Advisory Board Approves Hybrid Ratification Vote & Welcomes New Treasurer
The EEA Advisory Board met this evening and took action on several important items affecting our Association.
Hybrid Voting Approved for June 25 Ratification Vote
The Advisory Board approved the use of a hybrid voting system for the Tentative Agreement Ratification Vote on Thursday, June 25.
Members will have the option to vote:
- Online through the secure Simply Voting platform, or
- In person during the scheduled voting hours.
This approach provides members with greater flexibility while ensuring a secure, confidential, and accessible voting process.
Please watch your personal email for important voting information. Tomorrow or Wednesday, members will receive an email from Simply Voting containing their unique Elector ID and Password, along with instructions for casting their ballot online. Members planning to vote in person should also review the information in that email.
Welcome, Victoria Caldwell!
The Advisory Board unanimously confirmed Victoria Caldwell as the Association’s new EEA Treasurer following the resignation of Paul Kothe, who recently stepped down from the position.
Victoria will serve the remainder of Paul’s term, which extends through the 2026–2027 school year.
We appreciate Victoria’s willingness to step into this important leadership role and look forward to working with her as she begins her service to the Association.
At the same time, we extend our sincere thanks to Paul Kothe for his dedicated service as Treasurer. His commitment to EEA and its members is greatly appreciated, and we wish him all the best.
Treasurer Audit Scheduled
As part of the transition between treasurers and in accordance with EEA governance practices and OEA recommendations, a subcommittee of the Advisory Board will conduct the Association’s Treasurer Audit on Wednesday, June 24.
The committee will review and reconcile the Association’s financial records to ensure an accurate transition of financial responsibilities. We appreciate the Advisory Board members who volunteered to assist with this important work and thank OEA Labor Relations Consultant Linda Repko for providing guidance throughout the audit process.
Thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer their time and leadership in support of the Elyria Education Association. Together, we continue to strengthen our Association and serve our members with transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
EEA Bowling Social Brings Members Together at Cookies 10 Pin
The Elyria Education Association wrapped up the school year with strikes, spares, laughter, and plenty of team spirit during the EEA Bowling Social held Friday, May 22nd at Cookies 10 Pin.
The event brought together EEA members from across the district for an evening focused on connection, camaraderie, and celebrating another successful school year. Members enjoyed bowling, food, raffles, and the opportunity to unwind together outside of the classroom before the start of summer break. As Sophia shared afterward, “This was a fun way to relax and have fun! I enjoyed talking and hanging out with everyone. Plus the food was great!”
Thank you to all of the teams who came out and showed incredible enthusiasm and team spirit throughout the evening. Congratulations to the “EHS Ballers” for taking home the championship title, and a special shoutout to Brian Burge for bowling the high game of the night with an impressive 181!
Beyond the competition on the lanes, the evening highlighted what makes the EEA strong: the relationships and sense of community among members. Jenn Smith reflected on the importance of spending time together outside of work, saying, “One of the reasons we love our jobs is the people we work with and this was a great way to spend time with them in a relaxing atmosphere! I haven’t laughed that hard in quite awhile!”
That feeling of connection was echoed by many attendees throughout the night. “We had a great time! They really made it feel like a community!” Hannah shared following the event.
The event also served a greater purpose beyond fellowship and fun. Through raffle donations and member participation, the EEA raised over $200 for the OEA Fund, helping support advocacy efforts for public education and educators across Ohio.
Social events like these continue to strengthen relationships across buildings and departments while creating opportunities for members to connect in meaningful ways outside of the school day. As Mel noted, “These are great times together and these times are how we grow as a union and as colleagues.”
The EEA would also like to thank everyone who helped organize and support the event, as well as Cookies 10 Pin for hosting us.
As the school year comes to a close, we hope all EEA members have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer break. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities for members to connect during the 2026–2027 school year!
EEA Honors Two Outstanding Seniors with 2026 Scholarships
On Thursday evening, May 21, 2026, the Elyria Education Association proudly recognized two exceptional Elyria High School seniors during the Elyria High School Community Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The EEA awarded two $750 scholarships to students whose future plans reflect a deep commitment to serving and supporting young people through education-related careers.
This year’s recipients were Emma McLaughlin and Emily Harding, both of whom demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, compassion, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of students.
Emma McLaughlin plans to attend Cleveland State University to study Integrated Social Studies Education for grades 7–12. In her scholarship essay, Emma shared her desire to return to Elyria City Schools as an educator and give back to the community that helped shape her. Inspired by her mother, an Elyria High School English teacher, Emma wrote about the importance of building strong relationships with students and continuing to grow as an educator throughout one’s career.
Emily Harding will attend Bowling Green State University, where she plans to major in Exercise Science with a focus on physical therapy and athletic training. Emily hopes to eventually become a school physical therapist, combining her passion for working with children with her interest in health and wellness. In her essay, Emily reflected on how her experiences in gymnastics, coaching young athletes, and recovering from injuries helped shape her goal of supporting students both physically and emotionally within a school setting.
The Elyria Education Association is proud to support students who embody the values of education, service, perseverance, and community. Congratulations to Emma and Emily on this well-deserved recognition, and best wishes as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
EEA Board of Education Meeting Update – May 20, 2026
The Elyria Board of Education met on May 20, 2026. President Elaine Seguin was not in attendance. Below are several items of importance for EEA members. Information was taken from the Board agenda and Treasurer’s report.
Treasurer’s Financial Update & Levy Discussion
Treasurer Colleen Aholt presented a brief May Forecast Update and levy discussion during the meeting.
According to the Treasurer, the district has made approximately $9.4 million in reductions overall, including:
- $8.3 million in personnel reductions
- $562,000 in transportation cuts
- $100,000 in crossing guard reductions
- $150,000 in district software reductions
The Treasurer also recommended that the Board place an 8.9 mill levy on the November 2026 ballot.
Proposed Levy Timeline
To place the levy on the November ballot:
- The Board would need to approve an initial resolution at the June 10, 2026 Board meeting
- A second resolution would need to be approved in July
- Final certification would occur in August
Estimated Cost to Residents
The proposed levy would cost approximately:
- $311 annually for a home valued at $100,000
EEA will continue monitoring discussions surrounding district finances, staffing impacts, and levy planning.
RIF’d Members Recalled
The Board approved the recall of 5 previously RIF’d members due to staff resignations.
The following staff members were listed in the agenda materials:
- Angela Caprara – Grade 5/6 Science Teacher, Northwood Middle
- Lisa Pack – Intervention Specialist M/I, Westwood Elementary
- Maclain Martin – Intervention Specialist M/M, Northwood Elementary
- Meryl Smith (Kannenberg) – Intervention Specialist M/I, Eastern Heights Elementary
- Cody Rodgers – Grade 7/8 STEAM/PLTW, Eastern Heights Middle
Continuing Contracts Approved for Certified Staff
The Board approved continuing contracts for certified staff effective August 19, 2026.
The following staff members were listed in the agenda materials:
- Mary Bailey
- Chloe Harigan
- April Serfozo
- Daniel Blatt
- Lauren Broschk
- Courtney Jones
- Julie Mallcott
- Sarah Shell
- Carissa Silva
- Leah Buzzelli
- Ariana Miller
- Courtney Stoll
- Sarah Crosby
- Natalie Perfette
- Amanda Turza
- Sophia Del Valle
- Sarah Robinson
- Lindsey Voros
- Rachael Dorsey (Jandziszak)
- Alexandra Rutherford
- James “Matt” Wilson
- Kasie Geschke
- Lisa Schen
Congratulations to these educators on earning continuing contract status!
Additional Personnel & Board Items
Additional agenda items included:
- Certified and classified staffing recommendations
- Summer and ESY staffing approvals
- Supplemental contracts and stipends
- Transportation and student services contracts
- Policy updates related to absenteeism, workplace policy, and overdose reversal procurement
EEA will continue to keep members informed as additional information becomes available regarding district finances, staffing, and levy discussions.
EEA Delegates Represent Members at the 2026 OEA Spring Representative Assembly
EEA delegates Linda Aguiñaga, Victoria Caldwell, and Michele VroomanKennett represented the Elyria Education Association at the 2026 Ohio Education Association Spring Representative Assembly (RA) this past weekend.
The annual RA brings together educators from across Ohio to discuss union business, establish organizational priorities, and vote on resolutions and new business items that help shape the future direction of OEA.
During the Assembly, delegates heard from Ohio’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Christopher Monsour, who shared remarks centered on public education, educator leadership, and the importance of supporting students across Ohio. Members can learn more about the Ohio Teacher of the Year program here:
Ohio Teacher of the Year Program
Delegates also heard from Democratic nominee, Amy Acton, who discussed the importance of public education advocacy and the upcoming November election. OEA has officially endorsed Acton in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race.
EEA President Linda Aguiñaga was recognized during the Assembly with the OEA Fund Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding commitment to public education advocacy and political action efforts on behalf of educators and students.
This year’s Assembly included discussion and voting on multiple New Business Items, with delegates ultimately passing 7 of 9 proposals. One item of particular importance will establish an OEA member-driven English Learners Workgroup focused on addressing workload and caseload concerns, legislative priorities, and potential model contract language to better support educators working with English Learners across Ohio.
For first-time delegate Michele VroomanKennett, the experience provided an opportunity to engage directly in statewide union advocacy and collaboration with educators from across Ohio.
EEA appreciates Linda, Victoria, and Michele for representing our members and ensuring Elyria educators had a voice in important statewide discussions impacting public education.
Elyria Board of Education Takes Stand for Fair School Funding
Elyria Board of Education Takes Stand for Fair School Funding
At the February 4, 2026 Elyria City Schools Board of Education meeting, EEA President Linda Aguiñaga stood before the Board and made a clear, urgent ask: stand with educators, students, and the community by advocating for fair and fully funded public schools.
On May 6, 2026, the Board answered that call.
The Elyria City Schools Board of Education unanimously adopted a Resolution in Support of the Fair School Funding Plan, formally affirming what educators and our community have been saying all along—Elyria’s financial challenges are not the result of local decisions, but of a state funding system that has failed to keep pace with the real cost of educating students. Continue reading Elyria Board of Education Takes Stand for Fair School Funding
EEA Budget Committee Update
The EEA Budget Committee met on April 28 at Hamilton Elementary to review current expenditures and develop a draft budget for the 2026–2027 school year. This work comes at a particularly challenging time, as the association is preparing for a projected loss of approximately 31 members due to reductions in force (RIFs), which will significantly impact overall revenue.
In response, the committee has taken a careful and conservative approach to budgeting. The draft budget reflects a number of cost-saving measures designed to maintain core union functions while adjusting to reduced membership. These include reductions in officer compensation and mileage, scaling back member training allocations, and eliminating or reducing several discretionary spending areas.
Additionally, the committee identified opportunities to shift certain expenses away from the general fund by utilizing grant funding and alternative sources. Items such as scholarships, new teacher orientation supplies, and member engagement events may be supported through OEA Local Capacity or Local Development Grants, donations, or other external funding. Some expenses—such as apparel and charitable contributions—have been paused or removed from the draft budget for the upcoming year.
The committee also discussed maintaining essential operations, including arbitration reserves, communication costs, and officer training, while exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce overhead where possible.
👉 The draft 2026–2027 EEA budget will be presented to the Advisory Committee on May 11. All members who are interested in reviewing the proposed budget and providing feedback are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Your input is especially important this year as we navigate financial adjustments while continuing to support members and uphold the work of the association.
Please reach out to an EEA officer if you have any questions in advance of the meeting.
EEA Insurance Committee Update
The Insurance Committee met on April 28 to review the current state of our health plans and begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year. Overall, the committee examined financial trends, upcoming rate adjustments, and new wellness initiatives that may impact members.
From a financial standpoint, the medical plan reported a loss ratio of 93% for the February 2025 through January 2026 period, with total net claims nearing $6.8 million. Dental claims exceeded expected levels with a 116% loss ratio, while vision remained closer to target at 98%. The reserve fund continues to be a concern, with a current balance of approximately negative $1.73 million after required margins are applied.
Looking ahead, the committee approved a 10% increase to medical and prescription plans for the 2026–2027 plan year. Based on current estimates, this would result in a monthly increase of about $15.76 for single coverage and $39.27 for family coverage. The committee also reviewed proposals for stop-loss coverage as part of ongoing efforts to manage risk and control large claim exposure.
Several updates were shared related to wellness and benefits. The committee is exploring biometric screenings through BeWell Solutions for Fall 2026, potentially scheduled around opening day or a professional development day. Additionally, Delta Dental has expanded coverage to include pulp caps (once per tooth per lifetime), effective January 1, 2026. Members who complete a preventive care visit between June 1, 2025, and May 15, 2026, will also be entered into a raffle for an Apple Watch or other fitness trackers, with the drawing scheduled for May 22.
Medical Mutual continues to expand its digital tools, including updates to the mobile app and “My Health Plan” portal. New features allow members to track prior authorizations, claims, and healthcare expenses more easily. There is also an ongoing push to encourage members to switch to paperless Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for added security and convenience.
Finally, the committee reviewed utilization data and health trends. While overall costs per member decreased by 12.3%, usage of MRI and CT scans remains higher than expected benchmarks. A relatively small group—97 members—accounts for over half of total claims costs. The most common chronic conditions among members continue to be high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and asthma.
👉 Members are strongly encouraged to review the full report for complete details and context here.
The next Insurance Committee meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026. As always, please reach out to an EEA representative with any questions.
April 22 Board Meeting & Reduction in Force
At tonight’s Elyria City Schools Board of Education meeting, the Board formally approved a Reduction in Force (RIF) impacting 31 EEA educator positions, as outlined in the official agenda.
This decision marks a significant and deeply felt loss for our district.
The Impact on Our Schools
These are not just positions being eliminated—these are educators who have built relationships with students, supported families, and contributed to the strength of our school community.
The loss of 31 educators will have immediate and lasting effects across the district, including:
- Larger class sizes
- Increased workload for remaining staff
- Reduced support for students, particularly those with the greatest needs
Decisions like this do not happen in isolation. They shape the daily experiences of both students and educators and impact the overall quality of education in Elyria.
Standing with Our Members
We stand in solidarity with the educators affected by this decision.
Your work matters.
Your relationships with students matter.
The difference you have made in this district matters.
While tonight’s action may not reflect that value, our union and our community recognize the lasting impact you have had—and will continue to have.
President Linda Aguiñaga’s Address
EEA President Linda Aguiñaga addressed the Board on behalf of nearly 500 educators, speaking to the seriousness of this moment and its impact on the district.
She shared:
“Our members are not interchangeable positions or mere placeholders. They are the adults who students rely on for consistency, support, and connection. When those positions are eliminated, the impact is immediate and lasting—larger class sizes, increased demands on remaining staff, and fewer supports for students who need them most.”
She also emphasized the broader concern:
“Increasing demands while reducing and eliminating support is not a recipe for success.”
Looking Ahead
The Elyria Education Association remains committed to advocating for:
- Strong learning conditions for students
- Sustainable working conditions for educators
- The long-term strength and stability of our schools
Tonight’s decision is difficult, and its impact will be felt across our district. As we move forward, we will continue to stand together in support of our members and the students we serve.