Jessica Dowd

The board addressed several financial and administrative items, including an update on the fiscal year audited financial statements and insurance elections for board members for the upcoming year. The board approved amended permanent appropriations, various student activity donations, and several service and vendor agreements with local school districts and educational organizations. Additionally, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with a university for student field work, reviewed various human resources items, and authorized master agreements for the next fiscal year.

The board meeting included several financial actions, such as the approval of monthly financial reports, amendments to permanent appropriations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and the acceptance of tax amounts and rates for fiscal year 2027. The Board accepted a donation from the Cleveland Foundation for tutoring programs and approved various district service agreements, 2027 membership dues, and vendor agreements for internet installation and fiscal consulting. Additionally, the Board addressed human resources items and approved a 2.5% pay increase for certain staff categories.

The board conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including the appointment and employment of staff. During the meeting, the board formally approved the hiring of a new Treasurer and finalized the terms of the employment contract. Additionally, the board approved various human resources items, including contract suspensions, new employee appointments, renewals, supplemental assignments, and leave requests. The superintendent also provided updates regarding an upcoming breakfast event and facility improvements.

The board held its organizational meeting to elect a President and Vice President for the 2026 calendar year. The meeting also included the establishment of the schedule for regular governing board meetings throughout 2026 and the approval of 29 standing authorizations. These authorizations covered various operational matters, such as financial management, banking, insurance, personnel employment, legal counsel options, purchasing authority, and board member compensation and expenses. Additionally, the board designated official newspapers and depositories, set mileage reimbursement rates, and granted authority regarding educational decisions and office holiday calendars.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including life insurance enrollment for board members, approval of financial reports, and the fiscal year 2026-2027 tax budget for the Lake County School Financing District. The board also approved permanent appropriations, various donations for playground equipment, and annual membership dues for the Lake County Development Council and the Ohio School Boards Association. Additionally, the board ratified district service agreements, vendor collaborations for prevention services and training, a memorandum of understanding with State Support Team Region 4, and human resources items. Several policies were updated, and out-of-state travel for staff training and conferences was approved. Finally, board representatives were appointed to the Auburn Career Center Board of Education.