Maple Heights Board approves special-education and technology contracts, security equipment, bus routes and salary increases

The Maple Heights Board of Education on Monday approved multiple vendor contracts, a security equipment purchase, the district's 2025–26 bus routes and two resolutions raising nonteaching and supervisory staff pay.

The board voted, by roll call, to approve an agreement with Integrations Treatment Center for extended-school-year special-education services for a student in the amount of $21,487.50. The board also approved an amended vendor contract with Brightby LLC that, according to district staff, adds duties described as "special education, instructional support, and operation services" and removes an indemnification clause previously listed as paragraph 11 in the draft contract.

Superintendent (name not specified) told the board the Brightby amendment reflected final contract negotiations and that two changes were requested by the vendor; the superintendent said one change modified Section 1.4 to specify duties and the other removed the indemnification paragraph. The board approved the Brightby amendment by roll call.

The board authorized a Neonet District Technology Services agreement for centralized remote technology administration, device management and infrastructure oversight for the 2025–26 school year in an amount not to exceed $73,950. The superintendent said the contract is intended to provide back-end and outage support while the district builds an internal technology team and to train newly hired internal staff so there are no gaps in service.

Board members also approved the purchase of one additional X‑ray inspection system, including software and installation from Point Security Inc., for use at the middle school at a cost of $27,826. District staff said the extra scanner will increase throughput during morning entries, giving the middle school two scanners and the high school two scanners.

The board authorized the district's 2025–26 bus routes and stops "in accordance with OAC 3301-83-13(A)" and granted the superintendent authority to designate or relocate bus stops as needed.

Following an executive session, the board passed Resolution No. 25-91 to amend employment contracts and authorize a 3% salary increase for certain nonteaching limited-contract employees, and Resolution No. 25-93 to amend salary schedules and authorize step adjustments for supervisory, management and confidential employees. Board members clarified the nonteaching group does not receive "steps." Both resolutions passed on roll call votes.

Board President Mister Blackwell and Vice President Miss Shepherd joined other board members in voting to approve the items listed above. The board set its next meeting for Sept. 9, 2025.

Votes at a glance - Integrations Treatment Center agreement for extended-school-year special-education services: $21,487.50. Motion approved by roll call (Shepherd, Granger, Cheeks, Moore, Blackwell: yes). Mover/second not specified in the record. - Brightby LLC amended vendor contract (adds special-education/instructional support and operations duties; removes indemnification paragraph 11). Motion approved by roll call. Mover/second not specified in the record. - Neonet District Technology Services agreement: not to exceed $73,950 for 2025–26. Motion approved by roll call. Mover/second not specified in the record. - Point Security Inc. purchase of one additional X‑ray inspection system: $27,826. Motion approved by roll call. Mover/second not specified in the record. - Approval of 2025–26 bus routes and stops (per OAC 3301-83-13(A)); superintendent authorized to designate/relocate stops. Motion approved by roll call. Mover/second not specified in the record. - Consent calendar (items B through I) approved by roll call. - Resolution 25-91: 3% increase for indicated nonteaching limited-contract employees (passed by roll call). - Resolution 25-93: salary schedule amendments and step adjustments for supervisors/management/confidential employees (passed by roll call).

The board's fiscal officer reported the financial packet included July cash balances, bank reconciliation and the beginning-of-year investment report; no questions were raised before the board approved the financial report for July 2025.

The superintendent said the 2025–26 school year opened last week and noted isolated operational problems during the first week, including a water outage at Lincoln and an electrical pole incident that did not impact school buildings. The superintendent said enrollment is being monitored daily because of simultaneous new enrollments and withdrawals, with a fuller enrollment update expected the following week.

Ending District staff said federally funded grant budgets and extracurricular budgets are being finalized for the year. The board adjourned after confirming the Sept. 9 meeting date.