001Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> 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. >> Thank you. Can do a roll call, please. >> Yes, I just want to get my glasses on. >> Wonder >> here. >> Vancus >> here. >> Gardine here. Campbell >> here. >> Dan >> here. >> Hi >> here. >> Thank you. >> As a courtesy to the members of the board or members of the audience, the board of education, please silence your cell phones. Public will only be able to speak during public if signed up. And I do have three forms. Anyone? Good to go. Great. Uh, item number one, approval of the agenda. Can I
002get a motion? >> So, move. >> Suppport. >> All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? >> Item number two, reports agenda. Board member reports. Mr. Steface, >> I'm going to pass today. Thank you, though. >> Amy. >> Uh, yeah. Um, this is again school year seems to be going quite well with everybody. Um, I did want to acknowledge our teachers and school staff. This has been a really heavy heavy week um for a variety of reasons. And I think that our teachers um when you're providing support to kids and helping them understand really awful things that happen in this world, I think uh a lot of that falls on teachers and school staff members. And I just wanted to say thank you because that's not easy to do. Um, and I know that they
003do a tremendous job with that. Um, and there's also really good resources too available for parents on how to talk to your kids about violence and when it occurs. And I think that's something that can be very beneficial. >> Good. Thank you, Mr. Wonder. >> Uh, I've got a couple things. So, um, I'd like to give some additional information from my July 21st report. Um, number one, I stand by it wholeheartedly. Um, there was recently a survey from Ed Choice that came out where, it's a nationwide survey. 60% of parents nationwide are not happy with their current public school K12 choices. Um they believe they're on the wrong track. Um that was 60% 68 of adults uh nationwide believe the same thing which ties into the overall context of my message which got lost which
004is fine. Um, I stand by everything that I said and um, one of the things I mentioned was, you know, I'm here for Granville. I want this district to continue to be a destination district. And when I look at districts around us and how they are not doing as well, some failing, I really I don't care as much. I care for Granville. That's why I'm here. That's why I ran for the board. That's why I've been on the board. And if you are aware of what has happened in Godfreyly this year where they lost a significant number of students and at the beginning of the year they had to lay off three principles and two admin. That district is floundering. It's suffering. Will it survive? Don't know. But obviously parents are leaving and they're leaving
005with their feet. So it just supports um my position. In addition, I also mentioned the effect of AI. Um it's coming faster than we think it is. And I was having this discussion with Roger there. It was my belief that within the next three years, there will at least be some charter schools in this country that are going to be driven by AI and at least for K3 if not for K6. Well, Virginia this year has a school AI um for K5 students. So, the future is here. and we need to stay in front of it. And that was really the gist of my message. Um I do believe vouchers are coming. I'm not afraid of them because if we stay a destination district, we don't have to be afraid of them. So um that's
006the first thing. The second thing is we're all aware of the immense Um, I want to call it a travesty, but it's not. The assassination of Charlie Kirk last week and first thing that came to my mind when that was going on is something that has stuck in my head and I haven't seen anything on social media that ties to it, which is fine. Not everybody ties to how I think but what comes to mind is the 1968 song by Dion Abraham Martin and John. So you look at how significant leaders that have worked for peace civility and try to understand both sides and Charlie uh meant the same misfortune which is very sad. So, I'd rather have a civil discussion rather than fingerpointing. I think it works better. And I think some of us
007seem to think uh we're going to lead by example only when it's convenient. So, hopefully this terrible thing um helps us be a better board. That's all I have. You >> Amy. >> Yes. So, some cool things happening within the district within our own student body. Um, we have the kindergarten tailgate. It was good to see um our administrators, all of our teachers saw John Wonder Gem. It was lovely to talk to him for a little bit. Um, and the families and when those little those kindergarteners go through that bulldog head, it is the cutest thing. It really it is. It's um you understand why you are here and why we are on this board. is this it's the future of our the future of our school. So, um that was a lovely moment. Um
008Oakstown houses have been chosen which was fun to watch and the amazing shake is on the way. Those are two of my favorite things about the intermediate building. Um marching band is doing lots of practices. They have a beautiful show called All Roads Lead to Rome. And then they also are going on their Florida trip this year. So, not only are they doing Monday nights until 10:00 every Monday for these practices, they're starting one to two extra days a week for their um practices for Florida. The this this marching band group is they're just very dedicated, great kids, and many of them have zero hours the next day. I They just don't sleep, I don't think. We had tryyous for the fall plays, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And so I um got to
009meet some parents who had some um of their children trying out. Homecoming is coming up. Um the homecoming theme is Hollywood, which is kind of fun. Um I love to see that the college fairs, financial aid, and scholarship seminars are starting. Um it's really great to see how our counselors and teachers and administrators are helping in this really really complex um it's a really really complex time right now for financial aid. Um a lot of things are really um changing for a lot of college students which making it prohibitive. So it's neat to see the scholarships that we've listed out the way that we can work with different schools. Um, so that's been that's been awesome. And that kind of leads into um there have been several families calling me concerned about school budgets which
010have not been solidified um and free and reduced lunches and all that. And we've had really great guidance from our administrators once again on how we can address that and how we can still help families that apply if if this budget still is not solidified. Um, so thank you to our administrators for working in really, really difficult times right now. And then lastly, I'm glad to see that we've got parks and recrecks representatives coming. Um, we're still looking for someone to possibly fill my role. I've been in that parks and Rex um, role for five years and I decided to step down so I could do some hockey booster stuff for the last two years that Lewis is in high school. So if that sounds fun, you get to work with cool people. So um
011yeah uh and uh I agree we have had a really heavy week really really heavy and violence is absolutely never the answer. And so I do believe that one of the things that I've noticed this week is um I think people are holding their families closer and and we are all trying to understand how to be better. Thanks. >> Just just want to spotlight uh something that's a highlight for me each year. It's September 27, Victory Day. Um if you haven't been to that, try to go to that once and invite neighbors and friends. It's it's it's only an hour on Saturday. So, it's September 27, 10:30 to 11:30 at the football field. I know it means a lot to the the participants, but it means a lot to the parents of the participants to
012uh have a big crowd there to cheer for them. So, um, put that on your calendar and try to make it. And thank you to KB Vinstra and Coach Steagle and then lots of other volunteers that make that happen. It's pretty cool event. And then just for me, I've been around all the the high school there to a lot of the events and it's awesome. Nice weather being out there being able to participate. Looking forward to uh more football games this this fall. That's it. >> Thank you. >> Yes. So, uh, you know, a lot of busy things going on with the start of school. obviously. Um, so a lot of good things happening around the district. Got a chance to listen to or see one football game, watch another on TV and kind of
013halfway listen to the third one for the internet. Kind of I don't know what happened to that, but anyway. So that was that was too bad. We couldn't listen to the whole thing there. Um, so that was great to see or to hear, I should say. Uh, the band preview. Got a chance to see that which was really cool. Uh, the all the all roads lead to Rome. uh great show so far and just I'll say a hats off to our band program this year. Um uh uh Amy mentioned obviously uh you know all the work they put in and so forth. One of the other things that's happening as she mentioned is going to Disney this year and there are so many kids involved in in band this year they're actually having to do
014two shows at Disney. They can't get them all on the stage uh down there at once. They're doing two separate shows. So, it's just more work that, you know, the uh the band uh uh directors are more than happy to put in to help make this a success for uh the kids. So, which is great. >> And can I interrupt? And then um I just want to give a shout out to Jason. He did all of the announcing of our seniors this year. And >> that was it. You are a great announcer and it was uh it was really nice to hear you. >> I I've got a face for radio so it's perfect, right? >> So, yeah. So, thank you. I appreciate it. Yes. Um and then just again just want to say thank
015you to our our teachers, our staff, our administration. Um you just for leading through these difficult times. I mean it is um we've had a lot happen in this country over the last 6 months, year, four years, however long we want to go back. It's been a long time. You know, we've had a lot happening in our country. Um, and so I just continue to appreciate uh Roger and like I said all the teachers and the admin staff and and helping lead us through uh these times. So and being there for our kids. >> That's all I have. >> Okay. >> So just want to reiterate that hats off to our staff. uh reminder to parents that, you know, uh with traumatic events uh that that do take place, we have uh a lot of
016support here to help our kids. And if you notice anything with your kid, please feel free to reach out to us. Uh we're here for them and and we'll help them and help you in any way uh that we can. Uh school is in full swing. As I mentioned, the events that are taking place are coming uh hot and heavy. if you will, and I do mean hot because it's been hot out, which is not, you know, really hasn't been a bad thing. Uh, but a lot of success taking place uh for our kids and just a lot of enthusiasm with the activities going on. Speaking of activities tomorrow, um the right place, which is an organization of West Michigan businesses who focus on um trying to help uh schools uh attract and retain uh
017you know, help with college and career readiness, but then to help attract and retain kids in West Michigan for the businesses that we have. They are hosting a student tech showcase at our middle school. There will be thousands of middle schoolers coming through tomorrow from around uh West Michigan. Uh they had visited, we took them on a tour and they were so impressed with our robotics center. They had asked us last spring if they could uh please do this and we feel very honored. And our kids of course will experience that tech uh showcase as well. Hats off to uh to Mr. Hefer, uh Mr. C, all of our security teams. Um multiple people who are helping um make sure that is just a a great memorable event for our kids. I think they're going
018to see some very innovative technology things as well that they probably haven't experienced. But uh you know the hope is kids see things, they get motivated by it and um I you know I've seen this before and I hope I hope we experience it again tomorrow. A kid goes I want I don't know what that is but I want to do that and you know because that that really gets them fired up uh to learn about things and to grow and who knows maybe find a career out of some of those things in the future. Um also Walt in the back has been instrumental in helping with the technology piece of that. So, uh, really looking forward to it. Uh, should be a a great event tomorrow. And like I said, a lot of middle
019schools from around West Michigan will be coming into our middle school, which is always great. >> Is that part of the the larger Grand Rapids Tech Week that's going on right now? >> Uh, yes. Connected. Yep. It is tech connected. So, yeah, that that's all I have. >> Very good. Um, on to number three, consent action agenda. Um all or guess can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Support. >> All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Regular action agenda. 4A. It is recommended the board of education approve um Mr. Joseph Courtney from East Elementary for an internal initial term of three years as gradual representative on the pace parent adviserss for special education committee at KISSD. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> And Caroline Ernst is here
020to uh tell you a little bit about our candidate. >> Good evening. It's good to see everybody tonight. Um I just wanted to take a quick minute and just explain PACE. So PACE is parent advisories for special education and the ISD hosts this committee and each school district can have up to three representatives. So, um I'm sure you remember last year I came with nominations. So, one of my nominations had about this year. So, I have a new nomination this year and like you said um Mr. Joe Courtney. Um he has a student at East Elementary. Um and I first met him um at a meeting at East and I knew right away that he was a wonderful parent advocate and so I wrote his name down to to keep in my back pocket to
021say I think he would be really great for this committee. um just with his his natural things that he already had going on as a parent. Um advocating for his own student. So that was the basis for my recommendation for him. Um and I think that uh he will be a great member for his daughter, but for also other parents um on that committee and in our community. >> Caroline, how many do we have? If we have a slot, if we have three slots, how many slots are filled? So now he would be the third because I'd want to resign. >> Okay. >> All right. Very good. Nice. Nice to see a man in there. >> I know he'll be in a minority over there, which is good. >> He doesn't know it yet. Maybe
022he does. >> It's a I was I think I did it for nine years. It's It's a It's very educational. >> It is. >> Any other questions or comments? Sounds like a good day. >> Great. All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> Uh on to 4B, the Cisco maintenance agreement renewal. It's recommended Board of Education approve the renewal of the Cisco VO uh phone system maintenance agreement at a cost of $52,344.60. Can I get a motion? >> So move support. and Walt is here to talk to us about that. >> Uh so this is the annual renewal of the district's phone system licensing agreement. So it provides obviously licensing for the phone system and software. Um also provides maintenance a maintenance agreement that allows us to download
023updates. So as Cisco releases updates for the system um we can apply those. Um, obviously part of the critical infrastructure in the district with things like E911 and providing those notifications for staff when uh when a classroom when somebody in a classroom dials 911 from the the district phone, a notification is sent via email and text message to critical district staff to let them know the exact room number where that uh phone number where that phone call was made from. So this is part of that critical infrastructure. Um, I did want to mention that when this was renewed last year, um, this is one of the few things that I was able to get lower. Uh, so last year when this was renewed, it was in the 60s. We were able to get this down
024to to 52 this year. >> Nice job. >> So, Wall, we have 23 line items uh, and only one with a number on it. >> Yep. Yeah. That's the way um with the way that the um the pricing works from Prescidio and the REMY pricing agreement. That's the way they list everything out and then the total price at the bottom. >> Got it. I assume that was the case. At some point, this was a multi-year contract, correct? And then they pulled back. >> So, the multi-year contract was the the Cisco switching infrastructure agreement. So, that's you know the switches, the core switch, some server infrastructure is included in there. This is phone system. >> Got it. Okay. >> Thank you. They won't do a multiple year. >> Uh they will but it wasn't advantageous to
025do so. >> So do we have any physical phones left? I know like a lot of times with these programs, right? You can either just run it straight through Teams which I do out of my office, right? And other and you also can have it run through Teams but on an actual physical phone. Are we using physical phones anymore? Is it all just going through our computers? >> So we have both options. Um but yeah for classroom spaces for that critical you know critical infrastructure we do have physical phones in every classroom. >> Is that a cost to us? >> Uh the hardware was a cost when we purchased it. Okay. >> But the licensing is the same whether it's you know it provides both a software phone and a physical phone. >> Is the
026idea go away with that those because this is what we ran into before I shouldn't say here but in other life right those phones stopped being serviced and so forth and you just kind of phased them out. Is that the goal or >> at some point what Cisco will probably do is say the physical phone hardware that we have in the district is no longer supported with the version of software that runs behind it and at that point we'll have to make a decision you know is it worth the cost investment that we want to buy more physical phones. Got it. >> Or if we want to just do a software phone. >> Yep. >> Okay. Fair enough. Good. >> So based on that what's your guess as I know but the whole face changed
027there. Well, what's your what's your guess is the number of K12 schools that still have physical phones? >> I would guess if I'm going to say a percentage, I would say probably at least 70. >> Thank you. >> 75 80%. >> Okay. >> What's the advantage of them? I mean, is it like a safety concern or is it >> That's one of the primary concerns is, you know, when there's an emergency situation, you know, do you want to be running up to your laptop trying to unlock your laptop, fire up the phone software, and then dial or do you want to just pick up and hit some buttons and get support? So, >> that's a big part of it. >> Good. Any other questions? >> Thanks, L. >> All right. Can we do a roll
028call vote, please? >> You bet. Campbell, yes. Guardian, yes. Stan, >> yes. >> Stephus, >> yes. >> Wonder Jam, >> yes. >> Vanek, >> yes. >> Hibore, >> yes. >> All said, yes, all pass. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thanks. Well, on to reports. We have two items to report or to discuss. Parks and recreation update. >> Sure. Uh, very excited to have Jared Holtzkin with us. Uh Jared is a representative um school representative on the parks and recck board and he's going to give you an update of things that have been going on with the parks and rec. >> Yes, thank you for having me. Um I've been on the board for 6 months nominated by these guys. Um and reminder we're an advisory board to the city of Granville. Our focus is remains
029on enhancing parks park facilities and a amenities not programs. So we we propose things we review proposals that sort of thing. So just going to break this down into three sections. First one project proposals and updates. So, uh, Grand River Waterfront Park, we did install or not we, public works did, right? We advised on this new boat and kayak launches and that was completed in June. The Mill Race Park construction is starting soon, which includes an overlook deck, a shelter, a playground, and pollinator gardens. This is all informed by the master plan that the parks department worked with um, an outside vendor to come up with. Uh it's just before my time. I've been on for 6 months. Was kind of nice. That was uh the bid came in at $299,000 against a $400,000 budget.
030That kind of stuff never happens, right? Like so kind of questioning like, you know, but yeah, it it's a good partner. So, um then we have a Gold Star memorial that Chief Paul Angum proposed we install at Wedgewood Park. This will be free to the city. It's all fundraising. 200k done by him. He's already got a decent start. His goal is to have that fundraising done within a year from now and then to start construction sometime in 2027. The memorial would be like kitty corner of the memorial that's there now. He brought us a really nice presentation, lots of pictures of what they look like. It's going to be quite nice. So, Buck Creek study handled by Trout Unlimited. So there was three phases to this project proposed, right? And the first one was just
031the study, see what it's going to take to, you know, make some changes down there and change the stream and all that. And the study was going to cost 10K. We thought it would be, we were under the impression it would be funded by Trout Unlimited. And it turns out it wasn't. So it's kind of on hold. The other two phases, you know, they're going to cost money, too, right? So we thought that they would help us with the grant writing process for that. And it turns out that assistance really isn't there. So really this this thing's on hold, if you will. It's probably not going to move forward. Um Bob, you're familiar with this one, the little league neighborhood resolution process. So >> intimately, >> um myself as well, I'm a neighbor. So um
032Griffin Graham had had brought in the West Michigan Dispute Resolution Center to kind of facilitate this. It was um more of a like, you know, let's all be heard, neighbors, little league board, community, and you know, share voices, see if there's anything we can do. Um really, it's it's an ongoing feud. It's been going on for as long as I know. I've lived in the neighborhood for 12 years. Um it's, you know, some of the houses that are off of Canal that bought up into the Little League. Um the little league did make um a number of concessions there. There's more signage, right? That's always the easy one. A lot of curbs got painted yellow. Don't park here. Um more parking enforcement from the police that's been going on the last couple years. And then
033there is the possibility of, if you guys are familiar with the complex, there's the really large field that's on Aaron. There's the possibility of repurposing some of that outfield for a parking space. there's just a lot of red tape between now and when that can happen because it's got to be paved and all that. Um that that would be a stellar addition because I mean that that outfield is way too big anyway for any level, you know, if you've ever had kids play on there. So, um you know, that's ongoing, but I think it helped with the neighbors being heard and it was a well-received event. Just a couple other quick updates. Um Griffin also had proposed a smoking ban in the park parks. He brought some surveys to us. I mean, they're quite favorable,
034right? Large percentage of people would be for it. Um, the reduction in litter that other parks had seen was quite significant, like 50%. We know it's not like something that stops all smoking. Nobody's going to be there to stop you from doing it, but just, you know, having policies in place, people follow them. And, you know, I said we're not about programs, but um chief did give us an update on Police in the Park. Another successful year of running that. There was some really touching stories out of there about how um there was a couple families that that was really, you know, they were they were in a tough financial situation due to some medical bills and that ended up becoming like the joy of their summer going to all seven of these events. So,
035it was really cool. And then on top of that, they did kind of a thing at the young boy's house for his birthday. They all showed up. So, that was quite great. Um any questions on the project proposals or anything like that on those lines? Okay. And then a few um personnel updates. So there's 12 members on the board. Um recently Suanne Watkins was elected by the board to replace um Kim Chrisman who stepped down. There was two other outstanding candidates there. One who was who was here. It was great to see three good candidates who you know wanted to be involved. Um Lisa Vanderland, she was she retired from her position um down at community ed. So, she was replaced by Kendra Johns who filled her position at community ed. And then, um, Anthony
036Iraqi, he stepped down cuz he's moving out of the district, which is unfortunate cuz he was a great knowledge source. And then, as Amy pointed out, she's stepping down, so we're looking for replacements. So, who wants it? [Laughter] Um, any questions on those personnel? And then just uh small looking ahead section here. um 1.3 million invested in park improvements the last 3 years. Pretty solid number. It shows that Granville is committed. Um and then we have our master plan. The continued focus is guided by that. So I talked about the Mil Street park improvements. That's part of the master plan. And then Lee Street and Peek Street we think are kind of underserved parks that will be next on our agenda. That may be next year. And then there is discussion right now. Um I
037believe the meeting's next week or the week after of closing down the the road at Indian Mountains down there. I mean I've always wondered I've lived in Granville for what 14 years and I always kind of wondered what that road was even there for to be honest. So um there's talks of making that a public trail which I think would be a great addition. Um bikers and runners alike and we can use it for that and not have to worry about a car running up on us I guess every once in a while. So >> thoughts, questions? >> It's really fun. It was really It was a very fun board to be on. So whoever wants to be on there, uh you get to do a lot of dreaming and um and there was a
038lot that did get accomplished. So I'm very It was a very good time to be on there. Um I really it was nice to hear. I was at the Buck Creek Cleanup where you know like our kids get into the creek and pull stuff out whatever. But um one of the biggest areas of trash is Indian mounds, that road. And so it's so um everybody was very excited. I think Jason Plan again is on the sustainability uh the sustainability group here in Granville sustainability. Um and he was talking about what that will look like. The nice thing is too, correct me if I'm wrong, but uh that means that we also give over the responsibility for that kind of trash removal. maintenance to the city of Grand Rapids. >> So that actually reduces our city
039cost, I believe, too, which is >> great. So yeah, it's a win all the way around. So thanks. >> Okay. >> Thank you for doing this. >> Fantastic summary. It's a great summary. Thank you very much. >> Appreciate it. >> All right, then. Election update. >> Sure. So, uh, just a little few tidbits about, uh, the election. Uh, the communicator was sent to homes, as you know, that's a comprehensive look at the different, uh, proposals. There's another mailer that's, um, being released, just reminding folks of those proposals. Uh, absentee ballots come out later this month in September. And if there are any questions, uh, anybody has, just please send them our way. We want to make sure people are informed and have their questions answered. The biggest question I've gotten so far, uh, is, you
040know, why all three at the same time? And that is a very good question. Why all three at at, you know, the same time? And again, these aren't these aren't proposals that are new uh to Granville. We've had these for some time. Um, but when you put them all together, they wondered why. Couple big reasons. Cost is definitely one. It is more costly to have individual ones spread out over time. And we also wanted to stay away from uh death by election, if you will, with you know, hey, here's a proposal and then next time, hey, here's a proposal and then next time, hey, here's a proposal. So, uh, by having these at the same time, if these are successful, it's going to put us, uh, far out into the future as far as having
041to come back for these proposals. So, we're very, uh, you know, strategically doing that, but we're really trying to do it also to save money and to make sure that, um, you know, our taxpayers aren't thinking, boy, every time we turn around, they're coming back with something else. just uh again they're not new to uh to our district. They're they're uh proposals or their things that we've had uh in the past and uh we just want to make sure that we you know people have their questions answered. So if there's any questions that come your way, please send them our way. I'm happy to talk to people. Great. >> I got a flyer this weekend. Somebody walked right up to me. So good job. Good job on the distribution. was very clear, too. The information
042was so clear. I loved it. >> Great. Any other items to discuss? >> All right, we'll move into a public comment. Um, we have three people that are up to speak. Um, Mr. Dhan will be keeping track of time. Um, the participant has five minutes and at the one minute left mark, uh, he will let you know that we only have one minute left. So, we're going to start with uh Mr. Bertram, Martin Bertram, and then on deck is Donna Johnson. >> All right. Good evening. Um my name is Martin Bertrram. I'm the father of two daughters who go to Granville Schools. Uh they go from their mother's address, which is um 5017 Harbor Lane. uh it's 1 and a half miles from the high school that they go to and because of that they
043don't qualify for bus transportation under the current policy. Um so they walk three miles a day regardless of the weather and uh recently in the in a cold day they walked and both got sick. Um, I'm concerned about their health and safety as a cold months approach and you know I I understand the need for boundaries and policies and I think that a hard cut off at one and a half miles which I understand is the current policy uh doesn't leave a lot of room for common sense. So, I'm respectfully asking the board to consider um re-evaluating that um to consider more flexibility whether through exceptions or by whatever means. Um so that's all. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your commitment to our students. That's it. >> Thank you. Thank you. >>
044Up next, Donna Johnson on deck, Nick Brock. Good evening all. Um, thank you in advance for considering my thoughts and my concerns. Um, I feel that it's important that our Granville public school board trustees should be emphasizing the importance of investing in our public education system for all students and advocating for the fully funding of our public schools. I personally am urging Michigan lawmakers to reject the aggressive lobbying and political pressure and to say no to the federal voucher program. That's what it is. It is a voucher program. My rema my reasons remain the same as they were when vouchers were addressed few times in my career. Those being funds being diverted from public schools, the lack of accountability and measure, the academic achievement not necessarily improving, and the undermining of school stability. Michigan voters
045have rejected efforts to implement voucher programs before, and attempts with the petition drives have failed as well. taxpayers dollars should go to the public schools open to all students, not private schools that can pick and choose their students. It is important to me that our Granville public school trustees who make policy decisions and recommendations are focused on maintaining our high inclusive public school system. Please continue to prioritize the education, safety, personal growth, and the well-being of all our students. Thank you. >> You up next, Nick. Nick Brock. >> Hi, everybody. My name is Nick Brock. I um I have a nine-year-old in third grade at Central Elementary. Um, and I've been part of the school district ever since he's uh uh been a part of the school here. And uh I just wanted to share
046uh briefly um a bit about the cool things that we're doing over at his elementary school. So maybe a little bit uh uh piggybacking on a board members report. Here's a uh a dad's uh report um about what's going over there. And I I preface that by saying I'm the uh the president of uh the PTC um group over there. So I've been in that role for I think this is the third year now. And so over the past uh two two years we we've held a fundraiser to um raise funds for the school for things that they need like um school supplies, uh field trips, class parties, and uh awards uh the incentives that the the the teachers and uh principal gives out. Um over these past two years, we've we've um hosted a
047a color blast, which means uh we get a bunch of uh chalk that's that's safe and can be um splashed on the students where they wear all white and they just kind of all shriek and shrill uh as they uh travel along from Central Elementary all the way to uh the the Oakstown um uh football field and where they they walk there for about an hour. But over the previous two years, we've raised approximately $30,000. $30,000 just in this central elementary uh district, which is a title one school. So that equates to about anywhere from like 50 to $75 per 200 students. So the cool thing that I want to mention is that um based upon those fundraisers for this year, we made it uh an initiative that we called back our bulldogs. Um uh
048with that meaning uh one community and every student is fully equipped. So we decided as a PTC board to purchase uh $6,000 worth of school supplies. So when the kids went to school on day one, when they went to their desks, uh when they when they opened it up, they had everything that they needed there to succeed in the classroom, including sanitizing, wipes, uh snacks, and the like. So, um I just wanted to mention that that that's a cool thing going on. And then I'll I'll I'll leave you with this. Um, we have our fundraiser event this Friday, um, from from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. And our goal is to raise, we say $10,000, but in my head I know that we can raise $15,000 because we've done it twice before. So, um, if you
049know anybody, uh, who wants to give, uh, you can connect with me or you can, um, I think you you just find somebody who goes to the school. You're not, uh, Miss Gardin. I think you'll be able to find somebody. So, that's all I wanted to mention. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That concludes our meeting. The next uh board meeting of the Granville Board of Education will be Monday, October 6. Gosh, October. Jeez. Um 2025 at 7 p.m. at the administration building. We are ajourned.