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Berkshire Board of Education

LWV Geauga Observer Corps



Early Childhood Center Nears Completion, 

Progress Continues on Workforce Development Campus Construction


Berkshire Board of Education – Regular Meeting, July 14, 2025 


Meeting Details
: The meeting was held in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 at 6 pm.  A video of the meeting is posted here. View the agenda online and any attached documents here by selecting the meeting tab and then the meeting date.  The notation of minutes refers to the time posted on the video for the discussion of the item listed.


Board Members Attendance
: The following members attended: John Manfredi, President, and members Dan Berman, Linda Stone and Bryan Wadsworth. Jody Miller, Vice President, was absent.  


Staff Attendance
: Superintendent John Stoddard and Treasurer Beth McCaffrey


Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm


Pledge of Allegiance –
led by Mr. Manfredi


Approval of Agenda – unanimously approved without discussion


Approval of Minutes –
Minutes for the June 9, 2025, meeting were unanimously approved without discussion.


1:30 min Public Participation –
No speaker requests.


1:45 Min Treasurer’s Report 

  • Financial Statements – unanimously approved without discussion. 

The detailed agenda states: “The Treasurer has submitted a statement to the Board and the Superintendent showing the revenues and receipts from whatever sources derived, the various Appropriations made by the board, the expenditures and disbursements therefrom, the purposes thereof, and the balances remaining in each fund.  The financial statements for the period ending June 2025 have been submitted subject to audit and include Financial Summary, Appropriations and Revenue Summary, Check Register Recap, and Bank Reconciliation per ORC 3313.29.” Observer Note: See Financial Statement details in the meeting agenda available online.

  • Donations – The Board unanimously approved without discussion donations from:

Donor

Recipient

Amount

Daniel Donaldson

Educational Foundation

$350.00

Burton Carpet Shop

Flooring Material Donation for

Workforce Development Campus

$1,761.64


  • Financial Amendments – unanimously approved

Among the amendments is a long list of Appropriations totaling $30,708,099.46. Observer Note: A complete list of financial amendments is available in the meeting agenda online.


3:45 Min Superintendent’s Report

  • Dr. Stoddard introduced 5 new staff members who briefly addressed the Board:

    • Kate Parente – Assistant Principal – Elementary School

    • Heather Frank – School Psychologist

    • Kyle Martini – High School Social Studies

    • Meg McCartney – Third Grade Teacher

    • Owen Orlowski – Sixth Grade Math Teacher

  • Personnel – unanimously approved

The Board unanimously approved the personnel actions for Administrative, Certified and Classified staff as listed on the meeting Agenda. Observer Note: A complete list of personnel actions is available in the meeting agenda online.

  • Volunteers – The Board unanimously approved the following volunteer: 

James Klingman             Wrestling Coach

  • Contracts – unanimously approved

The Board unanimously approved the 20 contracts as listed on the agenda. Eleven contracts relate to the Workforce Development Campus while others address extended school year and special education programs. Observer Note: Details of all contracts are available in the meeting agenda online. 

  • Declare an Urgent Necessity, Waiving Competitive Bidding and Approving Contract for Interior Buildout at the Preston Education Garage - unanimously approved

Dr. Stoddard explained this motion will help them have the interior space ready for the school year. 

  • Student Handbooks – Grades K-12 for the 2025-2026 school year – unanimously approved

A copy of the student handbook is available here.

  • Excessive Calamity Days – unanimously approved

The Board unanimously approved the District Plan for Remote Learning in the event of excessive calamity days. The plan is outlined here by selecting the meeting tab, meeting date, and 4.6 on the agenda.

  • Annual Report to the Board on Nutrition Standards in the District - unanimously approved

Dr. Stoddard reported that for the 2025-2026 school year, the District is in compliance and enforcing all nutrition standards as outlined in State law and USDA regulations (whichever is stricter) as detailed in the following areas:

  • Food Services

  • Wellness

  • Free and Reduced-Price Meals

  • Vending Machines

  • Competitive Food Sales

11:25 Min Old Business

Dr. Stoddard updated the Board about progress on the Early Childhood Center (ECC) which included slides showing the Center’s classrooms and offices. He said they have their temporary occupancy permit and have moved in most of their equipment. State inspection for a permanent occupancy permit is scheduled for July 15. Work on a 30’ x 30’ playground designed specifically for preschoolers has started. Security cameras have been installed inside and outside. Mr. Manfredi noted that master keys for the ECC match those for the rest of the District. The building also has separate keys for teachers for offices and classrooms.


The Superintendent also reported on the Workforce Development Campus construction, including slides showing Classroom B, garage, body shop renovations and transportation building. He showed the “shell” of the new Preston Education garage that will house classrooms, garage “labs,” and office space. He noted this building is the one that required the emergency declaration approved earlier in the meeting. Two Preston mechanics will provide instruction. The program can currently accommodate up to 50 students.


18:20 Min New Business - None


Board Discussion

  • Next regular meeting dates - August 11, 2025 and September 8, 2025 in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 at 6 pm.

19:18 Min Executive Session - The Board unanimously approved a motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with ORC Section 121.22. for the purpose of appointing a public employee. No action followed.


The meeting adjourned at 6:38 pm. 


Observer: Rooney Moy

Editor: Carol Benton

Reviewer: Sarah McGlone


Date Submitted: July 20, 2025


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