Chardon Board of Education – 03/18/2024
Meeting Details: Meetings are held at the Chardon Board of Education building adjacent to the Chardon Middle School at 428 North Street, Chardon. Here is the link to the available Meeting Agendas and Minutes. Click on the meetings tab on the right to access the Agendas and Minutes. Board meeting videos are also available through Chardon Geauga TV (GTV). Topics discussed will be noted by the time that they appear in the GTV video for easy reference.
Attendance: Board President Karen Blakenship, Vice President Todd Albright, and Board Members Andrea Clark, James Midyette, and C.J. Paterniti
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Michael Hanlon and Treasurer Deb Armbruster
2:16 min Adoption of Agenda - All Approved
3:00 min The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kindergarten Student Riley DiMarino and a certificate was presented to him.
3:50 min Mission Statement- Read by Dr. Hanlon
3:58 min Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items: No public comments.
Observer Note: In order to comment at Chardon Board of Education meetings, members of the public must sign up to do so before the meeting starts. There are two opportunities for public comment. The first one is on Agenda items, and the second one is not restricted to the Agenda.
4:05 min Consent Agenda:
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Approval of Minutes (2/20/24-2/28/24) - All Approved
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Approval of Warrant List (checks) Report - All Approved
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Approval of PSI Change Agreements - All Approved
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Approval of Contract with Nicole Germai LLC for Student Services - All Approved
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Approval of Radio Service Agreement - All Approved
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Approval of Participation in the Group Retrospective Rating Program with Sheakley (unemployment services) - All Approved
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Consent Agenda Approval- All Approved
5:58 min Chardon High School Student Liaison Report- Chardon High School (CHS) students Madison Primc and Jennifer Kogovsek provided the report. The students gave an account on these activities: the production of Into the Woods by CHS Drama Club has ended and was successful; the CHS’s Science Olympiad team is going to State; the National Honor Society held inductions; the Academic Decathlon led by Mr. Herner had a successful season; recent field trips were taken to Lake Erie College and Chardon Middle School (CMS); the CHS Indoor Track Team is heading to State; senior Charlotte Jons won first place in Speech and Debate, becoming a state qualifier four-years in a row (a school record), and students Taylor Holt and Nathan Suszynski were inducted into the Auburn Career Center’s National Technical Honor Society. Jen and Madison then reported on events happening around the district, including The Great Lakes Theater assisting students with acting out Shakespeare, Great Pals breakfasts with Mrs. Bunker, and Battle of the Classes.
9:16 min Superintendent’s Report and Recommendations - Dr. Hanlon began with recognitions of Ms. Lisa Marie French and Mr. Fritz Streiff, who were the directors of the CHS production of Into the Woods. He then recognized the CHS Academic Decathlon Team (ACADEC) on their state and regional performances, CHS Senior Lazia Calhoun for her performance in district and state competitions for DECA (Ohio DECA Program at Auburn Career Center), CHS Senior Charlotte Jons on her continued achievement in state-level speech and debate competitions, 6 athletes in Division (DIV)-I Boys Indoor Track and Field, 7 athletes in DIV-I Girls Indoor Track and Field, DIV-I Varsity Girls Swimming State Qualifier Briella Hewitt, DIV-II Varsity Boys Swimming State Qualifier Toby Rogers, and DIV-I Varsity Wrestling three-time State Qualifier Will Vucetic. Teacher Mr. Herner commented that the ACADEC team is dedicated to high achievement, participates in multiple extracurricular activities, and has brought pride to the community.
39:26 min Building Showcase - Park Elementary Building Showcase was presented by Principal Jill Makee. Ms. Makee stated that she has been the principal since August and is proud of all of the progress that the school has made in the time since then. Ms. Makee stated that there are 237 students in grades 1, 2, and 3. Ms. Makee highlighted the school's many committees, including the Sunshine Committee, the Assembly Committee, and the Building Leadership Committee. Ms. Makee also discussed the Intervention Team, Literacy Night, High Dosage Tutoring Groups, Morning Tutoring Programs, and Dyslexia Screening programs. Ms. Makee shared the celebrations students had for the 100th day of school, in which students took 100 steps around the square. She also noted the walking field trips the students can take to Chardon Square events and a new Book Vending Machine.
54:13 min Approval of Proposal to Recognize Clay Target Team as a Club Sport- All Approved
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon began discussions acknowledging the history of the school sport and stated that this is a very safe, competitive league. Dr. Hanlon stated that nearby schools like Kenston and Berkshire already have sponsored leagues. Mark Jonovich, who is a firefighter, student parent, and a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Chief Safety Range Officer, and a colleague presented to the BOE in regards to the proposal of a Clay Target CHS Sponsored Team. Mr. Jonovich stated that they are insured through the US Clay Target League and that students have thorough online and in person safety training prior to participating. Mr. Jonovich stated that the sport runs in both the spring and fall, that schools like CSU offer scholarships for teams, and that everyone in this sport gets the opportunity to participate. He stated that the club has been around for 50 years and has never had an accident. He also presented a video to the BOE (available for viewing - see below).
Mr. Midyette asked if the district will take on any new liability with this sport. Dr. Hanlon stated that the liability rests with the parents, students, and instructors. Ms. Clark asked if insurance for the school would go up. Ms. Armbruster stated that they are still looking into the insurance questions and will let the board know, but that the club itself has liability insurance which may help reduce costs. Ms. Clark asked how the school would ensure that students did not bring weapons or ammunition onto school grounds and wondered if students would have enough time after class to go home and get equipment to avoid them bringing it to school. Dr. Hanlon stated that students will not be allowed to bring weapons or ammunition on school grounds and that ammunition is provided by the club, not the students. Dr. Hanlon stated that the school's Zero Tolerance Policy on guns will continue, all events will have a range safety officer, and that the safety certification for students is a rigorous program. Mrs. Blankenship added that, to her knowledge, this is not the first gun club in Chardon, and that it is important to give different opportunities for student participation in a safe environment. Dr. Hanlon stated that 35 students have already expressed interest. Ms. Blankenship asked how many students can be on a team. Mr. Jonovich replied that there will be 10 students to 1 coach. Finally, Ms. Clark stated that she received a lot of feedback from community members, including three against and one letter of encouragement from a student who feels this will help them in their goal of joining the military. Ms. Clark stated that the board does appreciate the contacts and they do listen.
Link to YouTube Video shown by instructors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLZImQz3ESk
Link to Clay Target Safety Overview provided by instructors: https://oh.usaclaytarget.com/safety-overview/
1:11 min Administrative, Certified/Licensed, Classified, Supplemental, and Non-Contractual Personnel and Compensation - All Approved
Discussion: Ms. Clark asked if the learners doing hours for state reading could return back and present what they have learned? Dr. Hanlon stated that he would get an answer on that.
1:14:00 min Approval of Addendum to 2023-24 ESCWR (Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve) Agreement for Kelly Moran - All Approved
1:14:43 min Approval of Agreement with the ESCNEO (Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio) for Student Services - All Approved
1:15:16 min Approval of Adjustment to CHS Fees in Infinite Campus - All Approved
1:16:14 min Advertising on School Property FY24 - All Approved
Discussion: Mr. Midyette asked why the board is approving payments going to a non-district entity? Dr. Hanlon answered that the board approves as a check and balance and then sends the money to the organizations to support students with the purchase of uniforms, etc. Dr. Hanlon stated that the board is very appreciative of organizations like these that support their students, as this makes a big difference for the programs.
1:18:30 min Approval of Contract Proposal for Health-e-Pro Nutrition Software - All Approved
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon stated that this purchase is under the threshold of board approval, but they wanted the board to know they were moving in this direction. The Food Service Director, Bret Shauermann, stated that they looked at three companies that offer similar software, and they feel this particular software is the best option. Ms. Armbruster asked if the software was USDA compliant? Mr. Shauermann stated that yes, the new software is USDA compliant, has the red/yellow/green color system recommended in menu planning, and offers a mobile app and allergy filter for parents. Mr. Albright asked if the system would be more efficient for ordering? Mr. Shauermann stated that yes it would.
1:29:02 min Approval of Contract Proposal with Energy Optimizers, USA for Stadium Lighting Project - All Approved
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon stated that this would replace the current stadium lighting with a more efficient LED lighting system. He said that the current lighting system is 14 years old and at the end of its life cycle. Dr. Hanlon explained that a purchasing consortium was used to elicit competitive bids for the project. He stated that there will be a 25-year warranty on the light fixtures and lamps and that it will reduce energy costs by more than $7,400 per year.
1:35:24 min Approval of NEOnet Agreement for Internet Service - All Approved
1:38:47 min Board Policies - First Reading
The following policies were reviewed: po0165.1 REGULAR MEETINGS, po2623 STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES, po2623.02 THIRD GRADE READING GUARANTEE, po3120.04 EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTITUTES, po3140 TERMINATION AND RESIGNATION, po4124 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, po4140 TERMINATION AND RESIGNATION, po5310 HEALTH SERVICES, po8600 TRANSPORTATION, po8600.04 BUS DRIVER CERTIFICATION, po8640 TRANSPORTATION FOR NON-ROUTINE TRIPS, po8650 TRANSPORTATION BY VEHICLES OTHER THAN SCHOOL BUSES, po8660 INCIDENTAL TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS BY PRIVATE VEHICLE.
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon explained that all revisions were required by law. In regards to policy 5130 (available here), Mr. Albright asked how the feminine hygiene products will be distributed and asked if they would end up in the boys’ restroom. Mr. Albright suggested the board think of implementing a policy regarding the distribution of feminine hygiene products. Dr. Hanlon stated that the dispensers are installed in the girls’ restrooms.
1:41:42 mins Treasurer Report/ CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Report and Recommendations - Ms. Armbruster gave the CFO report for February 2024. Ms. Armbruster stated that there is currently $31,731,543.24 in the bank. She stated that the city taxes are paid quarterly, the TAN Loan was paid in December, and athletics is in the negative due to no activity fees received during this time. Ms. Armbruster said that there was $3.4 million less received due to a reduction in tax revenue received during this time. Ms. Armbruster stated that True Days are at 163.99 (151.55 after purchase orders). Ms. Armbruster reported that the month's revenue was $5.4 million and the expenditures were at $2.9 million which is lower than average. Ms. Armbruster also reported that salaries were up during this period and actual expenses were up for the month by $265,609. Reviewer Note: A link to the FInancial Report can be found in the Agenda and also here. For more of the discussion, see the point on the video noted above.
1:51:42 min Donations - All Approved
Discussion: Ms. Blankenship thanked all of the donors and stated that their donations are much appreciated.
1:52:35 min Equipment Disposal - All Approved
Discussion: Mr. Paternitti asked Steven Kofol, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs (in the audience), if the board is getting money for scrap. Mr. Kofol stated yes they were, that the money came back to them in a check and went straight to the Treasurer's office. Ms. Clark asked about the disposal of 800 ChromeBooks, and asked if this was due to the lifespan? Mr. Kofol stated that the ChromeBooks were roughly the first generation that they had. Ms. Clark asked what the average lifespan of a ChromeBook is in their district? Kofol stated that the lifespan is between 3-5 years as they have a rough life, and that they do recycle them for parts first. Steve stated that this reduces the cost of parts. Mr. Albright asked if the students have insurance on their ChromeBooks? Ms. Armbruster stated that students pay a $35 insurance fee per year. Mr. Albright asked if there was an average number of claims per year? Ms. Armbruster stated she could get that information. Mr. Kofol added that screen fixes were the number one repair and there are over 250 requests at this time.
1:55:40 min Approval of Resolution 2024-06: Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor - All Approved
Discussion: Mr. Midyette asked to pull up the PDF as he wanted to dig down and understand the numbers asking how total millage gets converted to effective millage. Observer Note: This discussion contains a great deal of technical language. Please see the video here at time stamp 1:56:39 for the discussion and questions.
2:06:40 min Board of Education Reports and Recommendations - Ms. Clark stated that she will have a report to provide in April. Mr. Albright had no report. Mr. Midyette provided the Student and Staff Liaison Report found here. Mr. Midyette reported on activities from around the district including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Silly String and Pie the Principal, the Jumping Rainbow science experiment, the Topper Care program (previously latchkey), the 120th School Day Celebration, the One School One Book program, Career Exploration Day for grades 1-3, CMS Family Literacy Night, Junior Achievement Economics for Success, the Echo Dance Team Assembly for grades 4-7, and a Hair Cutting Competition and Culinary Arts Event at Auburn Career Center.
2:29:19 min Approval of Reimbursement for Expenses for Board of Education Vice President Todd Albright to attend Board Management 201: A Deeper Dive - Mr. Albright abstained, All Others Approved
2:30:48 min New Business - none
2:30:55 min Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items - none
2:31:02 min Adjournment
The meeting ended at 9:01pm.
Board agendas and minutes are available online.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2024.
Observer: Jessica Martin
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date submitted: 04/04/2024
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