Board of Education Meeting - February 9, 2026 (Rescheduled from January 26, 2026)

001Good evening and welcome to welcome to the um Wayne Westland School Board of Education meeting. Um it is now 700 p.m. and I'm going to call our meeting to order. I'd like to first just say um thank you everyone for being here and happy new year. This is our first meeting of the 2026 year. So happy new year. >> And with that being said, I'm going to call for Janasia. Janasia and Jaden to come to the front to lead us in the pledge, please. These wonderful students are representing Wayne Westland Innovative Academy to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You all did a wonderful job. Don't leave just yet. Good. >>

002Good evening everyone. >> Good evening >> board members, colleagues, central office staff. Uh we have two students with us from Wayne Westland Innovative Academy. First I will introduce Janasia Asia Murphy. She is a current 11th grade student at Innovative Academy. She has a twin brother who I believe is joining with her this evening and her family. Uh is interested in fashion after school plans on becoming a firefighter along with owning her own barber shop. She enjoys going to and attending Wayne Westland Innovative Academy because the staff members are very supportive and she is able to work at her own pace. She is becoming a better version of herself every day. >> All right, we have Asia. >> Joining with Asia is Jaden Baldwin. He is an 11th grade student currently attending Innovative Academy. Is a

003dual enrollment student with Madonna University. Enjoys working hard either academically or on his own personal projects like programming on roadblocks or making YouTube videos. Trying to be the best while resting when it counts the most. Uh and likes to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends, often roping them into his endeavors. So we have very outstanding students that we have at Innovative Academy. >> All right. >> Thank you. I have certificates for each of you. Thank you so much. How Amen. Amen. Again, thank you, Janasia and Jaden. At this point, we are at 206.26. Roll call in attendance. Mrs. Hines, please. >> Yes. Mr. Ambrose, >> present. >> Miss Abney Mitchell, >> present. >> Dr. Weaver, >> present. >> Miss Hines, present. Mr. Cox, >> present. >> Mr. Rashan, >> present. President May >> present.

004>> 70. We have here. >> Awesome. Thank you. We are now at two 207.26 election of officers of the board of education. Um first on the agenda would be calling for nominations for the office of president. >> I nominate Kimberly May for president. >> I second. >> Thank you. Do we call for other nominations or vote? >> I nominate for Melanie Hines. And they don't need a second, by the way. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> All right, >> we'll call for the vote at this juncture. Um, this is >> okay. And what just to clarify, we are voting >> for president for Kimberly May for president. And then next would be >> okay. We have u Mr. Ambrose. >> Yes. Uh, Dr. Weaver, >> no. >> Um, Miss Abney Mitchell, >> yes. >> Mr. Cox,

005>> yes. >> Mr. Rashan, >> yes. >> Um, let's see. One, two, three, four. Miss Hines, yes. So, congratulations. Oh, President May. President Way. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. Next, we have Office of the Vice President. Do we have any nominees? >> Melanie Hong. >> Thank you. Lana at Mitchell. >> Thank you. At this point, we will call roll for Mrs. uh Melody Hines as vice president. >> Mr. Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rashan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Weaver. Dr. Weaver. >> No. >> Uh Mr. Cox. >> No. >> Uh let's see. Miss one. Miss Abney Mitchell. >> No. >> And let's see. And President May. No. >> And Miss Hines? Yes. >> Okay. So, the next one is >> Mrs. Abney Mitchell >> for vice president. Please call. >>

006Uh, Mr. Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell. >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver. >> No. >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rashan? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? No. And Miss May? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next we have the office of the secretary looking for nominees or nominations. >> Guess I'll nominate myself again. >> Mrs. Hines. >> Any other nominations? >> Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rashan? >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Miss Abby Mitchell? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? Yes. Miss May? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you. And next we have the office of the treasurer looking for >> nominate Mr. Ambrose. >> Thank you. Any others? Mrs. Hines, will you please

007call roll? >> Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Miss Abby Mitchell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rashan? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? Yes. President May? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Congratulations to all of our officers and thank you so board members making this process pretty simple. Next we move to 208.26 recognitions and presentations. Up first we have Dr. Kente Roser and Mrs. Christine Swanson presenting for Wayne Westland Innovative Academy. All right. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Thank you for having us. I'm Dr. Roser, principal of Wayne Westland Innovative Academy. >> And I'm Chris Swanson, the administrator for virtual programming and Early Middle College. >> We're honored to be here to present to you all this evening to inform the community of what

008we have to offer and the wonderful things we've been doing at Innovative Academy. All right. So to start with, our school mascot is a lightning bolt. School colors are blue, teal, and white. Uh we have a very um simple creed, if you will, with positive behavior expectations. Be safe, be respectful, be responsible. It plays into our PBIS program which is the CARES program where community accountability, respect, and empathy are some of the pillars uh that guide our work, our students and staff members at Innovative Academy. Uh for those who may not be familiar where we're located, we're located at what used to be Hoover Elementary, 54004th Street. We're kind of tucked away in the community. uh but our footprint within the district is expanding and you'll see that with some of the programs that we

009have to offer uh through our presentation tonight. So school demographics uh these demographics are inclusive of our virtual program as well uh as well as the facetoface program. Uh so when you see the sixth, seventh and eighth and majority of the ninth grade uh that is referenced here that is primarily virtual uh as the face toface is pretty much 10th grade and up. Uh but even with the 10th, 11th and 12th grade, some of those numbers for enrollment are reflective of our virtual programming. Uh but for virtual, for sixth graders, we have seven students. Seventh grade students, we have 19. For eighth grade, we have 48. For 9th grade, we have 48. Uh 23A is a program. Uh Miss Wson will probably speak more about 23A. Uh but it is an attribute that we have

010to offer as well. It kind of serves as an alternative for alternative Uh but we'll dive into that a little later. Uh 10th grade we have 86, 11th grade 188, 12th grade students 219. Uh this year uh Ann still here. >> Yep. And we've added the uh postsecary program to our school this year. Uh so that is reflected in our grade 14 numbers. And uh for students who are in person and or hybrid and we'll explain what makes a student a hybrid student as we go as well. We have a total of 136 students who are in person and or hybrid. Uh our demographics breaks down as follows. Uh those students who we serves that have an IEP are 97. Uh multilingual students we have 20 six. >> Yep. Uh ethnicity and race, African-American population

011is 40.2, Asian uh 1.4, Caucasian is 48%, Hispanic 4.6. 6 uh Middle Eastern 1.9 multithnic 2.7 Native American 1% and Hawaii Pacific Islander less than a percent. Uh and as far as male female breakdown, uh 338 male, 319 female. Uh at any point in time throughout the presentation, if you have any questions, uh please feel free to let us know. But there's also an opportunity for questions at the end as well. Our staff breaks down as follows. Uh we have a behavior coordinator that we've just added. Uh we have two pair of professionals to support our post-secary students. Uh we have a social worker, speech pathologists that are housed at our building as well. Two administrators that would be Miss Swanson and I. 2.5 counselors, nine teaching staff, uh, three resource room teaching consultants, five

012virtual program mentors, a building sub psychologist, two custodial staff, one food service, and two secretaries. Staff well-being, uh, we take a student centered approach. We prioritize building relationships uh which has led us to academic success uh behavior as well as attendance which is something that we're working on improving but some of our attendance metrics are included as well in tonight's presentation. The picture that you see there is of uh one of our or not one of our male mentoring program which we launched this school year is called the plug uh and that is a volunteer opportunity where we took a field trip to Detroit uh to a mission to help um organize the mission and then we had a lunch experience that was attached to that as well. That was back in uh November December

013I'm sorry. great experience for our students as well as the staff members who participated and the plug initiative is working out very well for our school this year. Attendance, we had 18 students who missed two or less days in quarter 1 of 2023 2024 school year. Uh this in 2425 school year, there were 16 students who missed two or less days in quarter 1. And in this school year, 34 students who missed two or less days in quarter 1. So this year's attendance has improved in year-over-year measurements uh by way of quantifying the amount of students who miss two or fewer classes. So we're proud of that improvement, but attendance remains a challenge and it's something that we're working on overall. Student achievement. Now, here's some data that we are really, really excited about. graduation

014data. Uh 2022 23 school year, we graduated 76 students. The following year, we graduated 96 students. This past school year, we had 175 students to graduate. So, as you can see, over the last three years, the number of students who graduated out of our program has increased with last year increasing significantly. Uh another metric that is very important to us. Uh our students are on quarters which is different from the traditional comprehensive high schools who are on semesters. At the comprehensive high school students can earn three credits per semester for a total of six credits per year. We are unique in that we offer credits on a quarterly basis and a student can earn two credits per quarter for a total of eight credits per year. So we are able to close gaps more efficiently

015and quickly by us being on quarters. With that format, we offer four classes per quarter. So a metric that we follow closely at our school is the number of students who are passing three out of four classes. Uh if you are not passing three out of four, you are merely holding ground if you're only passing two. And if you're passing less than two, you are essentially losing ground. So what we remind our students of quite often on a quarterly basis is are you passing at least three classes of the four that you have. So one metric that we measure so pass three or more classes. Last school year using quarter one as a reference point we had 48.44% of our students pass three or more classes. This year quarter 1 71% of our students pass

016three or more of their classes. So as you see we have improved the percentage of students who are passing three or more classes which that three out of four class is a very important measurement for us and our students since we are on quarters. Uh so we're proud of that number as it relates to student achievement. Points of pride. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Uh points of pride student leadership. We have student council which is pretty robust this school year. In fact Jadeia just just joined student council. Uh so we're looking forward to hearing her voice expressed in student council. We have art club this year. Music club which Jaden is a part of. Uh we have a state you see the equipment there. Uh if I could zoom in I would. That's state-of-the-art equipment. >>

017I love it. >> Stateofthe-art equipment. And so there was a song that was produced in last week's session and Jaden played the ukulele >> and fed it into the system and it then became the beat uh that the students wrote the song to and built off of. Uh we have the plug mentoring program uh which is new this year. Newspaper club and yearbook club which are both new to our school this school year. Uh community involvement and partnerships. uh Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, which is also my church, uh which is not far from here. It's about a mile and a half away from the school. They've been a partner of uh ever since I was at Franklin, and they have followed the partnership to Innovative Academy. uh they provide the staff lunchon every year for

018the holiday break uh our holiday um occasion as well as the teacher appreciation week as well as baskets for thanksgiving for many of our uh students as well as a family for Christmas as well. So Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church has been a very very strong partner of ours for years. Wayne youth assistance program is as strong as any partnership any school could ever wish for. They do so much for our students and for our staff and for our community. Hype Recreation Center is a staple for us as well. And Wayne Library and Wayne Rotary Club have been strong advocates and supporters of our school and our staff and students as well. Okay, >> four questions. Just a couple clarifying points about the virtual and early middle college side of things. Um, so as Dr. Rosser

019had mentioned, you know, we have multiple different programs going on at Innovative Academy with our early middle college, which has students from all three high schools participating. We currently have 52 students that partner with Madonna University taking two classes each semester. So those students, if they begin in ninth or tth grade, have the opportunity by the time they get to their 13th year, which is that post high school year where they spend full-time on Madonna's campus, to be able to earn an associates degree. And all 60 of 60 or more of those credits are part of the Michigan transfer agreement. And all of those credits transfer to any college or university in the state of Michigan, giving those students that um jump on their future education. With our virtual students, we have about 560 I

020think as of today when I close down virtual uh the virtual learning contract and those are between sixth and 12th grade. with our virtual students. We have both high schoolers who are on quarters like all of our in-person students. And in addition, we have students who are currently on track with credits or on semesters. So, our counselors are amazing at juggling. All right, this one's on quarters, this one's on semester, I'm scheduling here, there, and everywhere. Um, so I thoroughly enjoy Innovative Academy and the fact that we have so many amazing things going on, including our adult transition program, and those students just make me smile each and every day when they walk in. Um, so what questions do you have now? >> Thank you, >> Miss Hines. Yes. So, um, how are you guys

021promoting this into the community? because I noticed like when you promote this program, there's something extraordinary that other places don't really have. And since we're losing 300, we're losing a lot of students. Our enrollment is decreasing like really, really bad. So, we need to bring more um students to the district. So, what are your plans to getting this program out to the community so that way more people will join the Wayne West Community Schools? >> That's a great question. We we are we do have a video that we just created that can serve as a pro promotional materials and we're kind of refining that as well. Uh but a lot of word of mouth promotion really serves us well. A lot of our students promote it to other students within the district and most of

022our students um the way a student finds their way to our school primarily is from either John Glenn or Wayne Memorial. Um and typically that student is about a year to a year and a half behind in credit by the time they're referred to us. uh which is a pretty good time frame for us to get the student back on a timeline for an on-time graduation. Um and so that's where most of our referrals come from. Um but aside from that, we do have promotional materials. There are a couple of videos that already exist, but we just packaged up one uh that we think will really kind of promote who we are, how we service the community, how students can find their way to our school, and once they're there, the wonderful things that we

023have to offer. And a lot of that comes directly from the students who kind of speak to their own experiences. And when we were working with the students for that particular project, we were very pleased that almost all of the students that we talked to authentically unscripted said that the staff is what they like the most about our school. The staff and then the autonomy in which they have to kind of build and craft their own schedule um to work on their own timeline. But by and large, the staff, the instructional staff, leadership team, so on and so forth is what our students said they liked and loved the most about our school. >> And I got question and a half. >> One second. Let's see if anybody else had a question and then we'll

024come back. Let's do Abney Mitchell, Mr. Roshan, and then we'll come back to you. >> Okay. >> I just wanted Okay, the um 520 virtual students that are they included in this 657? >> I'm sorry, repeat that. So y'all have 657 students. The 500, you say 520 was virtual. >> I have 560. So the numbers on there are from a are from last month. And at least on the virtual side, I had a intimidation over the last three weeks. So at least our count that Miss Willoughby, our secretary, and I just did is I have 560 6th through 12th graders that are fully virtual. >> So But are they in the count of the building? So this 600 Okay. Yeah, >> that's what I I just wanted to clarify that. And um >> I have

025had conversations with many students in the community and they love the school. They love being in person more than they do. So, I'd like to commend y'all. And I'd like to say thank you to the district for allowing buses, transportation, and I had a funny conversation a couple of days with one of your students. They a new student and they asked you where the gym was at and what did you tell them? >> I don't remember. Is it I don't remember. >> You told them there ain't no gym here. Your fun is over. This is about the business. >> Okay. I remember that. But >> you have no reason very very well. Very well said. I appreciate that. It was really a really funny conversation. And another thing I appreciate and I send you an

026email at the graduation how you stood there and handed each one of your students they diploma. Oh, thank you. So I appreciate that. >> Thank you. >> Great job and keep doing what y'all doing >> and whatever the board can do to support you, let us know. >> Thank you, Mr. Roshan. >> Yes. Uh I want to echo what um Abby Mitchell just stated. I I noticed the school culture there this year. I've recently visit the school. I've been trying to get around to all the schools to visit and um Dr. Roser, he met me at the door and uh we talked. We're walking around the school and one of the students came up to me and said, "Hey, are you our new uh principal?" I said, "Uh, no." He said, "Good." Because we like

027Dr. Ross. I'm just chopped liver. What's good? But um I can tell the school culture, the students really do love the uh staff there. I want to just uh say I appreciate you guys um all the hard work you guys are doing in the school. The second chance opportunity to catch up credits to um and just and even in that I wanted to highlight the um I saw the uh student leadership opportunities the um the student council and art uh museum. I was able to meet a few student uh council members there that uh that day and I came back and we were going to meet. We're going to still circle circle back around and meet because we want student engagement to be uh throughout the whole district. Uh with that being said, I noticed

028there was a music program. I'm like, how can we continue to build that up for for advertising purposes to um get the word out what we're doing with students, everybody producing music these days and you know, students really connect through music. That's one thing. Number two, um I would love to um get to know a little bit more about the Plug uh mentoring program. Um me as a board member I would love to get involved uh come and visit and be a part of that uh after school program. >> Absolutely. Uh we'll get you that information. We primarily meet on Saturdays. >> Uh one Saturday a month we come to the school and meet but there are other activities that kind of um keep the kids involved as we go. Uh the mentors from the

029plug they come from various careers uh and they do a great job. It adds a lot of diversity to our school. Um, most of the mentors are African-American males and it gives them a chance to interact with our students and it's been going wonderfully so far. Uh, we're looking at expanding seeing what next year may look like. Right now that program is only at our school. So the two individuals who launched that program uh they work with Wayne Resa uh but this is kind of an independent venture for them and it is going extremely well. Uh the kids who are a part of it uh speak very highly of it. It's a relatively small group. There's about 15 students who are involved in total. Um, and there's a a a nucleus of about eight who

030are really involved with this program. Ask about it every single opportunity they get. So, yes, please feel free to come and check us out. We'll get you those dates as to when we meet. Unfortunately, the last meeting was canceled because it was the uh it was the Saturday following the inclement weather day on that Friday uh where school was closed which preceded the Monday that we were originally supposed to present. >> So that meeting did not occur. So the next Saturday we're looking at maybe doubling up and instead of a two-hour meeting maybe a three or a four hour meeting but we'll get you the information. >> Great. Thank you so much. >> Thank you Mr. P. >> Yes. So one question because my son went through the innovative academy and it was amazing like

031he was going through a bad depression straight E and he graduated on time went from straight to all A's and B's but I know like sometimes after do you guys have like something to help the kids like after maybe like a year to be in between because a lot of times they need a little extra help so that transition between like the college community college they need like a little something like a little ump like in between maybe like a year maybe we can create some type of program or mentorship to make sure the kids stay on task. ask. >> Yeah, that that's something we could definitely focus on. We have added a staff member, the district added a staff member that we get one day a week. Um, so this person is in a

032um almost like a guidance counselor type role, but they're there to help with post-secary opportunities and experiences and we can maybe task that individual with seeing what that looks like for us in our space as to what does the year after high school look like and what supports we can provide because a lot of that comes from how prepared they are while they're in high school. as to what decision they make after high school. So, that could be a charge that we can uh work on together with the new staff member we just hired. >> Yeah, because you guys should really get this to channel 7 like Ruda Asinatada, maybe Chuck Stokes, and then like put that out there with the QR code because a lot of times it comes to the news and people

033see it like, "Oh, we didn't know this program." Okay. Maybe even check into that too. You know, Channel 7 and Ruda, they do a lot of stuff with the school districts and programs. >> Got it. Thank you. And >> you Yes, Mr. Jer. In your presentation, you talked about a grade 14 program. What does that consist of? >> That is our adult transition program. So, those are are our cognitively impaired students who are 19 to 26 who are working on job skills and independent living and employability. So, though actually I should bring Miss Hineki up to talk. She's the extra. Uh but those are they participate in they go out a couple of days a week to job sites as well as when they're in the classroom they learn cooking and independent living skills. They

034work on how to manage money, budgeting, all the things that they would need to do when they can live independently or at least semi-independently. >> Okay. And just in my star, they're categorized as grade 14 because they're post they graduated with their high school diploma and now this is their extra assistance because in the state of Michigan we can support special education students um until age 26 in certain categories. >> Thank you. This is Abby. >> So what is the age group for that 14? >> 18 to 26. Wow. Okay. Awesome. >> Any questions, >> comments? >> Thank you guys very much for your pres presentation. Very informative. >> Um, >> Dr. Roser, you and I have had conversations in regards to WWIA and the work that you you do over there. And Mrs. Swanson,

035we have not had personal conversations, but I'm just I'm very impressed and pleased and and we've had some conversations just around >> how to get the word out, right, and connecting with some other um entities within the state where students could be supported. So, I'll just follow up with you on that. >> Okay. >> But I thank you again for this presentation. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you very much. >> And President May can be excused. Correct. >> Yes. I'm sorry. Yes, you all may leave or you may stay if you're interested. >> Students for Jaden and Janasia, thank you for being here. And mom and dad, parents, family members, thank you and twin. >> Next up, we have Mrs. Joel Claire with the budget amendment. >> Okay, I'm I'm going to be going

036over the slides, but if you want to look at the actual budget that's in your packet as I'm going from one budget to the other, that that would probably work the best. So, um, uh, we're going to start with the general fund. Um, back in, uh, July, we did not have a budget, uh, from the state, you know, June, we didn't have anything. Um, so the budget that I had to prepare at the end of June of 20 uh five h was there was talk of 200, there was talk of 400, there was talk of 600. I went with a $400 the middle of the road $400 increase. Well, in October when we finally did decide what our budget was, uh is if you look at the state aid status report, it did go up

037400 on the um foundation, but they took uh slews of categorical away. Uh one of the categoricals was 5 uh over 5.3 million and then there was other ones too. So, uh, unfortunately, um, I'm giving you bad news, uh, because the best information I have is this, our state aid status report. I am hoping that maybe later on in the year we will get some more categoricals, but right now, this is the way where we stand. We also lost 300 kids. So that was a loss of over $3 million of revenue. The categoricals that were taken away were 8.5 million and they added some new ones of 2.3. So it's still uh you know was actually a loss. Um during this budget uh we did buy a million dollars of curriculum. So that's part of

038uh you know the expenses. The budget includes the raises that we've already have contractually uh signed. Also it in it includes an extra million dollars of transportation. We hired the extra drivers and the extra aids to have uh on hand. Uh we have two positions that were 300,000. These two people came out of uh the service learning grant and they're they're in general fund now. So that that's part of it too. So the this if it is the worst case scenario, I I pray that this is not going to be but it's the best information I have. So, I have to go with it. Um, I've talked to other districts around, bigger ones like us, and they're having the same problem this year. They're having to show losses because of the categoricals that were taken

039away. So hopefully we people will start putting some pressure on uh the state and um get us some more money because they acted like they had given us in October this great um budget when it actually uh was not. Um any questions about the general fund budget? >> I have one question. Did was the service learning grant was that a categorical was ending? Okay. >> Yeah, it was a grant and uh these two people didn't qualify to be in that grant anymore. So, they had to go uh to general fund. >> So, did we did the grant um close out like cycle out or do we still have the grant and then changed? >> It's a smaller amount and those two people. >> Okay. So, that's what happened. The grant amount decreased. Okay, thank you.

040>> Okay, any more questions to make a comment? Thank you for your work that you've done. It's been amazing like keeping everything together, you know, with the, you know, uncertainty of the budgets and, you know, you have to project and kind of figure things out and even with, you know, we just did all those pay raises with the employees and I was just glad we were able to do that and still keep, you know, maintain our budget. So, thank you so much for all your hard work. Thank you. Okay, let's see. Why is it going back? Okay, I will come back if I have a better better news or any substantial news that would change these numbers. Uh either way um to let you know. Okay. I'm sorry. Why is this not moving? >> We

041need to go forward. I think it's at the end. >> Yeah, I think so. >> I think this the end. This the last sheet we have. >> It's the last slide. >> Yeah, this the last sheet that we have. >> Yeah, but it should be special ed. >> Oh, yeah. You passed all that. >> Here we go. Okay. the special ed fund. Push. >> Yeah, >> for the special ed fund, this is the program that we run with uh Wayne Rea. It always knits uh pretty much to zero. Um I think last year there was uh a couple years ago there was 696 in it. So we will uh show a loss so we can get it back to zero. It's that those funds to build that uh playground. We got half of it last

042year, half of it this year. It'll be done by the end of the year and it'll be back to the zero in um no grant fund. See, it says my next one says federal. Is it right? Grant fund. Okay. The grant fund of of it should also equal zero. You know, we have the grants and we pay out. Our grants are not as large as they used to be. Of course, with the post uh you know, the COVID money, but we do have a large filter first. They're putting those uh water bottle sinks in all of our schools. Uh and all all that's going to be free. It's about almost $2 million of free equipment and and labor that we're getting put in our schools right now. So, that one is a zero >> service.

043>> Food service. Uh we have a small uh re net income only 77,000. our uh because we lost uh students, our reimbursement from the state, you know, is less and uh the the salaries, you know, of the you know, they got good raises and we haven't uh laid anyone off from that area. So, we're still uh still making a small amount, but we're not able to take any indirects. uh the general fund's not able to take any indirects from food service because it would be we would put them in a loss situation. We don't want to do that. Sinking fund we have approximately 8 million I think in there right now 8.4 million. Uh we may spend up 1.9 million uh for repairs uh technology and security upgrades um in this fund, but we have

044plenty. So we'll still end up with a 6.4 fund balance. The bond fund, you'll notice you don't have a sheet on the bond fund because we don't have one at this this moment. We paid everything is uh done. We spent all the money from the old bond. In March, which is next month, we will be selling our bonds um and getting in approximately 22.5 million uh for future upgrades to uh roofs and parking lots and technology. and the one school that didn't get the done under the old uh bond debt retirement. This is uh we just pay our bond payments. So this is what we do to pay our our our bond that we still owe the money for those bonds that we have and uh that'll taper off and the new bonds will take

045its place. So there's no really increase in bond payments, but that fund is doing fine. And then the uh school activities fund, they will increase their fund balance by 146,000, which is, you know, just a small increase in fund balance. And of course, pretty much everything that comes in they they spend, you know, on their uh parties and all the different activities that they do. So all in all, the fourth the first general fund is uh is not positive, but hopefully um you know, we're we're looking into what we need to do to right size and uh get that back on track. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Are there any questions? >> Just a statement. Um, this board will need to know if we continue to lose money. Uh, we'll need to know when

046we're getting close to the 15% fund equity that we we require. So, somewhere around 20%, you know, we need to be informed that we're getting close. >> Thank you. I do have um two questions and I'm just I'm curious if you don't have the information tonight that's fine but what do we receive in terms of our title one allocation and our 31A allocation? >> Our 31A went up. It's it's it's uh 8.4 million. So, it did go up, but um it because you know we can't supplant, >> right? >> Uh you know, it'll continue to cover what we have in there, but anything new is going to have to be new items. >> Right. Right. And then do you know title one? >> Title one. I do not >> Okay. She left. >> She left.

047>> Yeah. I don't know that number off my head. Sorry. >> No problem. Thank you. >> I got a question. >> Yes. I have a question on the food service page. >> Yeah. >> What is indirect? >> Well, uh because we're running of that food service program, it's really, you know, for the state of Michigan, we're running this program, the you know, there's cost as far as my cost, you know, HR for hiring the people. It they they allow you to take a certain percentage uh to cover those costs for them. Um but because uh we don't really have a surplus this year um at this point I didn't budget general fund taking any they they usually get like two to 300,000 from the food service program but uh this year since they only made

04877 I don't you know I could take the 77 and they would have zero uh and I might do that before year end you know change that but right Now, uh I didn't I didn't want to budget taking that anything from them. >> Okay. And my other question is about the because you said something about the playground that we built. >> Um it's that adaptive playground. Remember we looked at those pictures for the special ed. Um >> but I thought that was coming out the bun fund. >> No, it's coming out of uh act 18. Wayne Reese is paying for that. >> Okay. But last year we had 600,000, >> right? >> And the other 600 is coming. This year we had the 1.2 million. It's it will be covered and then that fund will

049be back down to zero. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Y >> any other questions for you? Mrs. Cl, >> thank you so much for your presentation, Mr. Clarity, and for being able to answer the questions at you. Next up, we have Dr. CS with board member appreciation month. >> Vote on me now. >> no, you can vote. >> No. >> Um, thank you, President May. Uh, last month was school board appreciation month and since our meeting was cancelled, uh, we are waiting till tonight to thank you school board members for your service, your leadership, and your commitment. Um, and for the the viewers at home, uh, being a school board member is not easy work. It means long meetings, tough decisions, and balancing many perspectives, all while keeping students at the center of

050every choice. It means making decisions that shape not just the present, but the future of our schools and our community. Uh, in your packets, you will see a resolution that our ISD passed, thanking you as well. But behalf on behalf of our students, our staff, and our families, we'd like to thank you for the time you give, the care you show, and the responsibility you carry. Your work truly matters, and it does not go unnoticed. So, on behalf of the district, we have a small token of gratitude. Please know that your service is appreciated not just this month, but every day, every month, and every year. We are grateful for your leadership and we thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so very much. >> Thank you. >> Oh, Melaniey's going to spoil the surprise.

051>> All right. Next, we have citizens comments on agenda items. >> Okay. So, it looks like both of these are non-aggenda items. All right. Thank you. All right. Next, we are at 2110.26, the consent agenda. >> Move approval. >> Thank you. Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Uh, we have Miss Abney Mitchell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Miss Hines. Yes. Mr. Rashan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox. >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> President May. I am going to abstain from this vote due to a personal relationship that presents a conflict of interest. >> Okay. So we got six is it 61 >> or 6. Okay. >> One extension. >> Next we are at our yep 21.26 board of education committee reports. And first up we have Mr. Roshan.

052>> So close. And I don't think Do we have a January meeting? >> No. >> December. >> It was after the December. >> Okay. Sorry. >> No, that's fine. Um, student achievement committee met on December 17, 2025 to review district instructional uh prog progress with a focus on early literacy and intervention programs. The committee received an update on the third year of the prek through five literacy rollout and reviewed read 180 and math 180 data with administrations agreeing to provide additional requests of information. Board members express appreciation for the clarity of the presentations noted improvement collaboration and momentum over the past two months. an emphasis strong team on an emphasis on strong teamwork between the committee administrators and board. Public comment supports the district innovative approaches and the meeting concluded with a shared gratitude and

053holiday well-wishes. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? >> Thank you. Next up, we have finance and facilities committee report. Mr. Ambrose. >> The finance and facility committee meeting was convened on January 15th at 5:30 uh with the following in attendance. Mr. Ambrose, Miss Abney Mitchell, Miss Hines, Mr. Montaine, uh Dr. Cost, Miss Claire, Miss Marky, and Miss Dorothy Grace, who is a member of the the comm community. The committee meeting was held via Zoom uh due to weather. The committee first heard from Mr. Fontaine. He came before the committee to discuss the purchase of a new security alarm system for all the buildings in the district. Uh the original system was installed in 1998 and is beginning to fail and specifically it's the control boards for our security systems. Um the district is forced to

054find some replacement parts for these boards uh on eBay. security system would be purchased from Everon Security for a cost of $152,6452 and it would be charged to the syncing fund. The committee then had a discussion involving the Inkster properties. Dr. Cost shared with the committee a meeting between President May, Dr. cost. Mayor Nolan of Inkster and other members of the district executive council where the mayor of Inkster made a few proposals regarding the pro the properties owned by the district. Dr. Cost uh said she is having our attorneys from Miller Johnson review the proposals. Also, uh Mayor Nolan will be attending this month's committee meeting uh to have a discussion with us about those properties. Uh we also had a discussion regarding the Ketering property in Westland in which there has been some interest

055and the committee will also receive an update at this month's meeting. Uh the committee then had a discussion regarding auditing firms. Uh the financial committee after reviewing uh some some proposals is recommending uh yo and yo um with the goal of having it voted on at the next board meeting. Uh we then reviewed the uh proposed budget amendment which we just went over with uh Miss Claire. Um unfort unfortunately the the news wasn't good. uh the budget is being revised downward and we we know the multiple factors uh that have contributed to uh the re the downward budget. Um this led to a discussion on focusing district spending based off the district goals and plans. Um and that is something we are going to be Dr. Costas and her team is looking into uh as

056we go forward. We then reviewed the state aid report, check register and investment accounts. Uh we had no citizen comments but heard from Dr. Cost and all the board members and the meeting was then adjourned at 6:19. >> Thank you. And then you have a first discussion piece around the district audit firm. >> Yes. So last about two months ago uh Miss Claire brought to us um two proposals uh for auditing firms. Uh the first one was the yo and yo and which is the one that we are recommending. Um the overall cost for the year or for the length of the contract is uhund roughly $146,000. Uh it is less than uh plant moran. Um the reason why we started looking into a different auditing firm um I'll take this year for example uh

057when we had our pre- audit meeting uh there was no in-person meeting with plant man um my portion of the meeting was held via a phone call uh there was really no on-site support during the entire audit process when they brought the audit to the financial committee, uh that was done via Zoom and then when the board had the audit presented, the program the manager of the program did not attend the meeting. Should also note that she wasn't at last year's meeting when she when the audit was presented either. um she sent someone who worked underneath her to to present the uh the audit. Um so we've been getting diminished service from Plant Moran and felt that in order to better meet the the uh the district needs uh that we needed to go in

058a different direction. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. members >> in regards to this being the first read. So when we come back in two weeks, that will be where we'll um vote to move forward with the >> All right. Seeing no questions, we will move to policy and procedure committee report. Dr. Weaver. >> The policy committee met on January 8th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Members in attendance were Shannon Roshan by Zoom, Katherine Cost, Alex Sili, Kim Marky, and myself. Melanie Hines was excused because I believe she was at work. The committee reviewed the current operating procedure and budget relating to conferences and board travel. The committee will continue to review and discuss these matters and will provide updates to the board members and the community as the process moves forward. Also, the committee

059is happy to recommend to you the proposed personal electronic device policy as written uh by our legal team. This is the first read. Personal electronic devices. 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 is used for audio, video or text communications, including any ancillary or connected technology such as headphones, wireless or wired, smart watches, smart glasses, or other similarly enabled devices. devices. Um, personal electronic devices may not uh be used or visible during class time unless permission is granted by the school administrator. Such devices may be used and visible during passing time and lunch. Students may not use personal electronic devices to broadcast

060or record audio, images, or video of any student, staff member, or other person in the school while attending a school related activity unless the student has received permission from the persons to be broadcasted or recorded. This prohibition does not apply to curricular or extracurricular activities for which personal recording is generally permitted. The superintendent may develop regulations to further control student de uh possession and use of personal electronic devices. >> Thank you. Are there any questions for Dr. Yes, Mr. H. >> I just had a quick question because I know we did a ton of work over the summer with the surveys and I know like with Lancing, they're pushing it right now. They're signing the bills with the governor. So, um, do we have to do another survey like we did or can we use

061some of the information that we used before? We did a lot of work on that last. >> Yeah, we there won't be any need for another survey at this point. >> Thank you. Any other questions? >> I'm sorry. Yes. >> So, how will we enforce this policy? >> This policy is already being enforced in our schools. >> Okay. >> So, I'm not saying that from time to time there's not a slip up, but these rules are already uh our schools are already engaged with them. >> Oh, okay. So, I'm I was just wondering how they was being handled in the classroom when the student refuses to put the device up. Um, well, we had this discussion before. I don't know the answer to it. Uh, the board did not want to be punitive in any

062way with this when we've discussed it on numerous occasions. Um, however, the uh schools are free to deal with that type of uh rebellion at their at their own school level. >> And the other thing I have because they are being enforced in the schools. I know it, you know, but at a high school level is each school has its own policy from what I understand. They have their own policy, but they're very similar. >> They're very similar. Okay. All right. >> Yes, Mr. Roshan. >> Go ahead. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I apologize. >> Um, thank you. I I I think um that there's because each school kind of have their own digital and cell phone policy. I want to make sure that we give our principles and our schools the autonomy to enforce those

063um policies before we add a district policy. Um so that's my my statement concerning this policy. >> Thank you. >> So I was going to state our middle schools and high schools have policies. We don't have them at our K5 schools, but at that point we don't we don't see a need. Um, if we were to adopt a district policy, schools could be more strict, but this would be the the baseline, the minimum, >> right? This is an an overarching policy, >> man. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Yes. >> I would just like to make a comment in support of this. It see there's nothing in this that uh uh that I have a problem with. The school district reserves the right to prohibit the possession or the use of personal electronic devices. Certainly >> at

064school. >> Certainly we have that right. And uh moreover, it says that students may not use the device to record audio images for those that they haven't received permission. You can see how that could get out of control. So I'm totally in favor of that. I don't think that's punitive at all. >> Thank you. Anyone else? All right. So, in two weeks, this will come back to the board for a vote. All right. Thank you, Dr. Weaver, and the policy committee for your work on this. And I did not say thank you to the finance committee for their work on the um looking for a new audit firm. So, thank you for that. Next on the agenda is the review and approval of business service and finance. So, this is where Mrs. Clear. Your recommendation

065comes to the board for the budget amendment. Would you like me to read it, Miss Claire? >> Well, I Oh, you have it. Okay. Um, be it further resolved that no board of education member or employee of the school district shall expend any funds or obligate the expenditure of any funds except pursuant to appropriations made by the board of ed in keeping with the budgetary policy. >> My recommendation. Okay. Based on the information previously provided, I'm requesting that the board of ed approve the 2526 budget amendment resolution as presented this evening. >> Move approval. >> Support. >> Thank you. Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Dr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Ombro, >> yes. >> Mr. Rashawn, >> yes. >> Mitchell, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. President

066May, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next, we have Mr. Tokco. Recommendation to award the contract for security replacement. >> Good evening, board and community. Tonight, I'll be recommending the board approve a replacement of the security alarm system throughout the district. As presented at the January finance and facility committee meeting, on behalf of um Mr. Montine, the executive director of maintenance and operations. I am requesting approval to replace the current security alarm system throughout the district. The current alarm system was originally installed in 1998 and has begun to fail, making a full replacement necessary. The new system will allow for remote monitoring, enabling our security team or local law enforcement to be dispatched quickly and efficiently when needed. The cost of the replacement was achieved through the Omnia Partners Consortium, which is the countywide

067consortium. The total cost of replacement is $152,6452 through Everon and will be charged to the sinking fund. I recommend the board uh approve the purchase as outlined above. Thank you for consideration. Mr. >> Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Miss Abney Mitchell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose. Yes. >> Fines. Yes. Mr. Rashawn. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox. >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> President May 7. Motion carries. >> You moved a little fast. I didn't respect. >> You had that approving look on your face. >> I guess I did. All right. Next, we're at 213.26. Representative designations. um for we need a representative for the Wayne County Association of School Boards, meaning this representative will represent us at the general membership meetings, although it is open to all board members. Do

068we have anyone that is interested? >> I'm interested. >> Thank you, Mr. Roshan. >> I'm sorry. >> I'll do it as well. >> Okay. So, we'll have two representatives. Um do we need to vote on this? Yes. >> No, I don't think so. >> No. just establish like you said we can all go. >> Yeah. Okay. And then the MASB representative who's interested in that. >> Okay. Both. So again, Mrs. Hans and Mr. Roshan. >> Thank you. Next we are at Do we need to vote on that one? The representatives from MASB. >> We voted. We voted on both last year. >> Did we? All right. Can we do it as one vote? Okay. So, Mrs. Um, so do I have since it's both the same people for the representatives, do I have um >>

069I make a motion. >> Thank you so much. Support. >> Thank you so much. Miss T, please call. >> If that makes Kim Mikey happy, I >> Yes. Listen, we got to keep Marky happy. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Miss Abby Mitchell, >> yes. >> Mr. Ombro, >> yes. >> Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> President May, >> yes. >> Motion carry 70. >> Awesome. Now we're at 214. 214.26 review and approval of board um recommendation to approve student advisory group. Mr. Roshan. >> Yes. I want to make a re recommendation from our uh to create a student advisory group. I'm requesting support from my fellow board members in regard to creating a student advisory group. The proposed student advisory group would consist of a representative group

070of students who will meet periodically and designated and designated board members to discuss matters related to student experience, student climate, academic programming, and other other topics relevant to dis the district's decision making. The intent of this group is to strengthen student voice within the district and provide the board with firsthand insight into issues impacting students across the district. The advisory group would serve in a consulting capacity only and would not have decisionmaking authority. Approval of this request will allow the district to move forward with the creation of the student advisory group and begin implementation. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you. Looking for a motion to approve. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve us to have a student advisory role. >> Thank you. Support. >> Support. >> Thank you. Mrs. Hines, will

071you please call ro >> question >> discussion? I'm sorry. Yes. >> Nothing has been said about who these students would be, how they would be selected, and I think that's important before we vote to answer those questions. I believe Mr. Roshan shared that at the when we talked about it the first time, but do you mind sharing it again? >> Yes, we will give the um the uh district the autonomy to come together and figure out what are the requirements uh for the students to choose which students that will u be a part. We want to make sure that group is diverse um in all aspects and um we'll work with the district on the best way to select those students. Any other discussion? >> I'll say this, Dr. C. Is there anything else we

072want to add? What I was saying? >> We were thinking high school students. >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> Um, I'll just add as a member of the student committee um achievement committee, this was a um in-depth um discussion. Dr. Jefferson, Dr. Dr. Jefferson, I'm going to kind of put you on the spot only because you shared with us the experience that you had with this. So, it wasn't something that this isn't something that um is necessarily new to the staff that would be assisting the board with the selection of the students. Um also in those conversations, both Dr. CS and Dr. Dverson were very excited to move forward with this. So, I just wanted to share that piece of it. And with that being said, any other discussion? >> Mrs. Hines, will you please call

073>> Miss Hines? Yes. Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Um, let's see. Mr. Rashan, >> yes. >> Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Miss Abby Mitchell, >> yes. >> President May, >> yes. >> Motion carry 70. >> Thank you. Now we are at item 215.26, 26 citizens comments on non-aggenda items. >> I have two. So it looks like we have a Miss Tasha Glover. >> Good evening, school board um >> of Wayne Westland and any friends and neighbors that might still be here. Um, I'd like to bring um a situation to your um to sorry I'm nervous. Um I'd like to bring it to your attention. You may or may not know about it. My name is Tasha Glover and I am a current member of the marching and symphony band. I

074also had another child graduate from Wei Memorial after participating in band for four years. Um, my current child is in the marching and symphony band. So, this is my seventh year being a part of this program. I am also a way Memorial Music booster for many years. Let me tell you how marching band goes. It's hard, sweaty, and exhausting. By finals, the kids and parents are relieved to be done for the year. Then this happens. About three weeks after finals, the kids say, "I miss my friends." I have been through three band directors. When Mr. Medy got the position of band director, the general consensus was, "How long will he be here?" Under Mr. Wolf, the kids sounded okay. Then Mr. Medi took over. He dramatically changed how the music pro uh program sounded. When

075okay was the norm, he took the kids to a whole new level for the better. Suddenly concerts were exciting and quite frankly very different and unique. As for marching band, we placed in the state finals. Then the next year we did even better. Then even a higher score during this year. Our shows went from mediocre to better and better every season. Mr. Dr. Dave Medi has a vision for the band and orchestra experience. It is ever evolving. For the past three years, we have had a jazz band and pep band during basketball games. My kids were ecstatic to be playing outside of class, still being challenged, hanging out with their friends, and learning new and exciting things. And quite frankly, pep band is just fun. This year, Mr. Medi was going to add rock orchestra.

076The school board talked and talked about trying to bring new students based on cool programs and afterchool activities. We are losing more and more kids every year. But arguably the most exciting program within the district is losing key elements to its existence. Jazz band, pep band, and rock orchestra will no longer exist because the district will not pay Mr. Medi the extra money he deserves for doing these programs outside of class time. He deserves the extra money. Our kids deserve the best possible music experience. It will continue to lure new kids to our district. Music is not considered a core class. However, it has been shown time and time again that kids that play music do better in their core classes. If you don't approve Mr. Bennett getting paid for his time, you are making

077our pro m program smaller. We want it to be bigger. The kids deserve the absolute best possible experience. This won't happen without Mr. Dave Medi. He is the heart and soul of the music program. The kids love band and orchestra because of him. They are challenged and pushed to excel. Please consider these programs to allow or to allow these programs to go on. Pay Mr. Medi for his time. Please give the kids the experience they deserve. >> Thank you, Mrs. Glover. >> Thank you so much. >> THANK YOU. NEXT WE have a Miss Jennifer Owens. Hello again board. And for the new members, I'm a familiar face. I am here today as a active music program marching band parent volunteer to request to highly request reconsideration of a cancellation of the way memorial pep jazz

078band and rock orchestra. It has been proven that music can boost cognitive skills such as memory, language and math. It enhances physical development such as motor skills and coordination. and it incredibly nurtures emotional growth, something that is so important to our teenage children in our district. It develops means of expression, regulation, and boosts confidence. It improves social skills, teaches teamwork and bonding. It is proven that music experiences strengthen brain development, fostering academic readiness and creativity, making music a holistic tool for lifelong learning. I say again, lifelong learning. It doesn't end after graduation. This is something they carry with them into their adult lives. It can reduce anxiety and stress. and being the medic for the marching band this year, seeing how some students buckle under such severe anxiety and being able to be there to

079support them. This is extremely important that they have this outlet to help them learn how to focus and redirect their energy when they feel that anxiety and stress. It eases pain and discomfort. It promotes positive moods and emotional states. To prevent our music students the opportunity to explore and participate in other types of music, not what is just the standard types of music programs in the district is nothing less than tragic and simply should not be denied or discredited to our students in any way or to Mr. Medi and the small amount I'm sure that he's being paid to run these programs out of his own free will on his own free time outside of class. He does it for the students that he loves and cares about. The chance at exploring different types of

080music and learning new instruments is a phenomenal way to allow our children to grow and realize their potential with these musical opportunities that you, our school board, can provide to them. And shame on any one of the you members that does not want this for our students in our district. I volunteered with the marching band, as I said, this year. And to see firsthand what music can do to a child simply put me in awe. Music has changed these students lives. I was there to see it and I went through their ups and downs every day with them and I am better for it. It changes their lives for their for the better. It will continue to do so and we should not prevent them from experiencing other musical perspectives. You as the school board

081need to do the right thing. You need to pay Mr. Medie the money that he deserves for expressing these programs out to our students and reconsider the choice of taking these programs away from the kids. Do not take away something so meaningful and educational to the lovers of music and what it does for them each day. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Do we have any others? >> These are the only two that I have so far. >> Okay. Thank you. Next we are at um interim do interim superintendent report and comments. Dr. CS, >> thank you. Um first I'd like to congratulate the board members on your leadership roles and the stability it's going to provide to have all of you uh continuing in the in the way you have. It's um been a

082pleasure to work with you and I look forward to doing that down the line. Um, actually I'm glad Mr. Medi is here because the district received a letter uh from Rhysa because he took the Wayne Memorial um high school symphony bands and orchestra to play at their holiday board meeting. And all of Reese's employees turned out because this was such a heartwarming musical festive mood that that he created with his students, 55 of them, and they were lining the aisles. They um really really set a positive tone for the whole meeting and got a standing ovation at the end. Uh, so Rhysa congratulated us on um having such a a positive performance. So, thank you, Mr. Medie. >> Um, I'd also like to congratulate uh Peggy Powers uh who is in our business office for

083her um union, I'm sorry, human resources specialist certification. And this is through MSBO and it's a voluntary program and she spent a lot of hours completing that. So, congratulations to her and um I would like to just remind all of you that next week is our midwinter break and the district will be closed. So, we're going to give everybody a chance to get healthy, relax, and rest. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Um next we are at 217.26 review recommendations board of education. Mrs. Hines, would you like to go first? >> Yes. So, I'd like to thank the students and do the pledge of allegiance. And I also like to thank Dr. Medie for everything that he has done. Um, being in the band at Wayne Memorial in high school was pretty um, expansive.

084I was able to get a scholarship. Um, I always envisioned Wayne Memorial being like the school of performing arts because there's so much talent there. Um when I got to see the Wayne Memorial Marching Band at the Thanksgiving Day parade, it had a little tear in my eye because that's something that we've never happened, you know, in all these years I've been with the district. Um again, um the football games has been phenomenal. I mean, we've gotten so many um really positive um you know, comments through the community. Um being able to play at Fort Field, again, that's never happened when I was at Wayne Mory all these years. Um, now I'm not sure exactly the details, but if it's like a budgeting issue, um, I'm really good at working with sponsorships. Like the lady

085from Groen Chevrolet, they were able to sponsor like a lot of the kids in the athletics. So, a lot of times it's relationships. If we can reach out to some of these organizations like m like some of the large organizations and see if they can just sponsor our kiddos because like these are amazing programs. Sometimes it keeps them out of trouble. And you know, I'm quite sure a a company would sponsor our marching band just like, you know, Hype and like Girl and Chevy, they uh Jack Demer Ford. So, we have a lot of amazing community organizations, just partnering with the right one. So, if anything you need with some help with sponsorships, I'm really good at that. I definitely reach out because I don't want to lose our our band. Um, and I'd like

086to congratulate all the new officers. Um, so I do have some information. Uh, I do admissions at Schoolcraft College and they have some things for the kiddos. Um, it's called the community college guaranteed and it's a way that a lot of kids can go to college for free through schoolcraft college like they were saying with Madonna University. Um, they go for the two years for free. They can take those um, credits and they can transfer to go to Wayne State, Michigan State. So they have like the dual enrollment. So I have some information on that and some scholarships as well for the kiddos because this is that time, you know, they need to be looking out. So, they have a bunch of senior scholarships. So, I'll definitely make sure that these get out to some

087of the counselors and the superintendent. And um I also picked up some additional information today at city hall. Um the West End Parks and Recreation is going to have a STEM day. Um it's going to be March 28th um 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for science, technics. And it's going to be over at city hall. So, this is a good event here. And then they have another one called adult night paint and pour. It's gonna be Friday, March 6 from 6:30. So just a lot of nice little events that they got going on. And they even have like a family game night that's going to be February 20th um at Westland City Hall. Board games, um multiplayer card games, cornhole, connect with many more. So um you just can go to city hall

088get these over there. And I like to say oh and then one more thing too. We do have our Kowanas meeting um monthly. We meet on the first and third uh Tuesdays of every month. We've been able to give over hundreds of free books to the children. Um we work with literacy programs. We did a food um donation to St. Mary's and just really nice getting things in the community and getting these kids to read. So that's a really good thing and thank you for that. >> Thank you so much Mr. Ambers. >> I want to echo some of the the comments um about Mr. Medi. I've had the opportunity to have two of my children educated by him. He is one of many educators in this district that make this district a better place

089for our students. And I want to thank him for all all of his hard work and his dedication. Um, I really wish we had a lot more Dave Medies in in our district. This year, um, as a country, we're get a little bit into my my personal past. This year in this country, we're celebrating the 250th anniversary of our of our War of Independence. Um, one of the things that led me to my love of music, uh, and this goes back to October during our trunk or treat where I had a had a drum, um, from the age of six until sometimes now. Um, and then if you go on social media, I don't know why I'm saying that part, but I do Rev War reenacting and I've traveled across the Midwest and the East

090Coast. And with this also being uh uh Black History Month, um I I want to talk a little bit about one of my heroes, someone that I relate to and Berseri Louu. He was a musician with the Massachusetts line. Um he was a French and Indian War veteran. uh he enlisted in the Continental Army and fought at the Battle of Saratoga and was a musician and and served his country. Um, he was one of what we would what historians would say 5 to 8,000 African-Americans that that fought on our on the on the side of the Continental Army uh to gain their their freedom. And so it's not a part of history that we we we talk a whole lot about, but I'm grateful for for people like him um and for for their music.

091Um, I portray a drummer when I do this and to play music that he would have played because he was a drummer and a fifer uh is actually quite an honor. And so, um, this month, uh, when if when you study black history, study about some of the, uh, individuals that that served in the army during the time of our our war of independence. >> Thank you, Miss Dr. Weaver. >> Thank you, Madame President. Congratulations to the uh newly elected officers tonight. I believe you'll do a great job. Uh most of you know that if I have something to say, I will say it and so I will do that tonight. I'm somewhat shocked to hear that the Inkster property discussion has made it to committee level. I don't know if other board members knew

092about it. I certainly didn't know that it rose to that level. Mayor Nolan has pushed and shoved for our district to give back the Blanchett property that was seated to us upon the dissolution of the Inkster School District. He's done so and asked that this property be given back to the city of Inkster for free. I want to remind board members and anyone on this board that is pushing this that you are elected to take care of this district. If you want to run for Inster City Council, that's on you. You do that. But right now, you're an elected board member of the board of education. And I certainly will not support and will do everything in my power to keep this property as a part of the Wayne Westland School District. I will go

093further to say that if Mayor Nolan wishes to buy this property, then he can pay our school district the million dollars that we paid to tear down that school district. So that's all I have to say about that and I'm sure I'll be saying more. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Weaver. Mrs. Abney Mitchell. >> Yes. I'd just like to say thank you for all the presentations tonight and um to um Mr. >> Maddie you are greatly appreciated. Um, I never seen you smile, but I see the when the music come out, those are more than more smiles than I ever need at the graduation and any event that I went to that you had your band there. You know, we loved you on TV for Thanksgiving. You know, there's so many opportunities and we

094thank you for it. And and as Andrew said, it is Black History Month. And if I when I think about music, I think about the the hymns my mother, my grandmother, my great-grandmother hymn around the house. Hymns was what? Music is what got us to survive, to move from one spot to the next. Our music is the token of life. It can it can bring you joy. It can bring you um anxiety. It can have you depressed. Music is what brings us about. And as I think of music and black history, I didn't mean to say depressed. We don't want to be depressed. I I overspoke on that one. But uh but yes. So, um I'm rooting for you and and your music cuz we need it. And and you're very popular. Everybody asking for

095you. Very popular. And I got that smile now. You You ain't never got to smile again. I finally got it. That's it. Thank you everybody. Enjoyed the break. I'll be in Texas. So yes. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Cox. >> Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to all those that are serving in officer capacities for your work in the past and and in the future. Appreciate your contribution. also at the uh Wayne County Association of School Boards and the Michigan Association of School Boards. Earlier this evening when we had a presentation from the principal of the Innovative Academy, Melanie uh asked my my colleague, Miss Hines, asked a question uh at the end, what are we doing to attract more people to this program? And uh in my opinion that was kind of glossed

096over a little bit because there much like what Mr. Medi is doing with band. There's a lot more going on in that band program than music and there's a lot more going on at the innovative academy than just getting kids their their credit so that they can graduate. >> Right? >> There's a you know there was a problem. These kids are smart, but they are not responding to the conventional way that we're delivering this educational product. So, let's change the way we're delivering it and see if it doesn't uh you know, and look what's happened. There's definitely a synergy over there. And I look at that like I look at uh the career tech center. There's no reason we can't be serving the region with the innovative academy, not just members of our school district.

097And really, I would like to see some kind of an outreach to to let uh educators, parents, and students in other districts know that there's an alternative path forward for them, a very effective, and they would like to be a part of that kind of a program. >> Yes. So I you know I think that that's a question that uh that should be expounded upon. Um, also at the end of the presentation he mentioned that uh, Yusede Missionary Baptist Church has always been there when he was at Franklin. And frankly, there are a lot of churches in our school district that that give of themselves all the time, not asking for any recognition in return and not pushing any ideologies, but just rather being there for the students. As Aaron, I'm just going to read

098a few of the people that's on the donations page tonight. Wayne Westland Association of Paraprofessionals came out of pocket for a monetary donation. The the Golding Chevrolet came out of pocket for for with money for our district. Jack Demer Ford, Zeal Credit Union, McCarthy and Smith, on and on it goes with persons who are constantly contributing in one way or the other. And I'm just wondering, do we do anything to say thank you to them? We we got these bags here tonight, but do we do anything to say thank you to the community and to the business community and to these churches? Uh it seems to me we should at least find a way to say thank you uh to them. Um $9 million. The last time we had a financial catastrophe. Uh members of

099the board of education would uh ask persons in the administration questions for a half hour about a $32,000 subscription service that uh and here you've just found out $9 million. Boom. Just like that, it's gone. So, you can ask all the $32,000 questions that you want, believing that that's getting really to the bottom of things. But I bring this up for one reason. This is public education in Michigan. We're rolling a dough or broke. It's one or the other. There's never a time where, okay, we have the right amount of percentage in the bank and everything's going to be great going forward. That's not happened in all the years I've been involved with this school district. And the reason I say that is because when we do have it, we have got to use it.

100Not thinking that we're going to be able to put it in the bank and to keep it. Here's here's what happened the last time we had a financial catastrophe. Uh we thought we lost $17 million. We really didn't lose it, but we took all of the steps that a responsible board would take in order to reduce our expenditures. And then we found out that we in fact didn't lose that money. So now only we have that money and we have all the money as a consequence of the cuts that we made and then we go into contract negotiations and this is public education. So when this board gets faced with a decision I I think we got to move forward. We got to do it. It's not irresponsible. It's just recognizing that the money that

101we have today is for the children that are in school today. >> That's right. >> So, I'd also like to say one thing about my fellow board member Shannon Rashan. Uh, sir, I'm just so impressed with you and um and the work that you're doing on behalf of student achievement and thinking about the students. and I had this long conversation with our president over the weekend. Thank you, by the way, Miss May for calling me and talking to me, but I thought maybe I should tell that to you instead of her. Uh, great job. And very, very good to see that. Keep up the good work. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Cox. Mr. Roshan. >> Oh, geez. I thought I was going to speak after >> since he just set me up.

102I just want to thank D Mr. David Cox. No, I um I thank you. I appreciate that. Um it's a team effort. Uh not just me, of course, but um the way we come together and all of our committees to hash it out and do what's best for our students. Um just want to recognize that and thank everyone for the work that they're doing. Um tonight, I just a few things. Um just wanted to uh say before we get out of here, I want to thank Dr. Rosser, principal, Wayne Westland Innovative Academy along with Mr. Swanson. Um, great job over there. As I said, I visit the school and just highly impressed the work that you guys are doing. Also, I want to thank the students that did the pres pledge of allegiance today. Um,

103it just shows as if as we come together um the work and the um the products that we can produce in our district um uh will be outstanding. uh looking at our students um from uh I I want to talk about the the music program from being a former student athlete. Uh not just a student athlete, but I was a student band member. Loved band. Um and you don't really understand band culture unless you've been in the band. uh the lifelong friendships and relationships and memories and trips and and uh being in competition and the anxiety that comes with being in those competitions, standing on the field sweating wondering, am I going to pass out? Did I eat breakfast this morning? Uh having the parent volunteers there to support you. It is very essential that

104we continually support our music department and our band. I stand 100% behind our band. Uh recently I went to a uh one of our basketball games and uh there was a seat uh close up front. I was going to sit down, but me being an athlete, but also a former band student. I stood by the band just to listen to the band and see what they were doing in between times before they were playing. And uh they would get queued up and play. And I just really enjoy our march marching band. Everyone here knows that our marching band is top tier uh in the state of Michigan. So, I just want to say that we appreciate your hard work and I'm here as a board member uh to support the band however we can. Um

105that wasn't in my notes. I just wanted to really share that from my heart because I I truly uh support the band. With that being said, uh I also want to inform the board this month I attended the NSBA advocacy institute where I had the opportunity to speak directly with our federal legislators. Um uh we talked about critical issues impacting our district including federal school funding, school safety and mental health and federal nutritional guidelines amongst many other things. Um, there's also an opportunity for our district to receive a $45,000 air quality grant. I'll share that information with the board and our district. Pretty sure you're aware, but that is, but I'll share that uh with you guys so we can um take advantage of that opportunity. Uh uh with that being said, uh it is

106our responsibility as board members to continue to educating ourselves and advocating at every level to best serve our students, families, and community. With that being said, uh I appreciate everyone here for all their hard work and everyone that come to our board members, please continue to come. We love to hear your voice and um just help steer us in the way that we should go. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, so in closing, I'd just like to say again, um, thank you to our WWIA students, Dr. Roser, Mrs. Swanson, and their staff for the dedication and hard work at WWIA. It is always a pleasure to hear the great things that are happening there. I'd also like to take a moment just to say thank you to Dr. Oily, Chad, our bus drivers, and Dr.

107Cost for engaging in productive conversation regarding resolutions to get our kids to school. as always, hoping to see improvement and understanding that that's the first hurdle to supporting our kids. So, when we talk about all the things that we need, we got to get them here. So, I really appreciate the conversations that you all are having and hoping to see some changes. Um, to Mr. Medie, I I do want to say thank you for elevating our music programs. Um, it was awesome to see the kids participating in the Thanksgiving Day band. I mean, the Thanksgiving Day parade, to watch the video that Dr. costing us of the um Rhysa. >> Thank you. This kids being at Rhysa, my words are getting caught up. Um we I was going to say we weren't able to be

108there because we weren't invited because of the small space, but just understanding those pieces. Um understanding how hard you work and your dedication to our students and the programming. Um thank you Mrs. Glover for speaking this evening. You shared some things that I was not aware of, so thank you um for that. I'd also just like to say congratulations to our elected officers and thank you to my fellow board members for entrusting me to be your board president. Again, thank you to Mrs. Hines and Mr. Roshan for volunteering to represent our board at um the county level and at the MASB level. Mrs. Marky, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your assistance um with getting us on board book. Really appreciate that. Um, and I also would like to share that there is a

109county association general membership meeting coming up February 26 at 5:30 p.m. And at that meeting they will be sharing out um information in regards to federal budget um and state budget moving forward. So all board members are invited to that meeting. And then I'd also like to share that Wayne Westland is hosting the um county association school board awards this year. April 30th will be the date and more information to come. Mrs. Marky is working with me. Really, Mrs. Marky is doing this. Um but she's working we're working together to make this happen. um just really looked at this as an opportunity when we talk about um engaging the community, engaging students, making people aware of what our district offers. This is a perfect opportunity to do that. Um and then the final thing that

110I'd like to say is just thank you to Dr. Cost. I'm really looking forward to the engagement retention plan that you've been working on. Um just hearing how we are going to engage additional students and how we will retain the students that we have. I I don't want us to lose sight of that as we start to focus on an engagement plan. Just also understanding that we need to keep the babies that we have here as well. And with that, I am looking for a motion to adjourn our meeting. >> So, support. >> All in favor? >> I >> everyone have a great night, awesome break >> and be safe.