South-Western City School District

The meeting included a presentation on school spotlight with Franklin Heights principal. The board also discussed the Southwestern Educational Foundation's upcoming talent show in February and their search for new board trustees. The Central Crossing High School NJOTC drill team was congratulated for their performance at a competition. Senior Katie Wheeler was recognized for representing Central Crossing at a State House event on civic readiness. Merrily Cruz and Ashley Gonzalez were congratulated for winning the Burger Battle Champion. Jenna McCale was named the 2025 adapted physical education teacher of the year in Ohio.

The meeting included a presentation from the principal of Darby Woods Elementary, highlighting student achievement, safety drills, bullying prevention, and academic goals in literacy and math. The staff's dedication to professional learning and the school's four-star rating were praised. The board also discussed safety and human resources, focusing on maintaining the integrity of learning through clarity, consistency, and calibration in safety protocols. Training videos for students and staff were presented, covering emergency procedures and safety measures.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. A resolution opposing the carryover funding cap outlined by House Bill 96 was presented. The board recognized student achievements in cyber security, interactive media design, and athletics. There was also recognition of students who took home honors from the Family Career Community Leaders of America Regional Competition. The board addressed several fiscal and operational management items, including revised permanent appropriations, investments and financial statements, payment of bills, donations, and a master service agreement with Meta Solutions for information technology services.

The meeting included recognition of virtual learning academy staff members with school bell awards. A presentation was given on professional development, including summer PD highlights such as teachers college, literacy, math, science, social studies, ESL, and teacher leadership. The presentation also included information on social emotional learning and techno day. The panorama survey data was also discussed.

The meeting included a public hearing for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school calendars, discussing preferences for start dates, breaks, and the last day of school. Collective bargaining considerations, federal holidays, and student days were factored into the calendar planning. The annual financial review and five-year forecast were presented, covering general fund revenues and expenditures, state funding, property taxes, and other fund sources. Comparisons were made to other districts in Franklin County regarding levies and expenditures per pupil. The state fair school funding dollars and the impact of property value increases on the state share percentage were also discussed.