Regular Meeting

ROLL CALL:  Mrs. Galek, yes; Mrs. Kramer, yes; Mrs. Kwiatkowski, yes; Ms. O'Mara, yes; Mr. Dosen, yes

The President declared Resolution 2025-27 adopted.

Motion by Mrs. Kwiatkowski, seconded by Mrs. Kramer to adopt Resolution 2025-28 as follows:

      C. Administrative Guideline and Form Revisions

ROLL CALL:  Mrs. Galek, yes; Mrs. Kramer, yes; Mrs. Kwiatkowski, yes; Ms. O'Mara, yes; Mr. Dosen, yes

The President declared Resolution 2025-28 adopted.

Motion by Mrs. Kwiatkowski, seconded by Mrs. Kramer to adopt Resolution 2025-29 as follows:

Opening Items

• The meeting commenced at 6:00 p.m. at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Education Center. It was stated that the meeting was for conducting district business and not a public community meeting, with public participation governed by specific bylaws.
• The meeting was live-streamed and recorded.
• Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call (all members present), the President announced that winter extracurricular achievements (sports, robotics, etc.) would be recognized at the next month's meeting, which will be held at the high school to accommodate the large number of students and families.

Board Area Updates

• Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC): A presentation covered the consortium's 5-year plan (2025-29), including growing training programs like small equipment repair and HVAC. Potential funding issues were noted for Parks and environmental resources hiring. The Technical Honor Society program was mentioned.
• Curriculum: The district began work on a career readiness initiative for grades 6-12 as part of the strategic plan. The board highlighted the leadership's collaboration with other districts through a Northeast Ohio curriculum committee.
• Finance: The Auditor of State concluded a "very clean" audit with three minor recommendations: two related to cybersecurity/authentication for the PaySchools software (which the vendor is addressing) and one concerning a fundraiser form approved after the event started. Due to delays with the state auditor, the district requested to go back out to bid for an independent auditor, likely for a 5-year contract starting next year.
• BBH Schools Foundation: Their recent fundraiser surpassed goals, raising nearly $38,000. Grant applications for teachers will open soon, and the foundation will again provide numerous scholarships to seniors.
• Safety: A demonstration of the Centegix alert system is planned for surrounding districts interested in the technology.
• Sustainability: The elementary school held a successful book swap (6,000 books donated/distributed) and is preparing for Earth Week. Recycling programs continue, and the PSO sustainability team now manages the large elementary lost and found.
• PSO (Parent School Organization): Units are nominating officers and seeking volunteers. The High School PSO is planning After Prom for April 26th and seeking donations. The Middle School PSO organized the "Mary Poppins" musical. The Elementary PSO raised over $6,000 via Coin Wars for books/media resources. The PSO was thanked for sharing information regarding legislative advocacy on state funding.
• Permanent Improvement/Facilities: A contract for the middle school roof replacement is on the agenda. A work session may be scheduled to discuss the campus master plan phases and costs. Progress on the Hilton building demolition and the new campus drive project was noted.

Superintendent's Communications

• Student Successes: Celebrated achievements in robotics (50 students going to Worlds), the arts (Mary Poppins musical), and athletics (Gymnastics state champs, Wrestling qualifiers), with formal recognition planned for April.
• Planning Commission/Hilton Driveway: The district presented the new Hilton driveway plan to the Planning Commission, receiving positive feedback and collaborating with homeowners on adjustments (roundabout size, directional/dimmable lighting). The project timeline targets completion by the end of October.
• Website Update: A preview of the new district website (launching March 24th) was shown; it features a responsive design for all devices. An accompanying app will launch by the end of April. This aligns with the strategic plan to improve communications.
• Kindergarten Registration: Enrollment stands at 219, on pace with previous years.
• Tennis Courts: Issues persist with the courts failing; further investigation (deeper core samples) is underway to determine the cause and necessary repairs. The district is working on a repair plan and coordinating with the vendor, aiming to complete work between sports seasons.
• Mill Road Construction: The bridge over I-77 will close for up to a year, impacting traffic. Broadview Heights will hold an informational session on March 31st.
• Hosting Twinsburg: The district hosted staff from Twinsburg City Schools and plans open houses for their community members interested in BBH's consolidated elementary building model.
• AI Professional Development: The Superintendent and instructional staff will attend a major AI in Education conference, funded by a grant, to inform the district's approach to integrating AI, aligning with the strategic plan.
• State Funding & Vouchers:
  • A detailed presentation highlighted concerns about the proposed state budget, particularly the use of outdated (FY22) base cost inputs for the Fair School Funding Plan, which shifts more financial burden to local taxpayers despite claims of fully phasing in the plan. Ohio ranks 35th nationally in state-level school funding.
  • The significant expansion of the EdChoice voucher program was discussed. Data specific to BBH showed that while voucher usage has skyrocketed (402 EdChoice vouchers vs. 27 low-income vouchers in FY25), district enrollment has slightly decreased, indicating the program primarily subsidizes families already choosing private options rather than helping students leave "failing" public schools. Concerns were raised about the lack of accountability and transparency for schools receiving voucher funds compared to public schools.
  • The Board approved sending a communication encouraging the community to contact state legislators and advocate for fair funding for public schools.
  • After discussion, the Board reached a consensus to prepare a resolution for the next meeting to join the "Vouchers Hurt Ohio" lawsuit (challenging the constitutionality of the voucher program), with the plan to review participation annually. It was emphasized that this is about fair funding rules and accountability, not opposing school choice itself.

Treasurer's Communications & Recommendations

• Financial Report (February): Revenues were impacted by tax advance timing but eventually aligned close to projections, while expenditures are trending slightly favorable. The district projects a smaller deficit than initially forecasted but is still deficit spending. Year-over-year comparisons were provided.  AI tools were used for data visualization.
• Middle School Roof Bid: The board accepted the lowest bid of $467,000 from Ramp Construction for the roof replacement, which was nearly $100,000 under the projected cost.
• Property Valuation Complaints: Resolutions were approved to file complaints with the county regarding the undervaluation of two commercial properties, based on recent sales data, following procedures required by state law (HB 126).

Actions & Approvals

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously, covering personnel recommendations (certified, classified, supplemental), legal counsel addition, Tri-C agreement, financials, donations, and minutes.
• Board Policies (Final Reading): Adopted new/revised policies stemming from legislative changes (including religious release time, bathroom policy, Parents' Bill of Rights).
• Special Education Policies: Adopted a resolution confirming the use of state model policies with four specified modifications.
• Administrative Guidelines: Approved revisions related to adopted policies.
• Other Approvals: NEORSD Right of Entry agreement, resolution declaring transportation impractical for certain private school students, and various athletic team trip proposals (Gymnastics, Robotics, Volleyball, Wrestling, Baseball).

Closing

• The Board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters.
• The next regular meeting was announced for April 16th at 6:00 p.m.
• The meeting adjourned after exiting executive session.