Bay Board of Education July 12 meeting overview

This report contains member observations and selected highlights of the July 12 meeting of the Bay Village Board of Education. It is not an official statement by the League of Women Voters, nor does it represent the official minutes of the meeting.

Board President Lisa Priemer called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Bay Middle School library. Also in attendance were Vice President, Dan Vegh; Mrs. Beth Lally; Dr. Scott Schultz; and Mr. Paul Vincent.

Strategic Plan Presentation: The strategic plan will be presented at the Aug. 9 Board meeting. The equity audit is one part of the strategic plan. At that time, a series of town hall meetings will be announced. The town halls are being scheduled outside of a regular business meeting in order to allow all voices to be heard.

Public Comments: At this meeting, tickets were distributed to those who wanted to speak and were randomly selected. Those people were given five minutes to share their ideas. Mrs. Priemer allowed for an additional 10 minutes to the original time of 30 minutes in order to hear from more residents.

Comments included overall support for the school district and a reminder of how we all want what’s best for children as well as transparency in running the District. There were questions about the upcoming equity audit and what the effect of that audit will be on curriculum.

Board President Priemer reminded the audience that all of the Board members have children in the Bay Schools and want what will allow students to succeed. She pointed out how the faculty and staff rallied during the pandemic to ensure that students were safe, both emotionally and physically.

In response to a question, Superintendent Hausmann reiterated that Bay does not teach Critical Race Theory as our district follows the Ohio State Standards that do not include Critical Race Theory.  There was reassurance that AP classes will not be cut, and that, although no one anticipates changes to the curriculum, any change to the curriculum can only proceed after a lengthy process that includes a variety of stakeholders.

Consent Items: The minutes of the last meeting were approved and can be found at go.boarddocs.com/oh/bvcsd/Board.nsf/Public.

Agenda items that were approved include: contracts for certified personnel; the resignation of Dr. Holly Schafer, Director of Human Resources; classified personnel contracts; PSI service change form; as well as approval of the overnight field trip for the boys and girls cross country teams to Mohican Wilderness Campground.

Superintendent Update: The Board recognized Dr. Jodie Hausmann as she steps down from her position with Bay Schools. Mrs. Priemer stated that the District “couldn’t have gotten through the pandemic” without Superintendent Hausmann.

Treasurer Update: Treasurer Meghan Rohde recommended that the Board approve the sale of obsolete equipment and furniture. She also recommended a one-year extension of its contract with AT&T. Her motions were approved.

Interim Superintendent Search: The Board will begin a search for a new superintendent.

The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m., at Bay Middle School.