LEXINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
January 13, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Lexington Board of Education met in regular session in the Robert H. Whitney Board of Education Meeting Room at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Mr. Robert Whitney, President, called the meeting to order. Roll was called by the Treasurer.
Roll Call – Members present: Mr. Keith Stoner, Dr. Martin Gottsdchling, Mr. Dave Roberts, Mr. Rob Schuster, Mr. Robert Whitney ----5
VISITORS / COMMUNICATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Whitney welcomed vistiors to the meeting and asked if any visitors would like to be recognized.
Visitor Tamara Schuster was recognized to provide public comment.
Financial Items:
07-21 Motion by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Dr. Gottschling to approve the following financial items:
1. The minutes from the December regular and special meetings were approved.
2. The monthly financial report for December 2020 was presented.
3. Approved fiscal year 2022 Tax Budget.
4. Accepted a donation of $5,000 from Warren Knorr for the Terry McCammon Scholarship Fund.
3. Approved an invoice in the amount of $7,850.01 from Naviance for college and career readiness implementation package for the high school.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney--------5
Nay: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------0
Motion Adopted.
Public Comment
Visitor Tamara Schuster addressed the Board indicating that maneuvering through the remote learning has been challenge. Ms. Schuster inquired as to when students receive typing/keyboarding class and learn how to properly use a keyboard because she is concerned that students are not effectively learning how to type. Mr. Secrist shared that students are introduced to laptops in early elementary, and noted that he understands and appreciates the concerns shared and will be following up with the District Curriculum Coordinators on the issue.
PERSONNEL
08-21 Motion by Mr. Schuster, seconded by Mr. Roberts to approve the following personnel items:
Certified:
Resignation: Accepted Rick Stephen's resignation as high school Intervention Specialist, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
Salary Adjustment: Approved the salary adjustment for Diane Eifrid form ME + 20 to ME + 30.
Employment: Approved the employment of the following:
Dave Carter - Long-term substitute, high school guidance counselor February 22 - May 7, 2021, $110.00 per day
Melinda Matuch - Long-term sub, Junior High effective January 19 - February 24, 2021, $110.00 per day
Maternity Leave: Approved the maternity leave request for Kristen McPeek from approximately February 17 - approximately May 10, 2021.
Classified:
Leave of Absence: Approved an unpaid leave of absence for Cynthia Patrick, effective November 16, 2020 through approximately the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Coaching Resignation: Accepted the following coaching resignations:
Jennifer Moore - High School Track
Alyssa McCready - Girls' JV soccer
Jay Schmidt - Junior High School Track
Bus Bids: Authorized the Treasurer to advertise for bids for one new bus per recommendation and specifications from the Transportation Department.
Tuition Student: Accepted Bronson Brown as a 4th grade tuition student for second semester of the 2020-2021 school year.
Resolution: Approved the Resolution Establishing Educational Requirements for substitute teachers for 2020-2021.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTITUTE
TEACHERS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
The Lexington Board of Education, Richland County, Ohio, met in regular session on the 13th day of January, 2021, with the following members present:
Dr. Gottschling Mr. Stoner
Mr. Roberts Mr. Whitney
Mr. Schuster
The Treasurer advised the Board that the notice requirement of R.C. 121.22 and Section 12 of H.B. 197 and any amendments thereto were complied with for the meeting.
Mr. Schuster moved the adoption of the following resolution:
WHEREAS, on January 8, 2021, Governor DeWine signed into law Ohio House Bill 409 (“H.B. 409”). Section 3 of H.B. 409 provides governing boards with the authority to establish their own educational requirements to employ substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. H.B. 409 specifically provides that a governing board “may in accordance with post-secondary degree as a substitute teacher, for the 2020-2021 school year only, provided that all other applicable requirements and procedures contained in the Revised Code and the Administrative Code with respect to that individual’s qualifications to be a substitute teacher in the district […] are satisfied.”
WHEREAS, consistent with Section 3(B) of H.B. 409, the Board desires to establish its own set of educational requirements to employ substitute teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.
THEREFORE< BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lexington Board of Education, Richland County, Ohio, that:
Section 1. Notwithstanding any policy, administrative guideline, or job description to the contrary, the Board modifies its educational requirement for the employment of substitute teachers, for the 2020-2021 school year only, such that the educational requirement for the employment for substitute teachers is as follows:
The individual possesses as associate degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education or completes at least two years of coursework at an accredited
institution of higher education (defined as forty-eight (48) semester hours or seventy-two (72) quarter hours).
To be employed as a substitute teacher, an individual must satisfy all other applicable requirements and procedures contained in the Revised Code and the Administrative Code with respect to that individual’s qualifications to be a substitute teacher.
Section 2. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and that all deliberations of this Board and of any of its committees that resulted in these formal actions were in meetings open to the public and in compliance with all legal requirements, including R.C. 121.22 and Section 12 of H.B. 197 and any amendments there to.
Mr. Roberts seconded the Motion, and upon roll call, the vote resulted as follows:
Dr. Gottschling (yes) Mr. Stoner (yes)
Mr. Roberts (yes) Mr. Whitney (yes)
Mr. Schuster (yes)
Motion passed and adopted this 13th day of January, 2021.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney ----5
Nay: None ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0
Motion adopted.
ADMINISTRATIVE/SUPERVISOR/Non-Union Contracts
09-21 Motion by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Roberts, to approve the two-year contracts with the Administrative team, Supervisiors, and those in non-union positions effective retroactively to August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2022 and approving Administrative team contracts to follow the salary adjustments agreed to with LTA consistent with past contracts. The Board noted their appreciation of the Administrative team to agree to pay freezes for 2020-2021 but feel it's fair for the contracts to follow past practice and align with terms agreed upon during negotiations.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney ----5
Nay: None ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0
Motion adopted.
Discussion:
1. Recent Ohio Study - Mr. Secrist introduced Director of Nursing Paula Smith and shared information with the Board regarding the recent Ohio Study on contact tracing. Mr. Secrist shared with the Board updates recently provided by the Ohio Department of Health as a result of this student, noting that students are still contact-traced and quarantined; however, students may continue to come to class if they are not showing symptoms. Studetns will still be quarantined from extracurricular activities under the updated guidelines.
Mr. Secrist also shared his research regarding 14 days vs 10 days quarantine noting that even schools that have gone to 10 day quarantine have not extended that to athletics due to the requirement that in days 11 through 14, the requirement is to remain masked and maintain 6 feet social distancing. Mr. Secrist noted that it would not be possible to meet this requirement at athletic events or throughout the school for days 11 through 14 if the District were to change from 14 day to 10 day quarantine. Mr. Secrist shared that he has met with the Administrative team and the Presidents of each union, and based on his research and his meetings, his recommendation is to continue with the 14 day quarantine for contact tracing.
The Board had a lengthy discussion regarding the current protocols. Mr. Schuster and Mr. Whitney shared their overall frustration with the current protocols and healthy kids having to be out of their extracurricular activities. Dr. Gottschling asked about testing within 48 hours of day 10 and if that would logistically too difficult. Director of Nursing Paula Smith shared that this would be extremely difficult to attempt to track with the numbers of potential kids out at any given time.
Mr. Secrist noted that he's currently able to share with staff and parents that are concerneed that we are following the guidelines as best we can to ensure the safety of everyone throughout the District.
2. Athletic Admissions - High School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jeff Eichorn provided the Board with an update on athletic admissions. OHSAA indicated family members only and much below capacity limits. Mr. Eichorn shared that the District has used split sessions between JV and Varsity games to allow more family members to attend. Four immediate family members were allowed this past weekend, including athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and there was plenty of room at those numbers so this numbers has been increased to five moving forward. Communication has been sent to parents, and Mr. Eichorn noted that if there are any exceptions that families are seeking to make based on circumstances, they just need to reach out to the Athletic Department. Mr. Secrist shared with the Board what a great job Mr. Eichorn is doing as Assistant Principal and acting Athletic Director. Mr. Whitney shared that he's known Mr. Eichorn for many years and was very excited when Mr.Eichorn cam back home to Lexington to be part of the Lexington family. Mr. Eichorn shared that it's taken the entire team at Lexington to ensure continued success of the Lexington athletics and activities through unprecedent times.
3. Financial Audit - Treasurer Jason Whitesel updated the Board on the completion of the 2020 financial audit by the Auditor of State's Office. Mr.Whitesel reviewed the results of the audit with the Board, and the Board agreed to waive the formal post-audit conference.
4. Facilities Construction Update - Mr. Secrist provided the Board with an update on facilities construction progress currently taking place outside. Updates will continue to be provided to the community throughout the process, both on the District's website and the District Facebook page. Mr. Secrist also shared that recent meetings with the construction and design teams have resulted in some modifications and improvements to the locker rooms and coaches' offices to ensure the spaces are as functional as possible.
5. Remote Learning - Mr. Secrist provided the Board with an update regarding remote learning this time around, noting that he's met with the Adminstrative team to discuss the successes with remote learning and improvements from last Spring as well as areas where the District will continue to seek to improve in this area.
6. Enrollment Update - Mr. Secrist provided the Board with an update on the number of students enrolled in Lexington Digital Academy for the 2nd semester, noting 164 students in grades K-5 and 326 student in grades 6-12. The represents a slight decrease from the 1st semester for grades K-5 and an increase of approximately 60 students in the progrsm for grades 6-12. Mr. Secrist also noted the District has 65 new homeschool students but overall District enrollment remains steady.
7. Graduation - Mr. Secrist discussed with the Board 2021 graduation and potential rain dates. The Board discussed potential dates for an outdoor evening graduation at the football stadium. The initial date is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, May 30th with a rain date, as necessary of Sunday, June 6th.
8. Health Scenarios - The Board inquired with Director of Nursing Paula Smith regarding various symptom scenarios for students and staff and how those are being handles throughout the District, and Ms. Smith provided the Board with an update on the current protocols being followed for students and staff.
K-12 SCHOOL QUARANTINE GUIDELINES
10-21 Motion by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Roberts, to accept and adopt the updated K-12 School Quarantine Guidelines from the Ohio Department of Heath.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney ----4
Nay: None ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0
Abstain: Mr. Whitney -------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
68-20 Motion by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Dr. Gottschling, to adjourn. 9:15 p.m.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney ----5
Nay: None ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0
Motion adopted.
Certificate Section 5705.412, Ohio Revised Code
It is hereby certified that the Lexington Local School District Board of Education, Richland County, Ohio, has sufficient funds to meet the contract agreement, obligation, payment or expenditure for the above, and has in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year and succeeding fiscal year the authorization to levy taxes which, when combined with the estimated revenue from all other sources available to the district at the time of certification, are sufficient to provide operating revenues necessary to enable the district to operate an adequate educational program on all days set forth in its adopted school calendar for the current fiscal year and for a number of days in the succeeding fiscal year equal to the number of days instruction was or is scheduled for the current fiscal year.
Treasurer_________________________________
President_________________________________
Superintendent ____________________________
