Chardon Board of Education – 04/15/2024
Meeting Details: Meetings are held at the Chardon Board of Education building adjacent to the Chardon Middle School at 428 North Street, Chardon. Here is the link to the available Meeting Agendas and Minutes. Click on the meetings tab on the right to access the Agendas and Minutes. Board meeting videos are also available through Chardon Geauga TV (GTV). Topics discussed will be noted by the time that they appear in the GTV video for easy reference.
Attendance: Board President Karen Blakenship, Vice President Todd Albright, and Board Members Andrea Clark, James Midyette, and C.J. Paterniti
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Michael Hanlon, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ed Klein (present for report), and Treasurer Deb Armbruster
2:15 min Adoption of Agenda - All Approved
2:56 min The Pledge of Allegiance was led by second grade Park Elementary student Harper Klinger and Kindergarten Chardon Early Learning Center student Jameson Klinger, and certificates were presented.
4:14 min Mission Statement - Read by Dr. Hanlon
Ms. Blankenship shared condolences and a moment of silence was observed for two former school employees.
5:11 min Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items: No public comments.
Observer Note: In order to comment at Chardon Board of Education meetings, members of the public must sign up to do so before the meeting starts. There are two opportunities for public comment. The first one is on Agenda items, and the second one is not restricted to the Agenda.
5:17 min Consent Agenda:
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Approval of Minutes (04/02/2024; 04/05/2024) - All Approved
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Approval of Warrant List (checks) Report - All Approved
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Approval of Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) District Service Agreement - All Approved
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Approval of Services Agreement between Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) and the Chardon Local School District for the 2024-25 school year - All Approved
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Approval of Student Accident Insurance through Guarantee Trust Life Co. - All Approved
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Approval of Healthcare Process Consulting (HPC) Medicaid School Program 3-Year Service Agreement - All Approved
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Approval of Chardon Middle School (CMS) Out of State Field Trip to Chicago for 2024- All Approved
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Discussion: Mr. Midyette asked if the board has contracted with Great Day Tours for similar trips in the past. Dr. Hanlon replied that, yes, the board has contracted with Great Day Tours for seven years now and has had great experiences. Mr. Midyette stated that he was glad to see that security was on duty during evening hours and that security in general was considered for the trip.
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Consent Agenda Approval - All Approved
7:36 min Chardon High School Student Liaison Report - Chardon High School (CHS) student Madison Primc provided the report (found here). Miss Primc gave an account on multiple activities. Senior Sadie Richards won bronze in nurse assisting at the SkillsUSA State competition, and Senior Jordan Huston won gold at the SkillsUSA State Competition for Architecture. The Northeast Ohio Spring College Fair was attended by Chardon High School (CHS) juniors. CHS girls lacrosse held a Stick it to Cancer Fundraiser. Students attended the College Credit Plus (CCP) Business Student Field Trip. CHS hosted the Annual Powderpuff Game. Finally, upcoming events were discussed including the Hilltopper Track and Field Invitational, Lax-Abled Night for Girls Lacrosse, and upcoming Community Bingo Night.
11:37 min Superintendent’s Report and Recommendations
Dr. Hanlon began with a presentation on the Ohio Music Education Association’s District 7 Middle School Honor Band. Speakers CHS Band Director Melissa Lichtler and CMS Band Director Michelle Watson described what is involved in honor band participation. The band directors stated that students have two days to put on a concert and it is very intense. The directors stated that the 100 students were chosen from out of 25 schools, did a polished job after only one day of rehearsals, and are regarded as leaders in the music department. Chardon High School 8th-graders Nathan Brockway, Charlie Patterson and Nicholas Saakov and Chardon Middle School 7th-graders Sean Howser, Sarah McBride and Adrianna Yaney were those recognized for their contribution to the District 7 2024 Middle School Honor Band.
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts of America, was presented to CHS senior Grace Romanoff for her construction of an arbor bench and planting of a garden for Heather Hill Care Communities in Chardon.
The Eagle Scout Award, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts of America, was presented to CHS senior Addison Seese for his project removing over 300 old seat labels from Park Elementary’s auditorium seating and laser-etching and installing new labels to facilitate seat number legibility for event guests.
Students Zac Rospiko and Ben Mitchell were recognized for their achievement as Ohio Athletic Committee (OAC) Junior High School Wrestling State Qualifiers.
25:04 min Dr. Ed Klein, Assistant Superintendent, presented on the minor 2024-25 school year curriculum changes, new materials, and continuous curriculum planning process. Dr. Klein explained that the district is on a 5-year continuous improvement process and that the changes implemented here are a part of that process. Dr. Klein stated that he is asking for approval to begin the 2024-25 school year with the purchased new materials. He explained that parents always have the opportunity to give input per board policy, and that all textbooks and classes are listed online. Dr. Klein reported that in this meeting he is addressing world language, music, art, and health sciences. He stated that the district teaches abstinence-based curriculum and the new textbooks allow for that instruction. Dr. Klein reported that world language classes are open to grades K-3. He also noted that Psychology and Sociology College AP courses do teach some controversial topics, but that those topics should be expected at this level of education.
Ms. Blankenship stated that she is on the committee to assist with curriculum development and said that it is great to see the enthusiasm of each specialist behind this work. She added that the textbooks are used as a tool and not taught cover to cover.
Dr. Klein added that the textbooks are written for national audiences, and if parents want to understand what topics are being taught, they should begin with the Course of Study for the particular course as the books are not taught cover to cover.
Ms. Clark added that the College Advanced Placement (AP) Course texts also help with preparing the students for the AP tests at the end of the year.
Dr. Hanlon asked if there were any questions on approval of agenda items 5.6-5.15 (listed below), and Mr. Midyette asked for an explanation about how the recommendations were made. Dr. Klein explained that teachers work in groups or committees to develop the recommendations, then the recommendations are sent to him for approval, and finally they go to Dr. Hanlon and the Board for a final approval.
Mr. Albright asked if the school gets discounts on language apps like Rosetta Stone or Duo Lingo? Dr. Klein responded that district memberships are available.
Ms. Clark stated that her twins are third graders, and she sees lots of parent involvement. She noted that teachers are very helpful in making book selections that are appropriate for gifted readers.
Mr. Midyette asked if the Board was approving new books or previously used books, and what the average lifespan of a book is for the district. Dr. Klein stated that the books for approval tonight are all new, some updated editions, and that the average lifespan of a book is about 5 years due to use and updates to the content.
Mr. Midyette asked if any new instruments are being introduced for the music departments this year? Dr. Hanlon explained that the music teachers have received grants to expand their offerings and are exposing students to new instruments.
Mr. Midyette asked about the revisions to courses of study, and Dr. Klein explained that the majority of these changes are minor and the one larger update is explained in the text.
45:51 min Administrative, Certified/Licensed, Classified, Supplemental, and Non-Contractual Personnel and Compensation - All Approved
46:12 min Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend the Employee Severance Plan for Allen Herner Approval of - All Approved
Discussion: Mr. Midyette asked how keeping Mr. Herner will benefit the district. Dr. Hanlon stated that Mr. Herner occupies a very difficult-to-staff position and he agreed to stay on for one course. Dr. Hanlon went on to say that the position is a unicorn of business experience and academia in that it requires a lot of different expertise and that Lakeland also has to approve the teacher’s qualifications. Dr. Hanlon explained that approving the extension will allow Mr. Herner to keep his health insurance during this time.
50:07 min Approval of Student Teaching Agreement MOU between Chardon Local Schools (CLS) and Hiram College - All Approved
Discussion: Mr. Midyette asked if CLS had a history of partnering with Hiram and if there is a reason they are partnering with Hiram over other colleges now? Dr. Hanlon stated that they have partnered in the past and that the student teacher agreements are all unique when a student wants to do the work. Dr. Hanlon stated that they have had students from many different colleges and it depends on where the student teacher is attending when they request to complete their placement at CLS. Dr. Hanlon stated that this is not an exclusive agreement.
51:39 min Approval of Fleet Vehicle Maintenance Shared Services Agreement - All Approved
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon stated that this agreement is going well and what is being voted on is a revision of the service fee for next year. Ms. Armbruster added that there is also the addition of an administrative fee of 2%. Dr. Hanlon stated this fits well with the long term strategy of developing the Washington Street property as well as helping other districts with the addition of a third mechanic. Ms. Blankenship stated that the district is lucky to have their own garage and to offer that service to other districts.
55:06 min Course of Study Approvals 5.6-5.15
Approval of Course of Study for World Language for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of Textbooks for World Language for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of Course of Study for Health and Physical Education for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of textbooks for Health and Physical Education for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of Course of Study for Music for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of textbooks for Music for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of Course of Study for Art for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of Course of Study for English Language Arts (ELA) for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Approval of textbooks for ELA for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
1:00:17 min Approval of textbooks for Psychology and Sociology for the 2024-25 School Year - All Approved
Discussion: Dr. Hanlon thanked the staff for their time and effort in the curriculum development process. Dr. Hanlon stated that the staff take the process very seriously and are very passionate about finding resources to best meet the needs of the students. Dr. Hanlon stated that this process has allowed them to be current, something they were not able to do 10 years ago.
1:04:14 min Board Policies - Second Reading and Approval -All Approved.
1:05:09 mins Treasurer Report/ CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Report and Recommendations - Ms. Armbruster gave the CFO report for March 2024. Ms. Armbruster stated that the new Assistant Treasurer helped in putting together tonight's presentation. Ms. Armbruster stated that they are at the time of year where everyone is putting in purchase orders and payroll is going to be paid out. Ms. Armbruster stated that it looks like they will end the year about where they originally forecasted. Ms. Armbruster stated that they collected more than anticipated from public utilities, the sale of the Canfield Road property, state funding, property tax, and interest.
Ms. Clark asked what is done with the extra money, and Ms. Armbruster stated that the funds will be adjusted to account for the 5-year forecast.
Dr. Hanlon stated that they are not appropriating 100% of the unanticipated revenue, as some will go to the cash balance for lines that have already been appropriated.
Ms. Armbruster reported that district True Days are at 216.94, revenue is at $11,559,011, and the expenditures for March are typical at $3,127,346.
Observer Note: A link to the FInancial Report can be found in the Agenda and also here. For more of the discussion, see the point on the video noted above.
1:18:27 min Donations - All Approved
Discussion: Multiple members of the board expressed gratitude for the donors and donations that allow the purchase of supplies and uniforms for the students. Members commented that teachers will often have to dip into their own pockets to buy these items when they are not supported by the community.
1:18:41 min Equipment Disposal - All Approved
1:20:34 min Final Appropriations Measure - Fiscal Year 2024 (Amendment #5) - All Approved
Ms. Armbruster noted that this amendment includes new grants from the Attorney General for Safety and Security ($11,799.35), an adjustment in the General Fund for the Stadium Lighting that was Board approved ($368,600), and various Consolidated Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP) grant adjustments.
1:23:30 min Board of Education Reports and Recommendations
Ms. Clark stated that there is nothing new to report this month.
Mr. Albright stated that there is a lot going on but he has no official report this month as items are mostly at committee.
Mr. Midyette provided the Student Staff Liaison Report which can be viewed here. He reported on the Community Rocks campaign to prepare Hilltoppers for the April 8th solar eclipse, a 2nd grade bubble blowing lesson, Pi Day, the grades 4-7 Builders Club partnership with Rescue Village, grades 4-7 Career Cafe with Aerospace Engineer Alex Skulina, Human Trafficking Prevention and Education in partnership with the SOAP (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) Project and School Resource Officer (SRO) Jasen Elam, and wished Mrs. Donna Shafranek a happy retirement after 25 years of service.
1:30:46 min Approval of Amendment to Superintendent’s Contract - All Approved
1:32:27 min New Business - Ms. Blankenship explained that Chardon Parks and Recreation is looking for a Chardon School Board representative to be a liaison and/ or a community member that represents the schools to serve on their board. Ms. Clark stated that she has been wanting to get more involved in the city and she is happy to do it.
1:34:39 min Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items - none
1:34:44 min Recess to Executive Session and Adjournment
Board agendas and minutes are available online.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2024.
Observer: Jessica Martin
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date submitted: 05/07/2024
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