Board Approves Shared Services Agreement With Crestwood School District
Cardinal Board of Education Work Session/Regular Meeting July 22, 2026
Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a regular meeting/work session 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.
Teachers Meg Turon and Candi Peters.
Others in Attendance: Several members of the public, including Jennifer Hirsch, Food Service Supervisor for Crestwood Local Schools.
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: Superintendent Cunningham announced that two baseball/softball recreation league teams (10 and under, and 12 and under) had won their league championships, and that a parent had started a running club for elementary age children.
Board member Anita Marlowe asked why the spring musical was not on this evening’s agenda. Board President Linda Smallwood responded that it would be on the agenda for the next meeting, as the board members had just finished reading the script.
3. Hearing of the Public (agenda items): none
4. Discussion Item(s): none
5. Superintendent’s Report
5.01 Human Resources/Personnel
Certified Hire
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John Bruyere, Intervention Specialist (High School), 1 year limited contract; BA, Step 3 on the Cardinal Education Association salary scale, effective August 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year, pending receipt of all requirements and paperwork.
Board member Edna Phile asked the time frame for the district to receive the paperwork and requirements. Mr. Cunningham responded that it would have to be received by the first day of the 2026-2027 school year.
Certified Hire Correction (to 7/8/26 approval)
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Guy Layfield- 7-12 ELA (English Language Arts) Teacher, 1 year limited contract, from Step 6 to Step 7, MA+30 ($64,800) on the CEA salary schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.
Classified
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Resignation
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Kevin Cunningham, Assistant Custodian CES (Cardinal Elementary School) effective 7/31/26
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Kristina Hilger, Cook Helper CES effective date 7/31/26
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Madison Bean, Transportation Athletic Secretary effective 8/8/26
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Hire:
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Kevin Cunningham, Head Custodian, Cardinal Elementary School, 1 year Limited Contract at Level 3, Step 11 on the Classified Salary Index; effective August 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.
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Landon Gallagher, Maintenance Assistant, 1 year Limited Contract at Level 5, Step 2 on the Classified Salary Index; prorated, effective July 27, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year; pending receipt of all requirements and paperwork.
Mr. Cunningham announced that the district was hiring a Cardinal Schools’ graduate (Landon Gallagher).
Certified Substitutes through the Educational Services Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) for the 2026-2027 school year
Supplemental - Athletic
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Rescind
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Hire:
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Cross Country Assistant Abby Richardson - Step 0
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Varsity Golf - Girls Mike Topalian - Step 2
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Football Assistant, HS, Michael Zemerick - Step 0
Supplemental Co-Curricular, 2026-27 SY
ALL APPROVED 5-0
6. Superintendent’s Report - Additional Items
6.01 Cheer Team Day trip
Cheer Team Day Trip to the Lake County YMCA August 7th, 2026, to 4540 River Rd, Perry, OH 44081. Transportation will be by district bus. The trip will be from 11:45 am - 7:00 pm.
The cost of the trip will be $11 per student, to be paid by the parent or guardian. 19 students and 2 coaches will participate. Trip purpose: a team bonding "pool party."
6.02 Shared Service Agreement, 3 years, Food Service, Crestwood Local School District
A 3-year Shared Service Agreement for Food Service with Crestwood Local School District.
Mr. Cunningham introduced Jennifer Hirsch, and stated that she had experience with managing two districts, and has special talents in the area of farm to school experience and in purchasing fair animals (4H projects) to serve in the school cafeteria. Observer Note: It was not clear from the discussion if this decision was based on saving money.
Crestwood-Cardinal - Shared Services Agrmt - Food Services Supervisor.pdf (94 KB). Reviewer Note: Crestwood School District is south of 82 on Route 44. See Crestwood Local Schools.
6.03 Cellular Phone Allowance Policy
Cellular phone reimbursement rate of $75 per month effective August 1, 2026 for administrative, supervisory, and other approved employees required to use their personal cell for work purposes as a condition of their employment. Policy #7530.01 2026
Mr. Cunningham stated that this policy was created to align with the new handbooks.
6.04 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Mileage reimbursement rate to increase to .76 cents for the period from July 1 to December 31, 2026 to reflect the IRS mid-year adjustment announced 7/13/26.
Ms. Hoffmeister stated that it was unusual for the rate to be adjusted mid year.
6.05 EduTech Data Integration Services
Data Integration Service extension with EduTech for the 2026-27 school year.
EduTech Group will provide Data Integration services, a new service for the district, to provide technology expertise. See agenda for additional information.
6.06 Equipment Purchase
Approval of the purchase of a 2026 Spartan SRT-XD Zero Turn Mower (72inch 38.5HP) $15,007.00 from Real Toys Powersports and Equipment, for a tractor, in the amount of $15,007.00, using PI (Permanent Improvement levy) funds. See this link for mower quote: real toys and equipment.pdf (18 KB)
ALL APPROVED 5-0
Mr. Cunningham announced that he had been speaking with Dakota Ward, Executive Director of Camp Whitewood in Windsor, OH, about having a girls’ soccer and boys’ football overnight trip in August, and that he would have a recommendation for the board for the next meeting. He said that he is also researching having a 6th grade camp, and a 10th grade leadership/team building camp at Camp Whitewood.
Board member Phile asked about the possibility of resuming the 8th grade trip, and to a location other than Cedar Point. Board member Ruth Natali stated her agreement with the idea.
7. Treasurer’s Report
7.01 Resolution No. 2026-072201
SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT THE QUESTION OF THE RENEWAL OF AN EXISTING 9.7-MILL TAX LEVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CURRENT EXPENSES, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5705.21 OF THE REVISED CODE.
The Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District, Ohio, met in regular session
on July 22, 2026, commencing at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Office, 15982 East High Street,
Middlefield, Ohio, with the following members present:
Linda Smallwood, Barb Rayburn, Anita Marlowe, Edna Phile, Ruth Natali
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 and Ms. Natali seconded the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-072201
A RESOLUTION SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT THE QUESTION OF THE RENEWAL OF AN EXISTING 9.7-MILL
TAX LEVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CURRENT EXPENSES, PURSUANT TO
SECTION 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, pursuant to Section 5705.21 of the Revised Code, the
last collection of which will occur in calendar year 2027; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2026, this Board adopted a resolution pursuant to Section 5705.03
of the Revised Code declaring it necessary to renew the existing 9.7-mill tax levy for the purpose of
current expenses, for five years, and requesting the Geauga County Auditor to certify the
certifications set forth in Section 5705.03(B)(2), as applicable to the proposed 9.7-mill renewal levy;
And
WHEREAS, in accordance with that Resolution and Section 5705.03(B), on July 16, 2026,
the Geauga County Auditor certified (on DTE 140R) that (i) the property tax revenue that will be
produced by the stated millage (9.70 mills), assuming the taxable value of the School District
remains constant throughout the life of the levy, is calculated to be $3,358,583.00, (ii) the total
taxable value of the School District used in calculating the estimated property tax revenue is
$473,697,489.00 and (iii) the millage for the requested levy is 9.70 mills per $1 of taxable value,
which amounts to $235.00 for each $100,000 of the County Auditor’s market value, and (iv) the
amount by which the carry-over balance in the School District's general operating budget from
the preceding fiscal year exceeds the School District's general fund expenditures made in the
preceding fiscal year is $0, and 0% of those expenditures; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Cardinal Local
School District, Counties of Geauga and Trumbull, Ohio, at least two-thirds (⅔) of all members
elected thereto concurring, that:
Section 1. Declaration of Necessity of Tax Levy. This Board hereby finds, determines
and declares that the amount of taxes which may be raised by this Board within the ten-mill
limitation by levies on the current tax list and duplicate will be insufficient to provide an adequate
amount for the necessary requirements of the School District, and that it is necessary to renew, for
five years, an existing 9.7-mill ad valorem property tax outside of the ten-mill limitation for the
purpose of current expenses.
Section 2. Submission of Question of Tax Levy to the Electors. The question of the
renewal of an existing 9.7-mill ad valorem property tax outside of the ten-mill limitation, for five
years, for the purpose of current expenses, beginning with the tax list and duplicate for the year
2027, the proceeds of which renewal levy first would be available to the School District in calendar
year 2028, shall be submitted under the provisions of Section 5705.21 of the Revised Code to the
electors of the School District at an election to be held therein on November 3, 2026, as authorized
by law. That election shall be held at the regular places of voting in the School District as
established by the Geauga County Board of Elections, or otherwise, within the times provided by
law and shall be conducted, canvassed and certified in the manner provided by law.
Section 3. Delivery of Materials to the Board of Elections. The Treasurer be and is hereby
directed to deliver or cause to be delivered (i) a certified copy of the resolution referred to in the
second preamble to this Resolution, (ii) the certificate (on DTE 140R) of the Geauga County
Auditor referred to in the third preamble to this Resolution and (iii) a certified copy of this
Resolution, to the Geauga County Board of Elections before the close of business on Wednesday,
August 5, 2026.
Section 4. Ballot Form and Notice of Election. The Treasurer of this Board is authorized
and directed to cooperate with the Geauga County Board of Elections, as requested, in the
preparation of appropriate forms of ballot and notice of election, and the publication and other
dissemination of the notice of election, as provided by law.
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.
Ms. Hoffmeister announced that this was the second reading of the resolution. Ms. Marlowe asked about the language referring to zero carryover, stating that it was confusing. Ms. Hoffmeister agreed, stating that the ballot language was changed during the fall of 2025, and that even the secretary of state had to explain the language to the county auditors. She indicated that she referenced the ballot language from Mentor Schools’ levy resolution from May of 2026.
APPROVED 5-0
8. Legislative Update: none
9. Auburn Career Center Update: none
10. Hearing of the Public: non-agenda items
Meg Turon addressed the board about the spring musical. She stated that they had spent considerable time searching for a play that would fall within their budget, utilize the available student talent, and that would be something that would work for the community. She said that reason the play choice had been submitted to the board so early is that they are on a strict time frame. She said that once they had made a selection, it took 8 weeks to hear back from the licensing agency, and that if the board did not approve the play, it would be very difficult to find another choice, due to a limited selection, as the licensing agency has strict rules about a play being performed too frequently. Mrs. Smallwood thanked her for explaining why they made their selection so early.
Candi Peters then introduced herself to Ms. Hirsch, and asked if the job training program could continue. She explained that her students worked as dish washers in the high school kitchen under the supervision of the former food services supervisor. Mrs. Smallwood stated that Mr. Cunningham would be the person to speak with about the issue.
11. Upcoming Dates/Meetings
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July 27th - 31st: Cardinal Huskies Marching Band & Flag Line Band Camp @ 9:00 am. - 9:00 pm at CHS
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July 29th: Cardinal Run for Fun Youth Running Program @ 6:00 pm for ages 4-12. Meet at the CHS Sports Complex, $40.00 per participant. You can register at Middlefield Recreation Department
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July 29th & 30th: Youth Football & Cheerleading Camp for grades K-6, @ 5:30 - 7:30 pm at CHS Stadium. $20.00 per participant, and those looking to register can email Jimmy at jimmy.soltis@cardinalschools.org
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July 31st: Cardinal Huskies Marching Band & Flag Line Band Camp preview show @ 7:00 pm at Richard A. Moss Field
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August 3th: Athletic Boosters Meeting, Cardinal Jr/Sr High Athletic Directors office, 6:00 pm
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August 3rd - August 7th: Middle and High School Cheer Camp from 8:45 am - 4:15 pm at CHS. Contact Coach Kelly at kellywojtasik3@gmail.com if interested.
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August 4th: JFS Help Me Learn Day - offers free clothing, student haircuts, and dental/vision screenings, located at Morning Star Friends Church (12550 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH) from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Instructions are to please provide identification, such as a Food Stamp Card, Medicaid Card, or Photo ID. To register, contact Sara Shininger at 440-285-9141.
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August 6th: Music Boosters Meeting, Ferroni's Cafe, 4:30 pm
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August 10th: Cardinal Huskies Marching Band and Flag Line will perform at the LaBrae Band Show at 7:30 pm, located at LaBrae High School (1001 N. Leavitt Rd. NW, Leavittsburg, OH 44430). Gates open at 6:30 pm with an entry fee of $7.00.
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August 12th: Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 pm.
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August 14th: Fall Sports Pictures beginning at 2:00 pm.
14. Adjournment
APPROVED 5-0
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Next meeting: August 12, 2026 - Regular Meeting at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.
Observer: Dorrie Keough
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Rooney Moy
Submitted: July 23, 2026
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