The Lorain City Schools Board of Education met on November 10 at Lorain High School for a session that blended student recognition with major district updates on finances, special education planning, and administrative matters.
Hawthorne Elementary students opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Staff introduced the students and highlighted their interests, followed by two classroom presentations. Special education teacher Lori Pyers Goodwin shared the goals of Hawthorne’s new Unified Club and the Hawthorne Helpers initiative, which brings general education and intensive needs students together for shared projects around the school. Third grade teacher Matt Davis outlined how daily communication, volunteer opportunities, and an open door policy have increased parent engagement and supported classroom culture.
The board approved minutes from the October 27 meeting and accepted more than thirty two thousand dollars in community donations, ranging from coats and personal care supplies to field trip sponsorships. Treasurer items also included approval of fiscal year 2025 26 budget and purpose statements.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham reviewed the district’s financial situation, thanking voters for passing two renewal levies earlier in November. He cautioned that although the renewals are critical, Lorain still faces a projected twelve million dollar deficit next year, worsened by recent reductions in federal, state, and county funding totaling about six million dollars. The district plans to develop a budget strategy that includes additional cuts and community engagement, along with preparation for a new money levy in the spring.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on special education services. Executive Director of Exceptional Children Linda Coad presented data showing the district spends approximately six point seven million dollars annually on out of district placements, tuition, and transportation for students with significant disabilities. She outlined a model, based on Mentor City Schools’ CARES program, for creating an in district autism education building that could keep students closer to home while offering specialized supports. The board expressed strong interest, and administrators discussed the possibility of launching a Lorain program as early as August 2026.
Personnel actions included new administrative appointments, several resignations, supplemental teacher leader contracts, and a stipend for Early College Director Amanda Sturgeon for expanded career technical duties. The board also approved a contract with USW Local 1104 08 for the upcoming school year.
Operations approvals covered a range of items, including commissioning an original concert band piece for middle school students, providing TESOL training at no cost to teachers, purchasing two floor scrubbers, updating transportation routes, and approving an agreement with NAMI for mental health programming. The board also authorized construction of a maintenance storage building at Lorain High, which administrators said is necessary to protect equipment currently stored outdoors and to free Career Tech instructional space required for certification.
During public comment, a preschool teacher asked the district to explore adding shade structures to playgrounds to support Reggio inspired outdoor learning during hot weather. Dr. Graham agreed to work with staff on options that balance educational needs with financial responsibility.
Under new business, the board held the required public comment period for Superintendent Graham’s plan to retire on January 1, 2026, and seek reemployment in the same role. No comments were submitted.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for November 24 at 5 p.m. at Lorain High School.