Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights 7-5-2022

JULY 5, 2022, regular meeting

 

  • Public comments
  • Board comments
  • Superintendent’s report
  • Treasurer’s report

 

Present were Board President Malia Lewis and members Dan Heintz, James Posch, Jodi Sourini, and Beverly Wright. Also present were Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby and Treasurer Scott Gainer.

Public comments

Residents expressed concern over the process of enrolling foreign exchange students and proposed using an organization other than AFS.

A resident asked about the status of the committee charged with overseeing district policies and procedures related to sexual assault and harassment. This resident also expressed concern about the State of Ohio’s change in who is eligible for food assistance and the district’s response.

Board comments 

The board discussed the flying of a rainbow flag and a black pride flag and whether the district should develop policies and make logistical decisions about such displays.

The board also discussed venues for future graduation ceremonies: outdoor versus indoor locations and use of the high school versus rental of off-site venues.

Superintendent comments 

The Sex Based Advisory Committee had its first meeting June 23. Information about their work will be posted on the district’s website. Each school has a threat-assessment training plan. 

The district is looking for academic success tutors. 

Treasurer’s report

Mr. Gainer continued his “three things about school finance” series, noting:

  1. There is a difference between cash basis accounting and GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). At the end of the year, the cash basis accounting must be reconciled into GAAP accounting. This is a normative process.
  2. The county auditor’s office charged 1.6 million dollars last year for the collection of property taxes.
  3. The CHUH school district received the state’s highest distinction for its financial report. It also received the status of Financial Audit of Distinction in 2021 for having no audit issues.

Mr. Heintz reminded all that schools accepting vouchers do not have to undergo any sort of audit process. He also reported that 20 percent of public school districts are now participating in the voucher lawsuit.

LWV Observer: Robin Koslen.

Documents for all board meetings can be accessed from the Board of Education webpage: www.chuh.org/BoardofEducation.aspx. Go to “BoardDocs” in the menu; on BoardDocs go to “MEETINGS” in the top menu; click on “Agenda.” Board meetings are livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/CHUHSchools) and recorded for later viewing.

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 9:41 AM, 07.13.2022