Board of Education Special Meeting

Jacob Conrad introduced Rusty Dreher, Fire Chief, Brent Endsley, Fire Prevention Officers. They attended the meeting to discuss the results of the walk-through of the District buildings to test the radio access. They then discussed the results explaining necessary and required update to the wiring and equipment in the building that will make all areas of the building accessible to the Fire and Law Enforcement radios. They stated that we do not have to do it all at once, but we do need to take action soon and can work on one building at a time.  Jacob Conrad stated that he had received estimates for both buildings. The HS upgrades will be approximately $52,532 and the ES upgrades will be approximately $40,066. Ms. Eyerman recommended that we begin on CES until we know the outcome of the CHS OFCC project while still looking to see if/how we can improve CHS to make it more accessible than it currently is until a the building project is decided. Ms. Eyerman also stated there may be a grant that we can apply for to assist with this. She asked if there was any funding available from the City, they said there was not. They did say they would assist in any way they could with the grant application if we needed specific information. The Board thanked them for coming to the meeting to explain this. After their discussion, both Rusty Dreher and Brent Endsley left the meeting.

Jacob Conrad, Jason Olinger and Terri Eyerman reviewed the list if items on the Facility Update Document attached in great detail.  They and the Board members had extensive conversations. Jacob provided in depth explanations of each project and the estimate or actual pricing on the list. He also discussed the level of priority. Some of the priority levels changed after discussion with the Board. The Board stated that they appreciated the update and the work that was put into the document. It was suggested that the list be available for the next CAT meeting. On the list were modular options for the Board Office. The Board asked about the appearance of the exterior as well as the interior. Ms. Eyerman stated she would ask for pictures of actual modular office buildings to show what the units could look like. The purposes for the presentation are to keep the Board informed of the state of the District facilities, to then prioritize the projects based on urgency, importance, projected needs/demands, etc. The document is kept current by Mr. Conrad and Ms. Eyerman. At this point, the results of this discussion will be used as they are preparing to work on FY24 budgets and determine which items on the list can be designated as summer projects. 

This will continue to be a discussion brought to the Board as new items are added or there are significant updates to communicate.

The Board members thanked the contributors for the update and the opportunity to discuss prioritizing projects as well as consider funding options for the larger more expensive projects.

The vote for this item is recorded on item 5.0

Ms. Eyerman asked the Board to consider this opportunity. She has spoken with a student from Muskingum that is interested in Public Finance and would be interested in an internship position to gain experience and knowledge about public finance and being a School Treasurer. She stated that the state of Ohio has a shortage of School Treasurer's and any opportunity to assist an interested party is vital to school districts across the state. She also stated that the added position, thought temporary would definitely benefit the District as well.  She proposed that the Internship Opportunity be approved by the Board so she could hire to work from the last week in March through April not to exceed 24 hours a week, and May through September up to 40 hours a week. She proposed a rate of pay ranging from $12-$15 and stated that this would be  temporary part-time position with not insurance benefits or accumulation of sick or vacation days. 

The vote for this item is recorded on item 5.0

Dr. Hire presented a letter to President Phil Hunt stating that his last day of work at Coshocton City Schools would be April 14th. 

Ms. Eyerman stated that there was not enough time for an accurate and thorough transfer of knowledge. She asked the Board if she could work with Dr. Hire to create a contract to pay him at his hourly rate for time that the Interim or New superintendent or others that may need to consult with him. The Board agreed there is a need for this. Ms. Eyerman will work with the appropriate staff to create a contract for this contracted service and add it to the March 23, 2023 Board Agenda for approval.

President Phil Hunt began discussing the need to conduct a search for an interim Superintendent and new Superintendent

Search Criteria - 3 companies they would possibly consider, even though there are more, OSBA, K12 Business Consulting and MVESC are companies that offer search services.  Of those 3, we have a contract with MVESC and as a result of that contract, they can conduct the searches at no cost. 

Thoughts or discussions? Mr. Bennett thinks MVESC is so localized it would be a plus. They are familiar with our district. Mrs. Mann stated that the MVESC reached out to the Board to offer their services and let them know they were free.

Mr. Hunt stated  that the MVESC stated that they could provide interviewees for the Interim position. Stating that they already have 2 resumes-Todd Herman, who is related to Mr. Herman and Jill Sheridan, who was the Curriculum Director for John Glenn. Todd could work 5 days a week, Jill would be able to work 3 days a week. She also said Wade Lucas considered but cannot commit. Mr. Hunt stated that if the Board was in agreement, he will contact Lori at the MVESC. He also said that Lori mentioned Doug Spade, retired Tri-Valley Superintendent retired. Lori said that might be an opportunity to fill the two-day void if Jill worked three days.  Once the Board approves her moving forward, Lori will work on a contract April through July that will carry the Board through Negotiations. After a short discussion, Mr. Hunt made a motion to use the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) to conduct the search for a new Superintendent as well as the Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Shutt.  Motion carried.

The Board entered into executive session at 6:50 p.m.