Josh Almanson

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and a recognition of Board Member Jennifer Best for her 24 years of service. Key discussions included the presentation of Worthington Education Foundation Grant Awards and reports from the Superintendent, Treasurer, and Board/Committee members. Financial actions encompassed approving appropriation modifications, which included increases to the Building Fund for athletic field renovations and the Other Local Grants Fund for a WEF Donation, as well as approving the Annual Debt Payment Transfer and authorizing advances on tax settlements for 2026. The extensive Personnel Consent Agenda involved accepting resignations across administrative, certified, classified, and performance contract categories, alongside the employment of classified staff and substitutes, and approving supplemental employment and stipends, including a stipend for a 6-8 ELA Curriculum Pilot program. New business included accepting several donations, such as the Drew Strong Scholarship Donation, and approving the continued enrollment of a senior whose parents moved out of the district. The Board also appointed Kelli Davis as president pro tempore for the 2026 organizational meeting and discussed the proposed 2026 Meeting Calendar.

The meeting commenced with standard opening procedures, including the approval of the agenda. Routine business involved the approval of the previous minutes as presented by the Treasurer. The Personnel Consent Agenda covered numerous actions, including the acceptance of several resignations across administrative, certified, and classified positions, the granting of leaves of absence, and the approval of new employment for certified and classified personnel. Furthermore, the consent agenda authorized contract adjustments, performance contracts, stipends, and the approval of supplemental volunteers. The main body of the meeting included a Worksession focused on the Roles and Expectations of a Board Member and Board Priorities. The session concluded with an executive session to consider matters pertaining to personnel compensation, followed by adjournment.

The meeting began with an organizational session that included the swearing-in of newly elected and reelected Board Members, followed by the election and swearing-in of the President and Vice President. Key actions involved establishing and amending the schedule for regular meetings, work sessions, and other official gatherings for 2026. The Board also approved appointments of liaisons to various organizations and committees, including the Shared Solutions Committee, Finance Committee, and Academic Achievement Committee. Additionally, the Board approved memberships in several education policy organizations and ratified annual resolutions governing service funds, authorization for the Superintendent and Treasurer to attend meetings, and purchasing procedures. The meeting then transitioned to a regular session where the agenda was approved, visitor comments were heard (none received), and the Superintendent presented information on high school options. Routine business included the approval of appropriation modifications resulting from new grants, and the consent agenda covered numerous personnel actions such as resignations, a leave of absence, new employments (certified, classified, and supplemental contracts), contract adjustments, and approval of supplemental volunteers. Finally, the Board accepted several donations intended for various schools and district activities before adjourning.

This document outlines the "Portrait of a Learner" for Worthington students, developed through a collaborative community initiative in 2023-2024. It serves as a vision for the future, defining the qualities students will develop and addressing key questions regarding community aspirations, essential skills for a complex world, and the implications for designing equitable learning experiences.

The Worthington Schools Board of Education addressed concerns regarding the Governor's proposed state budget (House Bill 96) and its potential impact on school funding. The board expressed apprehension about the abandonment of the Fair School Funding Formula and the introduction of a statewide, uniform cap on carryover funds, which they believe would undermine local financial control and create instability for public education. The board called upon the Ohio Senate and Governor to eliminate any limitations on carryover funds and to maintain the existing funding formula with updated inputs.