wanted to congratulate the on the prelim preliminary data of the test scores that he shared with me this morning that our students and teachers just excelled beyond the past test scores. And I just wanted to give a shout out to the students and the teachers and the administrators who made that possible and for your hard work and congratulations and we'll have more of the information on the scores what next next board meeting >> within the next month. Yeah. Yeah. We're still >> they'll become available to us then. >> Uh they will go public by the end of June. they will be in the uh parent portal and then I usually come up with a visual but it's
036still preliminary until the state releases it in September. Okay. >> So, it's a really cool cool game. >> That was great news. >> Yes. Um one question I have though with this advanced math changes um does that pro does that cause any staffing issues? Are we going to run into any challenges where we have to maybe move some people around, get creative? Like I don't know what that does to to to Mrs. Wire and to you to to cover those needs. >> It's definitely a puzzle. I think we're okay. Um >> that's that's part of the consideration with I I know Mr. French, you were asking about offering it sooner is we want to make sure that we're pacing ourselves right and having the right kind of staffing available. So I think that's a great
037question. That's why we're looking at the rubric, the numbers, and making sure that, you know, we have the right people in the right spots teaching the those and then and then and then growing from there if that's something that's possible. That's all. I mean, we're trying to get better every day. So, you know, what do we look at next? So, I think those are great questions. >> Yeah, that's that's that was actually I guess I wasn't aware of that. That's very surprising how the the percentage that are qualifying for the advanced curriculum. I mean, that's that's great. So, it's fascinating. And last but not least, just reporting out on our radar wave safety and resources. Um, at this time, I'd like Dean just to go over Chromebook. And last year, you know, we we did
038some things differently with technology. And Dean was going to report out on uh Chromebooks as well as um two-way communication and final forms. >> So, and Raptor Raptor. >> So, so I actually have the slide up. We're so last year we did the technology initiative, kicked it off and charged a little bit of a fee just to help cover those initial expenses and some repairs. As you can see, it's working. In 2024, we are near 36%. Uh, and that's total intake. So, so we have a tracking mechanism. So, everything that comes into us, what's wrong with it? We record damage, we we invoice if necessary depending on the repairs needed. So that's total amount of intakes that we received out of that total amount 36% had damaged screen in 2024. In 2025 it was 42%
039and now we can see in in 2026 and and again July that's a little misnomer because we we did this data before the end of the school. Now we have two weeks left. So that could tweak up a little bit but we're down to 22.4% 4% due to the protected devices that the students have from 7th to 12th grade they are working. So and and because that's most of the damage and screen repair also is hinge damage you know shell damage all that falls under that category cuz once the structure is damaged basically the screen is shot too. Also on that um the Raptor we're kick kicking off under safety security. So this is the badge alert system overview where we'll have a console and we'll be able to triangulate anyone's location in the district
040with using mobile app for communication and a physical badge. Teachers will have these physical badges teachers coaches anywhere in the campus. And when it's it's a there will be like a tiered alert system. If it's I need just some assistance, it might be a three tap. Three tap and you get assistance. If it's a panic situation, seven taps and we know that it could go straight to 911. Police could be dispatched to that location. They will put devices inside our school. These little antennas and these little they call them pucks will be spread throughout the district. minimal. Um the installation itself isn't very invasive. Those devices can be plugged into our network, the one with the antenna on there, and the pucks can go throughout the facility and basically they'll triangulate the location. So that's
041the Raptor and that's that's kind of in progress. That's going to be this summer's big project. Uh final forms making good progress with that as well. Um obviously behind the scenes that's more software oriented. So, we're working I'm working with the cabinet members in Paula to integrate our software. That'll be the next step uh the end of this month. We have another meeting and we'll finalize that for next year and and be on final forms which we think for the most part I think we're the only school in Mahoney County and then maybe the tri county area that doesn't use it. So, that'll be that'll be a plus. And and lastly, we're closing in on uh communications with Final Site. They have a tool we're going to use. It's called HQC Comm that will replace
042our TEC communications. And it's it's going to be helpful because it is a branded mobile app that we that Jared could use mobile to communicate. Uh and it's it's the the way it's built. It's built for the website. So content that goes out through the website will be able to receive. You won't get a limit restriction. You won't get a cannot send restriction. you know, we'll get the same reports, but it's basically the way it's tied in, it's better because we're already we are already a Final Site customer with the website. So, it's kind of integrated that way. We're also looking at slowly rolling out the next phase of that would be their two-way communication plan, which would take place next year. That would replace things that are commonly used in the classroom such as
043Remind, coaches use, and and class dojo. Think I'm saying that right? Classroom dojo. And this will be an all-encompassing tool where we we bring teachers into this final site eco place where everything is there and it's a one-stop shop which I think is where we want to head with our communications ultimately. So >> sorry if I missed this, but with the tiered system, who is the first person on the other side when you report a need to based off the tier? >> We can decide that like resource officer would be nervous. >> Clicking seven times, does it bypass the first tiered individual? Like who who's the first person on the ground that's going to get notified? If it's a seven click, I I mean I would even talk about it, but I think it's everyone
044plus 911. I think that is 911 that is gonna go. Yes, that is that is that means someone's down, someone needs immediate help or it's a lockdown situation where it's security awareness and it's >> it's it's you know. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> And that's every staff member and every employee who works here will have one of those. >> Yes. And that was part of the NRA grant, correct? >> Yeah. >> That we got I don't know what we I can't remember. Was it 16? >> I can't really remember all the specifics, but I mean it was cuz we were looking at another system, it was the the way their structure was, it would be beyond what what the grant would cover. But when we started talking with with Raptor, hey, they said,
045not only did they defeat that price by by a lot, we also have Raptor already in our schools. So, we're actually saving money because they said we could treat you as one school building. Right now, they're treating us as three. So, we're going to bring those databases together and consolidate a bit, which is going to save us money on what we already get through Raptor, which is our visitor management system. So, I know we at one point in time, it's been been a while ago, we looked at the cost of this and, you know, we were we got the grant. So, I know it's it's worthwhile, you know, looking at, god forbid, you never never want to have to use this, but we we we knew that it was something that in today's day and
046age, you have to have something in place. Um, and I just want to thank you for all your for for going through that. I know that wasn't easier. Uh, and it wasn't it's not easy picking a a system because there's always modifications and there's always this like little things, intricacies that that that have to be worked on. Um, and I know you've been on top of that. So, thanks for all that. You making it safer. So, I appreciate it. >> Thank you, Ne. And I know that went a little longer, but a lot of communication. Um, we could go all night with updating. There's a lot happening in the ecosystem of school, and that's all I have. Communication. >> Okay. Any questions? Move on to consent agenda items. Any questions on the minutes from the
047last board meeting, Mr. Nero, now for the financial report? >> Just done with the April ones. You guys have any questions? I know previous they talked about updating the forecast in May, kind of push it back to June and kind of talk to get as much data as possible for the fiscal year. A lot of what your expenses is, just timing of invoices and stuff like that. get a better idea because the August forecast is super early in the fiscal year just to help you know with that transition. So you guys have any questions or oh then the pisto board meeting just want to start putting on your guys' heads. I was looking around like June 25th June 26th if you can I know with vacations and stuff just start playing so I can millennials
048start cutting things off this year. >> Any questions Dr. Zic personnel? >> Yeah. So, the next motion is to resend Brenda's uh retirement. Um she she found out when she found out her own personal situation, she's resending. She's coming back to work. She'll be back with us. So, that's the next motion to amend her contract um because she's coming back to work. So, that's what item D is. Um item E is approve the following staff member for sbatical leave, which is in our negotiated agreement. And as soon as the board uh approves this uh tonight, tomorrow, I plan to post this to get a long time for one year sixth grade uh math teacher, which sixth grade math did extremely well on the OST. Uh one of the some of the historic scores there. Looking
049at item F, motion to approve the following certified hires, certified teachers. We do have two here with us. Uh Miss Katie is here and Miss Tiana is here. Um and you can see uh who who they are replacing. um as well as uh Miss Kuster and Dr. McMillan. Moving to item G, motion to approve the following certified staff transfers. So the whole process of open positions and teachers wanting um to go to certain areas. We're going to miss Katie from kindergarten going to second grade, but we are extremely excited to to have uh uh Giana and Katie here. Brock going for for Donnie and Jody moving to title. David Rock going to Mr. Algretto and then Brook Stewart um going from 0.5 to 6. This position allows some physical education, a lot of STEM education
050to occur uh for our K12 STEM focus. Really focusing on middle school and high school STEM for the next two years, but kicking it off with Brooke and Steve. I appreciate all the hard work you've done to make that to make that happen. We hit three birds with one stone by doing this. So very excited uh to to get that up and running for the future. Um looking at item H. Um this is itinerant sub. Um item I Patrick's been with us for a very very long time. Moving him for assistant custodian to custodian. that's within the agreement that uh we wrote up de was that last year two years ago after so many successful evaluations and so forth we can be uh custodians item J just a lot of staff some help uh start
051starting in this summer and then moving throughout the school year a lot of bus garage you know they really focused the the month of June to get ready for bus inspection in July and then it's pretty much downtime in in the bus garage up until August when Brenda comes back and then the driver is then coming back in September. Um, looking at item K, motion to approve the following staff for success by six. Again, thank you Mr. Mus for working with the staff members um with the United Way for success by six. Looking at item L, a lot of supplementals. So, the next couple motions are current supplementals for this spring season. uh you could see ticket managers and and and so forth and then uh supplementals for next year and this all goes with
052our negotiated contract of how we have to post and go through supplementals. Now we will have more supplementals moving forward. Some coaches their their pupil activity permit expired and I told him I wasn't going to put them on the board agenda until I have their active information. Um sometimes it's hard to chase coaches down once they're coaching. So we want to make sure they have all updated information. That's item M. Looking at item N, this is a non-bargaining unit member for his additional 2% that we uh thank coach for all the years of service uh here at South Range Coaching baseball. Item O is uh extended school year services which are special education students that need specially designed instruction for a few days throughout the summer months to maintain their improvement. So these are just
053special education providers for that. Item P are current tutors. So the month of May is field trip field trip month and it's also staff members. You know front lines doing a great job and we off often have all hands on deck where even the superintendent will substitute if need be. So this is getting all hands on deck with our two other tutors in case we needed uh to get them to sub. Looking at Q, uh, motion to approve the following staff members for compensation work performed during the school year. Uh, we thank Katie for interviewing. So, that was one. And, uh, Jim Terry helping Brenda in the garage. Brenda asked Jim to go do a couple items on those days at that hourly rate there. Looking at item R, motion to approve the following extended
054supplemental contracts. These are all within the negotiated agreement. And I did want to talk about theou uh there with family and consumer science. So when we negotiated last year, that was one area that it says something different in the contract. And then after the fact, this sometimes happens with negotiations because you talk about a lot of stuff. After the fact, it was like, oh, this position actually does X, Y, and Z. So we then did anou to say this this uh supplemental or these extended days will occur because this person does do x y and z. It just was one of those things that when we negotiate I think if you guys remember who were part of the negotiating party we talked about that as well. So we wrote anou to make sure that that
055staff member gets those days because they've been doing that where it's just overlooked in in negotiations. >> Any questions? >> Yes. Looking at section F, what was the order? What was the order of the hires as they came in for accepting positions? >> Order of hires. >> Order. Order of acceptance of the posted position. So, Miss Taylor first and the third one came up. >> It was Yes. >> Yep. That was >> So, I'm sure Mrs. I'm going to pronounce this incorrectly. career. How do you say I'm sorry. Um although I'm I'm sure you're an incredibly qualified individual and will do a fantastic job. My personal opinion is I do think we potentially are missing an opportunity to actually reduce class size, reduce studenttoteer ratio by jumping up to three teachers. I think we could
056also be looking at cost savings by staying at two and creating a tit titration valve for the influx of students coming into the school from kindergarten uh at the set. And I think keeping it at two and looking retrospectively to what we used to do in the past potentially every other day or half days would potentially take us from I'm assuming they're going to have a roughly going 23 in a class with three and 70 in the grade acceptance by knocking down two going every other day. That puts you a little higher in each class, but if you go every other day, it's going to take you to 8:1 kids to adult versus 11 to one. So my opinion is I I don't know if we vote. I don't know if it's consent but I
057guess for consent for that higher mind than no. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And again I think that's why you guys employ me I have to sit and take qualitative as well as quantitative data to look at all this information said especially with the trend data. Um and those are all the factors that we went in. I think when Steve and I sat and talked to the kindergarten teachers, talked to parents, talked to first grade teachers, every other day wasn't an option. Um it just simply wasn't with the curriculum. Jaclyn's explaining. >> Are there differences in outcomes past early education >> with doing every other day versus half day? >> Are there differences in South >> performance performance past fourth grade? past fourth grade national data. >> Correct. Level one evidence >> national data it's it's
058um there's no statistical significance beyond um but I think which we talk about is often what's doing best for kids and keeping keeping that staffing every day the continuity hearing by the time they get to third to second the social emotional hearing the first grade teachers hearing the kindergarten teachers. I think Steve and I we didn't have a question of what we wanted to do. So >> that's fine. I'm just letting you know. >> Yeah. >> No, I'm just reporting back as superintendent of the board of that's why the final recommendations through teaching. >> Any other questions or comments from the board? >> I I can see what your thought process is there. The consistency factor to me is um it's just as much as part of the of kindergarten as anything, right? This is
059where kindergarten is not only where you learn how to count to 10 or know all your alphabet or whatever the the the the you know standards are for uh that we hold them to. It's you know it's it's where they learn to you know walk in a single file line down the hallway. It's for where they learn to hang their stuff up and all that takes is routine and and scheduling and whatever. So I I can see where you're >> so 11 to one is better than 8 to1. Well, every other day. >> Every other day. >> And we have we have our own case we have our own case series at this place going back 20 years. We have a decade of case series showing it was okay. >> Well, but you're what you're
060doing there is you're still you're still shorting the taxpayers's time in the classroom. >> You're actually saving them $100,000. >> Yeah, but you're shorting them half the days. and you're saving them $100,000. So, are we so to make these moves and then we turn around in two years and ask for a levy? >> I don't think that that's as important as getting kids what they need. >> And that's what I'm saying. We have a case series of decades before showing the kids were getting what they needed. But as somebody who's pretty pretty um I've been down this road personally in my own family um where you know less time in the classroom for for a child may not be the best thing for them if we're going to hold them to the high standards that
061we hold them to. So that's >> I'm not saying they would not have those who needed it would not have access to additional resources or this is a generalized >> Yeah. No, this is why we're here, right? To discuss this and hear out ideas and stuff and I'm happy to, you know, we can uh >> Yeah. I'm just saying you'd end up with more more you'd end up with a tighter teacher to student ratio, >> but you would get half the time. It might actually. So for kids that young, do you think having them cooped up all the time all week long versus day to let steam off versus come back more focused the next day or half days and is there evidence to show that one is better than the other right now? >>
062I thought I was really glad that we actually brought this up and talked and I like the doctors only went to the teachers cuz I taught middle school. I don't know what it's like to be a first kindergarter first grade teacher. And the information he came back to the experts, the kindergarter first grade teachers, I held their opinion and their voices high value of what they thought was best for their kids. >> I I did appreciate what they had to say. >> I I don't I don't discount that saying we have a number of things to learn. >> Yes, I agree. >> Yeah. But >> these are compound these are compounding things as well for the children and for the district and for the financials and for me looking at the balance between the two
063and long-term outcomes for the kids as they move through the district compared to evidence base. I like I said for me personally that's a like I said I don't know if this is a vote. I don't know what I'm saying. It says consentage items. So I'm saying mine is not consent. Oh no I realize that's the minority. So >> yeah. I I I remember we we did talk about this and it might have been a meeting that you had missed and we talked about it and I thought it was >> then I apologize. >> No, no, no, no, no. I'm glad you're here because you you're bringing it up and I I kind of remember thinking asking around just to people as I'm around just talking to people and my gut went this that won't
064fly and that's it. Just it won't fly with with with the community me going half days, >> okay? or half days or every other day or something. And maybe that's something we need to consider that because we've done it for so long and so many people are expecting their kids to go back to school full-time when they get into kindergarten, maybe that's not the reason to just do it. Maybe we need to look more into it. >> And is kindergarten a state requirement? >> I'm not is fulltime is full-time kindergarten state requirement. There are schools in the area who do exactly what Jack has suggested every other day, aren't there? >> Most no. Most schools, the state of Ohio, when I look last looked at the data, let's say there were 600. Rich can speak
065up of 630 out of school districts, I believe. When I looked at the data, 400 and some were every day and there was only a hundred or so, don't quote me on this, it's on the state website, that were every other. And of those charter num like some >> Oh, >> yeah. Those are all factored in as well. So, um, >> yeah, when we kind of when we kind of had this conversation with the K1, it was like this is the expectation. Now, it's the smell test. You know, every >> that's kind of what I felt is that that is the expectations of us is to do full time. >> And we do have early measures that weren't around 20 years ago. K data, early literacy data. There are some factors that we would have
066to go through and really scrutinize. Um, Mr. Mus has been around since prior to and now after. And I don't know the data off the top of my head. Like I said, I'd have to report back to the board on some of that data, but I know on track versus off track is impacted by that kindergarten every day. Um, I don't have that. Some of the nationwide data, some of the research that I found actually talks about it. It's not every it's actually comparing every other day versus half. Some of the studies don't indicate every day versus that half. So, some of the data, some of the research is unclear at this time, which is why I said statistically significant. I don't h I can't say yes or no because some of the research quite
067frankly hasn't been done nationwide. >> I just what I looked at it looked like past as you went past fourth grade that peak in everyday benefit out. >> It does. However, what's not factored into that is the K2 reading. I mean the dyslexia screeners, some of these other pieces now that were not around three years ago that are mandated by law. Um again that research and some of that the line graph that we're describing the cap off that research was done I believe in 2017 2018 I could go back I'm combing my mind so I just don't have within the last 3 years research to say yay or nay quite frankly and I think Taylor was in the audience because I had a conversation with her at one point about this the research hadn't been
068done it's just simply um inconclusive at this time >> but I think hearing hearing ing all of that and seeing the passion and seeing that the the love was every day, especially from the experts themselves who have to do these things that we did not have to do four years ago. Um it was a no-brainer. Getting the kids here every day, getting them with our um our new our individuals was better than if they weren't here. things the the the one teacher that reached out to me was very passionate about and she was explaining like okay when it was past day she's like okay you're working on writing your letters and she's like now the expectation and expectation for our district is these kids are not reading coming out and she's like I would not
069get them to that point so I mean I don't know anything about teaching kindergarten and first grade I taught older kids so I'm not an expert in But I was just listening to what the teachers were telling me and they were just worried about the expectations we have as a district and their fear of these kids would not be anywhere close to ready. >> Okay. >> So their fear is that they would be they would struggle in first and second grade that they only got half the time. >> And I don't want to speak for anyone, >> right? But that was your fear >> that Yes. They were scared. Okay, now I'm passing one of these first grade teachers or their expectations or you know I don't know. I don't know. >> Taylor, would you
070like to put your foot as being a kid for bird teacher? >> Absolutely. Thank you for giving me the chance to speak. Um, I do understand concerns as community members, but as an educator and as a parent of a child in this district, when you look at the standards, which Principal Nas and I just talked about the draft of what the new standards are, they are changing. They are similar but more rigorous, more specific. When you think about taking 5-year-olds, the age to enter into kindergarten is now lower and different. And thinking about attention and expectations and how to get these children to our high expectations and our standards that aren't just set by South Range, but are set by the state of Ohio. In order to do that, they need to be in the
071classroom for that amount of time in order to properly prepare them for the next grade. When I think about sending a struggling kindergartener or a strong kindergartener, there's not there it is not a discussion. They need to be in the classroom. Um there is research done. I read it consistently when I knew this conversation was coming up. And I think it's more than just a conversation about academics which is important. And again, it doesn't account for some of these things as screeners. There is data to show that children that aren't in kindergarten full day, we have to spend more on remediation. They have more time in tutoring. That's a consideration to make also. Um, but then there's also the social emotional aspect. Research shows that social emotionally children who are in kindergarten full day fare
072better. >> So, thank you. >> Can I also read some of that research, but the argument was actually the half day was the best because it provided exactly what you're saying. >> Actually, it's not If you can wait till Oh, not. Yeah, I just pointed out because Taylor is one of the kindergarten teachers, but you can talk it >> at the public participation. All right. >> So, with this item, um, do we want to move this item out of consent to regular superintendent agenda so Jack could vote or so they >> No, you can you can leave it. I mean, >> teachers motion person. So you want to pull that person out to prove them separately. >> It's going to be >> four to one right now. So just >> that that that was I
073think that was a healthy discussion because it's been it's it's been you know talked about before but you know in a public setting where where you were absent. So we >> I uh I appreciate bringing it up. I didn't I didn't catch it to be honest with you on you know but uh appreciate it. >> Terry, can I just two of my kids were the last kids that were here when it was still half day >> and what they did back then you could go all day >> but I'm saying it they they partnered with they were still all day. You still got picked up, taken to school, but when it was your day off, I think they did like Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Tuesday, Thursday, but on your day off, they partnered with the churches
074who ran preschools, the teachers affiliated with our teachers, you know, for the for that. And that's how it worked out back then. Steve was in charge back then. >> They don't do that anymore. >> No, we don't have >> that's not an option. And we also didn't have any curriculum back then. We didn't have amplify math. We didn't have wonders reading. We didn't have any of this any of the stuff we have to do now. we didn't have to do back then. Our teachers made up everything back then. So everything our teachers, the mandated curriculum that the state is pushing down our throats to do now, we did not have to do back then. We are ma they are mandating you have to use this reading program. You have to use this math program. We
075did not have to do any of that back then. The teacher just they they created Mrs. Mrs. Msuchi created materials to use in her centers to teach reading and to teach math that she just created to to teach kids to learn to to their numbers and their letters. It was it was all teacher created materials. We nothing was mandated by the state that we had to use. Now they're sending us lists of curriculum that we have to to pick from to actually teach kids to learn math. And and it is ridiculous what they have to do. And if if we had to go every other day, you think of a kid that's a Tuesday, Thursday kid who's absent on a >> Thursday. So they only come Tuesday. They miss Thursday. They come one day a
076week and don't come back till the next Tuesday. What in the hell is that kid getting? >> I would have to believe that a kid that's coming to school 2 and 1/2 days a week versus a kid that's coming to school 5 days a week, I would believe that in say September there'd be a gap like this in their learning. But hopefully by May they've not closed that gap and this kid has caught up. But no, >> I can even speak on co my kids are in CO. It took till fourth grade to close that gap. >> Yes. >> Our kids who are here 5 days a week now some most of them aren't aren't ready for first grade. >> So Steve, why are you letting open more open enrollment kids in next year? Why
077you raise the limit? >> So So before so before we close that just just for for clarification from my perspective that was not meant to discount the quality of our teachers. That was not meant to discount discount Mr. Johnson's ability to do her job or anyone else or our new hires. I think that would be fantastic. My perspective is what happens up here is at it is our job to take all considerative factors in our community's ability to provide an education to our children and the capacity to do so both financially and the resources to manage for the children to the best of their ability. It's our job to look at all perspectives, okay, and see what has worked in the past compared to what the new requirements may be and see what best option
078may exist. And then we lay our rock on that that was not meant to be an insult or anything. It's to breed discussion. >> It's not for the hires, but it was from >> it is but also yeah my my personal opinion. I appreciate all of it. It would stay it would stay the same. Again, I'm not it's not meant to be insulting. I'm not saying nobody's good at their job. I'm not saying any of that. >> It's to look at it at a bigger perspective from here from what what we may have to deal with in the future as things compile. Okay, that is what we that is our job to look at. That's it. >> All right. Anything else from the board or Dr. Per? >> Okay. Motion to approve the consent agenda
079items. >> I'll move. >> Tyler moves. Do I have a second? >> Laura seconds. >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. Roll. >> Tyler Bates. >> Yes. >> Laura Chismar. >> Yes. >> Jack Dawson. >> No. for that one item. >> Yeah. >> Everything else? Yes. >> Terry L. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Treasure regular Jedi. >> I'd like to pause there and have the new people come up. >> They're not scary. I promise you it's okay. >> I promise I don't. >> Please, Coach, come on up. Um, just real quick, say hi. Say who you are and what we doing. >> Just wanted everyone to see my face today. Anthony Naples. I've been here a long time. Some of you guys, some of you people know me, some don't. I want to thank the administration for
080the opportunity. Um, I'm ready to get after it. So, we're ready to go. I'm >> excited for you to do >> best basketball high school basketball. >> Thanks. Thank you. And Tiana and Katie, come on up. Shake hands. Coach, come on up. Shake hands. on your face. >> Nice to meet you. >> Um Oh, yeah. Yes. And I graduated just a year after. >> Oh yeah. Yes. We live next door. >> Thank you. >> Now we can move on. >> All right. >> The grants at the Dish applied for the guitar challenge. It's like a $500 grant. that I'll entail for items for $500. >> I'll move. >> I Liz moves second. >> I'll second. Laura seconds. All in favor? >> I Okay, donations. >> I just think everybody donated. And then the last one,
081uh, just 20 families and individuals donate to the Donnie Memorial Fund. So that whatever. >> Thank you. >> Has that project like are we involved in that at all or okay? Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Tyler moves second. I'll second those seconds. All in favor? >> Okay. Superintendent regular agenda. >> Yeah. This is just following the law for retire. We had to do something in May. Have to do something in in June or uh excuse me, April and May. Yep. That's what this uh motion is >> for Sam Landry. I'll approve it or I'll move. >> Yep. And these were for >> also for >> to adopt the policy >> for the entire we have to have what two or three readings. >> But this was just for Sam. >> Just for Sam. >> Last
082month it was going to be for Brenda, but she rescended hers. >> Yes. But where I was going with that is this is a specialy position where we do not have anybody that might be as qualified to so in as as we do this would be a savings to to the school district by correct doing the rehire retire um and finding somebody with his ability to teach would be he's dynamic phenomenal teacher I hope I have his energy after 30 some years um but yeah phenomenal teacher almost irreplaceable of what he can do and he wants to finish out for the kids which is I just can't thank him enough cuz he wants you know French and German he wants to finish those kids up so that >> okay moves >> all second all in
083favor >> okay >> school resource officer >> yeah this agreement permits a district to contract with Beaver PD uh for Dare Hassie um Chief Dillo was phenomenal I mean I can't say enough about our our Beaver Police Department um Mr. Mr. Hassy, we talk all the time. Phenomenal. Loves the kids. Uh just just a little bit ago, he texted us before the meeting about, you know, the construction and some ideas and moving forward. Um so just phenomenal that. But this motion is to continue with that partnership for safety and security. >> Okay. Motion. >> Move. >> I'll second. >> Tyler seconds. All in favor? >> Next. >> He's back. Yeah, >> he snuck in. >> See after a dance. >> Um, next is Mr. Huffman and the athletic performance that he's been serving providing the
084district for for several years now. >> Athletic training. Sorry. >> Motion to approve. >> Liz moves. >> I'll second. >> Tyler seconds. All in favor? >> Next is the April Business Advisory Council meeting minutes. If you have questions, let me know. >> Motion to approve. >> I'm Laura moves. >> A second. >> Tyler seconds. All in favor? >> And personnel. >> Yeah, this motion is for specific employee for summer transportation help. Uh we had to take them out of the consent agenda. >> I abstain from this vote. Motion to approve. >> Liz moves. >> A second. >> Tyler seconds. All in favor? >> I All right. K2 Marketing Service. >> Yes. So, this is a motion. Um couple years ago, the district uh the board of education asked me for communication and collaboration and strategies
085and and they wanted tools to provide me with a strategy to have two-way communication, positive communication simply because I couldn't do it all. Um I had no clue how algorithms and all the other aspects of um curriculum and and mapping it all out, how it worked. So my first year or so, I thought I could do it all. And then after hearing input from the board, they sat with me and they wanted me to consider uh going with a public relations firm. So I interviewed three different companies and um really landed on local company that is just boots on the ground. I can't stress to you from emergency management, crisis management when we had some loss in February, you know, it's 4 a.m. on the phone, um getting statements ready, get the media ready. Uh
086you know, to be able to pick up the phone and to have people that can handle the media so we can work with our team to keep kids safe and to provide support for staff, let alone the the curriculum planning, let alone the pathways, the 13 different courses we created to communicate all of that out to the to the district at whole. Um very I am very very happy with the service of K squared marketing. Um you know I looked at the dollars that were budgeted back when when I first learned of this and I learned back in 2019 you know for that set amount there were really only one um means of that and it was a newsletter that went out twice a year. We're getting about six to eight different services with almost
087the same amount budgeted and and more of a personal and more of the relational piece to have that boots on the ground to to have someone working with students to doing video series to the staff members um hearing what's going on in other districts hearing you know because casewear is in I believe nine other districts I'm not sure eight or nine um and to say hey are they having these issues also what strategy are they using I could bring back to the team. I can't say enough about uh Gaywware. So that motion is to meet our district greater way goals. The board of education asked me um to continue to improve communication collaboration and the board said to me we have to provide you with the tools so that you can get that job done
088and with this amount um these are the tools that I would recommend. So very satisfied. Um, I've heard nothing but positives. Qualitative information back to me is positive. The quantitative, the Facebook increases and the 60% increases of engagement and so forth um proved enough for me to put this recommendation and it's not long-term. It's yeartoear um as we know enrollment and curriculum um CTE workforce development military. I mean, I met with him about a month ago and said, "Hey, I really want us to pivot for middle school and high school, STEM, steam. Brook Stewart's going to do something. I'm on it, Jared. I already got, you know, my ideas of what we're going to do move forward." So, with all that information, I tried to put it in two two sentences maybe. um and simply
089say that they not only meet our district way of communicating and collaborating, but they go above and beyond, especially when the two other companies I interviewed because I was completely against this two years ago. Um but I'm just they prove their worth to me and if you guys know me that you have to have a lot of evidence to really convince they have done that. Yeah, I was actually shocked that in 2019 that we were spending the amount of money on two mailers that we're spending now on K squared. Like it was literally like oh my gosh, we were spending that money on two mailers that people read and then threw away. I I think we're getting a lot more value out of that money than the two mailers. So what I've noticed too with
090with the I mean I was part of the conversations where we got feedback from the community of maybe some communication that could have been handled better or so maybe some crisis management. Um and we went through and we had those hard conversations and decided that you know was it three years ago or whatever two and a half years ago now where you know um it might be time to look outside somebody who's professional and in that you know and that's their universe right and um by them pumping out the um the vision of the district I think it's building a positive you know um picture of this place. You know, we're getting to highlight teachers. We're getting to highlight students. We're getting to highlight the the good things we're doing here by putting out maybe
091career-based education or or or whatever the case is. Like, it's just everywhere. Anything from security to, you know, school nurse recognition to to to whatever. It's just um the things that you wouldn't be able to do and be the CEO of this district, right? So, you can't you can't do it all. And and by giving you a tool to utilize that, I think it better um services the community and the taxpayers by letting them know what exactly is happening in the school district. And um also um from my understanding, this has been even though it's year to year, this won't affect the forecast going forward because it's already assumed currently. Correct. >> It is forecasted. Um, so that's just kind of where I stand and the fact that we live in this world of communication
092and you know, um, you know, social media and that's the way everybody gets their their news. It's no longer that newsletter everybody just chucks. But um I think we would be behind the times if especially looking at other schools not to compare South Range to other schools but um you know they found the value in it also with the changing uh environment we're in currently in our society. So that's just my opinion. So >> any other opinions? >> I know like confused like that community ser and everything was communication communication communication and that's why we as a board said we have to set this as a standard like we decided as a group. >> I think um Kqu has done a great job. However, um I'm looking at the $25,000 and I I feel at
093this point um we really need to look at how we're spending just like we just have this the big project out front with the pavement. Um and I feel like there's other things that the teachers need as opposed to put it in marketing. So I am going to vote no on this. I I mean I think Colin has done and her team has done a wonderful job. I would like to look at it next year and consider it doing it again, you know, maybe doing it again, but right now I I'm I'm leerary on what's going to be happening on on the government and the policy level with the legislation. We just need to figure out then like if we're getting rid of communication with the community like >> which the legislation is part of
094the communication and if we aren't up to speed and up to snuff on on communicating exactly what's happening in the legislature then they know how and then it's put on Jared or somebody else into in in the system to there's no free lunch. Okay. So, so somebody's got to do it. It's going to be a cost to the cost to the school no matter what. Hiring a professional might be more effective. That's where I'm looking at it. And should this thing should should this fail. Um, it would be injust to Jared to take a tool out of his toolbox and hold him to the same expectations that we had set for him previously. That's my opinion. So, um, I mean 25 grand, yeah, I get it. And things are things are tight. I get it.
095But at 2% or less than 02% of the budget of our annual, you know, um expenditure um I I don't know that's the face and and the communication that we get out to the community. So >> I look at us as stewards of the taxpayer money and the purpose of this building is to educate the students and if I see we are spending for something that is not directly educating our students it's hard for me to say yes that I'm not seeing the education to the students here is that that that's where I am with that. I just I don't see it as a benefit to the students. I see it as a benefit to the board and administration. Our taxpayers aren't here to make our life easier. We are supposed to be spending their
096money educating the students at the district. >> I hear you, but how like I'm like how are we going to fix this? cuz the taxpayer like when we did the community survey they're like we want communication we there's not enough communication I was at a meeting just the other night and they're like more communication like we need to make sure so how are we going to do that like so they're like well I didn't hear about the band concert and I didn't hear like so we're telling like we're not going to be posting on like I don't go on Facebook anyways but we're not going on Facebook there that's gone well in January we sat here and created Leia on positions. >> Those positions are supposed to tie those outside communities or committees with the
097board and administration. >> I feel like if there's something going on here in the board and I feel like as the middle school, elementary school PTO liaison, if there's things going on, I report that to our PTO and they put it out. Our middle school PTO, they put it out. our high school PTO, they put it out. I don't see why we can't. Jared puts out text messages. We can still put out Facebook posts. We have, and I know I talked to Jared about this. He's adamant no on it, and it's fine, but I'm going to say it anyways. We have more electives coming up next year with digital media and journalism and such. But I'm >> so I'm wondering why we can't utilize students and teachers in our own building who might >> as
098a teacher I would not want that bull's eye on me like I miss >> but we may have one who wants to do it. >> I think that's a lie that >> some of to some of the information >> shouldn't be handled by teachers and students. No, there's private information and there's >> Terry, for what it's worth, I get no communication within the district anymore. I since since Ricky graduated in 2020, I get zilch from you guys. So K K2 or no K2, I get no communication at all. Just for what he's worth. >> So I know you're saying about the >> I was just so the the PTO Okay. Yeah, they have their own Facebook groups or whatever on the on whatever, but Officer Hassie doesn't have a Facebook group or whatever. If there's
099something safety related or a coordination um you know, this is a this is more than just a Facebook posting and stuff like that. This is >> Well, that's all I see. And when I talk to people in the communities, that's all they see is a Facebook post. And we did have a Facebook post where we had some snafu crisis. This is crisis management. This is >> this is this is all stuff that you know there's been um you know statements made in the paper. Um you know I just I get weary about holding like our job as a board is to um you know hire and maintain administration with Jared and Mario and let them do their jobs. We have to give them the tools to do so. And we set a standard and a
100parameter around what we expect. And if we start eliminating the tools in the box, then we need to re-evaluate what we're doing uh or re-evaluate the review process or the standards that we're being held to because regardless, there's no free lunch. All this stuff still needs to be communicated. It's going to fall in the backs on somebody else. And I I just I I wonder if >> it's a healthy conversation. >> I agree. And I wonder if there is a situation where I can see that there might be crisis management where we might need something and Jared's dealing with the crisis itself and he doesn't have time to get information out there. Is there an opportunity rather than this contract the way that it is currently written to have maybe a smaller retainer service fee?
101And in the event that we need then to push out something that could be crisis management that then we pay them a service above and beyond that and not be paying $25,000 >> rate. Yes. >> Yes. >> Having a retainer and not a pdeium. >> That's beneficial to our end. I don't know if it's always beneficial to the business entities end. >> Uh I'm not worried about their business end. I'm worried about All right. >> I know. I know. And I This is I think they do a fantastic job. I think it is a valuable service. I'm not discounting any of that. And I think the people who run it are wonderful people. I think it is a tool that offers Jared the ability to to to do things more swiftly and and potentially slightly
102more effectively. I'm not saying we don't need more communication and we need to figure out a way to do it. I I just I just told you guys how I felt about hiring teacher. So I I struggle very much than to turn around and say I'm willing to spend this on a non-educational factor. I realize it's 2.25 whatever% of the budget, but it doesn't mean it can't be allocated somewhere else. So, I mean, I'm I can't I can't turn around and say I was struggling to justify that motion beforehand and then do this like that. That just and it has nothing to do with the people who do do the job. They're fantastic at it. I do think it is a valuable service. But I agree that I think if if it was a lower
103number or a different way, we could finance it to fit the most needed factors for the crisis management and other things to be in in line. I would that'd be awesome to see, but I'm I'm not gonna expect somebody to do something that's not financially savvy for their business either. >> Right. >> It's Yeah. >> And this and this is difficult because I think there's a lot of people in the district who know Kqued Marketing personally and they're both very nice women. So, it is very hard. But in the eyes of being a steward to the taxpayers, I I I don't think it's a good idea right now. We just need to come up with a plan because having gone through we did this issues like in trying to have the superintendent people handle things
104and then people were mad at how we handled things and like since we've been using them it's gone smooth like everything's been communic just what's our plan like what who's this being dumped on a union person? >> I think no matter how much communication we get, someone is always going to and complain. I'm sorry. No matter what we do, it's never good enough. I mean, Jared puts out the reminders and the texts in the one calls and you still have someone criticizing how some something was done. So it's >> so on that though the last thing I would do is >> cherry gets paid to handle the criticisms. Uh a teacher or a media high school class does not and that you cannot I I appreciate the idea but I'm against >> No and that's
105and that's fine. I clearly need to be educated on that. Not you know and I know Jared spoke on it too and it's fine. I still wanted to say it because I know as I'm out there people were asking why aren't we doing this? Well, I'll bring it I'll bring it to Jared and ask him and he answer he he in a roundabout way we tried to answer the question. I didn't I didn't get it. I still wasn't buying it. That's okay. I'm a hard cell. So, I I think that is a conversation that we could move forward with that maybe we need maybe not this is meeting our needs. Maybe there's a way to massage this a little bit so that it does meet our needs. >> So, whoever whoever takes on this responsibility
106should or shouldn't they get a pay increase? I don't think they expect me to increase. >> I'm calling some bull crap. >> So, I would not want to I would if I was sitting in that shoe, whoever agrees to to take on this and and not to as a responsibility. >> Well, no, let me let me rephrase that. Not all of the things that are done. The Facebook posts I know I'm fairly sure that the Facebook co posts could be handled in house with our staff. not crisis management of course not other things that they're doing but >> you yourself have seen and and commented on how many how many how many things have been you know I know most of the things are positive and there's no there's usually no well all of the
107we don't we do mostly highlights and stuff like that but the comments if somebody works something wrong or says something the wrong way it's just I think that that would be a big risk and if I was sitting on the other side of the table I would not accept that deal for not pay increase. So there you start chewing into the 25 grand. >> I'm still like, wait, we spent $25,000 on two mailers. Like I'm like that like >> is there is there a um so so I agree Liz like you can't you can't you can't take 20,000 let's just make the numbers easy, right? What I what I saw when we looked at the historical spending was I saw one year it was basically a h 100red bucks and I saw one year that
108was 20,000 >> right but we're sitting here saying is this is 25 they offer a ton more services right >> there's got to be a middle option there's got to be some option where it's like these are the exact services we need at x rate you know if that means we renegotiate some again I go back to I'm thrilled with the people to do this to renegotiate a style card. If they say no, no, thank you, whatever, or we look somewhere else, we can do that, right? I agree nobody should do this for nothing. I agree that we need to have some communication. It shouldn't be the $100 category, nor should it be $20,000 for a bunch of wonderful services, but maybe not all of them need to be super critical. If we're looking at
109two of those wonderful services, is there an option somewhere in the middle a little more financially sound for us? And I realize that it's a small phone number, but I think $15,000 is here and say these are resources teachers can use for Xstead needs of a student like that that is also useful. We we're potentially solving two problems. I don't I don't believe that for me saying that this specific outline contract at this moment means we have nothing or we have everything. Right. >> There there's there's a way there's a way to find a middle. who's gonna handle some like >> I'm just saying for this moment for what we're voting on what we are looking at in the face right now. What is the plan? I would like to see if we could, like
110Jack said, come like an in between of those because not needing all like the Facebook post and this, but have them do like the crisis management and the public relations as opposed to >> and but to be clear to said entity may they reserve the right to say like, hey, we're not going to do that and then we we have to go find something else like or continue to work work it out, right? Like that that those are going to be future discussions going from burn. We haven't here and we haven't voted on this yet. I'm just saying like we're talking it out now. We're trying to figure it out. I I'm just letting you know my thoughts, right? I don't I don't think it's like I said, I don't think the $100 nothing is
111the answer. And we are kind of all saying like there may be some things in the $20,000 up range that are not exactly needed critical services and then there are some in there that are absolutely critical. So, how do we pay for the critical services? >> We're looking for something in between and I just get worried. Okay, so we set the standard. Now we're now we're relapsing back on on more to where we were where we were starting to get. And that's that's what I have a hard time is going maybe backwards getting, you know, in my opinion. But I I mean, is there is there a way where we possibly I don't know. I I don't think tableabling is the issue or thing, but postpone this vote until we maybe seek out. Is this
112something that the >> Well, I believe we have it until June. Correct. >> So, the current contract contract if the board votes on this, it would be for next year's contract, but that wouldn't stop caseword or others putting on different contracts if like and saying they're capacity. >> This is just for the 20 the one that we all saw in your >> This is for the contract is as it is written right now. So, so my question would be um would would this be something Liz, this might be a question for you where I know the foundation had met talked about newsletters and stuff before. Um is this something that they might be interested in helping out with spreading the good news about the district or um or is this something that they could might
113possibly be interested in or >> I have no idea. Or is there >> splitting with us or something like that? >> I think first I think >> you have to bring it to >> before you went to them with any before you went to any any >> meeting any negotiation we need to have objectives in mind. So what are our most critical needs before we even enter next request? Like that is something where I would say Jared if there are eight points right and you say one two and three are a must then we say how do we achieve one two and three at x rate all right if everything else can be dropped we drop them all right that is what we need to figure out first is most important if we're saying within
114the eight points these really don't matter why not not matter but >> why why do we need why are we paying for these right is this just to essentially allow us to keep it up maybe, but also it's a business model, right? But before we do anything else, if this if this is gone for next year, before we enter into a negotiation for another opportunity like this, we need to know what is most critical needs for your toolbox. Right. >> Right. >> So, the only thing we're voting on is this current the current contract for next year as it is right now. >> Yes. So if we could work with K square to come up with the essentials that you are looking for at a different price then I believe >> yeah I'm just I'm
115just also putting out there and I don't know how else to say this but again business entity could could say go pound song. >> Mhm. >> So I'm just that is also something that needs to be in our head as well. So, I'm not saying it changes anybody's mind or how they feel, but also don't done different negotiations. Don't don't just expect to be able to walk right back in the door. And and I would not I would not be mad at anybody for that either. >> All right. Any other discussion? Motion to approve the current the next year's agreement with K square. >> Liz moves >> and I'll second. >> Tyler seconds. Roll call. >> Johnson. >> Yes. >> Tyler P. >> Yes. >> Mark. >> No. >> Jack Dawson. >> For the current
116setting of contract now. No. >> I'm with Jack with the current contract. No. But I am I would like to see what we can come up with. All right. Public participation. Ma'am, I'm sorry. I'm going to let you go first if you have anything to say. >> I didn't got to pass. >> Yeah. Why I don't let this happen, but we have a lot of conversation and input, so I wanted to give you your opportunity. >> Okay. >> No, I'm okay. Thank you. >> Yes. Um, I would just like to speak to kindergarten as a whole, I think. >> Okay. First, state your name or you're from. >> So, I'm Katie McMurray. I currently teach kindergarten at South Range here. Next year, I'll be teaching second grade. Um, I think kindergarten is a grade level
117that a lot of people don't quite understand. They have a view of kindergarten maybe from when they were children or when their kids were in school. Um, but it is a very unique grade and I think that maybe for people to understand it better, I know I'm only there for a couple more weeks, but if anyone who just wants to understand kindergarten better would like to come into a room, I would like to invite you in. I would love to go through um the science of reading with you and go through the process of where we start our children and where we take them throughout the year. It's not necessarily something that people understand just from, you know, hearing about kindergarten, but by the end of the year, our children are reading. They are writing
118sentences. They're writing multiple sentences in one sitting. And we also have a packed full day that takes an entire day. And maybe I shouldn't say this in front of my two bosses, but I can't even make it through my standard course of study by teaching hard every single day throughout my entire day. There are science standards that I'm trying to pack in right now. We're trying to get through our social studies mapping unit before that last day hits. Our math is going every single day through our amplified program, which I would also love for all of you to look at our NWA MAP scores and see the progress that we have made with these children. Come in and listen to them read, please. Um, it doesn't happen overnight. It's we are we are teaching the
119social emotional pieces, but we also are preparing them for next school year. And our kids would be significantly behind if we were not teaching them in this very systematic researchbased way. And like I said, I would love to invite people in. I know I'm not there much longer. Um, but kindergarten has my heart, my whole heart. And and I respect every person who walks in to do that job because it is the hardest job. The lower the grade, the harder the job. And I've taught K5. Um, so you know, if any of you have time in that time frame, I would love for you to come in so that you could better understand and I would love to give up my lunch, my planning period to kind of go through our curriculum with you. So,
120thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> I agree. I think kindergarten is probably that sets the foundation. It's the most important. It's why we should have no more carpet bagging open enrollment students in kindergarten next year. and they've made the case. Steve made the case. She made the case. There's plenty of work to do. They don't need more kids thrown in the mix. Jack, thank you for representing the taxpayer tonight. I appreciate it. Um, the thing that I wanted to talk about in this session was I don't know if any of you saw Princeton has actually revoked the gentleman's agreement they had where you could pro self-proto a test because there's so much cheating. Uh talking to a parent recently and I I've got a bunch of young techs that go to YSU
121that are premed. Three of them are premed. There's rampant cheating in the back program there. I mean they've actually caught 20 30 kids and these are kids that are preliminary accepted into med school that are cheating to get through YSU to keep their grades up. It's out of control. I know with Chat GPT um you know these these kids aren't writing English papers anymore in high school. They're just running it through chat GPT. I think we should really look and I think a lot of this goes back to co co you know they learned how to cheat and they're just going to keep on doing it. We need to strengthen our code our code of conduct in that area. I think so that if you are caught cheating there's got to be severe repercussions for
122it. And I think that would include and this will get fought like crazy. If you're caught cheating and you're in an athletic program, you're done for that athletic program for that nine weeks. I I I think it has to be that severe because it's getting to be bad. When you're seeing advance to college, you can't have somebody trying to become Jack Dr. Dawson who's going to cheat their way through and get through it and then come out and start practicing and have no idea what they're doing. And I'm seeing that. I'm seeing kids come out of pharmacy school that are completely and totally unqualified. I don't think he's seeing it yet to that degree, but it it's an issue that needs deal dealt with and I would encourage you to look at strengthening the code
123of conduct so that it would be severely dealt with. >> Thank you, Rich. >> Yes, >> Taylor Johnson. I teach kindergarten here. Um, as I stand behind two of my um, soon-to-be colleagues and my current colleague, I just feel I need to say saying get better every day is true. I believe at South Range, we do. I'm very proud to send my daughter here to live in this district to work in this district. It is a dream school and I think it is a dream for a lot of parents to send their kids here in district and out of district. I don't want to play the comparison game, but when we talk about half day or every other day and what standard we'd be setting for their education, their consistency, which is very important, routine,
124and the standard that we hold them to, find a district around here that has scores, a community activities inside, outside of school that do a program. I'm very proud of what we produce here in children as community members, children as leaders. Your children that go here make very good names for themselves and I'm very proud to work at a school with children that have names that come from that. Um, and also our test scores, I'm very proud of that because the children work hard because of the work they put in, the work we put in, the work their parents in the community put in. So, I just want to say I know that that's something that we're considering, but find a district around here that compares to us that does have to. It just does
125not exist. Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else? I just want to um first before non-aggenda items, um this Sunday is commencement. So, congratulations to all the 2026 graduates for Sunday. And um I wanted to let you know so everybody saw that construction out there. Um we were told last week that due to the weather and the supplies and the delays um another construction needs that the con construction company needed to start this past Monday. So we apologize for not giving everybody a heads up but I believe Dr. Zapnik did put an all call out for everybody. So, there is reasons why that they had to start this past Monday. Um, anything else? And you already did my shout out for the test scores, which I was going to say, but any other thoughts, comments?
126All right. >> Commencement, you talked. Um, yes, I did that text message about the communication of the parking lot. That's the pre that's the pre-work >> phase one. >> So, phase one, and then next week, there's nothing going on. Getting kids and people out of here. And then the paving is like actual work will happen. >> Wait, did that change? Did >> that change? >> Just so we're clear. Okay, this is pre-work here. >> Next week they're going to be on the elementary side >> for the pre-work. >> Pre-work. Yes, pre-work drainage on the elementary side. >> We're going to commit. Yeah. Last week of school. They they should be if everything goes as planned. And again, it's hard to put dates on this. it. >> But one thing we don't want to run into
127is we don't want to run into mid July and we got the band camp, we have football practice, we got a full parking lot, this place fills up. So it's our hope that >> Well, plus you pay your rain delay as well. >> Yeah. Oh, everything. You don't realize the summer >> Yes. >> is like that. So, and and we'll try our best. Sometimes, you know, you got to turn too. you got to pivot because you don't have a lot of notice and hey, we're going to do this now and all of a sudden, well, that wasn't planned for, but you know, if it moves the project along, we're going to try our best. >> So, is your ultimate goal, the weather's nice and we get lovely nor eastern Ohio weather. Are you guys hoping
128to have them done by like mid July? Is that your goal? >> I don't, even though I'm affiliated with the company doing the work, >> you're not involved in the diffuse myself completely. I I'm pressing for a month when they start paving. >> That is maybe not realistic. >> Okay, that's okay. >> Okay, but I'm pressing because we want them to >> get in and get out. >> Fair enough. If people ask, we can tell them we're hoping to be done by weather tending. >> And then last but not least, um so the June board meeting, traditionally we look at the day and the time specifically because of a lot going on in June at that time. So between now and then, I think Terry, if if you want to call the board and see
129days and times the same for Sam. >> Yes, we can't change June 17 because of the because of >> Never mind. >> Yeah, we might not be here. >> I think as long as we have >> that was for the resolution that we has a 60day time that's already had it on there. So we can't pop it up. It has to be >> yeah has to be checked with attorney and the buying. I don't know that. >> Well, if you check on that just >> Okay. >> So, we know. If not, then >> as of right now, we have to state this. >> I'm looking at June 25th, 26th. Let me know you guys like at least have four board members for the meeting. But >> just to close up the year, >> do you
130know what? >> Thursday, Friday. Or if we can't do those, that would be that Monday, Tuesday. >> Did you say 26th? 27th or 26th. >> We usually do it first thing in the morning. >> Yeah. >> What? Yeah. Whatever time. >> Okay. >> It's the 30th or the first 27th. January 29th or 25th. >> While we're on other matters, I'd like to ask Dean, I forgot to ask you. Uh, all we all clear, all good with the Well, any any issues? Any further? Uh we are still waiting and I I got a little information from the health department because they do by annual inspections here that they received a letter. So any day now I should receive a letter from the EPA telling us where they're at in the process whether or not we need
131to add treatment because that could be a possibility depending on their chemical analysis of the well. But the weld itself tested good. The pressure tested good. Now, it's going to go into the planning phase of how they connect it to the system. So, we're we're still in waiting. I would expect to get something within within a week, though, being that they were already emailed a letter, but I I did not see the contents of that letter. That was to the health department, not to me. >> Anything else? >> All right. Great. Motion to approve adjournment. More motions. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Jack second time is 8 7:49.