Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Organizational and Regular Meeting 1/14/2026

001Do you swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the board of education of the Kal City School District Summit County to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and here to be enacted during your continuence and set office until your successor is elected and qualified. >> Congratulations Next is me. United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and the duty of a member of the Board of Education City School District County, Ohio to the best of your ability and in accordance with laws now in effect and here and after to be enacted during your continuence

002in said office until your successor is elected and qualified. >> I do. >> Congratulations to Gomez. >> And now we'll have our newly elected member of the board of education, Mrs. Courtney Zimmerman take her oath of office to be administered by Mayor Theres Duny of the village of Silver Lake. Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the Board of Education of the Ka Falls City School District, Summit County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and here and after to be enacted during your continuence in set office and until your success successor is elected being

003qualified. >> I do. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you, Mayor Duny, and welcome, Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Thank you. Now, Miss Docoy, will you please call the role? >> Yes. Mr. Gomez, >> here. >> Mr. Harris, >> here. >> Miss Schaefer >> here. >> Miss White >> here. >> Mrs. Zimmerman >> here. >> Thank you. 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 14th, 2026 organizational meeting of the board of education. Action by the board of education adoption of consent agenda means that all items are adopted 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 moved.

004>> Second. Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I. >> Mr. Harris, I >> Mrs. Schaefer. Hi. >> Miss White. Hi. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> I. >> Thank you. Item C is our opening ceremony. Mrs. Schaefer. I don't know where the flag is. Oh, there it is. Please join me and stand as you are able to join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mrs. Schaer. Item D is election of president for calendar year 2026 in accordance with Ohio Vice Code 3313.14. I'll open the floor for nominations for president. >> I would like to nominate Anthony Gomez. >>

005I second. >> Are there any further nominations? There are no further nominations. I entertain a motion to close nominations and direct the treasurer to cast unanimous ballot. >> Is there a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Schaer. >> Hi. >> Miss White. >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Hi. >> Mr. Gomez. >> I. Thank you. We'll have to grab one. Okay. Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties duties as president of the board of education of the Kyoga Falls City School District, Summit County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with laws

006now in effect and here to be enacted during your continuence in set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> I do. Thank you. Thank you. Item E is election of vice president for calendar year 2026 accordance with Vice Code section 3313.14. I'll open the floor to nominations for vice president of the board. >> I'd like to nominate Oh, Carrie Schaefer. >> There we go. Second. >> Any further nominations? Hearing no further nominations, I'd entertain a motion to close nominations and direct the treasur to cast unanimous ballot. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> I. >> Miss Bite. >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> I. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. ready. Do you solemnly swear that you will

007support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as vice president of the board of education of the Kyoga Falls City School District, Summit County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and here and after to be enacted during your continuence in said office and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> I do. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. >> Congratulations, Mrs. Schaefer. >> Congratulations, Mr. Gomez. >> Item F is our welcome. Welcome our vision. Kaipal City Schools, 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, every opportunity. Informational items. This meeting is

008a meeting of the Ka Falls Board of Education in public for the purpose of connecting the school district's business. It's not a public community meeting, although there are opportunities for public participation. If 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 notebook and present to the treasurer. Following by introduction of the topic by the board president followed by board discussion, the individual will be recognized. An individual wishes to address the board regarding a topic not found on the agenda. They must notify the superintendent and or board president of the 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

009individual will preface their comments by announcement of their name and address and limit comments to three minutes. All statements should be direct to the board president. No person may address or question board members individually. And on a bridge board agenda for this meeting can be found on your electronic device at the address shown on the screen behind us. And for your convenience, hard copies of the board agenda may be found on right next to Mr. Harris next to the signing book. Um, that brings us to item G, board recommendations consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the board of education's business consent agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? These are all our standard annual approvals. Mr. Cl, please call the role. >> Miss White, >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman.

010>> Hi. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. Hi. this issue. >> I you brings us to item H, presidential appointments for 2026, our committees. Um 612, construction core team, Miss White. >> Yes. >> To wrap that up, business alliance council, Mr. Harris and Mrs. Schaefer. Um athletics and activity council. I'm going to continue on that. Board policy. Um Mrs. Schaefer and I are going to continue. Financial Advisory Committee. Um, Mrs. Zimmerman's going to take that one. >> No, Patty. >> No, she This is That's a good opportunity for Mrs. Zimmerman to learn a lot about finance. >> Um, foundation alumni association, Miss Zimmerman's going to take that one as well. >> Um, legislative leaison, Mr. Harris is going to stay. Student achievement leaison, Miss White's going to stay. Um, district wellness, Miss Schaefer

011is going to stay. And then community engagement empowerment team. That's the new one. Um so if we want to discuss that a little I we could have two people on that. I would like to be on that. Are is there other interest from board members? We could have two if there's a lot of interest. I'm willing to not be on it perhaps, but we could discuss that one. >> I think we're all kind of interested. So that's the that's the dilemma. We all want to be on it. >> Oh well then whatever. That's the dilemma. >> So, what do we think? >> I probably need to stick with just two. >> Okay. I think we're all interested in this one is kind of the issue. So, >> when >> I figured why did you want

012to >> I would because I think the core team is going to be done in April or May. So, you know, it would give me another one then. So, if that's okay. I mean, >> I would be willing to let Miss White have it. >> Everyone good with that? >> Okay, I'll do that with Miss White as well. >> Okay, we all good with that then? >> Item I board business board of education meeting schedule for 2026. It's recommended that we approve the time, place, and dates for our regular 2026 meetings. So moved >> in accordance with RC 3313.15. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> I. >> Mr. Gomez. >> I. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Miss Boy.

013>> I. >> Number two is resolution participate in the OSBA legal assistance fund. It's recommended that we approve the resolution to participate in the OSBA legal assistance fund at a cost of $250. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez. >> I. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Miss White. >> Hi. >> Mr. Zimmerman. I >> you. Number three is the OSBA membership renewal starting with the board of education approves the continuation of our membership. The Ohio School Boards Association for calendar year 2026 including a subscription to the following school management news electronic $175 and annual membership dues for the calendar year $11,428. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the RO. >> Mr. Harris. Hi. >> Mrs. Schaefer.

014>> Hi, >> Miss White. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Hi, >> Mr. Gomez. >> I um number four is board of education member insurance option under Ohio Rice Code 3313.202, insurance and fridge benefits. Any elected appointed member of the board of education of a school district and the dependent children and spouse of the member may be covered at the option of member under any healthcare plan authorized under section 9.90 of the revised code. The member shall pay all premiums for that coverage. Members exercise of an option to be covered under this section shall be in writing announced at a regular public meeting of the board of education and recorded as a public record in the meetings of the board. Miss Stoy, will you please pull the board? >> Mr. Gomez, >> no. >> Mr.

015Harris, >> no. >> Mrs. Schaefer, >> no. >> Mrs. White, >> no. >> Mrs. Zimmerman, >> no. >> Item G is adjourned. Is there a motion to adjourn the organization meeting? >> There second. >> Second. >> Please call the role. Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi, >> Ms. White. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Zimmerman. >> Hi, >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi, >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> We're adjourned at 5:30. agenda to recommend the board of education approves the agenda of the January 25th, 2026 board of education meeting. >> So move >> second. >> Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I. >> Mr. Harris, >> I. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Miss White. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Zmer. >> I. Item C is our opening ceremony. Number one's ourformational item. Um, I

016just read these so not to read them again, but we'll we'll do the pledge again. Dr. Sal. >> Oh, okay. Please stand for the pledge of fable. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Welcome. Our vision Khaga Falls 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, every opportunity. I will note the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of education is January 28th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. here in the 612 Performing Arts Center Auditorium at 263013th Street. And this is our new meeting place. Um though some of our meetings will

017be in the Blackbox Theater um as we work things out in our new space. Item D is treasure CFO's business consent agenda. Miss Doyquin. >> Thank you. I'd like to recommend the board of education approve all items listed in the treasur's consent agenda. >> So move second. >> Okay. Couple of things. Um so we have some typical things that we do each January. Um the authorization of the local tax advance is one that is just to um start receiving interim payments from um Summit County as opposed to waiting until tax settlement time in in April. Um the alternative tax budget is another one um that helps the county um prepare the certificate of estimated resources for next year. Um and that starts that whole process um that's due to the county by the 20th of

018January. Amended appropriations. I sent an email earlier. Um there were a few later additions um than what I had originally said. So, we received um some updated allocations for our federal grants. Not a lot of money. I mean, some of them are like a few hundred dollars. Um so, we usually get those in January once they have the new student figures and everything. Um so, most of those were um amended. Um the other two amendments, um really three, but I combined two of the funds together are the O4 and the 01. Um those are building fund projects. Now that we are getting close to um expending all of our fund, our original funds and our amended funds from the state and local, we're moving into spending the interest funds we have to finish out the

019project. So there's an increase to account for what we have in there right now um to continue making those payments. Um and then there is one increase to uh general fund, but it's offset by a revenue. So it's a net effect of zero. there was just something that was um coded to the um wrong special cost center um in a previous period um other than the month that we were in. Um and so in order to fix that, it's an expense and a revenue, but the um they're both to the general fund, so they offset each other. So it's an increase in expenditures, but it's not an actual increase in expenses. Um and then our donations are on here. Um, again, a lot of them. Um, this time, um, you see the first one, and

020I think we've talked about maybe this before, but all the flags for the campus here, um, organized by Miss Wickham. Um, number of PTO and things for the Black Tiger Family Center. Um, I I won't list uh go through all of them, but, you know, Ben Curtis Family Foundation, all of that. Um, always appreciated. No, no matter what it is. and our friend Leslie Frank too. >> Oh, miss that one. I think >> it's it is wonderful to see all those donations. >> Yes, >> it's great. >> Thank you to them. >> Questions or comments from the board? >> I had two things. Can you help me understand more about in the appropriations about the building stuff, the money that moved there? >> Yeah. So when we originally did the appropriations, um it's all always

021a guess of what we're going to spend throughout that fiscal year. So we know like the project is a certain, you know, length of time, but there's the timing of when those payouts come in and everything. Um so at the time and we don't know that interest keeps growing obviously. Um, so I think at the time we had done um very similar to what um we had on the books, maybe not all of it, thinking, you know, this project will go somewhat into next year um on the books wise um as far as um you know, OFCC and all of that, you know, the timing of all of that. Um so the entire amount of that interest funds that we had were not appropriated. We we had it. It's not that the cash wasn't available.

022We just didn't appropriate all of the available cash at that point in time. Um not knowing exactly what we would spend or exactly what that interest would be. Um we decided to wait until we got to the point of being, you know, okay, we're at the point of spending interest. So now we can put on at this moment in time what we have. Now, again, it's going to um still we're still going to receive interest um but we probably won't, you know, get to the point of spending it all until next year. So, I think this should leave us a comfortable amount. Um because as you know um you know some of with the project that that um 19 cost set to 20 um those kinds of things um we're going to be covered by

023LFI but since we have these local and state share interest dollars um we're able to use those towards you know any kind of co-unded costs that qualify until those funds run out. Um and so that's what we will be doing. >> Thank you. And then on the alternative tax budget uh just so I understand we have the the levy term number of years we have our debt service for the bond that's the 36 years and then 10 years that's the four mills we passed along with it so that would expire in 2029 and then the five years >> is that the emergency levy? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes. >> So, those are our only things with fixed terms right now. Yes. >> And the emergency levy, there's still some it can't it be renewed one

024time. We don't It can be renewed be renewed the one time. >> More it more than one time. >> Yeah. It can just It can It's not They're not going to call it an You're not allowed to call it an emergency levy. >> I don't even think you're allowed to call it that. I'm not sure. I can't remember what the language is. We just talked about this at the And even they couldn't remember at this time. >> Yeah. Um, but I I did ask this question at the forecasting um, workshop I was at last week just to see because I was confused too of where it finally landed because that kind of got like push shoved under the rug a little and not wasn't really like highlight news of all the other things that were

025happening. Um, >> it was important to a lot of discussion. >> Yeah. And so, um, yes, it can be renewed. It can be renewed in those fiveyear increments. I think they limited that. So, it used to be you could go up to like 10. Um, I think it's in I think it remains just the five-year increments, but you can continually renew it >> just in fiveyear increments. It would never be continuing. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Because now there's no sub. You could have made it like a substitute levy previously, a replacement, >> change it up. >> And then you could have made it continuing, but you're not allowed to do that anymore. >> Okay. Thank you. That's helpful. Yep. >> As we talk later in the meeting. Thank you. >> Anything else? >>

026Please call the role. >> Mr. Harris. >> I. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. Miss White, >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman, >> I. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I brings us to item E, Treasure CFO's business. Your comments? >> Yeah. Um, so speaking of property tax reform, um, we were having this discussion earlier at our admin meeting. Um, but I did attend a uh a workshop um with my fellow treasurers last week um to kind of go over some things for the forecast. kind of like to help us you know with the software and and discuss things amongst each other um if you thought it was difficult to understand before um I I just it's difficult for me to understand now um and like I have to like continually and there are so many different there's no

027apples to apples it's going to be very very confusing for the taxpayer um you know luckily kind of for us. We were not on the 20 mil floor, so we won't see some of these things that I think is going to really really confuse um taxpayers. Um one of the items that was approved was a credit um based on the year that you had your reappraisal. Um so it depends on what county you're in when you had your reappraisal. If you had it in 2023, you'll get all three years. If you 24, you get two years of credits. 25, you get one year of credits and then that credit falls off. But to the taxpayer, that's not they're going to think that's my money. >> Yeah. >> Um and so that um you know, emergency

028levies are now included in the 20 mil floor. Um there is a cap on inflation. Um the where we're going to see it um is going to be on the inside millage because there's now an inflationary cap on the inside mill. Um >> the only we could get inflation, >> correct? Which is the only place we could Yes. get um many other districts are really losing millions of dollars that were on the 20 mil floor. Millions and millions of dollars. Um on the flip side, um you know, as as would be, uh does the state funding formula assume those reductions? No, it assumes the valuation as is because the valuations aren't going to be capped. Um it's just then what you pay is going to be capped. So they'll use that same valuation that increases

029in the funding formula to show you can pay more of a local share because this is your valuation even though you're not getting all the dollars on that that you would have in the past. Um I think if I remember correctly and I'll you'll obviously see more in depth next month when I do the forecast um not next year but the year after we'll be at the state minimum share of 10%. um it calculated the state would pay us about a little over $6 million um in total if that's the way it went. Now being on the guarantee we get closer to like $6 million um or $16 million, excuse me, $16 million um but what the formula calculates um is a little over six. Now again um if the formula is used as it

030is intended to that wouldn't be happening but we are choosing which um variables we update and which ones we don't. Um you know the cost set is still from 22. Uh we're in 2026. Um >> well that guarantee is only good for 17 months unless the legislature re it again. >> Yes. And then guarantee goes budget to budget. >> Yep. And so, um, it's just there's there's a lot of things. Um, Summit County has not done this, but, um, you know, counties now have the option to do a piggyback on the homestead and roll back. >> Only four counties now. So, >> and yes, and so that would double. And the thing is, as as you said, it's it's going to make uh my job a lot more difficult um as my profession um because

031at any time a county can decide they want to do it and all of a sudden you are now you've lost 500,000 or a million dollars um within the snap of a fingers because they decide they want to double that credit um because they have that ability now. Um and and that homestead roll back is kind of changing and um you know I think at one point I think it's the roll back um owner occupied um is increasing while the 10% roll back I believe is phased out decreasing um but the um owner occupied I think is going up to like 15% at one point of the phase in well that could be doubled um if Summit County decides to do that and we have no way of as a school district of knowing if

032when or why. Yeah. Now, I don't believe that Summit County will, but there are many other districts um that are like I you said there are some that have enacted this um and they have there's some others that are probably on the fence and they have no idea when and if it might be implemented in order to put that kind of factor in their for I mean I don't know how you forecast for that kind of stuff. Um, so it is a real uh difficult time right now and it it's I it's only uh made it more confusing. Um, and it's only going to push more people to the ballot because what's happening is as our valuations go up and you know, but we're capped on now on our real estate portion, but our state

033share for everybody keeps going down because they're assuming those higher valuations. Um this is a reappraisal year for us, re-evaluation year. Um they're expecting somewhere at least between 10 and 15% still. Um >> well the difference is now the last time we had a sex annual reappraisal. Our fiscal officer, Kristen Scaliz, fought with the tax commissioner to get those lowered, but the law at the time said the tax commissioner got to pick and the tax commissioner picked a very high percentage and so she lost that battle. But now um the law changed and the auditor which is our fiscal officer um can choose the percentage. So that will >> there have been some districts I know getting push back at the state level. Um >> that will perhaps benefit our taxpayers because >> they they

034have the power over the tax commissioner now to choose the lower percentage which ours tried to do last time. >> Yeah. I know um last year there were a few counties um that tried to you know have them lower and the state would not accept them um and rejected them. Um and so those are the kinds of things too. It's like we're, you know, yes, I'm trying to help you and the people in my my county and things, but then the state who says, "Oh, we need all this tax relief. What is happening?" Then says, "No, you have to make these values, you know, this high." Um, and so it's uh, you know, schools are really getting the the raw end of this deal. um as our other you know entities as well but um

035you know we receive the majority of of taxpayer funds um to us. So um it's it's definitely going to be um interesting. Um and there's more stuff, you know, in the works and being talked about and um we'll see where abolishing property taxes goes in this calendar year, but not much good news as far as that's concerned. >> Um but I just it's it's going to be very confusing. A little less confusing I think for us because we're not going to have all those things not being on the 20 mil floor. Um, but if someone here hears something, you know, still is on the 20 mil floor and then well, why did you get a credit on your tax bill? And we did I I just think it's it's >> all the credits don't come

036till the second half. Correct. >> Because the law goes into effect in March. So the first half tax bills are just normal, >> right? >> And then people have to pay and then that credit goes in in March. So then the credit will be affected on your second half bill. And then it's confusing because about it's a mix of people that pay their taxes directly like I do. Yay. And then people who are in escrow. Yeah. >> Um and so it's just >> their mortgage payment gets adjusted. >> And then if you pay a whole year at a time, um >> you won't see that until next year unless you call and ask for a refund later in the year. >> Yeah. It's just made it I I don't I it's almost impossible to understand

037especially if you fall in all these different categories where your county does a piggyback and you're getting a credit and now this is a cap and I I don't know how you explain it to like I have a very difficult time. >> We could be will be East Lake where they're in Lake County where they're one of four counties that have did the piggyback. They only have emergency levies >> and they're on the 20 mil floor. Yeah. So, >> I mean, their district's losing millions and millions and millions of dollars. >> They got the triple win. >> Um, >> I I I just I I don't know where this goes from here at this point because it's not just one. Um, if that your district isn't there now in some sort of financial situation, it's

038going to get there real soon. >> How and how much savings will people see off their track? Do we know like orders of Mac? Hundreds of dollars, thousands. I think it depends on the individual. >> Um, >> you know, the value of your home, >> where you're at, and what the taxing rate is, >> what what's the difference between your effective millage and maybe that 20 mil floor. Um, >> I'm talking and Willoughby East like where they're on the 20 mil floor, people are seeing $50. >> Yeah. >> So, this is tax relief. The state is talking about like and they're on the 20 mil floor. So, that's considered the big that was the big bill that the state passed and people are getting $50 off their tax bills. >> Yeah, it's it's not great,

039>> but it's the cumulative effect of that to the school district. >> Yes. >> So, it's kind of the frustration. And it's it doesn't really help taxpayers and I don't think it helps the frustration that taxpayers feel because $50 in the scheme of an almost $2,000 per half tax bill isn't really helping you at all. It's not easing your burden in any way. But the cumulative effect of all of those $50 on a school district is hurting our school district and forcing us to make difficult decisions. >> Right? So, it's hurting the district and it's not really helping the taxpayer. I'm not saying people can't do things with $50 by any means, but >> but it's not really making >> a double it's a double whammy for school. You're also reducing on the state side

040when >> Yeah. >> that >> and what the state is doing is putting the burden back on the property taxes. >> Correct. >> I mean the you know the owners. So, yeah. I mean >> Yeah. I mean the only option that school districts have really is to go to the taxpayers. >> Um so it's really the opposite effect. >> Yeah. The burden falls on them. >> Okay. That's it. >> Brings us to item F. Superintendent. >> You're welcome. >> Consent agenda. Dr. Salico. Thank you. Good evening. Is recommended that the board of education approve the items as listed in the superintendent's consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Um just a few items for your consideration this evening. Uh routine personnel items. Uh we have a service agreement that we renew each

041year with Junior Achievement and our revised bus routes uh for the 20 rest of the 2526 school year as a result of certainly the the redistricting or the I'm sorry the opening of the new campus. questions or comments from the board. Say thanks to our bus drivers for their adjustments. Um I definitely noticed them because I saw a bus on my way to work the other day where I didn't used to see one at that time and it caught me off guard a little bit. So definitely noticing that >> I have two buses that come down my street now where I've had zero buses come down my street previously and it took me off guard. >> Nothing further. Please call the role. >> Mrs. Schaefer >> I. >> Miss White. >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman.

042>> I. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Brings us to item G. Your comments. >> Um yeah. So, I um you know, I was trying to think of the last time we met and what's happened um since, but um I'd like to open with congratulations to the three of you for your appointments. Looking forward to working together still and again or for the first time, I should say. So, we're looking forward to that. Um we uh have been I I think prior to the the break, you know, we had a lot of holiday things going on, a lot of events, um a lot of great things and giving back to our community and um a lot of um folks helping a lot of our folks um this holiday season. So

043that was um good to see in our in our family center had a lot of um families utilizing that. And then we've had so many, as you heard, generous donations from people to really make people's holidays a little bit easier because I know we say it's, as the song says, it's best time of the happiest time of the year, the best time of the year. It's really not for everyone. And so, um, we're sensitive to that and hopeful that we can help people along the way. Um, I've, you know, I know my next item, the board has recently asked me to report on the opening of the 612 campus and it's there. So, if you'd like me to, I could just transition to that right now. >> Okay. So, um really I I don't have

044much else to to say because most of our efforts have been um spent on opening this new campus and our time uh I think the last of the seven days that students were in school except for the one day I was sick. I was at the campus pretty much most of the day um in it back and forth as as was um my staff um the administrative team who has been just outstanding and chipping in and helping. we've been on campus um kind of we call all hands on deck when I call they all dropped what they were doing to be there to assist. So I'm really appreciative of of them and the team and certainly the principles working so incredibly hard on all of the details and uh I just want to you know

045I I have some notes here that I'll just sort of I'll refer to. It'll just probably help a little bit guide my um my thoughts and um conversations here. So the good news is we've gotten better each day. um that we've made progress in the areas that we were experiencing challenges. The best news of all of it is just I seeing the looks on people's faces, the enthusiasm, the positivity, just watching people their just the feeling, you know, right? It's just got this um just a different feel to it walking in the building, seeing people smiling and talking and just having a great time in the space and the students are just have risen to the occasion as I would expect. But their behavior has been wonderful. Uh cafeteria has been efficient. The students are

046well behaved. Uh the transition times are while we're congested, they're still handling it very well. We're still working out some internal congestion in hallways, etc. So, uh those little details are, you know, we're still brainstorming some ideas, but just the enthusiasm and just in talking with students, you know, just asking them h how do they feel? What do you like? you know, it's just been very very positive. So, so incredibly uh you know, just humbled by their en enjoyment and just seeing them and it's just been one of the highlights of my career and as you know, I've been doing this a very long time. So, it's been one of the most joyous times that I've been able to experience in my career. That's how how great it's been. >> Um, we uh have been

047collecting data. So while it there have been you know frustrations as we expected I've said this prior to us opening we were very open with families and parents that this would be a challenging time that everything on paper things are written plans are created but until you there's no dry run right we can't dry run a start to the school year so this is our dry run and so while we've um had many many and I'm grateful to the parents who have been complimentary and patients and and I know that uh they may still be frustrated but still recognizing, you know, that we're trying to work through this. So, I do appreciate their patience. Um but we've had um a number of um plans in place. Me much of worked, much of it worked, some

048of it didn't. And where it didn't, we're revising and making adjustments as needed. We've made numerous adjustments that have proven to to work each time. So, um we started collecting data. our our our pain points are arrival and dismissal as one would expect. And I think it's important to say and the parents that have contacted me um what I've been sharing with them is it's important to know that this campus is not complete. We're not done. We could have chosen to wait and open this at the start of the school year and our students would have missed, you know, a semester in their new school. But we chose to open knowing that there would be challenges and bumps along the way and that's what we're experiencing. But that's because Boolic is still standing. >> We

049have not demolished it yet. We are going to be creating hundreds of parking spots. We're going to complete our transportation loop. We will be making adjustments once that happens as well. Um, but we are we knew that we were going to have these these challenges and we're trying to work through them the best we can. It will get better. This semester is going to be hard, you know, and we know that, but we have students in this new building and they're enjoying it and they're learning and that's what's important. But with it comes some frustrations. So, we're trying really hard. We have been meeting um we've huddled every day since every day since we've opened after school, sometimes an hour, sometimes two hours. We're in the room. We have a map that's up. We're we're

050problem solving. We're looking we're we have a drone that's been in the air numerous times. We're looking at um where the um backups are happening, where they're occurring, where students are parking. We're trying to be responsive to all the complaints that we know, if you will, complete complaints that we've fielded. We're troubleshooting and trying to see where those things are occurring. How big of an issue is it? Because what seems like, you know, people say there's a backup. Well, a long backup. I'm thinking like a mile, right? And I'm like, "Oh gosh, I'm panicking." But in reality, when you look at it, it's it was.3 just under.3 miles, which is long, but it's not crippling to the point like traffic was still flowing on on Portage Trail, for example. So, um, so we've been, um,

051huddling. We've been um looking at various things that we can improve. We have v um a number of plans and we have a communication that's probably going to go out tonight to parents just as a a recap. I know the principles have been inundating parents um and families about the revisions and maps and videos and all those other things. So, we're just going to do a little check-in with them acknowledging our challenges, what our suggestions are, what we could do, move, you know, some other ideas that we have because I think there may be some folks that think we have not been thinking about these things, but we absolutely have. We just haven't shared every single detail of our conversations. One, I don't want to confuse people, but we do have a number of ideas.

052There are some things that we could do if it got really, really bad. If we had a really bad experience here, you know, staggered starts or shuttles or things like that. We've been talking about them, but we're not there. We're not there yet. We we have them in mind, but we're going to give this time. We have improved. So, to give you an idea, we had um I asked Ryan to uh collect data on the number of cars. So, we did that for three days on um the 12th. We had 374 cars. This is in the morning. We started at 7:21. That's when the car started. And ended at 8:02. Now granted students don't or I'm sorry parents don't have to come in that early. We don't start that early but this is when parents

053this line started on 113 we shaved off four minutes. Um so and that was 364 cars. And then on the 14th we had 367 cars. So again we're having around the same amount of cars each day but we actually shaved off um another couple of minutes there as well. So that was at 7:19 to 7:57. So we have been um increasing or I'm sorry decreasing the amount of time. Uh today our students um same similar um times because we know the bell rings at 7:55. I was confused. 7:55 and it's 7 it's 50 in the afternoon. 55. So students are a couple minutes late to class but from when we started originally it was like 15 16 minutes. So from the first day, so we're showing improvements. Um we have been collecting data to make

054some informed decisions on all of these these things. Um we have been working with the police. Um I even spoke with the mayor. Uh we've worked working and trying to get uh you know, we've had police presence here. The mayor was kind enough to send some extra um officers here at dismissal today. I saw when I pulled in this morning, there were six officers. I I four walking out in our two SRO's. So, we've been working with them. We understand that uh portage trail and crossing is always a concern from no matter what age, we know that some of these are young adults and younger um students, but uh while we trust that they can cross streets responsibly, responsibly, we still have, you know, I mean, there's still a lot of congestion and you know,

055still kids are kids still, so they're cutting through traffic. they're navigating and they we have been reminding them we've reminded parents to please make sure students are staying on the cross in the sidewalks. So, we're working at reinforcing that with students. We have a number of adults outside. Um we are looking at the traffic timing of lights. Um we're looking at um looking at signage, more signage. Perhaps we need to look at right turns only or um you know just different uh things that we can explore for um making >> city signage >> and those are those would be city so I've spoken to the mayor I sort of planted the seed that we may be coming to them with some recommendations we also know that there is a a a process we have to

056go through and approvals that have to be made so that's out of our control but we certainly are you know they're open to hearing our our suggestions and needs. Um, let's see. I mean, those are a lot of sort of what I've we've recognized. Um, and and our parents and families have gotten much better about pulling up that red curb. I'm I've been out there just about every day and we're doing this a lot, right? We're like, "Move up, move up, move up." And they're getting better. And some of the kids I'm like, "Hurry up. Get in. Get out. Let's go. Let's go." You know, and they're probably like, "All right." you know, um especially in the morning getting dragging out of the car, but um if we keep that moving, it works. And so

057what parents were doing the first couple days is they were under the the old model of like pull all the way up, drop one child off, then the next one comes like it's almost what we do like at my child's school, we're like one at a time because they're little, but this we have a huge curve where curve where we can drop off like 20 at a time to get out. >> So as long now people are doing that, they realize their their child can get off way down there and just walk on the sidewalk up. So now that we got that flow, it just keeps moving, keeps moving. Same at um at pickup time, but the difference there is arrival, they're just getting out. What's happening, the bottlenecks that we're experiencing at the dismissal

058time is let's say parents, we have parents arriving at 12:30, 1, 12:45, 1:30, okay? And they're pulling all the way up in the front curve as they should right at the very beginning. Well, what may happen is their child might not be ready. the first six cars could be sitting there and the children are just not quite out of their class or talking, you know, I'm out there as well, like everybody look for your cars. Let's go quit talking. Let's look, you know, and but so that that's could be part of the issue. So, um that that's a little bit more challenging. So, that's why that's taking a little bit longer. Um but again we're trying to work through some systems that you know students can can get to their car cars quicker but and

059some are walking up the path and you know meeting in their car their car if they see their parent around the curve they'll go all the way up and walk which is fine and then the cars will um go around and then out and we are you know I'm watching it every day so I'm I I it's you know it's tight and people have to really really pay attention because if you're not you just try to jut out in front of a there could be, you know, a little collision. Um, so you have to be really careful and that's why we're out there, you know, trying to to do that. So, um, th those are kind of the the big the big ideas that we've been discussing. Continue to put out reminders. We have more

060more reminders going out this evening. Again, parents staying against that red curb. It really helps if you stay close. Students using the sidewalks. um following student the staff directives that we're while we're out there because we may say to you, "Okay, child, get out now because there's like you're not going anywhere now." Like even though it's not necessarily where we'd normally do it, let's get out. Let's get moving. Uh and then I the things that I suggest I said that we're doing, you know, we're using the drone, we're counting cars, we're engaging, we're going to try to engage a traffic engineer, we have daily huddles, we're studying the maps, we're using the staff and police, we're surveying students. That's the other thing I didn't mention. Uh I know Mr. Oswald and I believe Mr. Smith

061both put out a survey to find out how students are arriving and how they're dismissing like just to get some more information there. So needless to say we've been busy. So if um it's been a you know all of us not just me but others you know we have been here and so we do have an other our other job to do and we have six elementary schools. We saw all our elementary principles today and we said oh well let's have an introduction. Who are you all again? and we have six school six other schools and a preschool here. Um they've been good sports. >> Um but we're looking forward to we're going to have to wean off a little bit and let them do their thing and um put the systems in place to

062make them successful and then we'll get back to a little bit more normaly here. But um that's really been the driving force of um of what we've been doing and lunch has been great as I mentioned. So those were the points we were really worried about and lunch has been a good So >> do you know if um the people that qualify for busing are you utilizing the busing? >> So that's what we're also looking at. So that's part of that's oh actually that's the other not survey we're doing but um Mr. Roswald um reached out to Mar Margie and said how many because what he would like to see he believes that not the um that fewer students are using the buses that actually qualify and maybe they don't know if they qualify but

063it would be helpful if they do qualify if they took the bus that would get some students off. Yeah. >> So we are looking into that. >> How many are eligible for the bus that don't take it >> and and high school will be eligible next year so that should help. >> Yes. But I don't know, maybe we need to do a ride the bus campaign. >> Yeah. So, we're gonna we're gonna find out what those numbers are because they just have to take attendance. And >> do we have any stance on the pickup side of it? Like when we're getting that line through like >> what time end? that has been ending because I'm out there about 3 3:15 3:16 where we've shaved off some minutes there. So, we dismissed. Yeah, it's taking we

064decided it it took anywhere from 20 to 25 26 minutes. I'm looking at Ryan about >> Yes, he did do the seconds. Yes. Thanks, Ryan. That's very helpful. >> He does.5 seconds per call. Right. And then within the school day, because this is one of the concerns I had heard that we're not having any issues with the time it takes kids to get from here to there with for classes >> on a I think on a few occasions, certainly at the beginning and we're obviously forgiving of that. There might be some spots. I've not heard that as a big issue. No, I mean I I've not heard that. >> It's not an issue I've heard since, but it was just one of the >> preemptive concerns. So I was just wondering as we situated if

065that's >> it would be when they're back here in the arts like this might be the location that it's hard middle school it's not going to be really an issue because they're in their pods and they just go to the electives they should be okay. It would be if you're coming from this area the electives and the arts to get you know if you have to go there but >> I've not and I and when I'm walked around the halls I don't see students like in the halls laid much >> no more than usual. >> Right. Well no we appreciate all the work you guys are putting in. We do. and uh the communication with the students and families and the community's patience too all this as well. Do you think perhaps at the end

066of this first quarter in the building slash third quarter of the year we could get some information on how we're utilizing the building and what opportunities educationally we're finding in the building because that was one of the things that we was our big rationale is that educational opportunities. So is that something we could start? >> Sure. Yeah. And we're people's heads about >> how are we what are the educational opportunities that we're starting to realize because I'm sure people are starting to think of things and I just >> would hope that we could capture those somewhere. I think that'll be important to show to our community. >> Yeah. And you just reminded me like um I had a student email me about the collaboration spaces and said we're not we're not using them. I'm like

067okay we're only seven days in honey just hold on hang on. Um, but like some teachers are allowing it and some aren't. >> I've heard the learning stairs are being used a lot. >> The learning studio, >> the collaboration space is being used. I walked through there several different times and they're very quiet and working. I even said, "Is this a study hall?" And they're like, "No, this is just a collaboration space. Kids are out of their classrooms working." >> Told by a teacher last night that the learning stairs are being used a lot. >> They are. I see them on there every day. >> But I just think I'll be important to >> and I'm sure people are thinking of things. So just as they go like take pictures and record them and find

068a way to um have that information. >> Anything else from the board on that? >> Do you have anything else, Dr. Selka? >> I think that's >> okay. Thank you. >> I'm exhausted talking. >> We'll move on to item H. Board business. Number one is resolution of declaration Tag Falls Library 2.2 mil levy. So recommended the board of approve the attached resolution declaring it necessary to levy an additional 2.2 mil tax levy for the purpose of current expenses of the Ka Falls Library and requesting the Summit County fiscal officer to make certain certifications pursuant to sections 5705.03 5705.21 and 5705.19 of the Ohio Vice Code. >> So moved. >> Second >> discussion. So we are the taxing authority of the library. So we have a statutory duty that when they pass a resolution to levy

069a tax, we have a statutory duty to put that on the ballot regardless of our thoughts on it. Um we're not allowed to express thoughts for or against any issues at the board table um based on the auditor of state's guidance. Um so we're we can have those thoughts outside of this table. Um, but we have a statutory duty to approve this. >> Please call the RO. >> Miss White, >> I. >> Mrs. Zimmerman, >> I. >> Mr. Gomez, >> I. >> Mr. Harris, >> I. >> Mrs. Schaer, >> Item two is resolution 250th anniversary. It's recommended the board of education approves the resolution recognizing 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Did you want to read it, Mr. Harris. >> Yes, I will. Thank you. A resolution

070of Kaga Falls City School District's Board of Education recognizing 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of or the semiquentennial. I had to practice that a couple times. Of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, a defining moment in the history of the United States of America. And whereas the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, liberty, equality, democracy, and self-governance uh continue to guide and challenge our nation as we strive to form a more perfect union. And whereas public education plays a central role in preparing students to be informed, engage in responsible citizens, who understand the nation's history, appreciate diverse perspectives, and participate actively in civic life. And whereas the 250th anniversary provides a meaningful

071opportunity for schools to engage students in learning about American history, civic responsibility, and the ongoing work of democracy through inclusive, age appropriate, and educationally sound instruction. And whereas the anniversary invites reflection on both the nation's achievements and shortcomings, including the experiences and contributions of indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans and their descendants, immigrants, workers, women, and other historically marginalized communities whose stories are essential to the full and honest understanding of American history. And whereas commemorating America's 250th anniversary can inspire collaboration among schools, families, community organizations, libraries, museums, and local governments to promote civic pride, historical awareness, and community engagement. And whereas recognizing this milestone aligns with the Ka Falls City School District's work in educating the whole child and fostering critical thinking, respect, and a commitment to democratic values. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Kao

072Falls City School Districts Board of Education hereby recognizes the year 2026 as a 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. And be it further resolved that the board of the board encourages district administrators, educators, and staff to explore appropriate educational opportunities, programs, and activities throughout 2026 that engage students in learning about American history, civics, and democratic principles. And be it further resolved that such activities where undertaken should reflect an inclusive and accurate representation of our nation's history and emphasize the role of public education in sustaining a healthy democracy. And be it further resolved that the board encourages partnerships with community organizations and institutions where feasible to support meaningful educational experiences connected to this historic anniversary. Be it finally resolved that this resolution be entered into official records of the Ka Falls

073City School Board's Board of Education and shared with the school community. >> Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Yeah. I just want to um real quickly say as I was watching I watch a lot of PBS and Ken Burns and all that and one of the things that our fourth fathers why they put in that pursuit of happiness because they believed that education was so very important and lifelong learning would make people more moral and virtuous. So that was one of the reasons for that phrase pursuit of happiness and it's >> it's I think >> wonderful. They believed in education for the public. >> That's right. >> Did you write this? >> Uh yeah, I had some you a little bit of help from some templates I've had, but

074yeah. Yeah, I I doed it up a little bit to you. >> Yeah. >> Don't be modest because I looked at some of the templates and um they were skeletons. So Mr. Harris put a lot of work into this. >> Yeah. And I word smithed a little bit >> and I and I read this over many times and um one thing that really um really touched me too and I >> and I really want to encourage people to I'm I'm going to read the portion of it. Whereas commemorating America's 250th anniversary can inspire collaboration among schools, families, community organizations, libraries, museums, and local governments to promote civic pride, historical awareness, and community engagement. And I think that um I my son is a boy scout. He's an Eagle Scout. And one of the things that

075um I always worked on when I went to scouting events with him on merit badges was uh promoting engagement in the local community and local government. And I think that that is a great place for our youth to get involved in local government and local events and to involve themselves in community. And I think that's very important and um and I hope that this may inspire if not just one person to be involved. >> Well, I appreciated that you included um telling and acknowledging all aspects of American history, not just >> the things that were happy, fun, positive. Um, of course we want to celebrate the country we live in and be proud of it, but we can't do that by only telling part of the story. So, >> and, uh, unfortunately currently, um, it

076doesn't go without saying there are lots of movements to, uh, not tell the whole story. So, I like that we're coming on the record >> with this. >> Thank you. >> I agree. I just think it's important for our students just to learn about the founding of America and our pursuit of democracy for ourselves. Um, and why we thought self-governance was an important institution that was something worth people putting their lives on the line for. and that over the course of 250 years, people continue to to put their lives on the line to defend. Um, so I support the resolution because I think making sure our students understand the ideals that our country was founded on and why they are still relevant 250 years later and worth continuing to support are very important. And you

077know, there's often those like surveys that come out about what people know about their own country and America often ranks very low. So, which is unfortunate and sad, but this opportunity to kind of reiterate the importance of knowing um our government and why our country was founded and the ideals it was founded on. And so I hope that our curriculum department will run with this. There's a lot of great resources already. Ohio has a great America 250 um organization set up. They have themes for each month. They have something called the fourth grade museum pass um where a fourth grade class can get um free entry in for the whole class into one museum. The McKen Museum isn't that far. Um, so there's great opportunities um already. Um, there's not a lot of work that

078needs to be done to get resources for this. So I hope our curriculum department runs with this and that perhaps in July we can get a report from our curriculum department that would be nice and thematic since it would be >> right around the 4th of July. You know, there's a whole book written, you know, on the most I don't know how he put it, but the most wonderful sentence in our his n in the world's history, and that is found in the Declaration of Independence when he states that all men are created equal and so on. So, I want to come back to Mr. Zimmerman's point. I'm glad too that we have um we we need to know our history, its faults, and its goodness. And I think that doesn't how much you love

079your country or how patriotic you are by learning some of the bad things that went on. >> It helps you to understand and move forward and that's what I appreciate also. >> Absolutely. >> Well, and our kids, our students are capable of complex understanding complex things and >> critical thinking. We should >> give them credit for that. >> That's right. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. And >> I think we should work to instill patriotism and our students because if our country can survive 250 years, there are certainly things to be proud of. So >> absolutely. >> Please call a roll. >> Miss White. >> Hi. >> Mr. Zimmeran. >> Hi. >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Harris. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> Hi. >> Thank you. That brings us to item three, overnight

080field trip for student council to recommend the board of education approves the overnight field trip to allow the student council leadership council to attend camp wa. >> So moved second. >> I discuss that. >> It's the they do this annually council trip. >> Any questions or comments from the board? >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Gomez. >> I. >> Mr. Harris. Hi. >> Mrs. Schaefer. >> I. >> Miss White. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Zipper. Hi. >> Number four is discussion lobby. I will take it over to Mr. >> Yes. Um so kind of um follow up to my comment section is that um you know we've talked about this for a while and I think with um recent legislation it's going to push the issue a little sooner um even than we thought which

081um you know was sometime this year. Um there are um obviously less options um now as there was before, but there are still options. Um just a couple of um key points just for this year. So, um, early August is when we would have to have for it to be on a November ballot would be, um, early August, we'd have to have both resolutions, um, approved by the board, um, and turned into the board of elections um, in order to be on the ballot. Then, typically, we've done them in our June meetings um, sometimes July if that's just how it how it works out. Um I will present uh kind of with the forecasts when I do it, you know, some viable options and what those will generate and exactly what we may need. Um

082which again is also hard to determine depending on um some inflationary stuff. Um but the picture is not getting any better. You know, we're we're ekking out this year and the next couple years. Um and unless there is some sort of windfall, um we will need to be on the ballot for some sort of new operating funds. Um couple of things with that doesn't necessarily have to be operating. It could be uh permanent improvement. Um which while won't directly impact directly impact the general fund, what it does is we do not have a permanent improvement. So all of our permit improvement expenditures come out of the general fund. So any kind of you know major repairs, maintenance, roofs, parking lots, you know, HVAC, just everything um comes out of our general fund. Um and so

083we've kind of used our emergency levy to cover some of those gaps. Um but obviously we still have aging elementary buildings um that you know need will need things. We know um Silver Lake has some boilers that will probably at some point uh be a hefty cost to replace um and so it could alleviate those costs in the general fund shifting them out then therefore making those funds available um you know for some of our other needs um in the general fund. Um, so you would kind of have to look at, you know, whether you'd want to go that way or a general fund. Um, like I said, I'll present some, you know, kind of how much millage. I mean, right now, now again, we're okay. This is reappraisal year, so it's also, um, you

084know, they're going to go up next year, but it's when we certify it, it's going to be based on what it is now. And it's like 1.1 billion I want to say is the overall valuation for the district. Um so you know a little over a million um for a mill um in that um there length of of time obviously you know you're looking at a five years or continuing um >> will be house bill 920 into that valuation >> correct >> in that village >> correct >> um uh keep in mind then the we have the emergency levy that is getting renewed I think It expires. Does collection end in 27 or does it expire 27? Tell you one second. Hold on. >> So technically that that levy um expires at the end of

085this year. Collection um ends at the end of next calendar year. So at the end of 2027. Um, so that one could also be put on, I believe, as early as this November. Um, and again, that can't be continuing. Can be for the 5-year period. >> But we would be in terms of collection safe to put it on next year as well. >> Yes. >> Just >> Yeah. Yeah. You would Yeah. As long as it's passed by November of 27, >> the collection wouldn't cease. >> Yes. There would be no season collection. >> Your projections don't include that one that's expiring. The when we're talking about is that what we're talking about? >> Yeah. So, how it is modeled in the forecast is it's not you can't assume the passage of a renewal, but they

086model it on the bottom. So, you'll see it like you won't see it in like the uh revenues of real estate and that they'll show it at the bottom like hey, you have this renewal out here for these years. Here's how much it would. So, they give you like a here's what it is without it, here's what it is with it. But either way, it's still not enough. Is that >> Yeah, I mean that Yeah, because that's just a renewal of existing. So, we would need that in order to stay solvent um at all. Um and then additional funds are just um going to be necessary. Um you know, like I've said, most districts anymore, it's like two to three years they get between and it's probably going to be even less going forward given

087the restriction on some of the growth for these districts. Um we have not passed new money since 2019. Um and with that was part of the bond issue and before that on a standalone um issue was 2017. Um so that's a long time to >> the emergency 11 was first passed. >> Yeah. Um so that's a long time to to stretch those dollars. Um but given just the uh events that have taken place over um you know the past few years with inflation and these prop legislation and um you know the formula not being updated um to where it would be helpful for us um in declining enrollment. Um, we're also probably going to have to look at, you know, we have looked at some serious cost cutting measures as far as um, you know,

088closing an elementary school, selling off um, different properties. Um, I know we're going to talk about potentially um, open enrollment here maybe next month and and have that discussion, but we're >> Cutting budgets enough cutting >> we could do to make up for it, >> not to sustain long term. >> Sorry. We also eliminated three administrative positions last year. >> Yes. So we yeah we already um you know had decent savings from our written plan last year to you know kind of stay solvent. Um but you know with that in mind we pushed some curriculum purchases out further years that are just going to keep getting pushed out until we you know can kind of solve uh the problem. Um, and I say that because it's not going to solve the problem overall, but um,

089it'll put us in a better position to um, you know, keep up with those things and and and all of that. >> Well, I think that's that's why I think it's necessary to put new money on this year, whatever form we ultimately decide. I think we have >> if we want to wait till the last minute, we have till the end of June really to decide what we want to do. We could certainly make the decision before then, but we can make more cuts, but it's going to directly impact children's education in the classroom. That's where we're at at this point. It certainly already has in some ways by making 10% across the board cuts, closing an elementary school. You can't argue that that's not going to have impact on kids education. So, we're at

090that point. Are those things necessary? Sure. I don't think you can go to the community and ask them for more money if you haven't made cuts that you can make. So, um, and I think 10% hurts, but also sometimes 10% can be, um, some of those extra things that you added on in the good years and now you have to give get rid of them in the the less than good years. That's not probably true in every place in case, but in some places and cases it is. So, I think that's where we're at. I think we've made the cuts we can. It's going to get a lot more direct to education. And if we want to be on the path of continuing to improve education, which is our main goal, then we're going to

091need >> more >> like bigger class class sizes would be >> certainly >> cutting staff. So people don't >> curriculum purchases. >> Yes. curriculum. >> It's going to be longer in between cycles of, >> you know, updating Chromebooks and updating, you know, uh unfortunately, you know, even with those curriculum purchases, we've talked before, you know, used to buy the text and you could have the text and now most of these are subscription based and it's a yearly cost. Um, and so obviously that's obviously more expensive. Um but most of them are are subscription based and they're either you know um digital or um there's not a lot of physical you know textbooks um but then they can charge us on a >> on a on a yearly basis and you know and that so um

092you know those are costs too that we you know see each year in addition to purchasing you know physical texts when um when necessary. And obviously there as we know there's been multiple unfunded mandates as far as it comes to curriculum. Um I assume they'll probably try for more as time goes on. So um >> with that um but yes really like I said we don't have a lot of options for revenue. Um >> you know we we kind of you know shake every tree we can um even if it's a little bit just to get you know anything we can anywhere. Um and we will continue to do that. Um but major revenue um is really um dependent on a levy and the taxpayers um in that situation. Um the cuts, like I said,

093we've made a a number of cuts and we are still um you know in a precarious situation because of um a multitude of different different things um that have just impacted not only us but everybody think um it makes more sense to go for the new money this year and then to just have the emergency levy next year because we also have the capital plan as part of what we're doing in our strategic plan. And so the emergency levy, if it's going to keep being our PI or if we decide we want to turn it into a PI levy, that could be something we decide we want to do. We'll have hopefully by next November that capital plan work either done or in the works >> and be able to kind of have that when

094we would go to the community with that renewal. >> And I think that would help more with that and explain that because that's kind of what we do with that one anyway. >> Um, >> so that would make more sense to me and So that's where I'm leaning on those two things. So we have the two we know we'd have we know we have to go this year or next year either or >> so we want Miss Toy. Do you have to do the fiveyear forecast in February? >> Yeah. >> So, do we want her to bring some millage options to that presentation in February >> for further discussion? >> Would you be ready to do that? >> Yeah. I mean, that's that is part of, you know, embedded in the forecast itself. Um, I

095would suggest while that will give you a good jumping off point that we wait until we're a little closer to the end of the year to see where we're actually at. Um, again, this doing this forecast in February is going to be a little >> um it's not going to be like May where we are almost done and we kind of know what's happening and we know where we're going to shake out and then typically we make our decisions, you know, based off of those kinds of things. Um, this is much earlier in the year. uh there is still almost half a year to go. Um and you know I we do not have insurance renewals whereas typically we'd have those in May. We do not have a lot of things like that um that

096we will not have definite actuals on um until May that could could swing you know something either way. Um, and so it'll be it's not going to be drastically different, but um, you know, these ones will be in the vicinity of where you need to be, give or take. >> Um, you know, where kind of our final numbers end up at the end of this year going and going into next year and what expenditure cuts will be, you know, happening. >> Does that work for everyone? >> It works for me. Okay, that brings us to item five, future agenda items. That will be first meeting in February. Our next meeting, we have our fall athletes to be recognized. We also have the forett PBS recognition as well outside of the normal recognition. Um and then

097um we need to do our formative evaluations for superintendent and treasurer. So we'll start meeting on about those at the next meeting. I'll have Mr. Jones send that um information out to each of you. >> We also have the presentation of the I'm sorry the portrait of a black tiger up at that time. >> It'll be brief but >> you say at the next meeting >> uh that's for January 28th. >> Yes. >> Anything else at this time? >> Okay. Brings us to number six committee report. Is there anything from core team? Yes, we met on um January 6th and it basically is wrapping up most of the things, the punch list items, trying to get in some additional lockers that are needed. Um basically just um revisions and you know signage and the projection

098location shelves for the library, adjusting those. Um, so it's basically that's what they're looking at doing right now. And then the Bulock abatement and demo that will um begin on 119. They'll remove um f loose furniture. And of course we will have a um auction set aside, I think. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Oh, it already happened. I'm sorry. >> But there are two more in a high school. We'll have the auction coming forward. But um yeah, just looking at those kinds of things. And then the starting of the demolition itself will be on April 1st. We will need to do a change order for the abatement. I'm not sure what that is yet or will look like, but that is coming also. So I think that's about all. >> Thank you. >> Did

099I miss anything? >> No. No, the only thing I would point out with the lockers that you said it's not a shortage on our end or nothing that we were not short of. They was a miss uh order if you will um little snafu in their ordering and so that's why certain pods didn't get enough um lockers and some got enough so they're just we had to order more. >> Thank you. Um board policy committee will need to schedule a meeting now that we've been reformatted because we have some policies to review. Business alliance council you met yesterday. Was it just about the portrait or is there more? >> It was about the portrait, but well, I mean, it it was just a really good turnout, really good discussions, conversations. I I really um I

100I got a lot from it myself. It was great hearing the at least in my group, you know, the conversations we had around that. So, I don't know if you want to share anything, Miss >> Did you have a student in your group? I had a student in my group and she was a sophomore and she was really impressive. I was excited to have a student in my group. She was not afraid to say what she was thinking. Uh we watched a couple videos kind of to start off and and one thing that really kind of got me was they said we're teaching um we're teaching skills to these students to prepare them for jobs that really haven't even been invented yet. >> Exist, right? >> Yeah. They don't really exist. >> And then we

101were kind of like looking at characteristics for this portrait of a graduate. And then I think Miss Dudon said something and I I wrote it down like what kind of things are we looking for? And she said something and it kind of it struck me and she said well I'm not going to be able to find it. She but she said something that we're looking for because the video was about AI and >> and how um like automation is happening and there was a lot not a lot of people in the video that we watched. It was a lot of things happening automatically. and she said we were looking to um for like basically human characteristics to things that keep them >> like grounded in humanity kind of thing and I was like that's >>

102very poignant to say >> um >> this interest >> but I know I think it's going well I'm excited conversation >> a great cross representation you know typically you know we might get things where you know the um administration or staff outweighs heavily and it did that did not that was not the case. It was really neat to see just a nice representation and I thought Mr. Ferguson did a great job. >> I mean he was I was really engaged too. I was really interested in what he was saying. >> Yeah. Yeah. Just really he's like he's just >> Yeah. >> The way he just interacts too. It's really good. >> Yeah. He did a very nice I mean I know Mr. Schaefer has one complaint too about there not being no coffee. >> There's

103no coffee there. >> You want to know why there's no coffee? >> Mr. Jones. >> No. Because we were in the new media center. I got in trouble just for having food. Let alone coffee that would have killed me. I think >> we're trying not to. I know. Now, next meeting we can have some because we'll be following the rules. >> Oh, no. I'll bring my own in a sealed container. >> No, neonet. We're okay. We'll bring coffee. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. District Wellness Committee. I know you had a meeting. >> We did have a meeting. Um, so apparent we we split up also into like subcommittees. So, in our meeting, we did a shout out of the subcommittee. I'm on the like the food subcommittee. So, we did a like a staff wellness

104subcommittee. So, they did a share out. Let me just pull that up. Um they were they did a survey about staff wellness and things that they would maybe like to have as um you know, perks and things. And a lot of them were food related. So, food carts, healthy food carts. And that does not surprise me because that is also my love language. Um, they had therapy dogs come in a con. Oh, that was for convocation. I was there another Okay. >> I didn't get to go to that, >> although I probably would have. Um then we talked about the the the new cafeteria and the presentations and um the new offerings that that they are having having and the cafeteria and we're working on the big survey that we did and trying to improve

105our score on that survey. And one of the things was having artwork in the the dining areas and all of the cafeterias. And we do have artwork in the the new campus, which is awesome. In fact, I saw it posted on um our social media page and we had a comments on saying how awesome it is. also. So, we're working on that in the um elementary buildings and um they have the one of the stations in the cafeteria in the 6 through 12 campus called top that a student helped name and it is it the pasta bar I think that they said it was the name I think and they're going to have a ramen their ramen bar and wings things. I did talk to I did come here for lunch one day after the

106business alliance meeting and I was asking people about their experience in the cafeteria and um they want bone in wings and apparently it's boneless wings. >> Yeah. Are they? >> I said you guys are too matter. Aren't you excited to have wings for lunch? That's very exciting. Um and one more thing. Oh, okay. And then we talked about um one of the things was announcing the menus on the the morning announcements. And when they have the menu, they're having students kind of read the menus in the morning and they were just reading through the the menu and the menu is listed. So it's item components and so they are reading, you know, bread like it was the chicken sandwich because it has the bread in the chicken sandwich. So and we talked about maybe just

107going over it's a chicken sandwich. So before so it's not so it's not confusing as what the items are. But but speaking of the cafeteria, I went through the cafeteria and it was very exciting. I saw kids going through carrying um little containers of tomatoes, little containers of like fresh cut red peppers and they're eating salads and >> it's good. >> It's very >> lots of happy people eating. Are they eating eating the healthy things? >> Yes. The only thing that I saw the only thing that I saw a lot of >> um >> apples >> waste I guess. Um they would they would take an apple and it would kind of roll around on their tray as they're walking and then maybe it would drop out of the ground. In fact, I was standing

108there dropped in front of me and I was like having a little mini panic attack because it was a crowd of people like someone's going to trip on that apple. No one did. They did pick the apple up but then it's bruised now. Like no one wants to eat a bruised apple now. So I did see a couple apples go into the trash. >> That's part of it. >> Delicious. That's the problem. >> Maybe slight apples myself. >> Well, and then I was going to mention this. I was going to mention this in my other portion. So when I went through the they switched to instead of having items, they have to build a a qualified meal to >> for um reimbursement, a reimburseable meal. and they were doing items and now they've switched to

109components. So like a chicken sandwich might have like the protein and the bread and >> so um so it's easier to get the items so there's less waste but if you don't get your half a cup of fruit or whatever it is and then they get to the checkout line and like well you don't have a reimburseable meal would you like to go back and get a half a cup of fruit or whatever it is. Now they have like little packets of like dried berries. They could have that as they're checking out. So, >> and they're getting that new signage, too. They're trying to make it less confusing. >> Um, that I remember being in high school and being confused as to what you could have and what you couldn't have to have a reimburseable

110meal. And I do think that that is a lot very helpful. >> And I know they're working with Project Nutrition, which is the the dietitian company that's come in and helped do some of the training. And they do have like a Tik Tok page. So, we are on it. >> Thank you. Uh, Foundation Alumni Association, they met last night. Do you have anything to report, Dr. >> Um, actually because we had the tours last night and the basketball game. I was in and out. I gave my report. Um, the only thing that we really talked about, well, mostly was some of the, you know, making the transition here and then also, um, the names for the bricks, coming up with a solution for that, um, those that donated. So, um those were the only two

111items that we discussed. >> Okay. And then I'll share um Minister Emerman's name with them. >> Okay. >> Anything from legislative, Mr. >> Mway shared all the awesome news. Uh but um the House will be back February 18th and the Senate will be back January 27th. >> Okay. >> Anything from student achievement, Miss W? >> No, we haven't met. We will meet this month, but later. >> Okay. That brings us to item seven, comments. I am up first. Um, I made it to the Bullick U final walkthrough. It's the middle school I attended. So, I enjoyed that. I got to see my favorite middle school teacher, Mary Wilson. She was there. >> So, I she uh was a very difficult teacher. She expected a lot out of her students. um we had to do some

112very hard projects in her class, but we've kept in touch over the years, so it's nice to get to see her there. And then I was at the high school walkthrough last night. Um and then the last high school walkthrough is this Saturday from 10:00 to noon. And then for Roberts, it's on the 24th from 10:00 to noon. I also went to the last uh game at Tom Jones Court. Um, >> it was such a good basketball game against Stow, >> but it was such a devastating devastating. >> We were ahead pretty much the whole game and then we were tied >> right up to the last moment and literally at the buzzer, somebody from Stow just shot for it and it went in and we lost. So, >> it was a devastating ending, but

113it was a great game. It was just absolutely packed in there. So, a great way um to say goodbye to uh the Tom Jones Court. Um and I went to the Silverlake Makers Market, which is a great event um that they have where the students um bring in their items that they make and then you buy studentmade items. So, I got some good little Christmas gifts. Um, this one student made Drew Stripes. Stripes our mascot. And made him as a shrinky dink. >> Oh, >> it was so I bought them out. I bought all the stripes shrinking. Sorry. Um, and then the students get to keep all the money they make. It's a really great It's the second year that they've done it and it's really awesome. That's awesome. >> Um, and I think it's

114something uh >> we could see maybe expanded across the district because I think entrepreneurship is a great skill. uh to teach students. Um I went to the preschool art fair at the Akran Art Museum and it was so cute to see the preschool kids pointing out their art um to their families. Um I spent quite a bit of time there and then they got to free admission to the art museum as well. So I think that's great as well to teach um not only are they doing art but exposure to professional art at for kids at such a young age. I went to the PTSO bingo and I I didn't get to go to the high school open house, but I went to our middle school open house and just the excitement that the kids

115had and some of the kids were in telling their parents, um, I've already been here and I know where my classes are and but I think that level of confidence is really good because I think heard a lot about and that's not to say that there aren't kids that um were very nervous about a midyear transition or certainly sixth graders who had to make two transitions this year. Um, but just that that kids had that level of confidence is a really great thing to see. >> U, Mr. Harris, >> uh, yeah, just a happy new year to everybody and congratulations again to my colleagues. Uh, Zimmerman, welcome. Very excited to have you on the board here. Um, just uh, uh, it was great uh, with the business lines council. As Miss Schaer said, we were

116able to go down uh, and view the lunch line and everything, talk with some staff members and see how things were going. Everyone just seemed excited. I was jealous because, you know, seeing all the menu items and stuff that, uh, I never had in school was just in incredible. Um, I did speak with one of the cashiers to see, uh, you know, get her thoughts on how things were going. She said, "It's great." Well, if these kids would learn we have more than one cash cash register, you know, so maybe that's a little bit of a hold up, but um, but no, everything looked great. Um, I was able to make it the bullet. My wife was, uh, uh, went there and, uh, you know, she reminisced as we were walking through and everything. We

117got a got one of the speakers from the art room uh that she got to leave with which was really cool. Um little momento that she gets to hold on to. Um but very excited. I'm going to try to make it to the I couldn't make it last night but get to the high school on Saturday. Um let Theo run around a little bit through the halls. Um and then I just want to thank our our grounds folks and maintenance for keeping everything so safe. You know, we've had some bad weather these this last month. So, um just keeping the campus clear for folks and all the other schools as well. We we really appreciate that. to get past that long first job. Yeah, of course. But that's it. >> Thank you, Mr. Schaefer. >>

118Well, I attended the Bullick um event as well. And I saw that there were a lot of names written on the wall in the band room in the the back practice room. So, I did write my name on there also. It's getting short, guys. So, it's my maiden name just in case I got in trouble. But I also got to have one of the speakers, too. I got from the the um I got from the auction. So, I got one of the speakers, too. I have a memory from band from my years of Bolague. And it got ripped off the wall several times by the band director at the time. And >> so I wanted to take that memory home with me to remember for always. >> Um and then I was at the high

119school uh walkth through. Was that last night? Last night >> and you me >> Oh yeah, >> we're getting into some stuff. >> There I got to got to witness someone getting proposed to. That was very exciting. >> Oh yeah. and he was a music man in high school and then also in we did the instrumental portion to it for the music man final musical in the old >> in the old building. That was that was kind of exciting but >> it was a lot of a lot of I could not believe how many people were there. I it was exciting that people were were excited to walk through the building. Um and I get I also I attended the the basketball game with Mr. Gomez. It was that was a devastating way >> to

120end end um our basketball season uh at that at the high school on the Tom Jones court, but I guess that's just the way it is. And um one more thing too about the the new campus. Um, I did get to go and direct traffic on that big red curb and um, waving people on to direct and I my arms were sore for three days. So, the people that have been doing that for for all week, I mean, like you guys, >> God bless all of you because I was sore for three days and I only did it for one day. >> So, get you. But I'm I'm glad that that is making improvements every day and and I know that it is been a lot of frustration and the growing pains are real, but

121it's been improve proving every day and I know because I've seen the brainstorming and the hard work that people are putting their heads together trying to figure out how we can make this an easier transition. And so I'm glad that the fruits of that labor are coming together. So thank you for all your hard work physically and mentally. >> Thank you, Miss White. >> You know, just a couple of shoutouts. Um the campus kitchen and team um recognition. I just wanted to thank them for the hard work that they do. And then um also for um the DT. I just found this little thing from well it's not will but from Miss Houseman. I wanted to get this out there because it affects the academics in the middle school. Um they are going to start

122um planning and outlining an approach to middle school teameming which is what we wanted when we created those spaces to do that. and their framework is built on research grounded pillars design of student-led um academic teams and um the implementation of teacher teameming and so on. The why because it's responsive to the the youth the the adolescence as a foundation upon which all decisions about school are made. It's challenging that they get to cultivate high expectations and advance learning. It's empowering because they're facilitating classrooms where the students take responsibility for their learning and it's equitable um and engaging. Fostering a learning atmosphere that is relevant, participatory, and motivating for all learners. And I believe that is so true. When you let children have choice in what they learn and how they go about it, they

123really step up and step forward and they learn. They learn. the teacher teams, they're going to have common planning time with this, which is wonderful. Um, they're working on the master schedule, the shared goals. Um, they're collaborative, limited, um, emotional, appreciable, and refinable. And I'm sure I'll learn more about this as I go through the DT this year. Um, but there is a structure. There's accountability, um, where students are accountable not only for their own learning, but for their team members learning. um the social, emotional and cognitive learning is embedded into the academic work and addresses social skills daily versus prescribed lesson plans. So to me when we sat here and made our strategic plans and goals we wanted to personalize education for all when we looked at the business alliance when I was on

124it the four C's which is I'll probably forget one but cooperation collaboration communication and creative thinking or problem solving um were all so important to them and that is what we're looking at. So, I just I am so happy we're moving in this direction as a a former teacher and um just the way that I taught was in teams at Bolick. um started with reading and writing workshop where students took control. They got to choose the books, they wrote about them and um it was just empowering for me as a teacher and I think it will be again and I'm just so excited for the academic growth that we're going to see with this plan. It will take time. Nothing like this is ever easy. It won't happen overnight, but we're going there and it's

125so exciting and I'm so happy. So, thank you. Mrs. Zimmerman. >> All right. Well, I don't have a lot to report, but um I did meet with oh, eight or 10 people before uh the break, all of the department heads. I don't know if that's the right name for it, but had wonderful conversations. just got to know all of our all the people who were doing the work and um got to know them personally and you know a lot a lot of what I learned is that things I had read about and we're were thinking about they're already being thought about and implemented so that was really um you know I I think we're doing a lot of great work here. Just very happy to be a part of it. Um, thank you to everyone

126who has helped me get here. And, um, yeah, I think, you know, well, I'm trying to manage the double life of being a PTO mom still and now a board member. So, um, trying not to be too in my kids' business, but that's kind of why we're involved, right? >> Smaller kids. >> Yep. >> Thank you. I just would be remiss if we didn't give a big thanks to Mr. Frey for getting everything fried, for getting everything set up in this new space and making it work. And the acoustics are great >> cuz you can hear everyone very loudly. >> I know. I did struggle with that in the old in the old space hearing everyone. And I've had zero problems this evening. It's been wonderful. >> So, thank you, Mr. Fry >> and the

127acustitian whoever built this place. >> Yes. brings us to item I, executive session. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Gomez. I'm I'm so sorry to interrupt this. I I wasn't sure if Mrs. White was going to mention this, but I I wanted to mention the passing of Tracy Early. I I didn't mention in my comments because I know sometimes you you I forgot. I apologize for doing that, but I just wanted to mention that um for those that may not know that we lost um Tracy Early uh our principal had um succumbed to her to her um illness and um she passed away just a couple weeks ago and uh we're very sad to hear that. Many know her as the Lincoln principal, but uh near the last uh before she retired, she was um helping us

128at Silver Lake as well as Robert. So, just want to keep her family and um her, you know, in her in her prayers. So, I'm sorry. >> No, thank you. >> That's I did forget >> had it down, but I forgot. >> Thank you. >> Brings us to item I executive session. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 121.22 G1, section 121.22 G2, and section 121.22 G4. It is hereby moved that the board adjourned executive session consider the employment of a public employee or official to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, the sale of property at competitive bidding or the sale or other disposition of unneeded obsolete unfit for use property and to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. >>

129A second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Mr. Harris, >> hi >> Mrs. Schaer. >> Hi, >> Mrs. White. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Zimmerman. Hi, >> Mr. Gomez. >> Hi.