Lindsay Arndt

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a review of the district's three-year Strategic Plan, focusing on priorities such as Transforming Teaching & Learning and Cultivating Culture & Climate. The Board recognized an employee as the 2025 OAHPERD Young Professional of the Year for the State of Ohio. Public comment addressed concerns regarding the cost and size of new elementary buildings if a bond passes in May 2026. Financial matters involved the approval of the Five-Year Forecast, the Financial Report for January 31, 2026, a Student Activity Program Budget revision for Strongsville Middle School - Discoverers, the approval of a new fund for the Ohio Attorney General's FY26 School Safety Grant, and the approval of the FY26 Amended Permanent Appropriations. The Board also approved several invoice orders for payment, authorization for OHSAA membership for the 2026-2027 school year, a Donation Agreement with Manta United Soccer Club, and an amendment to the Services Agreement with Right at School, LLC. The Superintendent's Report included decisions on declaring bus transportation for non-public students as impractical in lieu of parental reimbursement, purchasing Edmentum Courseware for three years, and granting permission for several high school sports teams (Girls' Varsity Soccer, Boys' Varsity Baseball, Girls' Varsity and Junior Varsity Softball, and Boys' and Girls' Track & Field) to attend out-of-state competitions in 2026. Additionally, an affiliation agreement with Western Governors University for student teacher placement was approved. Human Resources actions included accepting resignations and retirements, approving various new hires (certificated, non-certificated, substitutes, and athletic supplemental contracts), changes in status, granting continuing contracts to non-certificated employees, and approving several leaves of absence. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session.

The Board Retreat meeting included a discussion on Leadership Team Development, where Culture Index profiles were reviewed. A legal update covered topics such as open meetings, public records, executive session parameters regarding board goals, and levy guidelines. The Board reviewed current openings and planned activities for the Board Ambassador program across various schools. Progress review occurred regarding the Board Goals established during the July 30, 2025 retreat, including collaboration on facility decisions, professional development, and the effectiveness of the ambassador system.

The event was the Stronghold PTA's annual Founders Day Celebration and Ohio PTA Achievement Award presentation, presided over by Council President Katie Drake. The proceedings included the pledge of allegiance and several award recognitions for dedicated service to children and public education. Officer Aaron Pures, the DARE officer, was recognized for building relationships with students across various grade levels through engaging lessons and activities. Elise Halt was honored with the Strongsville Early Childhood PTA Ohio PTA achievement award for her extensive efforts as Vice President, coordinating resource fairs, and establishing a sustainable family outing committee. Jill Wagner from Chapman PTA was also recognized for her dedicated service since 2017, including co-presidency, coordinating kindergarten orientation, and consistent volunteerism. The event celebrated the founding mission of PTA to advocate for children and recognized the commitment of volunteers and staff.

The meeting commenced with a review of strategic priorities, which include transforming teaching and learning, aligning staff and resources, cultivating culture and climate, and leveraging funding and facilities. A special recognition was presented to Emily Weir, a physical education teacher, for being named the 2025 Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Young Professional of the Year. Public comment focused on detailed concerns regarding the escalating costs and square footage allocation for new elementary school construction, including calculations suggesting millions in potential savings by adhering closer to OFCC guidelines for classroom and non-academic spaces. The Treasurer presented the five-year forecast, detailing its purpose as a roadmap for long-range financial planning, basis for required certifications, and tool for identifying potential financial issues, noting recent legislative changes affecting filing timelines.

The meeting began with the recognition of special guests, including middle school chamber strings who performed music. Board and member appreciation was extended to two outgoing board members, Haley (for four years of service) and Kevin (for stepping in during a transition. Public comment was received from one individual who specifically addressed the outgoing member Haley. Key agenda items involved bond project discussions related to future elementary school considerations and a specific decision regarding the Morasi Elementary School preschool project. The board discussed whether Morasi should house a standalone preschool or a combined preschool and administration office facility, ultimately leaning towards Morasi becoming the home for the new special needs preschool. The discussion also addressed future elementary school planning, comparing the 'Yellow Plan' (three new schools plus one renovation) and the 'Orange Plan' (two new buildings plus one renovation), noting that past feedback favored the Yellow Plan's structure over very large or very small school capacities.