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Board Awards Cold Harbor the Water Treatment Plant/Maintenance Building Contract

West Geauga Board of Education Regular Meeting – March 16, 2026

Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 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.   As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 155 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. Observer’s Note:  Several minutes of the video recording are missing that cover the opening of the meeting.  The video quality varies throughout its length.

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;  Dr. Amy Davis, Assistant Superintendent; Mrs. Karen Pavlat, Treasurer; Mr. Ryan Patti, High School Principal; Mr. Brandon Stewart, Athletic Director; Mr. Scott Amstutz, Director of Instructional Technology; Alan Duncan, High School Science teacher; and Sara Salsbury, High School Intervention Specialist were present. 

Other Attendees: Mr. Olson, Mr. Kilroy, and Ms. Davis from the community and there were 40-60 students, their family members, teachers, other unidentified members of the community and this Observer.

Opening of the Regular Meeting - The Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mrs. Claypool. The roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

Additions and/or Changes to the Agenda - Additional names were added to several Personnel motions by a motion that was made, seconded and passed.

Routine Items - Consent - passed

• 2026-03-075 Resolution to Approve Routine Matters of the West Geauga Local School Board of Education.

• Resolution to Approve February 2026 Financial Statement

• Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 17, 2026.

0.15 min.  Program Reports and Presentations - Dr. Benincasa thanked the staff for their performance during the weather-related power outages at the school causing the cancellation of the Pancake Breakfast and a dance at Westwood School.  She reported that the last several months have been "the most exciting” she has experienced since she has been part of WG.  She introduced Mr. Patti, the High School principal, who started the presentations.  He told the Board that there are so many good things happening at the High School that it will take two meetings to bring the Board up to date. He introduced Athletic Director Mr. Stewart who made the first presentation:

• WGHS Gymnastics -

Gymnastics - Mr. Stewart introduced Ava Cavelli who qualified for two individual events at the OHSAA State Gymnastic Meet.  Prior to this, she won the Ohio High School Challenge Competition against competitors from 16 local high schools.

• WGHS Eagle Scouting Award - Nora Joyce was recognized for earning the highest award from Scouting America by Mr. Patti and the Board.

• WGHS Wrestling Champions & Winter Sports Update -

  • Swim Teams - The Boys and Girls Swim Teams jointly qualified 10 swimmers for the District Meet held at Cleveland State University.  Mason Towey set and broke the school record twice during the season for the 500m freestyle.  Head Coach Kyle Johnson was named Chagrin Division Girls Coach of the Year.  The swimming program continues to grow and now has 33 swimmers participating.

  • Wrestling Team - This year’s team included 5 State Meet qualifying wrestlers, the most in school history, with two wrestlers placing at the State Meet. Other awards included the Chagrin Valley Conference Wrestler (CVC) of the Year; a team member setting a school record for most wins in a career, a CVC championship and a CVC Coach of the Year.

• WGHS VR presentation by Alan Duncan and Sara Salsbury - The presentation centered on a collaboration between the High School STEM class and students from the Little Wolverines preschool using a team approach to a science-based project.  The group decided on utilizing a fairy tale as a basis for developing a video game.  The students conducted a presentation of the virtual reality game they created.  Mr. Vidmar, a board member, donned a special headset and seemed to enjoy experiencing the student’s creation.

31.30 min. Public Remarks - Observer Note:  All were parents and/or residents

• Mr. Olson - Explained how he was instrumental in helping the District establish a Robotics Club funded by his employer and he wanted to express his appreciation for all of the support the club has received from the District.

• Mr. Kilroy - Reviewed the history of his advocacy for additional generator capacity at the High School and indicated that the recent power outage illustrates the opportunity the Board has to expand capacity.

• Mrs. Davis - Spoke to the need for the school to be a center available to the community in times of emergencies, opportunities to share physical resources with the community, and expressed support for the Middle School performing arts and the need for a performing arts  center for the District.  Upon the conclusion of her presentation, the Board, Dr. Benincasa, and Mrs. Pavlat briefly discussed options available to the district and that on-going efforts for a performing arts center will continue.

42.45 min. Financial Resolutions - all passed

• 2026-03-076 Resolution to Approve Warrants for February 2026

• 2026-03-077 Resolution to Approve Fund to Fund Transfer for Fiscal Year 2026 - In response to Mr. Vidmar’s question about the funds transfer, Mrs. Pavlat explained that the Athletic Dept. has seen declining revenues from home games due to conference realignments and increased expenses for all of the sports programs available at WG, so funds were transferred from the General Fund to that department.

• 2026-03-078 Resolution to Accept Donations

Name                                             Amount Donated     Recipient

Rockwell Automation                  $82.54                        HS Robotics

Rockwell Automation                  $290.29                      HS Robotics

WG Educational Foundation      $2,500.00                   WG Bee’s Club

WG Educational Foundation      $1,646.99                   S. Sines

• 2026-03-079 Resolution to Accept Increase (Decrease) in FY 2026 Appropriations

• 2026-03-080 Resolution to Approve Amendment to Student Activity Statement of Purpose and Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-03-081 Resolution to Approve Revised Course Fees 

• 2026-03-082 Resolution to Approve Then and Now Certificate

53.30 min. Personnel Resolutions - all passed

• 2026-03-083 Resolution to Approve Certified Stipend for Work Outside of the 2025-2026 Contractual Year

• 2026-03-084 Resolution to Approve Certified Long-Term Substitute Assignment

• 2026-03-085 Resolution to Accept Certified Staff Resignations

• 2026-03-086 Resolution to Accept Certified Staff Retirements - Dr. Benincasa stated these two retirees were long-time members of the staff and “great educators.”

• 2026-03-087 Resolution to Approve Classified Staff Appointments for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-03-088 Resolution to Approve Classified Long-Term Substitute Assignment

• 2026-03-089 Resolution to Approve Classified Stipend for Work Outside of the 2025-2026 Contractual Year

• 2026-03-090 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Resignations

• 2026-03-091 Resolution to Accept Classified Staff Retirements

• 2026-03-092 Resolution to Approve Unpaid Days

• 2026-03-093 Resolution to Approve Supplemental Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year - Dr. Benincasa said that the two half-time contracts will enable the performing arts program to have a “pit band” for upcoming musical productions.

• 2026-03-094 Resolution to Authorize the Award of Service Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-03-095 Resolution to Approve School Psychologist Observation Assignment for the 2025-2026 School Year

• 2026-03-096 Resolution to Approve Chaperones for the West Geauga Marching Band Trip to Ireland

1:06.45 min. Policy and Program Resolution - all passed

• 2026-03-097 Resolution to Approve the First Reading of New Policy(s) 2431.06,6109,6425,6465, Revised Policy(s) 3440,4440,5112,5517,5223,6152,6320,6325,6423,6424,6460, Rescind Policy 5220

• 2026-03-098 Resolution to Approve the Little Wolverine Preschool Parent Handbook

1:08.50 min. Business Resolutions

• 2026-03-099 Resolution to Approve the Cold Harbor Agreement for the Design Build and Construction of a New Maintenance Facility and Water Treatment Plant - During the ensuing discussion, Mr. Vidmar asked if the agreement contained a “maximum price.”  Mr. Amstutz indicated it was in the agreement along with two “allowance” amounts. The agreement also has a change order process, with any individual change orders requiring Board approval.  There was a general discussion on insurance required for each stage of the contract.  Cold Harbor will provide an on-site supervisor that will serve as the Board’s direct contact for the project.  The Board will have approval of the final design.  Mrs. Claypool asked about the additional back-up generator capacity of the building and was informed that this could be considered in the final design.  

• 2026-03-100 Resolution Authorizing the Agreement Regarding the Electricity Purchase Program of the Ohio Schools Council - Mrs. Pavlat furnished energy savings by categories that the District has experienced using the cooperative buying from the Ohio Schools Council.  

Discussion of New Business and Suggestions to be included on Future Agenda - There were none.

1:21.45 min. Board Resolutions

• 2026-03-101 Resolution to Approve the West Geauga High School Choir "Noteworthy Tours" Trip Proposal to New York, NY for March 19-22, 2026

• 2026-03-102 Resolution to Appoint West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Trustees - Chris Demas and Chris Domonkos

• 2026-03-103 Resolution to Authorize the Filing of a Complaint(s) Against the Valuation of Real Property held by Horizon Investments, Inc. Pursuant to R.C. 5715.19(A)(1)(d)  Reviewer Note:  This item and the one below are based on the statute cited and allow a Board of Education to file with the Board of Revision. See more information about the Board of Revision here.

• 2026-03-104 Resolution to Authorize the Filing of a Complaint(s) Against the Valuation of Real Property held by Kinsman Holdings, LLC Pursuant to R.C. 5715.19(A)(1)(d)

• 2026-03-105 Resolution to Revise the West Geauga High School, Middle School, and Elementary School Course Fees for the 2025-2026 School Year

1:27.00 min. Reports

• Superintendent - Dr. Benincasa highlighted the following for the Board

  • A presentation to the community by Lisa Demore on parenting titled Favorite Top 10 List for parents to support their children.  Dr. Benincasa indicated that the presentation was well-received by those attending.

  • Elementary School Musical - “Nursery Crimes” was a hit for all who attended with significant support from Middle and High School students.

  • High School Musical - runs 4/10 to 4/12.

  • Career Panel - parent volunteers leading presentations of career opportunities, 4/1 at 5:30 pm at the High School

  • Spring Sports Kick-off - Thursday, 4/18; 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the HS gym.

• Board

  • Mr. Vidmar indicated that he is looking at various ways to create simplified financial reports for those who are unfamiliar with interpreting financial metrics.

1:35.15 min. Executive Session

• 2026-03-106 Resolution to Adjourn to Executive Session -  The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:43 pm to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee or official as permitted by the Ohio Revised Code.  The Board stated that no additional action would be taken after reconvening from the Executive Session.

• Reconvene into Regular Session - The Board reconvened to the Regular Session.

2:19.20 min. Announcement of Next Board Meeting

• 2026-02-107  Resolution to Adjourn - Passed - The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 pm.

Observer: Bob Doxey

Editor: Rooney Moy

Reviewer: Gail Roussey

Date Submitted: March 31, 2026

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