Elyria City Board approves 100% real-property tax exemption for development, adopts electronic-device policy and approves contracts and hires

The Elyria City Board of Education on Aug. 20 approved a resolution authorizing a 100% real property tax exemption for up to 30 years under Revised Code 5709.40 for a development within Elyria City, contingent on a compensation agreement and related documents. The board also adopted a personnel electronic-devices policy, approved multiple superintendent contracts, and approved personnel appointments and supplemental contracts.

The exemption, read aloud by Board President Elaine Seguin, would be applied “with respect to the real property improvements to be made as part of the development on the development parcels contingent upon entering into a compensation agreement with the city, DBR, and Lorraine Joint Vocational School under terms providing compensation to Elyria City Schools,” and refers to an attached form identified as Exhibit 1. The board moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by roll call, with three members voting “aye” and two abstaining.

Why it matters: The resolution invokes Revised Code 5709.40 and would allow a 30-year, 100% exemption on the specified improvements only after a compensation agreement is signed. Such exemptions reduce taxable value for the covered property while providing a negotiated payment or other compensation to the school district, and the board’s action sets the district on a path to finalize terms with the developer and the named parties.

During the roll call, a board member questioned whether the reference to “Lorraine Joint Vocational School” should read “Lorain County.” The board recorded that the difference “did not make a difference” for the vote and proceeded.

In other business, the board unanimously approved posted minutes from the Aug. 6 meeting and approved treasurer action items and the July 2025 financial report after a brief roll call. Treasurer Holly April told the board that the district’s usual five-year forecast filing date has moved from November to October under a recently passed governor’s bill; she asked board members to note the earlier deadline.

Superintendent Anschlach presented a package of superintendent action items and contracts that the board approved by roll call. The package included a contract with the Cleveland Site Center for the school year, an agreement with Witgard for crossing guards, an agreement with ESE Northeast Ohio on behalf of Achievement Centers, and an amended ombudsman contract for the 2025–26 school year. Anschlach also noted school-opening activities and praised staff, saying, “I truly do believe we had a phenomenal opening.”

The board approved a slate of personnel actions: classified and certified hires, a grant-funded school psychologist intern, additional planning hours outside the school day for specified employees, athletic supplemental contracts and resignations, and several unpaid leaves. Board members asked procedural questions about how new police officer contracts are listed and approved throughout the year; staff explained that individual contracts are submitted and approved as they are received.

The board took up and approved on first reading — with a waiver of a second reading — a new board policy titled “Personnel: Electronic Devices in School.” The board said the policy was updated to reflect recent statutory changes and to cover a broad category of devices, including smartphones, smartwatches and wearable smart glasses. Board members said principals have protocols in place and that the district is emphasizing reminders during the opening weeks.

Votes at a glance: the tax-exemption resolution under Revised Code 5709.40 was approved (yes: 3; abstain: 2). Minutes, treasurer action items, superintendent contracts, personnel actions and the personal electronic-devices policy were approved by recorded roll calls (see actions below). The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.

The board did not enter executive session at the Aug. 20 meeting.