School Board Meeting: Superintendent Contract, Cell Phone Policy, Holiday Honors

STOW, Ohio – The Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools Board of Education’s Dec. 15, 2025 meeting at Stow City Hall blended celebration, policy changes, and sharp disagreement, as board members approved a two-year contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Felisha Gould, advanced a stricter student cell phone policy, and recognized staff and students from across the district.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. with roll call for board members Antoinette East-Jenkins, Tina Merlitti, Mike Sheehan, Kari Suhadolnik, and Board President Pamela Wind.

Before the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made to table the superintendent contract amendment until January, after new members are sworn in. With no second, that motion failed, and the board proceeded with the agenda.

Superintendent Contract Sparks Divided Reactions

The most closely watched item on the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting agenda was the superintendent contract amendment. The board ultimately voted 4–1 to add two years to Dr. Gould’s original three-year contract and modestly increase her compensation, extending her tenure through 2029.

Wind used her board comment time to defend both the timing and substance of the amendment. She said the move was based on more than a year of close work with Gould, including multiple goal-focused check-ins in fall 2024, April 2025, and July 2025.

Wind outlined the financial details publicly:

Annual raises increased from roughly 2.5–2.75% to 3%, in line with other district staff.
Gould’s annuity was increased from $5,000 to $10,000, matching what the prior superintendent received.
Total additional compensation is about $6,000 per year, according to Wind.

She framed the extension as a stability measure at a time when the district is again facing a treasurer transition. Wind argued it was “absolutely essential” to provide consistent leadership for staff, students, and the community, especially as a new treasurer is sought and school funding pressures continue.

Board member Mike Sheehan cast the lone “no” vote and sharply criticized the process. He said he first saw the contract amendment on the posted agenda on Dec. 11 and argued the current board should have waited until the Jan. 5, 2026 organizational meeting, when newly elected members will be seated.

Sheehan called the move a “power play” and “deceitful,” saying it effectively ties the hands of the incoming board for the duration of Gould’s extended term. He also questioned why required performance evaluations were not in Gould’s personnel file, despite other board members saying the July 21, 2025 review document exists and should be filed.

The exchange between Wind and Sheehan grew tense, with disagreement over whether Sheehan had excluded himself by skipping earlier executive sessions where Gould’s evaluation and contract were discussed.

Public Comment: Support, Opposition, and Allegations of Bias

During the agenda-specific public comment period, several residents took turns weighing in on the superintendent contract and the timing of the vote.

Supporting the extension

Several speakers urged the board to move forward with the amendment, praising Gould’s leadership, visibility in school buildings, and the "Heart of the Bulldog" initiative. Supporters argued that consistent leadership is crucial amid uncertain school funding and credited Gould with helping the district earn a four-star Ohio report card rating. Some speakers also emphasized the importance of representation and diverse leadership for students, while others criticized what they described as personal attacks and doxxing of board members.

Opposing the timing and process

Other residents asked the board to delay any contract amendment until the new board is seated in January. Critics argued that extending the contract now undermines the voice of voters who just elected new board members and could erode community trust regarding future levy requests. Some speakers expressed concern that the superintendent does not live in the district, while others raised concerns about pending lawsuits, district credit card spending, and delays in paying utility bills.

Cell Phone Policy Tightened to Comply With State Law

Another major piece of the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting was a discussion and action tied to NEOLA Policy 5136 – Personal Communication Devices. The board voted to waive the usual three readings and adopt an updated policy so new procedures can start in January, in alignment with House Bill 250.

Superintendent Gould presented the background, noting that the district has been discussing cell phone limits since early 2025 and that a community survey drew more than 600 responses.

K–8 rules (no change)

For elementary, intermediate, and middle schools, students may not use cell phones during the school day. Phones must be off and stored in lockers or backpacks. Medical exceptions are allowed with prior documentation.

High school changes: “If you didn’t stow it, don’t show it.”

At Stow-Munroe Falls High School, new procedures apply to hallways, study halls, classrooms, restrooms, offices, and all transitions. From 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., all cell phones, earbuds, headphones, AI glasses, and similar personal devices must be silenced and stored in a backpack or locker. Devices may not be used or visible during class exchanges, restroom breaks, or lunch.

Augmented reality eyewear banned

The updated policy specifically addresses augmented reality/AI eyewear, which can take pictures, record, and answer queries. These devices will not be permitted on campus due to concerns about academic integrity and test security.

Gould outlined a stepped discipline ladder for violations, ranging from device collection and parent notification for a first offense to in-school restriction and parent pickup for a third offense. The board acknowledged it could revisit or adjust the policy in the future if needed.

Bulldog Center Stage and Holiday Card Winners Honored

The meeting also spotlighted positive stories from across the district. Under the Bulldog Center Stage program, Gould and Mr. Mike Love recognized December honorees for their contributions:

Heather Berthal, Lakeview Intermediate school psychologist
Katrina Burrell, principal at Fishcreek Elementary
Mike Farmer, custodian at Indian Trail
Bob Fiser, bus driver
Adam Harter, SMFHS math teacher
Natalie Harris, Kempton Middle School special education
Linda Kelly, Riverview kitchen manager
Jen McGovern, Highland Elementary fourth grade teacher
Hope Maseno, nutrition team/kitchen driver data tech
Gail Simcock, Echo Hills special education assistant
Brianna Simpkins, Woodland Elementary PE teacher

The district also celebrated its Inaugural Holiday Card Contest:

First Place: Farrah Staats
Second Place: Ayanna Kroom
Third Place: Ivy Scheatzle

Additionally, the board recognized Rob Manges, Head Bus Mechanic, as a 2026 OhioRISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) nomination award winner for his dedication and technical skill during a challenging year in transportation.

December 29 Special Meeting: Treasurer/CFO Contract Addendum

The board briefly reconvened on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, for a special meeting at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education office. All five members were present.

The board turned to a single item of new business: a Resolution Approving Addendum to Treasurer/CFO’s Employment Contract for Patrick Goclano, whose original agreement began Aug. 1, 2023. The addendum modifies the contract concerning compensation following Goclano’s resignation and adds a release of claims.

Discussion at the table clarified that the first two years of the treasurer’s annuity are treated as vested and paid, while the third year, which has not been fully vested, must be repaid to the district. The amount to be repaid was stated as $55,253.14, with a 12-month window for repayment. The board approved the resolution on a unanimous 5–0 roll call vote.

Other Business: Field Trip, Interim Treasurer, and More

Additional actions at the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting included:

Extended field trip approval: Approximately five High School Culinary Arts students and two chaperones will travel to the Delaware County Fairgrounds for a competition on March 9–10, 2026. All expenses are paid through fundraising.
Interim Treasurer: The board approved the appointment of Laura Molnar as interim treasurer.
CCW Authorization: The board gave Munroe Falls Police Officer Calvin Edwardson written authorization to carry a firearm and necessary equipment within the school while off duty.
Gifts: The board accepted donations from Ryan Cortright ($20), Victoria and Douglas Norton ($1,500), the Rericha Family ($15), and Young’s Screenprinting ($3,308).
Organizational Meeting: The board set Jan. 5, 2026, as the date for its organizational meeting and appointed Tina Merlitti as president pro tem to preside until officers are elected.