SOCIAL DISTANCING … North Central School Board President Homer Hendricks is seen here in a practically empty room for the December 15, 2020 School Board meeting as the majority of the board and administrators Zoomed in from their homes. Superintendent William Hanak jokingly stated that during COVID, Mr. Hendricks has become the “face of the school” in the media. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
A survey has been mailed to every household in the North Central School District which includes Bridgewater, Bridewater Cetner, Jefferson East, Jefferson West, Holiday City, Kunkle, Lake Seneca, Pioneer and Madison and Millcreek Townships.
At the December 15, 2020 School Board meeting, Superintendent Bill Hanak, and Board members, stressed how important and necessary it is that they receive a huge response to this survey. As the Levy did not pass in November, the school is skating on thin ice. They are extremely desirous of finding out exactly what the school district residents want to see in their school.
Hanak stated emphatically at the meeting, “I want this place to soar into the future! This is a great district, not a good one, a great one. We need to do what is best for our kids, for our community, and for our staff.”
He added that he is hoping that at least one out of four will answer the survey, if not more, “This is just a way for us to understand what is going on out there.” He expressed his strong desire to do whatever it takes to keep this school district going into the future, “long after I am gone and this Board is gone.”
As the board voted to approve three possible levies, Board member Shane Martin clarified, “For all those listening, this does not mean that all three of these levies will be on the ballot on May 4th.”
“It is just a procedural thing that we have to go through and then once we get the surveys we can go through them, get feedback, and make a decision on which of these levies we do place on the ballot.” Hanak added that in order to get any of them on the ballot they have to have had three readings, so having it all read before January 29 makes it possible to do something on the ballot.
The three possible levies which they approved for consideration (and which are explained on the Survey) are:
•Resolution to adopt an Earned Income Tax Levy declaring the necessity of raising $334,169 annually for school district purposes for a ten (10) year period (.5%) on the May 4, 2021 ballot.
•Resolution to adopt an Emergency Operating Tax Levy necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation for a five (5) year period (3.9 mils) (approximately $420,000) on the May 4, 2021 ballot.
•Resolution to adopt a Permanent Improvement Tax Levy for Technology, Transportation and other permanent improvements in the District (3.9 mils) on the May 4, 2021 ballot. (also 5 years and is for “brick and mortar” type projects only)
The survey was not only mailed to every household, but can also be found on the North Central Eagles Website on the right hand side of the home page, under Tax Levy 2020-21 Info/Questionnaire. It is possible to answer it online if you so choose. The Board asked that everyone get it returned by January 1, 2021 so they have time to go over them before the meeting to discuss the results on January 11, 2021.
There was a great deal more business handled at the meeting, with reports from Administrators and passage of other items.
The Board members thanked the staff for a “job well done” concerning the remote learning needs. In regular business they voted to approve the Treasurer’s report which included the minutes from the November 17, 2020 meeting, the financial statements and investments from November, Appropriation additions, and a Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor for the 2020-2021 school year (2009 Emergency Substitute Levy from 6.30 to 6.40 mils).
Treasurer Eric Smeltzer also shared quite a math lesson with the board, explaining exactly how deep in the hole they will be in five years if things continue as they are with a deficit. (His entire explanation can be seen on the NC FaceBook page as the Zoom meetings are held there live and left online for all to watch.)
“We are still going to need that new revenue source along with reducing our cost,” he said. Board Member Anthony Burnett said, “Eric, I know you commented a six month reserve of $4 million. You have been here 10 years or more than 10 years and we have never had that in reserve. We have always been just getting by, scratching by.”
Smeltzer agreed that it is not what has happened. This year they have managed to stay afloat because of the covid funds that helped immensely. At one point Board Member Leigh Boothman pointed out that none of those funds have gone, or will go, toward the football program.
In his Superintendent’s report, Mr. Hanak thanked Madison ($28,000) and Bridgewater ($39,000) Townships for their generous donations from the CARES Act funds which they had received. “It has been such a big help to us!” He said. The Enrollment Numbers as of December 11 are 609 students, with 68 of those on NOVA, the virtual learning site. Eighty one students from the district are enrolled out to other schools. He reported that his “Annual Presentation on Food and Nutritional Standards” which he normally shares as a powerpoint, is ready this year in printed format and a copy can be had upon request.
The report consists of a cover letter and copies of all the food and beverage policies, with sections entitled: Food Services, Wellness, Physical Activity, Free and Reduced-price Meals, Vending Machines, and Competitive Food Sales. He also had the First Reading of proposed Neola EDGAR Revisions, gave a reminder of Early Release days being December 18, 2020 and May 27, 2021, and reported that the Calendar for 2021-21 is in progress and he hopes to share it with them soon.
In response to a question during the Drug Testing presentation at the last meeting, Hanak said, “Yes, it does detect Vaping as well.” He reminded the Board that the January Organizational meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. with a Discussion of the Questionnaire/Survey to follow, and the Regular Board meeting will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021.
Hanak also read the cover letter for the survey, which he called the State of the School Address, in which he encouraged all recipients to fill out and return the survey, and to contact him if they have questions or concerns. Elementary Principal Andy Morr shared that the school has been “hit pretty hard by COVID, but it went fairly well. We prefer having the kids at the school.” There will be no Christmas Programs.
He thanked all who participated in making it possible to help 38 students and their families who are struggling during this Christmas season. Christmas Break is scheduled from December 18, when the students get out after half a day, through January 4, 2021 with students returning on January 5.
Dr. Marcia Rozevink said that despite all the challenges, she feels that winter sports has been going as well as possible.
Due to the fact that 90% of the students and staff like the Block Schedule system which they have been using this year, according to an in house survey she conducted, she is looking into using it in the future.
She and Mr. Hanak both commented that the only problem with it is the long study halls so she plans to figure out a way to fix that issue. Live Concerts may be banned, but she assured the board that the students are still learning a lot in their music classes. Friday, December 18 ends the first Semester. Rozevink said concerning graduation, the only thing she still has down is that the date is still set for May 30.
“I have no idea what it will look like,” she said, “but we are sure to have something.” Anthony Burnett asked if they are looking into having a ceremony to honor the students who were on Homecoming Court. She said it will probably be a virtually recorded ceremony but no dance will be held, as far as she can tell. She hopes to keep it as close to traditional as possible, minus the dance. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and encouraged small group gatherings.
Athletic Director Greg Waidelich stated that the sports programs are remaining flexible and doing what they can to get games held. Indoor Track is set to start. It is still held that anyone who tests positive for COVID has to have a doctor elease form in order to return to play.
Elementary Basketball will have no games this year but in January they will get the students into the gym to have some fun. Waidelich also said he is trying to keep the school website calendar up to date all the time so parents are aware of what is happening.
Besides the approval of the possible levy resolutions, the board voted to approve:
•Date and time of the January Board of Education Organizational meeting for Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. to be held in the High School Eagle Room, with discussion of questionnaire results to follow.
•Date and time of Board of Education regular meeting for January 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Eagle Room
•Resolution to appoint Homer Hendricks as president Pro-Tem until a president is elected at the January 2021 Organizational meeting.
•Outline of Ohio Student Wellness Success Funding Plan for NC Local Schools. (Mr. Hanak explained that last year the money was spent to upgrade the playground and that has been highly praised by all who have seen it or used it. This year the money will be divided up to cover the mental health of the students.)
•NWOESC Teacher and Paraprofessional Substitute list dated November 20, 2020 for the 20-21 school year
The Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel and employment, with no action to be taken. The meeting adjourned at 7:43.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
