SMFCSD Board Meeting 2025-07-21

001No. >> Good evening. I call to order this meeting of the Stoman Falls City School District Board of Education on July 21st, 2025 at 6 PM. Roll call, please. >> East Jenkins. >> Melody, >> here. >> Sheen, >> here. >> Sodonic >> here. >> Wind >> here. Please join us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Um, before we do that, I do have a point of order. Uh, there's several things missing from the agenda. And I want to know what we can do or how I can get those on there. >> Mr. Sheen, there isn't anything missing from the agenda. If you would like to add something, you can make a motion to add something to tonight's agenda. >> All right. Uh, I'd like to make a motion that we add uh discussion on policy

0026423. Do you have a reason you'd like to share? >> I would do that once it's on the agenda. >> Okay. Any second of that? >> Okay. Seeing none, >> um, second one is I want uh a motion to add a new section on the agenda which would be called for the good of the district section. I'll second that. >> Okay. So, Mr. Sheen, >> yes. >> Any discussion of that before we vote on whether to add it to the agenda? >> Uh, no. I would just like it added to the agenda and then we can discuss it at that time. >> Okay. I I would like to I'd like to speak on that. I don't think that it's appropriate to add uh items to the agenda at the exact um for for people to

003just discuss um anything because that really eliminates transparency for our community to know what we're talking about at any given moment. Uh we provide our agendas in advance on purpose so people can be here to um be ready to discuss or hear things that they would like to talk about. Um and in addition, we have um members of the administration that would uh certainly benefit from being have from advanced notice um to prepare for items that would be on the agenda. So I personally think that it's uh very very uh it causes a severe lack of transparency. >> I would agree. I think one of the things um that I appreciate about the agenda process and it being available for several days in advance is to let folks know, community members know what it is

004that we plan to talk about so that they can attend, prepare a comment, um tune in to the live stream. Um I think adding a catchall isn't transparent at all to our community. And then I think you had a good point also as well as um our staff be prepared to bring information that's needed, answer any questions, that kind of thing to allow them to prepare for the meeting. Not only that, but just to be here in attendance. I know often times Dr. Gold will invite someone from whether it's, you know, operations or HR or, you know, whe whatever might be um the department necessary to be on site to uh answer those questions. Not to mention the rest of the board members being able to prepare adequately to have a discussion. Um, >> now

005I'm glad you said that because yes, I did on Wednesday request um or not request um ask to have this put on because what I see is the agenda setting process isn't isn't transparent and is keeping me from bringing items to the board for discussion. Um so I just want to get some clarity. So during the private meeting which is the board president, treasurer and the superintendent uh the three of you decided that as an as an elected board member I was denied items to be posted on the agenda. Is that correct >> Mr. Sheen? We've been discussing the agenda process um for over a year and when you first brought up the question I thought it was a very good one of exactly what is our procedure because it had been sort of informal

006and loose. Uh so we put together that procedure at our board workshop in August of last year and then we talked about it at several subsequent meetings. Um, and then we revisited that process again in March at I believe it was your request or I don't know, but we did we did revisit that um and modify it somewhat and the board voted to accept the agenda process. Um, and as part of that agenda setting protocol, um, it does detail how board members can request items. It also details that, uh, the board president, the board vice president, the treasurer, and the superintendent are invited uh to the meeting beforehand to finalize that agenda, get it set. Um and then there's an opportunity as well once that agenda is set after that meeting for members to give

007um more feedback uh on the agenda during that roughly 24 hours between that discussion and um the agenda going live and and kind of being finalized at that point. Uh that whole process is very clearly outlined and the board voted on it. So to go back to my question, um, so as an elected board member, was I denied items to be posted on the agenda? Yes or no? >> The agenda set a committee considers all suggestions and goes from there. >> So I'll take that as a um, yes, that I was denically specifically when we talk about that board policy. um you may not have been here but the board very specifically talked about the credit card policy last time uh and had that discussion and we didn't feel it was of any benefit for

008all of us to have that discussion yet again as nothing has changed about that in the last two weeks. So that would be an example of an agenda item that did not seem appropriate um at this time because the discussion has been had. All of the information was shared. Nothing has changed in the past two weeks. Uh so we saw no need to add that. >> I'm just going to stick with what we said. I think this might be getting a little off topic as far as the the the uh motion that was on the table was to add a section for um a catchall and that's that is the question on that topic. >> I have moved on and I asked a question and your answer was yes that I was denied an item

009on the agenda. >> We need to call the question on whether we add that section that you suggested. It was motioned and seconded. We've discussed it. Uh let's have roll call, please. >> Can I just make one clarifying remark? It's not a agenda committee. It's just agenda setting meeting. It's not a committee. >> Well, this could be in violation of section 121.22B1AB and as far as the open meetings act and in regards to your >> in regards to your um policy, I guess I won't call it a policy as far as your piece of paper, district policies can never trump constitutional rights. Um, I will not be found complicit in violating our community's constitutional rights to be representation by all five board members. Mr. Quite likely, I'm surprised you are. >> We are discussing the

010item that you motioned and you are completely out of order right now. >> Mr. Galano, please call the role. [Music] >> I I'm sorry, I'm voting against the motion. Sheen. >> Um, I'm voting for the motion. >> Sonic. >> Nay. >> Wind. >> No. >> Failed. >> That said, let's move on to our pledge of allegiance. >> Uh, I do have another point of order. Um, so as >> I to stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, our first item of business is our vision statement. Everything we do is designed to provide a future ready student- centered learning experience for every single child. Our strategic plan for 2021 through 2026 will help us accomplish this goal by considering every facet of a student's learning experience from curriculum to infrastructure

011to wellness and everything in between. As members of the board of education, we serve as 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. We reserve the right to have those who do not comply removed from our meeting. Next, we have comments from the audience. At this time in our agenda, we invite citizens to share their concerns about items on today's agenda that will be voted on only. Comments on non-aggenda items will be heard later in the meeting. All comments must be directed to the entire board and be no longer than 3 minutes. We

012will listen to and consider your remarks, but there will be no conversation aside from clarifying questions. If you are seeking a direct response or further information, we ask that you submit your request in writing, please begin your remarks with your first and last name. Okay, seeing none, we will move forward. Good evening. At this time, I would recommend that the board of education approve the consent agenda items B through D. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> I have a question. I'd like to know what B is substitute bonus. Can you explain that please? >> Yeah. So, these are our um substitutes who are in the building for at least four days a week. Um and part of their commitment to substituting for us, if they work a percentage of

013those committed days, they get an a bonus. >> Now, is this a school year? Sure. I mean, what does this what does this represent? >> Yes, this is um I believe the second semester. >> Okay. >> And the goal with the bonus was to address some of our substitute shortage issues. >> Correct. >> And I believe we've been doing this um since we returned from CO. >> Okay. I I also think it was done also just to encourage uh continuity for best interest of students to keeping you know the if the same substitutes um you know continue to work it's definitely better for our children. >> Dr. Cole, did you want to acknowledge our gifts? >> Yes, I'd like to acknowledge our gifts that were donated to our girls golf team uh by James and

014Dura Bish, Leanne Hamill, Denise Selco. The following donated to the high school girls volleyball team, Rob Courtright, Ryan Courtright, and other donations from Mary Logan and the Sto Monro Falls Chamber of Commerce. Thank you again for your donations. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> I sick. >> I >> wind >> I. At this time, I would like to recommend the following personnel recommendations. Do I have a motion? >> Second. Any discussions? >> I just want to say congratulations to our retirees. I know one we have one in in the audience this evening. I just want to thank you for your uh many many years of service at Indian Trail. Thank you. Thank you. Anything else? >> Roll call, please. >> I Sheen, >> I. >> Sodonic >> I. >> Wind >> I. >> Next

015we have treasur recommendations. >> I wish to recommend that the board of education approve the following minutes. June 23rd of 2025, June 30th of 2025, and July 7th of 2025. >> Do I have a motion? to move. >> Second. >> Any discussion or questions? >> I have a question. >> Oh, you need to turn on your mic. >> I have a question on July 7th minutes. In these minutes, it talked about a comprehensive update on the credit card. Uh, do we have that? >> That was um something I presented on at July 7th meeting and it should be on board docs. All right. Um, and it also was mentioned here, requisitions must be tied to an appropriate budget unit. What does that mean? Yeah. In every transaction, there is going to be a requisition which

016is tied to a in in district accounting system budget unit. >> In other words, it's already budgeted dollars. Okay. And there was a mention here that credit card use also earns rewards for the district. All the usage follow state laws and broad. So just to get clarity. So we're okay with a credit card having the credit card rewards. Where are these re how do we know how these rewards are being used? >> It ends up as a statement credit. Oh, you use it a credit. >> Yes. >> Oh, just simply there's a credit. Okay. >> All right. >> So, it basically just takes monies off of the bill. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Which is all all the things that have been charged for allowable expenses. >> Correct. >> Okay. That was a very

017thorough presentation on the credit card policy that I I do understand that you were looking in for information on it. It's probably good for you to watch that portion of the meeting just to uh educate yourself. >> And you also talked about while I was watching the video uh the Door Dash charges for November which the total was and we got the interest credit. Do we have any uh documentation on that? Do we have anything any any paperwork anything that verifies that? um verifies that we did the appropriate actions or what type of verify? >> Well, I would like that too. Yeah. Kind of when did the investigating start? Uh because early on in the credit cards, there was we went months and months without uh anything under the category of contested fees or contested

018charges. So, yeah, I would be curious to know when that started. And then being that you're saying we did get the credit back and of the 5,000 and the interest, do we have documentation that that confirms that? >> So the we are still waiting for them to credit back the actual door charges, but they did credit back the interest and fees associated. >> Thank you. Um the item of business in front of us is the minutes. So we need to be focused on the minutes. Any further questions? Any further questions about the accuracy of the minutes? >> Uh, these are the minutes. I'm voting on them, so I want to understand them before I can vote on them. >> Um, >> they're going beyond. >> You mentioned about the new credit card handbook. Is that

019when will that be completed? >> Yeah, I believe at the last meeting I said by the end of this month. >> So, the end of July. >> Correct. All right. And you did say here where you mentioned my name and that the charges I was talking to were verified against purchase orders and receipts. I've never seen any purchase orders or receipts. And in as I watched the video, you mentioned four accounts out of the probably 40 that I questioned. So that's not a true statement. I've not received those uh verified purchase orders and receipts, which I would ask when will I receive those? >> They were in your mailbox earlier today. >> So, that's what that was. Okay, that was very complicated. Why couldn't it just be sent without me having to go through all

020kinds of all kinds of steps to open that? >> Um I since that's not regarding the minutes, uh we could talk about that at another point. >> Roll call, please. And I'm not finished. Uh you emphasize allowable purchases uh require prior approval through a requisition and purchase order and failure to do so would processes make the employee personally responsible for that. So again I would like to see that and I guess once I get those u those those uh receipts and poss >> again it is the minutes that are under discussion right now. Please >> and I'm discussing the minutes. No, you are going far a field and asking other questions. >> And that is >> it is time to call the question and call the order please. >> I Sheen. >> No. >> Sironic.

021>> I >> wind >> I next item. >> I wish to recommend that the board of education approve the check register June 2025 as presented. Do I have a motion? >> 10 minutes. >> Second. >> Questions, comments. >> Oh, yes. Page 12 and page 16, we have the legal fees for what appear to be the month of June. Am I reading this correctly? that we had one that was 29,318 and another that was 42,823. Was that our total to go and bear for the month of May or the month of June? >> I'd have to go back and look at those specifics, but those would be two separate months. >> Oh, so that's two separate months. Okay. Yeah. I would like some clarification because that's a very big number if that was all one month.

022>> And I'll remind you, Mr. Sheen, that I've invited you to sit down with our legal team to discuss the charges and your concerns about the expense. >> No, I'm willing to do it here. I I I'm going to say this again. I am not going to go sit in a private meeting. This is a public school. This is public money. It needs to be discussed in public if we want to set that up. and we set up a separate time to do it. I'm all for it. But I'm not going to go sit in a one-on-one meeting, two-on-one meeting, whatever, to do stuff that is public. >> A lot of the details of what legal counsel is doing for us are in fact privileged and confidential. >> Well, we can we can we can

023x the name out when we're talking about that that we can get around that. It's I'm not doing it needs to be done in public. I would think any citizen would want to know that and I'm trying to do that >> and I suggest that you educate yourself regarding the things that you bring to the table. >> Yeah. Okay. I'm I'm I'm educating myself by saying what I'm talking >> understand that discussions between your attorney are confidential. Everyone knows that. >> No, these don't need to be confidential and that is not true. >> It is true. We're talking about legal fees for legal services that are being provided for things that we're doing as a school board. And those meetings and discussions have to be private to protect us and to protect the people that

024are in various lawsuits. You know that everybody knows that. >> And I'm going to I don't understand why you're so confused. And I'm going to remind everyone that what we're discussing is the check register right now. >> And I do have a question on number page um on this public relation payment of 44,12. Now I do recall that we were approving various months for this person to do that. What what is this 44,000? Was this an was this person not getting paid and we paid this person in one lump sum? What what does that 44,812 represent? >> Yes. The vendor wanted to do a one lump sum payment. >> All right. So So all those contracts were accumulating, she wasn't she wasn't getting paid each month. >> Correct. >> We got it. So this is

025this was the annual payment to that individual. >> Correct. >> Okay. Um, all right. That's only questions I had on the Well, um, I think this was on there. Uh, there was a You can correct me if I'm wrong because I don't remember where I saw this that we have a $10,000 debt as far as on our lunch fees or whatever. Was would that would I have seen that on here? >> Is that on the check register? What? That wouldn't be on the check register, right? Okay. No. >> So, that that is something I don't know how I'm going to ask that question, but something I was concerned about. >> Roll call, please. >> Hi, >> Sheen. >> I sick. >> I wind. >> I. >> Next item. >> I wish to recommend that the

026board of education approve the financial report June 2025 as presented. >> Do I have a motion? with a second Mr. Okay. So if we're looking at the last month of the fiscal year, period 12, which is June for our school year, at the top we have our revenues, how much we brought in. And then so in the month of January, we brought in um $2 million. And then throughout the entire fiscal year, we brought in $76 million. And then below that, we have our expenditures. So we spent $6.6 $6 million in the month of June and in the fiscal year we spent74 million leaving a carryover balance um of being in the black of $1.9 million. And then in the blue column that is comparing it to our May forecast. So where we projected to

027end and versus in the pink where we actually ended. So there was a $24,000 variance of where we projected to where we were projected in the forecast versus where we actually were. So I'm happy to say that uh this is the second year of me being here that we are in the black. >> So that was $200,000 that we did not anticipate having that we now do have. Correct. It was in that direction. Okay. and then um where our dollars are being or where our dollars are being held at plus the interest and the fees that we have. The chart on below that is the revenue from last year which is in the redish color versus what we brought in uh this current period which is in the gold and the same as the expenditures.

028And then below that this chart ties out the the graphs above. So, I'm happy that uh we were able to end the fiscal year in the black. Not as much as was forecasted, but there were some unforeseen circumstances that uh we took care of. >> So, that difference in revenue yearover-year that we had much more revenue in 24 for the month than we did in 25. Is that just due to when tax payments hit or is there another reason? Yeah, you could see in June we got some late tax allocations late um last year in June versus we got most of it by um by May. >> Any further questions, comments? >> Roll call, please. >> I sonic >> I. I >> Okay, our next item as we've moved on to new business, the first

029one uh is a discussion of uh our federal funding. So, I wanted to uh allow Dr. Gold to give us some context for that. So, thank you. I want to share this evening just uh some legislative things that have been happening around federal funding. On July 1st, the district received a what we call a comprehensive note from the Ohio uh Department of Education and Workforce. It is noted as number 573 and so some of the information from that particular note is in front of you. The US Department of Education provided the information below to the state department. This uh is in reviewing of the funding the federal dollars that are received to school districts in the areas of title 1C, title 2 A, title 3A, title 4A, title 6B, all of these grant programs according

030to the US department to the state department uh all of these funds will not be issued um and therefore obligating these programs to not be able to complete a review. And what happens each year is that the district must upload information for the state department to allocate what these resources are for and how they will be spent for the upcoming school year. That is done um prior to June and by the end of June there's a process of where the uh superintendent and the treasurer must approve this process. When we went in to approve this process, this is when we learned that that the funds had been removed from all of these um federal funding uh allocations. Just recently on July 16th, another um document CCIP note number 574 uh was received and it stated

031um this is not the entire document. This is a a section of it. The US Department of Education has not provided the 2526 schoolyear allocations for the following funds that I have read previously. And DEEDW, which is the Department of Education and Workforce, understands that the uncertainty in this timing and availability of federal resources disrupts the planning process and can pose significant challenges for school districts. Please understand that this is happening to all school districts across the country. This is not just Sto Monroe Falls. So what I've shared here for you is just two uh statements that have come out of education week and even the National Education Association in regards to that the US Department of Education has held 7 billion dollars from all K12 education schools. What I want to dispel in any

032shape, form or fashion that this is not anything pending on something that storms has done, the board of education, the superintendent or the treasur. We have met all qualifications when it came to the executive orders in regards to title six. They were signed and submitted on time. We had an on-site review of our federal uh funding which happens uh every two years, sometimes every year just depending on the school district and the rotation. Stoman Falls uh received a glowing recommendation from this with no corrections needed and our federal funding CCIP uh comprehensive uh plan was completed on time in February 24, 2025 when the executive orders uh were shared. There was a presentation that was done and shared at the board meeting that outlined what all of the federal dollars and what they are uh

033allocated for. This is part of the uh elementary secondary education act. And so uh here you're able to review the actual funding source and the purpose of each one of those funding sources. Title one uh just to simplify it is really used for decreasing any achievement gaps that may be happening with students in the areas of literacy and mathematics. Uh so it is to make sure uh that those uh gaps don't happen. So support is put in place uh for students uh in those areas. Title two is used uh for to increase student achievement. This happens in support of making sure teachers uh school leaders are all trained properly uh in curriculum effectiveness, instructional strategies and also to provide uh our students again with um making sure that they have quality uh educators that are

034in front of them. Title three which uh supports our English learners uh is to help them make sure that they can access appropriate education in classrooms. Uh this is used for translation uh interpreters and instructional materials and also this is where students who would be deemed homeless or displaced would also receive funding. Title four uh is a uh area where again it's to increase in student achievement to look at those programs that support students to have a what we call a well-rounded education uh and to provide them uh outside conditions uh for learning. So a lot of our programs like steam mathematics programs those type of things would happen uh in using title four funding in title six. Title six is the office of exceptional children. This is where students with disabilities uh will receive

035their funding. So we have staff support here, curriculum materials and also uh educational opportunities for students in and outside of the district. So when you look at this uh funding again, it shows here's what it looks like for Stow Monroe Falls. You can see the federal funding dollars uh on the side. The asterric indicates that there were supposed to be a release of these particular funds for title one and title six. Those are the only two funding areas that have been released. And I can tell you as of today, title one has been rescended. Uh and we have been asked to redo the application. They're asking all school districts to do that and they will not release these funds to sometime in September. So support you can see what the support is and also the

036personnel that is supported using these type of federal dollars. And this is Stow Monroe Falls. This is not the state of Ohio. This is the actual district. And you can see here that it also impacts at least 1,400 students out of our 4,900 population. The next uh item there is to show you the federal funding impact uh across the state of Ohio and across um the Stomero Falls district. You can see how much we receive in each one of those federal funding areas and the decreases that we are seeing currently based on the preliminary uh allocations that we re we saw in title one and also in title six. We have not seen any allocations in the areas of two three uh and four. We are going on what we have received in the past.

037That is what you are seeing uh there. So what does this truly mean for the school district? Uh information was sent out uh to the board, information was sent out to staff and information was sent and shared with the public. So, the impact of this on uh our school district, as you heard me share here today, uh with the impact of this now being set to September, this causes a potential delay in some of our academic support for uh our students. uh when we think about our students uh and our title one tutors uh all of those title supports that we have in place, we pay for some of our tutors out of title one and we pay for some of our tutors out of general fund because we are considered a targeted district, meaning

038that we target students based on their free and reduced lunch uh situations. So all of our students necessarily don't receive title services. To make it equitable across the district, the district has taken on tutors in general fund so that students are not just targeted in those four impacted schools. There's three elementaryaries uh and Lake View. And so we provide support uh in our middle school and our other schools who are not part of that. So, we already have title one tutors in our general fund. Without these federal dollars, we would then impact our general fund even more because these individuals will have to be moved over to general funds in order to be employed to be employed. So this is why we are looking at this very seriously and why the information that was shared

039talks about a hold on certain things because we have to look at programming. We have to look at employees uh to make sure that we are not over uh budgeted because of the 1.9 million that we are um basically on pause for. This impacts our budgeting and staffing uncertainty. uh if we were to look at needing to hire, do we hire uh a person and we not we're not really sure if the funding is going to come in. So that puts us in an uncertainty process. Uh there we also have to think about compliance and legal considerations. we are obligated because we have defined and uh targeted students uh based on their need and so we have to put those things in place in order to comply with federal expectations. Uh so what is the

040risk if we don't do that? We don't know at this particular time. Uh our achievement gaps may widen because if we're not able to do this then the support is not there uh for students. So the reason that the letter was sent was for us to be very forwardlooking uh in this process. We asked for the community uh to assist us with advocacy uh in engaging our state and federal legislators and to partner with us so that we have a unified voice and that is the reason that the information was shared so that you have actual facts and not things that people are putting out there uh in the public. uh continuing to communicate with our staff, with our families, as well as the board, keeping them informed on the frequent updates that are occurring

041and to start think about uh really how do we prioritize our essential services uh that are needed uh if these funds are uh ever released. And so with that, I say thank you and I'll take it. >> I have a question. So you mentioned that we have to provide these services to meet federal expectations, but that now they're possibly not going to fund it. So it just becomes an unfunded mandate. Is that >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. And I I'll just say this about targeted assistance. Um targeted assistance is based on um free and reduced lunch. I know a lot of times uh there is a um there's two ways that this can be funded. It can either be targeted or it can be schoolwide. Schoolwide means that you will provide the services for

042everyone in the school and you're not just targeting uh the students who uh have free and reduced lunch. So when the applications are out and we're asking people to complete the lunch applications, there are other things that go along with that. If everyone would complete the application, whether you think that you're qualified or not, it could provide other services for the school district. It could provide an opportunity for us to be able to do where no one has to pay for uh breakfast or lunch uh if we meet a certain criteria. So I want people to stop thinking, oh, if I fill this out, this means something about my h household. It really helps us to look at the need for our uh school district because we believe that our rate is higher than what

043uh we're really seeing right now. I have I have a question. Um, and if you can tell me where this might fit because this article here says this was uh July 18th and it talked about uh one $1.3 billion being released for early summer and after school programs. Was that included in the numbers you were showing? Yes, that was in part of uh the second notification that came out, the CCIP note, the second one. >> And I know this just happened today. I don't know if you're prepared to talk about it, but this you know how they overrode the veto number 66. >> That's a another um topic. >> That's another area. Yeah, that will go today on that. Okay. We >> we will be talking about the state funding as well, but this is

044federal Any further questions on what Dr. Ghoul presented? Okay. Um, given that situation, uh, I am proposing a resolution urging the release of impounded federal title funds for Ohio schools. Uh it reads, "Whereas the United States Congress has already allocated federal title funds intended to support Ohio's public schools, especially those serving students with the greatest needs. And whereas based on calculations from 2024, approximately $185 million in critical federal education funding for Ohio remains impounded and unreleased despite being previously allocated by Congress for distribution to school districts. And whereas these title funds are essential for meeting student needs, closing opportunity gaps, supporting academic recovery, and fulfilling the federal commitment to equitable access to education. And whereas this delay is estimated to impact over $1.9 million in allocated funds for the Stoman Falls City School District despite

045the timely submission of all required documentation, including our signed Title Six certification. And whereas the delay in releasing these funds disproportionately harms vulnerable student populations. And whereas the Stow Monroe Falls City School District relies on these funds to support vital programs, staff, and services and has already made budgetary plans and financial forecasts based on the expected distribution of these resources. And whereas the Ohio Attorney General, the United States Department of Education, and Ohio's congressional de delegation have a shared responsibility to ensure that allocated federal education dollars reach schools and students without obstruction or delay. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Stoman Falls City Schools calls on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yos to take all legal and administrative steps necessary to secure the immediate release of impounded federal education funds.

046United States Senators Bernie, United States Senator Bernie Marino and John Huad, and United States Representatives Dave Joyce and Amelia Sykes, our local reps, to republic to publicly allocate for and facilitate the prompt distribution of these funds to Ohio school districts. The United States Department of Education to work with state and federal officials to ensure funds are not unjustly withheld from schools entitled to receive them. And be it further resolved that the Stow and Row Falls City School District Board of Education directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to forward this resolution to the offices of Attorney General Dave Yoast, Ohio's US Senators, and the district's United States representatives, and to share this resolution with the Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and other public education advocacy organizations. Do I have a motion to

047approve? >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion on the resolution? >> I just want to say thank you for taking the time for the to do this put this together. >> Yes, I do. Um I'm concerned about the one bullet point here on Attorney General Dave Yos to take legal and administrative steps. Um I see a lot of value in this, but that one scares me because how much will a lawsuit cost Ohio taxpayers in time verse us getting the funds? So, I would I would like to see that bullet point removed. I mean, there's already 21 states that are filing lawsuits um in respect to this action in other in other areas of the country. >> I I personally don't think it's unreasonable to ask our state to advocate for our funding. >> No,

048I'm not saying not to advocate. I'm just saying it how much will a lawsuit cost us verse the time and in uh verse the funds that we're getting. We don't need to be in more litigation. >> Does anyone else concur with wanting to remove that bullet point? >> I do not. I think it's important for each state to take individual steps. um everything's like passed down to the state level and that therefore I believe that each state has the duty and responsibility to protect their own uh residents citizens. >> Well, we are we're going out to Bernie and John now. Is that supposed to be Dave Joyce, not Cave? >> It is Dave. You're reading you're reading a previous version from early last week. >> You're reaching out to the Department of Education. I I'm

049just concerned about, you know, more litigation and more more money going to attorneys instead of going to the kids. >> Noted. I don't think anyone else would like to see that bullet point removed. However, >> no, I'd like to see it stay. >> Okay. >> I think it's definitely important to make a point that um the states are standing up for the students. This is uh absolutely necessary. the the students are what's hurt by this federal action and it's our responsibility to fight back. >> And going back to what Dr. Gold um shared about our impact here in Stoman Falls, we're talking over 1,400 students. Um as well as staff training and that kind of thing, which thank goodness we got out of that um contract last year with Geneva on the Lake. Um but

050the impact to the students is huge. Um and we could easily see if we do not serve our students who need uh that support in the same ways or as thoroughly because of the funding being impounded. Um we could easily see huge impacts on our state report card on our overall uh student achievement because the whole point of this is to go back to the students who really need additional support and make sure that they are getting that academic support that they need. Uh I think that's absolutely essential. Um so yeah, that's where I'm at. Anything further? Roll call, please. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. >> Sonic. >> I. >> Wind. >> I. >> Okay. Our next topic is one that Mr. Shihan had requested that we add. Uh, talking about three board policies.

051uh specifically 3440, 4440, and 3243. Mr. Shean, uh thank you. Um I I noticed this to me was something that kind of tied into um that came to light in in respect to when I started seeing the credit card charges. Uh this particular looks like job reimbursement uh job related. It says expenses, but where we're reimbursing different aspects of the staff uh and and administrators have not been revised since January 3rd of 07. Um, so not to to waste time, I guess my first question is is is this uh better discussed at a work session as far as updating because I'm I'm assuming we'd be updating this policy and there would be discussion needed to do that. policy committee has started the discussion of going through and systematically reviewing all of our policies because it

052has been an incredibly long time since that has been done and and um it is a it is a long process to go through all of the policies. Uh, but we've talked about how imperative that is and I believe that's kind of our main goal with policy this coming year is to start that thorough review front to back of all of those policies because you're right, there are a lot of policies that have not been updated or touched in quite some time. So, what you're saying is this 3440 is on the on the docket as far as policies that would be considered to be reviewed and and updated. >> What we're saying is that we can add this to our policy committee conversation. I guess my question to you, Mr. Shen, is what exactly are

053you looking for? Okay. Uh to be updated in the >> Yeah, I'm looking there needs to be some guard rails, I think, on this. Um maybe some more limits. uh as far as how we're giving money to reimburse our administrators. I mean I know that's important but you know I was in a world uh where if I wanted to learn more about my profession I paid for it you know now I'm not saying we go to that extent but to at least again have some you know uh again some guard rails uh for that particular administrator to maybe think twice as far as is this of value. Um, you know, I had some ideas here. Obviously, things needing to be approved by the superintendent and the treasurer. Uh, and maybe some, um, reimbursement, uh, a

054limit. You know, may we put a dollar limit, you know, some of these seminars and workshops can be very costly. Uh, but we can, you know, we would put a dollar limit so we would know at the end of the year, this is potentially what this gonna cost us. um things like mileage, you know, if if say if a conference is 150 mi away, we're not going to reimburse for a hotel, you know, I mean, I my wife was driving 150 miles, well, she was driving, yeah, 300 miles every day for several months, but I'm saying so something like that. Um stipens as far as food and drink, you know. So again that we're just kind of putting I some guard rails on these different um activities, professional activities, professional um uh continuing education that

055our administrators uh take part in. Um and then certainly the um and again looking at it from a reimbursement standpoint instead of getting the district credit card that they're handing in receipts um on their dime and then looking to get so that they're a so that we're all of our requirements are met as far as um you know why did they attend you know was there value I mean having some type of evaluation after they attend an event to see you just exactly what did they go to that's going to help the district. So, so those are just some kind of some general thoughts in respect to that versus just saying we're going to reimburse expenses. >> Mr. Sheen, I believe a certain number of those guardrails are already included. They may be in more

056of the administrative guidelines than the policy. Dr. Gold, could you fill us in a little bit on that? Yes, you have administrative guidelines that go with the uh job related uh expenses and also the handbook that Patrick talked about today would also go along with that to outline what is permissible and what is not. In order for a person to go to a professional conference, there is uh documentation that has to be completed and it has to be approved. So the value of it is already vetted prior for prior to them going. I'd wanted to add as far as the uh credit card using the district card versus being reimbursed. This is just like any other expense that we've uh stated and it continues to be true that no one can use the credit card

057without having prior authorization and having a proper uh request attached to it. So there's not a chance of someone using the credit card for unauthorized expenses for just random travel that they want or random, you know, uh food that they want. It's something that's a already a pre-approved expense that has a purchase order attached to it just like anything else. >> And there are procedures in place for if if that process is not followed. Um an employee would be responsible for any unauthorized charges and potentially face other types of followup. And in the professional development realm, there are certain conferences where a certain number uh are allotted to attend for that year and they are not allotted the next year. So there's a rotation uh piece that also happens there as well. >> Oh yeah.

058No, that's great. And we you said you guys, you know, we're going to go through that. Those are just some of my my thoughts on having again some kind of guard rails. there's a difference in someone's going to a hotel and they're paying $500 a night and somebody's going to one and it's $150 a night. Um, you know, and again, as far as um, like I mentioned that the distance and I I think there's just some things where we can save some money. >> I appreciate the fact that yes, I went to continuing education every year. Um, I see the value in it, but again, we're talking about taxpayers money and we're talking about um, again, just some kind of guard rails because I mean, these policies are pretty they're not very specific. >> Yeah,

059that's why there's administrative guidelines that go with the policies. This is more of the general um, over overview that comes as a policy. And then for policies, there's a second piece that's the administrative guideline that's attached. I I think it might be helpful to share that information or to request it, you know, or look it up yourself. I'm not, you know, to to figure out those answers. A lot of what you're asking is is resides. >> I've not been able to find anything that had like dollar amounts. Everything was general. So, >> did you look at the administrative guidelines? >> Okay. >> So, I would Yeah. Again, this is for the future. You said you're going to be discussing this in the policy committee. So, it's something just to um that I'm concerned with as

060far as getting our administrators the extra knowledge that they need, but then also respecting the taxpayers's money as far as the cost. >> And again, I think a lot of those um guidelines, those guardrails are in the administrative guidelines and in the procedures that we're using to approve those particular purchases. But along with everything else, as we look at our expenses, it's well worth considering whether there are any further limits that might be potentially helpful. So, I'm looking forward to discussing that more in policy. And I want to make sure we're very clear. Professional development happens for all employees, not just administrators. >> So, we keep saying administrators. >> No, and I'm glad you corrected me. Yes. Whoever qualifies. Yes, I would say that. Um, right. And and uh and and I guess the other

061part of it again which we will you know get maybe to the specifics as far as dollars but you know just things like um you know reimbursements for you know sporting events or activities that aren't really related to any type of professional development. Uh we need to look a little closer on those. You know I don't want to be reimbursing uh someone just to be a spectator. You know, I can see a coach who's bringing a team that we're covering their cost, but somebody who's just going who's um a committee person, an administrator who's who has that role, but then is also attending that and is purely a spectator. I mean, we need to look closer a little closer. >> Mr. Sheen, again, all of these requests are um reviewed very carefully before they're approved

062and before they're charged. Um that process is in place. I would not expect to see a revision of the policy that indicate that includes the guard rails that that that you're specifically asking about because that's not the point of a policy. So if you have, you know, something that you would be interested in, it would be more towards amending uh the administrative guidelines because those are more easily um amended to change based on you know what what uh current practice is. Okay. >> Okay. Our next item, uh, this is another request from you, Mr. Shien, that we discussed, uh, the requirements and procedures for opt- out forms. Dr. G, did you have some information to share? Yes, I do. So, Senate Bill 8 is the parent bill of rights. Uh this uh Senate bill has

063been uh approved. Uh and just want to talk a little bit about what the impact of this is for um all school districts but specifically Stoman falls. Uh on the first slide here just talks about what the parent bill of rights is. It says a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parents child. Uh this legislation again uh was passed uh here in Ohio and this fell uh during the time when Senate Bill 29 and all of those things were coming out. This was one of the bills that came along uh with that. In thinking about uh the parent bill of rights, it started to uh talk about um just looking at the education of the child. And so we get to start talking about uh

064opting out. And so some of the common reasons that parents uh want their students to be opted out uh include directory information release, media and photography, survey questionnaires, health or sex education, assessments, and religious or political uh instruction. These are some of the things that happen when parents uh want their students opted out of something. So the current practice that happens here uh in Storow Falls is that often the information is shared through parents square with parents uh communicated by building leaders sometimes teachers uh and then in parent square there they can actually create a form right there for the parent to opt out of. It might be assemblies, it could be counseling lessons, it could be something around curriculum, uh it can be something around survey. Uh and prime example of this is uh

065a survey that was taken this year uh with uh at the high school. It was sent out through parent square. the uh opt out form was shared right there and so parents had the opportunity uh to opt out and therefore the administrator can run a report and see exactly who's opt out making sure that those students are not part of that or given something alternative uh for the lesson or maybe the assembly. So, if parents have not completed the final forms uh opt out piece because there is a place there where it opts you out of district directory information. There's a place that talks about media um and um there's one more thing on there. Um that those are already currently in final forms. However, if you cannot find the form or uh you do

066not receive the information per parent square now on the district, you can go to the website. You can go where it says forms and applications. Uh and there you will find a drop-down and in that dropdown you will find a opt out form. This opt out form does not catch everything because there are too many things that parents may wish to opt out and the district would never be able to think of all of those things. So this is a open-ended type of form. So, if you would click that form for me again on the district website under the parent section, click down. You'll see forms and applications and you will see this opt out form here. You can it is a fillable. You can fill it out at the top with the necessary information.

067If you scroll down for me, you'll see it contains some items that are most relevantly used when parents are opting out. You can click on the box right there. See, scroll down some more for me. There's only a couple of things there. And then at the bottom, if none of those items fit what you are looking for, you can write go back up. Right there in that box, you can write what you want to opt out of. Share this information with the building leader and therefore you will be opted out of whatever it is that you desire for your child not to be part of. So that is just to share a little bit about opt out and how uh that goes along with the parent bill of rights. Any questions on that? >> Um

068no that's great. I like that. Um what well the one that I'm that I directed here was the one that came out on June 27th from the United Supreme Court the United States Supreme Court is Mammon M- ah m o n d vers. Mhm. >> Um where is that that is not mentioned in that one. Can this can that one be added? >> Um I will not add that for the mere fact that this case presumes that we are actually teaching that and we are not. This is a topic on um teaching LBGTQ plus uh in our curriculum and that is not something that we do. And so therefore, if a parent wanted to opt out of that, they have the opportunity to write that in that space. As I said in the we will

069not be able to catch everything, but teachers send information out that they think parents may want to opt out of. Building principles do that when they're doing uh certain assemblies because of religious or um those type of backgrounds. And so parents are allowed to do that. If a parent uh feels that they need to opt out of that, then I would say they can go ahead and just fill that form out and send it to the building leader. >> So they'd be able to use that final section that that kind of miscellaneous. Okay. >> Um >> All right. So yeah, this is this is very good. >> What about um you know again not everyone maybe not every parent is adapt to that. Um, what about mailing this to the parent or guardian and then

070also including some type of uh popup that can kind of direct them to that page so they don't have to go looking for it. >> Okay. >> I think a a mailing like you're talking a physical mailing that would be incredibly expensive. Do we have students or families that are unable to fill out final forms and those things because they don't have access to a computer or access to the internet? Like do we have students that do not fill out any of the paperwork right now? >> We we probably do. >> So how do we reach out to them? probably by phone or um the student has a Chromebook, so they're probably putting it in a Google classroom or something like that. >> Okay. But they still have to have the internet to use the

071Chromebook. >> Yes. >> So, >> and I'm I do know I've spoken with some district personnel before who talked about kind of sitting down with parents and assisting them in getting those forms done. A lot of it happens uh at um open houses and things like that to find out um help parents with getting on to final forms, getting into all of those documents and things like that. >> I have a question about the the um last section there. Um, >> does that mean that someone would if they say the teacher, you know, emailed we're going to be watching this movie or reading this book or something like that that that's what it's, you know, we I would like to opt my kid out of that particular item. It's not something to say like I

072just please opt me out of everything. >> No. So, this is to assist if there was not an opt out form sent. >> Okay. So most of I'm going to be honest, I've never had anyone who has contacted my office in regards to not being able to opt out of something. >> Okay? >> I've never had that happen. So this is just a safeguard in the event that someone can't find an opt out form. It is here for you on the website. Most of the time the teachers are sharing that information or the building leaders are sharing that information in regards to opt out. So typically when information would go out about something that our district staff thinks potentially parents might want to opt out of, they will >> provide them a form, link them

073a form, explain to them how to opt out of that particular activity. >> Yes. And I just I just want to add when we we see a lot of during the registration process, we have Chromebooks at central office and our staff is more than willing to help anybody who needs assistance in filling out the final forms um because that's how we do all the registration. So, and so far we've been very successful with helping those who need assistance. >> So, you're saying right now, so it's on final forms. They can find it um on the district website. They can also find it um during the I think you just said on the the registration. >> You have registration. >> They can find it. Okay. Um All right. You said mail. Well, we could be looking

074at a cost factor there, but um and there is a district website. Okay. Okay. So, the district website and I had here a link on the website. So, we have that. Um, so the only other Yeah, the one I mentioned is just like with the board meetings, you go to the website and the popup comes up. Is there a way of maybe instituting that? >> The only thing is if it pops up, it's going to pop up every time you open the website. And so, there are other popups that we have. So, sometimes it won't be popping up. >> Okay. But could that be something we can consider like during this registration period maybe that month of August September that you have that pop up as >> we're getting ready to uh share our back

075to school dashboard and so all of this information is going to be shared as well as the August 1 deadline when we talk about Senate Bill 29. All of this information will be in there as well. >> Okay. Yeah. I'm just looking for it to be the simplest, easiest way if a parent wants to go look for it, they're they're going to be able to find it. >> Mhm. Understood. >> All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any further comment on that topic? Okay. Moving on our state budget um update. Muonic >> D. We have board workshop strategic plan. >> Oh, board workshop. Sorry. Why? My brain skipped that. Thank you. Uh so the in date that we had initially selected um unfortunately our consultants are not available for uh so um we have

076some other choices that they presented to us uh which would be okay a six o'clock time spot would be possible for them on August 6th 7th 13th 14th uh 21st 25th and 27th. Do we have preferences with that? >> Uh, yes, the 25th is an option. >> Well, that would be my preference just as if it's a regular board meeting day so people are more used to that. >> I was going to mention some, but now these dates weren't there because they are out a little further. Um, I'm suggesting or whatever that we go either September 8, October 6th or 11:3, which are work session meetings so that we don't cost the district another whatever it costs us to have a meeting to have another meeting on another day that we stay. I mean, these

077are called work sessions. So, so I'm looking Yeah. September 8th, October 6th, or November 13th are all work session meeting times that are already on the calendar. And all I believe all of those are well past the timeline where the consultants wanted to speak with us because they're speaking to groups in a certain order. Um it's part of their uh their plan. Um is to you know speak to certain groups at certain points in time. Uh so they had specifically requested August. Correct. or >> you want the you want the board to go before the other groups because the board uh assists with sharing um some district goals, some things they'd like to see. So, it kind of sets the precedence for the other groups. um they've already met with cabinet in June and so

078now they'd like to meet with the board in August and they'll meet with principal leadership and then after that focus and community groups will be set up uh after that time. >> So based on that because you people were kind of leaning towards the August 27th could you find out if we could go >> August 25th at that since that's a Monday >> is that August 25th? Yeah, 27 there. >> Would that would would uh August September 8th be that next Monday? I don't think so. Is that Am I doing No, I'm not doing my math. That would be two weeks. >> Yeah. >> All right. Yeah, that's two weeks. Okay. Yeah, >> I would agree that of the the days that have been presented to us as possibilities that the 25th um would be

079a very good choice because again as you mentioned Mondays are typically meeting days so that would be more in keeping with our usual rhythm. >> Do you have any idea of um uh Antonet? Do you have any idea of Antonet's availability? >> Uh, yes. Thank you. She told me. And where did I write it down? >> If we go with the 25th, could we consider amending the schedule and eliminating one of those three work sessions? So again, we save some money here and not have an extra meeting. >> We have other business to conduct as well. Um, oh, Antuinette said that she is available. Oh, on any day except for the 25th. So, never mind. >> I love matching calendars. It's so much fun. Um, >> could you repeat the dates then? >> Yes. The

080August 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 21st, 25th, and 27th. >> Okay. >> I'm out on the 14th. At the rest, I'm available. >> Okay. Miss Merlin, >> September 8th, >> do you want me to see if they're available on September 8th? >> We already have a board meeting that day or we suggesting on the same day? >> I would lean I I understand there's an expense involved, but I would lean toward us having a separate meeting for this so that we can focus on it. Um when our meetings end up being four hours long that exhausts everyone and does not lead to great results. Um, and I'm assuming that there's a lot of work that the consultants want to do with us that will take a significant amount of time. Okay. So, is the fifth? Can

081we just start from the beginning? Is does the fifth work for everyone? >> It's Can you do that? >> August 6th or seventh. Sixth or seventh? >> It's a Wednesday. >> Mhm. >> A that Wednesday or Thursday. Um, I could do those. They're not ideal, but I could squeeze that in. >> Both work for me. >> And you're out on the 14th. Is everybody available on >> So you're saying the 13th >> or the 13th? >> Oh, I'm actually not available then either. >> Okay, >> that works. >> So 13th to 14th are out. Um 21st would be another Thursday. >> So the 6th. >> Did we say that's okay? >> Yeah, I think the sixth or the 7th. Mr. Sheen, what's your availability those nights? >> The 6th or 7th of August? >> Yes,

082at 6 p.m. >> Do we have a meeting on the 4th? >> Uh, yes, we do. >> We could look. How is everybody's availability on the 21st, >> but we have a meeting on the 18th? >> We do. And the week of the 11th is no good. >> Correct. Well, we have we have the 13th and 14th that week, but we have a member is not available >> on those days and the week of the 25th. >> Uh we have the 27th as a possibility. >> Well, we have a and we don't have a meeting on the 25th. >> Correct. I'm not available on the 27th. You're not available on the 27th. Okay. 27th works for me. I mean, ideally, since we're working with the impact group and we're looking at our strategic plan, I

083would I would prefer not to schedule it on a night we know someone's not available. Um, I believe all of our voices are important in doing this work. Uh, so it looks like we're kind of narrowing down to August 6th or 7th if we're all available. >> The 21st is one more. >> The 21st. Mr. Sheen would prefer not to have two meetings in a week. >> Okay. >> So, we were kind of skipping past >> Well, we have the fourth >> those weeks. We do have the meeting on the fourth. >> That would happen anyway. >> Okay. So, it's the 7th or the 21st is really where we're at. >> Yeah. >> of August. >> Mhm. >> God has cheer both nights, but I'm willing to work around that. >> Okay. >> I mean,

084I'd go with the 21st just to >> Okay. Works for me. >> It works. Okay. Sounds like that will work for everyone. So the 21st, August 21st at 6 PM for the impact group. Thank you all for working our way through that. >> And that would that be here? >> Uh location to be determined. >> We'll have to check availability. Uh now that we have dates, >> need to have something that has tables for you to work at. >> That's a Thursday, too. So it might be a council night anyway. >> Okay. Yeah, that's true. Okay. Now, the state budget update. Morning. Okay. So earlier today, the House um voted to override Governor DeWine's veto of item number 66, which restricts political subdivisions, including school districts, from pursuing replacement property tax levies, as well as

085fixed sum emergency, substitute emergency, and combined school district income tax and fixed sum property tax levies. The veto override will advance to the Senate for consideration. The House did previously identify two other items for possible vetos, which was uh number 55 on expanding the authority of the county budget commission and number 65 revising the 20 mill floor. Um but those did not um those were not considered today. So the only only item was item 66 and that definitely affects us and I think Patrick is going to give us an update on that. Yeah. So as Miss Sudonic said, this does affect Stow tremendously because we have four levies that are fixed some emergency levies which are totaling $26 million. So the unknown at this point is what do we do um if this were to

086get vetoed um when it goes to the Senate. So, we're still kind of up in the air, but $26 million is a lot. Um, just thinking outside of the box, if we are no longer able to do these fixed sum emergency levies, you know, we would have to look at new money levies, which in the end hurts the residents more so than what we're currently doing, which with fixed sum levies. So, um, more to be learned as we process this as well as what's the our budget or commission and counties are going to have to do to figure out how to help everybody in all this. Um, so some unknowns is, you know, we currently have some that are coming up for renewal. You know, can those no longer be renewed? Some of those questions

087are very unknown at this time. So, >> and that renewal is one that expires in 26, correct? >> The Yes. The end of calendar year 26. >> The end of 26. Okay. So, that's that that alone is coming up fairly quickly for us. Okay. >> So, yeah, a lot of unknown and uncertainty at this time, which is a little little scary. >> Has the Senate set a date for considering that measure? >> Not yet. Okay. >> Stay tuned to Patrick, is that 26 million? Is that um the money that would be affected or does that money include the the fixed rate levies um in the mill floor? Those are outside of the 20 mil floor. So fixed sum levies do not go against the 20 mil floor. anything further on that. Okay. Next item, Dr.

088Gold. So I just wanted to share uh information around strategic uh mission goal number 10. Uh this uh mission is about fine arts athletics. Uh and in that section there is an action step um 10.4 and it's in regards to um uniforms being replaced within 5 years um with a financial replacement between the school district and the band parents association will be organized to complete. Um, I just wanted to share an update in regards to um this situation. Um, the um I I met with the uh band director and the uh high school principal around uh January 10th of this year and we started our initial uh conversation about uh the band uniforms. This is when I learned that the band uniforms hadn't been replaced uh in about 20 years. uh and they uh were

089able to share with me some of the things that they were uh kind of going through and peacemailing. Now, mind you, our band is phenomenal and they look great, but when you get close up to the band uniform, you'd be a little apprehensive about some of the things you see up close. Uh and so we continued our conversation uh around this because we were trying to figure out how much the district could leverage to help support and how much the ban um uh association could also help uh support uh with these efforts. Um and so we did end up reaching uh an agreement around uh January 29th. I reached out to the merchant uh who actually uh supplies band uniforms and kind of said, you know, is there some type of uh agreement that we

090can work out a payment plan or something in order for our students uh not to have on 20-year uh uniforms um and um uh to go along with uh how good they play. Uh and so we did reach an agreement around February 1st. We signed that agreement and contract uh with the band uniform uh company uh and had made um our payments uh for them. I was looking to do a uh very big article uh in regards to the band uniforms and actually have someone uh come wear them. Uh but then we got notification uh just this month that our uniforms are going to be delayed. uh and they are being delayed because of the wool blend fabric material uh that is needed to create the number of uniforms um that we need. Um so

091uh I will keep everyone updated but I did want everyone to know that we did purchase band uniforms for uh our band members and they are going to look amazing because I've actually seen an actual demo of them. Uh, and so when that comes, we'll do a a very uh big article on that as well as have some of the students come in and share what those are going to look like. >> Thank you for that update. Um, I was concerned when I heard that they would be delayed because I remember um you and I talking about it back in January about how do we how do we afford this while we're working so hard to stay in the black, right? Where do we find that money? Um, and I I remember talking with you

092about, you know, can we work out a payment plan to spread that impact on our general fund out a little bit? I was so excited when we got that figured out. Um, I'm disappointed that it's going to take extra time, but it sounds like it's a matter that's completely >> out of our hands at this point. Um, so those those uniforms, I'll tell you, the um the band parents who volunteer to help out with those and the alterations and the repairs >> are just phenomenal. >> I don't know if we've if we would have lasted past year 10 maybe in these uniforms um if it weren't for all of those volunteer hours that we see coming out of our parents to help our band uh put themselves together every year. So, I'm a little sad

093they have to do it an extra year. Um, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that that comes in. >> Definitely thank our uh band director uh the students and our band parents association for their support with this. I just wanted to add um I think it's important to note that you know this um perception was put out into the community that the board or that the administration had done something to delay band uniforms or that we at our request um had not been moving forward. And I think it's just important to remind everyone in the community that if you hear a rumor um it's best to just check uh directly with the source and that the band director would have easily been able to quash that rumor and u make people feel a

094lot better and um it's just let's not let's not get carried away with um spreading rumors on social media. Thank you. >> Any further comments, questions on this item? Okay. Our next item, Mr. Galano. >> Okay. So, I just want to talk about the last pay date that we had. So, on Friday, July 11th, I woke up to a plethora of messages I emails I was not looking forward to reading right at uh so early in the morning. Um so there was a timing delay with uh when direct deposits were hitting the bank. So the de delay was due to a timing issue related to expected receipts of funds from our tax advances. Um so our first settlement of our tax advances hitting our bank account from the county. While the advance was received and

095deposited into our accounts, the time of that deposit did not align with when the AC payroll file was released. As a result, the bank was unable to process the payroll transactions as scheduled. When we keep the bulk of our funds into saving in our savings account to maximize interest earnings and ensure we are making the most of every dollar. After speaking with Dollar Bank, it was confirmed that all necessary funds must be in the checking account no later than 8:00 p.m. the evening before payday in order to guarantee timely payout processing. In other words, when you wake up, your money is going to be in your account. To prevent this from happening again, we we are implementing formal procedures and processes. This includes maintaining a minimum balance in the checking account at all times and

096scheduling timing in scheduling timely transfers from savings to cover expenses. We will also conduct internal verifications of funds availability prior to releasing the payroll files. These steps will help avoid future disruptions and ensure the payroll is processed accurately and on time. So, uh, once I found once I had these issues, uh, communication went out that we're looking into this. Um, and then we were able to, uh, solve it and everyone was, to my knowledge, no one else reached out that they never received a payup or their direct deposit, but everyone started to see it in their bank or their mobile apps by like 9:30. So, >> okay. So, that that delay was to midm morning. It wasn't a full day, >> correct? It was it several days. Okay. Um and I know I had a

097I had a casual conversation in passing with one of our staff um who I know personally who uh really expressed a lot of appreciation of that communication from you immediately that um that staff were notified very quickly that there was a problem that we were working on. Um she pointed out that you know she doesn't necessarily check that deposit. She assumes that it's going to going to happen. So that that warning of that email was very helpful for her to know that that there might be um some delay. So I really appreciate that communication out to staff um as quickly as you could. Um and it sounds like we're implementing, you know, we're learning from the experience and implementing um strategies to make sure that it doesn't re repeat. >> Yes, 100%. >> Okay. >>

098Thank you. Any other >> Patrick? Are we able to get a statement from Dollar Bank to confirm what you just said? Something to kind of back up >> your your protocols. >> Mr. Sheen, are you accusing our treasurer of lying? >> Patrick, yeah, I was just wanting to see if you can get a statement from Dollar Bank. >> I could reach out to ask, but I I take that highly offensive that you would ask for that. But if the board would like me to do that, I would do that. If the board would like me to do that, >> don't start on things that are offensive at this point. So, I would watch our words. >> M Mr. Sheen, thank you for your opinion. >> I find that highly inappropriate, sir. Our next item is

099comments from our audience. At this time, we welcome any comments and concerns citizens wish to bring before the board of education. All comments must be directed to the entire board and be no longer than 3 minutes. We will listen to and consider your remarks, but there will be no conversation aside from clarifying questions. If you are seeking a direct response or further information, we ask that you submit your request in writing. Please begin your remarks with your first and last name. Do I need to tap it? Okay. Thank you. Hi, my name is Evelyn Kremar. I have three items I'd like to address. Uh number one, during the March uh one of the March 2025 board meetings, I asked a question about Lifewise Academy implementing their program at Echo Hills this fall. I've seen no

100reference to that since then. If the board could address where we are in the process um of that at a future board meeting soon um since the new school year is only a month away, that would really be appreciated. Uh, number two, I would like to respectfully request that if any board members have an issue or issues with any specifics of the school district's budgets or spending, that discussions with the treasurer or other responsible parties take place before the board meeting. If during those discussions, a board member becomes aware of issues that he she feels merit public discussion, it can be noted and then added to the agenda in advance of the meeting. Asking for granular explanations of financial details during every board meeting is inefficient, often in violation of staff members privacy, and a

101poor use of everyone's time. Last of all, thank you so much, Dr. Gould, for working to get new band uniforms. My daughter is 36 years old, and those uniforms are the same ones that she wore when she was in the marching band. It's long overdue. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Dr. Mark Ryland and I've lived in Stow since 91 or '92. So, I've been here for a minute and I want to thank the school board for allowing me to speak tonight. when I discovered that some of the schoolboard candidates that are applying for the positions of school board for this coming election. When I discovered that some of them were affiliated with the organization Moms for Liberty, I became very concerned. If people cannot see the frightening parallels of this organization, their values

102and their goals with those of authoritarian regimes of the past and the present, they need to look at the world through a different and better set of eyes. In a free society, a small group of individuals, elected or not, does not get to decide to ban books, alter historical events, tell us that we must ignore science and medicine and facts and truth, and they certainly do not get the right to force their religious beliefs on us. This is not the way a free society acts. Now, I'm sure I'm going to be opening myself up to criticism, ridicule, and maybe even threats for speaking up, but I know what good leadership looks like. The philosophies of this organization, the things that they have vowed to do not represent good leadership. I witnessed good leadership firsthand when

103I served on a submarine of the United States Navy as a member of the enlisted crew. Good leadership does not involve intimidation or fear and they do not demonize those who don't agree with them. That's what authoritarians do. We are seeing this authoritarian male mentality play out on the national level, certainly at the state level and now maybe in good old little old Stow. I love my country. I love where I live. I love my community. I serve my country and I risk my life for my country and I approve my patriotism. My country is a wonderful place to live but it is far from perfect. We can and we really need to do better. These candidates and the vows the things that they stand for will not make us better. Again, I thank the

104board for allowing me this time. I hope you all have a good evening and a good rest of your week. >> Hi, thank you so much for allowing us to uh speak up today. My name is Doris Manger and I've had um I've lived in STO for 32 years. I've had students go through STO schools and graduated from the high school. So I'm really excited and happy and I've been very fortunate to have him go through this programs and uh this educational system. My question here is um I have a niece who uh is a daughter of my um my brother. My brother passed away from glyoplasto. Uh the mom took the kids to Kenya uh to get help from the family. uh she allowed me to get the legal papers to bring her back

105to the states because she was born here in the states to go to school and then eventually end up in college. She used to register in the high school in 11th grade. I called the um um the district and asked them what I needed to do to get her en enrolled. They told me that I needed to get guardianship. I went through and applied uh got the process, went to the court, I got the papers. I went to the uh district today to get her registered and I was told that the legal papers that I have for legal guardianship did not um did not allow me to register her as a student at STO. That really broke my heart today and I just wanted to know all the paperwork that I filled in the final

106forms has either parent or guardian and I checked guardian all through and that did not go through and so we just turned around. I felt bad that she was with me today when I was trying to register her for school and I just wanted to get clarification of what it needs and they told me that I needed to go back and get the uh uh custody of her and I don't understand that. So I just needed clarification on that so I can get her registered uh to go to high school. Thank you. Good evening, Jason Whitaker. Uh, I wanted to talk to you for a second about the resolution uh, regarding the federal funding and the fact that I am surprised. I thought it would have gone further uh to identify the fact that the

107empoundment of these funds was in fact illegal and urged our uh federal senators to force the administration to do what it needs to do under the empowerment act 1974. Namely, there's a whole special message process that's not really appropriate for a two and a half minute left in my thing of public comment. But I would have rather than ask our senators to advocate publicly, I would have asked them to take action. And I would have liked to have seen the board ask uh Representatives Sykes uh Representative um or Senators Moreno and Houston to actively go and try to force the administration to start the 45day process because I don't think that the votes are there uh to stop that u those funds that have been properly approved by Congress from being released. uh rather than

108have to wait for this to go all the way through the court system, I would I would like to have asked that the the school district asked the Congress to do its job for once um and to um actively force the administration to follow the you know the rules of of of the law which are again under the empowerment act. Again, I I I would have expected the resolution to go further than it did, but rather than advocate for litigation from the state, I would have liked to have seen our senators and our state or house representatives do their job and and force that through Congress. Thank you. Uh my name is Marty Simpkins and all I would like to ask is that after having looking over the some of the issues and things that

109were facing ahead with finances and things is that um one thing I've not seen ever as a budget really considered where each group is allocated amount of money that they can spend for their expenses and and you have to try to live within that budget. And I think that after having just said that, you got 30% of the people in Stow that are living below the poverty level, their kids apply for at least reduced lunches or free lunches. So you're talking 30% of our people are not going to be able to afford levies, more rent, more food prices for their kids, more fees. And so we need to see a little bit of of um budget belt tightening amongst the group. and the things that we're spending money on that we really don't need to

110spend money on. Considering what Mr. Sheen said, perhaps what we need to do is have the teachers, we do a 50/50, you know, match. We'll give you a certain amount of money. You get $500 that covers either your food, your gas, or whatever. And but somewhere along the line, we're going to have to see some kind of uh a give with the board and the district that they're going to pair the budget down a little bit considering the fact that you did have a lot more money come in, a lot millions of dollars, and you no matter how much we have coming in, you spent every dime. I'm not seeing any further comments. Okay. At this time, I will entertain a motion to enter executive session uh for the purposes pursuant to 121.22G1 22G1 to

111consider the employment of a public employee or official. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> I. >> Sheen. >> I. Sodonic. >> I. >> Wind. >> I. >> We're in executive session at 7:43. There will be no formal action afterward other than adjournment.