Board Meeting Q&A | 8.24.26

 

 

Thank you to those who attended and participated in the Board of Education meeting. We have compiled responses to several questions raised that evening and are sharing them to help clarify and be transparent.

Just a reminder, Board of Education meetings are conducted to carry out official district business and must remain orderly and in accordance with established procedures. To ensure the most accurate and thorough responses, district employees are asked to submit questions in advance to Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham. This allows for appropriate review and for responses to be addressed directly to the Board in alignment with board policy.

We also ask that public participation follow the structure of the meeting:

• The first Hearing of the Public should be limited to questions directly related to agenda items for that meeting.
•  The second Hearing of the Public provides an opportunity for broader comments, which must remain respectful and on topic at all times.

We value community engagement and appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a productive and respectful meeting environment for all.

 

Q: Regarding reimbursement for tuition from other districts, why does the July 24, 2026 report show $0 while showing $125,436 as FYTD receivable? Is that tuition money paid by other districts for students Lorain City Schools educates? When will that $125,436 be reflected in the district's budget? Regarding general tuition/district special education, why does the report show $0 but $375,135 FYTD receivable? When will those funds be updated/received? Are those funds coming from the government or other school districts? There are multiple line items showing $0 - when will those monies be received? Once those funds are received, will they be reflected in the district's new budget, or is the current budget intended to cover the entire year? 

A: As of the board meeting on Aug. 24, 2026, we were only three days into the school year. We have not spent money in those line items yet.

 

Q: What specifically are the student wellness funds used for?

A: Most of these funds are used to pay for wellness coaches, nursing, security, and guidance counselors' salaries. 

 

Q: What are the $10,000 Nordson Foundation grant funds being used for? 

A: This fund is intended to be used at the discretion of our Superintendent.

 

Q: Questions had previously been submitted about whether student field trips would be reinstated following passage of the levy. When will those questions be answered? 

A: Field trips can be scheduled so long as they have adequate grant funding, fundraising, and/or sponsorship, with few exceptions.

 

Q: Why haven't previous questions about the district's financials been answered? 

A: There is a finance component to every board meeting, and our comprehensive five-year forecast was presented at this board meeting.

 

Q: Will the special education-related budget line items that currently show $0 actually still be funded for the 2026–27 school year? Is the district cutting funding for special education programs? Will those budget changes negatively affect classroom programs? Specifically, will the Community grocery-shopping trips, Teaching community/life skills, and Friendship Fridays programs continue?

A: The $0 figures were year-to-date (YTD) expenditures, and because school had only been in session for three days. The Friendship Fridays, community grocery trips, and life skills programs still exist, and funding has not been cut.  Since the board meeting, the budget has been established.

 

Q: How many students are currently attending the Frank Jacinto School for Autism and Exceptional Learning and Titan Virtual?

A: 25 students at Frank Jacinto and 80 students in Titan Virtual, with Titan Virtual also having a waiting list.

 

Q: Do board members know what they actually voted on? When did board members see the version of the policy they voted on? 
 

A: Board members have access to proposed policies in advance of a vote. Policies go through two readings, which gives board members an opportunity to review the language, ask questions, and provide input before the policy is brought forward for approval.

 

Q: Who is being paid to write the policy?

A: The District works with NEOLA, a policy services provider that assists school districts with developing and updating board policies.

 

Q: Why does the policy appear to contradict itself regarding background checks?

A: The policy does not contradict itself. The language addresses different requirements and circumstances related to background checks. We are happy to provide additional clarification to ensure the policy is easy for families, staff, and volunteers to understand.

 

Q: How are volunteers supposed to check in when they're arriving outside normal school hours?

A: For the safety and security of our students and staff, anyone needing access to a school outside of normal business hours should coordinate with someone who has access to the building. If you need access to a school outside of normal business hours, please reach out directly to that person or to Dr. Graham so the appropriate arrangements can be made.

 

Q: How will staff and students know who an authorized volunteer is? Could the District use a different color badge for volunteers so students can easily distinguish them from staff?

A: Thank you for the suggestion. We agree that having a clear visual distinction can help students and staff easily identify authorized volunteers. The District can explore using a different-colored badge for volunteers as part of our ongoing efforts to make our schools safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate.