The Euclid Board of Education met on February 14th, 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 Vice-President Pam Turos, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Four Board Members were present, Board President Gabrielle Kelly was unable to attend the meeting.
The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening.
The Board adopted the minutes from the January 10th and 30th Board Meetings.
Arbor Elementary School Recognitions and Presentations
Four outstanding Bluestone Elementary School School Students were recognized at the meeting. The students were recognized for their leadership and helpfulness to their peers along with working hard academically, having great attendance, and always being Respectful, Responsible and Ready to Learn.
Naissata D.
Kendall J.
Karter J.
Nicholas L.
Brekenda Jordan was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for the great impact she has made on the school community during her first year as Secretary–she is extremely helpful and resourceful.
Teachers Susan Coustillac, Susan Fagin, and Colleen Smith were
recognized as Faculty Members of the Month for being extremely helpful to everyone at Bluestone including students, families, and their colleagues and administration. They are extremely involved with the school community and can always be counted on.
Ms. Alexandria Glass, parent of Kyrinn, Jhermani, and Jhordyn D. was recognized as one of the Family Members of the Month. Ms. Glass was recognized because she makes sure that her children are always at
school and on time. She comes to all of Bluestone’s conferences and literacy nights, supports school fundraisers and is always responsive.
Mr. Atonio Kirk Sr, parent of Antonio Kirk Jr., was also recognized as a Family Member of the Month. Mr. Kirk attends every open house, conference night and school event. He is part of the Bluestone PTA and is always available to volunteer his time when needed. He makes sure that his child attends school regularly and that homework is completed and turned in.
Following the recognitions, Principal Cherree Mason and Assistant Principal Shatima Walker presented about “Mission Possible” the theme of the school year at at Bluestone Elementary School.
The presentation focused on five main goals:
Building Teacher & Student Leaders
Bluestone has a number of teams and committees to help build leaders around the building. Through groups like the Building Leadership Team, PBIS Committee, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Student Council the staff at Bluestone places an emphasis on cultivating positive leadership.
Increasing Parent/Community Engagement
Teachers Christie Busch and Rebecca Green have started The Bluestone Press a school newspaper staffed by student writers to keep students, families and community members aware of what's happening in the school building. Bluestone is also proud to have partnerships with Imani United Church of Christ to recognize students who display the 3Rs with luncheons and provide donations. Other partnerships with Faith Community Worship Center and Chick-Fil-A helped provide donations to students and their families. The Bluestone PTA has also hosted several events to further build the relationship between families and the school.
Building a Positive Climate
Using a reward system revolving around PBIS students are able to earn “Panther Bucks” by being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. Students can use their Panther Bucks at the PBIS store and earn incentives like “Splat the Staff.” Students at Bluestone have also created the Panther Cafe with the help of a few teachers. The Students take orders from staff around the building, then make and deliver the coffee orders on Friday Mornings.
Increasing Attendance
Bluestone has placed a high priority on increasing attendance this year at the school. After analyzing data from last year to better understand patterns of attendance, the school has altered activities and schedules to better plan for positive attendance issues. Throughout the school year, Bluestone’s attendance rate has been significantly higher each month when compared to the 2022-2023 school year. Students have taken ownership of their attendance by tracking it by hand each day and by earning rewards for attending school every day of a week.
Increasing Teacher Efficacy
This year, Bluestone teachers have been awarded over $24,500 in grant funds from the Euclid Schools Foundation to provide more curriculum and activities to better educate their students and provide non-traditional programming.
Presentations/Recognitions
National School Breakfast Week March 4-8, 2024
Severe Weather Awareness Week March 17-23, 2024
Euclid Schools will have a system-wide tornado drill across the district as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week
Legislative Liaison
Student Liaison
Visitor Comments Relevant to the Agenda
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 approved the amended appropriations for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The Board reviewed and approved the Board Service Fund.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the filing of a complaint against the valuation of a commercial property in Euclid pursuant to Ohio Revised Code.
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.
Vance Marbury was approved as the Director of Business Affairs.
Contracts/Agreements
The Board approved an agreement with the Euclid Teachers Association approving April 8th, 2024 as a Virtual Inservice Day coinciding with the solar eclipse that will take place that day.
Routine Business
The Board authorized Euclid High School and Euclid Middle School to remain members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Board approved a Service Agreement with St. Jerome School for the rest of the school year.
The Board approved the payment from Grants
The Board approved a Transportation Contract with Samia Transportation to provide some transportation for special education students.
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with East Cleveland Neighborhood Center to provide services and programming to students at the Euclid Middle School and Euclid High School in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention and education, leadership, social-emotional learning, and decision-making.
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Cuyahoga County Community College for the 2024-2025 school year that provides multiple opportunities for secondary students enrolled in college-level courses.
Miscellaneous
The Board approved the submission of a grant with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to be used for safety planning, training and classroom programs to enhance safety at the schools.
The Board approved the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras acknowledged Black History Month and shared about some of the plans to celebrate throughout the month.
Superintendent Papouras recognized Euclid High School and Euclid Middle School for being removed from the Department of Education and Workforce Academic Watch Llist
Superintendent Papouras stressed the importance of attendance throughout the semester and encouraged families to make sure students are getting enough sleep, waking up on time, eating breakfast and arriving to school on time.
New Business/Old Business
The Board approved a confidential Settlement Agreement.
Executive Sessions
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:07 pm.