Kettering City School District

The meeting agenda covered multiple areas for approval and discussion. Key discussions included a Future-Ready Facilities Update, a Building Report for Oakview Elementary School, and a recognition for a Critical Thinker component of the Portrait of a Firebird. Action items for approval involved the second reading and subsequent adoption of numerous NEOLA revisions to Board Policies and Bylaws, and a resolution to join the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding. The Human Capital Agenda included approvals for retirements, transfers (notably Stacey Anne Gemin's transfer to Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School), mid-year class increases, supplemental contracts, and the approval/resignation of various certificated and classified employees. Business Services sought approval for continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The Treasurer's Agenda included accepting the January Monthly Report, approving Amended Appropriations for February, and approving the Financial Forecast for submission to the Department of Education and Workforce. The Teaching & Learning Agenda involved approving agreements with Warren County Educational Service Center and Amergis, an adjustment to the Middle School calendar, and approval for several extended field trips for Kettering Fairmont High School students.

This Facilities Master Plan for Kettering City Schools outlines a comprehensive strategy to address aging infrastructure and create future-ready facilities. The plan is divided into two segments: Segment One (2024-2030) focuses on a new middle school, Fairmont High School academic wing, and elementary upgrades; Segment Two (2028-2034) includes new elementary schools and renovations. It details budget management strategies, a financial plan involving local and state shares, and operational savings through consolidation. The plan emphasizes partnering with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to avoid a local-only approach, which would necessitate expediting consolidations and negatively impact the general fund and tax cycle, all with the overarching goal of shaping the future of the Kettering Schools Community.

The Future-Ready Facilities Master Plan for Kettering City Schools is a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and enhancing the educational environment. The plan centers on key areas including a middle school merger, Barnes Building development, and the creation of future-ready facilities. It emphasizes cultivating student-centered excellence, responsibly utilizing resources, ensuring clear communication, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining high-quality education. The plan is designed to achieve cost savings, consistent class sizes, and expanded educational opportunities within 21st-century learning spaces.

This document outlines the Kettering City School District's comprehensive plan to develop high-quality, modernized facilities that support evolving technology, equitable learning environments, and long-term sustainability. The plan, titled 'Future-Ready Facilities Master Plan,' focuses on addressing aging infrastructure, achieving cost savings through state partnerships, and optimizing educational opportunities. Key strategic areas include providing modernized equipment and learning spaces, ensuring optimal accessibility, enhancing collaboration for student achievement, expanding academic and extracurricular offerings, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining optimal class sizes. The plan is structured into two segments with a detailed timeline from 2024 to 2034, outlining master planning, bond issue votes, and design/construction phases for new elementary and middle schools, as well as renovations.

The Work Session included several district updates. Amanda Zickefoose presented on the Kettering Early Childhood Education Center (KECEC) focusing on student learning, immersive classroom experiences, and social-emotional growth preparation for kindergarten. Dan vonHandorf and Jeff Johnson updated the board on the Better Together Committee's work regarding the future middle school at the Glengarry campus following the closure of Van Buren Middle School, including logistics and traffic changes. Mr. Johnson also detailed the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process and upcoming interview schedule for architect selection. Rick Earley provided a student enrollment update, including grade-level statistics, military enrollments, McKinney-Vento qualifying students, and nurse clinic visit data. Finally, Treasurer Justin Blevins updated the board on the Board of Revision process and presented a list of properties slated for a vote at the next regular meeting.