District News



Board approves levy for Nov. 4 ballot At a special meeting on Aug. 19, the Board of Education approved a five-year 3.17 mill levy for the Nov. 4 ballot. It is an “emergency” levy which means that the levy is for a fixed number of years (five) and a fixed dollar amount ($3 million). The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $97.08 per year, if approved by the voters. Click here to read the Beacon Journal's reaction to the levy failure Board hires Assistant Principals for SMFHS The Ohio Schools Council announced that the estimate for natural gas was drastically reduced for the 2008-09 school year. Even though natural gas prices rose to unprecedented levels starting in late winter 2007, recently the New York Mercantile Exchange prices for natural gas have dropped by 20%, providing a great opportunity for the Ohio Schools Council to buy a portion of the schools’ gas supply for the next two years. Price estimates indicate that district costs will be 25% higher than in 2007-08. This is a challenging time in the natural gas and energy markets, and it is likely that this year’s 25% increase for the upcoming heating season will climb even higher in the years to follow. This reduced estimate equates to a monthly savings of $8,128 for the 2008-09 school year for the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. School Bus Fleet passes inspection, ready to roll! As of July 24, all of the district's Buses have passed inspection the first time through. This will make it three years in a row that all our buses have passed inspection the first time through! Mechanics, assistant mechanics, bus washers, painters, welders and seat repairers (a total of 12 individuals) have worked for 9 weeks to get the 66 buses ready for inspection. Board hires Susan Schur, Stow-Munroe Falls High School Principal SMFHS had the third highest percentage (82.8%) of sophomores who passed all five sections of the Ohio Graduation Test out of 17 school districts in Summit County. Board hires Dr. Marty E. Saternow, Director of Special Services Lunch prices increase 25 cents for 2008-09 Nine members of the SMFHS Boys Volleyball Team were named to the Academic All-Ohio Team by the Ohio Scholastic Boys Volleyball Coaches Association for compiling a 3.5 cumulative GPA! Athletic Director Cyle Feldman recognized as Certified Athletic Administrator. Riverview wins Hall of Fame award Board President resigns; new Member appointed Kathy Armstrong, president of the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education, resigned Thursday, May 22. She had served on the board since 2002; her current term expires Dec. 31, 2009. The Board of Education met June 7 and appointed Karen Wright, Stow resident, to the seat vacated by Armstrong. The Board received seven applications from local residents to be considered for the appointment. Board approves Budget Reductions for 2008-09 At the May 27 meeting, the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education approved the following budget reductions effective with the 2008-09 school year: 16 classified staff and nine certified staff. The staffing cuts are due to the failure of the March levy and to help offset a projected future budget deficit. The board directed the administration to make specific recommendations regarding those reductions. This board action comes after many public discussions where the Five Year Forecast is projecting a deficit. In addition, the board passed a resolution approving fees for a Pay to Participate program for the upcoming school year for students in Grades 7-12. Families that qualify for the Free and Reduced lunch program will be discounted at a rate of 50 percent (for free lunch) and 25 percent (for reduced lunch). All families will be capped at $300 for the 2008-09 school year ($225 for reduced lunch and $150 for free lunch). The fees are as follows: High School Activity $75 - Reduced Lunch $56.25 - Free Lunch $37.50 High School Sport $100 - Reduced Lunch $75.00 - Free Lunch $50.00 Middle School Activity $75 - Reduced Lunch $56.25 - Free Lunch $37.50 Middle School Sport $100- Reduced Lunch $75.00 - Free Lunch $50.00 A letter will be sent home to all parents detailing the Pay to Participate program. Board hires Rick Bailey as HR Director The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education hired Rick Bailey as the director of Human Resources at its May 27 board meeting. Bailey has been the head principal of Stow-Munroe Falls High School since July 2006. Bailey replaces outgoing director Gary Puntel who announced his resignation in January and is effective June 30. Puntel has held the HR position for the past two years. “ I will really miss the daily interaction with our high school students and staff, but I look forward to serving the district in this new capacity,” said Bailey. “Mr. Bailey has an outstanding record as a school administrator and emerged as the top candidate from a large field of excellent applicants,” said Superintendent Dr. Russell Jones. “I look forward to his leadership in his new role as Human Resources Director for the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools.” Bailey was formerly the principal of Aurora High School. Prior to Aurora he was a unit principal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School from 2001-2003. His two-year contract begins July 1 and his annual salary will remain at the current level, $92,655. Jones said the search for Bailey’s replacement will begin immediately. Board accepts retirement of Linda Klamer, Director of Curriculum & Instruction. The Board of Education approved the retirement of Linda Klamer effective Jan. 1, 2009 at the May 27 board meeting. Mrs. Klamer has been with the SMF district for 10 years and will have 35 years in education upon her retirement. Girls Varsity Basketball team receives Academic recognition Board places levy on August 2008 ballot The Board of Education passed its second resolution May 12 to place a five-year 3.2-mill levy on the August 5 ballot. The levy is needed to reduce significant budget deficits projected over the next five years. Click here to read the 5 Year Forecast adopted by the Board on May 12. USDA recalls beef that went to school lunch programs Special Services Director to retire Sept. 30. Board Considers Financial Reductions The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education and administration met March 17 to consider financial reductions in the school district’s budget, following the failure of the 6.5-mill levy on March 4. The voters have not approved any additional revenue for the school district since November 2002. In November 2006 an earned income tax was rejected by voters, as was a 4.17-mill levy request in May 2007. While the November 2007 renewal levy was approved, the district does not receive any additional revenue. “Each levy that fails puts us a year further behind in collection,” said Treasurer/CFO Catherine M. Bulgrin. The district cut $650,000 from the Fiscal Year 2007 budget and will need to cut $1 million for Fiscal Year 2008. At the end of the meeting, no specific decisions were made. The board will continue to discuss and consider financial reductions for the 2008-09 school year. Board hires Assistant Treasurer The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education hired Susan Irving as the assistant treasurer at the March 10 board meeting. Irving has been the treasurer for Newton Falls Exempted Village School District for the past 10 years. She was also the assistant treasurer in Tallmadge City Schools for five-and-a-half years. “ Susan brings a wealth of experience and is highly qualified,” said Treasurer/CFO Cathy Bulgrin. “This is a critical time for the district as we are facing budget cuts and her expertise will be important as our district moves forward.” “ I am looking forward to coming to Stow,” said Irving. “I bring 15 years of experience in the treasurer’s office. Stow-Munroe Falls is four times larger than where I am, at Newton Falls. It will be a nice challenge. I am excited about getting there and getting to work.” Irving’s 2.3-year contract begins April 7. Her annual salary will be $58,500. Board accepts resignation of Assistant to the Treasurer The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education accepted the resignation of Assistant to the Treasurer, Greg Sciola, at its meeting Jan. 28. Sciola’s resignation is effective Jan. 31. He will begin serving as the Treasurer/CFO of Joseph Badger Local Schools in Trumbull County on Feb. 1. “It is a terrible loss for the district,” said Treasurer/CFO Catherine Bulgrin, “however it is a great opportunity for Greg and we wish him all the best.” Sciola joined the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District in 2004 as the Assistant to the Treasurer and served as interim treasurer from May to August 2007. The Human Resources office will begin its search for a new Assistant to the Treasurer immediately. The Board of Education appointed Dick Spangler to fill unexpired term at its Jan. 28 meeting. " I want to thank the four members of the Board of Education of appointing me to the vacated chair and the public that supported their decision," said Mr. Spangler. "The appointment follows a very interesting and close November election. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Board and those in the District on important policy decisions and matters concerning our schools. I appreciate the opportunity to serve." Board of Education to interview applicants for vacant seat. The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education is accepting applications from local residents interested in filling a vacant seat on the board. Board member John Pribonic resigned on Jan. 1 in order to begin serving as the Ward 3 Councilman for the City of Stow. His remaining term expires December 31, 2009. The deadline for applications was Jan. 18. Interviews will be conducted with candidates on Jan. 23 and 24. Board of Education member John Pribonic resigned Jan. 1 to begin serving his term on Stow City Council. He said, "I want to thank the excellent administration, excellent teaching staff and the excellent support staff. Because of all of you, I have enjoyed my tenure on the board. I look forward to serving you as a representative on Stow's City Council. I am also looking forward to staying actively involved in the Levy Committee, Business Advisory Council, and any other way I can help our EXCELLENT district. Thank you again for all your help and support." The Board of Education must select someone within 30 days to fill the remaining two years of Pribonic's term. MRSA - What you need to know Bus Radio coming soon to school buses. District responds to Attorney General's opinion on All-Day Kindergarten tuition. Board approves revisions to School Calendars - 2008-09, 2009-10. Board approves a resolution recognizing the District’s Excellent State Rating. Stow-Munroe Falls High School wins 2006-07 Harold A. Meyer Award. City Arborist visits Highland Meteorologist visits Echo Hills Japanese researcher visits school district. District purchases Study Island and Parent Notification system. Board of Education approves increase to substitute bus driver rate. At the Oct. 22 meeting, the board approved an increase to $14.34.hour. Transportation delays explained. At approximately 7:39 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, an SUV rear-ended Stow School Bus #34, carrying 46 Kimpton students, on Darrow Road in Stow. Stow Police and EMS responded. There were no injuries reported by the driver or students at the time of the accident. The bus was stopped with its lights flashing at 4394 Darrow Road, near Ritchie Road, to pick up a student when the SUV rear-ended the bus. This was the last stop on that bus route. The SUV was wedged under the bus, unable to be moved, so a replacement bus (#38) was driven to the accident site. The students were then transported to Kimpton Middle School and arrived safely at approximately 8:45 a.m. The principal met with the students upon their arrival. Parents were notified. The driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital by EMS. The bus sustained damage to the rear bumper. Board approves contracts with STA, SMFCEA. District contracts with Akron Children’s Hospital for School Nursing. District saves on energy costs. New Treasurer hired Catherine Bulgrin was hired Aug. 20 as the new district treasurer. "This is an excellent district and I'm honored to be part of it," she said. The Board of Education offered her a four-year contract with the district. Catherine was the treasurer for South-Western City Schools, outside Columbus, and formerly treasurer in Norton. Lunch Prices Increase The Board of Education approved new prices for student lunches on June 29. This was the first price increase in 5 years. Click here for prices and lunch menus. Asbestos removed from school gyms Over the summer, asbestos was removed from Riverview and Woodland School gymnasiums. During a regular inspection in May, it was discovered that asbestos in the ceiling would be harmful for students and adults if not removed. After the repairs, the company tested both schools to ensure that the asbestos was completely removed. Ohio Achievement Tests In May, students in grades 3-8 took the Ohio Achievement Tests that measure student progress towards the end-of-year Ohio Academic Standards. The family reports that give the student score and explains what each test score means are in. These reports will be sent home with your student when school resumes in August. If you would like the scores sooner, you may pick them up at the Board Office on Allen Road between 7:30 and 3:00, or call 330-689-5440 to have them mailed to you. District wins International Award for Budget Excellence Board to make cuts due to levy failure At its May 21, 2007 meeting, the Board of Education voted to make the following budget reductions due to the failure of the May 8 school levy. The following reductions will be in effect at the start of the 2007-08 school year: • Reduction of one Guidance Counselor • Reduction of one Administrative position • Secretary related to Administrative position • 10% Reduction in all Building Budgets • Reduce Professional Development • Not fill and/or suspend a number of Supplemental positions • Reduction of certain monitors • Reduction of certain Maintenance positions • Reduction of certain Custodial positions • Evaluate the cost savings related to contracting out transportation The Board also directed the administration to make specific recommendations regarding the above reductions. Board reduces legal fees district-wide. Stow-Munroe Falls High School sports teams to join Northeast Ohio Conference in 2007-08. Woodland selected as a ‘SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION’ by the Ohio Department of Education In addition to Woodland receiving an EXCELLENT designation on the recently released 2005-2006 Report Card, Woodland Elementary School has been selected as an honoree for the 2005-2006 State Superintendent’s Schools of Distinction Recognition Program. The criteria for this distinction is: at least 75% of students with and without disabilities scored proficient or above on a combined score for all proficiency and achievement tests, the building has at least five students with disabilities taking the test, the building has earned a combined Performance Index score of 100% or more and has met adequate yearly progress requirements. The students, staff, parents and numerous community volunteers have much to be proud of. The rigorous academic program within the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District continues to keep students and staff focused on Academic Achievement. District cafeterias recognized for healthy choices, pleasant eating environment. Treasurer's Office earns Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Revised Board Policy - Interscholastic Athletics and Activities SMF WebStore open for business The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District WebStore opened in April 2006! With a VISA or MasterCard, parents have the option to purchase school lunches and Spirit Wear by DECA. Parents are now able to charge other class fees, parking and make all-day kindergarten tuition payments online. You will need your child's student ID number. A handling charge of 3.29 percent of the total purchase will be added to each transaction.