January 26, 2023 Meeting

BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
The first board action item for the meeting was to accept the retirement resignation for Superintendent Mark T. Raiff, effective July 31, 2023. Board President Kevin G. O’Brien expressed his respect for Mr. Raiff’s decision to retire and appreciation for his leadership of Olentangy through unprecedented times. He remarked that a Superintendent search and hiring process will take place during the next three months. 

Dr. Kevin Daberkow encouraged the community to attend the School Funding 101 masterclass on Tuesday, January 31 at Olentangy High School. Fair school funding for Olentangy is a topic all stakeholders should unite on, and this is an opportunity to advocate for fair funding for Olentangy students and taxpayers. 

Brandon Lester attended the facilities committee and shared progress on Berlin Middle School and reviewed future elementary school building needs. The ad hoc committee for mental health and student well-being committee met to discuss broader district initiatives to build on Olentangy’s current student supports and reduce the mental health stigma. 

Olentangy Schools was recently featured on an NPR “Planet Money” podcast episode on economics lessons in children’s literature. While a discussion around discrimination and race was stopped, the Olentangy Board of Education reinforced their support and commitment to allowing thoughtful, organic classroom conversations around equity, inclusion, and race to take place in our classrooms and schools. These interactions align with the district’s mission to facilitate maximum learning for every student and the district’s strategic plan goal to build a culture of inclusive excellence.  

---

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNITION
In honor of School Board Recognition month, senior members of the Olentangy High School Keynotes performed for the board. The district also played a thank you video to share students’ appreciation for our board’s commitment and service to Olentangy Schools. 

---

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Olentangy's ninth annual ONE Community Conference is Saturday, February 4 at Berlin High School beginning at 8:00am. This unique community event allows people to come together for rich discussion, learning and connection and features expert and student facilitated workshops and keynotes across a variety of topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The community is encouraged to register today. 

Superintendent Mark Raiff reviewed the district’s process for determining calamity days. Information on how school cancellations and delays are determined and the notification process is detailed on the district website. 

Superintendent Raiff announced his retirement with a heartfelt address that we invite the community to watch. Mr. Raiff has worked in public education for 34 years, serving the Olentangy community for 20 of those years, with the last eight as Superintendent. 

---

TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins welcomed new Assistant Treasurer Tricia Heater to the District, and recognized staff member Leah Douglas for her exemplary work and receiving the 2023 Londa Schwierking Treasurer Support Staff Award. 

---

The livestream of the Olentangy Schools Board of Education meeting on January 26, 2023 is available on the Board Meeting livestream web page. The Board of Education 2023 meeting schedule has been added to the district website and the next regular meeting will be on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30pm. All meeting information and records are posted to the Board Meeting Records web page.