West Geauga Board of Education - Nov 20, 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
Program Reports and Presentations
01:15 Presentation by Treasurer/CFO Karen Pavlat; She presented the Five-Year Forecast Update and 2023 Property Valuation. Overview for 2024 - Revenue and expense assumptions are as anticipated including student growth with incoming Newbury students. The addition of new, unanticipated school resource officers increased the expenses significantly. Ms. Pavlat mentioned the property tax revaluation increase is estimated at about 30%, though actual revenue will be less than that. There is an anticipated dip in revenue in 2027 as an “emergency” levy will need to be renewed that year and the balance will be adjusted if the levy passes. Main actions recommended: 1) closely monitor income and expenses and 2) manage budget to match actual income and expenses. Additional details are available in the report attached to the agenda.
43.50 min.Discussion of suspension of $1,000,000 collection of Emergency Levy for one year.
1:02:34 Min. Public Remarks - Dan Rich, President of WG Educational Association. He said that the request by the Geauga Budget Commission to suspend collection of funds from a levy has teachers concerned about slashing school funding for programming.
1:04:56 Min. Routine Items - Approved all routine items including financial statements, minutes, and substitute list.
1:05:24 Financial Resolutions - Resolved to Temporarily Suspend a Portion of an Existing Tax Levy (as described in previous finance report - see previous report and Attachment) and to approve Five-Year Forecast; Warrants (check register payments) for 11/23. Approved Unanimously
1:09:53 Personnel: Approved all personnel resolutions which included staff retirements, contracts, approving unpaid days, etc.
Policy and program resolutions - none
1:12:07 Business Resolutions - Approved resolutions such as service agreements and customer agreements.
1:17:50 Board Resolutions - Approved areas such as the purchase of a School Bus.
1:19:08 Superintendent Report - Mentioned quality profile and how it showcased school achievements and extracurricular activities as well as a school award.
Board Reports - There will be a Special Meeting 11/27 at 6 pm to confirm the $1 million reduction to the Emergency Levy for one year.
1:23:41 Adjourn
Observer: KC Henry
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
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