West Geauga BOE Holds Tax Budget Hearing and Welcomes New Board Members
West Geauga Board of Education Tax Budget Hearing/Organizational Meeting/Regular Meeting – January 12, 2026
Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met on January 12, 2026 at 5:45 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. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 184 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section.
Board Attendance: Mrs. Pam Claypool, President; Dr. William Beers, Vice President; Mrs. Kathy Leavenworth, Member; Mrs. Ellen Naylor, Member; and Mr. Mark Vidmar, Member were present.
Staff Attendance: Dr. Nancy Benincasa, Superintendent; Mr. Scott Amstutz, Director of Instructional Technology; Dr. Amy Davis, Assistant Superintendent; Mrs. Meagan Bellan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Mrs. Samantha Price, Lindsey Elementary Principal; Mrs. Carrie Morgano, Enrichment Specialist; and Mrs. Kathleen Harrison, Advisor, were present. Mrs. Karen Pavlat, Treasurer, was absent.
Other Attendees: There were 55-60 additional attendees at the meeting, including Lindsey Elementary students, their family members, and teachers; other unidentified members of the community and this observer.
Opening of the Tax Budget and Organizational Meeting - The Tax Budget and Organizational Meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm by Dr. Beers, President Pro-Tempore, who was nominated and elected to this position at the December 15, 2025 Regular Board Meeting.
Appointment of a Treasurer, Pro-Temporare for the Organizational Meeting -
-
2026-01-001 Resolution to Appoint Treasurer Pro-Tempore for the Organizational Meeting - The resolution was passed and Mrs. Claypool was appointed Treasurer Pro-Temporare.
-
Mrs. Claypool administered the oath of office to the two newly elected members of the board, Mrs. Naylor and Mr. Vidmar.
-
The roll call was conducted and the Pledge of Allegiance recited.
5.10 min. 2025-26 Tax Budget Presentation - Additional presentation details available online. This presentation was given remotely by Mrs. Pavlat. Recent legislation has reduced the number of forecast years from five to four. The current board policy is to continue five-year forecasting for planning purposes and the presentation reflects this decision. The presentation included the following topics:
-
Property Assessed Tax Valuations - The valuations were presented from years 2016 to 2025 and showed the effect of the 2023 property tax re-evaluation, which was a 30.6% increase in property values in the district. Each mil collects approximately $1,238,000 at the estimated 98% collection rate.
-
Property Voted Tax Rates - Slide reflects the merging of capital and general operating funds into a single general fund.
-
School District Effective Tax Rate Comparison for TY (tax year) 2025 - The West Geauga tax rate at 25.8 effective mills is the third lowest among the eight neighboring districts that were compared.
-
Property Tax Collection Percentages - A ten-year collection rate history was shown to provide the basis of the 98% collection rate used for the budget.
-
General Fund Estimated Revenue FY2026 and FY2027 - Total revenue for the estimated time periods shows the loss of approximately $2 million dollars annually due to inflationary cap credits because of HB 186 and HB 129.
-
General Fund Balance as a Percentage of Expenditures - Graph showing the projected decrease in the general fund balance as a percentage of expenditures, from 30% in 2026 to 2% in 2029 (without emergency level renewals) or 4% in 2030 (with emergency levy renewals).
-
District Debt Margin: 9% An historical ten-year analysis shows it holding steady at 9%, which is a favorable financial position for the district indicating that it can obtain money readily on the bond market without special financing.
Mrs. Pavlat explained the presented budget is an estimate based on currently available information. The budget forecast will be updated as new information becomes available from the State Department of Taxation. She said that the present budget will be certified and submitted to the Geauga County Budget Commission this month and will be sufficient for the Budget Commission to begin releasing tax collection monies to the district for operational purposes. She added that the next budget revision will probably occur in May 2026.
Public Comments on Tax Presentation - None
19.35 min. Adjournment of the Tax Budget Meeting and Convening of the Organizational Meeting - The Tax Budget Meeting was adjourned and the Organizational meeting was called to order. The roll was taken.
Organization of the Board for 2026 - All Passed - Prior to the election of board officers, Dr. Beers gave a brief overview of the responsibilities of board officers for the two new members and referred them specifically to Sections 123 and 124 of the Policy Book for detailed information.
-
2026-01-002 Resolution to Approve the Nomination of the Board President for Calendar Year 2026 - Mrs. Claypool was nominated as the board president by Dr. Beers. There were no additional nominations, and she was elected unanimously. Dr. Beers administered the oath of office to Mrs. Claypool.
-
2026-01-003 Resolution to Approve the Nomination of the Board Vice-President for Calendar Year 2026 - Dr. Beers was nominated as the board vice-president by Mrs. Claypool, and he was elected unanimously. Mrs. Claypool administered the oath of office.
-
A motion was made and passed to replace Mrs. Claypool as Treasurer Pro-Temporare and appoint Mrs. Leavenworth as Treasurer Pro-Temporare for the balance of the Organizational Meeting.
2026 Board Meeting Dates, Time and Location - Passed
Establishment of Service Fund - Passed
-
2026-01-005 Resolution to Approve Establishment of Service Fund - The "Service Fund" is to be used only in paying the expenses of members actually incurred in the performance of their duties, or of their official representatives, or of members-elect of the Board actually incurred in the training and orientation to the performance of their duties and is set at $20,000. During the discussion of the motion, Mr. Vidmar asked for additional information about this fund. Dr. Benincasa replied that it is only rarely used and is created annually to provide funds for board business purposes.
Compensation for Board Members - Passed
Board Appointments on Behalf of the Board - Passed
-
2026-01-007 Resolution to Accept Resignation of West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Trustee - This resolution allowed Mr. Vidmar to resign as a West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Trustee to enable him to serve on the West Geauga School Board. Dr. Beers suggested posting the Trustee opening on the district web site.
-
2026-01-008 Resolution to Approve Board Appointments on Behalf of the Board - Mrs. Leavenworth will serve as OSBA (Ohio School Boards Association) Liaison, Mrs. Naylor will serve as Student Achievement Liaison, and Mr. Vidmar will serve as OSBA Capital Conference Delegate.
Adopt Operating Protocol for Regular Meetings - Passed
38.45 min. Treasurer’s Business - Motion 2026-01-017 was tabled, and the remaining Motions were all passed. Additional resolution details are available online
-
2026-01-010 Resolution to Approve the Authorization Resolution for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
-
2026-01-011 Resolution to Authorize Treasurer to File Tax/Counter Tax Complaints
-
2026-01-012 Resolution to Approve the Designation of Newspapers
-
2026-01-013 Resolution to Approve the Representation of Legal Counsel
-
2026-01-014 Resolution to Approve 2026 Membership in the Ohio School Boards Association
-
2026-01-015 Resolution Authorizing 2026-2027 Membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association
-
2026-01-016 Resolution to Approve the Designation of Taylor Insurance Group as Health Insurance Broker/Consultant for Calendar Year 2026
-
2026-01-017 Resolution to Authorize the Board President and Treasurer to Borrow Funds -
During discussion of the motion, Mr. Vidmar asked for more information about the resolution. He made a motion to table the resolution to allow the board to gather more information about this resolution. The motion to table was seconded, and the motion was passed.
43.30 min. Superintendent’s Business - All Passed - additional resolution details are available online.
-
2026-01-019 Resolution to Approve the Authorization Resolution for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
-
2026-01-020 Appointment of Designated Staff Appointments for the 2026 Calendar Year
-
2026-01-021 Resolution to Approve Support Organizations for the 2026 Calendar Year.
Adjournment of Organizational Meeting - Passed
50.00 min. Opening of the Regular Meeting - All Passed
2026-01-022 Resolution to Adjourn Tax Budget Hearing/Organizational Board Meeting and Convene Regular Board Meeting
-
The roll call was conducted and the Pledge of Allegiance recited.
-
2026-01-023 Resolution to Appoint Treasurer Pro-Tempore for Regular Meeting - A motion was made, seconded and passed to appoint Mrs. Leavenworth as Treasurer Pro-Temporare for the Regular Meeting.
Additions and/or Changes to the Agenda - Dr. Benincasa stated that by tabling Resolution 2026-01-017, Resolution to Authorize the Board President and Treasurer to Borrow Funds during the Organizational Meeting, current school credit cards held by the Treasurer and Superintendent would not be valid until the resolution was passed. A motion was made, seconded and passed to un-table the motion and to reconsider it later in the meeting under the Business Resolutions section of the agenda.
53.20 min. Program Reports and Presentations
-
Lindsey Elementary School Update by Mrs. Samantha Prince, Lindsey Elementary Principal - Dr. Benincasa reminded the board that January is School Board Appreciation Month and that part of the Lindsey Elementary presentation would include a tribute to the board. Mrs. Prince and seven members of the Student Council from grades 3, 4, and 5 conducted the presentation. Each student made a short presentation on what they had learned about the board and thanked them for their efforts. They explained what each grade studied and what activities they did. On January 29th they will have an open house to exhibit a school-wide space project. All have participated in a 3Rs Program- Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn. Each board member was presented a “Golden Paw,” an award for exemplary performance.
-
NOETIC Learning Math Contest Presentation by Mrs. Carrie Morgano - Mrs. Morgano updated the board on the fall round of the NOETIC math contest. There were 33,000 participants in the contest. She introduced the 9 winning team members in grades 2-8 and the two students who made the National Honor Roll by finishing in the top 10% nationally.
-
West G Bees Club Presentation by Mrs. Kathleen Harrison, Advisor - Mrs. Harrison and 5 executive board members updated the board on the status of the club since it was created a year ago. The club has 30 members and their hive has flourished, yielding a honey total of 44 bottles of 4 oz. each. Sale of the honey has raised funds for the club.
Public Remarks
-
Brandon Davis - Mr. Davis, Chester Township Trustee, indicated the township was interested in partnering with West Geauga in community events, particularly the 250th Anniversary of the country this summer.
-
Becky Gruelich - Mrs. Gruelich felt that scheduling the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. was “ill-advised” given the current political climate and that the sign in front of the school should be replaced.
1:21.50 min. Routine Items - Consent - All Passed - Additional resolution details available online.
-
2026-01-024 Resolution to Approve Routine Matters of the West Geauga Local School Board of Education
-
Resolution to Approve December 2025 Financial Statements
-
Minutes - 12-15-2025 Meeting
-
Certified Substitute List for the 2025-2026 School Year
-
Classified Substitute List for the 2025-2026 School Year
1:22.45 min. Financial Resolutions - All Passed - Additional resolution details available online.
1:23.20 min. Personnel Resolutions - - All Passed
-
2026-01-027 Resolution to Approve 2026 Summer Programming Stipend
-
2026-01-028 Resolution to Approve Certified Long-Term Substitute Assignment
-
2026-01-029 Resolution to Approve Classified Staff Appointments for the 2025-2026 School Year
-
2026-01-030 Resolution to Approve Change in Classified Staff Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year
-
2026-01-031 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Retirement
-
2026-01-032 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Resignations
-
2026-01-033 Resolution to Approve Unpaid Leave of Absence
-
2026-01-034 Resolution to Approve Unpaid Day
-
2026-01-035 Resolution to Approve Supplemental Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year
-
2026-01-036 Resolution to Approve Service Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year
-
2026-01-037 Resolution to Authorize the Award of Service Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year
1.28.50 min. Policy and Program Resolutions - All Passed - Additional resolution details available online.
Mrs. Naylor asked if the document had been published. Dr. Benincasa responded that it had and was available on the website.
-
2026-01-039 Resolution to Approve the 2026-2027 West Geauga Middle School Program of Studies
-
2026-01-040 Resolution to Approve the First Reading of New Policy 4162.01, Revised Policy(s) 1422, 1623, 2260, 2260.01, 2266, 2430.02, 2431, 3122, 3123, 3130, 4122, 4123, 4162, 5130, 5200, 5410, 7540.02, 8400, 8462, 8600, 8600.04, 8640, 8650, 9270, and Rescinded Policy(s) 1422.02, 1662, 3122.02, 3362, 4122.02, 4362, 7541 - Dr. Benincasa stated that the revisions are legislative changes, errors, and policy duplications. She said there will be another round of these shortly. Mrs. Leavenworth said that legislative changes generate a lot of changes in order to be legally compliant. Dr. Beers added that this is a first reading and provides the board with the opportunity to make any changes or revisions that might be needed prior to the second reading. Mrs. Benincasa stated that the district works with NEOLA (Northeast Ohio Learning Associates), an advisory group for schools on policy creation and revision to maintain scheduled reviews of the district’s policies.
1.41.00 min. Business Resolutions - All Passed - Additional resolution details available online.
-
2026-01-041 Resolution to Approve College Credit Plus Memorandum of Understanding Between Kent State University and West Geauga Local Schools for the 2026-2027 School Year
-
2026-01-017 - Resolution to Authorize the Board President and Treasurer to Borrow Funds - The board re-considered this motion which was removed from the table earlier in the meeting and the motion passed.
1:45.00 min. Board Resolutions - Passed
Discussion of New Business and Suggestions to be included on Future Agenda - There were none.
1.45.55 min. Reports
1:59.00 min. Executive Session
2026-01-043 Resolution to Adjourn to Executive Session - The board adjourned to executive session to conference with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action, as permitted under Ohio Revised Code Sections 121.22(G)(1). Mrs. Claypool indicated that the board would not take any additional actions upon reconvening the regular meeting and adjournment. Dr. Benincasa and the board attorney were invited to attend the meeting, and Mrs. Pavlat attended via telephone.
3:06.45 min. Announcement of Next Board Meeting
-
Announcement of Next Board Meeting – There will be a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 starting at 6:00 pm in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township.
-
2025-12-463 Resolution to Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 pm.
Observer: Bob Doxey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 2/2/2026
The League of Women Voters Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages
informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.