Britt Gerken

The meeting included a presentation of the exempt leadership award. Discussion focused on the need to move the November 19th board meeting to November 12th due to a change in the OSBA conference schedule. Legislative updates were provided, including discussions on House Bill 96, which eliminates fixed sum emergency levies, and House Bill 186, which addresses spikes in property tax. The board also discussed limitations on reallocating unvoted property tax and measures related to budget commissions reducing millage on voter-approved taxes.

The meeting included discussions on amendment preparation resources, high school council membership, and the creation of the next year's fund for research. Juneteenth holiday implications, an extended school program, and administrator contracts were also addressed. A resolution declaring an intended personal position of the question review of an emergency tax level was discussed. Updates were provided on PBIS, choirs, and Ohio State testing. The board also covered topics such as reward parties, field trips, and the recognition of student achievements.

The meeting included a presentation by the Defiance City School Foundation, highlighting their support for educational opportunities, mini-grants for teachers, and scholarships for seniors. The five-year forecast was discussed, noting an expected decline in the cash balance by 2029. The forecast presentation included discussion of property taxes, public utility tax, and income tax. The impact of the pandemic on income tax collections was also discussed.

The board discussed financial reports for July 2024, including bar month balance reports and GAP statements. They reviewed bids for buses and vans, including authorization to participate in the bid process with the high school council. A presentation was given on a DECA project to create a veterans honor wall. The board also discussed a third-party agreement with area school districts and PO411 for maintenance items purchased over the summer. They reviewed student activities and approved financial matters. Additionally, they discussed the purchase of property adjacent to the maintenance property, a Roots analysis service agreement with ESC, and opening day reports from various schools. They also acknowledged a donation of school supplies from the First Presbyterian Church and discussed the state auditor's reporting training requirements for public employees.

The meeting included discussions on the financial report for July 2025, and the upcoming alternate for capital conference 16. There was a discussion regarding the nomination of a delegate and an alternate. The board also discussed the students activity, a revised principal elementary budget, and upcoming dates, including Labor Day, a Board of Education meeting, the band spectacular, and a support staff recognition dinner. The Supreme Court of the state of Ohio will be hosting a court session. The board also discussed enrollment numbers, the career technical education middle school waiver, and the roots analysis service agreement. The board members also shared their experience on the opening day and the new communication app.