Trent Francis

The meeting included building reports and recognition of American Legion state test winners and state swimming competition qualifiers. Discussions covered student achievements, music programs, extracurricular activities, and academic successes at GPCC. The board addressed mental health initiatives, graduation requirements, career pathways, financial literacy, and fine arts programs. The master schedule process was reviewed, and updates were provided on preschool programs, including licensing, star ratings, and support systems for students with special needs. Transition plans for students, including those with multiple disabilities, were also discussed.

The meeting involved the opening procedures, including administering the Oath of Office to two members and the election of the President and Vice President for 2026. Key organizational items approved included setting 2026 meeting dates, authorizations for tax advances and bill payments, and appointments for various roles such as Purchasing Agent, Investment Officer, and Compliance Officers. Board member representative appointments were also confirmed for various liaisons and committees for the upcoming year. During the regular session, actions were taken to award contracts for Baseball and Softball Field Turf and Fencing projects, approve amended appropriations for FY2026, accept a monetary donation for the music program, approve the 2026-2027 school calendar, and approve an early graduation request.

The board meeting included recognition for several students as Jacket Spotlights: Addison Presser from Whittier, Gabriella Bodmiller from Longfellow Primary, Crystal Mandy from Emerson Primary (though initially noted as absent), Wendy Sales Galarza from Northwood, Annie Ruth Taylor from City Middle School, and Ora Murphy from Sydney High School. Key business involved approving minutes and financial reports, noting overall positive revenue trends but slight lags in property and income tax allocations. The board approved the purchase of classroom furniture for Longfellow and Emerson Primary Schools totaling $172,746. Furthermore, a contract resolution was approved to award Mali Bay Turf Center construction manager at risk services for the soccer turf and track project, as they were the sole qualified bidder. Authorization was also granted to solicit bids for the district baseball and softball field turf project. The board approved the purchase and installation of playground equipment for Emerson and Longfellow Elementary Schools for $482,734, following an assessment of existing playgrounds, and subsequently approved a contract with Stern Construction for $107,628 for the site work portion of those playgrounds. The renewal of the nurse services agreement with Wilson Health for 2026 was approved, along with the continuation of membership in the Ohio School Board Association for 2026 at a cost of $9,427. Finally, a donation of $375 from the Little Jackets PTO toward the Winnier bike path was accepted.

The meeting included public participation from Mr. Bruce tol with core, who provided an update on the organization's activities and impact. The board recognized students with the jacket Spotlight. The board discussed and took action on several financial matters, including approving the minutes, a revenue sharing agreement with the city of Sydney, and authorizing Cardinal Bus Sales and Service to apply for the 2023 Clean School Bus rebates program. They also approved the purchase Services contract consent agenda. The board approved personnel items, the 2025-2026 school calendar, and set the organizational meeting date for January 9th, 2025. Zach boset was approved as the President Pro 10 for the organizational meeting. The board approved students for graduation with the class of 2025.

The board meeting included recognition of students across the district for kindness and curiosity. The Sydney Middle School Builders Club presented their community service activities. The treasurer reported on the financial position, noting property tax collections and income tax payments. The board discussed and approved participation in the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council for the cooperative purchase of school buses. They also approved the purchase services contract consent agenda.