Board Votes to Place Renewal Levy on November Ballot,
Renews Membership in the Vouchers Hurt Ohio Coalition
Cardinal Board of Education Regular Meeting/Work Session - June 24, 2026
Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a regular meeting at the Cardinal Board of Education Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, 44062 at 6:30 pm. The agenda is available online here. Click on the Meeting tab in the upper right hand corner and then on the date of the meeting. This meeting is in person only with no livestream or video.
Board Attendance: President Linda Smallwood, Vice President Barb Rayburn, and members Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, and Edna Phile.
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Jack Cunningham, Treasurer Kathryn C. (Katie) Hoffmeister
Others in Attendance: There were approximately 10 members of the public in attendance, including a reporter from the Geauga Maple Leaf newspaper and two people who were on the agenda to be hired as music educators.
1. Opening Items: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken.
2. Presentations: none
3. Hearing of the Public (agenda items) - Diane Baumgartner addressed the board about agenda item 5.03, district snow plowing services. She stated that the plowing for the past few years, which was not done on a contract basis, was not adequate, and that several staff members had fallen on unplowed walkways and driveways. She asked if the board had looked into hiring outside contractors instead of using employees to plow snow. Mrs. Smallwood stated that when the last contract was offered, there had been only one bidder, the amount of the bid was very high, and they had trouble getting the bus turnarounds plowed in time. She stated that during the past year, one district employee was assigned snow plowing duties, and that for the upcoming school year, one additional employee would plow snow. Ms. Baumgartner expressed concern that the bus and van drivers who started their days at 5:45 am had to walk through unplowed areas. Mrs. Smallwood thanked her for bringing it to the board’s attention, and stated that Superintendent Cunningham would handle the issue.
4. Discussion Item(s):
4.01 Superintendent Discussion Items
Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) and Student Wellness & Success Funding - $72,062.35
Student Wellness & Funding - $51,904.03, with a requirement of at least 50% of the funding being used for Mental and Physical Health Services.
Mr. Cunningham outlined the plans for the funds, and stated that the board could consider using the funds for a school resource officer in the future.
Ms. Hoffmeister explained that the funds are part of the foundation money received by the school district, and as of July 1, these funds must be separated into special cost centers, and must be reported separately.
Mr. Cunningham presented a list of other federal grants, the amounts, and how the funds are allocated in the district. He noted that many of the grant amounts have been reduced during the last few years. See agenda for the list of initiatives and community partners and the funding worksheet for the 2025-26 academic year.
4.02 Treasurer Discussion Items
Ms. Hoffmeister announced that they had closed the fiscal year and that no purchase orders or checks would be approved until July 1. She stated that the district ended with a small surplus, which would be encumbered for bus purchases. She stated that there were some transfers out of the general fund to advance money to cover end of year salaries and online learning. (See agenda item 7.04) She highlighted the fact that no advances were needed for athletics or nutrition this year, which was unusual, as both programs ended the fiscal year as budgeted.
Ms. Hoffmeister then explained that she would be making some temporary appropriations so that she would have time to study all appropriations prior to holding September budget meetings. (See agenda item 7.06)
She stated that she would be presenting resolutions for property tax and for insurance and would have final figures for the next meeting.
She showed the board the award from the Ohio Auditor of State for the 24-25 school year (the most recent available), and credited the former treasurers for the work they had done to merit the award. Reviewer Note: Read the press release from the Auditor’s office about the ‘Auditor of the State Award with Distinction’ to Cardinal Local School District.
Mr. Cunningham announced that he, Mrs. Smallwood, and Ms. Hoffmeister had attended the County Commissioners’ meeting the previous day, and thanked the Commissioners, and especially Commissioner Spidalieri, for declining to return the piggyback tax funds to homeowners this year. Reviewer Note: See this Cleveland.com article for more information. He said that the state needed to “quit passing the buck” and help school districts. Ms. Marlowe asked if the Commissioners would revisit the tax issue next year, and Mrs. Smallwood stated that it had to be revisited every year by June 30. Mrs. Smallwood echoed the Superintendent, stating that “Ralph (Spidalieri) spoke, and was very good”.
5. Superintendent’s Report
5.01 Personnel Items
Certified Hire:
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Hope Kromer, Student Support Specialist (School Social Worker), 1 year limited contract; MA, Step 0 on the CEA salary scale, effective August 1, 2026.
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Hailey Baker, Jr/Sr High Band, 1 year limited contract; MA Step 6 on the CEA salary scale, effective August 1, 2026
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Charlotte Stefani, Elementary Music, 1 year limited contract; BA Step 0 on the CEA salary scale, effective August 1, 2026
Part Time:
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Matthew Bolton, part time Custodian, 1 year Limited Contract at Level 1, Step 4 (at $15.32 hr.) on the Classified Salary Index; effective July 1, 2026.
Supplementals Co-Curricular:
LPDC (Local Professional Development Committee) 2026-2027:
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Nicole Nicholas-LPDC Chair, $1,000
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Sharron Callahan-LPDC member, $500
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Lisa Simms-LPDC member, $500
Resignation:
Stipend:
ALL APPROVED 5-0
5.02 Handbooks
Recommendation for approval of the following employee handbooks:
1. Administrator & Supervisor Employee Handbook, effective August 1, 2026
2. Confidential Employee Handbook, effective July 1, 2026
Mr. Cunningham explained that these handbooks were revised and updated.
APPROVED 5-0
5.03 Contract Updates for Administrative/Supervisor/Manager & Confidential Employees
Active Contract Update-Administrative:
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Jim Henson, Jr/Sr High School Principal
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Andy Cardinal, Pupil Services Director
Mr. Cunningham stated that these contracts were updated to match the language in the new handbooks.
Active Contract Update-Supervisor:
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James Soltis, Athletic Director & Transportation Supervisor stipend
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Doug Velasquez, Dean of Students
Active Contract Update-Manager:
Active Contract Update-Confidential:
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Sheila Grant, Accounts Payable Clerk
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Joanne Leichtman, Assistant to the Treasurer
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Haley Adam, PR/Communications Lead
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Erin Ruskiewicz, Executive Administrative Assistant
APPROVED 5-0
6. Superintendent Additional Items
6.01 ESY (Extended School Year) 2026 Services
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Independent Services Agreement with Epicenter ABA, LLC, for ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy (ESY) for a student with autism, between May 27, 2026, and September 7, 2026, at $3,300 per week.
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ESY cost for an additional student attending ESY at ESCWR (Educational Services Center of the Western Reserve) - $3,100.
6.02 Bright Path Psychology, LLC Agreement
June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027 for services from a school psychologist for preschool students and any school aged students assigned (as needed) at $90 per hour.
6.03 Unique Learning System-Everway Subscription
Unique Learning System-Everway Subscription (modified curriculum for the cross categorical classroom for students with significant special needs) for the 2026-2027 School year at $8,227.37.
6.04 Cartwheel Contract Renewal
Cartwheel contract renewal 2026-2027 for 25 licenses (online therapy with parents included).
6.05 Revised/Updated Cardinal Local School District Gifted Plan
6.06 RESOLUTION No 2026-061801 and Plan for Online Learning Days
RESOLUTION No. 2026-0612801 To Approve Online Makeup Hours
WHEREAS, the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education ("Board") recognizes the importance of an Online Makeup hours plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 3313.482, the Board is authorized to the plan shall be designed to ensure continuity of learning for students during a school closure; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interest of the District and its students to be designed to ensure continuity of learning for students during a school closure;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District, County of Geauga, State of Ohio, that:
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Authorization. The Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent to implement the online makeup plan if/when the district is approaching or in danger of falling below the required hours needed for the academic year.
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Compliance. All actions taken pursuant to this resolution shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code and the policies of this Board.
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Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and that all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
6.07 Shared Fleet Vehicle Maintenance Services - Chardon Local School District
Mr. Cunningham stated that this will be year 3 of the program, and that they should look at the data for the agreement this year.
6.08 Agreement Renewal - ETLA (Education Technology Leaders Alliance) FY 27
6.09 Connect PAAS (Connect Platform As A Service) Renewal Agreement FY 27
Mr. Cunningham stated that this is for data privacy for app usage. Observer Note: Connect is an Ohio company that provides technology services to schools, educational support agencies, and county programs.
6.10 Connect General Fee Schedule FY 27
Ms. Marlowe asked about the services used by the district. She stated that for the prior year, they paid a blanket amount, and that this year they would pay an amount for each service. Ms. Hoffmeister said that she could provide information about which services the district uses, and Mr. Cunningham said that as this was the second year of the service, they could look at the information about costs for each of the two years.
6.11 Stadium Scoreboard Installation and Purchase Quotes
Mr. Cunningham noted that this is part of the capital plan, and is an updated version of the current scoreboard.
6.12 Donations and Facilities Sponsorships
Donations
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Parkman Township, $100.00 to Marching Band.
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Fellowship City Church - Love your Neighbor, materials, items and labor installation for a sensory hall at Cardinal Elementary.
Facility Sponsorships
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Hartville Hardware $50,000.00
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Villers Advanced Electric LLC, $900.00
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Farmers National Bank. $900.00
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The Yoder Brothers Memorial, $600.00
6.13 Board Policy Final Reading: January and March 2026 updates
Board policies updated from NEOLA (Northeast Ohio Learning Associates), January and March 2026. Mr. Cunningham stated that the policies that contradicted the newly revised handbooks were removed.
ALL APPROVED 5-0
7. Treasurer Items
7.01 SC Strategic Solutions; Services and Software Proposal
Ms. Hoffmeister explained that this streamlines requisitions and saves time, offers better tracking of money, and uses paperless time sheets, purchase orders, and mileage reimbursements, and allows building staff members to track the money remaining in budgets.
Mrs. Smallwood stated that this program, which was initiated by a previous treasurer, had not been implemented.
Ms. Hoffmeister stated that it would take time to implement, but that her office would do what was needed to implement it.
7.02 SORSA (Schools of Ohio Risk Sharing Authority) Insurance Contract FY27
Insurance coverage for FY27 effective July 1, 2026. Total premium cost: $75,528.00
7.03 Final Appropriations FY26 Resolution No. 2026-061802
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR ALL FUNDS OF THE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026.
7.04 Transfers & Advances of Funds Resolution No. 2026-061803
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFERS & ADVANCES OF FUNDS - fund to fund and intrafund transfers and advances as necessary to close fiscal year 2026, and approval for advances to be returned once the district's fiscal year 2027 commences.
7.05 Establishment of New Funds Resolution No. 2026-061804
Recommendation to create the following new Fund:
027- Workers Compensations
Revised Code Purpose: A fund used to account for the operation of a retrospective rating plan for Workers' Compensation.
Ms. Hoffmeister explained that this will allow the earmarking of money into a self funding account. She said the amount will change based on workers’ compensation incidents.
7.06 Temporary Appropriations FY27 Resolution No. 2026-061805
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR ALL FUNDS OF THE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027.
ALL APPROVED 5-0
7.07 Resolution No. 2026-061806
Resolution No. 2026-061806 determining to Submit to the Electors of the School District The Question Of The Renewal of an existing Tax Levy, Pursuant To Sections 5705.03 And 5705.194 To 5705.197 Of The Revised Code.
The Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District, Ohio, met in regular session on June 24, 2026, commencing at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Office, 15982 East High Street, Middlefield, Ohio, with the following members present: Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, Edna Phile, Barbara Rayburn,, Linda Smallwood
The notice requirements of Section 121.22 of the Revised Code and the implementing rules adopted by the Board pursuant thereto were complied with for the meeting.
Mrs. Rayburn moved the adoption of the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-061806
A RESOLUTION DECLARING IT NECESSARY TO RENEW AN EXISTING 9.7-MILL TAX LEVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CURRENT EXPENSES AND REQUESTING THE GEAUGA COUNTY AUDITOR TO MAKE CERTAIN CERTIFICATIONS, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 5705.03 AND 5705.21 OF THE REVISED CODE.
WHEREAS, at an election on November 8, 2022, the School District’s voters approved the renewal of an existing 9.7-mill ad valorem tax levy in excess of the ten-mill limitation for the purpose of current expenses, for five years; and
WHEREAS, the authority to levy that 9.7-mill tax expires with the levy on the 2026 tax list and duplicate for collection in calendar year 2027; and
WHEREAS, this Board finds that the amount of taxes that may be raised within the ten-mill limitation by levies on the current tax list will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the necessary requirements of the School District and that it is necessary to renew that 9.7-mill levy in excess of such limitation for the purpose of current expenses for five years, commencing with a levy on the tax list for the year 2027 to be first distributed to this Board in calendar year 2028; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5705.03(B) of the Revised Code, in order to submit the question of a tax levy pursuant to Section 5705.21 of the Revised Code, this Board must certify to the Geauga County Auditor (the “County Auditor”) a resolution stating items as required by Section 5705.03(B)(1), as applicable to the levy, and requesting that the County Auditor make certain certifications as described in Section 5705.03(B)(2); and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5705.03(B)(2), upon receipt of a certified copy of a resolution of this Board as described above, the County Auditor is to certify certain matters as required by Section 5705.03(B)(2), as applicable to the levy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District, Counties of Geauga and Trumbull, State of Ohio, that:
Section 1. Definition. As used in this Resolution and in accordance with Section 5705.03(B)(1)(a) of the Revised Code, “mills” refers to mills for each one dollar of taxable value.
Section 2. Declaration of Necessity of Tax Levy. This Board finds, determines and declares that (i) the amount of taxes that may be raised within the ten-mill limitation by levies on the current tax list will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the necessary requirements of the School District, (ii) it is necessary to renew the School District’s existing 9.7-mill ad valorem property tax outside of the ten-mill limitation for the purpose of current expenses, (iii) it intends to submit the question of that renewal tax levy to the electors of the entire territory of the School District at an election to be held on November 3, 2026, as authorized by Sections 5705.03 and 5705.21 of the Revised Code, and (iv) the School District has territory only in the Counties of Geauga and Trumbull. If approved, that tax will be levied upon the entire territory of the School District for five years, commencing in tax year 2027, for first collection in calendar year 2028.
Section 3. Request for Certification. This Board requests the Geauga County Auditor to certify to it the certifications set forth in Section 5705.03(B)(2), as applicable to the proposed renewal tax levy.
Section 4. Certification and Delivery of Resolution to County Auditor. The Treasurer of this Board is authorized and directed to deliver or cause to be delivered a certified copy of this Resolution to the Geauga County Auditor.
Section 5. Compliance with Open Meeting Requirements. This Board finds and determines that all formal actions of this Board and of any of its committees concerning and relating to the adoption of this Resolution were taken, and that all deliberations of this Board and of any of its committees that resulted in those formal actions were held, in meetings open to the public, in compliance with the law.
Section 6. Captions and Headings. The captions and headings in this Resolution are solely for convenience of reference and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any Sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs or clauses hereof.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately upon its adoption.
Mrs. Natali seconded the motion.
Upon roll call on the adoption of the foregoing Resolution, the vote was as follows:
Mrs. Rayburn YES Mrs. Natali YES Ms. Marlowe YES Ms. Phile YES Mrs. Smallwood YES
TREASURER’S CERTIFICATION
The above is a true and correct extract from the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District, Ohio, held on June 24, 2026, commencing at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Office, 15982 East High Street, Middlefield, Ohio, showing the adoption of the resolution hereinabove set forth.
Dated: June 24, 2026 Kathryn Hoffmeister
Treasurer, Board of Education
Cardinal Local School District, Ohio
Ms. Hoffmeister explained that she would send the resolution to the County Auditor, who would assign the true effective rate based on current property values.
8. Board Items
8.01 Resolution No. 2026-061807 to approve membership with the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding, Vouchers Hurt Ohio
Resolution No. 2026-061807
WHEREAS, the State has adopted a universal voucher system; and
WHEREAS, EdChoice Vouchers are funded by the State from designated appropriation line-items 200-550, 200-604, 200-612 and payment to private schools diminishes the amount of funding and levels of educational opportunities in school districts and ESC’s; and
WHEREAS, the deduction of school voucher funds from funds available to authentic public education further reduces the funding available to support the additional needs of minority pupils, pupils in poverty and pupils with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the deduction of school voucher funds from the appropriations that fund authentic public education increases reliance on local tax revenue to maintain school operations in violation of the Ohio Constitution and clear directives of the Ohio Supreme Court.
Section 1.
Now, therefore, The Board of Education finds and determines that the universal voucher program is harmful to the districts, its pupils, taxpayers, voters and staff.
Section 2.
The Board of Education authorizes and directs the School District’s joinder of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding (Coalition) and directs the District Treasurer to pay Coalition dues as set forth in Section 3.
Section 3.
Coalition dues for the school year are the sum of $2.00 per district pupil (enrollment listed on most recent report card). Dues shall be allocated by the Coalition as follows: 1) $.50 per pupil shall be initially allocated to the payment of Coalition operating expenses, and, 2) $1.50 per pupil shall be allocated to the support of the Coalition’s efforts to challenge the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher program. Coalition Dues (a total of $2 per pupil) are payable upon passage of this resolution.
NO Mrs. Rayburn
YES Ms. Marlowe, Ms. Phile, Mrs. Natali, Mrs. Smallwood
APPROVED 4-1
8.02 Resolution No. 2026-061808 To Update the Superintendent Contract
BE IT RESOLVED that the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education hereby approves and authorizes the attached First Modification to the Employment Agreement of Superintendent Jack Cunningham and authorizes and directs the Board President and Treasurer/CFO to sign the attached First Modification to the Employment Agreement of Superintendent Jack Cunningham on behalf of the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education. Reviewer Note: The purpose of this contract update was to align the contract language with the newly revised handbooks.
APPROVED 5-0
8.03 Resolution No. 2026-061809 To Update the Treasurer Contract
BE IT RESOLVED that the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education hereby approves and authorizes the attached Second Modification to the Employment Agreement of Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Kathryn C. Hoffmeister and authorizes and directs the Board President to sign the attached Second Modification to the Employment Agreement of Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Kathryn C. Hoffmeister on behalf of the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education. Reviewer Note: The purpose of this contract update was to align the contract language with the newly revised handbooks.
APPROVED 5-0
9. Legislative Update - none
10. Auburn Career Center Update - none
11. Hearing of the Public - non-agenda items. There were no public comments.
12. Upcoming Dates/Meetings
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June 27th: Domen and Marcu Golf Outing at Rolling Green Golf Course, 10:00 am.
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July 1st: Cardinal Athletic Boosters Monthly meeting, 6:30pm CES cafeteria.
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July 3rd: The Board of Education closed in observance of the 4th of July
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July 3rd - July 5th: Mespo Ox Roast Swiss Cheese on a Stick Trailer Fundraiser
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July 7th: Football 7 on 7 at Richard A. Moss Stadium, 6:00 p.m.
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July 8th: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
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July 9th: Music Boosters Meeting at Ferrorni's Cafe (14950 Harrington Way, Middlefield, OH 44062), 4:30 p.m.
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July 22nd: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
13. Executive Session
13.01 Adjourn to Executive Session - 7:18 p.m.
For consideration of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee, or official.
14. Adjournment
No action was taken following the return to the work session/regular meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 pm.
Next meeting: July 8, 2026 - Regular Meeting, at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.
Observer: Dorrie Keough
Editor: Sarah McGlone
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Submitted: June 29, 2026
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