The Euclid Board of Education met on January 10th, 2024, in the Board Room at the Fordyce Administration Building at 7:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Board President Pro-tem Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five Board Members were present.
The meeting began with the swearing-in of new board members Evan Botzki and Tia Otoo.
The Board nominated and voted on President of the Euclid City Schools Board of Education, electing Gabrielle Kelly.
The Board nominated and voted on Vice-President of the Euclid City Schools Board of Education, electing Pam Turos.
The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening.
Proclamation - School Board Recognition Month
Superintendent Christopher Papouras read a proclamation naming January 2024 as School Board Recognition Month in the Euclid City Schools.
Arbor Elementary School Recognitions and Presentations
Four outstanding Arbor Elementary School School Students were recognized at the meeting. The students were recognized for diligently striving to excel and consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic. These students exhibit excellent organizational skills, arriving at school well-prepared and eager to engage in learning each day.
Athena G.
Sienna G.
Kendyn J.
Mareonna T.
Dalan Johnson was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for consistently demonstrating a strong to commitment to his role, always being ready to fulfill any assigned tasks and contributing as a team player.
Teacher Dylan Sullivan was recognized as Faculty Member of the Month for his commitment to student success along with his compassion and dedication guiding his students through their academic journey towards achievement.
Mrs. Shawnika Bandy, parent of Sevyn and Arrie N. was
recognized as Family Member of the Month. Mrs. Bandy was recognized for her selfless volunteerism at Arbor and her willingness to help any student or family.
Following the recognitions, Principal LaWanda Prettyman and Assistant Principal Velma Bell-Clark presented about the many things happening at Arbor Elementary School.
The presentation focused on four main topics: Climate and Culture, Family and School partnerships, MTSS, and Curriculum and Instruction
Climate & Culture
Arbor Elementary is focused on building positive morale in the classroom both at the student and staff levels. Through student initiatives like Safety Patrol, Student Ambassadors, Student Council and Young Euclid Scholars, students are encouraged to be involved in the school and create relationships while setting a standard for school expectations.
Family & School Partnerships
Arbor works hard to cultivate partnerships between families and the school. With events like the Fathers’ Walk & Breakfast and Family Engagement Night, Arbor invites families into the building to foster relationships between families and their teachers and building staff. With the Arbor Garden and Book Bash, students are encouraged to take vegetables and books from school to share with their family at home.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Arbor has created a number of ways to celebrate student achievement (for both academics and positive behaviors) through recognitions and rewards. With the Arbor Pledge serving as the catalyst for behavior expectations, students are encouraged to display positive behaviors and given support if they are having trouble.
Academics
To promote student engagement and learning, Arbor has taken a multi-sensory approach with cross-curricular integrations. In fall testing, Arbor Students have shown significant improvement in ELA testing, with nearly double the amount of students showing proficiency in Fall Ohio State Testing.
Organizational Business
Board Meeting Dates
The Board approved the calendar of scheduled board meetings for the year of 2024.
The Board adopted the minutes for the December 13th, 2023 Board Meeting.
The Board appointed Evan Botzki as Legislative Liaison and Selina Wright as Student Achievement Liaison to the Ohio School Boards Association.
The Board appointed Gabrielle Kelly to the Tax Incentive Review Council.
The Board appointed Tia Otoo as the Urban Commission Representative to the OSBA.
The Board appointed Tia Otoo to the City of Euclid Recreation Commission.
Visitor Comments Relevant to the Agenda
Congratulations to the new Board Members
Reports and Recommendations of the Treasurer
This portion of the meeting covered the financial data of the district. Euclid Schools Treasurer Steve Vasek led the Board Members through District Financial Statements.
The Board authorize the Treasurer to sign all payroll checks and warrants issued by the Board of Education and invest district funds. The Board also approved the Treasurer/Designee for Public Records Training.
The Board reviewed and approved the adoption of the Tax Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
The Board approved the appointment of legal counsel for 2024.
Reports and Recommendations of the Superintendent
Personnel
The Board approved changes to Certified and Classified personnel in the form of resignations, terminations, retirements, permanent substitute appointments, non-teaching appointments, non-teaching assignments extra duty, athletic duty, athletic duty resignations, and leaves.
Three significant District Personnel appointments were:
Mike Mennel - Director of School Leadership
Sherri Daniels - Principal of Euclid Middle School
Damion Creel - Dean of Secondary Student Mentoring & Euclid High School Head Football Coach
Contracts/Agreements
The Board approved an agreement with First Hands Health Careers to provide the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program for Euclid High School Students.
Curriculum/Instruction
The Board approved an After School Credit Recovery Program through Edgenuity to help students gain credits and courses needed for graduation requirements.
Donations
The Board accepted donations of gift cards from an anonymous donor and gift cards to Lakeshore Coffee House from Greg Lawrence.
Policies
The Board approved revisions to policies regarding:
Transportation
District Support Organizations
Care of Students in Emergency Situations
Use of Medications
Intr-District Open Enrollment
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras wished everyone a happy new year and welcomed students back to school for the second semester, emphasizing the importance of attendance at the beginning of the semester. He also encouraged families to build good habits that make attendance easier.
Superintendent Papouras reminded families that there will be no school on January 15th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and encouraged families to visit one of the area museums, which are free on MLK Day, or by participating in service.
Superintendent Papouras welcomed the new board members and, in the spirit of School Board Recognition Month, gave a personal thank you to current and former board members for their dedication and service to Euclid.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm.