3/24/2025 Special Board Meeting/Work Session

Mr. Kisabeth led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mrs. Hedrick conducted roll call. All Board Members were present. Meeting started at 5:45pm. 

The agenda was adopted as presented. 

The consent agenda was approved with no discussion needed. 

Apple Technology: 

Apple Technology will increase student technology experience. As a district we recognize the importance of Apple technology and the benefits it will provide to the students and staff. As we continue to recognize the importance of technology we are also recognizing the challenges that are involved as well. With those challenges being identified we have decided to table the rollout of Apple technology. This will allow the district to continue to evaluate and develop a plan for the proper implementation. Mr. Kisabeth asked about the Chromebooks that the students are currently utilizing and if the district would receive anything from those in the switch. Mr. Nadeau confirmed that a third party would do a buyout for the Chromebooks. There was discussion about iPads vs Macbooks and keyboards. Mr. Kisabeth asked about typing skills if all students receive an iPad. Mr. Nadeau mentioned that half of the iPads will come with keyboards. Mr. Williams asked about students completing homework on an iPad. Mr. Nadeau said yes, and Dr. McBride commented on the grade bands for keyboards. Mr. Nadeau spoke about the Apple Technology Team presenting twice in the district. Once was for the Administration team and the second time was for the Leadership team. The response from both teams was interest and excitement. Mr. Williams expressed concerns with curriculum accessibility and how we currently are teaching. Mr. Perez questioned the insurance, policy and damage process etc. As a district this needs to be addressed prior to moving forward. Mr. Nadeau said that the cost of repairs long term versus short term needs to be evaluated. With that being said, that is the reason the district is not currently ready to commit to Apple Technology. This item will be tabled until further evaluation is determined. Mr. Nadeau said that at the 6:30pm meeting there is an action item to be approved to help assist our technology department and build a stronger infrastructure.

Audit of Date: 

Mrs. Hedrick provided the audit report. The report on any issues will range from significant to severe. First, is a verbal. Second, is a management letter. Third, is an audit report. The management letter is not part of the audit report. There are "findings" and "findings for recovery". Findings for recovery means overpay and it needs to be paid back. The budget revenue and expenditures were not reported correctly. This could have been from the conversion company entering an incorrect number or past treasurers providing the incorrect amount. The management letter has two different concerns. First, Noncompliance Finding which is expenditures taken from ESSER funds that were not allowed. This cost is $2,939. The district does not need to pay this amount back. Second, is Stale Dated Checks that were from January 2012 through November 2022 at a total of $894.80. Mr. Kisabeth commented that he met with Mrs. Hedrick and the team and these errors have been corrected and the district is ready to move forward. Mr. Perez mentioned that he can't believe we still use checks as a district. Mrs. Hedrick ended the conversation with the emphasis that even though the error may have occurred with a company or other individuals it is the treasurer's responsibility to correct and move forward. 

District Planning: 

Sale of Land: Mr. Nadeau confirmed that the sale of the land is still on track for disposal by the end of May. 

Levy Plan: The Board of Education has stated prior that Tiffin City will go on the ballot in November and we expect a resolution in June and July. The ballot will be for an anticipated earned income tax of .75%. Mr. Kisabeth confirmed the plan remains for November and finalization will occur in June. Mr. Nadeau mentioned that the board will continue to work out needs and tasks. Mr. Williams and Mr. Perez mentioned about the different between Renewal and Replacement. We have a short period of time to educate stakeholders. These terms can be confusing for individuals. Mr. Nadeau commented that from now until June is will be vital to educate taxholders. 

Parks: 

There was a discussion about moving the current home fields for Tiffin City to Hedges Boyer Park. Mr. Nadeau mentioned that most of our sports currently have a home base by Columbian. Mr. Kisabeth mentioned that we can continue to hold all our home games on campus. The park at Hedges would allow Tiffin City to move to Hedges if needed. Mr. Williams mentioned tournaments being held at Hedges and the financial benefits for the district. Mr. Nadeau agrees with supporting the city but does not think we need to call the fields our home base. Mr. Perez asked about the financial impact for Tiffin City Schools. Mr. Nadeau said yes we would pay if we call the fields our home base. As a district we need to look at the fiscal picture. Mr. Kisabeth mentioned that a lot of different factors need to be taken into consideration. Mrs. Stephey and Dr. McBride said that this would not be a Tiffin City Schools project but the community partners and collaboration are important. 

Community Schools: 

There was a discussion on reconfiguration of school buildings. It was very clearly stated that if the reconfiguration of buildings occur it will not be for August 2025. Mr. Perez asked if August 2026 was feasible. Mr. Nadeau responded as potentially. There is a lot of factors that play a role in the move, teaching licenses, transportation, technology, etc. Dr. McBride asked if the data was being developed to provide at a later time. Mr. Nadeau said yes, but currently not ready. Mr. Williams mentioned the importance of data so planning can start and a clear picture on how many departments it would effect. Mr. Nadeau mentioned we are currently in the general exploration stage then an outline of a plan will be developed. Mr. Kisabeth mentioned that he is not in favor of community schools. Mr. Williams would like to see the comparison for our operating expense. We can't rely on state or local funding so how can we close the gap. Dr. McBride said that money is not the only factor when evaluating reconfiguration, we need to focus on what is the best for students and families. If that means moving to community schools, than that is what needs to be done. Mr. Nadeau ended the conversation by stating that the team will continue to work on a plan and provide data. 

Meeting started: 5:45pm

Meeting ended: 6:30pm