Master Facility Final Update Presentation - Decision Pending
West Geauga Board of Education Board Meeting - 11/18/24
Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met on November 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township. Meetings are open to the public and media. The meeting agenda and minutes are available online. Look for the Meeting tab in the right hand corner. Pick the meeting you want to review and then click on “Agenda.” A video recording is
available here.
Board Attendance: President Christina Sherwood, Pam Claypool, Mary-Michelle Coleman Walsh, Kathy Leavenworth, and Dr. William Beers were present.
Staff Attendance: Karen Pavlat, Treasurer; Dr. Richard Markwardt, Superintendent; Dr. Nancy Benincasa, Assistant Superintendent; Scott Amstutz, Director of Instructional Technology; Ryan Patti, High School Principal and Matt Rosati, teacher and coach.
Other Attendees: Abby Rainieri, GPD Group; Joe Konieczny, resident; Jerry Flesher, resident; Jackie Greluich, parent; Anthony Zaffiro, resident; approximately 80-90 others and this observer. Observer Note: These attendees were representing parents of students who were commended and those in support of Coach Rosati.
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm, roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1.0 min. Additions and/or Changes to the Agenda - Dr. Markwardt requested that the National Merit Recognition presentation be moved to the beginning of the Program Reports and Presentations section so that any parents attending this presentation would be able to leave upon its completion.
0.50 min. Program Reports and Presentations
Rural Scholarship Awards - These scholarships are given to deserving students in districts with a rural student population that may be under-represnted for scholarship achievements. Five students were recognized.
Ohio Governor’s Scholar Award - Award recognizing top academic achievement of a GPA of 3.5 or better. Seven students were recognized.
National Merit Scholar - Award given to the top 1% of the students taking the PSAT test their Junior year. One student was recognized.
Pictures of the students and the board were taken at the completion of the recognition presentation.
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8.40 min. Master Facility Final Update Presentation, Ms. Abby Rainieri - Ms Rainieri is the Manager of Planning & Design for the GPD Group. Her presentation included a Summary of the Process, Scope of the Project and an initial Budget. She said that the process began as an exploration of the “...path to a single-campus vision….” The process involved input from various stakeholders and visits to current districts with a single campus.
She continued that the project scope includes a new single building containing both the middle school and the high school with an auditorium separating them. Dr. Markwardt emphasized that “The middle school would stay a middle school with its own administrator and its own students. The high school would stay a high school with its own administrator and its own students.”
Observer Note: The following summary includes comments by all participants: The auditorium will provide controlled separation between the middle school and high school. Westwood Elementary, Lindsay Elementary and the current high school will be abated and razed. The current middle school will be reconfigured to accommodate kindergarten through fifth grade students. A new fieldhouse has been added to the project and is in the preliminary stage of development. The budgeted amount for the total project including the fieldhouse is approximately $128 million. The budget figure uses a 6.5% inflationary cost rate to allow for a final cost figure if the board decides to put a bond issue before the voters in May, 2025.
Ms Pavlat and the board agreed to a Special Meeting on December 2, 2024 to vote on moving forward on the project.
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30.10 min. Five Year Forecast Presentation, Ms. Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO- This report is required by the state and is reviewed twice a year in May and November. Since the last review, a new assessment has raised property values 32%. She explained that this increased assessment does not mean a similar increase in tax revenues. As they did last year, the board has decided to voluntarily refund $1 million to the taxpayers during the 2024/2025 school year. Additionally, the County Budget Commission suspended collection of the district’s 3.5 mill emergency levy for a year, resulting in a revenue reduction over $2 million. Reviewer Note: See the February 28, 2024 Budget Commission Observer Report for more information on the levy suspension. The current forecast projects a slight deficit this year, but no operating levy increases until 2029 are foreseen.
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45.30 min. Fall Athletics Recap, Mr. Brandon Stewart, Athletic Director - Mr. Stewart noted that 231 students participated in fall sports with an average athlete GPA of 3.1. The girls soccer team finished in first place in the CVC (Chagrin Valley Conference). Overall, there were 10 first-team CVC selections and 10 second-team selections. At the All-District level, there were 7 first-team and 6 second-team selections. Dr. Markwardt read a letter from the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administration congratulating West Geauga Schools for their achievements and mentioning Mr. Stewart in particular.
52.40 min. Public Remarks
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Joe Koniesky expressed his continued support of Coach Rosati during his suspension and the need to treat those making decisions with trust and respect.
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Jerry Flesher said that he grew up in the district and played for Coach Rosati. He said that it hurts a school when actions are taken against a school employee. He asked about the cost for legal fees for this action. Mrs. Sherwood said that the board would gather that information and have it available by the next regular board meeting.
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Jackie Gruelich spoke to the responsibility of the board in exercising oversight of the Treasurer and Superintendent. She questioned the process used to select the next superintendent.
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Coach Matt Rosati furnished a timeline of his suspension and thanked those who have supported him during the process. He received a standing ovation.
Observer comment: A WKYC article states that the West Geauga investigation has concluded and Athletic Director Brandon Stewart has confirmed that Mr. Rosati “...has resumed both his teaching and coaching contractual duties with the West Geauga High School.” The Geauga Maple Leaf quoted a letter from Dr. Markwardt that said, “In reviewing the results, which included interviews of over 30 individuals and video footage, I find insufficient evidence to warrant a pre-disciplinary hearing” in an article available here.
1:14.00 min. Routine Items - Consent - All Approved
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2024-11-359 Resolution to Approve Routine Matters of the West Geauga Local School Board of Education
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Resolution to Approve October 2024 Financial Statements
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Minutes
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Certified Substitute List for the 2024-2025 School Year
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Classified Substitute List for the 2024-2025 School Year
1:14.30 min. Financial Resolutions - All Approved
2024-11-360 Resolution to Accept Donations
Name Amount Donated Recipient
Anonymous $15,500.00 West Geauga Middle School Choir
Anonymous $28,300.00 West Geauga High School Marching Band
The Treasurer thanked the Band Director, Jason Branch, for his efforts in facilitating this donation.
2024-11-361 Resolution to Approve Then and Now Certificate
2024-11-362 Resolution to Approve the November 30th Five Year Forecast
2024-11-363 Resolution to Approve Warrants for October 2024
1:16.24 min. Personnel Resolutions - All Approved
2024-11-364 Resolution to Approve Change in Certified Contract - Certified Salary Movement (change in classification) for the 2024-2025 School Year
2024-11-365 Resolution to Approve Certified Stipend for Work Outside of the 2024-2025 Contractual Year
2024-11-366 Resolution to Approve Classified Staff Appointments for the 2024-2025 School Year
2024-11-367 Resolution to Approve Revised Classified Contracts for the 2024-2025 School Year
2024-11-368 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Retirement
2024-11-369 Resolution to Approve Unpaid Day(s)
2024-11-370 Resolution to Rescind Supplemental Contract for the 2024-2025 School Year
2024-11-371 Resolution to Approve Service Contracts for the 2024-2025 School Year
2024-11-372 Resolution to Approve Job Description(s) for Medical Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse – these are updated minor changes to descriptions of current positions.
2024-11-373 Resolution to Approve Chaperone for the Spring 2025 8th Grade Trip to Washington D.C.
1:20.20 min. Policy and Program Resolution - All Approved
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2024-11-374 Resolution to Approve the First Reading of Revised Board Policies 1220, 3120.06, 6220, 6450, and 6460; Replaced Board Policies 3120.01, 3120.07, 4120.01, 4120.04, and 6440; and Delete Board Policy 8450.01. Dr. Beers asked if the purpose of this first reading was to open these policies to further discussion by the board. Dr. Markwardt said it was.
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2024-11-375 Resolution to Accept the 2024-2025 Annual Report to the Board of Education on Nutrition Standards in the District. Ms Claypool asked about the Wellness Committee included in the report. Dr. Markwardt replied that there has been one that is in the process of being reactivated.
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2024-11-376 Resolution to Approve Proposed West Geauga Marching Band Trip to Ireland, December 27, 2026 through January 2, 2027
1:24.35 min. Business Resolutions - All Approved
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2024-11-377 Resolution to Approve an Addendum to the 2024-2026 Aligned School District Service Agreement between West Geauga Local Schools and the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve
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2024-11-378 Resolution to Approve an Addendum to the 2024-2026 Aligned School District Service Agreement between West Geauga Local Schools and the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve
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2024-11-379 Resolution to Approve the Owner Contractor Agreement between Vasco Sports Contractors and West Geauga Local Schools
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2024-11-380 Resolution to Approve the Capitol Aluminum & Glass Corp. Proposal
1:30.20 min. Board Resolutions - Approved
2024-11-381 Resolution to Approve Middle School Softball as a Club Sport for the 2025 Calendar Year
1:35.40 min. Discussion of New Business and Suggestions to be Included on Future Agenda - Mrs. Sherwood clarified the board’s role in internal investigations. She said that the Administration’s role is to conduct a preliminary investigation and gather evidence to determine if further actions are needed. During this preliminary period, the Board is kept advised of the process but does not participate in the investigation. Mrs. Sherwood continued that If further action is required, the Board would become involved. Dr. Markwardt stated that he is directly involved in the Administration’s role but is limited by privacy considerations in his discussions with the board.
1:38.40 min. Reports
A parent email requesting policy guidance - The request was regarding a policy in the middle school handbook about what constituted “Protected Speech”, section “f” and “j.” Section “f” deals with “inciting violence.” Dr. Markwardt responded that the teacher may have “over interpreted” the policy in the incident referenced in the email. There were no disciplinary actions involved and training will continue with the staff on interpretation of the policy. Section “j” deals with “disrupting the educational process.” He said this section is a more complex area. Actions or material in this section are more extreme and inappropriate in an educational setting. He cited political discussions as an area that can raise difficult issues that may be covered by this policy. Promoting political candidates can move into methods and language that may be considered disruptive to the educational process. He cited the recent national election as an example and said there are no easy answers about this topic. He stated that the upcoming discussions on policy issues will provide an opportunity to visit this topic in depth. Mrs. Claypool commented that election years are an opportunity to teach about our government, the election process, and encourage debate on issues
Bus Update - Trials using a GPS-based system (“Here Comes the Bus”) for notifying parents of a school bus’ location continue. Some routes have “dead zones,” creating gaps in the coverage. The system will not be applicable for private school students within the district. Meetings with the drivers continue to “even the load” between routes. Transportation times show signs of decreasing. Decreasing some transportation times will mean that some parents may need to find alternate child care for their children, as their children will be returning home earlier than expected. Recruitment of bus drivers continues.
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Board Report - Dr. Markwardt said that the disciplinary investigation of Mr. Rosati has been hard on everyone, especially Mr. Rosati. He read a summary of the investigation and noted the large number of individuals interviewed and evidence gathered. He stated that the investigation was not about a “stolen football.” Mrs. Sherwood added that now that the investigation has concluded, the material becomes part of the public record and will be available in a redacted version to protect privacy.
1:57.30 min. Executive Session - Adjourned at 8:57 pm. Purpose stated was to discuss personnel matters dealing with the investigation of charges and/or complaints. Mrs. Sherwood asked Dr. Markwardt, Mr. Patti, and Mr. Zaffiro to join the meeting. Observer note: This is the second Executive Session to deal with the same issue. See Observer Report for the 10/28/2024 West Geauga School Board Meeting, particularly the Public Comment and Executive Session, Reviewer Note sections.
3:24.50 min. Reconvened from Executive Session
3:25.00 Min. Adjournment
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be a special meeting December 2, 2024 at 6:00 pm and the next regular meeting will be December 16, 2024. Both will be in the Board Office. Observer Note: The December 2, 2024 was rescheduled to December 11, 2024 at 5:00 pm due to inclement weather conditions. Meeting will be held at the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township.
Observer: Bob Doxey
Editor: Sarah McGlone
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
Date Submitted: 12/5/2024
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