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West Geauga Board Celebrates Student Achievements

West Geauga Board of Education Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met on May 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township. Meetings are open to the public and media. The meeting agenda and minutes are available online. Look for the Meeting tab in the right hand corner. Pick the meeting you want to review and then click on “Agenda.” A video recording is available here. As of the date of publication of this report, this video has been viewed 182 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section.

Board Attendance: Mrs. Pam Claypool, President; Dr. William Beers, Vice President; Mrs. Kathy Leavenworth, Member; Mrs. Ellen Naylor, Member, and Mr. Mark Vidmar, Member, were present.

Staff Attendees: Dr. Nancy Benincasa, Superintendent; Mrs. Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO; Dr. Amy Davis, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Scott Amstutz, Director of Operations & Technology; Mr. Mark Richardson, Facilities Manager; Ms. Carrie Morgano, Enrichment Specialist; Mrs. Meggan Bellan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Samantha Weiskind, Music Teacher; and Ms. Megan Watson, Westwood Elementary Principal.

Other Attendees: Mr. Brandon Davis, Chester Twp. Trustee; Mr. Michael Kilroy, community member; Ms. Deanna Elsing, Mayfield Heights High School Associate Principal of Consortiums; 50 - 60 other unidentified attendees including families and students; and this Observer.

Opening of the Regular Meeting - The Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mrs. Claypool. The roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

1.04 min. Reports and Presentations

• Noetic Math Challenge Recognition - Mrs. Morgano introduced the students who participated in the Spring Noetic Math competition that consisted of over 44,000 contestants nationwide.  West Geauga had 9 local winners in grades 4th through 8th and two students who received Honor Roll recognition awarded to those students scoring in the top 10% of all contestants nationally.  Observer Note: The Noetic Learning Math Contest is a biannual national problem solving competition for students in grades 2 - 8, emphasizing reasoning, logic, and creative thinking over rote calculation.     

• Excel TECC Recognition - Dr. Benincasa introduced Ms. Deanna Elsing, Associate Principal of Consortiums at Mayfield City Schools.  Excel TECC, a consortium of 9 area schools including West Geauga, provides technical and vocational training for high school students. Excel TECC is associated with SkillsUSA.  She announced that Excel TECC sent 64 students to a recent Ohio SkillsUSA competition in Columbus and introduced two West Geauga students who were medal winners at the competition. Observer Note: SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. The organization represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers nationwide.

• High School Musical and Dazzle Awards -  Ms. Weiskind said that the High School Musical, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, was nominated for 3 Dazzle Awards: Best Actress (Charlotte Speyer), Best Ensemble/Chorus and Best Musical and was awarded Best Musical at the awards ceremony at Playhouse Square. The cast performed a portion of the musical on Key Bank stage. During the meeting, an ensemble from the cast performed for the Board and other attendees.  Observer Note: The Dazzle Awards, presented by Pat & John Chapman, inspire and honor excellence in high school musical theater and recognize the importance of musical theater and arts education within the Northeast Ohio community.

24.40 min. Public Remarks

• Brandon Davis - As a Newbury Township trustee, Mr. Brandon spoke about the joint efforts between the District and the Trustees regarding the utilization of real estate acquired by the District in the merger with the Newbury School District and the possibility of a fireworks display at the West Geauga High School on July 4th.

• Michael Kilroy - He spoke in support of the proposed fireworks display,  the District’s expanded academic offerings, and decisions facing the Board in the future.

32.40 min. Routine Items - Consent - all passed

• 2026-05-140 Resolution to Approve Routine Matters of the West Geauga Local School Board of Education - Mrs. Pavlat showed the Board the initial version of the Financial Dashboard that has been created to offer a quick summary view of the District’s current financial status.  It will provide an overview of the status of the General Fund with revenue and expenses displayed and will be available online to the public.  She reviewed the current Operations Report for the 10 months of the fiscal year through April.  The next required forecast is due in August, 2026.

Mrs. Claypool requested an update on the status of levies allowed under current Ohio law.  Mrs. Pavlat replied that “Emergency Levies” have been reinstated.  Existing emergency levies will continue to be renewable, but new emergency levies will have only a 5-year term.  Substitute levies have been eliminated.  Homestead rollbacks will continue for existing levies but will not be included in future levies. 

Mr. Vidmar asked Mrs. Pavlat for a summary of how the County Budget Commission received the new budget forecast.  She replied that they were critical of past forecasts but described the current forecast as great. 

Observer Note: Mrs. Pavlat’s presentation of the Financial Dashboard and Operations Report are available on the meeting video.

Resolution to Approve April 2026 Financial Statements

March 30, 2026 Board Minutes

April 20, 2026 Board Minutes

April 25, 2026 Board Minutes

Certified Substitute List for the 2026-2027 School Year

Classified Substitute List for the 2025-2026 School Year

57.40 min. Financial Resolutions - all passed

• 2026-05-141 Resolution to Approve Warrants for April 2026

• 2026-05-142 Resolution to Approve Student Activity Statement of Purpose and Budget(s) for the 2026-2027 School Year - In response to Mrs. Naylor’s question as to the source of the funds, Mrs. Pavlat said that they were from outside sources such as fees, donations, ticket sales and other sources and not from tax revenue.

• 2026-05-143 Resolution to Approve Increase in Classified Substitute Pay Rates for the 2026-2027 School Year - Mr. Vidmar said the rates were reviewed at the last Finance Committee meeting and are in the middle of the rates offered by other area schools.

 1:03.45 min. Personnel Resolutions - all passed

• 2026-05-144 Resolution to Accept Administrative Staff Resignation

• 2026-05-145 Resolution to Accept Certified Staff Retirement

• 2026-05-146 Resolution to Accept Certified Staff Resignations

• 2026-05-147 Resolution to Approve Certified Staff Appointments for the 2026-2027 School Year - Dr. Davis introduced Jordan Levine who will be a Middle School Teacher and Mrs. Watson introduced Sidney Sathre who is an Intervention Specialist.

• 2026-05-148 Resolution to Award Continuing Contract Status to Certified Staff Members at the Conclusion of the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-05-149 Resolution to Approve Certified Limited Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-150 Resolution to Approve Certified Stipends for Work Outside of the 2025-2026 Contractual Year - Authorization of staff to develop the curriculum needed to change an existing math course to an approved AP math course.

• 2026-05-151 Resolution to Approve 2026 Summer Programming Stipends - Mr. Vidmar asked for additional information about the resolution.  Dr. Benincasa stated it is used for home instruction in reading.  Mrs. Claypool added that this is a mandated service. Dr. Benincasa said that this is just one of many online courses offered to students to add flexibility to their course options. 

• 2026-05-152 Resolution to Approve Change in Classified Staff Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-05-153 Resolution to Approve Change in Classified Staff Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-154 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Retirements

• 2026-05-155 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Resignation for the 2025-2026 School Year.

• 2026-05-156 Resolution to Approve Classified Probationary Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-157 Resolution to Approve Classified Limited Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-158 Resolution to Approve Supplemental Contract for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-05-159 Resolution to Approve Supplemental Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year - Mr. Vidmar asked for additional clarification of these categories.  Dr. Benincasa explained that these are for support of athletic programs and teachers performing administrative duties on steering committees and there will be similar resolutions brought to the board for the Winter and Spring activity seasons.  

• 2026-05-160 Resolution to Approve Service Contract for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-05-161 Resolution to Approve Service Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-162 Resolution to Authorize the Award of Service Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-163 Resolution to Approve Student Teaching Placement(s) and Agreement for the 2026-2027 School Year

1:27.00 min. Policy and Program Resolutions

• 2026-05-164 Resolution to Approve the First Reading of Revised Board Policy(s) 5430, 6220, 6830, 7540.09, 8305, and 8500 - During the discussion of the resolution, Mrs. Claypool asked about the changes in reporting.  Mrs. Pavlat responded that these are revisions and updates required by new legislation.  Mrs. Naylor inquired about the large portions of some of the policies being revised.  Dr. Benincasa responded that the rise of Artificial Intelligence brings new dimensions to many policies.  Mr. Amstutz added that he is a participant in a consortium of school administrators looking at the impact of AI on the educational system and policies to deal with this impact.  

• 2026-05-165 Resolution to Approve the Second and Final Reading of New Policy(s) 2431.06, 6109, 6425, 6465, Revised Policy(s) 3440, 4440, 5112, 5517, 5223, 6152, 6320, 6325, 6423, 6424, 6460, and Rescind Policy 5220

1:34.00 min. Business Resolutions

• 2026-05-166 Resolution to Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Ravenwood Health and West Geauga Local Schools for the 2026-2027 School Year.

• 2026-05-167 Resolution to Approve the Proactive Behavior Services District Tuition Agreement(s) between West Geauga Local Schools and Proactive Behavior Services, LLC

• 2026-05-168 Resolution to Approve the Technology Services Agreement between EduTech Group, LLC and West Geauga Local Schools

• 2026-05-169 Resolution to Approve the Shiffler Equipment Sales, Inc. Pre-K Furniture Quote through the TIPS Purchasing Consortium

• 2026-05-170 Resolution to Approve the Service Agreement between McKeon Education Group and West Geauga Local Schools for the 2026-2027 School Year

• 2026-05-171 Resolution to Approve the Middlefield Farm & Garden Quote through Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative for a New Kubota Tractor

• 2026-05-171A Resolution to Approve Bid for the 2026 Lindsey Elementary Boiler Replacement Project - Mr. Amstutz explained this is a different type of boiler than furnished previously, but by the same company.  Mrs. Naylor asked what this proposal included and Mr. Amstutz said it was an all-inclusive bid that includes building modifications needed for replacement of the boiler.

• 2026-05-172 Resolution to Approve Proposed Middle School Washington D.C. Field Trip for the 2026-2027 School Year - Dr. Benincasa explained that this was a change from the traditional Spring schedule to eliminate some of the event schedule congestion at the end of the school year.

1:46.45 min. Board Resolutions - Resolution 173 passed, Resolution 173A failed

• 2026-05-173 Resolution to Determine that Chromebooks used by the Class of 2026 are Deemed Obsolete or Equal to a Nominal Fair Market Value

• 2026-05-173A Resolution to Approve the Memorandum of Understanding and Campus Use Agreement Between the Board of Education of the West Geauga Local School District and America 250 Chesterland - Dr. Benincasa explained the background of meetings with stakeholders in the fireworks proposal for the West Geauga stadium on July 4th.  The Memorandum of Understanding is a result of these efforts. Mrs. Claypool stated that the primary issue is one of liability for the District. Her initial impression was that Chester Township would assume ultimate liability, but this is not the case.  She sees the Board’s primary role is to preserve and protect the District’s interest.  Mr. Vidmar said that other public entities have had fireworks programs and feels that the risk to the District is minimal.  Dr. Benincasa added that her initial understanding was that Newbury and Chester Townships would assume ultimate liability for the program.  Mrs. Leavenworth said that she has not seen any plans for the physical requirements of the program showing where all of the components of the program would be located.  Mrs. Naylor was concerned that this meeting has raised reservations that have not been adequately addressed.  The vote for the resolution was taken: Mrs. Claypool, Mrs. Leavenworth, Dr. Beers and Mrs. Naylor voted Against and Mr. Vidmar voted For.  The motion failed.

2:13.50 min. Discussion of New Business and Suggestions to be Included on Future Agenda

• Newbury Property Discussion - Mrs. Claypool said that she would like the Board to hold a special meeting to discuss the future use of the District property in Newbury Township with the Trustees.  Dr. Benincasa stated that she would poll the Board members to ascertain possible times and dates for this meeting.

2:16.00 min. Reports

• Superintendent

  • West Geauga Board Retreat - Dr. Benincasa said the day was “well spent.”  The retreat was productive and laid the groundwork for future planning.  Summary notes of the day  were provided in the Board packages.  Interest was expressed by the attendees for an additional session later in the year and she will work to facilitate this.

  • Wellness Committee Meeting - A recent meeting was well-attended and productive.  Ideas were generated that will lead to future actions in the areas of nutrition and wellness.

  • Senior Dinner - several Board members were able to attend and students enjoyed the event.

  • Kindergarten Kick-off - Over 80 prospective new students attended and Fall enrollment stands at 104.

  • Administrative Award - The Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators has awarded Mr. Ryan Patti, West Geauga High School principal, the Zone 7 High School Principal of the Year.  This award makes him eligible for the State Principal of the Year Award.  Dr. Benincasa noted that he had previously won the State Assistant Principal of the Year.

  • West Geauga Administrative Staff - Dr. Benincasa stated that when she arrived at West Geauga in 2013, the district was ranked #148 in the state. Reviewer Note: According to this Cleveland.com article, West Geauga is now ranked #11 in the state. An effort began for improvement led by the administrative staff that has created a revolution at the institutional and academic levels. She said that this revolution has been accomplished by instruction and relationships and hard work by the administrative staff.

• Board - Mr. Vidmar reported on Dr. Davis’ assistance in providing an overview of the Special Education programs, defining their scope and explaining costs associated with them.  He thanked Dr. Davis for her efforts.

2:33.30 min. Executive Session

2026-05-174 Resolution to Adjourn to Executive Session  -  The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:05 pm to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee or official and to meet with an attorney to discuss any future or pending legal action as permitted by the Ohio Revised Code.  The Board stated that no additional action would be taken after reconvening from the Executive Session.  Mrs. Pavlat, Dr. Benincasa, Dr. Davis, and the Board attorney were invited to attend the session.

3:32.40 min. ReConvene/Next Meeting/Adjournment -

• The Board reconvened at 8:35 pm.

• There will be a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm,  in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township. 

• 2026-02-175  Resolution to Adjourn - Passed - The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm.

Observer: Bob Doxey

Editor: Rooney Moy

Reviewer: Carol Benton

Date Submitted: June 19, 2026

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