Board Approves First Step to Possibly Put 0.5% Earned Income Tax Increase
on May Ballot
Berkshire Board of Education Organizational & Regular Meetings - January 12, 2026
Meeting Details: The meeting was held in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 4402. The Organizational meeting began at 5:30 pm, followed immediately by the Regular meeting. 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 Member Attendance: John Manfredi, President, and members Dan Berman, Linda Stone, Brandon Townsend and Bryan Wadsworth. Observer Note: Mr. Manfredi and Mr. Townsend were sworn in at a ceremony in the High School auditorium in advance of the Organizational meeting.
Staff Attendance: Superintendent John Stoddard and Treasurer Beth McCaffrey.
Organizational Meeting Called to Order at 5:30 pm by Mr. Manfredi who led the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll was called.
:45 min. Election of Officers – President
The Board unanimously approved without discussion the appointment of John Manfredi as President of
the Board of Education for 2026
1:20 min. Election of Officers – Vice President
The Board unanimously approved without discussion the appointment of Linda Stone as Vice President of the Board of Education for 2026.
Approval of Agenda – approved unanimously without discussion.
Reorganization Items
2:25 min. Committee Appointments
The Board unanimously approved without discussion a motion to appoint liaisons as listed to the
following committees:
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Legislative Liaison to Ohio State Board Association (OSBA): Mrs. Stone
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OSBA Representative: Mr. Berman
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OSBA Alternate: Mrs. Stone
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Records Review Commission: Mr. Wadsworth & Mr. Manfredi
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Educational Foundation: Mr. Manfred & Mr. Townsend
4:28 Min. 2026 Meeting Schedule
The Board unanimously approved Board of Education Business Meetings on the second Monday of each month, and any special meetings as needed, at 6:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Board members will be compensated for all regular and special meetings of the Board. Meetings will be held at the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 on the following dates:
February 9, 2026 August 10, 2026
March 9, 2026 September 14, 2026
April 13, 2026 October 12, 2026
May 11, 2026 November 9, 2026
June 8, 2026 December 14, 2026
July 13, 2026
5:10 Min. Depositories
The Board unanimously approved Star Ohio and Huntington National Bank as depositories for 2026.
5:30 Min. Legal Notices
The Board unanimously approved the News Herald - Geauga County Edition and Geauga County Maple
Leaf newspapers for legal notices for 2026.
5:55 Min. Tax Budget
The Board unanimously approved without discussion a motion accepting the Fiscal 2027 Alternative Tax
Budget. Observer Note: A copy of the Tax Budget is available in the Meeting Agenda online.
6:25 Min. Financial Amendments
The Board unanimously approved a motion without comment to authorize the Treasurer to:
7:40 Min. Legal Counsel
The Board unanimously approved without discussion Western Hurd, Bricker & Grayson, and Ennis Britton as legal counsel for 2026.
8:08 Min. Public Minutes
The Board unanimously approved without discussion a motion to waive the public reading of Board of
Education minutes for all meetings during the year. Each member of the Board will receive copies of the
minutes from the previous meeting in advance of the next regular meeting.
8:38 Min. Superintendent and Treasurer Travel
The Board unanimously approved without discussion the attendance and the expenditure of funds for
the Superintendent and Treasurer, and their staff at their approval, to attend in-service meetings,
conferences, clinics and workshops within the State of Ohio during 2026.
9:21 Min. School Groups Liability Policy
The Board unanimously approved without comment the following groups to be retained on the District
Liability policy as eligible school groups at the appropriate rate determined by the insuring company, if
any:
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Berkshire Athletic Boosters
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American Field Service (Foreign Exchange Student Program)
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Berkshire Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
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Tunebackers
Observer Note: Tunebackers is a parent run 501 (c) (3) organization that supports, promotes and financially assists Berkshire Junior-Senior High School music programs.
10:00 Min. Substitute List
The Board unanimously approved without discussion the substitute list submitted by the Educational
Service Center of Northeast Ohio.
10:27 Min. Superintendent Offers of Employment
The Board unanimously approved without discussion a motion to authorize the Superintendent, during
periods when the Board is not in session, to make offers of employment directly to candidates for either
teaching or nonteaching positions on behalf of this Board, and to acknowledge acceptance of such offers on behalf of this Board, subject to a subsequent vote of ratification by this Board; provided, however, that upon ratification by this Board, the employment shall be deemed effective as of the date and time of the employee’s acceptance of the Superintendent’s offer.
Nothing in this resolution shall require the Board of Education to employ or continue to employ an individual who has not provided a criminal records check satisfactory to the Board or who has not satisfied any other prerequisite to employment created by law or Board policy. The authorization provided by this resolution shall commence on January 1, 2026, and remain in effect through January 15, 2027.
12:20 Min. Superintendent Acceptance of Resignations
The Board unanimously approved without comment a motion to authorize the Superintendent, on behalf of this Board, to accept resignations which have been submitted by employees during times when this Board is not in session, subject to ratification by this Board; provided, however, that upon ratification by this Board, such resignations shall be deemed effective as of the date and time of the Superintendent’s acceptance. The authorization provided by this resolution shall commence on January 1, 2026, and remain in effect through January 15, 2027.
13:35 Min. Organizational Meeting was adjourned.
Regular Meeting called to order at approximately 5:45 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call - performed at the organizational meeting that preceded this meeting.
Board Members Attendance: John Manfredi, President, Linda Stone, Vice President, and members Dan
Berman, Brandon Townsend and Bryan Wadsworth.
Staff Attendance: John Stoddard, Superintendent, Beth McCaffrey, Treasurer, Jon Franks, High School Principal, Stephanie Franks, High School Social Studies teacher, and Vanessa Povozhaev, Director of Professional Learning and Community Outreach.
Approval of Agenda – unanimously approved without discussion.
Approval of Minutes – Minutes for the Regular Meeting December 8, 2025 were unanimously approved without discussion.
14:45 Min. Student/Staff Presentation – High School Presentation
Dr. Stoddard introduced High School Principal Jon Franks who then introduced High School Social Studies teacher Stephanie Franks. Ms. Franks gave a slide presentation about the Advanced Placement (AP) & College Credit Plus (CCP) Psychology program. Highlights included:
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Since 2017, the AP and CCP curricula have the same standards but at different levels.
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Psychology is more than just the study of mental health. Many of the class projects have to do with the biological basis of behavior.
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The class can help students build “soft skills” needed for life that allows them to be critical consumers and objective thinkers.
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Although psychology is in the history department, it is 20% of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) taken by students who want to attend medical school.
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The class visited the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology in Akron where they looked at mental health hospital records from the 1800s and sat in Freud’s chaise lounge, among other activities.
The presentation concluded with three students who gave brief descriptions of recently completed class projects, including a Superhero Project, Zombie Brain Menus, and a Study Methods presentation.
24:50 Min. Public Participation – No public comments.
25:05 Min. Treasurer’s Report
Financial Statements
The Treasurer 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, the purposes, and the balances remaining in each fund. The financial
statements for the period ending December 2025 were 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 donations from:
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Christopher & Sara Cervenka
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Elementary PBIS Donation
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$1,100.00
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Retired Teacher Association
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Lisa Wilson - mini grant
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$ 250.00
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Retired Teacher Association
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Mike Ard - mini grant
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$ 250.00
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Marie Lovas
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Educational Foundation
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$ 1,000.00
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Linda & Daniel Stone
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PBIS ($200 to each building)
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$ 600.00
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Greg & Kelly Rinehart
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Get Out with Giel program
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$ 250.00
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Observer Note: PBIS refers to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports which are methods used to identify and support desired student behaviors. Get Out with Giel donations fund special activities, such as a lunch out, with Elementary School Principal Heather Giel for students who need extra attention paid to them.
Mr. Manfredi thanked the “people that support the school in whatever way possible to do what’s best for our kids.”
26:48 Min. Financial Amendments - The Board unanimously approved the following financial amendments:
Then and Now Invoices:
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Preston
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Instructor Services
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$4,000.00
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Appropriations
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Title I
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+ $ 871,52
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Title IIA
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+ $ 1,025.03
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Title IV-A
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+ $ 95.87
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Educational Foundation
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+ $ 100,000.00
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27:30 Min. Superintendent’s Report
27:33 Min. Personnel - The Board unanimously approved without discussion the personnel actions for 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.
27:56 Min. Equipment Agreement – Auburn Career Center RAPIDS Grant – The Board unanimously approved a motion for equipment and use agreement for equipment from the Auburn Career Center under the Super Rapids Program, through the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Dr. Stoddard explained that the grant would be used primarily for the Workforce Development pathways but also for adult learning and student summer options. Equipment purchases will include Snap-On tools that can be used for certain certifications as well as hydraulics, pneumatics, circuits, and basic welding equipment. Observer Note: The full text of the agreement is available in the meeting agenda online.
29:30 Min. Overnight Trip – The Board unanimously approved a motion for the overnight trip of 40 Berkshire High School Students to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Storytown, PA, (Overnight stay in Pittsburgh, PA); October 7-8, 2026.
Mr. Manfredi asked how the 40 students were chosen. Mr. Franks explained that students were required to submit an application, with upper classmen given preference in selection. He noted that the trip was being entirely paid for by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
31:12 Min. Board Representative - Auburn Career Center – The Board unanimously approved without discussion a motion to appoint Roger Miller as the Berkshire Local School District representative to the Auburn Career Center for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029.
31:50 Min. Old Business – Mr. Manfredi welcomed new member Brandon Townsend to the Board and thanked him for his willingness to “help out the school.”
Mr. Manfredi asked Mrs. McCaffrey to provide an update on school finances based on legislative changes. She reported that she expects revenue reductions, driven primarily by Ohio House Bill 186, of approximately $1.0–$1.2 million annually, with some estimates as high as $1.6 million. While final figures will not be available until April 2026, Mrs. McCaffrey warned that, assuming a $1 million loss, the district’s budget would turn negative by 2028.
Because statutory deadlines for placing a levy on the May ballot require filing by February 4, Mrs. McCaffrey and Dr. Stoddard recommended that the Board act proactively by voting on a resolution of necessity now. They advised pursuing a 0.5% earned income tax rather than a property tax, noting the possibility that property taxes could be abolished statewide and that income taxes are viewed as a more stable option. Mr. Manfredi reminded the Board that, even if approved, any new tax would not generate revenue until 2027, with full collections taking approximately 18 months.
Mr. Manfredi emphasized that adopting an initial resolution does not obligate the Board to place the issue on the May ballot, but failure to act would require special meetings and could limit options. He noted that historically, Berkshire has had greater success with May ballot issues than November elections.
The Board also reviewed declining bond millage collections, which have dropped from an original 3.65 mills to 2.45 mills, and confirmed that this cannot be adjusted without a new bond issue, which is not needed.
Mr. Manfredi and Dr. Stoddard talked about the district’s aggressive pursuit of grants, donations, and partnerships to offset funding pressures, totaling $1.8 million. They named Preston Auto, Great Lakes Cheese and Kokosing as among their key corporate supporters. They praised the work of Vanessa Povozhaev, Director of Professional Learning and Community Outreach, who was hired last year to identify and procure such funding for school programs. Board members stressed that all these efforts have helped Berkshire avoid returning to the ballot for new operating money for roughly 30 years.
Mr. Manfredi noted long-term cost-control measures already in place, including contracting out janitorial, mowing, plowing, and transportation services; operating a single-tier busing system; and maintaining a self-sustaining food service program. He emphasized that staffing and operational efficiencies have already been implemented and that the district is operating near state minimum service levels.
Mr. Berman stressed the importance of proactive public engagement. Board members agreed that the complexity of school finance and recent state-level changes are not widely understood and that the district must make a concerted effort—through meetings and outreach—to explain why additional local revenue may be necessary.
Mrs. Stone reiterated their willingness to meet with residents, answer questions, and demonstrate fiscal accountability, emphasizing that the district has consistently delivered on past commitments and continues to aggressively seek non-tax revenue wherever possible.
59:50 Min. New Business – Board Members Recognition Month
In honor of Board Members Recognition Month, Dr. Stoddard presented each Board member with a certificate and offered his sincere appreciation for their leadership, exemplary service to the schools,
and the trust they put in the administration to lead the district.
Dr. Stoddard pointed out that they had met every goal they had set, including using project-based learning, developing a strong Workforce Development Program, and increased report card scores (from 2.5 to 4-4.5 stars in 9 years). He said Berkshire is a leader in Workforce Development, noting that not only other schools, but businesses contact them about how to create career pathway programs. He commented, “we are doing great things, and we will find a way.”
Dr. Stoddard said state legislators are pushing districts toward consolidation into county-wide school systems. He commented that the legislature “is going to strangle us until we don’t have the funding left, and we’re forced to do it so we get the beating for it.” Observer Note: Read more about Ohio public school consolidation here.
Mr. Manfredi agreed, saying he had predicted this situation 14 years ago. He said Berkshire has been consolidating with other schools during that time, citing their merger with Ledgemont Schools, among others. He said he would “keep moving and pushing so that we’re not in any type of receivership with the state. That is not what we want.” He vowed he would not “cut education to our kids.”
1:04 Min. Resolution of Necessity of Estimated Tax Rates – Approved 4-1
At Mr. Manfredi’s request, Mrs. McCaffrey presented a motion to approve a resolution of necessity of estimated tax rates for an earned income tax of 0.5% under the Section 5748.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.
She clarified that the resolution would be for the May 5, 2026 election. Mr. Manfredi stated that the Board could wait until the February meeting to vote and that they could always vote to cancel the plan. He pointed out that two resolutions must be voted on by February 3 (to meet the February 4 filing deadline for ballot issues) to put the resolution on the May ballot.
Mrs. McCaffrey said, if approved, she would send the resolution to the Department of Taxation. Once she receives the tax rate estimates, she would prepare another resolution for a vote on whether to go on the May ballot.
The motion passed, with Mr. Berman voting “No,” saying he thought they should wait until November.
The Board set the date for a special meeting on January 29 at 6 pm for a vote on the new resolution. Mrs. McCaffrey said she expects to have the financial forecast by then to present to the Board.
1:09 Min. Board Discussion
Next Special Meeting: January 29, 2026 at 6 pm in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021.
Next Regular Meeting dates – February 9, 2026 and March 9, 2026 will be in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 at 6 pm.
1:09.45 Min. Executive Session – The Board adjourned to Executive Session to discuss employment of a public employee. No action followed the session.
2:10 Min. Meeting Adjourned
Observer: Rooney Moy
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: January 23, 2026
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