Community speaks out on mental health and religious academy
by Sheldon Ocker
June 25 board of education meeting
The Revere board of education welcomed three new administrators, two who are replacing outgoing building personnel and one who is filling a new position.
Tiffany George will work under a two-year contract beginning Aug. 1 as assistant principal at Revere High School, replacing Doug Faris, who was promoted to principal. George comes to Revere from Summit Academy Schools, where she was a principal. She also has a background in special education and curriculum.
Tara Kieser has a two-year contract to serve as principal of Richfield Elementary starting on Aug. 1. She replaces Anthony Stretar, who is the new superintendent of Black River Schools. Kieser’s most recent post was as assistant principal and preschool director at Ellsworth Hill Elementary in Hudson. She also has worked as an intervention specialist and coordinator in the Independence School District.
Working under a two-year contract, Sarah Cutright will become Revere’s first district student services coordinator, beginning on Aug. 1. Most recently, Cutright was dean of students at Copley High School. Before that, she was an intervention specialist in the Lake School District.
The community speaks
During the public speaking segment of the meeting, student Lila Evans addressed the board about what she said is a scarcity of resources devoted to teen mental health issues, particularly in the middle school, which she attends.
She said that certain stressful events in her life – like being in a shooting – have been difficult to deal with. “One of five teens struggle with some type of mental health disorder in middle school,” she said.
Former Revere Middle School health teacher Kory Rorabaugh said young girls are reluctant to speak with male teachers and guidance counselors when facing emotional issues. “Currently, there is not one female in our district that is a physical education teacher or health teacher,” she said.
Two residents spoke in opposition to the board’s release-for-religious-training policy.
Kathryn Miller said she is asking the board to rescind the policy that allows students to skip class to attend religious instruction (beginning in the 2024-25 school year).
“Currently, parents can get excused absences for their children for religious reasons and religious holidays. …” she said. “There is no reason to allow an organization [Lifewise Academy] to bring extreme Christianity into the public-school day. With so many churches in the area, virtual services are easily accessible.”
Dr. Jeff Archinal said the policy “needs to be revoked so it can be discussed with the whole community from a clean slate.”
Archinal said the board and Tefs did not do their homework before approving the policy. “Dr. Tefs was approached by Lifewise supporters but made no honest effort to gather opposing viewpoints and craft a policy.”
Freshman high achiever
The board recognized Finn Keenan, the only high school freshman in Ohio to qualify for the Division I state tennis tournament.
“I got an opportunity to watch a freshman represent the district in the state tournament,” said Superintendent Michael Tefs. “Per usual with Revere, he’s not only a special athlete but a really, really great student.”
Keenan was first team All-Suburban League and the second seed at the state tourney.
Donations
The district accepted more than $30,000 in contributions for the month.
Revere Schools Foundation donated $8,000 to the Revere High-Revere Schools Foundation Scholarships, and Apple Growth Partners LLC gave $500 to the Revere High-Apple Growth Scholarship.
Lucyll Loper contributed $400 and Jeffrey Talbot contributed $100 to the Revere High-Lisa Loper Scholarship; Protein Partner of Ohio LLC and Chloe Bair each gave $500 to the Revere High-Lisa Loper Scholarship.
Akron Community Foundation donated $20,000 to the Revere Schools-Jack Wilson Fund for Mental Health, and Antony Modarressian gave $500 to Bath Elementary to be distributed at the discretion of the principal. ∞