Anne R. Baldwin

The meeting featured a presentation from the Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) executive director regarding its mission to support Westerville City Schools by funding innovative programs. The foundation discussed its two grant cycles per year and noted that the spring cycle opened that day. The presentation detailed the WEF's non-grant making programs, including Teacher of the Month recognition and the Westerville Student Education Foundation (WSEF) initiative aimed at empowering students to serve and lead. The speaker provided an update on the Fall 2025 grants, noting a record 33 applications and the award of 17 grants totaling $26,251, impacting 5,860 students across 13 buildings. Specific funded projects included initiatives in STEM, language and culture, literacy (e.g., Vox audiobooks), the arts, student wellness (including a mentorship program for middle school boys), and a student-operated business learning lab at Westerville South.

The discussion primarily focused on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, which aims to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to all students across PK-12. Key topics included the process for choosing diagnostic assessments in collaboration with teachers, the alignment of MTSS with the district's strategic plan (specifically Priority Two: Student-Centered Learning), and the implementation phases of MTSS over three years, focusing first on academic frameworks, then social-emotional and behavioral supports, and finally enhancing supports for special populations. The presentation detailed various components such as embedding micro professional development on Universal Design for Learning, using data (both small and big data) for continuous feedback loops, and the role of MTSS Leadership Teams (MLTs) in data review. Specific practices highlighted included the use of morning meetings for K-5 community building and the consistent support provided by MTSS coaches and curriculum specialists.

The meeting featured a presentation on the Five-Year Financial Forecast, which serves as a long-range planning tool and basis for signing the 412 certificate, relating to appropriations, agreements, and large contracts. A key change discussed was the shift from a five-year forecast to a current year budget plus a three-year projection, although the Board requested continuing to present five years of projections. Major discussion points included the impact of the new earned income tax approved in November 2025, increased health insurance premiums, and slightly decreased state funding due to updated student data calculations, which showed a projected decline in the state's share of funding from 43% in 2021 to 11% in the following fiscal year. Expenditure projections anticipated annual increases with inflation, incorporating prior reductions from a levy failure, with capital outlay expenses being paid from transferred funds for transparency. Revenue uncertainty remains due to legislative factors like homestead and rollback debates, and potential federal funding changes, including discussions about abolishing the US Department of Education, which could significantly impact long-term resources. The unreserved cash balance projection for 2030 indicated a shortfall relative to the 90-day operating expense policy target.

The discussion primarily focused on recognizing the significant contributions of the Westerville Education Foundation and the dedication of its volunteer board members. A representative from the Westerville Parent Council presented data on the support provided by approximately 35 parent support organizations (PTAs, PTOs, PTSAs, and booster groups) during fiscal year 2025/2024-2025 school year. This support included $56,750 in scholarships for graduating seniors, $1,16,231 in monetary support for district initiatives, technology, and facility improvements, and 65,510 donated volunteer hours, equivalent to the salary of approximately 44 full-time staff members. The session concluded with the recognition of representatives from numerous member groups across elementary, middle, and high schools.

The superintendent expressed gratitude to the community members and staff for their assistance in clearing sidewalks and streets following a significant storm that caused a one-week school closure. A tour of the bus garage revealed that snow piles remain an issue on some narrow streets. The meeting announced the formation of several new administrative committees to address strategic planning, academic engagement, finance, legislative matters, safety and security, facilities, and policy updates, noting that these committees will include up to two board members to avoid constituting a formal board meeting. Specific board member assignments for each committee were detailed. The importance of the policy committee was emphasized due to ongoing legislative changes from the state house. Information regarding public involvement in these committees will be shared via the district's website, newsletters, and a forthcoming newspaper mailing.