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The following is an AI Generated summary of the June 2025 meeting of the Celina Board of Education:

Meeting Information

• Attendees: Mr. Schleucher, Mr. Huber, Mrs. Sommer, Mr. Huelsman (Board Members); Michelle (Treasurer), Amy (Head Start Presenter), Phil (Facilities Presenter), Brooke (Superintendent), Teresa (Public Participant)

Meeting Notes

1. Head Start Program Update and School Facilities Renovation Project Update

• Head Start Annual Self-Assessment
  Amy Esser presented the annual self-assessment for the Head Start program, highlighting program strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths include a streamlined hiring process implemented alongside the school district, the addition of the Coldwater site in the southern part of the county, 89% positive growth in family strengths assessment (16 out of 19 objectives showed growth, indicating parents responded well to efforts in their personal goals), current budget support for program needs, Head Start representation at the county child find through the ESC, a new playground added at the Rockford location last October, strong support from the district's tech department, ample professional development opportunities for staff, the addition of a social media manager and continued website building, improved attendance this year compared to last, and highly effective monitoring tools often requested by other Head Start programs. Weaknesses include a current organizational structure that doesn't allow for succession planning (lacking supervisory experience for management positions), the Coldwater part-day option not filling (leading to a switch to a full-day option for next year), decreased class scores (the mechanism for grading teaching effectiveness and efficiency) due to mitigating circumstances such as newer staff in their first year of teaching and a significant amount of child behaviors in classrooms, reduced ECE funding due to state requirement changes that decreased eligibility, an aged educational complex in constant need of repair with an underutilized work order system, and the program not being fully enrolled. Opportunities include developing a staff wellness action plan, a game-changing change in scope submission that will align family advocate caseloads and meet community needs, implementation of the Pyramid Model (a researched and evidence-based approach adopted by national Head Start to address social-emotional behavioral concerns, with administrators currently training and staff training planned for the next 1-2 years), better utilization of existing technology to decrease extraordinary paper and copier costs, website expansion to become an early childhood hub for the county, and enrollment opportunities arising from the recent closure of two sites by a neighboring grant team (Council Rural Services), allowing for enrollment of children from St. Marys and Northern Darke County. Threats include a widespread workforce shortage in education, particularly impacting preschool programs as bachelor-degreed staff move to school districts, projected flat funding for fiscal year 2026-2027 (which effectively means a cut), fluctuating licensing requirements from the Department of Children and Youth, three reportable incidents this year, and the program not being fully enrolled. The continuous improvement plan includes tackling staffing and enrollment issues (with the change in scope reduction hoped to resolve enrollment by summer), ongoing monitoring to prevent reportable incidents by ensuring staff understanding of policies and procedures, and curriculum implementation. The program plans to move away from the "Creative Curriculum" due to its administrative burden on teachers, seeking a more workable curriculum with easy lesson plans and assessment systems. Long-term planning involves evaluating all job descriptions and updating the organizational chart. The curriculum group is led by Sandy (head manager) and includes five teachers and two parents. The program has 30 full staff positions, with 2-3 completely vacant and 4 currently in the hiring process.

• 1303 Renovation Project Update
  Amy provided an update on the 1303 renovation project, stating it is at a standstill. This delay is attributed to federal realignment, as their regional office in Chicago was closed, and they are being realigned to Kansas City, with Washington D.C. currently handling all processes. The project is awaiting crucial approval from D.C. to expend funds for the environmental assessment plan. Amy was advised by a newly assigned program specialist not to contact Washington D.C. until July 1st, as they aim to be fully aligned by then.

• School Facilities Renovation Project Update
  Phil provided an update on the facilities projects, noting that everything is moving along as expected. For the pre-K-6 building, dirt is being hauled off the site, stone is being brought on, and parking lots are being graded. The removal of old fencing and trees from the bus lot playground has significantly opened up the front facade of the new building. Underground electrical and sewer lines are currently being installed, with asphalt and curbs planned for the near future. The old entryway off Portland is being removed to streamline access. For the 7-12 building, construction continues with the installation of masonry bearing walls and steel studs. Insulation board is being applied, and split-face block veneer has begun on the south/Wayne Street side. Internally, bearing walls are being added, and the roof structure (trusses and bar joists) is being installed to support the roof deck. Decking and roofing are complete on the front main two-story and third-story sections, making them watertight. Interior walls are being framed from the third floor down, with classrooms beginning to take shape. Decking has started in the cafetorium area, and the stage has been poured, described as looking "grand." A crane remains on-site for setting remaining trusses, and decking will soon begin across the gymnasium. Labs and kitchen areas are also being enclosed, with most masonry walls now up. Temporary electrical systems are in place. Aerial photos of the projects are expected to be available on the website soon.

Conclusion

1. The Head Start program has identified more strengths than weaknesses or threats this year, with a continuous improvement plan drafted based on comprehensive recommendations. Key challenges include staffing shortages, under-enrollment, and declining class scores, while opportunities exist in technology utilization and community partnerships.

2. The 1303 renovation project is currently at a standstill due to federal agency realignment, specifically the closure of the Chicago regional office and the transition to Kansas City, with Washington D.C. temporarily managing approvals. The project is awaiting approval to expend funds for the environmental assessment plan, with follow-up advised after July 1st.

3. Both the pre-K-6 and 7-12 building projects are progressing as expected, with significant work completed on site preparation, structural elements, interior framing, and exterior finishes. Aerial photos will be posted online.

2. School Board Meeting: Operational Updates, Financial Reports, and Future Planning

• Old Bus Garage Repurposing
  Discussion confirmed that the old bus garage is still standing and will be repurposed for on-site storage of maintenance equipment, snow removal equipment, chairs, and tables, as the new constructions lack sufficient storage space.

• Excavation and Soft Spot Rumors
  An inquiry was made regarding excavation near the pre-K section off Route 29, specifically where stone was being dug away after asphalt removal. Rumors of a "soft spot" in the area were mentioned. The administration clarified that the area, which was previously a parking area outside the fence near the bus garage, is being converted back to a grassed area, and the driveway is being shifted to the west, hooking up and around.

• High School Lights on Timer
  A question was raised about putting the lights in the high school (7-12 building) on a timer to save electricity, as they were observed to be on continuously, even over the weekend. It was noted that the school board is not currently paying for the electricity until the building is completed. The question will be addressed at a meeting the following day.

• Treasurer's Report
  The board approved various financial items presented in the treasurer's report. These included the minutes from the May 12th, May 19th, and June 16th meetings; the May cash summary report, showing revenues of $2,003,246.94 and expenditures of $8,339,845.71; and the May bank reconciliation, with a balance of $76,585,296.46, of which $40,254,993.47 is allocated for the building project. The board also approved checks written for the month of May, a contract with PT Services Rehabilitation, Inc. for an athletic trainer at a cost of $15,000 for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and accepted numerous donations. Notable donations included $4,000 anonymous to Celina Middle School Robotics Club, $1,000 from Celina Eagles to Celina Boys Basketball Program for a shoot-away machine, $10,000 from Celina Eagles and $5,000 from Celina VFW for the CHS Spirit Squad Lab Rats New York City trip, $700 from Mary McMurray for Celina High School's Lab Rats trip, $1,000 anonymous to the middle school musical program, $4,224 from the NEA Foundation for the high school/middle school STEM program, and several donations totaling $6,000 from Grand Lake United Methodist Church, Celina Eagles, Celina Moose, and Wabakoneta Masonic Temple for FBLA Nationals. Additionally, the board approved then and now certificates for College Board ($6,380 for AP exams) and Sites Electric ($3,900 for TriStar work), the FY25 permanent appropriations, the FY25 final certificate of resources, and authorized the treasurer to supplement appropriations and make necessary budget modifications, including advances and transfers, to close the financial books for FY25. Finally, the board considered and approved the FY26 temporary appropriations up to 100% of the FY25 appropriations for all funds (with the exception of the general fund) to cover bills from July 1, 2025, until permanent appropriations are approved.

• Superintendent's Report - Personnel Items
  The board approved the personnel items as attached, which included the appointment of Sandy Huelskamp as the replacement secretary for CJ Puthoff at the middle school, a custodian, and several Head Start future hires. The approval also covered two-year administrative contracts for existing employees and acknowledged resignations.

• Superintendent's Report - Stipend Payments
  The board approved stipend payments of $450 each for Jenna Hodge and Kristi Nelson. These payments are for their participation in the OLI 4 leadership development program, which is funded by a grant from the University of Cincinnati, ensuring no district funds are used.

• Superintendent's Report - Extended Days for Employees
  The board approved extended days for several employees for the 2024-2025 school year at their hourly rate, specifically for the months of June and July. This includes up to 10 days for Sandy (new CMS secretary) for acclimation before the school year starts, up to 5 days for Pete Lisi (CMS dean of students) for handbook alignment with NEOLA and developing an internal mechanism for tracking discipline (with up to 2 days specifically for the latter), up to 5 days each for Olivia Greber and Dawn Adams (EL teachers) for preparing reports and transition plans for English learners, and up to 8 days each for Betsy Woeste and Karen Sudoff (literacy coaches) for maintaining their Letters phonics program certification (requiring a 3-day symposium) and expanding literacy work into upper grades.

• Superintendent's Report - Other Business (Summer Programs & Fees)
  The superintendent discussed various other business items, including summer help for building preparation. A successful food services summer feeding program was highlighted, where over 28,000 meals were prepped and distributed in a short time, thanks to the new food services director, Marissa Coyle. This program, which is state grant-funded and open to anyone regardless of residency, is not new to the district but was Marissa's first time overseeing it, and she plans to expand it next year. The board approved updated prices for school lunch and breakfast for the 2025-2026 school year, which include a quarter increase (the last increase was in 2022-2023), aimed at keeping the food services program in the black to avoid mandatory annual increases. School fees for the next school year were also attached and approved. A new universal K-12 technology fee was approved to help cover Chromebook maintenance and charging cords. Additionally, the board approved the handbooks for the next school year, ensuring alignment with current legal changes for all district buildings, including TriStar.

• Head Start Report
  The board approved the Head Start report and also approved a decision not to hire a Head Start teacher beyond an already approved extension.

• TriStar Updates
  The board approved MedPrep observation sites and the appointment of Tim Rosengarten as the Celina TriStar Advisory Board representative for a two-year term.

• State Budget Impact and Special Meeting
  A discussion took place regarding the uncertainty of the state budget and its potential impact, particularly concerning the cash balance cap (which could be 30% or 50%) and the potential elimination of inside millage, estimated to result in a $3 million annual cut in revenue. A special meeting on June 30th might be necessary to move funds from the general fund to the capital projects fund before the fiscal year ends, as the cash balance cap affects the current fiscal year. The conference committee's budget rendition is expected tomorrow, with Senate and House votes the next day, followed by the governor's approval. The urgency for a June 30th meeting depends on whether the cap is 30% (requiring action) or 50% (less urgency). While funds moved to the Capital Projects Fund can be moved back, the board prefers to have more information before making aggressive transfers, especially given the potential for significant budget impacts like the elimination of inside millage. The treasurer emphasized that the cash balance issue is immediate, while other budget changes are future-oriented.

Conclusion

1. The old bus garage will be retained and repurposed for essential on-site storage due to lack of storage in new constructions.

2. An excavated area near the pre-K section is being converted to grass, and a driveway shifted, addressing rumors of a "soft spot" by clarifying landscaping changes.

3. The question regarding high school lights on a timer will be addressed, with current electricity costs for the new building covered by the project, not the school.

4. All financial items in the treasurer's report, including minutes, cash summary, bank reconciliation, checks, a new athletic trainer contract, numerous donations, and FY25/FY26 appropriations, were approved by board vote.

5. Personnel items, including a new middle school secretary, a custodian, Head Start hires, and administrative contracts, were approved.

6. Stipend payments for leadership development, funded by a grant, were approved.

7. Extended days for key employees, including a new secretary, dean of students, EL teachers, and literacy coaches, were approved to support acclimation, program development, and certification.

8. Summer programs (building prep, successful summer feeding program with planned expansion), updated school lunch/breakfast prices (with a quarter increase to maintain financial stability), new school fees, and a universal K-12 technology fee were approved. Handbooks for the next school year were also approved.

9. The Head Start report and a specific teacher hiring decision were approved.

10. MedPrep observation sites and a TriStar Advisory Board representative appointment were approved.

11. A special board meeting on June 30th may be necessary to address potential cash balance cap changes from the state budget, which is expected to be finalized soon, impacting fund transfers before the fiscal year end.