Susan Weiss

The board discussed property tax reform bills, construction updates, and the success of the Open House, Spaghetti Dinner, and Sophomore Showcase events. They approved the District Financial Report, checks/expenditures, investments, bank reconciliations, payments to board members for training sessions, a bank Depository contract, and FY2026 Amended Appropriations. The board also approved the employment of part-time Aspire instructors and a secretary, payment of security personnel for an event, employment of a substitute cafeteria supervisor and a licensed substitute, a salary increase for the Adult Education Director, and the employment of an Intervention Specialist. Resignations were accepted from multiple instructors. Additionally, the board approved the application of the CTX Grant, accepted a donation, commended staff and students for their participation in various events, approved convening the Board of Education Organizational meeting, approved the Proposal of Architectural Services, conducted the first reading and review of policies, and approved the GMP Amendment No. 2.

The meeting included reports from the Board President and the Legislative Liaison, covering topics such as the OSBA Northeast Region Fall Conference and legislative updates on Ohio House Bills 129, 309, and 499. The Student Achievement Liaison discussed employers' views on industry credentials. The Superintendent reported on the upcoming college trade-school fair, issues with cars driving around buses, the new Welding instructor, the search for a new Intervention Specialist, and the success of Maplewood's 50th Anniversary. The Treasurer's recommendations included approving the District Financial Report, checks/expenditures, investments, bank reconciliation, and transfers/advances for FY2026. The Superintendent's recommendations included approving employment of part-time Adult Education instructors, hiring a Welding Instructor, employing a classified substitute and a certified substitute, approving employment and a contract for the Christmas in the Woods Coordinator, employing security personnel for Christmas in the Woods, accepting the resignation of the Business Office Secretary, approving a grant application, accepting two donations, and commending staff who worked the Ravenna Balloon-A-Fair booth. New business included authorizing the Superintendent to advertise/solicit construction manager-at-risk services. An executive session was held to discuss employment or appointment of public employees, matters required to be kept confidential, and safety and security.

The meeting included an oath of office administered to a new board member. The Auto Service Technology program was presented. Legislative updates were shared, including House Bill (HB) 51 and Senate Bills (SB) 181, SB 168, and SB 112. A report was given on students relearning how to learn and tips for growing student independence. The superintendent reported on the Day School Report, construction project updates, mask policy considerations, and marketing plans for the HVAC and Optical Technology programs. The District Financial Report was approved and filed for audit, expenditures were approved, investments and bank reconciliations were ratified, and the Rates and Amounts Resolution for FY2023 was approved. Three Adult Education Instructors were employed, a licensed substitute was approved, one donation was accepted, College Credit Plus Agreements with Kent State University and the University of Akron were approved, and the 2022-2023 school year calendar was adopted. The negotiated agreement with the MCCEA was ratified. An executive session was held.

The board discussed student success articles from OSBA, including a project where Butler Tech students rebuilt a Thunderbird into a race car, and data indicating a decline in public school enrollment due to concerns over quality of education and safety. The Superintendent reported on construction projects, including the ordering of a new sign, and plans to replace exterior windows. The "Your-Choice" program and its drug screenings were discussed, including concerns about the prevalence of drug use. The District Financial Report, expenditures, investments, and bank reconciliation for September 2022 were approved. The FY2023 Five Year Financial Forecast was also approved, along with the authorization for open purchase orders. The board employed a certificated administrator, security personnel for Christmas in the Woods, and approved the employment and contract for the Christmas in the Woods Coordinator. Grant applications were approved, donations were accepted, and staff were commended for their work at the Ravenna Balloon-A-Fair booth. The first reading and review of policies was conducted, and the lease agreement of the Maplewood house was approved. An executive session was held to discuss employment, appointments, security arrangements, and emergency response protocols.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, including legislative changes related to cellphone policies, artificial intelligence, interdistrict open enrollment, and religious instruction release time. Construction updates were provided for the Auto Collision lab, and upcoming construction projects were mentioned. The District Financial Report, expenditures, investments, and bank reconciliation were approved and ratified. The board also approved employment of a part-time Adult Education instructor, accepted resignations, employed certificate and classified personnel, accepted a donation, and adopted the 2025-2026 Teacher Handbook and Adult Education Faculty Handbook. Additionally, there was a second reading and adoption of policies, followed by an executive session covering employment, confidential matters, safety, and security.