Lorain — The Lorain City Schools Board of Education met on October 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Lorain High School Building C boardroom. All five members were present: Mr. Ferguson, Mrs. Washington, Dr. Ballard, Mrs. Nazario, and Mr. Sturgil.
Students lead the pledge
Assistant Principal Olivia Acres of Garfield Elementary introduced several fifth-grade students who led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared their favorite subjects and activities. Later in the meeting, another Garfield student was also recognized for participation and achievement.
Public comment on superintendent retirement and renewal discussion
During the first public-comment period, a community member raised questions about Superintendent Jeff Graham’s potential retirement and re-employment, encouraging the Board to view any transition as an opportunity for cost savings or fresh leadership ideas.
Dr. Graham responded that he had previously volunteered for a $30,000 pay reduction and expressed appreciation for the feedback. Board members noted that by avoiding a superintendent search and deferring Dr. Graham’s severance and unused vacation payouts, the district anticipates six-figure savings. Additional discussion on the subject is expected at the next meeting.
Before proceeding, the Board observed a moment of silence for a student who recently passed away.
Approvals and routine business
The Board approved the October 13 minutes, treasurer’s items 8.01 through 8.03, and operations items 10.01 through 10.09. Personnel items 9.01 through 9.09 were also approved, with one dissenting vote from Mrs. Washington.
Safety staffing changes explained
A question regarding item 9.01 led to clarification about the district’s Safety and Compliance Officer (SCO) program. The administration reported that the number of SCO positions had gradually been reduced from five to two. This year, two more were eliminated. One remaining officer will transition into a safety coordinator role that oversees building monitors, emergency procedures, and related technology systems. The move results in a net reduction of two positions, with no overall pay increase for the reassigned employee.
Levy renewals and financial overview
Dr. Graham reviewed two renewal levies on the November ballot, one originating from 1991–1992 and another from 2012, emphasizing that both are renewals, not new taxes. Renewal levies continue collecting the same dollar amounts previously approved by voters and do not increase taxes.
He summarized recent financial steps and challenges:
- $4.7 million in reductions during fiscal 2023–24
- $2.7 million in additional cuts for 2024–25
- Approximately $900,000 saved through health-care adjustments
- Teacher severance incentives reducing long-term payroll costs
- Unanticipated funding losses totaling roughly $6 million, including decreases from federal, state, and county sources
Dr. Graham said the administration is developing a long-range financial plan to maintain educational quality while protecting taxpayers.
Technology and Zoom licensing
A board member asked why the district continues to pay for Zoom when all staff email and collaboration tools have moved to Google Workspace. The technology administrator explained that the district once held about 1,000 Zoom licenses but has reduced to 25 for administrators and department heads who require longer or recorded meetings and cross-platform access with external partners. A small additional payment preserves access to previously recorded meetings that would otherwise be lost due to reduced storage capacity. Google Meet, included in the district’s current service tier, limits recording and meeting length, making Zoom necessary for certain administrative functions.
Teacher raises behavioral safety concerns
A teacher from Rice Elementary spoke during public comment to express concern over increasing student behavior issues and staff safety. The superintendent advised continuing the conversation privately to avoid publicly identifying students, noting that the district is working with the school on support strategies and appropriate student placements.
Committee requests and upcoming meetings
Mrs. Washington requested a communications update at an upcoming meeting. Board members also highlighted TV 20 coverage of a recent candidate forum featuring school board candidates and other local races, encouraging residents to stay informed and vote.
The next regular Board meeting will be November 10 at 5 p.m. in the Lorain High School Building C boardroom. The Board concluded by entering executive session for negotiations and employment matters. No votes or actions followed.