The meeting began at 6:30 pm at the Chardon Middle School at 424 North St., Chardon, Ohio. A virtual option and video are available on the Geauga TV website Link: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7184510.
The following Board members were in attendance: Todd Albright, Karen Blankenship, Keith Brewster and Dr. Guy Wilson. Mr. C. J Paterniti was not present. Also present Superintendent Michael Hanlon, Assistant Superintendent Edward Klein and Treasurer Deb Armbrewster.
The Pledge was recited and the Mission Statement was read.
Minutes from August 15 were approved.
There was no public comment on the Agenda items.
Adoption of agenda was approved unanimously.
Tribute: President Karen Blankenship presented a tribute to the late Mary Price, a longtime Chardon schools’ educator.
All items (3.1-3.14) on the consent agenda were approved unanimously. See https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/chardon/Board.nsf/Public
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Hanlon introduced Jacob Schneider and Julianne Sweet as the 2022-23 School Year Student Board Liaisons.
During Dr. Hanlon’s report there was discussion regarding the OHSAA Transgender policy. Mr. Albright asked for clarification on the following statement:
Transgender Males (FTM): A transgender male who has not yet begun medically described testosterone treatment for purposes of gender transition may participate on a girls' team at any time and no ruling is needed from the Executive Director's office.
Dr. Hanlon explained that FTM stands for Females Transitioning to Males. These students may participate on a girls’ team. Students may participate on the team of their gender at birth at any time.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Klein presented the District Local Report Card
Approved Motions:
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Board unanimously approved a service agreement with Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency, to provide two FTEs to provide services for the district.
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Change order was unanimously approved for Tusing Builders reducing the contract price $12,748.95 for unused allowances and building damages.
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Board unanimously approved curriculum revisions for sixth grade ELA courses.
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Board unanimously approved personnel compensation changes.
Financial Report: Treasurer Deb Brewster announced that Chardon Schools received GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award for fiscal year 2021. She presented her team with certificates.
Censure of Board Member: President Blankenship read a written statement to “clarify unsubstantiated and undocumented claims” recently brought forward by Board Member Todd Albright. Investigations into these claims found that Mr. Albright violated the following board policies
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1210- Board-Superintendent Relationship
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0123- Code of Ethics/Code of Conduct
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1100- District Organization
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0148.1 Board/Staff Communications
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0122.1- Member Powers
The board voted to enter into Executive Session for the investigation of charges and/or complaints against a public official at 8:04 p.m. The Board re-entered public session at 8:51 p.m.
Board member Keith Brewster read a written statement regarding Mr. Albright’s recent behavior and activity. Statements by Blankenship and Brewster as well as copy of the official Censure posted in Board Docs,( p. 65 and later)
Motion was approved to adopt a resolution to censure Mr. Albright, stating the board in no way condones his behavior and recommends that he attend the Ohio School Boards Association training. Mr. Albright was the only member to vote no on the motion.
Sixteen members of the public made comments about Mr. Albright. See G-TV recording
Meeting adjourned at 10:01pm
Board agendas and minutes are available online.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2022.
Name of Observer: Becki Gierman
Date submitted: 10/22/2022
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
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