Karla Butler

The Board of Education meeting covered several key administrative and operational topics. Highlights included updates on the Superintendent search process, recognition of elementary running club students and district volunteers, and reports from the Forest Hills Teacher's Association and the Forest Hills Foundation for Education. The Superintendent provided an update on America 250 building-wide initiatives, winter sports successes, and school connection survey results. Furthermore, the Board discussed collaborative opportunities with the Anderson Township Trustees and Park District, addressed the potential impact of property tax elimination on local services, and approved a legal settlement agreement regarding a previous public commentary lawsuit, which included amendments to the board policy on public participation. An executive session was held to discuss the employment of a public employee.

This 2024-2025 Quality Profile for Forest Hills School District provides a comprehensive overview of the district's performance and strategic priorities. It highlights student achievements, outlines how data informs program improvements, and details the impact of the FHSD Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Learner in setting high standards. Key areas of focus include fostering excellent academics, preparing future-ready graduates through dedicated programs, enhancing student wellness with behavioral supports and mental health services, empowering students through meaningful connections in arts, clubs, and athletics, and demonstrating unwavering fiscal responsibility.

This Financial Forecast Report for Forest Hills Local School District provides long-range financial planning and analysis. It projects revenue and expenditure trends, aiming to foster financial sustainability and stability. The report details various revenue sources, including property taxes and state grants, alongside expenditure categories like personnel, benefits, and purchased services. A key finding indicates that expenditures are projected to outpace revenue, leading to an anticipated revenue shortfall and a decline in cash balance by fiscal year 2030.

The meeting began with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance led by a student. Key agenda items included a safety briefing, adoption of the agenda, and musical performances by the Turpin Orchestra. Reports were given by the Forest Hills Teachers Association, focusing on welcoming new board members, the effectiveness of building and district advisory committees, and staff readiness for the new semester. The Forest Hills Foundation for Education reported on recent activities, including showcasing STEM resource utilization at Nagel Middle School and providing updates on student-led grants with a deadline of February 12th. The Foundation also highlighted priorities: increasing student engagement, alumni engagement via an upcoming directory project, identifying new funding streams, and maintaining low overhead costs. Public commentary addressed concerns regarding communication timelines for major events, policies governing external speaker initiations, and clarification on the foundation's financial allocation goals. The board also noted the pending Forest Hills 5K on May 9th and recruitment efforts for foundation board members and volunteers.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the superintendent's recommendation to rehire an individual, Paula Highfield, as head cook in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3307.353. Key presentations featured student success initiatives from Maddox Elementary, including a literacy goal focused on daily writing activities and a wellness and culture goal emphasizing positive connections among students. Students presented on projects such as simulating elephant tree sap benefits and comparing volcano eruption experiments (Diet Coke/Mentos vs. elephant toothpaste). The Innovation Night showcased various STEM projects like a cloning machine game. The Forest Hills Teachers Association reported on staff and student enjoyment of outside time despite weather constraints. The Forest Hills Foundation for Education provided an update on the upcoming 2026 5K event with the theme 'Small Steps with Big Impact,' and highlighted student-led grant applications, noting 34 applications totaling over $100,000 sought funding, with $25,000 to $30,000 designated for these projects. The foundation is actively seeking race ambassadors.