Berea City School District

The strategic plan, 'Destination 2027,' aims to ensure all students have access to learning experiences that prepare them for their future. Key priorities include providing dynamic and innovative lessons, fostering inclusive school cultures, supporting staff, aligning systems for student achievement, and keeping the community informed. The plan's ultimate vision is for students to graduate with choices, opportunities, and preparedness for enlistment, enrollment, employment, or entrepreneurship.

The meeting included a procedural roll call followed by a discussion regarding IDEA Funds. The session concluded with an adjournment motion.

The meeting commenced with procedural items including a Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public participation and a report from Polaris. The Superintendent's recommendations involved approving numerous consent agenda items covering personnel actions such as administrative and certified/classified staff appointments, resignations, leaves of absence, supplemental adjustments, and compensation. Specific actions included approving payments for oversized classrooms, new and revised job descriptions, and resolutions to initiate procedures for the reemployment of retired employees under Ohio Law. Other approved items included agreements with Cuyahoga Community College and Lorain Community College, a service agreement with Right At School, authorizing membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and approving quotes for bus cameras. Policy revisions were also approved. The Treasurer's recommendations included approval of financial statements, investments, certificates of availability, gifts, a service agreement revision, appropriation measures, and resolutions authorizing tax valuation complaints. Finally, the Treasurer's Five-Year Forecast was approved. Under Regular Business, the board approved the minutes of the January 12, 2026 meetings, rescheduled the March 16, 2026 meeting to March 23, 2026, and approved a Resolution in Opposition to Ohio House Bill 42.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of Rick Mack as President Pro-Tempore. Several board members, including Ana Chapman, Rick Mack, Maggie Campbell, Cori Farris, and Katie Michal, took the Board Member Oath of Office. Ana Chapman was nominated and subsequently took the Oath of Office as Board President, and Rick Mack was nominated and took the Oath of Office as Board Vice President. Key resolutions involved establishing the 2026 Board of Education Meeting dates, appointing Ana Chapman as the OSBA legislative liaison and Rick Mack as the OSBA student achievement Liaison. Board members were appointed to various committees including Curriculum Review, Educational Foundation, Business Advisory Council, Safety & Security, Transportation Concerns, and Financial Audit Committee. The Board authorized the Treasurer to enter into contracts with specified organizations, establish a Service Fund of $20,000, and appoint Doug Schwind to the Polaris Career Center Board of Education for a three-year term. The Superintendent and Treasurer recommendations, including consent agenda items and authorization for the Treasurer to conduct business, were approved before adjournment.

Key discussions during the meeting included a Polaris Update detailing a new Fashion and Merchandising Program headquartered at Berea-Midpark High School and other new senior-only programs. Superintendent Recommendations featured updates on the Destination 2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on student success, finance, facilities, and wellness. Several items were approved via the consent agenda, including a resolution adoption and an Independent Contractor Agreement with the Ohio Schools Council. Business items included the approval of a revision to policy po5136 regarding Personal Communication Devices, approval for an overnight field trip for the Berea-Midpark High School Marching Band to Orlando, Florida, and the purchase of three new school bus chassis. The Treasurer reported no activity for November or December. The date for the 2026 Organizational Meeting/First Regular Meeting was set for January 12, 2026, and a President Pro-Tempore for that meeting was appointed. Board members expressed gratitude to a retiring member for their service.