Jennifer Dodd

The organizational meeting involved several key administrative actions. The agenda was approved, followed by nominations and the election of the 2026 Board President, Mr. George Klepacz, who then took over the proceedings. Subsequently, Mr. William L. Morrison, Jr. was elected as the Vice President. The Board approved memberships for several organizations, including the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding and the Ohio Educational Service Center Association. Furthermore, the schedule for the 2026 regular and special work session meetings was approved. Resolutions included the appointment of Anthony Miceli as OSBA Legislative Liaison and Delegate, and the appointment of designees for Public Records Training. The Board also approved a revised Governing Board policy concerning Severance Pay (HR-12). Board members provided comments regarding fraud cases, technology support contact information, the Treasurer's self-evaluation deadline, and the need for an executive session regarding the Superintendent's expiring contract at the next meeting.

The regular meeting focused primarily on approving several Reduction in Force (RIF) resolutions for certified, classified, and administrative employees, effective December 31, 2025, due to financial conditions. An amended agenda was approved to include an executive session for discussing a personnel matter, which was subsequently held. The Board accepted the November 2025 Financial Statements. Additionally, the Board authorized reimbursements for travel expenses for five board members. The Consent Agenda was approved, including minutes from the November 20, 2025, meeting. Finally, Dr. Christine Krol was appointed President Pro-Tempore for the January 2026 organizational meeting, and there was a Treasurer's discussion regarding the impact of current legislation on Cuyahoga County districts.

The regular meeting included a presentation by Meeder Investments regarding the ESCNEO's investment portfolio. The board approved an amendment to the agenda to include an Executive Session for personnel matters. Key resolutions involved approving Governing Board Policy FO-2 Purchases, accepting the Treasurer's Financial Statements for October 2025, and approving the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from the October 30, 2025 Regular Meeting, personnel changes, and substitute teacher lists. Board members provided reports on various topics including school finance education, a voucher lawsuit appeal, and leadership sessions.

The Governing Board addressed several key items, including the approval of an Alternative Principal License for Heather Rebeck, revised Governing Board policies related to the Service Fund and Board Member Expense Reimbursement, and the acceptance of the August 2025 Financial Statements and Check Register. They also approved the Permanent Appropriations for FY2025-2026. The Treasurer provided an overview of investments and an update on the ongoing audit, as well as expressing gratitude to the Governing Board for their support. The Board entered an Executive Session to discuss employment and compensation of employees, and subsequently approved a new salary for the Superintendent for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The board meeting included a Connect update presentation, approval of the 2026 board meeting dates, adoption of a cybersecurity program, and adoption of special education model policies and procedures. The Superintendent presented a progress report, and the board accepted the September 2025 financial statements and check register. The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes of the September 25, 2025 regular meeting, a list of personnel changes, a list of OSTS new teacher substitutes and renewals, and the Positive Education Program monthly supplemental wages list. The board also approved professional development for board members and discussed future agenda items, including OSBA resolutions. Board members shared reports and comments, including recommendations for guest speakers and concerns about tenant leases.