Board gives thanks to commissioner
Highland Local Schools Board of Education
Board also updated on community
survey
By Kally Mavromatis
The Highland Local Schools Board of Education was sincere in its gratitude to Medina County Commissioner Stephen Hambley.
At the May 21 meeting, Board President Nancy Wingenbach presented Hambley with the board’s thanks along with a special commemorative award.
The board cited Hambley’s efforts in helping to pass an increase in the county sales and use tax. The measure, passed in the May 8 Special Election, will benefit the seven public school districts in Medina County.
This increase in the sales and use tax is the first of its kind to successfully pass in Ohio. The revenue generated by the increase — expected to be around $9.8 million in the first year — will be divided among school districts on a per pupil basis.
Wingenbach thanked Hambley for helping with “garnering support” and “mobilizing” voters.
“I knew it was right in my heart,” said Hambley of the measure, on accepting the award. “I’d rather be known long-term as an educator rather than as a commissioner.”
He, in turn, praised the school board, commending its members for taking the initiative to creatively raise needed school funds.
“When it comes to school reform, we’ve had the power all along,” he said. “We don’t need to wait for Columbus.”
However, Hambley also took a moment to remind the board that with the additional funds, “You’re now going to be held accountable for every penny.”
Nonetheless, the board was effusive in its praise.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for us,” said board member Robert Kelly.
The board also received an update on the progress of its community survey from Kimberly Neuendorf. A professor at the School of Communications at Cleveland State University, Neuendorf reviewed the survey questions with the board. In the interest of keeping the survey confidential until it can be introduced to the public, questions were referred to by item number only.
She and the board discussed not only the survey but the results of the pilot survey, as well.
“The piloting was illustrative,” said Neuendorf. “We learned a lot from respondents.”
One result of the pilot was that residents are largely unaware of the school’s strategic plan.
“No one knows any of the goals,” she said. “We have to do a lot more work” conveying the goals of the plan.
Neuendorf and her team are scheduled to begin calling area residents sometime this week. Residents with caller ID will either see “unavailable” or “Cleveland State University” on their phones, she said.
“I would encourage anyone who’s contacted to take the time and answer the survey,” said board member Brooks Rorapaugh.
“Perhaps the next time we meet there’ll be results,” said Neuendorf.
“We’ll be anxious to hear,” said Wingenbach.
In other business, the board heard a heartfelt “thank you” from a German exchange student, who spent the year at Highland High School.
“I really enjoyed my year here,” she said. “It was a lot of fun.”
The board also heard from residents Tom and Mary Leffler, who were there to complain about the noise from the high school’s air conditioning chiller units.
“It’s been bad with the noise,” said Leffler. “We can’t enjoy the back yard.”
He provided the board with documentation of complaints lodged with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, as well as potential solutions.
Despite the fact that the dispute has been going on for two years, Leffler asked that he and the board “work together” to find a solution.
Superintendent Bruce Armstrong promised he would continue to look into the matter.
The next regular Highland Board of Education meeting will take place June 18 at 7 p.m. in the Highland High School cafeteria, 4150 Ridge Road.
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