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 5/16/23

The Board of Education meeting on June 20, 2023, started with introducing new hires to the district and the Board approving them.  Taylor Purchase and Lauren Resetar will both begin teaching second grade next school year.  Kelly Coates will be the new transportation director and Anna Kutscher will be the new secretary at Kirtland Elementary. Mr. VanArnhem then went into his Superintendent Report:

Mr. VanArnhem reported to the Board and community:

• Permanent Improvement Update

  • Stadium is still on track to be completed on August 29th but is still aiming for August 22nd.

  • A few small change orders have come up including refunds and donations.

• Professional Development

  • We had teachers last week attending training for the new classes that they will be teaching next school year.

• The administrative team has started planning for professional development next school year. The district will be looking at curricular audits and support for social studies and writing. 

• Initial state testing data is back. Our students collectively did very well and continue to show nice progress.

• He shared a Science Lab Video created by TDA:  Kirtland Science Room_Proof V2 230616.mp4

Treasurer Recommendations:

• Mr. Galante presented and the Board approved:

  • The closing of the 2022-2023 appropriations and the approval of the 2023-2024 appropriations.

  • Entering into a master electric energy sales agreement with Enie Resources, llc.

  • Approving the attorney rates for the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Recommendations:

• Mr. VanArnhem presented and the Board approved:

  • Curriculum writing for summer work by teachers

  • A Reduction in Force of a part time spanish teacher (because of enrollment) and part time guidance counselor at the elementary school (she became the full time counselor).

  • As part of an OFCC safety grant, the district will purchase bullet resistant film for all first floor windows and windows on classroom doors.

  • Change orders for the stadium at a cost of $4,439 for an electrical requirement from First Energy and $840.50 for fence installation were approved.  Soil stabilization in the trench will deduct $8,052 from the $125,000 soil stabilization allowance. The district will be getting a credit (refund) of $37,720.50 from the Technology Allowance that was not used and a $6,317.07 donation from ADS.

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 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.