Congratulations to the 2026 Graduating Class and to All Our Award Winners!
Cardinal Board of Education Regular Meeting May 13, 2026
Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a Regular Meeting at the Cardinal Board of Education Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, 44062 at 6:30 pm. The Agenda is available online here. Click on the meeting tab in the upper right hand corner and then on the date of the meeting. This meeting is in person only with no livestream or video.
Board Attendance: President Linda Smallwood, Vice President Barb Rayburn, and Members Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, and Edna Phile.
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Jack Cunningham and Treasurer Daniel L. Wilson. Staff members Brittney Owen and Candi Peters.
1. Opening Items The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken.
2. Presentations:
Huskie Happenings: (see Agenda for details)
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National Math Stars Awards - Presented by Brittney Owen, Elementary School Associate Principal. Celebrating 99th percentile National Math Stars (2nd and 3rd grade students) nominees today: Anna Owens, Peyton Kaserman, Enzo Loomis.
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Superintendent Cunningham recognized and congratulated the following:
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Two local businesses for making the Ohio School Association Honor Roll for supporting local schools: Growscapes & Ohman Family Living.
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Cardinal High School students (and their teachers Mr. Clutter and Miss Moon) competed at the Regional Envirothon held at the Holden Arboretum and showcased their knowledge and teamwork in science. Two Cardinal teams placed in the top 15, and another team finished in the top 30. Most participants were in attendance and recognized at meeting: William Rayburn, Dominic Harris, Gage Wagamon, Lucas Gresch, Grayson Yoder, Kaithe Buresch, Brooke Baker, Delilah Turon, Izzy Lingler, Alaina Hickox, Evan Everett, Madison Hilger, Felicity Little, and Layla Marcum.
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Two student athletes who will continue their athletic careers in college: Mercedes Baker will continue her dance career at Ursuline College and Sam Gdovichin will compete at Heidelberg for Cross Country.
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The students who participated in Senior Commitment Day. He wished those students — and the entire senior class — the best in their future endeavors.
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The 2026 Prom Court: Laur Ala-Uotila, Xzavier Apathy (king), Peeratas Jutamatyangkul, Dominic Harris, Emily Pleva, Adelyn Grant, Ivy Kaminski, and Marietta Miller (queen).
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Sam Pannetti and Ali Puruczky who were honored with the Pat Guliano Award—an award given to senior athletes selected by administrators in the Northeast Athletic Conference (NAC) who demonstrate fairness, respect, honesty, and ethical conduct both on and off the field and court, including toward officials, opponents, and teammates.
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The students who recently completed the SolidWorks certification test. This is a rigorous drafting, engineering test and puts them on a national database and eligible for drafting jobs. Trinity, Felicity, Dino DiCarlse, Matthew Daltese, RJ Miller, and Evan Everett were recognized at the meeting (Mr. Boyle, teacher). Observer Note: Not all of the students' names were audible.
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Carson Brilla (Mrs. Pollock, teacher) and Chase Tilton (Mr. Topalian, teacher) who were awarded ‘Outstanding 3rd Graders’ by the East Geauga Kiwanis Club for the fourth grading period because of their grades and good behavior.
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Kelli Crea (4th grade teacher) for being selected for the 2026 Early Career Achievement Alumni Award from Kent State University. She graduated from Kent in December of 2020, and was nominated by another Kent State alum, Sarah Mast. Ms. Mast described Kelli this way: "Her intention and heart for her students is very evident. She goes out of her way to help her students. Even with her students in 6th grade, she is still checking in on them and helping them succeed. She works with students on her own time to help them be successful."
3. Hearing of the Public - None
4. Board Item - Resolution
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Cardinal Board passed a resolution approving and authorizing Kathryn C. Hoffmeister to serve as the district’s interim Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer from June 1, 2026 until the close of business on July 31, 2026 and authorizes Board President Linda Smallwood to sign the attached First Modification to the Employment Agreement on behalf of the Board of Education (she is starting early). Contract details are available through a link on the online Agenda.
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Cardinal Board passed a resolution for extension of the resignation of Daniel L. Wilson from May 8, 2026 to May 31, 2026 (to ensure no gap in treasurer).
APPROVED 5-0
5. Discussion Item(s)
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ACE (Agriculture Career Education) Academy is on target to fill all contractual obligations for this fiscal year and through the end of year. They will continue to lease current space for one more year. They had five graduates this past Saturday. One graduate will be traveling for a welding competition and will not attend graduation.
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Facilities Community Partnership Campaign: Gymnasium renovation is completed and will be unveiled during Senior Awards. The new bleachers make a big difference. The gym now has consistent colors and scoreboards. Looking into the possibility of obtaining third party PR and campaigning help to recruit more community partnerships. Discussion included clarifying that the Board could accept the lowest or best bid. Bids with “more words” don’t translate into the best bid. The campaign needs to focus on marketing and building presentations to market Cardinal. There is a need for business and industry alumni to partner and to sponsor facility upgrades. For example - sponsors helped obtain the new bleachers and scoreboards; helped renovate the Biology / Chemistry lab last summer; helped with donations for the track. Sponsorship does come with the option of naming rights, which is based on the amount of the donation. President Smallwood confirmed we can show these materials online. Current projects looking for sponsorships include: the gym, creating a visitor locker room for the first time; the need for new lockers in all locker room facilities; track resurfacing; stadium scoreboard renovation; and the Drama Department needs new lighting, new sound system, and foldable bleachers. Ms. Marlowe asked if the Art Department needed more support as well.
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Property Tax Update - Dan Wilson discussed general efforts in Ohio around eliminating property tax. When property tax reform began in 1975, businesses contributed 53% of tax revenues and today that figure is 32%. Taxes shifted from businesses and utilities to home owners and agricultural properties. The May primary elections showed that sixty-six school levy or income tax requests were on the ballot. Only 36% passed compared to last year when 67% passed. Attention to property tax is creating bigger challenges. Property tax renewals: 7 out of 10 passed; new property tax requests: 4 out of 12 passed. In Northeast Ohio (NEO), multiple levies failed. The considerable challenges makes it even more important that more work is done on “what-if” scenarios. Some of the most impactful messages come from police, fire and libraries. There is mixed speculation on whether or not enough signatures were collected for the fall ballot but existing signatures can apply to future efforts. The bottom line is that the environment is becoming much more challenging.
6. Superintendent’s Report - Personnel Items (see Agenda for details)
Certified
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Candi Peters, Job Training/Transition Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year.
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Eliza Newton, Intervention Specialist (High School), 1 year limited contract; MA, Step 4 on the CEA salary scale, effective August 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.
ESY 1:1 Aide
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Kelsie Keyes, as an ESY (Extended School Year) Aide for a student attending ESY, at her regular daily rate for the following dates: June 16th,17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2026 and July 14th, 15th, 16th, 2026. (9 days)
Retirement
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LaRue Westover, effective 7/1/26
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Thomas Westover, effective 7/1/26 (2nd retirement)
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Harold Adams, effective 9/10/26
Substitutes
Supplemental (Athletics)
Certified Substitutes through the ESCWR for the 2026-2027 school year
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Semrad, Kristina
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Smith, Christopher
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Derrow, Susan
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Stotlar, Gail
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Karg, Margaret
All APPROVED 5-0
7. Superintendent’s Report - Additional Items
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Motion to approve the authority for the high school principal to grant diplomas to the following 51 seniors upon the date of graduation exercises, May 16, 2026. Students must fulfill all requirements of the State of Ohio and the Cardinal Local School District. Further, the principal is to plan graduation exercises and is authorized to exclude students failing to meet requirements or posing a threat to disrupt the ceremony.
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Andrew Joseph Baker
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Tor Allen Eastlake
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Oliver Allen Kumher
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Brooke Lyn Baker
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Evan Mitchell Everett
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Erica Lynn Kundrat
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Mercedes Elizabeth Baker
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Kwante Aziz Javell Fears
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Baylee Suzanne Lewandowski
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Dayton Michael Barthelmes
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Derek Hunter Flynn
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Felicity Danielle Little
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Bryce Keith Blystone
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Madison Ann French
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Brianna Elizabeth Morris
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Kaithe Myrna Buresch
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Briana Rose Frydrych
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Elisabeth Grace Morris
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Julia Rose Byler
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Landon Charles Gallagher
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Justin Michael Nelson
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Matthew Aiden Canfield
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Samuel Paul Gdovichin
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Garrett Matthew Omlor
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Taylor Marie-Rose Christian
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Dakota Lynn Gillispie
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Joshua Allen Phillips
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Emma Jean Clinger
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Alaina Janette Gragg
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Ali Marie Puruczky
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Matthew James Dalpiaz
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Kamari Reese Graley
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Jaleashia Ann Reese
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Chase Landon Day
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Maggie Inez Grant
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Brody Carter Scott
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Deano Anthony Decaro
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Riley Alyssa Homa
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Tehgan Grace Shantery
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Braeden David Dennis
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Zoey Elizabeth Homa
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Blake Owen Strever
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Alyssa Marie Deitweiler
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Eve Elizabeth Kaminski
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Sydney Isabel Sturm
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Talon David Duncan
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Brynley Coryn Kitzmiller
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Trinity Kay Wojtasik
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Jayden Bradyn Izaiha Earls
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Alexis Jordyn Kovalak
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Grayson Ryan Yoder
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Motion to approve recommendation to allow our 2026-2027 cheer teams to “stunt”, defined as a building skill where one or more athletes lift another athlete off the performing surface. This will be taught at an introduction level to our student athletes. Ms. Marlowe expressed concern about high risk sport and said she wants to ensure they keep the training at the introductory level. Ms. Phile asked about oversight and the Superintendent answered that the Athletic Director oversees the cheer team. Observer Note: Clarified that this was 'introductory' cheer and more like dance vs. stunts.
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Motion to approve the following agreements: (Details are available through a link on the online Agenda)
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Auburn Career Center - Purchase Services (Job Training) 7/1/26-6/30/28. The superintendent confirmed that the District currently sends kids out and this costs the school district $150,000. Bringing it in house will save about $100,000 and will no longer send kids out. Also reduces transportation costs.
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ASG Education Services- LEAP 2025-26 School Year, Start date 4/13/26. Special needs services.
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Applewood Centers, Inc - Start date 4/27/26. Special needs services.
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Gothard Consulting, LLC - School Violence Prevention Program. Gothard Consulting will assist Cardinal Schools with grant applications. They will be required to match at 25% (their portion of the match can be met up to 3 years). No cost to the school if they are not awarded the grant. They are looking to replace metal detectors, add classroom safety advancements, and an announcement system. Monies cannot be used for salaries/personnel. There may be matching money from Ohio down the line. Safety meeting next Tuesday to discuss further.
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Equalis (Xerox copiers) agreement to "buy out" our remaining lease for black and white copiers from CompuCharts and to add a poster printer. This will provide a significant saving to the district.
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Middlefield Cardinal Recreation 2026-2027 Agreement with the Village. No change.
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Motion to approve a contract for Brian Mendler for Training/Workshop on 8/28/26 and 10/14/26, 10/15/26 to be funded by Title II 2026-27 PD program. Recommendation from District Professional Development Committee.Motion to approve Extended School Year (ESY) for students with disabilities. Berkshire (3 students) $7,785 and ESCWR (6 students) $25,000.
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Motion to approve renewal of SchoolLinks FY27 (tracking system for credentialing, graduation).
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Motion to approve Addendum: Shared Services Alliance Addendum: Extension of support March 31, 2026 through June 30, 2026. This is a checking system to ensure the district has planned for all services it needs.
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Motion to approve the following Field Trips 1) All CES Classes to Mineral Lake Park and 2) Sophomores (approximately 30) - Mr. Boyle: Cabinetworks 5/13/26.
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Motion to approve the Student Activity Budget Purpose Statements for 2026/27: Marching Band and Fall Play. Statement details available in Agenda. Ms. Phile asked if budgets came from departments themselves. Anita Marlow asked that a format be followed in the future instead of handwritten statements.
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Motion to approve donations to the Class of 2026 graduation dinner: $500 from Tarkett and $1,500 from Growscape.
All APPROVED 5-0
8. Treasurer Report
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Motion to approve the Minutes of April 8, 2026 Regular Meeting that were previously distributed.
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Motion to approve the Minutes of April 22, 2026 Regular Meeting that were previously distributed.
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Motion to approve the Monthly Financial Reports for the month of April 2026, as submitted (All details available in Agenda).
Mr. Wilson stated that they continue to be on track with 83% of the fiscal year passed and 95% of revenue (majority property tax) collected. Income is up and expenses are down. The Board noted that Superintendent Cunningham has done an outstanding job of being fiscally prudent.
All APPROVED 5-0
9. Legislative Update - Provided by Anita Marlowe
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There are some changes expected to the open records law and to releasing data. Schools need to have clarification of student names, address and contact information to government agencies. Property tax levy updates that were shared, including positive news that 7 out of 10 operating levies passed.
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$100M awarded to Charter Schools. Two equal grants: 1 for building facilities and 1 for actual programs. For example, this could be grant funding for ACE Academy. Observer Note: ACE Academy is a tuition-free charter school based in Cardinal High School. See here for more information.
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The trial to stop the money going to vouchers is in the Franklin City appeals court. The next stop would be the Ohio Supreme Court. It was noted that even if the courts ruled against money for vouchers, it isn’t clear the legislature would send the funds back to public schools.
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Mr. Cunningham shared that it is important to acknowledge that in general, school districts are struggling. He said it is also important to note that the district’s cooperation and staff partnership has kept the school out of trouble while still providing excellent programming and learning environments. Ms. Smallwood gave an example of closing the bus garage with those savings used for other buildings. Ms. Marlowe also pointed out the school has avoided mass layoffs because of strong fiscal management. Ms. Smallwood thanked Mr. Cunningham for his foresight.
10. Auburn Career Center Update - Ms. Rayburn reiterated how excited Auburn was to collaborate with Cardinal. She thanked Candi Peters, High School Intervention Specialist, for taking on this “amazing collaboration” which was years in the making.
11. Hearing of the Public - Non-agenda Items - Candi Peters announced that cookies and punch for families will be provided during senior assembly and yard signs were purchased for seniors. She said kindergarteners will also receive signs. She expressed appreciation for addressing the Drama Department bleacher situation as part of a sponsorship campaign which was discussed earlier in the agenda (see Number 5 - Discussion Items / Facilities Community Partnership Campaign). Clarification was provided that lights, sound system, and bleachers are all included in the sponsorship project. The curtain also needs to be replaced if it can be included in project. Ms. Marlowe asked if the school can include designated storage for drama even if it is offsite. Ms. Smallwood suggested including this need with a sponsorship campaign.
12. Upcoming Dates/Meetings
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May 14th and May 15th: Kindergarten Screenings
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May 14th: Activities for Senior Day
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Seniors Arrive at 1:30 p.m.
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Senior Clap Out at 2:00 p.m.
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Graduation Practice at 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
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Senior Dinner at 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
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Senior Awards at 5:00 p.m.
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May 15th: Kiwanis Fish Fry from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. @ CES Cafeteria
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May 16th: Cardinal High School Graduation at 10:00 a.m. at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 18th: Underclassmen Awards Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 20th: 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert at Cardinal Elementary School Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
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May 25th: No School - Memorial Day
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May 26th: Cardinal Elementary School Field Day 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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May 26th: Spring Sports Awards at 6:30 p.m. at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 27th: 6th Grade and Kindergarten Graduation
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May 27th: Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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May 28th: Students Last Day of School
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May 29th: Teacher Records Day
12. Adjournment to Executive Session - For consideration of compensation of a public employee, or official.
APPROVED 5-0
No action was taken after the Executive Session.
The regular session meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Next meeting: May 20, 2026 - Regular Meeting/Work Session, at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.
More information here: https://www.cardinalschools.org/page/board-members
Observer: Suzie Bartz
Editor: Harry Rees
Reviewer: Rooney Moy
Submitted: June 4, 2026
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