Probation Pays: Horizon Science Academy reduces debt by $105,000, Contract renewals for Super. and Treasurer, "Jarod's Law" to be Implemented and more

Yesterday evening the LCESC meeting began on the positive note of honoring our outstanding high school students from the nine districts we serve, as well as a number of special needs students who are excelling in various areas ~ a quarterly event which reminds me of how many talented young people live in this area. Especially impressive was Hannah Miller of Perrysburg, daughter of Dr. Brian and Mrs. Dawn Miller, who received TWO awards - English and Social Studies.

Last month I mentioned that four charter schools had been put on probation - all for financial reasons. Horizon Academy owed $185,000 for transportation costs, for example. $105,000 of that has been recovered, with the promise that the remaining $80, 000 will be paid by the end of the month. Next month, I will report back as to whether or not the funds have been paid. This accountability is important, and is happening under the direction of the current administration and board.

Also discussed was "Jarod's Law," which was passed in September of 2007 by the Ohio Legislature, as the the result of the death of a six-year-old boy due to an unsafe cafeteria table. In order to prevent the use of hazardous equipment in schools, new regulations are being put into effect... total compliance will be necessary and will affect the LCESC as well as all other educational facilities. To read more about Jarod's Law, here is a link: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=126_HB_203
Of course it will cost money to adhere to this important law, and the question of where those funds will come from is something else to figure out.

It was unanimously determined by all present (Board Member Judy Hansen was absent) to renew the contracts of Superintendent Sandra Frisch and Treasurer Richard Cox, so that both would be extended until August 2013.

It was duly noted that the ESCs in Ohio have been the recipient of funding cuts that total just under 10% per student. Unfortunately, we will need to pass these costs along to some degree, while at the same time we struggle to tighten our belts and cut any unnecessary waste. It is the board's desire to serve the schools in as competent and cost-effective manner as possible.

The next meeting will be at the Collingwood Center on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5:30. The public is always invited... these are all of our tax dollars at work, and all of our kids and schools, so feel free to make your voice heard! Thanks for the opportunity to serve.