The Euclid Board of Education met on February 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Fordyce Administration Building.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Board President Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed the evening's agenda and made one small change, removing one item from the agenda. The Board approved the amended agenda.
The Board adopted the minutes for the January 8, 2025 Board Meeting.
Superintendent Papouras read a recognition marking March 4-8 2025 as National School Breakfast Week in the Euclid City Schools. He also read a recognition making National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 16-22, 2025.
Euclid High School Recognitions and Presentation
Four outstanding EHS Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting:
Malik Abdul-Wali
Jahi Glover
Ben Obiechina
Kelli Banks
These four students were nominated for their dedicated and talented participation in the Candy Land Winter Wonderland Event in December. These students committed countless hours to designing, problem-solving, troubleshooting, wiring and computer programming to make the event a spectacular display of lights and music. They also demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and adaptability, especially when facing challenges.
Staff Member Veta Taylor was recognized as Staff Member of the Month. Ms. Taylor is a dedicated and highly respected educator who consistently goes above and beyond to support students, colleagues, and the school community. She is a reliable and professional team player, always stepping up to assist her coworkers in problem solving and ensuring a positive learning environment. She is an invaluable asset to Euclid High School.
CTE Music Production teacher Shawn Haynes was nominated as Faculty Member of the Month for being a transformational educator who has made a significant impact on his students – creating an environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and develop entrepreneurial skills. His students created their own instrumental albums, which are available on Bandcamp, with students receiving 85% of the proceeds from every album sold.
Mrs. Tanesha Vaughn was named Community Member of the Month for consistently working collaboratively with families, teachers, and administrators, playing a key role in supporting the school community. Her efforts to modernize the PTA’s financial systems have brought efficiency and transparency, while her presence has provided a sense of consistency over the years.
Following the recognitions, Principal Corey Russel along with the High School Assistant Principals highlighted the great things happening at Euclid High School.
Mr. Russell began the presentation by sharing successes at EHS and the vision for continued growth. He highlighted The R Factor, a mindset framework that focuses on response-based decision making using the equation E+R=O: Event + Response = Outcome.
Over the past 2 and a half years, staff and students are incorporating the six key principles of the R Factor to shape school culture and behavior positively.
Press Pause
Get Your Mind Right
Step Up
Adjust and Adapt
Make a Difference
Build a Skill
Following Mr. Russell, Associate Principal Pete Hliatzos presented about school improvement and instructional growth.
EHS has focused on a comprehensive approach to school improvement through:
Aligned Instructional Improvement - utilizing structured systems to create consistency in instruction.
Ongoing Professional Learning - using in-service days, lunch & learns and collaborative work sessions.
Student-Centered Approach - engaging students in instructional improvement to ensure effective learning.
Efforts in structured teacher collaboration are strengthening instructional practices, ultimately leading to improved student achievement.
Mr. Hliatzos then turned the podium over to Assistant Principal Anne Obradovich to discuss Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) and some of the building level behavioral data.
EHS was recognized as one of the top 2% of high schools in Ohio for PBIS implementation, earning state-level recognition. EHS’s PBIS program was even highlighted by OCALI in a professional development module for other districts.
Behavioral data shows significant reductions in referrals, suspensions and expulsions compared to last year. Key strategies contributing to these improvements include:
Empowering teachers to handle classroom management procedures by creating a more refined structure.
Implementing new cafeteria procedures to prevent class cutting.
Incorporating Focus 3 messages in morning announcements and around the building to reinforce positive behaviors.
Expanding restorative practices, mentorship programs and proactive communication with families.
Additionally, the number of referral-free students has increased, reinforcing a positive school culture. These students are rewarded quarterly through incentive programs and rewards.
Assistant Principal Nadine Platko joined the presentation to discuss strengthening student leadership.
For the first time in years, every grade level at EHS has an active Class Cabinet and Student Council, giving students an opportunity to lead and contribute to the culture of EHS. Student leaders are now actively involved in:
School-wide event planning and fundraising.
Providing input on school improvement decisions.
Organizing community service projects and initiatives.
Beyond leadership groups, after-school club participation has expanded to include 27 active clubs, many of which partner with local organizations and community members for service-learning opportunities.
Ms. Platko also showcased some of the student talent at EHS
Varsity Chorale recently won multiple Grand Champion titles at show choir competitions, earning Best Vocals, Best Choreography and Best Soloist awards along the way.
The Cheerleading Competition Team qualified for the state championships in two separate divisions for the first time in school history.
The annual Big Show will be performed March 27-29, showcasing the talents of some of the performing arts Panthers around EHS.
Assistant Principal Rick Gurski stepped to the podium to discuss the importance of Freshman success and recognition.
Recognizing the importance of 9th grade success, EHS has implemented new initiatives, including:
Targeted academic interventions and mentoring.
Using early warning systems has helped to identify at-risk students before academic struggles escalate. Studies have shown that failing just one class in 9th grade decreases graduation chances by 30%.
Quarterly student recognition programs supported by a $10,000 grant from the Euclid Schools Foundation, providing incentives such as test rewards, Beats headphones, EHS branded gear, and class trips.
The EHS team has also worked to improve community engagement and recruitment.
Through high school shadow days, prospective students from local middle schools have an opportunity to talk with current EHS students, meet teachers and principals, tour the school and enjoy lunch in the Bistro.
On March 6, EHS will host a Parent Night to showcase programs, clubs, athletics and academic pathways to incoming families.
These efforts are all a part of a strategic initiative to strengthen community engagement and ensure that families see EHS as the top choice for their children.
Tamara Clemmons was the final Assistant Principal to address the Board, highlighting the academic and career pathways offered at EHS.
EHS offers 15 different CTE Pathways, preparing students fo college and careers through hands-on learning, industry certifications and workforce partnerships. Programs include:
Allied Health
Automation & Robotics
Culinary Arts
Teaching Professions
Music Production & Engineering
Welding, Urban Agriculture, and more.
EHS also offers 15 CCP courses right on campus, allowing students to earn 627 college credits this year.
Partnerships with Tri-C, Lakeland and the University of Akron provide additional college opportunities.
Graduation rates have also increased from 72% in 2020 to 83.7% in 2024, an 11.4% improvement that reflects the success of instructional efforts, student supports and behavioral interventions.
Principal Russell closed the presentation by reaffirming the commitment to intentional leadership, a positive school culture, and strong academic and behavioral supports. These efforts have been yielding measurable success, and the entire EHS team looks forward to building upon the momentum.
There were no visitor comments.
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 reports for December 2024 and January 2025 and approved payments.
The Board approved the Board Service Fund.
The Board accepted a donation from the Mennel Family to be deposited into the Middle School Principal’s Support Fund to help service all Middle School students.
The Board authorized the filing of two original complaints against the valuation of two properties in Euclid.
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 amendment and modification to an agreement for an Easement with the East Ohio Gas Company.
The Board approved an agreement with MEG/McKeon and Communion of Saints school to provide Title I services.
Routine Business
The Board approved an agreement with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio to implement a primary service agreement.
The Board approved a field trip for Varsity Chorale to attend a show choir competition.
The Board approved agreements with Lakeland Community College and Cuyahoga Community College for the College Credit Plus Program that provides opportunities for secondary students to enroll in college-level courses.
The Board approved the submission of the Cargill Retail Capacity Building Grant Opportunity 2025.
The Board approved the submission of the Innovation Grants for High School Manufacturing Pathways Pilot.
The Board approved the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 District Calendars.
The Board approved facility requests from seven different entities.
Policies
The Board reviewed and approved several policies regarding nondiscrimination, anti-harassment, Section 504, agendas, and more.
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras talked about how the Euclid Schools are celebrating Black History Month and the importance of honoring the month.
Superintendent Papouras recognized Bluestone Elementary for being removed from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce watch list – meaning that Euclid Schools have no schools on academic watch.
Superintendent stressed the importance of attendance, especially with the Presidents’ Day and Spring breaks approaching.
Superintendent Papouras encouraged Seniors to apply for scholarships through the Euclid Schools Foundation.
Superintendent Papouras reminded families that there will be no school on Friday, February 14th or Monday, February 17th.
Adjournment
The Board executive session at 8:35 pm.