Key Communicator
Kirtland Local Schools Update
December 19, 2023
Welcome to the Kirtland Schools’ Key Communicator e-newsletter. We hope to use this tool as a two-way form of communication to share the good news going on in our classrooms, and also provide you with facts in the event of negative situations. We hope you will act as informal communications liaisons with the community and let us know what you’re hearing so we can proactively provide you with the facts of what’s happening in your schools. Thank you for your support!
Commendations
Football Team Wins State Title
At the December 18th, the Board of Education recognized the football team. On Dec. 1, the Hornets defeated Versailles in the Division VI state championship game, 32-15, capping off a 15-1 season with the seventh state championship in school history. This was their 12th appearance in the state championship game in the past 13 years!
During the season, the Hornets averaged over 40 points per game while limiting their opponents to just over eight. Kirtland landed ten players on the All-Ohio team, including senior Rocco Alfieri, who was named the state’s Defensive Player of the Year. Joining Alfieri on the All-Ohio first team were Will Beers, Gino Blasini, Matthew Kahley, Will Bates, Macguire Boyd, and Will Sayle. Jake LaVerde, Brady Burich, and Aaron Fortuna were second-team selections.
Congratulations to each of our All-Ohioans and to the entire team and coaching staff for their success this fall.
Thank You Mr. Tim Cosgrove
After recognizing the football team, superintendent VanArnhem and the Board of Education members recognized and thanked Mr. Tim Cosgrove for serving on the Board for the past twelve school years. Former superintendent Bill Wade was present and shared his appreciation and former superintendent Steve Barrett submitted a letter expressing his gratitude for Mr. Cosgrove's leadership and service.
Superintendent Report
Mr. VanArnhem gave the superintendent report and started with congratulating the football team and coaches on a state title and a continued remarkable streak of success. He also took the time to recognize our students for their continued service to our community and school district. Mr. VanArnhem highlighted:
Knox Crisci designed the holiday banner proudly displayed in front of city hall (see picture)
In the first semester, our high school students have logged almost 400 hours of community service.
Our students have participated in:
Food drive for Kirtland Area Service Council
Penny Wars for Project Hope raising $600
PTA Holiday Boutique
Breakfast with Santa
First Lego League Mentoring
Tutoring
Kirtland Youth Basketball League Volunteering
Tech Dept. Help
4th and 5th graders wrote Veterans Day letters to Veterans at a local assisted living facility
Elementary School Art students created holiday cards for our partnerships in the community
Volunteered to work at Pancakes with Santa
Visited the rehabilitation center on Halloween in costume
Made holiday ornaments for the rehabilitation center
Worked at the Kiwanis senior holiday dinner
volunteered to run the concession stand at girls and boys basketball games.
Mr. VanArnhem then gave a presentation highlighting the total cost for the science lab and stadium renovation along with the future plans for replacement. The details can all be found in this document: PI Overview Document. He stated that there has been a lot of discussion around the total cost of the stadium renovation project. First, Mr. VanArnhem stated that he is proud to inform our community that the price of the project was completed within 1% of budget and on time even through high inflationary costs, labor shortages and supply chain issues. The total cost of the stadium was $4.2 million which includes the architect fees. Second, the district borrowed $385,780 to upgrade to a digital scoreboard (to generate revenue) and upgraded turf (has a two year longer warranty). Third, through the generosity of our community businesses, we have already received $195,100 to cover the cost of the upgrades. The stadium upgrades have allowed for so much more use of the facility. Lastly, our students have benefited from a state of the art science lab in our high school that was a part of PI projects.
Lastly, Mr. VanArnhem congratulated our students and staff on a great first semester. He also wished everyone a relaxing and enjoyable winter break and happy holidays!
Superintendent Recommendations
The Board voted to approve the following superintendent recommendations:
- A contract for a truancy officer up to 50 hours this school year
- After the second reading, the calendars for the next two school years
- Increased the pay of substitute teachers to $125 a day and $150 after 20 consecutive days
- One new school bus purchase
- A new contract for HR services through the ESC of Northeast Ohio
Treasurer Recommendations
The following treasurer recommendations were approved by the Board:
Accept a donation to the Food Service Department for outstanding lunch balances K-12
The organizational Board Meeting was scheduled for January 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Kirtland High School Cafeteria
Authorize the Treasurer to request tax advances for the 2023 calendar year from the Lake and Geauga County Auditors (routine annual action required for the collection of property taxes), collection 2024
A resolution was approved to re-certify the tax rates for 2023, collection year 2024
Approve the Resolution Submitting to the Electors of the Kirtland Local School District the Question of the Renewal of an Existing Tax Levy to Provide for the School District’s Emergency Requirements
The Kirtland Local Schools are known for academic excellence and strong community support, and have been recognized nationally and statewide for educational achievement. The district also maintains a long tradition of distinction in a variety of extracurricular activities. The Board of Education provides open and thoughtful fiscal management of the community’s investment in the school district’s high quality educational program by ensuring every dollar spent benefits students and the community.