The August meeting of the North Royalton Board of Education took place on Monday, August 10 at the North Royalton Performing Arts Center. School Superintendent Greg Gurka addressed the group regarding the recent update on athletics and extracurricular activities. About twenty people addressed the Board on COVID-19/school matters. (See Back to School article).
The Board appointed Superintendent Gregory J. Gurka, or his designee, as the Board’s Hearing Officer for all suspension hearings and expulsions.
The Board approved the transfer from account 200-975B High School Class of 2020 of $8,847.38 to the High School Student account.
Gurka reported that the first day of school is Tuesday, September 1. In the next few days, the updated options will be sent out to parents. “Things will be more regimented. Grades will be given.” He said he feels that things will be better in the fall. More detailed information, such as IEP meetings, will be given to parents shortly. “There are a lot of details we are working through to get our students what they need. . . . This is all brand new, we have never experienced this before.” He concluded by saying that the district is working to make it better.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the filing of bankruptcy proof of claim in the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.
The Board approved the remote learning plan for the district, as submitted to the Ohio Department of Education for the 2020-21 school year.
An agreement to renew dental insurance with Oasis Trust (Trustmark) from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 was approved by the Board for dental benefits to North Royalton City Schools’ employees.
The Board approved participation with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio for the purpose of providing inter-district services as needed for the 2020-21 school year. (Interpreter and gifted coordinator).
The Board approved an agreement with Nexstep Educational Services for the 2020-21 school year for services in teaching and non-teaching fields specified in requests submitted by St. Albert the Great.
The Board approved an agreement with Music Therapy Enrichment Center for services for the 2020-21 school year.
The Board resolved to amend and approve services with SMILE Summer Camp for providing one extra week of camp for special student education in 2020.
The Board approved an agreement for the 2020-2021 school year: Bellefaire JCB (Monarch School) for special education programs and services.
The Board approved an addendum to the contract agreement with LLA Therapy, dated August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2021 to included Speech Language Pathologist to fill a long term substitute position (August 17-September 18, 2020) and services during the 2021 school year for homebound students.
The Board approved an agreement with Applewood Centers, Incorporated (Gerson School) for special education program for the 2020-21 school year.
The Board approved an agreement with McKeon Education Group for Title 1 services for the 2020-21 school year for An Ihsan School for $2,544.12 and Holy Family Catholic School for $1,272.06.
The Board approved an agreement with PSI Affiliates, Incorporated for Title I services for the 2020-21 school year for Assumption Academy for $1,272.06; St Albert the Great School for $11,448.56 and St. Charles Borromeo School for $2,544.12.
The Board recognized the retirement of Mary Ellen Feigi and Pamela Barker. They also accepted the following resignations:
Jacen Craft, Technology Specialist, effective July 18, 2020
Maria DeFrank, Certified Substitute, effective August 7, 2020
Timothy Duman, Technology Specialist I, effective September 1, 2020
Kolby Miller, Summer Help, effective July 18, 2020
Abbey Yaugher, Certified Substitute, effective July 21, 2020
The following supplemental contracts were approved by the Board for the 2020-21 school year:
LPDC Committee: Adrianne Klein, Jessica Lobaza, Gina Stabile
The Board approved the participation in the 2020-21 Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program of the State of Ohio Department of Education
The Board approved the official bus stops for the 2020-21 school year.
The next regular Board meeting will take place on Monday, September 14, at 7 p.m. at the Royal View Elementary School.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer