“Thirty-five is the new 15,” said Melina Shultz, a fifth grader from Lexington at this week’s monthly board of education meeting. Shultz was invited to present her concerns for the current recess temperature threshold, which she believes is too cold.
She believes the temperature threshold should be 35 degrees Fahrenheit because, as it stands, 15 degrees is “just too cold.” Dressed in business attire, and carrying note cards, a poster board, informational packets, and yellow wristbands, Shultz delivered an impressive professional and persuasive presentation.
Shultz has pursued the issue since she was in second grade, when she started by writing a letter to Mike Ziegelhofer, the superintendent. She then persisted by creating a petition, which has received 124 signatures to date.
Then, she took it up with State Representative Mark Romanchuk. Romanchuk subsequently recommended that she present her information to the board of education. Now in fifth grade, she seems determined to change this policy.
Yellow wristbands fashioned with “35 is the new 15” in purple letters were made for board members to wear. Every board member was wearing one by the end of her presentation.
President Bob Whitney said with a smile, “Are you willing to settle at 17?”
To which Shultz replied, “I am willing to negotiate, but not at 17 degrees.”
After a brief roar of laughter and smiles, board member Jeff Heck said, “Thank you for the presentation, Melina. I recommend getting involved with student government when you’re older because I think you would be very helpful to the district.”
The board agreed to take her information and presentation into consideration. They also assured Shultz they would be getting into contact with her in the near future.
Another presentation was given to the board, this one by representatives from Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC). The presentation highlighted the services that Lexington’s special needs youth receive. It also aimed at answering questions regarding last year’s invoice.
Last May, the district received an invoice that increased 38 percent from the previous year. Since then, the board has been seeking information regarding the increase.
Addressing the representative from MOESC, Heck said, “We are very appreciative of the services you all provide, and know we have a certain obligation to continue to provide these services through you. We were just concerned with the 38 percent increase from last year’s bill.”
After discussion and questioning, the board agreed they would pay the 2012 invoice. “The MOESC representatives did a good job at answering the boards questions,” said Ziegelhofer.
Jeff Heck said, “Thank you for the presentation, Melina. I recommend getting involved with student government when you’re older because I think you would be very helpful to the district.”
