Board of Education Meeting

1. Mission
Mr. Doug Crowl

The mission of the Big Walnut Local Schools is to inspire and guide each student to his or her maximum potential.


2. Vision
Mr. Doug Crowl

In order to realize our mission, we will strive to achieve and maintain our vision of:

  • Student-focused, professional, collaborative staff
  • Student-focused, challenging and current curriculum
  • Supportive, involved and informed community
  • Safe, respectful and welcoming environment

3. President
Mr. Doug Crowl
  • Call to Order
  • Moment of Silence for Personal Reflection
  • Pledge of Allegiance 

Minutes

  • The meeting was called to order at 6:30 with all members present
VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board Rep   
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

4. Roll Call
Mr. Doug Crowl

Minutes

  • Mr. Grant Coulson was present as the Student Board Rep in place of Ms. Savannah Smith.
VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board Rep   
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

5. District Goals
Mr. Doug Crowl
  • Improve Academic Achievement
  • Promote Whole-Child Development
  • Optimize Capital & Human Resources
  • Demonstrate Financial Responsibility

6. 22-054 Minutes
Mr. Doug Crowl

It is recommended the Board approve the minutes of the March 17, 2022, Regularly scheduled Board meeting, and the March 15 & March 23, 2022, Special Board meetings.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

7. Recognitions
Mr. Doug Crowl
  • Rylan Ranalli, PRE March Student of the Month - Mrs. Angela Graziosi
  • Austin Kreager, BWMS Student of the Month - Mrs. Alice Nicks
  • Luca Cherubini, SOU Student of the Month - Mrs. Sherri Dorsch
  • Mikayla Howell, BWMS Art Student for Month - Mrs. Alice Nicks
  • Lillianna Priebe, SOU Art Student of the Month - Mrs. Sherri Dorsch
  • FFA Student Recognitions - Mr. Stephen Fujii

Minutes

  • Mr. Crowl did the presentation of the FFA Student Recognitions in place of Mr. Fujii.

8. Superintendent's Report
Mr. Mark Cooper

Communication Items:


8.1 District Goal: Improve Academic Achievement
  • Big Walnut Middle School Building Presentation - Mr. Josh Frame
  • Curriculum Update - Mrs. Annie Clark & Ms. Kate Thoma

Minutes

  • A group of students from the Middle School presented about the Builders Club.
    • What is the purpose of the Builders Club is
    • What a typical meeting includes
    • What the main events from 2021-22 have been
    • Why the students wanted to join the BWMS Builders Club
    • Shared how the Builders Club was going to support the BWMS Service Day that will take place on May 6th
  • Mrs. Clark shared about the academic advisory council and a timeline of the process of working with Relationships Under Construction (RUC) including RUC's reason for deciding to not provide the instructional services for the 7th-grade sex education curriculum.
    • Mrs. Nicks requested that Mrs. Wood the President and Founder of Relationships Under Construction (RUC) come to the podium to share about their program.  She shared about their organization and what they teach.
    • Mr. Fujii called for the orders of the day to stick to the agenda.
  • Mrs. Thoma shared that the District would be administering the Spring Panorama survey and that parents have the option to opt-out their students of the survey if it was desired.  She also shared how the data is used to try to help students feel more included and belong in their school building.
    • Mrs. Graziosi shared some comments regarding Panorama.
  • Mrs. Graziosi motioned to discontinue the contract with Panorama and cease all Panorama surveys immediately. She motioned to institute a thirty-day pause to review the contract and determine any financial and legal impact there might be. If after thirty days it is determined there is no negative impact to the District, the execution of Panorama surveys at all Big Walnut Local School Districts will cease indefinitely. 
    • Mr. Crowl stated there might be some confusion about the motion.
  • Mrs. Graziosi clarified to make a motion to discontinue the contract with Panorama Education and cease all Panorama surveys immediately and take a thirty-day pause to review the contract for any financial or legal impact that cessation may cause. Or, to take a vote to discontinue the Panorama survey immediately.
    • Mrs. Nicks seconded the motion.
  • There was a discussion of the merits of the survey and the motion that was presented amongst the Board (the Board meeting recording can be found on our District website).
  • Mrs. Graziosi motioned for an amendment that the Spring Panorama Survey would be an opt-in survey and that future Panorama surveys would cease.
    • Ms. Thoma and Mrs. Clark shared their concerns regarding the opt-in concept.
  • 22-055 Mrs. Graziosi made an amendment to the amendment of the original motion that Big Walnut Local School District ceases the use of the Panorama Survey immediately.
    • Mrs. Nicks seconded the motion.
    • Mrs. Graziosi, Mrs. Nicks, Mr. Crowl - Yes,             Mr. Fujii, Mrs. Dorsch - No
    • Motioned passed 3/2

8.2 District Goals: Promote Whole-Child Development
  • HB 436 Update - Mr. Ross Linscott

Minutes

  • Mr. Linscott shared on HB 436 - Ohio's Dyslexia Law.  He shared regarding ODE's responsibility, the Ohio Dyslexia Committee's responsibility, and the impact on Big Walnut.

8.3 District Goal: Optimize Capital & Human Resources
  • Construction Update - Mr. Doug Swartz

9. Treasurer's Report
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

9.1 District Goal: Demonstrate Financial Responsibility
  • Monthly Financial Statement
  • Public Records Requests

10. Selected Board Policy
Mr. Doug Crowl
  • Policy Review Update

Minutes

  • Mr. Crowl shared on the progress of the compilation of policies for review.

11. Board Members Items of Interest
Mr. Doug Crowl
  • Discussion Items:
    • HB 616
    • Panorama

Minutes

  • The Board meeting recording can be found on our District website, which includes the Board Members' Items of Interest.
  • Mrs. Graziosi made a motion that all Board Members should be granted Administrative access to all Schoology accounts, which includes every grade, class, and program throughout the District. Access should be given within fifteen days. 
    • Mrs. Nicks seconded the motion
    • Mrs. Dorsch made a recommendation that instead of being a motion to the table that this could have been handled by making a phone call to Mr. Cooper.
  • Mrs. Graziosi struck her motion.

12. Public Participation
Mr. Doug Crowl

This is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the School District's business and is not considered a public community meeting. This is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the agenda. (Please reference criteria for Public Participation, which is attached to the agenda.)

Minutes

  • The Board called for taking a brief recess at 9:18 pm.  The meeting came back into session at 9:26 pm.

13. Business Items
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

13.1 .
Mr. Mark Cooper

It is recommended the Board approve the Resolution Authorizing the 2022/2023 Membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Minutes

  • 22-056 Mr. Crowl motioned for postponing the vote on the Resolution Authorizing the 2022/2023 Membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
    • Mrs. Grazioso seconded the motion.
    • Mr. Fujii, Mrs. Dorsch - No                Mr. Crowl, Mrs. Graziosi, Mrs. Nicks - Yes
    • Motioned passed 3/2

13.2 22-057
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the following account transfer:

  • $1,143.80 transfer from 022-1890-9021-000 to 070-1890   General Fund Stale checks greater than 5 years old

 

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.3 22-058
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the new accounts:

  • Big Walnut High School Aerospace Club student activity account
  • Big Walnut Turf Replacement Fund

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.4 22-059
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve athletic field rental rates

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.5 22-060
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the Stipulation of Value Agreement in regard to the BOR Case No. 21-900001.

Minutes

Motioned: Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.6 22-061
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the Settlement Agreement and Release in case No. 2:22-cv-1377 Ashley Ryder v. Big Walnut Local Schools.

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.7 22-062
Mr. Mark Cooper

It is recommended the Board approve the following extended field trips:

  • JV & Varsity girls' basketball, Orlando, FL, December 26 - 30, 2022

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

13.8 22-063
Mr. Doug Crowl

It is recommended the Board approve the following donations:

  • $599.67 donated to BWHS Best Buddies, anonymous donation, BWHS Best Buddies Fund # 200-9901
  • $500.00 donated to SOU snack pantry, donated by Paperteam, Inc., SOU Principal Fund # 018-9004
  • $194.89 donated to BWHS Best Buddies, anonymous donation, BWHS Best Buddies Fund # 200-9901
  • $1,800.00 donated to BWLSD Food Service, donated by Bernard F. & Julane C. Himmelsbach, BWLSD Food Service Fund # 006-0000

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

14. Human Resources
Mr. Mark Cooper

Human Resources Discussion Items:


14.1 22-064

It is recommended the Board approve the following resignations:

  • Ben Metcalfe, PRE 2nd shift custodian, effective at the end of the day on April 20, 2022
  • Becky Blase, PRE head cook food service, effective at the end of the day on August 31, 2022, due to retirement
  • Rina Hoge, BWIS 6th grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021/2022 school year, due to retirement
  • Kathy Longshore, bus driver, effective July 31, 2022, due to retirement
  • Ron McClure, Director of Administrative Services, effective July 31, 2022, due to retirement
  • Matt Cox, SOU Principal, effective at the end of the 2021/2022 school year (pending approval of position as BWMS math teacher)
  • Andrew Hedrick, BWHS math teacher, effective at the end of the 2021/2022 school year

Minutes

  • Mr. Fujii motioned for consent agenda 14.1 - 14.6, Mrs. Dorsch seconded motion.

 

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

14.2 .

It is recommended the Board approve the following certified continuing contract: 

  • Matt Cox, BWMS math teacher, masters MA45 step 24, effective beginning of the 2022/2023 school year

14.3 .

It is recommended the Board approve the below co-curricular contracts for the 2021/2022 school year:

  • Kelsie Killilea, BWE PAC, revise from full to .67 contract
  • Tonya Stevens, BWE PAC, group 7 step 0, .33 contract
  • Caylib Mason, BWHS Technical Director - Drama, .33, group 5 step 0

Minutes

  • consent item 14.1 motion 22-064

Result: Approved


14.4 .

It is recommended the Board approve the following spring 2022 supplemental contracts, pending receipt of background checks and completion of all required documentation:

  • Rita Pavuk, girls' lacrosse .5 BWHS Assistant Coach, group 4 step 4
  • Kayla Robinson, girls' lacrosse BWHS Assistant Coach, group 4 step 5 
  • Nate Hall, weight room volunteer coach

Minutes

  • consent item 14.1 motion 22-064

Result: Approved


14.5 .

It is recommended the Board approve a 90-day contract for the following classified employees:

  • Tricia Koenn, SOU food service, 3 hours/day, step 0, effective April 4, 2022
  • Gary Schubert, full-time bus driver, step 5, effective April 4, 2022
  • Laura Forman, full-time bus driver, step 8, effective April 4, 2022

14.6 .

It is recommended the Board approve the following unpaid leave of absence:

  • Kelsie Killilea, BWE 2nd grade teacher, beginning March 2, 2022, through the remainder of the 2021/2022 school year
  • Teresa White, BWI 1st shift custodian, beginning April 14, 2022, through April 29, 2022

15. Executive Session
Mr. Doug Crowl

15.1 22-065

It is recommended the Board enter Executive Session to consider the employment of a public employee or official.

Minutes

  • The Board entered the executive session at 10:15 pm.
  • The Board exited the executive session at 10:53 pm.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

16. Human Resources

16.1 22-066
Mr. Doug Crowl

It is recommended the Board approve the resignation of Angela S. Hamberg, BWLSD Superintendent, effective July 31, 2022.

Minutes

  • Mrs. Dorsch shared comments of sincere gratitude to Angie and the work she has done.
  • Mr. Cooper shared comments of his appreciation for her work.
  • Mr. Fujii shared his comments on Angie and his appreciation and gratitude for her and her work.
  • Mrs. Nicks shared that the decision that Angie had to make was a courageous one and one that she needed to put her family first.  She wished Angie the best.
  • Mrs. Graziosi also shared some comments of appreciation for Angie.
  • Mr. Crowl shared that while they may have disagreed on some things, she is one of the most passionate people that he has seen, and he has seen the many hours she has put in to support the District and its students.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board Rep   
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

16.2 .
  • Superintendent Search Process

Minutes

  • Mr. Rod Cheatham and Ms. Kim Miller-Smith shared the process for the Superintendent Search through OSBA and what the Board should expect from the process and preparation to search for a new Superintendent.
  • Dr. Wade Lucas and Dr. Dan Good shared their process of helping Big Walnut go through a process with the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio.  They shared the timeline and roles of both the District and the search firm.
  • The Board discussed the merits of an internal and an external search.
  • Mr. Crowl called for an ad hoc committee to research search firms and determine the cost.

17. Scheduling of Next Board Meeting
Mr. Doug Crowl

Regularly Scheduled Meetings:
            May 19, 2022         
            6:30 pm
            District Administrative Office      
Streaming will be made available on the District website.                 

Minutes

April 27th at 6:30 pm

Special Meetings:
            April 27, 2022         
            6:30 pm
            District Administrative Office  


18. Executive Session
Mr. Doug Crowl

18.1 22-067

It is recommended the Board enter Executive Session to consider the employment of a public employee or official.

Minutes

  • The Board took a brief break and started the executive session at 12:02 am

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Steve Fujii, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX  

19. Adjourn
Mr. Doug Crowl

19.1 22-068

It is recommended the Board exit Executive Session and the meeting adjourns.

  

Minutes

  • The Board exited the executive session and adjourned at 12:42 am

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Sherri Dorsch, Board MemberX  
Mr. Steve Fujii, Board MemberX  
Ms. Savannah Smith, Student Board RepX  
Mrs. Alice Nicks, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Angela Graziosi, Board MemberX