The August meeting of the North Royalton Board of Education took place on Monday, August 9, at the North Royalton Performing Arts Center.
The Board appointed Superintendent Michael Laub, or his designee, as the Board’s Hearing Officer for all suspension hearings and expulsions.
School Superintendent Michael Laub acknowledged and publicly thanked Connor Krause for his attainment of Eagle Scout. He built two picnic tables for the elementary school as his project.
Eight residents addressed the Board with questions and concerns regarding COVID-19 protocols, mask mandates and quarantines.
Laub then provided an update from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, noting that the protocols are evolving. He thanked those who voiced their opinion and stated “no matter what decision we make, we are appreciative of trying to build positive relationships and keeping open the lines of communication, no matter what side you fall.” He said that he has received information on both sides of the COVID-19 related matters and noted that “ultimately, I want to look at the Board and recommend, at least from my seat, what’s best for kids; what’s the safest, least restrictive approach to having kids in school and keeping them in school, and there’s definitely some data on both sides of the equation that can be used to support different arguments, so we rely on people in the health care profession to give us that information, so we met with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.” He noted that the district is in communication with them daily regarding what the district should be doing with the COVID protocols.
“We’ve been working on this all along,” stated Laub. He indicated that discussions have been ongoing with other districts, other health care professionals and other district’s Boards of Health. “We’re trying to get as much information as we can, to make the most sound decision that we can,” he said. He went on to say that what they have learned is that there hasn’t been much that has changed in the protocols. He noted that items, such as good ventilation and sanitary processes are among things discussed.
“Teaching children how to sneeze properly and other things that they can be doing were also discussed. He noted that currently, face coverings are required on the bus and are required until September 13. In school, face coverings are currently strongly recommended, but not mandated, especially for unvaccinated folks.” He noted that the data that the district is looking at regarding that decision includes local vaccination records, local community spread information by zip code, confirmed versus presumed number of cases data. “We’re reaching out to the Health Department to help us look at that data and decide what’s the best decision for us locally.” He said he asked them what would the tipping point be to mandate children’s mask wearing versus recommending. “We didn’t get a really great answer from them to be frank with you. They said at this point in time, they didn’t feel comfortable mandating, but I have a follow-up phone call with them to ask for a little bit more than that.” Laub also talked about pending legislation that may impact future decisions. He concluded by saying that “we are currently evaluating what’s our best approach when we open school three weeks from today. Right now, I don’t have a different recommendation. . . If we receive information from the Health Department that indicates that we need to make a shift from that, we will certainly communicate and shift.” Laub invited residents to email or call him with any questions they may have.
The Board approved the transfer from account 200-976B High School Class of 2021 of $4,895.56 to the High School Student account.
The Board approved the renewal/participation with Oasis (Trustmark) from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 for dental benefits for North Royalton City School employees.
The Board approved INVO Healthcare Associates for school social worker services for the 2021-22 school year.
The Board approved an agreement with Hometown Ticketing, Incorporated to provide a platform for online ticket sales for school events.
The Board approved a memo of understanding with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio Online Learning Program for online learning, available to the students of North Royalton City Schools.
The Board approved a contract with Bellefaire JCB (Monarch School) for special education programs and services for the 2021-22 school year at a cost of $88,000. Per year, per student.
The Board approved a contract with Bellefaire JCB (Monarch School) for special education programs and services for a student who resides at Bellefaire for the 2021-22 school year at a cost of $95,333.55.
The Board approved an agreement with the Applewood Centers, Incorporated for special education programs and services for the 2021-22 school year.
The Board accepted the following resignations:
Sharon Bohland/Cafeteria Worker/Middle School, effective August 4, 2021
Dorine Foster/Cleaner/High School, effective July 13,2021
Michael Milliken/Head Swimming Coach, effective August 9, 2021
Jackie Moenkaus/Assistant Cheerleading Coach Fall, effective July 31, 2021
Loretta Mundy/Bus Monitor, effective July 28, 2021
Lidia Zhakunets/Cleaner/High School, effective August 8, 2021
The Board approved the following leaves of absence:
John Felice, effective September 23, 2021 (.5) through June 8, 2022
Santina Lovano, effective September 8, 2021 through January 21, 2022
The Board approved participation in the 2021-22 Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program of the State of Ohio Department of Education.
The Board approved the maintenance agreements with the Otis Elevator Company for both North Royalton Elementary School and North Royalton High School from August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2026.
The Board approved the rental/lease agreements with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, for the use of North Royalton Elementary for the before and after school day care program from August 1, 2021 to August 25, 2024. Additionally, the Board approved the rental/lease agreement with YMCA of Greater Cleveland for the use of North Royalton Elementary School for the summer day care program from August 1, 2021 to August 25, 2024.
The Board approved the official bus stops for the 2021-22 school year.
The next Regular Meeting will take place on September 13, 7:00 p.m. Location is to be determined.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer