Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Meeting 4/9/2025

001Good evening everyone. It's 5:30 p.m. on April 9th. I'd like to call to order this regularly scheduled board of education meeting. Item A is called to order. Um Mr. Gomez, would you like to call the role? Sure. or Miss Coco here, Mr. Gomez here, Mr. Harris here, Mrs. Schaefer here, Miss White here. Item B is approval of the agenda. One is motion to approve the agenda. Is recommended that the board of education approves the agenda of the April 9th, 2025 board of education meeting. Action by the board of education and adoption of a consent agenda means that all items are adopted by one singular motion unless a member of the board of education, treasurer, or superintendent request that any such item be removed from the consent agenda and vote upon separately. So moved. Second. Any

002discussion? I'd like to move to amend the agenda to remove item I3 board policy amendment. Second. I'll second discussion. It's the amendment. Um, my issue with this is there's no language of what the policy will read after we amend it. So, I'd like to remove this from the agenda until such time as we can receive actual language of what the policy would read. Um I think we would have discussion with the amendment of what the policy would read. We wouldn't be we would be amending it so that um it it goes along with the second item on there. So we would be discussing what would be amended in it before we amend it which would just be the amount of time for suspension. Can I ask a question? Um so um item I3 Mr. Gomez,

003you're asking for it to be removed from the agenda completely. Correct. because it says that we're amending a policy to do certain things, but it never gives us actual what the policy will say. Whenever we amend a policy, we actually are usually given the policy language as an attachment so we know what we're voting on. We can still have um item four on without item three. It will just need to be put on our next meeting again if that's what everyone with the correct language. Um I I'm not sure what the proper procedure for that would be. We would vote on that at this time or you would make it a motion to We're just voting on number three. We're not voting to remove that piece of it. Okay. Which would not So speaking to

004that then item four is a subsequent item to item three, but we can still keep item four on the agenda. We don't need to amend item four. We would just have to add an item to the next week's agenda for the next meeting's agenda. Correct. We would have we have to amend item four when we get to it. Correct. Just four on the item four would have to it couldn't say until further notice but it could still be suspended. Okay. So one item at a time. I see you you need excuse me if I may. Sure. Um three um amends the board policy in order to be able to suspend a policy. So you can't act on four without three. Well, we have a policy on suspension already, right? But it doesn't but the way

005it's worded right now, you what you're trying to do isn't listed isn't an appropriate means the way it is list as it's um spelled out in that policy. If I'm understanding it correctly, when we get to item four, we could suspend it, but the suspension would be for one board meeting, not Well, that's just one piece of it. The other reason it And I don't have it in front of me. It states for something contrary. I believe there's some language in there that says for a contrary reason. This the reason you're suspending is not for a contrary reason. My motion is just to remove item three. So that's really what we should talk about because we really don't know what the policy will read once it's done. Are you going to have time to do

006the policy before the next board meeting in two weeks? Well, we didn't this didn't this came through a different route. So, doesn't necessarily have to go to policy committee, but I'd like to at least know what the final policy is going to say before we vote on it. When we get to this portion of the agenda, can can we discuss this policy and then decide not to amend this policy and then take no action at that or are we locked into this if we approve this agenda? Can we have further discussion of this at that time? That would be my my suggestion for for me would be to keep I understand what you're saying on for discussion and if at that point we decide that we need to take it offer we take a vote

007and we don't do it that's fine but then we need in order to move to four I believe that we we need to have three. So that would be my recommended route. So you have a motion on the table right now. It was been moved, but I don't second. That didn't answer my question. I'm sorry. If we if we decide to not remove this item from the agenda and we wait till we get to this portion of the agenda and we get to this agenda item and we discuss it, we decide not to move forward this with this item. Can we and in the action item decide not to move forward and say no at that point? Yes, because we'll be taking a board vote on item three. Okay. If it's kept on the agenda.

008Okay. When do we need to have the new policy to OD? What was the date? That's an open question. Yes, there are a couple different things in play. Um there's a certificate that has to be signed, which is a whole another story, which is April 18th. Okay. Um they're sort of related, but yeah. And then February 25th was actually when the law went into effect prior regarding this policy. Would it be appropriate to discuss it at that time or to discuss it at this time? all the items with that. I think that everything going along with the discussion with item three and three three and four together would be appropriate to discuss at that time in our meeting on the agenda or we're getting ahead of ourselves. But you have an open motion. So you

009had a move a motion and a second. So I think you have to close that. Maybe I don't know if there's no more discussion then I guess that was your board discussion and then it would be followed by a vote right so you can or not if there's no more discussion I've never been asked in eight years on the board to vote on a policy without being able to read the policy so that's why I am making this movement yes I I understand the the the thought behind Ready to vote on the motion to remove item three from the agenda. Mr. Gomez, would you please call the role? Miss Koko, no. Mr. Gomez, I Miss White, no. Miss Schaefer, no. Mr. Harris, no. We're back to the main motion. Okay. Um motion to approve the

010agenda. It is recommended that the board of education approves the agenda. The board of education. We already have a motion. We just need further discussion. Further discussion. Mr. Gomez, please call the role. Miss Coco. I. Mr. Gomez. I. Miss White. I. Mr. Schaefer. Hi, Mr. Harris. Hi. Okay. Item two, treasurer promp. It is recommended that the board of education elect Mr. Gomez is the treasurer of prompor to serve in the treasurer's place for the April 9th, 2025 meeting. I'll second. Any discussion? Thank you. Mr. Gomez, please call the role. Mr. Gomez, I miss white. Hi. Mrs. Schaefer. Hi. Mr. Harris. Hi. Miss Coco. Hi. Okay. Right. Item C, opening ceremony. Informational items. This is a meeting of the Kyoga Falls Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the school's district's business. It

011is not a public community meeting, although there are opportunities for public participation. If an individual wishes to address the board regarding a topic found on the meeting agenda, the individual must complete a registration form found inside the attendance notebook and present it to the treasurer. Following the introduction of the topic by the board president followed by board discussion, the individual will be recognized. If an individual wish wishes to address the board regarding a topic not found on the meeting agenda, he or she 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 portion of the agenda. In both cases, the individual will preface comments by an announcement of his or her name and address

012and limit comments to three minutes. All statements should be directed to the board president. No person may address or question board members individually. An unabridged board agenda for this meeting can be found on your electronic device. Um the address shown on the screen and for your convenience, hard copies of the board agenda may be found on the table by the signin book. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Kyogre Falls Board of Education is April 23rd, 2025 at 5:30 in the Kyogre Falls High School Library. And now for our pledge of allegiance and welcome, Mrs. Scher. Please stand as you're able and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with

013liberty and justice for all. Welcome our vision. Ka 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. The board's strategic plan goals are as follows. School safety. We aspire to have a welcoming environment that ensures that the physical and social well-being needs of every student and staff member are met. Academic growth. We aspire to have significant growth through personalized education for all students. We aspire to improve graduation rates so that our students are prepared for employment, enrollment or enlistment. Engagement, inclusion, inclusion or and diversity. We will ensure that every student has access to resources they need when they need it in order to be successful. Technology and systems integration. We aspire to

014create safe, secure, and efficient technology systems to support high quality teaching, learning, and district operations. Thank you, Mr. Schaefer. Now, on to our presentations. Our first presentation, I'd like to call up Mr. Lang for our music recognition. [Applause] [Laughter] Dr. Okay. I'm here tonight to recognize Noah Atkins and Aiden Stevens, both of whom were selected for participation in the OMA Allstate Jazz Band this past February. The All State Jazz Band is an honors ensemble hosted by the Ohio Music Education Association during their professional development conference each year. To participate in this ensemble, students complete a multi-stage audition process in which they are considered against submissions from students across the state of Ohio. Due to the limited instrumentation needs of a jazz band compared to a choir, concert band, or orchestra, there are very few slots

015for participants each year. Only 17 students are selected from the entire state to participate each year. Noah was selected to be the lead trombone player this year, and Aiden was the only pianist selected for the 2025 ensemble. That effectively means that these two gentlemen were recognized as the best players in the state of Ohio from among this year's applicants. As part of the allstate jazz band, Noah and Aiden participated in a rigorous rehearsal process under the direction of nationally renowned jazz pedagogue Don Zens. They performed a concert at the OMA PDC for an audience made up largely of music educators from across the state. Uh where their superior musicianship was held up as a model of what high school jazz musicians and groups should strive for. The Kyoga Falls band program is proud to recognize

016Noah Atkins and Aiden Stevens for their remarkable talent, dedication, and accomplishment, and for their carrying forward the tradition of musical excellence in our community. Please join me in recognizing Aiden and Noah. We also have certificate forms. Oh, there are. I didn't do a great job of putting them in the right order. This one is for something else. Good for you, Noah. Here we go. Congratulations. And after we're done with the res recognitions, just so our students don't slip out the back because I know they like to do that in board meetings, we will be going across the hall to get pictures with the students for their recognitions for next update. [Applause] Do we have picked the pictures? Okay, thank you. Can't talk about art without pictures. Good evening. Um, I'm Jennifer Schulman. I'm one of

017the three art educators here at Ka Falls High School. Mrs. McCarter regrets she could not be here this evening. I am honored to be here with you to highlight the accomplishments of our talented student artists who were recognized this year in the Scholastics Art Competition. The Scholastic Art Competition was founded in 1923. The awards have fostered the creativity and talent of millions of students, including renowned alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their fields, including Ken Burns, Sylvia Pla, Andy Warhol, and more. I couldn't be more proud of our student artists representing our black tigers this year in this year's competition. Let's first look at a painting titled a plotted a a potted plant. There we go. The artist Lucas Gregory shared this in their artist statement. This painting was inspired by the

018different statues I got to see on at my local art museum and the different plants growing around my school. I really was inspired by the way the sunflowers grew around the fences near them and how it seemed to cover parts of the fence entirely. The excellent contrast of colors and the mystery of the face peeking through truly adds whimsy and mystery to this excellent painting. So [Applause] congratulations artist Morgan B. Um, she's not here this evening, but she brings us the king in her work, Aloha from the past. This work shows an iconic pose from Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii, performance in 1973. Paired with a background inspired by Royal Victorian wallpaper. This piece emphasizes the king-like status of Elvis Presley. Morgan's attention to detail and eye for perfection is a wonder to witness in the

019classroom, and the results speak for themselves. So congratulations Morphin. Artist Noah Catrill created this glass mosaic entitled Ant and a Trail. Noah went on to explain in his artist statement that his mosaic is depicting an ant. Its antenna to detect a pheromone trail. This is one of those great moments when I got to say um wait. Uhhuh. and then learn from Noah about how ants leave traces of pherommones or scents to communicate with each other. They can send messages about food locations, impending dangers, and more. I love when art and science meet, and boy did they make not only a beautiful mosaic, but one that is thoughtprovoking and truly as unique as the amazing artist. Congratulations, Noah. [Applause] Uh next is artist um Derlov Dahal. He has created this incredible drawing the snowflower. This artwork

020rendered in ink, graphite and charcoal explores his deep apprec appreciation for the animal kingdom. He incorporated small subtly subtly placed animal forms to encourage closer observation almost like a seek and find. The central focus depicts pandas, which are his favorite animal, and he admires them for their distinctive appearance. The background was intentionally created with a hazy atmospheric quality to evoke a sense of mystery. I can't wait to discover the next mysteries his artworks in his artworks that he will create next. So, congratulations to [Applause] both. Next, we have artist Ruby Smith. Ruby created this glass mosaic and clay. It's a glass and clay mosaic called the path of life. This is how Ruby describes her work. My piece is a depiction of the ups and downs of life. It shows a path leading into the

021sun surrounded by a dark spiral containing the things we all have to deal with. This piece is meant to give you the hope for the good that is always just on the other side of the dark spiral. Ruby is not only a talented artist, she is also an athlete. I mention this because in her mindset it is to overcome any obstacle ahead and to do it with grace, guts, and persistence. This not only defines the work but also even the process that she used for this mosaic creation. Ruby explored uncharted territory knowing it would take her three times as long as everyone else to complete. But she not only used glass, but clay pieces as well, which has never been done in my class before. And oh, she even double layered the glass, which you

022can kind of see in the sun in the back. So, and it was all done with style, grace, a few band-aids or maybe more. It was amazing work. So, [Applause] congratulations. All right. And our last piece, this last work I'm honored to share, received a gold key award. The artist is Maya Chararma. Her art medium here is embroidery. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it this evening. The title is a walk. This is how Maya describes this work. I view embroidery as a very therapeutic process. It forces you to slow down and make every stitch with intention. With every stitch is a mark in time. This piece depicts a walk that me and my sister frequently take. It walks so frequent it almost becomes automatic, a ritual in which you're not really there fully. By choosing embroidery

023as the medium to portray this piece, its tedious and time-consuming nature allows me to appreciate the small, mundane moments shown. Depicting my sister in this piece holds particular significance as we approach the time in high school of increased dialogue about our uncertain futures, pushing us to in further separating paths. Being present in moments of peace and tranquility are ever more important. Thank you so much for sharing this work with us, Maya. Your thoughtful approach in your art making is stunning. You pair those with your skills to make your ideas come to life, and it's priceless. So, congratulations to Maya. Sorry. So, I just want to take a moment um to invite you all to come see these these artworks and many others in person. They will on be on display at this year's All City

024Art Walk. Oh, wait. What's that? Oh, look here. There's a quick overview. It's on April 24th. Switch to the next one. There's a lot of These are It's four different locations at downtown Kaiga Falls. It's only three hours long and it's a extravaganza. There's art at all of these locations. Go ahead. All right. We have visiting artists um from the muralist. There's going to be a new mural on the back of the Kaiga Valley Arts Center and he's going to be featured there and you can go talk to him about the new mural that he's going to be painting this summer. Matt Glove is our resident artist sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council grant and the G Foundation. And so he'll be there uh interacting and making really cool things in the pavilion. And then

025we have an origami artist this year who's going to be he's an origami artist and entertainer. So he's just going to be making origami. It's all very playful because our theme of course is the art of play this year. Okay, next one. All right, so sorry, very quick. Um, we also have um a limited edition uh soda label designed by our middle school artists. Our poster design is going to be on a candle um available at Hope Soap. We have the cosmetology group coming out. They're going to be doing face painting. The Akran Children's Museum is coming. They're going to be at the library right outside doing activities outside. Um we're going to do an art card. We have art card trading posts all over um at every location so you can make cards and

026them with other students and and adults throughout. Uh we're because the art of play, we're making giant games. Uh the Western Reserve Hospital is sponsoring a giant operation game. Um so come try your hand. Uh we're making a five, you can see a 5 foot x 5 foot uh wheel for our giant kaleidoscope. So come peer into our giant kaleidoscope. We're we're excited to see it work. Okay, go ahead. We're also creating an an enormous barrel of monkeys. There are 12 monkeys. Uh they're being designed by every level elementary. Every elementary school is going to have a monkey. Every middle school has a monkey. The the high school has like five monkeys. And they'll be cascading off the riverfront pavilion second floor down to a giant barrel, which you can see Noah is so beautifully

027created. Thank you, Noah. I think there's one more. Ah, yes. Uh we also have um you can uh visit our fortune teller who's going to be um being like a fortune automaton that you can visit and get your fortune told. And we have um this uh the public art design class is creating these cubes that turn and you can go and turn the canvas and change the different um characters the canvas. I think that's the last one. Let's see if there's one more. Oh no, there isn't. Oh, okay. So, we also have a display um at Be um Be Love. Uh it's a new new boutique uh replacing Soy's boutique and we have a huge guitar display where the um clan sculpture class created um 11 guitars which are hanging out the window there. So,

028there's a lot more and I I I promise it wouldn't take very long. So, please come out, enjoy um the art walk and thank you. Awesome. Thank you very much. And I love the preview of everything to come. And um for anyone who has not been, it truly is an amazing event and more than you can do or see in three hours. I'm always disappointed when that three hours is over because I feel like I haven't got to do everything in the three hours. Thank you so much. Um, next up we have our athletic recognition. I'd like to call out Mr. Kenny Johnson. Oh, you're ahead of me. I talked too long. Thank you. Um, I first of all want to congratulate all our musicians and artists. I thought that was awesome. Great work. Um,

029as usual, um, I want to, um, first of all thank the board of education and Dr. Celico for the opportunity to recognize the group of outstanding students, student athletes we have here tonight. Um, I often tell people how fortunate I am to witness the athletes pursue um how athletes pursue and accomplish their goals and dreams. As an athletic director, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and even sharing it sharing in the tears and hugs that come throughout a season. These moments shared between teammates and coaches are what make high school sports so se so um special. At this time, if I can have all the wrestlers come on up. All right. So, we're missing a couple. I knew one was sick tonight, but I I still want to mention

030everybody that um earned something this year. So, I'd like to begin by re uh recognizing our wrestlers. Wrestling is one of the toughest sports out there. It demands dedication, desire, and both mental and physical toughness. All of these athletes demonstrated those qualities throughout this season. We had one youth wrestler and two middle school wrestlers qualify for the state wrestling tournament this year, which is uh an incredible accomplishment. Our youth wrestler this year was sixth grader Jackson Shaw. He is not able to make it here tonight. Um but he qualified for the state tournament and he finished the season with a nice 17 and3 record. So if we could give Jackson a a big round of applause. We had two middle school wrestlers make the state tournament this year. Um, eighth grader Aiden Ry. Go ahead

031and step forward, Aiden. Aiden finished with a dominant 36 and six record this year in middle school. And we had a fellow eighth grader, Joel Pyer, who couldn't be here tonight, also make the state tournament. He wrapped up his season with an impressive 22-7 record in middle school. Let's give both hands Our final wrestler we'd like to recognize tonight is senior Antonio Johnson. Antonio is one of the most successful wrestlers in the history of Koga Falls. This season he capped off an incredible run with an impressive 38-9 overall record. He joined the prestigious 100 win club this year and concluded his high school career with a remarkable 135 wins and 37 losses. Antonio also set school records for most wins in a season with 45 victories. You give Antonio a big what a phenomenal career

032Antonio has had here at Ka Falls High School. His leadership, work, work ethic, and determination will be greatly missed. We wish him nothing but the best in the future. These are our two wrestlers here tonight, and I will give them the certificate. You guys can give them one more big round. Is there any more of these? Is this all there? Um, they should all be there. I took everything out of the Are they mixed in with others? Oh, yeah. I tried to crisscross them by still there's there's um pins for them as well. Good job, guys. Um, next I'd like to recognize a group of athletes who earned very distinguished honors this during the fall season. Um, if Emma Johnson, Noah Atkins, and Wyatt Albrech could all come up. [Applause] These three seniors led their

033prospective teams this fall with excellence and dedication. We'll start first with Noah Atkins. Noah, step forward. Noah's also up here already, so we we know Noah very well. Noah was named first team all suburban league um for the second year in a row. He led his team in goals. Uh he served as a team captain for the past two seasons. This year he was also named first team all district selection, the first boys um soccer all district honore since 2019. Under his leadership the team advanced to the first district title game since 1985 and he did all this while maintaining a 4.5 GPA. Our next athlete is senior Emma Johnson. Like Noah, Emma was a first team all suburban league for the second straight year. Um, she also finished third in goals on her team.

034Um, the only thing different with that is Emma didn't play one play of offense. She was a defender. So, she still led she was still third on team third on the team in goals from the defensive position which was impressive. Um, Emma was also a two-year captain, earned first team all district honors this season. Um this is the first such recognition for girls soccer in the in the last 15 years. Emma balanced all this with um athletic success with a stellar 4.4 GPA. And finally, uh Wyatt Albrech. Wyatt was a standout uh leader for our cross country team this fall. He was first team all suburban league for the second straight year. He placed fourth in the district meet, 11th in the regional meet. Um he was a state qualifier this year for division one

035and honestly he was the one of the best runners in division one. He didn't have his best meet. He'll tell you that at the state meet and he still was in the top 40 in the state in division one. He's one of the best cross country runners we've ever had here. Um he's going to go on and uh run cross or track or both at Bowling Green. So we're very excited for him. Uh Wyatt will also um be an automatic qual qualifier into our athletic hall of fame. He earned 12 varsity letters throughout his high school career. That's if he doesn't quit track before Saturday. So I think I think he's safe with that. Um but let's give a big round of applause to these three people. Let me find their certificates. One thing that

036Mr. Johnson neglected to mention is that the young lady standing next to him is his daughter. And luckily she looks like her mom. his wife [Laughter] whose mom is also a teacher in our district. Lots of connections there. my favorite student. We got to organize these certificates somehow differently. We blame Chris. I never hand it to me in an order. And uh last but definitely not least is our boys bowling team. If they could come up here right now well half our boys bowling team. Um good. All right. So uh we're incredibly proud to recognize the accomplishments of our boys bowling team this year. Um, this team made history this year by going to the state tournament and placing ninth in the state. One of the best finishes we've had here uh in the history

037of Ka Falls in bowling. Uh the team is led by a talented group of bowlers. Um here today we have Justin Wagner, Riley Roxberry, and Jonathan Roush. Um but I want to also mention the rest of the team that may not been able to be here tonight. um Adam Walters, Lucas Hmel, David Mitchell, Isaiah Lutz, and Robert Rome. This team accomplished so many things, not just to get to state, but they um had a very successful regular season. Um they won the postseason suburban league tournament. They placed second at sectionals, fifth at the district uh championship, and then ninth in the state. and how the state meets. Um the top 16 teams in the state go to the state tournament. They bowl three games, um three regular games, and they bowl five Baker games. A

038Baker game, if you're not familiar, is every five kids bowl a frame. So each kid gets to bowl two frames in total. But each if you bowl the first frame, you don't bowl again till the sixth frame. Okay? So that's how Baker works. The top eight teams then go to a Baker format. and we missed eighth place by 11 pins. So, we were right there. And if we get to the Baker format, there's no doubt in my mind we're probably state champs. So, we just we were right there. We're definitely one of the best teams in the state all year round. Um we bowl in one of the best conferences in in the state of Ohio. We didn't even win our conference and we were the ninth best team in the state. But what we

039can say is no other team from our conference got to the state tournament and we did. So, we bowled well when we needed to. Um, this season, uh, was a celebration of teamwork, passion, and perseverance. We are also proud of you and everything you guys accomplished. So, thank you guys. [Applause] If you get four of these, you're in good shape. Thank you guys. Congratulations to all of our musicians and artists and athletes that are here tonight. Um, before we go over to do some photo ops, I'd like to call up Mr. Gomez. has an award that he would like to give as well and present. Um, across the state of Ohio, there's approximately 3,400 school board members. Most are in their first or second term. We have one school board member who this year is

040marking her um she's in her third term and marking her decade of service. And last week we had our regional um celebration and she was not able to attend. So, I'd like to call up Patty White. And we want to recognize Patty for serving this year a whole decade on the Ka Falls School Board with a certificate and your 10ear service. 10 years, guys. you would not come if we told and I'm going to embarrass Mr. Gomez for a second because he's not going to call himself up or go up but um Mr. Gomez received the master board member award at um last week as well and I would just like to congratulate Mr. Gomez. And do you want to describe a little bit everything you've had to do to get this? Um, you have

041to get there's four components to it. Service training, aptune, and recognition. You have to get them all within three years. Um, and this year only 17 school board members in the state of Ohio out of 3,400 achieve the recognition. I'd like to give Mr. The fact that he was one of the only 17 to get this award and everything that goes into getting this just shows his dedication to this district and to our students and continuing um to learn and educate himself to be the best board member and previous vice president or previous president now vice president for our district. So, thank you very much, Mr. Gomez. And with that, if everyone would like to make their way across the hall to the cafeteria that received an award, we're going to do a few pictures.

042Um, everyone does not have to stay for the rest of the board meeting. If you want to come back to a school board spotlight Oh, goody. I know. surprised. Well, of course. That's really something. The problem is when you take a picture, you see for me to clean up. We did all right. Board member Dennis went to Stark State today to try to sell him on attending. I said he attends your own thing. I didn't I thought that we could My understanding was the only difference was that That's what I mean. Do you have the same oldest cohort? Every year she got a job. Don't you just want jobs? Oh, I got you. Were you a principal there? Did you tell that? What's that? No, I didn't. No, but she has to run. No, I

043did not. I'm going to look it up. I said I had my That counts. That counts. Oh no. Oh no. That's a box. Yeah, it's true. [Music] We're learning. Fig in your brain. We are going to put you on the committee. Yes, we are. It's me. It's gonna be step up. Step over to me. Step down to every Yeah, that's what We're both I don't read your nether also. All the details And she's she's like she goes, "Oh, no. I'm just answer She saw it all. I'm standing up for what I see. her favor. Yeah, the phone that comes against the city. Water have a key. key. My job Don't forget we have ES today. The what? ES executive session. Executive session. Yeah. Two. Towel rack. I have a It's a um otter and he

044has a towel. He's like shaking it off and there's water. It's always on my stomach. Give me dinner. And then I have another pack from that you can see from the toilet. Yeah. Bathroom. I know. I knew it because that's where I could have put. How many did you How many did we put? We have three. Do you want to mention that under your comments? Or do you want to just give it to the superintendent? Yeah. I don't know. They gave us I'm not good at that. I mean, they we gave one to the students at the thing, but then they gave us another one. Okay, we'll give it to them. Yes. So, yeah. Have another one. Item E is treasurer CFO's business consent agenda. In the absent of Miss Stoyco, I would recommend that

045the board of education approves all items listed in the treasur CFO's business consent agenda. So second discussion for um she has the meeting minutes from our last meeting, the donations which are extensive. um the KYI public finance arbitrage rebate services and the amended appropriations and then if I could she gave us information um explaining the arbitrage and I'd like to read that. Thank you. Um just for our purpose and also for clarity to the community. Um so bear with me for a moment. The district issued taxexempt bonds in May 2021 to fund the current project facilities. At the time, interest rates were at historic lows, resulting in favorable long-term financing terms. Following the debt issuance, investment rates steadily increased, allowing the bond proceeds to be invested at higher yields until they were needed for construction.

046Under IRS regulations, the district must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure compliance with arbitrage restrictions on taxexempt bonds. These rules limit the amount of interest that can be earned on bond proceeds during the construction period. To ensure compliance, the district will engage Quy public finance to perform an arbitrage rebate calculation and determine whether the district has any potential arbitrage tax liability. Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Any questions or comments? I would just like to say thank you to our community for all of their donations that um we continue to get and they are so generous over and over and over again. So, thank you our community. Mr. Gomez, would you like to call the role, please? Miss White, I. Mr. Schaefer, I. Mr. Harris, hi. Miss Coco, I. Mr. Gomez, I item F is treasur CFO's

047business. Miss Stokeway is not with us this evening. We will go on to item G, superintendent CEO's business consent agenda. Dr. Thank you. Um, Miss Coco, it is recommended the board of education approves all items listed in superintendent consent agenda. So moved. Second. Discussion, please. Yes. Thank you. um a number of personnel items this uh evening a lot of which many of which are um routine. We have some transportation positions um some student workers, coaches, event workers, uh volunteers, some leaves of absences. We have two resignations. Um and then uh we do have uh one recommendation uh that is for our um school psychologist and Uh she is here with us this evening. Some of you may have seen her. Her name is Miss Isabella Warner and uh Miss She goes by Bella. I've learned

048uh Warner uh we're making the recommendation that she join our Black Tiger family in the role of school psychologist with her focus at preschool. Miss Warner earned a bachelor's of arts with a major in psychology and minor in Spanish from Kent State University. She continued her education at K State and earned a masterers of education in school psychology and is currently finishing her degree as an educational specialist also in school psychology. Miss Warren is finishing her internship at Talage City Schools and this year and is looking forward to getting started at the fall. So um that is our recommendation this evening. Uh I also would like to uh point out that um we have a number of administrative contracts on the agenda this evening and some of which our administrators are here. So for your

049consideration as well there um the service agreement for the Asian services in action is just a um renewal for our uh translation services. We also have uh two uh one literacy and one math professional development uh both related to professional development um through Kent State and I'm gonna have and I'm have Jody M talk a little about that. Thank you. Um so Dr. Wilcon will continue in her role if the board would approve. So uh she will continue to focus support at the secondary level a little bit more because we do have our three literacy coaches at the elementary level but she will be supporting at the elementary level through some staff meeting time and some coaching with principles to continue. Um so we reduced her amount that she's supporting us so that we can

050um test the waters with Dr. Heron and see if we can um find some just in time support strategies like Dr. Wilon has been doing at the math level. Uh so we wanted to try that relationship and see how it works. Um and so we figured we couldn't really be above um the cost of Dr. We try to stay lower so it's just a hair less than this year. Thank you. And then we have um a memorandum of understanding for um Kahaga Community College and this is a for what from what I understand the first time that we'll have a bol student who's planning on taking the CCP courses through TRIC this summer and possibly next year. So we are excited about that and proud of that student as well. And then lastly, we have

051a proposal for Gandandy and Associates. And Mr. Batti, if you don't mind tell us a little bit about that one. The first is inspection and reinsction. We'll fall into that one charge for all of our facilities. We did some checking and they sent me some information that even though it's not used as a school building because it being part of a school administrative office or the administrative office that this is also by law we have to do this I certainly certainly do not want to have responsible law for this so that's number one there number two is the cost for to maintain all the files throughout the entire district on their website for that really helps us when we are audited by city and what's nice about it is we just finished um we just

052finished price two rooms. You can see how thick this is. This is just for two rooms. So the state may come in or federal may come in and say, "Hey, let me see all your records." So that cost all those records for us. Thank you, Dr. Any questions or discussions? Yeah, I'm excited that we're continuing with Dr. Wilong and the literacy piece, but also adding um the math piece because I do think that's a needed area of focus. So, I appreciate that. Thank you, Miss Tman. Um and welcome to Miss Warner. We're excited um for that work to continue at the preschool level. Um and then with Gandandy and Associates um for the Hera piece, I shared this um with Dr. Suckle. We're just disappointed that we didn't know this at the time when we

053were engaging um in um the lease because we could have and it's just concerning that what we don't know as we've gone into that and we're discovering this. So I hope there aren't additional surprises to come. Mr. Call please. Mr. Schaefer. I Mr. Harris. Hi. Miss Coco. Hi. Mr. Gomez. I Miss White. Hi. Welcome. Congratulations. Congratulations. Well, your other staff that are here as well. Um, Mrs. I told you that you probably would get to show up to work tomorrow. So, you do get to show up to work tomorrow. I'm sorry. You have bad eyes. You have bad eyes. I do. I can't see long distances and I have glasses that I put on. I apologize. You legitimately have bad eyes. I do. Apologies for that. Well, if she's listening, you get to show up.

054Okay. Are you gonna make her talk? Yes, sure. Yes, please. Bella, would you like to come forward? You have to come to the microphone. I was like, she's made everyone up. Yeah, you always make you always make them come up, Dr. I do, but I was so I was still I wasn't sure where we were at with I'm sorry. I want to over Hi everyone. Um I'm Bella Warner. Um I just wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity and I'm happy to be here. and I'm excited for the new preschool program and to be a part of it. So, um I I've had a great um experience with everyone I've met so far. So, thank you so much. And I'm excited for the new experience. [Applause] Congratulations. And if you need help

055getting out of the building without walking around in the cold, someone can guide you to the best exit. Yes, we've all done it many times. Other than me. That's all right. I taught here for like 20 years and I I couldn't figure out where Mr. Smith is the principal. You've got two assistant principal. Mr. Woodard knows every building. Yeah, he does. You got great people here that can help you. [Laughter] You'll get it. Um and Dr. your comments item before um H subject one is the service agreement. Yes. So as recommended that the board of education approves the agreement between S3 technologies in the Kag Falls City School District. So move I'll ask Mr. Hutch or Mr. one or the other. So, this is a proposal for adding security cameras to cover the the new

056parking lot of the operation center. So, this is this is two security cameras. Um, they're a little better security camera than we would normally use because they're covering a longer distance. We got three quotes to look at options. First option was nearly a little over $15,000. That would have involved trenching through the pavement and putting the cameras on light poles over in the parking lot. That would have been really would have given us license plate level recognition but that was a little excessive situation. So scale back option was two cameras but with a better better quality lens for longer distance to view both the parking lot and the parking lot in general and the entrance in particular. So two points of view. We took that concept and then shopped it again to company technologies. They

057were able to beat we had a price of 8,700. We got that dropped down to 717. So that's the lowest price we waited to see. We knew we need security cameras on that parking lot, but if we were going to have a third party patron in that lot, we wanted a higher quality camera because of the potential better investigation. And in that lease agreement was a hold back $4,000. Thank you. Anyone have any questions? You're starting to open your mouth. Um, originally I was concerned with the cost. So, here's my thought process. It may be convoluted, so stay with me. So, originally I was concerned with the cost. Um, at first I thought it was, oh, it's going to be $4,000 for cameras. Great. That was in the contract. It'll be covered. Awesome. And then

058when I read the contract, I was like, oh, that's a little more than $4,000. And I thought, well, maybe we shouldn't spend this kind of money right now because of the financial situation. Let's be conservative. And then you said you had several estimates and like this is kind of like a good solution. And then I thought, wow, look, let's think about all those tariffs that are happening right now. If we wait to put these cameras in later, they're probably going to cost twice as much in three months if we we if we wait. So, I've really run the gamut on this. Um because they're needed. I mean, are they an emergency? Do we need these cameras? Are they is it an e situation? Probably not. But we do I think we do need them. Um,

059and I think we've experienced um, a couple times now price jumps with the building project and and such that I have PTSD with that. So, um, that's that's my thinking. Sorry. Thank you for spraying along. I support having cameras there. My concern is that we went with a more expensive camera because we had the supplement. So, it seems like we're spending more money because we have the supplemental money, whereas if it was just our money, we probably wouldn't have. And with our budget situation, I feel like as the board, we need to watch every dollar right now. And I think this is an opportunity to maybe say if we can get it down a little bit more and save some of our dollars and still spend the money we're getting from the company. um that

060would make me feel more comfortable because we're asking everyone in budget season right now to make 10% cuts to their budgets and then it seems like um this is something that we do vote on as the board and it seems like we're not from my perspective just speaking for me because it's all I can speak for that we're not living that out and when we have the opportunity to do so. So, I would like to see what a cheaper option would be because I think if we were just spending our own money, we would be going that cheaper route if we didn't have that 4,000. And I would like us to be living that mentality out fully given the budgetary constraints that we find ourselves in. I hear you. Mr. Judge, can you are you

061at all able to speak on the the next you said there there was other I'm sorry to put you on the spot like that. Okay. I was expecting some questions so I came with some ideas for some answers. Um my position is what specifies what we should do but I understand the financial situation in in the most recent proposal cameras. I can't guarantee the vendor will install at these prices but I can break it down for you. But one camera the cost for the first camera is4 $165 cost for the second camera is $3,000. So the one camera solution we could stay right about with that landlord or at least allocated amount. My fear is that we would have paid that way with one camera for our own parking lot. I I as your security

062person I want better knowing that we're opening that parking lot to potentially more traffic. I would like on it. But I certainly appreciate situation anyone's if we uh if we had one camera and then we decided at a later time to put a second camera. Um is that something that you could do? We can always do that. It's less efficient in terms of cost because you're out of crew. So you're increasing labor significantly, right? Labor is a significant part of the labor at least 50% of the I looked at the at the the estimate at the discount for the second camera which we can always add. I mean we have this already budgeted in the general fund for this year for security cameras. Was there a third estimate? I thought you said there was 15,000

063that one. I didn't even consider that one. That was when I had initial companies. I was like, give us give us the gold standard. Okay. Give us something a little gold. Um and then I still wanted to shop. I wanted to make sure we got an additional quote and was able to get that price down another. Was that they were um all from the same company or they from different companies? were from Southeast Security. One was from Have we used Southeast? We use Southeast Security for a lot in our entire construction. Yeah, they do a lot of work for us, but I think it's also important to keep people. So, we had in the budget to do a camera and to do one camera and then proactively knowing that we would probably want two. Um

064that's when written in the least was a cost for camera. I started talking about so we already had budgeted and knew that we were going to need the camera over there from our funds but then as we did the lease proactively the money the cost that $4,000 was part of that knowing that we probably need two I for cameras anyway so so I knew all we have pocket of money I anticipate camera replacements and augmentations every year. So this artic budget season was the discussions and the money that was allotted from excuse me excuse me from uh from missing mountain it's like literally almost well it's a little more than half of what it was going to cost. Was that like an intentional matter or was that just kind of accident? I mean I don't

065know happens. It's interesting. Um, go ahead. I have a question because when I asked my questions, I was told that the additional cost was because of the upgraded cameras, but tonight we're being told that the additional cost is because of the additional camera upgraded security solution. But aren't you also saying that the cameras are upgraded? What I'm saying is those are higher quality cameras that we would generally generally use because no matter what their focal length is long that's a very long trench under the concrete into the parking lot. We have a much longer focal length to go from the building. It's a similar camera to one of the ones we use in the high school. So it's a longer focal length and then they are also in different directions. Any other questions? Thank you.

066M does this does this cover but we have one that covers the bus parking lot. And how long has the parking lot been open for you? Good. Any more discussion? Mr. Gomez, Mrs. Schaefer. Uh, I don't Oh, we voting. Yeah. Oh, he's asking any more questions. Yes, Mr. Harris. I, Miss Coco. I, Mr. Gomez. No, Miss White. Hi. Thank you. Now for your superintendent's comments. Thank you. Well, first off, nice to see everyone again. Glad to be back in the chair most most. Thank you. I'm happy to be back. I was getting a little anxious and hard to sit on the sidelines for five minutes, but happy to be back. Um appreciative of the board and Mrs. Houseman and the team for keeping things uh going. I wasn't wor worried one bit while being out

067and resting. So appreciate it and appreciate the well wishes and everybody trying to get me to not work. So but that's hard to do. Um I want to just uh also mention a couple more thank yous. Um I want to point out a couple things that we heard about. Uh we are about to hear a little bit more about preschool and um our team of um administrators that have been working very very hard on the school program in general. So many of them are here this evening, members of that team. Um just really I know they've been working very hard. We've been joking because I pushed the team quite a bit to uh learn and to um expand their um knowledge of something new that that that was new to many of them, which is

068preschool. So um I told them all they'd be thanking me, but I'm not sure those thank you, but um Nonetheless, I'm appreciative of the work that they've done. As well as I want to thank uh Mrs. Houseman and the team again for the the literacy grant that we submitted yesterday. Um I had to hit by five o'clock the official button. Um I have listened to Mrs. Hman talk about this grant for months and it seems or complain there's the um yes that they have been working on this grant for months literally and it's over 1.3 million $1.2 million that we're going for. It is highly competitive. We're in a lower tier. We're not as identified as a kind of a good bad thing. We're not identified as a higher need as some of the others.

069Um but I appreciate their efforts and if if it doesn't work out, we have a very um a lot of information to submit for subsequent grants because I'm sure they'll be coming relative to literacy. So, I want to just thank everybody for their work on that. Um we mentioned uh We talked about this. The musical is this weekend. It's the music man. So looking forward to that. And um I attended the PTSO vendor fair. That was officially my first thing back on Saturday and that was just my goodness 90 over 90 vendors. It was full. I saw Mrs. Coach there and I saw um others others there and um it was just amazing. My brother-in-law actually had a a stand himself uh there. So, it was it was just I want to give kudos to

070the PTSO and the work that they've done and Susan Keller. So, um congratulations to the work that they've done and um it was really really well done. And then uh same day we had a math tournament for our gifted u three through five third through fifth graders. Um I think maybe that was our first time doing that or at least in a long time I think. So I was happy about that and um thankful to Tam Tammy Belo and the work that she did to make that happen. So other than that, just getting back in day three. There's plenty to work on in many other arenas, but I will stop there. So thank you. Thank you, Dr. Celico, and welcome back. Thank you. Very happy to have you. And does it feel like day seven

071already? Oh man, I I I have to work on my um patience and my so many things have been thrown at me that at me already that are really enraging me um that we'll probably talk about later, but I I'm trying to like get back to my you know, you know, a little bit of meditation here, but welcome. Mrs. Houseman did a phenomenal job. We're very grateful to have had you. very very grateful for her. She did take a few liberties with the top tigers while you I was listening for a while. Whenever you mentioned my name, I heard it and I had to go emergency in the house. Thank you. Um item I board business. First is public hearing reemployment of an STRS retirey. Pursuant to RC 3307.353, the board of education will hold

072a public hearing to allow the public to provide input regarding the rehiring of Jodie Houseman as assistant superintendent following her retirement as assistant superintendent. Oh, we don't need a motion. I'm trying to read. Okay, we don't need Do you have any comments? Public comments. Thank you. Item two, it is recommended that the board of education adopts the handbook for the Pyogga Falls preschool for the 20256 school year. Second. Any discussion or comments, questions? Mr. Gomez, please call the role. Mr. Harris, I. MCO, I. Mr. Gomez, I miss white. I. Mrs. Schaefer. Thank you. Item three is board policy amendment. Um, and we discussed this a little bit before. Item three and item four uh go together. So, I'm going to read something and then we'll I'll do the recommendation on the three. You can't read

073it until you make the recommendation. There's a first and second because the item's not before the board until there's a first and second. recommendation. I was just going to do comments, not the actual policy. Yeah, this has a recommendation. So, you have to read this and get a first and second and then you can comment. It is recommended that the board of education amends board policy BFF so that the board's action of suspension of the policy does not terminate at the next meeting of the board but rather that the suspended policy remains suspended until further notice of reinstatement or amendment by the board and that the board be permitted to suspend a policy even when the board is not taking action contrary to the policy. It is further recommended that the amended policy be adopted

074at this meeting to address emergency conditions or special events. So second um for discussion for three and four. Um the reason for this is because um for sus to suspend rather than to repeal and rescend policies. The board also needs to amend the policy BFFs, the suspension of policies, so that the suspension of these policies does not terminate at the next meeting of the board and it indicates that the board is permitted to suspend a policy even when the board is not taking action contrary to the policy. The board is permitted to have an amended policy be adopted at the first meeting. it is if it is presented to address emergency conditions or special events. Um this would any discussion with that? This would fall under that uh special events due to our timeline that

075has been given to us by the ODW. Go ahead. No, go ahead. Swipe. Go ahead. I think if if I'm not mistaken, I think the concern was that um usually when we're amending a policy, we would have the policy listed and we would have the policy in front of us with the um and then we would have a policy change suggested that we could see what we're amending. So, I can answer that because one, I did not know that that was an issue and if I would have I I'm sorry if I missed that. I would have provided that. Um, but the attorney that we worked with on this is not one that typically does our resolutions. So, this has been done in other places and I just So, this is a resolution. I'm sorry.

076Our board is this a resolution or is this amending a policy? Um, this is an action. Um, it's not a resolution. It's an amendment. Yeah. Okay. So, um, so I know that they've done this in other places. So, I'm I just followed our attorney's lead. If I knew that was an issue, I would have I would have provided, you know, because these are some issues that I'm I just want it to be done correctly because I like getting funding from the federal government, right? Yeah. So this um I make sure every all of our tees are crossed and their eyes are dotted. I mean I feel confident after talking it out a little bit more even as early as this or as late as this morning um that our attorneys have they have collaborated um

077because other districts are following suit or have already done this um that it has been well vetted as a process. So I I feel comfortable in in recommending this approach to you. But correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Gomez. The the problem wasn't what the action is. It's the how we're doing the actions in in the actual policy, how it's being presented in the the meeting. Yeah, this is our current policy BFF. And if we um which I mean I guess is kind of funny that that's the policy. I know. I keep I keep saying best friends, but ultimately with if this pass amendment passes, nobody on this board knows what this policy is going to read the moment it passes. Mr. Jones, who updates our policy for OSBA, won't know what the policy needs

078to send it to OSBA to get it updated. So, we don't know what the policy actually is going to say. We know what I guess we know what we're trying to make it do. We want the exact verbiage, but we don't know what the policyy's going to say. Nobody knows what this will look like if we vote on that. We need to to see the actual verbiage of the actual policy before we can actually vote on it. We can't vote on potential content. We have to see what it actually says. You can vote on it according to our attorneys. This is the recommended approach by them. And you know, again, I I'm not an attorney, so I can't I have to trust that what they're telling us is right. I understand your position of not

079seeing the the policy itself. I don't even know if there is a policy revision, and I didn't even think really to ask that question if they're going to be revising the policy itself. This Yeah, this would be an amendment, which is a policy revision, an amendment to the policy. Anytime we change the policy, we're a any policy, we're amending it, which is a revision to the same thing. So like when a law changes and we have to amend a policy, that's a revision. It's an amendment. They're the same word functionally. And I interrupted you, Miss. No, it's okay. What were you gonna say? Well, whatever. Um, how do I put this nicely? I'm not sure. This is We're all friends here. I think it's really stupid law. Let me put it that way. It's just

080a dumb thing when you think of Well, that'll Well, whatever. I'm sorry, but it's dumb. And the whole Sorry. Okay. Um, first of all, diversity. What does that mean? Well, I took out my Webster's College dictionary, you know, that I have still have the hard copy. I looked it up. It means variety. Now, look at our community. In our community, do we not have variety? I believe we do. We have tall people. We have short people. We have heavy people. We have skinny people. We have all kinds of people in our district. It's called variety. That's all diversity is. What about equity? Equity is fairness. That's what it means to be fair. So if somebody's short like me, maybe I need a lower desk. If somebody's tall, maybe they need a higher desk or a

081higher seat. Again, it's totally stupid. What is inclusion to make to to bring in to make pe people part of things? I I don't understand what is wrong with this. Well, yeah, basically I know what it's about. I think we all know what it's about, but it it it just it I I I don't know how to say it. It's just so dumb. Inclusion is to have everybody included in an activity. Isn't that what we want? Isn't that what we do in our community? And I believe it is. I believe that's what we do and this is what we should do. And whatever this thing is, it's just plain dumb and ignorant. Thank you. Thank you, Miss White. I'm sorry. Um I I'm gonna just read a little bit uh specifically. I I think that

082we all know why we're having this discussion now. And um the reason that this is on this agenda now um is and why we're doing the board policy amendment that we're discussing followed by item four is um I'm just going to read um that there's been a recent executive orders issued by President Trump that relate to the K12 education and impact our school system. One of the executive orders concerns just as Miss White was stating um diversity, equity, and inclusion. Um otherwise referred to as DEI. The federal government is now restricting DEI efforts by K through 12 schools. And if schools do not comply, they face potential loss of federal funding. Essentially, schools have been directed to eliminate race-based decisionmaking founded upon the federal government's new perspective that DEI programs or initiatives are motivated by

083race and thus violate Title Six. Um, furthermore, recently on April 3rd, and that's what brings us to this meeting specifically, um, the US Department of Education sent a memo to the state education agencies, and they directed the state agencies to obtain signed certifications from school districts acknowledging that they will comply with the department's interpretation of Title 6 related to DEI. On April 7th, the 2025. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce officially requested that each public school district sign the certification by April 18th. Um, which would be in between this board meeting and our next scheduled board meeting. ODEW itself is also required to sign. Per the certification, schools must certify compliance with their anti-discrimination obligations in order to continue receiving federal finance assistance. essentially no DEI programs, policies, or initiatives. Because federal funding flows

084through state education agencies like ODW, there is a real expectation that ODEW will not distribute federal funds to schools that do not sign the certification by April 18th. And in order to sign the certification, school districts must take concerted steps to ensure that they're complying with the department's current view of Title Six and DEI. In light of this unsettled climate and risk to federal funding, um we need to ensure that our district does not lose our federal funding and that it current that currently supports our programs for our students. Um so that is what brings us here to this specific meeting and why we were It's kind of hard to talk about three without four here. Um because number four is the board policy suspension um which is not a recision of our policy. It

085would be suspended to give us time to be able to um as a board and our policy committee to be able to do what we need to do to stay in compliance with the law, but also support our mission and vision, which is for every one of our students every day to have every opportunity in this district. And um that is what we live by. that is what we make decisions by and that will not waver. Um but that is what is bringing us to this discussion this evening is because of that timeline and it is um where we are. So I guess back to item three our board policy amendment. Can I let me ask this? Can I make a motion to table that item number three so that we speak in number four

086and then come back to number three? Um, but I don't believe that we could vote on number three without or number four without we we can't move ahead with number four until we do number three. You could table number four and then go back to number three. This I'm just trying to privately I It's up to you guys. I don't I know it's just blackmail. Let's face it. It's just blackmail in a way. I I'm sorry. That's how I feel. My comment is keep it legal. So my comment is on number three. If we don't taking away local control, if we don't come to an agreement on how to do number three correctly and to vote on that amendment, then we cannot do number four this evening. And my recommendation at that point would be

087we would have to have another board meeting within this. Yes, Mr. I I want to respond to the statement you read because it says essentially no DEI programs or initiatives and that's not true. Nothing in what the um executive order um and then the continued guidance has come out from the Department of Education the frequently asked questions that's not actually reflected in that executive order at all. It never once says that. It says illegal DEI which is based off the students for fair admission versus Harvard ruling and it's very specific when you read all of those documents that it's only they're only attacking race which again is an awful thing to do but they're not coming after all DEI programs. So we need to be very clear about what we can do and what we

088can't do. We are allowed to have DEI programs. We are allowed to have a DEI policy. What we cannot do is discriminate based on race and have racially based motivated programs. That is what we cannot do. That is what the executive order said. That is what the frequently asked question said and that is what this um title six certification letter is asking us to certify. It never says that we can't have any DEI programs on. And so I want us to be very clear that that is not what the federal government is asking us to do at this time. We know that the state of Ohio is passing laws potentially to make us not have any DEI in our schools. And if that happens, then we can't do it. But as of right now, we

089can have diversity, equity, inclusion, and our policy includes belonging in our schools. We can't have racebased things. So my question to administration is what race-based activities do we have in our schools that violate the current title six provisions that we need to address so that you can sign the certification to ODEW that they can pass on because that's what we need to address as a board of education because I certainly don't want your lensure to be at risk but multiple times that has come out and that's what it says it's students prepared admissions versus Harvard and I read that court case as well. So, I want to be compliant and I don't want to put your lensure at risk, but I'm not going farther than we have to. We have been advised at this point

090not to sign anything because tomorrow at 4:00 they're hoping that there's going to be a court ruling because the NEA filed filed suit in out of New Jersey, I believe. Um, and they have asked the courts to rule by four o'clock tomorrow. What that means is we should according to every law firm that keeps blowing up my email that we are going to wait to see if that will give us shed more light on this whether we have to or not have to sign it. The advice now has been given wait till last minute to sign this because we're not sure um whether or not it's going to stick. Um the other part that I want to add that we've been told repeatedly is that it's special treatment for race over another. So if there

091is hiring practices, if there's a scholarship, if there's a prize given, if there's a special event held for only one race, you can't do it. It's got to be open to all. So there are several examples that we've got to think about because we do many things for our EL students. For example, um we were talking about scholarships. I don't know that I know in my previous places there might have been minorities scholarships given to certain minority groups. I don't we were going to look into that a little bit. I don't know that that is the case here. Hiring practices I've checked with HR on that. Um so those are the things that we've we've got to really scrutinize. But yes, there is the state to contend with and there's the federal. The federal right

092now is talking race. The state is talking all of it pretty much. So um but what the reason again while we're here tonight at this juncture is because if we sign this the fear is again I want to remind us that this went into effect February 25th where it said we cannot have you know DEI and I would agree with Mr. Gomez in the one regard that I've yet to see anything that satisfies my definition of what they even mean by DEI because frankly I don't think our legislators know what that is. I don't either. Um and what illegal DEI is versus DEI. I'm not quite sure and I would love to know that. But we're not getting those answers and we're not getting any specificity. So what this what they're doing is they're creating

093a lot of vagueness and they're doing it intentionally in my opinion because they want people to be confused and they want us to just say, "Okay, then everything's off the table." And some districts are doing that. Some districts are scouring their shelves of books because they're out of fear. They're taking away every program that has any notion of anything relative to DEI. So, we don't want to do that either. But does anyone really know the full answer? I would agree that that's what the law is saying right now and this illegal DEI and it is about race based. I agree there. But again, what that truly means, I don't know. And I like to think I'm pretty well versed in that area. And they're not. And it it Mrs. White, you're right to say everything

094you said. It's very When I said I was enraged, You're feeling it because this is what I came back to on Monday. And how do we know that it's just going to be race? Could it be um transgender? Could it be we already had to get rid of that that's at state level, Mrs. White? They're going after the social ideology. That's what I mean though. Who who's next? Because you know, once they do one, then who's next? If somebody doesn't step up and speak up, that's what I'm afraid of. And I I just I think they I agree with you. They don't know what the hell diversity means or inclusion or equity. They don't realize what it really is and what it really means. And it's stupidity, but that's where we are. And yeah, I'm

095mad very and Mr. Gomez, you know, I you stated it well that you don't want to do more than what we have to do. And I I think that that is why we are why on the agenda tonight we have what we have with for a suspension and not a recision. It's so that within this time frame um if something needs to be signed, we have we can legally we can legally sign we're in a spot that protects us and protects our um funding and licenses and all of the things. But it also gives us time to go back and make sure that um whatever we need to do from a policy standpoint is not more than what we need to do, but also complain. But respectfully, the superintendent didn't point to anything in the

096policy as being a potential issue when I asked her that. If she would like to, I'm open to it. I'll listen. She knows I'll always listen to her. Um, are you talking about this DEI policy specifically? All I can say is that the attorneys that I've spoken to and in the webinars and everything else that I've been in and superintendent colleagues talking policies. Everyone is in the same boat. They've either rescended or they're talking about rescending or they're talking about now the new thing is suspending honestly because it has again it's riddled our policy has diversity, equity, inclusion words everywhere and we talk about you know um providing equity like equity and saying that we're going to you know provide resources where they're needed like then they're the argument there would be that it's providing

097equity is providing uh resources to one group over another. And whether I agree with that or not, I'm just telling you the arguments that I have heard. And what when you're asking me that question, I guess that is one thing I think they could question. Again, not that I agree with it. Um, but you know, it pains me just as much as others at the table to have to even have this conversation to be in the predicament we're in. But I do think suspending it gives us a chance to breathe because we're all emotional about this right now. and this board. I know we are all united. We're united in how we feel about this. And so we I what I don't want to see us happen is splinter off because we're all in the

098same we're all in the same boat here. We believe in the same things. So we've got to keep that in mind. And I know the approach and the and we might not agree with how we arrived here and that's okay. But I think we need to keep in mind what's best for this district and our students. And if suspending it is the recommendation, the way to go, I mean, I would like to see us support that. And then let's take time to breathe and figure out what our next steps are because we're going to come up with something that provides for all these children in this district. Thank you, Dr. Can we just suspend until the next meeting because that'll be past that due date and there should be um some sort of you want

099to revisit it at the next after that date from the thing. I mean I'm just opening up that conversation. So if that's the case, we don't have to deal with three at all. We could keep we would the only piece is that contrary and I don't know what how much of a hangup that is if you look at that language it says contrary but if we want to just wait till the next meeting could we potentially do that I mean I I don't know that 100% because of that contrary language if you see it I think we could have an argument that um we're sending an equity policy is contrary to our existing policy on providing equity First, I mean, I think we can make an argument. I think we would all agree to that.

100Everybody, I couldn't hear what you said. We would I think we would agree that not providing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is contrary to our existing policy if we suspend it. I think that I think that could work if if that's where the path we take. I'm just giving us an out on that. Advis us to pass the date. Yeah, I I'm Yeah, I'm I would if if it's throw the baby out with the bathwater or us removing item three um and then revisiting at the next meeting meeting item four, I would if if the board after discussion feels that that's a route that they feel comfortable going, then I would And this is policy AEA. Yes. What about DEIB? That's the DIIB policy. It's coded as AEA. It's its code. Oh, okay. Just like

101policy. The policy on suspension is coded BFF. Oh, okay. I thought that was the code. The policy which it is not at this. No, it's not our best friend. It will never be our best friend forever. Thank you. Okay. But do we have to sign that for ODA by the 18th. Our next board meeting isn't until the 23rd. Are we going to be We can still do Are we okay? We're just saying that we If it's If it's suspended until the 23rd, then we're still compliant. Okay. That's all I want to know is if we wait till the next board meeting, we are okay legally. We just have to have it suspended at that time. If she decides to to sign it, then we would be compliant that time. Okay. then we can move forward.

102Okay. So that's we are on item three and we've had discussion. So are we I vote no. Oh are we ready to call the role on this piece then? Okay everybody. Yeah I'm will be first. everyone. Okay. Mr. Gomez, please call the role. Miss Coco. Uh, no. Mr. Gomez, no. Miss White, nay. Mr. Schaefer, no. Mr. Harris, no. Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Um, item four, board policy suspension. It is recommended that the following policy be suspended until further notice of the board of education policy. A E A. So we have to change that. No, we have to take a get a first and second and sorry. I'm sorry. So moved. Yeah, Mr. Harris. Okay. So now we could talk about So now we do have to make a revision to this. I move to amend

103to suspend until the next meeting of the board compliant with board policy BFF. You know, Mr. Gomez, if I may, I don't think you might not need to say that. You could just say in compliance with Okay. I think because it already is stated in the next meeting. That language is already in that policy. You know what I mean? the policy already says until the next meeting. Let me have Christie work it out. Okay. So, because we didn't do item three, item four would stand just until discussion of the which I know we kind of already discussed with three. Yeah, thanks for working that out. Mr. Gomez, this is for the amendment. Correct. Mr. Gomez, I miss white. I Mrs. Schaefer. Hi, Mr. Harris. Hi, Miss Coco. Hi. Back to the motion as amended. So,

104now we're on discussion. recommended. So, any discussion then on number four as amended? We're back on the main. No. Do you have to read the whole thing? No. All right. Awesome. I can I can live with it. That's where I'm at on the I think that I couldn't it suits it suits our needs at this time as as best as we can at this point. I I would recommend since this is now until the next meeting um I would highly recommend um you know sunshine laws like we're only discussing this in open as a board but um I think that there needs to be um reaching out to legal as um you know our legal team is available to everyone um individually and Um there may need to be policy committee meeting again sooner rather

105than later um because we're going to need to start the process to have something um that the board is comfortable with um with our policy. So and how many days notice do you need to for a policy meeting? Is it three days to 48 hours? 48 hours. Okay. Um so I would just like to And I spoke with Dr. Celico and we talked about um getting something in writing. So she said that she would have a conversation with Miss Gao as well. I just I know there's just um as Dr. Celico said they want everyone to be confused. That's part of part of their agenda and it is very um with all of us agreeing as a board on what we we want to do to support this district and support our students. Um it

106is hard for us to wrestle with are we doing enough and what we we don't want to go over the line and do too much, but we definitely don't want to risk our funding for our students because that would be detrimental to them. And so I think it's very important that legal guidance is sought sooner rather than later and that all of the board members have an opportunity um to listen to legal counsel. All five of us are very talented with different things but none of us are lawyers and um even lawyers are having a hard time right now figuring this out. So um and I agree it's purposeful. Um, this quarter was written by people that have the most expensive attorneys that you mean that you could have, the most powerful people in the

107world are accessible to write this. And it has been delivered so vague. And it I can only assume that that was done on purpose to keep us guessing and keep us um on our toes in that regards to make us wonder if we're doing something wrong. And make us stop trying to just and give up. I guess that's the only thing. And and I know there are people that are very supportive of um these executive orders, but I would say that um they've not been delivered in a in a way that I feel like that I want to support because they've not been they've just not handled in a businesslike manner, I would say. So, for what that's worth, it could have been handled much better with facts, definitions, definitions, any more and guidelines. Maybe

108a brain in their head. Well, you said it. Mr. Gomez. Is everyone ready? Mr. Gomez, would you please call the Miss White? Hi, Mrs. Schaefer. Hi, Mr. Harris. Hi, Miss Coco. Hi, Mr. Gomez. I item five, resolution policy. It is recommended the board of education approves a resolution to allow the Ka Falls City School District to adopt the model policy for policy IG. So we're discuss Mrs. Schaefer I Mr. Harris I Miss Coco I Mr. Gomez I Miss White I item six is policy adoption. It is recommended that the board of education adopts the following policies. Section section B schoolboard government governance and operations BCE board committees. Section D fiscal management DECA administration of federal grant funds. DJF, purchasing procedures. DG JF-R purchasing procedures. Section E supporting services. ED computer online services acceptable use of

109internet safety. Section G, personnel, GBH, staff student relations. Section I, instruction. IG, IG AI, family life education, sex education. IGBA, programs for students with disabilities. IGBa promoting parental involvement IGC-rus J guidance programs section J student JCB admission of non-resident students JCB interd district enrollment JF release time for religious instruction JG student expulsion JHC student health services and requirements JACA A physical examinations of students JH CD non-administration of medicines JH CD-R-1 administering medicine to students JHF student safety JHG reporting child's abuse and mandatory training section K school community relations KBA public's right to Miss discussion just say um several of these are required by law, not necessarily things we would adopt if it was our choice, but the law required them to go into effect today. There's no timeline on when they have to go into

110effect today. So, we are still perfectly compliant adopting them at 7:26 p.m. And we did our best to wait as long as we could. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Please call the RO. Mr. Gomez, I Miss White, I. Mr. Schaefer, I. Mr. Harris, hi. Miss Coco, I. Item seven is policy second read and adoption. is recommended that the board of education holds a second reading and adopts the following policy. IKF graduation requirement. So discussion just reflecting changes. Mr. Gomez, please call the Miss White. Hi. Mrs. Schaefer. I Mr. Harris I Miss Coco I Mr. Gomez I thank you. Item eight is future agenda items. Um we know that we will have our board policy AEA back on the agenda at our next meeting. Are there any other future agenda items like to add? Are we still

111doing future of the schools every second meeting? Um I I think that that will probably follow with discussion. Um if we are ready to put a resolution on like we had discussed um the first step that we needed um was to make sure all the board members had the information they needed to make the um for us to do a resolution for a closing of a building of building of a building. Yes. Um that that needed to be the first step before any more discussion were to be had. So think That would be um something that would be on the next agenda would be in the first step to discuss it or to take action. Sorry, I just to discuss a resolution. No, I which would which would you say? I think that it would

112that we need to do a resolution at the next meeting at the next meeting. I'm fine with that personally, but um I would want like a presentation briefly just on like how we got here like a highlight of the financials the enrollment changes you know what I'm like nothing specific to buildings because that's to any specific building that's not what we're talking about but just our financial our financial picture yeah the things that are driving us to that so that we're clear on why we're making that part the decision. Does that make sense? Just like what the enrollment, the decrease in enrollment over time and then the financial situation. Part of it's part of it is like a repeat because she said she already went over she already has that but I just think just

113briefly going a refresher and briefly going through that again right before we go there I think would be important if a community member was just tuning into that meeting and going oh they voted to close a me close a building. So would that be a discussion that is just had here right with part of that resolution or are you asking for that to be appreciated I think just as part of that just to briefly walk through that enrollment decrease and then the financial situation again and then maybe how long that's been on the table because I think going back to the last levy campaign it was included in the statement of facts as well. So just highlighting that I think is important that this isn't um as much as I think that resolution might catch

114the broader community's attention, I think it's important also to highlight that this isn't something that we are just dropping out of of nowhere as well. I think is important to highlight. I could speak about that. Yeah. And if any of the board members have um any other um this is just specifically for closing of a school. Um if anyone has any other information that they need in order to um comfortably vote on that um please reach out to Dr. M. This won't be a specific building at that. That's what I thought. No, we had agreed that this needs to be the the first step in um moving forward with any more dis discussion, data collecting and all of that. Um we need to have that. So thank you. Anyone else? Item nine, committee reports 6

115through 12 construction core team. Miss White. Yes, we met on April 3rd. Um, and the early site development is going well. The 612 building, the stadium and sidewalk curbs are getting um done and in place. They're getting poured and so on. Masonry is now offsite. Carpentry, drywall, and paint. They are ongoing throughout the building. Casework installation. um the framing and hanging of drywall in the auditorium, which is exciting. Um installing locker brackets in the lockers and so on, the sound panel rigging, gritting, ceiling grid in the kitchen. So, we're it's really progressing quite a ways. um the glazing, those in integral blinds around the building. Um the gym floors in the high school and the auxiliary gym floor, the wood is um on its getting started. And um there will be a rubber flooring in

116the auxiliary gym. I'm not sure when that's going to start, but I think they're um getting to that process. Uh roofing is continuing. plumbing. They're wrapping up on the um second floor. The mechanical room work, HVAC also same thing. Electrical and tech um tech ongoing and we're getting there. The late site work um the football field excavation depends on the weather when they can start that, but that will be coming up and they'd like to wrap that up by August. They have been moving during the field. So, um, uh, master schedule update. Um, Mr. Bagatti is looking into the Midwest installation group to, um, see the amount that they would charge to move everybody because you're actually moving three buildings into one. So, um, somebody we hope can give us a good rate there. the

117stadium. We're looking in and discussing the opening and trying to get a certificate of occupancy with the county um so that we can have some of th those games at the new stadium. So, that'll be interesting. And then closing Clifford off. Um we're looking at that. Um there are videos going out I or they already did, I believe. Um the Blackbox Theater, Cosmetology and Media Centers, and Modern Media and Press Box. So, it's it's coming. Um, so we had a a little ribbon cutting ceremony discussions to commence in the middle of July and of course I thought, oh, it's going to be done and I spoke. No, it's not. It's just discussions starting. Darn. But any rate, um, so those things are ongoing. The Boolic abate and demo. Um, we will get um the GMP

118amendment is in a process. It will be be signed by Oaks. Design meetings are going on with the science rooms, especially the chemicals and how they store them. If it has doors, a lip doesn't need to be involved. If it's just a vent or um or no doors, a lip would need to be there to protect those um things from, you know, kids getting hold of them or falling off or whatever. Um the teacher desk outlets, we're looking at that. um trying to get that taken care of so that the outlets are on the desks and can kind of how do we do it? I'm not sure yet how we're going to get that done, but it that is were something we're looking at. The photos, okay, of um the existing high school um black

119tiger portraits, all the years. I think they found almost all of them except two. There's a couple missing. Yeah, a couple missing, but they have the photos so that we can put those up in the new building. The bricks at Leabourne and Clifford, they can't really save them, unfortunately. I know a lot of people paid money to have a brick and I know I did as well, but they're going to do something. Take photographs of the names and post them somehow. We're not sure yet what we can do, but we're looking into that. So, you know, at least the people that bought these things um will have their names. Yeah. The labeling the bricks have been gone for a long time. Did they already They took the pictures. Yes. The photographs of the bricks were

120taken by TDA. I'm sorry. I should have stated that. I thought so, but I was That's correct. I'm sorry. I should have stated it. And then the stadium at Cliff Clifford, the same thing. So, um, our next meeting is May 8th at 1:30. I think that's about everything. Did I miss anything? Thank you so much. It's a lot a lot of technical stuff. I know. Thank you. Which I'm so good at. I know athletics and activity is meeting April 28th at 4:30, but I didn't get a location yet. Do we get a location? It's typically here in the right cafeter. But that's usually what we need. Let's see. Business alliance council. Mr. Harris, I know you met this week. Yes. Uh we met yesterday. um Dr. Celico's uh first day back for this meeting. Um

121first time back for this meeting. You gave a quick update on the preschool um updates the financial forecast, executive orders, uh the new campus. Um then we got a presentation from Kathy Nicholson as well uh regarding school links um and how the the folks there stakeholders can create opportunities for our students. Um, it's really really cool to see the back end of all that and everything they're able to do, create these videos for the kids to, you know, kind of do these these virtual interviews, learn a little bit more about the company, internship opportunities, all this stuff through there. It's really cool. Um, then she went over uh gave a quick um jog update as well. And then Kamisha from uh Junior Achievement gave a virtual reality uh presentation. Uh, she chose a knee surgery

122demonstration. Um, yeah. Yeah, it was it was interesting. Remember the blood splattering on the screen and like cutting it. Yeah. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. You missed it. You missed it. I heard about that from Mrs. Moffet was so traumatized. She had to tell everybody. I get why high school kids like that stuff. She's dream. It was really cool. But I mean they have this entire program, virtual reality program. The kids can go in and choose different careers in different industries and they could, you know, do a knee surgery or, you know, one was a do a what is it? What do we talk about? Financial spreadsheet or something. That one's real boring, but there's some pretty pretty cool spreadsheets. But no, that was pretty much it. Um, Miss Schaer, you join me as well. I

123appreciate you coming. And um, if I missed anything, just just let me know. Thank you very much, Mr. Harris. uh district lonus committee. Do you have a meeting scheduled? Uh we met one day this week and the 7th, whatever day that was. Um I thought it was at 9:30. It was at 9:00, so I was a little bit late for it. Um but Chef Bill made smoothies for everyone. Um they were delicious. Um he did smoothies um like a taste test with some of the kids. Apparently, they're going to be on the menu. Um, hold on, let me put my glasses on. Um, he said that they are going to be on the menu two times a week and they're going to be tested every day during summer school. Chicken salads also being added to

124the elementary menu and beastro boxes at all the buildings. [Music] Um he was telling me they did a taste test too. They had a strawberry spinach salad with a raspberry vinegrett and he did a taste test with them and the kids were like, "Uh, no thank you." And um but then he let them try it with he asked him, you know, "What don't you like about it?" And he let them they said they didn't like the dressing so they let them have it with ranch dressing and then they were on board with it with ranch dressing. And he's like, "Listen, it's not what we like, it's what they like." And I'm like, "You know what? You are 100% correct. It's what they like. I want it with the raspberry vinegrett, but maybe a third grader

125wants it with ranch dressing. And who cares? They're eating. I would have swapped out the spinach. Spinach is a superfood. Let them have it. Um uh Chef Bill reviewed the um updates for next school year. They're they're uh they've updated the nutritional components for the meals and what's required. And he gave us a little sheet with the they're changing the the what's required with added sugars, the sodium, and um and we talked about that a couple meetings ago. We a wellness committee a couple we talked about that I think maybe in the fall we talked about it here. Um and then he said we just got back the strawberry mode. He said it's not as good as it used to be because it's a little bit lower sugar and uh it's no longer pink. It's

126white. My nephew loves that. I love to hear that. I said, "Well, it doesn't matter what color it is because it's in a cart. You don't really notice what color it is, right?" He said, "Did you my nephew asked me, did you know that you can buy a chocolate milk and a strawberry milk?" I would have never see. And in fact, you can. They just want what they want. Let them have it. A strawberry and a chocolate. There's It's still low sugar. Um, they're having a try it Friday. Schools will offer samples to students. open to all students, not just those who buy lunch. Um, and uh they just they're going to try to be mindful of well, not try, they will be mindful of allergies. Um, we split off into subcommittees, uh, staff wellness

127subcommittees and, uh, school meals meal committees. Guess which one I was on? School meals. Um, we talked about the the updated things and um, things that we can do to to up our score on um the assessments that we have been doing to make sure that we're like in comp like in compliance with what the federal regulations are. Although it's not some of them are federal regulations, some of them are suggestions um making um fruit available and visible and then look appealing and then having like artwork in the dining area which sometimes is hard because sometimes the dining area is also um the gymnasium. So if we have artwork then it's going to hit get hit with a basketball or a person. So um so we just ran some ideas and um we also talked

128a little bit too. I think sometimes we get a little bit jaded about what our school uh nutrition what what's goes on in our on our um our kitchens because we're only required to have people that are serve safe one person that's I think he said um level one serve safe in each kitchen and I think he said like everyone is level one serve safe in our kitchen and we have like we have managers that are level two serve safe I believe is what he said. So, we're like well above compliance. So, we have people that are working in our kitchens that um know what they're looking for um sanitation wise and nutrition wise that also that care about what it looks like the food that we're producing and then care about the kids. So,

129we have um we really have top tier people putting up food for our kids. So, I think we're really lucky in that aspect. Um, and sometimes we forget because it's really easy to pick on food, I think. And I think sometimes we forget how l lucky we are to have um top tier people working with our kids in our school nutrition. So, I just wanted to give a shout out for that. So, and that's all I have for that. Thank you, Miss Schaefer. Sorry for rambling. Yeah. Um finding the foundation and alumni association we met last night. Um a lot of it was focused around the upcoming um distinguished um alumni and scholarship award program which is May 6th. Mark your calendars. At 7 PM, we have 52 student scholarships this year. And um I

130don't want to misquote and mix up the numbers. It is either $134,000 or $143,000 in scholarships. One of the two. I believe it's 134, but my mind may have mixed up those two numbers right now. So, um and then there are teacher I believe seven teacher grants that are being awarded this year as well. So, do they find out ahead of time about the scholarships or do they they do um they've the scholarships have been they've been emailed um that they are getting the scholarships and they were just putting in the mail today um congratulatory letters to those that were awarded the scholarships. They don't know which scholarship they get until that night. So they know that they got a scholarship, but they find out which one and how much it's for that evening. Okay.

131Because I think is there 20,000? There is a 20,000. So yeah, there's another Last year there was a 20,000 and there's another 20,000. Exciting. That's that's wonderful. And I got to turn to Miss Coco last year and go that girl just got $20,000 and she doesn't even know it. That's amazing. So it's a pretty thrilling moment. um that scholarship like um one of the larger scholarships. We actually had a potential board member come last night for the first time and she was from the class. She received a scholarship and then went on and graduated from ACU and is doing all kinds of awesome things. And um she said that one of the only reasons she received a larger scholarship that she was able to go to college was because of a the scholarship she got

132through the alumni foundation. Um so it was really cool that she connected and wants to give back and possibly be on the board. So she came to the first meeting last night. So Yeah. So, it was good and exciting to see new people wanting to come and join. I apologize, my voice is going. Um, so that that was the the main focus of last night's meeting. Um, leg legislative liaison, Mr. Harris. Nothing happening in the state house at all, just so there's a lot happening. So, um I'm I I'm not going to cover everything. I can't uh with the time, but uh just just a few things here with the budget. Uh first though, last Monday, Governor Dwine signed House Bill 54. Uh that is the transportation budget. Um there were a few pieces related

133to K12 education in that. Um it'll allow for the creation of school zones outside of preschools run by educational service centers. Um authorizes the use of vehicles that can carry up to 12 passengers for student transportation. and it revises the list of equipment that must be checked during uh daily pre-trip school bus inspections. Um and then uh to the budget. Last week, House Republicans unveiled their version of operating budget. Uh while they did provide additional money, 226 million for public schools, and we're grateful for that. They are choosing not to fund through the fair school funding plan, which we know would fully fund our schools. Um I know the changes that came out of the finance committee yesterday. Thank you for shooting it over to me. It made it a lot easier. Um mentioned a

134possible new formula for fiscal year 28 and beyond, but we'll see. Um House Republicans budget also included a 25% cap on the amount of money the schools can carry over in their operating budgets uh which are mostly funded by property taxes. That number was changed to 30% for the final budget uh out of the finance committee yesterday. um which means that districts would be required to return anything over uh that percentage to property taxpayers. Um originally the governor's proposed budget forced districts to sell buildings uh where less than 60 60% of students are enrolled. That has been removed from the house's proposed budget. Uh a change that came out of the finance committee yesterday was a reduction from a from five to three years the duration for an operational revenue and expenditure forecast. So fiveyear

135forecast down to three uh years in duration. That right? Yeah. Um that's a good thing. Y yeah. Um so uh and again that if you guys remember that's something we have to do twice annually. So again we do that five year forecast twice a year. We would have to do three years. So uh and they als and we wouldn't had to do a financial recovery plan if it wasn't for right. Um and then uh they also added requirements for um OD to establish a system for comparing the performance data of state scholarship students enrolled at chartered non-public schools with the data of similar students. So we're getting a little bit of an accountability system as it relates to some of the charter uh schools as well. So it was really I was really glad uh

136to see that put in there. Um but I I know there's a lot more um as as it relates to this. I think there was supposed to be a vote. There could have been a vote while we're sitting here right now. I know there was a lot of stuff being held up with the whole uh um uh Browns stadium uh money right now. I think they're going back and forth on that. That's what's slowing up the vote, but um I'm hoping to walk out of here and see um that they finalized their budget and it's going to be off to a I think it's going to head back. Is it going to the Senate? I was told Senate at the end of this month. Senate. Okay. Okay. So, we still have some time, but um

137I will keep everyone updated and if anyone had needs any information, I have everything. They passed it. 60 to 39. They passed it. There we go. So, thank you all. Thank you, Mr. And Miss Whites, student achievement. Oh, no, we did not mean. All right, that brings us to number 10, comments, Mr. Harris. Yeah, take a breath here first. Yeah. Uh, just another congratulations to our students. U, we recognize this evening. I mean again I we say this all the time but this is that's the reason we do this so we can recognize the hard work of our students. Uh and thank you to all the faculty involved in their success as well. Um welcome back Dr. C. We're glad to have you back. Um and thank you Miss Houseman for holding down the uh

138holding down things while she was gone. You all did a fantastic job um just administrative across the board. So thank you. Um I best I know it's probably good for you Dr. Se to know that you have a very competent team in place. So, it I know I know you don't like being gone, but I know it made it easier knowing you had them. Um, as we tal as we recognize uh uh Mr. Gomez, I was able to attend the spring conference um last I believe it's last Monday if I remember correctly. Um again, uh congratulations Mr. Gomez on your recognition. I don't think any of us would ever argue that you're not a master board member. So, um you know, you're one of the most knowledgeable we have here. So, uh definitely welld deserved.

139Uh congrat and corre congratulations Miss White on your tenure uh uh being a board member. Um God bless you. Um and I always like to point this out and I told Miss Schaefer I would mention it. I judge a lot of these events based off the food we're served and the food at this place was fantastic. That's why we go to that one, not the other. It was amazing. And I I know now I mean it was it was delicious. So fantastic job. It was Ducas, right? And Warren, is that what they were called? Delucio deluchas. Deluchias. Fantastic. They did a fantastic job. Um I also attended a care dinner last week on Thursday. Um always glad to be have the opportunity to attend that. Congratulations to the Ka Falls Library uh for their recognition

140uh and for all they do for our families and community like like we're dealing with here in education. They are also dealing with their own problems as it relates to funding on their end. And we are behind our libraries 100%. Um so again, you know, it's just their recognition is just another of all they do for our community. Um, and then I was going to mention some of the DEI stuff. Um, I'm not I don't know if I I'm not a very emotional person, but I don't know if I could get through it. Miss White, you pretty much summed it up. Um, you know, what what we're up against here. And, um, I I will say some of the stuff they're coming after, um, I would not have been able to attend college without the,

141you know, with the specific scholarship I received. Um so I think about all the kids like me um high school, college who are some of my own students um from when I was subbing that I still keep in touch with their scholarships are in question right now. They don't know uh what is to come. So um it's just devastating we have to go through this um without a clear plan from their end leaving us scrambling um to to to figure something out. Um, so, um, I just, you know, I'm very appreciative to be in this. We have a very great board here and we're all in this for the same reason it's for our students and, um, I know that we will get through this and, um, I will keep doing everything I can to

142bug them, to push them, uh, to get on their nerves because that's what we need to do. So, that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Mrs. Well, it seems like it's been a couple weeks since we've been here. It's been three weeks. So, we've had a lot of things going on in the district. Um, so we attended the state of the state of the city last summer, right? Then we also went to the state of the village. Um, and then we watch subsequently the swear swearing in of Sergeants Johnson and Um, and I believe that Sergeant Row was at literacy night, too. So, we also the literacy night. I love the literacy night at the library. Um, and it was different from last year, set up different. They had like a book tasting. I'm

143like, a book tasting? What is a book tasting? And then they had different genre setups. You could um I went through with a friend who has two young children and um first grader at Preston and I was making her fill those out and write those papers out by herself. Um, she did a really great job sounding words out and everything and doing go first grade over at Preston did a great job. Um, it was a lot of fun. And then going around um the techn what is it what is the media room called up there where they maker space? the maker space where they had the um the green screen set up and they did a um they took your picture and they put you on the green screen. That was a lot of fun.

144They put the little masks on and then uh the tiger and the Mona Lisa. That was fun. But you had to I just kind of walked over there. I was like, "Oh, I think I want my picture taken with the tiger." No, because you had to finish three sections before you were allowed to get your picture taken with the tiger. Don't jump in line to get your picture taken with tiger. You had to do get three stamps first before you get your picture taken with the tiger. So, um, and then the vendor I want to mention the vendor fair, too. I didn't get a chance to mention the vendor fair before the vendor fair. Um, but I wanted to say, uh, there's really always a a good event. Um, Susan Keller doesn't mess around with

145a vendor event. There was a lot of people there doing like vending and I got these earrings from there. They are 3D printed. Um, I bought a couple gifts. I'm not going to say what they are because they are gifts for people. But, um, I I did not I'm sorry I didn't get you anything. Um, and then um I'm sure Mr. Gomez is going to mention it, but then we stayed after for the math tournament and um I am an aggressive game player. And I will say these kids were so polite and when you you get the you get your card and then when you get your answer, you're supposed to like tap, you know, tap the I would probably slam it like I got it and slam it. These kids are just like, "Got

146it." Just tapping I'm I got it. And they were so polite. And um it was really impressive. Uh they're doing working with double digits. And uh it's harder than you think it is because I then tried to play it when I went home and it is a little bit difficult. So um it was very impressive. I had a I had a good time watching it. So, so much going on, so much fun stuff. So, sorry if I hold out. No, thank you, Miss White. Um, I too attended the care dinner as we all did and it was wonderful as it always is. Congratulations to the library. Um, they they do a wonderful job. It they just are wonderful and so we appreciate the work and the effort they do. Um I also was reading in

147the notes um the literacy um ongoing um the building partnerships request. I think that is really neat that each building, the elementary buildings are getting like the Y or the first T golf or Zahan's um martial arts and things like American Heart Association in it plus their PTO's and all that, but they're getting a lot of interest in this. And so I think that's really a neat thing. And then finally, I have an obit, Mrs. Ellen Evelyn Crawford. She um died she was 81. She taught for 30 years. First year was first grade and then after that was all second graders and she liked to describe them as being her favorite age and I kind of agree. But yeah, I I like the little kids as well. um but just a very kind and generous

148person and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. Thank you. Thank you, Miss White. Um I'm up next. I know everyone's mentioned so many different things. Um so I won't take a lot of time. Um vendor fair. I got my picture with the Easter Bunny at the vendor fair. Um only because the student that was helping insisted I do so. So I did. Um very excited about the art walk coming up. Um the care awards dinner that we all attended and then literacy night. Um as Mrs. Schaefer said, it's just a great event and so thank you to everyone that puts that together. Um I actually helped um with the book tasting uh student. I don't know what grade he was, but he looked about second, but he was a PR student. and he

149was telling me how much he loved history and everything in history and specifically American history and um and I asked him who his favorite person in history was and he said Martin Luther King Jr. And I said, "Do you know any um any can you do any of his speech?" And he just started he just started raveling off. I have a like this like not just that part just anyways um I was able to take him over where the free books were and I actually found there were American history books over there and I said this one this one has your name on it. Great. So um libraries matter. do um a lot of the things that are being challenged right now matter and so that's all I will say. Um looking forward to going

150to music man this weekend. Um that Mrs. Schaefer will be playing the clarinet. She didn't tell anyone that. Um so I'll put that out so everyone knows. And that is all Mr. Bonus. I was also at literacy night and a shout out to Mrs. Taraji who helped my oldest nephew with the craft because he said, "I don't do glue, I do glue stick." So, um, Mrs. Taraji helped him do the craft and got her fingers in the glue for him. So, big shout out to Mrs. Taraji for that. Um, but he re very much enjoyed the book tasting because he's a voracious reader and so he found a book series that he now wants to read all of um in the sci-fi area. So I was over at my sister's house last night and he

151had the book tasting thing and he's like I'm leaving it right there because I'm ready to go to the library and get these books. So do you remember what they were? I don't remember. I bet. So that was a great event. And then also was at the care dinner on Friday was at the um Robert's food truck festival and from what I heard from their PTO president. Um it was very successful. They raised quite a bit of money from that and it was really quite fun. Um I like when they come up with different fundraising ideas and it was really a lot of fun to be there. Um was also at the vendor fair. bought lots of things there and then stayed for the 24 math. And um the one family I sat with told

152me um that they're a very competitive family because they're involved in soccer, but it um it was so important to them to make sure that their kids participated in this because um there's only so many like honor roles and straight A's that they can get before their kids don't really feel like that's exciting anymore because they're just used to being the straight A kids. So to give their kids an opportunity to compete with other kids and to make this part of who they are competitive was really meaningful to the parents. So they really were appreciative of that and that family had three has three kiddos and all of them uh received medals. They all placed they all placed. So, it was a really wonderful event. And if Miss Belco hasn't gotten Miss Stewart the pictures

153yet, we made sure um that she took some good pictures at the end scheduled for Friday. Okay. Yeah. She was trying to let everyone go. I was like, "Maybe we get a picture of all the winners together under the 24 math." And she was like, "Good idea." I was like, "Wait, when Christine can't be here, we have to think for her." So, we got tried to get you some everywhere. We try to get some we try to get some good photos for you. Um, but that was really a wonderful event and the families seem very appreciative of it. And then on Sunday, the band had their mattress sale and I actually needed a new mattress. Oh, really? So, I went to the mattress sale and they the price I will say if ever you do

154need a new mattress, um, wait for the band's mattress sale. You can try out all kinds of different mattresses. They're very knowledgeable and they do give you a good deal. So, I will clarify that that's a good it's a good bargain if ever you need one. And then lastly, I also attended our Spring Northeast Ohio School Boards Association dinner um last Monday and it was nice um just I always like catching up with folks from around the region and chatting with them about what's going on in school board in the world. Thank you Mr. brings us to item J, executive session. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 121.22 G1 and Ohio Revised Code section 121.22G2, 22 G2. It is hereby moved that the board adjourn to executive session to consider the employment of a public

155employee or official and to consider the per purchase of property for public purposes, the sale of property at competitive bidding or the sale of other disposition of unneeded, obsolete or unfit for use property. Second, Miss White. Oh, sorry. I Mr. Schaefer. Hi, Mr. Harris. Hi, Miss White. Miss Coco, I Mr. Gomez, I hereby entering into executive session. There will be no discussion afterwards at 806.