MINUTES OF THE MARGARETTA BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2023.

Margaretta Board of Education met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the Margaretta Board of Education, 305 S. Washington Street, Castalia, Ohio.

Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Sutorius, Board President, then called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. requesting roll call by Mrs. Keegan:

Mr. Hula:
Mr. Schoenegge: Mrs. Tucker:
Mr. Warner: Mr. Sutorius:

Present. Present Present Present Present

The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited after roll call.

Approval of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Warner, and seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve the minutes from the Regular BOE Meeting held on Monday, August 21, 2023; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Board and Staff Reports
Townsend Community School’s (TCS) Report and TCS Margaretta Sponsor’s Report
Ms. Kelsey Kromer, TCS Treasurer, passed out the TCS report to the board. Ms. Kromer stated that TCS has 111 graduates for the 2022-2023 school year, 4 graduates for this year already, and 549 current students as of September 18, 2023, with Fremont, Sandusky and Norwalk being the top three schools of TCS’ enrollments. She also reported out TCS’ overall rating of “Exceeds Standards” on the recently released 2022-2023 State Report Card and the breakdown of that rating. Also she stated that the TCS construction is complete and has had a very positive impact on the learning environment, with zero discipline referrals and increased student productivity to this point in the school year. She also stated the TCS is considering utilizing their Student Wellness Funds to purchase two new school vans and to add two new positions of Student and Family Engagement Specialist in Castalia and Fremont.

Mr. Kurt, stated that we had our monthly TCS/Margaretta meeting to review current events, their status with their new legal counsel, potential changes in the repayment structure of the ODE debt with ODE, reviewed the recent visit that the Fremont Superintendent’s visit with Mr. Bohn at TCS’ Fremont location. He also stated that Ms. Kromer and Mrs. Keegan continue to review TCS’ ongoing financial results. Mr. Kurt stated that the Annual TCS budget, the five year forecast will be due in Epicenter this fall. Mr. Kurt also stated that the two schools are in discussion of performing an active shooter drill between the two schools on a day that there are no students in the two buildings.

Public Participation
Mr. Gary Smith thanked the board and Mr. Kurt for allowing Lifewise to offer this option to the Margaretta students. Mr. Smith stated while there were some hiccups during the first week, it still went well. He stated that he has 86 kindergarten through fifth grade students coming to Lifewise

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on Friday’s only and that they have 17 MS/HS students going Monday through Friday in a variety of periods of the day. He also informed the Board that Lifewise is partnering with EPIC to have the event of ‘Prayer at the Pole’ on September 27th at 7:20 am outside the MS/HS building.

Introduction of Additional Items to the Agenda None.

The Financial Report and Schedule of Bills
Mrs. Keegan presented the schedule of bills, bank reconciliations, fund balances, etc., that were included in the Board’s packages for review. Mrs. Keegan stated that the fiscal year to date revenue through August was a total of $5.2M and expenses of $2.7M resulting in an increase to the general fund balance of $2.5M. The beginning cash balance in the total general fund as of July 1, 2023 was $1.0M so at the end of August the general fund balance is $3.5M. She also stated that the report gives the prior four years financial results of the activity in the general fund.

Treasurer’s Report New Business
Motion by Mrs. Tucker seconded by Mr. Warner, on Resolution number 23-24-08, to authorize the Treasurer to make a 2024 Fiscal Year Inter-Fund Transfer of funds for the portion of Nexus allocated to the New Facility Reserve; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mr. Hula, on Resolution number 23-24-09, to authorize Ohio School Council (OSC) to advertise and receive school bus and/or van bids for the district’s behalf for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Keegan stated that this does not commit us to buying a bus or van, just that we want to be a part of the bidding process to have the ability to purchase a bus at any time this fiscal year; Roll Call: Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mrs. Tucker seconded by Mr. Warner, on Resolution number 23-24-10, to approve the renewal of a contract with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for the purpose of providing the District fire alarm inspection services for the 2023-2024 school year; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula, seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, on Resolution number 23-24-11, to approve the renewal contract with the Educational Services Center of Lorain County for the 2023-2024 school year to perform speech and language supervisory services as needed; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mrs. Tucker, to approve Ed Kurt’s travel to the AASA (American Association of School Administrators) National Convention in San Diego, CA as the BASA (Buckeye Association of School Administrators) President, on February 14th through the 18th of 2023. Mrs. Tucker again took this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Kurt on his BASA Presidency; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

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Superintendent’s Report Old Business
Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mrs. Tucker, to approve the Margaretta Middle School/High School Staff Handbook for the 2023-2024 School Year; Roll Call: Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner and seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve the Margaretta Board Policy Po8500 Food Services (maximum of a $25.00 negative balance allowed). Mr. Schoenegge took acceptation to this policy and stated his concern of a disadvantaged youth not eating. Mrs. Keegan, Dr. Jen Theis, Mrs. Tucker, and multiple teachers at the meeting reassured Mr. Schoenegge that there is great care taken to make sure there is no shaming, embarrassment or no one going without a meal; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: Nay, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

New Business
Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mrs. Tucker, the following North Point Educational Service Center (NPESC) employees listed below to be authorized by the Board of Education to suspend students from North Point programs should their behavior/activities be severe enough that merit said response: Juliene Haskins, John Ruf, Julie Riley, Andrea Smith, Dwayne Arnold, Brandi Goodwin, Brandi Perkins, Kristen Sciarappa, Lonnie Rivera, Carrie Sanchez, Kerry Giles, and Tracy Foos. Mr. Kurt stated this only pertains to Margaretta students that are in the NPESC units and any discipline is discussed between NPESC and Margaretta’s administration; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve the NPESC Student Handbook that applies to district students who are in programs operated by NPESC; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner, seconded by Mrs. Tucker, to approve the MTA MOU to prorate the supplemental contracts into three trigger points of earning the supplemental payment (i.e., when hired, halfway point, and completion of full duties) for the 2023-2024 School Year. Mr. Kurt stated that this was started during COVID and will only be utilized only if there is a COVID related event; Roll Call: Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve the Margaretta FFA selected members and Advisor(s) to attend the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 1st through the 4th, 2023; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mrs. Tucker seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve the MTA MOU to amend the supplemental salary schedule to add a Temporary Additional Duty Instructor supplemental for the one year of 2023-2024 school year as needed. Mr. Kurt stated that this was needed for one student due to their medical conditions and Mr. Kurt stated that Mr. Novak stepped forward to be willing to help this student. Mrs. Keegan stated that it will be a good fit, given the student is comfortable with Mr. Novak due to previously working with this student; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

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Motion by Mrs. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve the OAPSE MOU to increase the extra bus trip wage from $18.03 per hour to $23.00 per hour effective retro to July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Informational
Mr. Kurt then gave a Nexus Update that the Oral Arguments are now scheduled for October 24th where Nexus and Lorain County Auditor Snodgrass will be able to have 10 minutes in front of the Supreme Court to address their positions on the appeal. Margaretta can also be granted 5 minutes to state our case on how we have been harmed by these delays. Our attorney Becky Princehorn will speak on Margaretta’s behalf. Currently Mr. Sutorius, Mr. Kurt and Mrs. Keegan are going to also attend the Oral Arguments and Mr. Kurt opened it up to anyone else that wants to go. Mrs. Keegan reminded the board that it is a public meeting and all are welcomed. We want to be there in the gallery to show our support of getting this resolved.

Mr. Kurt shared Margaretta’s District State Report Card 2022 – 2023 that stated an overall rating of 4.0 stars out of 5.0 stars. He stated that the District was at 4.5 stars and then dropped after September 6th and still investigating what changed. Mr. Kurt stated that the district isn’t just chasing state ratings, however if we are doing the right things for the education of our kids then the ratings will follow. He stated that our teachers and administrators are doing good work and our Science of Reading Literacy Indicatives are taking hold, which will only improve our scores going forward. Mr. Kurt reminded the board that we were one of a small group of Districts that received a $200K Literacy Grant. He also stated that our Margaretta Literacy Team and the Pickerington Schools were the only two Districts that were invited to speak at the state level about our literacy iniatives.

Personnel Actions Certified
Motion by Mrs. Tucker seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve Mark Novak, as a Temporary Additional Duty Instructor for the 2023-2024 school year only on an as needed basis; Roll Call: Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Classified
Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Terri Meyer and Martha Dyer as Substitute Bus Drivers for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Kurt stated that we are very grateful that Terri and Martha have offered to help out as we continue to struggle with enough bus driver coverage; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mrs. Tucker seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Susan Cullen, substitute building secretary for the 2023-2024 school year; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve the resignation of Amanda Lowis, Cook effective the start of the 2023-2024 school year; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mrs. Tucker, to hire Dalan Martin and Julian Washington (students) as part time custodial workers for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Kurt stated that this

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is in conjunction with the students’ CBI program; Roll Call: Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Warner, to approve the hiring of Maree Markley and Geralyn Lippert for board office support for the 2023-2024 school year as needed per open timesheet. Mr. Kurt stated that they are both a huge help to the District in a lot of different areas and their knowledge of the District makes their coverage extremely helpful; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Warner seconded by Mr. Hula, enter Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion or compensation of public employees; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

The Board entered Executive Session at 7:17 p.m. with Mrs. Keegan, Mr. Lippert, and Mr. Kurt remaining in the Executive Session.

Motion by Mrs. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Warner, to return to open session; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Warner, to adjourn the meeting having no further business to come before the Board; Roll Call: Mrs. Tucker: aye, Mr. Warner: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mr. Sutorius: aye.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Next BOE Regular Meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Margaretta Board Office, 305 S. Washington St., Castalia, Ohio 44824

Respectfully Submitted

_________________________ Brian Sutorius
Board President

______________________ Diane Keegan
Treasurer

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