Jamie Bailey

Key discussions included the presentation of an updated Five Year Forecast incorporating tax reform impacts. Public comment raised concerns about bus delays and requested GPS tracking software for parent notifications. Treasurer's recommendations involved the approval of the November 2025 financial and investment report, appropriation modifications for FY26, and authorizations for several fund-to-fund transfers, including one to liquidate the Emergency Levy Fund balance. The Board also approved establishing a new fund for unclaimed funds and approved several Then & Now Certificates for FY2026. Fiscal procedures for 2026, including requesting tax advances, were authorized, along with approving a Community Reinvestment Area Compensation Agreement. Approvals were granted for payment in lieu of transportation, a new Student Activity account for Boys Volleyball, the acquisition of equipment from Wenger Corporation, construction change orders for the New Maintenance Facility, and GMP submissions for Kidder Elementary School Addition and Applewood Elementary Addition. An agreement with InsightBoard of Ohio, LLC for software was authorized, and the five-year financial forecast (FY2026 - FY2030) was approved. Superintendent recommendations included accepting several donations, reviewing board policies on their final reading, approving a no-cost out-of-state field trip for the BHS Boys Baseball team, leasing a digital mailing system, and approving various service agreements and contracts for educational services, including tuition services and contracts for students from other districts. Personnel actions approved included resignations/retirements for administrative and support staff, leaves of absence, reassignments, new employment for a High School Counselor, and supplemental contracts. The Board appointed Mary Weinhauer as president pro tempore for the organizational meeting, authorized the renewal of OSBA membership dues, and held an executive session to discuss negotiations concerning public employee compensation.

The meeting included a special recognition and presentation to recognize board members for their service, as well as an update from the grading committee on strategic plan initiatives. Key financial actions included the approval of appropriation modifications for the Building Fund and OHSAA Tournament Fund, authorization of a fund to fund transfer, and approval of the tax budget for fiscal year 2027. The Board also approved Then & Now Certificates for FY2026, an amendment to a consultant agreement for a New High School Project, several construction change orders related to new facilities, and a resolution affirming the purchase of three buses. Superintendent recommendations covered the acceptance of several donations, approval of the College Credit Plus Memorandum of Understanding, authorization to execute the BEA Contract 2026-2029, and approval of service agreements for SAT prep and guidance software. Personnel items approved included retirements, leaves of absence, and employment actions for support and certified staff, as well as work agreements for curriculum writing.

The organizational meeting involved administering the Oath of Office to new Board Members. Key actions included the nomination, election, and administration of the Oath of Office for the President and Vice President of the Board of Education for 2026. Appointments made included Mrs. Mullen as the Legislative Liaison and a delegate to the OSBA Capital Conference, Mrs. Hanudel as the Student Achievement Liaison, and Mr. Diedrick as an alternate delegate. The Board appointed Robert Gillingham II as the representative to the Medina County Career Center Board of Education for a three-year term. The schedule for Regular Meetings and Work Sessions for 2026 was set, and designees for Public Records Training were approved. The Board authorized administrators to utilize several specified legal firms for services in 2026 and approved participation in all applicable Federal, State, and Local Grant Programs for FY2026 & FY2027. Authorization was also granted for the CFO to handle sales tax payments for approved expenses, and approval was given for the Director of Business Affairs to dispose of obsolete assets. Finally, payment for BoardDocs Pro Services for 2026 was authorized.

The Board of Education discussed the financial report for November 2025, highlighting the available cash balance and the impact of tax revenue and interest earnings. They reviewed legislation and property tax reform updates, including the potential loss of funds due to the Medina County Commissioners' adoption of the 'piggyback' homestead credit. The board considered fund-to-fund transfers, including a transfer from the Emergency Fund to the General Fund to comply with new accounting requirements. They also discussed a CRA agreement with the City of Brunswick and GMP authorizations for the Kidder-Applewood construction projects.

The forecast includes revenue projections from general property tax, tangible personal property tax, unrestricted and restricted grants-in-aid, federal restricted grants-in-aid, and property tax allocation. Expenditure projections include personal services, employee benefits (retirement/insurance), purchased services, supplies and materials, capital outlay, and other expenditures. The forecast also addresses operating transfers and advances. Key assumptions include maintaining existing emergency levy rates, the impact of the 20-mill floor, and the continuation of the 'Temporary Transitional Aid Guarantee'.