The Euclid Board of Education met on January 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Fordyce Administration Building.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 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 re-elected board members Gabrielle Kelly and Selina Wright, and newly elected board member Scott Wilson.
The meeting began with the Board nominating and voting on the Euclid City Schools Board of Education President, electing Gabrielle Kelly.
The Board also nominated and elected Selina Wright as Vice-President of the Euclid City Schools Board of Education.
The Board reviewed the evening's agenda and added an Executive Session. The Board approved the amended agenda.
The Board adopted the minutes for the December 10th and 17th, 2025 Board Meetings.
The superintendent read a proclamation that January 2026 is School Board Recognition Month in the Euclid City Schools.
Memorial Options Center School Recognitions and Presentation
Four outstanding Memorial Students were recognized as Students of 
the Month at the meeting:
Nadya Walker-Michael, a seventh-grade student in the THRIVE program, was recognized for her outstanding attendance, excellent behavior, and strong academic performance, demonstrating a consistent commitment to personal responsibility and academic success.
Christopher Caldwell, an eighth-grade student in the THRIVE program, was recognized for his strong leadership skills, positive attitude, and collaborative work ethic.
Alex Harley, a student in the Career-Based Intervention (CBI) program, was recognized for significant personal growth, strong effort, and improvement demonstrated in both the classroom and the workplace.
Jaxson Estes, an eighth-grade student in the Euclid Virtual Learning Academy program, was recognized for his strong work habits, consistent task completion, effective use of available resources, and independence as an online learner.
Staff Member Lidania Baker, a cook in the MOC Cafeteria, was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for her commitment to ensuring that students have daily access to nutritious, high-quality meals and for her consistent care for student well-being.
Intervention Specialist Kevin Rodehorst was 
nominated as Faculty Member of the Month for demonstrating outstanding dedication and professionalism through strong relationships with students, families, and staff; consistently supporting his colleagues; assisting with morning arrival and hallway supervision; and his willingness to help wherever needed.
Ms. Juanita Warren, parent of Logan Avery
, was named Family Member of the Month for demonstrating consistent support, maintaining high expectations for her child, and working collaboratively with MOC staff to ensure student success.
Following the recognitions, Principal Jason Coleman presented on the many things happening at the Euclid Memorial Options Center.
The presentation focused on the theme of “Little Building, Big Ideas.” Serving students in grades 1–12, Memorial offers a wide range of innovative programs that provide real-world learning, therapeutic supports, and career exploration opportunities tailored to meet the diverse needs of Euclid learners. Through a strong network of wraparound services, hands-on instruction, and community partnerships, the Memorial team continues to lead with compassion, flexibility, and a deep commitment to student growth.
Programs that Meet Students Where They Are
Memorial Options Center serves over 330 Euclid Students through a range of unique programs to meet diverse needs.
THRIVE (7th & 8th grade) – A phone-free, therapeutic environment focused on small-group instruction and real-world learning.
Panther Academy – Blended learning for grades 6–12 with wraparound services and transition planning.
Panther Assist – Short-term placement for students in grades 1–12, allowing them to remain on their home teacher’s roster.
EVLA – A flexible virtual learning option serving 132 students in grades 1–12.
Each program is built with student success in mind, offering individualized support, flexible structures, and hands-on experiences.
Wraparound Services & Personal Growth
Memorial prioritizes the whole child through a robust system of social-emotional supports. Three on-site mental health professionals from Making a Difference Consulting help students through a variety of counseling techniques. Targeted student groups and individual counseling help students through things like grief, conflict resolution, anger management, and leadership. This year, Memorial introduced a Student Engagement Form that tracks growth over time and facilitates re-entry into their home schools. Regular data tracking (attendance, behavior, stability, and more) provides a full picture of each student’s development.
Hands-on Learning
The Thrive Program is in its fourth year and focuses on experiential learning, teamwork & community, and career development so students can connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the real world. Through service learning projects and class time in the design lab, students interact with state-of-the-art tools and technology while working together to solve problems.
Career Technical Education at Memorial is thriving across multiple hands-on pathways: Urban Agriculture, Robotics & Automation, Boutique Services. These programs allow students to earn industry and/or college credentials while receiving intensive instruction in the field.
The JTC & CBI programs focus on workforce readiness by combining classroom instruction with work-based learning, including cafe operations, pop-up shops, the Euclid Schools Family Resource Center, and partnerships with organizations such as the Crowne Plaza, MedWish, and Dave’s Supermarket.
Family & Community Connection
The Family Resource Center, open to all Euclid families, provides essentials like food, clothing, and hygiene items. Students from Memorial’s programs help operate the center, giving back while learning valuable service skills. The Euclid Schools Foundation has been instrumental in enhancing offerings at Memorial, funding equipment such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser engravers, and supporting programs such as Meditation & Mindfulness and PBIS. Community partnerships play a key role in programming, providing both workplace readiness experiences and direct support for students.
Looking Ahead
The Memorial Options Center continues to grow its reach and impact. Mr. Coleman emphasized the building’s ongoing mission to open more doors for students through real-world experiences, tailored programming, and comprehensive support systems. Whether through service learning, mental health supports, or career training, Memorial remains committed to helping students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.
There were no visitor comments.
Organizational Business
Board Meeting Dates
The Board approved the calendar of scheduled board meetings for the year 2026.
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 Scott Wilson to the City of Euclid Recreation Commission.
Legislative Liaison Report
Student Liaison Report
Treasury/Financial Business
This portion of the meeting covered the district's financial data. Euclid Schools Treasurer Patrick Higley led the Board Members through the District Financial Statements.
The Board approved the Financial Data report for December 2025 and approved payments.
The Board authorized the Treasurer to sign all payroll checks and warrants issued by the Board.
The Board authorized the Treasurer to invest funds in U.S. Securities and/or Bank Time Deposits for 2026.
The Board appointed the treasurer to attend all required public records training sessions provided by the Ohio Attorney General.
The Board adopted the 2027 budget.
The Board approved the appointment of legal counsel for 2026.
The Board approved a maximum limit for the District credit card in 2026.
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, and athletic duty resignations.
Contracts/Agreements
The Board approved two Memorandums of Understanding with the Euclid Teachers Association regarding coursework and supplemental contracts.
The Board approved an agreement with Vital Path Initiative for a Speech Language Pathologist.
Routine Business
The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with East Cleveland Neighborhood Center (ECNC) for services in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention education, leadership, social-emotional learning, and decision making at Euclid Middle School and High School.
The Board approved an out-of-district field trip for the National Junior Honor Society to the LEAD National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Board approved tuition agreements with school districts and agencies that may provide services to Euclid students throughout the 2025-2026 School Year.
The Board determined transportation impractical for a student attending Breakthrough Midtown Charter School.
The Board approved facility requests.
The Board approved agreements with Premise System Monitoring to monitor the district's Intrusion System.
Policies
The Board reviewed several policies, including: Drug Testing of CDL License Holders; audits; school safety; student abuse and neglect; transportation; transportation for non-routine trips; and equivalent education outside the schools.
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras wished everyone a happy new year and reminded students and families about the vital role attendance plays in student success, especially at the beginning of the new semester.
Superintendent Papouras reminded stakeholders that there will be no school on Monday, January 19th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and encouraged families to visit a museum or participate in community service.
Superintendent Papouras reminded incoming juniors about the Career Tech Expo, to be held at Euclid High School on Tuesday, January 21st.
Superintendent Papouras expressed his appreciation for the School Board Members and their contributions to the Euclid Schools. He also congratulated Ms. Kelly on being elected to serve as Board President and Mrs. Turos, who will serve as Vice-President.
Executive Session
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:45 pm.