Worthington City School District public meetings in 2024

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with actions including the first reading of a new policy on protecting individual beliefs and affiliations, second readings of NEOLA policy updates and rescission of a religious instruction policy, and approval of routine financial and personnel items. The board is also set to approve an annual debt payment transfer of $312,814 to the debt service fund.

• First reading of new Policy #2265 on Protections of Individual Beliefs, Affiliations, Ideals, or Principles of Political Movements and Ideology
• Second readings of NEOLA policy updates and rescission of Policy #5223 (Released Time for Religious Instruction)
• Annual debt payment transfer of $312,814 from general fund to debt service fund for prior energy conservation savings
• Appropriation modifications including $24,851 in WEF grants
• Personnel consent agenda: resignations, new hires (e.g., bus driver at $30.02/hr), leaves of absence, and supplemental volunteers

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education approved the district's updated five-year forecast and a package of appropriation modifications reducing the general fund by $669,000. The board discussed a potential rescission of Policy #5223 on released time for religious instruction and reviewed a first reading of NEOLA policy updates. Personnel items including five certified staff resignations and several new hires were also approved. The meeting opened with a recognition of the TWHS Girls Field Hockey team for winning the state championship.

• Approved five-year forecast for the district
• Approved $669,000 reduction in General Fund appropriations, plus adjustments in other funds (e.g., $740,000 for self-funded dental accounts, $150,000 federal grant for Centegix)
• Discussed rescinding Policy #5223, Released Time for Religious Instruction
• Accepted resignations of five certified staff (retirements effective May 2025)
• Employed four classified staff (building maintenance, secretary, bus driver, special education assistant) and two home instructors

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education discussed Policy #5223 on released time for religious instruction and received a presentation on using data to guide instructional decisions. The board approved recognitions for the TWHS Girls Water Polo state champions and National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, as well as the minutes and a personnel consent agenda including resignations, leaves, and new hires.

• Discussion of Policy #5223, Released Time for Religious Instruction
• Presentation on using data to drive instructional decisions
• Recognition of TWHS Girls Water Polo team for winning state championship
• Recognition of 14 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
• Personnel consent agenda: resignations (classified and supplemental), leave of absence, and employment of home instructors at $42/hour and classified substitutes at $13.64-$17.83/hour

POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Worthington Board of Education Policy Committee will discuss and review a large set of board policy updates and revisions from NEOLA, including a new policy on artificial intelligence. The committee will also review a policy on released time for religious instruction and consider approving minutes from the previous meeting.

• New policy po7540.09 on Artificial Intelligence ('AI')
• Revised policy po5136 on Personal Communication Devices for students
• Revised policy po5136.01 on Electronic Equipment
• Revised policy po5200 on Attendance and po5500 on Student Conduct
• Review of policy po5223 on Released Time for Religious Instruction

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education heard a presentation recommending exploration of universal full-day kindergarten. The board also authorized an electric service RFP, appointed a law firm for property tax appeals, and approved personnel changes including resignations and new hires. Staff members Toya Spencer and Ally Minister were recognized for awards.

• Presentation on exploring universal all-day kindergarten
• Authorized META to issue RFP for electric service, purchase from lowest bidder
• Appointed Rich and Gillis Law Group to represent district in 2025 property valuation cases
• Recognized Toya Spencer (OSBA Exemplary School Employee) and Ally Minister (Gary Smith Compassionate Teacher Award)
• Approved classified resignations, employment (sub bus driver $23.47/hr), and acceptance of donations

POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Worthington City Schools Policy Committee will meet to discuss Board Policy 5223 regarding Released Time for Religious Instruction and vote on approving minutes from the March 18, 2024 meeting. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Review and discuss Board Policy 5223: Released Time for Religious Instruction
• Approve minutes from March 18, 2024 Policy Committee meeting

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education will hear a presentation on cellphone survey data collected from community families, staff, and 9-12 students. The board will also recognize Brianna Abbott as High School Counselor of the Year. Consent agenda items include personnel resignations, leaves of absence, and new hires for certified and classified positions.

• Presentation of cellphone survey results from families, staff, and 9-12 students
• Recognition of Brianna Abbott as High School Counselor of the Year by Ohio School Counselor Association
• Resignation of four bus drivers (Cedric Daniels, Marylouise Elliott, Jazmyn Martin, Thomas Zuni) and two supplemental coaches
• Employment of new classified staff including bus drivers, a stagecraft tech, and substitutes at rates from $13.64/hr to $29.43/hr
• Contract adjustments for certified staff due to reclassification from additional education

Regular Meeting - Work Session

This is a work session of the Worthington City Schools Board of Education. The agenda is primarily procedural: opening, public comment, approval of previous minutes, and adjournment. The only substantive item is a discussion on leadership and goals under Information and Proposals.

• Public comment period for community members (5 minutes per speaker).
• Approval of minutes from the September 23, 2024 meeting.
• Board discussion on leadership and goals.

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education decided on insurance premium rates for 2025 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the potential future sale of the outdoor pool property. The meeting also included a proposal for a new AP Seminar course at the high school level.

• Approved MOU with City of Worthington for potential future sale of outdoor pool property
• Approved 2025 insurance premiums: medical ($855.11 individual / $2,301.20 family) and dental ($108.83)
• Established fund 024-9002 for self-funding the dental program starting January 1, 2025
• Approved appropriation modifications including $30,095.00 for equipment
• Proposed new English 10: AP Seminar course for high school students

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education discussed high school construction updates and approved a personnel consent agenda. The board also accepted several cash and supply donations for various district schools and programs.

• Construction update regarding high school construction
• Approval of a $9,000 stipend for Caitlin Christel as District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist
• Acceptance of a $20,214.90 cash donation from TWHS Touchdown Club
• Acceptance of a $9,368.38 cash donation from Thomas Worthington Band Boosters
• Acceptance of $500 in school supplies from Cameron Mitchell Premier Events for Colonial Hills Elementary

Regular Meeting

The Worthington School Board voted to set student athletic ticket prices for the 2024-25 school year as required by House Bill 147, with prices ranging from $4 for middle school games to $5 for high school varsity games and a $20 season pass for K-5. The board also approved routine appropriation modifications, personnel actions including hires and resignations, and prior meeting minutes. Public comment was heard at the start of the meeting.

• Approved student athletic ticket prices: high school varsity/JV $5, high school JV/freshman $4, middle school $4, all-district K-5 season pass $20
• Approved appropriation modifications shifting $13,489.76 from supplies to purchased services and $7,000 to equipment, net $0 change
• Accepted resignation of Laura Keating (admin secretary) effective Dec 31, 2024, and Toni Stojcev (boys soccer assistant coach) effective Aug 1, 2024
• Employed Lisa Christy as 0.5 FTE social studies teacher at TWHS at $31,976, plus home instructors at $42/hour and multiple classified staff including custodian, food service, special ed assistants, and bus driver
• Approved employment of substitute staff and game workers at hourly rates from $13.64 to $23.47

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education approved an addendum to the lease agreement with Swiminc that carves out the natatorium from the current lease. The board also approved a consent agenda including several personnel resignations, leaves, and new hires, such as a Personnel Analyst at $79,754.88 and a Science Teacher at $76,846. Routine items like minutes, reports, and public comment were also on the agenda.

• Approved addendum to lease agreement with Swiminc to carve out natatorium
• Employed Christy DeWees as Personnel Analyst at $79,754.88 (1.0 FTE, 261 days)
• Employed Emily Geygan as Science Teacher at Worthington Kilbourne HS at $76,846 (1.0 FTE, 186 days)
• Approved resignations of certified teacher Jeffrey Matracia and six classified staff including bus driver, custodians, and aides
• Approved leave of absence for bus driver Aaron Phelps (unpaid disability)

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education reviewed Title I parent and family engagement policies and approved a memorandum of agreement with the Worthington Education Support Professionals Association. The board also voted on a personnel consent agenda including new hires, resignations, and contract adjustments.

• Memorandum of agreement with Worthington Education Support Professionals Association regarding classification adjustments
• Employment of Garet Sendelbach as Asst. Athletic Director at Thomas Worthington HS ($68,900)
• Employment of Jillian Somerville as Theater Teacher at TWHS ($51,909)
• Salary adjustment for Compensation Supervisor Beth Hohenstein from $101,909 to $106,000
• Annual review of Title I policies 2111 and 2261.01

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education approved several personnel changes during its July 10 meeting. This included accepting resignations from a high school principal and various staff members. The board also voted to approve several new hires for administrative, teaching, and support roles.

• Appointment of Joshua Almanson as High School Principal at $156,336
• Appointment of Angela Leiding as High School Assistant Principal at $107,000
• Acceptance of resignation from High School Principal Peter Scully
• Approval of new math and science teaching positions
• Approval of several classified staff hires for various school locations

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 budget presentation and approved initial appropriations for the upcoming year. The meeting also included the approval of several year-end fund transfers and a new fee schedule.

• Approval of FY25 fee schedule, which eliminates classroom instructional fees
• Approval of $128,000 in grant advances to the General Fund
• Transfer of $65,450.05 from Food Service Fund to General Fund
• Approval of FY24 final and FY25 initial appropriations resolutions
• Acceptance of administrative and staff resignations

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education approved budget modifications and a 403(b) plan amendment. The board also recognized staff and student achievements and accepted several staff resignations effective July 2024.

• Approved General Fund appropriation modifications, including $35,440.67 for equipment
• Recognized Chauncey Hilson with the Horizon Award
• Recognized the WorBots 4145 Team for their competition season
• Approved an amendment to the District's 403(b) plan document
• Accepted resignations for several administrative, certified, and classified staff members

Regular Meeting - Work Session

The Worthington City Schools Board of Education met on June 3, 2024, to approve minutes from its May meeting and conduct a work session on district planning. The board reviewed performance goals for the 2023-2024 school year and established new objectives for 2024-2025. This annual review guides academic priorities and resource allocation before the fall semester.

• Approved minutes from the May 13, 2024 board meeting
• Reviewed 2023-2024 goals and set objectives for the 2024-2025 school year
• Held a public comment period with a five-minute speaking limit per speaker

Annual Records Commission Meeting

The Worthington City Schools Annual Records Commission is meeting to review records retention and disposal. No applications for one-time disposal of obsolete records were submitted, and no changes to the records retention schedule are noted. The meeting is largely procedural, with the only action being adjournment.

• No applications for one-time disposal of obsolete records
• No changes to records retention schedule
• Meeting adjourned with no further business

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education is holding its regular meeting, where it approved routine items including the agenda, minutes, and recognitions. The board also approved appropriation modifications totaling $609,000 in the general fund to align with the five-year forecast, and accepted the 2025 budget for the Worthington Public Library. Information items included a curriculum resource adoption for physical science and biology, and a second reading of NEOLA policy updates.

• Approved $609,000 general fund appropriation modifications to align with five-year forecast
• Approved five-year financial forecast as presented by Treasurer TJ Cusick
• Accepted Worthington Public Library 2025 tax budget
• Recognized Nick Caruso, head custodian at Worthington Kilbourne High School, for OASBO award
• Recognized WKHS and TWHS students for Governor's Youth Art Exhibit and WKHS Esports Overwatch 2 team for state championship

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education will hear a presentation on improving special education staff workload and student outcomes, and review first-reading policy updates. The board will also vote on routine business including appropriation modifications and a consent agenda covering resignations, administrative contract renewals, and new staff hires.

• Special education audit presentation by Nate Levenson of New Solutions K-12
• First reading of NEOLA policy updates
• Appropriation modifications: $3,175 increase in purchased services, $8,982.64 decrease in supplies, $5,807.64 increase in equipment
• Resignations: Shannon Johnson (School Nurse), Claire Kalambay (English Teacher/WKHS), Amy Shepherd (Grade 2 Teacher/Colonial Hills Elementary), Benu Dhamija (Inst. Tech. Integration Leader), Domonick Meadows and Diamond Pirtle (Bus Drivers)
• Employment: 12 certified teachers at $51,909-$61,372, plus classified staff including bus drivers and custodians

Regular Meeting

The Worthington City Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting on April 8, 2024, approving routine business and personnel actions. The board accepted multiple resignations, approved new hires, and made appropriation modifications. A second reading of the 2025-2026 school calendar was presented for information.

• Approved appropriation modifications shifting $13,800 to equipment and $1,200 to dues/fees, offset by reductions in purchased services and supplies
• Accepted 15 certified and 6 classified resignations, including retirements and personal leaves
• Employed Kaylee Santille as Principal at Wilson Hill Elementary at $108,709/year
• Employed two TESOL teachers: David Hudson at Perry Middle School ($72,839) and Kisaki Yamamoto at Elementary Schools ($51,909)
• Presented second reading of 2025-2026 school calendar (Option B)

POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Worthington School District Policy Committee is reviewing several updated policies released by NEOLA. The discussion includes revisions to student assessment, employment, health services, and transportation policies.

• Review of Student Assessment and Academic Intervention Services (po2623)
• Review of Third Grade Reading Guarantee (po2623.02)
• Review of Employment of Substitutes (po3120.04)
• Review of Termination and Resignation policies (po3140, po4140)
• Review of Transportation and Bus Driver Certification policies (po8600, po8600.04)

Regular Meeting

The Worthington Board of Education is holding a regular meeting. The Board will receive an update on the construction of the district's natatorium and a first reading of the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar. They will also vote on routine financial matters, including an amended budget for tax year 2023 and a $650,000 increase to the food service fund, as well as a consent agenda of personnel items including resignations, leaves, and new hires.

Regular Meeting

The Worthington City Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting on February 26, 2024, covering routine business, personnel actions, and new business. The board approved a $12.85 million transfer from the General Fund to the Permanent Improvement Fund for the purchase and improvement of a facilities building, along with related appropriations modifications. It also approved resolutions to file complaints against property valuations for Tax Year 2023, accepted donations, and approved a resolution declaring busing to Calumet Christian School impractical.

• Appropriations modification: $12,850,000 transfer from General Fund to Permanent Improvement Fund for building purchase
• Approved resolutions to file complaints against real property valuations for Tax Year 2023
• Accepted donations totaling over $16,000, including $7,394.22 from WKHS Diamond Club Boosters and $5,316.82 from Office Max Polaris
• Approved personnel changes: resignation of Worthingway MS Principal Nathan Kellenberger, employment of Anna Gerber ($51,909) and Nathan Kellenberger ($108,962) as teachers
• Approved 1-day unpaid disciplinary suspension for kindergarten teacher Hannah Hampton

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education held a regular meeting to approve various personnel actions, including new hires and resignations. The meeting also included a construction update for Thomas Worthington High School and the acceptance of several community donations.

• Construction update for Thomas Worthington High School
• General Fund appropriations modification of $70,634.36 for purchased services
• Approval of new certified staff including a Spanish Teacher and Intervention Specialist
• Acceptance of $7,425.00 donation from Chris Scott for TWHS Girls Lacrosse uniforms
• Acceptance of $4,000.18 donation from Thomas Worthington Band Boosters

Regular Meeting - Work Session

The Board of Education held a regular work session to conduct routine business and discuss governance. The session included an executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of property for public purposes.

• Approval of the meeting agenda
• Approval of the January 22, 2024, minutes
• Executive session regarding the purchase or sale of property
• Information regarding an upcoming board retreat

Regular Meeting

The Worthington City Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting on January 22, 2024, approving routine business including minutes, appropriation modifications, and a consent agenda of personnel actions. The board also accepted donations and entered executive session to discuss property and personnel matters.

• Appropriation modifications: $86,220 moved from purchased services to equipment in the general fund
• Employment: Connor McDermott as Intervention Specialist at Granby Elementary, salary $51,909
• Employment: Robert Walker as Custodian at $25.08/hr, and two bus driver trainees at $22.78/hr
• Donations accepted: $2,000 from Galvin Family for TWHS scholarship, $1,212.17 from WKHS Breakers Club
• Executive session for property purchase/sale and employee matters

Organizational/Regular Meeting

The Board of Education held an organizational meeting to swear in new members and elect leadership. The board also established its 2024 meeting calendar and approved various annual resolutions.

• Election of Nikki Hudson as President
• Election of Kelli Davis as Vice President
• Swearing in of Amber Epling-Skinner and Stephanie Harless
• Approval of $10,826.00 for Ohio School Boards Association membership
• Establishment of a $20,000 service fund for board professional development