001Well, good evening. Welcome to the January 12th, 2026 uh organizational meeting for the West Claremont School Board. Uh please join me in 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. >> So at this point, I have called this meeting to order. And again, do bear with me as we do this. This is a different organizational meeting is just once a year versus our normal everyday meeting. um swearing to the oath of office of the new board members. >> Okay. So, the call to order and all. Okay. So, then we're going to move into the swearing of the newly elected board members. >> Right. So, I so I
002I have and I did put it uh within the agenda the results of the November election and the three individuals um elected to the three open seats were Mr. Patton, Mr. Rudy, and Mr. Chumley. And so we need to do the oath of office for the two that are present. When Mr. Rudy comes, um we will have to do a break and do the oath of office for Mr. Rudy um to be that member. >> Okay. >> He just wants to >> Mr. Patton first. >> Can I come to you Mr. >> You come right there if you want to read it. There's You can raise your right hand. I >> I >> Ryan Patton >> swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> swear that I will support the Constitution
003of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and that I will perform faithfully >> and I will perform faith faithfully >> the duties of a member of the board of education >> the duties of a member of the board of education >> of the West Claremont local school district >> of the West Claremont local school district >> Claremont County Ohio >> to the the best of my ability. >> to the best of my ability. >> And in accordance with the laws now in effect. >> In accordance with the laws now in effect. >> And here and after to be enacted. >> During my continuence and set office. >> And until my successor is elected and qualified. >> And until my
004successor is elected and qualified. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Thank you. [applause] assignments. >> Yep. >> Mr. Tumbley, you're at the raise your right hand. >> I state your name. I, Michael Chumley, >> swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and that I will perform faithfully >> that I will perform faithfully >> the duties of a member of the board of education >> the duties of a member of the board of education >> of the West Claremont local school district >> of the West Claremont local school district >> Claremont County, Ohio >> to the best of my ability
005and In accordance with the laws now in effect. >> And in accordance with the laws now in effect. >> And hereafter to be enacted. >> During my continuence and set office. >> During my continuence in set office. >> And until my successor is elected and qualified. >> And until my successor is elected and qualified. >> So help me God. >> [applause] >> AND THEN WHEN MR. RUDY ARRIVES, we can go with that over. >> Thank you. So, it looks like at this point we do have the roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton, >> present. >> Mr. Chumley, >> present. >> Miss Sanborn, >> present. >> Mrs. Spencer, >> present. >> Four present. We're waiting the arrival of Mr. Rudy. So at this point I'm going to continue on. >> Thank you. >> Correct, Mr. Romano.
006>> So it is at the election or uh you have the nomination for board president. >> So again bear with me. So, it just says um for me I'm going to call for nominations of the office of president for the board of would someone like to make a nomination. >> I nominate Ryan Patton. >> Thank you. >> Second. That's what we do. Any other nominations? >> Any other nominations? >> Are there any other nominations? Okay. >> Motion. You move to close. So, I'll make a motion to close. I'll make a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Chumley. >> So, now call for a vote. >> And so, what you want to do is do a motion to call for a roll vote for Mr. Patton as president of the
007West Claremont Board of Education. So, we need a motion and a second. Who wants to make a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Okay. A motion. >> And I second it. >> Okay. Second. And then we can call the role. And this is uh for Mr. Ryan Patton as president of the West Claremont Board of Education. Mrs. Spencer. >> Yes. >> Miss Samborn. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patton. Yes. >> Four. Yes. Congratulations, Mr. P. [applause] The oath of office. Okay. >> Raise your right hand, please. >> I state your name. >> I, Ryan Patton, >> swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States. I swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and and
008the Constitution of the State of Ohio >> and that I will faithfully >> to the best of my ability >> perform the duties of the president of the board of education >> perform the duties of the president of the board of education >> of the West Claremont local school district >> of the West Claremont local school district >> Claremont County Ohio. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. [applause] Okay, thank you guys. I appreciate that. >> So, you can go to nominations of the board vice president. >> So, at this point, we'll call for nominations of the president, vice president of the school board. Would someone like to make a nomination? >> Make a nomination for Michael Chumley. Okay. Do do I end that one and then say are there any others? >> Correct. >>
009Are there any others? >> Okay. >> You want to close the nominations? >> We will close the nominations. >> I make a motion that we close the nomination. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> And now we want to do the election uh of the vice president. So there is a motion if there's a motion um to elect Mr. Chumley as vice president of the West Claremont Board of Education. >> Someone want to make a motion for that? >> I make a motion. >> I will second that motion. >> Okay. Call the role. This is for again Mr. Chumley for the position of vice president of the West Claremont Board of Education. Miss Mrs. Spencer, >> yes. >> Mr. Patton, >> yes. >> Mr. Chumley, >> yes. >> Miss Samborn, >> yes.
010>> Four. Yes. Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. I don't have a copy. I have you raise your right hand. I, Michael Chumley, swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and I that I will faithfully to the best of my ability perform the duties of the vice president of the board of education of the West Claremont local school district, Claremont County, Ohio. So help [clears throat] [applause] your name sign there. >> Okay. So next on the agenda is 2.05. That's establishing time, date, and location of our regular board meetings for 2026. Um there is a listed of dates that were provided So, this would be an action. So, I'll make a motion that we accept those dates. Do I have a second? >> Second.
011>> Thank you. Is there any discussion on those dates? Any concerns? The >> I don't need to read the dates, do I? >> You don't have to read them. >> Yeah. Okay. >> They are listed in the agenda. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley? >> Yes. >> Miss Sambour? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Spencer? >> Yes. >> Or Yes. [clears throat] Thank you. Next will be our board committees. Uh this will require a little bit of discussion. So I will just read what we're currently on. Uh and then we'll kind of discuss who would like to do what committee if there's any changes. So currently the finance committee is um Tammy Spencer is chair. I am vice chair. Culture and personnel would be Michael Chumley is
012chair. Jim Rudy would be vice chair. Education is Tina Sambborn and Michael Chumley. operations is myself and Jim Rudy. Uh family and community engagement would be Jim Rudy would be chair. Tammy Spencer is vice chair. Policy is Tammy Spencer and Tina Sanborn. And the CAC, the community advisory commission is Tina Sanborn and Michael Chumley. Um does anybody have any >> So historically, sorry. >> Well, no. I would like to stay on the financial committee either the chair, vice chair. I don't >> Where are you at right now? I'm on the final chair. >> You're the chair. >> I'm the chair. >> So, what I would suggest doing is just shifting, >> rotating everybody. >> Yeah. Chair going to vice chair and vice versa. Just going down the list. >> That's kind of historically what we've
013done. I feel like >> it is. Yeah, >> it is. It is. That's fine. If we want to do that, that'd kick me out and I'd move. >> No, no, no. It just shift you down to the vice chair and then whoever was vice chair just goes down to the next slot. >> Okay. Okay. Gotcha. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You again, you the committee is we just have to be on go. Yeah, I can go to any of them. >> No. Yeah, you're you're good. And so if >> if you want to stay on that, I'd like you to stay on that. >> Is there anyone else that wants to do that? I don't mind staying on on that as well. And then I'll be chair and you can be vice chair. >> Okay. >>
014But is there unless there's somebody else that wants to >> to be on that >> to be on what? >> The finance finance. >> Yeah, that I'm fine with that. >> Okay. Are you taking notes, Dan? >> Well, you taking notes as soon as you say it. >> So repeat. So, so just Tammy and I are both going to stay on finances if that's okay and but we're just going to switch. She'll be vice chair and I'll be chair again. >> And then everything else just the way we've done it. >> Yeah. So, unless unless anybody else wants to do anything else. Are you okay with what you're on, Tina? >> I'm fine. >> Okay, Tammy. >> Yeah, that's the only one I really wanted to be make sure I stayed on. But >> wait,
015what are you saying? Are you saying we're staying on the same ones we >> unless somebody wants to change? Unless somebody wants to to do something different. >> I really don't care. I kind of like how we used to do it where like >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, everyone kind of experiences each one. You know what I'm saying? >> So, >> I see what you're saying. >> So, if you rotate, >> so you have finance and so with culture and personnel. Okay. Currently, it's Mr. Chumley as chair, Mr. Rudy as vice chair. I would go down to vice chair >> and then Jim Rooney would go to something different. >> Go down to the next one on the list. Yeah. >> Go down to education. >> I know that doesn't necessarily make
016sense, but I was doing it just so she could stay on the same one that way. Anyway, you know what I'm saying? >> However you [clears throat] instead of going vice chair to chair, go you were saying go chair to vice chair so Tammy can stay on the same >> um >> if we did that. Yeah. If you did that, who would be on what? I don't care. I it [laughter] other than just being on my plan. >> Yeah, but I I believe you liked finances and the family engagement piece. >> I did. And I I like education, but it's >> Yeah. Not what are you in education? >> So, you can uh she's more than willing to take my place on on education. If she wants to go to education, that's fine. >> I
017[clears throat] think I'm making it harder than it has to be. >> No, no, no. It's it's totally fine. It's okay. If you would like to get do education this year, I'm I'm okay with that. That's that's great. >> So, >> but did you get that, Mr. Romano? >> If I heard correctly, Miss Mrs. Spencer would be on family and community engagement as chair. >> Correct. >> Move. Yeah. >> And just continuing on with Mrs. Spencer. She would then also be as vice chair be the member of the education and then Michael would jump up to chair on education. >> Right. Mr. Chumley would be chair of education. >> Yep. >> Okay. So currently on finance, Mr. Patton and Mrs. Spencer on education, Mr. Chumley and Mrs. Spencer. >> Yep. >> On family and community
018engagement currently or what it would go to is Mrs. Spencer as chair and there it's open as vice chair. >> So who was the chair this year? >> Jim Rudy. So then he would go to the vice chair. >> Keep it that way or somebody else wants to be on it. It's up to you guys. >> So, I want to make sure we're equal on as far as we can be. >> Um, we will. >> Yeah, that's fine. Just bump him down. >> Okay. >> So, then on you saying bump him down to policy. >> Bump him down to vice chair. >> Oh, vice chair. A family. Okay. He would stay on that but jumped out. Okay. >> Well, policy currently is >> Tammy and Tina, but Tammy don't I don't want to speak for
019Tammy, but yeah, I was say she she's already got three, so she don't want no more. >> So, no, >> Miss Samborn would move up to >> chair >> for policy. >> Okay. >> And I can do policy as well. >> Okay, Mr. Patton. >> So, me and Tina will do policy. >> Okay. Let's don't forget operations though because we're going to have a lot going on in operations. >> Okay. In operations, it was Mr. Patton as chair, Mr. Rudy as vice chair. >> Someone want I I can do operations as well. Does somebody else wanted to to tag along with me? >> I'll I'll jump on operations as well. >> Okay. So then how about you? You be chair and I'll jump down to vice chair. I believe culture and personnel and the CAC.
020>> So culture and personnel is going to be Jim Rudy and will be chair and Michael will be vice chair. >> Is that what it is? Okay. [clears throat] >> And then what was the other one? Dr. >> CAC >> assistant advisory commission. >> So how about we put Jim. >> Yeah, that's I was on HR is you have >> um Rudy is the chair and and um Chio the vice chair. >> Okay. >> And CAC >> C you want to move up to chair? >> Put me on four. >> Oh, okay. >> How many do I have? >> So, Mr. Patton has finance, operations, >> and policy. >> Okay. And I have three. Tammy has three. >> How many does Tina So Miss Samborn has policy right now? >> Okay. So >> CAC with
021her and Jim. >> You and Jim. >> What's that? >> CAC. >> Citizens Advisory Commission. >> Okay. >> Do you want to move her to vice chair? >> So I would be vice chair and Jim would be chair. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> Can I read these? And >> yes, >> we're all on the same page. Okay. >> So, for finance, I have Mr. Patton and Mrs. Spencer. >> Okay. >> For cultural personnel, I have Mr. Rudy and Mr. Chumley. >> Okay. >> For education, Mr. Chumley and Mrs. Spencer. For operations, Mr. Chumley and Mr. Patton. >> Okay. >> For family and community engagement, Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Rudy for Citizens Advisory Commission, the CAC, Mr. Rudy and Miss Samborn. And for policy, Miss Samborn and Mr. [clears throat] Patton. >> That's
022what I have. >> Okay. Yep. Sounds good. >> That's what I wrote down. >> Okay. So, we've got >> that. That should be >> It requires an action. Yep. Okay. So, everybody good with those? So, I make a motion that we accept the 2026 committee meetings. I make a motion. Does somebody line a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Samborn. Is there any discussion on that? >> Okay. Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton? >> Yes. >> Miss Samborn? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Spencer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley? >> Yes. >> Four. Yes. >> Okay. Next is 2.07. renew organizational memberships. Um you guys have had a time to review those. These are memberships that we've had um since I've been on the board. Um I don't think there's anything new to these.
023So I'll go ahead and put that out in a form of a motion. Would someone want to second that? >> Second. Thank you, Mr. Chumley. Is there any discussion on that? uh this uh alliance for high quality education. Are we getting uh the information that we need as a school district to be a part of this organization? I mean, uh, the only time I've ever been on it was last year when I went to that lunchon and I I didn't know if we are getting the needs met that we need for the higher uh, education for our school district >> because of the cost of the $4,000. So, so that organization there is a at least monthly if not bimonthly phone call with the executive director and with the legislative leaison representative they have been
024very diligent on I can tell you on the financial end >> with all the updates they are um very much cooperative with the other three associations that the district or the individuals belong to OASBO, BASSA, and OSBA. Um the um lunchon that you're talking about at Ohio School Boarders Association is kind of an annual meeting that comes together that gives the highlight. But they do um I can tell you that we are the superintendent and myself at least one of us if not both are on that phone call at least monthly if not twice a month with them to give the update. That phone call is at a minimum an hour long and there's communications in between um each of those meetings. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Are there any other discussion? >> Okay. Thank
025you. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley? >> Yes. >> Miss Samborn? >> Yes. >> Mr. Spencer? >> Yes. >> Or yes. >> Okay. Moving on to 2.08. appointment of board members 2026 legislation liaison to the Ohio school board. So this is ours. We got a couple of different members are responsible for different things. Uh one of them is the liaison at OSBA that we do in November, the student achievement at OSBA. Um a the education foundation liaison and the BAC. So currently the way it is u Michael did the legislation liaison at OSBA this year student achievement was Jim Rudy and Tammy Spencer. I was in charge of education foundation liaison and Tina did BAC. Um does anybody have any suggestions for those? >> Michael really liked that I heard
026[laughter] >> got my fill though. I don't >> You don't want to do it again. >> I don't necessarily want to do it again. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> Let's start bottom and go up. [laughter] >> Tina, are you >> Do you want to >> do you want Do you want to stay at the BAC? >> I would like to stay at the BAC [clears throat] unless someone else wants to to do that. >> Okay, I think we're good with that. >> Tina will continue that. the education >> foundation liaison. Uh I again I don't mind doing that if somebody else wants to do it. >> It doesn't matter. I don't care. I just don't I don't want to do the legislative. [laughter] >> Which one? Oh, the top one. [laughter] >> Not if
027I'm doing education. So, does someone else want to do education liaison? >> I'll do education leaison. >> Tammy can do education liaison. >> Who's going to get something? Do we do we have typically two doing student achievement? >> I don't have to >> I don't know >> really elegant. [laughter] >> So we might be doing by default here. So I'll do the student achievement. >> Yes. >> And then um Jim Rudy can be the uh legislative liaison. And then if there needs to be a fill in um Michael or I can do that. Is that okay Dan? >> So uh Mr. Rudy will be the leazison and one of you two will be the alternate. >> Yes. Yeah. And then I'll do the student achievement. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Once this is all
028said and done, will you make sure you give all of us >> I I will. We're shut up. They're taking more notes than I am down there. >> We'll put it out. It'll be both in the minutes and it will be also separate listing for you. >> Okay. Okay. So, >> I think we posted on the website too if I'm correct. So, >> we'll put it into the weekend update as well. >> Perfect. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. So, is that we've got that discussed. Is everybody good with that? >> And May is May Hannah is the appointment for Great Oaks. >> Yep. Yes. So, the ones I'm doing is those the the four that I read. Correct. >> Yeah. Next. >> Okay. So would someone like to make a motion? >> So move. >> Thank
029you, Miss Samour. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Spencer. Is there any discussion on that? >> Okay, thank you. Roll call, please. >> Miss Sandborn, >> yes. >> Mr. [clears throat] Spencer, >> yes. >> Mr. Patton, >> yes. >> Mr. Chley, >> yes. Four. Yes. >> Uh 2.09 09 is uh designating an individual to serve as the designate to hear and decide suspensions and expulsions in our district. Um it currently looks like we use Dr. FS, why don't you tell me a little bit about that? >> Yes, >> it's a gentleman we use. >> Yes. Uh Phil Sinovich, I would >> sinkovich. Uh he's been doing that for multiple years now. Um attending that and we actually had some today. So he they all come here and then he attends it
030as a neutral party. So, uh, one of the things about using the contracted services is it allows him to be neutral and not an employee of the district to have those conversations. On this, uh, resolution, we also have Dr. Mr. Joe Moon as a backup. Who who had Joe Moon >> Oh, yeah. >> as the initial backup. He had done that at uh that last year. >> Yep. And then um we do like three back Mr. Weir's the third backup. Uh Mrs. Berkeley's the fourth backup. like we we have enough backed up so that uh we can move through the expulsions at an expedited pace. >> Okay. >> The hearing expulsion hearings >> and all of these uh people that have been designated to do this are knowing how to do the follow the process
031and know how to follow the process. >> We have a very scripted process. Yeah. >> Okay. >> They aren't all five. Like we don't pay all five of them, do we? No. >> Yeah. That's if we need a Mrs. Berkeley and Mr. dual are employees of ours. Mr. Wear is the superintendent for Claremont County Educational Service Center. Um we pay Mr. Scoich. We would pay Mr. Moon if he stepped in for for M for Phil. >> Yes. >> Okay. We don't retain them. >> Tell them how much. >> Thank you, M. >> Um last year we paid $21,67128. Uh we have a PO open for 25,000. So that's that's roughly about how much it cost us. >> Okay. Okay. So you've heard the recommendation. I'll put that on in the form of a motion. Would
032someone like to second it? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Chumley. Is there any other further discussion? >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley? >> Yes. >> Miss Sanborn? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Spencer? >> Yes. >> Four? Yes. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Chuck, will you just make sure there's no Will you make sure there's no cards back there, please? >> Thought you let me down, Josh. I'm sorry. I apologize. [laughter] >> Okay. So, the next would be public speaking. There is intent. There isn't any. So, I will move on to superintendent's business and turning over to you. >> All right. Thank you. In front of you is 4.01 stating author authorization for the superintendent to for uh the calendar year of 2026. This is something that we bring
033before the board at this time every year. It's for the continuity of programming and services. So, it especially allows me to carry out necessary duties involving various operations in between board meetings. Um, everything in the motion is supported by board policy. Uh, so it also includes our legal counsel and um gives me the authority to hire, fire, you know, all that fun stuff to keep the uh continuity of of the educational program moving forward in between our our board meetings a month. So I make it an recommendation to approve the standing authorization as presented. Thank you. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? >> So thank you, Mr. Chunley. Is there a second? >> Second. >> I'm Was that you, M. Thank you, Miss Spencer. Okay. Is there any discussion? >>
034Uh, yeah. I would like to discuss this a minute because I've I've went I've looked I've done some research about this and I've looked back into 2018 when the previous administration was here and none of these things that you're asking for Dr. Folultz was asked by the previous administrator. So I'm not understanding how the previous administrator did all of these things or maybe didn't do all of these things. I don't know. but it wasn't authorized by the board of education. Can you explain or do you know what happened back then? >> So, we do have each piece of this in board policy. So, they were just following board policy without without seeking authorization. We like to renew the author authorization on a daily basis. >> Yeah. If if there's a culprit, it's me. When I
035came in 2020, >> there was uh and went through the board policy, which I do with any new role I take and go through it. There were several authorizations that the board of education provides the superintendent provides the treasurer in an effort and and I've done this in other jobs in an effort to be fully transparent in an effort that if a new board member is elected taking office January 1, they know and understand what is happening as you go forward. not only just the role of the superintendent but what authority he has to keep the doors open to make sure that the that the organization is staffed in between the board members. So these authorizations are supported by policy they're supported by an effort of continuity of business so that things can keep going
036in between the board member in between board meetings. All of these authorizations are things that happen in between the board meetings. And what you'll see is, for example, the hiring and the dismissal of of staff of when you get to my section, making sure that we can write checks and do different things. They are still then put in front of the board for board action and for board approval um to support of that. But but in between that and and if we didn't have some of these authorizations, we'd be meeting more frequently because we would we would we would not have the ability to staff until the board met and hired that individual person. Okay? We would not write certain warrants and checks or pay people until the board came back and approved certain things
037and and some things would just stop and wait for that formal board action. So both policy supports it. A lot of these are in code that that give the authority to the superintendent um or or to the treasur to do it. And but it is it is really about being very transparent of of what authorities we have about informing board members, new board members, existing board members, okay, of the things that that we do in between board actions to do it. But but all of these things you end up seeing, okay? It in in a in a meeting. If we take any action, we still will go put it in front of you to let you know what what has taken place or needs to take place. >> So that that's why these are there.
038So um I there there's there's some authorities here in board policy that some other districts may not give or grant, but but they're here. And to me, just as being transparent, not only up at this table here, but to the employees, to the community, >> [clears throat] >> um, we put it in we put it in front and request that action. >> Okay. Well, it just seems kind of funny to me that it wasn't done in the past. I just was curious, but because it just didn't seem >> quite white. >> Yeah. And and there's districts that don't do this. districts that do do this and and there's you know I I you know the rationale that that I talked with then Superintendent Adams was about being open and transparent and making sure that you
039know if people question the actions that we can go back to and say hey this this is what we started the year off with. We started a new board this is a new board even though it's the same five people. It's just really trying to add some clarity and understanding of what's going of what we have authority to do. >> I don't I I I need to tell you I don't take these lightly. I don't take any I I know the superintendent does not. I know the former superintendent did not. And I can guarantee you I do not take any of these authorities lightly. And the reason why I put those in front of you is because they're really important. The authority that you grant Superintendent Dr. and that you grant me are are important
040things and that's why I feel and compelled to list them out. >> Okay. And the second thing um I would like to consider a new law firm to represent our school district. I think uh it is time that we find someone else to represent our school district. This a different uh law firm that does the same thing that the current law firm does. I know that this district uh likes the current law firm a lot. He's been with the district over 25 years and I just feel that it's time for a change for new faces, new people to do the same thing that the current law firm is doing. >> So I think and you can correct me if I'm wrong, T. I think we kind of put the the horse before the wagon. If
041you wanted to make a motion for us to either take this out of the agenda or to you would have to make a motion for us to then reconsider uh the the legal piece. We already have something in front of us that we would make a decision, but you would have to and again correct me if I'm wrong, but you would have to make a motion for us then to to re-evaluate or to examine our our legal fees our me our attorneys uh and to look at getting another attorney. Is is that not correct? And then and then we would then take and put that to a vote here and then that would give them their marching orders if we voted yes or voted no. But right now we have this in front of us.
042We kind of got the horse we put the horse before the wagon. >> Say it again. >> The horse goes before the wagon. >> I'm sorry. We put the wagon before [laughter] the horse. I knew I said it right. Thank you. >> I'm sorry. So I I I'm not sure if we can pump the brakes. I'm not sure. >> Yeah. How does that work? >> So do you have a standing motion to accept these authorities? I the I if I'm hearing Miss Samborg correctly, she's um I think there's two things. There's this action that can be taken. She's also asking that is there some consideration up the road to look at other council. Is that correct? Right. Correct. >> Okay. So it it does that you can keep this action as it is. Right. There's
043a motion in a second for it and act on that and if u at this meeting another meeting by board action maybe when it comes up action of by the board if if she wants to put >> so she could make her motion at the next meeting. >> Yeah. >> So you can make your motion at the next meeting if that's if that's what you're wanting to do. >> Well, I'll get my research together, bring it back to the board. meeting to the next meeting >> and then we can decide. >> Yay or nay? >> Well, this action is just so you can use our attorneys that we already have, right? These aren't this isn't just this isn't specifically saying we want these attorneys for the next year, right? >> Well, this is giving us
044the authority to use these attorneys for the year. If you want if the board wants to somewhere up the road change the attorney, they have the authority to do that. Oh, okay. Okay. >> It's not locking us in. >> Okay. Well, I I didn't know if they if we had like a contract with them from one day to the, you know, the following year or whatever. I don't know how that works. >> Yeah. I'm I'm sure the >> the term of this and then and if there's another issue that you would want to appoint a different attorney, you can do that too. Okay. I mean, it is >> this is the board's attorney. Okay. Mhm. >> That's a district's attorney, board attorney, >> um as practice has been superintendent and myself. >> Speaking on that
045note, this is where confusion comes into play. It is the board's attorney. However, the board's attorney does most business with the individuals that are doing the most business or work in the district. Correct? We aren't hiring and firing anybody or we aren't taking care of discipline. So the perception can be that it's that the board's attorney is their attorney, but that's not the case. Um it it is our attorney. It's just they're doing our work. And so that's >> correct. >> Okay. So we got that clarified. >> So at this point then we're on this. >> We've already made the motion. Second it. Will you take roll call, please? >> Sure. Mr. Mr. Chum. Yeah. This is on this is for 4.01 standing authorization of the superintendent. So all those authorizations. >> Mr. Chumley. >>
046Yes. >> Mrs. Spencer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patton. >> Yes. >> Miss Samborn. >> No. >> Four. Yes. >> No. >> She said no. >> Tina said no. >> Yes. >> Sorry about that. >> Rule. >> Yes. Or no. Okay. >> All right. So, uh, 4.02 is state and federal programs. And so this is uh again what we what we do now bring for the board every year. It allows me to file application and plan district participation in the in state and federal programs that benefit our school district. Uh this is grants. This is working with the title groups. Uh everything in this motion again is supported by board policy. Uh again I am making the recommendation that the board authorize the superintendent to determine participation in these programs. >> Thank you. You've heard the
047recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? >> So move. >> Thank you, Mr. Chumley. Is there a second? Second, >> Miss Samborn. Thank you. Is there any discussion on this? >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chumley, >> yes. >> Miss Samborn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Spencer, >> yes. >> Mr. Patton, >> yes. >> Four, yes. >> Okay. Section 4.03, superintendent comments. I just want to again say welcome to the three board members returning. Congratulations to Mr. Patton for being the board president and Mr. Chamberlain, the vice president. I look forward to working with every one of you to keep our students growing and being successful. Uh great start to the new year. Last year, last week we brought the kids and the staff back and uh immediately got great feedback from the
048staff and admin about students coming back ready to learn, refresh, the staff coming back and getting in the full swing of things. So I could not be happier with how last week started and hopefully many many many more weeks to come just like that. So um our social media media footprint is growing. uh we met with Alex and Hal and talked about um we don't we don't track Twitter no longer gives us analytics. So when we look at Facebook and Instagram they give us the analytics of what they're seeing. And so last year our audience was 18,4 or this year this for the period from August 1st to December 31st our our social media audience was 18,486. Last year was 16,000. So we're up our impressions how many time they looked at things was 3.8
0498 million. Last year it was 1.8 million for this time frame. And then engagement, how many click like or reshared? Um 282,000 and last year was 100 or last year at this time was 186. So we showed significant increases in our social media presence and our community interacting with that. Uh interesting enough, the top three uh Facebook posts for this time period in order was number one was my meeting with Governor Dwine at Willville. That was number one, excluding excluding schools closed. The calamity days [laughter] like no one can beat that. So that number two, oddly enough, was throwback Thursday. It was a post of the 1978 Amelia homecoming king and queen who was Dan McMillan and Libby Wilmer's. So that was the number two. And the third was the re-election of the three board
050members. So, um, they it was funny because we were, uh, Angie and I were talking to them and they're like, I don't know who this king queen was, but boy, they got a lot of traction. [laughter] So, uh, again, if you want to follow us on Instagram for those out watching and participating, we're at Westclair. Our Twitter or X is Westclair and our Facebook is West Claremont local schools. So, we'll continue to push out all these great things that are happening in West Claremont. Thank you, >> Mr. Romano. >> Thank you. Um, item item 5.0 01 is a request for treasurers authorizations and authority. Um you have the list there. Um this is to enable the treasur to carry out the necessary duties and responsibilities involving finances, fiscal and general operations and duties as prescribed
051by the board in the revised code. Um, I'm recommending that the board of education grant the following standing authorizations to the district uh treasurer for calendar calendar year and those authorizations are listed as you see them. Again, similar to the superintendent, they are either required by Ohio Revised Code. They relate back to uh current board policy. Um and in an effort to keep things moving in between board meetings, they are also if any action is taken brought in front of the board um typically immediately at the next board meeting. So if there's any questions on any of those listed. >> Okay. Thank you. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? >> Thank you, Mr. Chunley. Is there a second? Second. >> Thank you, Miss Spencer. Is there any discussion on that
052one? >> Um, yeah. There seems to be a lot on this list that you're wanting to authorize and I've also went back on the 2018 board docs and there's only five things that the board of education is actually supposed to authorize you to do. And I I'm not understanding why you need all these other uh authorizations on here to be approved. um under your section. I just I'm just it just seems like a lot and it seems like um it's from what I can tell not needed. >> So, I'll let Dan answer that, but I do have a statement that I'll make real quick just kind of piggybacking. Going back to 2018 in 2026, so much has changed. There's so many house bills that have been put in place. There's so many changes with the
053with the property tax levy. There's just so much that has changed within our district from 2018 to 2026. So there would be an increase. And and again, the other thing I'll say is the way we used to do things doesn't mean we have to continue to do it that way. In order for an organization to grow, we sometimes have to think outside the box and and to do things. And so I think he's already answered some of this as far as he's following the law and he's following policy and procedure. But again to go back to 2018, I again I can't quote any of them, but I do not believe they had a fraction of the house bills that we currently are facing and the problems that that that we will be facing in the
054future. So it's not going to look the same. The administration didn't run the district the same way that this current administration does, nor did the school board run the school the district the way that this current school the school board does. So it's just going to look different. It's not going to look the same. Um I I just I had to have that statement >> and and again it is this is this is an effort of being transparent and of informing not just the board but the public of what those authorizations are >> because the alternative to this Dan is is that we will have to you will have to request us to come and meet for you to pay a bill >> for you to there's there's two things if you don't like these
055authorizations then we should go ahead and change board policy. policy and take them out if we want to have the board approve things before authority is there that I mean that's up to the board but would we'll we'll more [clears throat] quickly for example you don't want to approve the then and now certificates certain bills won't get paid until the board approves them if uh you know the request for advance of taxes as soon as this meeting is over with I go you know do a request to the county auditor to any taxes on hand to advance them to us so everything listed here is is is either already in policy required by the code [clears throat] and in its effort to be open and transparent. >> And just to note, this revision is 2020.
056So this code that they they just changed they changed it in 2020. So this revised code that he's looking at that you pulled up is 2020. >> So it's even after. >> So it was be it was we weren't two of us were not on the board. >> No, absolutely not. No. No. But this code that he's quoting is what the revised code says that we're allowed that he's allowed to do >> and he needs he needs the authority to pay the bills and do what he needs to do. >> You you said it was like you were talking about 2018 or something, weren't you? >> Yeah, I went back to 2018 and looked at what was previously authorized. >> Right. So, it is >> by the board, >> right? So, it's it's just different.
057>> Is there I I I I forgot about that. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. >> Okay. Is there any other discussion? >> No. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chumley, >> yes. >> Miss Samborn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Spencer, >> yes. >> Mr. Pat, >> yes. >> Four. Yes. >> Thank you. Um item 5.02 is a request for approval of amendments. That was for the last um previous board meeting held on December 8th. as presented. >> I'll make the motion that we I'll make the motion. Do I have a second? Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Chumley. Is there any discussion on that? >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patton, >> yes. >> Mr. Chumley, >> yes. >> Miss Samborn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Spencer, >> yes. >> Four. Yes.
058Thank you. Item 5.03. This [clears throat] is the first time in a more than a decade that the uh West Claremont local schools is formerly officially submitting a tax budget to the county budget commission. Um that requirement um is now being uh made pretty universal for school districts across the state. Uh prior to the uh there was a waiver the c the county uh budget commission could um approve waving the formal um filing of a tax budget by a school district and just request other information. Um so again, this is the first time that we've done it. Um the document you see that we put together is consistent with um our October forecast. It breaks it down into six-month increments. Six months uh of the beginning of this fiscal year, the the second half of
059this fiscal year, which is January through June 30th, and then the completion of the tax year, which is July 1 of 2026 through December 31st of um 27 to do that since the taxes are collected. And that's the purpose of this is for the county budget commission to approve tax rates or to start the process of approving tax rates for that. Um so that budget has been filed is consistent what we have on hand. I've supplemented that tax budget with our forecast with our debt schedule. Um and quite frankly anything that uh provides the status of our finances going forward. Um, recall that part of the legislative change was that the county budget commission was given uh pretty clear authority that if they if the funds were not needed by a school district, they could
060in fact reduce the tax rate. Okay. So it is it is a a process that starts out with the tax budget to get the rates for the authority to um levy the taxes, put them on the tax bill. Okay. So it it is pretty important. We did uh do a couple compliance issues before this tax budget is being presented. Um we had to advertise that the tax budget was done. We had to make sure that um the tax budget was on file um in our offices. We did post it on our website. Um and then there was a public hearing that was held last week. Um consistent with many other school districts and consistent with uh throughout time, no one did attend, but um I stayed in the room here for 45 minutes. um I
061wasn't out there pulling people in, but you know, it was fair and open that if people wanted to comment on it, um or ask questions on it, they had the ability to do so. We did not get any inquiries from the website either on that. Um so uh the recommendation is to adopt a resolution to adopt a tax budget of the West Claremont local school district for the fiscal year beginning July 126 and ending June 30th 277 and submitting the same to the county auditor um to the Claremont County Auditor. So uh the documents are attached to the resolution. >> Thank you. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? >> So move. >> Miss Abborn. Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Miss Spencer. Thank you. Is there any
062discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Sure. >> Miss Ambour. >> Yes. >> Mr. Spencer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patton? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chumley? >> Yes. >> Or? Yes. Thank you. Um, just uh and for the comments, just a note on that. Um, two things. I I it the tax budget very similar to the forecast is a projection and an estimate. Um since [clears throat] this is the first time in a long time that that we are submitting one and I talked to some of my peers. The county budget commission we we will file this resolution in the tax budget has to be done before January 20th. that I'll probably file it tomorrow. Tomorrow or Wednesday to get make sure it's on file. February 2nd at two o'clock is is the tax budget commission. I
063did talk with the county auditor's office, let them know that I will probably be attending just in case they have any questions since it's the first time that that budget commission um sees that formal document like we are submitting if they have any questions with it. Um so um my plan is to attend that meeting on February 2nd to do that. Um I'll also tell you that and we'll talk about it more in the retreat that there is a lot of confusion um and and there's a lot of different interpretations of the tax budget, excuse me, the property tax legislation that has taken place. There are several different bills with that. Um and you know so we are still working all working through that as a district with our peers with the county auditor's office
064um who has to do a lot of calculations with it who is also then dependent upon the state department of taxation um of exchanging information back and forth between those two before we get it typically in a in a normal year and I'm not too sure if there's any been any normal years in the last decade or so, but in a normal year, the county [clears throat and cough] auditor's office would give us our estimates the end of December, first week of January, and we're still waiting for that. And my assumption is it's because they're still waiting for a response from the Department of Taxation. So, and once they get that response, they have to go through a lot of things, too. So, um, you know, everybody's, I think, being cooperative and exercising a lot
065of patience as we go through this. Um but in in the meantime there's a lot of there is a lot of uncertainty of of you know of what it all means to do that. Um congratulate the the three new board members re re uh renewing board members um to the board of education um as we go forward. And then the uh my final comment is I'll just throw this this word out. Administrators heard me say it be before. I thought at one time maybe I created a new word, but I did not. It's been used before, but it it you know, when I came to this district in 2020 um and looked at the finances, the district was surviving financially because of the 20 mil floor. That 20 mil floor has been in existence since
0661977. that the the district uh was for one reason or another um unable to pass um tax levies whether it was for buildings or whether it was for operating. Okay, they were blessed when it did pass. Um the emergency passed in 2020. The rules of the game have changed. We are off the 20 mil floor because the two emergency [clears throat] levies now um count towards the floor. Um and so as property values from the trienal and sennial reappraisals as those values went up in the past the district used to get additional funding that has stopped. Okay. And so it not only stopped but uh part of legislation or you call it a clawback or or retro is taking funding that taxpayers did pay and it is crediting it back to them. I wish I
067knew what those calculations were yet. I don't think the auditor knows yet. Not too sure if the state department of taxation knows, but somewhere in there and and you know within the next few months we'll figure that all out. But the rules have changed and really brought a lot of uncertainty to this district. But sir, thrival means that we survived. But a lot of credit goes to the administrators out there who basically have found innovative ways, creative ways of taking funding per student that is of the some of the lowest in the state and taken the performance of our students to literally new heights which is really good. So the return on investment is there. The reason why I say all this is because of those rules have changed. It will mean that we have
068to be more creative. We have to have more ingenuity. We have to do a lot of we have to do some things that may be painful and be different in the past, but we'll survive it. And given that creativity and ingenuity, we'll we'll thrive one way or another. We'll figure out how to do it. So although I I bring a lot of um Maybe sometimes negative news. Okay. I still have faith in everybody around this table and everybody out there that we'll find a way through it and we'll make good things happen. >> Who said sir sir thrival was a word already? >> It is a word. I do. I looked it up. >> Okay. Spell that for me because I'm gonna write it down. >> S U R >> T H R T >>
069I V A L. >> I what? >> I V as Victor A L. Okay. >> Survive and thrive. >> In the end, whoever ever [clears throat] had the wolf as a mascot did did the right thing because if you go back and you connect surviving and thriving to the nature of a wolf, um it's it's hand in hand, surviving and thriving in the wilderness. We're entering a new wilderness. >> We are. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Romano. Uh [clears throat] board comments. Start with Mrs. Spencer. >> I'm I'm just glad to be here healthy back from the holiday. My family struggled a little bit with our health, but we're back. And I think the kids were back. I went back to I volunteered school today and there was still a lot of kids there that
070were healthy [laughter] checking out library books. But um yeah, and I'm glad everybody came tonight. Um, yeah, I'm excited for the new year to see what what will um change will be made, good things, I'm sure, and excited about the new year. >> So, >> thank you, Miss Ambour. >> Um, I'm excited for the new year. I'm happy everyone's back. Um, I see I hear I've heard great things happen. My neighbors came over today telling me that they love Cluff Pike Elementary and um they they love um their principal and um so uh it was it was cute. They they were cute when they were talking to me today and and I I commended them to continue to work hard and to learn as much as they can while they're in school and to to
071to do good things. So I'm I'm very happy for them. Um, but I'm happy to be here on the board again this year and I'm I'm looking forward for all of us working together to see what great things we can do as a as a as five board members, what we can do to make this district better. You know, what what great positive initiatives we can make even though it's not it looks bleak on one side, maybe we can have some happy outcomes on the other side. Okay. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. Chumley. Hope they were having a merry Christmas uh and have been enjoying their new year. Um I want to thank the community for bringing us back um for another term. I want to thank my board members for the nomination here.
072Um and if I didn't have vested interest enough, I uh found out over Christmas break that we were having a fifth. So >> Oh, well congratulations. CONGRATULATIONS. >> Whether I'm here out there, you guys are stuck with me for a long time. [laughter] >> Wow. [clears throat] >> Congratulations. >> So, was that planned? >> Doesn't sound like it was planned. [laughter] >> I couldn't say I was too surprised. >> Okay. All right. >> That's great. [snorts] That's great. >> I'll keep my comments brief. I do want to wish everyone a hope everyone had a great start to the 2026. I know myself I took some time off and just kind of decompressed. Uh I too want to thank the community and I also want to thank my uh my fellow board members for uh trusting
073me again for another year in this position. So I do appreciate you guys. Um we will have our work cut out for us this year. We we have to hit the ground running and we've got to keep moving in the forward direction and we're going to have to make sure that we bring as many people along with us as we can. Um because there's tons of changes that have taken place, continue to take place and we have to um what what is your word? >> Thrive. >> Thriv you say >> no, [laughter] I know my limitations. Uh and so we just we got to make sure that we're we're hitting [clears throat] the ground running and that we're we're we got to keep the district moving. Um stopping is not an option. We have to
074keep moving forward. We have to reconcile our differences. We have to stay in the positive moving forward motion and we have to make sure that we just have a clear understanding of what we're doing and what direction that we're going and we need to make sure that we're all moving in that direction. So, um, and again, I'm kind of out of whack. So, the next board meeting, >> what is it? 22. >> January 26th. >> January 26, 2026 here at the civic center. Um, we do have a need to go into executive session. So, I'll put that in a form of a motion. Do I have a I'm sorry, I got ahead of myself here. >> Let me read this. So we do have a a reason to go in executive session for the purpose
075of considering the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee and to consider the confidential information related to the marketing plans specific um business strategies, production techniques, trade secrets or personal finance statements of an applicant for economic development assistance or to negotiate with other political subdivisions respecting request for economic develop assistance. So, I apologize. I'll put that in a form of a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Samborn. I'm assuming no discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Pat, >> yes. >> Miss Samboy, >> yes. >> Mr. Spencer, >> yes. >> Mr. Chley, >> yes. >> Four. Yes. >> So, before we do that, um, again, there will be no action taken when we come back, but from here, we have a very busy night. So,
076from here, we're moving into our our our board retreat as well. So again, there will be no f no further action from the board after we're done with the executive session. So we won't be coming back here. We we will be relocating to the Queen City room to begin the board retreat, which is open to the public. A motion to adjourn will be made at the conclusion of the retreat. Okay. Thank you.