Although the state funding model has improved for school districts statewide, it is by no means a panacea, according to Springfield Schools Treasurer Ryan Lockwood.
At the February 23 board of education meeting, the treasurer and Superintendent Matt Geha discussed the funding models and where the district stands.
The two recently attended a superintendents’ forum at Penta Career Center in which the fair school funding formula was addressed.
Mr. Lockwood noted that despite a more equitable formula, “unfortunately the majority of the burden still falls on our taxpayers.”
He also expressed concern about the future of the model, pointing out the state has only provided funding for one year “and still has to come up with funding for subsequent years.”
Mr. Geha agrees and believes the “structure of the model shows that we are still shortchanged.”
He worries about the future of the current model, adding there is still a lot of back and forth with private schools which would like a greater share of funding.
Right now each is funded based on student population, Mr. Lockwood explained, adding, “This is the closest we’ve been to fair school funding in the years I have been a treasurer.”
“At least it’s baby steps in the right direction,” said board member Ken Musch.
Personnel
The school board acted on a number of personnel matters.
They accepted the resignations of Elizabeth Garner, science teacher, as of August 1; Jennifer Ruiz, secretary to Crissey elementary principal, February 15, and Bobbi Grabarczyk, 3 hours SMS food service, February 18.
Two changes in assignment were authorized for Christina Robinson, from Crissey attendance secretary to secretary to the principal, and Laura Dauer, from 4 hours SMS school counseling secretary to Crissey attendance secretary, both effective February 28.
The school board approved personal service contracts for the spring play to Dane Corser, set construction, SHS drama; Amy Gelsone, choir accompanist, SHS choir; Terri Murphy, costumer, SHS drama, and Travis Pennell, SHS drama music director.
Several pupil activity permits were awarded for Kailyn Bates, SHS junior varsity softball co-coach; Mike Haas, SHS varsity softball assistant coach; Jiana Jin, SHS track assistant coach; Timothy Neuhaus, SHS varsity baseball assistant coach; Joshua Ryan, SHS junior varsity baseball coach; Mike Shull, SHS track assistant coach, and Lauren Yates, SHS junior varsity softball co-coach.
The board also terminated Andrew Roberts, winter guard coach, as of February 11.
Five summer program teachers will be issued stipends. They are Kristie DiSalle, Barbara Eckhart, Deborah Hughes-Pettway, Kelly Kahmann and Kristine Walter.
They also hired three substitute teachers–Haden Hiser, Sarah Leonard and Destiny Maidlow.
In addition, two substitute classified employees were hired. They are Alan Katafiasz, custodian, and Jennifer Ruiz, secretary, lunchroom monitor, recess monitor.
The board of education approved as middle school academic tutors Kailyn Bates, Margaret Christie, Brianna Mitchell and Michael Ransford.
Other Business
In other business, the board:
•Approved a College Credit Plus Agreement with Owens Community College.
The cost to the district is $140 per credit hour for courses delivered on the college campus; $8 per credit hour for courses taken online, and $80 for courses administered at the high school and taught by a credentialed college faculty.
•Renewed membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 2022- 23.
•Heard from Mr. Geha that school resource officers are in place throughout the district, and at the high school there is now an additional hall monitor.
The superintendent also said the district continues to face challenges with transportation staff.
On February 23, the district had to cut back on one or two routes due to a lack of drivers and for the bowling tournament, Maumee helped Springfield transport players.
“Staff have been out for a number of reasons,” Mr. Geha explained.
•Received an update from Jerry Bell, director of curriculum and instruction, regarding the community Business Advisory Council.
Mr. Bell continues to work with the council on ways Springfield can prepare students for careers post graduation, particularly students who did not believe college or Penta Career centers are options for them.
The council is planning a career day in conjunction with the Holland Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
•Accepted a donation of a spin bike from Heart and Soul, valued at $500.
•Approved a professional development day request for Amy Murphy to attend the Ohio Association of Administrators state and federal programs in Columbus.
•Heard from a parent who would like to see an expansion of clubs at the elementary buildings as well as LGBTQ education at that level.
•Entered into executive session to discuss employee discipline but took no action afterward.
The next board meeting will be a study session at 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, at the administration building, 6900 Hall Street, Holland, and is open to the public.
