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Friday, October 29, 2021
Calls Mount for Wolfe to Resign Recall Petition in Process, Residents Say By John Karlovec news@kirtlandchronicle.com
employment, and continues to serve on council’s police and fire standing committee and participate in executive sessions. Some of those sessions were for purposes of discussing Nosse and related legal matters. During the public comment portion of the Oct. 18 meeting — which Wolfe did not attend — Eagle Road resident Frank Lyon said he had emailed council members, including Wolfe, on Aug. 9 asking where Wolfe was living. “I have never gotten an answer to that,” he said. “Does the city have a new address for Ms. Wolfe? Like, is she still in Ward 1? Do we have an address?” Lyon added Wolfe is not living with her husband. “I’m just asking that question
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Calls for Ward 1 Councilwoman Kelly Wolfe to resign from Kirtland City Council mounted Oct. 18 as residents intensified their efforts to D N A L have her removed — voluntarily or KIR T involuntarily — from office. Wolfe cast the lone dissenting vote on Aug. 3 when council members voted 6-1 to terminate former Police Chief Lance Nosse, who had been accused of multiple accounts of misconduct in office and violation of city rules. In evidence the city brought forth during a two-day administrative hearing, it was alleged Wolfe and Nosse had an extramarital relationship. However, she refused to recuse herself from voting on any matters related to Nosse’s pay and
JOHN KARLOVEC/KMG
Councilwoman Kathy Wolfe did not attend the Oct. 18 council meeting, as calls for her resignation or removal from office escalated. Wolfe has come under fire for her support of former Police Chief Lance Nosse, with whom she reportedly had an extramarital affair.
because she never answered,” he said. “So, does the city have an address for where she is in Ward 1? See Wolfe • Page 6
Five Compete for Three At-Large Seats By John Karlovec news@kirtlandchronicle.com City of Kirtland voters have a field of candidates to choose from to fill three at-large city council seats in the Nov. 2 general election. The three seats have drawn five candidates: Incumbent Matthew Schulz, Ronald Fenstermaker, Carol Martz, Heather Linc Zahn and Eric Ziegler. The winners will begin new four-year terms on Jan. 1, 2021. Kirtland City Council members receive an annual salary of $4,000. According to the Lake County Board of Elections, there are 5,373 registered voters in the City of Kirtland who are eligible to cast ballots in the upcoming election. Listed below are the answers each candidate provided in response to a Kirtland Chronicle questionnaire. Candidates are listed alphabetically. 1. Why are you seeking to be elected to Kirtland City Council?
NEXT EDITION December 10
FENSTERMAKER Being part of this great community over 25 years I’ve always had the drive to find ways to support it. See Candidates • Page 2
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Our city faces some great challenges ahead and I feel my dedication and understanding of those challenges will bring value to sound decision making. LINC ZAHN Kirtland is my story. I love and believe in this community. Together, we can accomplish anything. We need new energy in our politicspositive energy. And to use this energy to do only what is right for our taxpayers. MARTZ I want to serve on council as a means of giving back to my community by building upon what is working well and finding solutions for areas of need. As well, I see this as a way to positively influence our young people to be more involved in their community. SCHULZ I am seeking re-election due to my deep care for our community and how our taxpayer dollars are invested. Over the past 12 years I have helped countless residents and hope to continue doing so. I believe my career and previous city council experience adds tremendous value to residents. ZIEGLER I can be a new voice for our taxpayers and make a better future for Kirtland. I was born and raised here and therefore have insight into the areas that require our attention and funds in order to improve our community. I can help motivate that change. 2. What skills, qualities or experiences do you possess that separate you from your opponents?
FENSTERMAKER I’ve worked in Operations management for 25-years having financial responsibilities of companies with revenues from $20 to $60 million annually. I also feel my dedication in attending council meetings over the past 4 years versus other opponents gives me a better understanding of the challenges we face. LINC ZAHN To me, our taxpayers should always be treated as customers. As a sales and marketing leader in a demanding electronics industry, I help solve problems for my customers and offer profitable and creative solutions. I can and will serve our residents using this same approach. MARTZ In my current role, I am responsible for understanding and implementing Ohio public entity purchasing requirement, which the City of Kirtland must adhere to as well. I have experience in organizational leadership, specifically with strategic planning, which will assist with development of vision and shared goals. SCHULZ As a professional engineer I possess an essential understanding of our infrastructure needs i.e. (roads/drainage). This allows for efficient communication between residents and city staff. Lastly, 12 years of serving on various council committees provides council/administration a history of what projects remain to be funded and completed. ZIEGLER Owning my own financial advisory business here in Kirtland, I hear from our residents every day, both their concerns and
needs. My job is to help them prepare for their financial future. Entering City Council with this same mindset, I can help Kirtland plan and prepare for better days ahead. 3. What are the top priorities to address in the city and how will you meet them? FENSTERMAKER I feel the city has three key areas to focus on. The first is economic development. Being a member of board of zoning appeals I’ve seen some of the challenges and delays developers have run into and feel we have an opportunity to improve the overall process. The second is improving the financial stability by maintaining tight controls over spending and identifying additional revenue sources. The third area is the continued focus on our roads program. We still have a number of roads in poor condition across the city and we need to maintain open communication and sharing of information on funding options with the community. LINC ZAHN I am a positive person by nature. I think our taxpayers really deserve new and energetic representatives with fresh ideas. I believe I can help change the culture in our city politics to something our residents can be proud of. In conjunction with positive energy, I plan to bring thoughtful dialogue to Council so we can really begin to solve our funding issues and continue much needed road repairs. Finally, and as part of the larger conversation, I will offer to assist in the creation of a 10-year fiscal plan that includes responsible development. MARTZ Responsible development that leads to revenue is necessary to fund the vast needs
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of the community. This approach will create an environment that is aligned to the needs of the community, right sizes growth that is an appropriate fit, and is a benefit to businesses that want to be part of Kirtland. There are developers waiting to bring their projects and ideas the Kirtland but are waiting for the right leadership that can help them navigate the myriad of processes that lead to success for everyone. The revenue noted above will be utilized to fund much needed road repairs. Funding is not the only factor to road, but the road plan itself is fundamental and necessary to ensuring we maximize every dollar allotted to repairs. Thus far, the plan has been pieced together and inconsistent. Working with the Public Service Administrator and the City Engineer is critical to developing a comprehensive and long-term road plan. Creation of a salary and personnel committee will align the needs of the city with market rates for compensation as well as create a thorough vetting process. The process in place today is inconsistent and unfair to current employees as new hires are being paid more than experienced staff. Instituting a committee to review positions and salaries will ensure fair and equitable hiring practices for qualified candidates. SCHULZ A continued focus on the Annual Road Paving and Maintenance Plan coupled with a long term sustainable funding source is key to accomplishing the entire plan. I understand all the challenges and will continue to work with the Service Director and City Engineer to discuss design and construction related issues that may impact cost and safety. See Council • Page 4
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Kirtland Chronicle
A Note from the Mayor It’s hard to believe that it is already No- army of neighbors at city hall at 8:45 a.m. for vember. But thanks to great leadership in our first community fall leaf cleanup. We will the Kirtland Service Department, dedicated head out in teams to assist seniors and veterworkers and a terrific staff mechanic, our ans in their yards. As the list of requests for team will be ready to deal with whatever in- help is nearing 30 homesites, we are hoping clement weather comes our way. for a great turnout of volunteers. If you are inBack by popular demand, the service terested in helping, email Teresa at tszary@ department will be serving our kirtlandohio.com. residents at our second annual fall Although not required to parbrush pickup later this month. Pickticipate, please consider bringing up for Wards 2 & 4 will take place rakes, gloves, tarps and leaf blowthe week of Nov. 8 and Wards 1 & ers to what should be a fun-filled 3, during the week of Nov. 15. This day of giving back to those who is for branches and sticks and is paved the way for all of us. not a leaf pickup. Please stack piles Led by the Barber-Williams neatly near the roadways and refer American Legion Post 609, a short to the city website for more instrucMayor Kevin Potter Veterans Day ceremony will take tions and tips. Nov. 2 is Election Day. I humbly ask for place at city hall at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. If you are your vote for the senior and recreation levy unable to attend, please take a moment of rerenewal to support operations for our com- flection on our U.S. military veterans and all munity’s youth and senior programs and facil- they’ve sacrificed. ities. This is NOT a tax increase and without Finally, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., an Ecuthese dollars, the city would be faced with menical Service will be held at the Church some very tough choices. of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (8751 Also on the ballot are five candidates for Kirtland Road). We are grateful to bring back three at-large council positions. As councilthis annual tradition and look forward to colmen Rich Lowery and John Lesnick are not laborating with several of our faith and civil seeking re-election, the makeup on city council will certainly change. Thank you to both communities. We hope you will join us to give councilmen for rolling up their sleeves and, thanks as we come together in a celebration in only four years, helping to support our of Faith and Beauty. As both election season and autumn draw quest for transparency, accountability and efto an end, I invite everyone to come together ficiency. They are proof new faces and bold as a city in patience, in service, in rememideas are some of the most effective ways to brance and in thanksgiving. Together, let’s move a community forward. On Nov. 13, we will be mobilizing as an welcome this new season as neighbors.
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Secondly, is the need for competition for reliable high speed internet. This issue was raised by the Fiscal Review Task Force and more recently accentuated by the pandemic. I will pursue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire a consultant to investigate what options we have to increase reliability and drive monthly fees down. If successfully implemented this directly benefits every household, the school district, businesses, economic development and COVID teleworkers. Lastly, creation of a streamlined process for responsible economic development. If the city is to be successful in responsible economic development the creation of a simple well documented and communicated streamlined step by step process needs to be made available to the developer in the front end. Economic development competition among neighboring communities is fierce and the easier and more transparent the process the more likely they are to invest. New business brings in needed income tax, property tax on new construction, does not require the addition of new roads and maintenance (plowing, paving/patching). New businesses do not add more children to the school district, however, the city and the school win economically. Council working with North Shore will accomplish this!
ZIEGLER With my background in wealth management, I will work to create a long-term financial plan for Kirtland. One of the top priorities is road funding, which is a matter of great concern, I plan to tackle the issue and build consensus toward a feasible long-term and fiscally sound solution. Kirtland is a great place to raise a family and an excellent community to own a business. That is precisely why I chose to invest and bring my financial planning practice to Kirtland. Using my relationship building skills, I will be a lead advocate for Kirtland in an effort to attract other tax paying businesses to our city. 4. What services to the community, if any, would you expand or reduce? Why? FENSTERMAKER What makes Kirtland a great community to live in and raise a family starts with our schools, but it also includes the services from our police and fire, community center, and service department. The city has made some tough decisions over the past few years, but I feel we’re at a point where no additional services can be cut without having an impact on our community. LINC ZAHN Our Service, Fire and Police departments do an excellent job of keeping our community safe and our roads clear. Keeping these services while remaining efficient in government is imperative. In addition to supporting our
excellent and recently rejuvenated Senior Center, I will work to open the Community Center during evening for our residents. MARTZ Current administration has severely cut back services to the community already by eliminating staff and taking away and/or minimizing necessary work. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020, the city employee who provided custodial services was eliminated a month later. When the community questioned this decision there was no logical or clear answer provided. General maintenance of the city has been reduced; simply drive around see the overgrowth everywhere. If elected, I would assess all current services in contrast to what is actually needed in the community and work to rebuild our service department. SCHULZ I would not wish to expand or reduce anymore services at this time. We need to take care for what we currently have. Our roadways and drainage facilities need funding and repair. Further delay only costs the city more money either in financing/debt costs or in inflationary costs relative to materials and labor. The city needs to explore all manners of revenue generation with the Finance Director in order to match long term capital expenditures with sustained long term revenues. One time federal stimulus dollars will not provide the coverage needed. ZIEGLER I will strive for continued fiscal responsibility throughout all departments. We have great safety, senior, recreation and public works services in Kirtland, and I plan to advocate for creative solutions to keep and build on the services our taxpayers deserve. 5. Please share your understanding or knowledge of municipal finances, budgeting and auditing. FENSTERMAKER Being part of the council meetings for the past 4 years has given me a good understanding of municipal finances, budgeting, and auditing. It’s also given me the opportunity to review and understand the annual state audit identifying the city’s financial health. LINC ZAHN I look forward to bringing my budget management skills to City Council. For over 25 years, I have been tasked with budgeting sales, profit and loss, salary recommendations and performance management with as many as 16 direct reports and as high as $100 million in my area of responsibility. MARTZ I’ve reviewed the financial documents posted with meeting minutes as well as the online Ohio Checkbook. As part of my professional
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role, I am involved in budgeting for capital and operational expenses as well as for staffing. I have also been involved in auditing processes in professional career. SCHULZ City purchased a modernized financial system, now every department’s revenues/ costs are categorized with any variances now easily detected and explained. The 2021 total appropriation/budget is $14,790,527. Kirtland has been fortunate to have received federal stimulus dollars of $1,074,400 with $356,782 coming in 2022. ZIEGLER Managing money is what I do for a living. With this comes great responsibility and I look forward to bringing my finance skills to City Council. I greatly anticipate working on the Finance committee of City Council and am committed to spending each taxpayer dollar wisely. 6. How do you plan to work with the current administration? FENSTERMAKER My goal is to work with council and the administration to make sure we are making sound decisions. As I mentioned during candidates night, we can disagree and have tough conversations but should always do so with respect to others opinions. LINC ZAHN I greatly look forward to assisting the administration with initiatives to make Kirtland the absolute best it can be. I am a problem solver by nature and believe there is nothing we can’t do, if we work together. MARTZ There must be 2-way communication for successful outcomes. I intend to listen, research, ask questions, share ideas, and engage in conversations prior to decision-making. While we will not always agree, we can certainly compromise on any issue as long as we all have the best interest of Kirtland at heart. SCHULZ I am confident that once we (Mayor/Council) work through the democratic process of discussing the who, what, where, when, how and the why of any issue; the residents will respect our transparency, fully understand the plan/need and rally behind us to make Kirtland a better place to live. ZIEGLER My career and reputation is built on a foundation of trust. I intend to establish that confidence with the administration so that we can work together, free of politics and always in the spirit of what is best for the city of Kirtland.
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Wolfe
from page 1 That’s the question. I’d like to get an answer.” Lyon also asked whether Wolfe still sits on council’s police and fire standing committee. He noted under new business on the meeting agenda was a resolution — No. 20-R-74 — to amend a prior council resolution establishing standing committees. “The answer is yes, she’s still on the police and fire committee and resolution number 20-R-74 is about that,” council President Rich Lowery said. However, Lowery explained council was unable to proceed with the proposed legislation because it required either three readings or an emergency approval of the legislation, which would require a supermajority vote of the seven-member council. With Wolfe Wolfe and council members Matt Schulz and Jeff Ruple absent, Lowery said council lacked the requisite quorum to declare an emergency and, therefore, the proposed resolution would move to a second reading at the next meeting. Councilman Joe Smolic asked City Law Director Matt Lallo if Wolfe would be allowed to vote on the proposed legislation. “At first blush I would say yes,” said Lallo. “The fact that she’s not here, she’s not representing me anyways, she doesn’t answer any residents’ questions,” Lyon said. “We’re really asking for her resignation.”
He added, “And, yes, we are proceeding with a recall petition. So, that is in process.” Lyon said he does not want the city to have to pay for a recall vote. “It makes sense that she would just resign,” he said. Joseph Street resident Bob Genovese said he had emailed Wolfe asking her to find out how much it would cost the city to hold a special election if residents collected enough valid signatures for a recall election. Wolfe, who was elected to a four-year term on Nov. 3, 2019, did not respond. Lallo told Genovese a special election would cost approximately $2,000, and that cost could not be deducted from her $4,000 annual council pay. Genovese also asked whether Wolfe would be required to attend an Oct. 28 public meeting held to discuss the Old Town sanitary sewer project, which is mandated to correct unsanitary conditions in the city’s Old Town area, “considering it’s her constituents.” Lallo said there is nothing in the city charter or ordinances requiring her presence, noting the meeting is not a standing committee or council meeting. Genovese said he also had emailed 18-20 questions to Wolfe following a January 2021 Zoom council meeting and never received any response. “I just kind of want all this to go on the record because, obviously, I am part of the team that would like to see Kelly Wolfe resign,” he explained. Gildersleeve Drive resident Cathy Knaak said she had reached out to Wolfe numerous times because she felt Wolfe had acted “fiscally irresponsibly” in voting for Nosse not only to keep his job — when the city’s administration had recommended his termination — but to keep his pay during pending litigation. Again, Wolfe offered no answers other than her legal counsel told her not to reply, Knaak said. “That’s not why we voted her in. And, if she is on whatever council for police or fire, she shouldn’t. She’s not a representative of us; she’s not clearly a representative of the city,” Knaak told council members. “I am at a point where I am unbelievably frustrated and it takes a lot to get me there. I’m just asking for her to be removed from anything where she could be derelict in her responsibilities, as she has to us and her constituents.” “Personally, I think it’s a conflict of interest to be serving on the police and fire (standing committee),” Councilman John Lesnick Jr. said. Outside council chambers, 42-year Kirtland resident Thomas J. Booth Jr. left copies of a letter he read at the Oct. 4 council meeting calling for members to censure Wolfe or enact Article I, Section 5 of the Kirtland Code of Ordinances to remove her from office if she did not resign. “Anyone familiar with me and my family knows that I wear my residency as a badge of honor,” wrote Booth. “Recently, information and evidence have come to light bringing concerns that impact the reputation and fidelity of ethical principles this city has always held dear.” That information and evidence included video, audio, sworn testimony and open hearing statement regarding Wolfe and her relationship with Nosse. “As a resident of Ward 1 in the City of Kirtland, I hereby call for the immediate resignation of Council Member Kelly Wolfe for alleged violations of her oath of office, misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance and moral turpitude,” he said.
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Kirtland Public Library The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.
The Beatles at Shea Stadium: The Beginning of Stadium Rock
Nov. 10 • 6:30 p.m. Local author Dave Schwensen takes us behind the scenes and onto the stage for the Beatles’ legendary 1965 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium. This was the first modern outdoor stadium rock concert and a capacity crowd of 55,600 witnessed the event. The program, which starts at 7 p.m., includes information about the making of the
TV special about the concert, concert films, rare live recordings and details about a ‘secret’ Beatles recording session. Schwensen brings lots of great Beatles memorabilia and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for viewing. Schwensen is the author of “The Beatles at Shea Stadium” and “The Beatles in Cleveland.” Books will be available for purchase following the program. The program is free and seating is limited. Register at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Read to your young child and the library will cheer you on. Sign up at the Children’s desk to receive your bookbag and first reading log and check out great books to read with your young child. You can track the reading by using the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten app. Place a sticker on our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Flower Garden in the Picture Book Room each time you have read 100 books. Earn special incentives for 500 and 1000 books. Help your child discover the joy of reading by cuddling up with lots of fantastic books.
In-Person Family Storytime
Tuesdays • 10 a.m. OR Wednesday • 10 a.m. In November, in-person storytime resumes, now with registration to create small groups. Great stories, songs, rhymes and more to share with your young child. For children aged birth to 5. Please register for Tuesday Storytime or Wednesday Storytime at www.kirtland.lib. oh.us.
DIY Lava Lamp Jars
Nov. 13 • 10 a.m. OR Nov. 16 • 6 p.m. Kids in grades K-5 come to the library for a super cool science experiment and learn how to make these easy DIY glitter lava lamp jars with some common kitchen ingredients and glitter for extra sparkly fun. To keep groups small, please register for your preferred date at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.
Do Re Me and You Dance Party
Nov. 18 • 11 a.m. OR Nov. 19 • 11 a.m. For families with children age 5 and under. Dance parties will be back indoors. In an attempt to keep groups small, two dates are being offered. Please register for the date you prefer. For families with children ages 5 and under. Please register online for this event at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.
Make an Apple Pie
Nov. 20 • 10 a.m. Nov. 22 • 6 p.m. Kids in kindergarten and older, bring your favorite adult to the library to create an apple pie from scratch, then take it home to either bake immediately or place in your freezer to bake at a later date. Please bring a rolling pin, a pastry cloth or a clean pillow case, and an apron would be a good idea as well. We will be keeping the groups small to encourage social distancing. Please register at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us .
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Four Candidates Competing for Three Kirtland BOE Seats By John Karlovec news@kirtlandchronicle.com Voters in the Kirtland school district will elect three members to the Kirtland Schools Board of Education in the upcoming Nov. 2 general election. Four candidates are vying for the three school board seats. Three incumbent board members, Shannon Green, Kathryn Talty and Jonathan Withrow, are seeking re-election. Joshua Hayes, who also is looking to secure a seat, is joining them in the race. The winning candidates will begin new four-year terms on Jan. 1, 2022. There are a total of 6,099 registered voters in the district, which consists of the communities of Kirtland, Kirtland Hills and Waite Hill, eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Listed below are the answers each candidate provided in response to a Kirtland Chronicle questionnaire. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
1. Why are you seeking to be elected to Kirtland Schools Board of Education? (50 words) GREEN Our family moved to Kirtland for the schools, we raised three boys here. Seeking re-election as I am a strong advocate of public education and am proud to serve on our current board. I love the Kirtland schools and vow to continue to make them better by representing our community. HAYES My wife and I have four daughters, ages 7, 5, 2 and 5 months. We have decided to invest ourselves in Kirtland Schools for nearly the next two decades. Additionally, I hope that my experience in public education could provide a valuable perspective for the board in the future. TALTY I would love to continue to help grow this academic environment. As a re-elected
board member, I plan to continue to sustain academic excellence, pursue fiscal prudence with a balance budget, appropriate facility investments to enhance our programs and respond flexibly to the pandemic to keep students in the classroom. WITHROW I enjoyed my first four years on the board and want to continue serving the community. I want to ensure that the community’s tax dollars are spent wisely. Additionally, I want to continue the work that has started on the high school science lab and the stadium. 2. What training or experiences separate you from the other candidates in the race? GREEN First, having a Master of Arts in Education has helped prepare me for the job. Second, I have worked in schools and volunteered in several different capacities. I am a
good listener, communicator and work well with others. Lastly, when I don’t have an answer, I work to find it. HAYES I have a master’s degree in educational administration and I have been a high school teacher for 13 years. I also have experience working in educational administration, contract negotiation preparation, school athletic facilities renovations, curriculum writing and development, gifted education, career technical education, and education for students with special needs. TALTY As a mother of three beautiful children, all proud graduates of Kirtland Schools, I have been involved throughout their education. I have been director of education for a non-profit organization, health-care provider for over 30 years in both hospital and home setting, and I’ve participated in local art shows. See Schools • Page 14
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Schools
from page 12 WITHROW My legal background taught me to consider to all sides of an issue and my engineering background helps with numbers and money issues. Four years of experience on the board provides institutional knowledge. Having worked with two different superintendents and treasurers provides me valuable perspective when considering school issues. 3. What are the top priorities the Kirtland school board must address in the coming year and how will you help meet them? GREEN My absolute top priority for the district is always doing what is best for the students. With that in mind, the board’s focus for the coming year should be: • Keeping our students in the classroom. • Assessing and addressing the pandemic’s impact on our students both academically and on their overall health and well-being after a year of remote/hybrid learning. • Sustaining our academic excellence and renewing and increasing our efforts on personalized education, intellectual curiosity and STEAM. • Controlling costs, balancing the budget and educating the community on school finances. • Assuring that our new Permanent Improvement dollars are appropriately spent to enhance our curricular and extracurricular programs in a manner consistent with what we promised our voters. • Safely reinstating or restoring activities
and programs which were pushed to the side during COVID, including preparation for and responding to the results or student testing, clubs and other extracurricular activities, parent volunteering, student recognition, engaging the community and many, many more. • Continue to advocate for the KLSD by representing the students, teachers, staff, families and community members. To be transparent and continuously communicate the happenings of the district to all. HAYES Some of the priorities the board will need to address this year are typical processes that boards always have to address while others are slightly more unique, or not typically annual issues. I believe that my years of experience in education can provide an inside perspective to some of the more common issues, such as filling employment vacancies, maintaining a fiscally sound budget and ensuring the best possible instructional methods and programming are available to Kirtland students. Regarding some of the less routine challenges, I think the overseeing of a massive facility renovation project, and resolving contract agreements with the teachers are some of the top priorities facing the board. I have experience in both of these areas. I have worked in high school athletic administration for over 10 years, during which time our facilities underwent a multimillion dollar renovation nearly identical to the kind Kirtland will be undertaking. While teaching I have also served on two separate contract committees responsible for doing preliminary work for negotiations and implementing elements of agreed upon contracts. Having experienced some of these issues from inside the trenches, I hope that I
will be able to help Kirtland more seamlessly and efficiently navigate these endeavors. TALTY A top priority for Kirtland Schools is to continue to strive for academic excellence. We have initiated the STEAM, science, technology, engineering, arts and math into our curriculum to help strengthen innovation and creative skills, with further development of this model to be expanded and refined. As a board member, continued support for our personal learning programs for our high school students to help them realize their dreams. Another priority is to recognize and support psychosocial needs of the students. It is important to help the students strengthen their social-emotional skills, and to continue to provide a caring, kind, and respectful environment. And we must continue to be fiscally prudent and a responsible steward to our community. WITHROW In no particular order, the top priorities are (1) determining the impact that COVID-related school disruptions had on student achievement, (2) reaching an agreement with the teachers’ union on a new contract, (3) determining the impact that COVID had on school finances, and (4) making sure that the science lab and stadium projects are properly financed and constructed. The state test scores have been recently released and I look forward to a report from the superintendent and his recommendations and goals on what he plans to implement to bring students who may have fallen behind back on pace. The board needs to continue to work with the superintendent and treasurer to come to an agreement with the teachers that provides them fair compensation balanced with being fiscally prudent with the community’s tax dollars. We received one time money from the federal government from the COVID relief packages, and we need to make sure that we do not continue to count on this money going forward. The next stage in the science lab and stadium work involves choosing a construction manager and selecting how the project is to be financed. It is not the role of the board to micromanage while the superintendent and treasurer address these priorities. Instead, it’s the role of the board to make sure that the administration addresses each of these priorities and to hold them accountable to achieve the goals that have been set. 4. The conversation surrounding “critical race theory” has become a touchpoint in national and local conversations about public education. Do you believe these concepts should be taught in district classrooms? GREEN CRT is not taught in the KLSD. CRT is most often taught at a collegiate level because of its higher level framework. Our educational professionals have focused on our strategic plan to create personalized path-
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ways of learning for all students to promote intellectual curiosity, innovation, life skills, and career/college readiness. HAYES No, the curriculum that has emerged from CRT is filled with oversimplification, overgeneralization, historical flaws, logical fallacies and is tremendously divisive. TALTY “The Critical Race Theory is an advance concept rarely encountered outside of law school. It holds that racial bias is ingrained in U.S. laws and institutions, negatively impacting people of color.” Therefore, this discussion is very sophisticated for grades K-12, but the conversation on diversity is important and should take place WITHROW Students should not be taught that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, nor should they be taught to feel guilty about their own race. Classrooms are the place where historical events are to be taught accurately, and where students and teachers discuss these historical events. When in the classroom, teachers should not introduce their own personal political views. Based on my discussions with students, teachers at Kirtland High are doing a very good job of accurately teaching government and history while leading thoughtful discussion without promoting any particular political point of view. 5. What should board members consider when deciding COVID-related policies such as masking, vaccine requirements and hybrid learning options? GREEN Our job as board members is to facilitate the best educational opportunities for our students. To date, the board has worked closely with administrators to establish COVID policies that focus on providing excellent educational opportunities for students in a safe and secure environment with the supreme goal of maximizing our students’ in-person learning. I feel our district has done what is most important: keeping our kids healthy and safe. However, the pandemic has not yet gone away and the board will continue working closely with administrators as circumstances evolve still with the same priorities in mind. HAYES I think that the board should respect the fact that parents are best positioned to make health decisions for their children, not the government. Additionally, the board should consider data and statistics that are relevant to school age children. Regarding non-exemptible vaccine mandates, the board should not consider this policy. The board also needs to consider their obligation to provide students an education in the least restrictive environment possible, so as long as healthy students are being removed from classes out of precaution the district has an obligation to provide the best possible distance learning experience for students. See Board • Page 15
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from page 14 TALTY The dialogue of wearing a mask in school is determined by our superintendent based on the number of COVID-19 cases in Lake County per 100,000 people. Kirtland Schools follow the Ohio Department of Health Quarantine Flow Chart as to the quarantine of students and staff. I strongly believe in-person learning with the teachers, and having our students be with their peers is the most positive academic experience. My goal is to provide a safe layer to protect our students and staff. WITHROW As with all board decision, the board needs to consider the bests interests of the students. At the very beginning of COVID, my main concern was and still is having the students in school in front of teachers instead of at home behind a computer screen. 6. Can you/should you support a board decision you were not in favor of? GREEN The respectful sharing of different opinions and perspectives by board members is a powerful tool in achieving our goal of doing what is best for all of our students. When we cooperatively collaborate I know that we can reach decisions that we all can support.
Kirtland Chronicle
HAYES It is the responsibility of a board member to follow the rules and policies that have been put in place by a majority of the board. This can be done while also properly advocating for a change in policy based on an alternative view or belief of the community.
will hopefully result in us not needing to go to the taxpayers as frequently for levies. The local district’s “wealth” is used to help decide the share to be paid to the district. Kirtland is considered a wealthy district which often hinders us from getting state money frequently allocated to other districts.
TALTY Decisions the board makes are based on multiple informed discussions. The views may vary from five different people, but ultimately a compromise or consensus is reached. That decision is then supported by the board as one entity. To work effectively to keep Kirtland Schools strong both academically and fiscally, the board must work as a team.
HAYES If it does not sacrifice local authority, and it increases funding for Kirtland, I would be in favor of Ohio continuing this model. Although from the mathematical simulations I have seen, the benefit to Kirtland would be minimal, if anything.
WITHROW A board member should not vote “yes” for something they are not in favor of. I have been in the minority and voted “no” before at a board meeting. Once a measure passes, no matter the vote count, the board members must work together on other issues in the future. 7. Do you support Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan? Explain. GREEN Ohio’s FSFP gets us closer to solving the problems that encompass public education funding yet certainly doesn’t solve the funding issue. I like that the state will now be paying for EdChoice Scholarships and this plan
TALTY This model allocates funds based on the dollar value of the students per district and not on the property wealth. This is a fairer way, but it does not have the extra funds to support this model for it to come to fruition. WITHROW The Fair School Funding Plan funding plan may result in an increase of about $70,000 from the state, but we have a yearly budget of over $14 million. Like it or not, our district receives much less from the state per pupil as compared to many other districts. 8. What are your thoughts on the current and proposed budget for your school district? GREEN The finance committee meets monthly
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to discuss the budget. We have proven fiscal responsibility by following the strategic plan. We keep our finances well managed by controlling costs, seeking grants/shared resources & also educating the community. Our efforts won us the Taxpayer Hero Award. More budget information @kirtlandschools.org. HAYES The current budget does well to manage costs within the larger environment of heavy inflation and rapidly increasing expenses. Moving forward, I would support the district’s continued dedication to prioritizing high quality instruction and programming. TALTY Every month, our treasurer reviews the financial statements of expected and actual expenses and revenues to stay on budget. Expenses have been reduced by shared services in many areas including treasurer, transportation, food services, maintenance and IT, which I will continue to support. WITHROW I voted in favor of the current budget. For the upcoming budget, the board needs to continue to look at how the district can share services with other entities and stretch dollars. I tend to be fiscally conservative. Every dollar spent must add value to learning and teaching.
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Longtime Bus Driver Reflects on 36 Years of Making Kids Smile By Donna L. Robinson news@kirtlandchronicle.com
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
Some might say Karen Kog has Kirtland in her blood. The 62-year resident graduated from Kirtland High School in 1972 and couldn’t stay away, ending up driving buses full time for Kirtland Schools for the past 36 years. Kog first started out being a substitute bus driver in 1987, then became full time in 1993. “Meeting all the kids and the parents has been special … all of them have been so different,” she said. “I enjoy being someone the kids can talk to if they are having a bad day. I especially love making the kids smile.” Kog said she loves relating to students and recalled a group she had deemed the “Loop Group.” “My route made a big loop and we would sing a song about who stole the cookies from the cookie jar … then whose name got called bought the Loop Group cookies that week,” Kog said, adding she had three girls who sat behind her in the front seat, Hannah, Courtney and Erika. “I had so many fun conversations with them,” she said. Kog often brought donut holes on the bus for special occasions and enjoyed seeing how excited the kids got. “I have loved all the homemade cards, flowers and the pictures they would color for me,” she said. “I have gone to some of their weddings and baby showers over the years.” Kog said one student who rode her bus named Jason joined the U.S. Marine Corp after graduating high school and served in Iraq. “I kept in touch with him the whole time
DONNA ROBINSON/KMG
Longtime Kirtland Schools bus driver Karen Kog has been driving for the district for 36 years and continues to love every minute of it.
he was serving,” said Kog, who has become known as the transportation specialist for the bus line. “That is a name given to me from one of our drivers,” she said. “Since I have been driving the buses for so many years, she came up with it instead of just saying bus driver.” Kog remembers all the steps she had to take to become a certified bus driver, including months of classes, working with the ‘On Board Trainer,’ pre-trip inspections and driving training. “When you are ready, you go get tested at a state facility. We do meetings so many times a year for new things,” she said. “Every six years, we have to recertify with the ‘On Board Trainer,’ pre-trip and driving test.” Sheila Dikowicz, Kog’s former supervisor, worked with her for 14 years and learned a lot from her. “Karen was the one who taught me to drive a bus and has been an exceptional bus driver,” Dikowicz said. “She always took the time to get to know the kids on her bus and their parents. She adores all the families on her routes, takes her responsibility to heart and very seriously, and takes great pride in driving the bus.” Dikowicz added, “All of us who work on the buses are family when times are good and bad. Bottom line, Karen loves the community of Kirtland and ‘bleeds blue and gold.’” Kog’s husband, Al Kog, was also a graduate from Kirtland High School, and graduated in 1968. He passed away Nov. 13, 2019. Her daughter, Tracy, graduated from KHS in 1998, and son, Alan Jr., graduated in 2000. “Al told me to go for it when the opportuSee Driver • Page 17
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Kirtland Chronicle
From left, “Students of the Month” Dylan Moody, of KES, Avery Carlisle, of KMS, and Shawn Guenther, of KHS.
November Students of the Month Submitted The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for November 2021 are Dylan Moody, a fifth-grader at Kirtland Elementary School, Avery Carlisle, an eighth-grader at Kirtland Middle School, and Shawn Guenther, a se-
Driver
from page 16 nity came up to drive the bus,” Kog said. “He helped me study for all my tests. He always was my biggest supporter when I wanted to do something. If you ever heard the song by Celine Dion ‘Because you Loved Me,’ that is what Al was to me, as I was to him … always go for it. “When Al passed, all my coworkers were there for me,” she added. “I couldn’t thank them enough for all their support. From holding my hand, to letting me cry and talk about him, to coming to the funeral, and asking me what they could do for me.” When COVID-19 hit, Kirtland Schools had to adapt, as did their buses. “We have had to make so many changes, from changing routes around, to all the sanitizing we have to do on the bus every time we
nior at of Kirtland High School. The Kiwanis sponsors the “Students of the Month.” The principal and staff chose one student from each school to be recognized. Each student has their picture taken, receives a certificate and a T-shirt that says “Student of the Month.” finish a run,” Kog said. “We also have to make sure all the students wear their masks on the bus, plus sitting only in their assigned seat. We have taken all precautions necessary to keep the students safe.” When asked how it feels to come full circle from being a resident and student in Kirtland to a now longtime bus driver for the district, Kog said, “I feel good … having some of the teachers I had in school, to now working with them at first felt funny. I still enjoy the kids and the families I have met over the years and now (I am) driving the ‘kids-of-thekids’ I have driven for such a very long time. “I enjoyed growing up in a community where everybody knows everybody and we all look out for each other,” she added. “I have so many fond memories, from growing up in Kirtland from playing in the woods to swimming in the river and all the wonderful friends I have. Kirtland is truly home to me.”
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, October 29, 2021
Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, October 29, 2021
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, October 29, 2021