12/16/2024 Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Mr. Williams called the meeting to order at 6:32pm and Ms. Spence conducted the roll call. All Board Members were present. 

Mr. Williams asked for a motion to adopt the agenda. Dr. McBride motioned and Mr. Kisabeth seconded. The agenda was approved as presented. 

Mr. Tim Murray first congratulated the Crystal Apple Award winners. He went on to thank the staff at Columbian for their patience while being out on medical leave. 

The purpose of the presentation is to present the Credit for Semester Yearlong classes. This change means a student needs to pass 2 of 3 per semester. Mr. Murray as well as the counselors at Columbian think this is in the best interest of our students. This information will be communicated out to students and parents/guardians via Final Forms. Mr. Williams asked if this will be effective immediately. The answer was yes. Dr. McBride asked Mr. Murray to clarify for the parents that may not understand what 2 of 3 means. Mr. Murray went on to explain each student has "3" per semester, 1st quarter, 2nd quarter and semester final. A student needs to pass 2 of those to receive credit for the class. Mrs. Stephey mentioned that currently if you fail you need to retake the entire class and receive zero credit. Mr. Murray fully thinks this makes the most sense for students. Currently, all classes are labeled as year long classes in DASL. At a later discussion we would like to list as semester classes: example Math-a, Math-b. 

Mr. Williams reminded the Board Members this topic will be voted on as an action item. 

Mr. Nadeau provided a quick recap of the topics that will be discussed. Facility Tour, First Read for Columbian and TMS Course Selection Guides, Policy Project Update and First Read, and Fall Assessment Data. 

Facility Tour Recap: Mr. Nadeau mentioned that the facility tour this month covered the Administration Building and Stadium. Mr. Nadeau mentioned the long standing work from Mr. Greg Devore and the maintenance team to provide the best for students. It is important to figure out the wants and needs of the district. Stadium: different community organizations use the stadium. Administration Building: short and long term goals. 

First Read for Columbian and TMS Course Selection Guides: previously the name was Curriculum guide, that has currently been adjusted to reflect Course Selection Guide. Board Approval at a later date. 

Policy Project Update and First Read: Some policies have already been approved. This needed completed to keep the district in compliance. We are currently finishing up our last policy review meetings with OSBA. The goal is to hopefully have the policies Board approved in January/February. 

Fall Assessment Data: 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee Test results have been finalized. This information will be presented in January more in depth. Tiffin City is 1 percent below the state average. Tiffin City closed the gap by 6 percent. 

Dr. McBride thanked the team for the dedication to the students. Mr. Nadeau mentioned that Krout has 60 percent new staff. Their dedication to the students and teaching does not go unnoticed. 

Mr. Perez mentioned that he had a special visit with Mr. Nadeau to tour the stadium. Mr. Perez was able to see the locker rooms on the other side for the first time. He mentioned the condition of the stadium. The playing life of the turf field being 1 year left. Previously there has not been a plan and now we need to respond. 

No public comment. 

Mr. Williams asked for a motion. Dr. McBride motioned and Mr. Perez seconded. The consent agenda was approved as presented. 

Goals for the Superintendent and Treasurer: At the work session there was a discussion about long term goals and objectives. The goal is to make sure the Superintendent goals are consist and understandable even if the board members transition. The outcome of the discussion was that a committee was established led by Mr. Williams and Dr. McBride. Further conversation will occur at a later time. 

Facility Tour: Mr. Perez asked if the district in unable to replace the turf field is there a grass option? Also, discussed enforcing a usage policy. Any outside facility would need to submit a form to request to use the stadium. Improvements for handicap accessible on the home and visitor side. Mr. DeVore and the maintenance team installed a ramp on the visitor side of the stadium that includes seating for 16 people. Mr. Nadeau commented that these are all future considerations that need to be addressed quickly. Dr. McBride asked if there were grants/funding available that could help with allowing the stadium to be more accessible. Mr. Nadeau mentioned the Mr. Devore and Mr. Boes are looking into legislation. Also, private and grant monies can be utilized without taking anyway education from students. 

Ballot: The Board Members agreed to go on the ballot this coming November. There will be an .75 percent Earned Income Tax. This will address operating needs. Current income tax is 2 percent. With the additional .75 the income tax will equal 2.75 percent. Dr. McBride mentioned that the staff is closing the gap and with Tiffin City being the 17th lowest in the state per pupil. 

Board Member Roles: A new Vice President will need to be nominated. Organize committees through the Superintendent. Different leaders and stakeholders will be involved. Committee reports will be sent out in a timely manner. Dr. McBride asked for the committee descriptions to be resent to provide a better idea who is best fit for each committee. 

Insurance: Mr. Nadeau recommends that the district changes consortiums. Stark County is a high quality insurance consortium. Mr. Williams noted that even though the consortium will change the provider Medical Mutual will continue to be the same. Ms. Spence mentioned that benefits have increased by 21 percent from last year, that being almost a half of a million dollars. Ms. Spence said the provider will not change but it will limit large increased on the district and that is a great impact on the district. 

No Executive Session occurred. 

Mr. Williams asked for a motion to adjourn. Dr. McBride motioned and Mrs. Stephey seconded. The meeting ended to 7:30pm.