Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Regular Meeting 1/28/2026

001Ouch. Good evening. It's 5:30 on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. I'll call to order this regular meeting of the Kaiga Falls City School District Board of Education. Miss Joyco, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Gomez, >> here. >> Mr. Harris, >> here. >> Mrs. Schaefer >> here. Miss White, Mrs. Zimmerman >> here. >> Miss White's not able to be here tonight, unfortunately. Uh, her heater went out and she is at home with the person repairing it in this weather. So, we send her our best wishes. Item B is approval of the agenda. Number one's a motion to approve the agenda. It's recommended the board of education approves the agenda of the January 28th, 2026 board of education meeting. Action by the board of education. Adoption of a consent agenda means that all items are

002adopted by one singular motion unless a member of the board of education, treasurer, superintendent requests that any such item be removed from the consent agenda and voted upon separately. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I. >> Mr. Harris, >> I. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Miss Zimmerman. >> I. >> Thank you. Item C is our item opening ceremony. Number ones areformational items. This meeting is a meeting of the Ka Falls board of education in public for the purpose of connecting the school district's business. It is not a public community meeting, although there are opportunities for public participation. If an individual wishes to address the board regarding a topic found on the meeting agenda, the individual must complete a registration form found inside the attendance

003notebook and present it to the treasurer. Following the introduction of the topic by the board president, followed by board discussion, the individual will be recognized. If an individual wishes to address the board wearing topic not found on the meeting agenda, they must notify the superintendent and or board president of a topic no later than three business days in advance of the meeting. These individuals may share their comments during the board business portion of the agenda. In both cases, the individual will preface comments by announcement of their name and address and limit comments to three minutes. All statements should be directed to the board president. No person may address or question board members individually. An unab board agenda for this meeting can be found on your electronic device at the address shown on the screen behind

004us. And for your convenience, hard copies of the board agenda may be found on the table by the signin book down by Mr. Harris. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Ka Falls Board of Education is February 11th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. here in the 612 Performing Arts Center, but over in the Blackbox Theater. And now for our pledge and welcome, Mr. Harris. >> Please stand for the pledge if you're able. 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. >> Welcome. Our vision Fall City School District, the hub of our community, committed to a culture of caring. We innovate. We create. We personalize education for all. our mission, every student, every day,

005every opportunity. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Brings us to item D, presentations. For the first one, turn it over to Miss Troyco and Dr. Selco. >> Well, okay. I I didn't know who was starting. Um, well, so I just wanted to um let everyone know that's here this evening. Uh, January is board of uh board member appreciation month. And so who you see here before you are four of our five board members. And each month in January, we like to recognize and do a couple of special things for our board uh to show our appreciation for all that they do and the amount of time and hours that they dedicate to your children and our district. And so uh we we've done a couple little things as we do each year. And I recall weather

006or something impacting what I wanted to do last year as well. So, uh, we had some signs delivered to each of their homes and the ground is frozen, so I don't know how successful any of those signs were with getting into their yards, but it was a nice yard sign for them. Uh, we also have a proclamation that we'll read in a moment. We also had a uh surprise for you created by our students, but because of all the snow days, they're in route. >> They're in They will be here in about five minutes. >> Well, there you go. Wow. or special delivery because I didn't think we would have them since with all these uh days that we've been out of school. So, we have a special surprise for you coming and then we'll

007have a little something for you uh in executive session. But, uh with that, um Chris, uh Mrs. Stoyco, we'll be reading a proclamation. Then afterwards, I think we should all applaud our board members uh for all that they do for us. So, Miss Stoyco. >> Okay. Whereas the mission of the public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an everchanging world. And whereas local school board members are committed to children and believe that all children can be successful learners and that the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child. And whereas local school board members work closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our

008students. And whereas local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system. And whereas local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public ex's expectations to the district. Now there we Now therefore we Dr. Andrea Celico, superintendent and Miss Christy Stoycoy, treasure, do hereby declare our appreciation to the members of the Kyogre Falls City School Board and proclaim the month of January 2026 as school board recognition month and the city of Kyogre Falls and the village of Silver Lake. All citizens, join us in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members and in working with them to mold an education system that meets the needs

009of both today's and tomorrow's children. >> All right. [applause] Thank you. >> Now we have presentation number two, our PBIS recognition, Mrs. Holly Merkel. I think she's gonna start by helping everyone understand what PBIS means. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Thank you for being here on this frigid evening. Um, tonight I'm really excited to recognize several of our school buildings for earning PBIS recognition awards from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for the 2425 school year. So for last school year, PBIS or positive behavior interventions and supports is a schoolwide approach that focuses on teaching positive behaviors, setting clear expectations, and creating safe, welcoming environments where students feel supported and ready to learn. In our district, families may know this as Black Tiger Pride. Across preschool through 12th grade, students are taught to

010be respectful, take responsibility, and practice safety. [snorts] These expectations are embedded across the district from classrooms and hallways to buses and cafeterias. This helps create consistency as students grow and move from one building to the next. students or excuse me, schools earn PBIS recognition by consistently teaching these expectations, acknowledging positive behaviors, and supporting students when challenges arise. There are three levels that a building can earn: bronze, silver, or gold. And we had six of our nine buildings earn one of these awards. So, we'll start with our bronze um award recipients. And um on behalf of Bolic Elementary, I don't think uh Mrs. Tucker could be here today, so Mr. Oswald is going to accept the award on behalf of Bolic Middle School. [applause] And I just have to give a special shout out to Mrs.

011Tucker and her team. They worked really hard as we looked to merge our middle schools to make sure we had really clear and consistent expectations across the middle school. So, a special shout out to your team. >> Yep. Absolutely. On behalf of Silverlake Elementary, if Mrs. Travelli could come forward. [applause] And then we'll move to our silver award recipients. So on behalf of Dwit Elementary where Mrs. Scalla, please come forward. [applause] And on behalf of Preston Elementary, if Principal Brown could come forward. [applause] And then our last silver award recipient is Richardson Elementary. So if Mrs. Mr. Lanchka, come forward. [applause] >> And then we actually had one school that earned gold, which is the highest that you can achieve um in the state. And I'm not sure, at least in my time in the

012district, I don't recall anyone receiving gold. Um, but it is Lincoln Elementary. So, if Mrs. Hall could come FORWARD [applause] [applause] >> [clears throat] >> So beyond our individual schools that we just mentioned, our district also earned statewide PBIS recognition. There's about 700 districts across the state and we were one of 67 that earned this award. And we did so because we had six of our nine buildings receive some kind of state recognition. Um and it really shows that we were committed as a district to implementing PBIS. So I'll just close on a personal note. Um these achievements and these recognitions are really um the result of dedication from our staff, our teachers, our administrators, students and families. Um when I walk into the buildings um I see these recognitions that in action I see

013that we're teaching expectations, reteing expectations when needed um and really creating safe and welcoming environments where our students are really supported. So thank you for um all of the hard work in the buildings and congratulations [applause] and thank you Mrs. Merkel for your leadership in that area. Uh next up we have Mr. Johnson for athletic recognition um for some of our fall athletes. >> Good evening. Uh I first would like to uh thank the board of education and Dr. Celico for having me here this evening and getting the chance to honor our student athletes um who had outstanding seasons. This past uh fall has been something uh very difficult. We went through a transition transitioning from Clifford Stadium to Lambert Stadium. And it was one of the hardest but greatest accomplishments I think we've done

014in our athletic program in a while. Um it took so many great people to make this happen and I wouldn't have been able to do it without the leadership of Dr. Celico, our board of education, all our central office members. um just it took so many people but our coaches, our athletes, our families, our parents. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um tonight, um it is my privilege to recognize four outstanding student athletes who earn first team all suburban league honors in their respective sports. This is one of the highest individual honors an athlete can receive as is that as it is an award based on opposing coaches who see what athletes do firsthand. We are proud to honor these four individuals. And if you could please come up all together. First, Zoe Green, girls

015volleyball, first team, all suburban league. [applause] That's right. Next is Lily Plovic, first team all suburban league girls soccer. And Lily, if you could come up this way, that'd be [applause] Next is Joey Stifler, first team all suburban league boys soccer. [applause] And our final final athlete is Giovani Tuttle. Uh first team all suburban league football. I don't think Giovani is here tonight, but we can still give him a round of applause. [applause] I also need to send a special happy birthday wish to Joey Stifler today because I know it's his birthday. So, we can wish him a happy birthday as well. >> [applause] >> Um, these four athletes not only are exceptional on the field and court, but they excel in the classroom. Their combined uh grade point average is over 4.0 and many

016of them carry over a 4.2 or higher accumulative GPA. The level of academic achievement paired with academic or athletic excellence speaks volumes about their work, discipline, and commitment. Each of these student athletes is a leader. a leader in competition, leaders in the locker room, leaders within the school and community. They model what it means to truly be a Black Tiger. We want to thank these guys again and uh great season. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Johnson. And next up, we have Miss Bogden for our dynamic fourth grade duo staff star award. Good evening. So many people getting recognized this evening. Congratulations to everybody. Um, it is my honor every month to stand up here and help recognize staff members that are nominated by their colleagues. And this evening, I want to ask Aaron

017Fulton, who nominated two of our amazing ti top tigers or staff star awards recipients um to come up and join me as we recognize and Tammy Brown. Get up here. Tammy Brown [snorts] at Oh, yeah. You can clap for them. [applause] You need to fill in the space. It's a long one. And we are recognizing this evening two amazing teachers, uh, Lisa Hman and Joanna Schmelzer. So, come on up. [applause] Knowing you two, I thought you'd go that way and make it even longer. I knew you would. I knew [laughter] you would. I will take my mask off because um Lisa, I don't know if you know this, but I have personally been quarantining at home for the last three days just for you, >> right? I love you. >> Oh, I love you too.

018Um, so I nominated um Joanna and Lisa for this award. Now, typically it is given to a single person. However, this team is just a powerhouse together and I know that they needed to be recognized together because of that teamwork. Um, they are an amazing group of teachers and I'm not going to read what I wrote, but I want you to kind of hear what I see when I enter their classrooms. So first when I come into their classrooms the first thing that I consistently see is that structure that they have the structure that they have built into the classroom and it's never that harsh and rigid structure. It's that loving structure that gives kids that safety that they need during the day that makes them feel welcome and warm and makes them uh participate

019in all of the activities that are being done throughout the day. So when I enter the room typically they are joining their classrooms together and usually when you see that many kids coming together you would expect chaos. However, as they will both tell us everything runs like clockwork because they have built in so much structure into their day that all they have to do is say one word and their kids are rearranging the entire space in order to accommodate all those students and be prepared for a lesson with everybody together. Um, now while I am going through those lessons, what I typically see is a lot of engagement and you can tell that is from the consistency of their classroom. They have given their students expectations. Their students feel comfortable raising their hands. When I

020am doing my lessons, I'm doing them on technology that the students don't always have familiarity with. However, they are never afraid to raise their hands. they feel that confidence and that safety from being in this structured environment. Um, and then while I am taking a backseat and watching them teach, they show that they hold their students to high expectations. Their students are raising their hands. They're participating. I don't see students who are off task. I see them fully engaged in the curriculum. And I see them enjoying being with their teachers that they know they're being held to higher expectations. and I think they feel safe and welcome because of that. Uh so I wanted to make sure that I recognize them as that team because I am very sad to say that this is their

021last year of teaching. So I wanted them to be recognized for the true powerhouse collaboration that they show every day in the classroom. [applause] >> [applause] >> speaking on behalf of my friend and I. Um, thank you. Thank you parents for entrusting your kids with us. Um, I think it's worked out pretty well. And Erin, thank you. That Thank you. >> Was awesome. >> Yes. And for us to be going out together >> 33 years. >> Yes. What a year. What a year is. >> Thank you. Thanks. [applause] So, I want to thank Aaron and Miss Bogden and Dr. Celico and the board. I love that these two have been recognized. They are fantastic, just human beings. Um, when I came to Preston 10 years ago to be principal, one of the greatest things about

022it was all of not only the young Black Tigers, but the alumni that worked in the building. I think we were at eight when I started. And these are two. So I so appreciate that we are um initiating the stand and the microphone with two Black Tiger alumni with this wonderful award that they deserve so much. They will be greatly missed. And they never just sit back and say, "Oh, it's our last year. We're going to kick back." Nope. They're working harder. They're seeing what Jod's sending them next to do and they're making sure other people see it. And they are just a shining light in the building that will be missed. >> Thank you. [applause] Okay, that brings us to our top tiger recognition. Ask Dr. Selco to go up to the microphone and

023get us started. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> All right, just making sure we're all still there, still awake. It's such a different setting we're not accustomed to. So, the good news is I guess this is could be good news. You are all kind of the the the experiment this evening because we have not had our top tigers in the auditorium uh before. So, welcome number one. And if it's your first time here, hopefully you are enjoying the beauty of this uh facility. We are just super excited and impressed with it and hope you are as well. Um so we are really a little out of sorts because we're we're going to be doing things for the first time and that's okay because this is many the first time for many of you. So you

024won't know really any different. So just follow our lead and hopefully it'll all go smoothly. That's our plan. So um how many of you for the first time are rec being having a student recognized as top tiger? anybody? Okay, very good. All right, so let me tell you a little bit about uh the recognition itself and then we'll get into uh some more of the directions. So Top Tiger is an award that's given by our uh board of education to students uh each month and the students are chosen by various staff members in their buildings and I get the honor of reading about each one of them. So I'm going to ask and students I need you to follow directions really closely, okay? We're going to try this out and if it doesn't work that

025well, that's okay. We can always revise and you know for next time. But all right. So students, when I call your name, here's what's going to happen. You're going to come up. The easiest way is to come up these stairs here and come like right around here. Um Mr. Harris is going to help me in just a moment. He'll come up and give you lots of uh awards and prizes and goodies. And then you are going to stand here while I read about you. And then you're going to come around here. And Miss Stewart is here and she is going to take your picture. Now, here's where it gets a little different. We are going to after you take your picture, you're going to sit on the risers that are behind here and you're going

026to wait as we go through all the students and then at the end we will have opportunities to get some good pictures of everyone together. Families, you'll have an opportunity to take pictures as well. Um, when we are finished with that, we are going to head back to the lobby which is this way and to the left. you'll see like our lobby area where there's some um displays of different artworks, etc. You will uh go back there and get uh a t-shirt and some further directions from I believe Mr. Arjun. So, you you're you're here this evening. So, he will give you some further directions. Um in addition, it's not in front. I thought I would look. Mrs. Carile, I see you smiling back there. Where are the signs? I don't have one up here,

027do I? >> You have them. Okay. Well, you're going to get a great yard sign from our uh teachers union and Mrs. Carile is here representing. She's the president of the teachers union who were kind enough to purchase those. So, you could put those in your yards or in your um in your windows. So, you're going to go home with lots of fun stuff. But all of those things aren't possible without our generous community sponsors, including our Kaihoga Falls Schools Foundation and Alumni Association. So we want to thank our partners who have helped make this evening and every month possible and all the awards that we give to our students. So at this time I believe Mr. Argus is going to come up from the foundation and say a few words. And I'm noticing a

028delay. So this we are learning as we go here that things take a little longer because we have lots of walking and transitions that we didn't have in our other in our library. But that's okay. This is great. It's a great display for our students, right? All right. Thank you. >> First, I'd like to uh welcome all of you that came tonight um and brave that uh frigid arctic weather that we're having. It's wonderful to see this many people. And I I want to say how proud I am of this building. Uh I am a again a very proud fall alumni. My name is Dan Arjunis. I graduated Ka Falls High School in 1970. I'm a Lincoln Elementary School um alumni, a Sill Middle School, which is gone alumni. And the reason I'm telling you

029this is because if what as your as a top tiger and you've grown up here in Kyogre Falls, it's a wonderful place. I think one of the best places to grow up in the country. And again, f first of all, thank you Dr. Celico and the board for having us here. Um the T the alumni association is is rather unique. We're a foundation then we sponsor every year around $150,000 in scholarships that students can um uh apply for and uh every year for the past many years that I've been involved, we've been extremely blessed to have a number of great students go to colleges all around the country. and it's been our our honor to help them with this with our foundation monies. We also have a part of our our group is the alumni

030association and what we do is we have a website where we put uh we have information like the uh people your yearbooks every yearbook from gosh I believe the late 1800s all the way through to recently have been scanned and are on the website. uh we have also do a memoriam. We have information for the scholarships. So it's a very robust uh website and uh when you get your top tiger award today, we'll have a folder for you so that you can take it home and access the site. We we encourage everybody if you're born, raised, and went to school and graduated from Kyhoga Falls, we encourage everybody to become a member of our alumni association. And it what it does is it helps us give gives us the opportunity to give more students an

031opportunity to go on with their education. We're again very honored for that. And just as Dr. Celico said, we are set up in the uh lobby. If you go out the back door and to the left, there's some glass cases that um are showcasing some student art. I'll have a table there. We'll have t-shirts for you. Again, those folders and I think the art signs as well. Again, thank you very very much uh board Dr. Celico and us for letting us be a very humble part of this. And again, congratulations to all the top tigers. Thank you. [applause] All right. Well, students, are you ready? >> Oh my goodness. Two people are ready. Oh goodness. Well, then I think we should just go home if we're not ready. >> Right. Are you ready? I'm ready.

032All right. Now, the parents are getting involved. All right. We're ready. Okay. So, we're really going to throw you again. I'm going to throw the board off a little bit because they are so used to my system which is going in alphabetical order and starting with our our elementary schools. Well, guess what elementary principles? We're not starting with you. And the reason is we have young ones here and to sit up here. We're going to see how well I have confidence that our older students will last longer on the stage and maybe our little ones that you would do great. I know it. But we're going to rely on our older students to model that first. Okay. So, we're going to start with our high school students. But before I do that, what I'm going

033to ask, there's one detail that we missed that we didn't do this evening, which was to have our students, if you could come maybe over here. Um, if you're getting your name called this evening, can you come over here and then when I call your name, it'll be easier for you to come forward. That was our little oversight. So, sorry. So, if you're getting an award, come on over here. Mr. Elder is here to help. >> Oh, they're all coming now. >> Thank you. Excellent. And he's fine there, too. We're all good. >> Okay. >> All right. Well, we're going to get started. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you for your cooperation there. All right. So, our first student we're going to start to to recognize this evening is from our high school and is Taylor

034Carr. Oh, all ready to go. Taylor. Yep. Come on up. So, Taylor's going to come up here. [applause] Okay. Mr. Mack and Mr. Nulan has ha have had the privilege of working with Taylor aka TC. All right. for the past three school years through their agriculture program, which I was guessing that was the case. During this time, she has been one of their most dependable students, as evident through her work as an ambassador of their program for the past two years. Taylor routinely travels to schools inside and outside the district to share her knowledge. And whether she is turning compost oo on an 80°ree August afternoon or caring for the chickens when the temperature is in the single digits, Taylor does it with a positive attitude and a work ethic that few could match. I

035actually have a picture with a chicken. I'll show you one day. We have no doubt that whatever she chooses to do in the future, it will be done with passion, integrity, and a huge smile. Congratulations. [applause] Our second high school student is unable to be here, but we won't feel too badly because she's in Orlando, so we won't feel too bad. Um, and that student is uh Brooklyn Roman. So, congratulations. We can try to >> [applause] >> uh have him next time. All right. Our next student is from the Kaihog Falls Middle School, and that is Leilana Guest. She's here this evening. [applause] All right. As an exemplary eighth grade student, Leilana balances her academic commitments with significant extracurricular involvement, including her participation on the wrestling team and her role on the middle school morning

036announcement team. She consistently demonstrates Black Tiger pride through her unwavering dedication to her studies and her proactive sense of responsibility. Known for her welcoming personality and integrity, Leilana is a student who can always be relied upon to do the right thing. She is highly regarded by both her peers and the faculty as a trustworthy and helpful leader. We thank her for her positive contributions and for serving as a role model within our school community. Congratulations [applause] Nice. [applause] All right. Our next student is Amelia Horn. Ameilia. [applause] >> Congratulations. Amelia's teachers state that Amelia has a great attitude and is very resilient. She is often seen helping others inside and outside of the classroom. Amelia also volunteered her time to help run the middle school's annual reindeer games before winter break. She is friendly, helpful,

037a hard worker, and is a great example of a black tiger. Ameilia, keep continue to keep up the great work. Congratulations. [applause] All right, we're heading into our elementary schools. Ready? We're going backwards though. Starting with Silver Lake, Max Crest, [applause] Max digging that tie. Nice. The cancel. Max has established himself as a kind and caring student. He is dedicated to working hard in the classroom every day and enjoys learning new things. Max also knows kindness shows kindness to his peers and always includes others. Furthermore, his dedication to kindness and commitment to learning is inspirational to his peers. His consistent effort in showing Black Tiger pride through responsibility, kindness, and sta safety made him a clear choice for this recognition. Congratulations. [applause] Max, you're gonna get your picture. Let me get your picture. Miss Stewart

038was off task. There she is. All right. Our next student is Benjamin Summers. Benjamin. [applause] So, do you go by Ben, Benny, Benjamin, Ben? All right, I got it. That's good because that's what it said right there. I was just testing you. All right, you can smile. It's okay. Loosen up. He's a little nervous. All right. Ben was chosen as a top tiger for consistently showing positive traits. He demonstrates responsibility by always having his homework completed and turned in on time. He also shows exceptional kindness to peers by welcoming others to play at recess. That's very kind. Furthermore, Ben is an eager learner who easily accepts new challenges and always strives to do his best. Way to show Black Tiger pride with everything you do. We are proud of you. Congratulations, Ben. [applause] All right,

039moving on to Richardson. Our first student is Wyatt Allen. [applause] All right. Wyatt is one of the top leaders in his grade level. He never complains and takes on responsibilities with ease. His participation in class discussions is valuable, always providing thoughtful insight. He is helpful, concerned about others, and liked by everyone. At school, he participates in 24 math and is outstanding at Gaga Ball. Oh, I know that pit over there. Yep. Wyatt says math is his favorite subject. Outside of school, he likes to play basketball, hang out with friends, and his sister. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Wyatt. Congratulations. [applause] Now, how unusual is this? This is our second Ameilia. Am I right? Didn't we have Ameilia earlier? We don't see that as often. All right. Well, our next student

040is Amelia Picarski. [applause] >> Ameilia exemplifies Black Tiger pride. She never complains and takes on responsibility with ease. Hi. >> She comes in each day ready and eager to learn. She participates in class discussions, always providing thoughtful insight. She is helpful to her peers, concerned about others, and has a kind heart, which makes her liked by everyone. Outside of school, she loves playing basketball, going to art classes, and hanging out with her family, especially her brother. Wow. You don't hear that often. Good job, Emil. You get bonus points. Keep up the good work. Congratulations, [applause] All right. Our next student is from Price and that is Samuel Bai. Said it right. I'm getting a nod, [applause] but he's not here. All right. All right, Samuel. Well, we'll let him know, Miss Wyoff, that we were

041talking about him. All right. Our next student is Luna Port. Luna. [applause and cheering] Luna. >> Luna demonstrates perseverance in the classroom. She approaches assignments, even challenging ones, with a positive, can do attitude. A great example of her dedication is her approach to our math work. When math problems don't come easily or take longer than her peers to finish, she cheerfully and responsibly takes the work home and returns the completed problems the very next day. Beyond academics, Luna is a kind classmate who shows empathy. She considers how her actions affect others. We often observe her showing kindness by making requests to peers in a polite, friendly voice. We are so proud of the positivity Luna shows every day. [applause] All right, moving on to Preston. We have Kelly Lockheart. Kelly, Kelly here. [applause] >> All

042right. Well, congratulations to Kelly. >> Our next student is Rian Ryan. [applause] All right. >> Hi, Rian. Rion has been ready to learn since the moment the school year began. He is a joyful student who is always excited about what's next. He is always participating and keeps his teachers on their toes with his intelligence. He has such a positive attitude and finds the good in others. He is creative and enjoys putting puzzles together or building with Legos. His He cheers his classmates on each day and is a great example of kindness and positivity for everyone. Thank you for being such a bright light at Preston. Congratulations. [applause] >> All right, moving on to Lincoln. We have Roman Capone. [applause] I'm making all these connections. Our high school student's last name was Roman. Wow. It's exciting

043to me. I maybe not for you guys. I'm getting excited over here. All right. Hi. Ready? All right. All right. Roman is an excellent student who works very hard to be successful. Roman is kind, respectful, and a good friend to all. Roman is always looking for ways to help others academically as well as socially. He has a very big heart and always knows when somebody needs a little pickme up. Roman includes everyone and is a team player. Outside of school, Roman is very active. He has been a ninja warrior. Whoa, look out. At Super Ninja World in Kyoga Falls for four years. I know that place. My daughter went there for one day and that was it. Yeah, that's all it took. I don't want to go back. All right. Roman loves to draw and

044create graphic novels. He has had aspirations of being in the army since he has he's been two. Keep up the great work, Roman. That's very great. That's good to hear. [applause] Congratulations. All right. Our next student from Lincoln is Anna Royston. [applause] All right. Anna embodies the spirit of a quiet leader who consistently sets a positive example for her peers. Although she is soft-spoken, her actions speak volumes for she is exceptionally kind, bright, and well-mannered. Anna demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and is always willing to help. Whether it's assisting a classmate, lending a hand to the teacher, or helping around the classroom, her love for learning shines through in her dedication to reading, schoolwork, and engaging in focused activities like puzzles and art. Outside of the classroom, she cherishes time spent with her family.

045Way to go, Anna. Congratulations. [applause] All right, Tristan, are you ready? Tristan, we're moving on to preschool. >> You skipped. >> All right, >> you skipped a web. >> Oh, I did. Well, you know what we're doing, Tristan? Because I already told them it's coming. I don't I I don't know. That would be tragic if it's not in here. Maybe it's sticky. Oh, there it is. Well, he's coming up. Ready? All right, we're going to preschool. Tristan, come on up, buddy. This is Tristan Gordon, our preschooler. [applause] There are dit friends, I bet, huh? All right, Tristan. We are proud to honor Tristan for the incredible growth he has shown throughout the school year. He has built strong, meaningful relationships with his peers and has developed a genuine love for listening to and attending readalouds.

046He enthusiastically participates in every learning center, approaching each activity with curiosity and confidence. His warm and caring nature shines through in the affection he shows his teachers, often sharing hugs and blowing kisses to let them know how much they are appreciated. Are you good at blowing kisses? >> I Oh, yay. Thank you. He has grown so much as a preschooler and is truly ready for kindergarten. We are so very proud of him and all that he has accomplished. Good job. [applause] All right, we'll move along to wit and keep it moving. Okay, sorry about that. It was stuck. Good thing Mr. Gomez pointed it out. Olivia Richardson, come on up. [applause] >> Olivia is a star example of black tiger pride. She takes her learning seriously and shows that by always being ready to learn

047with her materials out, her ears open, and her eyes on the speaker. Olivia has a strong growth mindset. She keeps trying even if she needs to practice until she until she gets things right. She has even been spotted using some of her mindfulness strategies when she needs a break. Olivia is not only a star student, she is a wonderful friend. She cares deeply about being kind and including others. If there is a job that needs done or a friend that needs help, the class knows they can count on Olivia. Congratulations everyone. [applause] >> All right. And our final student of the evening is Chance Yanuk. [applause] Thank you for waiting so patiently. Patiently, Chance, of course you're patient. You're you're a top tiger, right? All right. Chance is the perfect example of what a black

048tiger should be. He approaches every day with a strong work ethic and an in inspiring dedication to doing his very best work on each task. Chance is also exceptionally caring and friendly, always looking for ways to help his fellow students and anyone in need. He faces challenges head-on, refusing to shy away from them, and diligently works until he achieves success. His commitment to being truthful, his passion for sports like soccer, and his kindness to his siblings all contribute to making him a true delight to have in class. Congratulations, Chance. >> [applause] >> All right. Well, that was such Oh my gosh, that was so exciting. I just love reading about all the students. And each time I'm always looking for common themes, right? Like we continue to hear how responsible our students are, how empathetic,

049how caring, kind, all of those great great attributes that we'd like to see in our students. And again, I always say this, but it's true. like our students, it's not by chance that they are demonstrating all of these qualities. So, parents, families, those of you who are uh here this evening uh with your children, please let's have a round of applause. >> It's [applause] by chance for by chance for >> It's by chance for chance. >> Oh, chance. Yes. By chance, chance. Yes. Or see all these connections this evening. Um before we move on, we're going to take some pictures, right? All right. And then what would you like families to do about pictures? So, what we're what >> Yeah. Okay. Uh, what we're going to do is we're going to take a group shot.

050We'll have our board of education members come up first and we'll do um a group shot and then I'll move out of the way. We're going to bring the screen up here momentarily. Magic. And um we will um I'll move out of the way and then you'll have the opportunity to take a group shot without me being in the the picture. And then um you're welcome to go out to the the lobby to get your yard sign and your legacy t-shirt. And then um I'm going to have all of our other recognes, our athletes, our principles that did our PBIS and our staff star awards come up and we'll do our adult adult pictures after that. >> Okay. One last thing because we have our new development before we do this. Um, I want to

051point out that every board member for board appreciation month will get a Mr. Harris is here. So, I'm going to hand he will model this. So, he's going to get his certificate of appreciation as well as I don't know if this is yours, but we'll we'll show you what we are waiting for board members. So, here's these were created by our IMD class. It's Mr. Gomez for you. It's stripes driving the bus. [laughter] Kyoga Fall City School District. And on the back it says our three goals. culture of caring, facilitating our financial future, and steering to student achievement. So, each one of them will get this. >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Thanks everyone for obliging and for being patient through our process. So, we'll get some >> Thank you guys. Are we all done

052with photos? Yes. Thank you. Okay, President Gomez, can you give me a thumbs up when you're ready to restart? Okay, we're ready for item E, Treasurer CFO's business consent agenda. Mr. Doy, >> thank you. I'd like to recommend the board of education approve all items listed in the treasur's consent agenda. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? just for two minutes from the organizational and regular meeting last time. >> Any questions or comments from the board? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Harris, >> I. >> Mr. Schaefer, >> I. >> Mr. Zimmerman, >> I. >> Mr. Gomez, >> Item F. Your business. >> Uh, I'd like to recommend the board of education approve the December 2025 investment schedule and monthly spending report. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion, please. >> Yes. um

053couple of things. So, first we'll look at interest to take a gander. Um we had a a good month of interest, especially in the in the cops fund. Um so, right now at the midway point through the year, we're a little over a million. Um most of that about 250,000 of that is in the general fund. Um so um and the with the remainder being in our uh specialized accounts. So um so hanging in there even though we had uh you know obviously you can see in general fund we had some lower balances so those amounts are not as huge for December um but I'm guessing we'll see something very similar um over the next six months. Um general fund Um so this is another as as I said it you know it follows the

054trend pattern here of um you know being one of our lower months um in revenue. So obviously a negative result of operations which um I had said in agenda review not to to panic and when you get to the bottom and it looks like $33,000 um which is what we have in the general fund. Now we are going to start um you know the second half where we get all that revenue up front. Um you may see in January a negative number just due to the fact similar to how you do at times in food service in you know as as the timing of those payments and things like that. Um we are not in a any kind of cash situation. Obviously if you look at the reconciliation we have about $23 million in cash

055between all of our accounts. Um, I know it's a little hard to while they're separated by fund in the book, I don't have a separate bank account for each fund. So, um, we do have that kind of flexibility, um, there. So, um, >> well, I don't want to say don't be alarmed. It it's not, this was not unexpected. As we said, this is what, you know, we've kind of been working to address um, within the forecast. I'll have the forecast at the second meeting in February. Um, you know, we knew we were going to end this year. Um, it was, I believe, a little under $500,000, so not much. Um, again, what's going to be hard, um, with the forecast being in February now, is that, um, I don't want to say the word, for

056lack of a better term, I'll say it's going to seem less accurate. It's not necessarily the accuracy is off. It's that when we have a forecast that's in May, we're almost to the end. We pretty much know everything that's happening. I know what our insurance renewals. I know all this. So, the difference between the May forecast and how we kind of end the year usually isn't that significant of a difference. It's you know, it's it's u you know, non why can't I think of the word right now? I want to say minuscule, but it's that's not the word. You know what I'm trying to say. [laughter] negligible. >> So >> negligible. >> And so um being it now in February, you know, if people are going to start saying, "Okay, let's compare the second forecast

057of the year to how you it's going to look different. Um we have a lot of unknowns still. We don't, like I said, we don't do our insurance renewals until April. Um you know, we could still get more retirements resate. You know, I I we're getting all those things. um you know and some people wait until closer to May, closer to the end of the school year and obviously we have that information in May. Um so um I just say all that as a caveat before we start that you know before that happens next month that you know it it's going to be more similar to what a November previous November forecast looked. It's it's not going to be that there's not a lot that goes on between that no November and um February. And

058then the same thing is going to happen unfortunately again in August because August is right after the start of the year. Um I mean school is barely back in session with with staffing and and all of that. Some of that will not be finalized by by August even last minute things. um which you know is uh I I do not like the forecast change um but it is what you know kind of what we're dealing with right now. So um but this is about where we expected to be um given what we had in the forecast in October. One of the things we talked about at agenda review was that um bills for first half collections just went out in the mail on Friday for Summit County from the fiscal office and they're not due.

059Last day they're due is February 27th. So when we do this February forecast, we won't even have all of our money in from the fiscal office for first half collections. So, we won't even have that money. And we also won't know what our delinquency rates are. Um because, you know, we've talked a lot about property taxes. People say we're having a hard time paying them. With that comes delinquency rates of people not paying them when people don't pay their taxes. We just don't get that money. And that's the delinquency rate. That will be another big thing is normally we have the final settlement by the time we would do that forecast which includes delinquencies which includes any potential refunds that are due back to um people who have contested their valuation. Um and we don't

060really get that usually till April sometime that finalized you know we get advances up till then but we really don't get like the breakdown of it all and like the final numbers until April. So that'll be really hard to forecast when you don't even have one full collection in. And then with the August um one, we won't have the full second collection in by the time the August one's due. So it kind of puts it >> with very weird timing in terms of understanding that taxes, property taxes are our main source of funding um with what the state has given us. So >> yeah, >> going off of those collection cycles is how we understand how our funding works. >> And in the future, it could complicate it more. Um, you know, now that there

061are provisions in legislation um to reduce inside millillage to be inflation. Um I don't know that we're necessarily we'll know, but again, we're not going to know the extent of it as as Mr. Gomez said when it comes to uh when it's time to do the forecast. um you know what those we'll know what's been build again but um what happens with that is we won't we don't know until settlement which if for um the fall is typically in the end of September so >> and I'm not sure they decided what they're setting the inflation on like the state tax commissioner in October of every year puts out a number is that the number they're going up because I would be shocked because that number is usually six, seven or 8%. >> So I don't

062know that that would be the intent of their bill because their intent is >> to be much lower than that, but the state tax commissioners rate is usually in the six to 8%. >> Go back and double check like right now what's in our software um is like right around 9%, it has to do I don't know specifically how they're going to how it was written into law. I just know that they're using like the GDP um as part of that and so um where they're pulling that number specifically from because >> that's really what's going to be motivating. >> Yes. Um and yeah, so um I'll have to I'm going to have to look back in and see if there's if I can get more specifics on specifically where they pulled that number from.

063Um but it it does offset, you know, um those are in, you know, normally we're not seeing a lot of growth in between appraisal years. Um but for us, 2026 is a reevaluation year. Um and they're still expecting somewhere between 10 and 15% um increases in valuations. And um you know, that's not going to be the we're not going to realize the full extent of that on our inside millillage. But we are going to be penalized for it on the state side as if we are getting it. >> What's the benefit of of the forecast in February and October? >> Um my understanding is that because they've also given more authority to county budget commissions. they have it before they are require their requirements to provide us with a certificate of estimated resources our rates

064and amounts um before there we're supposed to approve permanent appropriations so that they this is not really going to be an issue for us at the moment in Summit County but in other counties where the budget commissions have really I mean they've gone to the extent where they're making school districts present their data they want all of that stuff before they have to make their decisions on certifying levies or saying they're going to reduce them or not reduce them because they have now ultimately more power and power uh you know over some local control decisions that may have happened that they can say we don't think you need it. Um and so this information ties up with giving them all that school information to say oh well here's their forecast. Here's what they say they're

065going to have. They don't really need XY. >> It's more convenient for them, but it's not necessarily going to be accurate information. >> Okay. >> Which also may be the point. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> I mean, true. >> All right. Well, all right. Well, not I don't know that that's a strong argument either because if a county budget commission wants you to present information, it behooves a district to put that information together anyway, regardless of >> where they are at in a fiveyear >> Yeah. >> forecast cycle. You would just want to put your best foot forward and produce that information regardless of >> Yeah. There have been some interesting stories about different county budget commissions across the state of Ohio and their level of being involved >> really >> um in the in the

066local school district process when they really don't [clears throat] should not have any >> really any say if if if voters have um you know approved or you know whatever then then that's that. And they've there's been some really I've heard some some crazy stories. I'm glad in Summit County we don't have that um because it has really proved um you know problematic for some of those counties in those school districts >> because there's a lot of multicount school districts even in even the ones you think aren't um is actually also in Portage County Stow is also in Portage County >> I think most people know Mador split between two counties but people don't think about town and Stow being in port county. >> So, they have to go to both budget commissions. >> Wow.

067>> Springfield's in porch county, too. >> There's a lot of split pain. I'm glad we're not. [laughter] >> So, um and really I think that's the basis of it. We're in the same boat kind of, uh food service. Um, we did just receive a reimbursement today for over 100,000. So, that is good. And then, um, I pointed out, uh, at agenda review that athletics is is still doing well. And I don't think all of the money was in from, um, the last home game, um, at the old at the old building. So, um, they're they're doing pretty well. ticket sales have been um I've noticed to be a little bit higher than previous years with the new building I'm sure is attracting more people and um and you know ending of one beginning of another

068so that's good for them that's >> any other questions or comments from the board >> is the the food service caught up on the reimbursements or are they still behind on reimbursements? >> So, they're always going to be behind. So, like that was December's that we just got, >> but from the shutdown they've been >> Yes. Yes. Yeah. There's Yeah, we're not that far behind anymore. Yeah. So, this was December's and then then they're always like that month >> right >> behind because they submit it at the end at the end of the month for what has happened um in the month. >> Thank you. >> And then this month will be smaller because of lost days. Got it. >> Please call the role. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> I Zimmerman. >> I. >> Mr. Gomez.

069>> I. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Your comments. >> I'll be honest. I wasn't supposed to be here, so I don't [laughter] >> I don't I don't have got cancelled. >> Oh, it was Yes, it was supposed to be senior night. This has not been the best last few days for me, but uh yes, it's supposed to be senior nights cancelled. Um I have a daughter that broke her collar bone over the weekend. We're uh yeah, we're So yeah, I don't really have anything for this evening other than we're trucking along. [laughter] We're doing we're doing the best we can here this week. [laughter] But um I I did schedule the audit conference. I did want to let you know that I sent you guys an invitation and I'll provide the link for it.

070It'll be uh virtual. So I'll provide the link when we get closer to to that date. >> Thank you. >> Item G is superintendent CO's business consent agenda. Dr. Selco. >> Thank you, Mr. Gomez. It is recommended that the board of education approves items listed in the superintendent's consent agenda. >> So >> second >> discussion. >> Yes. Thank you. Just two uh items. One is um a personnel matter for a volunteer that will um help us has extensive um experience in maker space. So he would like to volunteer with the district. Um obviously has undergone all of the appropriate requirements and uh secondly we have a service agreement for the Akran Children's Hospital and this is the contract for the nursing um for the field trip for Washington DC. >> Questions or comments from the

071board? Mr. Shircliffe was actually um part of the planning committee for the 612 building. So, it's nice to see him um giving back now. >> Nice. >> Please call the RO. >> Miss Zimmerman. >> I >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mr. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Your comments. >> All right. Thank you. Um just a few uh mentions and then we'll talk a little bit about our last few days which have been eventful. Um, we have, uh, I've managed to get around the last couple of weeks to some basketball games, girls and boys. Got to, um, see them in action, so that was kind of fun. Um, we have our one act plays that will still go on. That's uh, tomorrow night. We added a Thursday night because

072we were worried about capacity. So, typically we do Friday and Saturday, but we'll do Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Um, I will be attending tomorrow night. Um, we also had their severance hall event was cancelled. So, I wasn't um sure if the board was aware of that, but on Sunday that it wasn't cancelled by us. Severance canceled it and they rescheduled for February. Yeah. So, we knew it was bad if they canceled, right? Um, and then we have um Black History Month coming up um beginning of February, right around the corner here. Can't believe it's moving along so quickly. Um the couple now just a couple updates relative to snow days and then our campus update. We're working on uh one of the things for the campus we're working on is um what the ch one

073of the challenges we're still having is relative to um the arrival time and students are still getting to class a little bit late. It's cut back greatly. We've done a lot better now with this um disruption with being off and coming back in and cold days and probably more uh parents transporting their children. will probably I anticipate some delays the next couple of days more so than they have been, but we would like to start up a shuttle uh next week on Monday. We were planned and ready to go. I we were going to do it this week, but with again all of these uh interruptions, we're just going to wait. Um but we will have a shuttle only in the morning and what that's designed for is that will be at our old campus

074um old high school campus uh Tiger Lane. There we'll we'll get all those details. Um, actually there a draft is already created. What we're trying to do is pull some car riders off of that line. So, as you remember I said we have about 370 car riders each day. If we can get parents of just car riders, so not student drivers. We talked about that originally, but we we aren't able to provide an afternoon route right now because we're really stretching it by getting a driver to do this morning route. And afternoon is going much smoother. So, it it's about 20 minutes, but which isn't honestly horrible. And um though I know people have other places to go um they're their students aren't being late aren't late to class which is why we're addressing the

075arrival first. And again the dismissal's gone pretty well. The um arrival then so the parents can drop off their students and we they have to be prompt and we'll certainly put out those reminders. We're going to have a shuttle as of right now to be 7:15 and 7:35. And again those are the two times. So, you know, if a parent comes at 7:40, they probably should start heading to the new campus because the bus will be gone. And so, they will drop the students off in the bus area there and then come back, get the second group. So, parents can just drop and go. They don't have to contend with, you know, the um camp traffic on campus. So, if we can alleviate 75 cars, you know, or so coming off the campus, we should

076be able to li to um close that gap on students being late. We're going to try it. We don't know if if parents aren't don't utilize it. Well, then we know that strategy didn't work. We do have plans A, B, and C. Um, so we can go to B and C if if need be. Uh, we also know that this is probably the worst time of the year that we could be trying to open a school in the midst of, you know, frigid temperatures. We had rain when we first opened, all these um cold conditions that are forcing students to, you know, get rides. We might have students that would be walking or bike ride bike ride, you know, riding their bikes, excuse me. uh but we just don't have that right now because we're

077in the debt of winter. So we think in the spring maybe some of these things can be lifted and we can we might be experience more success and certainly when Bolic is demolished next year we anticipate a whole you know a whole uh different ball game here. So that is really where we're at with the campus. >> How many 612 students can you fit on a bus? >> We said about 50. >> Yeah. >> Are you going to have a monitor there while they're waiting? We're actually >> do their parents have to be there until the bus comes. Yeah. They can't just drop them off. >> Well, they could drop them off. They trust them to stay. It would be no different than standing at a bus stop, I suppose. Right. So, >> I just

078wonder about, you know, if people are early or they have to wait for 20 minutes, what kind of hy jinks might >> Yeah, that's why we're going to give it a shot. We're we're really short on personnel. I wish I could say that. We I mean, we are so focused on >> I need 30 people if I really were being honest around the campus and we just don't have that many to. Do you think that like the police department might >> they're giving what I they can to us now at the campus. Okay. >> Um I mean I I guess what we're going to do is maybe the first day we'll send someone one of our directors or someone or even you know one of us will just go sit there and kind of observe

079and see how it goes the first couple days to see if we need to make an adjustment there. Um but we're going to encourage parents to hit those spots, right? Like be there by 710. You know, maybe your child sits in the car with you for a few minutes um in the 7:35. >> Yeah. Don't don't bring them at like 6:30 a.m. Right. >> That's like >> we're you know who's responsible in that. >> Yeah. >> They they've dropped their kids off and left and now they're >> Yeah. >> I think we treat it like it's a bus stop. Right. So um but we certainly will make that adjustment. Um Mr. Hutch will make note of and I think Mr. Guestford's here. See if we can get an adult over there just to at least

080observe and see, you know, how many it like it might be 10 kids, right? It might be, you know, it might be 50 or 70. I might have a big crowd of them. I mean, we'll we'll see as as it goes. >> That was going to be my other question. What if at 7:35 >> you have 60 kids? What do we do then? >> We'll do another run. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we we have the ability to do another run. Meaning one driver. We just don't have a second driver. Okay. So, that person could. We've already talked about it. >> If there were, we would come. Okay. >> And frankly, we'll do a loop to make sure that our students aren't like they'll come back and make sure students aren't still standing there because inevitably

081you're going to have some students there. So, >> okay. We're just going to discourage that. But yeah, we we'll make sure they're safe. So, that's what we're going to try. >> All right. Um then, uh the obvious, right? We've been out for three days. Um emails, you know, I've been getting some emails and some feedback as expected, both sides of the fence, right? Um, I have some parents and that are, you know, upset that we're staying open and others that would prefer that their students be in school. So, it's really, we know this a no-win situation and trying to weigh all of the um all of the pros and cons. Um, student safety is certainly, you know, top of our list. Um but I you know I took a call from a parent who has

082lost her job because she that she's had to stay home with her students. So those are the kind of stories on that side right and then the others are just um you know really concerned about their child safety understandably. So um we the next two days are I think9 it's not the 15 to 18 that other you know that most districts use in that 15 negative 15 range. So 910 while as bitterly cold as we know um hasn't really met the threshold that a lot of surrounding districts use um I have been talking with numerous superintendent numerous um they're faced with the same challenges every community is different so while some chose to stay in they might not have the same challenges we do you know or vice versa so the superintendents are discussing about

083trying to keep students in school even though it is cold that's um been discussed and maybe things that we can look at for next year. We're far into the season now, but our students will be in the next two days. And of course, if it's bitterly cold, if we're talking negative 20, you know, I mean, we we'll make a decision to close the schools. We wouldn't risk that. But on these days that are questionable, um you know, the goal would be to try to get them in school. We did I did put out the results of the survey and some people, you know, aren't real happy with the decision at 70%. um on the flip side that 70% are, you know, would be happy that we're in school. So, you just I know that I

084can't please everyone and I I recognize that and so I I understand the feedback and the people that are upset and I'm happy to hear them and happy to talk with them. Uh it's just it's a balancing act and we're trying to do the best we can and we're also stretched to be very honest which is um we have our um our staff one when we're not here our our m like no one's here which is some of the commotions this evening too. We do pay overtime obviously and people are coming in and plowing have been plowing have been um salulting. We're at a shortage of salt. It's like again a perfect storm and again no pun intended but we're trying to salt the paths. You know we're we're looking at the hightraic areas. Um

085a couple parents have sent me pictures and I appreciate the Bolic uh you know on on Portage Trail and up 13th like we haven't gotten to all those areas. There's some heavy snow. So I've been in contact with Aaron today. They're going to try to get they will get out there tomorrow. I he's going to try to get extra gentlemen some of the gentlemen in. They are they are men not being sexist. um that would come in and do the um the sidewalks if they could get to them before, you know, school starts. That's his goal. But they've been taxed. They they're spending so much time plowing the snow and there's nowhere to put our snow anymore. So then they're coming out with snowblowers and trying to move snow. And I mean, we know in

086our own homes and looking at this as I'm traveling throughout the streets, you know, they're all piled up. So we're doing the best we can. I know it's not enough for some people and I apologize for that, but there's really only so much we can do. We're seeing it. It's not just the Kyoga Falls schools problem. It's businesses. It's um you know the state declared an emergency. Um so it it's it's a parent's choice and I know people don't like that answer either. I really am not uh I really really as a parent believe that I have to do what's best for my child and if I believe keeping my child home is the best then I will keep her keep them home. But that's a personal decision. We will do our best to to

087provide, as I put in, you know, some Google Classroom assignments. Our teachers, I'm sure, would be willing to, you know, help answer parents questions and and help out where we can. And I know that's not what people like to hear either because they want their children in school, as do I, to receive that direct instruction, but we're also trying to, you know, help and be respectful of parents who want to to choose to keep their children at home. Um, so it's there's no great answers. Like I'm not going to sit up here and say I have all the answers and I'm going to make everybody happy because I'm not. So you can expect feedback that's not going to be positive and I mean I've got some thank yous as well, but you know it it's

088not what this is about. It's about trying to find a solution that would work for everyone and there just isn't one. So that's where we're at. And we we met as a team today. Cabinet met. We drafted all that information that went out today. We were just trying to hit all the spots. We're trying to provide families with coats, gloves, hats if you need them. I mean, we're doing what we can. We'll do house we'll deliver them to houses. Like, we're we're trying to help with the best we can, but that's where we're at if I'm just being honest. Yeah. >> I think the uh survey and how many people >> and how quickly they responded to showed uh people have passionate thoughts about this issue. And I think as a board, we appreciate the

089ability to look at the raw results of that data. Um and we saw how many people respond to the survey and then as if more people responded we could see the results and it you know it would change but it basically stayed the same. It >> did of the raw the actual total results >> and you know one of the things I want to tell you that I didn't catch I read it so I said 1500 responses which is true. So about 15600 people have responded but that is reflective of 2400 students. So that's actually quite a big sample. Like we don't ever get that sample size in our data. So it's 1,600, but so when they do a response, it's each individual. So 1,600 people did it, but then they have child one, child

090two, child three. So then that's where you get the extra. And I missed that the first time I looked at it, but yeah, that's so it's a lot of students. That's the vast that's more than the majority of course of our of our students. >> Is that more students than we actually have? >> No. [laughter] >> Yeah. Right. students getting in there and adding their two cents. >> Multiple >> high school students, they tell me how they feel, too. Yeah. [clears throat] >> So, I don't know if the board, you know, has any feedback for me or anything else you want me to consider. I'm I'm happy to, you know, I'm listening to parents and their feedback as well. And >> I mean, I think it's it's when when the roads are bad, that's one

091thing. When it's cold, but you can still you're still mobile, that's the challenge. And I think you >> you're you're giving when you call off school, that's the choice, >> right? Right >> for everyone. You're putting it into into the family's hands. Do you feel like your child is safe in the cold temperature? So, I mean, it's always easier when someone else makes the decision for us, but I think it's better to >> have a choice than not. That's sort of where our team has been and our superintendents have been talking about like that's giving parents the choice. Now, if we can work again to find a good a better alternative for families that keep their children home, you know, and we have the Google classroom as an option, but are there other things we

092can do? I'm certainly happy to to explore that further. I've asked Mrs. Hman to to work on the elementary piece of things that we can provide for our our elementary students. There's a rule that we can only have three virtual instruction days. Is that right? >> There is some of that that >> and that's what we're, you know, that's also a battle because I, you know, we read and looked at that policy as well and and I spoke with Mrs. Carile about it. Teachers president, you know, teachers union president and um virtual is difficult. Our our elementary students don't take home the Chromebooks. Could we make that adjustment? We could certainly um do they have access, you know, all of those things that were back to the co days, right? in favor of that really.

093Um it it setting it up is more trouble than it's worth, especially if you're limited on the days you can even use it. So >> you have to know in in advance that there's going to be a calamity so that you can plan for the calamity. >> Yep. >> Having gone through >> a previous >> virtual day situation with Mrs. Carile, >> that was kind of the issue we ran into. If you don't know that there's going to be a calamity, how can you plan for the calamity and make sure every student and every staff member >> takes their technology from the district home so that they can have access to it? >> Yes, I heard that from Mrs. Carile today as a matter of fact. >> Well, we want we went through that issue

094in the past, right, Mrs. Carile? >> Yeah. So >> I think well and then it's the same thing you know if I have my kids at home and >> I I'm trying to work from home it it's you know inequitable for people that have the time to to do the at home work with their kids and people who don't for whatever reason. So >> I'll say Dr. Selker and I talked about this and I didn't tell her what decision to make which she will verify because if it's her decision to make I leave it to her. um if it's our decision to make, I'll make my one of that decision. Um but what I spoke with her about is just my concern. You know, I know that we certainly have more instructional hours than we're

095required to by the state. But we do that for a reason. Not just because we want to have a buffer so we can have a bunch of calamity days. We do that because we think that there's a value to have more than the minimum amount of instructional hours. And one of those reasons is because we know that from the get there is more instruction at every grade level than can really be covered in a year. And so that's a concern that I know Mrs. Hman shares and it's a concern that I know I and other board members share. And so just from the educational point, that was the concern I shared with Dr. Celico and how do we make sure we're supporting our staff members and readjusting to how do I repprioritize knowing that I've

096lost at least a week of the spring semester. What do I make sure now that I teach because I've lost at least a week of core instruction time with my students. And I'm certainly as a board member not trying to make that decision for any educator, but we have educational leaders that can help our educators, you know, rep prioritize, take a look at those pacing guides and make sure that we're making smart decisions to best use the instructional time that we do have. That was my concern, you know, not to try to >> guide Dr. go to one decision or another, but just about the loss of instructional time that is somewhat beyond our control. Well, and as we're sitting here, Aaron, I didn't mean to look down, but I see it. He said they'll

097have the machines out to Bullick. They're going to strive for 5:30 in the morning. So, that would be great. Um, they have to do a whole another machine. He said, "This isn't just a snowblower. It's heavy snow." So I I know Erin's been working working very hard and coming in people coming in when technically they don't necessarily have to report. They've been coming in to to keep up but >> appreciate it. >> I mean you just can you imagine God bless them for getting out there and doing that. Thank thank them for us. >> Yeah. >> I will anything else on that. Now, I would ask the community members that if you have a sidewalk, please shuffle it. >> Yes. >> Especially if you have a bus stop on your street because when I was

098driving here and I I do have a bus stop around the corner from my house and I noticed that it is plowed in. So, >> uh it will be a mound to stand on waiting for the bus over there. Well, I'm I'm glad you had mentioned that because I'm not trying to sound facitious when I say this because sidewalks are a huge concern everywhere and some of my superintendents who have uh colleagues that have a lot of walkers are very concerned about sidewalks. The challenge we have is we don't control what residents do on their on their you know on their own homes. The city is taxed as well, right? They're doing the best that they can, but they also can only get to so many sidewalks. And then if we wait for this, there's

099only two ways that I think sidewalks can get cleared. In being realistic, and again, I'm not trying to be silly when I say this. It's either it melts or it gets pressed down from so many people walking on it that it makes it walkable. If people are unable, I mean, we have elderly, we have other people who are unable to do their sidewalks. If you're able, great. I really appreciate if you can help us out. But I don't have a good answer. I have an email that I have to answer that's going, you know, that's concerned about the sidewalks. I I just as a superintendent of schools, I can't get all these sidewalks cleared. And I don't know what the answer is. We would be out for weeks maybe if it took that long for

100the snow to melt. And I I don't know what that answer is. I I'm happy if someone has an answer. I will I don't care who gives me it. I'm happy to have it and receive it. But I really legit don't know what to do about sidewalks not being cleared. We can do ours and we will. But >> there was some I think four students who were >> I saw that >> being entrepreneurial about >> I saw that. Yeah. >> Nice. That's what we used to do. >> Maybe we should give them a >> let them advertise. >> Yeah. >> Hire our students to play. >> That's great. Well, actually Miss Bogden today uh suggested if we can get some of our athletes too to Yeah. >> because they they've been known to do some

101heavy lifting. >> So we can also engage our players. >> Good workout. >> Yeah. Good workout. talk to coach Azyc and see if he can include that uplifting. >> Yeah. Yeah. Really? >> That's all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thanks. I think I'm next again, right? >> Okay. >> Update for >> Yeah, just a brief update on and I have a couple of our colleagues here that were in attendance. So, um we had our portrait of a black tiger. um first meeting. Ours was our second one was yesterday. Was supposed to be yesterday. It was canceled. So, just giving you an update on the first one and we'll obviously revisit it when we're further down this path. But we had such a great turnout. We met in the library uh media center here. We

102had 34 uh members of which comprise students, staff, parents, faith-based members, community members. So, we just had a nice it was a nice cross representation more than what we're typically used to seeing. Um, but uh, Jeff Ferguson did a very nice job facilitating like I always read the room and see people's level of engagement. I think people were really engaged, enjoying what he was showing. He showed some video. So, we basically was setting the stage for the portrait work, right? Like telling what a portrait looks, what it is, and the why. He talked a lot about the why. Why is this important? And he went back to talking about like the competencies and, you know, what traits do we need? And he talked a lot about future employment. and he showed some really startling really

103videos of how essentially humans are obsolete anymore in many ways, right? So so many um robots and other ways or of technology are are we know AI all of it are taking place. So how do we adjust to that and you know where do we go with that as as humans and wanting to preserve work for all of ourselves um and how we prepare students for that. So he talked a lot about that. He did some work on the core competencies. He had uh people break up into small groups and write lists of competencies and things that they felt were important. And then the homework was to come back. I believe you were supposed to cut out the five top competencies that you believe and bring are important and then bring them back which was

104supposed to be yesterday but will be next week and then we'll have our following makeup in February 10th. So that's as far as we've gotten. >> Okay. And what is the output going to be? The competencies. Okay. So then we'll do the design piece. >> Right. So they're going to do a one more session of the competency work to narrow it down, come up with it. And then the third session is the graphic design and we have art teachers coming. >> Did you give them our our idea? >> I love that. >> Not yet, but Mr. We have two representatives who can share it. Mr. Harris, I got it. >> Mr. Harris has it. He knows. >> He thought of it. Okay. >> So, it was it went really well, I thought. >> Do you

105know um generally speaking like how many competencies they're thinking of or are they not burdened by a number? >> They're not burdened by a number, but I think he probably is around the five to like maybe give or take. I don't know. Did you get a number out of that, Mrs. Schaefer? Did you feel >> five out? >> Yeah. I didn't know if that's what they were doing or if it was like but if we see like >> seven or I mean I don't know. >> Yeah, we it's really dictated by us and how many some go far more some are. >> Yeah, I I think five was kind of a number he was hovering around because then the example that he gave was think of five. So I think five must be what he's

106thinking but probably what we want. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Brings us to item I, Board Business. Number one is resolution of declaration, Kaigga Falls Library 2.2 mil levy. It's recommended the board of education approve the attached resolution submitting the question of an additional tax levy for the purpose of current expenses of the Kaiger Falls Library to the electors of the Kaigraph City School District pursuant to sections 5705.03 3 57 5705.21 and 5705.19D of the Ohio Wise Code. >> So second >> any discussion >> just [clears throat] real quick this was so [snorts] the library I don't know if I mentioned last time so uh you know most libraries um are are um governed by their district as we are. So there are only about 19 that are considered associations and the Kyoga Falls

107Library is one of them which doesn't mandate that we are the person but typically like like I think Hudson goes with their city and things like that. So um there was some confusion with the recent legislation changes of what was required as the certification. So that's why this was not up till kind of the last minute. I received the certification back on Monday. Um and our attorney had some concern that um now with school levies, you know, they have to put the balance um in excess of 100% if we have more than 100% carryover. And considering that this is a, you know, under the jurisdiction of a school district, they didn't have that on there because they were looking at it like the library levy, it was uh so we put it on there as

108kind of a we believe we need it. Um the county was not exactly sure of it. Obviously, it just it's going to be the uh the state at the end of the day and the board of elections said accept it. We put it on there. Um it's it says zero and 0% because obviously we we don't. So um what that refers to on there is actually ours because we would be the taxing authority, not the libraries um balances. They say zero and zero. So it's not like there's anything. However, I just wanted to make you guys aware of that. That will be the language. It'll say like the school districts, you know, in excess in line. So, we did that just just to be safe. Um whether they determine we needed or not for something

109like this. Um we just didn't want to run into any issues up against the deadline to file for the May election for the library. But we are this the Kyo Falls Kyhoga Falls library is about one of 19 that are kind of deemed this way in the state of Ohio because they're they're an association. Um so it it I learned a lot this time around [laughter] with this with this levy and us having to kind of dig into some things there especially with legislation changes. But um just so you're aware when you see that language Can we just put this on for them? Because we are their taxing agency. Um, we actually are required by law to vote for this. Um, and then their levy committee will advocate their position on this. >> Any other

110questions or comments? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. Mrs. Schaefer. >> I miss Zimmerman. >> I >> thank you. Number two is a proclamation of National Career and Technical Education Month. So recommend the board of education proclaims February as National Career and Technical Education Month. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I forgot to mention that I did go to the Kent State uh career fair. So that was very nice. Well attended. They always do a nice job. >> Mr. Harris. >> Oh yeah. Please call the role. >> Mr. Harris, >> I. >> Mrs. Schaeper, >> I. >> Miss Zimmerman, >> I. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I. >> Number three is future agenda items. Um, at our next meeting, the administration wants to bring

111forth an agenda item to present and possibly have discussion on open enrollment. And then at the second meeting in February, Miss Toy is going to bring forth and present the five-year forecast. and then um some preliminary possibilities of um potential levy millillage for November. Like she said about the five-year forecast, um those won't necessarily be firm because things will be in flux, but just to start throwing some things out so we can get some things um thought up so we can get on a path of where we might go, give us some options to think about for future discussion. Um, do we have other future agenda items? >> I have two. Um, I wanted to make sure nobody else had stuck before I kept speaking. Um, I wanted to know if we could have a

112like brief presentation about the teameing model um that's being worked on at the middle school, >> like the plan for the teaming model and then um >> some explanation about what was provided to us about that >> um for the potential for next year because I think it'll help to understand like the vision vision for um what Miss Hman is trying to accomplish with the teams and then help us understand some potential proposals for those at the same time. Like I think all together that would be helpful. >> It was on my list to to talk to her about that. So >> and I was like I think if we get that all together it would be helpful. And then the other thing was the teacher clarity 3.0 presentation we received. There was just a

113lot of really good information and I feel like if we ask you to present all of that, it's too much. But I don't know. I feel like um pieces and parts of um how direct instruction is making a difference in our classrooms. I think that's important for us to dig into as a board and to value more and understand and that was a big part of it. So, if we could get um like a little mini presentation on that. I don't want you to have to give that whole presentation to us. I think that's too much to ask. We're at a board meeting. But just that piece that you were really digging into about how direct instruction and how it was making an impact as I was kind of getting deep into that. I think

114that's important for us to value as a board and give time to at a board meeting to dig into and appreciate and understand more as a board. >> Do you have an idea of the time? We actually talked about the teaming model. I asked Miss Tman to do that. >> The teaming piece I think you all need to speak to us about in terms of when you need a decision on that. So, >> well, it it has direct implications for deductions. So that that's why you need to give us that timing. Um and then the other thing I think March is fine >> cuz February is filling. So I'm fine with March on the other one. >> Okay. >> Cuz it'll still be relevant. But I was going to ask you all when you need

115that. >> Uh I'm going to guess second meeting of February if that's okay with you. >> Okay. >> We're talking about money anyway. though unfortunately. >> Okay. >> All right. Got it. >> Thank you. Come. Brings us to number four, committee reports. I had a thought to try to make this more effective and efficient this year. We'll just go down the line for board members and if you have any any of your committees to report on, just do it at that time instead of bouncing around. If it doesn't work, we'll go back to the old way. >> So, Mr. Harris, any reports? >> Uh, no. Uh, not really. Uh, just, um, I haven't decided yet. The state legislative conference is coming up, I think, in March. So, I'll figure out if I'm going to go

116to that. There's probably a lot of good, uh, nuggets of information I can bring back, uh, you know, given all the property tax um, stuff happening. So, um, I'll be making a decision on that soon. So, but, uh, a business alliance council, we're we're meeting next week. >> Thank you, Mrs. Zimmerman. Well, I haven't had anything yet, but I do have an alumni association meeting on February 10th. So, I don't know about financial. >> It's not till next month. >> Okay. >> So, next month in May, I'll I'll um do that and I'll send the invite to you there. Um I'll send the invite to you. >> Okay. >> Miss Schaefer. >> Okay. Um we have a board policy meeting on February 18th coming up and then for community engagement empowerment team we actually met

117last night um because we met we meet virtually so we were able to still meet um so that's part of the culture of caring goal so it's led by Mr. Elder. I'm on the We have three subgroups. Community, staff, and students. So, we separated into our subgroup teams. Um, and Mrs. Allen, who was here earlier, she joined that. Um, I asked her personally if she would join it because we didn't have a parent representative on that um strategic plan goal team. So, she joined that. Um, and she um was there last night. I was on the community team um which is led by Miss Stewart and we got we had really good discussion in our group and we got really close. We were like this close to like landing our plane and kind of picking

118what we were going to do. And then we got called back into the main group. So, we're going to meet again in February to plan it because we had really great discussions um kind of about um setting the intention of what our group was going to be and having conversations about um why maybe some other things that we've tried in the past might maybe haven't been as successful even though we think they had great value in them. Um, so it was really great and I think we have a kind of a good idea. We're this close. So we're gonna we're going to finish that up in February and excited to have more for you all. Okay, number five is comments, Mr. Harris. >> Oh yeah, just a another congratulations to all the I mean we

119recognize so many folks tonight. So just congratulations to all of them to our top tigers. Um, I uh was able to make it to the the high school uh walkth through the old high school. Um, and I I made a post about this, but you know, not being an alumni, it didn't really matter, you know, being in that building, you know, you're walking through and you're hearing all these stories uh from folks. Um, and you know, uh, as I was in the the the little theater and the you know, a guy ran up and hugged a this young girl and said, "I haven't seen you since law school. I haven't seen you. You know, it's just like hearing those stories, you know, people coming back to the place, you know, it was really something special.

120So, I'm really glad I got to do that. Um, I also attended the sixth district uh the CTE showcase out at Kent. It was really cool uh you know, seeing uh the students uh you know, sharing some of the stuff uh they're doing. I spoke with some of the students in criminal justice. Um really I'm just amazed by like forensic stuff and I'm like you guys are doing it. I'm sitting on my couch watching it happen, you know. Uh but uh they showed me some of that stuff. I spoke with Mr. Macintosh. They're very excited about getting that greenhouse up and running here uh uh soon. And then uh the medical office and business management, you know, them uh sharing some of the amazing stuff they've been doing with uh uh the folks over at

121city hall as well. Um, and then, um, just a Doc, I I know I mentioned this, uh, you know, every Black History Month that I'd love to, you know, and I think you do share with us, um, you know, what what folks are doing in their classrooms to to commemorate folks, uh, and the, uh, the month, too. So, I'd really appreciate that. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Mr. Schaefer. >> Um, I don't have much. I did go through the walkthrough at the high school. Did run into someone that I haven't seen since the 1900s. >> [laughter] >> Uh that was exciting. Um and um and seeing our class tigers painted on the wall. So you know seeing I I been to the high school a bunches of times but to see

122some of the other people walking through and be like there's our tiger, there's our tiger. So that's kind of that is kind of neat still and you know what's happening with the tigers, what's happening with this, what's happening with that. So that that is kind of people still care about the memorabilia in in the high school. I went to the the Roberts walkth through as well. And I didn't attend Roberts, but my my son went to Roberts. And it hasn't been that long since I've been in that building, but I was in the PTA there. So, I walked through and I got my last year at the Roberts PTA, they we stopped going through to our collect our mail into the into the office. We had to ask for our mail at that the last

123year. So, I got to walk back to the mailboxes. felt like I was doing something wrong. [laughter] But um I a lot of people were at these walkthroughs. They really cared about getting into those buildings and making that last walk through the building and making those last memories and talking about remember back when and passing on stories and everything. And it's >> and at the high school, this the second day at the high school, there were so many people there. So many people there. >> It was very very busy. But yeah, good times. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Schaefer. Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Um, well, I was supposed to go to two different trainings for board member stuff. Both were cancelled. >> Oh, yeah. >> Um, [laughter] so, uh, you know, I don't

124have too much to report, but I am looking forward to the one act plays. I plan on going to those. as a theater nerd myself. So, yeah, look forward to it. >> Thank you. I'm up next. I want to Yesterday was Leslie Frank's birthday, so I want to wish her a happy birthday. [applause] >> Um, and then I on Saturday was able to go to our annual art department's Lego event. Brought both my nephews with me. They were very excited. um thrilled by all the Lego displays. It's always very impressive every year. And they did have one guy there who was on um I think it's called Lego Masters, >> the Netflix TV show. So, they were >> really impressed by that. But the students submissions every year get more and more impressive. >> Um

125>> it's a real thing. >> It's Yeah. What our young students are able to make out of Legos is really cool. So, it's just really um amazing all the different things that our um art department comes up with. So, I enjoyed that. And I did go to the last day at the high school, old high school um walkthrough as well. I was there just about the whole time. Um Miss Houseman did a great job holding it down, holding her spot, keeping people in line and responsible. Um >> I believe it. But uh as someone that graduated from the high school as well, it's definitely all emotional to say goodbye, but I'm excited for all the new opportunities our students will see in this building. Um but one of my favorite stories is I was up

126in the art rooms. There's a lady there um and she retired in 1996 as a art teacher from our building and her husband was a wood shop teacher and she was telling me all about this cabinet that was in the back that he built for her because she said she just didn't have enough storage when she was a art teacher and that >> they still say that today. No. and he uh built that for her in the wood shop and brought it up to the third floor. And as she said, we didn't have an elevator then. So he carried it from the wood shop up to the third floor for her. >> So it was really just a sweet story as they were talking. >> Mrs. Summers, >> I don't know what the name was,

127but it was just a really sweet story that they were telling. So I really really enjoyed that. And I saw a lot of people I graduated with um reminiscing as well. The last thing I'll say is those were my two fourth grade teachers that we honored tonight and um everything Miss Walton said was so true. That's how they were um 27 years ago when they taught me the year of Y2K. So we had a lot of fun. Um as you can imagine um being a fourth grader with all the chaos of the world and Y2K. Um and I remember when we left for winter break they said we'll see you next year if we're still here. [laughter] I can hear you could hear them saying that, right? >> Yeah. >> Um and then I I

128remember hearing on we we were talking in class one day hearing on the news after we came back from Y2K and all these people talking about like we're going to have to figure out how to write 00 on our checks and none of us knew what a check was and we were like what's a check? And they just stopped class and spent five minutes explaining what a check was and like how to write a check. And that's when I learned how to write a check. and just and that's just the kind of teachers they were that they would take five minutes just to explain something to you and it made such an impact on you. So great great people that will be missed when they finally retire at the end of the year. >> Item

129J is executive session number one is executive session per Ohio Revised Code 121.22G1 pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 121.22G1 22 G1 is hereby moved that the board adjourn to executive session to consider the employment and compensation of compensation of a public employee or official. >> I need a second. >> Thank you. >> Please call the RO. >> Mr. Schaefer. >> I Zimmerman. >> I. >> Mr. Gomez. I >> Mr. Harris. I >> Thank you. We're in executive session at 7:28 p.m. There'll be no action on the chairman after