As he had done at a February school board meeting, Superintendent Matt Geha continued to express concern with the future of public schools state funding.
At the March 23 meeting, the superintendent said he attended a meeting in Bowling Green recently regarding how public school funds are being drained from districts–over and above what the state allots per student.
The EdChoice voucher program provides taxpayerfunded vouchers to students who want to attend a private school instead of their public school.
Mr. Geha said state lawmakers expanded the voucher program to increase student eligibility. Lawmakers also increased the dollar amount per voucher, from $6,500 to $7,500 and higher for students in grades kindergarten through 12.
Because state funds only reimburse a portion of the cost to educate a public school student, districts must make up the difference using voter approved property tax levies or, in some districts, income tax collections.
“Ultimately, we are still taking [funding] from our schools,” he said.
Mr. Geha noted a lawsuit challenging EdChoice has been filed by a coalition of 100 districts.
Those districts–like Springfield–contend the voucher program syphons taxpayer money from districts to pay for students who opt to attend private schools, resulting in less money for public schools.
Also of concern to districts statewide is the new school funding formula, which is not guaranteed beyond fiscal year 2023.
As Mr. Geha pointed out last month, legislators “still have to come up with funding for subsequent years.”
Personnel
The school board took action on a number of personnel matters.
They awarded one-year contracts to Charlotte Garren, 4 hour SHS night custodian, and Colleen Robbins, 2 hour Holloway recess monitor, and 6 hour bus driver.
Temporary changes in assignment were granted to Angela VanDromme from 2 hour Holloway recess monitor to 2.25 mid-day bus aide; Connie Elgin from 4.75 hour bus driver to 5.25 hour bus driver, and Josh Mattis from 5.25 hour bus driver to 5.50 hour bus driver.
A contract also was awarded to Rebecca Swemba, preschool instructor, who will be the district’s new early childhood education itinerant service provider. In a related matter, the board approved a job description for her new position.
Stipends were approved for two summer reading program teachers, Kelly Deisher and Nina Hasemeyer.
In addition Jenni King, Title I coordinator, and Travis Pennell, color guard assistance were granted stipends.
The board accepted resignations from Amanda Ehrhardt, SHS night custodian and substitute teacher, effective March 16 and 28 respectively; Veronica Cannan, SHS food service, effective March 17, and Theresa Roecker, substitute food service, lunchroom monitor and recess monitor, as of March 22.
Hired as substitute teachers were Taylor Gucciardo, Korrin Kreuz, Courtney Runkle and Haya Saadeh.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Updated the district’s safety and security measures as required by the Ohio Department of Education every four years.
Mr. Geha said it is a challenge to keep pace given some of the things students are doing, noting the recent TikTok challenge in which teens are en couraged to randomly shoot people with gel guns.
•Approved six requests to attend professional development meetings, including Treasurer Ryan Lockwood’s attendance at the Ohio Association of School Business Officials annual workshop in Columbus, April 10 to 12.
•Heard from Erica Fishbach, manager of learning experiences for Junior Achievement of Northwest Ohio.
Ms. Fishbach discussed the Students Discovering Career Pathways event JA is hosting on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12 at SeaGate Convention Centre.
The event is designed to engage eighth to 12th grade students in hands-on experiential exhibits with local companies, exposing students to career opportunities available, creating connections and helping to inspire them toward a pathway for future success.
The event also will serve as a job recruitment fair for older students seeking employment.
•Revised the job description for middle school principal.
•Entered into executive session to “consider the purchase of property for public purposes or the sale of the property at competitive bidding.” No action was taken following the session.
The next board of education meeting will be at 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 12 at the administration building, 6900 Hall Street, and is open to the public.
