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