The Medina City Council members and the Medina City School’s Board of Education held a joint meeting on December 5. The focus of the discussion was in regard to the collaborative efforts that have taken place and potential future considerations. The city and school district have entered into a number of partnerships that have resulted in significant cost savings for both. Following are some of these collaborative efforts: a land swap arrangement for the property on which Northrop Elementary is located, the rental of the Bowman House from the City, shared sports fields and upkeep of the fields, an exchange of district technology support to the City for School Resource Officers, shared copier contract, shared computer diagnostic programs and mechanics tools, joint purchase of salt, shared responsibility for the cost of custodial, maintenance and utility expenses for the Medina Community Recreation Center. The collaborative efforts also include shared services such as additional police coverage at the start-up of school each fall, consultation on Human Resources and Employee and Insurance issues by the district, the city’s Service Department and the district’s Maintenance Department work closely with each other sharing resources and consulting with one another.

Both City Council members and the School Board discussed future collaborative efforts that should be considered to provide additional cost savings and efficiencies. There was also discussion in regard to researching collaborative efforts with other community entities throughout the county.