Jason Bates

The committee meeting addressed several key areas. Opening activities were conducted, followed by an information session providing an update on the Phase II Construction Project. A primary focus was the Monthly Financial Report presented by the Treasurer/CFO. Additionally, there was a discussion involving the presentation of the Five-Year Forecast by the Treasurer/CFO. The meeting concluded with an action item to adjourn.

The meeting agenda included several key areas of business. Opening activities involved the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of previous minutes. Key discussion items involved recognitions, including National School Board Recognition Month, and various school/community reports from the Student Council President and local association representatives. Reports were given by board committees such as Finance & Facilities and the Education Foundation. Financial business covered December 2025 reports, the creation of new scholarship and athletic sponsorship accounts, January 2026 donations, Then and Now items, and fixed asset disposal. Business under the Assistant Superintendent included ratification and approval of several agreements, including those with Shrub Oak, V.I.P. Rehabilitation Services, L.L.C., Eagle Wings Academy, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Walsh University, alongside amendments for non-addendum clubs and summer programming. The Human Resources section addressed numerous actions including resignations, retirements, employments, and amendments to previous motions regarding stipends and tutoring hours. The Chief Operating Officer reported and resolutions were addressed concerning membership in a national purchasing consortium and projects for Clark Hall. General business included the second reading and approval of new policies and the approval of Memorandums of Agreement for the Middle School Winter Cheer Club and Off-Year Evaluations.

The discussion is about the upcoming bond and operating levy on the November 3rd ballot. The facility needs across the district are discussed, including overcrowding in elementary and middle schools. Recommendations from the master facilities planning committee include additions to elementary and middle schools, and building a new high school on the current site. The cost of the recommendations is also discussed.

The special board meeting was convened to discuss the process of hiring an architect and a construction manager at risk for phase two of the master facilities plan. The board discussed the recommendation of the evaluation committee to select DLR Group with Tony Shore as the architect for the building project. DLR's organizational behavior design approach and community engagement strategies were highlighted as key factors in the selection. The board also discussed the Construction Manager at Risk procurement timeline.

This annual profile outlines the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools' strategic aspiration, termed "Rise to Five," to rank in the top 5% of all public school districts in Ohio by 2030. The plan emphasizes academic excellence, comprehensive student care, and community collaboration. Key initiatives include significant facility upgrades such as the new Gahanna Lincoln High School opening in 2026, preschool expansion, and middle school renovations by 2027, alongside continuous efforts in academic growth, innovative instruction, and fiscal stewardship to support students and the community.