Observer Corps Reports

Aurora Schools Board of Education - 3/17/25

3/17/2025

Aurora Ohio Local Schools Board of Education
March 17, 2025

ACSD BOE Meeting Observer Notes 03.17.25

Special Recognition – Aurora Rotary Students – Grace Nagy (Harmon Middle School); Mateo Hernandez (Harmon Middle School). Approved. Ex. A-1
Comments from the public:
- April Secura (League of Women Voters Northern Portage County) - 20th anniversary of Sunshine Law – LWV maintains year-round observers – Laws used to ensure transparency. League of Women Voters Northern Portage County is a non-partisan advocacy group – hosting a presentation on property taxes, bond issues, and levies April 16 - invitation to attend.
- Ken Ilg – Addressing an issue that is not on the Board Agenda – RTRI – Release Time for Religious Activities – Board will need to adopt policy by April 9. We cede a huge part of childhood development to the school. We elect and re-elect you as long as schools are great. We have not conferred authority to subcontract out authority. When an organization approaches them, most boards have not adopted a policy that protects children. Request that this board take this seriously. If we allow our students to leave this facility to get religious instructions, then we need guidelines that make this system great: (1) background checks to any person involved in that program; (2) curriculum and guidelines should match as closely as possible the guidelines of this district; and (3) there should also be a policy reflective of anti-harassment and anti-bullying. We will be better positioned than almost any other school district in the state.
Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of February 19, 2025 and Regular Meeting of February 24, 2025. Approved.
Superintendent Mike Roberto/Assistant Superintendent Paul Milcetich Reports
- Harmon School Presentation – Principal Mark Abramovich (see attached slides)
  - GOALS:
    - Providing opportunities for WIN (What I Need) in 6th and 7th grade
    - Aligning areas of focus for GAP (Guidance, Administration, Psychologist)
    - Integration of the 6 Competencies and 3 Harmon Pillars (Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Kind) within every classroom
    - Collecting data on the Competency Continuum – defining the procedures
    - Enhancing MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) practices
    - Increased professional development through teacher observations of colleagues
    - Continuing to define PBIS Positive Behavior Intervention Supports within the framework of the day and culture
    - Thank you to Harmon High Parent Teacher Elementary for staff appreciation and all of the days that they support for our staff and students.
    - Staff Meeting focus
      - Professional Development (PD)
      - Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
      - Communication
      - Policies
      - Opel Forum/Proactive Check-Ins
    - Development on procedures and policies pertaining to AI
    - Continued focus on student accountability
      - Discipline
      - Academic progress
    - Providing more context breakout time
    - Promoting work centered on Disciplinary Literacy.
- 2025 Special Servies Report – Director of Special Service, Mike Maglionico; Aurora High School Principal, Victor Torres
  - Special Education Profile
    - Preschool Transition Success
    - Alternate Assessment Participation
    - Discipline Discrepancy Success
    - Graduation and Dropout Success
    - Post-Graduation Indicators
    - …
  - Preschool Transition Success
    - Developed and implemented 14 Individualized Education Programs for students transitioning from early intervention
    - Ensured all transitions were completed by students third birthday
    - …
  - Alternate Assessment Participation
    - Met the Alternative Assessment Participation Target
    - Less than 1% of our student population participated in the Alternate Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
  - Discipline Discrepancy Success
    - We met all indicators ensuring students with disabilities were not suspended or expelled at higher rates than their peers.
    - …
  - Graduation and Dropout Success
    - Graduation Rate: 91.18% (31/34 students with disabilities earned a regular diploma)
    - Dropout Rate: 2.94% (Only 1 out of the 34 students dropped out).
    - Our students are staying in school and succeeding
  - Post-Graduation Indicators
    - 75% rate to the district follow-up survey
    - Met the indicator for students who were:
      - Enrolled in higher education
      - Competitively employed within one year of high school graduation
    - Areas for growth
      - Increasing the number of student enrolling in higher education or training programs
      - Expanding postsecondary employment opportunities. Explore opportunities with local businesses.
  - Evaluation Timelines
    - 100% compliance in Special Education Evalutions!
    - All 48 initial special education evaluations completed within 60 days of parental consent
    - …
  - Disproportionality Representation
    - Met-at Risk Status
    - Rated “Met – At Risk” for the Disproportionality representation of students with disabilities in specific subgroups
    - Risk Raio slightly above 2.50
    - Working on strategies to enhance equity …
  - Celebrating Our Success – A testament to our team’s dedication –
  - Per Pam Mehallis, why were we at-risk? It was not communicated to us, nor did we collect the information from our students, which students with disabilities who graduated were in college. We have put in place ways to collect this data moving forward.
  - Per Molly Kudley, what are inclusive practices for at-risk students? Implementing MTSS prior to dientification.
Treasurer’s Reports/Recommendations
- Resolution to Approve Financial Statements and Reports Ex. D-1 Approved.
  - General Fund
  - Student Activity Fund
  - Categorical Funds
  - Investments
  - Debts
  - Revenues exceeded expenses by ~ $9 million. Increased cash balance. Revenues 54% greater than expected. Tax advances about 4.6 million greater than projected. But, in March, expected to be lower than expected so it will even out. Favorable variance of $4.4 million.
  - Public may view such documents in the Treasurer’s Office.
- Resolution to Approve Advances and Transfers Ex. D-2 Approved.
  - General fund to athletic fund – athletic fund has negative balance.
  - Advance amount $100,000 from Fund SCC: 001-0000
  - Advance amount $100,000 from Fund SCC: 300-901A
New Business
- Action Items:
  - Resolution to Accept Gifts and Contributions Ex. E-1-a. Approved.
    - JA Worldwide donated $250 to the Athletic Department for Jerseys
    - Dumor Flowers Cookies and Mor donated $20,00 to the Wrestling Program
    - Paul Chameli donated $300 to the Track Program
  - Resolutions to Approve Staff Resignations and/or Recommendations
    - Resolution to Accept Resignations and Retirement Ex. E-1-b-1. Approved.
      - Lauren Sobelewski (retirement)
      - Angela Frankman (retirement)
      - Paul Frankman (retirement)
      - Linda Proctor (retirement)
      - Kenneth Brown (retirement)
      - Kathy Funnell (retirement)
      - Sandy Petti (retirement)
      - Megan Kozar (resignation of Literacy Specialist position)
      - William Harrison (resignation of Shrt Hr. Café position)
      - Halston Garza-Pratt (resignation of MD paraeducator position)
      - Lisa McLaughlin (resignation of paraeducator position)
      - Per Pam Mehallis, Sandi Petti 30 years as nurse, Kathy Funnell, 41 years head cook at high school, Ken Brown, Lauren Sobolewski 27 years, Paul and Angi Frankman, 50 years combined – thanks to all for service.
      - Per Molly Kudley, thanks many of these folks touched my life and my family’s life – it’s awesome to see them.
    - Resolution to Approve Licensed Substitute Teachers for 2024-2025 Ex. E-1-b-2. Approved.
      - Isaiah Patton
      - Isabella Estephan
      - Susan Pittman
      - Sharla VanAirsdale
    - Resolution to Approve Long Term Substitute Contracts Ex. E-1-b-3. Approved.
      - Kayla Musse – Craddock
      - Lei Ramos – Craddock and Leighton
    - Resolution to Award Supplemental Contracts to District Personnel 2024-2025 Ex. E-1-b-4. Approved.
      - Jason Burdett – overnight chaperon $150/night – orchestra cruise
      - Ross Downing – overnight chaperon $150/night – orchestra cruise
    - Resolution to Approve 1 yr. Limited Teacher Contract for 2025-2026 Ex. E-1-b-5. Approved.
      - Megan Kozar (100% FT) HMS Social Studies, MA, Step 2
    - Resolution to Approve Introductory Status to Support Staff Ex. E-1-b-6. Approved.
      - William Harrison 38% FTE, paraprofessional, step 1
      - Halston Garza-Pratt 88% FTE, building Sect., step 1
      - Theresa Hurst 38% FTE, parapro, step 5
      - Lisa McLaughlin 38% FTE, parapro, step 1
    - Resolution to Employ Support Staff Ex. E-1-b-7. Approved.
      - Amy Marn, LEA MD Paraeducator, step 1
    - Resolution to Award Non-District Supplemental Contracts for 2025-25 Ex. E-1-b-8. Approved.
      - Kate Clements – chaperone orchestra trip/cruise volunteer
    - Resolution to Approve New Administrative Contract Ex. E-1-b-9. Approved.
      - Bryan Schiradli, Treasurer, 3-year limited contract
        Per Pam Mehallis, very enthusiastic for a numbers guy.
        I just want to thank the Board, Volosin, Milcetich. I am very enthusiastic to get started here. I’ve been up here a number of times when applying for the job. It’s been fantastic seeing so many people here participating. Excited to get to work here.
      - Christine Wingler, Director of Transportation, 3-year limited contract
    - Resolution to Approve Leave of Absences Ex. E-1-b-10. Approved.
      - Chelsea Russ, HMS building secretary, Parental leave
      - Mikayla Hutchins, LES paraeducator, medical leave of absence
      - Roy Dolezal, bus driver, medical leave of absence
    - Resolution to Approve Support Subs for the 2024-25 school year Ex. E-1-b-11. Approved.
      - Thomas Walter
    - Resolution to Employ Part-Time Support Staff Ex. E-1-b-12. Approved.
      - Jackson Sarver, Student Worker
- Resolution to Approve Choir Trip Ec. E-1-c. Approved.
  - Destination: Chicago, IL
  - Dates: March 20, 2026-March 23, 2026
  - AHS Choirs
  - Lodging: Congress Plaza Hotel
  - Transportation: Tour bus
  - Cost: $1250 to $1350
- Resolution to Approve Payment in Lieu (of regular bus transportation). Ex. E-1-d. Approved.
  - Adeline Cunningham – Hudson Montessori
  - Alba Cristina Rio Ochoa – Hudson Montessori
  - Santiago Del Rio Ochoa – Hudson Montessori
  - Casilda Del Rio Ochoa – Hudson Montessori
  - Hanna Herlitz – Hudson Montessori
  - Adam Salupo – Hudson Montessori
  - Jackson Salupo – Hudson Montessori
  - Kalen Mulligan – Western Reserve
  - Grayson Mulligan – Western Reserve
- Resolution to Authorize Electricity Purchase Agreement. Ex. E-1-e. Approved.
  - Our electricity contract is up this year. We were with Ohio Schools Council group. We received a proposal from them, but went out through a company that gets bids. Syracuse Energy company will see nearly $19,000 over three-year period. Would have saved us $70,000 over current three year period. Electricity prices are rising.
    - Per Mike Acomb, I want to thank admin for looking outside. This is a smart decision that will allow us to save dollars.
- Resolution to Approve Purchase of Fencing for Veterans Stadium. Ex. E-1f. Approved.
  - Per Superintendent Roberto - Typically, if we have something that is a cost under $25,000 we don’t come to the board. That was where this project started. We are now over the $25,000 so we want to get your permission. Cleanup of fencing that needed repaired or replaced. Fencing will help us that will help protect the equipment under the stands and keep students out from under the stadium seats. It will make it look nicer with “windsliding”. $33,095.00
- Discussion Items
  - Board Policy DJC Bidding Requirements – will vote on next month.
    - Per Superintendent Roberto, other districts have all budding policies in one place. We took 9 different policies and placed them all in one place.
    - State has raised the cap from $50,000 to $75,000
    - We want to raise our cap from $25,000 to $50,000
Board Items
- Per Pam Mehallis, is Mr. Ilg is still here, please provide email address for someone to follow-up.

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Aurora Schools Board of Education - 3/17/25

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