October 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Summary

Call to Order

Board President Lora Cover called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. The early start time accommodated the League of Women Voters Forum later that evening. The meeting began with approval of the agenda and recognition of student and staff achievements, including five National Merit Semifinalists and ten National Merit Commended Students. The board also recognized student leadership initiatives and new programs across the District.

Enrollment Update

Director of Student Data Systems and Accountability Dr. Christina Bauer presented the annual enrollment update. As of September 19, 2025, K-12 enrollment stood at 4,188 students, which is 38 more than projected in the Five-Year Forecast. Despite this slight uptick, the District continues to see an overall downward trend in enrollment, consistent with declining birth rates locally and across the region.

Dr. Bauer also highlighted a growth in preschool enrollment following the opening of the Ludlow Early Learning Center, which is expected to continue into future years.

The presentation concluded with discussion about monitoring enrollment patterns, the impact of private school and voucher programs, and how these data inform staffing and long-range planning.

Resolution Approving the Design Development Document

Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations Jeff Grosse and the District’s construction attorney David Riley presented a resolution approving the Design Development Document Phase Submission for the Woodbury School project.

This stage includes approximately 200 technical drawings, construction cost estimates, and design intent statements that will be reviewed by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).

At this stage, the project is estimated to be about 1% over budget, which was described as normal and within acceptable limits. The Construction Manager at Risk model ensures the District will not exceed the guaranteed maximum price once finalized.

The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) acknowledging locally funded initiatives (LFIs), including the auditorium, natatorium, and additional square footage not covered by OFCC funding. 

Five-Year Forecast

Treasurer Donté Hayes presented the October 2025 Five-Year Forecast. Key points included:

• FY26 revenue: $109.7 million

• FY26 expenditures: $122.2 million

• Deficit spending: approximately $12.5 million

• Projected cash balance: $37.9 million at the end of FY26

Without new revenue, the District’s cash balance is forecasted to fall from 154 days on hand in FY25 to five days by FY28.

The forecast includes enrollment-based revenue adjustments that align with the demographic data shared earlier in the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• October 28, 2025 – Board of Education Work Session

• November 11, 2025 – Board of Education Regular Meeting

 

Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI based on the available meeting transcript. While efforts were made to ensure accuracy, it may contain errors or omissions. For official records and full context, please refer to the official meeting minutes or video recording provided on shaker.org.