SMFCSD Board Meeting 2026-02-23

001Good evening. I'd like to call to order the regular board of education meeting for Monday, February 20 23rd, 2026 at Lake View Elementary. Roll call, please. >> Merleti here. Moyer >> here. >> Shehan absent. Sulaonic >> here. >> Whitaker >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Everything we do is designed to provide a future ready student- centered learning experience for every single child. Our strategic plan for 2021 through 26 will help us accomplish this goal by considering every facet of a student's learning experience from curriculum to infrastructure to wellness and everything in between. As members of the board of education, we serve

002as trustees. Therefore, this is a business meeting being conducted in public, not a public meeting. We are grateful to serve an engaged community and therefore encourage and respect input from citizens. We expect that everyone present will behave in a manner consistent with the behavior we expect of our students and we reserve the right to remove those who do not comply with that rule. Do I have a motion to adopt tonight's agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. Moyer. >> I. >> She. Suladonic. >> Hi, Whitaker. >> I Right. Next item on our agenda is the building report. Lake View Intermediate School. I will turn it over to Dr. Gold. >> Good evening everyone and welcome to Lake View. Uh this evening we will have our presentation by uh

003Principal Yahunes. Ask him to come up. Welcome to the board of education. It's always a pleasure to have you guys here and really give us the opportunity to kind of show off our best foot and show you what we have going on at Lake View. One of the things I put up there on the slideshow today was uh Lake View serving the graduating classes of 2032 and 2033. And that is one of the things that I think is very special and unique about our fifth and sixth grade setting that in Stowe it is where the graduating classes come together for the first time. And as we are approaching rapidly the end of this school year, it becomes really fun when our six elementaryaries we bring those elementary students here into Lake View. And it's the

004first time we really start to build that sense of community and bring those classes together as one unit for Stow. you want that or I can do that. It's up to you. >> So, for tonight, um, as I go through, I'm going to try to go back to these how we align to the strategic plan as I'm going to go through a couple of things. Um, the parts, the missions that we'll talk about are curriculum instruction, student wellness, opportunity for all, and fine arts. Um, it's kind of woven through there. So, as I hit some different things, I'll try to go back and highlight which one it's touching on. The first thing I want to do though is kind of talk about what makes up Lake View. Um, obviously it's the students are our centerpiece.

005They're the most important thing. And I wanted to highlight exactly what's coming through our doors every day. Um, so these numbers are approximate. I rounded them up, but we have about 330 fifth grade students. We have about 370 sixth grade students this year. So we're just right around that 700 student mark. Um, and this is actually a smaller fifth grade class um, than we've had in years past. So, our overall numbers are slightly down. Um, but if you stand at the doorway when the buses unload and the cars come in, 700 students will feel like a lot of students coming in. And if there's certain mornings you have people here dropping off somebody that forgot instrument or dropping something off and you can kind of see their eyes get a little bit wider when they

006come at the right time and the and the buses are unloading because it it can be a lot to have everybody rolling in. Um, of those 700 students, I want to kind of identify and talk about the variance in our student populations and we have 160 students have a gifted identification at least one subject area. So that means they're gifted in math perhaps or maybe gifted in reading, maybe they have a superior cognitive identification or gifted in both areas. So we have about 22% of our student body has at least one of those gifted identifications. Um we have 100 students approximately. Again these numbers are rounded off but about 14% of our students receive special services. Um and that highlights the range um of what our teachers when we say we want to meet students

007where they're at. Um that's an essential piece of providing an education that's going to move students forward the best. When we try to meet students where they're at and move them forward, you have 22% that have that gifted identification and superior cognitive and you have 100 students that receiving those special services. Also have about 25 students or 4% um that are English language learners and that varies as well. We have some students that don't speak English that uh they're learning it right now and we have some that have acquired pretty pretty solid language skills at this point. We also have about a 100 students that qualify for title one or about 14% of our students in title one. So that's a breakdown of our student population. So the next thing I wanted to highlight was

008with all of those students and those different populations, how do we provide them an education? So we went through and I said, well, we've got 29 general education teachers. That's 15 at sixth grade and 14 at the fifth grade level. We have 10 special education teachers, intervention specialists. We have seven, I call them specials teachers. That's art, music, band, orchestra, physical education, library, media. We have our two title one tutors. 1.5 ELA tutors is we have one person that's here assigned to us and then another one that comes on just a couple of days. And then we have two school counselors. So that's the uh the core. doesn't include everybody that's working with our students because um I want to highlight too we have 20 buses that come to Lake View. So when we start

009our day there were 20 bus drivers that came to Lake View got those kids here safe. When we go to lunch you're bringing 700 some kids that need to have either packed or going through our line. All those people are essential pieces into how we're going to service kids, how we're going to meet all their needs. This I would say is kind of that foundational piece for the education part of things. how are we servicing them? That's our certified staff that's going to be working directly with students. So then in that when we look at here's the students that we have, here's the staff that we have to service those students, here's kind of how are we doing this year. So this is our MAP data. Students take that MAP assessment fairly early on when

010they start here at Lake View. Whether you're in fifth and sixth, we take that in the uh fall and then we take one in the winter, which we took a little while ago before winter break. And this is our growth. So in fifth grade, 87% of our students on that MAP assessment from fall to winter, 87% met expected growth. In science, 89% met expected growth. And we'll put a little asterk by that um because science is a little bit different with when and where they're taking their science. Reading is 78% met expected growth at fifth grade. And then they're very comparable over to sixth grade. 88% met expected growth for math. 92% for science and reading 93 or 83%. This talks about science and I'll before I read through that what we're looking at is

011science right now at Lake View is for a semester and when you look at science for that semester in sixth grade you either took it first semester or you're taking it second semester. So when you look at that MAP data, it's a little bit skewed for by chance because some of the people that took it in the this last administration didn't take it at the beginning of the year because they hadn't taken any science yet. So there's some I put a little caution by that science data. Our Ohio State test data from the previous school year though shows that our fifth grade students did not meet that expected growth in science and that overall our science has flatlined. when we look for reasons and causes, what is the reason for that? One of the glaring

012things was the amount of time we spend on science instruction. Uh for as long as I've been at Lake View, there has always been that heavy focus on the reading, the writing, and the mathematics. And that has come at somewhat of a cost for the science and social studies time. So, what we're going to be looking at right now and what we're working on creating is by adjusting the schedule to provide consistent protected instructional time for science, we're going to strengthen academic focus, increasing rigor, and aligning time aligning time with expectations. What that means is our goal is to have science for a full year for a specific dedicated amount of time. Um, my staff knows, we've been talking with the staff on what does that look like to have science every day. Um, right

013now it looks like science every day for 52 minutes is the last schedule that I've kind of been working on. And if you look at my big dock, it says my final thought. And I tell my staff that doesn't mean it's final. It means when I was done working in on over the long weekend, that was my final thought at that time. Um, but so th that time for the science is a drastic increase. Um, but it does impact then how much time do we have for reading, how much time do we have for writing, and how much time do we have for mathematics? all those pieces we're trying to put in into place to maximize instruction for everything. One of the things I've talked about when we talk about the schedule and it seems

014easy to kind of say, well, we're going to increase science. I explain it by kind of looking at a soundboard and when I push up one piece to increase something, there's always two or three things here that come down. And when you try to push these ones back up to maintain that, there's something else over here that goes down. So in creating that master schedule that's going to maximize our science time, give that science um the dedication, the time, the rigor that students need to grow, it's to balance all of those different less levers. This change is a proactive step forward ensuring our students receive the depth of instruction needed to grow, succeed, and compete at high levels. And that step, I want to say, needs to apply for all subject areas. Obviously, science is

015kind of the reason why we're looking at making these changes and increasing that time. But it's very important that as we make those steps, we're looking at all the subject areas and looking at the whole child in their education to make sure that we provide that depth of instruction across the board. This one is specifically related to mission 9. It's going to get into our student presentation here in a second. Um, one of the things I talked about last year actually at at the board meeting here is trying to create opportunities for students outside of the core curriculum day. Um, we don't have school athletics yet. We don't have some of these other pieces that Kimton may have. And what we really are striving to create is something for everybody. We want everybody to have

016some type of connection to the building in some capacity with some organization, some adult, other students, and really create a space where field students can have that sense of belonging. And so this list, we're working to make it grow longer and longer every year. Band is always one that's on top of the list. Our band is amazing. Best band in the land. Orchestra, we're always working to grow. choir. Lakey Musical is performing in the upcoming weeks. Chess Club is a newer one. Um, and chess club is one that is on the top of the list of like a place that students want to come and be involved and we get great turnout there. On the other side, um, we just got done competing this weekend at our GCCTM math tournament. Spelling B, we had several

017top finishers. K kids, safety patrol, student council, rocks, all of those are ways we are trying to expand and get connections for kids so that they can have that sense of belonging and find their place here at Lake View. The one I skipped is the Crochet Club, and that was intentional because we have Mrs. Rener over here who's going to be presenting in a second on Crochet Club, which is our hottest club going at Lake View Intermediate. If you haven't heard the buzz, you're not looking in the right places. It is the hottest thing going at Lake View. We have a tremendous turnout. We It's bringing students together and it's bringing community in. It's bringing parents in and grandparents and donations and everything. So, I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Rener. I'm going

018to take the microphone to her actually and let her steal the show. >> Thank you. I'm Mrs. Rener. And this looks like a very small group, but I think it's really, really important to know that last year we had about 10 students. And this year, Mrs. Parton and I on the very first crochet club on a Friday morning, we tried to squeeze in the art room. Do you remember? And we for school all ready to learn how to crochet. We ran out of hooks. We ran out of yarn. And that night, I went home and I told my husband, I don't know, actually a community group on Facebook. And that's where I was connected with Mrs. Walco and a huge community of people that donated hooks and yarn and really great. And we're so big

019that we meet in here. We can't fit in the art room anymore, but as well um she helps me every week. Mrs. Walco helps. And we also have um Mrs. Break who is also retired teacher from We do a monthly project every week. Oh yeah. Warm up America 9 in rectangles and all rectangles from Lake View staff or students which was really cool. Um but our favorite project right now that we got to share with you is our random acts of kindness that we're trying to hide around Lake Rocks. So it's been a really positive awesome experience and I have a few kids that would like to share what they think of Crochet Club. Here's Laney. >> Hi my name is Laneany. Rochet club is getting to do all the monthly projects and I get

020to crochet with a lot of my friends and at first I didn't know how to crochet and a lot of my family relatives. Now, >> hi, my name is Dan and my favorite part of crochet club is we get to try and make new ideas and share time with each other crocheting. Hi, my name is Ally and my favorite part about Crochet Club is coming on Friday mornings and crocheting with my friends. But I also like to see what projects that I could create next because they always have great projects. >> Well, thank you for having us. I would just add to the crochet club because Mrs. Rener is a little bit modest is it really takes on everything we want all of our organizations to do. I know we have students that come to

021school because it's crochet club today. And I know we have students that over the course of the week that is the best part of their day. And we know as educators that for our students the most important thing is not necessarily what I'm going to learn in math today, what I'm going to learn in science today, but it's about the interactions they have with their peers and how they feel when they come to school. and all those organizations up that we showed up on the board strive to create that sense of belonging for students, give them that meaning in coming to school. Mrs. Rener voluntarily gives up her time to do that crochet club and it has become such a tremendous thing that is just a a pillar of Lake View right now. So, thank

022you very much, Mrs. Rener. And that concludes my portion. So, thank you guys very much for listening. All right, we will we will take a brief recess. It says five minutes, but just as long as it takes to let our uh families clear out that would like to clear out. So, we'll take a very brief recess. All right, that was a quick one. Uh maybe about 15 seconds of recess. All right, the next item on our agenda is the Bulldog Center Stage Awards. And I will turn it over uh back again to Dr. B. >> Thank you again. Uh this evening we will be recognizing our February winners for the Bulldog Center Stage. We are going to ask that all of our winners come to uh the front and then we will take a picture

023at the end. And we will start with our first uh winner and that is Amanda Alteri from Indian Trail. I am honored to nominate Amanda, our exceptional school librarian for the award in recognition for her dedication, positivity, and the profound impact she has on our students and staff each day. Amanda has created a warm, welcoming library environment where students genuinely love to spend time. Thank you so much. Our next Bulldog Center Stage winner is Karen Brown from central office, assistant treasurer. We know we can rely on her to guide us through difficult situations as she does with calm, steady, and professional presence that sets the tone for our building. Karen is ready is a steady anchor in the treasures office. Our rock affectionately known as office mom. Thank you, Karen. Our next winner is Emma

024Callaway from Echo Hills. Emma has helped each and every student in the classroom feel loved and supported. She seeks to understand the needs of each child and comes up with creative ideas to help them express their emotions. Emma is constantly thinking about ways to shift the classroom environment to best support the students. Thank you so much, Miss Callaway. Next we have our guidance counselor Karen Chapman from Highland Elementary. Karen has a superpower for remaining calm and collect. She deals with some of the most challenging students each and every day. Stepping in often in moments notice all while appearing completely calm, never raising her voice and staying positive. Thank you, Miss Chapman. Next, we have two recipients from Riverview, Maria Conko and Anna Gardino, fourth grade teachers. Miss Conkl and Miss Gardino are exceptional fourth grade

025teacher whose dedication to their students is evident in every lesson. They collaborate effectively, support one another one another, and deliver engaging, highquality instruction across all content areas. Congratulations to both of them. From Kempton, Olivia Graham, speech and language pathologist. Olivia is quite personable with staff. Her smile can brighten anyone's day and her positivity is contagious to those with whom she works. She is warm and caring with her students and supports them to the fullest in their language learning needs. Congratulations, Miss Graham. From the high school, Morgan Kaiser and Ryan Henman, English teacher, and our play and musical director. Morgan and Ryan are more than exceptional educators. They are transformational teachers at our school. As ELA teachers, they know that meaningful learning begins with strong relationships. They meet students where they are, build trust, and then

026challenge them toward true mastery within the classroom, grounded in support and positivity. And they also do very well with producing our outstanding musicals and plays at Storo Falls High School. Congratulations to both of them. From Woodland, our custodian, Lester Nash. He could not be here with us this evening. Uh but just let's give him a round of applause anyway. And from Lake View, no one should even be surprised. Miss Rener. This year, Miss Rener has led the charge in providing Lake View students with a unique opportunity to feel connected to their school environment and classmates while tapping into their creativity and making a difference in the school and local community. Congratulations, Miss Rener. >> Title One tutor from Fish Creek, Stephanie Spatel. Stephanie is a Title One tutor at Fish Creek Elementary. In this role,

027she has helped students succeed in the area of reading. She is thoughtful about building connections with students so they trust her. She has created a learning environment that is fun and engaging for students. Congratulations, And again, let's give them a big round of applause for all of our winners. Next item on our agenda is our middle school and high school uh winter head coaches uh for the 202526 school year. I'll turn it back over to Dr. Gold. Uh this year we have been recognizing our coaches as the seasons have ended and so tonight we would like to recognize our winter coaches. I'm going to ask uh athletic director Kyle Felman and his assistant over there, Miss Aaron Bivvens to come up. So, I want to just say a little bit about our coaches before we

028recognize them on this evening. Uh when we think about winter coaches, uh one thing uh we think about is that they are relentless encouraers. They encourage uh our students before there's ever any score on the scoreboard as well as we call them master motivators uh because they are capable of turning a practice into a life lesson as well as they are calm in the chaos because even when that buzzer beater happens they are still calm. So we want to uh definitely recognize them for their accomplishments uh for this school year. So we're going to start with our middle school coaches. Uh we're gonna uh Kyle will be uh sharing your names and we're going to ask you to come up and then we'll take a photo. All right. Winter Middle School. First, we'll start with

029boys basketball. Tyler Fleshower and Matt Beachch. That's boys. Uh they advanced to the championship game this season and uh they've got a bright future. These are good young coaches that are teaching. And I'm reading this and coach Felman, you'll be happy about this. STO basketball has a bright future. Impressive, tough, grit, hard-nosed defense. So, yes, they're they're doing a great job at the middle school. Uh, seventh grade girls basketball. Heather Cochran and Gary Typton. I don't think Gary's coming. They were runners up in the middle school suburban league silver bracket. have done a great job with our girls basketball program. The eighth grade finished 10 and four. So very proud of what they've done in middle school girls basketball cheerleading. Kelly Laner Middle School third place at the OASA middle school states for their first

030year competing competing. She's done a great job and Ally has done a great job aligning our middle school cheerleading program from middle school through high school which is one of our goals in athletics. So very proud of our middle school cheerleading. Um Kempton wrestling I don't is Jr. here? >> Okay. He had to work till seven. Real quickly um they were 14 and six in the dual meet record. So they did very well. Uh, and they're going to the middle school state tournament at the Cavelli Center in Youngstown. So, very proud of our middle school. Quick round of applause for our middle school coach that were able to make. Yep, that was it for middle school. All right, I'm going to go right down the list. Here we go. Boys basketball. Uh Chuck Feldman and

031Levi McAdam, come on up. They play Normandy this Thursday. Um one of the most exciting games was senior night versus CPPley, an overtime game where they won by 18, but the gym has not been like that in a long, long time. So it was a very, very exciting game. Levi's done a great job with the with the junior varsity and uh they're both educators and we're glad to have them leading our boys basketball girls basketball. Andy O'Keefe >> Oh yeah, Coach Warner is with us too. Sorry about that. Coach Warnery, new coach this year's done a great job. There's been a little transition, but he's really got them teaching fundamentals and they've won four of their last five. They play this Wednesday at Kent McKinley High School in the tournament. So, um, very proud of

032our girls basketball, boys bowling, Paul Taholski. Paul's outstanding job. soon as I email, he's the quickest responder on the emails. He's right back. So, we're very proud of what Paul's done. Um, done a great job working with our boys or excuse me, our girls bowling coach, Mick Jones, and they both are working together to get better with bowling. So, very proud of what you've done, Paul. That Paul, that leads to girls bowling. Uh, that's uh David Jenkins is here, I believe, but yeah, there he is. And Mick Jones was also here. watched them this past Sunday. They did a great job. They're um they've got some promising JVS and uh looking forward to a bright future also in in in girls bowling cheerleading Alli Kendall. And we heard Aaron yell it out. Ally was recently

033named coach of the year. OSSA coach of the year, which is a pretty prestigious award. She's taken our program to another level. Just how she has aligned our middle school, the girls, and they did a showcase this past Wednesday. We all were there. It was just outstanding. So, very proud, Ally, of the job you have done with our with our girls cheer program. Uh, next up is dance team. I think I did I see Lauren? All right. It's year three, I believe, in dance. So, board of education, they may be heading to you guys because they're right at the club status and then heading into potentially a varsity sport, but they've done a great job. Um, we get a lot of people that watch at halftime and between quarters of the football game and it's

034been pretty neat to have them out there and the choreography and all the things that they do. gymnastics. I don't believe Kendall's here, right? She's not here. >> Yep. She's teaching gymnastics at the Riverfront Y. But she is also a new coach and has done a great job. Ice hockey. I see Ryan. Ryan Shelene. They just finished Sunday. Um, and watching ice hockey at Kent State's great. If you haven't done it, you got to go. Um Ryan's done a very good job with our program. Had some seniors. Um but that's one of those sports that's very expensive. So you have to continue to work to build at it. So Ryan's done a great job for us. Um next up is swim and dive. Ryan Miller says ninth year at Stow, 17 coaching. Um he had

035the largest team in school history. You heard Mr. Yianis talking about making sure people are involved. So he had 54 kids on the swim team. It was outstanding and they competed at Akran General and we appreciate their partnership. So Ryan, great job. And then lastly, wrestling. I don't think JR is here. Um but they um they are going to compete is it this weekend? next weekend districts. So, um they've done a great job with our youth. I know Mark, Mr. Trin and I have worked with JR. He's very active in our youth wrestling program and they do it at the high school and the program continues to grow. So, um that's it. But very quickly, board of education, so you understand, we have over 60 coaches, 406 student athletes, 308 at the high school, and

03698 at Kemp. So, uh, talk about something for everyone that is working to learn commitment, character, and the life lessons that we talk about. So, thank you for recognizing, and thank you for everything that that you all do. Thank you. Appreciate >> it. >> All right. The next item on our agenda is comments from the audience on our voted agenda items only. At this time, we welcome any comments and concerns citizens wish to bring before the board of education. All comments must be no longer than three minutes. We will listen to you and consider your remarks, but there will be no conversation. Aside from clarifying questions, please begin your comments with your first and last name. Do we have any comments on our voted items? My name is Marty Simpkins. I'll go to the second

037step. I was going to talk about the renewal on the mobile lease modular spaces. I was curious about this because after having been at Lake at Indian Trail, which was it was not used very much, their modular unit and the Riverview unit. I it would it's used somewhat, but I don't believe there's bathrooms in any of them. So, they can't have full-time students there. And for the cost of it, now it's been on the list. You've had it for five years. So that's a $186,000 that's already gone to it for and if you get them again what you renewing it is asking for that you're going to have over a quarter of a million dollars tied up in three mobile units that are not really utilized as much as they possibly could be for the

038amount of money that's going into them. That's my only question. >> Thank you. Seeing no one else approach the podium, we will move on to the superintendent's consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve that consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Right. Dr. Gold. >> Yes. I'm recommending that the board approve U board of education approve the consent agenda for items B and D. I'm sorry. B through D. >> B through D. I'm sorry. >> Any discussion? >> B, C, and D. >> Yeah, B through D. >> Hearing no discussion. Uh, roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. Whitaker. >> I. just would like to thank the following uh persons who have donated or organizations. Lauren Kur Nice Anne Russo, Kathy

039Shimco, Stephanie Then, Olivia Artman, Ryan Courtrits, St. Steven Lutheran Church, Summit County Retired Teachers Association for a teacher grant, Ryan Dilly, Living Vine Church, and Meyers. So, thank you for your donations to our school community. All right. Next item on our agenda is are the superintendent recommendations. And I will again turn that over to Dr. Gold. >> Yes. I would like to recommend the following personnel recommendations. >> Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Dr. P. >> Just would like to recognize some retirements that we have uh here this evening. Uh our athletic director will be retiring. I think he left out of the meeting. Okay, enough out of the meeting. Uh, he will be retiring. Uh, one of our, uh, principles who has been at Highland for over

04020ome years will also be retiring. And is Tracy still in here? So, Tracy in here. Um, Tracy over at Riverview, she will also be retiring this school year uh, as well. But, thank you for your years of service to all of our retirees. Um >> any other discussion? >> Yeah, I just have a question on the retirements. Have those um job positions been posted? >> Uh we just received the retirements. We were posted positions after the board meeting tonight. >> Thank you. >> Before the roll call, you know, I think speak for everyone. We'd like to thank all of the all of our retirees. Um our our two principles and athletic director have been here for a long time. and they they have given a lot to our kids and our community and so for

041that we thank them. >> Roll call please. >> Merleti >> I >> Moyer >> I >> Sheen >> I >> Sulonic >> I >> Whitaker >> I >> 4 B revision to the school calendars. There are two revisions that need to um be made for the 2526 school calendar needs to be updated to reflect the May 4th is an election. So voting polls will be at both Woodland and Kemp Kemp and for 2627 the school calendar needs to be revised to align to the six district compact regarding spring break. So there's two revisions, one for this school year and one for next school year. Any other discussion? All right. Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> Hi. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. >> Next. U.

042U. U. U.. U. U. U. U. U. Uh. Board of elections. We would like to allow the Summit County Board of Elections to use Woodland and Kempton at no cost for pre-election meeting on May 4th, 2026 and for public voting on May 5th, 2026. >> We have a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Are these currently used right now? Woodland and Kemp or or which which schools are being used or elections. >> You know the all? >> Yes, these are currently being used. >> They're currently being used. Okay. Are there any other are there any others in the district that you know off hand? >> No, they just want to use just those two. >> Okay. >> And I try to be nothing if not consistent. I have a four-year

043history of voting against these. I feel like the board of elections um needs to do all it can to find alternative places for our citizens to vote. We spend a lot of money as a school district keeping our building secure and safe and sometimes two times a year we open them up to voters which is our civic duty but we can't check ID. We can't do anything. Can't keep them necessarily out of the restrooms. And so I'm not happy with um that subversion to our commitment to that security. So that that's my piece. So roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I >> Sheen. >> Uh no. >> Sulaonic. >> Hi. >> Whitaker. >> No. >> Next item. settlement agreement between Stomero Falls School District Board of Education and STO teachers association. This is an agreement

044to place a staff member on step five of the teacher salary schedule and retroactively beginning from 25 to 26 school year. >> Do I have a motion to approve this agreement? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Merleti >> I. Moyer >> I >> Sheen >> I >> Suladonic >> hi >> Whitaker >> I Dr. Gold I think we may have skipped D. >> Yeah. Sorry. >> So sorry. >> It's okay. >> Uh item D course catalog addendum for 2627. This addendum reflects uh college credit plus offerings um or CCP as they're referred to which will be taught uh at our high school with our teachers as instructors. This will not in this was not included in the course catalog originally because the high school administrators were working with Stark State

045University to secure approval for these courses. Uh it also reflects bringing back the business classes uh back to our high school as well. >> Do I have a motion to approve this course calendar addendum? >> So moved. >> Second. >> And now these this will bring um this will allow these students to take these classes without having to be transported off campus. Correct. >> Yes. they will take them um on our campus with our staff uh teaching those courses for college credit. >> So, a little less disruption in the day. >> Yes. >> All right. Any other >> How many students are we talking that would be kind of involved in this? >> They would have to enroll. We're talking about seven teachers though. >> Uh do you have a guesstimate about what? >> We

046just started scheduling. So, >> but this is taking some of the kids that have been going to Kent and now are going to stay. >> Yes. >> What do we >> These are like beginning courses. So, I'm not sure how many kids will actually enroll in those courses. >> Am I to understand that um when a student takes a CCP class at Kent State, for example, that um that's dollars that we don't get. Does this program keep the dollars here if we do CCP inside the high school? >> I'm not understanding your question. >> Yeah. So, so I'm a student and I'm going to take um biology. It's one of the courses, human biology. I could go to Kent State and do that. And if we do that, CCP money goes essentially doesn't come our

047way. If we if they take it in the high school, does that mean the money stays in our district as opposed to going to Kent State even though they're taking it? >> Miss Murray, would you please come up to the microphone? >> Thank you. >> You might Hello. So, currently we have around 150 students doing CCP out of outside of the building. So, we hope to recruit some of that back in. When a student goes to Kent State or another university and does CCP, we pay for their class. So it can be anywhere from $150 to $300 per class. Classes inhouse are $35 per credit hour. Um and Stark State pays for the books for those students as well. So that's not an additional fee. So there is a cost savings um as well as

048an added benefit to students all around um to have it in house. Any other questions about CC? Thank you. >> Any further discussion? >> I just I'll just add that I particularly like this option because I know I've had students that were interested in CCP but did not want to leave their school environment. So having something in house that still provides the opportunity for college credit is incredible and with the cost savings too. So thank you for that. >> And we're very excited because we have our staff members who will be teaching those courses. So that makes students also have a a better connection to the course as well. Uh thinking about going on a college campus, taking a entry- level course can sometimes be scary for a high school student. >> For sure. >>

049Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Sulonic. >> I. Whitaker. >> I. >> Dr. Gold. Item F. Next we have Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. This is a expedited local partnership program application and resolution. This application and resolution will be submitted to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission which will assess our classroom facilities in the school district and develop district-wide master facilities plan. We may then expend any local resources, including bond proceeds, to complete a discrete part of the overall master facility plan, whether new construction or major renovation. >> Do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> So what if we let's say this gets voted down? What's the what's the the um the negative on that or one of

050the negatives on that is that we wouldn't receive any funding from the state. This is um the plan that has to go before the Ohio Facilities Commission. Uh and so therefore the percentage that we would get from the state would also uh go down with that vote. Is this something that we have to do to at least stay in the queue while we're working on it? Yes. Okay. Yeah. So, we're not obligated if we if we're not ready. >> No. Okay. >> This is just so that we're up to date and using uh current uh projections uh for that plan. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that same question. So, this isn't obligating us to anything going forward whether we have the levy on the ballot or not? No, this is just for us to stay in

051line pretty much so that we don't lose our place in line. >> Now, I'm assuming this was done before the previous levy was on the ballot. Does this expire or do we have to do it once a year? >> We do it once every three years, I believe. Come up, Mark, please. I'm going to >> touch the bottom check. All right. Wow. Um so to address the reason why is the OFCC asked us to uh seek approval from the board due to uh leadership turnover and board in board turnover. It provides the board with options and keeps us um with flexibility in future years. >> So just to get clear, this isn't committing us to anything. This is just paperwork. If we were to take advantage of this, we are in the queue. >> Correct.

052>> Thank you. Any further discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Sulonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. resolution rescending a prior resolution and approving the execution of a contract for a HVAC maintenance. This resolution rescends the resolution that was approved on October 20th, 2025 board meeting because the inclusion of water testing and treatment services was inadvertently omitted from the agreement form. >> All right. Do I have a motion to approve this resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. discussion. >> Explain that again. >> All right, better. Um, so to this, you have to look at the ne both items kind of in tandem. Number one, um we're asking the board to res resend u prior action uh because the contract itself

053was with gardener and when we looked at the when we reviewed the contract after board approval, we found that the water treatment was was in there, but it it didn't have a numerical value assessed to it. So we were unable to say we were unable to execute a PO to have the services be provided. So water treatment is effect is essential um to HVAC low um low pressure boilers are in the majority of our buildings. Um there's a mandatory testing that comes back that tests the condensate to make sure that um that the system is working appropriately. So on G is G are we cancelling this agreement? >> So >> are we terminating this agreement >> in letter G of this? >> Great question. So we are cancelling the old agreement and then the next

054board action is to um is to um continue with the new agreement. What we did there was we made sure we did a lot of contract work on the back side. There used to be two contract numbers with an addendum on one of the contracts and it was very messy. Um the newest contract that I we we hope to see approved um clarifies um provides clarity to the board in terms of what's the expectation and the cost from the vendor. This is still a $6,000 net decrease in from the contract that we that was negotiated three years ago till today. >> So that would be H on here where we're getting rid of G, which is the current resolution, and then we'll eventually, I guess, be voting on the new one. >> Yes, sir. >>

055Now, how does um Gardner feel about this? >> Gardner has Gardner would like to get paid. M >> but are they where are they as far as all right we're we're we we can cancel a contract >> so they are very supportive uh they're a good partner to the district um after reviewing we we did an account review and they are the ones that brought this forward >> and yeah so this is the same company in both >> Yes sir. >> So this is a good thing for the district because it's just adding additional features >> or benefits that we didn't have before. So it it it's more of a paperwork maneuver. It allows us to have a better it has a more clear contract that the office of business affairs and operations can review

056um every 3 years. Uh through that process we did um make adjustments to the contract. Um this is what was talked about in the fall. Uh the the vendor used to come out four times a year and check our systems. Uh we found that to be over um too much labor. uh majority of schools they come out twice. So we reduced the labor and we were able to get um we were able to kind of trade that for uh filters and so we have two of our locations the the uh the contractor is responsible for filter changes which the past contract did not have. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Uh Mr. D. Uh so this is a three-year contract correct? >> Yes. Um there just there's a typo here. It says uh year 208.

057So you might want to fix that. >> Thank you. >> M is that typo in G or H? The typo is it in item G or item H? >> It's in the in the >> in the contract in the next item. Yes. >> Okay. >> Any further discussion on item G? A roll call, please. >> Merleti, >> I. >> Moyer, >> I. >> Sheen, >> I. >> Suladonic. >> Hi. >> Whitaker. >> I. >> Next, to approve a contract for services with Gardener HVAC/water treatment. This is a three-year contract pat package to repair the district's HVAC and water treatment systems. uh and approval with the uh correction on the year. >> All right. So, do I have a motion to approve this resol? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion? >> We

058will correct that typographical error. And roll call please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. >> Dr. Gold. I >> Yes. Resolution for approving the purchase of a cargo van for school operations. This resolution will allow us to purchase a cargo van for the district maintenance operations. >> Do I have a motion to approve this resolution? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah. What are we doing now? Is this a replacement or an addition to This is a replacement of a 2009 uh 2009 truck uh with a with a utility body on it. We're moving from a utility body truck like a massive truck. Uh it's our our our the truck that serves second

059shift and we're moving more into like what you what you see with an Amazon truck. So something that is uh more economical. uh it's not as um it's not as heavy uh but this is the way that we can make all of our continue on with our replacement cycle in a cost-effective way. >> And where's the one we have now? What happened to that one? >> So that's that that has So it's red. You might have seen it driving around the district for a long time. We're going to take the utility body off of it. There's a 2004 green dump truck that's been sitting at the bus garage. We're going to take the uh the um the dump off the green truck and place it on the red truck and we're going to commission a

060safe um kind of service truck at the high school grounds. >> How do you do the pricing? Is this like state minimum pricing or is it you bid it? So this due to um so our board policy says that we have to we have to go to board with three quotes with $25,000 or more. But uh when it comes to actual bids, the state the state threshold for that is $79,000. What we have done is we've worked with a local vendor um to take a slightly um it's a gently used truck with 300 uh 300 miles on it and then we went ahead and got three quotes and we found out that this truck that we're offering that we're recommend that I'm recommending uh is the lowest. >> Okay, thank you. >> Any further discussion?

061Uh roll call, please. >> Merleti >> I. Moyer. >> Hi, >> Sheen. >> Hi, >> Suladonic. >> Hi, >> Whitaker. >> Hi. >> Next item is item J. >> Yes. A mobile lease modular space operating lease renewal. This is a 5-year lease to continue to use the modular units at Riverview and Indian Trail. >> Do I have a motion to approve this renewal? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Right. Uh discussion. Uh my questions on this is are these being how are these being used now? >> Good evening. There we go. Um the modular units at Indian Trail and Riverview are being used by our title one staff, our English learner um support staff, speech language pathologists, occupational therapist, physical therapist, school counselor, and school psychologist depending on which modular you're at. Um part of

062the impetus of of having these when we introduced our uh reintroduced and took over um the control of our preschool program uh we um found that we had speech pathologists, we had like three to this little tiny room. Um and then also we ended up having two school psychologists. So we just we physically ran out of space in the building. Um so our um they pull small groups of students out there. Um, so it is correct. There are no restrooms in either one of those. And we're not permitted um by our building occupancy to have a class out there. Uh, but we are doing a lot of small group instruction that we used to do in the hallway or um tried to do in a classroom. Um, so that we able to have a quieter

063space for our students to work. >> So like in a school day percentage-wise, what would you say these are being used? I mean >> I mean every time I'm out there there's a there's a somebody out there. Yeah. My recollection when we I think I was on when we put these out there um I think it was one building and then the next that there were that there were certain uh special education type activities happening in the hallway >> correct >> um outside of the classrooms. So would if we were to not have these would that end up having to be the case again? >> Yes. Yes, it would be. Yeah. Especially at Riverview. And are these what happened at the other elementaryaries? Do they have just more room that they don't need a >>

064modular? Yeah, these are our our three elementaryaries that have our special education program. So, Indian Trail has our preschool. Um, Riverview has our emotional behavior support program. And then Echo Hills also has a modular and they have our specialized resource room where at one point I had three staff members in the old um shower stall that was in the locker room that were all trying to share it. So, um yeah, a little tight. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any further discussion? All right. Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. >> Dr. Gold. Item K. >> Next. We have extended field trips for four of our activities. High School Aeronautics Careers Academy, high school baseball, high school softball,

065and our high school speech and debate team. >> Do I have a motion to approve these extended field trips? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Obviously, I think we all wish our athletes and competitors well and our aeronautics uh students well. So hopefully uh you know we can have a motion to get last week's weather back because I think it's going to be tough to play baseball in it. >> They're not playing until March. So let go. >> All right. Any uh sorry. No more discussion. Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. Thank you. on to the treasurer's consent agenda. Miss Mullen, >> uh I have um asking for approval of uh the minutes from the prior

066meetings January 21st, February 2nd, February 9th, and February 19th. >> Is it consent? So >> is it a couple of Okay. and and then also sorry the check register um for December 2025 and then the full check register for January of 2026 and then I usually go into the financial report too usually. >> Okay. So I'll go into the financial report and then also on here's the rip codes. Let's go into we get approved each. Okay. So for um financial report for this uh January um cash balances where we're ending um for this January um this is a cumulative of our monthly where we started out with the fiscal year and then how um our financial our cash balance es and flows um as we go through our fiscal year and you can see where

067we've received payments or where as this January we're we're ending at 6.6. We were waiting on our real estate settle payments. Um, and as I present the forecast, you'll see why it's very imperative that we keep our cash balance um at a minimum level so that it'll help us carry through with our expenditures and payroll as we're awaiting the real estate payments. Um this is the comparison um for this month uh past month January's expenses in comparison to last year's expenses. There um is a slight increase um that's associated with um the approval of the union contract. So there's wage increases in there. Um there's also inflation due to the utilities increasing just electric and gas in general. Um those rates increase. Um I think as we're all seeing just in our personal homes and

068those expenses um along with just building maintenance that's um been complete is what causes those increases. Um with our revenue, our revenue is down somewhat from when compared to January of last year. Um one of the items that I found is we received a one-time payment last January um from the state for the science of reading reimbursement stipens um that the teachers received. So, um, when you take that factor out as one time, um, we're relatively about the same, um, in terms of revenue. There was also a slight delay in grant reimbursement as well. There was a change that the Department of Education workforce um, completed with the grants and so there was um, a delay in getting the uh, updated budgets approved. So once those are approved, I can't submit for reimbursement until those

069are approved. So, we had to work through those, which usually doesn't happen in January, but it did this year because of the change that they had um for the prior year's grants. Is there any questions with those? And then we go into just like the cash balances. Now, is there anything I can help answer? >> I think if we >> are the check registers, >> we haven't motioned and seconded yet. I thought maybe we can get let you get through your presentations and then ask. >> Okay. They put the forecast after. So then the the um other one is E. It's the RIP code just the photography um for the two elementary buildings. They are um over a year contract. So I just wanted to make sure that those were reviewed and okayed with. >>

070Is there a motion to approve the treasurer's consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. All right. Now any discussion? >> I had a question on the science of reading onetime reimbursement. >> Um how often do the staff have to go through science of reading training and um is that part of their normal day or is were they did they come in in the summer? I'm just wondering about that. They received those stipens for taking that training outside of their normal work hours. That's why they received it. Um, from what I understand with do it was a one-time only. There was no Okay, never mind. So, our teachers had the opportunity to do science of reading um during the school day. Um, once they completed that um they had until June 30th of the following year

071to complete um then they were uh given a reimbursement from the state. Now the state is no longer doing the reimbursement. Staff members will have to do it on their own to get that and they have to renew it every two years. >> Yeah, there won't be the reimbursement. >> Any further discussion on any of the consent agenda items? >> Roll call, please. >> Merletti, >> I. Moyer, >> I. >> Sheen, >> I. >> Suladonic. I Whitaker >> I. >> Next item is the treasur's recommendation. The five-year forecast. >> Fiveyear forecast. >> Is that still the right name? >> It I'm going to call it the five-year forecast because that's what we're still going to present is five years give you full five years even though that's not it's not required but you're going to

072get a give you a couple extra. Okay. Let's see. Yeah. So the um this so the purpose and objective of this forecast um is to engage our board of education and the community um in a long range planning and discussion of the financial issues that could face our district. Um House Bill 96 requires that the board of education submit a projection of the operational revenues and expenditures along with those assumptions. the three-year forecast as required just some also call it four-year forecast um is the requirement but we're going to continue to give the five-year forecast to give a better picture of the financials. This also serves as a method for the Ohio Department of Education workforce along with the auditor of state to identify school districts that could face potential financial problems and help us

073be more proactive. um in meeting those challenges ahead of time. So with this, while we cannot predict um the future with 100% accuracy, um however, we can do our best with the information that we have at hand currently um to project our district's revenues and expenditures. The forecast um that you're looking at here, it is a summary. Um it is quite extensive. Um, so not to just to try to simplify things, I um have a picture of the summary. It's broken down into two items. It's the total revenues that the district will receive and over the total expenditures. Um, the first three columns are our actuals. Those are our knowns. Um, we're currently in fiscal year 26 and those are still in our forecast because that year hasn't completely ended. Um, we keep that in

074our forecast. Um our main revenue source is from local and state funding. Dominro Falls receives about 70% um local funding and 29% is from state funding which is makes up a substantial amount of the revenue that we can use towards our everyday expenditures. Uh, Governor Dwine signed into law. There's four pieces of legislation since the last forecast was given to you by Patrick. Um, they had anticipated that those House bills would pass and they indeed were signed in by the governor in December. Um, those House bills are 129, 186, 309, and 335. And these will take effect um this March, March 19th. um since we know that those were signed and they will take effect all of the projections here take all of those house bills how they would affect our school district in particular

075what would happen with those um the district's revenues directly affected by the signing of these house bills house bill 186 with the temporary tax credits the clawback money um that they've already received from prior reappraisal that's going to affect us the most and immediately is what we would see with that one. Um the biggest adjustment would be on our sec what they consider the second half payment which comes August 20 26. So this coming August is when we will see um the first impact of the house bill signing and with that we will um lose uh revenue. So, in order to give those tax credits back to the property tax owners, um they are deducting those credits from our payments and they're starting that within August. There are full credits that are going back to

076the property taxpayers will be taken out in our one payment. Um that's a one time only, but it's still a substantial hit um for us um that we'll have to navigate. Um the biggest >> I'm sorry, excuse me. So how much are the taxpayers getting back in the clawback? >> Okay, so that's one thing we do not know yet. So that's an unknown. So while I started with the the forecast that this is with the data and the information that we have now, we know that those were signed into legislature will be law. Um, the Ohio Department of Taxation actually has until August 20th to decide how exactly that's going to happen. This is how they anticipate that it's going to happen, but since the forecast is required to be approved and filed by the

077end of February, we have to submit it this way. It is recommended um, and I think most districts are going to after we know what the Ohio Department of Taxation is going to do. And for us, since the majority 99% of our local revenues for property tax payments come from Summit County, they're also doing a reappraisal in 2026. So that could also change some things as well. And those right now are currently unknown, but projected to the best of our ability. >> Okay. Um, so yeah, again it's I um so April is when we would hear from the Ohio Department of Taxation on exactly what and we hope sooner, but that's their deadline. So the most three important items um is House Bill 129 um that restores the fixed sum levies and this will decrease

078the amount of revenue that we can receive um in our class one tax which is um homeowners and then also the class two um over the course of the forecasted years up to 2030. it'll be a total of $5.5 million in a loss of revenue that we would receive. The other item is the House Bill 186 and that has inflation cap credits and what that does is it prevents um the increase of property tax appraisals greater than the domestic product deflation factor. And so what is that? um they have um the rate for the uh domestic product deflation factor is usually between seven and 9%. So what they're saying is if your property re appraises higher than that you won't your taxes won't increase by that it'll cap at the 7 to 9%. And an

079example is you can see in our fiscal year 24 um the revenue that first line is up substantially from 2023 and that was due to the reappraisals where our class one um tax went up 24.77% and our class 2 went up 27.8%. I believe the average is around like 25 to 26 is what some of the property owners received as an increase. Um so that is substantially much higher than that 7 to 9%. Um which is certainly fair to the property owners but in that um in order to make that right with the property owners then our revenue is is brought back down so we can't collect that tax with that. They're also doing what they're calling a clawback. So, in order to make it right with the property tax owners, they're going back to

080that largest inflation year, which was fiscal year 24, and they're going to bring their reappraisals back down to like the GDP, like the 7 to 9%. And that's where they're going to give those credits back to the property owners. And that's when we're going to see that first decrease with our real estate because they're giving that credit back and that's where that comes into play and why they're crediting that back to the property owners to make it right. So they're also capping then the inflation um piece of it as well. So this this was the information um of course that was given to us um our local revenue being impacted and there wasn't any additional help from the state um it just provides us with a real challenge to um try to minimize the impacts

081of this revenue. our um expenditures did increase somewhat and that's also due to the union contract signing. Um and it has to do just with inflation in general for our utilities and building maintenance. Um and especially like this winter, our utilities uh and maintenance are quite high just due to the severity of the storms that we had and the extra work that we had to do and that takes a toll on roofs and buildings and parking lots and different things like that. Um so this uh graph here um gives you kind of an overall of the prior one what what those lines are doing. Um you can see the red line is our expenditures over time. Our blue line is the revenue. And generally, you want to see your blue line above your red line

082or at least breaking even and and together. Um, and that's that's not the case once they have the the impact of the House Bill 129 and 186. Um, along with um the levy expiring as well. I didn't key on that. I'm very sorry about that. We also have an emergency levy that will be expiring in December. And with the new um house bills, we are no longer allowed to just renew an emergency levy. In prior years, you would be allowed to do that. And sometimes the public would see, you know, vote yes, no new money. Um that's what mean it wouldn't have any impact. It would you're just renewing it and just keeping it going. Um in this case, we're no longer allowed to do that. We have to go out if it's an emergency

083levy and it expires, we have to go out for a new levy. So that will be done and that is four uh I believe it's a 4.1 4.6 I'm sorry 4.6 emergency levy that will be expiring. So those three items there's there's many more but those three items are taking the largest toll um on the revenue that we're anticipating. Yeah. >> Yeah. Just a couple questions just to summarize. So what I hear you saying there's almost like two clawbacks. The first is it's 26 to 28 oh sorry percent increase in 24 >> they're going to do a credit back to 7 to 9% which is going to claw back the money that we've already collected and probably well we spent it right >> that's the first >> yeah that's yes and the first payment is

084a full year of credit back to the property taxpayers whereas >> um as the time goes on the next payment that we receive it only be half. So it'll be half of what the clawback is and then it should be made whole. >> And and there was a second one that you mentioned about the Ohio Department of Taxation in April. >> Yes. >> Changing something and it and the bill comes due or in a different >> Yes. Yeah. So the high the Ohio Department of Taxation has the job of trying to put a plan together and implement to all the counties then that how this this clawback and like how the credits back to all the property taxpayers is going to happen and that's what they're in the works of now which I'm sure is

085a very very large undertaking. >> Okay. So how they determine that how those clawbacks and those different things will happen is so it could potentially change but I yeah we're not sure. Um also on this chart is the green line. This is our uh cash balance. Um cash balance is very good to sustain the district um and meet the needs. Um it especially meets the needs when our expenditures are much lower than our revenues as seen here. Um but also in this graph you can see by our estimated fiscal year 28 because our revenues have been cut short we are using more of our cash reserves that we have to meet those to meet those needs. And uh there's usually like a 30-day um projection that you would like to maintain. We are certainly not

086allowed to fall. It says below zero, but usually it's uh a 30-day cash balance is what you'd at le very minimum we'd like to see. Do you have any questions on this before I move? >> Yes. On 15.010 010 unreserved fund balance is that our what is that? So the the 1501 the unreserved cash fund balance is our cash balance that we have after our incumbrances are taken into account and our incumbrances are POS are payment are um expected to pay on services or goods that we're carrying over. So once those are deducted, that's our final number. >> As it looks here on our actual um can you explain that in 2023 we were at 4.1 million? >> Mhm. >> 24 it went up to 7 million. >> Mhm. >> 25 to 9 million. That's

087a 49% increase. Can you explain the those large jumps? Those large jumps are due to us collecting more revenue than our expenditures and being good stewards of our money. That's usually what you you like to see. And 26 we're staying pretty close, but then I see in 27 >> we drop and then 28 we drop considerably. >> Yes. >> Can you explain between 28 and 29 where we're going from 1.6 6 million to minus 6.2 million. >> Yes, >> that's a seven. Am I right? That's a $7 million over a $7 million swing. >> Yes. And the reason that is is because our expenditures exceed our revenue. So we we're collecting this revenue, but once your expenditures exceed that revenue, your break even point, we're using our cash balance to meet those expenditure needs. And

088what this is showing is by fiscal 29 there is no cash reserves to meet those needs. >> And where is that money being used? Cuz when I go back up to 1.010 general property taxes, >> those numbers don't change that much. I mean, we start at 2026 at 49 40 49,700,000. And then we're at 46 45 45. >> Right. And those should be relative to that line that you're speaking to. The 15.0 is as those revenues drop by 2 million by 3 million. As those revenues drop, so does your cash balance because you're using your cash balance to cover those costs. Your expenditures exceed. So then you use your cash. Another thing on the summary that they did anticipate is possibly a renewal of a levy or some type of new levy um to get

089us through. So your actual with no levies and I have a a graph that I can show you is really your cash balance. Um >> but so just take 40 28 to 29 4,37,775 and then 29 it's 4 million 85,470 that's only 50 what? $50,000 >> for your Are you talking revenue? >> I'm just looking at the property tax. I mean that's not if I'm doing my math right we went from 45 million37 to increase to 45 million85 so that's an increase and there again I look at the bottom where we went from 1 million6 to a minus 6,251 I mean what where is this money disappearing from >> it's not disappearing we're not receiving it >> we're not receiving it so when your expenditures stay but your revenue from your local property taxes does

090not meet your expenditures, you're using your cash. So, it's almost kind of like three different things. You have your expenses that you have. Those are set. You have your revenues. If your revenues cannot cover your entire expenditures, you have to dip into your cash to cover that. So over the course of several years that's where you see those negative because it just compiles as we don't as the the revenue continues to decrease. So out of this the where is the decrease in revenue in this on this table >> it's your top lines those those want your revenue okay so >> I mean here again I'm looking at total revenues in 2028 of 7,700,000 and here 2029 7,700,000 70,72,000 I'm still unclear of why the number at 15.01 is >> so substantially different >> when our

091revenue up here and 1.70 um goes down $2500. >> That goes down, but your expenditures are going up. So you have to take into account the revenue going down and the expenditures going up. That's the big difference that you see >> because your revenues do I mean your I'm sorry your expenditures don't they're not stagnant. They increase. So it's that difference of the increase plus the decrease of your revenue. Those two combined together give you the difference in your cash that you're seeing where it's in your cash is greater than >> then would those would this minus 6 million come from expenditures of 83,138,500 minus our revenues of 70,72,658 >> I think so. But where are you at? I'm sorry. What like what fiscal year are you looking at? >> Oh 29. >> Okay. I

092wasn't there. Okay. Well, that's where it's got that big minus of $6 million. Yeah. >> So, if I did that math, would that is that where this 6 million came from? >> Because it looks like here our expenditures were 83,158 and our revenues were 70,72. >> Yes. And that 6 million though is an overall cumulative. >> But that's where the bulk of it would come between those two numbers there. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. Um, >> can I just for a second what I I just want to uh for people that are following along and listening when we look at fiscal year 24 we uh were very fiscally responsible and uh our expenditures were well underneath our revenues. Same for 25 and then 26 we bump up a little bit. And then you'll see where our

093where when it starts to hit is when those uh the legis the new legislation cuts our revenue. um by a large amount. And so that's when you start to see that we have to go back into deep deficit spending like >> like we did for a very long time. So it it's really bumping us off of a solid track record that we had for a couple years. >> Yes. And I know there were um strategic planning to decrease the expenditures and get out of the deficit spending which did happen. And it's just unfortunate now that now we're up against this new legislation that was passed. >> And tracking forward, had this not happened, we would still hypothetically be in a good position to keep going. Like we weren't >> we Yeah, you always want to

094re-evaluate where you're at to make sure that you're not overspending and, you know, be very mindful of that. But yeah, you would have been much better. Well, with the with the clawback, so when when they claw it back to the $70 million or so, >> if that would have been the case back in 24 where they had rather than clawing it back seven, eight, nine years later, they didn't give that in the reappraisals, >> we would have been deficit spending in 24 and 25 because we would have our revenue still would have been about $70 million. Well, no, you can't say how much you would have spent because those numbers were the numbers ahead of time were there and and our bud and our budget and our um amount that we would need to spend.

095We would have just had to stay underneath it. You don't you know in advance how much money you have and how much you can spend. It doesn't go backwards. >> Yeah, it it would have been it would have been to your point though it would have been a lesser impact. You would have been able to manage it a little bit better than having several different things hit you hit all at once. Definitely. But yeah, if you would have known, you probably would have, you know, maybe cut back if needed. >> What is the inflation factor that you're using for the increases? >> Um, the union contracts that were signed with the 3% each year. >> Okay. >> So, when we're looking ahead at this 5-year forecast now, we can't just continue to spend the same

096amount. Like, it's obvious that you spent if that we're spending all of our cash reserves >> and very quickly go negative. So I mean the same thing would have tracked back a few years ago. You can't spend more than you're bringing in and expect to continue to carry a balance. >> Correct. Yeah, there's always unknowns, but yeah, you don't continually year over year do that. >> And it's not on the summary, but there's line 3.050, the capital outlay line, which is on the full one. Prior to or up until November of 24, the district was averaging expecting to expend about $600,000 on capital improvements. And those were pulled out into November 25. And so, you know, this picture, which is bleak, is even more bleak in the sense that before the district had an extra

097$600,000. And when I say extra, I not necessarily mean extra. They had $600,000 allocated toward capital improvements, leaking roofs, you know, boilers, other things that had to be removed from that budget to try to stay within >> um, you know, within the parameters. So, when you look at it's not even quite apples to apples in the sense that there's $600,000 and it's not like we don't need the maintenance and so that maintenance has already been removed. So, there's I look back there's about $2.1 million in capital outlays that are gone from the general fund um that had been there to help maintain the schools. Um >> did that go to the fieldhouse? >> No. No, it's just that that those that line item that allocation was removed uh by the prior treasurer. >> So when

098the bus replacement did you have a bus replacement >> schedule? I think a loan payment as well. >> Yeah. But and I know that's done now also. So that factors into it because that's no longer an expense. >> But there have been reductions in expenses, you know, even from the November 24 forecast to today in the fiscal years 26 through 29. I added up I mean that the expenses are down almost 3 a little over $3.8 million um from what was projected back then. So this the district is tightening um but it's just not enough yet. So >> are you able to explain on 1.010 on the general property tax? >> Mhm. >> Uh 23 2425 we showed an increase of 11.1%. >> That but but then we're seeing on the forecasted that the numbers

099just continued to drop >> drop. Yep. So it's exactly um that high spike in the reappraisals that I was talking about. So that reappraisal went into effect and the revenue that you have there under fiscal year 24 is from that is that 25% increase that the taxpayers saw and that's where some of this is coming about because that spike is so great and had such an impact on property taxpayers as well. So, they're going back and they're lessening and capping off going forward any type of reappraisal increase that it won't go above that 7 to 9% not like this 25% on average um that we saw in that year. And then also to make that right though, they're also that's where the additional revenue is decreasing is they're going back almost to correct the 24

100years and giving that back to the property taxpayers. And in order to do that, they have to decrease the revenue that we receive to give it back. >> And on expenditures on 0 or 3.010 personal services, is that salaries? >> Yes, that's salaries. Fancy word for salary. >> Yes, it is. >> Um, so just a because again this is forecasted uh this current is this current contract till 2028 or 2027? >> I believe 2028. >> I don't know when it's three years >> the current contract. So it's 2028. >> All right. So then 2029 and 2030 when we're factoring those in what is that based on since we will have had a new contract? They they just kept it in line with what we have because they're it's uncertain. >> And do those assumptions take

101into take into regard uh enrollment decreasing? Did it doesn't any of those factors of what no >> that would look like and what that would look like as far as >> the teacher administrator needs not being the same? No, because they they're not sure what the district would do in that regard and if that would indeed happen or not. So that's is somewhat of an unknown. But that's also why we do this twice a year. We get that those values again. And like I said, it's recommended that we do it in May. So once we know what um the reappraisals are for Summit County and we also find out what Ohio Department of Taxation's going to do and then these numbers are constantly refreshed. Are you talking about reduction in force >> to reduce the

102numbers? I think so. Yeah. So that's Yeah, that's something that if that were an option or to take place, that's something that yeah, you could forecast you could change those numbers and see what they look like. >> And I think my last question, um I've been reading about zerobased budgeting. >> Um what's your do you have any opinion on that? Not really. It's very difficult. It's just very hard to project and stay within the lines of zerobased budgeting. Are you talking about so much like carrying over or just starting every >> um no automatic carryover from the from the year previous starting >> I do agree with that. I do agree with that for the general fund. Not so much for other funds but the general fund. Mhm. >> And do you see any potential

103advantage in that? Because if we're if we're over if we're spending more in a certain area, but then it's just looked at, okay, we spent this much, we're going to add 5% to it. >> But maybe that number should not have been that high. >> Would that would that would that be of a benefit to us that we're looking at everything and where all of our money is being spent, not just factoring in, okay, inflation, we're going to we're just going to add to that number. Mhm. Well, I think with this forecast, that's what we should be doing, looking at things anyway, aside from like utilities and maintenance. Those are things that you can try to say, "Oh, we're going to spend 10% less in this area." But that that doesn't always work. >> Well,

104yeah, those would probably be the easiest ones, but as far as just general stuff, which is, >> you know, a small amount. What are we at about 80 What is our percentage of monies that goes to salaries and benefits out of our >> Oh, it's Yeah, it's >> is it 80 82 83 >> about that? Yeah, I think I have that on here. >> So, when I'm looking at saving money on copy paper, that's not going to make any difference. >> Not really. But it's it's always good to me that you look at everything that you can do because it does add up. Um but yeah, here on this screen that I have, um the wages are 56.5% and of our total expenditures there that you see the benefits are 23.2%. >> So, what's that?

10556 20. So 79 >> about 79%. >> And thank you. >> At what point do we when you're creating the budget um for what type when do you create the budget for this coming year? The next coming year. >> Should we doing it now? >> Right now. And it's using these numbers. That's why we have the forecast the way we do so we can >> try to make the reduction. Okay. >> Yes. those things. >> The only other thing we we had a discussion this afternoon, you answered some of my questions, but line 303, the purchase services. >> I think it's important to know what all is in there because I didn't until we talked. And so the purchase services also include the the tuition, the scholarships, the CCP. So, you know, maybe today helps

106that a little bit. >> Um, but I don't know if there if it's helpful to have any kind of talk on that at all. But I know that there's a lot in there when you talk about purchase services. It's 15% of the budget. >> Yeah, it's it's so it is um utilities and that are contained in there, but there's also um tuition expenses when students go to other districts. Um there's different things I think Dr. Gold could even speak to um to that with the tuition elsewhere. Also, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nurses for the buildings, all of those fall under the purchase services. Um tuition for the uh CCP. There's many many things. Um and also as I explained to Jason with the foundation payments when we receive those um we also there's deductions on

107there and that falls um within this entire category that you're seeing. So while you don't see those payments necessarily going out that we do accounting wise we have to deduct them >> and the the off-campus CTE programs. >> Yeah. That as well. Yes. I'm sorry. Yes. That as well. >> Yep. that those expenses fall within that purchase service line as well. >> That's a good flag. Thank you for that. M >> I think I got a little off track. I don't know. I can just go over these um somewhat quickly. So the one um here is the ending cash balance without the renewal. So this is showing like where we would be cash balance wise. So that's that line that um Mike was speaking to, the line 15. Um the bottom line, the green is

108currently where our cash is. Um the orange dotted line is your 30-day cash reserve. You really do not want to dip below that line um for fiscal year 26. we're not anticipated to do so. But you can see without any type of additional monies such as a levy or different things. Um we will most certainly dip below that um 30 days by the end of next year. So our fiscal year start July. So this would be by the end of uh June 30th of 2027 is what this graph is showing. Next graph is if there was just a possibility a renewal um or new levy for the amount of the emergency levy that is expiring the 4.6. >> Um the impact that that would have on our cash balance. Um it does buy us one

109more year. Um however, you can see by fiscal year 28, we're still below that 30-day cash where we don't want to be. And that's at at the 4.6 six million. Um, >> and that's because just renewing the levy doesn't make up for the fact that the >> state >> Yeah, because it's greater. Yeah, because it's almost like seven 7 to 8 million and so the emergency levy is 4.6 six. And the slides for the revenue source just showing a breakdown of where we receive revenues again just um in a different fashion our real estate taxes the 65% plus our state makes that local source of the 70 I'm sorry not the state other state I'm sorry 70% where the state um source is coming in at 29. So again, all of a lot of our

110majority of our reliance is on our local sources and tapping into those. Um this also shows uh the difference between our local which is our prop property taxpayers um and the state funding and how that's gone year-over-year. They did do the state fair funding formula. However, as you can see in this graph, it did not have an impact on the state support received for our district. And then the general uh fund expenditures again making up the largest percent of wages and benefits. And um you can see right below that's the services that we talked about. And then very small is the capital and materials there. So our financial uh story here is that the house bill continued that fair fund funding plan. Um currently it has us on a guarantee through this fiscal year. So

111ending in June um the future funding is uncertain for the 28 through 30 school years. Um, we received 30% of the revenue from the state and 70 from the local sources. And the package of property tax reforms that become law March 9th are going to reduce the property tax substantially for our district. The new property tax reforms also will limit the growth um for future reappraisals and make it harder to pass new levies or renew existing levies. So, if the state cuts and reduces our funding, they severely impact our ability to raise local funds um and our district could possibly make cuts or pass new local revenues in response um to maintain the instructional programs for the students. And under the current laws and state funding, as you can clearly see, we're projecting the negative

112cash balance um by fiscal year 29 for the forecast. >> Are there any other questions that I can help with? >> I'll just summarize then. So, we have a levy expiring this year, 4.6 million >> December. Yes. under the former um way of doing things that would have been potentially a renewal. Yes. >> In November. >> Yes. >> But since we can't do that, >> we have to ask for essentially new money, but it's really the same as before. >> And if we do that and pass that, it'll buy us another year. >> Yeah. If it's at that same amount. Yes. But the real pressures that our district is facing and public school districts across the state of Ohio are facing >> are real. >> Yes. >> And the passage of that levy buys us

113time >> to make some some really key decisions that we're all facing >> across the state of Ohio. >> Yeah. I'm Yes. I'm sure a committee has to get together to try to decide, >> you know, where to go forward with this and and >> um how to mitigate these um impacts of the shortened revenue. Um but yeah, that's decisions that yeah would have to be made. >> Another possibility would be instead of going for the same amount, the 4 whatever million, going for a higher amount to buy us more than a year. So, I mean, that's it's not something that I'm suggesting that we do, but it's also possible that we need it. >> So, it's not like we wouldn't be capped at saying we're asking for a new instead of renewal at X

114dollars, we could still go, you know, X plus. Well, and as bad as that looks, I mean, the district has improved, again, if you go back to the 2024 forecast, it has improved its cash position by about five or six million dollars um on an ongoing basis. And so, where in November 24, it looked like the district was going to fall below the, you know, the zero line in fiscal year 27. Now, that's already pushed out. So, it's not as though there's no internal budget cuts happening here. here. I mean, there's already been several million dollars knocked off of the cash position. Um, you know, you don't improve your cash position by $6 million by without increasing revenue by that without cutting expenses. So, there are expenses that are being cut. Obviously, we have work

115to do, but um, you know, I think there's a goal here to be transparent at how much we can cut and and where we can, you know, tighten. >> Yes, I agree. >> Yep. So, um, do I do I have a motion to approve the five-year forecast as submitted uh by our interim treasurer? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? Right. Roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. All right. Next item on the agenda is our new business um which is to extend our uh contract with the Summit County ESC for our interim treasurer Laura Laura Molnar for additional 20 days. Do I have a motion to approve that? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any further

116discussion? This will be at the same rate that was approved um by the prior board in December of 2020 again for initial 20 20 days. Right. Roll call, please. Merleti >> I >> Moyer >> I >> Sheen >> I >> Suladonic >> hi >> Whitaker >> I >> and and do we do thank you for the work that you're doing um it's not easy stepping in and handling multiple jobs at the same time so we appreciate >> that's okay thank you guys have been great so I appreciate and I did you know I did forget to say one thing I meant to say how thankful I was for receiving the the crocheted heart I thought that was very very sweet and touching and endearing so I really I meant to say that at the beginning

117of my report and forgot. So, thank you. >> Next item on our agenda is old business. It's the English language arts adoption. That's the second reading. Don't think we need to do anything on that. Dr. B. >> Um, if there are any questions, um, our curriculum specialist, Julie Miller, is here. And I'd also like to thank the staff members who are here uh, as well who have served on the ELA adoption. So, thank you for being here as well. I'll turn to a question to our president here. I have a a very long statement to read in regards to this. Being that this is the second reading, would you recommend I do it now or at the third reading at that point because that's where a vote would occur. >> I think it's probably up

118to you as it's it's a we're here. We can discuss it. So, it's as part of the discussion. You can either do it now or or the next meeting. It's up to you. just prefer you not do it twice. >> Uh, no. Okay, then I will do it now. As a member of the board of education, Snowman Ro's board of education, I'm writing to formally urge the board to reject the proposed 350,000 dollars purchase of Savis Learning Company's English language arts curricula, including programs like my perspectives, heavily influenced by the late Ernest Morell. This recommendation comes from a place of deep responsibility to our students, families, and taxpayers. Our district must prioritize materials that deliver strong unbiased academic instruction focused on core literacy skills, reading comprehension, writing proficiency, critical thinking and engagement with timeless literature

119without embedding ideological frameworks that could divide students or introduce controversial social or political perspectives. Ernest Morell, a cultural Marxist, is a is the key author and architect of Savis programs, centered his scholarly work on themes that raise serious concerns for many in our community. His research emphasized critical pedagogy which is questioning the power structures in society through education, postcolonial studies which is examining the ongoing effects of historical colonialism on culture, identity and knowledge systems, and African dysphora as a lens for understanding global inequities and literacy as a tool for social justice and civic activism. He advocated for a radical reimagination of how students interact with texts, positioning reading and writing as means to challenge systemic um oppression, empowered marginalized voices, and promote equity through identity based analysis. While these ideas may stem from genuine academic

120inquiry, their integration into the K through2 ELA materials risks shifting classroom focus from neutral skill building to ide ideological content. units in SAVIS programs often encourage students to connect literature to personal, racial, cultural identities, explore themes of power imbalances and institutional racism, resistance, and global inequities drawing directly from moral's postcolonial and critical frameworks. Polish colonialism is in context critiques how colonial histories have shaped the knowledge and culture often highlighting eurosentric biases in traditional education and calling for decolonizing approaches by centering non-western or dispora perspectives. It is not about literally dismantling uh countries but about reforming institutions and mindsets to address the lingering inequalities. Yet in practice, it can lead to a curriculum that emphasize division of race, collective cult victimhood, or activism over shared universal values and individual achievement. This emphasis aligns with SAVI's culturally

121responsive learning initiative, which has faced criticism by injecting elements some view akin to critical race theory or divisive identity politics. Even in subjects like English, similar SAV materials, particularly in math, were rejected in states like Florida for including references to racism, social emotional learning tied to equity, and other prohibited topics under state laws aimed at preventing ideological indoctrination. Parent groups and educators in various districts have raised alarms about materials that prioritize social justice over foundational literacy, potentially alienating students from diverse viewpoints or pressuring them to adopt specific ideological stances. At a time when our district faces budget constraints and must focus on proven academic outcomes, especially post-pandemic recovery and reading and writing, spending 350,000 on curricula rooted in these frameworks is not in the best interest of our students. True equity means providing every student

122with a rigorous contentrich instruction that treats them as individuals capable of excellence through hard work, merit, and shared American ideals like those of unity, perseverance, and judging by character rather than group identity. Introducing materials that essentialize race, prioritize activism, or frame literature primarily through the lens of oppression could foster discomfort, resentment, or lowered expectations rather than empowerment. So I therefore move that the board reject the proposed SAVIS purchase and direct the staff to identify alternative ELA curricular curricula that emphasize high academic standards, balanced representation of diverse authors and ideas and neutrality on controversial social political issues. potentially uh convene a committee including parents and teachers from var from varied perspectives and independent uh and independent experts to evaluate any future adoptions of academic rigor, ideological balance and alignment with district values of unity and individual

123merit. And lastly, engage the community through public forums and surveys to ensure curriculum uh decisions reflect the priorities of the families in Storow Falls. Our children's education is too important, taxpayer dollars too precious to commit to materials that risk more division than development. Mike Sheen, school board member. >> Any other discussion? >> I just want to thank all the u teachers who came today to uh Ed that have tested the um proposed new curriculum. So, thank you for your and whoever else is on the committee. So, thank you for all that. Go ahead. >> I It sounds to me that the objection is more about the man that organized this and not necessarily the actual curriculum that we're looking at today. I I don't see where you've actually stated that the actual book that we

124are looking at today really has anything to do with this man's personal beliefs. So, I'm I'm not really clear because you're basing all of that on other things that this particular person has done and not necessarily what the teachers have chosen. >> Uh, I'll read this again. Ernest Morurell, a cultural Marxist, is the key author and architect of these SAVIS programs. >> But you didn't really actually look at the program. You're just looking at the man. >> Do you have any um examples from the curriculum of something that you object to? >> I'll read this again. Ernest Morurell, who is a cultural Marxist, is the author of the SAVIS programs, centered his scholarly work on themes that raise serious concerns for many potentially in our community. He's the author of these books. >> Okay, that's

125fine. I was just asking if you had an example then >> just and just for me one, I I don't I have no background in curriculum. Um I have background in legal studies. Um, so I try to stay in my lane. Um, I have not personally gotten any feedback negative or otherwise on the course books from any of our staff, family members, community, students, anonymous or otherwise. Um, I'm fairly reachable. This is our second reading. We have a third one. Um, so I mean I I'm happy to hear any and all objections. I tend to defer personally to to our teachers. um because I've spoken to quite a few of them over the years and they're fairly broad in their viewpoints. They don't agree on a lot of things. So, from a political standpoint, so

126I I'm open to hearing that, but I just I haven't yet. So, at this point, I haven't heard anything from anyone negative or otherwise. And um so, that's just that's just my thought. It is our second reading. So, >> uh my daughter did have a complaint that it's a really heavy book. I mean this is something several you all looked at together correct okay so it wasn't it was done by a team of people already okay >> yeah I do have a little bit of experience in SAS and looking at textbooks and materials and you know our guiding principle when we would look at materials would be to look at what the standards are and are does the textbook or resources help meet those standards. Uh we would vet a couple different companies and you

127know for me personally as a as a teacher I always try to keep a neutral and unbiased perspective and I would raise a red flag in my head if I felt like a particular material was like steering kids one direction or another. I think that's an irresponsible use of of a a teacher or a school systems um function. It's not what we're supposed to do. And and I if I would have seen that, I would have read raised a red flag. And in all the years that I reviewed materials, I I never saw that. So that's been my experience. One one last point uh uh is that all curriculum that we adopt is um can uh the state has approved it already to be used. So it's not like something that we're just picking off

128the shelf somewhere else just so that people are aware of that. It's all state approved curriculum. >> Again it's our second reading so we still have time. Is there any uh any further discussion? All right. Next item on the agenda. It would be our second comments from the audience section. At this time, we welcome any additional comments and concerns. Citizens wish to bring before the board of education. All comments must be no longer than 3 minutes. We will listen to and consider your remarks, but there will be no conversation aside from clarifying questions. Please begin your comments with your first and last name. Hi. Um, my name is Tiffany Gerky. Uh, my kids go to um Lake I wrote a speech. Sorry. So that's why I'm looking at my phone. Um, my two children attend

129Lake View and Indian Trail here in Stow and we have been part of the district for about three years now. I'm here tonight on behalf of myself, my children, and every parent and every child in the district who has experienced bullying. I want to be clear, I'm not here to attack anyone. Um, I believe there are people within this district who care deeply about students. I am here because I believe our bullying policies um need to be formally reviewed and revised. Um, our current bullying policy has not been updated since 2012. That's 14 years ago. In that time, the world our children live in um, has changed dramatically. Social media has expanded. Cyber bullying has become more complex and more invasive. We understand far more today about mental health, trauma, and long-term impact of peer

130victimization. um that we did not a decade ago. Our policies should reflect today's realities, not those of 2012. This issue is not theoretical through sorry theoretically um for my family. My son has experienced bullying throughout this entire school year um from some peers. I have reached out multiple times since the beginning of the school year regarding these concerns. In the earlier stages, I felt those concerns were not taken as seriously as they should have been because the behavior was allowed to continue and it escalated. One challenge is that my son struggles to process and verbalize his feelings. He is not the child who will easily walk into an office and report um what's happening. I was the one advocating for him. I have multiple emails documenting ongoing communication about the same issue involving the same

131students. It was only recently that more appropriate attention was given to the situation. When a child who struggles to speak up and speak up is dependent on adults to recognize patterns and intervene early, the system must be strong enough to respond even if the report is coming from a parent and not directly from the student. Um, beyond my own family, there are practical concerns. Parents need clarity. Students need safety. Reporting processes should be transparent and consistent. There should be clear timelines for in investigations, defined consequences for repeat behavior, and accessible anonymous reporting options. A child who is being bullied is often the least likely to come forward, and our policies must account for that. Since our current policy was written, our community has also experienced at least one loss of a student to suicide that

132was widely believed to be connected to bullying. Even one life is too many. When something that serious happens, it should prompt a serious review of whether our systems are strong enough. We must en we must also ensure that vulnerable students, including those with disabil disabilities or social challenges are explicitly protected. This is not about blame. It is about prevention. It is about accountability. And it is about making sure every child feels safe walking into our schools. I respectfully ask this board to prioritize a formal review and revision of our bullying policies so they reflect current best practices and the current needs of our students. Our children deserve policies that are active, relevant, and protective, not outdated. Thank you. >> Before you leave, Mrs. Gerie, um you don't have to, but if you wouldn't mind leaving

133your contact information um so that we can have somebody reach out to you. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Um, I'm Margaret Bream. I'm a congressional candidate in the local area, but more importantly, I'm the Moms for Liberty chapter chair, and this is my third school year. Uh, being the Moms for Liberty chapter chair, and I was asked by members of the community, several members of the community, to invite the school board members to sign the parent pledge protecting and um advocating for parental rights. Uh, it reads because I don't want anyone to say it doesn't say. It says something it doesn't say. It reads, "I pledge to honor the fundamental rights of parents, including but not limited to the right to direct the education, medical care, and moral upbringing of their children. I pledge to advance

134policies that strengthen parental involvement and decision-making, increase transparency, defend against government overreach, and secure parental rights at all levels of government." And then there's just a place to sign, signature, print, name, title, and the date. And at below that it says signing this pledge does not constitute a personal or campaign endorsement by Moms for Liberty Inc. Its chapters pack or any other affiliate and may not use be used by the signer as such or for campaign purposes. So it's not a a pact or an agreement or a commitment to Moms for Liberty. It's an agreement to the parents of this community. I invite all of you to sign one. I have one for each of you. You actually get to keep it. I just take a picture of you holding it. Um, and it's in

135a nice folder so that you can keep it for your memories. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> My name is Bernie Batty. Um, I was not prepared to speak tonight, but my heart is telling me to. Um, my daughter Rebecca Cholinsky, she graduated in 2019 from Stow, and she was bullied almost the whole time. um she wasn't able to tell anybody about it mostly except me and she didn't want me to talk about it to anybody in particular. We tried a couple times and um we did get some, you know, some feedback from, you know, get putting on her on a 504 plan and because she had anxiety, but I wanted to let you know that if she didn't experience the bullying that she did, I think she would still be here because she graduated

136in May and ended her life in August after she graduated. And I just feel that if if it would have been a more loving situation at school and more um safe situation at school that her whole life could have been different if there were anti-bullying campaigns or something that let people know that um to be more receptive of people who are different. She was um a beautiful, beautiful girl, but she was quirky, you know, and even in front of teachers, kids would make fun of her because she said something that she tried to be funny. And um they would say, "Rebecca, why did you say that?" And but she doesn't remember any teacher ever sticking up for her. And I just feel that I am a kindergarten teacher and I am reading about making assuming

137almost every child has had trauma or some kind of something going on in their life that they are broken in some way or you know um hurt in some way and that we need to treat them with kid gloves and the teachers need to be the ones who you know stick up for them in school and try to teach their other students about being inclusive. in not leaving anybody out. Um, Rebecca used to walk the hallways instead of sitting down at lunch because kids were not nice to her and she would only talk to like a a cafeteria work I'm sorry, not a cafeteria worker, but she sat in on um study halls and Rebecca would talk to her and that was her only friend or only person she could go to and she drew

138these beautiful pictures and art. She was so artistic and many of them including her writings talked about her anxiety and how unhappy she was. And not one teacher ever um called me to tell me about these writings and about her um art that she did. It was just absolutely devastating that nobody reached out to me. And this is this is one of those times when um when it takes a village here and it's not just for the parents, it takes teachers to understand that these kids that are sitting off by themselves are walking around the hallway instead of eating. They need to be put under a wing. You know, that could have made a difference in Rebecca's life. And I'm not just blaming the school. I'm blaming in general all of us um to not

139notice who needs that extra bit of attention, that extra bit of love. And uh I I believe there needs to be anti anti-bullying policy or anti-bullying campaign going on. My son, one more thing, my son had ticks. Nobody really made fun of him, but a man in Stow at some point there was a man who came and talked to everybody about his um Tourette's and it was in Stow and I remember it was a great it made Ryan not feel alone and it made people maybe even one or two kids or whoever um maybe change the way that they treat others just by seeing this man who had to go through what he went through and um just to have more compassion and empathy for people. Marty Simpkins. I would say I'd like that the

140treasurer has been doing a great job and she made that very very clear all of the information that was on there. And when I was researching the district finances prior to the construction levy, I saw a spike in spending from 22 2022 to 2024 of $25 million. And this was before the increase in wages. Everything I heard during your discussion about how to replace the money that the taxpayers had been overcharged. I did not hear any plans to reduce spending. Your plan is to put a larger emergency levy on the ballot. I do believe the taxpayer wants to see how you are planning on reducing the spending. >> I promise I'll stay in my three minutes. My name is Crystal Casterline. I had a daughter graduate in 2025, one in 2024, one in 2023, one

141in 2022, and one in 2021. All five of my daughters graduated five years in a row. And Becca was an amazing person. She befriended my daughter when she was in a very dark moment. And I think we can all agree that the worst possible thing we can imagine, we talk about no child left behind, is losing our child. And for Bernie to come up here and share that, I think is beautiful. And I have to say, I've seen it with every one of my daughters. Um, one of my daughters that recently graduated was sexually assaulted by a student and then was stalked and harassed while she was in school. I went to administration repeatedly. I showed them pictures of the child standing while she cheered just feet from her. One of her saving graces is

142sitting in this room, that woman in the back alley. There were times that my daughter was so close to suicide. In fact, she attempted in 10th grade and was hospitalized for two weeks and I couldn't get help. I was told to go through the court system and if I could get something there, then they could do it. They could they could hold them accountable. I got a temporary protection order, served a copy to the school and to the school resource officer. And I understand policing. I'm a police officer off officer of 20 years, but they wouldn't enforce it. So when we went back and addressed it and we were given a civil protection order, my daughter had a 4.2 and was a cheerleader all four years. Was a bright, happy kid before this happened. And

143I came this close to losing her. And then that child turned school that was supposed to be a safe space into a nightmare, even with a protection order saying you cannot come near her. They had her him on video surveillance walking within a foot and a half of her four times. She had a teacher and a coach that were her safe space. And I am so grateful for the two of them because she stopped eating lunch when his friends started walking past her table and calling her a So she just stopped eating. The kid weighs 98 pounds. So can we wet. This is an epidemic. And I had never met Tiffany before this, but when she put this on, the outpouring from parents, the desperation and the multitude of parents that said, "Please, please." Like,

144I don't know how my child will survive through high school. Please do something. Do something where there's a group of parents where we can discuss this because it's not being discussed. And it's happening right there at our schools. And thank God for those compassionate people like you that keep our kids going. But we will have more kids like Bernie's if we don't do something. And we must because one child, one Becca is way too much. So thank you Seeing no further uh public comment, the next uh and last prior to adjournment item on our uh agenda is an executive session to consider the appointment and employment of a public employee or official. There may be action after the executive session. Do I have a motion to go into executive session? >> So moved. >> Second.

145>> Roll call, please. >> Merleti. I >> Moyer >> I >> Sheen >> I >> Suladonic I >> Whitaker >> I >> Okay 8:16 >> Thank All right, we are back on the record and out of executive session at 9:18 p.m. At this time, I will entertain a motion to amend tonight's adopted agenda to add a contract for the interim treasurer uh through the end of July uh with Mr. Ira Hammond. >> So mo so moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All right. Uh roll call, please. >> Merleti. >> I. >> Moyer. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Suladonic. >> I. >> Whitaker. >> I. >> Welcome. Mr. Hammond. >> And uh at this time, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. Second >> roll call, please. >> Merleti, >>

146I. >> Moyer, >> I. >> Sheen, >> I. >> Suladonic, >> I. >> Whitaker, >> hi. We are adjourned at 9:19.