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!                                                    

KIRTLAND LOCAL SCHOOLS UPDATE 11/29/22

Superintendent Chad VanArnhem started the meeting with his report updating the school board and community on the following few topics. 

• The KHS Science Lab is near completion. Students are still expected to be in the lab at the start of the second semester.  

• A District Safety Committee Meeting took place with the administrators, Student Resource Officer (SRO), school nurse and the police and fire chiefs on November 18th.  Upcoming drills for the staff and cybersecurity measures were two major areas of discussion. All the staff will be going through CPR, First Aide and Stop the Bleed Training as well.

• Superintendent VanArnhem hosted a Community Advisory Committee meeting on November 7th.  Representatives from a variety of organizations within the community were present to hear a presentation by the superintendent on the state report card and the permanent improvement projects.  They were able to ask questions and provide feedback to the superintendent on these topics. Surveys were given to committee members before and after the meeting.  The post presentation data showed a much better understanding on the two topics.  

• Congratulations to the football team that will be playing for a state championship this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Future announcements will be coming this week about community involvement opportunities.

Superintendent Recommendations:

• The Board officially approved a resolution for the naming rights of the stadium for a ten year period at a total cost of $200,000 from John Wilson Jr.  Mr. Wilson is a Kirtland graduate and the owner of AQUA DOC Lake and Pond Management.  We are thankful for Mr. Wilson’s generosity!  The Rogers Family (Rogers Field) supported the new stadium naming rights as it benefits our students.  

• The Board approved a resolution to specifically designate a donation of $40,000 from the Athletic Boosters to the turf upgrade.

• The Board also approved a Sponsorship Agreement as sponsors are sought to help cover the cost of upgrading to a digital scoreboard that will provide opportunities for our students in the KHS digital media class and the chance to generate future revenue for the district. 

Treasurer Recommendations:

• The Board approved Mr. Lew Galante’s five year forecast. They also approved changing the fee paying service within Infinite Campus to 3.75% as the district has been losing money on this service.  Parents can still turn in checks to the office instead of paying for fees within Infinite Campus.

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.                                                      

The Kirtland Local School District is located in Lake County and serves the City of Kirtland and most of the Villages of Kirtland Hills and Waite Hill, and small portions of Willoughby and Chardon Township.