Hilliard City School District

The meeting included presentations regarding English Language (EL) teachers and students setting personal goals using the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) results, focusing on the four OELPA domains and strategies for improvement. Furthermore, the Embrace, Empower, Inspire Award winners, Kayla Zelina and Rick Sherburn, were recognized for their dedication and positive impact on students. Routine items involved the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the January 2026 Treasurer's Report, along with the approval of minutes from previous Organizational, Regular, and Special meetings. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board approved certified and classified personnel actions, along with a trip request for the Davidson Theatre/Drama Club. Retirements for both certificated and classified staff were recognized. The Action Agenda included authorizing the Chief Operating Officer to utilize the Equalis Group network for district purchases, accepting donated items into inventory, and awarding the contract for the Band Tower Replacements Project to Steiner Builders, LLC. The Board also approved budget appropriations for various grants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Reports included the second reading of several policies (DLC, DLC-R, EBDE, JEC) and committee reports covering curriculum revisions, electives audit, middle school schedule adjustments, and extended learning opportunities at The Hub. The meeting concluded with the Board caucusing to executive session.

The work session featured a construction update on the Norwich Elementary preschool site addition, detailing the 21,000-square-foot addition, playground allocation, and traffic flow improvements, including a widened service drive and a new emergency vehicle extension. Discussions addressed the timeline, targeting a 2027-2028 school year opening, and the inclusion of specialty spaces like a big muscle room. A significant portion of the meeting involved a forecast presentation, noting the projected shift to a four-year forecast mandated by the legislature, while the district continues to use a five-year projection. The financial update indicated an expected operating surplus of $8.7 million for the current fiscal year, leading to an improved projected year-end cash balance of just over $106 million, keeping the cash reserve requirement compliant through the forecast period. Revenue sources remain dominated by local tax revenue (68%), with flat state funding projections. Expenditure analysis showed personnel costs at 83%. The Board also addressed the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force update, reviewing community and student input regarding benefits like future job preparation and concerns about academic integrity and bias. The task force plans to finalize recommendations for the board in the fall. Key resolutions approved included authorizing the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Amendment No. 4.1 for the Norwich Preschool project, awarding the contract for the Secured Entries Phase II Project to Ferguson Construction, conveying new easements to the City of Hilliard for utility lines near Beacon Elementary, and approving an easement for Ohio Power Company at the new Brown Elementary site. Furthermore, the Board approved resolutions related to the reemployment of the Treasurer and the proposed re-employment of the Superintendent following his service retirement.

The organizational meeting involved the election of the 2026 Board of Education President and Vice President. Key actions included establishing the meeting schedule for the 2026 calendar year. The Board also adopted several standing authorizations for 2026 covering advisory committees, investment of funds, payment of bills, appropriation modifications, authorization for the Superintendent to make employment offers and accept resignations pending ratification, appointing purchasing agents, and adopting the 2026-2027 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Additionally, the Superintendent was authorized to enter into memoranda of understanding with employee associations regarding personnel matters and agreements. The Organizational Meeting was adjourned at 6:36 pm.

This Financial Forecast Report for Hilliard City School District provides a long-range projection of financial issues, trends, and sustainability. Its purpose is to facilitate discussions, determine compliance with O.R.C. §5705.412, and identify potential financial problems. The report details anticipated revenues, including property taxes and state grants, and expenditures, such as personnel services, employee benefits, and purchased services, through fiscal year 2030. A key finding is that expenditure growth is projected to outpace revenue growth, leading to a projected decline in cash balance and a revenue shortfall by the end of the forecast period, emphasizing the need for decisions to ensure financial sustainability and stability.

The work session agenda included several key items. Discussions covered a construction update, a forecast presentation, and an update from the AI Task Force. Resolutions considered included authorizing GMP Amendment No. 4.1 for the Norwich Preschool scope of Phase I of the Capital Improvements Project with Ruscilli Construction Company, LLC, for an amount not to exceed $8,730,177. The Board also addressed awarding a contract for the Secured Entries Phase II Project to Ferguson Construction, with the low bid being $698,000, and authorized negotiation and execution of related agreements and change orders up to 10% of the low bid. Furthermore, the Board authorized agreements to convey two new easements to the City of Hilliard for water line and sanitary main purposes, terminating prior existing easements, as the New Beacon Elementary School construction is located on the old easement sites. Another resolution involved approving the conveyance of an easement to Ohio Power Company for electrical and communications equipment. The Board planned to approve the February 2026 Forecast, adopt several policies (including Expense Reimbursements and a new policy on Overdose Reversal Drugs), and consider a resolution regarding the Treasurer's reemployment contract for Melissa Swearingen (effective March 1, 2026, through July 31, 2030), terminating her previous contract. A public notice requirement concerning the potential re-employment of Superintendent David Stewart after his service retirement was also addressed.