Amanda Szabo

The Board approved a school district income tax resolution and a levy statement of facts to ensure community transparency. Additionally, the Board ratified a collective bargaining agreement with OPC Local 163, which includes assistant custodians and maintenance and grounds staff. This new agreement incorporates increased operational flexibility and aligns overtime practices with the Federal Labor Standards Act to improve payroll efficiency.

The board discussed district funding strategies, including the implications of potential levies and failure scenarios. Key topics included the potential impact of building closures, the challenges of property and income tax referendums, and the importance of community engagement. The board reached a consensus to organize community coffee talks to present facts and solicit feedback, and discussed strategies for a potential November initiative and the contingency plans if such an initiative were to fail.

The Board discussed various educational programs, including activities at Willoughby Middle School, preschool curriculum highlights, and the SAIL program for students with autism. Several awards were recognized, including the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award, awards from the Ohio School Public Relations Association, the Science of Reading Champion Award, and the Momentum Award. The Board held a work session update regarding district finances and announced a future session. Financial actions included the approval of various purchase orders, student activity accounts, grant applications, and the sale of surplus equipment. The Superintendent provided updates on campus events, and the Board ratified collective bargaining agreements with the teachers' association and OAPSE Local 159. Additional approvals included music and art therapy contracts, an English Language Arts package, professional design services for school renovations, and several new policies covering topics like procurement, credit card use, and artificial intelligence.

The board recognized educators who achieved tenure status. Business items included the approval of an earned income tax resolution, permanent appropriations for FY27, a gas agreement, and insurance renewal. The board approved the public library's annual tax budget, various service contracts, grant applications, and new account establishments. Additionally, the board approved updates to adult permit instructor compensation and salary schedules, multiple professional affiliation and placement agreements, and specialized services. Personnel matters involving administrative, certified, and classified staff, as well as supplemental contracts, were also addressed.

This document outlines the shared vision for Willoughby-Eastlake, driven by core promises of fostering joy, strengthening connections, inspiring growth, and ensuring student success. The plan details four strategic priorities: delivering customized learning and academic excellence, enriching the overall student and staff experience, upholding fiscal responsibility and efficient operations, and cultivating robust communications and community relations. The aim is to equip students for success beyond graduation through innovative and personalized educational pathways.