Southwest Local School District

The organizational board meeting covered several procedural items and authorizations for the upcoming fiscal years (FY 2026 and FY 2027). Key actions included the election of the President and Vice-President of the Board. Resolutions were adopted to establish individual bonds for various district officers and board members, to create and appropriate funds for a Service Fund, and to designate the Treasurer as the sole required signatory for bank checks. Furthermore, the Board authorized advance payment of tax revenues, appropriated monies for public purpose expenses related to staff/community engagement, appointed the Superintendent as the official administrator for all federal and state programs, named the Superintendent and Treasurer as purchasing agents, authorized the Treasurer to invest idle funds, and established liaisons for legislative and student achievement matters. The representative for the Audit Committee was also appointed, and the schedule for future regular board meetings for 2026 was set.

Key discussions during the meeting included a bus driver shortage requiring additional drivers in training, the smooth progression of Crosby construction, and an examination of three levy options amounting to $1.5 million in intra-year cost reductions. Other topics involved Dyslexia assessments, standardized testing for CORE subjects, and AP exams. Public discussion focused on the financial condition of the district, league matters, safety concerns downtown, and suggestions for using a podcast for community communication. Action items included the approval of the 2026-27 course registration materials, personnel matters, approval of the Treasurer's monthly financial report, appointments for public records training and the Hamilton County Tax Incentive Review Council, and the approval of kindergarten and preschool fees for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board approved Resolution 06-2026 to proceed with a 4 mill Property Tax Increase, while resolutions concerning earned income tax increases were removed from the agenda without a vote.

The agenda included discussions on transportation updates, BWC grants, new school follow-ups, Crosby addition, tax levies, financial updates, county spending, school calendar, curriculum and assessment updates, course registration materials, business advisory council meeting, CAT team update, CMAQ league, and STAG. The board also discussed the 2026-27 school calendar and course registration materials, curriculum and assessment updates, and the November Business Advisory Council update. Personnel items, LearnWell Medical Facility Instruction Agreements, and the Harrison Athletic Boosters Sports STAG were also addressed. The Treasurer's Report was reviewed, along with transfers to the Bond Fund for QSCB Bonds Series 2011 and Crosby LPO Series 2023, the Tax Budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal years, and OSBA Membership & Legal Assistance Fund. Resolutions of Necessity for property and earned income tax levies were discussed, as well as a TIF Compensation Agreement with the City of Harrison. The board entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The agenda includes discussions on insurance claims, transportation, free and reduced lunch percentages, activity center, worker's compensation program, financial updates, policy updates, and a Town Hall update. The board will consider rescinding an OSBA policy regulation, approving September OSBA policy updates, and approving the Greater Cincinnati Business Advisory Council (GCBAC) Agreement for 2025-2026. The board will also discuss personnel items, a service agreement with Soliant Health, LLC for staffing Paraprofessionals, and an overnight field trip request. Additionally, the board will review the Treasurer's monthly financial report, proposals for HVAC systems and maintenance, renewal of the Everway Special Education Curriculum, and agreements for Bilingual SLP Evaluation services. They will also consider approving Certiport/NCS Pearson CCI Project Management Ready Books and Exam Vouchers, a modified tax budget for 2026/2027, and adjust fiscal year 2026 annual appropriations. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official of the School District.

The agenda included discussion on construction at Crosby Elementary, storm damage at Miami Whitewater and Junior School, the CEP program at Harrison Elementary, and HVAC system issues at the High School. Updates were provided on the 5-year forecast, the State Report Card score, fall diagnostic data with iReady, and the Business Advisory Council. The board also discussed curriculum, instruction, assessment, and the OSBA Resolution regarding policy changes. Approvals were made for personnel items, a service agreement with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities, overnight field trip requests, agreements with Amergis Healthcare, Title III Consortium MOU with Hamilton County ESC, and contracted transportation agreements. The Treasurer's report, annual appropriations, the five-year forecast, activity program statements, and the Harrison Tax Increment Financing Agreement were also approved. The general public raised concerns about bullying at the Harrison Junior School. The board entered an executive session to discuss employee matters.