West Geauga Local board opens talks with Newberry trustees on lease and joint public meetings

The West Geauga Local School District Board of Education opened coordinated talks with trustees from Newberry on the future of the Newberry property, emphasizing transparency and public input.

Board members said they had met informally with Newberry trustees and will reach out to set joint meetings to discuss both the existing lease and potential future uses. The board noted that, while the lease’s formal expiration is at the end of 2027, a renewal decision must be made by Newberry by the end of 2026 under a clause in the agreement.

The board’s speaker summarized recent contact: “I met with Greg,” the board said, identifying Greg as the chairman of the Newberry trustees, and said the next step is for staff to propose dates for a joint meeting. Board members suggested collecting several dates in July and August but also flagged summer scheduling challenges; several members proposed early September as a likely window to maximize participation.

On public participation, the board emphasized the meetings will be public and invited community members to attend and provide input. One member noted historical concerns among some residents that previous joint discussions felt closed, and the board responded that future joint meetings and any related committees will be open to the public.

Next steps: the board asked district staff (Amy and Kristen) to solicit available dates from both boards and proposed multiple dates for July/August and early September. The board set no formal motions or votes on lease terms at the special meeting and instructed staff to return with proposed meeting dates and logistics.

The board reiterated its stated aim to work with Newberry trustees in good faith and to keep the process visible to residents.