James Collins

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and a student presentation regarding the Five Points Learning Lounge. This presentation detailed the creation of a regulating center in the hallway, based on trauma-informed training, providing students with flexible seating, sensory items (like a bubble wall and rocking chairs), and tools for emotional regulation. Discussions also covered the use of dry erase surfaces for collaborative work and data collection via sign-in/sign-out sheets. Furthermore, the Board proceeded into an executive session to consider employment or compensation matters, followed by a presentation on the 2026-2027 program of studies, noting significant changes and new offerings since the initial draft review.

The board meeting featured reports from the Springboro Education Association and Spring Classified Employees Association, and general public participation segments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation regarding new secondary discipline initiatives, including the development of three core pathways for students post-graduation: Enrollment, Enlistment, or Employment (the three E's). This included plans to introduce an Intro to Business course in partnership with the career center to address interest/aptitude gaps noted in youth science assessments, and a Freshman Success Course aimed at providing academic, personal, and career skills. Furthermore, the board discussed implementing AP Business with Personal Finance, which includes simulated work-based experiences and allows students to take the CAG assessment for college credit weighting. A pilot program for second-semester course exam exemptions for students achieving a score of three or higher on Algebra 1 and Geometry exams was proposed. Finally, a pilot program to help students who are not meeting the 11 state indicators for post-secondary readiness (specifically tracking 250 hours of work-based learning) was introduced.

The board meeting included extensive discussion and required action regarding the annual tax budget preparation, which encompasses revenue from all funds and a multi-year projection including fiscal years 26, 27, and part of 28, alongside expense comparisons. Key agenda items involved approving the December 2025 financial statements, which showed revenue trending slightly above projections due to tax timing, and expenses being at or under budget across all categories despite increases in benefit premiums. The board also approved an appropriations amendment to recognize new revenue, including bond funds, grants, and private donations for specific projects like turf replacement, and a safety grant. New business included approving the addition of the Red Cross Club as a student activity, approving the relocation of the Education Foundation Fund trustee designation from the Warren County Foundation to the Dayton Foundation, and reviewing numerous donations. Finally, the board approved the second reading of board policy revisions pertaining to the transportation program and the personnel report, which included retirements of several staff members.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of three board members and the subsequent election of officers for calendar year 2026, where Lisa B was elected President and Dan Goods was elected Vice President. The agenda was adopted, and minutes from the Special Meeting and the regular meeting held on December 10, 2025, were approved. Key actions included the approval of meeting dates and times for the upcoming year, the appointment of Sarah Schlayhoff for public records access training, and the approval of several annual standing resolutions. These resolutions authorized the treasurer to request advance property tax revenue, renewed membership with the Springboro Chamber of Commerce and OSBA, established a $20,000 board service fund for 2026, authorized expenditures for superintendent/treasurer seminars, and granted authority to the superintendent to accept employee resignations and make employment offers when the board is not in session, subject to later ratification. Additionally, appointments were made for representatives to the Warren County Vocational School District governing board and the career center board.

The organizational meeting involved the swearing-in of re-elected Board Members and the election of the Board President and Vice-President for the 2026 calendar year. The agenda was adopted, and the meeting established the calendar for the 2026 Board meetings. Specific actions included appointing a designee for Public Records Access Training and approving a series of annual standing resolutions. These resolutions authorized the Treasurer to request advances of property tax revenue, renewed memberships for several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and OSBA, established a Board Service Fund of $20,000, authorized the Superintendent and Treasurer to attend seminars not exceeding $5,000 each without further Board approval, and authorized the Superintendent to accept employee resignations and offers of employment between sessions, subject to ratification. Finally, the date for the 2027 Organizational Meeting was set, and a resolution was passed reappointing a member to the Warren County Vocational School District Governing Board.