Euclid City School District - Every Student, Every Lesson, Every Day

The Euclid Board of Education met on December 11, 2024, 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 Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Four Board Members were present. Mrs. Turos was unable to attend the meeting.

The Board reviewed and accepted the agenda for the evening.

The Board adopted the minutes for the November 6th, 13th and 20th, 2024 Board Meetings.

Shoreview Elementary School Recognitions and Presentation

Four outstanding Shoreview Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting in recognition of their perfect attendance, exemplary behavior and exceptional contributions to the school community.

• Ra’Nyla Houston is a stellar student who is known for her kindness and perseverance, Ra’Nyla excels in tackling challenging math problems and approaches every task with enthusiasm and determination.

• Akira Casey is a shining example of leadership and dedication. She is an active student council member and a role model for her peers. She also consistently upholds school and classroom expectations, demonstrating kindness, care and respect for all.

• Amani Casey greets each school day with hard work and a bright smile, consistently upholding the values of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness. Her kindness and willingness to assist others make her a role model and deserving recipient.

• Ahnaf Ayman demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for learning and an eagerness to expand his knowledge. He consistently embodies the principles of being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn. His helpful and encouraging nature makes him a valued classroom community member.

  
  

Staff Member Lisa Wilson was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for her work with Shoreview’s most vulnerable students. She approaches daily with a smile, driven by her deep care and compassion for every child she supports. Her unique ability to understand, relate to, and love her students sets her apart. Lisa’s dedication, kindness, and connection to the students and community makes her an invaluable asset to Shoreview and the Euclid Schools Community.

Teachers Chrissy Gambatese and Darlene Frizzell were recognized as Faculty Members of the Month.

• Chrissy Gambatese, the lead Intervention Specialist at Shoreview, provides outstanding support to students and fellow specialists. She collaborates closely with the administration to identify and address the unique needs of students. She has been instrumental in determining placements, welcoming and mentoring new teachers, and ensuring all Special Education is compliant and documented.

• Darlene Frizzell has quickly established herself as one of the most positive, hardworking and self-motivated building substitutes that Shoreview has ever had. After transitioning from her role as a bus driver last year, she has become indispensable at Shoreview. She excels at building strong relationships with both students and staff while her proactive approach to meeting the buildings needs sets her apart.

  
  

Ms. Marlene Grady was named Family Member of the Month for her dedication and commitment to her children and the Euclid City Schools Community. She is the proud parent of Christopher Hester, Marcell Diggs, and Benjamin Al-Shamin at Shoreview Elementary, Jason Al-Shamin at the ELV and Isaiah Becerra and Deshawn Knight at EMS. Beyond her family, Ms. Grady has fostered numerous students, providing them a loving home filled with guidance and support. Her strong organizational skills ensure details of her children’s lives are managed, from coordinating appointments to supporting schoolwork and maintaining a structured home. Her energy, commitment and selflessness impact the entire Euclid City Schools community.

Following the recognitions, Principal Shateema Walker and Assistant Principal Steve Johnson presented about the many things happening at Shoreview Elementary.

• The presentation opened with a video featuring some of the great events and daily activities that the school has hosted so far this school year. Following the video, the presentation focused on six topics: Positive Culture & Climate, Community Partnerships, Family & Community Engagement, Student Groups, Attendance Initiatives, and Academic Achievement

  • Positive Culture & Climate

    • Shoreview’s revamped PBIS strategies are making a difference for students by promoting positive behavior through incentives like Panther Bucks and the "All That and a Bag of Chips" awards. These rewards allow students to shop for exciting prizes, adding a sense of accomplishment to their day. Additionally, team-building activities like Pajama Day, Halloween dress-ups, and Staff Undercover Week have created a school environment where students feel safe, respected, and connected to their teachers, making school a fun and supportive place to learn.

  • Community Partnerships

    • Students are directly benefiting from community partnerships with organizations like Imani United Church of Christ, which provided backpacks, books, and recognize students who excel in respect, responsibility, and readiness. Clearview Community Church volunteers add extra hands at school events, ensuring students get the most out of activities, while Amazon’s donations of school supplies equip classrooms with the tools students need to succeed.

  • Family & Community Engagement

    • Shoreview has hosted several events designed to bring families and students together, like the Father’s Walk, where children proudly introduced their role models, and the Homecoming Literacy Ball, where students were crowned reading kings and queens for their dedication to reading. At Family Game Night, students worked alongside their families to tackle math challenges and games, making learning collaborative and enjoyable. These events build stronger family-school relationships and give students opportunities to shine outside the classroom.

  • Student Groups

    • New and existing student groups are empowering students to lead, learn, and grow. Junior Engineers are exploring STEM concepts by designing and building projects like bridges, while Girls Club provides a space for fourth and fifth graders to boost their confidence and take on creative projects. Safety Patrol members demonstrate leadership by helping ensure safe arrivals and dismissals, and Student Council representatives organize service projects, teaching students the value of teamwork and community service.

  • Attendance Initiatives

    • Shoreview’s focus on attendance has created opportunities for students to take ownership of their school day. Students now track their own attendance with personal calendars, celebrating milestones like perfect attendance with certificates and small rewards. These efforts, paired with proactive communication between teachers and families, have improved attendance rates by 18%, ensuring more students are present and ready to learn.

  • Academic Achievement

    • Shoreview students are excelling thanks to collaborative efforts to enhance learning. Partner reading between older and younger students builds connections and confidence, while programs like Building Thinking Classrooms teach critical problem-solving skills. An after-school tutoring program supports fourth graders working toward Ohio State Test success, and over 70 students celebrated their achievements with an ice cream social and certificates for passing one or more parts of the test. These initiatives ensure that students are not only learning but thriving academically.

      
      

There were no visitor comments.

Treasury/Financial Business

• This portion of the meeting covered the financial data of the district. Euclid Schools Treasurer Patrick Higley led the Board Members through District Financial Statements.

• The Board approved the Financial Data report for November 2024 and approved payments.

• The Board authorized the Treasurer to execute the necessary documents to secure funds derived from taxes from the County for the 2025 calendar year.

• The Board approved Healthcare rates for employees for the 2025 calendar year.

• The Board approved payments from Title I grants

• The Board accepted a donation from the PAL Program to be used by the Euclid High School Boys Basketball Team for uniforms.

  
  

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 suspensions.

• Contracts/Agreements

  • The Board approved a proposal with Making a Difference Consulting for the 2024-2025 School Year to provide Mental Health Services and Program Management for K-12 students. Making a Difference will facilitate a program called “Making Better Choices” and will provide an 8 session interactive support group based on weekly social emotional learning topics.

  • The Board approved Contracts and Agreements to provide Title I services to Our Lady of the Lake School and Ss. Robert & William School through the McKeon Ed. Group and St. Agatha St. Aloysius through PSI Affiliates, Inc. 

• 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 District will offer payment in lieu of transportation.

  • The Board approved the Food Service Annual Report.

  • The Board approved tuition agreements with several school districts and agencies who may provide services to Euclid students.

    
    

Policies

• The Board reviewed policies regarding Board Meetings, organizational bylaws, employment of substitute teachers, criminal history record checks, entrance requirements, student transfers, student/parent rights, and employment of personnel for co-curricular/extra-curricular activities.

Superintendent’s Informal

• Superintendent Papouras encouraged students to focus on achieving positive grades by attending school daily, especially with only seven days left in the semester. He also urged parents to review grades with their children on InfiniteCampus. Mr. Papouras also reminded everyone that Friday, December 20th is the last day before winter break and classes resume on January 6th.

• Superintendent Papouras announced that the Euclid Schools have been honored with the PBIS District Recognition for fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for students and staff through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

• Superintendent Papouras reminded families about upcoming holiday events like the CandyLand Winter Wonderland Lighting Experience happening on December 13th and Donuts with Santa, which is happening on December 14th.

Appoint President Pro Tem

• Gabrielle Kelly was appointed President Pro Tem for the beginning section of the 2025 Organizational Meeting, until a new President is elected.

Adjournment

• The Board adjourned at 8:21 pm.