Regular Board Meeting

1. Call to Order

Minutes

Mr. Blankenship called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.


1.1 Roll Call

Minutes

All Board of Education members were present.


1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Minutes

Mr. Blankenship led the Pledge of Allegiance.


2. Approval of Board Agenda

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Chad Redmon, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

3. Approval of Board Minutes

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board Member

Seconded: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

4. Recognition of Visitors and Public Participation (Agenda Items Only)

(Please speak to the Treasurer prior to the start of this meeting.)

Minutes

Sarah Blankenship, a parent of a high school sophomore, expressed concerns about the school's policy prohibiting bottled water, which resulted in her daughter receiving detention.  Sarah urged the board to allow bottled water for students while maintaining restrictions on other beverages.


5. Treasurer's Report and Recommendations
Lisa Thoman-Cha

Minutes

The treasurer provided a brief update, noting that the GAAP report is nearly complete, and the regular audit is wrapping up. A full report will be presented upon completion.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

6. Superintendent's Report
Robert A. Britton

Minutes

Mr. Britton provided the proposed calendar for the next school year, which closely mirrors the current year.  It will be submitted for approval at next month's meeting.  He reviewed parent-teacher conference participation, highlighting 91.7% attendance at the elementary school, with 514 of 560 students represented and strong engagement from special education teachers and intervention specialists. At the middle and high school levels, 233 conferences were held, with participation declining as students progressed to higher grades. He also reminded the board that the January organizational meeting must occur between January 1 and January 15. Members were asked to prepare date suggestions for discussion at the December meeting.


6.1 Student Services Update - Mrs. Loni Porinchok

Minutes

Special Education Director Loni highlighted recent initiatives, including communication boards for nonverbal students on playgrounds, success in the Pathways program with students earning credits, gaining employment, and engaging in district projects, and enhancements to the Diner 104 program to better support student skill-building.

Professional development for intervention specialists has emphasized executive functioning, goal writing, and specially designed instruction. Eye-tracking screenings by the occupational therapist have led to significant reading improvements. Plans for an interactive club aim to expand social opportunities for students with disabilities. Enrollment in special programs has grown, with adjustments being made to sustain and improve offerings.


7. Personnel - Certified Staff

Minutes

Motion passed 7.1 - 7.5.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board Member

Seconded: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

7.1 Approve the Substitute Teacher List from the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, as per Exhibit.

Approve the ongoing updated list of certificated / licensed substitutes, screened / hired through the Mid-Ohio ESC, who have named Bucyrus as the employing district, and authorize the District Treasurer to pay the substitutes on the Mid-Ohio ESC list between meetings.


7.2 Non-renew all Fall - Coaching Limited Supplement Contracts as stated.

Jade Acker - Middle School Assistant Volleyball Coach;  Landry Amstutz - Middle School Assistant Football Coach;  Kevin Boggs - Head Varsity Cross Country Coach;  Jon Butchko - Head Varsity Football Coach;  Matthew Feck - Volunteer Cross Country Coach; Kris Knodell - Head Varsity Girls Tennis Coach;  Nick Kohler - Assistant Varsity Football Coach;  Matt Makeever - Middle School Assistant Football Coach;  Angela Smith - Middle School Assistant Volleyball Coach; and Kelly Stine - Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach 


7.3 Accept the following resignations per Exhibit.

Supplemental Resignation - D. Martin 


7.4 Approve the following Limited Supplement Contracts as stated and pending certification and completion of all State and Board requirements.

Katie Spaniel, RESA Teacher Mentor for A. Cassady (Year 1) 


7.5 Approve a leave of absence, without pay, for the following:

Jenay Bailey - April 17, 2025 (1 day) 


8. Personnel - Classified Staff

Minutes

Motion passed 8.1 - 8.3.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Chad Redmon, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

8.1 Non-renew all Fall - Coaching Limited Supplement Contracts as stated.

Curtis Ashley - Middle School Assistant Football Coach; Kim Boyd - Head Varsity Fall Cheerleading Coach; Amber Christy - Head Varsity Volleyball Coach;  Bart Dennison - Head Varsity Golf Coach;  Dave Jones - Middle School Assistant Cross Country Coach;  Jenna Maddy - Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach;  Kelsey May - Assistant Varsity Fall Cheerleading Coach; Brian Seybert - Assistant Varsity Football Coach;  Tony Sheets - Assistant Varsity Football Coach;  Crystle Siegel - Middle School Assistant Fall Cheerleading Coach;  Russell Slanczka - Assistant Varsity Football Coach;  Chris Stake - Assistant Varsity Football Coach;  Kaleigh Stine - Volunteer Volleyball Coach;  Josh Stratton - Assistant Varsity Football Coach; and Aaron Weisenauer - Assistant Varsity Golf Coach


8.2 Approve changes to Renhill Contract of Services, as per Exhibit.

8.3 Approve FMLA leave for the following:

Tammy Anders - FMLA leave 12/13/2024-2/21/2025 estimated

Dave Smith - FMLA leave 10/29/2024-11/7/2024 estimated


9. Business

Minutes

Motion passed 9.1 - 9.8.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX  

9.1 Approve the November 2024 Five-Year Forecast
Lisa Thoman-Cha

Minutes

The treasurer presented the five-year forecast, highlighting a projected $1.6 million deficit for FY25 with revenues of $16.4 million and expenses of $18 million. Strong cash reserves of $12.2 million provide time to address spending. Key projects and strategic expense management were discussed to maintain financial stability through FY29.


9.2 Approve rescheduling the Regular December Board of Education Meeting

Reschedule from Thursday, December 19, 2024 to Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 5:30pm


9.3 Approved META to act on behalf of the district in seeking a competitive electric service contract as per Exhibit.

9.4 Approve the following agreement with Mid-Ohio ESC for services with Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant as per Exhibit.

9.5 Approve the 2025 Medical Insurance Rates
Lisa Thoman-Cha

Minutes

The treasurer requested approval for a 5% increase in medical insurance rates for CY25.


9.6 Approve the following Interdistrict Service Area Agreeement with ESCNEO and East Cleveland City Schools at Carrington Youth Academy as per Exhibit.

9.7 Approve the following changes to the 2024-2025 Bucyrus City Schools Calendar as per Exhibit.

Add Non-student Teacher Work Day on March 24 - Allow for Spring Conferences

Preschool Out of Session Thursday, April 24 - ECE Conference Attendance

 


9.8 Accept the following donations as stated:

Bucyrus City School District Staff Scholarship Fund $217.40

Academic Boosters Banquet $538.50

$200 for the Football and Basketball MVP trophies from Sandy Stone on behalf of Stoney's Kind Kids 


10. Discussion

Minutes

The board discussed the topic of water bottles after the parents who raised the concern had left. Mr. Britton clarified that the current policy requires all beverages to be consumed in the cafeteria unless supported by documentation from a healthcare provider. Students are allowed to bring water bottles, store them in their lockers, and drink between classes. The board reviewed the policy and agreed to uphold the existing rules. Mr. Britton informed the board that he would follow up with the parents.


11. Public Participation (Any Topic)

12. Adjourn

Minutes

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Randy Blankenship, PresidentX  
Mrs. Christa Graves, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Morgan Jones, Board MemberX  
Ms. Jenna Bollinger, Board MemberX  
Mr. Chad Redmon, Board MemberX