001Okay. Uh, good evening. Welcome to the September 22nd West Claremont school board meeting. Mr. Romano, please take role. Mr. Patton, present. Mr. Rudy, present. Mr. Chumley, present. Mrs. Spencer, present. And Mrs. Samborn let Miss Samborn let us know she was unavailable today. Thank you. Uh would you please join me for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Next up is the motion to adopt the agenda. Would someone like to make a motion? Some moved. Thank you, Mr. Rudy. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Chenley. Is there any discussion? Thank you. Roll call, please. Mr. Rudy? Yes. Mr. Chumley? Yes. Mrs. Spencer? Yes. Mr.
002Patton? Yes. Or yes. Looks like next we're going to Miss Jenny. Good evening, President Patton, members of the board. I'd like to call up our two recognition uh recipients tonight. So, Lauren Cravio and Paul Wolf. All right, we're going to start with you. Yeah, Lauren. All right, we'll do Lauren first so you can uh face the board there. All right. West Claremont proudly recognizes Lauren Cravio, innovation and design teacher at West Claremont Middle School, who was named the Ohio Middle Level Association 2025 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year. Uh, in response to our district's initiative to expand electives and strengthen high school pathways, Lauren created a health technology pathway that introduces middle schoolers to careers in healthcare. Sixth graders begin with germ busters exploring microorganisms and the impact of hygiene. Seventh graders become disease detectives
003studying disease patterns and public health. And eighth grader serve as medical detectives analyzing data and solving diagnostic challenges. Together, these courses provide an engaging hands-on introduction to the world of healthcare. Congratulations, Lauren. And second, Paula Wolf um is here on behalf of the Treasures Department and she is being recognized for the open and transparent government achievement. West Claremont proudly recognizes the Treasures Department for earning the Ohio Auditor of State's highest achievement in open and transparent government for the third consecutive year. West Claremont received the top distinction with a four-star rating through the STA RS program, which honors districts that not only meet but exceed public records and open meeting standards. Paula Wolf is receiving the recognition on behalf of the treasures team for her leadership in handling and fulfilling public records requests. Congratulations, Paula, and
004your department. Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. Next up is Mr. Shane Short. All right. Good evening, uh, President Patton, members of the board, Dr. Folultz, Mr. Romano, and thank you for the opportunity for us to share, uh, what's happening at Amelia Elementary tonight. Uh, our students and I are excited to highlight how the leader and me framework uh, is shaping our school culture and helping every child grow as a leader. You'll see examples of how the seven habits are practiced in our classrooms, in hallways, and even at home with our family connections. These habits are giving the students the skills of responsibility, competence, collaboration, and that will serve them for years to come. All right, Mr. Romano, this was supposed to play. There we go. So, at Amelia Elementary, leadership uh is at
005the heart of what who we are. Through the leader me uh framework, students are empowered to discover their strengths, take initiative, and practice making positive choices. This approach not only shapes competent leaders, but also fosters a school culture where every student has a voice and a role in contributing to the success in our community. Might be a little hard to read, but uh the seven habits serve as a foundation for leadership and character development. They provide a shared language and mindset that guide both students and staff in how we interact, learn, and grow. By practicing these habits, we build responsibility, empathy, teamwork, and balance. Skills that prepare students for success in school and in life. The habits are more than just words on a poster. They are lived out in daily routines and interactions. Whether
006setting whether setting academic and personal goals, solving problems collaboratively, or showing respect and kindness, students and staff actively apply the habits in meaningful ways. This consistent practice helps create a learning environment that is powerful, supportive, and focused on growth. This slide is about our home connection. We keep families connected through weekly leader andme updates. These newsletters share ways parents can support leadership at home, building consistency between school and family. And now we have some students who would like to share different parts of the program with you. Come on up. Charlie's up first here. Come on up, Charlie. You're going to talk about your hallway greeters, right? Okay. Good. Good evening. My name is Charlie and I'm in fourth grade. Hallway greeters welcome students and visitors to our school each morning with a smile and kind
007greeting. We use leader me habit five seek first to understand then be understood by helping people feel important and valued. This leadership role sets a positive tone for the day and shows how students can make a difference in our school community. Come on up, Addie. Theo, kind of share the space. There you go. This is Addy and Theo. They're going to tell you a little bit about leadership teams. Hi, my name is Addy. In fourth grade, we get to be on leadership teams, which are special groups of students who take care of important jobs in our classroom. I'm on the supply team, and my team's job is to put materials away, organize supplies, and pick up and sharpen pencils. It connects to the seven habits because habit six is working together and that's what my
008team does. I think leadership teams are important because it gives us a chance to be leaders and show that kids can take responsibility too. Hi, I'm Theo. I'm a part of the conduct crew team and our job is to help follow directions, get the line ready to go and answer questions. This is important because I could put up the silent tiger when we need to be quiet and it shows in action every day. Being a part of being part of this team teaches me responsibility, teamwork, and how to set a good example for others. Though I know the work we do makes our make our school better for everyone. Ready? My name is Brady and I am in second grade at Amelia. In second grade, we are learning about building positive relationships with leader and
009me. We write emotional bank account messages to our classmates to tell them something we like or admire about them. Then we share our messages which helps us practice kindness, empathy, and habit. Five. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Thank you. Come on over, guys. Harrison, you're Harrison and his friends are going to share a little bit about leaders in action. Hello, my name is Harrison. Another way we show leadership in fourth grade is with our side of the show bulletin board. Any student can fill a ticket if they see a classmate showing one of the seven habits, like picking up something for someone else, which shows habit one, being proactive. The tickets go on the bulletin board so everyone can see and it's a way to celebrate each other. Good job. Come on
010up, Wyatt. Big smile. You got this, man. Hello, my name is Wyatt. I like the star of the show, Baltimore, because it's a change for kids to recognize each other, not just teachers noticing us. When I saw a classmate doing their classwork without being asked, I wrote them a ticket for showing habit three, putting first things first. It feels feels good to celebrate each other's leadership and limit paradigms or beliefs about each other. Hi, my name is Herbert. I like being part of the star of the show bulletin board because it encourages us to look for the good in others. When I see my name on the board, it makes me feel proud and reminds me to keep being a leader. It also shows that students notice and value leadership in each other. Let's hear
011it for those students. Good job. All right, Steve while I finish. Okay. At Amelia Elementary, leader in me is more than a program. It's part of who we are by empowering students with leadership opportunities and the seven habits we are preparing every child to thrive in school and in life. Thank you for the opportunity to present to the board this evening. We are grateful for your continued support of Amelia Elementary, our students, and our staff. Together, we will keep building leadership opportunities that empower every child to succeed. We look forward to working alongside you as we continue to grow our future leaders. [Applause] Mr. Short, after the picture, I'd like to give the board a chance to ask some questions. Whoops. Boys and girls, before you go back, I just didn't know. I want to
012give the board a chance to ask some questions if they had any to ask. Is it Theo? Is that your name? Theo. Theo. Who's the Who's the plaid shirt? Brady. Uh, second grade. You must have some great teachers to be able to read like that. That's awesome. Yeah. You guys did a a great job doing public speaking. I know that sometimes that can be very difficult to stand in front of a crowd. Trust me, each time I'm up here, I get a little nervous in the beginning. So, you guys did a great job. So, yeah. Thank you guys for coming out presenting to us. What was the name of the bulletin board that you talked about? I couldn't catch it. Star of the show. Okay. Thank you. It sounds very nice. Thank you all again
013for coming outside. Thank you parents for bringing them out in this weather. [Applause] Okay, so next up is public speaking. It says, "Visitors who wish to address the board are asked to state their name, address, and their school organization. Remarks must be addressed to the board and shall be brief approximately three minutes and to the point. Speakers may offer uh such objective criticism or suggestions regarding school operations or programs. The board will not hear personal complaints of school personnel or against any persons connected with the school district unless those complaints have first been addressed through the individual department or administrators involved. It does look like I have a guest speaker. Uh Mr. Becker. Good evening, board. I'm John Becker. I used to be your uh state representative from uh what was it 2013 2020. I'm
014currently a Union Township trustee. Well, the reason I'm here this evening is because Linda Freilley is retiring as a Claremont County auditor and multiple people have come to me asking that I run for auditor. So, you know, the the reason I'm being asked is because of my resume. I I I am a tax accountant. I have an MBA with an emphasis in taxation. I'm a certified treasury professional, although expired now. I have a school district treasures license. I have uh 30 years of business experience, much of that doing um planning and uh analysis, uh budgeting and forecasting. Also, my eight years in the general assembly and now all going on four years as a Union Township trustee. So, I check all the boxes. My question for you all, or the reason I'm here this evening,
015is to find out what your thoughts are on the auditor's office. Is there any changes you would like to see? Is there any suspicion that there might be commercial properties that are undervalued that I need to be looking at or anything else you think I need to be looking at in the auditor's office or running for auditor? You have anything now, that would be great. Or if you want to contact me afterwards, I'm easy to find. Becker gop.com. Okay, got that written down. We good? Okay, thank you, Mr. I appreciate you. Thank you. Okay, so He's good. Josh, uh, next up is Mr. Hicks. Is there a timer up there before? So, my name is Chris Hicks and I live at 444 Woodward Court. I'm glad to be here tonight. I handed out these newsletters
016that are from the the watchdog wire about that the parking lot out here is an open drinking area 7 days a week uh based on a DORA that you're theoretically based on a confusing sign that Mr. Becker was part of getting installed allowed to bring guns into your schoolboard meetings and into the offices. All these crazy things that they're talked about in here. But this isn't really what I want to talk about. When I walked in here, I went to every board member. I've done it more than one time with you, Mr. pattern asking if you would do an interview about the direction of the district. Every one of you dodge every time and then you wonder about why your financial requests on the ballot get beat by 83%. You know, there was a time
017when this district was completely disconnected from the community and couldn't pass things ever. It got a new high school because of collaboration with in remodeled schools because of collaboration with the township. And I feel like that relationship is destroyed as you see by drinking zone, guns in the meetings, initiatives by the by the trustees. But you guys have gone right back there. You guys have gone right back there. Disconnected from the community. Miss Spencer, when I asked you about doing an interview, you said, "What is there to talk about? It's all public record." That's asinine. I offered him a copy of this newsletter. I'm going to hand you one right now. He wouldn't take it. And then he starts spouting off trying to get people riled up. It's about the kids. No, you know what
018it's also about? It's about the taxpayers. It's about the community. It's not about being an arrogant you know what. So you guys I've asked again and again about interviews. You continue to refuse you. Mr. Patton at a community event wearing a vote for Ryan Patton t-shirt told me that he would refuse he refused to answer any questions about the school district. It's wrong. You guys need to get your heads on straight or you're going to be stuck in another vortex like this district was for decades. You're already there. When you get beat 83%, somebody said to me, if you get beat by 83% at the ballot box, even the liberals voted against you. You got some serious issues with relation with the community. I've asked you all again and again. I'm going to keep harping
019on it. You have an obligation to answer questions, not to sit there like Fica streets when Mr. Becker asked you about feedback on the auditor's office, which unless if you don't know that there's tiff properties that have been predatorily valued that are at the detriment of the school system in this township, you shouldn't be on the school board. He asked you about that. Not one of you said anything. Not one of you said anything. TQL is undervalued by tens of millions of dollars. That affects you. And look at Mr. Patton. He's looking at the clock. Notice that he was What was he looking at? The clock. Thank you, Mr. Hick. Cuz he doesn't care. Thank you, Mr. Hicks. You He doesn't care. Thank you. And Ryan, I know you won't do an interview and you're
020disgraced as president of the board for not being willing to take any questions. I hear you. Have a good day, sir. Thank you. So, next up is our moving to our consent agenda. Josh, thank you. Good evening. In front of you is your personnel agenda for September 22nd, 2025. On this agenda, we today we have the acceptance of three retirements and one resignation. We'd like to highlight those retirees. Um we have two teachers, Mary Wright, she's currently teaching fourth grade at WT Elementary. She has 33 years of service to West Claremont. We also have Raina Ford who is currently teaching gifted at West Claremont Middle School. She has 32 years of service to West Claremont. And we have our one health clinic assess assistant, uh, Cindy Robinson, currently a health clinic assistant at West Claremont
021High School with 28 years of service to West Claremont School District. The agenda also recommends the hiring of new personnel, including one assistant director of technology, six student workers. We have the transfer of a custodian between buildings for your approval. Approval is requested for two salary adjustments for our teaching staff. These new placements occur from our teaching teachers continuing their education and adding master's degree and other coursework. Also presented for your approval are the proposed supplemental contracts for multiple positions for building curriculum leaders, wellness, athletic coaches, committee members, club directors, and other positions. The board has asked to consider unpaid leave for multiple staff members. The agenda proposes the hiring of a substitute personnel, one health clinic assistant and one custodian. This agenda contains the approval of multiple stu school volunteers across the district which
022are presented with their associated buildings. On the agenda, you have the work beyond the contract for multiple adjustments for cooperating teachers from universities. And this concludes the consent. I'm sorry, the I'm sorry, this concludes the review of the personnel agenda submission for your consideration. Thank you. Josh, did you pass on to the three retirees that we're going to miss? It's a big loss. I know all three of them. It's hard to believe we're talking about retirement already. It's starting to fill new new positions. We'll do it. Looks like you're back up again. Yep. Uh so tonight we have for your approval a settlement agreement between WCA and the West Claremont School District. Uh this agreement resolves the payment for our college credit plus teachers for the college lab courses that they teach. Item 7.03 is
023request for approval of the minutes. Those were the for the meeting that was held on September 8th, 2025. It's a regular board meeting. Item 7.04 is a request for approval of the donations as presented. Um the donations are uh from Mindy Buchanan donated sensory kits for interventional specialists at Mwin Kluff Pike, Holly Hill, Willville, and Wamsville Tabasco elementary schools. Subaru Beachmont donated $3,000 in school supplies to West Claremont Middle Schools through adoption.org. Our lease Hy donated silk flowers, candles, hats, frames, drink holders, and PBIS uh prizes to Merwin Elementary. Charles Draper donated 172nd scale model aircraft at Wamsville Tobasco Elementary for the PBIS reward um in memory of Thomas Ross Draper. Wamsville Tobasco PTO donated the basketball Jones assembly for the students at Wamsville Tobasco Elementary School. Jads and Pod Payton donated $100 in memory
024of Patty Hornstra. VFW Ohio charities donated $5,000 to the following schools. That's 5,000 each. To Amelia Elementary, Holly Hill Elementary, and Wamsville Tobasco Elementary. That was item 7.04, request for approval of donations as presented. Item 7.05 is request. Can I ask one question? What is the adopt a classroom or program? Is that does that take place at um that office store in East Gate there? Um believe that where you go and you can buy something and it's contributed to the school. I think it's a it's online that you can go. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Question on that? Okay. Item 7.5 is request for um approval and authorization for the superintendent superintendent and treasurer to negotiate and execute contracts as presented. Um the con track that was listed was for maximum um they provide nursing services
025for the school for uh for certain students. Item 7.06 06 um is a motion to approve the tuition rates for fiscal year 2526 as presented. Um just I'll make a note on that. So annually the department of education provides that calculation to us. It's in two components. One component represents local share. The second component represents the state share. So in districts uh instate students uh would reimburse that local share. If you are out of state, you would um pay tuition on both the ind district, excuse me, the the local and the uh the state share of that. Um one of the notes for this year is that the tuition rate has gone down. Uh the calculation is really looking at the revenue sources and then dividing it by the district's ADM because it went down
026so sharply. we you know questioned as to why and and uh what was the difference in the calculation. So this is the first year that that calculation included um students or counted students with the ed choice program and so the number that it was um dividing in divided by increased um and therefore our tuition rates did go down um for this school year. So that means where we collect from um either students that are out of the district for certain uh services in the district or out of state uh we're collecting less tuition funds for that. So we have no choice in the calculation. It's calculated by the state department of education. Um we can question it but um they do provide those numbers to us. So 7.06 6 is a request for approval of
027the tuition rates for fiscal year 25 and 26. Item 7.07 is authorization for credit cards use um with Huntington Bank. We currently have our credit cards with another depository institution. We're requesting a couple things with this resolution. One is um Huntington became our depository last year. Um we were running out the the credit cards just to save our costs. Um with a with a prior depository um there is a board policy that's attached to this resolution as well which brings in a line our administrative procedures with those credit cards making sure that it's in line with our board policy with it. Um there's there are some guidelines and guidance that's provided by the audates office that that we we do use and have been using with it. And this just really kind of ties everything
028together. So the main authorization is to um allow us to change uh banks on the credit cards and then secondly um to approve with that the the policy and administrative guidelines that go along with the use of those of those credit cards. Um, one of the things that was noted in the finance committee that we had this week is those credit cards are um, requested in and out. So, they're they're safe, kept in the office. Um, there has to be a procedurally request to use the card. It has to be returned when that usage is done and then logged back in. Item 7.08 08 is request for approval of purchase and budget statements for the 2526 school year. Again, those are either modifications um for the clubs and organizations for the principal accounts. The main
029component with that is not only approving the budget but authorization for the use of those funds. Item 7.09 09 is a request for approval of the financial statements, the bill's paid lists and investments and those are for the period ending August 31st, 2025 um as presented. And so the consent agenda items include item 7.01 through item 7.09. Thank you, Mr. Romano. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? So moved. Thank you, Mr. Rudy. Is there a second? Second, Spencer. Thank you. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. Rudy? Yes. Mrs. Spencer? Yes. Mr. Patton? Yes. Mr. Chumley? Yes. Or? Yes. Thank you. Good evening. I can't hear out of my left ear right now. So, if I'm I can't hear you. I don't know what's going on. Just can't hear.
030So hopefully I'm not too loud, I'm not too quiet, so I'll try and I know I have a very quiet voice that doesn't carry very well. So um policy first reading tonight. So we're going to go through this policy committee met before um to go through these and there's quite a few of them. I was going to give you a summary. I did provide the policies to you in your board update. It's also attached to this agenda as well. If you have questions, feel free to give me a call and we can go through some of those as well. As what we've been doing for the last 16 months since we've had a lot of changes that coming down from um Columbus through Neola through our attorneys, I will take this first reading and we
031will then go through legal with that as well. So, if there's anything in there that you have questions about, we will put this through legal um as we go through this before I bring it to you for a vote, which would be at the next uh board meeting. So, real quick, just to go through some of the highlights of uh the bylaws and policies. Policy 2266 was a change in language, was a change in definitions were part of this. Uh addresses were changed. For example, the office of civil rights. It was changed to Washington DC. It also had parts where we had to identify our title nine compliance officers kind of go with the role those of those people that are within our district which falls um under our director of human capital, our student
032services um as well um as our chief learning officer. So those will be the ones that would be in compliant with that policy 2430.02 O2 participation um and extracurricular activities. We didn't have changes to this because we did not select the option of letting those that are outside of our district. So what happened was they came back and revised House Bill 96 to take that option out if districts did choose that. We did not. We we stuck within our own school district. So that was not a big change for us. The only change was they changed extracurricular into one word. So I don't know why they did that, but that's what they do. Maybe that's right. I've written it both ways. So, but whichever but that's the only change that you'll see in that policy
0333130 assignment and transfer. The bianium budget bill included important provisions declaring that superintendent shall assign teachers based on the best interest of students enrolled in the district. The law further provides that seniority and continuing contract status cannot be primary factors in making assignment decisions. The law also provides that the collective bargaining agreements cannot supersede this assignment. However, for districts with colle the bargaining agreements, the law does apply does not apply until the expiration of our current contract or current collective bargaining, which would then be in July 26. So after July 26th, then this will go into effect. So we will keep the language in our collective bargaining unit through July through July 26 and then this will have to be um addressed as part of negotiations as well. Policy 5130 withdrawal from school just a
034minor adjustment there. Um and that removes the schools notify the register of motor vehicles if a student under 18 were to withdraw from school. It used to be and it has been ever since I was a principal back in 2000 that if a student under the age of 18 were to withdraw from school, then we would then notify the department um of motor vehicles. They no longer have to do that. It's been revised. Next would be policy 5200 attendance. And I'm going to bring our expert up to talk about that because there is a lot of language there. Is he around? There he is. So Eric's going to come up and talk a little bit about 5220 and those are partnering with those. So, this policy um addresses how we intervene with students who are
035coming to school. Um there's been some significant change to that policy, primarily how we interact with juvenile court as well as um what that intervention process looks like for our students. Um, with regard to juvenile court, this law really puts a lot of onus on working with juvenile court around truency in a more timely manner um than had been in the past. And then for our district policy um or district procedures, we've um had more ability to create a framework that works better for us as a school district versus a framework that the state had determined would be applied to all school districts. So, we have a procedure now that allows for better communication with families and trying to intervene with students before it gets to that point where we do have to refer on
036to juveninal court. Um, that said, unexcused absences, there is um greater emphasis on working with juvenile court than had been in the previous edition. Any questions with that? Thank you. Sorry. Policy 5223 release time for religious instruction budget bill further amended the reason time courses for religious instruction now required that board policy authorized participating students to be excused from school to attend RTRI for at least one period per week. However, that policy must also limit the release time to no more than two periods in any one week for elementary to middle school students and for high school students release time cannot exceed two units. uh policy has been modified in align with these changes. Policy 5410 promotion along with the other changes of attendance and truency. House bill removed the provision of the law which
037mandated retention of students who miss at least 10% of the school year. The provision states students who who fail two or more classes must be retained unless the principal and teachers decide to do otherwise. True is no longer attached to these considerations. Policy is a new policy. It's the acceptance of payment by credit card. Districts and ESC's are increasingly utilizing credit card payments as an acceptable mode of paying. So, this is us receiving payment um for outstanding balances and fees and services. Recently, representatives from the auditor's office have requested that school district produce board policies which authorize acceptance of payment by credit card. This pol policy was modified incorpor incorporate those requirements and expectations for accepting payment by credit card. 6152 student fees as an option uh in this policy allows for utilizing credit cards
038again and is acceptable mode for paying these particular fines, fees, and charges. Uh it's also a technical correction to 6109. Policy 86830 audit is a revision. Current law requires a treasur to produce an an accounting of all money, bonds, and securities of the board at expiration of their current term and before the board approves of the treasur. Upon production of the accounts, the board or a committee of the board or alternative representative of the auditor of state is required count the money. The board is then required to certify that amount of records of the board. House bill 96 strikes the option to delegate the duty to count the funds to a representative from the auditor's office. Policy 7540.02 digital content. This again this is revisions policy reflected United States Department of Justice final rule provision
039under title two of the Americans with disabilities act ADA requiring state and local government agencies including public schools to make web content and mobile applications accessible to the individuals with disabilities. We have that already have that a part of our web page as well as well as our website and our electronic um digital content. 7541 um is the provisions of this policy have been included in 8300. Um this is no need for dup for a duplicate or a policy correction. 8305 is revisionist policy reflect the provisions of cyber security program which is included in house bill uh 96. Uh we feel we're in really good shape um with our technology department namely Larry Pereice who's on the cutting edge of our cyber security and is really renowned for for what he's been doing not only
040with our district but throughout the state. policy 8400, school safety revisionist policy requiring and regarding the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and information and references back to policy 5350 student wellness for threats and self harm and suicide house bill 96's requirement for emergency management plan and the protocols that we use with students namely goes back to that cell phone policy where students are allowed to use their cell phone during an emergency situation or a threat as well as gives uh information on how to make those contacts through the web page and through the phone numbers. Policy 8462. In the last binding budget, schools were tasked with providing training in child sex abuse to certain designated staff including nurses, teachers, administrators, counselors, and school psychologist, and mental health. The law further specified that training must be
041provided by either law enforcement or the prosecutor who has experience in handling these cases involving sex abuse or child sexual abuse. House Bill 96 modified the law to strike the requirement. The training had be provided by law enforcement, the prosecutor. It also modified the requirement that the do develop model curriculum. So therefore, the school districts are now tasked with developing their own curriculum for use suicide prevention and child sexual um violence uh in the school. So basically it's gone from this to back to the local policy 8640 transportation for non-rine trips. basically just said that for non-routine trips B those would be trips that are outside the school day namely for uh extracurricular they can you can eat on the bus which we were already doing because of food snacks things eating on the way
042for now we have it in policy that they're allowed to do that um so they don't go hungry policy 9270 um several important changes were made to implement house bill 96 pertain participation we already talked about that uh in the previous policy. Uh once again, we did not select that. So, we are we are in line with House Bill 96. The other part of the policy updates that came out uh was in the non-discrimination revisions update um was also released largely at a client request and attempt to streamline the complex collection of non-discrimination, anti-arassment, and related issues. Several of the policies have been consolidated in order to provide a comprehensive approach to related employment issues. Uh the definitions will be now consistent with the related policies namely in title 9. The grievance process is designated
043to be consistent throughout the investigation, the decision-making and the appeal stages. The adoption of policy 1422, 31-22, and 4122 allows for the deletion of and rescending of six other policies. So, they have been able to combine those in as well. Policy 2260 was a technical correction as along with 2260.01 was a technical correction and policy 1623, 3123, and 4123. Um section 504, another technical correction. Those are the policy revisions. Those are the new policies. Those are the policies that have been rescended a part of this packet from August. I will continually update these. I will continually put these through with legal um and provide you with any information that you might need prior to the next board meeting before we ask you to vote. Thank you, Randy. Next up is superintendent's comments. All right. I
044I want to take a moment to point out two very important days or two two important things that occurred last week. So, I would I want to start with Wednesday, which was September 17th, and that's the Constitution Day. So uh throughout the year every year we talk about the constitution in a variety of grade levels and areas but one time a year we really spend extended period of time on understanding the constitution understanding our founding principles. I think this is amazing thing that we do in West Claremont it's done throughout the state but some of the things that that our high school middle school and elementary did at their respectable age appropriate levels is talk about the founding principles talk about what the constitution is talk about what are they seeing in today's society that
045connects back to that. So it takes that document and keeps it continuing to be a living document that they that the students understand. They see how it connects to the world they live in now and how important it is to to always uh follow that process, follow that doctrine. Uh elementary did the same thing and it went they were there were videos shown again age appropriate interactive activities grade level conversation. So I wanted to just take a moment to celebrate uh the good things that we did on Constitution Day for our district. And the second thing is and I'm glad that LA Preston and her team are here. We had a professional development day on Friday and it was we brought all the all the teachers together at um at Willowville and Summerside. And to
046give you an example, um Holly Hill has one fourth grade math teacher, right? And so she doesn't she never really gets to plan with other fourth grade math teachers. So this day we brought the content areas uh and together and they got to plan, they got to learn, they got to collaborate. our content lead teachers and our coaches did a phenomenal job as I walked around. They were engaged, they were learning, they they were inspired by each other. And then as I I spot check teachers and the ones that would tell me the truth, you know, if they liked or didn't like it, and they were just absolutely in love with the fact that they felt they were learning from each other, that it was that that it was fulfilling with each other, that um
047to have that ability to collaborate, take it back, work on that some more. And so I think I think the planning and execution of that uh Ellie and her team deserve a gratitude and a round of applause for all the hard work that they did to get this straight. So I would just like to to just say thank you to the teaching and learning team for all the hard work they did to make this work. Thank you, Dr. FZ. Mr. Romano. Okay. Thank you. Um under the treasur's business, there's two action items tonight. Um the first one is item 9.01 which is the annual appropriation measure for fiscal year ending June 30th 2026. So that's the expenses for the it's the spending authority for the period July 1, 2025 through the end of our fiscal
048year June 30th 26. Um that spending authority um really was what started back in June with a temporary appropriation measure for all of our funds. The process then goes to where we file estimated revenues with the county budget commission. Um we can amend those and revise those. But that document is the document that says the certificate of available resources is a document says here's the total money you have. You can't spend any more than what what's projected to have. From there we put the annual appropriation measure together. Um, it sounds like a lot of that is the work in our office, but what we really do is the budget is really developed by the leadership team of the district. So, uh, Miss Preston and all of her team put it together. Okay. The HR puts
049it together. You know, our our salary and benefit budget is the most significant part um of our total budget. And so HR works a lot with the the different staff to put that all together to do that. Um this appropriation measure um for the current fiscal period is 158,44,740. [Music] The carryover appropriation from last year or orders that were open not paid at the end of the year amounted at $3,71,273. So the total appropriations for this fiscal period which is within that that certificate of estimated resources is $161 million47614 that or $14 that includes all funds. So the general fund and all the funds. So with this resolution is both the uh the text but it is also by fund and by different cost center within that fund. um the dollar breakdowns of of where
050that spending authority lies with that. So from time to time this annual appropriation measure may be amended. We've come back and asked the board to make some adjustments um in this measure. You know we do know that that there were some dollars put in the general fund um because we were there was some uncertainty about the federal funding and where that would come to us. And so I can tell you that it will be amended um you know up the road when when we move the dollars um or move believe that spending authority from the general fund to the other other federal programs um that have been approved with us and we go through that approval process through the department of education. So the first action item is request uh for approval of the annual
051appropriation measure for fiscal year 202526. Total amount of that annual appropriation is $161,476,14. Thank you Mr. Romano. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion move? Thank you Mr. Rudy. Is there a second? Mr. Chumley. Thank you. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. Rudy, yes. Mr. Chumley, yes. Mrs. Spencer, yes. Mr. Patton, yes. Four, yes. Thank you. Item 9.02 is request uh for approval of the October forecast. Um, as you listen to Mr. Gard talked he kept talking about the changes from House Bill 96 and all the things that that uh created some policy changes and different things. Well, there's some changes on the financial end that that bill also did and one of them was um as you know you know that a key document um historically was the
052five-year forecast. It looked historically our performance financially and then it looked at the current year and then it projected out an additional four years. Thus the current plus the four with the five-year forecast as we went out. The general assembly chose to change that. Um the new dates are um August. So the the forecast and it's not the five-year forecast anymore, but the forecast needs to be adopted um in August and then an update in February. So it's in between. So one of the um you know I don't want to say dilemma, but one of the things with that is it was also uh pretty well um proclaimed that in the current year you need to put your annual appropriation in there. Well, some districts may adopt that in June or temporary or full, but
053technically they have till September 30th to adopt that annual appropriation measure. So, so all of us now need to have our appropriations in line by August 31st because that's going to be an input to the new forecast model that we go forward with it. Um, the second thing um that that really changed with it is it it locked off that fourth year. So it's the current year in three years that we look at the model that we've always used is five years. That is the model that we will continue to use. What we will submit to the state though will be in compliance what they are asking for and that is just three years of history the current budget year three years of forecasts. So although in front of you um it is a five-year
054forecast what gets presented or what gets submitted to the department of education for them to look at and and and review. Primary re review is are we in or headed towards any fiscal distress. Okay. Um um it's just going to be the current year plus three. Okay. As they go forward to do that. Okay. So, um, and there is a presentation with this and and I'm going to go over that first bring that up. Let's do it this way then. It's going to be behind there somewhere. Close that one. There we go. Okay, found it. Um so again um House Bill 96 did do an update um or it it did change the process. An additional change that it did it redefined um that we do have to submit a tax budget. Um this county
055for a period of time has waved the tax budget submission. Uh but this year we will have to go through that process. So going through that process, this becomes a key document as we look forward um to the 26 27 year. Um but that'll be part of the process. Um as I mentioned, we're going to submit the current year plus um three years. So it's four years of projections as we go forward. um this year um because it's the first year and and uh there wasn't time to get it done by August, the uh general assembly said that we could sub we could approve it and get it submitted by October 15th. So that's the process that we are following. Um we will have that updated um and uh presented to the board so that
056we submit it by February 28th of 26 going forward. that probably will contain in it the projections that we have that we submit to the um county tax commission. Okay. The budget commission to do it. Okay. Um all funds um are really included in the five-year forecast that relate to the general fund. So this is just really for the general operating fund. It doesn't include the federal funds, but would include if there is a draw to the general general fund. So if some federal fund got reduced and we had to cover by the general fund that would be included in it um to go forward. Um many of you may not recall but when uh when the district five six years ago had a debt payment that was with the high school and it was
057the obligation of the permanent improvement fund and there weren't sufficient funds in there. general fund had to transfer money to the PI fund that was included in the forecast. We don't have that situation currently um as we go forward with it. Okay. So, uh but we will continue to do um the um the uh the five years on it. Okay. Why do we do this? It is it is really um looking around the corner. So it is it is a a management a governance uh protocol for us to to not just focus on one year but what's happening up the road okay to determine you know our fiscal solveny in years two three and four as we go forward. I've talked with this board in the past. But the nature of funding in school districts
058is that there's an accumulation of funds over time. Inflation takes over, expenses take over, different needs take over, and where you had a cash balance, it does get depleted. Okay? So, you you go to the the community and ask for additional funding depending on how much the state can give you. If that passes, it typically brings in a dollar amount that can last three or four years. As that expires out or expenses catch up and surpass that, you have to go back. So, um, this forecast again gets submitted to the department of education. It's also reviewed by the order of state's office and they look at, you know, are you headed for fiscal distress? After nearly five decades in this in this business, it's almost like it's almost like mortality, right? As every day goes
059on, you're you're you're moving towards some end. Okay. Unfortunately, but but you know, as each day goes forward, you're you're really kind of moving towards some some part of of fiscal distress that you need to resolve. Okay? And that's our, you know, it's our obligation to resolve it as we go forward. Um it is not a perfect science. Um, we had a May forecast. I'm going to go review in a little bit the difference between the May forecast that was just, you know, just a few months ago and what the changes were in this forecast as we created one today to go forward with it. Okay. Uh, as I mentioned, it's not a perfect science. So, so the the forecast in February will be different than the forecast that I'm going to give you today.
060That's because new information is given about what lies ahead. There may be some changes that go forward um within in the current budget. Okay. The forecast contains two big two primary buckets. One with revenue where how we get our money. Primary revenue sources are local property taxes that are are collected. Other local revenues from contributions um from invest earnings on investments. uh but the major major component locally is property taxes. The second major source is uh dollars that we receive from the state. Um the state does a bianium budget every two years which sets out a formula on how they will fund public schools in this state. Um and a lot of data is provided to them. They go through a formula calculation and they let us know how much we'll receive back. Um the
061um the expenditures um again in in in this district like others we are a people uh oriented business. So salaries and benefits are a major component of it. If you compare our district to some other school districts it may seem lower in total. Part of that reason that it may seem lower is because we outsource our transportation. That is about $ 8.7 million a year. Okay. Most of that is, you know, is in three components. A bus drivers and staff that that that you know uh um aids that are on the bus to support the students. Um B the the payment for the buses to keep them running, i.e. the the cost of a bus, the cost of maintenance of the bus. And the third thing is is the fuel for that bus. The there's
062more, but those those are the major components. you know, on that source. But the major component in our budget, okay, is is salary and benefits. Um, as we go forward, um, concerns over the next bianium. Um, you know, the story and and we did some we did a lot of advocacy uh the past year that was because property taxes um were were being highly discussed. There were a lot of bills and a lot of um parts of the bianium bill that that impacted a dollar amount that we receive impacted the ability for our property taxes to grow and impacted our ability to um to raise new funds with that. Um some of those provisions were overridden by the governor. um some of them are still being considered uh to override those vetos and put them
063back in play. And as we know, there's other bills that are out there that could could impact property taxes going forward. So, as this forecast is put together, there's a lot of uncertainty as we look into the future, whether it is before December 31st or whether it is within within this bianium, within the two years as we go forward. Um the governor did put together a um tax reform workg group to study and look at that. Um you know one of the things and I uh I know Mr. Spencer did bring it up about the Ohio Economic Policy Institute document um that that really has a lot of data and information in it. You know, one of the things that I would, you know, recommend to the board, people want a copy of it. Um,
064it is it is listed um on uh on board docs um in the in the treasurer section there. You can download it and read it. The encouragement that I would give you is, you know, some people may say that there there's opinion in there, but as long as you at least look at the data, um it is, you know, valid data and you could kind of draw some of your own conclusion as to what might have been happening in the last couple decades. um where more pressure and more burden has been put on local communities um to fund schools. Specifically in this district where our revenue used to be more of an even share between local and state, it is more a heavier share on our local property owners and less on the state with
065that. Um so the the state budget so the timeline um February God bless you on on the timeline February of of 25 you know the governor's governor submitted the budget the house passed house bill 96 the senate made some modifications to that there was a conference committee um June 30th you know the bill was passed uh there had some vetos in it from the governor um to go forward with it And so there was a lot of uncertainty up until the very end of where we're we were going with it. There's still more concerns as I said going forward. One of the things that I that I always like to do is the the fiscal solveny within any school district, you know, goes to the credit of its residents. Okay. In 2020, um they passed
066an emergency levy for 10 years that provided revenue. At that time, it was really just looked at to maintain and sustain the services that were being provided. Two things occurred after that levy passage or even during the levy passage, we were in the midst of a pandemic. Number one, in 2020, there was also a reappraisal which provided additional funding to the district. There was also a reappraisal which everybody knows about in 2023 that did provide additional revenue to the district that allowed us to go past the projected 2024 um time period. That was 2024 was a projection of of when in 2020 they believed new millage should be put on the ballot. We've extended that at least through 26. And as this board knows, you know, sometime in the next few months, decisions will need
067to be made. Do we need to put another uh issue on the ballot in 26 or in 27? I'll show you some numbers on that forecast. Decision is both a when do we do it and what it does is relate to the amount of millillage. Okay, the forecast does go through 2030. Um, as I said, over a period of time, the balance has declined. So, that's there. Um, during that, you know, the last five years that I've been here, um, you know, the employees, uh, we've had good labor negotiations. The employees between 20 and 203, you know, took minimal increases. we were able to give um you know increases that were uh close to the um the CPI you know to the cost of living um in for 2425 and this current year um so
068so we owe some gratitude um to the employees for that specifically to the board of education as we do a budget as we do a forecast there's some guiding light that that we've we've heeded as we go forward. I'll go back and and I could say something from each one of you that that helped guide us. Okay. From the point of Ryan when you spoke about three years ago about a little bit more when you when you were president that that we're committed to not to only spend what's necessary and and that we we've lived with that as leadership team. We've discussed that and gone forward with that. Okay. Mr. Chumlay, Mr. Rudy helped us focus purpose on where we spend that money primarily in the classroom, primarily for the kids in making sure that
069uh our performance can increase. I mean, that was it was a it was it was pretty significant where we came from and where we are in student performance um through today. Um Mr. Spencer, you know, the utilization of assets that we have and if we're not using assets, you know, then let's either a dispose of them or somehow make them revenue producing, you know, and and we've done that and that's those are things that we've built into these projections. So that guidance is important. Probably the ultimate importance is um you providing to the superintendent and to the staff um the aspirations and the vision of where we want to go. that that's that's our guiding light, you know, putting things together for that. So, what I want to do first before I get into these
070charts, because there's really only three charts in here that I think are are are significant, um, is is let you look at the forecast, okay? Let you look at the numbers. And I'm not going to number you to death. Okay? At least I hope I'm not going to do that. Um, let me get to All right. I know that's difficult for for people to see, but just want to provide a little bit of of analysis of of what happened in this forecast, especially connecting it to where we were in May. Okay. So, I'm going to give you some ending numbers on the cash balance. Okay. So the the the projected ending balance for fiscal year 29 um in May, okay, was a negative 10 million roughly 10,500,000. Okay. Um that's improved. It's now back to
071zero, but it improved to a deficit of 7 million. each of those cash balance years from this current year through 29 there was an improvement and so the question is well what drove that okay there was a component of the revenue two components of the revenue that drove it okay one one component is there there is some projected increase in new construction the new construction would add additional property tax there is a projection going back to a moderate increase of valuation or reappraisal. The next reappraisal is in 2026. So reappraisal is done every three years. Um and that is built in when you look at if you if you really take a study at this forecast and you look at the the um the first line which is general property tax real estate you'll see
072that why do we go down from 25 fc year 25 to fiscal year 26 as the board knows there was an early payment of our August settlement so before the end of the fiscal year June 30th of 25. There was dollar amounts that really typically are received after July 1 that are that were received before June 30th. Okay, that was about $2.1 million total about $1.7 million to the general fund. So, our revenue looks like it went down, but that those funds were really in the cash balance. Okay. to do that. The second thing that happened is on this, excuse me, on the state revenue side, we did get an increase. Okay, there was about $700,000 increase in total state funding that continued on and then there was a second increase um in the 2627
073year. It's not that the formula gave us that increase. It is that increase was due because of our performance. Okay. So on top of the state funding formula uh there was a provision for um additional funding because of our performance. we we hit it's it it was a dollar per student times the number of stars and then there was also a um a component of the momentum that we had with it. So unbeknownst to us um as our performance was improving it quote unquote paid off for us okay to do that. So so the stars were aligned you know with with that happening which is which is good which is positive. we will be we were rewarded for the things that that we made happen to do it. On the expense side, you'll you'll see
074a couple things happen. You'll you'll see that our expenses grew a little bit. Two major components there that had happened. Our salary and benefits are about the same in total, but our insurance, our health insurance did go up uh starting January 1. That increased about 10.8%. Um we had projected been projecting about eight. Um there is some uncertainty you know as we go forward with health care. It is one of the the components you know um not just in our school district but consumers everywhere that that is increasing and so we just have to be conscious of that um to do that. Um I would tell you also that the staffing for this year you know it is looked at every year um when we see the need to add staff we come back to
075the board also when we see the need that that we can reduce positions I'm not talking about people but positions that we do do that so this year u because of where students landed in classrooms we were able to reduce three to five positions um within those ranks One other thing that that that happened and and and again, yes, um the the bond issue did not pass um in the spring and we know that we still have facilities that need attention. And so within that, um we were with our permanent improvement fund, which is really for expenses that are over five years, okay, that are going to last over five years to do that. We had some curriculum needs that we were purchasing out of the PI fund. What what I did in the budget
076is shift some of that to the general fund so that we could secure a dollar amount if we if we have to do roofs, HVAC, boilers, windows, different things that that we start setting money aside and reserving it for those things. We need a warm, dry place for students to come to. And it's prudent on our part to to know that, okay, if they're not going to be rebuilt currently, and we still need to make decisions on that, that we have to start setting money aside for not only keeping those buildings operational, but when more students come to allow for space. Okay? So you'll see that there was some increase, okay, in the expenses that really that were dollars that we were already spending, but it shifted it from the PI fund to the general
077fund to reserve funding for capital improvements if we need it. Not a whole lot, but I I think was the prudent thing to do as we go forward um in order to do that. So the positive news about this forecast is that it's better. Okay. The negative news is there is still right a deficit spend and there is still negative balances projected in the future. Okay. That we need to do. We will continue to work hard of of um moving the ask to the community to as far as we can go. But again, there's a there is a balance between when we go ask and the amount of millage, okay, to do that. So, we'll we continue and we'll always work on on the budget to to go go buy those things that you had
078told us in the past, right? only spend what's necessary, focus on spending the dollars on the kid, utilize our assets properly to do that. So that that is in there to do it. Um, but it is it is a it is a good story that that the you know I don't know how to say it properly that it's less of a deficit, less of a negative balance up the road. Okay, that is there. Okay, so but we'll continually try improve improve that as we go forward with it. Okay, to do that. So, I'm going to jump back to I can do this the right way. There we go. Okay, that was easier than getting there, I guess. Okay, so revenue versus expenditure. As I said, there's really two major components. Revenue expenses that really dictate
079how much money we have left in the bank at the end of the fiscal year. Okay. Um this this year is a year that we start to deficit spend. Okay. Um it it this year was projected in May as a um kind of a balanced budget what we received we spend but because of the of the the statement I gave you earlier. Okay. Where we had money received earlier than the fiscal year that reduced revenue still in the cash balance. Okay. But the expenses um kind of stayed the same. So that was there. So our cash balance is the green line up there. And yes, it is negative. You know, it's a negative situation as it goes down. Okay. Again, as I said, there's a cash accumulation. Inflation catches up and and we start spending
080more than we receive. Okay. With it, the blue line in that graph is our revenue. And so either because we pass a levy locally, because of the valuation increase that provides additional funding to us or the state provides us additional money are the three reasons why that why revenue would increase. Okay, that's it. Other than that, it it pretty much gets flatlined to it. Expenses predominantly follow a path of inflation. The big disruption there um can be students, right? If we have less students or we have more students come to us to be educated. Okay. You mean you don't think anybody's going to come and give us a million dollars and say we are the greatest school we're think maybe maybe someone right I mean your your point there is we need to look for
081alternative revenue sources and and I mean we still do that. Okay. Would be great you know it'd be nice. Yeah. But and you know that has happened. Okay. So the contract that we had with Mercy a couple years ago provided additional funding to this district. Okay. That that used for specific sources. Mr. Gart and Mr. Lefada negotiated a transportation contract where I forgot to mention this but there was an additional there was a contribution back to us of $600,000 from the transportation company. So, um, you know, and that had to do with with putting the contract up for for bid, right? But then negotiating things with with that successful bidder. Um, and you know, in the beginning that was not on the table and those two guys got it on the table. So, there's there
082I mean, you bring up a good point and we we we try our best to get those things. So, that I'm glad you did because I forgot to mention that that's in there. So, we're still looking for that. Okay, that's good. So, two days cash balance. And so, uh the big story with this is when the Department of Education and the auditor's office look at all the numbers, one of the factual things they look at is it our cash balance at the end of June. Okay. How long is it going to last? uh you know different organizations whether it's the government finance officers association or whether it is another you know um credentiing body out there some will say 30 days cash some will say 60 I'm a proponent of 60 days uh mainly because
083we have payroll that happens you know twice a month and and and we have to make payroll so the number of days cash balance is pretty important and you'll see that Um in 2526, okay, we start that decline. Okay. Um we have 100 days at the end of the fiscal year 25. As we go into 26, that starts a decline, right? So when we start spending more than we receiving, that starts eroding away cash balance. That starts reducing our true days cash balance as we go forward. This is though a little bit better than what we projected in May. Okay. So, less of a bad story maybe. Okay. Here's the thing that continues to change for us. All right. Um is is the breakdown of our revenue. And if you look where we get our
084money from, 65 66% from local sources, less than 35% from the state source. that shift continues. Okay. Um and even though we did get a bump from the state, okay, those percentages are still the way they are with it. Okay. The state considers us with that formula. Okay. A a wealthier district than others. Okay. Um and we are a district that when you look at the demographics of it, okay, it's I mean, you know, it's when I look at it, it's it's you know, middle America. It's it's the backbone of it. But where I think it should be more than 5050, that formula does not provide that to us. Okay. As we go forward, that is something we need to look at changing, okay, with it. So, um, and I, you know, our ability to
085go back to our local property owners is a lot of different things, but one of them is can we get more money from the state to do it. Um, on the expenses, again, as I mentioned, majority of our of our dollars in the general fund go to wages and benefits. It's about 7 uh 4% 75%. Okay. The rest of it is materials and services. We did we have and through our budget process within the general fund really focused on our core business. Um and I can still remember the discussion as a leadership team that we had that what is our core business? Well, it really evolves in the classroom, which is providing the right educational materials, which really starts with the teacher in the classroom and then and then the things around it to do
086that. And so, if you look at our budget, that that's where a lot of that is spent. The trend going forward is okay unless you lose a lot of students okay and start reducing staff or reducing things the natural trend is to follow inflation and our expenses increase. So where our revenues at some point get flatlined, expenses typically, unless there's some disruption like a loss of students or where you need to you need to cut your budget because you don't have, you know, you're headed towards that deficit or you're in a deficit, the natural tendency is the same programs and the same things, but things just cost more as you go forward to do it. Um so again just kind of finishing up where we started. Okay. Um we did peak on our cash balance
087and um because those lines of revenue expense lines crossed going forward whether the state wants three years in the future or four years in the future. You know we have to we we do need to have a correction to that. Right. Okay. We can't close our doors. So, um, we're either going to have to impact the revenue line or the expense line or both as we go forward with it. Okay. So, this projection did build in. We adopted the annual appropriations. You will see that the dollar amount of the annual appropriation for the general fund is the same dollar amount that is in this projection for FY26. Okay. as we go forward. So that's a so I won't be labor any longer but the action item is um to get it. So it's there. So
088again, it is the October forecast. Um the request for a motion to approve the resolution approving the West Claremont local school district financial forecast which is due for the FY26 fiscal year by October 15, 2025 which contains the forecast, the notes of the forecast um and the presentation. Thank you, Mr. Romano. You've heard the recommendation. Would someone like to make a motion? Some moved. Thank you, Mr. Rudy. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Spencer. Is there any discussion? One of the comments that I'll say is is thank you for the presentation. Um, that was uh helpful information to highlight all of the pieces that have gotten us to this point and how we got to this point. How we started with a levy in 2020, how we said it would take us till
0892024 and here we are 2025, perhaps 2026. Um, your comments about the staff. I truly appreciate the staff being willing to work with us and to understand um when they come to the table talking about the money that we've gotten the additional resources that they were able to secure from different vendors. Uh the board as a whole sitting up here making good policies and procedures and giving good directions of travel. Uh so this this was a lot um and I absolutely appreciated you explaining this uh for for all to hear and to understand. So do I do appreciate that. Thank you. Roll call, please. Mr. Rudy, yes. Mrs. Spencer, yes. Mr. Patton, yes. Mr. Chumley, yes. Or yes. So, just brief comments. Um, one, appreciate the recognition of uh Paula Wolf with the transparency award.
090um that really re revolves around uh responding to public records requests. Um and one of the thing I want to clarify is although it's our job in the treasur's office to make sure that it's responding, I can tell you that the the depth of different individuals within the district from student services to operations to curriculum to HR. So when people want a record, it's not just records that we maintain in our office, but it's records that are all over the district. So um appreciate the recognition is not just for Paul and for the department, but really for the district and their ability to respond to it and to actually to Mr. Perez because when we get a records request for emails and that the pains that he goes through to to to help us out
091is pretty immense. So it it appreciate that recognition uh for everybody um with it. Um there there I did pass out to the board that Ohio Economic Policy Institute paper that was done on property taxes. Um I gave that to the board. There's extra copies here. It's also on the website, but um you know the big thing for me is is looking at the data. There's a lot of text around it, but if you look at the data, you can come to some of your own conclusions about it. um which I think it's a great document to have. Um the uh appreciate um earlier this week we had excuse me last week we had finance committee meeting and um there that was a full agenda. Okay. So we typically keep the meetings to an hour
092but there is a lot of content and data um you know within that. So I appreciate the two board members um you know uh going through all of that. We kind of do that at lightning speed too. So, thanks for doing that. U the final thing is next Monday, right? 28th. 29th. 29th. Sorry, I should know there's going to be in trouble for that. Okay. Is our annual health fair. Again, there there there is funding from Mercy and from Anthem that that helps us um put that on. I truly appreciate the fact that um we we've had um some good excitement and a lot of help this year from the different departments from HR. If I mention names, I'm going to forget somebody and I'll be in trouble. So, just know that that uh we're
093we're pretty excited because there a lot of people are pulling together to make sure it's a great event for for our staff. just doesn't focus on physical health but on all the different components that our wellness program um puts forward to it. So, and if you're available on Monday, please, you know, show up. Starts at 8 n 9 o' at the high school. Okay. So, appreciate your attendance if you can make it. That's it. Thank you, Mr. Long. Looks like we're moving on to board comments. Spencer, I'm always the first one. Thank you. Well, I want to appreciate I want to thank everyone for coming and I appreciate everyone that came and I appreciate those that may or may not approve of the way we do business. I still like hearing from everyone's opinions. Um,
094but I want a special thanks goes to all the kids from Amelia Elementary and the great job that the teachers and the staff are doing there. And I want to thank the parents for coming out tonight. I know it's a school night and it's a it's a thing. I I I have two grandchildren, too, that do the thing at the home. They're doing the homework and they're doing the lunch packing and the whole thing. Well, I have actually five grandchildren anyway. But I do love and appreciate that the young children spoke and they were very respectful and kind to each other. I know adults that aren't even that kind and and nice to each other, but this is why we do what we do. Uh to be clear that the things that you hear here,
095this is not all that we do. There's lots of back and forth questions that I tend to ask a lot of questions and I think everyone else does too. And everyone is very generous and and trying to help us understand the whole the whole elephant that we're trying to eat with the money and the the all of the policies and everything that's written. But there's more that happens behind the scenes than just this meeting. But I just wanted to clarify that. But uh it's just a small portion of really what we do. But I want to thank everybody and kind of remind everybody that this is homecoming week. This is spirit week. So Friday will be the big parade and then the big homecoming football game and then I guess Saturday will be the big
096dance. But and I hope everybody, all the kids enjoy the spirit week. I know there's pajama days and funny clothes days and all the fun stuff that's going to be happening this week. But I appreciate everybody coming out. Thank you, Miss Spencer. Mr. Chley. Yeah, I want to congratulate Lori and Paula. thank them for their hard work and dedication to the district. I love opening board meetings with recognitions like that. Um but even more than that, I love opening board meetings with our kids. Um it's always it's always great bringing them in here and uh seeing what they're doing. I wish we could do that every time. Um I love celebrating us. Um if we if we spent time celebrating us, we could do it for we'd have to start at 5 in the morning.
097Um, it's just always great to see. Um, I'll piggy back off homecoming. I look forward to seeing everyone Friday uh for the parade and actually some good football hopefully. I'm tired of bad football. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Ch. Mr. Rudy. Um, I don't think I have anything to say. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Rudy. Um, I'm going to start back with the children that were here just to kind of give for those that may not have known like what what this is, but approximately two years ago, this board invested in a program that was designed to to strengthen our learning mo model, boost student success, and stir serve long-term benefits for our schools and community. We are now witnessing a positive return on that investment. We witnessed that this evening with the children as they were
098able to stand in public and speak. That program that is called is leader in me and it is a school improvement model based on research that has integrated leadership character and the life skills into daily learning. It fosters a culture where every child can thrive by empowering teachers and a shared framework and enabling students to take ownership of their own development. Again, we witnessed that by some of the things that the children spoke about. This is a moving beyond a conventional student council roles. Students can take on various responsibilities such as uh leading reading groups, organiz or well organiz organizing community service initiatives and guiding school tours. The objectives is to offer opportunities ranging from classroom duties and public speaking to mentoring and spearheading studentled leadership events to foster essential durable skills like initiative, teamwork
099and responsibility in every student. We are proud to share that the leader meet principal are being intentionally integrated into daily school routine across the district using the seven habits of highly effective people as a guided framework. This significant accomplishment is a direct result of this board's commitment to the investing and encouraging this important work. Um so again I appreciate everything that the the board has done to help continue to move this district in the right direction. And again, it is does ultimately take a village. Uh, as again to piggyback what Mr. Romano said from our staff, um, being very mindful of when it comes to contract negotiations to the things that our our operational director does to the fact of what this board does in the direction that we are taking this district. Um, with
100that also being said, before I forget, our next board meeting for those who wish to join is October 6, 2025. It is at 7 p.m. and it will be here at the civic center. Uh they've already highlighted the other dates. I don't need to reiterate that. Um I do not believe that we have a need to go into executive session. So at this point, would someone like to make a motion to adjourn the meeting? So move. Thank you, Mr. Rudy. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Chumley. I assume no discussion. Roll call, please. Mr. Rudy, yes. Mr. Chumley, yes. Mrs. Spencer, yes. Mr. Pat, yes. Or yes.