001off by uh us taking a uh moment of silence uh for the regular board meeting Tuesday, August 26th. So, we're going to start with a moment of silence. Uh I want to take a moment of silence uh before we begin today's meeting. I'd like to invite you to join me in a brief moment so that we can remember the lives lost and forever changed by violence in our communities and across the nation. Uh let us honor their memory, stand in solidarity with those grieving, and reflect on our shared responsibility to say to build safer spaces for all. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Mr. Treasury, please call the role. Mr. Parker here. >> Mrs. Berkin, >> here. >> Mrs. Barwick >> here. >> Mr. Vasquez here. >> Miss Barnes, >> present. Next on the
002agenda is 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. >> Dr. Durant, can you recite the mission and vision statements for us? >> Yes. TPS mission provide innovative educational opportunity that ensure each student prepared for their future. Our vision statement to empower each and every student to lead and live a purpose-driven life. Thank you. Thank you very much, Dr. Durant. Uh next, I'd like to uh request a motion to adopt the August 26, 2025 board agenda. >> So moved. Oh, second. >> The It's been uh moved and seconded. Uh is there any discussion? >> Yes. Uh I'd like to make a motion to amend the agenda to
003add in a resolution recognizing LGBTQ plus Pride Month and Toledo Pride and affirming support for LGBTQ plus students, staff, families, and community. That was a motion. I will second that motion. Uh, Mr. Treasur, you please uh call the role for the amendment. >> Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Geren, >> yes. >> Mrs. Barwig, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Miss Barnes, >> yes. >> So, at this time, I would ask for a motion on the amended agenda uh for August 26, 2025 board meeting. So moved >> as amended. So moved and seconded. Uh >> Mr. Treasurer. Is there any discussion? >> Mr. Treasurer, please call the >> Mr. Parker. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barwig. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vasquez. >> Yes. >> Miss Barnes. >> Yes. >>
004All right. Thank you. Uh, at this point, uh, section two is presentations, and I'd like to turn those over to, uh, Miss Mer. >> Thank you, Mr. Vasquez. Uh, we'll start tonight's presentation with, um, congratulations to our very own Ryan Stepp Schulty, our treasurer and CFO for the fiscal uh, ended June 30th, 2024. The Association of School Business Officials International, ASBO, presents to City Toledo School District, a plaque awarded for the certificate of excellence in financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association, GFAO, also presents this award for the district's annual comprehensive financial report as well as an award to Mr. Ryan Steulty, treasurer CFO, for his achievement in financial reporting. Miss Major. >> Okay. Next up, we would uh like to read a certificate of recognition to the African-American Male Wellness Agency in recognition of
005your dedication and commitment to advancing the health and well-being of black men and their families through the Black Men's Wellness Day Initiative. Originally founded in Columbus, Ohio by John Gregory and carried forward in Toledo for over 10 years by Chief Brian Bird and community leaders, the African-American Male Wellness Walk is a critical event that continues to address the historic health disparities faced by black black by the black community, I'm sorry, particularly African-American males. Through free health screenings, wellness education, and community support, the event has served more than 1,000 black men aged 17 and older, while creating a safe space for vital health resources. We commend the African-American Male Wellness Committee for its mission to increase donor registration, educate the community, expand ex, and strengthen our community health outcomes. Your work empowers families, and lifts the
006entire Toledo community. On behalf of the Toledo Public School Board of Education and the entire TPS proud community, we extend our deepest appreciation for your commitment to health, equity, community empowerment, and generational healing for our students, staff, and their families. >> Madam, Mr. President >> Y >> I am really uh excited that this resolution has come forth and um from a personal standpoint I want to thank you Chief Bird. Uh in 2017 you allowed me to be the honorary chairman for the African-American Men Wellness Walk and that began my uh road to a healthier life. And so, um, as African-American men, we must be aware of our health and not afraid to go to the doctors and things of such. And because of those moments and this initiative, I was able to really turn some
007things around with my health. So, again, to all of those who play a part in a role in this, thank you for um, being consistent in this and making us aware that our lives matter. Thank you. >> Yes, >> Mr. President. Thank you, Chief Ferg. Thank you so much. Uh you and the committee that pour into this event. Um and like stated for almost 10 plus years, you you told me personally, you've been going to the first one, a couple first ones in Columbus. And I just want to say thank you uh for being the leader that my sons can look up to. um for thinking about their health while they're young, but also making them uh check my health, making sure I get my steps in, making sure I go to a doctor, and
008I just went to the dentist yesterday. Um because my son said I needed to get checked out. And that's because he's learning how to take care of himself, how to take care of his family, and that is shown through your leadership and the leadership of the committee um that put this this event on every year. And I I want to also say thank you for it to be welcoming for all types of families. Uh as a single mother sometimes you you lose community. Um in this event every year I go to I see nothing but family um cousins and aunties and making sure once again I get my blood pressure checked and don't cuss too much and and lay off the the red meat. Um, and that's why I thank you for providing a safe
009and welcoming space for all families, but also instilling in the mindset that you can take care of yourself by taking care, take care of the community by taking care of yourself. And I know when you are uh exercising community service, it's sometimes daunting and hard. So, I appreciate you and your team sacrificing to make this event what it has became became become in in Toledo. And thank you for uh providing it at our school at Scott High School. Uh so, not only do our students get to see that their their health is important, but they get to take their families there as well, and it's something right in their backyard. So, I appreciate everything that you have done to create this event and make it what it is today. And I thank you for your
010leadership in general um in the community and for being a role model to uh upcoming black leaders like myself. Thank you. I would also echo um my colleagues. I certainly wish that I would have been able to attend, but the Pride festivities were going on at the same time and so my family was split. Some went to the walk and some went to the pride parade. So, uh, thank you for what you do in the community. Your leadership is needed at this time. Thank you. >> I was just going to make the same comment that it seems like, uh, it's always at a a time where everyone is really super busy and there's always seems to be another big event the same day. Um, but but still, you prevail and you get people out for
011it, you know, regardless of what else is going on. and I I know it's a very um successful and needed event. So, um I'm glad to have this opportunity to recognize it. >> Chief Bird, I I just wanted to uh add my thanks for not just this, but all of your service to the Toledo community. Um it's very much appreciated and it just seems to keep going and going and going. So, I thank you for that. Dr. Durant, um, if you don't mind, I know you you are the healthiest one up here. >> No, there's a true appreciation. Uh, not only does, uh, Chief bring awareness to our health and mental state. Uh, but he has done a phenomenal years over the many decades of diversifying the fire uh, fighter division and making sure that
012minorities are represented. and uh through his leadership and taking over as as a chief, he made in an agenda. And so I can remember as an assistant superintendent meeting with him just to be able to provide. And so uh with the Scott Park project coming on, Chief, we will not only have a police pipeline from seventh grade to academy, but we are also having a firefighting starting from seventh grade all the way into academy. And that happened off of knowing the efforts of what you provided that I've never forgotten about. And so that's going to be at Scott Park. We'd love to have you involved in that. Even might even be a faculty member to be here, whatever. But we love to have you as part of that. But again, thank you for one spearheading
013never giving up on that mission. Uh and two, uh it'll bring great legacy because my whole thought behind that as well as the district was to support what you were trying to do many many years ago. So again, thank you. Um, since uh we talking about health, let's get some steps in and take a picture of what you bird over at the wall. video and our focus this year is student attendance. So, um we hope you enjoy this year's video. It's been said that 90% of success is just showing up. So, will you show up to succeed? Showing up means committing to the process, staying present, making the effort. It means investing in yourself and your friends. It's being here to take full advantage of your opportunities. And at TPS, you have a lot of
014opportunities. This life is yours to grab. The future is yours to create. And the time to begin is now. Only you can decide what you want, but your TPS family is here to help you get it and reach your full potential. So, starting today, let's get to work. This is your life. This is your time. And right here, this is where your winning begins. Because at TPS, every day matters. Now and forever more, we are TPF proud. So, we have t-shirts uh that we've distributed to the staff and there's um shirts for all the board members. And then we just have one retiree this evening and we would like to congratulate Debbie Duncan, a CCSER from Birmingham. uh she retired with 37 years of service. So congratulations At this time, we have a resolution that
015Miss Martins is going to read. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Resol resolution recognize LGBTQ plus pride month and to pride in affirming support for LGBTQ plus students, staff, families, and community. Whereas the month of August is nationally recognized as LGBTQ pride month, a time to honor, well, it's recognized in Toledo a pride to honor the history, contributions, and resilience of the LGBTQ plus community. And whereas Cedal Pride celebrated its 16th anniversary this year, continuing to elevate and affirm the vibrant culture and legacy of Northwest Ohio's LGBTQ plus community. And whereas the board of Toledo City School District, the board recognized the culture, educational, and civic significance of el of events such as Cedal Pride, which celebrates our students, staff, families, and community members. And whereas the board reaffirms its commitment to cultivating learning and working
016environments that are safe, inclusive, and free from discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. And whereas the board recognized that a positive and respectful school climate is essential to student success and well-being and that affirming environments promote dignity, belonging, and academic engagement for all. And whereas the district's ongoing efforts include communication and engagement opportunities that connect students, staff, and families with essential essential uh resources and community partners and therefore be it resolved by the board of education of Toledo City School District that the board recognize the celebration and celebrate, excuse me, the 16th anniversary of Toledo Pride and the contributions of the LGBTQ plus community for our school and city. The board reaffirms its commitment to fostering respect inclusive and non-discriminatory school and workplace consistent with board policies and applicable
017applicable state and federal participation by students and staff in pride related activities shall remain voluntary voluntary and conducted in alignment with district policies and procedures. The board express expresses its appreciation to district staff, families, and students, and the community partners who continue to foster welcoming school communities communities, excuse me. The resolution shall take effect immediately upon it adoption and shall supersede any prior resolutions or board action that is inconsistent or duplicative uh with its provision. And it is hereby founding determined that all formal actions of this board concerning and relating to the passage of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this board and that all deliberations of the board and and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action. We're in the me and many uh we're in meetings open
018to public and compliance with all legal requirements including section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code. >> Thank you. At this time, I'd request a motion to accept this resolution. >> So moved. Second. >> It's been moved and second. Any discussion? >> Miss Barnes. >> Once again, I just want to say thank you to our board and our district for making sure that this is an educational space and work space for all in our community. uh right now with the attacks and I'm going to say my community um with the attacks on my community but our children our LGBTQ plus children um more specifically our trans youth identified students. Um we as a community to stand strong to show them that we care that we care. Um we know the stats of unwelcoming places um unsafe
019households, unsafe schools. Um we know that uh suicide ideology increases times three for students who identify as LGBTQ plus and four times if that student is of color. Um, and right now we see a lot of hate and harm that is legalized uh through uh through law and we cannot have that. And so showing support for to pride um that the day of and every day after for the remainder of the year and and for what is a big deal because we are going to save lives. We're going to create a community that uh that is that is needed for a lot of people in our community right now that's hurting um our students and our staffs and their family. Uh, no one, and I mean no one, and I can speak for myself, but
020I will say no one wakes up and chooses to be discriminated against, chooses to uh be isolated or chooses to be just hurt because of who they love or how they identify. Um, I can speak for myself. I already got to deal with racism. I didn't think I have to also deal with homophobia. And if you tell me right now I have to wake up and choose that. No one chooses to be gay. No one chooses to be trans. Um that's like saying you choosing to be whoever you are and however you identify. So we have to make sure that we stop saying preference because I prefer to live in a world that accepts me, accepts my family and my friends as as they are. That's my preference. Um, and I think by standing strong
021and making sure we have inclusive school environment that we are um definitely on the right side of history and I'm so proud to be a part of a board that understands that mission and that will stand 10 toes down on that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other discussion? Go ahead. >> Um, Miss Barnes, thank you for bringing the resolution forward. Um, I will be a yes hands down every day, all day. Um because at the end of the day, we are about student centered decisions and if we honestly believe that we're for all students and providing them the education they deserve, regardless of their background, their viewpoints, their lenses, what they bring to the table, it doesn't matter. Um we're going to take care of all of our children. >> Thank you. Any
022other discussion? Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Miss Barnes, for bringing this resolution to us. And I'm grateful to be a part of a district that believes that every student matters. And so, thank you for always stepping up, speaking out in protection and advocating for our children. Um, the path and and and the decisions that they make. It's it's disheartening sometime that people try to put blankets and covers on how we live our lives and how we walk. So, thank you for always fighting a good fight, always being in good trouble. Um, sometime you're Malcolm, sometime I'm Martin, but nevertheless, thank you for always making sure that our students are protected. I will be supporting this resolution. >> Thank you, Bishop Parker. Any other discussion? All right. Hearing none. Charger, please call the RO. >>
023Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Barwig, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Miss Barnes, >> yes. >> Thank you. Uh, next is I think that completes our presentations. So, next is section three, community comments. And we uh do not have any community comments this month. So, that takes us to section four, organizational input. I don't think we have a student representative uh for this this meeting. So that takes us to parent congress. Uh Joanna White, president of the parent teacher organization uh PTO of Jones Leadership Academy of Business. >> Yes, we are Mustang proud. So good evening. My name is Joanna White. I'm happy to be here. I hope that everybody had a great summer. and Miss Barnes. I had a great time at the Pride parade with
024you. I took my daughters and I took my nieces and we had a ball. That was our very first time and we will come back again. So today we had I'm sorry. Today we had our very first parent leader meeting of the school year and it was successful and our plan is to make sure that we have consistent messaging across the board and attendance does matter. But we're going to say let's make every day count. Let's make every day count. You're going to see it on social media. We're going to push it hard, right? And we are targeting the 10 schools this year with the poorest attendance. We want to focus on them. We want to find out what are the causes and the issues and obstacles that is preventing our parents to getting our
025children to school on time and how we can help them. At the same time, we also want to acknowledge those families and students who do get to school on time each day. We just don't want to say what you're doing bad. We want to let you know what you're doing good as well. Today we also spoke about the yonder bags and getting that information out to our families and students and helping them who are holding on to their phones really really tough, you know, ease off of it easily. Also, we are um letting our parents know that our children don't have to stay home if they can't get to if if they're sick. They can go to any of our health partners inside of our high schools and are we hoping that all of this
026will lead to better attendance in our school district. >> Thank you. Uh we appreciate very much. Uh next uh would be uh from TAP, Mr. Alio RmIrez. Thank you. Just want to give my congratulations to Ryan's difficulty for the financial reporting. Congratulations and Chief Bird. I work with you on a couple of events. And I was thinking about Miss White and Bird and the community service. That's what people are remembered for and giving back and I appreciate everything you guys do both for the community and the board members that go out and have a real job, but then you go out and that's really the work is. So, I appreciate you. Uh, lastly, I want to get congratulations for another school year. 25 26 school year. We're two days in. It's my 30th year. No
027one's not been on account, but just saying. Um, it is it is a marvel to look back and I'm glad to be here and to be able to go to the school buildings. I know many of the school buildings opening school day and uh it's exciting to see the kids face. So, uh, congratulations on another good opening for for a school year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, 4 4.04 is um TFT. I don't see anybody here. Um, next would be 4.05. Ask me representative. I don't see anybody here as well. So, that takes us to section five comments by the board. And I'll start down there with uh Bishop Parker. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I want to say congratulations to our treasurer again for the certificate of excellence in financial
028reporting. Um, the consistency of the job that you do is well appreciated. Uh, again to Chief Bird, uh, thank you for all that you do for our community. Uh, I thought about that thing in 2017 again. I think you're the only person who ever made me dance in public outside of church. So, we were doing the Douggee or something like that. I remember that. just thank you, you know, and and even now the things that you do to assist and help me. I appreciate you and the mentor that you are. Um, Miss White, thank you again always. It feels good to have someone down here with me uh on a consistent monthly basis. So, please stay close and stay connected and uh keep us in the loop on what's going on in that piece of
029the puzzle of our district. Uh finally uh I believe that uh there are two important uh times of our school year. The beginning of the year and the end of the year. And so the beginning of the year when it first starts in the end when a lot of people are glad that it's over. But congratulations to all of us as we begin this new year. And I think board presence is very important and I know myself and several of our colleagues we uh went to open houses and um I was able to stop by Grove Patterson, Rosa Parks and of course Glennwood which is my home school. But I really want to talk about the first day and how that really is important especially to me because this marks the 10th year of um
030going to MLK Academy for Boys and having our community leaders come and shake their hands. And I remember in 2015 when we started this, it was my first time on the board. Um, and uh, just even when I wasn't on the board, just being consistent. If you go inside King, I'm in all those pictures on the wall with Dr. Durant. But um, this year was really important to see all of our community leaders, our organizational uh, fraternities. And it's it's so much more than just shaking hands for us. I do believe that it's a transference of hope to these young men. It's a transference of determination and for them to see, you know, what it looks like and what they can become as it relates to success. And so, Dr. Durant, thank you for always
031stepping up to the plate as it relates to that. And I'm glad to be a part of that. And I know you go to other places on the first day and things of such and colleagues have done that as well. But here's to a a new year where we're really going to make every day count. And uh I know there'll be challenges but for all of us uh the new challenges if you can just think about the old challenges that we've already overcome. Let that be the motivation that we can make it through another year. Thank you. >> Thank you Miss Kirk. >> Thank you Mr. President. Well, welcome back first uh first week of school. Um, I am not going to say I was hanging out at any schools on that first day cuz
032I did that for 30 years and I know what you're all in for and I really appreciate uh appreciate what you're what you're doing and I do know that the kids are um are super excited. Um, I do want to congratulate Mr. structural on that certificate of excellence particularly because we you know we know that our uh financial challenges can remain ahead of us and so it's good to be positioned in a place of excellence when we have to go down that path uh you know going forward and and making some tough decisions. We got to be able to always remember that we uh we're an excellent organization when it comes to you know our financial um recordkeeping and so forth. So, that's a really good place to be. Um, I heard someone say who
033said something about phones. Phones. Oh, they're hanging on to the phones. They're hanging on to the phones. I I'm, you know, I'll be interested in seeing how this rolls out. I know it's going to be hard um to, you know, to get used to. I'm going to uh pay back or go from that comment to something about social media. So, um I know that we when and I'm not on there very often, but every now and then I'll pick up a, you know, pick up a thread and I I see all the posts that parents are making about the phones and I don't know, maybe their students are doing it too. They are because sometimes this they're talking about their phone, not their kiddos's phone. But I'm wondering if in our social media work or
034whoever, you know, this is something to just think about with the communications department. I I don't I really don't know if it's possible if in addition to making a post, if we could have the ability to sort of set add accurate information after you see inaccurate information. You know how you know if you see something that's like that's not what's happening. you know, if we could go in and um as an official TPS, you know, response, uh, kind of answer the question right then and there when it's in front of in front of us on social media. I don't know if we have the capability of doing that, but I I do think it would be helpful because like sometimes I want to just weigh in and say, you know, it's not exactly that, it's
035this and and if I, you know, I could start doing that and going down a rabbit hole and I don't know if it'd be helpful or not. Uh but anyway, something to think about especially with something new that's rolling out when I see um you know that comments are um are maybe based on not understanding what's going on so that we could uh help parents understand more quickly. Um and it sounds like maybe that's something for the face committee. I I don't know. Just something I thought about when I saw those comments. Um, and I just I love the everyday matters, right? This theme for the school year. I I saw um the the correspondence when um staff were picking up their t-shirts and I was like, "Oh, I hope we get one and here
036it is." So, I I it just says so much, right? Every day matters and whether we're talking about attendance or what we're talking about, we truly, you know, it it's a great mantra. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how it sticks. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Barnes. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, first I'll take the time out to thank the staff and the families that uh participated in all of the parades over Toledo during the summer. Um, staff was amazing and organizing and showing up, donating candy, putting things together. Um, and I just can't say thank you enough because seeing uh how the community reacted to Dr. Durant in the African-American festival. Uh you would have thought Obama came to town. Um they were like jumping in the street and everything and and that
037was beautiful to me because not only I hope it filled your heart to see how important you are to our community, but also to have a kid like, "Oh my god, Dr. Durant's on my street. He in my neighborhood." Um and to hear the family talking and actually one person pushed me out the way to take a picture of you. Uh, I ain't going to say who she is because I know who she is now. U, but just seeing that and I couldn't say thank you because it was the staff, the staff who showed up, Miss Jordan who always making sure I have uh the ride when I get out of breath. I appreciate you um so much for that. And just this is what as a community organizer, this is what fills my heart,
038right? Because I I believe our school system is the the the beacon of the community. how strong the school district is is how strong the community is. And literally, I'm going to mess up the proverbs, the African prover proverb that says, you know, how the village is by asking how the kids, that's paraphrasing a lot, but depending on how strong our school district is going to be in this fight, it's going to reflect on in our community. Um, and speaking of community, I'm going to get a little emotional. I'm going to try not to, but I want to actually shout out Miss White. And not just because I'm also a Mustang proud parent. Um, because she did something that I didn't know I needed still. The little girl in me needed when she said, "Uh,
039I'm coming to Pride to walk with you." And I was like, "Okay." Um, and I hope I don't get out of line. Please call me in. this beautiful woman is strong in her faith, a beautiful Christian woman. And she said, "I'm showing up." And I'm showing up with a a a hug mom shirt. And when I tell you I was on the phone like holding back tears because my parents are are welcoming, but to have someone who don't know you show up for you and be sealed in her faith and say, "Hey, I love you as you are. No asterics, no changing." Um, and then want to share that with our community was so overwhelming for me that I wish I had it when I was little. and I just can't thank you enough um
040for being who you are and and being and showing the real Christian values um and that meant so much to me um walking beside you in the parade um and having our babies see that you are loved and true true faith I'm not supposed to say religion true faith sees all and loves all and so I appreciate you for that moment I didn't cry. That's good of me. I didn't cry. I thought I was going to cry a little bit. Um, also I uh I opted out of trying to hold it down Dr. Durant yesterday. Uh I am getting older by the gray hair as you can tell. So uh but I actually spent my uh first well not well yeah first days back uh with Woodward Polar Bears the freshman class. uh we were
041uh able to do a mock graduation to show them hey this is what you're working for towards in uh four years and it was so uh uplifting to see how they did not want to be there um at all but to see the older upper classmen who's you know talking through them uh talking you know what's going on to see that they're now seniors and I'm like oh my god I remember when you were a freshman um to see my babies and um to realize that I have now seen a full transition from freshman to seniors now um where I have now been invited to I think almost all the graduations. So, Dr. Durant, I'm going to be holding it down with you. Um because I have babies now who are graduating and so that
042was so awesome to see. Um I thank uh Principal Jack and the staff for just making that happen and giving them something to idealize and and actually have a goal towards. That was really uh awesome to see. Um I am going to be mushy this year. I'm going to tell you that now. So I'm going to be TPS proud harder than I ever been because my baby's a senior and my other baby is a fifth grader and he's running the world already. So, but I'm just so happy to be in a district. I'm happy to serve a district that I'm also equally proud of as a parent. Um and Dr. Durant, that is because of your leadership. Um cuz the board members, they change. Let's be honest, they changed, you know. Um hopefully y'all elect,
043but they change, you know. Um but you stay true to the mission of making sure our babies have access to stuff that was denied based on their zip code, uh based on their class. Uh and I appreciate that because you not only poured into all the babies, but mine's personally. Um, my daughter is a proud Bowser graduate and now I'm about to have a Mustang graduate and and I just can't thank you enough for holding it down for us. I know sometimes it's not easy and especially with me on the phone, but I appreciate you as a parent, but I salute you as a board member. Thank you. >> Thanks Miss Vy. >> Um, well, first of all, I want to congratulate the retiree. Um, we certainly couldn't do what we do without what their
044efforts in our district. So, um, congrats to them. And then I would also like to congratulate our treasurer, uh, financial reporting. Uh, obviously it all sounds boring, right? But it's so instrumental. >> I mean, come on. I'm getting real. Uh, but it's instrumental to everything that we do here in our district. So, thank you um for that. And then uh that kind of brings me to um uh you know we need to pay attention to what is going on at the state house uh because they are talking property taxes right um property taxes foot the bill for school districts a lot of it um so we need to pay attention we need to be involved and engaged in those conversations and I know Mr. sexuality has already um you know put some effort into that.
045So thank you for that. Um Mr. Ramirez, congratulations on your 30th year. Didn't know that. Um but how exciting that is, right? Um and then I would like to say that I love the video. Uh so Miss Maser, love the video. I think uh it captures positive energy um our educational opportunities and certainly the TPS proud spirit. Which brings me to um two things. Miss White, thank you for being here. Thank you for having the TPS proud spirit. Thank you for being at Pride and having a hook mom shirt that you made that morning. So, thank you. Um, and then it also brings me to open houses because everything that was in that video, um, that that synergy, that positive attitude, that emotion, that was at open house this year. I mean, I I went
046I was able to go to Kaiser. Um, you know, the Rams cheerleaders were there. They were so great and they went to all of the schools in the Rogers area. We need more of that energy. Um, the parents were excited, the kids were excited. Um, I was able to go to Marshall, which was a packed house. Packed house. Um, so they had so many great things going on in the front of their building. They had these yard games going on. That was exciting. The kids were entertained. Um, which listen, that's half the battle right there, right? And then Beverly, my goodness, going for the gold this year. Um, and I'm going to get myself one of those jackets they have cuz it's on point. Um, but I love the concept that they have a book
047given out to all of the students that they're going to read together throughout the year and then in their finale have a watch the movie and have the last chapter of the book read all together um at the Bowser Stadium Field. Like that is the energy that we have in this district. And I'm really excited about the future and and what what's going to happen. And I will tell you, my grandkids again, they all go to Esquea, um you know, my granddaughter speaking Spanish to me. I'm going to be in trouble if I don't learn it. I I am hands down. So, I think we're going to have to have maybe um some some education for Mrs. Varwig this year. Welcome back. Certainly excited about this school year. And thank you, Dr. Grant. your staff
048is amazing out there doing amazing things. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh my comments uh uh are last and um uh one of the things that I wanted to say was uh it seemed like it was a short summer. Uh I don't know about anybody else, but it seemed that way to me. Um I did enjoy the parades and I think Dr. Durant when you asked Miss Jordan, Mr. Keski and Miss Bringman to take care of the seniors. They weren't talking about me, but they did take care of me on the parades. Uh without being judgmental, they made sure I got a ride. They didn't ask me. They didn't make any comments. They just told me where to get in. Uh so I I do appre I do appreciate that. Uh the other the other
049thing I want to say is is that yes uh uh first day school I was at Esquea with uh Dr. Durant and Miss Brman again and I I appreciate that. And uh also uh I want to say congratulations to u uh Mr. Sex Shulty in uh uh your recognition and u just want to say that I'm looking forward to another great year. Thank you. All right. Uh that takes us to uh section six, which is the consent agenda. And the agenda item 6.01 through 6.41 are the consent agenda items. And the board members may request to pull an item from the consent and move to the discussion section of the agenda if they wish. So with that, uh, item 6.01 through 6.05 is the human resources staff development and training committee. Uh, chair Pauly Taylor
050Girkin, co-chair Randall Parker III. Item 6.06 through 6.18, Finance and Business Operations Committee. Myself, Bob Vasquez, as chair, co-chair Randall Parker the third. Item 6.19, Workforce Development and Partnership Committee. There are no action items this month. The chair is Chris Farwig, co-chair Bob Vasquez. Item 6.20 through 6.21, Board Curriculum, Instruction, and Academic Excellence. Chair Poly Taylor Girkin, co-chair Chris Farwick. Items 6.22 22 through 6.35 policy committee chair Bob Vasquez co-chair Sheena Barnes items 6.36 arts athletics and student activities committee there are no action items this month chair Chris Farwig co-chair Randall Parker III 6.37 through 6.38 is the family and community engagement committee Chair Sheena Barnes and co-chair Bob Vasquez. Items 6.39 through 6.41 are the approval of the board uh meeting minutes and I would like to request a motion to approve the consent
051agenda items. >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Treasure hearing. No discussion. Would you please call the role? >> Mr. Parker? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barwig? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vasquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Barnes? >> Yes. >> Uh, section seven of the agenda consists of reports and minutes from this month's committee meetings and are here for information and reference. No action is required. So, we can proceed to section eight of the agenda. Uh, section eight are discussion items. Uh, Mr. Sexual. Do we have discussion items this month? None. All right. Section nine, walk-ins. Are there any walk-ins this evening? No. All right. We can proceed to section 10, early childhood education action items. Uh, chair Randall Parker the third and co-chair Sheena Barnes.
052>> Thank you, Mr. President. I'll turn this over to Mr. Gold at this time. >> Thank you, sir. The Early Childhood Committee met on August of this month. And from that committee, we have three agenda items for you. 10.01, the Head Start annual report, 10.02, a corrective action plan, and 10.03, the 2526 budget. I ask for >> Okay. >> Separate. >> They need to be separate. Okay. All right. So at this time I would like to request a motion to approve the 2024 2025 Head Start annual report. >> So moved. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion hearing on Treasury, please call the RO. >> Mr. Parker? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gerkins? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barwig? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vasquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Barnes? >> Yes. >> All right. At
053this time, I'd like to request a motion to approve the corrective action plan. >> So move. >> Second. It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none, Mr. Treasur will please call the role. >> Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bwig, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Miss Barnes, >> yes. >> At this time, I'd like to request a motion to approve the 2025 2026 budget justification. >> So move. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. Treasury, please call the role. >> Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Barwig, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Miss Barnes, >> yes. >> All right, that takes us to section 11 of the agenda, which consist of early childhood education reports
054and minutes from the this month's committee meetings and are provided for your information and reference. No action is required. So, we can proceed to section 12, which are walk-ins. Uh section 12, early childhood education walk-ins. Are there any walk-ins? >> We do have one, sir. Uh, as I stated earlier, the early childhood committee met on August the 7th. On August the August the 6th, the day before, we had a webinar regarding a grant opportunity uh that was due on August the 22nd. In terms of for our students at the time, it was reported that uh we could submit and then board action. After that, uh we received correspondence from the office of head start uh yesterday that uh it needs to be board approved and policy council approved by September the 5th. thus the walk
055in uh for today. But we ask for your support in terms of uh approving this to provide us an opportunity to uh increase the opportunities for our students around wellness and nutrition. >> Thank you, Mr. G. Uh I would like to request a motion to approve the prospectus resolution August 26, 2025. >> So moved, second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none treasurer, please call the role. Mr. Parker, did you have some? >> Just a point of order. I thought I since this wasn't is a walk-in, don't we need to read the resolution of the record? >> I don't know. >> Walked in. We >> uh Mr. G, do you have a copy of the resolution? >> I I actually have the budget and budget justification. Uh provided. >> You want m
056uh pastor Parker, you want to read the uh resolution? >> Yes. >> All right. >> Please. Resolution number nothing. Authorization for administration to prepare and submit proposals for supplemental funding. Whereas federal, state, and private funds are available for competitive or allotted grants. And whereas the tila public schools has need for supplenary funds to improve the instructional opportunities and the delivery of services to students. And whereas the staff of the teal public schools can benefit from the curriculum development and training in the effective utilization of curriculum materials and techniques. And whereas the submission of a proposal presents represents an off offered commitment on the part of the school system to the funding sources. Now therefore be it resolved by the board of education of the Celius City School District, Lucas County, Ohio, that the superintendent of
057schools or his or her design be instructed to complete grant applications for those programs deemed most beneficial to the support of the educational programs of the public schools. And be it further resolved that the superintendent be authorized to prepare and submit the following proposals for supplemental funding. Perspectives number one perspective title nutrient and healthy eating for head start children and families. >> Okay. So as after the point of order I would ask for a motion again to be made that we accept the resolution as read. >> So move >> second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Uh any discussion? Any further discussion? >> All right. Hearing none. Uh Mr. Treasurer, please call the RO. >> Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gering, >> yes. >> Mrs. Barwick, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >>
058Miss Barnes, >> yes. >> All right, that takes us to uh section 13, which are the uh uh superintendent comments. >> Yes, we had a a great start to the open houses. So some of you went uh many principal reported uh record turnout uh as well as even individuals registering at that period of time uh as well as first day. So I I would say every school that I visited uh for that morning opening which was six of them uh had at least 30 individual from the business faith-based uh various communities uh asa had allowed us to squawk as well as others. King obviously a pastor rep spoke to Steuart had the Buffalo Soldiers as well as sorority group out pick had the University of Tun athletic department along with the arcadum zone. Glenwood had
059multiple pastors that were there along with OSN. So uh just a beautiful start in ence of getting community members involved and really uh getting kids excited about the first day as well as not only did we have first day we also had our golf outing. We had 26 teams out to support our TPS foundation and supporting uh our career tech movement within the district which is great to be able to have uh organization support us and as a financial arm uh to what we do. Uh at the same time uh we're excited and just want to commend Mr. respect who is a little bit shy and modest and bashful but at the end of the day receive much accolades and essence of receiving respect when it comes to the financial stability of this district. This
060is what get chamber of commerce to support districts when it comes to levy. This is what gets bonds as well as new money supported for TPS which has went nine for nine and new funding. At the same time, this is what earned the confidence of the community as well as others when we are able to do so by showing confidence of those that evaluate our financial department and more importantly to achieve the high ratings that very few in the state along with urbans have done within this district. And so again, this health project continues to be innovative and creative would not happen without the department of treasury division and leadership Mr. Techi. So again, Mr. Techi, thank you for what you do. you can just shake your head and that'll be great for us because
061we know at the end of the day you're ready in the face but at the end of the day we truly understand and know your words and that's what you do for the district. So again thank you keep you proud. >> Thank you Dr. Durant. Uh Mr. Schulty your comments. >> Okay so we have a few comments tonight. Um so back in November we uh passed a levy and at that time when we decided on how the levy size we took into consideration what we thought the community could support and so when we took that into consideration we recognized the fact that we were going to have to make reductions to keep our finances. So since then we've gotten I would call it more bad news with the uh bianium budget being passed. That was
062when we passed our forecast. We were anticipating the five year not the five-year forecast but the fair school funding plan to be fully implemented and the fair and the base cost inputs increased. That did not happen. So that changed our forecast by over $12 million. So that was one thing. And then late summer is when the federal government was withholding our title funding for title 2, three, and four. It's since been um released, but we as a district or administration were making plans and we continue to make plans to see where we could keep those programs or what we'd have to change because that's somewhere going to be between four and $5 million for us on those. Um, since we've been talking and over the past two years, we've been implemented over $29 million in
063reductions. And as of now, we're looking at another 17 to 20 million more in cuts will probably be necessary. And the reason I point that out is roughly 83% of our budget is in salary benefits. So, so far we've been able to stay as far away from the classroom as we could and we were always that was our mission to do that to stay as far away from the classroom as we can but it will start getting tougher and tougher on that end. Some of the things actions that we have already taken. We've eliminated athletics. We've repurposed long identified buildings. Um we partnershipped with the unions to um get more licensed teachers into the classrooms. We did a buyout with tap and then we also settled our union contracts. So the next steps that we're
064looking at at the discre or at the direction of the board president and vice president, we're going to work through our HR and finance committees to form more details on these issues. And then in September, we'll give you a new five-year forecast because we're required under the new law. I shouldn't say five now. is going to be either some people say three, some people say four uh year forecast and then in fall we'll update the forecast again once we have uh enrollment numbers in. So we'll just keep you updated on this basically to the finance and HR committees and that's all I have. >> Okay. Um I just want to if I could just make one one little correction. You said eliminated athletics program. That was only one place that we didn't eliminate the athletics
065programs. Where where did we eliminate the Jones? >> Jones. Okay. So, I want to make sure nobody heard that we eliminated athletic programs. Okay. All right. All right. Anything else, Mr. Schulty? >> All right. Thank you. Uh comments by the board. I'll start again uh down with uh Pastor Parker. >> No further comments. Thank you, Mr. President. that quick, but I admire but nothing more. >> Oh, I'm sorry because Miss Barnes was bothering me over and I still >> Miss G. >> Thank you. Um, I just want to give a shout out to the TPS Foundation on a successful golf outing. Not that I have uh stepped foot at that golf outing, but uh my husband takes a team and he always um starts asking about it like when's that golf outing? When's that golf
066outing? And uh so how was it? He said it was packed. And I'm like, that's crazy because that's like the costliest golf outing I've ever seen anyone do. I'm like, only TPS, right? Only our foundation can get that many golfers out at that price point. And uh he said just it was everybody was there and and I was um I was pretty proud of that, our ability to use the foundation um and tap into those resources because I guess guys will pay anything to play a little golf. Um, I I just want to um we all got this letter about the I475 neighborhood coalition um pleading with us to maybe weigh in on that um 475 um uh expansion. And I don't know if um Mr. Gant got it or not. And so I will
067pass my copy along to you because I already read the one that was sent to us electronically and I I think it might be something um you know worth at least having eyes on. We have a couple of schools that are, you know, within a thousand feet of of this expansion and they make some pretty good points. I think there are some um it's not just the neighborhood coalition, but there there may be some, you know, opposition among elected officials around this. Uh so I think it's worth at least seeing how it's going to impact us and our kids and have a look at that. So, thank you. >> All right. Uh Miss Barn comments. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to say I hope you have a great have a good summer.
068Look, I had a great summer. I'm ready to go back on vacation. Um, welcome back students, staff, and family to another school year and I am truly TPS proud. >> Thank you, Miss Vwood. >> Well, I'll just say that um, Mr. sexuality, maybe we just need you to stick to headmadden because what you brought tonight. Um uh it's, you know, it's a bit of a Debbie Downer, right? I mean, we have a lot to think about and another round of sleepless nights, I think, because um this is, listen, I can make a funny haha, but this is not funny. What has happened to public education in the state of Ohio? Um and I put it right squarely back on the state legislature. uh for their involvement and their pursuit of not providing adequate dollars to
069public education. That's all. >> All right. Uh my only my uh only comments are that uh that coalition uh letter was passed on to Dr. Durant. Miss Kirk, >> that letter was passed on to Dr. Durant. Yes. >> Okay. So, he will be addressing that. Okay. Those are my only comments. I have no other comments. So, at this point, I'd uh accept a motion to >> second. It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. Treasure, please call the role. >> Mr. Parker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gerkin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bwig, >> yes. >> Mr. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Miss Barnes, >> yes. Medium journal.