Board Receives Training on the History of BODD in Geauga
Board of Developmental Disabilities (BODD) Meeting - July 15, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on July 15, 2026 in the Administration Board Room at the Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access was available via Zoom, and the agenda and board materials were provided in advance. For virtual meeting information contact Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich at ktvergyako@geaugadd.org. This Observer attended in person.
Public Comment: The Board of Developmental Disabilities has a written public comment policy, first approved by BODD in 2001, and most recently reviewed by the board in October 2023. See policy here.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
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Don Rice - Superintendent
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Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
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Rean Davis - Business Operations Director
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Tami Setlock - Support and Service Administration
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Richelle Mills - Business Coordinator (via video)
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Meredith Myers - Early Intervention (via video)
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Janice Chesnes - Human Resources
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Megan Thirion - Employment First
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Kellie Tvergyak - Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
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Sara Clemson - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Community Residences (via video)
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Carol Benton - LWV Geauga Observer
Training Session - History of BODD in Geauga County
As part of the required training for Boards of Developmental Disabilities in Ohio, Mr. Rice reviewed the history of the Board of Developmental Disabilities in Geauga County. Observer Note: See the BODD Timeline History here.
The Geauga County BODD, also known as the Metzenbaum Center, traces its origins to the Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Foundation and the Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Opportunity School, which opened in 1966 to serve children with developmental disabilities. After Ohio established county boards of developmental disabilities in 1967, the organization evolved from a school-based program into a broader county agency supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. In 1977, residential housing was built on the Metzenbaum property and housed 40 people.
Federal disability-rights legislation significantly shaped its further evolution. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (EAHCA), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), strengthened the expectation that eligible children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and individualized special-education services in the “least restrictive environment” possible. As a result, the transition of developmentally disabled children from segregated schools into public schools began in 1996 in Geauga County. It was concluded in 2011 when the remaining students graduated or transitioned to Amish schools in the county.
At this time, the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities expanded beyond segregated educational settings to provide early intervention, educational supports, transition planning, and coordinated services for children and families.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) further reinforced disability rights by prohibiting discrimination and requiring access to public services, employment, transportation, and other areas of community life. The Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision in 1999 made the segregation of people with disabilities unlawful. This led to the creation of community housing throughout the county and the downsizing of group environments such as that found on the Metzenbaum site. Together, IDEA and the ADA helped support the BODD’s continuing shift toward community inclusion, employment opportunities, and services that enable people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and participate more fully in Geauga County.
The Board meeting was called to order at 6:57 pm by Mr. Lair.
Minutes: Minutes for the June 17, 2026 Board Meeting were approved without edits. Minutes can be found on the BODD website here.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - The acceptance of two $25 donations in May and June from Byron Whitney and Deb Tyukodi for general use.
APPROVED - The Board reviewed the June financial statements. Ms. Davis reported that the month was routine, with no significant variances to report.
APPROVED - Financial Transactions & Voucher Approvals - The Board approved the June purchase orders, financial transactions, and vouchers for the General Operating, Donation, and Residential funds.
APPROVED - Disposal of an asset, a broken large office shredder.
APPROVED - The Board approved a Locally Funded Services Agreement with Michelle Brown for Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) Services in the amount of $8,000.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs):
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Mr. Rice noted that 13 MUIs were reported for the month which represents an above average month. He explained that included in the MUIs in June were one death in a nursing facility which was not unexpected. Also included and under investigation by the appropriate law enforcement or other agencies were an alleged physical abuse, an alleged misappropriation and alleged neglect in residential services.
Total Population Served
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Total individuals served in June was 1,084.
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School-age service numbers showed N/A for June because students are out for summer break.
Population & Residential Services:
A program report from the Metzenbaum Foundation was included in the Board materials. The NPower Services report highlighted ongoing activities during the past month. The Early Intervention report noted 141 children currently receiving services. The Transportation report and Community Support Services reports from Ms Mills and Ms. Sedlock, respectively, were included, with no major updates emphasized during the meeting.
Board discussion of issues - None.
General Announcements:
Ms. Clemson highlighted Maple Leaf Residences’ upcoming fundraiser - ‘Phantasmic: An Afternoon of Theatrical Entertainment & World-Class Music!’ on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:30 pm at the Legends Aviation Museum, and encouraged Board members and staff to attend.
Other Business/Comment: Mr. Lair asked if there were any comments from the floor. There were none.
Executive Session - At 7:10 pm, the Board entered into Executive Session at 6:05 - Pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) – To Consider the Compensation of Public Employees. Mr. Carlson and Ms. Chesnes joined the Board in the session.
Mr. Rice stated that there would be no report after the Executive Session.
This Observer left the meeting when the Executive Session was convened and was not in attendance when the Board meeting was officially adjourned.
The next BODD meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Minute Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: July 16, 2026
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