The London City School District met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Board President, Mr. Donovan Cooper with all members present. Early in the meeting, the Board recognized the following students for significantly demonstrating the attributes highlighted in the District’s Portrait of a Graduate: LMS student Bentley Frye, LU student Haylee Ross, and LHS student Hayden Mans. In addition, the Board of Education also recognized Mrs. Julie Thompson, a STEM teacher at London Elementary School, as the district’s monthly Portrait of an Educator Honoree.
During public participation, Jim Rowen, who is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials, presented a scholarship gift to the district in honor of Ms. Blind serving on the organization’s Board of Directors. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a London High School graduating senior, who will be majoring in a finance-related field.
During her Treasurer’s report, Ms. Blind informed the Board that she is currently working on revisions to the district’s five-year forecast. District finances are running slightly better than predicted with increases to both property tax and income tax collections, while expenditures are running slightly below expectations. Ms. Blind also discussed the logistics of placing a ballot request for the renewal of the district’s income tax on for the November 2023 general election. The levy was originally passed in 2004 and enacted in 2005. It has been renewed three times the last of which was in November of 2019 by the highest margin in district history. The levy is currently responsible for over 20% of district revenues. The Board also approved several routine financial business items.
During Dr. Kramer’s Superintendent Report, updates were given for student achievement, safety and security, and planning for growth. Kramer noted that the district held a professional development day on Monday, April 10th and London students will begin state testing this week. He added that the district continues to plan significant upgrades to perimeter security and surveillance systems and is awaiting grant funding. He updated the Board that the softball and baseball field projects continue on time and within budget. Construction on the fields is set to begin this fall.
During the governance and business portion of the Superintendent’s report, the Board approved the 2024-2025 District Academic Calendar, renewed partnerships for Fairhaven Preschool and with the Madison Champaign County ESC, approved contracts for lighting and fencing for the field project, and approved several CRA’s related to development in downtown London.
During the personnel portion of the Superintendent’s report, the Board acted to employ 1 new administrator, 5 licensed teachers, and 2 classified employees, while accepting resignations from 1 administrator, 2 licensed teachers, and 1 classified employee. Other routine personnel matters were also approved.
The next meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th, 2023. The meeting will be held in the College and Career Readiness Center of London High School and begin at 6:30 pm. The minutes of each meeting are approved the following month and then posted here.