Delaware City School District

This document identifies key pressures and challenges straining the organization's foundation and outlines essential themes for preparing students for the future. It details efforts to strengthen the foundation through initiatives addressing district growth and facility requirements, behavioral and social-emotional needs, expansion of learning experiences, enhancement of district-wide communication and transparency, promotion of technological and AI literacy, and provision of professional development to mitigate teacher burnout. Additionally, a Facilities Master Plan is presented, focusing on the assessment and improvement of physical assets, alignment of facilities with educational objectives, and maintenance of fiscal responsibility. The overarching goal is to prepare students for future careers within a resilient and supportive educational environment.

The meeting included several key items. The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the rehire of Laura Hallett, payroll and benefits supervisor. Action items focused on approving the contract with Monarch School for special education services, revising 2026-2027 property values, approving the Amended FY 2026 Permanent Appropriation Resolution, adopting a resolution to file eight property valuation complaints for tax year 2025, approving the new Hayes High School Film Club and Hockey Club, approving Governance Commitments, selecting Steed Hammond Paul, Inc. as design professional for capital improvements, and approving the Five Year Forecast and Assumptions. The Superintendent provided updates on online course design, proactive planning for enrollment and facilities master planning, a 52-acre land donation agreement, technology upgrades, facilities/transportation progress, and food service updates. The Treasurer reported on the successful audit findings and awards received for open and transparent government and financial reporting. Various personnel actions were approved, including resignations, new employments, supplemental contracts, leaves of absence, and stipends for extended learning opportunities. The Board also accepted several donations.

This document summarizes the learnings from Mission:Delaware, a comprehensive listening tour conducted to understand the district's culture, strengths, and needs, and to inform future strategic planning. It identifies six critical priorities for future focus: proactive planning for growth and facilities; comprehensive behavioral and social-emotional support systems; expanded and refined student experiences; enhanced district-wide communication and transparency; coherent K-12 technology integration; and sustainable professional development systems. The initiative aims to leverage the district's strengths through equitable systems and proactive planning to ensure all students thrive and educators maintain their commitment without burnout.

The regular Board of Education meeting included the adoption of the agenda, recognition of individuals, and various reports from unions, the Superintendent, and the Treasurer/CFO. Key discussion points included updates on departmental activities, a factual data update on the Permanent Improvement Levy, the 'Mission Delaware' initiative, cell phone policy discussion, safety and security project progress, and facility updates. The Treasurer/CFO presented the August financial statements, the Amended FY26 Permanent Appropriation Resolution, the Five-Year Forecast, and updates on agreements with the City of Delaware, including the OBJ/AAA agreement and Boulder Park easements. Under consent agenda items, approvals were sought for overnight field trips for wrestling and basketball teams, acceptance of several staff resignations and new employments (certified and classified), adjustments to classified staff start dates and salaries, approval of classified substitutes, numerous supplemental contracts for coaching and advisory roles, stipend approvals for tournament services, approval of stipends/corrections, and acceptance of several donations. Action items included the second and final reading approval of a Personal Communication Devices Policy Revision, approval of the Amended FY 2026 Permanent Appropriation Resolution, approval of the Five Year Forecast and Assumptions, approval of the Revenue Share Agreement with Delaware Northwest New Community Authority, approval of the agreement with The Buckeye Ranch for educational services, and approval for new E-Sports and club sports (Girls High School Flag Football). The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The Organizational Meeting included the call to order, the administration of the Oath of Office for newly elected Board Members (Melissa Harris, Michael Wiener, and Abby Buckerfield), and the election of the 2026 Board President and Vice President. The Board established the 2026 regular meeting schedule, approved appointments to various Areas of Responsibility, and authorized annual memberships. Standing authorizations were approved, covering tax settlement advances, investment of interim funds, payment of bills, and participation in state/federal programs. Key discussion items involved a public hearing regarding the potential rehire of a previously retired employee, Laura Hallett. Action items included approving the resolution to continue the relationship with the Educational Service Center Council of Governments (ESC-COG) and appointing a representative, approving 2026-2027 property values and tax rates, and approving the contract with Specialized Education of Ohio, Inc. (SESI/High Road). The meeting concluded with the Board entering into executive session for matters concerning employment.