MINUTES OF THE MARGARETTA BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 18, 2024.

Margaretta Board of Education met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Margaretta Board of Education, 305 S. Washington Street, Castalia, Ohio.

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

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

Present Present Present Present

Mr. Lippert was excused from the meeting

The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited after roll call.

Approval of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Sutorius, and seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve the minutes from the Regular Board of Education Meeting held on February 19, 2024; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Board and Staff Reports
Townsend Community School’s (TCS) Report
Mr. Ryan Bohn, TCS Principal and Superintendent was excused from the meeting, given he was at the TCS Family Engagement Night at their Fremont location. Ms. Kelsey Kromer, TCS Treasurer gave the TCS report out. She stated that TCS has 40 graduates for the 2023-2024 school year, and 485 current students as of March 18, 2024, with their highest school enrollment being Fremont with 83 and Norwalk at 75. She also stated that TCS just finished their financial yearend audit and the State Auditor gave them a clean audit with no findings. She also stated that TCS is continuing discussions for a satellite site at Lorain County Community College (LCCC). TCS also just received their two new vans with one van being handicap accessible and they have also selected Erie Blacktop as the paving contractor for the staff parking lot area. She also thanked the board for their continuing support of TCS.

TCS Margaretta Sponsor’s Report
Mr. Kurt, stated that we had our monthly TCS/Margaretta meeting to review current events and we continue to attend the TCS board meetings. He stated that TCS and Margaretta just had their joint safety meeting and that he is planning on attending TCS’ board meeting on Tuesday March 19th at 4 pm. Mr. Kurt also stated the he and Mr. Bohn met with John Detwiler, Fremont Superintendent and Gary Click, State Representative to talk to them about the TCS learning model and their approach compared to other community schools.

Weighted Grades at MHS
Mr. Kurt stated that he will be bringing to the board a revision of policy 2271 for weighted CCP (College Credit Plus) classes. He is proposing that we weight CCP classes starting next school

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year, in line with the same subject areas that are weighted in house for Advanced Placement (AP) classes. He stated that if the subject for AP is not weighted, than the CCP class in the same subject area will also not be weighted either.

AASA Convention that Ed Attended
Mr. Kurt, who is the BASA President, gave a report out of his attendance at the AASA convention in San Diego, CA, which is the National BASA conference. He stated that the breakout sessions were focused on school safety, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and putting in AI safeguards for schools, and career development and readiness (internships) for HS students and he attended the BASA Reception at the conference that was also well attended. Mr. Kurt thanked the board for allowing him to attend.

Mr. Kurt also asked Dr. Jen Theis, HS/MS Principal, to talk about the development of our sixth grade Makers Space that promotes students’ development of soft skills, focusing on collaboration, team group work and problem solving.

Public Participation
Mr. GarySmithgaveinformation about Lifewise andthecurrent activitiesthat theoutsideprogram is doing. Mr. Smith also thanked the school for allowing the parents’ ability to choose the option of the Lifewise program.

Introduction of Additional Items to the Agenda None

Treasurer’s 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 (FYTD) revenue through February (with 67% of the fiscal year complete) was a total of $10.7M and expenses of $11.6M resulting in a decrease to the general fund balance of $(0.9)M. The Fiscal Year beginning cash balance in the general fund as of July 1, 2023 was $1.0M so at the end of February the general fund balance was $149,167. Mrs. Keegan reminded the board that the comparison of the year over year analysis is skewed this time of the year due to the timing of the county tax revenue received. In addition this year’s wages are inflated due to an additional payroll this FYTD versus last year’s FYTD (the two week payroll processing this FYTD has 19 payrolls and last year at this time was only at 18 payrolls.

Mrs. Keegan also reviewed the current status of the NEXUS pipeline tax revenues received to date. Nexus paid their first half of 2024 taxes at 41.4% of the tax bill, which if they were to ultimately settle at the previously negotiated 58% they will have short paid their first half taxes by $637K. This short pay puts the back taxes owed for the last 4.5 years at $4.1M, if they settle at the 58% of the original billed taxes. Mrs. Keegan also reminded the board that we have transferred back $3.9M of the 75% that was originally allocated for the new facility reserve to alleviate the general fund going into a negative balance or deficit situation. The current New Facility Reserve for the new building is at a $3.2M cash balance.

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Treasurer’s Report Informational
Free Bayshore Counseling Services through the Whole Child Matters Grant
Mrs. Keegan gave the board an update on the collaboration efforts between Family Health Services (FHS) and Bayshore Counseling for a grant opportunity. Bayshore has secured a Whole Child Matters Grant that will give our students and families access to small group therapy, behavioral consultation, and they have the ability to do home visits for students ages 3-8 that would benefit from extra support. This Bayshore mental health and behavioral support is a different service than FHS that is designed to provide one on one individual therapeutic counseling. Mrs. Keegan reminded the board that both the FHS individual counseling and now the new Bayshore support (that will start in the Fall of 2025) are both free of charge for the district and the district is excited for these additional services for our students and their families.

Roof Repair costs at the MS/HS ($15,941) and bus garage ($3,450)
For the board’s awareness, Mrs. Keegan let them know that we committed to necessary roof repairs this summer for a total of $19,391.

FFA pond drainage pipe discussion (replacement base cost of $49,950)
Mr. Kurt had previously brought a minimally priced proposal to the board to install two cleanout areas in the drainage pipe at our FFA pond and woods to alleviate leaf debris blockages. As the contractor was beginning their work, it was determined that over time the pipe had begun to have peaks and valleys in the pipe from years of tree roots, etc. that is contributing to the blockage issues. Whereas the pipe was originally installed and designed to be a straight line pipe with a natural grade for water flow. After much discussion it was decided at the direction of the board to go out for bids to replace the existing pipe (especially with the future new school blacktop water runoff issues, causing an increased flow of water volume at the pond.

New Business
Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Sutorius, on Resolution number 23-24-51, to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Erie County Budget Commission for the purpose of property tax collections in calendar year 2024; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Superintendent’s Report New Business
Motion by Mr. Sutorius seconded by Mr. Hula, on Resolution number 23-24-52, to approve the Shared Service Agreement with Townsend Community School (TCS) for Science tutor and EMIS Coordinator during the 2024-2025 school year. Mrs. Keegan stated it is the same split of costs as this current year; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Schoenegge, seconded by Mr. Sutorius, on Resolution number 23-24-53, to approve an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreement with Rhodes College for the purpose of providing opportunities for students to enroll in the dual credit College Credit Plus (CCP) Program for the 2024-2025 School Year; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

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Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, on Resolution number 23-24-54, to approve a contract with North Point Educational Service Center (NPESC) for services of a Multi-Agreement Cooperative Contract (including Developmental Disabilities programs) for the 2024-2025 school year; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve Music Department trip to Chicago on April 14th to the 16th, 2025. This was a correction from the original agenda that was incorrectly referencing 2024 instead of 2025. Mr. Sutorius asked if they use a charter bus service for these types of trips and Mr. Kurt stated, yes; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Personnel Actions
Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, to approve FMLA/unpaid leave requests; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Certified
Motion by Mr. Hula, seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to approve the following administrative contract renewals, effective August 1, 2024: Three year contracts (2024-2027): Abby Doster - School Psychologist, Drew Grahl - Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Kathy Hall - Special Education Director and School Psychologist, Keith Taylor - Margaretta Elementary Assistant Principal, Keven Wise - Margaretta Elementary Principal; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Schoenegge seconded by Mr. Hula, to approve the hiring of Bill Minshall, Head Boys Track Coach for the 2024 Spring Season; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula and seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to hire Allyson Pressler, Second Grade Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, and seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, to hire Krysten Lawless, Intervention Specialist for the 2024-2025 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

MotionbyMr. Hula, andsecondedbyMr.Schoenegge, tohireJennifer Eckert, Preschool Itinerant Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Lars Livengood, District Substitute for the 2024-2025 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, to approve the final Agriculture Education 5th Quarter Funding of $5,020.92 for 2023-2024 School Year and distribution to VoAg teachers,

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Alison Butler and Kevin Kremer; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius:aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Classified
Motion by Mr. Schoenegge, seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to approve the two year contract renewal of Ali Downing, Superintendent Administrative Assistant, and effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Kurt also announced that Ali delivered a healthy baby girl today and mom and baby are doing well; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, to approve the following contract renewals, effective August 1, 2024: Three year contracts (2024-2027): Mark Freeh -Technology Director, Carrie Keller - Food Service Director, Frances Kremer - EMIS Coordinator; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Schoenegge, seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to accept the retirement of Rhonda (Neill) Matus, Head Custodian effective May 31, 2024. Mr. Kurt stated that Rhonda has worked for 26 years at Margaretta; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to hire Morgan Fannin, Special Education Office Aide effective April 1, 2024, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius seconded by Mr. Schoenegge, to approve the Employment Agreement; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Schoenegge seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Wayne Fox, substitute custodian for the 2023-2024 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Sutorius, seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Joann Rutger, Bus Driver retroactively to February 15, 2024; Roll Call: Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Motion by Mr. Schoenegge seconded by Mr. Hula, to hire Roseann Cantiberry, Substitute Bus Aide for the 2023-2024 school year, pending all state and local requirements are met; Roll Call: Mr. Schoenegge: aye, Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

Informational
Mr. Kurt stated that he was nominated to go to a meeting to talk about the effects of Covid on literacy and is waiting to hear back if he was selected.

Motion by Mr. Hula seconded by Mr. Sutorius, to enter Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment,dismissal,discipline, promotionor compensation ofpublic employees; and conference with our attorneyconcerning disputes involving pending or imminentcourt action; Roll Call: Mr. Sutorius: aye, Mr. Hula: aye, Mr. Schoenegge: aye, and Mrs. Tucker: aye.

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The Board entered Executive Session at 7:27 p.m. with Mrs. Keegan, and Mr. Kurt remaining in the Executive Session.

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

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Mrs. Tucker informed the public that the next BOE Regular Meeting is scheduled for
April 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Margaretta Board Office, 305 S. Washington St., Castalia, Ohio 44824

Respectfully Submitted

_________________________ Angie Tucker
Board President

______________________ Diane Keegan
Treasurer

Certificate Section 5705.412, Ohio Revised Code
It is hereby certified that the Margaretta Local School District Board of Education, Erie and Sandusky County, Ohio, has sufficient funds to meet the contract agreement, obligation, payment, or expenditure for the above, and has in effect for the remainder of the fiscal fear and succeeding fiscal year the authorization to levy taxes which, when combined with the estimated revenue from all other sources available to the district at the time of certification, are sufficient to provide operating revenues necessary to enable the district to operate an adequate educational program on all days set forth in its adopted school calendar for the current fiscal year and for a number of days in the succeeding fiscal year equal to the number of days instruction was or is scheduled for the current fiscal year.

_____________________________ Margaretta Treasurer

_____________________________ President, Board of Education

___________________________ Margaretta Superintendent

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