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Health & Fitness

Report on School Board Meeting - Tuesday, August 13th

The meeting commenced at 6:07pm with all of the school board members in attendance and all wearing bow-ties. Also in attendance was Superintendent Gregory Hutchings. Treasurer Bryan Christman was called away as the meeting began. 
 
OPENING OF THE MEETING
Several changes have been made to the meeting format. The Pledge of Allegiance and Recognition/Honors of Staff and Students have been added. The prior practice of allowing public comment both at the beginning and at the end of the meeting has been changed to a single opportunity for “Public Communication to the Board” at the start of the meeting.
 
ACTION ITEMS – PERSONNEL
Changes in assignments, supplemental contracts, special assignments, leaves of absence, appointments, and resignations. Dr. Hutchings spoke briefly about each group of actions and the board voted to approve all of them. Included in this action was the hiring of 8 full-time teachers, 3 part-time teachers, 4 Mandarin teachers (paid in part by China) and the appointment of Jennifer Weisbarth as Woodbury Assistant Principal. Resignations included Erica Wigton, Woodbury Assistant Principal and Nannette Adams, MS Guidance Counselor.
 
ACTION ITEMS –BUSINESS
 - Amendment to the Ludlow school building lease agreement increasing the rent from $44,985 to $84,523 and extending the term of the lease agreement from 2018 to 2033. The district can terminate with 12 months notice.
 - Agreement with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to offer reduced fares for the purpose of transportation of students on regular bus or rapid transit service.
 - Approve School Bus Stops for the 2013-2014 school year in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code No. 3301-83-13.
 
TREASURER’S  MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Total revenue for FY 2013 was $0.29 million or 0.3% less than FY 2012.  Revenue was $1.67 million or 1.9% above budget primarily due to greater than expected real estate tax collection and greater than expected State revenues. Total expenditures for FY 2013 were $1.43 million or 1.6% greater than FY 2012. Expenses were $1.37 million or 1.5% less than budget primarily due to savings in health insurance and lower salaries and wages than were budgeted.  Total salaries and wages were $0.53 million or 1.1% greater than prior FY. Health insurance was $1.23 million or 13.0% less than prior FY. Net favorable budget variance for FY 2013 was $3.04 million. Current month financial report is here
 
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Hutchings spoke briefly about his transition activities and the convocation for all staff on August 22.  He then asked Dale Whittington to give a presentation on the new state “Report Card” for schools. The six components that will be on the new "Report Card" are: Achievement; Progress; Gap Closing; Graduation Rate; K - 3 Literacy; and Prepared for Success, each will be graded on an A to F scale. It is expected to be much tougher on schools. News report here and Ohio Department of Education information page here  There will be a similar public presentation on the new “Report Card” on August 21st at 6:00pm at the HS Small Auditorium. The Ohio Department of Education is expected to release the "Report Card" to the public by the end of August.
 
BOARD MEMBERS' REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS
Amy Fulford reported that the Finance & Audit Committee has begun to work with a consultant on district finances.  The cost of building operation and maintenance is the first area to be looked at in detail.
Annette Sutherland reported that there will be a work session of the school board on September 4th to hear and to discuss Dr. Hutchings’ 90-day plan for the district
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board recessed to executive session at 7:58 to discuss Superintendent's Evaluation under ORC 121.22(G)(1) employee matters.
 
The posted August 13th agenda is here.

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