001Call me in order. Please rise and pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you. We have a roll call. Wonder Gem >> here, >> Hibborn >> here, >> Dan >> here, >> Guardian here, Vanak here, Steph >> here, >> Campbell >> here, all present. >> All right. Thank you very much. Um, as a courtesy to the members of the audience, the board of education, please silence your cell phone. Public will only be able to speak during public comment if signed up. Do we have any, Mr. Merkel? >> All right. Thank you very much. Um, first item, approval of the agenda. Can I get a motion? >>
002So moved. >> Support. >> All those in favor? Yes. Opposed? Motion passes. Second item, uh, East Elementary presentation is on the list. Uh, they cannot make it tonight. Uh, so we will they will come back at a later date um and do their presentation at that point. So we will reschedule them when they are available. Um, item number three, uh, consent action agenda. Can I get a motion? So >> all those in favor? Yes. >> Opposed? Motion passes. Regular action agenda 4A uh 31A opt-in resolution. It is recommended the board of education adopt the 31A opt-in resolution subject to recision as written with the advice from Truman uh law firm for our school council. Can I get a motion? >> So move >> support. >> Sure. So this is uh where where we're at now.
003As you can see with this resolution, uh it was decided that um that both sides agreed instead of having um you know going through the injunction and so on process uh at through the courts that they would allow for an optin resolution that gave you the opportunity later on to resend uh should the district uh want to do that. this case is is being heard both uh at the state level and the federal level. So there really are two >> two different uh cases there. Um and both have agreed uh both um benches have agreed that they will have a decision no later than the end of the day December 19th. So by doing this it gives people the opportunity to opt in uh at this time before the the date that's coming up December
0044 and then should uh you know if if the either the state or the federal uh determines that this is unconstitutional then we don't have as a district don't have to do anything. we're just we're already in. If neither the state or the federal uh side in our favor, uh then this will be rescended may be rescended should we choose to have it rescended. So, um so that's where we're at. I'm hearing a lot of um a lot of positive. I think they're going to be able to work through this. I think uh we'll [cough] have a decision that'll be in our favor. Um I think if if it's you know there aren't witnesses or anything, so it's just is it unconstitutional or isn't it? It should be pretty easy for both the state and
005the federal to make a determination. >> Um and uh because they don't have to go through that lengthy [snorts] process. Um I'm also hearing that the state won't appeal if it doesn't go work out in their favor. So um a lot of good signs I think involved uh in it. I'm glad that they were able to understand that we were in a very tough position as school districts uh you know under a time crunch. And so this helps us kick that can down the road for a little while while this is figured out. So any questions? So they'll there will not even be arguments on both sides by lawyers. >> They they have attorneys and they they have you know they as always they state their position. Uh but they won't have to call anybody
006anything like that. It's just it's really you know is it constitutional or unconstitutional or not. So, the state of Michigan is I mean I don't know who is the governor or whoever decides that they're in favor of it then it's it's in it's in the courts. >> Yeah, I know. But who's arguing >> who's the who are the plaintiffs? >> Yeah, I'm not sure. >> The attorney general would have to >> Yeah, I'm I'm pretty sure. Yeah, it's Dana Nestle and and on our side it's Miller Canfield. We have uh a constitutional lawyer um that is uh working for the you'll recall the ISD superintendent filed this >> um so working on their behalf and MASA I know >> had something to do with the connection to >> um there but it's Miller Canfield is
007the law firm that's that's representing the school Right. The MD was also indeed said that the MD was not filing a brief in court. >> Yeah. >> Um one way or the other weren't filing anything. They were just saying, "Y'all figure it out." It's mostly between the attorney general of the state and the attorney for the ISTD superintendent. So, and I'm not sure at the federal level it's still Miller Canfield for us. Same attorney. I don't >> I don't know. >> It'd probably still be the attorney general. >> Probably be the attorney general, I'd imagine. But I don't know how all that's shaking out. So, >> haven't heard a lot about that. >> So, my question I do have some questions here, R. So, okay. So the state passed a law that it was I
008mean it was tied into the funding still a law. It's determined whether or not it's constitutional or unconstitutional. And but what I don't understand is how this optin if we sign if if we opt in how this allows us to opt out. So is there a So there was actually a court ruling that said this can be this can this can be an option. >> Yeah, there was an agreement between the two sides and the court system that this this could happen. And uh legal firms were allowed to draw up resolutions based on what that determination was from because the court is ultimately the court >> the courts >> yeah got them together and said hey we need we need to fix this. I mean we need we need time for them in either that
009or let's ar you know you're going to argue the injunction here and it's going to be an injunction or not an injunction. why are you putting, you know, why are you putting the school systems in that situation with this time crunch? So, this was uh a way for everyone to work together to make sure this wasn't a uh a a problem before this case was even heard. So, >> okay, >> it gives them >> the December 4 date was the date that the MDE said was the last possible date they can accept optins and then be able to negotiate and navigate >> the funding spread out for everybody by the 30th. So, they had to have a opt-in date of the 4th. They knew they weren't going to have hear arguments or hear the briefings
010or be able to get a decision until the 19th. And so they said because we don't know what the result of the case is going to be they agreed to the 30th deadline to resend because what we're agreeing to now is we believe that it's going to be that it's going to be unconstitutional if it is constitutional it changes what we're signing up for. >> Got it. >> Okay. >> So they agreed from the 30th to be the date where we can say we're out. >> It's kind of our lemon law, right? So if we don't get any money out in our state aid payment, then they're in violation of statute. So that's the other reason why >> the MDE was like, "Yeah, we the latest we can give districts to opt in is the
011fourth cuz we need to make sure that we pass that money out >> so that they're not." [snorts] >> The recommendation is [clears throat] we opt in or let's say it's unconstitutional. Um, a lot of the the legal advice is to take the money to not spend it and let this all hash out. And and if you haven't spent the money, um they believe from a legal side of things, you can't you can't lose you you you opted into this resolution, but you can't if if you spent that money, then yeah, you made that agreement. But if you didn't spend that money, then they believe that there's a really good chance that you could give the money back. >> So just accepting the money does not hold you to that. >> And this resolution says
012that too. It's very clear about that. >> Is that doable as far as like budgeting like that's not going to be something that's make or break our budget, right? So >> um it's not good. >> It's not good. I mean, it's not I mean I don't really have any update from the last meeting, but I'll show you I can show you this again so you can see. >> I mean, it's about a $620,000 difference for us. >> That's crazy. >> Is that just in like a general bucket? I mean, or is it >> that specific security? >> When would be the [clears throat] first payment of that $600,000 that would then say, "Okay, now you've spent the money. Now you're on the hook for it." Right? When when is our first outlay of that cash?
013>> Well, we we would have >> we would hold it >> because that's really what you're saying is if as soon as we spend it, right? Because if we have to spend it come February 1st, we're starting to pay for things. >> Yeah. then we're kind of we're kind of >> I think you would want to spend it as far down the road as possible until this all this shakes out cuz I have a feeling >> I have a feeling if this doesn't go in our favor there will be an appeal and and both state and federal and I think it's going to keep going. Now hopefully they would still play nice together and you know give us some kind of resolution like this again but um I I know from a legal standpoint we've
014asked a lot of questions and they said yeah you'd want to hold that money as long as you can uh until this this shakes out >> we're already covering staff it's just not with those funds right like >> so >> you just have to move things around and make it work okay >> we make it sound easy for you. Oh, you just have to move. [laughter] >> We know this is structural. >> It's just numbers. Yeah. Exactly. >> So, okay. Let's So, let's say it goes in our favor. >> Is there any discussion that you're hearing in Lancing that they're going to revise it to some way pigeon hole, you know, the mass casualty event? Well, the thing the thing that we're hoping [clears throat] for and from our council side is they define what
015that is. >> That's what I mean. >> Yeah. That they define what that that is and that they don't take our constitutional right away of attorney client privilege. Um I don't think anybody, as I mentioned before, is opposed to a parallel investigation for information to help learn from those types of situations. heaven forbid they occur again. Um, but at the same time, you know, no one gives up their attorney client privilege. That's that's unheard of. >> Okay. >> And that's our stance, >> right? >> And we can Yeah. I could not recommend >> Yeah. at this based on what I know right now. I could not recommend we take that money. We we check that box without this kind of thing. I would be telling you [clears throat] not to do it. So if if
016we're not if the the lawsuit is not successful, right, and we [clears throat] have that deadline, stipulated deadline up to December 30th, are you anticipating, I mean, is there any action you think you'll have to do at that point or you're saying that the legal council is saying, "Hey, hold on to the money. Just wait it out." >> We'll have more information at that time. >> Okay. >> Because I am certain there will be appeals. Yeah. >> And I think uh legal counsel will tell us what to do at that time. >> Um you know, and like I said, hopefully they all play nice together and would give us another resolution until the appeals heard and all that, but I I don't know. You know, in the meantime, we would just try to hold that
017as long as we could um and not spend it. >> Would you anticipate I mean, if we if it doesn't if it's not successful, right? Um, would you anticipate us having to have an emergency board meeting or anything before? >> Potentially, but probably not. >> Okay. >> Um, but potentially. [laughter] >> I can't say for sure. Stay tuned. Right. >> I don't know how it's going to say 67. Is that what >> six of one half a dozen? I don't know. >> But this is [laughter] this has been wild. Really wild. But >> every step is >> uh we'll keep you guys informed. Um I I feel good about it though. I do. I think I think they're all >> This resolution alone tells me that there's been some movement and people going, "Okay, we
018got to figure this out for schools." Cuz this >> there was something that was not thought through. >> Yeah. and the implications across the state for districts to not take this money would be very significant. Um, this isn't just a little pot. This is >> districts having to, you know, reduce spending on security, but also on school-based mental health providers. And I don't think anybody wants to um say they developed the policy that caused >> Yeah. Well, and if you think about it, if if it actually were safety and security that you eliminated and then something happened >> that that would be >> that would open up a whole can of worms. So, I don't >> I don't know. We'll we'll see. But, uh I I would recommend we opt into this at this time.
019If it weren't there, I'd be recommending that we opt out. >> Okay. I do think too one thing just as the way it's going with 31A is over time I mean a lot of times these funds were not designed to be permanent sometimes they take that way but I think it would be smart of us to start looking at 31A funds and are there sustainable ways that we can fund some of these things just in anticipation over the next 5 10 years that those funds go away cuz I do worry that as we see sort of >> funding changes um over time >> um >> that's a a big pot of money >> big for sure. >> Okay. >> All right. No discussion. All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? >> Motion passes. All
020right. Item number five, discussion reports. Looking back, looking ahead. >> Yeah. So, just wanted to touch on a few things. Being our last board meeting of the year, hard to believe the calendar year, of course, I want to scare anybody. Um, just kind of looking back in the this past semester, we're almost at that semester end. Uh, we had a, you know, very smooth beginning to the school year. had a great homecoming event that I was not able to be at because of some medical things with my family, but um you know, every year when you talk to people about that event, it just it they just smile about it and and and how incredible it is and and what our people do, you know, how it's it's developed, how people come together to just
021make it an amazing community event that there there happens to be a football game, but it really is a true community event. So, uh that was wonderful. Uh fall sports, band, [clears throat] uh and our other music programs, the arts, I mean, all celebrated huge successes this fall, uh once again. And just it, you know, it just amazes me every year. I think we we get better and better as a whole. and uh I attribute that to obviously our kids, our parents and our coaches and our uh teachers and everybody that's involved with that. So, including you guys. So, we're all we all have a role in that. Uh passing of a sinking fund restoration and operational millage renewal and a passing of the countywide enhancement mill took place. Those were all huge celebrations of
022success. they provide stability um in those areas of what those things can fund for the long haul. You know, the operational you look at five years and the other two you look at 10 that's that's money from you know from a a school planning uh component. You can you know you know that's going to be there and that's just amazing and just again a testament to our community our amazing community. Uh well our auto tech center is nearing completion. Um we're going to have a ribbon cutting on that December 15th at six o'clock. Very excited about that. It's really uh you know I I think back from the planning phases that all started from a lunch with Skip Weller. Uh and it's just it amazes me what it turned out to be. So it's it's
023just incredible. Uh looking ahead, our first students uh will begin class in the Weller Auto Tech Center in January. So looking forward to to that. Uh senior junior survivor again is going to kick off and uh I'm sure is just going to be uh bigger than it was last year, which is just an incredible event. And having the the younger kids now involved is just so cool. I think that's a really neat touch. uh plan for future construction needs will be reviewed. We passed that sinking fund, the uh enhancement mill and so on. So, we'll just continue to look at um you know uh the construction needs that we have around our district, things that we need to maintain and renovate and improve and so on. Uh we'll begin the first big uh picture look
024at next year's budget. We talked about that today already and just got it on our calendar now. So, while we don't know the details of of what that budget will be, um we're able to, you know, uh use uh some of our past knowledge and uh uh Heather's expertise at getting that so close to to being accurate. But uh we'll start talking a lot about uh the funding and our staffing and our programs and so on. So that begins uh actually here, you know, in the next week or two. So So that'll be happening. Um snow days and travel will be on the minds of many. I It looks like it's going to be an interesting, you know, winter ahead of us. >> [clears throat] >> Um, for those out there listening, if you want
025to get it first, I I tweeted out on X, so I guess it's called X now. So, um, you know, that's the first place you can get it. And there may or may not be a video coming. >> I was going to say, is there a part two coming? [clears throat] >> There might be. There might be. I think we might might have something in store. So, um, and parents, um, if parents are listening out there, it's a good time to check notifications because, you know, you have to check off how you want to be communicated with. Sometimes people just check off everything and so they get it all the different ways and they're like, "How come I keep getting this, you know, this way and that way?" It's because they checked off those boxes.
026So, however they want to get it, uh, it's it's a good time to check that as well. Uh so yeah, we're really looking forward to 2026. Uh we'll be back to to school on January 5th. We'll have our first board meeting on January 5th, which will also be the organizational meeting at 6:30 followed by the board meeting itself. So uh happy holidays to everyone and uh thanks for your partnership. Appreciate it. >> All right. Thank you. No public comments. So, the next meeting of the Granville Board of Education will be an organizational meeting on Monday, January 5th, as Roger mentioned, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Granville Administration Building. The organizational meeting will be followed by a Board of Education workshop meeting at 7:00 p.m. We are adjourned.