Votes at a glance: Ravenna board approves consent agendas, model policies, graduation list, Chromebooks and personnel actions

The Ravenna City School Board approved a package of consent items, individual resolutions and personnel actions during its meeting. Key actions included approval of consent agendas, adoption of Ohio Department of Education and Workforce model special education policies, approval of a new sliding scale form for preschool families, confirmation of seniors eligible for graduation, purchase of 300 Chromebooks and multiple personnel contracts and renewals.

Votes and outcomes

- Consent agenda (items 12 A1–7): approved by roll call (Mrs. Calhoun, Mrs. Dennison, Mrs. Dukes, Mrs. Seaman, Mr. Wisniewski recorded as yes). Motion carried.

- Consent agenda (items 12 A8–10: amended official certificate of estimated resources, supplemental appropriations for FY 2025, and certificate 4 12): approved by roll call; motion carried.

- Resolution 13 A1: Approve use of a new sliding scale to obtain financial information from parents for preschool eligibility (based on an early childhood education grant and federal poverty guidelines): motion moved and seconded; roll call carried.

- Resolution 13 A2: Approve Ohio Department of Education and Workforce 2025 model policies for special education (recommended by Neola and to replace the policy adopted in 2016): motion moved and seconded; roll call carried.

- Resolution 13 A3: Approve qualifying seniors for graduation pending successful completion of coursework and state tests for the graduation scheduled on 05/27/2025: motion moved and seconded; roll call carried.

- Resolution 13 A4: Adopt new K–12 Illustrative Math curriculum for 2025–26 (see separate story for details): motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval.

- Resolution 13 A5: Purchase 300 Chromebooks and hard-shell cases from CDW Government for first and seventh grades, funded through PI funds — motion carried by roll call. The district said the model supports a 1:1 device plan across grade spans and that the first-grade devices will remain with students through seventh grade.

- Personnel and contracts: The board approved rehire of a retiree (Mrs. Coleman) as preschool director and student services coordinator for 08/01/2025–07/31/2026, and approved three-year administrative contracts (08/01/2025–07/31/2028) for principals and athletic director and a director of food services; multiple supplemental and classified personnel items were approved on consent.

- Other: The treasurer reported on the spring five-year forecast and meetings with state lawmakers; board members presented school reports and recognitions. The board voted to enter executive session to discuss employment matters in accordance with Ohio law.

Each motion was followed by a roll call in which the board members recorded in the transcript — Mrs. Calhoun, Mrs. Dennison, Mrs. Dukes, Mrs. Seaman and Mr. Wisniewski — were recorded as voting yes on the listed motions; the transcript repeatedly reports motions carried after roll calls.

What the board said: Mrs. Coleman described the preschool sliding scale as based on an early childhood education grant and the federal poverty guidelines. District staff said the Chromebook purchase will be funded with PI funds and is part of the district technology plan. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce model special education policies were recommended by Neola and are intended to align local policy with state and federal requirements.

The board scheduled an upcoming regular meeting and noted graduation on May 27, 2025; following the meeting the board called an executive session on employment items.