Tim Dortch, Donna Crews Retiring From Kent Schools

The took the following action Tuesday during its monthly meeting, held at :

Superintendent’s report

• Participated in a Coffee Talk update on Franklin programs, including presentations from Jennifer Weitzel and her students about dioramas and timelines and Jenna Ward on the fifth graders’ experiences in the AT&T Classroom at .

• Heard an update on Ohio House Bill 191 legislation, with board members voting to send a letter recommending maintaining local control on school calendars and counting school hours.

• Recognized senior Rachel Roche for winning first place in the 12th-grade category of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission's 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Writing & Multimedia Contest for her piece, Promised Land.

General business

• Recognized the Josephine Woodward Solem Memorial Foundation and trustees Tim and Ruth Trowbridge as "Friends of Kent Schools" for the foundation’s support of a new Apple computer lab at Franklin.

• Recognized Looking Glass Learning Center as the "Collaborative Organization of the Month" for its commitment to young students.

• Authorized the Summer School and Extended School Year programs.

• Approved an agreement with the International Leaders in Education program.

• Approved an agreement with Summit County Educational Service Center for substitute psychologist services.

• Approved an education concert fund agreement with the Cleveland Orchestra.

• Adopted NEOLA policies.

• Approved purchase of an acoustical shell for the Roosevelt auditorium.

• Approved an agreement for cellular service.

• Approved a resolution to advertise for bids for capital improvement projects.

• Approved tuition rates for half-day preschool and all-day kindergarten.

• Approved a contract for GAAP conversion services.

• Approved an overnight field trip for cosmetology students to Columbus for state board exams; a baseball team trip to a tournament in Dayton; a trip by German students to New York City with exchange students and a summer trip by German students to Germany.

Personnel issues

• Accepted the retirements of Director of Special Services Tim Dortch, Roosevelt teacher Donna Crews and bus driver Ralph Doherty.

• Approved the appointment of a list of aides, classified, supplementals and substitute teachers.

Miscellaneous

• Approved donations totaling $7,931.50, including a number of donations for the library.