Troy Board of Education members said Monday, April 11, they want to talk more about a proposal to hire an architectural firm to help engage the community in looking at district facilities and their future.
The board voted 4-0 to table the proposal on the monthly meeting agenda to hire SHP Leading Design until all five board members are available to discuss the hiring further. Board President Doug Trostle was not at Monday’s meeting.
A special meeting will be scheduled to discuss the proposal to hire the consultants. Also at that meeting, the board will discuss an updated job description for an assistant superintendent. The job description, also on Monday’s agenda, was tabled, too.
Board member Joyce Reives said the board doesn’t have anyone in mind to hire for the vacant assistant superintendent position but wants an updated job description. Superintendent Eric Herman said the previous job description was for a more “isolated” position than that now proposed in the updated description.
She thinks the board will want to post the position, Reives said, particularly if it decides to move forward with some type of facilities project. That’s because of the amount of responsibility each administrator now is asked to handle, she said.
The board met recently with four architectural firms to hear proposals for engaging the community in the discussion about facilities including whether new buildings and/or renovations should be proposed.
“We have no preconceived notion. This is to have a third party come in and engage the community … to get a strong sense of what the community wants,” Herman said.
Board member Tom Kleptz asked for further discussion before a vote, saying, “I think as a board we have concerns.” Board member Michael Ham agreed.
The board voted to approve a resolution supporting an open letter to Ohio legislators, state board of education members and the Ohio Department of Education expressing concern over the current educational direction in the state. “We would request more time for thoughtful and collaborative decision making from those we have elected to represent us,” the board wrote in agreeing to support the letter.
In other business Monday, the board:
- Heard from Treasurer Jeff Price that district revenues for this fiscal year are on target and spending is less than projected when the budget was approved.
- Heard from Kathy McIntosh, director of bands and music department head, about the band’s recent trip to Toronto. The board also was entertained by a high school saxophone quartet.
- Heard details of a free breakfast and lunch program at Heywood and Kyle schools from Marion Stout, district business manager and director of human resources.
- Approved the use of district school buses for the Troy Strawberry Festival and the Treasure Island River Adventure Series this summer. Those requesting the buses agreed to pay all costs associated with their use.
