Board debates open-enrollment caps and communication strategy after failed levy; approves consultant pilot funded partly by Ed Foundation

Superintendent and board members discussed open-enrollment policy and historical funding changes. The superintendent said open-enrolled enrollment has declined from historical highs (she cited an approximate figure from 2013) to about 25 students currently and projected about 19 next year; she explained earlier funding followed students but that the Fair School Funding changes removed certain additional payments. Board members asked whether open-enrollment counts include children of teachers and clarified that such exceptions are contractually bound.

Separately, the board debated how to improve communication with voters after a substitute levy was defeated. Members raised concerns about misinformation circulating in the community and discussed options including community meetings, surveys, and hiring outside communications consultants with experience supporting levy and bond campaigns. Several board members suggested engaging professionals to design sampling and outreach rather than relying solely on internal staff.

Staff also presented a consultant agreement with the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center to develop an online platform to individualize instruction; the Ed Foundation is funding part of the pilot. Board members approved the consultant services but requested clearer contract language showing change-of-scope line items and a breakdown of additional funding before future expansions.