Cory Davies

The meeting began with the approval of the January minutes. Dr. Para Jones, President of Stark State College, welcomed attendees and presented an overview of the college, highlighting its accreditation, successful programs such as the BSN and CDL program (which received an $875K award), and high-demand fields like engineering technology, manufacturing, cyber, and AI. A legislative panel discussion, moderated by John Rizzo, featured State Representatives Matt Kishman and Jim Thomas. Key topics included challenges in Ohio education, such as hiring bus drivers and the cost of higher education, the impact of AI, the legislative process for property tax legislation, and feedback required for operating and capital budgets. The discussion also covered the TechCred program and childcare/workforce development challenges, with suggestions for licensing reform.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the preceding month's minutes. Key discussions included an overview from Aultman College regarding current enrollment data, program considerations for the healthcare field, and insights into their career-connected learning program, 'The Aultman Experience.' An update from Aultman Health System detailed their presence in the region, workforce development needs for medical and support roles, and current career-connected learning offerings for high school students. Furthermore, planning sessions were held for the upcoming Canton Regional Chamber Educator Bootcamp scheduled for June, focusing on identifying critical transferable skills (soft and hard) for the workforce and determining valuable sector share-out topics for educators, including engineering, public policy, tourism, and technician roles.

The Jackson Local School District Board of Education held a meeting covering various topics. The board reviewed and accepted financial statements, account modifications, and appropriation changes for February 2024. They also discussed legal alerts and revised board policies, including updates on recreational marijuana, budget flexibility with staffing, transgender student issues, student assessment, third-grade reading guarantees, employment of substitutes, termination and resignation policies, employment contracts, health services, transportation, and transportation by vehicles other than school buses. Additionally, the board approved tax amounts and rates for Tax Year 2023/Collection Year 2024, authorized original complaints against property valuations, approved a settlement agreement regarding notification procedures and the sufficiency of board minutes, accepted a donation of gloves and masks, continued the policy prohibiting enrollment of students from adjacent districts without tuition, approved field trips, granted child care leave, accepted retirements and resignations, employed classified personnel, and discussed the St. Baldrick's event.

The Board addressed financial matters, including accepting financial statements, account modifications, and appropriation changes. They authorized the employment of non-degreed substitute teachers and approved a Science of Reading Stipend for teachers completing the required training. The board also approved a revised Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement, school bus stops, and the purchase of a 30-passenger bus. Additionally, they accepted non-resident students with tuition, approved a Child Care Leave request, and addressed resignations. The board also discussed and approved supplemental contracts for non-teaching staff and employed certified and classified personnel. The meeting adjourned into executive session to discuss security arrangements and emergency response protocols.

The meeting included a welcome from Walsh University, highlighting its history, programs, and focus on workforce development. There was a presentation on the Blouin Scholars program, emphasizing its values of faith, community, and service, and its partnerships with community organizations. Habitat for Humanity discussed its work in providing stable housing and resources for families, with support from Walsh's Blouin Scholars program. Planning for the next educator bootcamp was discussed, focusing on healthcare, manufacturing, law, public service, and government. The Chamber's workforce needs assessment and its partnership with Walsh University for a supervisory training program were highlighted. TomTod Ideas presented its program for middle school students in Stark and Summit Counties.