Virginia Fitch

The meeting included a presentation by Mrs. Yeager, who donated $15,000 to the district from her organization, The Hope for B.E.S.T., to support mental health resources for students. Tony Moore presented on Student 365, a mental health program offering 24/7 virtual support for students. Mrs. Elder presented on the Whole Brain Teaching method used at Avon East Elementary. The board approved the 2026-2031 Superintendent Contract for Michael Laub. Updates were given on the Lorain County Joint Vocational School and the French Creek Foundation tree lighting. The board discussed new and revised policies, including updates to conform with the ORC and a new cell phone policy. The Treasurer reported on legislative bills impacting school funding. The board approved financial reports, reclassified fund types, and approved an appropriation modification. The Superintendent reported on legislative initiatives, congratulated fall teams, and discussed a survey for future district planning. Personnel actions were approved, including degree advancements, contract extensions, and the re-employment of retiree Kristina Dobos Buller. The board also approved various operational actions, including requests for proposals for architectural services, agreements with YMCA of Greater Cleveland and DistrictWON, and snow removal services. An executive session was held to discuss negotiations with public employees.

The treasurer of Avon Local Schools provided an update, addressing the impact of the county auditor's reappraisal of properties in 2024 on residential property taxes. The discussion covered the average increase in residential property values in Avon, the determination of tax increases based on millage types, and the specific millage rates attributed to Avon Local Schools. It was clarified that taxes will not increase proportionately to home value increases, and an example was provided to illustrate the calculation of additional taxes based on the reappraisal.

The virtual round table covered a range of topics including the economic impact of recent events on county finances, sales tax revenues, and property taxes. There was discussion regarding a potential deferral on property taxes, with a preference for handling delays on a case-by-case basis. The importance of cybersecurity and fraud prevention was emphasized, and resources for local governments facing fiscal distress were highlighted. The meeting also addressed the availability of online continuing education opportunities and the logistics of conducting audits remotely.

The meeting with the Auditor of State covered a range of topics including the fiscal conditions for local governments, the impact of income tax, sales tax, and property tax revenues, and the potential for a six billion dollar budget hole. Discussions also included guidance on the use of CARES Act money, cyber security, and the importance of involving the Local Government Support Unit early on for entities facing fiscal distress.

The discussion covers guidance related to the CARES Act, including updates from GASB and OBM, and emphasizes the importance of documenting how local governments are spending their CRF funding to meet the three prongs of the CARES Act. It addresses the need for governing boards to memorialize specific decisions about CRF spending, ordinances, and resolutions. The discussion also touches on subgrants of CRF CARES Act funding to small businesses and other local governments, as well as the accountability requirements for CRF monies, including depositing them into a separate special revenue fund. It clarifies the single audit threshold and encourages finance officers to communicate with department heads to identify new COVID-19 federal funding.