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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 4/4/23

The Board of Education meeting on May 15th, 2023, started with recognizing students and staff.  Kevin Urbanick was recognized for moving on to compete at the state level in the Power of the Pen competition.  Nadija Mrva presented her invention that has earned her the opportunity to compete at the national level and earn scholarship money in the Invention Convention program.  Mrs. Terry Warder was recognized for her dedication to the district as a latchkey worker and then the administrative assistant at KES for the past nine years as she will be retiring at the end of the school year.  Lino DeSapri was approved to teach grade 5 and Christian Jolly was approved to be an intervention specialist at KMS next school year.  Greg Cosimi was approved to be the district technology director next school year. 

Superintendent Report:

Mr. VanArnhem reported to the Board and community:

• On April 25,  he presented the State of the Schools at the Community Center. On April 26th, he met with the Community Advisory Group and presented the State of the Schools to promote two way communication.  

• On April 27th, there was a District Wellness Committee meeting with five students, a parent, teachers and administration.  The group completed the Triannual review and set goals for student wellness.

• The district received a safety grant from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for adding bullet resistant film on glass and adding more video cameras for $125,325!

• The arts are back and thriving.  There were awesome band and choir concerts over the last few weeks.  The musical in grade 5 and the high school play were both tremendous.

• The Kirtland Local Schools were on the ballot on May 2nd and passed the renewal levy 750-350; a 68% passage rate.  

• Mr. VanArnhem stated that he is very grateful for the district’s relationship with the KPD. He highlighted a recent story about them reading with students in our school.  The KPD also plans to add books to the police station lobby. They hope to offer summer reading with the officers, allowing children to check out books from the station, and receive rewards for participation. Channel 5 Story

• Staff Appreciation week- Mr. VanArnhem shared and explained how thankful he is for the staff at the Kirtland Local Schools

• Upcoming events:

  • 6th grade camp leaving on 5/16/23

  • 8th grade leaving 5/16/23 for Washington DC

  • 7th grade heading to Chicago on Wednesday, 5/17/23

  • Commencement is Sunday, May 21st at 3:00 at Mentor Fine Arts Building

Treasurer Recommendations:

• Mr. Galante presented:

  • The five year forecast and the Board voted to approve it.  Here is a link to the forecast from our district website: https://www.kirtlandschools.org/Downloads/5%20Year%20Forecast%20May%202023.pdf

• A change order for the road around the visiting stands and drainage under the turf for $245,914.94 was approved and will not be using general fund dollars to cover the cost. (This is down from the change order for $478,694.99 that the district received on 3/29/23 that put the project on pause.)

Superintendent Recommendations:

• The CKLA Amplify reading program was adopted by the Board for grades K-5.  ESSR money will be used to cover the cost of the program for the next five school years.  Mrs. Nagaj and Mrs. Bonacci presented data to the Board that showed the great growth our students have made using the program as a pilot this school year.

• Mr. VanArnhem recommended to the Board to approve the graduating Class of 2023 as they have met the requirements for commencement. 

• Mrs. Nagaj was approved for a new three year contract.

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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.