Kent Board of Education Gets Organized for 2012

The took the following action Tuesday during its first meeting of the new year, held at :

Organizational meeting

• As part of the usual January organizational meeting, Treasurer Debbie Krutz conducted a swearing-in ceremony with newly re-elected members Rebekah Wright Kulis and Janet Rusnack.

• The board elected Dr. Marlene Dorsey as president and Brian Boykin as vice president and set dates and times for its 2012 meetings.

Superintendent’s report

• Recognized and thanked board members as part of School Board Recognition Month.

• Heard an update on cost savings, upcoming “three questions” meetings with staff and 10-year anniversary of No Child Left Behind legislation.

General business

• Recognized Wenda Drach as a Friend of Kent Schools for her commitment to volunteering at Holden.

• Appointed Ralph Kletzien to a new seven-year term on the Board of Trustees and appointed Dr. T.N. Bhargava to fill Kletzien’s remaining one-year term.

• Adopted an alternative tax budget for the fiscal year 2012-2013.

• Established a service fund for board expenses.

• Authorized the treasurer to make short-term investments in depository banks; request tax advances from the Portage County Auditor; pay bills; make intrafund transfers and pay expenses incurred for school-related activities.

• Approved list of law firms for possible use for legal services.

• Appointed assistant superintendent as board designee for suspension appeal hearings.

• Authorized superintendent to appoint personnel for up to 45 days before board action.

• Appointed Janet Rusnack as legislative liaison representative and Brian Boykin as student achievement liaison.

• Approved resolution of request for school day waivers for early release days and OGT testing.

• Approved school calendar for 2013-2014 (it will be posted on the calendar page of the district’s website).

• Approved contract for interim assistant principal at .

• Approved memorandum of understanding with Kent Education Association.

• Approved purchase of three buses and sale of two used buses.

• Approved participation in OSBA legal assistance fund.

• Approved trip to France for students during spring break 2013.

Personnel issues

• Approved the resignations and appointments of classified, substitutes, tutors and aides.

Miscellaneous

• Approved donations totaling $3,107, including a number to the Emma Owen Student Leadership Fund.