[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6284489,"mediaKeyId","2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3","parentId",2578882,"title","Board approves routine business, personnel appointments, contracts and trips; roll calls recorded","audioSeconds",1420,"startMs",3508000,"endMs",4928000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3&start=3508&end=4928","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3/thumbnail_3508000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6284489/Ohio/Board-approves-routine-business-personnel-appointments-contracts-and-trips-roll-calls-recorded","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284489-d28bde62fa18148c0c823044cee19766/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124535&Signature=GEAOomGkPYg3NpETwLLH4kOMCK~4ovPNLtrLHbkIsHiXPY3kAQOJ22EW~fiQehIKI2C8A0KGwa0esbnsCRSIOOu5KbEnNAIkuQzHi-6STjH3NW-h103-eT7k4L4TS4NL4KX2TAuubq2mGwjMwIm10z~ELcwvYnqAGXZJ4S7NBywd8o-sExqHKXYmXB19DNvAcdTuR5UD7NUTJ59~UOkkXfH65~4Hh81E0XGePGdOyBXkZHhkqTOrPTBd7kKQmUBCZE4nLciPvQbxDSioa~mSqel7aC6zhECUO9hsXOVWbLI4PC6fYO0V4QJzZl9T8eBPcHLZ3YDZ6v6rrkJLNHd-Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Geauga Local SD","date","2025-03-11T14:06:41Z","article","The West Geauga Local School District Board conducted a series of routine motions and roll‑call votes during the meeting. The board approved the resolutions listed below by recorded roll call. This article lists each formal item and the outcome recorded on the meeting’s roll calls.

Key approved items (roll‑call outcomes as recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Resolution 80: Approve routine matters of the West Geauga Local Board of Education — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 81: Approve warrants for February — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 82: Accept donations from the West Geauga Educational Foundation — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 83: Accept increases/decreases in FY2025 appropriations — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 84: Approve student activity statements and budgets for 2025 — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 85: Accept amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and certify levies to the county auditor — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 86: Approve administrative appointments for the 2025–26 school year (introductions of two administrators: Dr. Amy Davis and Megan Bellen) — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 87–94: Approvals of stipends, extended‑school‑year stipends, long‑term substitute assignments, classified staff appointments, contract changes and retirements — approved (roll calls recorded; retirements and appreciation acknowledged in discussion).
- Resolution 95–96: Approve and authorize award of service contracts for 2024–25 (various vendors listed in the agenda) — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 97: Approve chaperone for middle school sixth‑grade trip to Camp Fitch — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 98: Second and final reading of new, revised and replacement policies listed in the agenda — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 99: First and final reading board policy 5223 (release time for religious instruction) — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 100: Adopt model special education policies and procedures with modifications — approved; one board member (Mrs. Coleman Walsh) recorded an abstention on the vote; others voted yes.
- Resolution 101: Authorize master electric energy sales renewal agreement through Power for Schools (Ohio Schools Council) — approved (6–0 recorded yes; reduction reported at 6% for district energy costs).
- Resolution 102: Approve Ohio Schools Council cooperative advertising and receiving bids (two new school buses, chassis and bodies) — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 103: Approve West Geauga High School Choir Noteworthy Tours proposal to New York City (March 2026 trip; estimated student cost $1,300–$1,500) — approved (roll call: all recorded yes).
- Resolution 104: Declare it necessary to remove the bond issue from the May 2025 ballot — approved (see separate article on this vote).
- Resolution 105: Deny a Step 4 grievance regarding Dorothy Miller on behalf of West Geauga Transportation Department drivers — approved with one abstention recorded by a board member who said she was not present for the February hearing.

A full bill/resolution text list and roll‑call record is maintained in the district board minutes. The meeting transcript recorded each roll call and the votes shown above; routine business and personnel items were approved as presented.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","West Geauga Board of Education Meeting March 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a set of routine resolutions, personnel appointments, contracts, policies, two new buses, a choir trip and other agenda items; roll calls for each resolution are recorded in the meeting transcript.","taxTitle","West Geauga Local, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",49352,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6284492,"Treasurer briefs board on House Bill 96, Senate Bill 66 and how state funding changes affect West Geauga",1061,1269000,2330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3&start=1269&end=2330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3/thumbnail_1269000.jpg","/articles/6284492/Ohio/Treasurer-briefs-board-on-House-Bill-96-Senate-Bill-66-and-how-state-funding-changes-affect-West-Geauga","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284492-8240ca64e0ce19c9d4a4c408f1d7cfde/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124535&Signature=WIBsTxl464oANGxUUXfKOvsWpoKDNOJ6AvD61s~XmnbIfrQQ2Q-iFZVQxgpayNmphh0I1IdT5Oy6~QQ7xFK-wo4UolAGCqnZcfFYRKBsCU~AjoURj0xHaLVyC3tQUFkcAMVHTzxzyjWoUKqUeLwT0G6gTsyHtoqjKdJeX9n8SK~QRZ-6NVQknQBBvwn1NZTJpS1v7X~n0YcNu-DfPg1owF50KN2SOofau55jWnjdyF5zOzsZP49skuvVqYgxldFZ~yZLVlxEL6E0gyKzzpvYeSPSr0RcguM4tWrLWJRfGpZB5bMx4qXhSV2BYA1IV04TJeq5oqHkZJB5uXxuQGynkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district’s treasurer briefed the board on the state budget outlook, describing provisions in the governor’s proposal (discussed in the meeting as House Bill 96) and a separate Senate Bill 66 that would affect the 20‑mill floor and how emergency/substitute levies are treated.

Key points: The treasurer said the state is considering the final phase‑in of the Fair School Funding Plan but noted that calculations are still using fiscal‑year‑2022 inputs, which has driven many districts into the state guarantee (a funding backstop). The district is currently at the 10% minimum state share; the treasurer said that means West Geauga is treated as a relatively wealthy district and will receive comparatively less state aid. The governor’s budget also proposed increases in voucher/EdChoice and community/STEM school funding, shifting some state dollars away from traditional districts.

Local impact: The treasurer presented historical district enrollment and voucher trends, noting that vouchers (EdChoice and EdChoice expansion) increased substantially in recent years and that district enrollment has declined from about 2,111 (2022) to 1,966 (2024). The treasurer said 343 districts statewide would lose funding in 2026 under current proposals, and that the district should assume flat state funding in planning until the state budget finalizes in June.

Levy mechanics: The treasurer explained differences among inside mills, fixed‑rate (continuing) levies, and fixed‑sum (emergency/substitute) levies. She described how fixed‑sum levies do not increase with property valuation and noted the district’s substitute/emergency levies passed in earlier years are “grandfathered” for certain homestead/rollbacks. Senate Bill 66 would change which levies are included in the 20‑mill floor and could shift taxing calculations, giving the district reason to monitor the bill’s progress closely.

Board reaction and next steps: Board members discussed timing for levy planning, the need for further analysis and outreach, and the five‑year forecast that will be updated in May. The treasurer said the district will treat state funding as flat for planning until the House and Senate finalize budgets and that the district will return with updated forecasts and levy options.","District treasurer outlined the governor’s proposed biennial budget (House Bill 96) impacts under the Fair School Funding Plan, potential reductions to the district’s state guarantee, and how Senate Bill 66 proposals around the 20‑mill floor and levy classifications could affect property tax revenue and levy strategy.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6284497,"District reviews proposed state School Bus Safety grants and local priorities for bus upgrades",284,800000,1084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3&start=800&end=1084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3/thumbnail_800000.jpg","/articles/6284497/Ohio/District-reviews-proposed-state-School-Bus-Safety-grants-and-local-priorities-for-bus-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284497-d85599f3989c67f0ffd39ed407ae77cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124535&Signature=izP3Jscci4DLuycYA4bXxkvNiCYGmIRiQTiVXOUyuBl7fz-Q67nFNrnweD0MDVwoTwo6g2NqdY2ou-FB-vuYqfPOZH9YVVBDD1Tmb8v50IQSSxNxsNp2~1Br9JxqXmdE92cn9z4kdaeHRI9hhUnH2QPBfjgu1BqE79IkZ0YTm75Bn8r7n49Rqc-T2Dfcqavic3jGptYsh~6WiQeDKlK87y36EWY0bnBc8oaYib-CkyZtw6ma7S0nMz3PPDzQ0Qg-rkoIstwAsrPSeA7~zEsBPTN1Ekz3xmvogTG4rRaYQXExtTilNaRg51k8SwUz2xORjWgHF7IrhnjmwEWvJAhYMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Geauga Local School District transportation staff updated the board on proposed state funding for school bus safety enhancements and sought input on local priorities if grants become available.

Leo (transportation staff) outlined the items being discussed at the state level — a package described at the meeting as originating from a school bus safety working group and potential House Bill 3 grant funding. Proposed eligible equipment mentioned included external bus cameras (already installed on the district’s buses), crossing arms, lane‑departure warnings, enhanced rollover frame components, fully illuminated stop arms and signage, collision‑avoidance systems, additional lighting (ground‑wash lights), chevron reflective tape, lap/shoulder belts, and routing tablets for bus drivers.

Local priorities identified by drivers in a district survey included ground‑wash lights to improve visibility at dark rural pickup points and illuminated crossover mirrors to better see the bus “danger zone” directly in front. Leo said drivers also emphasized illuminated stop arms and better external signage to make buses more recognizable at night and reduce the risk that other drivers would mistake buses for maintenance vehicles. The district will also consider routing tablets for turn‑by‑turn navigation if state guidance allows use of grant funds for that purpose.

Funding and timing: Transportation staff said the program funding and application process remain under legislative review and that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would likely administer grants if enacted. The district has not received a dollar allocation and will wait for state guidance before submitting a grant application. The board discussed bus safety features and driver opinions on lap belts; staff said there are differing views in the industry and among local drivers about seat belts’ effectiveness in fires and rollovers and about assisted fastening for very young children.

What the district will do: Staff will continue to refine a list of equipment priorities, consult drivers, and return to the board with proposed grant applications if and when the state announces the program and application rules.","Transportation staff briefed the board on a proposed state School Bus Safety fund (House Bill 3) and examined local priorities such as ground‑wash lighting, crossover mirror lighting, illuminated stop arms, and routing tablets; no grant award has been finalized and the district will await state rules and application guidance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6284502,"West Geauga presents plan to open preschool classroom at Westwood Elementary",431,305000,736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3&start=305&end=736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3/thumbnail_305000.jpg","/articles/6284502/Ohio/West-Geauga-presents-plan-to-open-preschool-classroom-at-Westwood-Elementary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284502-7657dbb3acd2715247dfb79102172bdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124535&Signature=nh3xyPWnCOcKWFKCFIhP1ryfZSKVtV~fSZxcoZOijqBv1h47OcfE6aMh6kYqQ5C2vMCSclfhktNpm~Ex2TCSvDXnGeT2KaY9DOSS4n7Ea4eU06QOm-E4qHgxBLgy4cJPS6Vn9cIv1efoluV-~l8OcSJi7hxlKaNQNoifsVGCVI7vLU-mTCUK-AeDqiJ-f2FOZfagydW46IJ~u3VsAE9nhAe3kkUpjy1g95lsMqgrfknE3qbI0qud4uDCik1lBzlRqnmaKl51VvLOOqM7kVSP~4dkpsDs6HVAHppKF930TGnDqXHmUAv82QbHz13lIBg3E5dYP-CzOSId2jxFrUcKGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Geauga Local School District staff presented a plan to open a center‑based preschool at Westwood Elementary that would operate two half‑day classes (AM and PM), serving up to 32 children (16 per class).

Dr. Amy Davis, introduced during the meeting as a district leader and long‑time educator, said the proposal would bring early learners to campus alongside K–2 students, easing transitions to kindergarten and enabling cross‑disciplinary work with other grade‑level teachers. The district would house related services and provide staffing, with the planned classroom supported by one intervention‑specialist teacher and one paraprofessional.

Program details and costs: The preschool would use state‑approved curricula (current practice uses AEPS-3; staff also proposed Foundations and Heggerty to align with the district’s science of reading work). Students identified with special needs would not pay tuition; “peer model” students (typically developing children who serve as classroom peers) would pay tuition. Dr. Davis said the district already houses some related‑services staff but would need consultant fees to move Step Up To Quality licensing to the Westwood location, plus some furniture, supplies, fencing and playground updates to meet licensing and safety standards.

Eligibility and enrollment: The proposal intends first to move existing half‑day students currently at an external center (Metzenbaum) to the Westwood site. The proposed selection for peer models would be time‑stamped online (similar to open enrollment) rather than first‑come, first‑served; students with identified special needs would not be subjected to that selection process.

Timeline and next steps: Dr. Davis said the district would need to start Step Up To Quality preparation and community notification immediately after board approval to allow registration and staffing. The board asked questions about staffing, transferability of equipment and whether three‑ and four‑year‑olds would be combined (Dr. Davis said threes and fours would be together). Board discussion indicated support for the concept and follow‑up work on licensing, training, and building upgrades.

No final funding appropriation was recorded in the meeting; the board heard the presentation and asked follow‑up questions. The proposal’s next steps include detailed cost estimates for licensing and facility upgrades, timelines for Step Up To Quality rating, and a staffing plan if the board elects to approve implementation.","Superintendent and Dr. Amy Davis presented a proposal to move a center‑based preschool to Westwood Elementary, serving up to 32 children in AM/PM classes with district-provided special‑education services and a staffing plan that includes an intervention‑specialist teacher and a paraprofessional.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6284507,"West Geauga board pulls $128 million bond from May ballot after community pushback",876,4964000,5840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3&start=4964&end=5840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578882-ce56ab2345109b3a28490b8f9500f1c3/thumbnail_4964000.jpg","/articles/6284507/Ohio/West-Geauga-board-pulls-128-million-bond-from-May-ballot-after-community-pushback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284507-973ef6f21eb0ca9da0ed1d08b5dc6b49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124535&Signature=eo6T9FKiszZExCBXL0zxJOH3KwV6GNmFpoHI~ESVQNNpfAa7Y9SfgbDR8z1HPVRsukjR9Dz45U4Sgj7hY6c0vp5sp5Z16D3oYQWvDAye9RCLkv0K~DRdGFS7tz-GhYF8FCDDo~-afWdvXYu6LbFnzgj7wsPLKSpzCEHrbpASvSxCgB4bM7pZOIdbokD-Gp7~5fTNwHjmbsOkdGuy-~IlCQoacRFqBkceHPyWTBJ~wxyWwdRYZne9QEqMIlPN-VS4inCfcrgdGNSAlW10OauaeofSReH2SQnk3f-cP3GDws4Krk23wNi7iTJ0cc~zx98Lj96ijQFvuva0wYs4Lajv-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Geauga Local School District Board of Education voted to remove a proposed $128 million bond issue from the May 2025 ballot after weeks of public feedback and a series of public comments urging more community engagement.

Board President (identified in the meeting as the speaker moderating discussion) said the move was driven by constituent concerns about timing and clarity and that the board wanted “one final conversation” in public before proceeding. The motion to remove the bond passed by roll call vote; members recorded a unanimous or near‑unanimous vote in favor of taking the measure off the May ballot.

Why it matters: The bond would have financed new or renovated school facilities under the district’s master plan. Supporters say upgraded buildings are needed for student learning and safety; opponents and some residents said now is not the right time because of economic pressure on taxpayers and unanswered design and cost questions.

Public commenters pressed the board during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Anthony Zaffiro urged the board to resign, calling the handling of planning and costs “fiscal malfeasance.” Katie Davis said delaying the bond for about one year would let the district fund further design development and a community survey to answer outstanding questions. Brandon Davis and other residents urged the board to tap local technical expertise and to form a community committee if the district restarts the campaign.

Board members who spoke backing the delay said the decision was not a rejection of the facilities plan but a response to the feedback they heard that the community wanted more detailed designs, a clearer financial plan, and broader public outreach before a vote. One board member said seniors and other voters felt “squeezed” and that disregarding those concerns would be counterproductive.

Several board members said they had no intention of using an August special election to refile the bond; multiple members said they would not pursue an August vote. The board directed staff to return with additional outreach, clearer capital and nonroutine maintenance lists, and options for a revised schedule if the district decides to seek voter approval at a later date.

What’s next: The board asked administration to prepare materials for further community engagement and to return with more detailed cost and timeline information. The board also agreed to move its May meeting date (noted in the meeting as a scheduling item) to allow time for additional discussion and planning.

Votes: The motion to remove the bond from the May 2025 ballot passed by roll call; the transcript records each member answering in the affirmative during the roll call conducted after the motion.","Facing sustained public concern about timing, cost and communication, the West Geauga Local School District Board voted to remove the proposed $128 million bond from the May 2025 ballot and promised more community outreach and planning before any future vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves routine business, personnel appointments, contracts and trips; roll calls recorded

Treasurer briefs board on House Bill 96, Senate Bill 66 and how state funding changes affect West Geauga

District reviews proposed state School Bus Safety grants and local priorities for bus upgrades

West Geauga presents plan to open preschool classroom at Westwood Elementary

West Geauga board pulls $128 million bond from May ballot after community pushback