September 22, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting
September 22, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting
Lorain City Schools Board of Education
Regular Board Meeting
September 22, 2025-5:00 P.M.
Lorain High School, Bldg. C, 1st Floor-Boardroom
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:01PM By Jay Ferguson
*This meeting is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the
School District's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in agenda item 5.0 and 14.0:
2. ROLL CALL
Jay Ferguson, Barbie Washington, Bill Sturgill, Courtney Nazario, Dr. Mark Ballard
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-3.01
3.01 Led by the students from Admiral King Elementary School.
Mrs. Amy Rodriguez, Principal, is here to support her students:Robert Haddix, Brandon Ward, Jailah Church, Summer Celenko, Ava Torres, Nariah Williams, Issac Strawderman, and Noeh Moore. After the pledge the students shared a short writing they completed about “who is their hero and why.”
4. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS-4.01
5. HEARING OF THE PUBLIC-None
25-R-174 APPROVE OR AMEND AND SIGN MINUTES-6.01
6.01 Consider Approval of the September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes:
*The board waives the right to read the minutes from the September 8, 2025, Regular Meeting
Minutes*
Motion by Dr. Mark Ballard second by Courtney Nazario
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Barbie Washington, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard
7. OLD BUSINESS-None
25-R-175 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TREASURER-8.01-8.05
8.01 Approval of Donations:
1. Monetary donation of $3,000 from the IAV for Wraparound services to provide clothing and
basic needs items for students within the Lorain City Schools.
2. Monetary donation of $3,000 from the IAV for Caps & Gowns, PBIS and Personal Care Items for
students in Success Academy.
3. Monetary donation f $1,000 from the IAV for social-emotional support materials for the PreK
program within Lorain City Schools.
4. Donation of a $100 gift card from an anonymous donor for the PBIS Program at Stevan
Dohanos Elementary School.
5. Donation of school supplies valued at $100 from Lorain Lighthouse Church for the students in need at Frank Jacinto Elementary School.
6. Donation of classroom supplies and prizes valued at $150.00 from various donors for Ms. Whitaker's classroom at Toni Morrison Elementary School.
7. Donation of classroom supplies, flexible seats, and more valued at $264.00 for Aaron Davis's
Classroom at Toni Morrison Elementary School.
8. Donors Choose donation of books, guides and colored pencils valued at $280.00 for Ms.
Whitaker's classroom at Toni Morrison Elementary School.
9. Donors Choose donation of snacks valued at $554.49 for Room 143 at Frank Jacinto Elementary
School.
10. Donation of a $100.00 gift card from an anonymous donor for PBIS and Classroom supplies at
Stevan Dohanos Elementary School.
11. Donation of school supplies valued at $400.00 for the students within the Lorain City School
District.
12. Donors Choose donation of playdough stamps valued at $235.00 for students at Palm
Elementary School.
13. Donation of school supplies valued at $400.00 from X-Freedom Studio for the students within the Lorain City School District.
14. Donation of school supplies valued at $15.00 from Brad Pavella-Barstinas for the students
within the Lorain City School District.
15. Donors Choose donation of classroom supplies valued at $854.00 for students at Helen Steiner Rice Elementary School.
8.02 Approval of the August 2025 Purchase Orders Greater than $3,000:
8.03 Approval of the August 2025 Financial Reports:
8.04 Approval of the permanent appropriations for 2025-2026, Estimated Resources & 412
Certificate:
8.05 Approval of 25/26 FY Budget and Purpose Statements:
Motion by Barbie Washington second by Bill Sturgill
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Barbie Washington, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard
25-R-176 REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT-PERSONNEL
MATTERS-9.01-9.09
Missy DeAngelis began by highlighting improvements in student attendance. She noted a steady increase in attendance rates and a decline in chronic absenteeism. Although the district was close to earning points in the state’s “Gap Closing” attendance indicator, it narrowly missed the threshold. She pointed out that some school buildings showed gains in both overall attendance and reductions in chronic absenteeism between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
Mr. Ohle emphasized the importance of making daily attendance something students look forward to. He mentioned school assemblies and a new Titus Attendance Challenge as ways to celebrate and encourage strong attendance. The staff is also changing how they communicate with families by making positive, supportive calls rather than only reaching out when there’s an issue.
Dr. Graham reflected on the district’s efforts since the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged that
while some past strategies weren’t effective, the move toward personalized, family-centered
approaches has made a difference in several elementary schools. He now expects these practices to
be used district-wide.
Dr. Ballard raised a concern about whether changes to busing eligibility could be affecting
absenteeism. Dr. Graham responded that when busing was reduced to a two-mile radius, the chronic absenteeism rate was about 20 percent. He promised to provide cost details soon, as similar transportation would need to be offered to charter and private schools as well. Missy confirmed that the transportation department is working hard to support students. Mrs. Washington asked if there was a waiting list for students trying to access “space available” transportation. Dr. Graham brought in Tony Dimacchia, who explained that the district delays assigning these students until they are sure enough eligible students have confirmed their spots. He
added that new buses recently added to the fleet should help fill some gaps. When asked about the root causes of chronic absenteeism, Michael Scott explained that the reasons
vary widely by student. He mentioned the lingering effects of pandemic-era habits, health care
access, and the need to make school environments more appealing and engaging. He stressed the importance of addressing both logistical barriers and motivation issues, such as helping families build
strong attendance routines. Scott noted that missing just two days a month adds up quickly and can
affect student success. He shared a conversation with a student who said missing school means
falling behind, which then makes returning more difficult. Efforts like the Fathers Walk initiative are
part of a broader community strategy to improve attendance.
Dr. Sturgill added that the district is working hard to break down barriers for students and families.
He said services are being intensified this year, and the team is closely tracking which students are out and why. Weekly check-ins and home visits are part of this more focused strategy.
Mr. Ferguson asked how many days of absence make a student chronically absent. The answer was 17 days out of the 174-day school year. Mrs. Washington asked what is being done to motivate older students. Missy DeAngelis mentioned that they are included in attendance-related rewards, such as the attendance chain. Michael Scott expanded on that by explaining that at the high school level, staff are taking a more personalized approach. Each grade level has designated administrators who make individual outreach
efforts. Assistant Principal Julio Rivera is leading the high school attendance efforts. The district is
also focused on giving students access to clubs and activities, which research shows improves
attendance. A podcast created by students is being used to promote school culture and ensure
student voices are heard.
Ross May supported the focus on building stronger student connections, especially within the Success Academy. He said students had specifically asked for more school engagement, like Family Feud-style
events, which have been successful. Mr. Scott highlighted, Assistant Principal, Reginald Shaw. describing how he saw him calling parents during the day to encourage them to bring their children to school if they’re feeling better, reinforcing that every minute matters. Lastly, a fifth-grade student on the Admiral King's leadership team shared that her hero is Martin Luther King Jr., because he helped children of different races attend the same schools.
9.01 Approval of appointments:
9.03 Approval of the SMART Local 33 contract, effective July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028:
9.04 Approval of Supplemental Contracts for the 2025-2026 school year:
9.05 Approval between Lorain City Schools Board of Education and the Lorain Education Association
regarding an extension of an MOU with dance teachers for the 2025/2026 SY:
9.06 Approval of Reduction-in-Force and position elimination of an Executive Secretary position:
9.07 Approval of NEOLA new/updated/revised policies (first reading): Dr. Grahm asked that the Cell Phone policy be broken out from the other. The Cell Phone Policy will now be Item #9.10.
9.08 Approval of NEOLA updated/revised policies (second reading): PO 8330
9.09 Approval of the OAPSE 377-B contract, effective July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028:
Motion by Barbie Washington second by Bill Sturgill
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Barbie Washington, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard
25-R-177 REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT-PERSONNEL
MATTERS-9.10
During the school board meeting, Mrs. Washington raised a concern about board members using cell
phones during meetings. She said it sends the wrong message, especially when the board asks
students and staff to limit their phone use. Her concern stemmed from issues in other local
government settings, such as city council meetings where cell phone use led to public records
requests for text messages and photos. She emphasized the importance of being present, attentive, and respectful during meetings. As a result, she asked the policy committee to consider drafting a policy similar to one used by another school district. While the proposed policy does not require phones to be stored away completely, it would discourage phone use unless necessary, such as for
health monitoring or emergencies.
Dr. Ballard responded that he hasn’t seen anyone making calls during meetings and questioned
whether a policy was necessary. He felt board members should have the judgment to manage their own behavior without formal regulation and expressed that most people might not know what
someone is doing on a phone or tablet, but that doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate. Mr. Sturgill asked if any state law required such a policy. Mrs. Washington deferred to Mr. Giardini, who clarified that while there’s no specific law mandating this type of policy, text messages between board members during meetings could potentially violate the Sunshine Law if they involve discussion
of board matters. He explained that such messages may be considered public records, even without a policy in place, and advised against that type of communication. Mr. Ferguson concluded by stating that while he understood the intent of the policy, he agreed with Dr. Ballard’s position and seemed to favor allowing board members to self-regulate rather than
adopting a formal rule.
9.10 Approval of NEOLA new/updated/revised policies (first reading):
po To be assigned New BOARD CELL PHONE USE
Motion by Barbie Washington second by Courtney Nazario
Final Resolution: Motion Failed
Yes: Barbie Washington, Courtney Nazario
No: Jay Ferguson, Dr. Mark Ballard, Bill Sturgill
25-R-178 REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT-PERSONNEL
MATTERS-10.01-10.13
During the discussion of item 10.04, Mrs. Washington raised several questions and concerns
regarding a proposed contract. She asked whether board members had fully reviewed the contract and whether there were concerns about how many staff members it would serve. She also
questioned the timeline for using the allocated funds, asking if the money needed to be spent by
June. Mrs. Kearney explained that the funds included rollover money from the previous year. Part of
the funding needs to be used by the end of the current month, and the rest by the end of fiscal year
2026. Mrs. Washington expressed disappointment that the district was in a situation where it had to spend money quickly. She felt the proposed contract was too expensive for the relatively small number of staff it would benefit.
Mr. Fergerson pointed out that the consultant in question, Rick Wormeli, is a specialist in middle
school education. Mr. May added that Wormeli is widely recognized as one of the leading experts in
the country on standards-based grading. Mrs. Nazario voiced her hesitation about approving the contract. She questioned why the district would invest in something new when they are still in the process of implementing other recent initiatives. She expressed full support for professional development in general but wished the funds had been directed toward strengthening efforts already underway in schools. Specifically, she
suggested that more training in trauma-informed practices or continued support in existing programs would have been a more valuable use of the $50,000. Her concern was that adding yet another new initiative could overwhelm staff who are already managing a number of changes this year.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Career Tech.
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Amanda Sturgeon
10.01 Approval of a quote for School-wide Access to BrainPop for 8th grade classrooms at all Middle Schools:This is a CTE expenditure not to exceed $8,973.50.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Federal Programs & Grants
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Casey Smith
10.02 Approval of a contract with The Educational Service Center of Lorain County (ESCLC) for
Disability Simulations professional development consulting during the 25-26 school year:This is a
Title IIA expenditure not to exceed $3,250.00.
10.03 Approval of a contract with The Educational Service Center of Lorain County (ESCLC) for
providing Consulting-Unlocking AI Education Training IS Cohorts Resource/Presentation Review
professional development consulting during the 25-26 school year:This is a Title IIA expenditure not to exceed $162.50.
10.04 Approval of a contract with Richard Wormeli for professional development services during the
25-26 school year:This is a Title IIA expenditure not to exceed $50,000.00.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mary Mayse
10.05 Approval of a Parent Contract with Ms. Sharon Harper to transfer to and from PEP Prentiss
School:This is a general fund expenditure not to exceed $50/day.
10.06 Approval of a Parent Contract with Ms. Evanessa Cordero to transport to and from Julie Billiart School:This is a general fund expenditure not to exceed $50/day.
10.07 Approval of a contract with State Industrial Products to provide a Water Treatment Program Agreement for FY 2025-2026:This is a general fund expenditure not to exceed $13,167.44.
10.08 Approval of a revised contract with Elbrus Construction to replace custom metal doors at
George Daniel Field:This is a 004 expenditure not to exceed $10,142.00.
10.09 Approval of contract with Reardon's Painting, LLC. to paint the outside East and West walls at
George Daniel Stadium:This is a 004 expenditure not to exceed $8,900.00.
10.10 Approval of a contract with Reardon's Painting, LLC to pressure wash and paint the wall on the East Side Bleachers:This is a 004 expenditure not to exceed $2,800.00.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Elementary Curriculum
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Bill Ohle
10.11 Approval of a contract with Renaissance Learning to provide Accelerated Reader to elementary
schools during the 2025-26 school year:This is a general fund expenditure not to exceed $4,890.55.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Toni Morrison
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Brigette Kaiser
10.12 Approval of a contract with SPARK Theatre 4 Youth to perform at Toni Morrison:This is a
student activity expenditure not to exceed $250.00.
RESOLUTION:25-R-178
NAME OF DEPARTMENT: Superintendent
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Jeff Graham
10.13 Approval of a Volunteer Participant Agreement to participate in the Lorain County Emergency Support Function #1 - Emergency Transportation and Evacuation Plan: Mr. May discussed the district’s progress in aligning with its strategic plan, particularly regarding
curriculum revisions and resource adoption. He explained that the focus has moved beyond
instructional planning to school culture and how students feel about learning. He emphasized the connection between academic struggles and a loss of hope, pointing out that without a clear and supportive system for measuring student growth and providing feedback, schools may unintentionally contribute to that problem. He stressed that this work isn't just about changing how grades are recorded but about consistently holding high expectations, offering meaningful feedback, and allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways. The district is working on improving collaboration among teachers so
that expectations and instructional design are aligned across classrooms. This is part of a broader effort to improve instructional practices, not just to implement a new report card system. Mr. May clarified that while the district is preparing for change, nothing will be fully implemented until down the road. He acknowledged that past attempts at standards-based grading lacked teacher input, but this time, the approach involves collaboration from the start. He explained that the district is working with external partners and will use early release days and other flexible time to test ideas, share them with families, and gather feedback. The goal is to ensure both educators and parents are included in the conversation. He also addressed the need for better tools to support students' social and emotional needs,suggesting that current tools like Panorama may not provide enough support. He expressed a desire to see professional development funding allocated to more impactful training in this area. While there
was a recent $50,000 request to approve a contract for professional development, Mrs. Nazario
hoped the spending would be directed toward resources that directly address trauma-informed
practices and better classroom support. Mrs. Washington added her perspective, recalling a time when report cards combined traditional grades with standards-based feedback in a way that made sense to parents. She said she supported the direction the district is moving in but clarified that her earlier opposition was not because she disagreed with the concept, but rather due to the amount of money for a few classes.
Motion by Dr. Mark Ballard second by Courtney Nazario
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Dr. Mark Ballard, Bill Sturgill
No: Courtney Nazario, Barbie Washington
11. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT-OTHER MATTERS-None
12. NEW BUSINESS-None
13. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND REQUESTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS-None
14. HEARING OF THE PUBLIC-None
15. BOARD WORK SESSION (AS NEEDED)
25-R-179 EXECUTIVE SESSION-16.01-16.02
16.01 Entered Executive Session at 5:55PM
Motion by Dr. Ballard second by Mrs. Nazario
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Barbie Washington, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard
WHEREAS, as a public board of education may hold an executive session only after a majority of a
quorum of this board determines by a roll call vote to hold such a session and only at a regular or
special meeting for the sole purpose of the consideration of the following matters:
A. To consider one or more, as applicable, of the check marked items with respect to a public
employee or official:
1. ___Appointment
2. _X__Employment
3. ___Dismissal
4. ___Discipline
5. ___Promotion
6. ___Demotion
7. ___Compensation
8. ___Investigation of charges/complaints
(unless public hearing requested)
B. To consider the purchase of property for the public purposes or for the sale of property at
competitive bidding.
C. Conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body
that are the subject of pending or imminent court action.
D. Preparing for, conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment.
E Matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or rules or state statutes.
F. Specialized details of security arrangements where disclosure of the matters discussed might
reveal information that could be used for the purpose of committing or avoid prosecution for a violation of the law.
G. Confidential information related to marketing plans, specific business strategy, production
techniques, trade secrets or personal financial statements of an applicant for economic development assistance, or to negotiations with other political subdivisions regarding requests for economic development assistance, if the following conditions apply:
- The information is directly related to a request for economic development assistance that is tobe provided or administered under the statutes set forth in RC 121.22(G)(8)(1) or involves public infrastructure improvements or the extension of utility services that are directly related to an economic development project; and
- A unanimous quorum of the board of education determines, by a roll call vote, that the executive session is necessary to protect the interests of the applicant or the possible investment or expenditure of public funds to be made in connection with the economic development project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lorain City School District Board of Education, by a majority of the quorum present at this meeting, does hereby declare its intention to hold an executive session on items A2 & B as listed above.
16.02 Exited Executive Session at 8:02PM
Motion by Bill Sturgill second by Dr. Mark Ballard
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard
Absent:Barbie Washington (left the meeting 7:30PM)
17. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT BOARD MEETING-Item 17.01
17.01 Announcement of Next Board Meeting- Regular Meeting October 13, 2025, at 5:00PM.
*Lorain High School, Bldg. C, 1st Floor-Boardroom*
25-R-180 ADJOURNMENT- Item 18.01
18.01 Adjournment-Meeting Adjourned at 8:03PM
Motion by Dr. Mark Ballard second by Bill Sturgill
Yes: Jay Ferguson, Courtney Nazario, Bill Sturgill, Dr. Mark Ballard Absent: Barbie Washington
APPROVED
DATE: September 22, 2025
_______________________________
Jay Ferguson, President
_______________________________
Tia Kearney, Treasurer