The Euclid Board of Education met on April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Fordyce Administration Building, 651 E. 222nd St. Euclid, OH 44123.
Board President Gabrielle Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by a statement by the Board and the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed the evening's agenda and made one small change. The Board approved the amended agenda.
The Board adopted the minutes for the March 12th and 26th, 2025 Board Meetings.
Superintendent Papouras read a statement recognizing National School Lunch Hero Day, which will be observed on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Memorial Options Center School Recognitions and Presentation
Four outstanding Memorial Options Center Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting:
Kevin Ford, an eighth grader in THRIVE, came to the Memorial Options Center this year and has been a joy in class. He is kind-hearted, even-keeled, and has a great rapport with students and staff.
A’mare Adams joined the Career-Based Intervention (CBI) program this year and has made incredible progress through his hard work and excellent attendance. He is on track to graduate in May.
Damiya Tucker joined the Euclid Virtual Learning Academy as a 7th grader and is doing an outstanding job. Damiya often comes to Memorial to work with Mrs. Sable and Miss Mast and is always a pleasure to have in the building.
Bryce Samuel joined Panther Academy in January and chose to stay in the Panther program through the end of the year. He is working very hard and is on track to graduate in May. We are proud of his hard work, stellar attendance, and excellent behavior.
Security Officer Fred Beverly was recognized as Staff Member of the Month. Officer Fred has an outstanding commitment to the students and staff at Memorial. He consistently demonstrates a calm, gentle, and professional demeanor, making him a trusted presence in the school community.
Heidi Kaye was nominated as Faculty Member of the Month in recognition of her incredible commitment to her students and families in the Panther Academy program. Her dedication to building and sustaining relationships with students across all MOC programs is an asset to the school community.
Ms. Kathi Coffey, parent of outstanding THRIVE and
Following the recognitions, Principal Jason Coleman highlighted the great things happening at the Memorial Options Center.
Mr. Coleman began the presentation by introducing the school’s mission and how it continues to redefine learning and engagement for students in grades 1 through 12. The Memorial Options Center is not an “alternative school” but a School of Innovation, providing personalized pathways for students through real-world experiences, hands-on learning, and comprehensive wraparound support.
With over 450 students across various programs—including THRIVE, Panther Academy, Panther Assist, Euclid Virtual Learning Academy, and Career Tech—Memorial is expanding access to workforce readiness, social-emotional development, and future planning for students across the district.
Instructional Innovation and Student Engagement
Instruction at Memorial is built around hands-on, flexible, and student-centered learning. Through projects like designing roller coasters or solving open-ended design challenges, students are immersed in projects that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
The THRIVE class is designed to serve at-risk 7th and 8th graders by offering small class sizes, a calm learning environment, and full-time therapeutic support. Through experiential learning and service projects, students explore the core curriculum while benefiting from a no-phone policy that allows them to better focus and work on building interpersonal connections.
Panther Academy students are placed administratively from middle or high school and work through in-person and/or hybrid models with strong academic, behavioral, and emotional support. Through a strong emphasis on goal-setting and targeted intervention, students prepare to return to their home schools. Many Panther Academy students have found this model beneficial and opted to stay in the program rather than return to their home school.
The EVLA has become a critical family choice option, serving nearly 200 students across grades 1 through 12. With the flexibility to work online through the Edgenuity platform and support from dedicated teachers and intervention specialists, students can maintain academic progress at home while still participating in school-based activities and events.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
The MOC has several workforce development opportunities, focused on helping students prepare for employment through practical, real-world experience: urban agriculture, Robotics and Automation, Boutique Services, Hospitality, Landscape Design, and Environmental Services.
The CTE programs often collaborate on projects that benefit the community, such as cultivating pollinator gardens at Amazon and creating the Winter Wonderland Experience. The Job Training Coordination programs have created partnerships with businesses like the Crowne Plaza downtown to get career-based learning that connects the students with future employers.
The new Career-Based Intervention program has expanded access to work-based learning. Through classroom instruction and workplace field trips–like visits to MAGNET Manufacturing and the Alliance for Working Together Foundation – students learn through experiences and build toward employment opportunities.
Wraparound Services
Supporting the whole child is a top priority at Memorial. With over 135 students receiving services, the MOC partners with Making a Difference Consulting and three on-site mental health specialists who provide individual therapy, case management, and groups focused on leadership, grief, and conflict resolution.
Students also participate in service learning projects, such as preparing thousands of meals at the Cleveland Food Bank and renovating the school’s garden space. These experiences help students build a more profound sense of community, empathy, and responsibility.
Community Connection and Family Support
The Euclid Schools Family Resource Center, located at the MOC, is open to all Euclid families and offers clothing, food, toiletries, and household products. Students from the JTC and THRIVE programs help support its operations, gaining leadership experience while giving back to their community. The Spring Clothing Drive and Savers Fundraiser furthered this mission while teaching real-world business and organizational skills.
The MOC continues to grow as a district hub for innovation and student success. The “Little Building with Big Ideas” looks forward to creating more unique programming, expanded partnerships, and opportunities connecting learning with the real world.
Following the School Recognitions and Presentation, the Board passed a resolution regarding the public expression of individual board members and reaffirming the Board’s commitment to an inclusive educational environment for all students, staff, and school community members.
There was one visitor comment relative to the agenda. Stacy Schriner spoke about the Landscape Design CTE program at MOC.
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 March 2025 and approved payments.
The Board approved the certified tax rates from the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission, which will help ensure that the District receives its allotted property tax funds from the County.
The Board approved the job description for Assistant Treasurer.
The Board approved contracts with AT&T to provide phone line replacement solutions and the dedicated fiber connection required for the phone line replacement.
The Board approved grant payments for work outside current employment contracts through the Expanding Opportunities for Each Child Grant.
The Board accepted a donation from Linda Knight and Frank Sciarabba in memory of John Lanese, a retired teacher and long-time volunteer for the Euclid Schools. The donation will provide funds for the Bluestone Elementary Library in honor of Mr. Lanese’s love of reading.
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.
The Board approved the staffing needs for all 2025 summer school programming.
Contracts/Agreements
The Board approved an agreement with McKeon Education Group to provide Instructional Title I services to Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School.
Curriculum/Instruction
The Board approved the Course Description Guide for Euclid High School 2025-2026 School Year.
The Board approved the purchase of the TeachTown enCore K-12 curriculum for all special education units for the 2025-2026 School Year.
Routine Business
The Board approved the annual renewal of several Curriculum & Instruction services.
Branching Minds
iReady
StudySync ELA
Into Math & Into Algebra
Edgenuity
Edulastic
Kami
Quaver
Math 180
Amplify CKLA
Amplify ELA
Amplify Boost Reading & mClass
Miscellaneous
The Board approved Special Education Summer Programs & Staffing for the 2025 summer. The program will be four weeks long.
The Board approved an Open Enrollment Pilot for the 2025-2026 School Year. This pilot will allow open enrollment at Euclid Schools, except for the Early Learning Village and Chardon Hills STEM School, which are both inter-district open enrollment and provide space for students who live in Euclid.
Policies
The Board reviewed and approved several policies regarding Drug-Free Workplace, Inter-District Open Enrollment, Parents’ Bill of Rights, Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Shower Rooms, and Changing Rooms, Personal Communication Devices, Finances, Technical Corrections and several others.
The Board approved the adoption of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Special Education Model Policies and Procedures.
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras talked about the compassion, professionalism, and love that Euclid’s extraordinary teachers and staff have for Euclid Students.
Mr. Papouras also encouraged students to stay focused and finish the year strong after Spring Break. He emphasized the importance of attendance, especially with testing around the district.
He also reminded families about the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, which will take place on Saturday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. in Euclid Community Stadium.
Mr. Papouras discussed the celebratory plans for the Class of 2025, announcing that Prom will be held on May 9th at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Commencement is scheduled for May 22nd in Euclid Community Stadium.
Finally, Mr. Papouras thanked everyone who participated in the Strategic Plan Survey and invited any interested stakeholders to attend one of the Online Open Forums later this month.
New Business/Old Business
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the settlement of the dispute with the City of Euclid regarding the Shared Municipal Income Tax.
Executive Session
The Board entered into executive session at 8:53 pm.