Jennifer Landess

The board meeting focused on several key items including the recognition of various district retirees, a presentation on special education services and state indicators, and a first reading of multiple revisions to board policies and bylaws. The policy updates covered topics such as travel rewards, kindergarten enrollment age requirements, the availability of Narcan in emergency situations, merit scholarships, student search procedures, bidding requirements for real property improvements, federal grant purchasing thresholds, and the implementation of a model policy on the use of artificial intelligence in schools.

The Kettering City School District's Future-Ready Facilities Master Plan is a 10-year, two-segment initiative designed to address aging infrastructure by replacing current buildings with new, fully accessible, and modernized learning environments. The plan involves leveraging approximately $159 million in state co-funding and is structured to deliver long-term educational value. Segment One, funded by a successful bond issue, focuses on constructing a new unified middle school, upgrading Fairmont High School's academic wing with collaborative learning spaces, and ensuring the continued maintenance of all elementary buildings. The overarching goal is to design and provide state-of-the-art schools for current and future students.

The board discussed a variety of operational and personnel matters. Key agenda items included the authorization to issue notes for construction and renovation projects across multiple schools. Business services topics involved the acceptance of donations and the authorization for the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council to manage school bus bids. The board reviewed and approved various personnel actions, including staff resignations and retirements, professional development training, summer service roles, and the reappointment of supplemental contracts. Additionally, the treasurer provided an update on amended appropriations, and several memoranda of understanding regarding employee compensation were addressed.

The meeting included a review of future facility planning and bond levy costs, the introduction of a new International Baccalaureate career program at Fairmont High School, and an overview of afterschool programming at Beavertown Elementary. Additionally, the board received updates on district-wide staff wellness initiatives and resources available for families in need of support. The board also approved a resolution authorizing a right of entry agreement for the Barnes Building.

The Records Commission discussed the status of records disposal, storage, and public records tracking. The commission approved the RC-3 Certificate of Disposal for submission to the Ohio History Connection.