Board of Education Meeting - February 23, 2026

001Good evening. It is 7 pm and I am excited to call the Wayne Westland Board of Education meeting to order. We will begin with the pledge of allegiance and I am going to ask for Brian Fuqua, Aaliyah Gains and Alana Tacket Greg to join us up front to lead us in the pledge. Ready? >> 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, liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Awesome job. Don't take a seat yet. We are going to ask that Mr. Smith come up and share some information about each of you, please. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much, everyone. I wanted to share some information about these special young people right here, Brian,

002Alana, and Aaliyah. Uh they are all fifth grade students, all leaders. Uh Brian has been a part of the champions program for quite some time. Um we have some safeties up here. All of them are safeties and just wonderful leaders and wonderful students. um they display leadership in and out of the classroom. So, I'm just so pleased to um serve as their principal [applause] and President May is coming to present you with some very fancy certificates. Thank you guys so much for being here. We have a picture. [applause] Thank you for coming and thank you for bringing them. >> Thank you. >> I'm like, "Dad, Dad, you said one more burger. You can't get in your suit. [clears throat] I won't be able to fit back there." >> All right. Thank you all again for

003being here. Mom and dad, thank you for bringing them out. Aunts, uncles, thank you so much. >> Next, we will have roll call. Um, Miss Tines. >> Mr. Ambress >> present. >> Miss Abney Mitchell >> present. >> Dr. Weaver >> present. >> Miss Hines present. Mr. Cox >> present. >> Mr. Rajan >> present May >> present. Thank you. >> Zero. We have everyone here. >> Thank you so much. Next on our agenda, we have recognitions and presentations and we have um a building update for Walker Winter Elementary School. Mr. Bradley Smith, principal, is here for that update. Thank you so much for being here this evening. [clears throat] >> Good evening everyone. I just wanted to highlight some of the great things that are happening at Walker Winter. Before I even do that, I just

004want to highlight some special people that are in the audience. Uh not only were my students here and their families, but uh some of the staff members that are here, the awesome staff of Walker Winter. Um we have staff and we also even have a parent here as well. So, I'm just uh I'm just so blessed and pleased to actually serve at Walker Winter and to work alongside these amazing educators and individuals. Our school demographics, as you can see, um we have around 320 students. Um a very diverse population here at Walker, which is which is phenomenal and awesome. We have 45 students receiving multilingual uh services. [snorts] Attendance rate. Uh the one thing that I did want to highlight here is our chronic absenteeism. It has decreased by 4.4%. Um I believe that is

005in part to our partnership with uh attendance works. um as well as um our positivity project which is our SEAL curriculum as well as giving uh project based learning experiences in each classroom at Walker. Uh like me like I mentioned before positivity project um it explicitly teaches um character [snorts] traits and we recognize them throughout the school each month. Um it is anal curriculum that we do uh that every classroom teaches every single day um to promote positivity um and character traits. Obviously we have um school uh psychologist, social worker um uh a behavior coordinator this year. Um and then the district has a partnership with carouselis as well. [snorts] And then um we have schoolwide initiatives like PBIS and splash passes as well to promote positive behavior and student engagement. Um [snorts] taking a

006look at student achievement. Um this evening I wanted to take a look at um NWA u math growth and um reading. Um, so if we take a look at math, um, obviously this is my first year at Walker, but, um, it's always important, um, coming in to take a look at the data to see where we're at and where we need to go. Um, our staff does an amazing job and as well as our our students coming in ready to learn. Um, you can see you can notice that we made a significant improvement in making sure that our students met their fall to winter growth from last year uh, from this year compared to last year. reading is the exact same thing. Um, taking a look at about 38% of our students uh made growth

007from fall to winter and that jumped up uh significantly to uh almost 52% this go around. So, um we are committed to making sure that uh tier one instruction is at a high quality um and every teacher is um for the kids and making sure that um all kids are are able to learn experiences. Um our fifth graders just actually got back from an outdoor experience they got back from camp. Um we have hosted several um assemblies this uh this past year um from Jim Basketball Jones uh promoting positivity and seal. Um we had a family night at Ann Arbor hands-on museum came out and they'll be back again for our carnival as well as we'll have our wildlife safari uh coming in for all students to attend uh this April. And then points of

008pride. Um I mentioned a lot of these earlier in the presentation, but uh the fact that we have uh positive office referrals, it's called Mr. Smith's highlight reel where we get to we get to highlight those students that are um that are just showing those positive character traits and um just promoting them and and putting them on display for for all the school to see. um a PBL and STEM focus where our teachers are um incorporating that um in every single classroom. Um we have our our spring carnival that is that will be taking place in May. Um Dolphin Dash fundraiser. This was the first year that I was a part of that um which was awesome. It's a fundraiser that we have at the beginning beginning of the year. It also allows us to

009have a partnership with Wayne Memorial. That's where it actually takes place. Um, we have student council, student newspaper, we have a drone club, the second year that we actually have a drone club, um, and a coding club, um, ran by our fifth grade teacher, Mr. Hall, um, partnerships, as we all know, in athletics, um, monthly engagement events, and then we have a a very active PTO, um, that does an amazing job of, uh, raising funds and helping us out and and helping not only the school, but most importantly, our students. And then these are just some pictures um of uh the great things that are taking place and that are happening at Walker. Um as you can see, one of our teachers was in a dunk tank and that's why she is with the dolphin

010and covered with a [laughter] covered with a towel and uh you know our dolphin dash and then as you can see Mr. Smith's highlight reel uh real uh just highlighting that young man who received a positive office referral from his teacher. And then just some more pictures um from our hands-on uh Ann Arbor hands-on museum um STEM night um this past January. And then earlier this year um Jim Basketball Jones um whole school assembly now the part of the presentation where I ask if anyone has any questions. Thank you. Are there any board members with questions? I'll start with Mrs. Abney Mitchell and then Mrs. Hines. >> Good evening. First, I want to say thank you so much for coming. Thank you for your students and absolutely your staff. They already had a long day.

011For them to be sitting here right now is a great thing and I appreciate you guys. Thank you. And I want to um ask you a question more about your attendance work support. >> Yes. >> How do that look? Um well we we meet [clears throat] as uh my committee there's a few of us that actually meet as a committee um through our MTSS process and we kind of identify those students that are that have been chronically absent and we look to see what we can do to best support them. We always uh think about the partnership that we have with parents and how we can come up with a solution to make sure that our our students can get here and get here on time. So um we meet we look at the data

012um you know we contact parents via phone call we set up um we set up meetings as well bringing them in and just offering supports is the most important thing is it's not a blame game. It's just how can we come together and and uh increase that partnership and uh come up with some supports to help um those students succeed and get to school. >> So is that staff involvement? >> Yes it is. Do you have any parents involved in that or anything? Anybody from the community? >> Um, just really staff for right now, but it's something that we would definitely consider in the future. >> Yeah. Because parents, you know, they have a lot of intel what the causes of being late absent is. And we promoting parents involvement. That's all I you That's

013why I was asking. >> No, I I appreciate that. No, thank you. Um we do like to re obviously we're reaching out to the parents you know that um just to have those meetings and finding out what ways we can best support them and what resources we can provide for them so they can get to school. But thank you so much for that. >> And the only other thing is I haven't received any invites from you guys to come to activities. I like invites you know I like to feel like I'm welcome but I make as many as I can. So when you having an event or anything at your school, especially that got to do with food, [laughter] >> invite me. Invite the board. I like invite. >> If they still do the spring

014carnival, that is a fun activity. >> Yeah, that's a fun activity. We I I'll be looking We'll be looking for our invite for the spring. >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Thank you so very much. >> No, thank you. Thank you. >> You fit it right in. >> Yes. Yeah. Can't deny my Walk of Pride. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, Mrs. [clears throat] Hines. >> Yes, you did a wonderful presentation. I love the points of pride. I love all the activity and I'm so glad we're able to keep it open and thanks to the bond passing, we'll be able to get you guys the things you need. Um, one question. When is your PTO meetings? >> Our PTO meetings are usually the last Monday uh of the month. Uh, we actually just had one [snorts]

015um today uh at 4:30. So, >> thank you. I might be attending one of those. >> Yeah, please do. We would love love love for you to come. >> Thank you, Mr. Roshan. >> Again, thank you for coming out and on staff as well. Um I'll say um sometimes they don't have to invite us. We just can just pull up. [laughter] >> I like to feel >> last year I um I came and uh pulled up >> on you guys. Um I was running late from another meeting so I didn't have much time and we said we was going to reschedule some other time. So, I I'll be back at the school to uh check you guys out. But when [snorts] I was there, I briefly was in the lunchroom and uh talked to a

016few students and a few safeties. Um, one thing about being a safety, I remember long time ago, I was a safety third, fourth grade safety uh guard uh in elementary and our job was just to make sure, you know, make sure people was walking across the street safely. Um, but these safeties, they're helping out in the lunchroom. They're mentors. I watched a fifth grader assist I think a second grader in the lunchroom um getting their trays and helping them out and saying no running you know and I it I was just amazed to see the leadership skills that our fifth graders have at Winter Walker. So I appreciate you guys doing a great job and I look forward to uh coming back up there. >> Thank you. They do a wonderful job and I just

017want to uh give a shout out to Mrs. M who's one of the uh individuals in charge of the safety and service squad. Um she does a wonderful job of uh making sure that everyone is doing their job. >> Thank you. >> How many? >> Wow. >> That's really nice. >> Wow. Amazing. Amazing job. >> Amazing. >> Dr. Weaver and then Mr. Ambers. Um, do you find that when you're communicating with parents, um, what would be some of the I hate to use the word excuses, but for lack of a better word, what would be the excuses? No ride to school. What What would happen with that? >> Yeah, I mean, there's there's several different factors I can um that we all probably have heard. Um, you know, it could be a lack of lack

018of transportation. Um, that sometimes that's the big one. And we just try to come up with some other solutions. Um, just sitting down with them, maybe finding another um relative or something like that. They can bring their their child to school. But, um, there's several different factors, but we look at the factors, we look at the reasons, and we we come together and try to find a solution. That's that's where my mind is. That's where our staff's mind is. It's just, you know, we hear the we hear the reasons, we find out the factors. Let's come let's partner together and come up with some solutions. >> But you do have general parent support, you would say. >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Amber. >> And that's that's the one

019thing I remember from my kids going to Walker Winter um is the great staff and actually seeing a few that I remember from my kids' times there. In fact, one of them uh coached my daughter running through the halls for uh girls on the run. And uh yeah, [snorts] [laughter] and I I'm glad to to see um your points of pride that you're you're still continuing some of the things that that that set Walker Winner apart from from other schools in in this district. And it's because of that that spirit that a lot of those teachers have that that really made that that school. Um, and I just want you to know how lucky you are to have that staff because I know a lot of them are are still there. Thank you. Yeah, I

020I'm truly blessed. Uh, not only the individuals that are here this evening, but just the ones that are in spirit that couldn't make it out this evening. Um, I have uh the world's best staff and the world's best students and um like I said, I'm truly blessed and thank God every day for them. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so I just I have a question and I have a comment. So I'll start with my comment and that is first of all, thank you so much for your presentation. Thank you all for being here this evening and for all that you do. One of the things that I really appreciated hearing was to hear you talk about being resolution focused, right? So when you meet with parents and you find out what the barriers are, the

021focus isn't on the barriers, but on how do we help you overcome those barriers, how do we work as partners. So thank you all so much for lifting that. I I think that's a huge part when we talk about um family engagement, right? Understanding that we don't do to parents, we [snorts] do with parents. And so I I feel that in everything that I see and everything that I heard tonight. So thank you for that. And then the question that I have is just can you tell us a little bit about splash pass? >> Okay. So our splash passes are they highlight um different uh characteristics positive traits. So those students will um kind of like a positive office referral in a sense. You know if the teacher is seeing a student display that character

022trait they put it in a splash uh pass. Uh we actually have a I wish I could show it actually. Go back. Oh, that flashback box and then we get to pull those names out of that box and then uh reward those students. Okay. >> So, [snorts] um it starts off with a parent phone call and it's, you know, um it's great for me to contact parents and to let them know the positive things that are taking place and um what their child has actually done or displayed and and promoting them and promoting that positivity. So parents love to hear that and I love to uh communicate and share that information. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much. I love that. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? All right. Well, thank you so much for

023being here this evening. We appreciate you all. >> Thank you everyone. Have a good evening. Thank you. >> You too. >> You all as well and you guys are welcome to stay or >> you are welcome [clears throat] get ready for tomorrow whatever you like to do. >> Got to go get you some rest. >> Next on our agenda is the district enrollment presentation. and Dr. Katherine Cost. >> Thank you, President May. Um, I want to uh just say thank you for um asking me to to share a little bit more information because this is one of my goals and I'll be reporting out on it more in March. Um, but uh I'm going to start with I've been here for just over six months and I've seen firsthand all the exciting things that happened

024in our classrooms and just like Mr. Smith was, you know, giving you a snapshot into Walker Winter, it is not uncommon to have that in all 19 schools. And it and that just makes me so proud of all the work the staff do. um all the parents participate. It's just I feel like this community is such a gem. Um and and it might stem from, you know, our robust curriculum or our free athletics or award-winning fine arts programs. And that really opened my eyes um you know, coming in coming in new to the to the district. And so, um, we are trying to spread the word and bring current families back to the district as well as welcome new families to the district. And we have a goal of increasing our enrollment by 150 students

025by next fall. >> Okay. >> So, what does that look like? And um I met with Jenny and her team and uh when you think about branding which the district has done much like Ford or Coke or Pepsi, Harley-Davidson for example, you know, all those brands bring about such well maybe I shouldn't use one for over 21. I was going to say the Super Bowl commercial that won, right, with the eagle and the the horse and all those things that bring strong emotions to families and to students and what drive people to come here. And so we have come up with a campaign where we are going to tell our story and get these um brand awareness out in our community so that people know what we have to offer. So, what does what does

026that look like and how do we do it? And uh I believe that somebody um that can help us market Wayne Westland is is really going to drive us to those new families and bring families back. And there are a number of groups that do this. These are a few of them. Um, we we looked at Jenny, her department and I and Scott looked at these. We considered um their experience. We considered uh their price, what analytics they could deliver, meaning what they could prove that they're reaching our families and a proven track record. And the the company that seemed to be the best match for us was a company called Plumg Good Marketing. Um they have lots of experience in enrollment far more than the other companies did. Uh and we believe that the

027personal relationship is what brings families here and they are going to build upon that and that's why it was such a good match. Um I mentioned they have experience working with a number of K12 school districts. Those are just a few. Uh we are going to invest a little over $12,000 for them to market Wayne Westland for six months with the emphasis of bringing first of all kindergarten students in followed then by campaigns with WEDA with or I'm sorry WEIA uh the career um academy career tech and then our comprehensive high schools. So, we're going to start with younger students, then build up. What What is so exciting about Plum Good Marketing is the opportunities to have a personal phone call following somebody seeing our web page 24 hours after after they're looking into us,

028if you will. So, um what that means is that we are going to we are going to target families with children that are school-aged as well as grandparents because those are the demographics we know that involve our our children being successful here. So, Mr. Cox, you might not see any of these. if you don't have grandchildren or children still school-aged. Um, I would not because I don't. Uh, however, what Plum Good Marketing can do is geoarget those parents with children that are school-aged and grandchildren. And what then happens is um once they see people connecting on Facebook or Instagram, Facebook and Instagram will capture their contact information, put it into a fillable form which we will get the next day. We are going to train staff members to reach out to these families and say,

029"We noticed you were interested in Wayne Westland. What questions can we answer for you? Can we set up a tour? how can we help you learn more about us? And so that's what truly sets Plum Good Marketing apart from the others. And we have two people in mind who fit the perfect staff member to reach out to families. Warm, bubbly, knowledgeable. We'll have scripts. We'll have people who can follow up with them. And that's the personal relationship that we want to develop with families that want to bring their children here. So, next steps, Jenny and her department are going to create um the content for the enrollment campaign. They've been doing some videos already. They're capturing all the great things, like Mr. Smith said, that are happening in classrooms. We're going to focus on kindergarten

030followed by WEIA CTC um and then [snorts] our comprehensive high schools and middle schools. We're going to continue to advertise on radio, direct mail, targeted emails, um billboards and yard signs. And the did you know campaign is going to continue to share our story and tell families of the wonderful opportunities for their children. So, this is something we're trying. We're new. we're going to be able to get data of if it's [clears throat] working or if it's not working and um we'll be knowing if it makes a difference. >> Thank you. >> Any questions, Dr. Weaver? >> Um not um a question, but an observation. Um it only takes getting two students to pay this back. So that's one thing that I think is um is great about it. And um um I also would

031hope that they would look into families who have kids in the district that do not attend here and get their reasoning as to why. [snorts] >> That's a great suggestion. Thank you. Any other Mr. Roshan? >> Yes. So, uh, Plum Good Marketing would oversee the the marketing strategy and our team would do the reach outreach or the followup. >> Yep. Okay. >> Exactly. >> Any other questions, [snorts] >> comments? >> I'd just like to say I support this effort. Appreciate you uh getting this rolling now. I've been looking forward to something like this for quite some time because I think we have so much going on in our district that people out there just don't know about and uh you know it's like in sales you have to ask people to buy if you want

032them to buy. >> So I think that's important. Good luck. >> We're going to go find them. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Yes. I also want to share um as um Trusty Kai said, I appreciate the effort and it's a good sales pitch and it's something that we talked about before and and I like the way that it came around >> and I'm looking forward to it. Uh you know, we all get those messages on Facebook cuz uh you can say, "Hey, anybody went to Target or Target?" And next thing you know, you look at your phone, you get a message from Target. And so I appreciate that. um the parents may not appreciate, but I appreciate the effort and that's where we at now. Social media, that's where we have to go. So,

033thank you and your team. Thank you very much. [snorts] >> And I'd like to make a comment as well. This is an excellent program. We were just talking about how we wanted to focus on letting people know about our uh career technical school and getting more kids into our innovative academy. So, this is a really good way to press the good news even with uh Wayne Memorial because I always wanted them to be like the school of fine arts, you know, to really bring extra kids out. So, this would be a really good way because I noticed like River Rouge, a lot of these school districts are getting kids. They actually have yard signs and bus stops in our district. So, they're stealing a lot of our kids and even international American International Academy. They're

034getting like 300 our kids every year and they're getting bigger. They they have three campuses and their school is paid totally in full because I've, you know, been through their seen everything. So, this would be a good way to get our kids back because they're in the neighborhoods and we have our busing situation settled. We got our teachers contract settled. So, this will be really good bringing the good news to the district. >> Yeah. Going back to our our finance committee meeting where we went over your mobility report, it was eyeopening to see how many how many opportunities we've lost out on. um with with students leaving our district and it's something I know that's frustrated a lot of people up here on this rostroom. Uh and to finally see that we're going to be

035proactive is and do something different is a is a fresh a breath of fresh air because in today's day and age it it we can't sit back. Um, we have to go out and proactively tell our story because it's now how many students we can we can get within our district for funding instead of the old ways that we used to fund fund school districts. >> Exactly. >> I just got one more thing. When when is the effective date for this? When are we going to start this? >> March one. >> Oh, because you know it been said now so it's old. So, we got to get out there before somebody else, you know, take over it. Thank you. March 1st is a good day. All right. [clears throat] Thank you so much for this.

036Um I know we've had these conversations and so I really do appreciate you and um the team Jenny and the communication communications and marketing department pulling this together to share this with the board and the community to know what our next steps are. So, thank you. And then next on our agenda is the elementary athletic presentation. Mr. Tokco, Mrs. Maria Midter, and Miss Maria Mentor, I'm sorry, and Miss Jenny Johnson. >> Yes. I'm going to introduce um Jenny Johnson and Maria Mitt. Um and I'm not going to rain on their parade this time. Um I want them to speak um about some of the amazing things we're doing in this space and uh go for it. All right. Well, thank you all for having us this evening. Um, I know we've come to you before

037to give you some um to tell you about our elementary athletic program, but we want to highlight some of the uh new stuff that we've got going on and uh share some really amazing data that we have. So, we don't have the clicker. Oh, Kim's our clicker. >> Um, thank you. So um so as you know we started this program um under the uh vision of uh Mr. Toko when he came to the district and in response to the need for recreation opportunities in our community. Uh most recently uh the the local recreation soccer program dissolved. Um but before that we had our the Bailey Center closed in in the city of Westland, the the Wayne Community Center closed. So we've become a recreation desert in our community and we all know the importance of

038athletic opportunities for young people. So hence the reason why uh Mr. Tokco charged us with creating this program and providing these opportunities for our young people. So, we launched it launched it back in 2021 and um with the intent to just expose kids to athletic opportunities, give them some introduction, give them some exposure so that when they do hit middle school and high school, they've at least kicked a soccer ball, hit, you know, bounced a basketball, whatever, been part of a team. So, that that is what our intent has always been and um we've been going strong ever since. So, that's you, Jenny. So, we basically right now have four sports seasons for elementary athletics. [clears throat] Um, we've got in the fall we do co-ed, NFL flag football and cheerleading for girls. And then

039after that we roll, which we didn't give ourselves much of a break, we realized between those fall and winter one, we go into girls basketball season. This year was for our fourth and fifth graders. Then we just finished our winter 2 season which was boys basketball and girls cheerleading. and we had 450 students every Saturday for five weeks come out and either cheer or play basketball. And right now we're gearing up for soccer. We opened up right before mid- winter break. I opened up the soccer registration. Last year we piloted second and third grade, but during our basketball season, we had so many fourth and fifth grade parents ask us, "Can my child also play soccer?" That we talked we talked to Mr. Tokco. We approved it and we expanded soccer from 2nd to fifth

040grade. Within 8 hours, we had 317 children register from our 10 elementary schools. So, we had to close registration within one day. Um, and then we always like to try something new. So, this year our new pilot is going to be T-ball for our kindergarten and first graders. We're starting small, one team per elementary school, eight kids per team, just to see how it works out. and we have partnered with WYA for them to do it. And then it's not elementary athletics, but we are helping the middle schools launch a spring co-ed NFL flag 7B7 league because we know that the middle school kids are also looking for things, too. So, we're essentially going to have three sports going this spring. And then who do we serve? We used to just be four through five,

041fourth grade, fifth grade athletics when we started this uh five years ago, but now as you can see with the expansion of our T-ball program, we are going to be K through five. So we now when we talk about points of pride, we talk about things that we want to tell the story of our district. We can say that we offer free athletics for K through 12 students all seasons. >> All right. So, we're able to do this through partnerships. Jenny mentioned the WIAA, that's the Wayne Westland um youth association. Um RCX Sports Foundation, that's who we run our NFL flag through. And then Hype Athletics has been an incredible partner of ours uh through all of this. So, Miss May, you came to a athletic event a couple years ago and you said, "Do

042you have any data? Are you collecting? Are you are you surveying your families?" From that moment on, we started surveying our families and we have incredible data. >> Um, so I've given you uh some little nuggets of that. But the bottom line is these next couple slides showed the impact of these programs and that these this is more than athletics. This is more than kids showing up and playing basketball. This is about kids. They're [clears throat] more calm. They're more connected. They're more motivated to come to school. And the parents are telling us this. They're saying 76% are more excited to attend school because of these programs and um nearly 50% say that they are staying in Wayne Westland because of this program. So what started out as we want to fill the need of

043a recreation desert has turned into incredible impacts. People are staying here. They're coming here because of these programs. And if you've ever shown up on a Saturday, you see how jam-packed our our stands are. >> Yes. >> But it is absolutely more than athletics. I think the one um um feedback that a parent gave us is that um outside of recess, this is the only time that their child plays with their peers. So, just think about that because so many of our kids are going home to an empty house or to, you know, their their families are working multiple jobs and, you know, they're going home and they're not leaving um and they're getting on devices or whatever. So, the this is a great opportunity to engage with your peers, learn all the skills that

044you learn being part of a team and conflict resolution and all those things. Um, this program is doing that hands down and we have the data to show it. >> [snorts] >> Maria likes talking about the numbers, but I get excited every Saturday watching how many people come for each student because not only is this free to our students, we don't charge admission. You ladies have been there. We don't charge admission on on a basketball game, boys basketball. We're pulling 2500 people in >> during that between our basketballs and our cheerleaders. Our cheerleaders will bring 10 family members. our basketball players will bring 10 family members. And the thing that I'm seeing, especially when we talk about having to do our marketing campaign where we're telling our story, we are getting back to that. I'm

045going to age myself. Back when I was in elementary school and you had your neighborhood school that you walked to and it was just this is the school I went to, you had those connections. Every parent in that school knew you. If you did something wrong, every parent corrected you. >> [clears throat] >> But you also could go any house along the way to or from school because it was a community. We're seeing that now with this elementary athletics program. The parents are starting to visit. The kids are getting out and doing things. The parents are sitting next to each other in the stands or they're car pooling or they're, hey, we're going to go out for lunch after. Do you want to come with us? We're starting to see that which as Maria said,

046it's not just about the athletics. It's about the other things that it's building and we can't make that happen. That just has happened. We've provided that opportunity and it's happening. Parents do want the Oh, good lord. I can't see that. [laughter] >> Okay. That says some kind of numbers, but parents want this and they're happy. Okay. >> 58. What is that? 58.3%. >> 58.3%. Okay. Yes. Are keep [clears throat] Yes. Keeping them in the district. And that's the result of our survey that we sent out. And then NFL flag football, we've seen over the past five years, NFL flag football is the one sport and cheerleading that we've had since the inception. It's what we it's what we started with. We have seen it continue to grow each year. We have every year the littleer

047kids asking about [clears throat] it. You know, we've got kindergarten and first graders asking about it. It's become a soughtafter thing. So, it's continuing to grow. Same with cheer. As you could see, we had fall cheer and it does seem I think in the winter the girls are involved in some other things. There's competitive cheer, there's other things like that. Our fall cheer um teams are extremely large basketball. This was our largest program this year, boys basketball. Um, we typically have a larger boy season than we do girls season, but the girls, to be fair, are just coming off being able to play um, not only flag football, but cheerleading. So, some of them who may want to do something else, it's understandable, but our boys is always our biggest season. >> And then soccer,

048like we said, it was our parents who have asked for us to increase from just second to third to increase fourth and fifth. So now we thought we were going to have one second and third grade team and one fourth and fifth grade team per school, but 317 kids in eight hours means we're going to have a couple extra teams. So we're working that out right now. T-ball. I encourage I mean I'm excited. My kids played te-ball. I remember how stinking cute they are. So, I'm looking forward to this. Um WAA has been really great to work with. We've thought about baseball te-ball for a while, but just because of the equipment that's involved, you know, we're just not sure how we would do that. How do we provide all of this for kids? It

049was great. Maria sought that partnership out and we are excited to see the pilot. So, we have uh served over 5,000 students since the inception of this program. And um I do I do also want to add that uh we have we've moved uh so the NFL model uses coaches. The coaches are all volunteer parents. This past basketball season, we tried that model out and it has been amazing. Um the the parents have stepped up. Many of the parents um have coached their own kids or played. Um we have one woman who is like protect my basket. She is she she's amazing. She's had like six um boys and um she's an incredible coach. So it's wild to watch the families. They're super engaged. They want we don't have to beg anybody to coach a

050team. We and even for soccer, we've got a great lineup of of coaches as well. So um the parent engagement piece has been tremendous. Oh, wait. We do need I think three T-ball coaches still. So, if anybody wants to coach kindergarten first, >> that's because it's new. So, it's new to kindergarten first. >> Always hesitant here accepting applications if anybody wants to coach. >> Um, just to kind of touch on the budget. Um we do um our program this program from its inception has been funded through grants that we have received and uh recently we started to uh seek sponsorships and we've received some substantial sponsorships. Uh so up to this point we have fully funded through grants. None of this has ever hit the general fund. Uh so uh we have secured 135,000 last

051year from Hype and Galling Chevrolet is our title sponsor this year and next year with $100,000 that they've given us. And then we're constantly hustling um to seek additional sponsorships and you have in front of you our sponsorship package that um every time I pick it up I make an edit to it. Um but uh we're we're constantly meeting with people and they want they love the program. They love the the crowds that we pull and they want to be part of it. So, we're always evolving how those partnerships can look like and constantly seeking that out. So, what's next? Uh, so we are uh through the help of our uh athletic uh elementary athletic coordinator Chanel Williams. She's helping us engage with our high school athletes uh to re-engage with them. We did this

052early on and uh we're going to uh go back to it. Um, we need to improve our registration system. We have a Google form. It works. It meets most of the needs, but we're going to try to come up with something a little bit nicer and cleaner. Um, but [clears throat] we want to explore some other opportunities. Uh, whether that's maybe some NHL street hockey. There's some interest there. Um, exploring a track and field potentially. Um, increasing female participation in NFL flag. That is a big push of NFL flag to increase female participation. Um, honestly, the females that play in NFL Flag often outperform the the boys in those young years. So, um, want to inc en encourage that. And then, uh, we're going to continue to raise funds and we are always learning and

053adjusting. Jenny and I are always talking about how can we do this better. Um, and we say that no, we give up our Saturdays uh to do this. And um, we wouldn't have it any other way. >> We love being the pink ladies. >> Yeah. Yes. We wear very bright pink shirts so you can find us. >> Find us. >> Um, but we really we do love it. Uh, we love the families. We love the the kids. We love the staff that come out and help us and support us. Um, you had some of your our athletes were here as uh who did the pledge. Um, it's awesome to see and I encourage all of you. You would like an invite, here is your invite. Please, our spring season is about to start in April.

054Every Saturday, um, middle school flag will be on Friday nights. Please come just see what's going on. Many of you have been to some of our games. Um, but please, you're all welcome to to join us. >> I just want to say too, Maria and I, when we said we're always trying to figure out more, it was interesting to me today. I don't know if you guys got the emails of Wayey Memorial. Several of our athletes and our teams have done an incredibly good job and won uh championships over the past week. I just want to let you know that our first cohort of kiddos who participated in elementary athletics. They're now in ninth grade. >> Oh wow. So, we our high school kids are already doing great things, but now I'm wondering, it'll be

055interesting to see over the next few years because we're offering those kids some extra years and some really we call our leagues instructional and and foundation and our coaches are committed to that. They really are teaching them the skills. So, I don't know. I think there's some exciting sports things happening in the next few years once these kids get to high school, too. >> So, with that, we'll take any questions that you might have. Mrs. Abne [clears throat] Mitchell and then Mrs. Heights. >> I just I want to say thank you. I see you ladies out there in your pink shirts all the time. Um I come often cuz my grandson participate in the sports and it is a lot. It's overwhelming for me but everybody be enjoying theirself. I haven't been there not one

056time where it was a conflict or anything. And it is team building. You know, I have seen the growth and development in him since he began playing the way that he play now at home with his siblings. He used to always want the ball and then start crying and dad would say, "Give him the ball." But now he more of a team player. So I appreciate that. And just to see our kids if they play ball out in the community. I know um when I used to follow football sports in the community that was $150 a kid a season. >> So I know that it's very expensive to um >> be able to play and for us to have this in our um Wayne Westland um district. This is another golden nug nugget that we

057have and it need to be shared >> and but thank you ladies for coming out >> on the weekends and like I said I see y'all most of the time I run from y'all [laughter] >> cuz y'all busy and I know I can talk a mile. >> Yeah. >> And so I just go the other way. But I appreciate everything that you do, everything that y'all do. Thank y'all very much. Well, we appreciate every single person who comes out because the kids notice and the kids love it. >> So, I got something to wear now. I This is how I be at showing up. >> Yes. I like to congratulate you guys are doing such an amazing job. I was able to go to the games and I was like, "Oh my gosh, it was

058so many people there." Um, this is a really good idea with the sponsorship book. So, I have like a lot of resources and contacts with a lot of chambers and companies. So, any type of sponsorship you need me to help you with, I definitely would be on top of that. Just give me some books I'll get out when I'm out and about and definitely. >> Wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Oh, would you have any more books that you can let us have? >> Absolutely. I'll grab them before I leave. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Madam President. >> Yes. >> I'd like to ask Very well done. >> Thank you. >> Real good. What kind of a program have you decided on for outreach to the community uh business community who

059I'm sure would like to support this effort? Because you know, one of the other members said this is so much more than just about sports. This is about a vibrant community, a great place to have children. It has sports programs. Uh I think the business community would like to I could think of two people right now that would definitely get involved. I'm going to wait. >> I'm going to I'm going to cut Maria off. Maria's going to give you that answer, but I am going to tell you the outreach we have is this woman right here because she is involved in our chambers, our broaries, in so many of our communities. And not only is she part of them, she attends their events. She becomes their president. She goes out, she gives back to the

060community. And because of that, the business community, those sponsors we have are because of personal relationships Maria has with them. So, she is kind of right now our our secret weapon. I know she has our a plan, but I just want to let you know it is it is her the money she has raised has been because of the relationships she has with people. >> Thank [applause] you. Thank you. Thank you. I um yes, through my relationships of um so you talk about the chamber um I am a board member of the Leavonia Westland Chamber. So, I do attend their events and make those relationships and people tell me, "Oh, you should approach this person. You should approach this person." And that's how it happens. It's it I hate to use the word organic, but

061it very much is through those relationships. So, I'm always feeling people out and seeing if they would be a good fit. And sometimes I just cold call and um sometimes that works, but mostly it's through relationships and just showing up and um inviting people out to uh we had a potential sponsor that joined us a couple weeks ago and just I we invited them out, come check out what we're doing and then they gave us $5,000. So, um that's what it it's really is just kind of boots on the ground and building relationships um with that the business community with anybody who will give us money. So, please give me their name and I'm happy to approach. >> Well, you know, I'm thinking about the members, the people, uh, the business owners in town who

062are actually active members in the Chamber of Commerce. It's about that many. >> Yeah. >> And there's and I know they're great people and I, you know, known them for years and years, but there are a lot more people there. >> And uh, you know, maybe a mailing campaign, something that's really a nice book. >> Thank you. and maybe something like that mailed to each business owner. Would you like to participate? >> Yeah. Yeah, we can do something. Yeah, absolutely. I love it. >> Absolutely. So, anyone else? I'm sorry. >> I'd also like to say that Cox is not a 2X anymore. [laughter] >> Sorry, we have limited sizes. >> I want to thank the three of you for for filling a a need in this community. Um, one of the, as much as I

063love fine arts, um, one of the best ways actually to improve school spirit is is actually through athletic >> participation. It brings kids and parents together. Mhm. >> And in today's day and age, like you, I, Miss Johnson, I remember >> all the parents in my neighborhood knew who I was. >> I played in my neighborhood school's playground after school at the ball diamond. We all got together to do that sort of thing. and anything we can do as a district that for what it costs this district, which really in the grand scheme of things isn't that much, >> but to improve the quality of life is well worth it. And it makes me proud of this district that we're we're going out to the community and bringing them something. It's something that doc that

064President May has talked about do doing more for our community and having that outreach. >> Thank you. Yeah, it's it's [snorts] uh we see the school pride when the kids if you visit the buildings and you see them wearing their jerseys and their uniforms >> and um the schools will often do like a pep rally at the end of the season to kind or at the beginning of the season and the kids all get excited and they get to celebrate each other and it's it's a lot of fun. Builds a lot of school spirit. >> Hicks did a family dance at one of the halftimes this year. The cheerleaders had the family come out and that was so cool. Yes, [snorts] >> I have to speak too. I just want to make sure that >>

065the two ladies up there are are doing an absolutely amazing job. Um they've taken uh vision um that that started with just uh looking at how to engage parents and uh and the community into um the school district. It really was. I mean, I my background is athletics, so I think I know that what that works, but the whole thought behind it was to engage the community, make sure that the parents have some kind of stake in the in the school. Um, when you say that they come out, they bring 10 deep sometimes. Um, >> so, you know, going through everything that we did at the beginning was important. the day we had this Saturday is important because then you can get your grandparents, your uncles, your aunts to buy into the school. So when

066the ladies talk about it's bigger than just athletics, it is. A lot of these kids that are participating in this might never play uh after the fifth grade and we know that, but we don't care because the the the whole thought behind it is to bring give them opportunities that they never had. And I don't think you guys actually realize that how great these these two individuals have been in regards to getting this. We haven't paid a dollar the district since we started this. >> I've been in other districts where I've started this type of a program and um we did just one season or two seasons. We've grown this now where kids from K uh through 12 now none of our kids are playing for athletics. This is extremely unique not only to this

067area but the state of Michigan. And I even go as far to say in the country that we have free athletics for kids in this space in our district from K through 12. I mean, I I am proud of uh what we've done in that space. Um what these ladies have done in that space and I think it's very unique to our district and I do think it's something we really need to get out there and I think our kids are staying for that. And like I said, the goal has never been to produce these uh division one athletes when they come into 12th grade. It was to give kids that will never have an opportunity or don't have the opportunities right now to participate and get the team building. I love what you said,

068Lana, when you said that your your uh grandson had uh a changed because he just wasn't about he wasn't thinking about how great his jumper was. It was thinking about how he was able to to now not just be selfish and share, right? Because he gets the whole team concept and that's the that's the things we want our kids to take out of this for life. I could talk forever about this. I'm not going to, but I just truly want to thank both of these ladies for what they've done from where it started and the wars that we went through the first year to even make this happen. So, once again, I just want I'm going to stop. Like I said, I could talk forever, but they did they're doing a great job. >> Awesome.

069Thank you. [applause] Thank you. Um, can go ahead. >> I'm sorry. I just want to say one more thing. I have went to a couple of y'all said a couple of the um football games and on Saturdays the referees are students. >> They're not necessarily giant Wayne Wesland students but they are high school students and college students and I just wanted to share that cuz that I was amazed by it. >> That was done on purpose so there is somebody look and mentor and look up to that space. >> Yeah. Okay. I'm sorry. >> No, you're good. You're good. I just >> I I [clears throat] you know being the president you always come last right so I feel like I want y'all to sit down but I just wanted to say like thank you

070for um all that you all do as everyone else has said but the other pieces on collecting the data and we talked about like the why right but I just want people to know I wasn't trying to put one more thing on your plate it truly was so that you had the information to truly substantiate what you do like you see it and you can think it and it feels feels good. It feels like this is happening, but you literally have the data now that says, "Hey, this is making an impact. This is making an impact for social emotional learning. This is making an impact on attendance." Also, when you talk about sponsorship, you have data to say, "Hey, please give us money because this is what this is doing for our kids. This is

071what this is doing for our community." So, thank you for doing that. I love seeing this data. I can remember five years ago when you all brought this to the board and really trying to um help people understand that it wasn't just about sports, right? And and having those conversations to say, "Hey, these types of um opportunities, they can decrease behaviors, right? They can decrease suspensions. It's more than just creating athletes and and that whole division one and and all those pieces, right? So, thank you." And then the only other piece I'll add is I've been reading Jordan Child's book and I don't know if anybody has read that. Um it's called I'm I'm that girl, but her whole start to gymnastics was about the amount of energy that she had and her parents being

072afraid that she would be labeled and having a difficult time in school. And you look at she started that at like four or five years old cuz she was flipping off of everything and where that has taken her, right? So just I mean that was amazing to me because didn't know but we all as educators we know the impact that athletics can have. So again thank you guys for doing that and thank you for the sweatshirt. >> Thank you. >> All right back up. Next on our agenda is citizens comments on agenda items. Do we have any? >> I don't see any. Does anyone have any? Nope. Hi Tanya. All right. Next, we move forward to our consent agenda. And with our consent agenda, I am looking for a recommendation. >> Move approved. >> Support.

073>> You got that, Mr. Hines? >> All right. Um, any discussion? >> Right. Mrs. Hines, will you please call that? >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Dr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> Mr. Enro. >> Yes. >> Abby Mitchell. >> Yes. >> President May. >> Yes. >> Motion carry 70. >> Thank you. We are now at the board of education committee reports. Mr. Roshan, the student achievement committee report, please. >> Yes. [clears throat] I'll try to be uh brief. Well, we had our student achievement committee uh February 11th at 5:00. Um uh we went over number one our read and math 180 updates. Uh Dr. CS provided responses to questions raised during our December meeting. Um during our December meeting uh the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that

074the decisions remained aligned with our district strategic plan and not solely based on cost uh considerations. Uh number two, uh progress on common um for formative assessments. On behalf of Dr. Jefferson, Dr. Cos provided an update on the implementation and progress of common formative assessment across the uh district. The committee had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how these assessments support instructional consistency and student achievement growth. And number three, uh we talked about our student advisory committee uh next steps. Uh we discussed the formation of our student advisory committee as a foundational step possibly towards uh establishing a future student board. While attending um me personally, while attending the uh advocacy conference, I connected with districts that have successfully implemented student boards. They have shared bylaws and resources and are willing to support uh

075Wayne Westland in this process. Uh our goal is to create an equitable and accessible structure that allows student voice from across the district. administration will work on drafting drafting an application process which will be brought back to the committee in March for review. Uh additional updates while at the conference I received information regarding a potential $45,000 air quality grant opportunity. That information has been shared with administration for review. Uh the committee remains committed to advancing student achievement through strategic alignment, data informed decision making and expanding our student voice. That is all our report. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Roshan? >> All right. Next up, we have finance and facility committee report. Mr. Ambers. [clears throat] >> The finance and facility committee meeting was called to order on Thursday, February 12th at 5:30 p.m.

076with the following in attendance. Mr. Ambberest, Miss Abney Mitchell, Miss Hines, Dr. CS, Miss Claire, Mayor Nolan, and Mayor Prom Chisum of the city of Inkster, Miss Marky, and community member Miss Grace. We he first heard from Mayor Nolan regarding a proposal to this to this district involving district-owned properties within the city of Ingster. The mayor went over the history of how the properties came into our possession and what the city is proposing. What the city is proposing and will present in a future board meeting is the following. that the district and the city of Inkster have joint ownership on the property properties which means the city of Inkster is added to the deed of both properties. Any proceeds from the sale of said properties will be split between the two entities after our expenses

077for property upkeep have been accounted for. He also stated that the city would like to see the property be developed into a residential neighborhood and that both parties would benefit from houses being built on both properties. Following the presentation, the committee agreed that this will be brought to the board as a whole for consideration tenatively scheduled for April's board meeting. We should also expect a written opinion from our attorneys at Miller Johnson by this board meeting. Also, the committee understands that this is a sensitive topic on both sides of this issue. These properties have been in control of our district for over 10 years. [snorts] As a board, we owe it to the residents of the city of Inkster to hear the proposal from their elected representatives and to give them a determination one way

078or the other. The committee is not making a formal recommendation on the proposal, but we did agree to move it forward for the board of education to consider. We then heard from Dr. Cost regarding the purchase proposal for the Ketarine property. [snorts] What was presented to the committee and is being recommended tonight is for the approval of selling the property to PY Homes for $300,000. We did request that the proposal get forwarded to all the board members to review prior to this meeting. PY plans on building 30 homes on this site with construction starting this spring. PI would like us to consider this tonight as they are going to the city of Westland to start pulling permits also for the Marshall property and what would like to include the Ketarine property at the same time.

079Dr. Cost then reviewed the mobility report that the district received from the county at the end of January. This report shows where students who live within the boundaries of the Wayne Westland Community Schools are attending dis schools outside our district. It was eyeopening to see how many families are choosing to send their children outside the district. One highlight was how many students are attending an online program much like our innovative academy. The district has contracted with Plum Good Marketing for a targeted social media campaign to be run through March from March through August to get our story out. Dr. Cost also then shared a document of talking points that can be shared with members of the community over the budget presentation about how [snorts] to how to answer questions uh regarding the budget shortfalls. We

080then reviewed the state aid report, the check register and investment reports. The district cash position is down $7 million this past month due to January having three payrolls. [snorts] We should also see new accounts in the investment report next month for bond and stinking funds and also all the 27L funds from the state aid uh report have been distributed via payroll. We then heard comments from Dr. cost and the board members that were present and the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Ambers? >> All right. Next, we're on to policy and procedure committee report. Dr. Weaver. >> Thank you, Madame President. Um, we had been having a little bit of problem getting together. So, I did call the committee members and talk with uh both of them and

081we're talking about the first Wednesday of every month at 3:30. Um so, this is the new date that is set for the committee to meet. Um, [snorts] also, um, we are I'm going to be vague about this tonight, but we are looking into, uh, board travel and the budget that goes with it. Um, it has been, uh, exceeded this year and we need to draw that back in line. Now I'm going to say that with also saying that I believe that education for board members is necessary and important for growth. U but still we have a budget and we have to work within that. Um also um meeting at the as I told you the first um um of every month at 3:30 first Wednesday of every month. So that is what the policy committee

082is doing right now. >> Thank you. Any questions for Dr. Weaver? >> All right. With that, we are now moving on to review and approval of business service and finance finance items. So, our first item is the recommendation to approve the sale of the Ketarin property. Um, Mr. Toko, before you start, I just want to um reiterate or go back over what um Mr. Ambers shared in regards to this not being a this being a first day and second read. So, we'd actually vote on it this evening. He sent that information out and making sure everyone is comfortable with that. No objections. All right, Mr. T, please. >> First of all, thanks for doing that because they uh PY wanted to do both of these together so the timing of when they get their permits

083and everything could work. So, thanks for doing that. Um, tonight I'll be recommending to approve the purchase agreement with PY Homes for the Katarine property. As presented at the FA February finance and facility committee meeting, I am requesting approval to accept the purchase agreement with PY Homes for the property in Hubard Street and Westland known as the Ketaring property. The district is respectfully requesting that the board of education consider voting for this approval this evening in lie of a first and second read um as this generates revenue for the district. The purchase price to be paid to paid by PY Homes is 300,000 and will be deposited in the general fund. I recommend that the board of education approve this the purchase agreement and thanks for considering and doing this tonight. >> Move approval. >>

084Support. >> Thank you. Discussion. >> I have um a thought here. Um, these monies are one-time monies and putting them in general fund is going to help us, I'm sure. Um, but nevertheless, they are extra monies and I would sure like some thought put into some kind of rainy day fund or something like that where we could do something special and specific with it instead of just going into the general fund. >> I can't answer that, but maybe our finance director, I mean, uh, Juel could answer something in regards to that. Anyone else? Thank you. Um, Miss Science, will you please call RO? >> Mr. [clears throat] Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Miss Andy Mitchell? >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hines? Yes. Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Roshan? >> Yes. >>

085President May? >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next on the agenda is the recommendation to approve uh Yo and Yo audit firm as the district auditors. Are you doing that? >> Yep. >> Yes. >> Uh, tonight I'm recommending um for the district to retain retain Yo and Yo as a district audit firm. On behalf of Juul Clair, I'm requesting the board of education approve the district retain Yo and Yo as the district audit firm. This has been discussed at the finance committee meeting and shared with the board of education for a first read and discussion on February 9th, 2026. I am recommending moving forward with yo and yo. Thanks for considering. >> Move approval. >> Support discussion. >> All right. Seeing none, Miss Times, will you please call roll? >> Mr. Cox,

086>> yes. >> Mr. Rajan, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Mr. Ambrose, >> yes. >> Miss Abby Mitchell, >> yes. >> President May, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next, we have review and approval of administrative services. There is a recommendation to approve the storm water board resolution as written and wave the need to read and that's Mr. Poco. >> Yep. Another recommendation tonight to approve the resolution in support of storm water man the storm water management plan as part of the district storm water permitting process. Eagle uh requires an ordinance or regulatory uh mechanism that that prohibits non-storm water discharges into the MS4 and addresses post construction storm water runoff requirements to meet this permit uh reissuance uh application requirement. Arch Environmental Group has provided the

087attached resolution. The district's district's last approval of the storm water management program was on January 23rd, 2023. I am requesting the board of education approved the resolution as written and wave the need to read. Thanks for your consideration. >> Thank you. Looking for a motion. >> Motion. I make the motion. Hinds >> support. Discussion. Seeing none. Mrs. Hines, will you please call ro? Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Mr. Cox, yes. Mr. Ambrose, >> yes. >> Mr. Rashan, yes. Mr. Abby Mitchell, >> yes. Mr. Hines, yes. President May, >> yes. >> Motion carry 70. >> Thank you. We are now at the review and approval of human resource items. We have a recommendation to approve the policy as written for personal electronic devices. Dr. Oily. >> Thank you, President May. Tonight, I'm requesting board approval to

088adopt the following updated personal electronic device policy. The school district reserves the right to prohibit the possession or use of personal electronic devices on school district property or at school district related functions. For purposes of this policy, personal electronic device means a privately owned device that's used for audio, video or text communications, including an ancillary or connected technology such as headphones, wireless or wired, smart watches, smart glasses, or other similarly enabled devices. Personal electronic devices may not be used or visible during class time unless permission is granted by a school administrator. Such devices may be used and visible during passing time and lunch. Students may not use personal electronic devices to broadcast or record audio images or video of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school related

089activity unless the student has received permission from the person to be broadcasted or recorded. This prohibition does not apply to curricular or extracurricular activities for which personal recording is generally permitted. Exa for example athletic events, art performances, etc. The superintendent may develop regulations to further control student possession and use of personal electronic devices. This policy has been reviewed by our policy committee and our district legal firm. Thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you. Looking for a motion, please. >> I support the motion or make the motion. >> I support the >> Thank you. Discussion. I got >> So when you read the policy and we reviewed the policy and everything um so it's a a pro a policy for our students >> because I know like when the board go different places and stuff

090they taking pictures of events and things like that but I usually me personally I don't take pictures of students I take events pictures of what's going on. >> Sure. Like I might say I'm someplace, you know, I stay away from the students because I don't know who could be have a picture, be filmed or anything like that. >> Correct. So this policy is specific to our students. >> Thank you. I knew that. But thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Does this this policy uh align with what what came down from the governor? >> Yes. So, our legal counsel was pretty much giving us guidance and they've been in >> they're always a breast of what's coming down from the from the state. >> So, this is in line with what everyone else is going

091to be doing. >> Okay. >> I was just going to say there may be a minor change. Um they're working on it. >> Yeah. >> So, it may be some minor changes to this. So, we may be back doing this again um just to accept those minor changes. [snorts] Any other questions? All right, Miss Science, will you please call the role? >> Miss Abney Mitchell, >> yes. >> Mr. Umbra, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Mr. Rashan, >> yes. >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> President May, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next on our agenda, citizens. >> Oh, next on our agenda are citizen comments on non-aggenda items. Do we have anything? >> [clears throat] >> I now have a question. Um, with this new uh

092policy about cell phones, I'm just wondering when does that actually take effect? Is this something teachers have to worry about tomorrow or is this August of 26? because if you send this down tomorrow, there might be some some issues at hand. Not saying I can't handle the issues in my classroom, but that I just I'm just wondering when this policy and how will this policy be told to the adults of said children in order to help alleviate the stress of the teachers being the first ones to tell the students this. And I'll fill out the paper in a minute, but now that this is passed, that was my big red flag of when does this start? Thank you. >> Thank you. As you know, we can't respond directly, but Dr. Cost will and her closing

093>> to answer your question [clears throat] whatever follow. >> Yep. So, just want to make sure you're that. Okay. Thank you. Any other >> All right. Next, we have Sorry. Um, interim superintendent report and comments, please. Dr. Cross. >> Thank you. Um, and and I'll just jump in and and respond to Gwen. So, no, this isn't going to take effect immediately. We need some time to work with our administrative team and our teacher leaders um to talk about implementation and communication. So, uh stay tuned. Um but it's not going to happen overnight. Um, I would like to just share how how many goosebumps I got when I heard Mr. Smith in his presentation and the pride and the sta like how many probably a third of his staff was here tonight and I just think

094what a what a positive message that sends and his leadership is definitely making a difference there. Um, I'd like to thank Kim Marky. Uh, we had a board meeting and then we had a week off and we have another board meeting and I think I talked to her every single day last week on her week off and I just value you keeping the the ship going straight. Um, last of all, I would like to thank all of you for supporting the staff here in trying new things. Be it elementary athletics, be it marketing campaigns, you make a difference and your support is genuinely felt and I'm I'm thankful. It's nice to work together. >> Thank you. Next, we are at review and recommendations board of education. Um we'll start with Mr. Roshan tonight [clears throat]

095>> again. Um being at Winter Walker um and seeing the students there and experiencing the safety program and just you can tell when I walked in the office uh the staff was there supporting we'll have you here Mr. Roshan and how everyone was working together. So a great job uh Winter Walker and the students there. Um, with the sports program, I I wanted to say so much, but I know, you know, time is going, but I'm so excited about the Saturday sports program. I want to make sure that we are capitalizing that time for outreach and getting that data because we have so many people in the community, so many parents, grandparents there at one time on Saturdays, every Saturday. It's like we need to really maybe center some of our um communications around that

096time during halftime and have people scan QR codes or give out uh swag or something in the stands or something. But um I I'm highly impressed with that program and whatever we can do uh as a board continue to support that. Uh, with that being said, um, I have a, uh, special guest here from, um, and I I will I wrote a couple things now. I'd like to take a moment to recognize what a a distinguished guest, uh, Dr. Carmen Meeks. She's a board president from Special School District from uh, St. Louis County. Uh, St. Louisis County School District provides specialized education services for approximately 24,000 students uh across uh 22 different uh schools in uh St. Louis County. In addition, they operate four therapeutic schools, two technical schools serving some of the most uh

097dense and complex uh students needs in their region. Uh I'm just happy to have her here. Dr. Carmen Meeks. I had the opportunity to meet her uh last year at the National School Board Association. A lot of times we go to our classes and we get the education that we need. Um but we a lot of times we should make sure that we take the time to network with other board members. Um just networking with other board members, seeing the different things they're doing in different districts. Uh and we can able to put bring some of those ideas here. Uh I said you know um please come and visit. You know I always extend other board members across the country to come visit and she came and visit. I said wow thank you. And uh

098she had a couple of great ideas of uh suggestions for our district and um I just thank her for being here today. >> You provide specialized education for 22 school districts. >> Oh >> not school districts. I'm sorry. It's a very unique model in the way that we do special education. But yeah, provide all specialized education for all of St. Louis County, which is 22 school districts, 4,000 kids, but we service 24,000 with four schools and two. >> She's the board president. [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you for being >> Dr. Weaver. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Madame President. Um, I want to commend Jenny and Maria for the wonderful job they did on their presentation and the wonderful job they do every Saturday. I appreciate it uh very much. Also, um, I love the

099marketing piece. I think it's long overdue. As I mentioned earlier, getting two new students from it would more than pay for it. It's crazy not to do it. So, I'm thankful for that. Um, and also I just wanted to to say uh thank you to Mr. Tokco for having this vision. And I wonder if we could put some thought into extending something like this into vocal and instrumental music programs. Um, you know, we we move forward, we fall away a little bit. Um, but I would love to see our bands back up to two or 300 students and um, that starts when they're very young. That ends my comments tonight. >> Thank you, Dr. Weaver, Mrs. Hines. >> Yes. So, I'd like to thank everyone who did the pledge of allegiance, uh, the presentation for

100Walker Winter, and again with the marketing and with the sports, I'm just so excited. um just brings new vibes, new energy to the school district. Um I'd like to make a quick announcement. So um we well I work with the Kowanas Wayne West and surrounding areas. We are growing expanding and the Wayne West Community School District is a part of the Kowanas Club. So we meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is going to be March the 3 and the 17th at 5:30 at the Westland. So I was able to go to a division meeting over the weekend and the Kowanas Club we have a partnership with the Michigan State Police. So I want to get this out to schools. There is a application for a law enforcement career

101academy. So it's the state police, the Kuanas and they sponsor and it's an amazing program where the kids they do like everything. They do like um the investigation skills, water, firearms. I mean just like the total package. And um I'm definitely want to get this out to any child who's looking to do the law enforcement and see maybe we get some other people to sponsor the kids as well. So I'll get that out. And then um I go to New Hope Baptist Church and last Sunday we had a Greek um letter day. So anybody who's in a fraternity sorority we had like all like the alphas my sorities alpha sigma alpha and at the program they had like all the different fraternities and sororities. I was able to go to all the tables and get

102all the different scholarship things from all the different fraternities and sororities. So, I'm going to get that out so we can get that to our kids get a head start because these applications go really fast. Um, and again, I was telling I work in that mission at Schoolcraft College. They just had a whole ton of new scholarships that just came out. So, I got that to Dr. Cost. They have another one called the community college guarantee where the kids go to college for two years for free at Schoolcraft College in the district. So, that's a really good information too. Plymouth Canon is really one of our great areas as well. So definitely have to get that to you guys. And the nice thing with that, you can take your credits and get them out the

103way and then transfer the other ones to like Michigan State and Wayne State. So that's the best way to save money. So I got those. Um the city of Westland is having some a night um for the kids. They actually have a event called the STEM day at Westland City Hall. It's going to be March 28th from 10:00 to 1:30. So I'll get that out. Some different things. They have another like a painting class for the kids coming out. And there's another um book that's out for uh it's a summer 2026 uh July 6th through August 14th for kids at Schoolcraft College and teens. So they have some programs for the kids just to do some fun stuff. So it's going to be a great year. But um definitely whenever I can find some it's

104like tons of like scholarships like all these different fraternities and sororities and stuff like that. And we used to back in the day when I was at Wayne Memorial, I was a surel little sister of AKA's and I got a $500 scholarship like and it was kind of cool having the sororities and fraternities come to the school with the kids like mentoring. So we used to have those uh H.B.CU like um uh events when they had like the different fraternity sororities that come down all over the country and stuff like that. So I mean I wouldn't mind starting that back up again because it was nice for the kids to get those opportunities. And that's all I got. >> Thank you, Miss T. Mrs. Mr. Ambers, >> I want to thank uh Mr. Smith and

105the staff from and the kids from Walker Winter Elementary here tonight. Uh it brought back a lot of memories from when my kids attended there. Uh, it really is a jewel in this district and I personally need to make another trip back to that building and to to see the staff and and the hard work that they're doing. I want to thank Miss Mitt and Miss Johnson and Mr. Tokco. This athletic program is probably one of the the best things that we can do for for our young families. Gives them a chance to do something together. It gets our kids a chance to be able to get away from their screens and to interact with one another, build skills of team building and how to develop relationships. and even more importantly, how to overcome adversity.

106Um, when we take a look at when I take a look at how my kids struggled sometimes growing up, a lot of that was because [clears throat] they struggled with overcoming adversity and and how to fight through it. And sports is probably the best way >> to be able to to learn that skill. And so, thank you for for sacrificing your time on a Saturday morning. I know you'd you'd much rather spend it sometimes with your family, but these kids really appreciate it. And uh and that's all I have for tonight. Thank you, Mr. Cox. >> Thank you, President B. Uh, Dr. CS, I'd like you to know that I have two more granddaughters uh coming for [laughter] kindergarten. It's just going to take two more years, and I might not be done yet, so

107don't call me out. [laughter] >> You're uh you're going to be seeing the ads then. >> I'd also like to join my colleagues in thanking Assistant Superintendent Scott Toko, who uh very generously and appropriately gave so much credit to Maria Mid and Jenny Johnson. what would we do without him? But what would we do without him? Uh I know that ever since the moment that you got to this school district, this has been your mission. You know how effective this can be in creating the type of synergy that helps students perform not just here but in life and u I've always been 100% behind it and it's wonderful to see it. And Dr. cost your effort to try to bring more kids into the district and this athletic opportunity may be the same effort actually.

108So, uh I that's great. I'm so happy to see it. And I also want to support what Dr. Weaver said about instrumental music. I outside of athletics, I can't think of any other pursuit that would that's more beneficial to the person than that. And I I would certainly be in favor of seeing what we can do about that. And I think that we're going to have $300,000 maybe to start working with. >> Yes. >> So, thank you very much all. And that's all I have. >> Thank you, Mrs. Abney Mitchell. >> Yes. I I would like to thank everybody that came out today and Maria and um Jenny Jones and Mr. Toko. Thank you. I'm one of those parents, grandparents that appreciate the Sarah Day sport. I don't like getting up out my bed when

109he have to come at 9:00. I like his game at 11, but I'm one of those grandparents that appreciate and the whole family goes. My granddaughter is seven years old and she called me one Saturday, Nana, is you going to D'Angelo game? I said, no, I'm not going today. She said, can I come over your house? I don't feel like going neither. So even the seveny old everybody has to go and it's something that he looks forward to and like I said I have seen the change in him because of it and um it's as we know it's black history month and the person I want I wanted to highlight for black history he actually was let me get it I don't have my glasses on so just bear with me I just pulled it

110up so I could have it. I'm sorry. >> His name is um >> I thought if I stopped looking at her she >> his name he graduated from Cody High School in Detroit. His name is um Sean Smith. Um >> he actually went to school with one of my cousins. And the reason I'm highlighting him for Black History Month and what makes it so perfect for this month, he was the head referee for Super Bowl. >> So that that makes me want to highlight him today. Um, I didn't know him personally, but my cousin went to the Super Bowl because of he had that friendship with him. So, that's something to be proud of this Black History Month. And thank you all. >> Thank you. Um, so again, I just like to thank Aaliyah, Alana,

111and Brian for leading us in the pledge this evening. Mr. Smith and the Walker Winter staff. Again, I just really appreciate them highlighting the um work that they do around those family partnerships to help families overcome barriers. The other piece, um again, thank you to Maria, Jenny, and Scott. I think it was even said tonight and I want to just lift that around the fact that the sports give the kids the opportunity to socialize and talk with their peers, to get to know their peers. Like we talk so much about those friendships and kids learning how to play together, but when you think about school, right? How often we're like, "Sit down. Be quiet. You got to read your book. It's too loud in the lunchroom. Too many kids at this table. Be quiet on

112the bus. When do they get that time?" Right? And so to be able to provide that time for kids, I think is huge. And that is a part of what makes them better citizens, right? not just being obedient and quiet. They need to learn how to talk to one another, problem solve, and just get to know each other. So, thank you again for this. Um, I just want to lift the building presentations that have been becoming in our school. So many good things. And the whole idea of asking for those building presentations was so that that information could be lifted, right? Because once you go in those schools, those stores are closed. We can come in and say how wonderful our teachers are. We can talk about how great our principles are, but we don't

113really know what's happening until we hear it at at this stage when the um principles come and they bring the pictures and they talk about all the different things that they do to keep our kids in school, to keep our kids motivated, to um work hard to increase student achievement. And so I just really want to say thank you and talk about just how important that is to have that opportunity to hear about what's happening in our schools. We aren't able to be there every single day. We try to go to the events in the evening. So we really want to hear what's happening. What are those wonderful awesome things that are happening? Um the other piece that I'll lift is just a reminder to the board that there's a county um school board meeting.

114So with the CASPA this Thursday at 5:30 um there will be an alle a legislative update and just keeping in mind that we are approaching state budget season. So as we um begin to talk about our budget understanding that you know we may have to um just be engaged to try to hope that we have a budget by July 1st to know what we're doing so we're not in the same situation again. But I just would like to again extend that invitation to everyone. And the other thing that I'll lift because I feel like this has been such a celebratory meeting and I've shared this with other board members previously, but we have a Wayne Memorial graduate that sits currently as the um superintendent of Ann Arbor schools and she was just recently recognized um

115by the Michigan Chronicle as um a woman of excellence. And so when we talk about again the pride of Wayne Westland and the work that we do while she's in Ann Arbor and every time I see her they think I'm approaching her. I might be but nonetheless not necessarily for superintendent but you know just we want her presence nonetheless it's just something to celebrate. I'll just leave it at that. Right. So I just wanted to lift that piece. Um and with that um we are at the point of follow-up questions. Right. I don't think we have any for tonight. All right. So, now I will look for a um motion. >> I got a question. Can I have one? >> You weren't on the agenda for that. >> Oh, >> well, can we just I

116was intend to speak on it, but I looked at her when I was speaking and y'all make me so nervous. I wanted to extend an invitation out to the athletes, the student athletes at Wayne Memorial that we got the email about and the coach to come to the board meeting so we can um show our appreciation and you know gratitude to them for their championship. >> Thank you. >> We'll do. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We can go on. Motion to adjurnn. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Have a good evening.