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Cardinal Board of Education

LWV Geauga Observer Corps

Cardinal BOE Approves Personnel Changes and Service Agreements

in Preparation for the 2026-27 School Year

Cardinal Board of Education Regular Meeting - August 12, 2026

Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a regular meeting at the Cardinal Board of Education Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, 44062 at 6:30 pm. The agenda is available online here. Click on the Meeting tab in the upper right hand corner and then on the date of the meeting. This meeting is in person only with no livestream or video.

Board Attendance: President Linda Smallwood, Vice President Barb Rayburn, and members Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, and Edna Phile.

Staff Attendance: Superintendent Jack Cunningham and Treasurer Kathryn C. (Katie) Hoffmeister.

1. Opening Items: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken. The Agenda was updated for additional items 6.11 - 6.14 from Facilities session earlier in the day. An announcement was made to add executive session at end for employment

2. Presentations: None

3. Hearing of the Public (agenda items): None

4. Discussion Item(s):

Submitted a $500,000 grant for school safety and will receive 25% match if awarded the grant. The district will know by early/mid/late October if it will receive the grant.
They are trying to secure funding for one SRO (school resource officer) for the district for the beginning of the school year and are meeting with Middlefield Village to discuss moving forward.
The facility plan/wishlist of projects is updated from today’s Facilities meeting and was handed out to Board members. Handout is the newest revision. Changes included moving some items to $0 and other items were pushed out to occur later. The district is currently in FY27 (FY26 is over).
Recognition that fall sports are in full swing with a higher participation rate in 7-12 programs. There was a reminder that there are both Girls and Boy Varsity Golf teams.

5. Superintendent’s Report (Personnel Items) - All APPROVED 5-0

Resignations:

Peterson, Lynn, Paraprofessional Aide, HS effective 8/1/26
Bean, Madison, Youth Recreation Sports Asst. effective 7/31/26
Adams, Haley, PR/Communications Lead, effective 8/16/26 (taking new role; see below for more information)
Luetjes, Wayne, Primary Substitute Driver, effective 8/1/26 (taking new role; see below for more information)
Thomas, Taylor, Van Driver, effective effective 8/1/26 (taking new role; see below for more information)
Herr, Leanna, Van Aide, effective 8/1/26 (taking new role; see below for more information)

Classified Hires:

Adams, Haley, Transportation/Athletic Secretary, Level 3 Step 4 on the Classified Salary Index, 212 day contract effective August 17, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
Luetjes, Wayne, Bus Driver Level 4, Step 5 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Thomas, Taylor: Primary Substitute Bus Driver Level 4 Step 5 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Herr, Leanna: Van Driver, Level 2 Step 1 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Gates, Jeramie: Van Driver, Level 2 Step 0 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Grover, Stephen: Van Aide Level 1, Step 4 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Reese, Jaleshia: Van Aide Level 1, Step 0 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year.
Delbo, Debora: Paraprofessional Level 2, Step 4 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year (pending receipt of required documentation)
Light, Melissa: Paraprofessional Level 2, Step 0 on the Classified Salary Index, 1-year limited contract, for the 2026-27 school year (pending receipt of required documentation)

Supplemental Co Curricular Hires:

Kuhns, Jewel: 9th Grade Class Advisor, .045
Mazzolini, Karyn: Jr. High Student Council, .030

Supplemental Athletic Hires:

Baumgartner, Diane: Volleyball, MS Step 2, 0.08
Layfield, Guy: Football MS, Step 0, 0.08
Hollesh, Ryan: Football Assistant HS, Step 1, 0.11
Stallsmith, Andrew: Football Top Assistant, Split contract (0.15) Step 2, 0.075
Deckerd, Kyle: Football Top Assistant, Split contract (0.15) Step 2, 0.075
Wojtasik, Kelly: Cheerleading- Varsity (fall only), Step 1, 0.90
Adams, Haley: Youth Sports Recreation Assistant, for the 2026-27 school year, $10,000

Approval of Educational Attainment Salary Schedule Placement- Recommendation for approval of the following certified staff members to be moved on the salary schedule due to educational attainment as follows:

Sarah Drenik MA to MA+30
Meg Turon MA+30 to MA+45
Kyle Deckard BA+15 to MA
Jewel Kuhns MA+30 to MA+45
Annie Lawrence MA+30 to MA+45
Danielle Kinder MA to MA+15
Courtney Dyer MA+30 to MA+45
Mary Eigner MA to MA+15
Deena Avalon MA+30 to MA+45
Candi Peters MA to MA+15

Certified Substitutes through the ESCWR (Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve) for the 2026-2027 school year

Garrett, Rhonda
Knauff, Danelle
Koranda, Jodie
Monarchino, Sharon
Pintar, Elmer
Podojil , Melanie
McGeehan, Cathy
Lakia, Eric
Harvey, Christina
Watson, Todd
Temple, Donna

There was discussion noting that many people are moving jobs by resigning from one role and moving into a new role, and this may move them to a different pay scale.

6. Board Items - All APPROVED 5-0

1. Recommended Action: Motion for Board to approve following overnight athletic team field trips to Camp Whitewood:

The Football team, on August 10th -11th
Girls Soccer, August 13th - 14th.

The District will provide the transportation to and from the camp. All other costs are covered by team fundraisers already completed, and student athletes will be required to pay a portion. The camp will be run by district Coaching Staff and Camp Whitewood.

2. Board approval of the Ohio Schools Council- Electric Program Agreement FY27. No discussion.
3. Board approval of the Education Alternatives Transportation Agreement for FY 27. Superintendent Jack Cunningham confirmed that this is a new agreement. He believes he has answered all Board questions and thinks this is the way to go this year. No further discussion.
4. Board approval of the Pera Services Inc Agreement for FY 27. No discussion.
5. Board approval of the ESCNEO (Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio) Agreements for FY 27 for audiology and/or hearing impaired, and visually impaired students. Superintendent Jack Cunningham shared that our blind student is now able to utilize Braille in-house and said that this agreement provides a good savings.
6. Board approval of the Applewood Centers Agreement; tuition for student court placed at Bellfaire. This is new to the district for a court placed student. However, this may just be precautionary, as the student may be released and end up not going there. The district just wanted to make sure something is in place if needed.
7. Board approval of the Crossroads Health Agreement 26-27 SY (3 students). No discussion.
8. Board approval of the Berkshire Interdistrict Contract 26-27 SY. No discussion.
9. Board approval of the following Donation: Superintendent Jack Cunningham clarified that this donation of $15,000 is anonymous and part of the Class of 1996 30/30 Campaign donor "match" payment. This is a match for that and will be used for interactive white boards throughout the district.
10. Board approval of the Spring 2027 Musical production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. No discussion. Board member Natali commented, “I thought it was sad. I want a happy ending.”

Additional Items added at beginning of meeting:
11. Board approval of the dugout donation. Superintendent Jack Cunningham shared that Improvements will match other dugouts. The first quote is recommended in each section. This will be paid for by part of the Hartville donation for athletics.
12. Board approval of sidewalk and elementary car block repairs from Allstar. Mr. Cunningham confirmed that the sidewalk will now be a complete circle around the track (up against the fence).
13. Board approval of Board office lot paving. No discussion.
14. Board approval HS cafeteria kitchen accessibility and lighting. Mr. Cunningham confirmed that the high school needed room for refrigerators. A room was cleaned next to the kitchen for the new refrigerators. They are now going to close off the room from the exterior hallway and create a door into the kitchen so the refrigerators will then be accessible only through the kitchen. Lighting will be repaired to stop flickering.

7. Treasurer’s Report - All APPROVED 5-0

Motion to approve the Minutes of the July 8, 2026 Regular Meeting that were previously distributed. Treasurer Hoffmeister clarified that she will go over Financials in a deeper scope at the next meeting as we are only one month in since she took the position. No discussion.
Motion to approve the Minutes of the July 22, 2026 Regular/Work Meeting that were previously distributed. No discussion.
Motion to approve the Minutes of the August 3, 2026 Special Meeting that were previously distributed. No discussion.
Motion to approve the Monthly Financial Reports for the month of July 2026, as submitted (All details available in agenda). No discussion.

8. Legislative Update

Mrs. Marlowe stated that the curriculum for the “success sequence” program has not been distributed yet, and that the program is due to be implemented in October of this year. This curriculum was created and mandated by the Legislature. There is a need for discussion on transportation issues and trying to troubleshoot a way to get cooperation among districts, but this discussion is yet to occur/be finalized. Observer Note: Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 276 into law in July 2026. The law requires the development of a model curriculum, the “success sequence,” to be created by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. It will be implemented in grades 6-12 as a graduation requirement.

9. Auburn Career Center Update - none

10. Hearing of the Public - none

11. Upcoming Dates/Meetings

August 10th: Varsity Volleyball Scrimmage vs. Cuy Hts. at 4:30 p.m at CHS Gym
August 10th: LaBrae Band Night @ 7:30 p.m. The Cardinal Huskies Marching Band and Flag Line will be participating in the annual LaBrae Band Night. Come out and show your support for the Fine Arts!
August 12th: Facilities Committee Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at BOE
August 12th: Middle School Football vs. Cuy Hts. at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Field
August 14th: Fall Sports Pictures beginning at 1:00 p.m.
August 17th: Varsity Volleyball Scrimmage vs. Cornerstone Christian Academy at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 17th - 20th: Middlefield Police Safety Town from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at CES
August 18th: Freshman Volleyball Game vs. Fairport at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 18: Middle School Football @ Berkshire Scrimmage at 5:00 p.m.
August 19th: JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. LaBrae Game at 5:30 p.m./6:45 p.m.
August 20th: Varsity Football @ LaBrae at 7:00 p.m.
August 21st: Girls Soccer vs. Rootstown @ CHS Field at 7:00 p.m.
August 22nd: JV Football vs. LaBrae at 10:00 a.m.
August 24th: Freshman Volleyball vs. Southeast and Brooklyn at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 25th: New Staff Orientation TBD at BOE
August 25th: JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. St. John at 5:30/6:45 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 26th: All Teachers Report
August 26th: Kindergarten Screenings from 12:15 - 2:15 p.m. at CES
August 26th: BOE Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
August 27th: Staff Professional Development Day
August 27th: JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. P.V. at 5:30/6:45 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 28th: Staff Professional Development Day
August 28th: Kindergarten Screenings from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CES
August 28th: Varsity Football vs. Champion at 7:00 p.m. at CHS Field
August 29th: Back-to-School Bash from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at CHS Field
August 31st: Staff Professional Development Day
August 31st: Middle School Volleyball vs. Maplewood at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Gym
August 31st: Girls Soccer vs. Maplewood at 5:00 p.m. at CHS Field
August 31st: Kindergarten Screenings from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at CES

12. Adjournment

APPROVED 5-0

The regular session meeting was adjourned to executive session at 6:54pm for the consideration of compensation of a public employee. No further action was taken after the executive session.

Next meeting: September 23, 2026 - Regular Meeting/Work Session at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.

Observer: Suzie Bartz

Editor: Gail Roussey

Reviewer: Sarah McGlone

Submitted: September 15, 2026

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