Geneva Area City Board of Education Special Session December 11, 2017 The Board of Education of the Geneva Area City School District held a special meeting at 6:00 p.m., December 11, 2017, in the High School Auditorium. The meeting was called to order by President Brashear. Roll Call: Present: Absent: Visitors & Guests: Mr. Arndt, Mr. Brashear, Mr. Dana, Ms. Fisher, Mrs. Wilt, Superintendent Kujala, and Treasurer Lillie None Principals Anderson, Doherty, Gustin, and Wetherholt; Assistant Principals Markijohn and Tulino; GATA and OAPSE representatives; newspaper reporters and other citizens Certification by Treasurer of Compliance with Meeting Requirements Rules The Treasurer reported that we were in compliance with meeting notification rules. Pledge of Allegiance Work Session Mr. Brashear led the Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Brashear thanked everyone for coming out tonight and stated that before opening up the public portion of the meeting, Mr. Kujala would make a statement. Mr. Kujala thanked everyone for attending tonight. He related that the Board wants to get as much public input as possible as decisions need to be made about a future levy and what the school district will look like as we move forward. Mr. Kujala noted that after the defeat of the school district income tax (SDIT) in November, the Board has heard from numerous community members. Discussions have included putting a new SDIT levy on the ballot in May 2018, either a traditional base SDIT similar to what was on the ballot this past November or an earned income base SDIT. The SDIT might be for a 5 or 10 year fixed period of time instead of a continuous period of time. A property tax levy or an emergency levy have also been discussed. This evening, we would like to get input from the public as to whether a levy should be put on the ballot in May 2018 and what type of levy it should be. Mr. Kujala said that there seemed to be some confusion among the public in 1
regards to the timing to get on the ballot for the May primary election. The Board would need to adopt a first resolution either at the December 20 th regular meeting or the Organizational Board meeting in early January and take action on a second resolution at the regular Board meeting in January, in order to meet the February filing deadline with the Board of Elections. Mr. Kujala explained that the board has discussed numerous reductions or potential cuts that will need to be implemented with or without a future levy. As mentioned at other meetings, everything is on the table when looking at cuts. The School District is required by the Ohio Department of Education Office of School Finance to submit a reduction plan by December 31, 2017. This plan will outline the steps the District will take to eliminate any current or projected deficits that exist on our five-year forecast. Numerous community members have requested that the District share a detailed list of cuts or reductions. Mr. Kujala noted that although we want to be transparent and honest in regards to the changes or reductions that may be necessary, we also need to be cautious and considerate of our employees when discussing these issues. Our labor contracts have specific language and requirements for any reductions that are implemented. In addition, only certain reductions or cuts can be made during the course of this school year. Reductions in our certified staff (those employees that hold a license for their position) can only be done at the end of the year for the next school year. At this time, we can only look at our non-certified or support staff for any mid-year reductions. A many of you know, bus transportation is one area that we are looking at with a possible reduction to state minimum busing as early as the start of the second semester. These reductions are very difficult and the Board is looking at all of the information to make the best decision possible. Mr. Kujala stressed that we would like to hear from as many individuals as we can this evening. The Board is planning to hear input and field questions for approximately one hour. If you have anything you would like to share, please make sure to state your name and address for the Board minutes and limit your comments to one to two minutes. Again, we thank you for taking time out of your schedule, and we appreciate the input you will provide. Marsha Adams, 3720 N. Myers Rd., Geneva, said she was a teacher and resident in the district and wondered if we ve given any thought to going with a 4-day week instead of a 5-day week. Mr. Brashear said everything will be looked at. Bill Sturm, 4405 N. Broadway, Geneva, stated that he s sure there s some fat at the top, as is the case in most industry and 2
government agencies. He believes the district needs to cut at the top rather than the bottom, by looking at principals and associate staff. Mr. Brashear said that everything is on the table. Forrest Long, 5105 Woodside Dr., Geneva, said he s a Junior at GHS and wanted to talk about the cross country program. He said we are literally a family, helping each other out through our worst times, and he d hate to see it cut. Cross country is the only thing he looks forward to in the school day. Mr. Brashear said no matter what we do, we re going to touch somebody s passion. Scott Lambert, 2050 Berringer Place, Geneva, thinks the Board definitely needs to go back on the ballot. He said we need to forget the people that had No signs in their yard, but concentrate on the middle third, those who might be on the edge of supporting the district at the polls. He also said that extra-curricular activities help kids get through school. He cautioned the Board not to do anything until we reach out to those people on the edge, maybe consider a slightly smaller levy and share a little pain with the community. Mikayla Watts, 3853 Woodside Dr., Geneva, also wanted to speak about cross country. Cross country has grown in numbers and qualified for regionals (both boys and girls) twice now. She hopes the Board will keep cross country. Krista Bowser, 531 Chestnut St., Geneva, asked if we cut sports, will the Board still allow donations to keep specific sports. She wondered if the Board had figures showing the cost per student for specific sports. Mr. Brashear noted that we currently have a group funding freshman sports and another group funding swimming, and assured her that we would continue to honor gentlemen s agreements for donations. Cheyenne Headley, 3107 S. Myers Rd. Lot 72, Geneva, wanted to make sure there would still be an opportunity for non-athletic activities, such as band, choir, and drama. She didn t want to see the arts programs cut. Willard Raymond, 5549 Roxbury Ave., Geneva, said that if the district raises its pay to play fees, then there will need to be more support for scholarships from the different booster organizations. Mr. Kujala noted that the District s pay to participate fees are comparable with other county schools but lower than Lake County and CVC schools. Jeff Griffiths 130 Pepperidge Dr., Geneva, believes that a levy is essential and wondered what our cost per pupil is compared to other districts and specifically what other cuts were being contemplated. Mr. Brashear addressed some of Mr. Griffith s question by explaining that in addition to the transportation cuts mentioned, the District would be looking at other certified and non-certified staff reductions, 3
possible reductions to sports and activities, restrictions on travel, and increased pay to participate fees. Addressing the question about spending per pupil, Mr. Lillie explained that comparison data is available on the Ohio Department of Education website, with FY2016 information being the most recent available. This information shows that Geneva s total expenditure per pupil was $8,936, which was the 60 th lowest of 608 districts in the state of Ohio. That was more than $2,200 less than the state average and almost $800 less than the similar district average. The District s total revenue per pupil was the 25 th lowest in the state, so only 24 districts received less than Geneva. Regarding Mr. Sturm s statement about cutting at the top, Mr. Lillie added that Geneva s administration expenditure per pupil in FY2016 was the 45 th lowest in the state, more than $450 less than the state average and $250 below the similar district average. In addition, Geneva s pupil per administrator ratio is higher than most districts, meaning our principals have more students they are responsible for than similar districts and the state average. During a lull in public input, Mr. Brashear asked for a show of hands from those who believe we should go back on the ballot with something, and almost everyone in the room raised their hands. When he asked if we should go for a fixed term, earned income tax levy, some people raised their hands. When asked about a property tax, only a few people raised their hands. Jerry Krieg, 200 Cherrywood Circle, Geneva, who is part of a citizen s committee that is prepared to support a levy campaign, presented the results of a survey on a new operating levy that had 261 respondents in three days. Responses showed that 88% would support a new operational levy if the school board placed it on the ballot, 54% would rather support a levy that was for a continuing period of time while 46% would rather support a fixed period of time, and 48.5% would rather support a real estate tax while 51.5% would rather support a personal income based tax. Of the responses, almost 96% said they were a registered voter, while 79% voted in the last election, and 66% currently have children attending GACS. Of 218 responses, 52.75% said they would prefer a traditional income tax base, while 47.25% would prefer an earned income tax base. Of 246 responses, over 62% said they would rather see the board try for a higher amount levy which could restore services and provide funding for new programs, while 37% said the levy should just bridge the funding gap. When asked what income tax rate they would support, 243 responses showed that 31.69% would support 1%, 27.16% chose 1.25%, 24.28% selected 1.5%, 4.12% chose 1.75%, and 12.76% said they would support 2%. 4
Mr. Brashear thanked Mr. Krieg and his group for the survey and noted that this was good information. Lindsay Bell, 674 Chestnut St., Geneva, asked about the difference in cost of putting a levy on in May versus November, and she wondered if there would be a way to inform and mobilize students who are 18 and can vote. Mr. Kujala responded that the cost would be between $2,000 and $3,000 in May, while an August special election would cost about $23,000. A November election would be the least expensive. Shaun Bell, 674 Chestnut St., Geneva, asked how much an average Geneva family would pay for a 1.5% or 2% income tax and how much a retiree receiving social security would be taxed. He also wondered if we were to restore all previous funding cuts, how high would the tax rate need to be. Mr. Lillie responded that what a person would pay on the traditional income tax would depend on what other income they had to report besides wages. The average federal adjusted gross income was $48,265 in Tax Year 2015, so for a 1.5% SDIT, a person at that level would pay $723.98, while $965.30 would be paid at 2%. Retirees receiving social security would not be taxed with a traditional or earned income base. In regards to restoring funding cuts, since we haven t restored between $1,200,000 and $1,300,000 of previous cuts, then along with the $2,000,000 spending deficit, we would need almost $3,300,000. According to estimates provided by the Ohio Department of Taxation in May, an earned income rate of 1.25% would raise $3,234,707 once it was fully collected, and a rate of 1.5% would raise $3,881,648 once fully collected. Mr. Dana said cuts to sports yield minimal savings. Over the last six years, the District has lost $5.2 million in state funding. Mr. Arndt said he doesn t see much waste, so it would be hard to operate any leaner. The state has cut funding, and it always falls back on the local district to fix. The shortfall is not the fault of the District or the community, for it s the state that has cut funding. Mr. Kujala noted that with busing cuts to state minimums, many students would have to find their own way to school. Time is the biggest thing. Riverside went to state minimums for five years, and it was a nightmare logistically for parents. Some Riverside parents found that buying a car for their high school students was easier than trying to drive them to school. Jeff Richmond, 543 Ruth St., Geneva, asked if we have a way to set something up on the District s website to take information from the public. Mr. Brashear said this is the best he s felt about a group of citizens ready to lead a levy campaign. They ve come up with some 5
new ideas. He acknowledged Lindsay Bell, Jim Santiago, Jennifer Capo, Shaun Bell, Jeff Griffiths, Jennifer Restad, The Tetlows, and our student liaison Shelby Stancliff. They ve already set up a Facebook page with information and are receiving public input. Mike Sturm, 5430 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Geneva, said he believes cuts need to be made at the top rather than the bottom. Shelby Stancliff, 1549 S. Broadway, Geneva, a senior at GHS, asked when would the public be aware of a new levy. Legally, she was wondering if she can campaign among the students. Mr. Kujala said as long as it is outside the school day, factual information can be provided at any time. Andy Netzel said he will support a levy, and hopes one will be put forward. He thinks we need to focus on ways to get a levy passed. We need to look at meeting citizens part way via compromise. Jerry Krieg said we want to continue to get people s thoughts. He also asked if we can put something on the school s website. We could continue the dialogue started by the I Support Geneva Schools group survey. Krista Bowser thought that there are a lot more people that pay property taxes than pay city tax. She thinks we ought to advertise what happened at Riverside with transportation cuts and pay to participate. Mr. Brashear thanked everyone for their input. The decisions that have to be made are tough and will affect our family. Executive Session Upon Mr. Kujala s recommendation, Mr. Arndt moved, seconded by Mrs. Wilt, that the Board hold an executive session for the purpose of considering the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee. Went into executive session at 7:11 p.m. Returned from executive session at 9:04 p.m. Roll Call: YES: Arndt, Brashear, Dana, Fisher, and Wilt. Motion carried. Phase 1 cuts Mr. Brashear asked for a motion to approve the recommended Phase 1 cuts which will include the following: 6
Transportation reduction to state minimums, which would include no HS transportation and a 2 mile restriction for MS and Elementary. Housekeeper position at GPS Custodian II position at GMS Assistant Mechanic/Maintenance position Cafeteria position at GMS Cafeteria position at GHS All 5 Library Aide positions All Playground Aide positions Restrictions on Travel Eliminate noncritical professional development/conferences Limit cafeteria food choices Mr. Arndt moved, seconded by Mrs. Wilt to approve the Phase 1 cuts as recommended. Roll Call: YES: Brashear, Dana, Fisher, Wilt, and Arndt. Motion carried. Adjournment Mr. Dana moved, seconded by Mr. Arndt, to adjourn the session at 9:09 p.m. Roll Call: YES: Dana, Fisher, Wilt, Arndt and Brashear. Motion carried. The foregoing is a true an accurate record of the minutes and proceedings of the special meeting held by the Board of Education of the Geneva Area City School District on December 11, 2017. 7