001[music] Good evening and welcome to the June 8th meeting of the Akran Public Schools Board of Education. It is 5:30m. My name is Dr. Renee Molner. I'm the vice president of the board. President Sykes will join us shortly and member Hall has notified us that she is with us via YouTube. She is watching along with us. She recently had rotator cuff surgery and she is recovering from that, but she is um watching along and joining us. So, hi member Hall. Uh with that, uh Mr. Mr. Bower's treasure. Roll call, please. >> Reverend Harrison, >> here. >> Mr. Gerro, >> present. >> Miss Kelly, >> present. [clears throat] >> Dr. Molinar, >> present. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> here. >> Five present, one on the way. >> Thank you, treasure, and all who are able. We ask
002to please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. First item for business is approval of the previous meeting minutes. Is there a motion to approve the regular board meeting minutes from May 26, 2026? >> So moved. >> Thank you, member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Reverend Harrison. Is there any discussion? >> Treasure Bowers. Roll call, please. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. Motion carries 5-0. >> Thank you, Treasurer. Are there any proposed changes to the agenda before we begin? >>
003Member Montgomery. >> Thank you, Madam Vice President. Uh, I would motion or recommend that items 25.2, 25.3, and 25.4 come off of the regular agenda and be referred to the finance committee. Uh, this is due to conversations I had today with both the superintendent and the treasurer. Thank you, Member Montgomery. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Member Harrison. Is there any discussion? >> Treasure Bower, roll call, please. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. Motion carries. 5-0. >> Thank you. Are there any other proposed changes to the agenda? Member Harrison. >> Uh Madame Vice President, I would request uh item 10.5 be removed from the consent agenda and
004put on our regular agenda. >> Thank you. As we are moving an item from the regular from the consent agenda to the regular agenda, there is no discussion. So that item shall be moved. Um, can you say again please for the record item >> item 10.5? >> 10.5. >> Thank you. Um, and now are there any other proposed changes to the agenda? Oh, all right. With that, um I believe that we will take things a little out of order um and begin with our superintendence report. >> Thank you, Vice President Molinar. I would like to uh start off by celebrating our schools. This year we participated as part of our literacy initiative. We coined our year the year of literacy and I would like to send a special shout out to Dr. Tuan Danggwin for
005her leadership and all of the activities that we participated in throughout the year. Tonight I would like to share one of those initiatives. It was called the superintendence book club. One district, one theme at a time. All three of our top performing schools continued their winning streak. So this year we encouraged all of our students to read, read, read. And at the end of the month, we looked at which schools had the students that finished the most books. And so representing elementary with their fourth consecutive win in a row is Barber CLC. So we want to congratulate them and all the hard work that their students put in and their families because we know at the elementary level uh many of our families participate by supporting their students in the evening with reading together. At
006the middle school, they're a little more independent, but we still certainly need the support of our families. And our school that had four consecutive wins in a row reading the most books at the middle school level is Miller South. And at the high school level finishing May strong is Elllet CC. So we want to congratulate all of our students throughout the district for continuing to read and we are hopeful that we will see the results impact on our OSTs. keep our fingers crossed. Also, uh we would like to share a partnership with you. Akran public schools and the Akran area YMCA are excited to announce an expanded afterchool opportunity for our eastcluster elementary families. Akran Afterchool Plus. Beginning August 27th, students in grades kindergarten through 5th in the East Cluster will have access to a
007safe, engaging, and supportive after-school program right in their own school building. Students will enjoy homework help and academic support, enrichment activities, recreation, and physical activities along with social emotional support learning and caring supervision after school. The program hours are 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays while school is in session. The program will be held at Barber CLC, David Hill CLC, Mason and Cyberling CLC's cost. Families are eligible for reduced or free YMCA programming based on income. So please, if you belong to one of those schools, follow up with your principal to see how you can get involved in this new afterchool programming from 2:30 to 6 Monday through Friday starting August 27th. And then on June 22nd, it is my favorite board meeting of the year. We will recognize our APS retirees. First, we
008will hold a reception that will begin at 4:30 in room 2011 here in the administration building. Then at 5:30, we will continue our celebration during the recognition segment of our board meeting. So, we want to take time to honor those who have served our district well and send them off into their next chapter. Dr. Molinar, that concludes my report. Thank you, Superintendent. Is there any discussion? All right. Thank you. Um, I see that there are no recognitions. We don't have a scholar board member with us. Um, and there's no treasures report this meeting. Um, so I will uh move ahead to the committee reports and then we'll do the requests to address the board as I see people are still filing in. So we will do our committee reports first. Um, so we will begin
0098.1 a report from our finance and capital management committee. Are there any updates chair Montgomery? Uh, thank you, Vice President Molinar. The finance committee uh has not met since the last board meeting, so no new updates there. The next meeting will be Wednesday, June the 17th at 6:30 in this boardroom. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> All right. The next uh committee update is instructional policy and student achievement committee. Um I am the chair of instructional policy and student achievement committee. We met last Monday, June 1st. We had five policies that uh were moved from instructional policy to the policy committee or to the rules committee. Uh most of the policies had to do with grades, grade calculations, weighted grades, and communication to students and families about the grades process. And our next instructional policy
010committee meeting is the first Monday of July and we will be discussing vouchers. So please join us for that. The next is the legal and contracts committee. Are there any updates? Chair Jeros. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh, no new updates, but the next legal and contract committee meeting will be on June 17th at 4:30 p.m. here at the Dr. Reverend Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Thank you, Member Gerros. The next update is from our policy committee. Are there any updates, Chair Harrison? >> Thank you, Madame Vice President. Madame Vice President, uh the policy committee met on June 1st. Um and uh prior to June 1st, we met on um May 28th. Uh on June 1st, we discussed our artificial intelligence policy, administrative leave policy, and our purchasing and bidding policy. Um we are looking forward
011to moving those policies um during the much month of August and we will have a special meeting um this week um to meet the deadline for our artificial intelligence policy which has to be in place by July 1st 2026. Um so that meeting will occur a special meeting one item will occur um sometime this week. So, I will say that's subject to call and the policy committee will not meet in the month of July. >> Thank you, member Harrison. Um, next we have the rules committee. Are there any updates? Member Kelly from the rules committee. >> Thank you, Vice Chair Molinar. Um, I also want to acknowledge those that are in attendance with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us. Um, as it relates to the rules
012committee, we last met on Monday, June 1st, uh, to review operational workflows and organize the upcoming board agenda, which we have with us today. Uh some of the key updates were um the board was asked how we felt specifically about the rules committee to kind of give our insight on whether or not we feel like it's it's working, if it's productive, and other things that we may see there possibly needing change to. So we did spend some time discussing that. Um there was some agenda changes. Routine items advanced to consent agenda. Specific personnel and administrative items were removed to the regular agenda for further board discussion. Uh while other items were deferred, added um and also withdrawn. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. And the
013location is here. the Reverend Curtis T. Walker boardroom. Also want to acknowledge lastly, I'm sorry I didn't say this before uh providing the next meeting details. There was an agenda item 22.3 which was a service contract uh which was the only um agenda item that was removed off the agenda for tonight's meeting. Thank you, member Kelly. And finally, um, would anyone volunteer for an update on the student success and celebration committee, the next meeting date? >> Yes. Thank you, member Kelly. >> Please bear with me. >> June the 17th at 5:30. >> Thank you. The student success committee uh will be held June the 17th at 6:30 at 5:30 with uh of course my committee uh member uh member Montgomery and also member Hall if she is able to be with us due to her
014taking some time off. Thank you. >> Thank you for all of those committee reports. Um now we will continue on. Um item 231, approval of the consent agenda. Is there a motion to pro approve the consent agenda recommendations presented in categories 9 through 22? >> So moved. >> There's a motion from member Jeros. Is there a second? >> Second from member Kelly. It is a consent agenda, so there is no discussion. Roll call, please. Uh treasure of ours. >> Mr. Dro, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molner, >> yes. Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> Thank you. Unfinished business, we have item 241, Republic Services Service Contract Amendment. Is there a motion to approve the Republic Services Service Contract Amendment? >> So move. >>
015Moved by member Kelly. Is there a second? >> Second by member Jerose. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Treasure of ours. >> Miss Kelly. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Montgome. >> Yes. >> Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. J. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 5. >> Thank you. Moving on to new business. Item 251. Motion donations. Acceptance of donations. Is there a motion to accept the additional donations? >> Moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second by member Gerro. Is there any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Dr. Molnar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. Miss Kelly. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> Thank you. And um we have an additional item. It
016is item 10.4 was item 10.4 that has been moved to new business. This is employment professional staff. This is a workshop stipened. Um I'm trying to read Whoops. What else it says? Uh yes. Um, is there a motion on the floor regarding uh item 10.4, employment professional staff workshop stipened? >> Is that right? >> No. >> Is that the item that was removed? That was 105. >> 105. >> Okay. >> See, I was on a roll. >> Okay. So, now item 105. um reappoint consultant auxiliary title one general fund auxiliary services. So this is um effective July 1 26 to 6:3027. Is there a motion on the floor related to item 105 reappoint consultant auxiliary? Similar >> motion on the floor from member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second from member Jerose. Is there
017any discussion? >> Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh madam chair we have had extensive discussions on um we've had discussion on this position but we've had extensive discussions on the um administ the use of administrative specialists and I I see this um is for the duration of um the 2627 school year. Um and I see the funding is um divided into a couple different things. Um with a number of days 150 um again I'm concerned about the daily rate and I would kind of like to know how do we establish a daily rate of $431. >> Superintendent. >> Thank you. Thank you for your question, member Harrison. [clears throat] I am going to ask um Mr. Liky because this fits under his department if he could give us at some background and then
018I'll tag team with him and if necessary I believe I saw our executive director of human resources also wanting to come to the mic. >> Yes. Um, so I think he uh Chase wanted to talk about how we come up with the daily rate. Um, so I didn't know if you wanted to hear about that first or more about the position. >> You can do the it's up to member Harrison. I >> think we lost our microphone. >> Okay. >> Uh that is the rate for the category or the classification. She's in administrative specialist. That is the daily rate of the board and our business. >> Member Harrison. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I understand that that is the daily rate. I I I was wondering how do we set um that particular this the
019substitutes have a daily rate. The um custodians have the substitutes. So this particular daily rate seems to be excessive to me and I'm asking how do we come up with that number? So that probably predates me. So we do have a book of salaries that is approved by the board um that were set years ago and so we continue to use that salary guide uh for any position within Akran public schools. So the previous um board has set that administrative um daily rate and so that we use that um as a daily or hourly. So if somebody works a half a day or a quarter day, it breaks down into an hourly rate. So I we have no other options at this time for an administrative position like this with um a job description and
020a daily rate that's been approved by the board. Member Kelly, >> this book that was approved by the board, uh, do we have a a a time, a date where this >> that I do not have that. I know. Um, we can Yeah, we can research that. Um, but it has all of our salary scales for teachers, administrators, substitutes, pair of professionals. I call it the great book of salaries. >> Yeah. May I member Kelly? >> Um, is there any way that a copy of that book can be sent to me via email? >> He's shaking his head. Not my department, but yes. Uh, Mr. Canfield is saying yes, we can get that to you guys. >> Thank you. >> Would you like to know more about this position or you just >> the Okay,
021>> thank you. >> Member Jeros. Yes, I would love to learn more about the position. [laughter] >> I feel like I preempted that. Uh so uh and one thing I would like to note, it does say general fund in there. Uh but that you've seen commonly from some of the things I've put to board, we we'll mark general fundou um and that's this case as well. So those general fund positions are paid back from our memorandums of understanding from other school districts. uh in their federal funds. And so uh we've had this position around I think I've been in this department for about 13 years. Uh it predates me, but uh what this allows us to do is have someone focused outside of the public um side of school business working with all of our
022non-publiclix. And so, uh, we actually charge back to the non-publix, uh, as part of our agreement with them to fund, uh, this position. And so, uh, right now it is Judy Gray that we're looking to renew. And so, she has about 28 tutors who are out working in the nonpubliclix. She works with human resources to hire and staff and train them. It's also her responsibility to go out in the field and do OTZ. So, she does the teacher evaluation. uh with those um tutors because they are our employees. Uh she also completes the non-public uh data system. So this time she is vetting that every student uh who they're requesting money from does reside in our district. And so she's working in consultation to check all of those numbers and figures to ensure that the
023right dollar amounts flow to to and from our non-public buildings. Uh we also have something we call program design where we sit down with every non-public leadership team and talk about how they want to serve the students uh who go to their school from Akran public schools uh and we build that plan together and how those dollars will be spent. You see those contracts uh come to you and come to this board. Uh and then she's the accountability piece too. So ensuring that they're checking all the boxes and the federal compliance that goes with it. Uh the beauty of this position is it does uh as I mentioned free up the [snorts] other folks in our office to focus our attention on the public schools, on our students, on our programs um that we have
024in our public schools. >> Member Geros, >> could you share some examples of what you mean by the non-public schools? Like which ones are we serving? Who do we serve? And I'll start with that one first. >> Sure. Um uh so St. Mary's Redeemer Hoben um our not Our Lady of the Elms um uh St. V. Uh so we have about 22 23 I'm sure I misqued that. Uh but there are all of the uh all of the non-chartered uh schools in our community. Uh but then also we enter into what's called memorandums of understanding. So if um so faith Islamic for example is not in our boundary but we have so many students that go there that we have the lion share of the money so we will take their the other district's money
025put it into our pool and serve serve the students as well. Uh, member Gerros and then member Harrison. >> With the money received from the non-public schools, does that cover the daily rate for this position? >> Yes, it covers the daily rate. We have a 4% admin cost for um serving the non-publix. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate that. >> Thank you, Madam Vice President. the um uh the concern for me as you have explained that is you stated that we've done this for a few years. >> Um it would seem that this is not grow your own if if we are bringing back retired administrators and this position is a position that we we know we need every year. Um, I I would think it would be more prudent to bring someone from
026APS, an employee, and especially if we're getting reimbursed. um that this would be an example or a perfect example of grow your own may >> there wasn't like to acknowledge that we have been joined by president Sykes um and I would like to ask again here on item 105 is there any other discussion on item 105 treasure Bower please call the role Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Molinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. And it is now 5:58. So, I think we got as close as we could. Um, I would like to bring us back to our um item number five, requests to address the board. Member Durros, are there any
027requests to address the board? >> Yes, Madam President. I have six listed, but I I'm aware that maybe more came in who would also like to address the board as well. >> Thank you, Member DRO. I want to remind everyone that uh participants will not be permitted to speak on matters uh related to student records or specific students or pending legal matters. Um as long as we speak on matters related to the business of the board, we ask that you try to keep comments to 3 minutes or less. We're not going to set up a timer. Um, and if you are hearing that someone ahead of you said the same thing, try to um, pay attention to what everyone else is saying for sake of time. We do have a board policy that public comment
028shall last 20 minutes. If we get close to the 20 minute mark, any board member may make a motion to extend that time um, if that becomes necessary. But also before we um start the public comment, I do have um one opportunity uh madame president if you could provide us a brief update on um our leadership placements so everyone begins with the same understanding of uh the process and where administration is at this time um before we have the opportunity to share our perspectives. >> Thank you Vice President Molinar. It's at this time of year that our administrative team comes together to review our positions amongst our administrative team. That would include all of our assistant principles, all of our deans, and all of our academy principles as well as campus principal assignments for the
029year. And uh based on that review, we come up with a final recommendation to move forward with for the following school year. So at this time, we're in those discussions and no decisions have been made, but that is the process. So, we come together and we look at um based on data and what decisions are best for each of our schools, what's going on um if there's a need for any movement in our schools. >> Thank you, Superintendent and member DRO, will you please call our first um community member? >> Yes. Our first public commenter is Tamara Walters. Topics to be addressed sustaining Mrs. Denset book. Madame Superintendent, Madame President, Madame Vice President, and to each and every one of you in your respective places. My name is Tamara Walters. I am the parent of
030a Firestone graduate. I am here to ask you to reconsider your decision or your discussion of um repositioning principal Densen due to her relationship and my experience um with my child under her leadership when she was at Bookdale. I would also ask that you excuse my appearance. As you can see, I'm a little incapacitated. Miss Densen showed up to my Firestone students graduation sendoff because she was a BookTo student whom Miss Densen recommended transfer to Firestone because of the gift and talent she witnessed and felt she would prosper there. Miss Densen kept in touch, supported her endeavors, and continuously pushed her to reach her goals. It was a hard no for me, but because of what I witnessed from Miss Densen's leadership, I trusted her and transferred my child to Firestone. I wanted my child
031to be under her leadership to experience how great she was throughout her tenure at 1040. Unfortunately, I found that some have stooped so low as to call Bookto Cocan's version of East Side High. Well, I guess that makes Principal Densen Akran's Joe Clark. I thank you, Principal Densen, for taking those personal hits from your co-workers with tact and grace. Whomever is making the this decision, please take into account the gang rivalry in Akran and the potential danger of her well-being as she could very well be injured or assaulted as an attempt to get back at their rivals because of her connection to a particular building. Instead, may I suggest what we should do is have a principal academy and allow her to implement with other principles what she has done in bookto CLC so that
032the entire district benefits as we are one big educational family and not a pingpong principal. Principal Densen, please stand firm handinhand with your husband trusting in God's plan. Thank you again for supporting, loving, encouraging, and holding to a standard my child who was on her way to college this fall to pursue her degree in zoology. To the board, please consider and give Bookto CLC more time with this leader. The same way you all depend on us to vote for your levies, we are depending on you all to reverse this decision or discussion because it doesn't make sense. It doesn't add up and it's the wrong move. Her leadership is way too valuable to Miss Carrie. Miss Densen, we are 1040 strong. We are ready to fight for you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Member Jerose.
033The next >> next we have Lola Brewer. Topics to be addressed. Book principal. Madame President, Madame Vice President, Superintendent Outley, and board members. Um, hello. My name is Lola Booker Brewer. I am the secretary at BTO CLC. I am here today to address a concern regarding the uprooting possible uprooting of Principal Densen from BTO Community Learning Center. My concern is about the impact that this would have on our students, staff, and community. Let me give you a couple facts and the consistency of our building over the last four years on the state standards under Principal Densen. Three stars means that we are meeting the state uh standards. Closing the gap, we have three stars. Graduation, we have three stars. progress we have three stars CCWM college career workforce military and readiness three we have four
034stars there and then achievement we have one star so out of these standards we are over the 50% of passing at BTO CLC been out of priority status now for two years having to bring a school out of priority status is not an easy task even as a secretary trying to keep up with what is going on in our building to make sure that we are successful. Movement progress in spite of all the transfers, retirements, and promotions as well as roadblocks. We are progressing upward under the leadership of Principal Densen. And not to mention, in a six-year period, BookTo has had five principles. We also have several staff members that transferred out of our building even to downtown and return back to the building because it's a family atmosphere here at BookTo CLC. If you
035choose to be a part of it, it's a choice to be a part of a family even in our own families. That's just being honest. Has there ever been any exit interviews to find out why the uh staff members are leaving? That's a question I propose to the board because I think this is very very important for the person that's in leadership. Um, in conversation for me speaking with some of the members at BookTo, some left due to convenience of travel. Gas is now at $4 a gallon. Let's just be real. Some left due to promotions, some left due to wanting to do something else. and some left due to death unfortunately and others due to retirement. Based on AEA's teacher survey in which only 17 out of 91 staff members responded because Principal Denset
036believes in ensuring all verses are respected. She was strategic in implementing a six-step focus to address teacher concerns. She named this a unified path forward. Number one is shared visibility and safe transitions. Number two, responsive discipline 48 hour standard. Number three, safety team accountability. Number four, proactive communication, which is a weekly calendar to let you know what's going on in our building. Number five is the transparency in the supplementals. And number six is the administrative efficiency and team collaboration. Most of your motivational speakers when you hear them speak say that consistency is key. This is what we need at BTO Community Learning Center. We were eggs, we've hatched and we soar like eagles under Principal Densson. All of these facts have been proven under Principal Dson. And the m the numbers, excuse me, don't lie.
037The fact is that the decision to yet move another principal out of our precious building would push BTO CLC back two steps and for at least a year or two. In a six-year period from 215 to 2026, uh, BTO has had, like I said, five different principles, which is hard on the staff, students, and the community. Bookto Community Learning Center has someone, Principal Densen, that has a love for the job and a stake in the building as a graduate coach, middle school, high school teacher, assistant principal, interim principal, and now a principal. Why stop the upward movement of progress in the soaring school environment based on the facts that we're giving? Moving her would be like taking two steps forward and three step backwards. I once heard a quote stating, "Men lie, women lie, numbers
038don't." Thank you. >> Thank you. And before we call the next person, I will remind all speakers, we won't cut you off at 3 minutes, but if we could try to stick to three minutes and treasure Bower will even hold up a a three when you get to three minutes, just so you know. Okay. So, thank you. U member Dros, next person, please. >> Next speaker is LJ Joy Terrell. Topic to be addressed. to book principal. >> Good evening board members, board president and superintendent. My name is Le Joy Terrell and I graduated from BookTo just 10 days ago. I am here today because I want to recognize the incredible impact that Mrs. Densen has had on my life and the lives of so many other students. Mrs. Densson made a different in many ways
039that people never thought a school leader could. She changed my life by believing in me, encouraging me, and helping me realize my true potential. There were times when I doubted myself, but she constantly reminded me that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to if I stayed focused and worked hard. She taught me the importance of perseverance and never giving up even when t even when things became difficult. Throughout the years she has been at BookTo, Mrs. Densen has had a positive impact on students both mentally and emotionally. She has always made students feel seen, heard, and valued. She took the time to build genuine relationships with us, and because of that, she became a safe space for many students who needed support, guidance, or simply someone who cared. Mrs. Densson dedication goes far
040behind her job title. She created an environment where students felt like they belonged and where they were encouraged to succeed. She helped build a culture of unity, respect, and family within our school. Because of her leadership, Bookto became more than just a place to learn. It became a community where students could grow, thrive, and feel supported. If it were not for Mrs. Densen and the passion, care and commitment she brought to BookTo every day. Our school would not be the family it is today. Her influence will continue to live on through the students whose life she has touched, including mine. For that, I will always be grateful. Thank you. >> Thank you. Member Jeros, do we have another speaker? Thank you. >> Yes, we do. Next is Christine Curry with her topic to be addressed
041is good news story. Thank you. Good evening board members. Good evening superintendent Atley. I'm here today to share a story about an APS principal who exemplifies what it means to be an educator, a servant leader, and an advocate for young people. In May, I learned that an APS student attending Akran Alternative Academy had been denied the opportunity to attend her senior prom at her base high school, my alma mater, Garfield High School. After several conversations, it was agreed that she could attend. Heartbroken by the situation, I told a friend who works at APS that my husband Jay and I would cover the cost of her dress and any other prom expenses. Prom was that very evening. By 2:30 that afternoon, I met this remarkable young woman at Maggie's bridal. When she stepped out wearing a
042beautiful yellow gown, I immediately began to cry. My own prom dress was yellow. In that moment, I felt God smiling. She was radiant, full of excitement and anticipation. Later that evening, I learned she had missed prom entirely because circumstances beyond her control caused her to arrive too late. She was devastated. So was I. The following Monday, I reached out to Principal Lacricia Densen at Bookal High School. By noon, Principal Densen called to say that this young woman would be welcomed at Bookal's prom. No date required. On prom night, I received photos of a smiling young woman who finally got to experience one of high school's most cherished milestones. She told me principal densen was wonderful and that book doll students welcomed her with kindness. Tonight I ask you to join me in saluting principal Lacricia
043Densen. She saw beyond labels and circumstances. She chose compassion over convenience and belonging over exclusion. Principal Densen demonstrates to her students and all APS professionals what kindness, professionalism, and servant leadership truly look like. She is an extraordinary asset to the Bookal community and her legacy of ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and worthy deserves to continue for years to come. at her alma mater. Thank you. >> Member Jeros, is there anyone signed up? >> Yes. Our next speaker, forgive me if I'm pronouncing it wrong, but Savon Wright. Topics to be addressed. Book till principal. Good evening, Miss Outley, board members, and community. I am Seavon Wright, a John Rukto Community Learning Center 2025 graduate. While attending BTO, I had the honor and privilege of leaving a lasting impe uh legacy due to Miss Lacricia Densen's
044love, integrity, and leadership. While at BKO Community Learning Center, I was able to be the class president, National Honor Society president, and be a PTA student representative. While doing all of these things, which isn't even half the list, I was also able to rack up over 150 community service hours. All of these things happened because Miss Jensen guided me, encouraged me, and helped me to success. While at BTO, I got to see her flourish as a principal. And personally, before I could even put her face to her name, I got to watch her as an outstanding mother. As a mentor, she helped me by writing a letter of recommendation to further my education that I still use to this day. She also allowed me to shadow her. I had a great experience learning the tips
045and tricks of a campus principal and more personally she allowed me to form questions, walk the halls with her and see the school through her eyes. She is one of the few who I can say shaped me into the young educator I am today. She let me go out of class to work for the Akran zoo and she also allowed me to leave Booka for an hour because I needed to obser observe students for my college class. Finally, as a former graduate of bookto herself, I would say the year I would say I won't say the year because she will definitely have a talk with me after this. But I got to see the pride, admiration, and dedication to shape the students, including myself, because she used to be one of us. She is truly
046the reason I am going back to be a principal at BDO in 20 years. And finally, let me add that I was the first student to shadow her at BKO. And I hope and pray I'm not the last. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you member Juros. >> Yes. Our next speaker is Lammyra Traml. Topic to be addressed is book principal. >> Good evening Miss Outley and board members. My name is Lamaria Traml. I am an alum of John Rbukto COC class of 2025 serving as the vice president and many other titles. Mrs. Densson is a wonderful, loving, and open person. She has a driven and determined mindset. She has encouraged scholars for academic success and involvement within the bookto cluster. Not only does she uplift people in her smile at 8 a.m. She tells
047you to have a good day and actually mean it. Mrs. Densen isn't perfect. None of us are. We're human. But she makes sure BTO isn't dragged through the ground for our reputation, such as the fights at our school and threats against the school. She reminds us of our success every day on announcements to give us hope even if we don't have none. She has a heart to be working at BTO because when someone leaves, they may say we're quote unquote dangerous or ghetto. But did she leave? No. She sticks by us and believes in us. If we want to do something fun, she has scholars prove it by grades and behavior. Yes, she may have her favorites, but if you ever notice, she favors in the ones that either favor her, very involved in a
048school, or most importantly respect her. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't love any other student greater than or less than. It's about connection. So, you may ask how this ties into me. Well, honestly, at first I was like, why can't my own principal ever get my name right? But I'd say junior year is when we really clicked. I didn't really need academic help or motivation because I was always a 4.0. O student, but beyond that, when she was available, she would always be at my meets encouraging me when I was ready to give up. She listened to my problems. I started giving her a hug every morning to uplift her, and we never missed a how are you. I loved her for that because I felt loved and cared for. Every day when she
049saw me in the halls on a mission, she'll smile at me and give me a hug while telling me I'm doing great and it's going to be okay. So, if it hasn't been clear as of yet, my vote is for her to stay at Bookto. She is what BTO needs. Thank you. >> Member Jeros, >> I have no more names on the list. >> Okay. It looks like there might be a couple people from the audience that might want to be added to the list. Member Harrison. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Madame Vice President, um, I would ask for a suspension of the rules um, so that we can continue to hear from, um, the public. >> Second. >> There's a motion on the floor and a second. Is there any discussion? All right.
050Uh, Treasure Bower, take the role, please. Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. [clears throat] Molinar, >> yes. >> Motion carries. 6. >> Thank you. So, um, since we don't have anyone else signed in, if you would like to come up and please introduce yourself to the board and, um, and the viewers on YouTube. Um, and then, uh, we'll stick to the same rules. Try to stick within three minutes. Um, and Treasure Bower will let people know if we are approaching the three-minute mark. Thank you. >> All right. How you doing on board? I want to thank you for allowing me to speak. Um, good evening. Uh, my name is Larry Robersonson and I'm writing to
051provide an update on the racial and religious discrimination grievance I brought to your attention on May 18th. Since that time, I have not had the opportunity to speak with anyone regarding this matter. I have made multiple attempts to contact human resources without receiving response. The PAR program has cooperated has not cooperated in providing requested information and although the union provided the portfolio I requested I have not received guidance on how to prepare or what steps may be taken while I await your meeting our meeting I'm sorry um just to let you know um and I understand uh this board does not know um exactly what's been going on and you're not aware of the details and so um before I had the opportunity to fully present my grievance. The board ratified the non-renewal of my
052contract on May 16th and I reserve uh received the certified documentation on Wednesday, June 5th. I understand that the board may not have been aware of the full circumstances surrounding my grievance and I recognize that this may have contributed to the confusion regarding my case. I believe the confusion will be resolved when I'm actually given the opportunity to present um the perspective and what actually occurred during that time. There have been outstanding requests that has not um gone um um answered. And at this point, uh I'll just say as I've shared previously, I am a history teacher with 17 years of experience. I have also taught special education in English in Maryland. My students performed very well on state assessments and in Washington DC I was recognized as distinguished educator. I've also collaborated with the
053University of Maryland on efforts to strengthen students reading and writing skills. I have devoted my talents and commitment to supporting students both inside of out of in inside and outside of Akran and it is deeply disappointing that I am now being prevented from continuing to mentor and teach the students in the community where I grew up in. I am a Garfield graduate. And in closing, Principal Henry Mack, who was just uh promoted, has had indicated to me that she hopes I will return next year to reach to teach at Litzville Middle School. Uh and I respectfully ask that I am given a fair opportunity to address the matters fully before any judgment is allowed to define my professional future. Thank you. >> Thank you. Please um introduce yourself and um three minutes. >> Thank you.
054Thanks. >> Hi. Good evening board members, superintendent and all the other board members. I am here on behalf of Mrs. Densen and I know Principal Densen at Bulto High School. So I I know you guys had the discussion on the table, but I'm asking that you remove it her name. Um because Miss Densson um as you can see the community and this is just some of us a lot of us is online watching tonight. But my thing is is that our kids my kids is now in their 30s. They went to Bookto. They graduated from BookTo and they was in the era when Bookto was a failing school and they still succeeded and they doing well. But my thing is is as someone already said, BookTo has been through so many principles. So why shake
055it up? I'm sick of being shook up at BookTo. We got somebody here that cares. We got somebody here that loves the kids. I don't know the numbers. You guys do. But if the numbers is not great, then bring them to us in the community so we can talk and discuss it. But as of right now, I'm asking that you guys remove her name because she is the one there. And we also need to as board members find principles that are good. Don't take the good principles from where we need them. Leave them where they're at [clears throat] and let's get other good principles in other schools that's not doing well. Bookto has had enough of the shakeup and I understand how things go and people move and shift people around, but we don't need
056that at Bookto. We need somebody that's there. We need somebody that cares and we need somebody that the kids is going to respond to. So, I'm asking once again that we leave Miss Densen, take her name and remove it off the table. And I understand elevation happens. We might want to elevate her, move her, and have her help another school and see what her numbers do there and see what her program does there. But she's doing well where she's at. Have her help somebody else. Don't remove her from where she's at cuz she's helping the kids where they at and where they need it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other community members that would like a chance to speak? Okay. Well, I want to say um as usual um administration is gathering
057all the comments. I appreciate hearing from all the community members and our future principal, our future superintendent also of Akran public schools someday. So, um with that, we will move on to our next item of business. Madame President, is there a need to go into executive session? Yes, there is a need to go into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22G1, the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or officers. 12122 G2 to consider the purchase of property for public purposes to sell a property at competitive bidding or to sale or other dispositions of unneeded obsolete or unfit for use 121.22 22G3 conference with an attorney for the public body considering dispute [snorts] involving the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending
058or inimate court actions 12122 G5 matters requiring to be kept confidential by federal law or regulations or Ohio statue. Therefore, I motion to go into executive session. >> Thank you. There's a motion on the floor from President Sykes. Is there a second? >> Second from member Montgomery. Any discussion? >> Treasure Bower, take the role, please. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Dr. Bolinar, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. With that, we are moving into executive session at 6:28 p.m. We will remain in executive session for 1 hour. Thank you. And I'll come back. Hello. Hello everyone. Uh this is Barbara Sykes, president of the uh Ohio school, the Akran school board. And just to give
059you an update, we are still in executive session. And I think that uh it would be safe to say that it will be at least another hour, more likely another two hours that we are in executive session. So thank you for your patience. We have returned from executive session. There is no action to be taken and so I ask is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? >> Second by member Jeros. Is there any discussion? Treasurer Bower, please take the role. >> Dr. Molner, >> yes. >> Mr. Montgomery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sykes, >> yes. >> Reverend Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Derose, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. Our next meeting will be on Monday, June
06022nd, 2026, here in the Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Walker boardroom at 10 North Main. Our meeting is adjourned at 9:05 p.m. [music] >> [music] [music]