West Geauga Board of Education - Oct 30th, 2023
Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met at 7 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.
Public Comment Policy: Permitted at all regular meetings in accordance with Public Policy 169.1
Board Attendance:
Staff Attendance:
Regular Meeting
Observer Note: There are notations at the beginning of important discussion areas, and this corresponds to the minutes on the video when that discussion began.
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order, attendance was taken and a quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda - none
2:21 Presentation of Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) Leadership Award to Dr. Richard Markwardt by Dr. David Axner, Executive Director of Buckeye Association of School Administrators. This association supports superintendents and school districts through areas such as advocacy to legislatures and professional support. This award is for the 2023 exemplary regional school district.
11:54 Recognition of Academic Achievement for West Geauga Local Schools and Dr. Richard Markwardt by Jennifer Felker, Superintendent, and Geoff Kent, President, of Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve.
17:55 Public Remarks
There was a question about how girls will be protected in bathrooms that will be opened to people who are trans. School Board Members and Dr. Markwardt both indicated that contacting the Superintendent directly is the best way to learn about policies. It was noted that all policies also conform with existing laws.
21:23 Resolution to Approve Routine Matters of the West Geauga Local School Board of Education(includes minutes and Substitute List
Financial Resolutions - includes approval for increase in FY 2024 Appropriations
22.12 Personnel Resolutions - Includes items such as change in staff title, work assignments, unpaid leave absence, resignations, appointments, supplemental contracts, approve contracts.
Policy and Program Resolutions - None
27:31 Business Resolutions- Includes areas such as Approve Service Agreements Between Proactive Behavior Services and West Geauga Local Schools, medical insurance, life insurance, dental plan, tuition for special services (one student)
Reports
30:22 Superintendent Report - November 8 @ 6 pm at the high school. This will be a panel on the state of the workforce. Staff has focused on academic achievement and now are shifting to workforce development. This upcoming panel with local support businesses, such as Cleveland Clinic, Swagelok and Chamber of Commerce.
Also on November 8th at 7 pm there will be an induction for the National Honor Society and Dr. Markwardt will speak at this recognition event.
There was also a discussion regarding putting a bond issue on the ballot in the future, which may involve a community meeting with a planned time for residents to come into buildings to tour and see the actual needs that the bonds would cover. See for dates of tours and other information. Tour Dates were announced and Superintendent Markwardt also said that more dates could be added if needed. There was considerable discussion among the board members about these dates and times, and originally the second tours for both days were at 10 am, but they got moved to 10:30 am. It was noted that there is no rush to get this done and any community meeting would be held after January.
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November 18, 2023: 9am - Westwood Elementary and @10:30am - Lindsey Elementary;
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December 16, 2023: 9am - West Geauga Middle School and @10:30am - West Geauga High School
Mrs. Kathy Leavenworth brought up the county revaluation and there was a discussion about the effects of the revaluation. Treasurer Pavlat said that the School could potentially receive 14% more, but she also said that the Ohio legislature could limit that amount if action is taken.
Board Reports - none
7:47 pm Announcement of Next Board Meeting on November 20, 2023
Observer: KC Henry
Editor: Sarah McGlone
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
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