Club meeting of Feb 27

The meeting was called to order by club president, Todd Wallace. Guests were recognized: our speakers Patti Cleary and Ryan Pendleton and Dave Taylor. Dave is the son of a long time Rotarian, Larry Taylor. Birthdays were celebrated: Pat Taylor, and Tim Brenner. Also in attendance was Asst. District Governor Steve Smetna Todd reported good news from the Family Fun Event this past Saturday: we had 109 participants, and 96 bowlers. 

 Tom Craig shared news from the grant writing seminar he and Kim Buehler attended recently. Tom advised in addition to attending workshops, each club also needs to qualify with donations. Our club would like to apply for a grant for the play attention program that Kim Buehler recently demonstrated so we would need to average $11 per member to achieve the necessary donation level. Donations need to be received by 6/30 of this year. 

Our speakers were Patti Cleary the superintendent of the Barberton City Schools and Ryan Pendleton, the school systems treasurer. Both shared it was a pleasure to share news of the positive state of the schools and to not be coming with hands out for money for a levy. Ryan advised the school system is in the black financially. All of the four school buildings in use are energy star rated. The Middle School has a 97 or of 100 energy rating. Patti shared that the BHS Out of School Suspension rate has been decreasing, the number that have failed classes has also decreased, and the graduation rate is increasing. The challenges they face in 2014 and on is to combat the consequences of students living in poverty, preparing their students for new assessments, getting technology in the schools- they are aiming for a 1 to 1 ratio of student to equipment., teaching technology basics at an earler age, and bussing to all to need it. In summary, they have an excellent staff and financial state in the school system.