West Geauga Board of Education – 11-21-22
Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township. Meetings are open to the public and media. Agenda and minutes are available online. A recording of the meeting is available via YouTube.
Board Attendance:
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Kathy Leavenworth, President
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Ben Kotowski, Vice President - ABSENT
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William Beers
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Mary-Michelle Coleman Walsh
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Christina Sherwood
Staff Attendance:
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Richard A. Markwardt, Ph.D., Superintendent
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Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO
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Megan Bellan, Middle School Principal
Minutes:
Agenda: no additions to agenda
Field Trip to Williamsburg - Mrs. Bellan reported:
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May 23- 26, 2023
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First trip since 2019 – unique experience for 8th graders.
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The costs related to the trip were discussed – the participating students are financially supported by their families and the school will consider helping families who cannot afford the trip.
Treasurer/CFO Report - Mrs. Pavlat reported:
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Update of the 5-year forecast - revenues are flat and expenditures are increasing at 3.3%.
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Cash balances are projected to remain positive through 2027.
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There will be a slight increase in student numbers through 2032.
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Because interest rates are good there will be an increase in return on cash balance of about 3% for as long as these rates last.
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Staff costs are slightly low but are balanced by special services (shared services like Speech therapist) which is slightly high.
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There is no bond indebtedness
Although the present position and forecast is strong, the board will need to look at introducing levies in the coming years. They had not looked for any new money since 2006 because the tax base has increased, so people’s related taxes have gone down.
No public remarks
Consent agenda was approved.
The resolutions presented were approved.
Discussions: There were some questions and explanations around increases in transportation costs and the need/solutions related to hiring more bus drivers
Superintendent’s report: Dr. Markwardt reported:
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Ohio School Board Capital Conference was productive.
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At the district wide administrators meeting it was indicated that we may be able to get more support/funding to pursue construction of new buildings.
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Presently reviewing site plans.
Board reports – Board Member Mr. William Beers discussed that they are continuing to work on lease with Newbury – it is back in their lawyer’s hands. We are hopeful to have it wrapped up in December. One item of discussion is renewal terms and right of first refusal.
Board Member Mrs. Sherwood discussed SEL (Social Emotional Learning). She stated that it is required by the state. She further stated that as educators we want to create an open environment where every student feels valued and safe – even though it touches only a small segment of students this issue is critical to them. SEL is critical to educating the whole child. The identity map is controversial for some, but no students are required to complete it. They are trying hard to hear, welcome, consider and balance all sides and opinions.
Executive session – employment and compensation. Superintendent and treasurer joined in the closed meeting. The session lasted 1 hour.
Upon returning to the regular session a motion was made to adjourn
Next meeting: Dec 12, 2022
Name of Observer: KC Henry
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
Date Submitted: 11/22/22
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