Regular Meeting

Legislative Update:

Ms. Ellen, the OSBA legislative liaison, reported significant legislative activity, particularly concerning the biennial state budget, which was due to be finalized by June 30th. Concerns were raised regarding the potential negative impact on public education funding. A key development was the Franklin County trial court judge's ruling that Ohio's private school voucher program is unconstitutional, a decision the district, as a litigant, views as a positive first step, though appeals are anticipated. The state school board has also seen its membership reduced to five governor-appointed members with diminished power.

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Update: Ms. O’Mara provided an update from the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, noting the Superintendent's second-place finish in a state and national career centers president election. A major initiative highlighted was the outdoor telecommunications tower technician program, with a special meeting scheduled for early July.

Permanent Improvement and Campus Master Plan:

Discussion on permanent improvements included an update on the campus master plan. Phase one (removing Hilton) and phase two (installing an extra drive where Hilton was) are in progress. The remaining phases (3, 4, 5, and 6) are visionary and currently lack funding. The goal is to present the full campus master plan and associated costs at the "State of the Schools" event in October to gauge community appetite for a potential bond issue. The completion of the new drive, initially optimistic, is now projected for Spring 2026 due to utility pole relocation and bid process delays.

Superintendent's Communications:

Superintendent Jeff Harrison expressed gratitude to district employees for a successful 2024-2025 school year. He noted ongoing summer work, including middle school roof repairs and water main break repairs. The district is nearing the completion of its hiring process, with a few new staff members to be introduced. Kindergarten enrollment stands at 233, slightly down from the previous year, but late enrollees are expected to bring numbers in line with projections.

The Superintendent also addressed the state budget status, reiterating concerns about public school funding priorities compared to private school vouchers. He highlighted House Bill 335, which proposes the elimination of inside millage, a measure that would significantly impact the district's $7.4 million annual revenue and force more frequent local levies. He emphasized the importance of monitoring this legislation closely. A summer community newsletter, detailing district updates, is expected to be mailed by the end of next week.

Treasurer's Communications:

Treasurer Craig Yaniglos presented the May financial report, showing revenue of over $3 million and expenditures of $4.6 million for the month. Real estate taxes exceeded $40 million. Cash balances are projected to decrease, with the ending cash balance for the fiscal year expected to be lower. The proposed cash carryover cap, settled at 40% by the conference committee, was a significant point of discussion. This cap, if enacted, would force schools to spend down cash balances, potentially leading to lower Moody's ratings, higher interest rates on bonds, and a need for more frequent, smaller levies. The Treasurer stressed that this move removes local control and impacts the district's ability to negotiate contracts and earn interest on investments. A finance committee, open to community members, will be formed as part of the strategic plan to foster dialogue on financial matters.

Consent Agenda:

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda, including:

• Certified, classified, and supplemental personnel recommendations. Notable certified recommendations included the retirement of Mr. Kevin Good, a business teacher, and the appointment of Jason Black as a part-time assistant principal/part-time teacher, a cost-neutral move to support his administrative license aspirations. New hires were introduced. The resignation of Kelly Petros and others but notably Mr. Harrison recognized how instrumental Kelly was in the PowerSchool implementation.

• Approval of the 2025-2026 handbooks for all three buildings, with commendation for the clear summaries of changes provided.

• Approval of the May 2025 check register and bank reconciliation.

• Acceptance of presented donations, including a gift card from Julie Billiart schools in appreciation for the use of the auditorium for their graduation.

• Approval of minutes from the May 28, 2025, regular board meeting and revised minutes from the April 14, 2025, special board meeting (permanent improvement and campus master plan update), with additional detail.

Superintendent's Recommendations:

The Board approved several Superintendent's recommendations:

• High school chemistry adoption, with the understanding that purchase would be held until a Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) is secured.

• The 2025-2026 Jefferson County ESC agreement for digital learning, replacing a former ESC program at a lower rate.

• Continuations of service agreements for students with special needs, including the 2025-2026 Steps Educational Group Service Agreement, Cleveland Clinic Lerner School for Autism Agreements, and United Cerebral Palsy Association Agreements.

• The Sendero Therapies agreement, secured after a bid process to ensure the best price and continuation of services.

• The 2025-2026 ABA Outreach Services Agreement.

• The BBH High School AP Biology OSU Franz Theodore Stone Lab Trip proposal for South Bass Island in September.

• Retroactive approval for the high school OHSAA state track and field trip proposal, acknowledging state placers.

• Approval of a non-resident tuition-paying student for the 2025-2026 school year, a high school senior whose family is building a home in North Royalton.

Treasurer's Recommendations:

The Board approved the following Treasurer's recommendations:

• Final FY 2025 budget adjustments for expenditures and revenues, balancing budgets to zero (excluding grants), and updating appropriations and the certificate of estimated resources with the county auditor's office. The fiscal year is finishing at $64 million in expenditures, including transfers.

• The FY 2026 appropriations and certificate of estimated resources, to be filed with the county auditor's office, enabling spending for the upcoming fiscal year.

• The property, casualty, liability, and crime insurance offered by SORSA and the cyber policy offered by Tokio Marine for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This represents a change in provider, offering better coverage for a minimal increase in cost, particularly with the cyber policy increasing to $3 million in coverage.

• The pay-to-participate fees for the 2025-2026 school year. The fees maintain existing caps ($500 per high school student, $300 per middle school student), meaning the board's contribution to covering costs has increased year over year as overall expenses rise. The list of sports was streamlined to one price per sport, and a new fee for the "Honeybees" dance team was added. The historical context of pay-to-participate fees, stemming from the Great Recession and the district's efforts to balance equitable access with financial contribution, was reiterated.

Announcements:

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for July 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

The meeting was adjourned.