Kenton School Board Hears About Lifewise Academy; Approves a Lengthy List of Personnel Items

The Kenton City Schools Board of Education conducted the November meeting Monday evening.

One of the speakers was Pastor Dave Dooley, who spoke in favor of the Lifewise Academy operating a program as part of the Kenton City Schools, “I’ve heard that many schools with Lifewise programs have seen improvement especially in the areas of character development, and I believe that will pair well with the already existing emphasis that I have seen in all of our buildings that seek to inspire character development in within our students and I’m so thankful for that.”

Lifewise Academy allows students to travel by foot or shuttle to a nearby Lifewise Facility where they learn about Jesus and how He saves lives. The students are released from school during school hours and then return to the school for their regular classes. 

The Board then heard from Superintendent Chad Thrush who stated there is a great need for substitute teachers. He encouraged those 20 and over who can pass a background check to apply saying there is a great need, “On Friday just as an example, we had ten openings that never got filled, so obviously when that happens we’re using everybody: principals, aides whomever to help us fill those holes, so we definitely could use more substitute teachers if people are interested and willing.”

A number of personnel items were approved by the Board.

They include the written resignation of Kenton High School Social Studies teacher Dustin Clapsaddle, effective November 18, 2022.

The written retirement resignation of Amy Long, Kenton Middle School Science teacher, was also approved and is effective May 31, 2023. She has been with the district for 39 years.

The Board also approved Peterson Construction to provide construction manager at risk services to construct the New Middle, High School and Career Tech and to abate and demolish Oaklief, Kenton Middle School and part of Kenton High School.

Here is the complete agenda with items approved by the Board:

REGULAR MEETING 7:00 pm
KENTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
VISION STATEMENT
Inspiring All to Inquire, Dream and Excel

November 21, 2022

1. Call to order – President Doug Carmean Time_____________
2. Roll call of members Dick______Hensel______Heydinger______Ledley______Carmean______ Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval and/or correction of the minutes of the regular meeting of October 17, 2022. Motion to accept____________Second____________Vote____________
   Hensel______Heydinger______Ledley______Carmean______Dick______
4. Principal/Supervisor/Faculty Reports/Student Showcase
   KHS FFA –
   Julia Hicks – Instructor
   Lora Harder – President
   Trevor Robinson – Vice President
   Kira Ray – Treasurer
   Jozie Winegardner – Reporter
   Lauren Woltz – Sentinel
   Kinley Howe – Student Advisor
   Abigail Schmelzer – Member
5. The public participation section of the Board of Education’s Agenda is specifically designated for the public to address the Board with their compliments, concerns and/or questions. The Board welcomes your comments. If you wish to address the Board regarding a problem, the Board would remind you of three things. First, your comments should be factual and respectful of the rights of others. Second, before coming to the Board with a specific problem, you should have first addressed the problem with the appropriate teacher, staff member or administrator. Third, speakers will be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes.
   Sandy Steiner – Lifewise Academy
   Mark Watkins
   Dave Dooley
6. Reports of Treasurer
   Approve the following October 31, 2022 reports:
   Cash Position
   Check Register
   Receipt Ledger
   Investment Report
   Journal Entries

Motion to accept____________Second____________Vote____________
Heydinger______Ledley______Carmean______Dick______Hensel______

7. Superintendent’s reports/communications
8. Board Committee Reports
   Extracurricular Committee
   Career Center
9. Old business

Motion to accept____________Second____________Vote____________
Ledley______Carmean______Dick______Hensel______Heydinger______

New business:

10. Personnel Items

Approve Joslyn Gibson, KES secretary, Step 1, 7.5 hours, 200 days (prorated) at a rate of $16.09 per hour specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all applicable records, and receipt of all other necessary documentation including proof of licensure. Probationary period beginning November 14, 2022 with the 61st day being March 1, 2023.

Approve Alex Elliott, KMS educational assistant, Step 1, 5.75 hours, 179 days (prorated) at a rate of $15.20 per hour specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all applicable records, and receipt of all other necessary documentation including proof of licensure. Probationary period beginning November 7, 2022 with the 61st day being February 22, 2023.

Approve Cathy Routt, KCS bus driver, Step 1, 4 hours, 179 days (prorated) at a rate of $16.76 per hour specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all applicable records, and receipt of all other necessary documentation including proof of licensure. Probationary period beginning November 28, 2022 with the 61st day being March 8, 2023.

Approve the following volunteers for the 2022-2023 school year contingent on required paperwork:
Melissa Blevins Chase Hommel Brandy Hunsaker Jayna Jansen Wilma Lambright Ashlee Streets Kristin Ulrich Joseph Wilkinson

Approve the following substitutes for the 2022-2023 school year contingent upon required paperwork:

James Evans Jr. – Substitute teacher and educational assistant
Phyllis Cummings – Substitute teacher
Kylie Eshelman – Substitute teacher
Tristan Reichelderfer – Substitute teacher
Chelsea Miller-Goecke – Substitute teacher
Andrea Hudson – Substitute teacher
Keller Stout – Substitute teacher
Cassandra Battles – Substitute educational assistant

Approve the medical leave for Charlie Truman beginning November 29, 2022. He is requesting 3 weeks of leave. Upon exhausting all sick and personal leave, he is requesting an unpaid leave of absence all running concurrently with FMLA.

Approve supplemental contract employment (Employee) for the 2022-2023 school year/season, specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all application records and receipt of all other necessary documentation. Employment also is specifically conditioned on and subject to the activity/season occurring, with proration in the event of partial performance as determined by the administration.

Caleb Austin – KHS Head Track coach, Step 1, 1 year experience at a rate of $4,665.00
Bill Lawrence – KHS Head Softball coach, Step 3, 7+ years experience at a rate of $5,676.00

Approve supplemental contract employment (Non-Employee) for the 2022-2023 school year/season, specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all application records and receipt of all other necessary documentation. Employment also is specifically conditioned on and subject to the activity/season occurring, with proration in the event of partial performance as determined by the administration.

Josh Wormley – KHS Head Baseball coach, Step 1, 5 years experience at a rate of $4,665.00
Mykaela Schriber – KHS Boys Tennis coach, Step 0, 1 year experience at a rate of $2,955.00

Approve the maternity leave for Katie Yankee with an anticipated due date of February 2, 2023. She is requesting 12 weeks of leave. Upon exhausting all sick and personal leave, she is requesting an unpaid leave of absence all running concurrently with FMLA.

Approve the written retirement resignation of Amy Long, KMS Science teacher effective May 31, 2023. Amy has been with KCS for 39 years. She is requesting her severance pay.

Approve the written resignation of Dustin Clapsaddle, KHS Social Studies teacher, effective November 18, 2022.

Approve Morgan Sumney, KHS cafeteria I, Step 1, 3.5 hours, 179 days (prorated) at a rate of $13.36 per hour specifically conditioned on and subject to successful background checks, receipt and final administrative review of all applicable records, and receipt of all other necessary documentation including proof of licensure. Probationary period beginning November 28, 2022 with the 61st day being March 8, 2023.

Approve the maternity leave for Chelsea Smith with an anticipated due date of April 10, 2023. She is requesting 7 weeks of leave. Upon exhausting all sick and personal leave, she is requesting an unpaid leave of absence all running concurrently with FMLA.

Approve the paternity leave for Shawn Smith with an anticipated due date of April 10, 2023. He is requesting 2 weeks of leave. Upon exhausting all sick and personal leave, he is requesting an unpaid leave of absence all running concurrently with FMLA.

Motion to accept____________Second____________Vote____________
Carmean______Dick______Hensel______Heydinger______Ledley______

11. Authorizations and Resolutions

Approve the eRate Funding for School (EFFSD) service agreement for a 3 year term starting in the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $2,600.00 per year.

Approve the following donations:
Vocal Music:
Hardin County Players in the amount of $150.00
Katrina Collins in the amount of $25.00
Michael Angelo’s Pizza in the amount of $150.00
Rogers Agency in the amount of $500.00
Schwemer, Markley, McKinley & Seeley in the amount of $100.00
Elks Lodge in the amount of $150.00
Karin Seiler in the amount of $150.00
Diane and Leonard Smith in the amount of $150.00
Whitaker Enterprises in the amount of $150.00
Graphic Packaging in the amount of $250.00
Black’s Shady Knoll Orchard in the amount of $1,000.00
Jay and Kelli Bostelman in the amount of $75.00
Dave and Sharon Sturgeon in the amount of $150.00
Boys Basketball:
Quest Federal Credit Union in the amount of $2,500.00

Approve the agreement between Midwest Regional ESC and Kenton City Schools for instructional aide services for the 2022-2023 school year with an estimated amount of $21,645.00.

Approve the agreement between Midwest Regional ESC and Kenton City Schools for instructional aide services for the 2022-2023 school year with an estimated amount of $20,028.00.

Approve the agreement between Midwest Regional ESC and Kenton City Schools for instructional aide services for the 2022-2023 school year with an estimated amount of $21,088.00.

Approve the pre-apprenticeship program between Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC) and Kenton City Schools.

Approve the contract between Kenton City Schools and Madison-Champaign ESC for ED services for 2022-2023 school year for Billable Aide Services at $29.25 per staff hour and ED instruction at $160.82 per student day.

Approve the agreement between Hardin Community School and Kenton City Schools to transport Hardin Community School students starting November 22, 2022 and continue through June 30, 2024.

Approve the agreement between Midwest Regional ESC and Kenton City Schools for vision impaired services for the 2022-2023 school year with an amount of $8,253.00.

Approve the 5 year forecast as presented.

Approve to recommend Deb Purcell as the Ohio Hi-Point representative for a 3 year term beginning January 1, 2023.

Approve the facility use agreement between Kenton City Schools and the Hardin County Agricultural Society as presented.

Approve the shared transportation agreement between Hardin County Board of DD and Kenton City Schools as presented.

Approve the 8th grade Washington DC trip for May 7-11, 2023.

Approve the fund 2009862 for Quiz Bowl.

Approve the following fund to fund transfer:

From: To: Amount:
001 (General) 2009862 (Quiz Bowl) $500.00

Approve the following resolution:
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING PETERSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT BASED ON THE EXISTENCE OF AN URGENT NECESSITY/PUBLIC EXIGENCY
The Superintendent recommends contracting with Peterson Construction Company (“Peterson”) for work on the Renovations to Existing High School Project (the “Project”) based upon the urgent necessity and public exigency exceptions to competitive bidding.
Rationale:
The Board previously identified the need to renovate the existing Kenton High School as part of the District’s strategy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and to improve student physical well-being and health, and requires the services of a contractor for work on the Project.
The Board requires the services of a contractor to provide construction and related services for work on the Project. The District will utilize federal (ESSER) grant funding for the Project.
The work for the Project needs to be completed by September 2024. Based on information provided to the Board, materials and equipment need to be ordered immediately as severe supply chain disruptions have resulted in long delays in the acquisition of materials. The Project also needs to be within the Board’s budget so as to not to negatively impact the Board’s operations.
The bidding process would delay the Project completion and will not guarantee that lower pricing would be received for the work, especially in light of the unprecedented material and labor shortages and increased costs as a result of COVID-19. This situation presents an urgent necessity under R.C. 3313.46.
Accordingly, the District, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320(b)(2), issued a request for proposals and provided public notice of the same.
Through the process, Peterson provided a proposal to perform the work for the Project in the amount of $10,135.00.
The Superintendent recommends the selection of Peterson as the firm most advantageous and in the best interest of the District to perform the Project, and requests authorization to negotiate and enter into a contract with Peterson in the total amount not to exceed $10,135.00.
The Kenton City School District Board of Education resolves as follows:
Based upon the information provided and exercising the authority given in R.C. 3313.46, the Board declares an urgent necessity.
The Board selects Peterson as the firm most advantageous and in the best interest of the District to perform the Project.
The Board authorizes the Superintendent and Treasurer to work with legal counsel to negotiate and execute a contract with Peterson in the total amount not to exceed $10,135.00, and to execute any other documents necessary to effectuate the terms of the contract including any purchase orders.

Approve the following resolution:
SELECTING GARMANN MILLER & ASSOCIATES, INC. AS ARCHITECT
AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES FOR THE LFI PROJECT
The Superintendent recommends Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc. as the most qualified firm to serve as the architect and provide design services to construct a new Middle School/High School & Career Tech and to abate and demolish Oaklief Elementary School, Kenton Middle School, and Kenton High School (the “Project”) through the co-funded Classroom Facilities Assistance Program with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (“OFCC”), and the Superintendent requests authority to negotiate and execute an agreement with Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc. for these services.
Rationale:
The Board requires the services of a design professional to provide design services for work on the Project.
Sections 153.65 through .71 of the Ohio Revised Code prescribes a qualifications-based selection process, which is required to be followed by public entities when design professional services are needed.
In accordance with the statutory process, the District and the OFCC publicly advertised and issued a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for design professional services and evaluated the statements of qualifications submitted by design professional firms for the Project.
Following this evaluation, the Board, working with the OFCC, co-selected Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc., to be most qualified to provide the required design professional services for the Project.
Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc., provided a proposal for the necessary design services for the Project in an amount not-to-exceed $4,535,044.00.
The Superintendent requests authority to negotiate and execute a contract with Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc., for the necessary design services for the Project in an amount not to exceed $4,535,044.00.
The Kenton City School District Board of Education resolves as follows:
1. The Board selects Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc., as the firm most qualified
to perform the required design services for the Project.
2. The Board authorizes the Superintendent, working with legal counsel, to
negotiate and execute an agreement with Garmann Miller & Associates, Inc., for
the necessary design services for the Project in an amount not to exceed
$4,535,044.00.
3. The Board authorizes the Superintendent, Treasurer, and other officials and
administrators to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board, and to sign any
related documentation consistent with the intent of this Resolution.

Approve the following resolution:
APPROVING SELECTION OF PETERSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AS BEST VALUE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK AND APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR PRECONSTRUCTION SERVICES
The Evaluation Committee recommends approval of Peterson Construction Company as the best value firm to provide construction manager at risk (“CMR”) services to construct a new Middle School/High School & Career Tech and to abate and demolish Oaklief Elementary School, Kenton Middle School, and Kenton High School (the “Project”) through the co-funded Classroom Facilities Assistance Program with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (“OFCC”), and the Superintendent requests authority to enter into an agreement with Peterson Construction Company for preconstruction services.
Rationale:
The Board requires the services of a construction manager at risk to plan, coordinate, manage, and direct all phases of the Project for a guaranteed maximum price.
Section 9.33 et seq. of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 153:1-6 of the Ohio Administrative Code prescribe a “best value” selection process that is required to be followed by public entities when construction manager at risk services are procured.
In accordance with the statutory process, the District and the OFCC publicly advertised and issued a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for construction manager at risk services for the Project. Statements of Qualifications were received from interested CMR firms, which were reviewed by the Evaluation Committee and ranked to create a short-list of the most-qualified firms. Pricing and technical proposals were then solicited from the short-listed firms and reviewed by the Evaluation Committee.
After this review and evaluation, the Evaluation Committee’s review and evaluation of the proposals submitted, the Board, working with the OFCC, co-selected Peterson Construction Company as the CMR firm that would provide the best value for the Project.
In its pricing proposal, Peterson Construction Company offered to perform the preconstruction services for the Project in a total cost not-to-exceed $135,500.00.
Based on Peterson Construction Company’s proposal, the Superintendent requests authorization to work with other administrators and legal counsel to negotiate, on behalf of the Board, an agreement for preconstruction services with Peterson Construction Company in an amount not-to-exceed $135,500.00.
The Kenton City School District Board of Education resolves as follows:
The Board approves the selection of Peterson Construction Company as the CMR firm determined to provide the best value for the Project.
The Board authorizes the Superintendent, working with other administrators and legal counsel, to negotiate, on behalf of the Board, an agreement for preconstruction services with Peterson Construction Company. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into an agreement for preconstruction services with the CMR in an amount not-to-exceed $135,500.00.

Approve the following resolution:
SELECTING STAN & ASSOCIATES, INC., AS THE MOST QUALIFIED COMMISSIONING AGENT FOR THE PROJECT AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STAN & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR COMMISSIONING SERVICES
The Superintendent recommends selection of Stan & Associates, Inc. (Stan & Associates) as the Commissioning Agent for the new Middle School/High School & Career Tech (the “Project”) and approval of the consultant agreement with Stan & Associates for these services.

The District has been approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to participate in the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP) to construct a new Middle School/High School & Career Tech and to abate and demolish Oaklief Elementary School, Kenton Middle School, and Kenton High School (Project).
Working with the OFCC, the Board selected Stan & Associates as the most qualified consultant to provide commissioning agent services for the Project and now wishes to enter into a consultant agreement for these services related to the Project, using the OFCC form of agreement, with exhibits, for co-funded school facility projects.
The Superintendent recommends Stan & Associates, Inc., to be selected as the Commissioning Agent for the Project and that the consultant agreement with Stan & Associates for the Project be approved in the amount of $137,000.00, subject to OFCC approval.
The Kenton City School District Board of Education resolves as follows:
1. Based upon the co-selection process with the OFCC, the Board selects Stan &
Associates as the most qualified consultant to provide commissioning agent
services for the Project.
2. The Board authorizes the Board President and Treasurer to sign the consultant
agreement with Stan & Associates for commissioning agent service to be
provided for the Project in the amount not to exceed $137,000.00, subject to
OFCC approval.

Motion to accept____________Second____________Vote____________
Dick______Hensel______Heydinger______Ledley______Carmean______

12. Adjournment Time________________

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on December 19, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

To watch the meeting click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPyQioDVBzA