The May 9, 2023, meeting of the Board of Education included presentations on the following topics:
Retiree recognition
The Board of Education recognized the 23 Upper Arlington Schools staff members who have retired during or at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year: Evelyn Chapin, Barrington Elementary School; Debbie Crockett, Upper Arlington High School; Rhonda DePassquallo, Tremont Elementary School; Jill Dutton, Upper Arlington High School; Richard Finkel, Transportation; Tammie Fisher, Upper Arlington High School; Peter Friel, district; Paul Imhoff, Ed.D., district; Kathy Jenney, Ed.D., district; Mark Johnston, Jones Middle School; Judith Kenny, Greensview Elementary School; Cheenie Kinney, Transportation; Sally MacGregor-Martin, Greensview Elementary School; Kristin McClellan, Tremont Elementary School; Nancy Rapport, Jones Middle School; Tina Sharrock, Transportation; Jayne Smith-Schott, Tremont Elementary School; Judy Spring, Transportation; Rich Wharton, Jones Middle School; Richard Wickiser, Hastings Middle School; Jane Wright, Upper Arlington High School; Stephanie Wright, Greensview Elementary School; and Edward Zunic, Upper Arlington High School.
District highlights
Interim Superintendent Kathy Jenney, Ed.D., shared highlights from the district, including:
The May 2 district-wide staff professional learning day;
The Listen Learn Lead community engagement sessions with Dr. Robert Hunt, the incoming superintendent;
Two recent accomplishments for Upper Arlington Vocal Music: Director Dr. Brandon Moss receiving a 2023 Columbus Symphony Music Educator Award and the Upper Arlington Symphonic Choir receiving a Superior rating at the state-level Ohio Music Educators Association adjudication;
The 4th annual Nationwide Hackathon for computer science students at Upper Arlington High School;
The Volley for a Cause fundraiser with staff and students from Hastings and Jones middle schools; and
The installation of a pollinator garden at Upper Arlington High School, by the UAHS Environmental Club.
Dr. Jenney also introduced Greg Thompson, the incoming chief operating officer; Jaclyn Prati, the incoming principal of Tremont Elementary School; and Penny Stires, the incoming principal at Hastings Middle School.
Teaching and Learning update
Chief Academic Officer Keith Pomeroy shared a new middle level English language resource, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. This year, several teachers at Hastings and Jones middle schools have piloted this resource, and the selection process for this resource has involved feedback from a committee of teachers as well as students and parents from the pilot classrooms. Following approval by the Board of Education, teachers will begin the process of planning implementation of this resource for the upcoming school year.
Technology update
Chief Technology Officer Denise Lutz, Ed.D., shared that the school district is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The district is required to share this information in a public meeting in order to be eligible for Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) program discounts on Category One internet access and all Category Two services.
Well-being update
Chief Technology Officer Denise Lutz, Ed.D., shared recent events in our schools related to well-being:
The Signs of Suicide program was presented to approximately 1,000 students (in grades 8 and 10) in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OSU Wexner Medical Center clinicians and Upper Arlington Schools counselors.
The Upper Arlington High School Hope squad is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week through activities on Golden Bear Boulevard this week.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion update
Interim Superintendent Kathy Jenney, Ed.D., shared an update on the diversity, equity and inclusion request for proposals. The district received 16 proposals. A committee of community members, staff members, students and administrators have reviewed the proposals and have recommended five for further consideration. A team of students or recent alumni and adults, including Incoming Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D., will be interviewing those organizations this month. An update will be provided to the Board of Education following the interview process.
Human Resources update
Erin Miguel, coordinator of the district’s Resident Educator Program, shared an update on that program. The Resident Educator Program involves recently graduated teachers continuing their professional learning, with a state-trained mentor, in order to receive their five-year professional license. This year, 28 Upper Arlington Schools educators completed the Resident Educator Program.
Director of Human Resources Matt Jordan shared updates on items on the Board of Education agenda, including contract renewals; supplementals, specifically coaching positions to prepare for the summer training season; hiring for Summer Reading Program and Extended School Year; and a memorandum of understanding with OAPSE, the district’s classified union.
Communications from the Board
Board President Lori Trent shared an update on Listen Learn Lead, thanking the many community members who participated in the community engagement sessions last week with Incoming Superintendent Dr. Robert Hunt. This year’s sessions were designed to gather feedback to assist Dr. Hunt as he transitions into the district. Approximately 300 staff members, community members, recent alumni and students took part. The district is also collecting feedback from students through focus groups at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Board Member Nidhi Satiani shared updates from the Teaching & Learning Committee, the PTO Presidents Council, and the Wellness Committee.
Treasurer’s update
Treasurer/CFO Andrew Geistfeld shared monthly financial statements reflecting April 2023 and an update on the legislature activity involving two House bills - House Bill 33, involving the biennium budget, and House Bill 1.
He shared the May update to the five year forecast, a legally required document that is presented to the board for approval and then filed with the state of Ohio. The five year forecast covers three years of actual financial data and five years of anticipated revenues and expenditures, and it is updated every May and November, providing the district with an important check-in point on potential future impacts and needs.
The May update to the five year forecast reflects a few key changes since the November 2022 filing, including the 2024 calendar year property revaluation by the Franklin County auditor’s office and the biennium budget as proposed by the governor of Ohio. The updated five year forecast will be filed with the state of Ohio and posted on the district website.
You may visit our Upper Arlington Schools Board of Education page to access the May 9 meeting agenda and video recording. To view the meeting presentation, please click here. For meeting dates and more information about the Board of Education, please visit www.uaschools.org/board.