001Greetings. >> Thank you. >> I'd like to call the December 17th >> regular board of education meeting to order. >> Thank you. >> At 6 o'clock. >> Morarski >> here. >> Morris >> here. >> Shufell >> here. >> Westfall >> here. >> Block >> here. >> Fields >> here. >> And Morris here. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, we have some good news. Bridget here. >> I think Bridget was joining Zoom. Oh, >> okay. You go ahead and put her on my computer is not working. Hi you guys. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. >> Awesome. Um, thanks for letting me
002join via Zoom tonight. I would have loved to have been there. Um, I wanted to talk to you guys about u last week's event that we had for our students and parents. And I just had a few things that I would share. Um, this is the second year in a row that Stephanie Shoefelt and I have teamed up for the Christmas event and it really was a wonderful mix of our schools and our National Honor Society community partners um and our staff members getting the gifts into the hands of our parents that are were identified as most in need to um every school was able to send us seven students and then we obviously included their uh siblings even if they were at different schools. And we invited our parents to fill out a wish
003list form. And then Stephan um I will tell you that the snow day really really tried us last week. Tried to make it so we wouldn't get done in time. Uh thankfully that's when we got back it really was kicked into high gear. And I would say that team work from everyone down from our superintendent to our school improvement team, our POH high teacher consultants, um our secretaries, uh they all really pulled it together to make it such a wonderful event and make sure that all the parents that came on Friday were treated with just as much respect as they deserve and also make it a fun event for them. The National Honor Society students came on Friday morning and they uh helped us. Well, Stephanie and I had large large part of it done,
004but they came and they shopped with the parents. Um Janice Robinson actually bought pajamas for every student that wasn't sponsored. And so every parent got to get things off their wish list plus pajamas, plus we had just so many extra things. Board games for every student. um stocking stuffers this year. We had a few snacks because it's fun stuff to have and we wanted to give those little extras while we could. So, that all happened Friday from 9 to 11:00. And um we just couldn't have done it without all the teamwork. It was just a really wonderful event. I would be remiss in not mentioning that uh Jenna Randall came over and took pictures during her prep. So, I think Stephanie after she talks, um Becky is going to come and um Becky's going to
005show that to you guys. But it's just a really great way to go into break for all of us. We helped over a hundred students with really nice Christmas gifts that their parents will be able to give them on on Christmas Day or when when they choose to, I guess. But, um we just really felt a lot of pride. >> Thank you. Thank you to you both and all everyone else who helped out with that. That's fabulous. >> I just um I just wanted to share that um it's truly rewarding to be able to see because not you know people struggle this time of year and um watching the parents come in setting it up like a shop and they actually got to pick gifts, they got wrapping paper, they got tape. um they could
006go home and truly experience the what Christmas is about. It wasn't just somebody sponsoring them bringing in all those wrapped gifts and then so um our parents were leaving in tears, super excited, overly thankful. Um it's overwhelming to see everyone come together, work together, put this event on, and know that we're going to have some really happy kids this Christmas. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you, Bridget. Thank you all who helped assisted. Okay, we'll go on to the board agenda and revisions. >> Oh, he has like a um >> the pictures. Yeah. >> Oh, the pictures. Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. All right. Wonderful. Thank you. >> Okay. Now, moving on to the agenda. revisions or and approval of the agenda housing number 0166. Is there a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Morris. Is
007there a second? >> Support by Miss Fields. >> Question. Um I thought that we had some appeals to foyer issues on this agenda and I thought they were supposed to be auto added. Can someone clarify that? Why would you think it should be on the agenda? >> Because the bo in some of the appeals that the board's supposed to vote on the question at hand. So I mean if it's appeal to the board I thought we were voting on as an agenda item. >> You don't think there's been an official appeal. Mr. Cava? So there are u appeals that um you're going to discuss a process for if you want to add them as an agenda item after um at the end of the meeting to do so >> but in general if somebody isn't
008there an automatic right to appeal I mean shouldn't it be on the agenda if there's an auto right to appeal I'm curious how that would work and not this specific case but in general. >> So we'll walk through the process because this is your first board as this board or walk through that process of what it looks like and then you can determine how you want to move forward. It's not an automatic right that is on agendic. >> So if they have a right to have do they have a right to have a board vote on it is my question. I mean, I'm just asking general questions of the law here and this is something that's generally not in close session, you know, kind of like, you know, what does the law say on this?
009I mean, >> public policies um you as a board have to have action regarding um the the appeals themselves. Um, but I don't handle that process. Not specific. >> So, there will have to be a board action as in a vote. >> I'm sorry. >> You said there'll have to be a board action that's like a vote, correct? >> Which would have to be on the agenda at some point. >> But it doesn't have to be this meeting, but it' be a >> But it's so Is there a timeline, I guess, is my question. We can't wait till like next August, could we? I mean >> no there are times that we know specifically look at um 10 business days um until we'll discuss that part of this when when it's the appeal consider received
010um and um you know take action it's up to you as a board decide action prior to that expire. >> Okay, fair enough. Okay, >> moving on. Miss Shu is a yes. Mr. Westall, >> yes. >> Miss Block, >> yes. >> Miss Steel, >> yes. >> Miss Moore, >> yes. >> Mr. Madarski, >> yes. >> Mr. Morris, >> yes. >> That passes 70. >> Okay, discussion items. This one really near and dear to my heart. Um, we have a resolution for the 75th anniversary of the Taylor Federation of Teachers. Thank you, Terry, putting that together. and EFT. Is there any discussion? >> Okay, give my hug after we vote on it. So, >> who should shouldn't we read it? >> Pardon me. >> Oh, this is >> Yeah, we should read it. Yeah. >> Yeah,
011definitely. Okay, we want to do that during discussion. Um, my voice will hold out. >> I can read it if you need it. >> Oh, will you? >> No problem. uh a resolution of the board of education of the Taylor School District honoring the 75th anniversary of the Taylor Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1085. Whereas the school the Taylor School District Board of Education recognizes the vital role that dedicated educators play in the foundation of our community and the future of our students. And whereas the Taylor Federation of Teachers was founded 75 years ago uh on November or in November of 1950 with the mission of advocating for quality public education, professional excellence and fair working conditions for its members. And whereas over the past seven and a half decades, the Taylor Federation has been
012an essential partner in fostering a strong working relationship with the district, ensuring stability and focusing on providing the best possible education for all students. And whereas the members of the Taylor Federation of Teachers, both past and present, have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, professional expertise, and the social, emotional, and academic success of our diverse student population. And whereas this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the historical achievements, progress, and count countless contributions of the union and its members to the educational legacy of the Taylor School District. Now therefore, be it resolved on this 17th day of December, 2025 by the board of education of the Taylor School District, that the board does hereby officially recognize and congratulate the Taylor Federation of Teachers on this momentous occasion of its 75th anniversary. And be
013it further resolve that the board commend the Taylor Federation of Teachers for its tireless efforts and outstanding achievements in strengthening the fabric of the Taylor School District community. And be it further resolved that this resolution shall be entered into the permanent minutes of the board of education as a formal record of the esteemed appreciation. >> Thank you. Are there any comments or questions? Okay, we will move on to Mrs. Got policy revisions and update. Is there anything that >> There's usually not a second reading. Yep. there wasn't u anything changed. >> So on the discussion then my issue is the same. I think it's item G uh like isn't gamma. Um it says that the student clubs can display the flag where they meet >> countries representing exchange students. >> Okay. What is the one
014then with the um Yeah, I know. I was okay. Anyways, so there is the item where there is um the discussion that student club can display a flag of their choosing relating to the club. What is the timeline for that? So let's say they meet in classroom 101. Is it can it be up there for the week, the month, or is it just a day of the meeting? I don't think that's that's not clarified and that's really the problem. Does anybody know? Well, so I will say that that is dependent on location, dependent on different factors. Like if a club is meeting in the cafeteria and they're meeting in there once a month, then obviously it's during the duration of when that meeting is taking place. If it's in a classroom and that class is
015uh hosting that meeting where they're working with students on a daily basis, then it would be reasonable to assume that it would remain up if they're working daily uh on things with that club. But wasn't kind of this whole controversy began because they met in a classroom and they met like every two or three weeks and then the flag was up because we never really had this well explained. Can you explain just how >> Well, that's not at all. It just was that there were certain quasi political symbols that were just up permanently in locations that were not even necessarily affiliated with any uh club or organization. >> So if a club or an organization, do they meet in classrooms normally or no? Uh I would say high school typically that is the case. Uh
016there's times that they would meet after school for things, but there is also time where certain clubs and organizations also meet during um the Griffin hour time period. That's not necessarily daily, but it could be periodic and be something that's at that point. But then the flag, which whatever it would be, would be up the whole rest of the day. So if I use that classroom, I'm a student, I'm taking math there, then that similar >> the frequency is enough that that it would be problematic for it to keep going up and down, up and down, then yes, >> we're not defining the frequency in the policy. And that's kind of what I wanted. So >> correct, because those are usually how you define it in the admin rag after the policy is created. >>
017Yeah. And I don't want this left in admin rag. So I'm definitely voting no on this. I mean, we could have cleaned up this language so much better and to just leave this wide open. It's almost like healthc care policy. We leave all this stuff blank and then it doesn't work right. So, >> well then maybe that needs to be addressed next time you go to a policy committee meeting. >> Well, again, we ne when I was at the policy, we never voted this out. I I want to be clear. It was discussed and then this is what we had and then we had the first reading and then actually somebody said to be another policy committee meeting. We never had one. And yeah, I mean, the committee structure is horribly broken. I've said that
018many times. So to sit there and say, well, it can be addressed during a policy committee meeting. No, try coming to one. They don't work the way you think. But either way, it's still a really bad policy when you leave out the most important part to be figured out later. So that's why I'm voting no. That's all I'm saying. >> Well, Mr. Madarski advocates act committees don't fall under the open meetings act unless there is a quorum and the president and voting is taking place in your policy is where you come together on changes and then bring it back to the board for approval and I know you also had a concern that um having the two readings and that that you didn't see why we had to have the two readings. Why couldn't we
019have the one reading? Well, that's in the bylaws policy 0131.1 and that explains the process of how the policies come to the board. So as far as the committees not being structured correctly, they're as correct as the committees choose to be. They cannot take any action. They have to bring it to the board. >> Okay. I know I understand that and you're completely missing what I said before. I never ever mentioned the open meetings act. The policies, committees, all the committees are conducted to the best of my knowledge within the open meetings act. There was never my objection. As far as two readings, I'm fine with two readings. You could have three, you could have four. It doesn't matter. My my point is that, you know, generally in legislative committees, it's brought in, you vote
020up amendments, you vote amendments up and down, and then you vote out a final change and that comes before the board. That's not what happens. It's not an open meetings act violation. It's how the committees were structured. This could go back 20, 30 years. I don't know. But if you're just going to go to a committee and say, "Well, this is what we're doing." Okay, that's it. Go home. Then don't even have the committee. Just bring it here straight away. Is my point. I think people are being misled that the committees, we're marking things up. We're debating this. We're having testimony. We're we're, you know, constructing this piece of legislation. You know, going back to healthcare is >> we're not lancing. We're a board of education. We discuss what needs to be discussed. We bring
021it in front of the rest of the board and then everybody collectively decides. >> Yeah. But but what you're missing is what gets brought before the board. So we're at a committee meeting. Three different people say three things. Why don't you answer my question? Which person's thing gets brought before the board? Three different people, three different ideas. What comes before the board? How does that work? You have no idea. >> Collectively agree. >> No. What if nobody can agree? Because I don't think we had an agreement at the last meeting on how this is going to work. And you weren't there. >> Neither were you. The meeting I was at, I was there. Yeah, I was. >> Well, the meeting that we took this from to bring here officially, you were not there. >> Yeah,
022I know. But the meeting before that when we decided it >> Yeah, it was. >> We didn't decide anything. >> Okay. We left that meeting with the my task that I was given uh as the representative as your employee as the school board's employee was to go back talk to Neiola see what policies they had out there regarding this this particular item. I did exactly that. I brought it back to the next policy meeting. We discussed it. We recommended what should come forward from there. >> And did the policy committee vote to you? I'm seeing head shaking. I don't think they voted to approve this as a committee >> voting for anything at any policy meeting. >> Then there's no point in having it. >> You can't vote. >> No, you can vote as a
023recommend body. You just can't vote in a binding manner. That that's what you're misunderstanding. >> You cannot vote. >> You can absolutely vote as long as it's recommend open meetings. They're wrong. >> Well, let's have our attorney say, can you vote in a committee if it's non-binding? I'm pretty sure if it's an advisory committee, you can vote. >> It depends on how the uh committee was uh created by the board, what was delegated by the board to that committee and if the committee actually was posted as an open meetings or the open meetings act. Um so if the board um did not delegate the authority for the a committee to take any action to make recommendations to a board and the board and the committee um was not posted as note meeting then that committee
024cannot take action. If a committee is authorized by the board to take action on behalf of the board or to make recommendations to the board and the committee meeting is posted then that committee can take action. So, so just to answer the qu no that was very good but there are plausible scenarios where committees can take votes is is that I mean that's what we're saying right it >> if if in certain situations if they are delegated authority by the board which I'm not >> I believe here we are yeah I believe here we are okay thank you okay any other discussion public comments regarding agenda items only. Is there anyone wishing to address the board regarding an agenda items? Let me read Mr. Spiel here. >> Hi, Rich Pratt. Um, let me let me
025go first. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. Thanks. Thanks. Welcome everyone to the Taylor School District regularly scheduled board of board meeting of December 17, 2025 where our mission statement is to educate with purpose, engage with passion, empower the future, and our vision statement is that we will create a welcoming and innovative learning environment that nurtures the whole child. Empowering every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you to all of you who came to be with us tonight. We understand the importance of continuing to keep you informed and providing an opportunity for you to be heard. Public comment will begin with those in person, then move to our online audience. For those in person, please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. After the inerson comment, our online
026audience will need to find the raised hand symbol for our moderator to recognize and unmute you. Please take into consideration common courtesy. Refrain from any put physical personal attacks and keep your comments to three minutes or less. We will provide an ani and assist with timekeeping so each guest will be able to monitor their own time and know when to conclude so all who wish to speak will have an equal opportunity to do so. As a reminder, if any questions arise during this meeting or through other avenues, Superintendent Wagger or his designate will work to provide answers in a timely manner. Please note that the views and opinions expressed by individual board members are their own and do not necessarily represent the official position or consensus of the board of education. Also note this portion
027of the meeting is reserved for comments regarding business discussed on this agenda only. There will be another opportunity for comments later in the meeting for general comments. Mr. Pratt. Okay. Thank you. >> Rich Pratt 24403 Hayes. I have a question on the policy. Um I went looking for the proposed policy online. I left the last board meeting before it was read, so I assumed with the second reading it would be read. Is that available anywhere or are we supposed to make public comment without knowing what the actual proposed policy is? Well, no, I agree. I've brought this up at other meetings before and the argument was, well, the state law doesn't require you to to post it. Okay, but I have said it should be posted. So, I agree. How can you logically comment on
028something you can't read? It should absolutely be posted. I wanted the agenda backup posted as virtually every public body does. And people have repeatedly said, "Well, I was confused by that." Okay. So, don't be confused anymore. We need the agenda backups posted so you can comment on it as in any other policy should be commented on. I can completely agree with you, sir. >> Posting the agenda is not under the open meetings act. just posting the meeting. >> I literally just said it has nothing to do with the Open Meetings Act. It was something we should do as a courtesy to the public because other public bodies do it. >> Did you hear what I said? I did not say it's required by law. I said it's something we should do. >> And every time
029I bring it up, people say, "Well, we didn't know you said that." Well, I have said it. So, I'm just saying if you want people to comment on something, they have to be able to read it. That's common sense. >> Thank you. Did you um would you be so kind to read the I'll see the people I was conf >> Oh, you can read it again. >> Okay. Thank you. Section 8,000 operations flags and deploy and display draft policy 8805 last revised November 24th 2025 flags and displays. This policy is adopted by the board of education as a contentneutral policy with respect to the appropriate usage and display of items in district buildings and on in district property including flags, banners, posters, electronic insignia, and similar items collectively displayed. In addition to the use of
030the American flag as addressed in policy 8800, the only displays that may be flown, posted, or affixed to the grounds, stadiums, fencing, walls, doors, ceilings, or any other furnishings or aertitudes of any public, school system, building, vehicle, or facility owned or operated ated by the board or posted on any electronic messaging, including emails on the district's network are as follows. The district may offer students and staff a moment of silence to commemorate a specific event that has a significant impact on the community. The decision to offer a moment of silence shall be the building principles and or the superintendent's decision. No moment of silence shall be described by school officials with reference to religious symbolism or activity. A the current Michigan flag. B. The current school flag. C. Displays used in the classroom as part
031of a temporary unit of study within the approved curriculum. D displays that denote a recognition of achievement and are approved by the superintendent as to content and location of the display. E. The Michigan High School Athletic Association or other similar sport tournament displays recognizing the participation of or accomplishment of a school team and or athlete. F. D displays from colleges or universities which may be placed in a district classroom or administrative office. G. Flags of countries representing our foreign exchange students. H. displays representing student organizations, clubs that will pertain to policy 5840, which may be placed in on designated meeting areas. >> Thank you. Are there any other questions or any other wish to address the board? >> Y Courtney Proud 9846 Catherine. Um, just want to clarify. So that would be considered a draft,
032correct? >> It will be voted on this evening. >> That's considered a draft though, right? >> So I just want to make it clear that you guys are stating that you don't put the drafts on the website for anybody to view. Yet if you go under communications, the administrative guideline draft that Michael Weger has submitted is on our website. So you can go there and you can find drafts of administrative policies when they fit a narrative, but you can't go on and find the ones that we need to be able to see to make public comment on. Just want to make that clear. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to address the board? Anyone online? No. Okay, then we move on. Okay, let's do action items. Oh, action item. >> The resolution for the 75th anniversary
033of the TFT. It is recommended the board of education to approve the TSD school board resolution of for the 75th anniversary of the Taylor Federation of Teachers AFT local 1085 as stated above. Is there a motion? >> Motion by Miss >> Second. support >> by Miss Fields. Mr. Wes, >> yes. >> Miss Block, >> yes. >> Miss Fields, >> yes. >> Miss Moore, >> yes. >> Mr. Morarski, >> yes. >> Mr. Morris, >> yes. >> Miss Lev, that passes. >> Number two is the policy revisions and updates. It is recommended the board of education approve the policy revisions and updates with Miola as outlined above. Is there a motion? >> Motion. Motion by Miss Block. Is there a second? >> Support by Miss Moore. Miss Block? >> Yes. >> Miss Fields? >> Yes. >> Miss
034Moore? >> Yes. >> Mr. Morarski? >> No. >> Mr. Morris? >> Yes. >> Missel is a yes. Mr. West? >> Yes. >> That passes 60. >> 6 to one. >> That's what I said. >> Oh, I thought you said 6. >> Um, next is the agenda. The Consent agenda policy number 0166.1, policy number 6470, policy number 8640, and policy number 2304. Minutes from the committee of the whole meeting from December 3rd, 2025, consolidated items, payment of current will certified non-certified and administrative reports, out of state overnight field trips, and out ofate overnight grant funded conferences. Is there a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Morris. Is there a second? >> Support by Miss Moore. Miss Steels. >> Yes. >> Miss Moore. >> Yes. >> Mr. Madarski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Morris? >> Yes. >> Miss Shufeld?
035Yes. Mr. Westfall? >> Yes. >> Miss Block? >> Yes. >> That passes 70. >> Okay. Items scheduled for next agenda. And that should really read January 7th, 2026. Um, we have good news and student representatives. >> I would also say that it is our organizational meeting. >> Okay. >> So, just reminder that uh that'll be the primary business that night. >> Okay. >> Is that the election of officers then? collection of officers um who we contract with banks, legal firms, all those kind of things are typically what's on the agenda. Yes. >> Okay. So, it'll be a repeat of last year >> or this year's time. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Um any general public comment? Anyone wishing to address the board about anything? >> No. Okay. Let me finish my
036little last little part of my speech. Um, as mentioned earlier in the meeting, we will now open the floor for general public comment. The same guidelines previously outlined will remain in effect and any questions at this meeting. Superintendent Wager or his designate will work on getting those answers in a timely manner. We will be going to those in person to our online audience. >> Um, hello, my name is Lucy Snder, 7287 Mafer Street. Um, I graduated from Taylor High School in 2024 and I was on the swim team and that was a big part of my academic career. I would just like to address the um idea that we're filling the pool because in my opinion that's taking away opportunities from students who will no longer have them if we do that and we'll have
037to move schools because there's no other pool to be used. And um the pool was a big part of my life and I loved the school spirit that the team showed and it was one of the big things that was important to me when finding a sport and that sport had like some of the biggest school spirit that I could find. I tried five different sports and I landed on swim. And for some people that um experience will be the same. And I think taking away an entire sport is uh not helpful to those students. And then I was also very very sick. I got very very sick when I was younger and it created permanent joint damage for me and it hurt to do contact sports and I still wanted to be an active
038athlete in my academic career and I was able to do that because swimming was a hard sport and I was active but it did not hurt me to do. So thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for sharing. Go ahead and go. >> Yep. You already have. >> Um I'm the timer. >> I'm Lynette Snider. Um 7287 Mayfair Street. Um I sent emails out to everybody today. Um I just want to clarify some things. Um to start off with the wording of the bond and like things that we're going to do that are expected. The wording is I'm improving building conditions. Filling in the pool is not improving building conditions. Um, I'm upgrading athletic facilities. Filling in the pool is not upgrading athletic facilities. It's demolition of a sport of a pool of possible education
039um to teach swim and floating. And then if you don't know, there is stuff in legislation right now which is MI um oh my goodness. I have it in my notes, but it's 4477. It's a legislation where they're going to include that in PE of water safety. Okay? And it's floating flotation devices. If you fill in the pool, you won't have that. Other people that might need to use that. That's something that you might be able to profit off of. Um, I also was a little upset. I know I put it in my email if you want to look at it, but we've fought hard. I mean, there's a lot of things with Squim that I mean, we weren't allowed to be in the yearbook. I had to fight for that. I mean, we weren't
040on the athletic page. I mean, there's multiple things. And we're at a place where like all of that is good. And um I from what I understand, like you've guys been lied to about numbers of swimmers. Um for um girls, we have 18 girl swimmers. We have 13 um boy swimmers for varsity high school. We also have in middle school anywhere from 20 to 30. Okay, so that's 50 60 depending on the year of sports for for kids. Um what I was told is that um you were told you we have 13 swimmers. We are a co-op so some of those are heron and to not count them if you guys fill the pool that's what we are. So, if we have to go somewhere, are you are they not going to treat us? Like,
041you gotta like think about it's a team. You sign as a team, you count them as a team. Um, and it's honestly swim, like she said, is so encouraging. People love to swim with us. I mean, it's just a different sport and they look forward to coming to our pool and um they're so encouraging. I just I just think it's it's a very bad um thing to fill the pool. So, just kind of um looking at that and this makes no sense because right now wrestling has a place, cheer has a place, swim has a place. If you feel it, we don't have a place. So, it almost feels like we are struggling and we continuously to get picked on um and discriminate against um because we're easy targets. So, I just want to like
042if you guys can think about that, think about the kids. Um, I also sent in community responses in that email. There's a lot of people that are upset. So, I don't even know why that was brought to the table, but I feel like personally it should have never been. And I know in your heart of hearts, you know, if it does get filled, we'll never ever get it back and never have one. >> Thank you. And and if somebody tells you they can't have a spot on the athletics portion of our yearbooks, you let me know personally and I will take care of it. >> I I really did fight for that. I mean, they wouldn't put the girls in there. >> They should absolutely be there. >> And so they're in there now, but
043it was a fight. >> Okay. If you have any trouble, contact me and I will take care of it. >> I just wanted to add uh there have been multiple community members that have reached out to the board as well. Um the board has not officially spoken on this topic in any capacity or way. It's just been uh people, you know, looking over the the general planning for how we're going to move the school forward um with the remodel and things like that. Um but with the board as itself, as an entity has not been like brought that topic in any way, shape or form. So, thank you for advocating and giving us that information so that we can fight on your behalf. >> Thank you very much. >> And I just want to add
044what he said as well. You did mention that we were given numbers, you know, 13 18. I've never given any numbers on swimmers. In fact, the first I heard about swimming was the email you sent. So, just so you know, we're just This is literally the first I heard about this. >> Well, I I mean, I just know that it was brought to the student advisory and that was the number that was given for swimmers and that's just totally false. >> I mean, it's a false statement. So, it's just upsetting that that's kind of why we're being picked on. I kind of know like who probably brought that to the table, but I'm just saying that um a lot of kids do it. You know what I mean? A lot of kids use a pool
045and Hoover is not a regulation size pool and they don't have diving dumps. So, we cannot use that pool, >> right? So, like you feel that it's dumb. You know what I mean? So, it's very important. I'm very passionate about it and I I get very passionate because I feel like I bought a lot >> to get things for swim and to hear that >> you know it's three years ago there was no swim team so in three four years it's grown >> it's continuously growing you know maybe one or two kids each year because I know two years ago there was only five kids and >> so on and so forth so it's not like it's going away it's it is a growing ing program. Um, but like Corey had mentioned, this is not
046something that has come to the board or actually been discussed to do. It's just in >> this was a discussion in a committee meeting with the people that are working on the bond stuff. That's why the board wasn't aware it was brought up in conversation. Was is that not correct, Mr. W? >> So, it's not even a thought. It's not because the board will have to decide what upgrades they want to do, what they don't want to do. This is just in talks, but nothing was ever >> Well, I just I know that it's kind of gone to the planning, you know, the people that put things together, and it just breaks my heart because I don't want to see it go because I mean, there's really so many kids that really participate in it,
047and it is growing like Stephanie said. Um, and yeah, >> it can be it can be planned. That's fine. But the board still has to vote. Yeah, we want that part of the plan, >> right? And there's been another session. >> Like I put everything in the what I fought for so far and the struggles we've had and even with the struggles we've had to have the numbers that we have is amazing. >> Dang. >> And they win medals. You know what I mean? They won. One girl went to county with a cut time and then she placed in the Wayne County Invitational. Like it's like we are placing, we are meddling. Like don't take that away. >> And you're doing your part by advocating for those students and in the group. So thank you.
048>> Yeah. >> So appreciate. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? M >> my kids aren't in swim. Um, but I we've hosted their last two swim banquetss at Masonic Center. Um, I've been there for there for one of them. Um, it's a great program. These kids are getting a lot out of it. Um, it would be a sin to take money not to improve the schools and use it to kill a program in favor of another one. Um, but you said something, Linda, that made me want to really come up. >> Okay. >> Um, regarding the swim to come to you. >> Yep. >> Look at the esports. No funding. No support. Not allowed to give letters. >> Oh, that's wrong. It is. Sorry. Um, they are being >> I may
049be speaking out of turn here because I don't know a lot about that. To me, usually that means >> they are funded by the coaches. Um, the Masonic Lodge is the only sponsor they have. Um, they are doing amazing things with little or no budget. They're not academics. They're not athletics. um they were here at the board presenting on it two years ago, which is when the lodge decided to step up and sponsor them. Um they could use a lot of love and support. Um what the the coaches I don't think they're paid. They're city employees or their district employees. Basically, the IT department runs it and it could use a lot of love um and a lot of support. >> We we do some contract language that that that this person should be paid.
050Okay. Compensated a stipen for >> I'm not sure about that. They don't the coaches don't talk about their paid. They Oh, the esports. I'm sorry. >> Yeah, because >> I'm sorry. They're they're sort of off on their own. Um but I >> like u one of our students last year go to like the state level. >> Yeah. And um I wouldn't we've hosted their banquetss. Um we've worked with them and the kids at esports are not what you would expect. You see the kids you would expect. Oh, that's a gamer. But you'll also see athletes coming in in their uniforms from games and from practices. It is a great group of kids from all across um the social groups that are working together and supporting each other. So >> my understanding is some colleges and
051universities now are offering scholarships in esports. >> Millions of dollars in scholarships out there for esports. Y >> um >> Oakland universities. >> It's it's great because it's the most flexible. They practice they practice five nights a week. And if a kid is in band, he can skip Tuesdays and Thursdays. If he's in another program, he can skip those as long as they're there for competitions. So, it's a great program and it could really use some love from the district. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, Stephanie Pratt. You need the address and everything. >> Okay. Um, I do have a question based on your comments that this idea about filling the pool was still in committee. If the idea of filling the pool was just in committee, I guess part of my question is how
052did it get out for students and parents and coaches to hear that this was being considered? >> Good question. >> Um, that being said, I would like to remind, well, not necessarily remind Stephanie was and Ann were the only ones here. The last time that a plan was presented that included having to do construction in order to follow through with it, it fell apart. >> Yeah. >> It fell apart massively in very, very painful and damaging ways. So, while I understand it hasn't been brought to you yet, I would very strongly encourage you as a board, as a superintendent, to please send it back to committee and say anything that's going to require that level of investment to take something away from the school or the kids is really not a good plan. I I
053think that these were brainstorming sessions in reality. >> Yeah. Well, like I said, I mean committee >> the question about how it got out, if it should have got out. >> Yeah, >> that I will leave to you. But >> yeah, and then just to clarify kind of what the the process is. So the architects go through what they call is programming and that's where we're at. And the programming is really just going through the numbers of how things get used, how many spaces, how many. So it came up as part of that. We're not even into the actual design of layouts and things and like that's the next step of it. So, >> well, I will also share briefly then we had an architect come to our church and he said you could do
054a really great thing if you filled in this garden area here and we had to explain to him it was our memorial gardens and he would be burying people's grandparents under his building. So, um again I understand the numbers but please also consider the impact that it would have on the families. Um, I do have a friend who has coached for the Heron team in the past when they moved over here. She was very grateful for them having that space and she would like to come back and coach again and I would hate for there not to be a team for her to return to uh just because of a numbers game. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else wishing to address the board? >> Courtney Prout 9846 Katherine. Um, I first want to
055start by acknowledging Kathy's comments earlier this evening. um and her understanding of how committee bylaws work. That matters here because when you read the sex education bylaws, board policy 2481, it is clear that the board is responsible for determining and approving the membership selection process for the sex education advisory board. This requirement also mirrors M Michigan Department of Education MDE guidance and state law. So, a few questions for the board. First, since sex education advisory board was shut down and the process was restarted, when was the formal membership selection process brought before this board for public consideration and approval? Second, where is the public record? Where in the public record can parents and community members find the board vote approving that process? And if that vote does exist, on what authority was the administrative guideline
056used to create and implement the selection process, given that administrative guidelines are not board policy and are not adopted by public vote. Since the advisory board was shut down and restarted, no board approved membership selection process has been produced on public record. Yet, the sex education advisory board was formed and is currently operating under a draft administrative guideline. Recently, clergy and student representatives were added without board approved criteria or board approved selection process, which indicates the process still remains incomplete. And if and when the board approves a compliant membership selection process, the process should restart at that point. An applicant should be given the opportunity to apply under that board approved process if an applicationbased model is what the board chooses because ultimately it is your vote. I also want to address transparency. I initiated
057a foyer request well over a month ago seeking documents related to the formation of the sex education advisory board. That request is now an appeal process awaiting this board's approval. If this process were properly authorized and compliant, these documents should already be available. Given these deficiencies, how is there a sex education advisory board meeting scheduled for January 6 when a properly approved advisory board has not yet been established? This is not about opposing instruction. It's about ensuring the board follows its own policy, state guidance, and transparency. transparency to parents. Parents deserve transparency. Um, and since there's a minute left, I also wanted to discuss uh for a quick second about the FOYA process here because I think it's absolutely absurd. Um, and I think that you know the board of education, you guys should know
058that this is completely absurd. Um, I went and foyed for multiple different things and just so you guys are aware, it's complete delay tactics. So it is a full five day and then at the fifth day um your uh FOYA person sends over a 10day extension immediately and then at that 10day then they give the um amount of money for or the the paper for the amount of money that needs to be paid. That isn't within FOYA. I mean yes that's legal. you're able to do that, but it's absolutely absurd and shows that you guys are not very transparent. Because if that was something that was able to be foyed for the public body, like the fact that I was given a bill for a board meeting recording, you guys are recording board meetings anyways.
059You have to just because you don't post them, as Kathy said, because you don't have to. You're not legally required to. It still is something that is public record and it is an open meetings act. So from this point forward, just so you are aware, starting in 2026, we will have a a stand in the back with our camera on it and we will be recording all the meetings on our own. That way it is out there for the public to see because there are times we need to go back and reference. For example, Mr. Pratt earlier asking about where he finds that. Had I been able to go back and reference the meeting it was spoken about, I would have been able to understand that he would have been able to as well. That's
060why it's very important that you as a board have those meetings readily available. >> Thank you. Anyone have any anyone else wishing to address the board? Anyone online? Okay, I'll move on to board member comments. Is there anyone the views? >> I have a comment. >> Yeah, let me just read this. The views and opinions expressed by individual board members during this meeting are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position or consensus of the entire board of education. Go ahead. >> Okay. I'm not prepared for the comments that were made tonight, but I did uh do some preparation from past comments. Uh and they're totally my opinion. They represent me, nobody else. Um having listened to the concerns regarding this board, knowing uh quote unquote their policy caught my attention. So I
061started getting more into policy. Um through my career here I've been involved in policy but it was normally um the um employee pol regarding employees personnel. So I never got into this part of policy. Um, first of all, the policy can consist of 10 sections, 449 policies, and if you print it out, it's approximately 2,000 pages. I don't know about the rest of you, but I cannot memorize that. Policy to me is a guide. When we have an issue, concern or a question, we have to go I have to go to that policy to see how to remedy it if it's possible. Policy I trust is because we have Niola helping us with it that it and we also have John involved in it that it the legal part is taken care of. So I
062do trust it. I can't memorize. Um, however, not every single matter or decision or anything that uh happens in a school district will have policy to cover it. That's impossible. That's why we're readjusting, adding, subtracting all the time. What I did find out was that policy 0132.2 um the super and There's more to it. I'm not going to read all of it. You You all can look it up. The superintendent shall be delegated the authority to take necessary action in circumstances not provided in board policy, provided that such action be reported to the board at the next meeting following such action. The example that hit me was about the sex ed um the SEAB committee. The board was made aware months prior to how the committee was chosen and we were asked if there were
063questions, concerns, anything like that to fill in the blanks before it came when when the questionnaires went out and everything took place. So, we were aware before that and I think the superintendent does have that much leeway to make decisions that we have to be made aware of. But we have not had a I have not had an issue with not being told something and being surprised on a um a decision that was made. Mr. Cava, is that a correct or incorrect what that policy says that he does have that leeway. >> Yes, that bylaw does provide that information as as you stated. >> It's my turn now. It's my turn now. Okay. So, um I know I will probably be receiving another Facebook post that was made with a cartoon and derogatory comments, but
064but that's absolutely fine because I I have dealt with kids for 35 years and I'm used to dealing with different maturity issues. So, that's not going to be an issue. Um, if nothing else, researching all of this has gotten me back into policy. So, now the ones I'm not familiar with, I will get familiar with. So, I want to thank the audience for bringing their concerns forward because it's opened my eyes as a board member. >> Thank you. Anyone else have comments? Board members have comments. >> Sure. I just wanted to um wish everyone a merry Christmas. This is our last meeting before Christmas. And um we all know where Clarence Randall is, right? If you if you're bored, you want to see really nice Christmas lights, that whole neighborhood behind Randall has really cool
065Christmas lights. And there's one that even broadcast the lights to a radio station. They're like dancing lights. So, I'm not going to say what streets. You got to drive around and look at them all, but it's just west of Randall. So, behind I mean west. And um yeah, you literally pull up. They have a sign up to say tune your car to this radio station. You do it and then they have this really cool light show. They have these like lasers on top of their house. It's really, you know, if you got kids especially, it's really worth checking out. So, just just do it if you get a chance and that's really it. And as far as the organizational meeting, I I know we're having it January 6. I am definitely going to bring a
066resolution um clarifying that we want the board meetings recorded and put on the website because that was the policy for years. Okay. Um just growing up in Taylor to watch them and that would be something that we we should look at when we have a board organizational meeting because you're electing officers. Um I also would like to move the time to 6:30. Just a thought instead of 600 6:30. Some parents have said that. But those are things you should be looking at the organizational meeting. Um times of the board meeting. I would like 6:30 over 6 because people have brought it up. And I want to make sure that the meetings themselves are recorded. They're free to the public and they're archived because when when I was first running for the board, I was able
067to view meetings from like four or five years back. And now magically we can't view any of them. So they they shouldn't have went away without a board vote. And so let's, you know, put on our big boy pants next Janu in January 6 and let's vote up or down if we want the board meetings available to the public or not because I think they should be. If I get voted down, fair enough. But but at least let's have a vote on it. >> Thank you. >> Merry Christmas. >> Anyone else wishing to address the board? >> Yes, I would. I'd like to wish everybody a happy holiday season, whatever it is that you're going to celebrate. And um in light of what happened on Wednesday, um if someone's struggling, I hope that um you
068reach out to them so you can get help so that there's not another family in this country that is going through what the Ryer family has to go through this Christmas. >> Thank you. Anyone else? All right, Stephanie for attorney opinion and negotiations. We are moving into uh adjournment to close session policy number 0137.2 Pursuant to Michigan's open meetings act being public act 2267 of 1976 and as amended I move the board to convene in close session pursuant to material exempt pursuant to section 81H of the open meeting act and I believe we're going to get an update on negotiations as well >> which is 8C as well >> 8C. >> So we're checking what shoe then I'm just curious. I'm sorry. >> Which two What are the two reasons? >> Attorney opinion. Okay. Yeah.
069Negotiation. >> Just because people don't know what CH is. That's what I was asking about. Okay. That's all. >> Motion. Second. >> The motions. I second. >> Second by Mr. >> Miss Moore. >> Yes. >> Mr. Madarski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Morris. >> Yes. >> Missel. Yes. Mr. Wesall. >> Yes. >> Miss Black. >> Yes. >> Miss Fields. Yes, >> that pass 70. We're going into close session at 6:59 p.m. >> Thank you. >> Okay, it's from close session >> at um 7:57 p.m. Amen. >> So, we have action after close session. We have a motion. Um the motion is to issue a notice to extend for 10 day 10 business days to respond to the FOY fee appeals filed with the board of education as of December 17th, 2025 and to authorize and direct
070the superintendent to provide written notice to the individual that the time uh substantially to respond substantly. Yeah, I can't read your chicken. Sorry. Is extended until January 21st, 2026 because the board needs time to thoroughly review the legal rationale for the fee appeals. Thank you, Joe. >> Your handwriting, Jeff? >> Uh I'd like the motion >> support. All right, we have motion from Mr. Morris in support from Miss Fields. Mr. Madarski, >> yes. >> Mr. Morris, >> yes. >> Miss Shufeld is a yes. Mr. Westfall, >> yes. >> Miss Black, >> yes. >> Miss Fields, >> yes. >> Mr. Mo, Miss Moore, sorry. >> Yes. It's okay. >> That motion carries. I'm so sorry. >> Sound like a man. Call me. Okay. Um, pardon me. Yeah, I need a I I would entertain a motion
071to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> A motion by Mrs. Shufeld. >> Second by Mr. Morarski. Um, I have to do a roll call because I don't have it. Uh, is there any objection? >> I'll do it. Mr. >> Yes. >> Miss Shuy. Yes. Mr. Westfall. >> Yes. >> Miss BL. >> Yes. >> Miss Field. >> Yes. >> Miss Moore. >> Yes. >> Mr. Madarski? >> Yes. That passes 70 >> adjournment at 7:59. >> Thank you everyone.