The Euclid Board of Education met on December 13th, 2023, in the Board Room at the Fordyce Administration Building at 7:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Board President Kathy DeAngelis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening, with only the deletion of one agenda item–the planned executive session at the conclusion of the meeting.
The Board adopted the minutes for the November 1st, 6th, 8th, 9th, 27th and 29th, 2023 Board Meetings.
Outgoing Board Member Recognitions and Presentations
Superintendent Papouras presented commendations to outgoing board members Kathy DeAngelis and Donna Sudar. In addition to the commendations, both board members received plaques and clocks recognizing their longtime service to the Euclid Schools and Euclid Community.
Euclid Middle School Recognitions and Presentations
Four outstanding Euclid Middle School Students were recognized at the meeting. The students were recognized for being excellent leaders by participating in the NJHS, Student Council, PBIS team, or the EMS Clean Team. These students, along with several of their peers, have made a significant impact on the culture of EMS.
Kendall H.
Kyndall R.
MacKenzie H.
Camyla W.
Evelyn Johnson L.P.N. was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for building positive relationships with many EMS students and caring for their needs. She has taken the lead in initiating wellness activities for EMS staff and has great interactions with parents and staff.
Counselor Tina Sternot was recognized as Faculty Member of the Month for her support of students with their social and emotional needs. She has taken on leadership roles including NJHS Advisor, planning Career Day, sixth-grade summer academy advisory, and Chromebook expert.
Ms. Stephanie Gibson, parent of Jay’Ceon D. and Kobe D. was recognized as Family Member of the Month. Ms. Gibson is an active member of the EMS PTA and is a certified volunteer for the building. She joined the middle school at sixth grade camp this year, where she monitored a group of students and was an excellent motivator for students to take risks outside their comfort zone.
Following the recognitions, Principal Mike Mennel, along with Assitant Principals Sherri Daniels, Bryan McCrystal and Christopher Moore, presented about the many things happening at Euclid Middle School.
The presentation focusted on six main topics: the State Report Card, Curriculum and Instruction, PBIS, Sixth Grade Academy, School Culture, and College and Career Readiness.
State Report Card
In the 2023 Ohio State Report Card, Euclid Middle School raised their overall rating to 3.5 stars, meeting state standards, and earned 4 stars in progress, which indicates significant evidence that the school exceeded student growth expectations.
Curriculum & Instruction Focus
Euclid Middle School has introduced lots of new curriculum in the past few years. Additionally, EMS has adopted a new block schedule that were collaboratively developed with students, faculty and administrative staff. The block scheduling allows students to receive more meaningful instruction time for English & Language Arts and Math classes.
PBIS
The PBIS program at EMS uses digital currency called Panther Points to reward students who are Respectful, Responsible and Engaged in the building. At the end of each quarter, students who are referral free and receiving no F’s are invited to participate in Panther Pride Day–over 470 students were invited to the first quarter celebration. EMS has also created the Booster Committee, which helps develop lessons for all content area teachers to deliver to students regarding behavior expectations.
Sixth Grade Summer Academy
The Sixth Grade Summer Academy was a new program that started this year. Before the school year started, over 50 incoming 6th-grade students spent three days preparing for the 6th grade math program, engaging in math games and building activities. Once starting the school year, the students participated in tutoring sessions after school for the first six weeks. This grant funded program was an opportunity for students to prepare for middle school math and also get to know their teachers and other staff before the start of the year.
School Culture
EMS Staff Committees
The middle school has created several committees to help build the culture in the building. Most of these committees are driven by goals to support staff morale, build student supports or beautifying the school. Additionally, the EMS PTA is officially up and running and has been holding regular meetings to help fundraise for the school and build a better school-family partnership.
Science Pen Pals
7th grade science students
Letters to Pre-scientists
Snail mail
College & Career Readiness
The EMS has placed a heavy emphasis on career exploration, hosting a career day that featured guest speakers, a career fair and career-focused lesson plans throughout the day. Through the use of a program called Xello, students are exposed to interactive career, personality, and learning style assessments to help them better understand their unique interests, skills and strengths as they begin to think about their future careers.
There were no visitor comments.
Legislative Liaison Report
Student Liaison Report
Reports and Recommendations of the Treasurer
This portion of the meeting covered the financial data of the district. Euclid Schools Treasurer Steve Vasek led the Board Members through District Financial Statements.
The Board approved the Financial Data report for November 2023 and approved payments and funds transfers.
The Board also approved the healthcare rates for 2024 and closed out the Phase 1 Facilities project.
Reports and Recommendations of the Superintendent
Personnel
The Board approved changes to Certified and Classified personnel in the form of resignations, terminations, retirements, permanent substitute appointments, non-teaching appointments, non-teaching assignments extra duty, athletic duty, athletic duty resignations, and leaves.
Contracts/Agreements
The Board approved an agreement with North Coast Shared Services to provide operational and instructional support and analysis along with an audit of the district’s Education Management Information System.
The Board also approved an agreement with Coats for Kids Cleveland as part of a subgrant from the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to provide winter coats to families in need.
Routine Business
The Board approved a motion declaring transportation impractical for a student attending a school outside of the normal transportation radius. Rather than transporting the student, the Distrcit will offer payment in lieu of transportation.
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio Guidestone to provide a behavioral health, consultation and prevention program to the District.
The Board approved agreements relating to tutoring services with Stephen Eppich and Tree of Knowledge for local parochial schools.
The Board approved revised tuition agreements with school districts and agencies who provide services to Euclid students.
Miscellaneous
The Board approved an out-of-town field trip to the SkillsUSA Ohio Regional Officer Training for one student that will be participating in the training.
The Board approved the submission of a Cyber Grant tor $1000 to bolster the District’s cyber-security.
Policies
The Board approved revisions to policies regarding:
Weapons
Intra-District Open Enrollment
Transportation
Third Grade Reading Guarantee
Fair Labor Standards Act
Volunteers
and several others.
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras congratulated ELA teachers, staff, administrators and students on the achievement shown on the fall Third Grade ELA Assessments. Overall, the District nearly doubled in passing scores for the fall assessments compared to 2022.
Superintendent Papouras also encouraged students to finish out the first semester strong. He emphasized the impact of attendance on the end of the first semester and the start of the second semester. He also wished everyone a safe, enjoyable and meaningful winter break.
Superintendent Papouras also reminded everyone about Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 16th.
New Business/Old Business
As this was the last board meeting of the 2023 calendar year, the Board needed to elect a President Pro Tem. Kathy DeAngelis nominated Gabrielle Kelly. Donna Sudar motioned to approve which was seconded by Mrs. DeAngelis. The motion passed 5-0.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.