Stow-Munroe Falls board approves grants, communications contract and governance measures; adopts civil-rights resolution

The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District Board of Education approved multiple consent items, accepted a state grant to pay for a social‑emotional learning tool, extended a temporary public‑relations contract while the district recruits a permanent communications hire and adopted a board protocol and related agenda‑setting changes at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Why it matters: The votes affect district communications, student social‑emotional screening tools, internal governance practices and the district’s advocacy agenda. Several items prompted public comment and extended discussion from board members about data privacy, spending priorities and how the board sets its agenda.

Board actions and immediate context

- Satchel Pulse implementation (grant-funded): The board approved an agreement with the Summit County Educational Service Center to receive grant funding to purchase the Satchel Pulse social‑emotional screening tool; the transcript identifies the grant amount as $23,475 and staff stated the purchase is funded through the Summit County ESC grant rather than the district general fund. A board member repeatedly raised concerns in public comment about student data and the cost; the motion passed. (See “Votes at a glance.”)

- Public relations services agreement (temporary contract): The board approved a consulting agreement to provide communications services (website, social media and crisis communications) while the district posts and interviews for a permanent communications supervisor. The contract term described in the meeting begins April 1 and runs through June 30 unless terminated earlier; the agreement may be ended on 30 days’ notice once an in‑house hire is made. Trustees said the contract is intended as a cost saving while recruitment is underway.

- Bulldogs Unite student club (High School): Trustees discussed and approved a student‑led club called Bulldogs Unite, intended to promote acceptance and kindness. Board members asked whether the club duplicated districtwide work; staff said the proposal was student‑initiated and that seven staff members signed on as adult sponsors to cover different lunch periods. The club was approved following discussion.

- Board protocol and agenda‑setting changes: The board adopted a written board protocol (standards for behavior and professional conduct) that the superintendent reported had been reviewed by legal counsel. The board also approved an amended agenda‑setting process that adds a test item asking whether a proposed agenda item furthers the district vision, strategic plan or state/federal requirements; one trustee voted no on the protocol.

- Resolution…