Work Session of Poland Board of Education held May 11, 2020

A Virtual Work Session of the Poland Board of Education was held on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.  The Virtual Work Session livestream was available via www.polandbulldogs.com.

President, Mr. Riddle called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Members present for roll call and answering their names were Ms. Colucci, Dr. Dinopoulos, Mr. Polis, Mr. Riddle and Mr. Warren
	
DISCUSSION: Mr. Janofa, Superintendent
* Governor DeWineÕs K-12 Education Reduction and Impact Ð Mr. Janofa, Superintendent, welcomed everyone attending remotely and reminded everyone many things are very fluid.  
- The reduction in state funding just came out and as well as what the district will be receiving as a result of Cares Act relief. As of today, the Governor has not removed any school restrictions.  We are continuing to follow the GovernorÕs mandated orders.  We are obligated to follow the directives of the Governor.  The Poland Schools will see a 2.41% reduction in State Foundation for the remainder of FY20, equaling $443K.  This funding cut will cause the district to dip into the projected carryover.  
- K-12 Summary Tables was reviewed showing the mechanism for the reduction is by typology.  Mr. Janofa reminded everyone we are perceived as high wealth district.
- FY20 reductions for Mahoning CountyÐ Net reductions.  The results for Mahoning County show Poland at a Negative $313K.  The data reveals districts cannot be compared to one another as some districts actually show a net gain when combining State Funding Reductions along with Cares Funds.  Treasurer Muntean stated to the Board the Cares Funds will not be included in the General Fund as Cares money is Federal Money.
- Mr. Riddle reflected on the March 2018 Financial Statements; stating the gratitude to Mr. Janofa and Mrs. Muntean for making strategic efforts the past couple years to put the district in a better place in order to withstand this unforeseen hit to our revenue stream.


DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS - Mr. Janofa, Superintendent
* Graduation Update and Locker Cleanout Information - Mr. Janofa, Superintendent explained that during these unprecedented times we are trying to communicate to the best of our ability and share important information as soon as it is available. Correspondence has been going out to parents regarding final exams, testing, grades, graduation, a schedule for locker cleanout, collection of books, computers, etc.  WeÕre trying to coordinate all of these events.  Reminder to all, that we still have three (3) weeks of school remaining and we need to finish Poland strong.  Emphasize the empathy for our seniors; however, we have three (3) weeks to finish and there are contractual ramifications if we finish school early.  
- Mr. Riddle asked about attendance of staff and students during this time.  Mr. Janofa will report back to the board with specifics.
- Mr. Polis asked about final exams and what are teachers requiring.  Mr. Janofa explained that students taking CCP+ courses have no option but to take required exams. Mr. Janofa will get back to the board with specifics.
- Dr. Dinopoulos asked the reasoning behind those wanting to end the year early as he had not heard this comment.  Mr. Janofa explained all districts have different calendars in place and district specifics to do what they can and canÕt do for year-end events.

Mr. Riddle asked how many where in attendance virtually. Mr. Zura indicated currently 23 individuals were participating.  Comments were urged to be submitted via email to mzura@polandschools.org


FACILITIES UPDATES - Mr. Janofa, Superintendent
* Dobbins Roof and Abatement Ð Today, May 11, 2020, gravel is being removed from Dobbins Roof and abatement is currently being performed and should be completed this week.
* PSHS Walkthrough with Strollo Architects Ð The walkthrough at PSHS was performed with various upcoming projects being discussed, such as, Auditorium Ceiling, Restrooms, Board of Education renovation into classrooms.  We should have a proposal soon on these expenditures.
* North/Dobbins Content Potential Auction Ð Almost all contents from Dobbins have been moved to North other than a few large items which would require professional movers.  Exploring options on having auction in near future.
* Ð Sidewalks are currently being replaced and have been moved back from the street to resolve concerns from prior years.

- Mr. Riddle Ð Stressed the importance to have plan in very near future of North Property.
- Mr. Polis Ð Can old extra contents be used in current building?  The answer yes, Mr. Janofa explained we have been using anything we can rather than purchasing new.


ACADEMICS - Mr. Janofa, Superintendent
* Final and End of Year Exams Ð Already addressed above.
* School Calendar 2020-2021 Ð Superintendent Janofa emphasized that until we get more direction from the Governor and ODE regarding how the start of next school year will look, changing the school calendar and reviewing options for alternatives may need to be discussed.
*  PSHS US News & World Report Ranking Ð Congratulations!  Kudos to all staff on PSHS being named in Top 50 in the State of Ohio. Great accomplishment.








DISCUSSION: Strategic Planning Committee Ð Mr. Larry Warren, Vice President
* Update - Mr. Larry Warren Ð Mr. Warren provided a recap of the Strategic Planning. Late Summer of 2016 work began, continued in 2017 and April, 2018 report was submitted for Board consideration from various committee groups.  The Strategic Plan was adopted by the Board of Education and led to Forging the Bulldog Future.  
Mr. Warren suggested the best strategy with everything currently going on in summary, to identify original participants, review committee list, possibly seek additional participants, re-engage committees to meet either in person if allowable or virtually. A summary of where we were, where we are now, and where we hope to be.
Mr. Warren encouraged the Board to view the OSBA Journal April Edition Ð article on communication.  

- Mr. Riddle suggested reaching out to members and appoint a chair and share information to Mr. Warren as Board communication representative.
- Dr. Dinopoulos asked as a communication talking point what other Board members felt regarding the recent levy renewal passing by such strong favorable, overwhelming manner.
- Mr. Polis feels the stakeholders showed support because of efforts made the last few years to turn the district around and how this pandemic was handled; they want to see the district continue in the same manner.
- Mr. Warren explained it is hard to read into election results. He feels school levies do better with lower voter turnout.
- Mr. Polis disagrees with that statement regarding lower turnout.
- Ms. Colucci agrees with Mr. Warren on voter results; however, agrees with Mr. Polis that the community is happy with district progression.
- Mr. Janofa would like to add work session in June with Terry Morgan, Author of Communication Article in OSBA Journal.


DISCUSSION: Janet Muntean, Treasurer
* Negative Fund Balances Ð  Treasurer Muntean explained the funds with negative balances will require transfers before June 30th.  Transfers to the Cafeteria Fund as well as the Pre-School/After-School Fund will be included in the May Five Year Forecast Update on Monday.  The Board will take formal action at the regular June meeting.  Also, as of today, there are currently two (2) student activity funds, NHS and the Class of 2023 reflecting a negative balance.  These will be included as Advances on the May Five Year Forecast Update
* CARES Act District Funding Ð The CARES Act District Funding was discussed earlier; however, Treasurer Muntean reminded the Board that these are Federal Funds that have to be used for specific uses as listed in the CARES Funding Documentation presented.





       At 7:08 p.m., Mr. Polis moved and Mr. Warren seconded with all members present signaling aye to enter into Executive Session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal of a public employee or official.


RECONVENE to Work Session and Adjourn

	At 9:31 p.m., Mr. Polis moved and Mr. Warren seconded with all members present signaling aye to reconvene to work session and adjourn.
	 

Meeting adjourned.




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Treasurer					President


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