The Olmsted Falls City School District held a Board of Education meeting on June 14, 2023, where various topics were discussed, including student council activities and a partnership with Baldwin Wallace University for Lean Six Sigma training.
The meeting began with a presentation from student council representatives Taylin Hoff and Emma Eisenhart. They outlined the structure of the student council, explaining that each classroom can elect one representative through a voting process. Meetings are held once a month after school, where members engage in various activities, including fundraisers. Notably, the council raised $800 for the Toys for Tots initiative and organized events like the "dollar dog" fundraiser. The representatives emphasized the importance of student involvement in school activities, stating that such engagement leads to happier and more successful students.
Following the student council presentation, Assistant Superintendent Kelly Kogan introduced a new initiative in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University. This program allows high school juniors to participate in Lean Six Sigma training, a methodology aimed at improving processes and efficiency in organizations. Kogan highlighted the success of the third cohort of students, who participated in face-to-face meetings and site visits to local businesses, including the Cleveland Clinic. The students were tasked with applying Lean Six Sigma principles to real-world problems, culminating in presentations to a panel for certification.
Steve Walt from Baldwin Wallace praised the students for their creativity and ability to grasp complex concepts, noting that they exceeded expectations compared to previous cohorts. He shared examples of student projects, including one student who worked on reducing food waste at a catering company by applying Lean Six Sigma principles.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss legal matters, marking the end of a productive session focused on student leadership and innovative educational partnerships. The district continues to prioritize student engagement and real-world learning experiences, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives.