Berkshire Board of Education- February 12, 2024
Meeting Details: The meeting was held in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 at 6 pm. The meeting was in person only with no virtual attendance option. A video of the meeting is posted here. View the agenda online and any attached documents here by selecting the meeting tab and then the meeting date. There was also a copy of the Agenda outside the Auditorium.
The notation of minutes refers to the time posted on the video for the discussion of the item listed.
Board Members Attendance: The following members attended: John Manfredi, President, and members Dan Berman, Linda Stone, and Bryan Wadsworth. Jody Miller, Vice President, was absent.
Staff Attendance: John Stoddard, Superintendent and Beth McCaffrey, Treasurer
Approval of Agenda - Approved with no changes
Approval of minutes from January 8, 2024 - Approved with no changes
2 Min. Student/Staff Presentation - Three individuals from the Middle School presented including Principal Mandy Randles, Guidance Counselor Cindy Metzung, and student Britton Logan. They presented information about a new program entitled Sources of Strength which is designed to help students succeed. It was stated that this also fulfils the mandate from the State of Ohio found in HB 123 (SAVE Students Act), which requires evidence-based suicide prevention programs. As reported by the staff and student Britton, the activities are for the 7-8 graders; they are peer-led and fun. The activities and the program are geared to help students with eight different ways to find support: Family Support, Positive Friends, Mentors, Healthy Activities, Generosity, Spirituality, Medical Access, and Mental Health. This program is fully implemented for 8th grade, and they will be working on implementing the program with the younger students until all the middle school students are involved. It was reported that no new class sessions were scheduled for this program, as they were able to work with existing times within the student schedule.
15.47 Min. Public Participation Observer Note: The policy for public participation is found within the Agenda if you download the PDF version. There is a 3 minute time limit.
The first speaker was a man who complemented the student and staff concerning the Sources of Strength program.
The second speaker, a woman, had comments about public participation and lack of transparency. She said that she had made her request in the past that the Board allow for two times of public participation so that there could be comments at the end of the meeting. She also said that there was a lack of transparency in regard to what is happening with two things: a building to be built and a possible lawsuit regarding the Geauga Fair issue. These items were not discussed in detail, but the Superintendent stated that there had not been a vote on the “building” issue. He said they were going through Sourcewell, a government bidding process, and that he would present more about this at a future Board meeting. He said they are working on plans but that there was no contract yet. He further stated that the Fairgrounds issue is in limbo but that the Ag Society had not “taken them to court” yet. Observer Note: The Building referenced is for Pre-K and K students with special needs - see the December 11 meeting video presentation for more information starting at 20 minutes. In summary, in the December 11 video, the Superintendent stated that they are out of space in the current building for special needs Pre-K and Kindergarten, and there was a discussion of alternatives.
Also, at 38 minutes of the December 11 video, there is a discussion of the Board of Education’s sublease for the Geauga Fairground (Geauga County Agricultural Society, referred to as Ag Society) building. The Berkshire Board of Education received a 30-day notice to terminate the sub-lease from the Ag Society as of May 31, 2023. At the December 11 meeting, there was a long discussion of the leases and subleases for the property at Geauga Fairgrounds. On August 9, 2023, the Berkshire Board of Education received a call from a new attorney for the Ag Society, Todd Petersen. On August 31, 2023, there was another letter from the Ag Society stating that the building is not comporting with proper educational uses. The Berkshire Board of Education asked for various other information, but there was no response from Mr. Petersen. On November 30, 2023, there was another 30 day notice to vacate the building sent from Mr. Petersen to the Berkshire Board of Education. As of the time of this meeting, nothing further has been done. At the December 11th meeting, there was speculation as to why they were being asked to vacate, with the possibility of other issues being the motivating factors.
22.40 Min. Treasurer’s Report
Mrs. McCaffrey submitted a financial report which is also accessible here from the Agenda. The Revenue Summary can be found here.
The Financial Report was accepted along with the list of Donations.
25 Min. Superintendent’s Report
Numerous personnel changes were reported and approved as well as two new volunteers in Track and Field.
26.24 Min. OHSAA Membership - The Board authorized continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for the 2024-25 school year.
26.47 Min. Contract Approval
A consulting contract with the Credo Company was approved. Mr. Stoddard said that this company helps them find grants that are available through the State of Ohio. The contract is available for viewing here.
27.39 Min. Old Business and New Business
The Board rescinded some committee appointments that had been made at the January meeting and then appointed the following:
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Records Commission: Mr. Wadsworth and Mr. Manfredit
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Educational Foundation: Mr. Berman, Mr. Manfredi, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Wadsworth and Mrs. Stone.
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OSBA (Ohio School Board Association) Representative 2024: Mrs. Stone was approved as the Representative for 2024, with Mr. Berman as the OSBA Alternate. Mr. Berman was appointed as Legislative Liaison.
New Business
29.35 Min. Burton Public Library Board Member Appointment - Matt Connors was approved as Berkshire Schools’ Burton Public Library Board Member for the term January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2030. It was noted that this was a reappointment
30.32 Min. Approved Resolution to enter a settlement agreement in the Ames Matter. There was no discussion. All Board members voted in favor of this.
Observer Note: A copy of this Resolution is available here. Mr. Ames had sued the Berkshire Board of Education alleging a violation of the Open Public Meeting Act (Sunshine Law) in regard to an Executive Session. The conditions of the settlement include a payment to Mr. Ames of $850 and each party paying their own attorney’s fees. As part of the settlement, the Berkshire Board of Education agreed to the following two terms: 1. To “hold an executive session only after a majority of a quorum of the Board determines, by a roll call vote, to hold an executive session and only for the purpose of considering a matter permitted under R.C.121.22(G)” and 2. To “keep full and accurate minutes of its meetings in accordance with Ohio’s Sunshine Laws.”
Not on Agenda: Mr. Manfredi announced that Board Member Mr. Wadsworth was celebrating his birthday.
No Executive Session
After everyone had started disbursing, Mr. Manfredi was prompted to introduce the School Safety Officer, Deputy Johnson, who he said was the district’s second SRO (School Resource Officer). Deputy Johnson was recognized with his family.
The next meeting will be March 11, 2024 at 6 pm
Minutes and More Information available here
To access minutes, go to Board Docs and then click on the meeting tab on the right. Minutes can be found through the Agenda for the next Board meeting, e.g. to access December minutes, go to the January meeting tab.
Agendas as posted are available here
Complete video of meeting available here by clicking on the Video tab
Name of Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted 2/14/2024
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