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AI Generated report of the St Marys School Board Meeting:

1. Personnel Actions

   The board addressed several personnel items, including the approval of Megan Webster as the new food service supervisor. Megan is a 2007 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School with a bachelor's degree in hospitality and an extensive background and experience in food service and management. We look forward to welcoming Megan as part of the admin team.

   Megan Webster's contract as food service supervisor was approved.

2. School Bus Purchase

   The board approved the purchase of a school bus for $154,000 through Southwest EPC.

   Purchase of a school bus for $154,000 was approved.

3. NOVA Agreement

   Approval of a contract between St. Marys City Schools and NOVA to provide online services and curriculum for some of the programs used at the high school.

   NOVA agreement was approved.

4. Library Board Appointment

   Dakota Humphreys was appointed to the Community Public Library Board to fill the remainder of Robbie Burke's term, expiring on 12-31-26.

   Dakota Humphreys appointed to the Library Board until 12-31-26.

5. Donations

   Several donations were approved: $300 from Wayne Street Church to school lunch balances, $500 from Craig and Chris Noble for the Interact 5K race, $899 from St. Marys Rotary to the Interact Club 5K race, $200 to SFA from Midwest Electric, $500 from St. Marys Foundry to Writers Are Readers, and $100 from the People's Bank to Writers Are Readers.

   All listed donations were approved.

6. Auditor Contract

   Approval of a contract with the Auditor of the State for services and fiscal reviews and audits, not to exceed $7,040. This is a continuation of services.

   Auditor contract for up to $7,040 was approved.

7. Supplemental Contract for Megan Webster

   A supplemental contract for Megan Webster was approved for $5,516 for duties related to Holy Rosary Cafeteria management. This is an annual arrangement done for the last several years, with funds paid from cafeteria profits.

   Supplemental contract for Megan Webster approved.

8. Cafeteria Fund and Financials

   The board approved the cafeteria profit and loss statement and the end-of-year balance of $54,116 in the cafeteria fund.

   Cafeteria financials and $54,116 balance approved.

9. Turf Field and Summer Activities Update

   Superintendent Bill Ruane provided updates on the turf field, the open house held in conjunction with the football parents fundraiser and youth football camp, and a full list of summer activities for kids in athletics, arts, and academics, which kept them busy, engaged, and active.

10. Cell Phone Legislation

    Discussion of new state legislation regarding cell phone use in schools, specifically a new cell phone bill. St. Marys City Schools' primary and intermediate schools already banned cell phones, and middle and high schools had limited use. New rules will further limit use by prohibiting cell phones at lunch for middle and high school students, allowing use only before and after school. Communication alternatives for students and parents were discussed, including phones in every classroom, intercom buttons, and one-to-one Chromebook devices, to address safety concerns and ensure communication access, albeit less immediate. The change is expected to lead to less distractions, better focus, engagement, and learning opportunities.

    Cell phone use will be further restricted at lunch; communication alternatives are in place.

11. Governor's Vetoes and School Funding

    Discussion on the governor's vetoes related to school funding items and the importance of the Ohio Congress not overriding these vetoes. The board emphasized that these vetoes support local schools and allow for local control by taxpayers to make decisions on school funding, levies, and taxes. The district believes decisions should be kept local and not dictated by the state, urging representatives not to override veto items that would affect school funding and learning opportunities.

    Board supports maintaining local control over school funding and opposes overriding vetoes.

12. Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant

    St. Marys City Schools was awarded a $1.85 million, four-year comprehensive literacy state development grant. This competitive grant initiative, administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to improve literacy outcomes for Ohio children from birth through grade 12. The sub-grant will specifically support St. Marys City Schools grades K-8 by establishing and sustaining literacy implementation efforts rooted in evidence-based practices aligned with the law, to raise literacy achievement and the science of reading. Congratulations and appreciation were extended to Kim Overman, the Curriculum Director, for her extensive work on the grant proposal. The grant funding will support extensive professional development for K-8 educators, two literacy coaches for four years, continued development of a comprehensive multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, and expanded community partnerships with Wright State University, Lake Campus, and the St. Marys Community Public Library.

    St. Marys City Schools awarded $1.85 million literacy grant for K-8 initiatives.