Springfield School District is no stranger to rising costs, one of which arose recently with security at school events such as football and basketball games.
At the October 27 meeting, Superintendent Matt Geha informed the board that a big component of safety–extra police on campus– is about to jump in price.
“The Lucas County sheriff’s office is raising the rate from $35 to $50 per hour moving forward with basketball season,” he said, adding, “I don’t know where the rising costs are going to end.”
Mr. Geha believes it is vital to have extra law enforcement on hand for events. “We want a safe event, but these costs are escalating like never before, and they could easily go up again next fall.”
The superintendent also expressed concern for school board members. He noted increasing behavioral problems with adults, much of which he attributes to politics and misinformation “thrust into our school systems.”
He noted that discussions are taking place throughout the state and country “on how to keep you safe.”
Mr. Geha will continue to follow safety discussions and inform the board of any recommendations.
Personnel
The board approved a number of personnel matters.
They issued one-year contracts to Susan Jones, Holloway 3 hours food; Kristin Millsaps, Dorr 3 hours food service, and Krys-Anne Rohm, SHS 3 hours food service.
Rebecca Iserman was awarded an athletic casual labor contract for 2022-23.
Pupil activity permits were approved for Alexander Burns, SHS bowling assistant coach; Anthony Burroughs, SHS freshman boys basketball assistant coach; Rachel Dudukovich, SHS freshman girls basketball assistant coach; Robert Harris, SMS wrestling assistant coach, and Kaeli Peer, SHS swimming assistant coach.
The board accepted resignations from four employees. They are Kirk Ostojic, SHS English; Gwendolyn Wilson, SMS intervention specialist; Susan Jones, Holloway 3 hour food service, Jeffery Wilson, 2.25 hour float bus driver.
They awarded 2022-23 stipend contracts to Matthew Kistner and Ainsley Schwartz, CPI instructors, and Carrie Wcislek, freshman mentor.
They also hired Zachary Stein as a student worker for the school year.
Several substitute teachers were hired. They are Richard Crowell, Kyjuan Grace, Heather Lyons, Stacy Quigley, Thomas Schlageter and Geri-Ann Walsh.
Jehan Younes was hired as a substitute secretary, lunchroom assistant and recess monitor.
Brandy Klena was issued a contract as an out of school instructor and homebound tutor, and translator contracts were approved for Janet Kemunto and Nada Salem.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Received for 30-day review a draft of the school calendar for 2023-24.
The proposal calls for school to begin August 23, 2023 and end May 30, 2024. A professional development day is scheduled for October 31 .
Christmas break is set to run from December 22 to January 2 and spring break will begin on March 29 and run through April 5. Graduation at the Stranahan Theatre is tentatively set for May 18, 2024.
•Approved the disposal of surplus property through GovDeals.com or a similar online auction service.
Treasurer Ryan Lockwood said most of the items are old equipment from Crissey such as a mixer, small section of artificial turf and treadmill that are no longer of use.
•Approved the purchase of content management system services from Sopris-Apps LLC at a cost of $5,754 for the technology department.
•Entered into a service agreement with Boundless at a cost of $11,500 per month.
•Approved a day treatment- purchase service agreement with A & G Education Services LLC for $50 per student per day as needed.
•Approved job descriptions for SHS drama assistant director and director for fall and spring, and safety patrol.
•Accepted a donation from Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial of $300 in playground/physical education equipment for the playworks recess program at Holloway Elementary School.
•Approved three requests to attend professional development days. The next school board meeting will be at 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, at the administration building, 6900 Hall Street, and is open to the public.
