Board Update

Good Evening:

If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. They can also click on this link on my website to sign up at: http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact/e-mail-newsletter-sign-up/

SINCE MY LAST SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

Attended the Ohio (ACTE) Association for Career and Technical Education’s Legislative Conference in Columbus on January 25th. As one of the North Royalton City School District’s Representative on the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board of Education, I attend the conference along with administrators from the CVCC. The conference was very informative about the issues that face Career and Technical schools like the CVCC. Governor John Kasich addressed the group and talked about his vision for job creation and the future of education in the state. I also had an opportunity to meet with the Aide for State Representative Anielski, Aide for State Representative Dovilla, and personally met with State Senator Patton about issues related to the CVCC. Besides discussing issues related to the CVCC, I shared with our lawmakers the concerns of the North Royalton City School District regarding pending legislation on HB 136, HB 191, and HB 326.

School Board Member Dan Langshaw Testifies on HB 191
While down in Columbus, the evening of January 25th I took advantage of the unique opportunity to testify against HB 191 before the Ohio House of Representatives Education Committee on behalf of the North Royalton City School District. House Bill 191, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hayes (R-Granville) and Rep. Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland), would adjust the minimum school year for school districts from one based on days to one based on hours. The legislation also would prohibit school districts from opening prior to Labor Day or after Memorial Day, except in specified circumstances. A substitute bill was proposed and accepted during the Committee meeting I was at. The substitute version changes the minimum school year for school districts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) schools and chartered nonpublic schools from 182 days to: 455 hours for half-day kindergarten; 910 hours for full-day kindergarten and grades one through six; and 1,001 hours for grades seven through 12. The substitute bill also would eliminate the prohibition against staying open after Memorial Day, but retains the bill’s prohibition against opening prior to Labor Day, while adding a waiver process by which a school district may open earlier. According to the legislation, school districts can start before Labor Day if the district or school holds a public hearing on opening prior to Labor Day, approves a resolution allowing schools to open prior to Labor Day, files a copy of the resolution with the superintendent of public instruction no later than July 1 and receives a waiver to open prior to Labor Day from the superintendent. It specifies that the superintendent cannot deny a waiver to a school that has complied with the procedure, and must make the verification within 10 business days of receiving the resolution. The effective date of the bill’s provisions was changed from 2012 to July 1, 2013.

Click the link below for a copy of the Substitute HB 191.
http://ealerts.osba-ohio.org/files/file/Sub%20HB%20191%20-%20129%200929-3.pdf
Also below is a copy of my testimony that I gave before the House Education Committee last week.

OPPONENT TESTIMONY ON HB 191 BY

DAN LANGSHAW
NORTH ROYALTON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

BEFORE THE

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JANUARY 25, 2012

Good Evening, Chairman Stebelton, Vice Chair Newbold, Ranking Member Luckie, and members of the House Education Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the proposed Substitute HB 191 on the Minimum School Year. My name is Dan Langshaw, and I am member of the North Royalton School Board.

The North Royalton City School District is located in southwest Cuyahoga County and encompasses both the city of North Royalton and parts of the neighboring city of Broadview Heights. Our public school district provides education K-12 to over 4,700 students in our community.

I would like to express concerns with the proposed Substitute HB 191. Specifically, we are opposed to the provision of the bill that requires a thirty-day legal notice and hearing in order to begin classes before Labor Day. Such a mandate would cause an unnecessary burden to local school districts throughout Ohio, including the North Royalton City School District.

Boards of education adopt school calendars in public session. Such public sessions include the opportunity for interested parties to offer public comments prior to any action by the Board of Education. To add the unnecessary burden of a thirty day notice seems to be an unneeded bureaucratic step to a process which has served our school district well in the past.

Please consider removing this provision of the bill and allow for us to retain our local control in deciding what is in the best interest of our community and students when creating our school calendar.

In closing, our community is happy with the current calendar we have and the collaborative process our district uses to create it. We do support the conversion of school days to hours in that this enhances local control and the ability of elected board of education members to respond to the needs of their students, parents, and residents. Please let the people decide what is best and not Columbus. Until this provision is removed, we remain oppose HB 191 in its current form.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

On January 26th, I held my Monthly Constituent Coffee at the Coffee Club. Thank you to those who stopped by. I hold these monthly coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. I will keep you posted when my next monthly coffee in February will be.

Former Reynoldsburg superintendent named governor’s new education czar
Kasich administration recently announced the replacement for outgoing Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education Director Dr. Robert Sommers. The new director is former Reynoldsburg City Schools Superintendent Dick Ross, who will take over on Feb. 1.

The Presidential Primary Elections will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Since the Board of Elections no longer automatically mails ballots applications prior to the election, voters must now request their ballot application. Please click on Primary Election for information on how to request a ballot. You can also visit the Board of Elections website for more information as well at www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Special Board Meeting on February 8th at 6pm @ North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. They can also click on this link on my website to sign up at: http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact/e-mail-newsletter-sign-up/

Stay In Touch with me through Social Networking and the Web
If you like to keep in contact with me you can also check out my Website at www.danlangshaw.com or follow me on Facebook or Twitter at Langshaw4board

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

School Board Member Dan Langshaw Testifies before Ohio House of Representatives Education Committee

OPPONENT TESTIMONY ON HB 191 BY

DAN LANGSHAW
NORTH ROYALTON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

BEFORE THE

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JANUARY 25, 2012

Good Evening, Chairman Stebelton, Vice Chair Newbold, Ranking Member Luckie, and members of the House Education Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the proposed Substitute HB 191 on the Minimum School Year. My name is Dan Langshaw, and I am member of the North Royalton School Board.

The North Royalton City School District is located in southwest Cuyahoga County and encompasses both the city of North Royalton and parts of the neighboring city of Broadview Heights. Our public school district provides education K-12 to over 4,700 students in our community.

I would like to express concerns with the proposed Substitute HB 191. Specifically, we are opposed to the provision of the bill that requires a thirty-day legal notice and hearing in order to begin classes before Labor Day. Such a mandate would cause an unnecessary burden to local school districts throughout Ohio, including the North Royalton City School District.

Boards of education adopt school calendars in public session. Such public sessions include the opportunity for interested parties to offer public comments prior to any action by the Board of Education. To add the unnecessary burden of a thirty day notice seems to be an unneeded bureaucratic step to a process which has served our school district well in the past.

Please consider removing this provision of the bill and allow for us to retain our local control in deciding what is in the best interest of our community and students when creating our school calendar.

In closing, our community is happy with the current calendar we have and the collaborative process our district uses to create it. We do support the conversion of school days to hours in that this enhances local control and the ability of elected board of education members to respond to the needs of their students, parents, and residents. Please let the people decide what is best and not Columbus. Until this provision is removed, we remain oppose HB 191 in its current form.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Board Update

Good Evening:

If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee this Thursday, January 26th at the Coffee Club located at 500 E Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights from 6pm-8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Hope to see you there.

SINCE MY LAST SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

The School Board met on January 18th for a Special Board Meeting. The board finished up developing its’ Board Governing Rules and Goals for 2012. Board discussed briefly the process for Superintendent and Treasurer Evaluations for this year. The Board discussed others items, and such other matters that came before the Board as well.

The Presidential Primary Elections will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Since the Board of Elections no longer automatically mails ballots applications prior to the election, voters must now request their ballot application. Please click on Primary Election for information on how to request a ballot. You can also visit the Board of Elections website for more information as well at www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us

Crystal Starfish Award Winners Announced
This past week Superintendent Ed Vittardi presented Crystal Starfish Awards to Bob Rodriquez, Valley Vista custodian and Jocelyn Stella, intervention specialist at Albion.

Bob Rodriguez received a $100 gift certificate to Westfield/Southpark Mall, a $75 gift certificate to Samurai Sushi Bar and Hibachi Steakhouse restaurant in Strongsville, and flowers, balloons, and a $50 gift certificate from Creations by Lynn and Royal Towne Florist. His colleagues in the North Royalton City Schools’ maintenance department nominated Rodriguez. He has been with the district since 2001. An excerpt from his nomination states, “Valley Vista Elementary is always clean and maintained not to mention inviting. Bob takes the initiative to care for his building and will not call our department until last resort and with that is always willing to give a helping hand. We have heard nothing but complimentary remarks from his colleagues at Valley Vista and we believe his presence has positively impacted all who enter the building.”

Jocelyn Stella received $250 from First Federal of Lakewood, to be used towards professional development as well as a $75 gift certificate to Samurai Sushi Bar and Hibachi Steakhouse restaurant in Strongsville, as well as flowers, balloons, and a $50 gift certificate from Creations by Lynn and Royal Towne Florist. A school family and her peers nominated her. She has been with the district since 2008. An excerpt from her nomination states, “The first time we met Jocelyn, we were very relieved and encouraged by her professional and kind demeanor. She had a plan, she was familiar with our child, and she had some expectations. We are amazed to see her plans come to fruition. Our child has a consistent and kind environment to learn. Jocelyn is always available—in person, by telephone, and with daily written reports. Her dedication to her students and their families is tireless and selfless and we’d like to thank her in some special way.”
Congrats to both of them and special thanks for all that they do each and every day in our school district for our students. Also thank you to business partners for their financial support for this positive program in school district!!!


UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting on January 25th at 9am @ NRHS Community Room, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Partnership for a Healthy NR Meeting on January 25th at 12pm @ NRHS Community Room, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on January 26th at the Coffee Club located at 500 E Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights from 6pm-8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me.

Special Board Meeting on February 8th at 6pm @ North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. They can also click on this link on my website to sign up at: http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact/e-mail-newsletter-sign-up/

Stay In Touch with me through Social Networking and the Web
If you like to keep in contact with me you can also check out my Website at www.danlangshaw.com or follow me on Facebook or Twitter at Langshaw4board

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

Board Update

Good Evening:

“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


SINCE MY LAST SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

The School Board met on January 9th for its’ Organizational Board Meeting. Some highlights from the meeting. The three recently elected board members Dr. John Kelly, Barbara Zindroski, and Anne Reinkober all took the oath of office joining board members Heidi Dolezal and myself on the school board. During the meeting Dr. Kelly was elected Board President and Mrs. Reinkober as the Board Vice President for this year. The Board approved various items that the board is required to approve on annual bases.

Following the Organizational Board Meeting on the Janurary 9th the School Board also met for its’ Regular January Board Meeting. Some highlights from this meeting. The board had several guest. Students from Royal View Elementary gave a presentation on their “First in Math” program. North Royalton High School’s Academic Challenge team came in first place on Newschannel 5’s Academic Challenge program that aired on December 24. The students were recognized by the board for this great achievement. The board was also given a presentation on the partnership with Baldwin-Wallace College, in which junior biology majors at BW were invited to conduct research at the North Royalton Nature Center located behind Valley Vista School. Board President Dr. Kelly announced the following 2012 Board Committee Assignments:

Committees
Business Advisory Council: Dr. Kelly
City Recreation/Building & Grounds: Mrs. Zindroski & Dr. Kelly
Curriculum and Instruction: Mrs. Zindroski & Mrs. Dolezal
Partnership for a Healthy North Royalton: Mrs. Reinkober
Financial Advisory: Mrs. Reinkober
North Royalton Educational Foundation: Mrs. Dolezal
Policy: Mr. Langshaw & Dr. Kelly
Transportation: Mrs. Reinkober & Dr. Kelly

Liaisons
Legislative Liaison: Mr. Langshaw
Student Achievement Liaison: Mrs. Zindroski
CVCC Representatives: Mr. Langshaw & Mrs. Dolezal

The board had a brief tax budget hearing and approved the tax budget for Fiscal Year 2013. The board also approved various appropriation adjustments of government grant funds. Board also approved various retirements, resignations, changes of assignment, and staff appointments. The Board approved also various other agenda items, and such other matters that came before the Board. Here is a link to the Audio Recording of the January 9th Organizational and Regular School Board Meetings: http://www.northroyaltonsd.org/external/audio/010912RegMtg.mp3

The School Board met on January 11th for a Special Board Meeting. This meeting focused on board development. The Board discussed various ways to be more effective team and started working on developing board governing rules for 2012.The Board discussed others items, and such other matters that came before the Board as well.

CVCC Board
On January 12th I was sworn in on to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center’s Board of Education during their Board Organizational Meeting. I will be serving a one year term as a Representative for the North Royalton City School District. In addition my colleague School Board Member Mrs. Dolezal was also sworn in to serve the remaining year left of the two year on the CVCC Board of Education of former School Board Member Cheryl Hannan, who didn’t seek re-election last year. Mrs Dolezal and I were both appointed to serve on the CVCC’s Business & Finance Committee. I will also be the Chairperson for the CVCC’s Policy Committee. To learn more about the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center check out their website at: http://www.cvccworks.com/homepage.aspx

2012 Primary Change Update
Recently, both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate approved HB 369 making changes to the 2012 elections. The bill includes the following:
• Merges the March and June primaries into a single primary on March 6, 2012.
• Restores the August 2012 special election.
• Creates new congressional district boundaries based on the 2010 U.S. Census.
• Establishes a Redistricting Reform Task Force to create a redistricting reform proposal for consideration by the General Assembly during 2012.
HB 369 included an emergency clause that made its provisions effective immediately once it was signed by the governor last month.

New Legislative Districts
For 2012 we will have new legislative districts which are as follows:
• 16th U.S. Congressional District
• 24th Ohio Senate District
• 7th Ohio House District (North Royalton Portion of School District)
• 6th Ohio House District (Broadview Heights Portion of School District)



UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Special Board Meeting on January 18th at 7:15pm @ North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133. The purpose of the meeting is complete board governing rules and goals for 2012.

Partnership for a Healthy NR Meeting on January 25th at 7pm @ NRHS Community Room, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on January 26th at the Coffee Club located at 500 E Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights from 6pm-8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me.

E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. They can also click on this link on my website to sign up at: http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact/e-mail-newsletter-sign-up/

Stay In Touch with me through Social Networking and the Web
If you like to keep in contact with me you can also check out my Website at www.danlangshaw.com or follow me on Facebook or Twitter at Langshaw4board

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

Board Update

Good Evening:

Happy New Year!

SINCE MY LAST SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

The School Board met on January 5th for a Board Work Session. Board discussed district technology study to be conducted to find ways the district can be more efficient and provide more technology in the classroom for students and staff. Board got an update on how the administration is looking at ways to be more fiscally conservative at the various buildings in the district. The board had discussion about the impact of the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program that was included into the state budget under HB 153. In addition the board was given an update on how the district is preparing for the state mandated teacher evaluations as required by HB 153. Board had a brief executive session to discuss personnel. After that the board discussed upcoming committee assignments and officers for the year. The Board reviewed the Organizational Meeting and January Regular Meeting agenda items, and such other matters that came before the Board.


UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Organizational Board Meeting & January Regular School Board Meeting on January 9th at 7pm @ NRHS Community Room, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Partnership for a Healthy NR Meeting on January 25th at 7pm @ NRHS Community Room, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on January 26th at the Coffee Club located at 500 E Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights from 6pm-8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me.

E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. They can also click on this link on my website to sign up at: http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact/e-mail-newsletter-sign-up/

Stay In Touch with me through Social Networking and the Web
If you like to keep in contact with me you can also check out my Website at www.danlangshaw.com or follow me on Facebook or Twitter at Langshaw4board

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”