The Euclid Board of Education met on October 14th, 2026, in the Board Room at the Fordyce Administration Building at 7:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Board President Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening.
The Board adopted the minutes from the September 9 and 23, 2026 Board Meetings.
Presentations/Recognitions
The
Board approved a proclamation recognizing November 18, 2026, as Education Support Professionals Day. The proclamation honors the employees whose care, professionalism and essential services support students, educators and school communities each day.
Memorial Options Center Recognitions and Presentation
Four outstanding Memorial Options Center Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting.
Nevaeh Taylor - 7th Grade - Thrive Program
Nevaeh was recognized for her excellent attendance, positive behavior and strong academic performance.
Ronisha Williams - 8th Grade - Thrive Program
Ronisha was recognized for demonstrating maturity, personal growth and strong leadership.
Racquel Barker - 7th Grade - Flexible Online Program
Racquel was recognized for her excellent attendance and commitment to working hard.
Alexius Green - 12th Grade - Panther Academy
Alexius was recognized for the hard work and enthusiasm she has demonstrated while pursuing her goal of graduation.
Building Secretary Aisha Sanford was recognized as Staff Member of the Month. Although she is new to Memorial Options Center this year, Ms. Sanford has already established herself as a dedicated team member. She interacts positively with staff, students and visitors while showing sincere care for the entire school community.
Teacher Alex McCahill wa
s recognized as Faculty Member of the Month. Mr. McCahill began working with middle school students in the Panther Program this year and has approached the opportunity with patience, dedication, energy and enthusiasm.
Ms. Shawnika Bandy, parent of T
HRIVE Student Arrie Nix, was recognized as Family Member of the Month. Ms. Bandy has been an involved and proactive partner who attends school events, supports her students, collaborates with staff, and brings a positive attitude to the Memorial Options Center community.
Following the recognitions, Principal Jason Coleman shared an overview of the innovative programs, student supports, and career-focused learning opportunities at Memorial.
Mr. Coleman described Memorial as a “little building with big ideas,” emphasizing that it is a school of innovation rather than an alternative school. Memorial serves students in grades 1-12 through programs designed to re-engage students, strengthen academic and personal success, and prepare them for employment, post-secondary education, or training. Its programming combines hands-on learning, career exploration, teamwork, problem-solving, community service, and cross-program collaboration.
Wraparound Services
Memorial partners with Making A Difference Counseling to provide on-site mental health specialists, individual counseling and student groups that address specific academic, behavioral, social and emotional needs. Programming includes leadership development, anger management, healthy relationships, social skills, grief support, conflict resolution, writing workshops and transition support for eighth grade students.
Specialized five-week groups include GLUE (Girls Like Us Enduring) which helps students develop self-worth, self-advocacy, sisterhood and teamwork. The “Locked In” boys’ group focuses on goal-setting, academic pride, positive decision-making and planning for the future. Students also participate in YouthBiz Academy entrepreneurship workshops and other groups tailored to their individual needs.
Thrive Program
The Thrive program currently serves 39 seventh and eighth grade students who have experienced challenges involving attendance, behavior, academics or engagement. Students benefit from small class sizes, a calm learning environment, access to a full-time therapist, career exploration and a strong focus on teamwork.
Thrive students participate in open-ended design projects, meditation and mindfulness activities, service-learning projects, community cleanups, health and wellness initiatives, and collaborations with other Memorial programs. Students also work with Urban Agriculture students on projects such as the Chardon Hills garden. These opportunities help students build relationships, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Data from Thrive’s student cohorts showed reductions in behavioral concerts, improvements in attendance, and growth on state assessments, particularly in mathematics. The program’s first cohort is now composed of juniors at Euclid High School. Eighty-three percent are on track to graduate in May 2028, half are enrolled in Career Tech programs, and all but one student has remained referral-free this school year.
Panther Academy and Panther Assist
Panther Academy serves students in grades 7-12. Panther Middle currently serves 15 students in grades seven and eight, while the high school program serves 50 students in grades 9-12. Students follow a hybrid class schedule using the Edgenuity platform while receiving wraparound services and individualized transition planning. The goal is to help students make academic and behavioral progress and, when appropriate, successfully return to their home school.
During the 2025-2026 school year, Panther Middle served 30 students, including 18 administrative placements and 12 placements in lieu of expulsion. Every student was connected with wraparound services, and 93.3% remained referral-free during placement.
Panther Academy served 108 students during the 2025-2026 School Year and achieved a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2026. Student referrals decreased by nearly 300 when comparing pre-placement and post-placement data. Only 11% of students received a referral during or following their placement.
Panther Assist provides short-term placements of 10-45 days for students in grades 1-12. Placements may address medical needs, Tier 3 behavioral concerns, administrative decisions or family requests. Students may participate virtually or in person while maintaining connections with their home school, teachers and coursework. They also receive support from an Intervention Specialist, wraparound services and Memorial’s student groups.
Panther Assist served 56 students during the 2025-2026 School Year, including eight medical placements, 28 administrative placements, 11 placements in lieu of expulsion and nine parent-requested placements. Fifteen participating students had an IEP or 504 Plan, and 100% remained referral-free during placement.
Career Technical Education and Workforce Readiness
Memorial offers Career Tech programs in Urban Agriculture, Robotics & Automation, Boutique Services and Job Training Coordination (JTC). Urban Agriculture currently serves 26 students, Robotics and Automation serves 21 students, Boutique Services serves 12 students with an additional waitlist, and JTC serves 20 students.
Urban Agriculture students operate the school’s Fall Market, grow unique produce, participate in the school’s FFA chapter and visit agricultural businesses such as Herd Heritage Farm in Navarre. Robotics and Automation students participated in Manufacturing Day at the Great Lakes Science Center, planned the Winter Wonderland digital display, and practiced collaborative project development.
Boutique Services students styled hair for Homecoming and spent their first semester training at Rozell’s in Warrensville Heights. During the second semester, students develop skills in shampooing, braiding, styling, cutting and coloring hair.
JTC students operate the Memorial Spirit Wear Shop, screen-print and embroider apparel, maintain vending machines and use a classroom time clock to practice workplace routines. Students also gain experience at community job sites and support organizations including the Family Resource Center and MedWish. Donations from Trader Joes, ALDI and other community partners provide additional opportunities for students to practice inventory management, organization and customer service.
Innovation and Community Support
Euclid Schools Foundation grants are helping Memorial expand its creative, hands-on approach to learning. Projects include improvements to the former playground area, a pollinator garden with benches and walking paths, equipment for the JTC Spirit Store and an expanded makerspace and design lab.
The makerspace will introduce students to advanced equipment such as 3D printers, a laser cutter and engraver, a CNC router and a digital audio workstation. These resources will allow students across Memorial’s programs to collaborate while exploring technologies and career pathways available through Euclid High School’s CTE programs.
Memorial is also home to the Euclid Schools Family Resource Center, which is open to all Euclid families. The center provides clothing, food, toiletries, feminine hygiene projects, and household supplies through partnerships with organizations and businesses including Trader Joes, ALDI, Grocery Outlet and Save-A-Lot. Thrive and JTC students work alongside FRC staff, gaining service and workplace experience while supporting families throughout the community.
Mr. Coleman concluded by recognizing the compassion, expertise, teamwork, integrity, experience, patience and kindness of the Memorial staff. Looking ahead, Memorial will continue adapting its programs to meet students’ changing needs, expand access to academic and career opportunities and provide students with the tools and experiences needed to succeed in high school, college, careers and beyond.
Legislative Liaison Report
Student Liaison Report
Visitor Comments Relevant to the Agenda
Executive Sesion
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:26 p.m. to consider the employment or contract of a public employee or official. The Board returned to regular session at 9:26 p.m. No formal action was taken during the Executive Session.
Reports and Recommendations of the Treasurer
This portion of the meeting covered the District’s financial data. Euclid Schools Treasurer Patrick Higley led the Board Members through the District’s financial statements.
The Board approved the September 2026 financial statements, Then and Now Listing, and payments.
The Board approved the renewal of the District’s agreement with Medical Mutual of Ohio to provide Health Insurance for Euclid Schools employees.
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.
Contracts/Agreements - Title Services
Through a consent agenda, the Board approved agreements to provide federally funded and auxiliary educational services to eligible Euclid students attending nonpublic schools:
MEG/McKeon Educational Group, Inc. will provide a service-learning program at Ss. Robert & William School through $12,500 in Auxiliary Funds.
PSI Associates, LLC will provide remedial Title I teaching services at Ramah Christian Academy.
Wraparound Experts, LLC will provide Title I services at St. Jerome School.
PSI Associates, LLC will provide remedial Title I teaching services at St. Agatha-St. Aloysius School.
Routine Business
The Board approved a non-monetary agreement with Vision To Learn to provide supplementary vision screenings, basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for additional care to eligible students. No student will be denied services because of a lack of insurance.
The Board declared transportation impractical for five students attending St. Stanislaus School and Horizon Science Academy. In accordance with Ohio law, the District will offer payment in lieu of transportation to the students’ families.
The Board approved facility-use requests from Cornerstone Christian Academy, Good News Club, Great Waves Aquatics, Rugby Ohio, and Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School.
The Board approved an agreement with the Cleveland State University to provide clinical-placement in Euclid Schools for university students pursuing licensure in teacher education, school counseling, school psychology, speech and audiology, and other applicable fields.
The Board approved a partnership with Breadwinners Academy to offer “Earn, Build, Lead: Euclid Finance and Entrepreneurship Pathways” during the Spring 2027 semester. The program will connect students with financial literacy, financial careers, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic mobility through two pathways serving up to 40 students each. Fifteen students from each pathway may then be selected for a summer fellowship. The program is fully funded through a grant from the City of Euclid at no cost to the District.
The Board approved an agreement with Greater Cleveland Volunteers through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program. Trained community volunteers will provide literacy tutoring to second and third grade students at Chardon Hills STEM School and Bluestone Elementary School during the 2026-2027 School Year.
Policies
The Board approved the second and final reading of Policy 5781, Family Code of Conduct. The policy establishes behavioral expectations, cooperation guidelines, and prohibited disruptive conduct for families, volunteers, and visitors on District property.
The Board approved the first reading of Policy 5224, Youth Membership Organization Access. The proposed policy addresses access and recruitment for qualifying patriotic youth organizations.
The Board approved the first reading of revisions to policies addressing:
Filling a Board Vacancy
Resignation or Removal
Outside Activities of Administrators
Outside Activities of Staff
Outside Activities of Classified Staff
Protections of Individual Beliefs Affiliations, Ideals, or Principles of Political Movements and Ideology
Interscholastic Athletics
Homeless Students
Superintendent's Informal
Superintendent Karen Brown invited families and community members to Euclid High School’s Engagement Night on Thursday, October 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature games, demonstrations, a resource fair and opportunities to interact with EHS teachers and staff. Prospective students and community members are also encouraged to attend and learn more about the programs available at EHS.
During Engagement Night, Superintendent Brown will present the State of the Schools at 6:00 p.m. in the Euclid High School Auditorium. She will share updates about the IMPACT being made across Euclid Schools, provide information about Issue 5 on the November 3rd ballot and answer questions from community members.
Mrs. Brown recognized October as Ohio Principals Month and expressed her appreciation for the administrators who lead Euclid Schools.
Mrs. Brown invited families to the annual Career Technical Education Trick or Treat Night at Euclid High School on Wednesday, October 21 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Admission for children ages 12 and under is $3 or two canned food items per child.
Superintendent Brown reminded families that Parent-Teacher Conferences will begin on Thursday, October 22nd, at the District’s elementary schools, with conferences at other schools following in the coming weeks.
Public Participation
Executive Session
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:32 p.m. to consider the employment or contract of a public employee or official. No formal action was taken during the Executive Session.