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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 4/12/22

The April 11, 2022, Board of Education meeting started with commendations for the following people.

• Ms. Sarah Poulson was approved by the Board to have a continuing contract.  Principal Mr. Amstutz stated “It is my pleasure to recommend Sarah Poulson for tenure.  I have been fortunate to work alongside her for the past 10 years. I have always appreciated her work ethic, dedication, and content knowledge.  Ms. Paulson consistently pushes cognition to students, provides meaningful/actionable feedback to students, reflects daily about instruction, supports all district initiatives, and pushes fellow teachers and students to be the best.  She demonstrates consistent, high academic and behavior expectations for students of all abilities.”

• Athletic Director Mr. Paul recognized senior swimmer Kaley Ream.  He stated, “This past winter, Kaley closed out her career with another outstanding performance in the pool. She placed sixth at state in the 500 freestyle to earn her fifth All-Ohio honor, and she won the B Final in the 100 butterfly. Kaley raised the bar for all future Kirtland swimmers. A four-time state qualifier, she’ll continue her swimming career at the University of Buffalo.”

• Mr. Paul also recognized senior wrestler Will Davidson.  He stated, “ A two-time state qualifier, Will earned All-Ohio honors with his third-place finish as a junior and he again reached the state tournament as a senior. He finished his senior season with a 40-4 record and earlier in the year, he reached the 100-win plateau.  His overall HS record was 123-31.  Will has committed to continue his education and wrestling career at John Carroll University.”

In the superintendent update, Mr. VanArnhem highlighted that the district is moving full steam ahead into the fourth grading period.  COVID restrictions have been lifted and all activities have resumed. Many fun activities are planned that include a KMS dance, a PTA father-daughter dance, prom and a fun/color run for all students in our schools.  He also stated that the district is in week two of state testing and everything has run very smoothly to date.  Mr. VanArnhem thanked the IT department, guidance counselors, teachers and students for making this happen. He also gave an update on the Permanent Improvement projects that include the science lab and stadium renovation.  The revised scope created by TDA was sent out to the construction managers last week.  Their proposals are due back to the district at the end of April.  The Board will then select a construction manager at risk at the beginning of May.  The superintendent also reminded the community that the Kirtland Local Schools will be on ballot on May 3 for an operating renewal levy.

• Is NOT a tax increase

• Brings in $2.2 million each year.

• Renewed every five years

• Makes up about 15% of our income

• Passed in 2012 and renewed in 2017

The Board approved Mr. Galante’s recommendation to purchase one new school bus for next school year and a new proposal for copy machines in the district. 

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for May 23rd at 7:00 pm in the KHS Cafeteria. 

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.

Board notes and agendas can be found on the website at www.kirtlandschools.org.