The Ravenna Board of Education met in the Ravenna High School auditorium on July 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. In attendance were Board President Joan Seman, Vice President Pamela Nation Calhoun and members Patricia Dennison, Heather Rainone and Michael Wisniewski. Also attending was Ravenna Superintendent Benjamin Ribelin and Treasurer Kristen Plageman.
Seman called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. and then set up the evening with a roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and a call for approval of the agenda. With no members of the public stepping forward to speak, the business of the meeting began with Plageman stepping to the podium to provide the five-year financial forecast.
The report started with a look at the groupings for the districts’ revenue and expenses. Forty-seven percent of the funds that come to the district are from taxes, 49% come from the state and just 3% come from other sources. When looking at expenses, 52% consist of salaries, 26% are from benefits, 15% are purchased services and 7% are other sources.
With this background, Plageman offered projections through 2031. Across the next five years, the district is projected to take in (in rounded numbers) $30 million in 2027, $30.4 million in 2028, $30.5 million in 2029 and again in 2030, and $29.2 million in 2031. During that same period, expenses are estimated to be $27.9 million in 2027, $29 million in 2028, $30.4 million in 2029, $31.7 million in 2030, and $33.2 million in 2031.
This means that the district will be operating with a surplus for two years, which will quickly turn into a deficit by 2031.
Plageman also updated the board on recent and pending state legislation that could impact these projects.
“There is an uncertainty at the state level,” Plageman said.
She also reviewed the cash balances for each of the years in the forecast and said “the district will be pretty close to a negative cash balance in 2031.”
With no questions or comments from the board, Ribelin offered the superintendent's report, where he shared that the “custodial staff is on schedule for the building changes.”
Seman next spoke about Maplewood. She said that they are increasing their offerings in welding, fire and EMT classes. She spoke about the popularity of the current welding classes as she said “this year, 70 students applied, but there was only room for 25.”
Next, Plageman took the microphone again to offer up her consent agenda. It consisted of the meeting minutes from the June business meeting and two July special meetings. Also on the agenda were donations. There were several POs to approve payment on and fund request transfers, as well as the establishment of new student club accounts because of the move of 7th and 8th graders to the high school building. These items were approved unanimously and without comment.
The board next took up several resolutions that had to do with the financial forecast, the fiscal officer certificate and appropriations for the coming school year. Each resolution was approved by the full board.
Also approved was a resolution to renew the contract with Full Spectrum Marketing for PR services. Other unanimously approved resolutions covered the student wellness and success plan and service agreements with ESC and Children’s Hospital and Medical Center of Akron.
Marla Boltz won unanimous approval to be a math tutor. William Calhoun’s contract to be an ISR Monitor was approved by the board, with Pamela Nation Calhoun abstaining from the vote.
The board also unanimously approved the renaming of district buildings. Brown Middle School will now be known as Brown Intermediate School and Ravenna High School will be now called Ravenna Junior/Senior High School.
Ribelin asked the board to approve the administrative salary index. He reminded the board that “the other three units were already approved.” This request passed unanimously and without comment.
Ribelin then put forward his consent agenda, which consisted of resignations, retirements, volunteer placements and hirings. This was approved by every board member. The board also approved a number of supplemental sports contracts for the year for coaches, managers and athletic workers.
William Calhoun was offered a contract to be an assistant football coach. It was approved by the board, with Pamela Nation Calhoun abstaining from the vote.
Seman then offered a list of important dates. Aug. 12 will be the Back to School BASH, Aug. 17 is Convocation Day, Aug. 18 is staff professional development, Aug. 19 is staff preparation and Aug. 20 is the first day for students in grades 1-9, while students in grade 10-12 will have their first day on Aug. 21. There will be a professional development day on Aug. 28 and the board will meet again on Aug. 31.
With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned for an executive session at 5:40 p.m.