January 7, 2011 - Berea City School District

Berea City School District
Business Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes, January 7, 2011, Polaris
Present: Zach Bennett, Chuck Bichara, Nancy Braford, Mary Brown, Diane Calire, Anne Cole,
Tony Crea, Sierra Faris, Ryan Gorczyca, Jeff Grosse, Randi Hansen, Lucy Kaber, Linda Kinsey,
Wendy Kinsey, Paul Kish, Phil Kish, Tony Knotek, Linda Kramer, Rachel Lambert, Jim Malik,
Doug Miller, Judy Murphy, Bryan Pflaum, Adam Rhoades, Vincenzo Ruggiero, Mike Sheppard,
Brandon Soeder-Penner, Brandon Stephens, Rosalind Strickland, Fred Szabo, Tara Vozar, Dan
White, Sheri Williams, Cindy Zbaeren, Joe Zumpano
Wendy welcomed everyone and asked Doug to give a little overview of Polaris. As Derran was
out of town, Assistant Superintendent Mike Sheppard gave the Superintendent's Update. Mike
reported that nearly 70 people had attended the Scholarship Breakfast hosted by the district
yesterday, as a way to thank all the organizations in the community that provide scholarships
to our students. This is always a great event, and it is particularly meaningful to have two
students who received scholarships last year share their experiences with the group. Mike also
reported that the district had received the preliminary scores from the 3rd grade achievement
tests (from October), and the scores are the highest we have ever received for this
administration of the test. This is very encouraging. He also noted that Grindstone Elementary
is nearing completion, and this is the first new school building in the district since the 60s. Jeff
Grosse added that he will be happy to offer tours of the building once it's completed.
Mike also reported that with the changes in Columbus following the November election,
we are anticipating a number of changes, including a loss of revenues for the foreseeable
future. We are working hard to be proactive with this and reducing our expenses, in
anticipation of the cuts in State Funding. He also announced that we should have the timeline
and details of the secondary phase of our facility plan finalized within the next two weeks. As
a reminder, the Long-Range Facility Plan adopted by the Board calls for all our elementary
schools to be preschool – grade 4; one 5-6 building; one 7-8 building, and one new 9-12 high
school. Since the bond issue did not pass in November, we need to move forward with the
consolidation in the best way possible.
Rosalind Strickland thanked the BAC for providing the opportunity to hear a
presentation from Rachel Lambert, our Creative Learning intern from Midpark. She noted that
the Office of Civic Education Initiatives has had a number of Berea City School District people
involved in their programs this year. The newest to join the group is Anne Cole, an art teacher
at Ford Middle School, who was just selected to serve as an Innovative Scholar with the Clinic
(the same program Joe Zumpano was chosen for two years ago). Rosalind reported that her
office had just done an "alumni survey" of the students who had worked in the Internship
Program in the six years since it began, to follow up on what their majors were in college.
Preliminary results indicate that 101 of the students are now in pre-med; 39 are in medicine;
10 are in pharmacy; and 52 are in nursing, which is extremely encouraging since predictions
are that the number of health care workers needed will double in the next ten years.
Bryan Pflaum, who also was one of Rachel's mentors for the Creative Learning
Internship, gave an overview of the program, noting that all students have 9 full weeks at the
Clinic. Projects Rachel was involved in included a national newsletter (copies were handed out)
and the mRi video series of five videos. These videos highlighted five research projects (out of
the 155 intern projects), and were geared to high school students who might consider
applying as interns or submitting work for the eXpressions program. Bryan noted that this
year's eXpressions program received 850 art and language submissions from Ohio, 3 other
states, and Oman! Berea High art teacher Jim Bycznski's students participated again this year
and had many winners.
Rachel Lambert described some of her Creative Learning internship experiences,
including the mRi series, noting that she and her partner had to come up with a creative way
of describing five of the intern research projects. But before they could even choose among
them, they had to understand them all first! Rachel said being able to bring science and art
together was really exciting for her, and she received many unexpected benefits from the
process, including being more comfortable with public speaking.
Bryan also thanked Cindy Zbaeren for volunteering to be one of the
judges for the eXpressions (language) Program. We then were
treated to an episode of mRi featuring Rachel and her partner as
private detectives Murphy and Rockwood "as they blow the lid off
the latest medical breakthroughs in this exciting new season of mRi:
MyRESEARCH illuminated." Phil Kish, whose daughter was also
chosen as one of the Creative Learning interns (and who was part of the episode we watched)
noted that she had had a wonderful experience. She worked at the Great Lakes Science
Center for her internship and designed an educational cart on display there. The internship
was instrumental in changing her career path, as she now wants to teach art, based on her
creative extensive experiences there.
Chuck Bichara reported that despite the global economic crisis, the City of Middleburg
Heights has been able to sustain a strong commercial business sector.
Significant Business Retention
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection – 6747 Engle Road
Middleburg Heights is the home to offices for the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border
Protection and its approximately (100) member workforce. The U.S. General Services Administration
(GSA), which operates the office, was seeking leasing options for an expanded space. GSA was
considering options outside of Middleburg Heights. The City contacted GSA to request that the search
area be limited to the city limits of Middleburg Heights in order to ensure that no harm would come to
the community. In response, GSA agreed to limit the search for expanded office space for the Customs
and Border Protection office to within the City of Middleburg Heights thus saving the office and jobs for
Middleburg Heights.
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Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center – 7380 Engle Road
The City assisted in site selection and lease negotiations to facilitate the retention of this company and
the associated (20) new professional jobs. The City has been working with the business owner since
2006 in this successful retention effort. This lease of approximately 10,000 square-feet has resulted in
the filling of all available space in the new office building on Engle Road across from the City service
garage.
Significant New Businesses
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Big Creek Medical Arts Building – 15299 Bagley Road
The new Big Creek Medical Arts Building has opened on Bagley Road across from Heinen’s. The tenants
of the building are Southwest Orthopedics, ENT Health Services, and Retina Associates of Cleveland. The
new 21,000 square-foot building has facilitated the retention of over (20) physicians and over (45)
support staff in Middleburg Heights.
Current Development Projects
- Audio Video Interiors, Inc. – 7204 Pearl Road
Originally founded in 1990, Audio Video Interiors, Inc. is the premier custom audio/video integrator in
Northeast Ohio specializing in system design, project management and installation of multi-room audio
and video, lighting control, home automation, home theaters, shades, energy management, life safety,
and gaming systems. Audio Video Interiors has experienced significant growth over the past years, and
currently has (28) employees with plans to grow to over (40) employees within the next three years. The
company has purchased the existing 20,000 square-foot building at 7204 Pearl Road, formerly the
location of Carpet and Tile Liquidators, to accommodate the operations for Audio Video Interiors and the
affiliated Safety Technologies. The building will undergo a complete renovation including the
construction of a 5,000 square-foot ‘Experience Center’ to showcase all of the specialized audio-video
products.
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Cleveland Urology Associates Medical Office Building – 19049 Bagley Road
A new 31,000 square-foot medical office building will be constructed at 19049 Bagley Road to
accommodate the consolidated operations for Cleveland Urology Associates. Construction on the threestory office building is expected to begin as early as Fall 2011.
Community Development Projects
The City of Middleburg Heights is currently working with the School District on a reimbursement request for
the $35,000 in Community Block Grant funds for the renovations at the Big Creek Elementary School
playground. Per the collaborative effort between the City of Middleburg Heights and the School District, the
City will reimburse the School District with funds from the grant award. The playground renovation was
completed October 22, 2010.
Southland Shopping Center
- Marshalls – 6925 Southland Drive
The City has received plans for a new Marshall’s at the former location of Giant Eagle at Southland
Shopping Center. Both interior and exterior renovations are planned for the location including a new
exterior for the entire building. The new store is expected to open as early as September 2011.
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Chuppa’s Southland Sports Grill – 6849 Pearl Road
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Key Bank – 6912 Pearl Road
A new restaurant is planned at the former location of CiCi’s Pizza in Southland. Chuppa’s Southland,
which will feature a full lunch, dinner and catering menu, is expected to open in April 2011.
Key Bank has purchased the property at the corner of Smith and Pearl Roads at the site of the former
Marathon service station. Key plans to build a new 3,900 square-foot full-service branch building which
will include three drive-through teller windows. Key will also install a green space area at the corner
including a mini park and a significant amount of trees and plants which will be incorporated into the
landscaping for the site. Construction on the new building is expected to begin as early as April 2011.
Nancy reported for Michelle Boczek, who was unable to attend the meeting:
1. As a member of the FSDC (First Suburbs Development Council) the city of Brook Park is now included in
the newly incorporated Advanced Energy Improvement Districts. This district will allow commercial
property owners the opportunity to add solar panels or other advanced energy enhancements onto their
existing properties. The AED was officially incorporated prior to Xmas week. The next steps are to
finalize the financing structure.
2. Unfortunately Big Lots closed, however the new Subway and Little Caesar’s Pizza have officially opened.
3. Grants that have been awarded to Brook Park and their status: The Playground Grant of $35,000 has
been spent and the new playground is up at Kennedy Park.
4. The City also received 10 RFP’s in response to our request for the Master Plan. The Mayor and I are in
the process of getting a steering committee together to review the proposals and make a selection on the
consultant that will work on the Master Plan.
Lucy Kaber reported that the Mock Interview Committee will probably do the program at
Midpark either the week of April 6 or April 13. Berea High is in the process of redesigning the
program to be able to do it in classes. Lucy passed around a sign-up sheet for business
volunteers who are willing to do the interviews. Wendy noted that she has always found this to
be a great experience and encouraged Council members to sign up.
Wendy reported that there are now 80 Junior Achievement programs now scheduled in
the district, and 13 still need volunteers. She passed around a sign-up sheet for any Council
members who would be willing to volunteer for any of those classes.
Nancy reminded the group that our BAC had been designated last spring as our Family
and Civic Engagement team as well, as formation of an FCE team was required by a new bill
in the Legislature at that time. Wrapping that function into existing Business Advisory Councils
was allowable, provided that there were representatives from community groups (including
parents), which there are. She gave an overview of the purpose of the Family and Civic
Engagement initiative, which center on ways to support school, family and community
partnerships and noted that many of the objectives of this initiative are already being done in
the Berea City School District. Our two goals for the first year are to expand the Community
Resource Directory so that it includes more Greater Cleveland area resources that are
available to families and students and to provide continuing and enhanced health services to
our students and families through the Southwest General Health Center partnership. We have
already added several Greater Cleveland resources to our Resource Directory, and our
Southwest partnership continues to provide outstanding health services to our students and
families.
Go Around: Lucy Kaber reported that they were working with a scout merit badge
program for grades 8-12 that involves electricity or electronics, and this has taken place over
several consecutive Saturdays. The "Art of the Cake" will again be held at Polaris January 2223, and there will also be a "Bake a Book" competition for students in grades 9-12. Jim Malik
noted that his company was the architectural group that helped the Cleveland Clinic move their
Pearl Road Center to Jefferson Park. Paul Kish reported that the Midpark Choir was invited by
Akron University for the students to spend a full day working with music faculty and culminating
in an evening performance. There were 60 students involved in this great educational
opportunity. The Midpark girls' basketball team is having a great season – they are ranked #3
in the Plain Dealer poll. At their December 28 game there were 30 collegiate scouts present.
Paul is also on a planning committee to celebrate Midpark's 50th anniversary next year. They
are planning a lot of great activities and will be inviting all alumni back for an all-class reunion.
Sierra Faris reported that Midpark's Adopt a Family (for Christmas) went very well. She
was part of the group that shopped for items for the families and they were able to get a lot of
things above and beyond what the requests were because they were able to raise more
money than before. The Key Club was busy caroling at local nursing facilities, and Sierra is
volunteering for Junior Achievement through her economics class. Jeff Grosse reminded the
group that the three Berea elementary schools, Parknoll, Riveredge, and Smith, will be closing
at the end of this school year, and the district is looking to lease full or partial spaces in the
buildings (Parknoll and Smith). We have already worked with the Middleburg Heights Food
Pantry to lease some space in Middlebrook, as space is available there now.
Adam Rhoades, who served on the Council as a Berea High student, is at Bowling
Green now. He looked up the BAC meeting schedule online and since he was still home,
decided to attend our meeting today. (Nancy reiterated the fact that he has a standing
invitation to attend whenever he is available!) Adam reported that his classes are going well,
and that he is now majoring in secondary education and math. Vincenzo Ruggiero noted that
although he is the principal of Berea High, he is ALSO an alumnus of Midpark and is looking
forward to the 50th anniversary celebration. Vincenzo is also looking forward to the Education
Foundation fundraiser with Jim Tressel coming up on June 14. The VIP reception at the
Browns' Facility sold out before Christmas, and there are a limited number of tickets available
for the evening presentation at Berea High. Regarding Berea High's approach to the Mock
Interview, Vincenzo noted that some students were not fully committed to the process, so they
decided to do it differently and bring in professionals in specific areas to speak with classes
and individuals. They are working with Lucy to design this over multiple days. Vincenzo also
reported that Berea High is now a regular "stop" at the national level for foreign delegations
visiting the U.S., through our partnership with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. Berea
High recently hosted eight Southeast Asian representatives (young politicians), who talked and
interacted with students throughout the day. Because of this ongoing relationship, our students
have a significant advantage in being accepted for free trips abroad that are offered. Of the 18
students allowed on the upcoming free trip to Serbia, Berea High will be sending 2 students.
Randi Hansen handed out fact sheets on the opening of two new Tri-C facilities in
Westlake and in Brunswick, as Tri-C has experienced significant growth over the past several
years. She also mentioned that they had opened a Veteran's Education Connection Center at
the Louis Stokes facility and are expanding their services to veterans. Brandon SoederPenner reported that the FIRST Robotic Competition kicks off tomorrow and he is looking
forward to participation. Toni Knotek added that the kick-off is at Tri-C, and both Berea High
and Midpark teams are working hard. She encouraged Council members to attend the
competition, which will be held in the Wolstein Center on April 8 and 9. This event is always
free and open to the public. Doug Miller provided the website address
(www.theartofhthecake.com) for the upcoming competition on January 22 & 23, and noted that
there will be classes, demonstrations, etc. He also announced that the annual Polaris Career
Fair, which has become a very successful countywide job fair, will take place on March 30,
from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no charge for business tables or for job seekers. Last year 110
people were employed as a result of the Career Fair. Businesses and job seekers can register
online at www.employment.cuyahogacounty.us
Tony Crea reported that The Relay for Life kick-off event will be January 25 at the
Middleburg Heights Community Church on Big Creek Parkway. He handed out information and
noted that they are looking for teams from businesses and schools. Their goal is to raise
$50,000 this year, and the event is on June 4-5 at the Brook Park Community Center. For
more information, visit their website: www.RelayForLife.org/Southwest or contact Tony. Cindy
Zbaeren reported that one of the paper's continuing areas of interest is the change in state
government as well as the new county government and how these changes will filter down.
Linda Kinsey reported that the Sun Newspapers are about to launch their first hyper local page
online, starting with Lakewood and Westlake. These will be great interactive pages that are
user-friendly, and they will include a calendar where people can upload their events. In
Lakewood they are working with the high school students (cleveland.com) to provide an
opportunity for schools and organizations to have blogs. Stay tuned! Diane Calire reported
that the Crowne Plaza will be at the Bridal Fair at the IX Center. Joe Zumpano reported that he
and Anne will be doing the Clinic's Explorers Program again this year with their Ford students.
Dan White reported that the old NASA Aerospace bus (a 1977 bus) has been "retired,"
and a new bus is on the way. They expect it to be much more dependable! If there is interest
on the Council, he could arrange for our group to go to the Plum Brook facility. He will keep us
posted. Tara Vozar reported that she is just back this week from maternity leave, and there is
lots going on at Kelly Services. Ryan Gorzyca reported that Huntington Bank had been
recognized for their involvement with SBA-guaranteed business loans, of which they are are
very proud. They have also started a new 24-hour "grace program" that allows customers time
to deposit money before an overdraft fee is charged. Ryan also announced that Huntington
has paid back all the money borrowed from the Federal Government. Fred Szabo reported
that Dave Thurau is the new President of the Berea Board of Education and Dave Pusti is the
new Vice President. The Board is looking forward to the opening of the new Grindstone. As a
retired police officer, he knows how much his perspective changed once he became a DARE
officer, so it is nice to see teachers getting out of the classroom.
Bryan Pflaum thanked the Council for the opportunity to showcase Rachel and the
internship program. This is a great forum – he really learns so much every time he attends our
meetings! Rachel Lambert added her thanks for the opportunity to share the work of her
internship. Anne Cole expressed her appreciation as well, noting that her research project will
center on developing a peer mentoring program in schools that integrate arts and the sciences.
Rosalind Strickland announced that the internship applications for this year are due February 4
by 4:30 p.m. High School students must be at least 16 years old to apply for the summer
internships. Linda Kramer reported that the Berea Rotary will hold its annual Reverse Raffle
and Silent Auction this year on March 26 at the Cleveland Browns' Training Facility. Tickets are
$100 per person, and proceeds go to scholarships for Berea High, Midpark, and Polaris
students. Call Rotary President Kathy Olmeda 440-234-7174 for tickets. Linda also reported as
a member of the Berea High Alumni Association Board of Trustees. She is editing a new
newsletter for the group, with issues to come out in January and July. To provide information,
email her at bereaalumni@hotmail.com
Mary Brown noted that there are a lot of changes in banking right now, with probably a
lot more coming. She will also be reporting for the Berea Community Development
Corporation, as she is on the Board for that organization. Rebecca Corrigan, who has been a
member of the BAC, has not been able to make the meetings. Mike Sheppard reported that
Nancy had provided a brief historical presentation to the Board at our last Board meeting, as
part of January's "Board Recognition Month." There have been a lot of interesting stories over
the past 160 years.
Our next BAC meeting will be on Friday, March 11, 8 – 9:30 a.m. at Southwest
General Health Center.