October 2019 Board of Education Meeting

Treasurer Schumacher noted that the approval of the revision to policy #7455 is a directive from the Financial auditors.

President Theaker noted the many donations.

No further discussion or questions.  Sent to vote.

As we discussed last month, we had a CDAR come due in September and we rolled it into a 52 week CDAR. We also had a CDAR come due on October 10. The rates given to me for Richland Bank were 1.81% from 26 weeks on up and 1.86% for 13 weeks. I had them cash the CDAR and deposit the proceeds into our Money Market at Richland. I am now comparing Star Ohio and proposals for the portfolio account with Richland Bank. Star Ohio is paying 2.25%. On September 30, Richland’s MMS was paying 2.04%. Even more than a new CDAR.

I have talked the past couple months about the monies in the 002 Bond Reserve Account being used to pay the final 2008 COPS in the December 2019, 2020, and 2021 payments. When I contacted Huntington, she questioned the use of this fund. I have contacted Dave Conley and also Peck Shafer (bond counsel) concerning the use of these funds as they are the ones who set this up during the refinance in 2015. I then began to research this myself and found a section in the Transcript of Proceedings of the 2015 Refinance. I have forwarded this to Huntington Bank and am waiting for a response from them.

We actually received the Student Wellness & Success Fund monies in our October payment. This will be reflected in next month’s report on the Fund balance report. The new fund 467 will be included in that report. We received $163,291.44 and will receive a total of $326,582.87 for the year. The second installment will come in February. We have been to several meetings and have held planning meetings within Pioneer. I believe we have a great start to plans for using this money.

We have received all of the Homestead & Rollback monies except for Richland.

The Capital Improvement spending Plan is the last page of my report. It includes $225,000 of the roof repair. The remainder will be charged to the 034 OFCC Maintenance fund. Since our planning meeting, Superintendent Nickoli has requested that we use some more monies for transportation replacements. Once we see what all we will be spending, we will do an update to our appropriations in June.

On Tuesday, October 15, I was contacted by the Auditor of State office letting us know Pioneer had been randomly chosen to have an STRS/SERS census audit performed and it needed to be completed by November 1. I replied back offering October 17 or anytime during the week of October 28. She chose October 17. She was only here 1 day and finished up. The audit report will contain no findings and is complete.

Also, on October 14, we received an email from Forecast 5 Analytics (formerly Public Finance Resources), Mike Sobul, that gave us our estimated PUPP valuations for 2019 payable in 2020. These are still subject to appeal. Statewide, PUPP valuations increased 32.91%. Pioneer’s estimates are 185.16% more than 2018. We received approximately $400,000 more in PUPP tax in FY19 than in FY18. This was a little higher than expected, but within reason. This new valuation estimate is way beyond what was expected. According to Mike Sobul,

"County auditors received preliminary public utility property values from the state last week. Increases statewide were much higher than anticipated. Overall, PUPP values increased by nearly 33 percent, over $6.2 billion. Most of that growth was due to three new pipelines but there was also significant growth in areas that do not have pipelines. Those increases are likely due to electric utility valuations.

While overall the news looks to be positive, the Department of Taxation is concerned there will be appeals of some of the valuations. Appeals of 2019 PUPP values must be filed with ODT by December 6. Under the law, utilities only are required to pay tax on the uncontested portions of their valuations. There is a reporting requirement in the law whereby ODT must inform county auditors of appeals. If you are in a district with a large increase, you will want to remain in contact with your auditor to monitor potential appeals."

Mr Sobul also added:

Rover Pipeline Detail    "Most, if not all, of the districts with Rover pipeline (and no compressor station) that had seen value increases in 2018 are seeing increases greater than a doubling of valuations in 2019. Not only has the second line come into service, but some additional pipeline segments came on-line and some costs that had not been capitalized in 2018 are also having an impact."

I believe school districts with large increases and no pipeline, like Plymouth, must have AEP updates. Mike and his people have not been able to pin down where all of the increases are coming from. Mike worked at the State for many, many years calculating and processing valuations. He is our best resource for any of this information.

Jessica Clark, EAP Representative

We will incorporate innovative educational practices in both academic and career technical settings that will create success, value and competitive advantage for all students. 23 Students in Cosmetology received their Tanning Certification.

We will promote student excellence through the building of skills for lifelong success and promoting programs and policies that facilitate student achievement. Justin Tuttle participated in the Construction writing at the state level for the Web Exam.

will foster an environment that promotes commitment, engagement and inclusivity from all stakeholders. Purple Star Breakfast for over 40 students in the Community Room. 109 students are going to take the ASVAB test.

We be fiscally responsible to the community, students, staff and all stakeholders while supporting effective, innovative educational programs and providing facilities that are safe, healthy and functional. Tech update – closets replacing the batteries in tech closets every 3-5 years.

will work to ensure curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning that are critical success indicators for the school system, all levels of system operation have to link back to the improvement of student achievement. High expectations must be in place for school staff and students at all times. Mr. Gaddis from TEAM NEO toured building and visited classrooms emphasizing the skills needed for Northeast Ohio workforce. (Medical, IT, b Page, Manufacturing)

We will implement effective, accurate, and meaningful communications that facilitate dialogue, encourage involvement in PCTC programs, and create community advocacy. Over 70 students participated in AAA Student Vehicle Safety Inspections – Students from Transportation and Medical areas assisted the inspectors.

will work together to sustain a responsive, caring, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. 6 students in various Non-Traditional programs participated in SheDig program sponsored by the International Union of Operating Engineers.

We will remain dedicated to our profession by engaging in on-going professional development to stay current on trends in education, business and industry across the curriculum. John Burgess attended Skills USA Boot Camp Advising for new advisors.

will ensure a safe and secure environment for all and to ensure PCTC is prepared to effectively respond to all emergencies. New Safety Film is being installed in all entrance areas.

Superintendent NIckol advised Board Members to watch HB 305 as it progresses through both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  This is the bill introducing the Cupp-Patterson funding model.

We have created a plan for the support of the emotional and physical well-being of our students. We are collaborating with Mid-Ohio ESC and several of our Districts to create a plan that offers a variety of social, emotional, and physical supports to our students. Some of those dollars will bring in an additional staff member in the form of a contract for a licensed social worker and professional development for or staff.

We would like to lend our support to our Partner School Districts who have issues on the ballot on November 5th. The Willard City Schools have a renewal on the ballot and the Ontario Local Schools have an Operating Levy on the ballot. We wish them success on Election Day!!

The RIF notices we are sending out are attached in the resolution.

I will be talking to the board members whose Pioneer terms are expiring to find out if they are planning to continue to serve on the Pioneer Board. They will need to be appointed by the sending board to stay on our board, although they do not have serve on that board. If they wish to continue to serve I will contact the sending board so they can pass a resolution to have them appointed to the Pioneer Board. I will also have them complete the necessary paperwork for our records. (Mike Grady & Margie Prater)

All Member Advisory Committee Meeting

We will hold our tenth annual All-Member Advisory Appreciation Meeting on Monday, October 28, 2019. As you may recall, we provide dinner for our Advisory Committee Members. The meetings are always very successful and we receive great guidance for the future of our Career Technical programs.

Just a reminder that Tuesday, November 5 is Election Day.

The Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference will be held November 10 - 12 in Columbus at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The OACTS (Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents Annual Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency registration opens at 7:30 am with the breakfast starting at 8:00 am.

I want to remind those of you attending to stop in and visit our Precision Machining students and instructor at the Capital Conference Trade Show. Our program was selected to participate this year and they will be there showing the great work they do every day at Pioneer. We are very proud of Mr. Karl, the program instructor, and his students.

Please let me know at this meeting if you plan to attend so we can make reservations for you.

Treasurer Schumacher explained this was just an increase in the cash on hand because they wanted to open up both registers in distribution.  No questions or discussion.  Sent to vote.

Entered into Executive Session at 8:46 pm.  Returned to Regular Session at 8:59 pm.