Westerville City Schools public meetings in 2021

Special Session-7:30 a.m.-CANCELED

This December 16, 2021 special session of the Westerville City School District Board was canceled. The agenda originally included a procedural call to order, pledge, public comments, and a standing business item on the OFCC Facility Master Plan update and ELPP revision. No decisions or discussions occurred.

• OFCC Facility Master Plan Update and ELPP Revision and Discrete Portion Worksheet (Action item)

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a regular session on December 13, 2021. The board approved minutes from the November 22, 2021 meeting and a personnel consent agenda that includes multiple staff resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, and a contract status change. No financial items were discussed.

• Approved resignation of Kyle Campbell as Ski Club Advisor at North HS
• Approved resignation of David Wade (deceased) from Maintenance 1/Buildings and Grounds
• Approved retirement of Donna Kosanovich, Secretary 3 at Central HS, effective February 1, 2022
• Approved retirement of Susan Bailey, Business Teacher at WCHS, after 38 years of service
• Approved leave of absence for Stephen Murphy, Custodian at Whittier ES

Special Session-6:00 p.m.-CANCELED

This special session of the Westerville City School District Board was canceled. The agenda contained only procedural items (call to order, pledge, public comments, a resolution to suspend Robert's Rules, and a board member professional development item) and a notice of the next regular meeting. No decisions or discussions occurred.

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education approved several financial items including a $65,000 transfer from the general fund to the turf replacement fund, the five-year forecast, and a $5,130.39 WeVideo subscription renewal. The board also approved the October financial report and a personnel consent agenda covering retirements and resignations of staff.

• $65,000 fund transfer from General Fund (001) to Turf Replacement Fund (003-9004)
• Approval of the Five Year Forecast for the district
• Approval of $5,130.39 purchase order for WeVideo Inc renewal subscription
• Approval of Financial Report and Investments for October 2021
• Personnel retirements: Laura Ehninger (Custodial Services), Carolyn Wallace (North HS), Steven Mazzi (HR), Cynthia Calvin, Linda Davis, Janelle Genth

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board approved the minutes from the October 11 and October 19 meetings, appointed two new members to the Audit Committee, and adopted the September 2021 financial report and investments. The Board also approved a purchase of architectural design services costing $15,514 for the renovation of Hawthorne Elementary School. A personnel consent agenda covering resignations, retirements, terminations, leave of absence, and contract status changes was approved.

• Approve minutes of the regular meeting (Oct 11, 2021) and special meeting (Oct 19, 2021)
• Appointment of JaVonne Williams and Scott Pryfogle to the Audit Committee
• Approve the Financial Report and Investments for September 2021
• Approve Purchase Order #2202557: Triad Architects, architectural design fees $15,514 for Hawthorne Elementary School renovation
• Approve personnel consent agenda items (resignations, retirements, terminations, leave, contract changes)

Special Session 5:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a special session on October 19, 2021. They entered executive session to discuss security arrangements, then approved names for the new elementary school (opening 2022) and middle school (opening 2023) based on over 1,300 community submissions. The elementary will be called Minerva France Elementary School (4-1 vote, member Davidson dissenting), and the middle school will be Minerva Park Middle School (unanimous). The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2021.

• Executive session held to discuss security arrangements and emergency response protocols (5:04–5:22 p.m.)
• Public comments heard on agenda items 5.01 and 5.02
• Minerva France Elementary School named for new elementary; vote 4–1
• Minerva Park Middle School named for new middle school; vote unanimous
• Next regular board meeting scheduled for October 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The board held an executive session on security protocols, then limited business to only legally required votes. Key actions include a resolution to name a new elementary and middle school based on community input, approval of a $4,805 purchase for AP Biology software, and acceptance of several personnel resignations and changes.

• Resolution to name new elementary and middle schools (names to be filled from community survey)
• Executive session to discuss security arrangements and emergency response protocols
• Approval of purchase order #2202530 for $4,805 for Albert IO software for Honors and AP Biology
• Personnel consent agenda: resignations of classified and licensed staff, including Kathy Friz, Danielle Gassman, and others
• Approval of minutes from the September 27, 2021 regular board meeting

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board held a regular session, discussing an update on naming new elementary and middle schools and approving several financial items including an amendment to the FY2022 annual appropriations and purchases totaling $34,649.70. The board also acted on a personnel consent agenda covering retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, and contract status changes.

• Discussion on naming new elementary and middle schools (report from Ebbrecht)
• Amended fiscal year 2022 annual appropriations
• Approved purchases: Triad Architects ($6,661.20) for secured entries, Adena Corporation ($19,300.02) for Westerville South High School renovation, Total Environmental Services ($8,688.48) for asbestos abatement
• Approved retirement of electrician specialist Jason Shenefield effective August 1, 2021
• Approved several classified contract status changes including Theresa Bocook to manager at Central HS and David Hunley to van driver with increased hours

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education will hold a regular session including approval of financial items such as a $12,793 software purchase and 2022 insurance premiums. The board will also hear a report on naming schools, announce Audit Committee openings, and vote on a personnel consent agenda covering resignations and leaves of absence.

• Approval of $12,793 software support purchase from EMS LINQ INC (Fund 006)
• Approval of insurance premiums for calendar year 2022
• Status report on naming schools with final ThoughtExchange results
• Announcement of three openings on the Audit Committee
• Personnel consent agenda including classified and licensed resignations, amended resignations, and leaves of absence

Executive Session 5:30 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education met in executive session on August 30, 2021, to discuss personnel matters including employment, dismissal, discipline, and compensation of a school official. The board entered session at 5:34 p.m. and exited at 7:30 p.m., taking no formal action. The meeting also included public comments and adjournment.

• Executive session held to consider employment, dismissal, discipline, or demotion of an employee, student, or school official, and to investigate charges or complaints against such person
• Executive session also included consideration of compensation of a school official
• Board entered session at 5:34 p.m. and exited at 7:30 p.m.; no action taken
• Public comments were heard (no details provided)
• Next regular board meeting scheduled for September 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Early Learning Center, with COVID-19 protocols

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board met on August 23, 2021 to conduct routine business, including approving the minutes from the August 9 meeting and hearing the superintendent's report. The board voted to approve the financial report and investments for June and July 2021. It also approved a personnel consent agenda covering retirements, resignations, and one‑time payments for teachers.

• Approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on August 9, 2021
• Approve the Financial Report and Investments for June and July 2021
• Approve retirements of Deborah Weinmann (Food Service Manager) and Greg Mitchell (Grade 4 teacher)
• Approve multiple classified and licensed staff resignations effective August‑September 2021
• Approve one‑time payments, including up to $8,000 for the Hope Squad Retreat and $1,678.80 for Parent Instructional Materials drop‑off

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a regular session and voted to approve summer graduation candidates from three high schools, purchase orders totaling about $44,000 (including $28,184.75 for Vizzle Classroom Access), a deposit agreement with Huntington Bank, and a personnel consent agenda including retirements and resignations.

• Approved summer graduation candidates from Westerville Central, North, and South High Schools (13 students named)
• Approved purchases totaling $44,416.64 including Vizzle software ($28,184.75), tuition ($9,760.53), and math consumables ($6,471.36)
• Approved Agreement for Deposit of Public Funds with Huntington Bank from 8/20/2021 to 8/19/2025
• Approved retirement of Joyce Fettrow (Study Hall/BDM at Walnut Springs MS) effective August 1, 2021
• Approved multiple classified and licensed resignations including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and cafeteria aides

Special Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board held a special session to consider suspending Robert's Rules of Order for item 5.01, board member professional development. The board also announced the cancellation of the July 26 regular meeting and the next regular session on August 9, 2021.

• Motion passed to suspend Robert's Rules of Order for item 5.01 (board member professional development).
• Board member professional development session with attached workshop slides titled 'FDIS WCS VDE&I Workshop Slides June 2021'.
• Public comments limited to agenda items, with a 5-minute limit per speaker.
• July 26, 2021 regular board meeting canceled; next regular meeting is August 9, 2021 at the Early Learning Center.

Regular Session-8:00 a.m.

The Westerville City School District Board approved the minutes from the June 14 meeting, set board member compensation at $80 per meeting for terms beginning Jan. 1 2022, and authorized two purchase orders totaling $18,641.25. The Board also adopted a personnel consent agenda covering numerous resignations, contract status changes, and a temporary assignment change for classified and licensed staff.

• Resolution: $80 per board meeting for members whose term starts Jan. 1 2022
• Purchase Order #2104739 – Medicaid Billing Services – $4,049.57
• Purchase Order #2106003 – VOYA ALP Severance Payment – $14,591.68
• Contract status change: Christina Brokamp hourly wage increased to $17.68
• Contract status change: Sheri Chaffin salary set at $82,500

Regular Session-5:30 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education met in regular session and approved several routine financial and personnel items. The board passed a resolution for final appropriations for the 2020-2021 school year and temporary appropriations for the 2021-2022 school year. An executive session was held to discuss employee compensation negotiations, but no action was taken. The board also approved a consent agenda including resignations and leaves of absence for classified and licensed staff.

• Approved final appropriations for all funds for school year 2020-2021, fiscal year 2021
• Approved temporary appropriations for all funds for school year 2021-2022, fiscal year 2022
• Approved financial report and investments for May 2021
• Held executive session for preparing for employee compensation negotiations; no action taken
• Approved personnel consent agenda including resignations (e.g., William K. Ragland II, Sarah Dziedzicki) and leaves of absence (e.g., Belinda Harris, Donna Kosanovich)

Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville Board of Education meets to approve routine financial purchases and a consent agenda for employee retirements and resignations. Key actions include authorizing $18,704 for Columbia Gas installation at the new elementary school in Minerva Park and $10,379 for track championship fees.

• Approved $18,704.15 to Columbia Gas for gas service installation at new Minerva Park elementary school (Fund 004).
• Approved $10,379.43 to Ohio Capital Conference for OCC track and field championships (Fund 022).
• Recognized Erin Focht (Civitan Special Education Professional Award) and state track champions Justin Braun and Marissa Saunders.
• Approved personnel consent agenda including retirement of Wanda Turner (Food Service Manager, Walnut Springs MS), resignations of classified and licensed staff, and amended effective dates for several resignations.
• Approved minutes of May 24, 2021 meeting.

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a virtual regular session and approved several items including the five-year forecast, the financial report and investments for April 2021, and a personnel consent agenda covering resignations and one-time payments. The board also voted to suspend its public participation policy for this meeting.

• Approved the Five-Year Forecast and the Financial Report and Investments for April 2021
• Approved personnel consent agenda including resignations of classified, licensed, and substitute staff
• Approved one-time payments for licensed staff participating in team planning, total not to exceed $6,900
• Approved one-time payments for classified staff attending Introduction to Responsive Classroom training
• Suspended Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville Board of Education voted to suspend its public participation policy for this virtual meeting. The board also approved minutes from April 26, received an equity update, and approved a personnel consent agenda that included resignations of teachers and classified staff.

• Motion to suspend Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation passed 5-0
• Approved minutes of April 26, 2021 board meeting
• Equity Update presented by Chaffin/DeVese (report attached)
• Personnel consent agenda approved including resignations of 4 licensed teachers and multiple classified staff (e.g., Sharon Hays, Tierra Peterson)
• Contract status changes for classified staff (e.g., Steven Denman shift increase)

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a virtual regular session on April 26, 2021. The board voted to temporarily suspend its public participation policy for this meeting. It also recognized Spring A+ Award winners, approved minutes, received reports on staffing and building naming processes, approved purchases and the March 2021 financial report, and accepted a retirement and several resignations.

• Suspended Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting
• Recognized 2021 Spring A+ Award winners
• Approved purchase of bus parts from Columbus Kenworth for $4,712.75
• Accepted retirement of Food Service Worker Maryann Corder
• Received report on naming buildings process

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

This meeting is largely procedural, including call to order, pledge, approval of minutes, and a personnel consent agenda with resignations, retirement, and leaves. The board also voted to suspend public participation for this meeting and recognized the Westerville Central High School boys' basketball team as Division 1 State Runners-Up.

• Recognition of Westerville Central High School boys' basketball team as Division 1 State Runners-Up via resolution
• Temporary suspension of Board Policy PO0169.1 (public participation) for this meeting
• Approval of minutes from March 22, 2021 board meeting
• Personnel consent agenda: resignations, retirement, leaves, and contractual status change
• Report on district credit card spending and rebate for calendar year 2020

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a virtual regular session on March 22, 2021. The board voted to temporarily suspend its public participation policy for this meeting, approved financial reports and purchases including $13,211.31 in payments to other school districts, and accepted several classified and licensed personnel resignations and one termination. The board also recognized a state wrestling champion and received reports on the Together Again plan and summer school programs.

• Motion carried to temporarily suspend Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting
• Approved purchases totaling $13,211.31, including $4,763.31 reimbursement to Worthington City School District and $8,448.00 tuition to Columbus City School District
• Approved the February 2021 financial report and investments
• Personnel consent agenda including termination of Heather DiPietro (Cafeteria Recess Aide, Heritage MS) and resignations of multiple classified and licensed staff
• Recognition of Connor Euton as 2021 Division 1 State Wrestling Champion

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education met virtually on March 8, 2021. The board approved amended appropriations for all funds for FY 2021, accepted tax amounts and rates for 2021/2022, and suspended its public participation policy for this meeting. The board also received a capital update and a progress report on the Together Again Plan for returning to in-person learning.

• Amended appropriations for all funds for FY 2021 approved
• Resolution accepting tax amounts and rates for 2021 (collection 2022) adopted
• Purchases approved: Barnes & Noble ($6,057.85), Derry Area School District tuition ($10,453.23), DNO Inc. ($7,710.70), Donato's Pizzeria ($8,714.15)
• Resignations accepted: Amber Cloud (substitute bus driver), Katherine Nocks (substitute bus driver), James Barraco (assistant varsity boys lacrosse coach), Hailee Daugherty (assistant girls track coach), Josh Perry (assistant varsity boys track coach)
• Retirement of licensed staff approved as part of consent agenda

Virtual/Hybrid Work Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a virtual work session. They voted to temporarily suspend the public participation policy and Robert's Rules of Order for the meeting. The main discussion focused on board operations, specifically the history and future of the board liaison model.

• Voted to temporarily suspend Board Policy PO0169.1 (public participation) for the meeting
• Voted to suspend Robert's Rules of Order for Item 5.01 (public comments)
• Work session discussion on board liaison model: history, implementation, alignment with district realignment, and communication expectations

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education met virtually on Feb. 22, 2021, to approve financial reports, adjust 2020 tax levy rates, and review a first reading of a boundary realignment. The board also processed personnel actions, including classified retirements and licensed teacher resignations, and approved the previous meeting's minutes. Public comments were accepted in writing only due to pandemic protocols.

• Approve amended tax levy rates and amounts for Tax Year 2020
• Review first reading of district boundary realignment
• Approve $5,698.70 purchase order to West Music for WEF Grant Pointview Safe Music Making 2020
• Approve January 2021 financial report and investments
• Process classified retirements and licensed teacher resignations

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education will hear a presentation from the Superintendent on a potential plan to return all students to full-time in-person instruction. The board also approved winter graduates, suspended its usual public participation process for this meeting, and handled routine financial and personnel items.

• Superintendent's report on a plan to return district to full-time in-person instruction for all students
• Approval of winter semester graduates from Westerville Central, North, and South high schools
• Suspension of Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting due to high interest in in-person return
• Purchase order of $3,074.50 to Project Lead the Way for science supplies and medical pathways
• Personnel consent agenda including one classified retirement, five classified resignations, and one licensed teacher resignation

Virtual/Hybrid Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education held a virtual/hybrid regular session on January 25, 2021. The board approved the financial report and investments for November and December 2020, approved personnel changes including resignations, and suspended board policy on public participation for this meeting. They also recognized city officials and award winners.

• Suspended Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting
• Approved minutes from the January 11, 2021 virtual organizational/regular meeting
• Approved resolutions of appreciation for City Manager David Collinsworth and Asst. City Manager Julie Colley
• Approved Financial Report and Investments for November and December 2020
• Approved personnel consent agenda including resignations of classified staff and substitutes

Organizational/Regular Session-6:00 p.m.

The board held an organizational/regular session. They voted to suspend Board Policy PO0169.1 on public participation for this meeting, then elected Vaughn Bell as President and Nancy Nestor-Baker as Vice President for 2021. The board also approved minutes from December 14, 2020, and recognized City Council and School Board Recognition Month.

• Suspension of Board Policy PO0169.1 Public Participation at Board Meetings for this meeting (motion carried)
• Election of Vaughn Bell as President of the Board of Education for 2021 (Bell abstained)
• Election of Nancy Nestor-Baker as Vice President of the Board of Education for 2021
• Approval of minutes from the virtual regular meeting held December 14, 2020
• Recognition of City Council and School Board Recognition Month