Board approves renewals and new agreements for student services and community partners

The Kent City Schools Board of Education on July 22 approved a slate of contracts and memoranda to continue and expand student supports and partnerships for the 2025–26 school year. The board approved a therapeutic services agreement with Reach Counseling that will add a fourth provider for district mental-health services alongside Coleman Health Services, Children’s Advantage and the National Youth Advocate Program. The presenter credited Dr. Justin Gates for seeking affordable supports for students and families. The board also approved a one-year renewal with Summit ESE for consulting services to support gifted education at Stanton Middle School and a one-year renewal with Harvard Education (also referenced as LEAP) to provide an alternative placement program where appropriate. The board approved a three-year lease renewal with the Portage Private Industry Council to continue Head Start operations in district space through June 30, 2028, and noted a forthcoming three-year lease with Harbor Education/LEAP for central school space to be considered at the August meeting. In addition, the board approved a Title I memorandum of understanding that allows Title I funds to be allocated between public districts to supplement eligible students attending nonpublic schools located within the district’s boundaries. The board also approved an annual interdistrict agreement with the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio for personnel services. Each item was moved, seconded and adopted by roll-call vote during the meeting.