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

The Euclid Board of Education met on January 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Fordyce Administration Building.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Board President Pro-tem Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

All five Board Members were present.

The meeting began with the Board nominating and voting on the Euclid City Schools Board of Education President, electing Gabrielle Kelly.

The Board also nominated and voted on the Vice-President of the Euclid City Schools Board of Education, electing Pam Turos.

The Board reviewed the evening's agenda and made two small changes: it changed one of the scheduled Board Meeting dates and added an additional item to approve a settlement of a legal matter. The Board approved the amended agenda.

The Board adopted the minutes for the December 3rd, 11th and 18th, 2024 Board Meetings.

The superintendent read a proclamation that January 2025 is School Board Recognition Month in the Euclid City Schools.

The Board recognized Euclid High School’s Criminal Justice program, SkillsUSA Chapter, and Mr. Selvaggio for leading the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat fundraiser and donating $1,500 to the Euclid Schools Family Resource Center.

Early Learning Village School Recognitions and Presentation

Four outstanding ELV Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting:

• Khaleesi Johnson,

• Teaghan White

• Ava Gardner

• Josiah Burns

These four students were nominated as exemplary students deserving of the Student of the Month recognition for consistently demonstrating a positive attitude toward learning, arriving prepared to engage in academic activities, and fostering meaningful relationships with their peers.

Staff Member Robyn Ulle was recognized as Staff Member of the Month for being a valued member of the ELV team. She is admired for her creativity, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts to support students, staff, and families. Her thoughtful planning and meticulous preparation consistently ensure a positive and enriching experience for all.

Teacher Sydney Tucker was nominated as Faculty Member of the Month for exemplifying professional excellence through her innovative teaching techniques, dedication to her students, and commitment to continuous professional growth. Her collaborative work with the instructional coach highlights her drive to enhance instruction and student engagement.

Ms. Dynesha Stover McDonald was named Family Member of the Month for being an integral part of the Early Learning Village community and the PTA, demonstrating leadership and initiative as the vice president of the PTA and coordinator of the fall fundraiser. Her commitment to teamwork and collaboration has positively impacted the school community.

• Following the recognitions, Principal Mary Thomas, Assistant Principal Jamie Mediate, and Preschool Coordinator Shyanna Lindberg presented about the many things happening at the Euclid Early Learning Village.

• The presentation focused on the theme of “It all adds up…” and highlighted how strong instruction and meaningful engagement drive success for the district’s youngest learners. It showcased a wide range of initiatives focused on academic growth, family partnerships, and community engagement.

  • Instructional Excellence

    • ELV educators continue to implement evidence-based teaching practices

    • Using the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, universal screeners, intervention groups, and progress monitoring to support student growth.

    • Teachers have adopted the Bridges and enVision math curriculum and use vertical workspaces and manipulatives to encourage problem-solving and collaboration. Weekly Teacher-Based Team (TBT) meetings and professional development sessions ensure reflection and improvement in instructional strategies.

  • Engaging Practices

    • Preschool programs thrive because they use the Pre-K On My Way curriculum, small group instruction, and innovative tools like ESGI for progress monitoring. Teachers emphasize student goal-setting, data-driven instruction, and incorporating music into daily lessons to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development. Learning centers provide engaging, hands-on opportunities to apply concepts in meaningful ways.

    • The ELV has cultivated strong partnerships with organizations like the Euclid Public Library, Holden Arboretum, and Google. These collaborations help to bring valuable learning opportunities, such as library-led readings and STEM activities. Family engagement remains a priority, with events like the Father’s Walk, Family Game Night, and seasonal concerts fostering connections between school and home.

    • The school’s PBIS program emphasizes respect, responsibility, and readiness. Students earn rewards like pom-pom jar celebrations and gold medal parades. Attendance initiatives have reduced chronic absenteeism by 13%, and student leaders are recognized monthly for demonstrating growth mindsets.

    • The ELV is proud of its accomplishments, including a Gold Star Rating from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, the PBIS Bronze Award, a Governor visit, and strong performance in gap-closing measures on the state report card. The faculty and staff’s dedication ensures that the ELV continues to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment for Euclid’s youngest scholars.

      
      

There were no visitor comments.

Organizational Business

• The Board approved the calendar of scheduled board meetings for the year of 2025.

• The Board appointed Evan Botzki as Legislative Liaison and Selina Wright as Student Achievement Liaison to the Ohio School Boards Association.

• The Board appointed Gabrielle Kelly to the Tax Incentive Review Council.

• The Board appointed Tia Otoo as the Urban Commission Representative to the OSBA.

• The Board appointed Tia Otoo to the City of Euclid Recreation Commission.

• The Board authorized the payment of annual dues for the 2025 Ohio School Boards Association.

  
  

Treasury/Financial Business

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

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

• The Board authorized the Treasurer to sign all payroll checks and warrants issued by the Board.

• The Board authorized the Treasurer to invest funds in U.S. Security and/or Bank Time Deposits for 2025.

• The Board appointed the treasurer to attend all required public records training sessions provided by the Ohio Attorney General.

• The Board adopted the budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

• The Board approved the appointment of legal counsel for 2025.

• The Board approved a maximum limit for 2025 for the District credit card.

• The Board accepted a donation of 50 gowns and formal wear from People Helping Euclid to be used by students at Euclid High School for prom and homecoming, valued in the amount of $1,300 

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 an agreement with Cuyahoga Community College outlining a partnership to provide college students with a practical early childhood education experience.

• Routine Business

  • The Board approved a field trip for SkillsUSA to send one student and one chaperone to the SkillsUSA Regional Officer Training Institute.

  • The Board approved facility requests.

Policies

• The Board reviewed several policies, including Board Meeting Agendas, attendance, public records, public attendance at school events, travel payment & reimbursement, 

Superintendent’s Informal

• Superintendent Papouras wished everyone a happy new year and reminded students and families about the vital role attendance plays in student success, especially at the beginning of the new semester.

• Superintendent Papouras reminded stakeholders that there will be no school on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and encouraged families to visit a museum or participate in community service activities.

• Superintendent Papouras reminded incoming juniors about the Career Tech Expo, which is being held at Euclid High School on Tuesday, January 21st.

• Superintendent Papouras expressed his appreciation for the School Board Members and their contributions to the Euclid Schools. He also congratulated Ms. Kelly on being elected to serve as Board President and Mrs. Turos, who will serve as Vice-President.

Adjournment

• The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm.