Avon Local School District

The meeting included reports from Heritage Elementary, highlighting their PBIS program and a bronze recognition award, featuring a performance by the 4th and 5th-grade choir. The Treasurer presented the OSBA annual report and detailed the 2026-2027 tax budget preparation, noting the impact of homestead and owner-occupied credits and future effects of 2025 property tax reform. Operational actions approved included establishing the 2026 IRS mileage rate at $0.725 per mile and approving the 2026-2027 tax budget. The Superintendent reported on student exam preparations, recovery from illness-related absences, ongoing efforts to recruit classified staff, and the initiation of 2026-2027 staffing analysis. Stipends were approved for staff covering the vacant Director of Technology and Innovation position duties. Personnel actions involved accepting resignations for supplemental and classified positions, approving certified and classified substitutes, extending classified contracts, approving unpaid days for several employees, and approving numerous supplemental contracts for athletic coaching positions. Additional operational approvals included agreements with School Date Books and the ESC of Lorain County, a request to seek bids for a fire alarm system at Heritage Elementary, and accepting donations.

The meeting focused on organizational actions for the upcoming year. Key discussions included the nomination and election of the President and Vice-President. The Board appointed members to committees, including Al Ferronti to the Lorain County Joint Vocational School Board of Education and Christine Libeg as the Student Achievement Liaison. Several designees were appointed, such as Virginia Fitch for Expulsion and Suspension Appeal Hearings (Superintendent's designee) and Franko Gallo as the Board's designee. The Board also established a Service Fund with a maximum allocation of $20,000 for calendar year 2026 and set the regular meeting dates for 2026, scheduled generally for the second Tuesday of the month, with meetings commencing at 6:00 P.M. at Avon Heritage Elementary. Operational actions included appointing Mike Zalar as Purchasing Agent, Lindsey Peters as ADA Coordinator, Sadie Fox as HB 308 Coordinator, and Michael Elder and Virginia Fitch as Title VII and Title IX Compliance Officer and alternate, respectively. The Board also authorized the payment of bills, provided funds are available, and established guidelines for recognizing district organizations.

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of three Board of Education Members for terms commencing on January 1, 2026. Key discussion points included a legal update from the Treasurer regarding pending property tax legislation, with the annual tax budget to be presented in January. The Superintendent congratulated various fall sports teams on their state championship titles and provided an update on the math curriculum adoption process, confirming student input is utilized. Personnel actions involved the separate approval of an administrative resignation for the Director of Innovation & Technology, effective December 31, 2025, acceptance of several classified resignations, contract extensions, amendments, and the approval of stipends and volunteers. Operational actions included setting the date for the Organization Meeting for January 6, 2026, approving agreements for YouScience subscription and Special Education Services with the ESC of Lorain County, and approving several purchases over $10,000, including roof repairs and bus cameras. The Board concluded by entering into an executive session to discuss compensation and other terms and conditions of employment for public employees.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding follow-up actions from the prior meeting concerning the Title IX Coordinator role. A school report featured a presentation by a Digital Creation and Marketing class on their pop-up shop success and business introduction. Discussions on proposed 2026-2027 middle school bell schedules addressed state intervention time requirements and lunch period timing, leading to a decision to explore schedule rearrangement options. Board reports included an update on Endowment grant approvals. Policy discussions focused on the Overdose Reversal Drugs policy, which the board decided not to advance at this time. The Treasurer's Report included an analysis of property tax reform legislation (HB 96, HB 335, HB 129, and HB186) and the financial forecast, indicating a potential need for an operating levy sooner than previously expected. Operational actions approved included various financial reports, appropriation modifications due to newly secured grants (School Bus Safety and Attorney General safety grants), and stipends for technology and innovation duties. Personnel actions involved the approval to rescind a retirement intent, acceptance of several certified and classified retirements and resignations, approval of supplemental contracts, and approval of unpaid leave and days for certain staff members. Agreements were approved with various entities including LCCC, Cuyahoga Community College, BCI, ESCLC, ESC of Lorain County, Ripcho Studio, Inc., Coro Medical LLC, and PSI Associates, LLC, alongside quotes for landscaping and service contracts. Finally, the board approved 336 seniors for graduation and entered into an executive session to discuss compensation and terms of employment for public employees.

The meeting included a presentation by Mrs. Yeager, who donated $15,000 to the district from her organization, The Hope for B.E.S.T., to support mental health resources for students. Tony Moore presented on Student 365, a mental health program offering 24/7 virtual support for students. Mrs. Elder presented on the Whole Brain Teaching method used at Avon East Elementary. The board approved the 2026-2031 Superintendent Contract for Michael Laub. Updates were given on the Lorain County Joint Vocational School and the French Creek Foundation tree lighting. The board discussed new and revised policies, including updates to conform with the ORC and a new cell phone policy. The Treasurer reported on legislative bills impacting school funding. The board approved financial reports, reclassified fund types, and approved an appropriation modification. The Superintendent reported on legislative initiatives, congratulated fall teams, and discussed a survey for future district planning. Personnel actions were approved, including degree advancements, contract extensions, and the re-employment of retiree Kristina Dobos Buller. The board also approved various operational actions, including requests for proposals for architectural services, agreements with YMCA of Greater Cleveland and DistrictWON, and snow removal services. An executive session was held to discuss negotiations with public employees.