The Euclid Board of Education met on November 12, 2025, 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 Gabrielle Kelly, followed by a presentation of the colors by Euclid High School’s NJROTC Color Guard accompanied by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All Five Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening.
The Board adopted the minutes for the October 8th and 22nd, 2025 Board Meetings.
Euclid High School Recognitions and Presentation
Six outstanding Euclid High School Students were recognized as 
Students of the Month at the meeting for their participation in the NJROTC Color Guard.
Shy’Tuan Cepeda
Jackson Greenway
Kelli Banks
Damon Stephens
Eriana Hernandez
Tion Gabriel
The Euclid High School Color Guard is a shining example of what makes the Euclid School community special. At every major EHS event, from assemblies and athletic competitions to Commencement, the EHS Color Guard leads with honor, precision and pride. Their commitment to excellence and respect in presenting our nation’s colors sets the tone for unity and purpose throughout each occasion. Although their contributions often go unrecognized, the members of the Color Guard consistently demonstrate the qualities that define Euclid High School: strength, discipline and responsibility. Their presence is a reminder that leadership is not always about being seen or heard, but showing up with dedication, integrity, and professionalism time after time.
Family Resource Manager Libby Russo was recognized as Staff Member of the Month. A staff member for twenty-five years, Ms. Russo has been a steadfast advocate and champion for the students of Euclid High School. Through her work, Ms. Russo has given students meaningful access to the services and resources they need to thrive academically, personally and emotionally.
Math Teacher Kara Vlach was recognized as Faculty Member of the Month for consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to academi
c excellence and student growth. Mrs. Vlach approaches her work with purpose and passion, inspiring students and colleagues through her intellectual curiosity and reflective practice. She is deeply committed to the growth and development of others, recognizing potential in those around her and creating opportunities that build confidence, foster collaboration and promote professional excellence.
Ms. Tereza Buzdon was recognized as Family Member of the Month
. Ms. Buzdon is an exceptional parent whose generosity, leadership and commitment have greatly enriched the Euclid High School community. She has been a tireless supporter of the Class of 2026, giving her time and enthusiasm to ensure that every event and activity is meaningful and memorable for our students.
Following the recognitions, Principal Corey Russell presented on the culture development happening at The Euclid High School.
The presentation told the story of leadership, culture and systems, highlighting the intentional work being done to ensure that every student at EHS feels known, connected and capable of success.
Principal Russell introduced the Performance Pathway: Leaders > Culture > Behavior > Results to emphasize how leadership at Euclid High School isn’t limited to titles or roles. Instead, it’s a mindset embraced by students, teachers and staff. Everyone contributes to shaping the culture they want to see. Through the development of the school’s Culture Playbook, students and staff have collaboratively built a framework rooted in shared values and daily actions that reflect who they are and who they aspire to be. He also highlighted the addition of student art throughout the building, specifically a mural painted by Sireniti Brown that proudly displays “At Euclid High School, Your Voice Matters.” Measurable gains in academic performance, attendance and behavior, make it clear that Euclid High School is building momentum. The presentation then unfolded through the Playbook’s three core values: Strength of Self, Strength of Relationships and Strength of Mind.
Strength of Self
The first pillar centers on individual responsibility, confidence and the pursuit of excellence. Mr. Russell spotlighted how students are building self-awareness and pride by getting involved and pushing themselves academically, athletically and artistically. Over 60% of Juniors are enrolled in Career Tech programs, reflecting a commitment to life after graduation. In total, students are taking 631 credits this semester across honors, CCP, AP, and Pre-AP courses. The athletic program boasts 450 student-athletes across 22 teams, including the state champion cheerleading team and nationally ranked track team. Varsity Chorale has earned three grand championships, demonstrating the same discipline and passion found on the field and in the classroom.
This value reminds students that their voices matter and that their individual actions contribute meaningfully to a culture of pride. The message is clear: Panthers are strong because they know who they are and believe in who they can become.
Strength of Relationships
The second pillar emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration and community within the school and beyond. Whether it was Pep Rallies designed and executed by Student Council based on feedback from their peers, or a senior trip to Cedar Point and the upcoming journey to Greece, students are building bonds and memories that matter. The school has made a concerted effort to build relationships with younger Panthers too – eighth graders from Pinnacle Academy were invited to tour EHS, guided by former Pinnacle students who now attend the high school.
In addition, strong partnerships with community organizations enrich learning experiences and expand students’ horizons. These relationships strengthen the message that at EHS, “It’s not just me, it’s we.”
Strength of Mind
The final pillar focuses on discipline, consistency, and the systems that support long-term success. Principal Russell shared how Euclid High has adopted an intentional approach to teaching and learning through its Morning Meeting Schedule, which includes weekly TBT data analysis, instructional planning, department meetings and flexible support. Innovative programming such as the 9th Grade Special Education Pilot, places more students in co-taught classrooms, offering small group support while keeping students in the least restrictive environment. These moves reflect the school's commitment to equity, personalization and proactive support.
The R-Factor
Students are also learning to navigate life’s challenges through the R-Factor Mindset: “I do not control events. My response is my choice. I earn outcomes by the quality of my response.”
An intentional focus on mindset and response has paid off in meaningful ways. The school has seen:
A steady increase in graduation rates.
A 4% decrease in chronic absenteeism.
A 27.7% reduction in suspensions over the last year, thanks to restorative practices and early intervention strategies.
These outcomes signal a system that is not only working, but also evolving, empowering students to show up, stay engaged and perform at their best.
There were no visitor comments.
Reports and Recommendations of the Treasurer
This portion of the meeting covered the financial data of the district. Euclid Schools Treasurer Patrick Higley led the Board Members through District Financial Statements.
The Board approved the Financial Data report for October 2025 and approved payments.
The Board accepted a donation from the National Future Farmers of America Foundation, through the efforts of Josh Stephens, to help purchase jackets for the entire Lakeshore Compact FFA Chapter, which our students will wear when they participate in FFA events.
Reports and Recommendations of the Superintendent
Personnel
The Board approved changes to Certified and Classified personnel including resignations, terminations, retirements, permanent substitute appointments, non-teaching appointments, non-teaching assignments extra duty, athletic duty andathletic duty resignations
Contracts/Agreements - Title Services
Through a consent agenda, the Board approved agreements with several Service Groups to provide Title I services to Ss. Robert & William School, Corpus Christi School, Cleveland Montessori School, St. Jerome School, and Our Lady of the Lake School.
Routine Business
The Board approved agreements with the following groups on the consent agenda, meaning that these agreements are all typical and annual agreements.
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Greater Cleveland Volunteers through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program to collaborate in providing volunteer literacy tutoring services to second and third grade students at Chardon Hills STEM School and Bluestone Elementary.
The Board approved tuition agreements with several school districts and agencies that may provide services to Euclid students throughout the 2025-2026 School Year.
The Board approved an Independent Contractor Agreement with Rich Owen on an as-needed basis for carpentry work.
The Board approved Facility Requests for several groups, including:
Andrews Osborne Swim Team
Cleveland Force
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Euclid Recreation - Cheerleaders
Mustang Track & Field Club
VASJ Soccer
The Board adopted the nutrition standards governing the types of food and beverages that may be sold on the premises of its schools and specifying the time and place each type of food or beverage may be sold.
Miscellaneous
The Board approved the purchase of two pick-up trucks for the Buildings and Grounds department to be used for grounds maintenance including snowplowing, transporting equipment, and hauling landscape waste.
The Board approved a Preschool Report Card rubric which will be used to communicate student growth and development in all areas of the preschool program.
The Board approved an agreement with TenderCare Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which supports students in schools by using evidence-based strategies to teach and reinforce positive behaviors, increase independence, and reduce barriers to learning.
Policies
The Board conducted a reading of policies regarding Employment of Substitutes and Student Fees, Fines, and Charges. They waived a second reading.
The Board conducted a first reading of several polices:
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in District Programs or Activities
Participation of Community/STEM School Students in Extra-curricular Activities
Interscholastic Athletics
Assignment and Transfer
Withdrawal From School
Personal Communication Devices
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras recognized Veterans Day and thanked all of our veterans and also thanked all of our staff and students that helped make the day special around the district.
He also thanked the Future Farmers of America Foundation for the donation and Dr. Stephens for facilitating money to help purchase jackets to our Urban Agriculture students.
Mr. Papouras spoke about the changes to the District’s Cell Phone Policy.
He wished Euclid’s winter sports teams success and health in the upcoming season.
Mr. Papouras reminded families that the Euclid Culinary Bistro, run by Chef Dan and his talented Culinary CTE students is open for the year: most Wednesdays-Fridays from 12:30 to 1:45.
He reminded families about the upcoming Thanksgiving Break and invited the community to the Winter Wonderland opening on December 3rd at Fordyce at 5:30 pm and Big Show which will be held December 4th - 6th.
Adjournment
The Board meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm.