Benjamin Schade

The organizational meeting focused on establishing the leadership and operational framework for the upcoming year. Key actions included the swearing-in of re-elected Board Members, the election and swearing-in of the Board President and Vice President for 2026. Committee assignments for 2026 were established and approved, covering liaisons to various councils and boards, and representation for OSBA. Furthermore, the Board approved several operational items via a combined vote, which included setting the schedule for regular monthly meetings in 2026, establishing member compensation at $125.00 per meeting (maximum of 40 meetings), authorizing signature authority for financial documents, authorizing the Superintendent and Treasurer to sign purchase orders, resolving to operate under Robert's Rules of Order, and authorizing legal counsel appointments.

The meeting featured the presentation of certificates to the November Students of the Month by the Superintendent and Chamber of Commerce representative, along with the introduction of upcoming events by the Hospitality Class Teacher. The December Hard Hat Employee Award was presented to a Middle School & High School Teacher. Building principals provided updates on their respective facilities. Key actions taken included the approval of Financial Reports and Payment of Bills for November, and the approval of Investments for November. Furthermore, the Board approved several personnel recommendations, including the employment of multiple Non-Bachelor Substitute Teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. Other approvals encompassed new Open Enrollment students, confirmation of zero verified incidents of bullying/harassment/intimidation, adoption of a nutrition standard policy, approval for scrap metal disposal of vehicles, approval of the gifted student identification and service plan, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ohio Association of Public Employees Local 422 regarding transportation, authorization for engineering services for a Middle School chiller replacement, appointment of the President Pro-Tempore for the January organizational meeting, approval of the annual membership with the Ohio School Boards Association, and the approval of several donations to various school programs and teams.

The key discussion topic was the presentation of the 2026 (FY2027) tax budget to the Board by the Treasurer. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn the tax budget hearing.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions. Key segments included the presentation of the December Primary School and Middle School Students of the Month certificates, and the Superintendent presented the February Hard Hat Employee Award to the Middle School Principal. Recognition was provided to Board Members for Board Member Appreciation Month, including presenting a plaque to a former Board President. Building principals offered brief updates. The Board reviewed correspondences, including retirement and resignation letters. Action items approved included the Financial Reports and Payments of Bills for December, and Investments for December. Personnel actions approved included the employment of a Custodian, a Long Term Substitute Teacher, and a Para-Pro; the reassignment of a Custodian to a Bus Driver; the employment of an additional part-time Maintenance position; the acceptance of retirements for a Cook and a Teacher, and a resignation from Maintenance; and the employment of various substitute teachers. Additionally, approval was granted for One Year Limited Fall Supplemental and Activity Contracts for the 2026-2027 school year for various coaching positions. Other approvals included a Memorandum of Understanding for the Kent State College Credit Plus Program, an Overdose Reversal Drugs District Policy, the selection of Strollo Architects for design services, the disposal of four buses for scrap metal, the Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Budget, and several donations to the Cheerleaders and Principal Funds, and the Athletic Boosters. The Superintendent clarified that the district is conducting a feasibility study for a school-based health clinic. The Board concluded with an executive session regarding employment of personnel.

The meeting included presentations for the Students of the Month and the Hard Hat Employee Award. The building principals provided updates on their buildings. The board discussed and approved various recommendations, including leaves of absence, continuing contract status, employment of substitute teachers, and non-renewal of coaching contracts. They also approved a memorandum of understanding for personal days, a swim team meet, new open enrollment students, a request for qualifications for an Agriculture Learning Center Project, and new or revised board policies. Additionally, the board accepted donations from various organizations. The board entered into an executive session for other matters required to be kept confidential due to state statutes and federal law.