March 1, 2021 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dawn Robinson led us in a moment of silence in remembrance of Sklyer Stones (Student Representative) father who passed away.  She also led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -Whacker Chemicals donated 5,000 masks to CCS and we wanted to thank them for their partnership!
-We had our COVID vaccination drive in conjunction with Cherokee Pharmacy on Saturday.  Dr. Dyer thanks them for the partnership.
-BLADE project - laptop distribution is going well for grades 3-5.
-TDOE-He is a part of the Academic Engagement Group.  He is part of a new group: Policy, Implementation, and Operations Committee.
-AASA National Conference on Education - presented virtually regarding our work with Capturing Kids Hearts.
-Congratulations to CHS Wrestling-Class AAA Duals and Traditionals Champions.
-Press Conference on Monday, March 1 on the CAPS Network and CCS/Cleveland Utilities Partnership.
-Sherry Crye is retiring in March from the Chamber.  We appreciate our partnership with the Chamber and she will be missed.
-Spring Break is March 8-12.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -Dr. Dyer states these are both current policies dealing with diversity.  Dr. Dyer states these policies only have a few changes to their policy.  These changes are in red.
-Dr. Dyer states one of the discussions the directors have had is creating a new position at CHS for a "grow your own" teacher.  We are teaching our students to be photographers, etc, but we are not teaching them how to be a teacher.  We have a diversity council that is helping HR talk about how to recruit virtually and in person. These policy changes will help implement these steps. 
-The Board asks if the "grow your own" could become a tract at the high school for the students?  Dr. Dyer states it could be, we will need to assess the level of interest.  

 

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -Dr. Dyer states the focus tonight is Employee Bonuses.
- Employee Bonus Proposal*:
    Certified FT Employees: $1,200 per employee utilizing new one time state funding and ESSER funds ($389,258.24)
    Classified FT Employees: $600 utilizing ESSER Funds ($184,249.08)
    Part Time Employees: $300 utilizing ESSER Funds ($27,127.80)
    Total Funds Allocated: $600,635.12.  Mrs. Geren adds the $600,635.12 is ESSER Funds, and the $256,000 is state funds. For a total of $856,000.
*ESSER fund proposal does require state approval.

-The Board asks if PT employees includes bus drivers?  Dr. Dyer states it does, as well as school nutrition employees, and assistants.  All employees are included in this amount.
-The Board states this is a year that all employees deserve this more than ever.  They all have a wonderful attitude.  
-The Board asks when Dr. Dyer will present this proposal to ESSER, and how long does it take to be approved?  The proposal has to be in by March 15, and we think the approval will come within 2-3 weeks.  

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -Dr. Elliott wanted to thank Cherokee Pharmacy and our wonderful CCS staff for the vaccination event on Saturday.  

-The Board asks what percentage of our employees took the vaccine on Saturday?  Dr. Elliott states around 50% of our employees came through on Saturday.
-The Board asks if we did offer the vaccine to all employees? Yes, Dr. Elliott states Laura Hudson sent out a survey to all employees to ask them if they wanted to participate in the event.
-We are excited that our county COVID numbers are going down.  After spring break we will have a task force meeting to discuss spring activities.  Dr. Dyer reminds everyone to wear your mask, wash your hands, and social distance as much as you can over Spring Break.
-We are starting to plan for our summer activities.  We will have these camps at 3 of our schools: Blythe-Bower, Ross and Mayfield.  CMS And CHS will be holding their normal summer camp.  In the month of April we will be sending more information out about these camps.  
-The Board asked if there will be bus transportation to the summer activities?  Dr. Elliott states there will be transportation for any student attending.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -Mr. Doug Moore hands out some information on the safety grant money and the improvements they want to make to the schools.  Each year we apply for the SRO Grant ($35,000) and the Safety Grant.
-$20,000 is spent toward SRO's salary, the total spent toward the SRO program is $350,000. 
-$3,500 is spent on apptegy, our way of contacting our families/students for a variety of reasons including emergency situations.
-$1,000 is spent on active shooter training for our admin staff at all schools (Alice Training).  
-The Board asks if they ever do an active shooter training in each school?  Dr. Dyer states they do go to each school but they could do a general overview.  They do have specific training for each school.  Mr. Moore states they do a table top with the SRO, swat team, etc on what this would look like for each school.
-$50,000 is spent on upgrading and replacing intercom communication systems for schools to ensure that we have good communication throughout the school in case of an emergency.
-$30,000 is spent on the continued maintenance and addition of cameras to the campuses of our schools.  We have several areas in and around our schools that have been identified as needing added surveillance.  Along with the cameras, we will need to add the necessary servers and software to operate the equipment.
-$10,433.59 will be for Cross Walk Warming lights, Cross Walk signage, Pedestrian Detection Devisees, Flashing LED at CHS.  These improvements will greatly reduce pedestrian safety in and around our High School campus.
-$3,000 is for the addition of emergency radios to our Admin Staff.
-Total budget received of $117,943.59
-The Board asks if all of this will be done prior to next school year?  Dr. Dyer states yes, we have to spend this money by August.
-Dr. Dyer states they want to continue to train our staff to know what to do in any situation with instinct.  
-Mr. Moore wants to thank our SRO's and the relationship with the police department.  

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Skyler Stone was not present tonight.  We look forward to hearing her update next month.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  The Site Committee met last week and they have two nominations for the Board.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  -The Board discusses the Banner articles: About Jeremy Finch and the student perspective from CMS.