Board of Education Meeting - December 15, 2025

001Good evening everyone. Calling our um school board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. We will start with the pledge of allegiance being led by Zoe and Eva Fukqua. May please come down to the front for us, please. I aliance 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. >> Don't don't go away yet, though. Mrs. I mean, I can speak without the bios, but I would hate to miss out on all the wonderful things Zoe and uh Evas uh brings to Franklin, but I have the pleasure of having two out of the six fukquas that are in the district. Um, so I'm excited to introduce first Zoe. Zoe is a eighth grader here at Franklin Middle

002School. She is a multi- athlete student. She is an honorroll student. She's a part of NJHS. Um, what else? The list can go on and on. Let's see. There we go. Zoe is a eighth grade student at Franklin Middle School. She's a multiport athlete participating in volleyball, basketball, track, pep club, and cross country. Zoe also serves on student council and is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society. She is an honoral student who consistently earns all A's. Congrats. Next, we have Eva. Eva is a sixth grader, her first year here at Franklin. She also plays volleyball and plans to try out for basketball this season. Eva is an active member of the pep club and is an honorroll student. She is recognized as a student leader previously serving as an assistant teacher in

003champions and as a member of the school safety squad. >> Thank you so much. >> Don't go sit down. Stay >> to both Zoe and Eva. Thank you so much for being here this evening. This is a special recognition for you Zoe and this one is for you Eva. So, thank you guys so much for being here. You did an awesome job and I hope you have a wonderful break and a wonderful rest of your school year. And then they're going to take a picture. So, still don't go anywhere. Thank you ladies. >> Thank you. >> Next we will have Mrs. Sprinkle to provide a building up. Roll call. Can we do roll call first? >> I just want to do what I want to do tonight. Okay. I got my own agenda. >> Mrs.

004Hines, will you please call roll for this evening? >> Yes. Um, Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> here. >> Mr. Ambrose, >> present. >> Miss Abd Mitchell, >> present. >> Mr. Cox, >> present. >> Miss Hines, >> present. >> And present. May >> present. We have everyone here today. >> Awesome. Next on the agenda. Make sure I'm in the right order. >> Mrs. Sprinkle will be providing a building update on Franklin Middle School. Again, thank you for being here. >> Absolutely. Thank you for the invite. Um, tonight going to talk a little bit about Franklin Middle School, the greatest middle school, not only in the district, but in across the state of Michigan in my opinion. Um, so just to start off with some quick demographics, um, our enrollment right now is about

005607 students. It does fluctuate anywhere between 650 to 600 and back up. So I'm assuming that we'll probably get a lot of new enrollies when we come back from break. Um, but somewhere in between the 600 and 650. Um, sixth grade is our largest group this year. um 210 sixth graders in our building and then seventh and eighth grade, 199 and 198 eighth graders. Um out of all of our students, we have about a 22% population for special education. So we house several um special education specialized programs including SXI, um our CI and then resource English learners. We have a small population of about 22 students that equal about 3.6% 6% of our students. Um, our school is pretty close even as far as gender distribution, females, um, a little slightly higher at 326 of

006our students and 281 males. Uh, we are very diverse at Franklin. Um, 48% of our population is African-American, 36.7% Caucasian, 7% Hispanic. Um, multithnic is at about 5.4 and then other 2.4%. So, a nice mix at Franklin. So, one of our focus this year is attendance. Um, we know that that is a district goal, but it's also one of our school goals. Our average daily attendance is at 87%. We are working to improve that daily participation, but most importantly, we're looking at um working and being proactive with our students that are chronically absent. So we have found that um we have several students who are not attending school. So our goal is to figure out what barriers um they're facing as to why they're not coming to school. So not just focusing on the average

007daily rate because that can change but on who are the specific students in our school um that are not attending in person and why. So this year we have partnered with Wayne Resa um to create an attendance monitor position and this position is focusing on early intervention um engaging with our families and trying to help remove those barriers that are um impacting our student attendance, student well-being and support systems. So at Franklin we really believe in the whole child and making sure not only academics but our students social emotional needs are being met. Um we have piloted for the past two years um a home room in which we have a 20 minute SEO block. So, social emotional learning, we've partnered with Trails um for some SEO lessons where across our different classroom students are

008learning um how to be self-aware, social awareness, relationship building, all of those things that will help set them up and prepare them to be ready to learn. So, um, we did a vote, uh, for a contract deviation for two years now, and it passed with 99% of our teachers on board with continuing with having a home room. So, that's something exciting and unique for Franklin. Um I would say that um some of our strong climate and culture supports we have uh our PBIS framework in place. Our haunted store which is online shopping where we have partnered with um some of our adult learning programs where they come in and they manage our uh fulfillment distribution. So when students shop online, the uh students in the adult special ed program, they come every week to fulfill

009those orders and deliver. So, there's another way for them to get life skills and to partner with our younger students. And then I would have to brag and say that we probably have the best um behavior support team in the district um who provide not only just reactive but proactive supports for our students that are in need. Um this year we have uh several different ways we are helping students um with mental health services. We have two full-time counselors. One is here tonight, Miss Fukqua. Um, and we have 1.5 social workers in a psych that we share across buildings. Approximately 20% of our students receive ongoing mental health services. We are so excited this year about some of the community partnerships we've built um with Miss Fukqua and and our other counselor support. They were

010able to bring in New Hope grief counseling. Several of our students have lost loved ones from parents to siblings. And so we've partnered with New Hope where they come in week, it's weekly, right? Where they work with students in small groups where they're getting grief counseling because we found that a lot of our students were not receiving any type of support when their parents or loved ones pass away. Um we also added this year a partnership with the guidance center. We looked at what are some of the behavior supports that are needed that students need tier 2 supports, more supports. And so we have built four different social groups where we have the guidance center who's coming in every Wednesday to run small groups. Some of them are friendship groups. We found that some kids

011just don't know how to make friends. And so they'll be in a small group where they're learning even if it's some a game of UNO, learning how to interact with their peers, helping them be partnership. And in hope of some of these efforts with some finding some of our kids who are not coming to school because they don't have those type of relationships or something to look forward to. So this is new this year but we have four different groups conflict resolutions to those students who are always in conflict with someone. So um we have a special group for those students who are learning how to resolve conflicts non-violently. So those students who've maybe acted out physically in the past we now have them as an alternative participate in with the guidance center on uh

012conflict resolution. And we're continuing our partnership with uh Wayne youth services this year. We are excited. They came to us and let us know they had some extra money and grants and said, "Hey, what does your school need?" So, I'm going to skip a little bit ahead for that because it kind of ties into this. So, when we looked at what we needed, we found that a lot of our students are student athletes, but we have a lot of students who are not athletes, but they want to do something else at the school. And so, we use that opportunity and the money that Wayne Youth Services is providing for us to build after school clubs. And the kids are excited. Every one of these clubs are on waiting list now because they're excited. Cooking club,

013so kids are staying after school learning how to make meals. Um art club, we have a fitness club, dancer size, tutoring, an anime club, um even board games that it's a club kids stay after and just learn how to play board games. Um chess and checkers. And then one of exciting ones I'm excited about is a music production club. We're actually building a a studio at the school and one of our teachers are teaching uh the students how to produce music. So, they're excited about that. >> Yeah. And then um Wayne, you've donated all of the uh equipment we need for this studio. So, it's going to be nice excited about that. So, in addition to that, we do have our athletics. Um something that we're excited about is our sixth grade opportunities. We knew

014that they had opportunities in fourth or fifth grade and then they would get to middle school and we didn't have something for them because it was predominantly seventh and eighth grade. So this year sixth grade is up and running. They now have an their own mini league within the district where they're now um playing for volleyball and basketball. So the students and families are excited about that. Um leadership opportunities for our students which I have three of our leaders here tonight. um student council, NJHS, uh student PBIS team, and our lighthouse club. Um something we chose as a school to continue was the legacy awards. So, every year we um we recognize three to five students who are leaving a legacy at Franklin and they're acknowledged at our eighth grade honors night. Um, two special

015things as far as academic achievements. Our um, science department head, Miss Christie, won a grant with Samsung Solve for tomorrow. She was a state winner for our STEM club and our STEM um, labs that we host at Franklin. And then also what's exciting, our instructional coach, Miss Kelly Villa, she heads up networking with our teachers where they are visiting classrooms across secondary um where they're learning from their peers. And so every month we've had an overwhelming amount of teachers from different schools and from our schools that are willing to open their classrooms up and see what is happening instructionally um across grade levels. So that is a highlight for our team. We've actually were trailblazers. I'm gonna take credit even though it was all Miss Villa's work. Um um observing secondary buildings to build their

016capacity. So that is something very exciting that's growing. Um when stu teachers come back, they're excited about the things they saw in other schools and even they this I think last week they visited John Glenn. So they're even visiting high schools to see what's happening for that vertical alignment. Uh a few other points of pride. Uh we're providing targeted interventions again with our behavior team for behavior and tardies. Um we are constantly recognizing students who have perfect attendance. So each month they have an opportunity to earn that award. Um we are doing trails which also focuses on a monthly character trait through and PBIS. We continue with our monthly MTSS meetings um to discuss the academic challenges students are having. Um, and in addition, we've um we've staffed and got creative on how to have

017an inschool reset room to keep kids in school. Um, so if they absolutely don't have to be suspended, they can be in school and still learning. Um, so that brings me to the end unless >> there was a slide that Can you just touch on that one? >> Skip a slide. >> I think it was right there. >> Oh, this one. Oh, yes, absolutely. So, our student academic and achievement growth. So, um our schools set uh a goal of having at least 50% of our students meet their individual um NWA goal. So, looking at this chart, the green says that at least 54% of our sixth graders are growing as much as um their peers across the nation or better. And so we're excited about that because we know that not all of our students

018are on grade level, but we are showing that wherever they're at, they're growing and they're doing they're growing at the rate that is predicted for them to grow based on where they're at. Um seventh grade, we're at 44% and then eighth grade 50%. So again, we had a building goal of trying to get at least 50% of our students exceeding their NWA goals. So we're almost there. just got to work on seventh grade. But also, even though we see a little red, don't be don't be uh nervous about that because it doesn't mean that the students aren't growing. They still have till the spring to reach their individual targets. So, we're on track. We're going to get there. Questions? >> There any questions? >> Minds, >> I just like to make a comment. Thank you

019for all the work that you're doing over there. It's really exciting. Um, I just like to see these kids being excited about growth, opportunity. Um, I just thought about something. There's a lady, her name is Tanya Ayer. She's called the shoe lady. And they, um, make a lot of movies in Detroit, and they have a studio called The Collective, and it just started up. So, maybe I can get you guys together. Maybe you guys do a field trip, do like a coordination because it'd be really cool because the movie industry in Detroit is like booming. And I think that'd be a really good connection. Let's see if we can get you guys put together. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. If you send me the information, we'll definitely connect with you. >> Yeah, be good. Thank you. >>

020Thank you, Mr. Cox. >> I just wanted to say thank you. This was a very student centered report and specifically the afterchool clubs. >> Yes, >> we've always believed that's the best that's the best place for kids after school is back at school uh with their classmates and with some mentorship and great effort. Congratulations on that. Like to see more of that. >> Thank you, >> Ms. Abby Mitchell and then Mr. I also wanted to say thank you and um and I appreciate the after school clubs. You know, like you said, everybody's not an athlete. >> Everybody doesn't want to participate in that. And for you to have those extra resources, I appreciate that. And also the attendance monitor. >> Yes. So when they engaging with parents with the families and everything about the students

021not attending schools, I mean is there anything any way that they can try to you know better influence the parents or offer them something or you know because in middle school some of it is the kids but you know you look at it is also the parents that's keeping you know 87% attendance is not good at Uh >> that's right. And so that's why we partner with Wayne Gresa. Um and something that I did as well and we're still in the process. Um we created uh our own individual surveys for specific uh families with the students that are chronically absent because we wanted to find out from the students perspective why are they not coming to school because they might even have a different answer than their parents. And so then from the parents perspective,

022why do you think they're not coming to school? And then um actually just today we did some of the teacher interviews where we wanted to get their perspective on why do you think your students aren't coming? And so our goal is to look at all of the um what we call street data and try to figure out what exactly is going on with those specific students as to why they're not coming to school. So, I mean, we can all say, "Oh, transportation or um they're sick or different things, but we're finding some have unique situations and some it is that relationship piece. They just need to be connected in some kind of way to someone." And so, that's where the afterchool clubs is also a benefit too. Um that is going to be a support

023to some of our students. They just need something to look forward to. And we're finding that some of them just need to feel successful at some part of the day, >> right? Um, so work avoidance is a way that they they know when I come to school, I'm not going to be able to do this work, so why go? But us helping them try to figure out like how and show them how they can be successful and celebrating them. So, um, our goal with the attendance monitor is to help put together individualized attendance plans which will include incentives for the student. They respond well something as simple as food they respond to. So um just but making it more individualized because every student has a different story as to why they're not coming to school.

024So absolutely next time you see us that attendance rate should be up. Okay. And the last thing I just want to say I appreciate and thank you. You doing a good job with utilizing community partnerships and it look like you going after everything that's available. Absolutely. And that's a good thing, you know, utilizing the resources and thank you guys for all you do. >> I forgot to mention hype. We are def they are definitely a huge support for us. I do not want to forget that. >> Thank you, Mr. Osan. >> Um as as Mr. Cox said, this is a wonderful presentation, a student centered uh report. Uh but recently this year, I visited Franklin and it is a student centered school. You know, going in there, you see the kids are excited. I was

025I walked to Miss Pringle and they ran up to her, "Mr. Pringle, look at this." And I forgot the young man name that the car enthusiast uh young young man was just like, "What kind of car do you have?" But I I Yeah, man. Amazing students. Uh she took me around the building. I was like, "Oh my god, I didn't know that this building had so many different pods and areas and immaculate clean and and students were happy and staff were so pleasant and uh I just appreciate you and your report. Uh I'm telling you, we have a gym in Miss Pringle um in this district. Um she told me how long she's been in the district and, you know, the ups and downs and just giving me history of the district and I just

026appreciate you for sticking with our students and supporting our students and being just a gym in this district. Thank you. >> Anyone else before I make Okay, Mrs. Hines? >> Yes. I just had one more thing. When it comes to attendance, I know Wayne West has like a super high homeless rate and I know sometime that can be an issue. Um, how is that with the the students over at Franklin? Is that like an issue with the homeless and the transients? Because I know a lot of kids that come through. And then two, a lot of times with the ICE, how do we know kids aren't coming to school because they're afraid to come? We have a huge English language learner um uh in this district. I know I think the last time I talked

027to one of the principal they said they had over 500 English language learners. So if you have this ICE situation the parents are scared to bring their kids to school that could be an issue as well. So is that come up in any of the conversations? >> Um so I know that Adams has the higher population for our English language learners. We have a smaller part population. We a little bit of that came up um probably but not as big as what if you talk to the families at Adams because they house majority of our students. But we do have um a population of homelessness and we also have a couple of group homes that are within our uh demographics as well which plays a part in the transient because they're in and out of

028those homes when they get permit placements versus when they come in and different things. So, we do see a little bit more of the homelessness or transient population more than um our ELLL um barriers at Franklin. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> 20% of your student population are dealing with uh mental health issues. Um that's when a lot of my daughters, both my daughters went through through uh through Franklin also, and that's when they they started having theirs. um the support back then um wasn't as good as it is now, but do you have the resources that you need to meet their needs or is it something as a board maybe we need to look at working into allocating a little bit more resources to to help? >> Absolutely. I'm glad that you asked

029that. Um so that is the reason why we've been going strong with the community partnerships because um we jokingly say that sometimes Franklin can be a mental health institution where we feel like we are dealing with a lot of that on a daily basis. So that is the reason why I I have to give credit to our mental health team because they are going out getting I they at one point they got together said Miss Pringle don't ask us to do nothing else like we have enough to try to get going this year and I'm like but we need more and so they went out they got the grief center they went out and got the guidance center um and then we just found I went and uh when we were looking at our title

030budget which we're we're grateful to have a a bigger portion of the title funds due to the population we serve. And so we were talking about how can we add more social work services or things. And so I have to give credit to Amanda. I don't know if I'm supposed to release that information. Can I release that yet? And so I kind of talked to her like, hey, I need more like clinicians because a lot of our parents won't take our students to outside therapy or outside services. like what if we set up something where they can get services right on site in, you know, in a a private area. And so Amanda heard me out and she called me last week with news that you all approved some um clinicians through uh I can't

031remember what what agency that's going to now start working with Franklin and our students. So that's yet another mental health support for our students. So we're excited about that. >> Anyone else? All right. So, I'm gonna bring it home. Okay. >> Again, just um saying thank you. One of the things that I really appreciate about your presentation and hearing all the things that you all are doing is that there is a huge focus on a sense of belonging >> and understanding that if kids don't feel like they belong in the space, then they don't want to be in that space. And so, thank you so much for lifting that and creating a space where kids want to come and that that's your focus. When you talk about um the chronic absenteeism, I really appreciate that

032you're not looking at it as this big picture, but you're really drilling down to who are the kids that we need to be here consistently and what do they need in order to be here. >> Um the afterchool clubs, this is something that Mr. Cox and I have talked about where I'm like, I think our school should be open like all the time, right? Because of the needs of our kids. understanding that I'm not saying the staff has to be there all the time, but that we partner to create th those spaces for kids to be there. Um the friendship clubs, the friendship club, like I love hearing about that because that is an issue when you talk about a sense of belonging. Sometimes kids don't know how to make friends. They don't know how

033to sustain friendships. And so having that opportunity to really experience that and have someone to teach them how to do those things because I think that's something that we've kind of moved away from in preschool and kindergarten where that used to be the focus, right? Is how do you make friends? How do you keep friends? How do you play well with others? So being able to do that in this space I think is huge. Um and then the last thing that I'm going to share is that I do follow you all on Tik Tok and I do enjoy the Tik Toks. So, just wanted to lift that cuz again that is creating that sense of belonging and reaching kids where they are. They love Tik Tok. So, to see you all on there is huge.

034So, thank you for that. And again, just thank you for all that you're doing. >> Thank you. If you >> Oh, wait. I one more thing I wanted to share about your your student achievement. One of the things that you said um because we we as a board have talked so much about student achievement and um where we're headed. And so what I do appreciate you sharing is not only about the 50% growth, but the fact that all the kids are growing. So we may not see them at that 50th percentile, but that the the kids are growing and that is a focus. It's not just a matter of reach your target, but where's your growth in getting to your target? Right. So thank you for just sharing um some of that information with us

035as well. And then that's it for me. >> Yes. So I do have to credit uh Sherry for that because uh we've talked about that in our principal meetings of what ways can we celebrate students academically ongoing and not just those who are always the ones celebrated for proficiency or at grade level but just what ways can we bring excitement and again going back to how do we help our students feel successful so they'll keep striving. >> So thank you. >> Thank you guys. Keep up the excellent work. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. All right, we are now at 191 point. I'm pausing, making sure I'm not missing nothing. 26 adjournment to a close session. I am looking for a motion that we um resolve that the board of education will adjourn to

036a close session according to pursuant to 8A to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent according to the open meetings act. Looking for a motion. >> Make a motion. >> Thank you. Mrs. Hines, I mean Mrs. Avenue Mitchell. Support is Mr. Ambers. >> And Mrs. H, will you please call ro? >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Mr. Ambrose, >> yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell, >> yes. >> Princ May, >> yes. >> Motion carries 70. Thank you. >> Um, um, we're at item 192.26. Looking for a motion to adjourn to an open meeting. >> So move. >> Good. >> Mrs. time. Will you please call ro? >> Mr. Ombro, >> yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell,

037>> yes. >> Dr. Weaver, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. President May, >> yes. >> 70. Motion carries. >> Thank you so much. Um, I would just like to share that as we are coming out of close session, as I shared before we went in, we were going in in regards to an evaluation, this would have been the midyear progress report for Dr. Cost. Um, she started with two goals this year. The first one was to develop common assessments in K5, math, ELA, uh, 6 through 12 in the core subjects, and to develop a marketing campaign for the programs we offer. And so we took some time to just get an update on where we were with those goals and Dr. Cross has now added a

038third goal which is to create a campaign to increase enrollment for 2627. So those will be the goals of which Dr. Cross will be evaluated on in May. So thank you and I will now move us to item 193.26 citizens comments on agenda items. Do we have anything this time? I have assistance comments but it's on non-aggenda. >> All right. Thank you. Next we are at item 194.26 consent agenda. At this point I am looking for a motion. >> Move approval. >> Support. >> Mrs. Hines will you please call roll. >> Dr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roshan. Yes, >> Miss Abby Mitchell. >> Yes, >> Miss Hines. Yes, President May. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Item 195.26, Board of Education

039Committee reports. We will start with Mr. Roshan and the student achievement committee report. >> Thank you, President May. U we had our student achievement committee uh November um the 19th on um Wednesday. Uh number one point I want to bring out is we talked about our parent advisory group update. We receive updates from uh Miss Marky on behalf of Miss Johnson. Uh the parent um advisory group has already held two successful meetings. Additional parents will be joining in December and January. I requested that the parent advisory group be more formally invited to attend and participate in future student achievement committee meetings as they as their input is essential to our work. Uh number two, um point two that we brought up during the meeting was a student achievement board uh representative discussion. Um Dr. cost

040presented four scenarios outlining potential models for incorporating student voice into district governance um including both board seat and committee seat uh structures. As a committee, we emphasize ensuring the process uh making sure the process is inclusive. Uh meeting with all student applica applicants using uh using the student achievement committee as a space for open dialogue. Uh also establishing clear uh criteria. Um there was general agreement that committee engagement may provide richer and more meaningful student dialogue while encouraging student student attendance at board meetings. Uh number three uh we talked about uh uh district data review. Dr. C showed uh and shared the annual data provided by Wayne Resa. This includes district performance uh relative to uh county and state averages. While some members noted, this information was not new, it was new to me and

041highlighted how far our district is currently uh trailing. Uh Dr. Jefferson outlined her team's current focus areas, acknowledging the data honestly and without excuses. uh working across short and long-term goals and also uh staying disciplined around our three district goals. Uh committee members appreciate pre appreciated um the clarity and I requested that the student data become a standing agenda item for all future student achievement meetings. I said it's a comment. Uh community member uh Dorothy expressed a strong support for developing a pipeline of students to participate in the student achievement committee and potentially serve in advisory roles. Uh she encouraged ongoing celebration of student successes and regular reporting on the district's progress. Uh we adjourned at uh 6:03 p.m. >> Thank you. >> And then you also have a a um under the student advisory

042committee to have a first discussion. >> Yes. Uh the first discussion um I didn't get that printed out for our um having a student uh to represent uh on the board. Uh we were saying uh not just to maybe not just um have the student on the board but to have a student committee um to start and from when we have that student committee like we're having our parent advisory committee from there that student committee can we'll can figure out if we want to bring someone to the a student representative on the board. Um so I just wanted to start that discussion. So, do you guys remember we had talked about a student rep initially and then we um that's where Dr. Cross came back to student achievement with the four options and then narrowing

043it down and student achievement to two options but really looking at a um student advisory committee that um students would did you say all this have the um opportunity to apply for that? >> Yes. Um and then the board, we would pretty much um select the students that would be a part of that committee. Um and then they would have the opportunity to just kind of engage in the topics that come before the board as well as um attend committee meetings as they we're interested in attending. >> Yeah. Similar how we we've started the parent advisory committee. We kind of put it out there to all parents to join and um we would do the same for our students um whether it be our high school students or um um and then whoever joins from

044there we'll we'll you they'll they'll come up with a process if they want to be a part of the board you know our board meetings or how that will go. So just wanted to open that up for a first discussion what that'll look like. >> So the floor is open. Any thoughts, questions, feedback? >> I think it'll be a great idea. We were talking about that some years ago and it gets the students involved. Um the nice thing is that we have like the career tech, we have Glenn, WEA, Wayne Memorial. So then like we have the four. So maybe we can even pick one from each of the schools to be like a representative of each school. >> And Mr. Cox, you were there. Is there anything that you want to add because you

045were at the student achievement committee when we talked about this? You know, I think anytime that we can create an environment where we can communicate with the students, it's going to be positive. It's going to tell us things. There's no other way to know. And it's going to let them know that we care enough to ask their opinion because they're, after all, they're just little people, you know, and they had their opinion. Probably they have a better handle on some of the things going on in the school than we do because we're so separated from it. So, I think it's positive, but I do not think that putting them on the board in a decision making capacity is at all appropriate. They simply don't have the experience to make these decisions. But I'm interested in

046what they have to say. >> So, I think >> Yes. >> Um, I just want to throw this out there. Um, putting together a student advisory committee would probably be a great thing. I just want to throw this out that Wayne Memorial, we have the Senate, we have the student councils in every school. Maybe we could have all of those committees uh while they're in session talk about what they would like to send over instead of having to create something special that somebody's got to govern and and uh maybe they're not speaking for everyone. So, it's an idea. >> Thank you. >> Miss one one more comment if I may. Having them respond and uh comment and come here is one thing, but having us go there sends a completely different message and uh we

047should think about that. >> That's a good point. That's a good point. I do want to clarify that um the conversation around if if and this is just a clarifying point not to say I'm pushing it but if we were to have a student be a part of the board that student would not be a part of like the decision making it would be but I think we had actually moved away from that anyhow but it was never about them being a part of the decision making >> um and I don't think that's been the case with other districts that have students um as a part of the board they vote um in that piece. >> Yes. That's what I was going to say. We do have student council um in our schools. Wayne Memorial

048I believe we have like 28 and don't quote me 28 students that's going to a leadership conference in in um February. And John Glenn we have students that's going to the same leadership conference in February also. So, if we take their input, but um like Mr. Cox just said, because I was my suggestion was that we visit one of their meetings. You know, the people on the student achievement committee maybe go to one of their meetings, but we just said that we'll probably be sending a different message. But if we introduce oursel and our reason for being there, you know, but let's start with that and see what's going on there. See how they feel about it. And um As far as having somebody, even though we moved away from it, if we get back

049to it, having a student on the board, you know, it's just about educating oursel from other districts that have that and see how that's going on and they purpose of being there. you know, like um president just said that they won't be making a vote, but you know, it's all about student voice, letting our students get involved and letting them know that this is a school. We here because of you. >> Thank you. Um, I'll just add that um I agree and um I've recently visited a uh a student council meeting talking to some of the high school students and um while they enjoy the student council in their school, they're appreciative to be able to branch out from just their school and partner with other schools coming together as a collective. similar to our

050um you know we may have PTO um and um PTA um parent um um uh committees in different schools but now we have our parent advisory committee districtwide. Everyone's able to come together and have a shared focus district wide. So just having allowing the students to have a a shared focus district-wide coming outside of just their own school but partnering with other schools and um somewhere that we can go there to uh to to have discussions with them u from that platform. And >> I also like the idea of bringing the schools together because there seems to, you know, we always hear the conversation about the divide where like Wayne Memorial doesn't get treated the same way as John Glenn. But if they're all together and we're hearing from all of them collectively, um I

051think that helps to start to eliminate the divide, but also to give the kids the opportunities to hear what's happening at WEIA, what's happening at Glenn, what's happening at Wayne Memorial, and maybe they get some ideas and maybe that, you know, helps to start that alignment where they do look the same and not completely different. >> So just some things to think about. So this is a first discussion. um it will be on the agenda again in January for us to um make a decision as to if we would like to move forward with the um student group student advisory group. >> All right. All right. So, next on the agenda is finance and facility committee report. Mr. So on December Wednesday, December 4th, the finance and faculty committee meeting was called to order. Um

052we had the following attendance. Uh myself, Miss Miss Hines, Miss Abney Mitchell, uh Miss Claire, Miss Paula Chvich, uh Mr. BBE. Um Dorothy who is a community member and Miss Ostrander uh who is filling in for Miss Marky. Um the first uh item of business which is being brought before the board tonight for approval is uh Miss Paulvich was talked about buying some books for our high school ELA program. It is a number of different um titles uh ranging from from Shakespeare to uh some more modern works such as uh Japanese mangas. Um these are going to be used during our ELA classes. Uh and the cost for these are is is $81,000 and it would be charged to our general fund. um she will be purchasing these uh through Amazon. Um the second item

053of business that was brought before us um little bit of a background story behind this uh it was it's regarding some Verizon COVID expenditures. Um Mr. BB was going to be coming before us tonight uh to request that we pay a bill of $81,000 and $75 with uh that would have been charged to our syncing fund. Um there was a lot of back and forth between the district and Verizon as to whether we owed this money. Um it was determined at before the meeting that we did owe this money. However, the next day, um, we got an email from Miss Marky, uh, stating that the business office filed an appeal a few months ago and the appeal was approved and now it's just for information only that the approximate cost will be $3,000 coming from

054the scing fund. Um the next thing uh Mr. BB brought before us was uh some class link licensing. Uh he's asking the board to approve the purchase of this licensing which will provide the district the ability to autosync auto account create and delete um things like emails within our within our school district. Um the total cost of this p purchase will not exceed $41,500 and will be charged to the to the general fund. Um right now when we create accounts um we have to create accounts every year um even for current students and this will allow them to uh save time and only create the new accounts that are needed. Um the next thing we talked about uh was presented to us uh from Miss Claire on behalf of Mr. Montaine. Um it is an

055adaptive playground at Roosevelt Elementary. Um this was a a public bid went out um for this uh and the money will be coming from our act 18 funds. Um I forgot who was going to to do the work, but it was uh Mr. Montine can probably get into that more detail a little bit later tonight when it comes up, but it's coming from our our act 18 funds and will be $890,000. Um we are going to have an change to our uh liability insurance. Um Miss Claire brought that to our to our attention. Uh we did approve uh that we would investigate and if SET um SDG was uh came in cheaper but provided the same liability um coverages that we had that we would be going with them. Um so we did that. I

056want to say last April if memory serves right. >> It's towards the end of the year. >> Yeah. So uh so that is just for our information only. Uh we also had a discussion about about uh two audit firms uh a yo and yo and matter consortion. Uh knowing that we just went through our last financial audit with Plant Moran, um there have been some concerns that were were mentioned not with the audit itself, but with the level of service that we received from Plant Moran and it's also been a touching point within the community lately. Um the last two audits we've had community members ask us, have we just have we decided to look at outside firms. Um so Miss Claire did go out and and come up with uh two bids um from

057Yo and Yo and Manor. I had Miss Marky email the the board members these presentations. Um this was only a discussion for for the finance committee meeting. This will be brought before the board next month for for consideration, but to allow you the materials were sent out to you for a chance to review and to reach out to uh the boards that are using the references that they provided us. Um we then talked about our resolution to sell the 2026 school building and site bonds. Um we need to have a resolution so we can can start. The first uh goaround of bonds they are going to be issued in three sets. Um the first issuance is going to be about $20 million so we can can get things going. Um with the total amount for

058the bonds over the three issuances to be $125 million. And uh then we talked we reviewed about our state aid report. Um she went over some of the the confusing aspects. Um there are a few funds that are no longer uh being supported by the state because they had been rolled in to our foundation allowance. And uh with that we reviewed the check registered um and our investment report. We had community comments uh from Miss Dorothy um talking about marketing efforts um within the district that think uh we we tend to struggle to to talk about the good news in this district and and get the word out to our people. Um, and she suggested that uh we we use social media and the school marquees a little bit more aggressively than than what we

059are to get our word out. Um, that led to a uh a lively discussion um which extended the meeting normally than than what we would would have ended it. Uh, we had uh no superintendent comments because Dr. cost was unavailable and we heard from Miss Hines, Miss Abney Mitchell and myself and adjourned at 7701. >> Thank you. >> Our next report is from Dr. Weaver, policy and procedure committee report. >> Thank you, Madame President. We met the policy committee met on December 11th at 9:00 a.m. The attendees were Dr. cost, Jenny Johnson, Kim Marky, and Fred Weaver. Absent were Melanie Hines and Shannon Roshan. The policy policy committee did uh the very last review of the overarching electronics policy for our district. As has been said many times, our individual schools have already um enacted

060their particular policies. So, this is an overarching policy um for our district. Um very simply, we've had two uh community reviews and thought processes on the process. Uh the overall consensus uh that comes to us is that the students may not use their electronics during class time. No cell phones, no watches, etc. only during passing time and lunchtime. Um and that um with that the committee dismissed at 9:24 a.m. >> Thank you, Dr. W. >> Next, we are at item 196.27, review and approval of business service and finance. We will start with Dr. Jefferson. Okay, thank you very much. Um, as presented at the December finance committee meeting, we are requesting approval to purchase the high school ELA resources uh per the recommendation of Kim Paulo Kevich, our executive director of high school curriculum and

061instruction and state and federal grants. This purchase will include hard covers when they're um possible for durability and that each unit will include a set of three to four novels aligned to the required skills. The high school ELA teachers have done extensive work in literature circles and have chosen books that are representative both of our student population. Um they're well rated of various Lexile scores and support learning in the classroom. I recommend that the board of education approved the high school ELA resources purchase at a cost not to exceed $81,120.16 which includes shipping. This quote is based on the Amazon Business Consortium. These costs would be covered by the general fund. Thank you very much for your consideration. >> Thank you. I am looking for a motion. >> Motion >> support >> discussion. >> Yes.

062So, thank you so much for doing that research. Reading is super important and you know ELA I was telling we had one of the meetings uh about a book when I was in high school. It changed my whole life. like reread the book the Anne Frank story and it just really like just like the imagination like just imagine like being in the attic and you can't get out you know that was just like important that was just like in high school so just being exposed to different things I never would have been exposed to was just phenomenal so thank you so much for your research and you know helping the kids with the opportunities to learn different things and you know expand their horizons I think this is really important and it's worth the you

063know paying for this because reading is very important. >> Thank you. KP deserves all the credit and the high school English department. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Mitchell. >> Okay. So, you said that it'll be three or four books of the same for different choices. >> Okay. So, like I asked in finance um meeting. So, um we didn't get no student choice about the books. Correct. Well, student I mean in these particular books that is not part of our process. >> That's not part of your process. >> But the students do have student choice within classroom libraries and media centers and they do have student choice in reading. Some are aligned to particular standards and so those ones would be indicated for them. But we do have student choice in in other ways of the curriculum

064in ELA. >> And the ones that don't have hard copies, they' be paperback if we have to. >> And what's the procedure for it? They be checking it out in the library. What's the procedure for the student to get the book? >> I I don't I don't have the answer to that question. That would be a kin or a high school question, but I guess I can find out the answer. >> Okay. I thought I asked that question, but it ain't I don't have the answer on my sheet, so that's why I guess that's all I had. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? >> M will you please call? >> Miss Abney Mitchell. Yes, >> Mr. Umbres. >> Yes, >> Miss Hines. Yes, Mr. Rashad. >> Yes, >> Mr. Cox. >> Yes, >> Dr. Weaver.

065>> Yes, >> President May. >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next, we have Dr. Aili Oily with the recommendation to approve class link licensing. >> Thank you, President May. As Daryl BBE, executive director of technology and innovation, presented at the December 4th, 2025 finance committee meeting, the district is seeking approval to purchase the class link licensing, a vital component of our district's autosync, auto account creation, and deletion systems. Approval of the class link system is an essential investment in maintaining an environment where education and technology work together to optimize accuracy and efficiency. I recommend that the board of education approve the purchase of the class leak license that covers one year and will not exceed $41,465. This expense will be charged to the general fund. Thank you for your consideration. >> Support

066discussion. Um, what do we use now? >> Good evening to the board. Thank you for that question. Um, currently we do not have a system that is helping us. We're doing this work manually uh through our help desk system as well as other employees. So um uh bringing this system forward will really help in terms of the amount of manpower and time that we utilize in account creation. It will also help in regards to account security. I don't know if you've all seen we've dealt with a lot of the fishing emails where uh we're trying to get hacked. So this will also create a level of security and safety uh that will prevent a lot of that from happening around passwords that are easily uh obtained through student student um student uh relationships and whatnot.

067>> Okay, >> Mr. BB, how are we um going to measure if this is effective in terms of if we would want to renew it for the following year? Um so basically when we look at the amount of time that it takes to create um the accounts and and what we've done, we can basically look at you know the once again the amount of manpower uh hours and whatnot that it takes to create the accounts and whatnot. Um, but a program of this nature in regards to the security of it, you really don't know in terms of its ability to to withhold or I should say to withstand uh cyber attacks and things of that nature. So, but the main place in terms of actually seeing the seeing the the results of it will be

068specifically in time, but once again the security the security side of it to me is even more important than the time. >> Okay. So, will we potentially see like less fishing emails? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> All right. Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Mr. Roshan? >> Yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? Yes. President May? >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next, we have a recommendation to approve Roosevelt adaptive playground. Mr. Mr. Telos. >> Yes. Good evening, board and community. Uh, as presented at the December finance and facility meeting, on behalf of Gino Montine, I am requesting

069approval to award contracts to complete the updates to the Roosevelt McGrath adaptive playground. Uh, Wayne Wesland held a bid, a public bid opening on December 1st, 2025. Based on the recommendation of Bill Winri from TMP Architecture, we would like to award the contract for the demolition and new work to the lowest bidder, which was Michigan Recreational Construction. The total cost for this work will be 213,8 or 213,200. Additionally, based on the recommendation of Mr. Winrike. We are requesting board approval to purchase playground equipment and surfacing from Landscape Structures Incorporated. This portion of the playground will use Source Well consortium pricing and will total uh $510,984. Uh lastly, there is $165,815 that is built in to cover the contingency cost. The complete project total will not exceed $890,000 and will be charged to the act 18

070funding. I recommend that the board of education approve the purchase of uh the outlined above and thanks for your consideration. >> Thank you. Looking for a motion, please. >> So move support >> discussion. >> Mrs. I'm sorry, Mrs. Abney Mitchell. I my questions is so this is first question I had in finance. Why did we choose this school >> to do it? >> Yes. >> Um >> I can I can answer that because of the number of act 18 students that attend there. >> Okay. >> So it's going to be uh a playground that uh mobility free. >> Okay. So, um, the next question is, it's open to the public because there's no fencing around it. >> All of our all of our playgrounds and Yep. will be open to the public. >> Okay. And

071also, what about cameras? >> Um, I at this point, oh, anything we do in that space in the back of the rear of the building, we'll have cameras and that's actually going to be coming to you pretty soon for new cameras. So that would definitely be an area of the building that would be covered by cameras for sure because of the things that can happen after hours >> and maintenance. >> Correct. Yep. >> What about the maintenance for the >> Yes. Our maintenance crew will do it sometimes in some types of equipment like that. They have to have they have to be trained to how to fix it and so on uh or maintain it. Um, but uh, our maintenance crew should have the ability to do most of the maintenance on it. Unless there's

072something that's broken, we'd call the company back because it's specialized equipment, >> right? >> More than just uh, some of the equipment that we see right now in most of our elementary playgrounds. This is more specialized. And when you when you actually see it go up, we've done I've I've seen several of these in my career and they're really cool. I mean, they're great for those kids. >> Um, it's amazing for us to be able to do this. um is a is a great thing for our kids to actually be able to go out and participate like every other kid does at uh you know at recess, >> right? >> So when we do do it, if you get a chance, go by there because it's heartwarming to see those kids that never really have

073the opportunity to do >> like a child in a wheelchair who experience being in a swing. >> It's really cool, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And and the last one is the lifeline of the equipment. >> How long does will it last? I can't give that answer for sure, but I'm I'm sure that when we purchase it, we're going to have some type of warranty on it and I'm sure there's a life of what the equipment is. I know I've seen it before and it is specialized and like Dr. Cost said, you could get some of our students that are in wheelchairs be able to participate no different than what the other students are doing. I'm not exactly sure uh what how long those are, but I could get that answer for you how long

074they're good for. >> Okay. But like I said in um finance, I asked these questions for our community. For people that's listening to the meeting, I realize what's what was the purpose of that school, but people that's listening to us. >> I think it's a good question when you're going to spend $890,000. So I don't think it's an off-the-wall question. >> I I don't have that answer. I just want to tell you that I didn't have the answer for you how long that that equipment's usually. It's like not like a roof and I can tell you 15 20 years because I'm not really sure because it's so special. >> Okay. Thank you. You're welcome, Mrs. Hines. >> Yeah, a couple of things. Um, it's kind of similar to what they have with the city of

075Westland at Central Park, the big uh new equipment. So amazing. And then there's another thing too, you can check into it. Um, they have like a safety security grant where it pays for cameras and stuff like that. When I work for the city, they had those some, you know, a lot of things are changed, but that might be able to help too for the safety security. It pays for surveillance cameras and things of that nature. I believe the district has uh received that safety. It's the cops grant they used to call it >> has received it maybe twice or maybe three times. I know in other districts I've received it a couple times. >> I'm aware of that and I'm not sure exactly sure. Do we apply for that? But we are using uh well

076it'll come to you guys in a couple weeks what we're doing with uh cameras. It's going to be an overhaul and I think uh the the principles and the staff will uh like some of the changes we're going to do because we are outdated in some of our camera uh equipment which is important. I know that it can be proactive and reactive in buildings and we need that. We need to make sure we keep up on that. >> Thank you, Mr. Toco. Um, one of the things that I would like to ask is just the timeline for the installation of the new equipment. Do we have that? >> I think we can answer that maybe. Um, Mr. Wreck, >> and this is Mr. Winrich who I I mentioned in the U presentation and then Gino

077Montine with him. >> Good evening. So, the uh the playground uh demolition will start in the the spring as soon as contractors get on site. We get rid of the frost laws and we coordinate with the school to be able to coordinate that area off. The intention is to get started before summertime. So we have summertime to get all of the equipment installed so that's ready for the the following school year. So it'll be something that starts in the spring, weather dependent on when it starts and it'll be ready for school the start of the following school season. >> Awesome. Thank you so much for answering that question. Um, I just want to say I think this is awesome. >> When you talk about again the sense of belonging, >> being a part of a

078school like this is just huge. And to um I know we've had some conversations in the past around our act 18 money and maybe feeling like we weren't getting all of our money or how our you know just all the pieces around it. And so this is a excellent spin on that money. So thank you guys for that work with us. >> It changes a kid's day. >> Oh absolutely. And their lives. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. >> So, thank you. Um, Mrs. Hines, would you like to call roll, please? >> Miss Abney Mitchell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ombro? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? Yes. Mr. Rashan? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> President May? >> Yes. >> Motion carries 70. >> Thank you. Next, we are at 197.26.

079Review and approval of resolution authorizing 2026 school building and site bonds. Mrs. Clear. Good evening uh board and community. I'm requesting approval to proceed with issuing the first series of bonds under the voter authorized uh 2026 school building and site bond program. Um remember in the fall we were app uh our community approved us for 125 million. Um, I recommend the board approve this resolution so we can begin the process of authorizing the issuance and sale of the first series of bonds for the 2026 school building and site bonds so the district can move forward with the initial phase of bond funded improvements. Um, so it's going to be 20 million this first sale. And um also in the document it lists uh who are who the players will be as far as Miller Canfield

080is our bond council. Stiffles our underwriter, PFM's our financial advisor, TMP that you just saw is our architect. McCarthy Smith our construction manager and Argent is our paying agent. Um, so I hope you let us get started on this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Looking for a motion, please. >> So move to court. >> Discussion. Mrs. Hines, will you please call roll? >> Mr. Cox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Roshan? >> Yes. >> Miss Hines? Yes. Dr. Weaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ambrose? >> Yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell? >> Yes. >> President May? >> Yes. 70 motion carries. >> Thank you. We are now sorry. Sorry, Dr. Cross. We are now at um 198.26 review of board of education items. Um the first item we have listed is board officer position interest. And so this

081is the time where um anyone that is interested in a position may now voice that. >> Yes, I would like to for a position. What position are you interested in? >> I would like to do the president. I've been on the board 12 years. Um I've done a lot in the committee. I have thousands of contacts. I have a relationship with the congressman, senators, and just my dedication again is 12 years. I'm up for reelection. We never know how that can go. So I would just ask my year final year Wayne West. I'm not sure, but I would definitely like to be the president because again, I've earned it. You know, I've gotten two bonds passed $150 million in 2018. Uh we worked for the 20 um 125 million this year and then I even

082worked with the Westwood school district to get their bond passed. Um, I have great relationships with the mayors, um, the business community, and I'm super excited about moving forward with a positive networking with the, um, promoting the district in a very, very positive manner. And I'm just so excited and just really, I just really would like to finish that out and just, you know, I really would ask for that support. At least it's been 12 years and again, I've been putting my heart and soul in the district and I just want to do some amazing things and work with the board. We have a great board. We get along so well and President Kim, you're doing an amazing job. I'm so proud. But again, I've been on the board 12 years now. I will at

083least ask like my final year like you know your president. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> I'd like to offer myself for four different positions. Either one. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> I would like to keep the position I have as vice president. Thank you. Anyone else? >> if the board so so feels inclined um I will gladly continue to serve as treasurer. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Um so I will just add that I um too would love to continue in this capacity as president um if the board will have me and if not I will support whomever the president is. So I want to be clear on that. So anyone else? All right, that concludes that section. Now we move to um the superintendent search update which is me.

084So, I want to first say thank you to um my board colleagues, the community, our students, our staff, everyone that participated in the survey as well as the um series of community meetings that took place on December 2nd. Um well, that was one set. We also had a couple other meetings prior to December 2nd, one with the parent advisory committee. Um I believe I don't want to misspeak but I believe there was a meeting um potentially with the union leadership. We discussed that. So I just want to say thank you for all that participated. I'd like to share some highlights from the survey that took place. So with we had a survey um students were able to participate in the survey. We had 23 students participate. Um meaning they took the survey. And then two

085of the um items that stood out was around 65% of the students would like for um the new superintendent to have a focus on academic success and achievement. And 56% of the students um are think it's important for the superintendent to seek and consider diverse um perspectives. Our staff we had 168 participants for the sur um to participate in the survey and the staff 60% believe that um or would like a super the superintendent's characteristics to be around strong and ethical standards. 54% would like for the superintendent to focus on attracting and retaining talented students and staff and 51% believe that is important for the superintendent to be approachable and accessible. We had 64 participants um that identified as parents, grandparents or guardians. And um in that particular group, 55% thought it was very important

086for the superintendent to um be held accountable or have that accountability. 48% believe that is um important for the superintendent to have strong ethical standards and high integrity. 48% are looking for the superintendent to be approachable and accessible. They would also like 45% would like for the superintendent to focus on safety and security while 43% are looking for the superintendent to focus on attracting and retaining talented students and staff. Community, we had 33 participants that identified as community members. 58% of the participants thought that it was important for the superintendent to understand the financial health of the district and maintain that. 58% also thought that it was important for the student uh superintendent to be accountable. 42% felt that it was important for the superintendent to be approachable and accessible. 42% also um thought that

087it was important for the student the superintendent candidate to have ethical and um strong integrity. And 42% listed that the superintendent should have students first at the forefront of decision-making. And as far as the inerson stakeholder meetings held on December um 2nd, 2025, we had a total of 58 participants. And so with that, based on the information gathered through the survey, the information also gathered um in the face-to-face stakeholder meetings, I would just like to read through the profile of the um candidate that we're looking for. This is the actual posting that will go up in January. It reads, "Wayne Westland," and this is only the candidate profile piece that I'm reading. The Wayne Westland Community Schools is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and inspirational superintendent who exemplifies the following qualities. Demonstrates integrity and strong ethical

088standards in all actions and decisions. Is approachable, visible, and accessible to students, staff, families, and the community. Possesses strong financial acumen, ensuring the district's financial health, stability, and long-term sustainability. attracts, develops and retains students and high quality staff. Holds themselves holds themsself and others to high standards of performance and accountability. Is deeply student centered. Consistently placing students at the forefront of decision-making. Ensures a safe, secure, and supportive learning and working environment. Treats all individuals with dignity and respect. Leads with kindness, empathy, professionalism, and authenticity. builds trust and fosters collaboration, teamwork, and consensus among diverse stakeholders. And finally, maintains a whole child focus supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of every student. So again, I just want to say thank you for all that participated to help create that um candidate profile. Um I will

089ask my fellow board colleagues, you've had all this information in front of you. Is everyone comfortable with this candidate profile? Is there anything that you would like to see changed, updated? >> I think it's wonderful. You guys did such a great job. You hit every point. >> Awesome. Thank you for sharing that. All right. So then our next order of business is to discuss the um compensation for this uh superintendent. And so um MLI has shared with us a um list of districts that they consider to be comparable or close in size. Um they also took in consideration the needs of the districts needs of the districts the um salaries within the districts including teacher salaries, assistant soup salaries and surrounding areas. Um and also Yeah. Yes. And then when I said in surrounded areas,

090meaning um districts that are close to us or surrounding us. And so with that, we would need to select a salary, have a salary range where we would start with one number and then knowing that range would be about 15 to $20,000 above the suggested um amount. And so I'm going to throw a number out there just to get us started and we can kind of build from there. And so the number I'm going to throw out is 235. So 235,000 and then we can either go up, we can go down, we can say nope, we don't like that number, but let's just open up and start having a discussion. >> Just one question I like to ask since we're doing the numbers like 35 in a way, but dealing with the different criteria because

091you know we're going to have sorry different people applying like the different tiers, you know what I'm saying? So like with our 235,000 you have to have these certain things in place. If you have these other things like doctorates you know higher how many years you know different references will that count as adding a little bit additional to the tiers. >> So if we say the base is 235,000 and then we say 15,000 above that would be the range. Right? So that would put us at 250. So then we um once a candidate is selected, we know we aren't going higher than 250, but we're not going below $235,000. So for example, if it's a first year superintendent, we wouldn't look at that first year superintendent necessarily as $250,000. However, we may not look at

092that first year superintendent as $235,000 if he or she has a doctorate degree, right? So, just some of those pieces that would go into consideration, but a lot of that um negotiation would take place with our attorneys and not so much as of us. Yes, Mr. Cox. And if I misspoke, correct me. >> No, I'm I don't think you misspoke at all. I think you're right on the money with it. And and speaking of the money, I think what this value does is it just establishes for potential uh applicants that okay, the school district is, you know, that they're in line with what this should be. That's what they're looking for. And and they're not just looking at their compensation, but they're also looking at the compensation of the other executive team members and the

093other uh employees in the school district. They want to know what the financial health is of the district. And what they're going to learn is that we're in excellent financial health. And our people are being treated more than fairly in my opinion. I think appropriately, more than fairly. And uh I think that's going to attract the necessary people. But at the end of the day, I'm not going to let a $10,000 bill stand in the way of someone that I really think is a great person for the job. We just spent $80,000 buying uh the ability to get rid of bad emails, you know. So, this is a very important decision and we have to we have to explain to potential applicants that we will be where we need to be. You know, this is

094their career after all. And uh u I think that that amount establishes that others. >> It's nice not to have any rebuttal >> over here like one more question. >> Do this at my house. >> Yes. >> Um, would this salary of the 235,000 include the benefits as well or is it going to be a separate portion for the benefits? >> No, benefits are separate. >> Okay. >> Thank you. And then there are other like little fringes that'll go in there as well such such as like a car allowance. Um we can have that discussion if we want to keep it what it's been or make it different. Um there's also there's uh typically a bonus that we include. Well, we haven't been including that because it's not for highly effective, but um just looking

095at some of the other um fringe benefits that have been in other contracts. Not that we would follow all of those benefits, but just some pieces to take into consideration. But then all of those things happen in that negotiation piece. So this would just be the salary. >> So we'll vote, but I noticed that um Dr. Weaver isn't in the room. So I do want to give him an opportunity. So I don't know. >> Maybe So, while we wait, no one else has anything they want to say. You guys want to take a five minute break? Like, I kind of don't know what to do right now, but I don't >> Just keep going. >> I have nothing else to say. >> Ask him what he's doing. >> Well, no. I just I mean, because

096we can take a five minute break to give him >> Yeah. Oh, did he leave? Well, we we got to keep going anyway. >> All right. Well, we do have a quum. All right. Um, so with that being said, um, is there a motion to accept the suggested >> or support? >> Support somebody's word. Okay. Um, any more discussion? >> All right. So, we're in agreement that is the 235 and we're looking at a range 15 or 20. I want to be sure when I communicate this back out. >> I think 15 to be safe. >> Yeah, I 15. >> Yeah, 15. >> 15 is good. >> Okay. And with that being said, Mrs. Hines, will you please call? >> Uh, Mr. Ambrose, >> yes. >> Miss Abney Mitchell, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes.

097Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. >> President May, >> yes. 61 would it be? Is it absent? >> 6. Okay. 6. Motion passes. >> Awesome. Thank you guys. Next we are at item 199.26 student um reinstatement. Mr. Tokov. >> Yes. Where is the board of education for the Wayne Westland Community Schools convened on December 15, 2025 to consider the petition for reinstatement filed on behalf of expelled student, student number 2526/A and to consider the report and recommendation of the reinstatement committee previously appointed by the board of education. Whereas the board of education is persuaded for the reasons set forth in the reinstatement committee's report and recommendation that student 2526- should be re reinstated to the Wayne Westland Community Schools. Therefore, it was is resolved that the reinstatements committee committee's report and recommendation

098is hereby adopted by the board of education and for that reason stated therein. The petition for the school reinstatement filed on behalf of student 2526-A is hereby approved. Um be be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the student and the parent. >> Thank you. I am looking for a motion. >> Motion support. >> You did both. >> I'm sorry. I'd like to make a motion. I'd like to make a motion. support discussion. Mrs. Science, will you please call roll? >> Yes. >> I have a question. >> I'm sorry. So, we go back to discussion. >> Yeah. >> You move too fast. >> So, why particularly did this come before the board? Why wasn't it? >> What reason why wasn't it held took care of at the um reinstatement? Um

099>> I believe it was >> and that's why it's here now. You guys are voting on it. So, the reinstatement committee had already heard it and now it's coming to the board for vote. >> Oh, okay. Cuz I thought we only get them when they come before the board is when the reinstatement committee denied it. That's not true. >> No. No. When the reinstatement committee will approve it, it will come to you and then you guys vote on approving the student either returning or not returning. So, the rein? >> Yeah, they both come. Oh, wow. Okay. I didn't know that. >> Mr. >> Can we have a have a sidebar? I do have a concern with what was presented to us. Um, names were added to this. And now, if you read the resolution, it's

100it's it wasn't student student number. It was the actual student on on that page. So this is for us. >> Yeah. >> But then this is the resolution which is was read >> so that >> we protect the students >> identity. >> Um >> I'm sorry. >> I am probably >> I can't say too much. >> Is it a situation where you need to abstain? >> Yeah, I will abstain from this one. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? I'm sorry. Did I not do that right? >> No, I'm just uh I'm just wondering about an abstainment unless there's personal involvement. >> No, I >> that's how I took it. But maybe I was >> Yeah. No, I I personally know this family. >> That's how I That's why I said Yeah, >> that that's

101why I had the question. >> I I just just for the record, I don't think it's necessary because you know someone to abstain. personally are involved or you personally are going to have a gain or a loss as a consequence. But other than that, the familiarity of board members with people involved actually helps the decision-m process. It doesn't, in my opinion, preclude you from making a decision. >> You know, you can be an advocate for people that you know >> or not. >> So, we're going to let him abstain. >> I'm I'm just, you know, it's just us. uh your vote is important and I I respect it and uh >> I I I'm just a little >> too close at times to this situation is probably >> you know it's you can't advocate your

102responsibility to vote is what I'm saying you know >> I think ethically you're making the best decision >> and so with that Mrs. Hines, I'll ask you to call roll, please. >> Mr. Cox, >> yes. >> Mr. Roshan, >> yes. >> Miss Hines, yes. >> Um, Mr. Albert, we have an abstain. Miss Abney Mitchell, >> yes. >> Miss May, >> yes. >> We have five. Is it two? No, five. >> 01. >> Okay. 01. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. And then you have We have I'm sorry. We are now at 2000.26 citizens comments. >> I do have one. And we have a Miss Melinda Hams non-aggenda item. Should I start now or probably always do this every time. >> Yes, you may start. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I want to give compliments

103um to Kimberly and Shannon and Lana, but I also want to say even if I don't interact with everyone on the board on a regular basis, every one of you on the board is important and special to the community, but it's hard to reach out to everyone. You know, it's a busy life. I would also like to compliment all the staff of the Wayne Westland School District for their hard work this year. Um including Gino that also attended this board meeting today trying to help us with all our maintenance. Um in the meantime um Miss Babiaak from the Wildwood School has designed her own volunteer pamphlet that I was very impressed with. It covered all the necessary items needed to help a volunteer succeed. Good work, Miss Babia. I had experience with other volunteer books

104that were quite lengthy and so when I saw hers, I'm like, this is direct to the point. It covers everything we need. So, it was perfect. Um, I wanted to thank um Kate Burl for her advocacy skills in communicating with parents and I also wanted to thank her for her kindness. Um, and I want to thank her for thanking me for my donation of the Halloween buckets. I wasn't expecting it. I'm just a giver and I like to support the schools in the district and if I see things at the store, I grab them and I give. And thank you, Kim, for your continued kindness and support over the years. Um going forward, I had a chance to go to the meeting for the search for the new superintendent. The leaders were professional. Um they

105were very impressive. They they led the meeting well and they made everyone attending um feel comfortable and important as parents. Um, last but not least, I want to encourage any district staff to coach any parent district advisory committee members to recognize that all committee members um and parents are equal in the district and that we have not designated any leaders. So want to encourage parents to come to these meetings to feel comfortable to share their ideas um together with other parents and not having a parent be in charge of other parents. So I think there might be some misconceptions with the parent group that that some are are you know maybe um leaders of the group. So maybe the district uh Jenny Johnson or whoever's um in charge of that can help with some coaching.

106So everybody have a great year and thank you very much and happy holidays. >> Happy holidays. Thank you so much. We are now at 201.26 interrum superintendent comments or report. Dr. CS. >> Thank you, Madam President. >> Um I'd like to thank Miss Pringle and uh the student she had to to help us see all the good things that are happening at Franklin. Um today I had the opportunity to go to Hicks and listen to the third, fourth, and fifth graders um in their choir performance and their level of energy was infectious. My toes were tapping the minute that started. So I was uh it was just a neat magical moment of my day. um uh in a preview of what's to come. Uh next month is January and uh that is board recognition month.

107So we are going to be recognizing all of you for your leadership with the district and um that is welld deserved. Uh I just would like to say happy holidays to all of the staff, students in the community and it will be good to see you all next year. >> Thank you. We are now at item 202.26, review and recommendations. Mrs. Hines, >> yes. I'd like to say we've had a great year. 2025 has been great, but 2026 is going to be amazing. Again, I'm super excited to have Dr. Cost on board and I'm really excited about our new marketing that we're going to do to get more kids in the district. Um, one thing with Wayne Weston, we've had so much negativity. We got to really push the positivity. We have so many gyms

108in this district that people just don't realize. So really excited about the next year. Um uh we have so uh we have an organization I'm the president of the Kowanas Club of Wayne and Westland and we promote literacy. So the Wayne Westland school is a part of it but I'm actually working to get other schools to join. Um the Kowanas they give out free books. So we were able to get out 150 free books at the spooktacular and the kids loved it. Um, at my company, Starfish, I was able to go to Detroit One. They have a warehouse and I got like additional hundred books. So, I would definitely like to be able to get these books in different schools because they give them out for free. Um, we have a key club over at

109Jolllin High School. It's a little sub uh culture of the Katanas. And we're actually have a fundraiser for them at Red Robin, the kids at Jland High School. And it's going to be um at the Red Robin. And it's 20% off for back to school for the Kuanas Club of Wayne Weston for the John Glenn High School kids and it's going to be January 14th, 2026 at 36350 Wayne Road. And so I'm sorry, a warm ro and this will be really good. We have like over 50 kids that's in the key club and it's a service group. So um we did bell ring last Saturday with the Salvation Army over at For Road. We was super cold and we were there from 9 to5. We had some of the kids from the high school come

110out. So, I'm really excited about that and I want to get that over to Wayne and kind of other schools with that. And then we usually meet um we have a partnership with the Westland library. We have a partnership with the Wayne West Salvation Army, Hype, the ARC. So, we have a lot of organizations. And the nice thing about being the president of Kowan is I want to get some of those organizations to help with the school district as well like the ones we don't have partnerships to really add because hype is super excited about working with our kids. But we meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Westland Public Library. Um, I've went over to Inkster, talked to the librarian over there, you know, trying

111to get it out in certain areas because literacy is super important. And, um, and if any of the kids want to do some community service projects, they um, the Wayne West Salvation Army, they're actually doing like gift like getting the gifts together for the families in the neighborhood. So, and they have Wednesday available December 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30. I mean, like adopt a family, but they are looking for some volunteers to come over to work in the toy shop and to help get the toys ready for some of the kids in the neighborhoods. And um they also have another event coming. Um and this is for some of the Inkster residents and other I think they said they're going to have over 500 coats, so you might not have to really be a

112resident, but they're having a 15th annual winter gear giveaway. It's going to be uh coats, hats, gloves, scarves, socks. uh will be distributed on first come first serve. Um it's going to be at the Inkser Family Skating Ring. It's actually on Middle Belt North of Michigan Avenue. And the nice thing with that, it's going to be Saturday, December 20th, um from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. And it's going to be like free skating for the kids, free food. So nice little free little family event that they can go out to. Um let's see. And so I know we got some seniors that's looking to go to college. So, I was able to get some information about a program that can help some kiddos who are looking to go to community college and don't want to spend

113a lot of money. So, um, Schoolcraft College actually has a community college guarantee. Um, and what it is is they go to college for free for the two years. And so, the nice thing is you can get your English or your your basic classes out the way. And once you get those started, you can transfer those over to Michigan State, Wayne State, you know, the bigger colleges. So that is a nice way to be able to you know as a you know senior coming out not paying for college for two years. So um you can definitely um contact the admissions office 734 that way we can get it started because a lot of times we wait too late it's like graduation time you know people don't think about stuff. So now it be in January

114it's time to kind of plan you know what you want to do and it's free. So I think that's a good idea and um I like to say um Mr. Rashan had a very great event. It was a fundraiser, educator sneakers ball and the money went to scholarships for kids. And I didn't know Shannon got a book as well, coloring books. So, he's really passionate about reading as well. He talked about he want to, you know, get some of the books in the vending machines. So, we have this common thing with reading and books and all that good stuff. But, it was a really good event. Um, I definitely like to have a part two because it was really good. we just get the momentum going. And so my birthday is December 23rd. And I

115like to say I am so excited from being on the school board. And one of the biggest things that's happened to me, I have a book that just came out called Unleashed and it's an anthology and I'm an author. This is my first book ever. And I put something about Wayne Wesland Schools in the book. How it was when I was an upper bound that was a lifechanging program and that program actually helped me to be successful. So it's actually in this book. It's got to be on Amazon, but it's really nice to be able to go through experiences, be able to help and like being on the school board has just been so important. I remember like the first time when I got my diploma and I saw the board members, I said, "Oh,

116that's a cool job." You know, who would think? But I think this is like been such a blessing to be able to help others. But it's a chapter in there uh too, rising from the ashes. And it just kind of talks about life, how you go through things. Sometimes you have to burn, you have to lose things in life to gain perspective and just being accepted, getting those car accidents, you know, it's been a really challenging year and just really being alive like you know be able to have a birthday like I almost wasn't here. So just being able to just, you know, help other people and, you know, just be a positive influence. And then with a lot of these budget cuts, I mean, if you guys even need me to go to DC

117about keeping these programs, like the upper bound, even like in Lancing, um, I talked to one of the state representatives. He said that they lost over 600 some million dollars and money was already appropriated. So you can't be taking money and pulling it back because it hurts the school district because then we have to try to figure out where to find the money. So definitely I'm an advocate if you guys need any type of you know to kind of fight on that behalf and um that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Ambers. We had a really interesting discussion during our finance committee meeting. Um regarding publicity um it started with uh don't exactly remember how it started but we talked about certain events that have happened um in this in this district um in

118terms of being publicized. Uh one was Stuff the Bus. I know it's an annual event that happens, but it didn't even hit my social media feed until Wednesday night, and that was after someone on our board posted it. Um, I was actually going to send a note out to to Dr. cost on on Monday of that week to see if it was still going on because I was if it was I was going to go and and help support um and I got busy with with life and and never sent the email. Um and ju just some other things when we look back at um the the the decline in enrollment that we had. And it got us to talking about our our our media presence, our public relations presence. And not that the people

119we have are doing a bad job, but are they do they not have enough resources to be able to to m to meet the times now? Is that a an organization that as a board and as a district we've we've overlooked? Because let's be honest, in this day and age with school of choice, what are we doing as a board and as a district to get the word out as to what we have to offer? We tend to be a little bit more reactive in this board that or this district in getting the the word the word out instead of proactive. And so I would I'm glad Dr. cost tonight took that on as one of her goals as superintendent and what we can do to because she recognized it too that that we're we're

120struggling and to to get the word out and to grow in this competitive environment. We're not the only game in town anymore. our students have options to go to Plymouth, Canton, Leavonia, um some of the charter schools in the area and and they're being more aggressive about it than we are. And so we we need to step back and take a look and and find ways that we can be aggressive and get our word out also. Um and I want to thank the board for all the hard work we've that's been put in this year. the staff um and the difference that that our staff makes um in the lives of our children. Last month, we dedicated a a swimming pool to to one individual, AJ Mc McFaren. I had the opportunity to go to

121that um partially because a a friend of mine and his family were were touched by by Coach AJ. Um this gentleman um is about my mom's age and uh his record for diving uh dating back to 1974 is still up on the wall in in We Memorial's Pool. His kids were touched by coach AJ. the amount of people that came out from this in support. And I'm talking adults that were my age, some some even older, and they still had fond memories about how one person touched their lives and made it better. And where do we find these people? That what that's what amazes me in this district is how we're able to find teachers like that, coaches like that. I've seen it in my kids' lives um and the and the connections that they

122had made with with certain teachers and they still keep in touch with today. And so, so thank you for caring about our students, for wanting to to to help them and to to be better in their lives because, let's be honest, they don't always listen to us parents. And so, I'm grateful we have high quality individuals in this district who who step into that space. And with that, I want you all to have a happy holiday. take these two weeks off um at after Friday, re-energize, spend time with your family and and reconnect. >> Thank you, Mr. Cox. >> Mr. Ambrose, I totally agree with everything you said. Thank you for saying it. Um this evening, I saw something on the check register that I didn't see before and I I just not right now,

123but uh if you could give me an answer to to this. On the register there's uh a check to Royal Oak for $2,700 community schools. A check to Plymouth Canton for $7,000. A check to South Lion for 3,700 for homeless student transportation. I don't remember seeing that entry before and I'd like to know what that means. Um there's some talk tonight about Plant Moran and uh there's a message that it's been difficult dealing with Plant Moran and uh I just I just want to say that on the outset uh I'd like you to explain to me what the problem is with Plant Moran. They're one of the most respected accounting firms in the country, certainly in Michigan. And I'm not saying they never make mistakes, but uh you know before I before I wanted to

124change that, I'd want to know why that needed to be changed. So um uh Principal Dina Pringle from uh Franklin brought a very nice presentation. and everybody commented on it and uh one of the things that she talked about was the afterchool programs and for years and years uh you know in hallway conversations these afterchool activities are so important to the students development and in middle school in junior high school is where that culture is developed. So if we are ever asked to support such things on the middle school or the junior high school level, knowing that it helps create the culture of kids being involved with their school building after school's out because there's still so much to do. That would be a great culture to uh to focus on and and to to

125give some strength to in our district. So I was I was very pleased to see that and would love to see more of it. Uh let's see what else I want to say here. I had an opportunity last Thursday night to be part of a focus group uh with a young lady by the name of uh Kushy Patel and some some of you might recognize Kushy. She's a 2021 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School and her and her classmate Morgan. Uh, by the way, because she's just graduated from Brown uh University with one of her classmates, she's developing something that they're calling the Wayne Literary Project. In fact, if you want an email address, Wayne Literary Projectgmail.com is how to communicate with them. What they are interested in doing is taking the information that already

126exists about the city of Wayne, which has a incredibly rich history. Many people talk about the city of Wayne and its history around 1940, the beginning of World War II. It was going 100 years before 1940 and uh and did a lot of things. And uh I was with uh Richard Helypy and Bill Gray. We were all part of that group. And it seems very exciting. I'm looking forward to it. And I believe a great portion of their project is going to be dedicated to how the school district has contributed to the area and what the students of the school district have done. So many in the city of Wayne uh and not so much with Westland because you know Westland's a new community. We began in 1966 really, but so many with the city

127of Wayne, there's generational foundational people in that community and it it's a very special community and no doubt it's going to be a great effort with these uh two young young women uh involved in it. So I want to say good luck to them and also bring it up. And the last thing that I have to report tonight is that uh the city of Wayne, the city of Westland, the entire region lost a great leader uh with the passing of former mayor Tom Taylor. Uh Tom was uh uh originally a Wayne police officer back in the early 1960s, late 1950s when the city of Westland became a city. He became a police officer in Westland. As a matter of fact, his partner was uh Andy Speizzac, the father of a recently retired Tony Speizzac here

128in the school district. Uh Tom eventually became a county commissioner, was instrumental in the creation of the building across the street, Thomas Taylor Towers, which he ended up being the director of in his retirement. Uh he also is an author. He wrote a uh he wrote a book. uh an incredibly intelligent, gifted person who did a lot of work nobody knows about to help make this area better. Uh he left a a lasting legacy, was a great guy. I went down to Florida on a golfing trip with about 10 guys once and somehow ended up going to bookstores with Tom Taylor and had a great time. Uh so uh we'll miss you, Tom, and thank you for all you've done. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Cox. And I apologize for your loss.

129Um, Mr. Roshan, >> um, I would like to begin to thank, uh, Zoe and, um, Eva Fukqua for leading us in the pledge of allegiance. Um, thank them for their outstanding leadership and academic excellence. I don't know if we caught that, that they were all A students, not all A and B students, but all A students. I think that's uh noteworthy, but not just academic wise. Um they're excellent, but uh also in in uh athletics, they were part of volleyball and basketball. So, I want to highlight them and thank them for uh being here tonight. Also want to thank Principal Pringle as well for her presentation, her outstanding leadership at Franklin Middle School and for uh the work that she does. it really uh reflects strong leadership uh in that school and dedication of the

130staff and and the students um for the student success. Um also want to extend a sincere thank you for everyone in the community that came out to attend the uh lace with legacy educational uh sneaker ball. We had a great time. Um we had a great time. We raised money for uh scholarships for students that are going into education. Uh we look forward to doing it again next year. So we'll get the word out and uh look forward to everyone attending. Um and as we close out this year, I just want to uh wish everybody a happy holiday, all the students and staff and uh be safe and get some rest and spend some time with family and friends. That's all. >> Thank you, Mr. Roshan. This is Abby Mitchell. >> Yes. Um, just like

131everybody else, I just want to close out the year knowing that this is the year, not the semester, because the semester is not over, with great gratitude for our students, our our educators, our community partners, our board working together this year. It just takes all of us to make it easy. It has been so pleasant when you have people that you can work with or in my case, it happened today, people that arguing over that you can sit next to them. They pulling out chairs cuz everybody want me to sit next to them. I appreciate that. Thank you. But, you know, just to have a board that's working with you, having people donating and I'm just thankful for the community that donated to us to the Wayne Westland School District. I'm grateful and I'm thankful

132to the teachers for everything that they do, for our students showing up to be part of learning, having an education, our bus drivers, the first people that our students see in the morning. I'm grateful for them. Our janitors, everybody that show up every day. This is my prayer every morning. Thank you, Lord, for everybody that show up every day for our kids, the safety guards. And I just want to appreciate them. And I want to wish everybody a happy holiday and a safe holiday. But I also want to acknowledge our students. We have we have we have already started in our schools in middle schools going to fifth grade camp. We all look forward to going to fifth day fifth grade camp. David Hicks went a couple of weeks ago and all the middle schools

133will be going to fifth grade camp. The only thing that I regret for them is that they going in the winter time. I like it when they go into summertime because they get to go swimming. So now they just come back all wet. They ain't been swimming. So my grandson went a couple of weeks ago for fifth grade camp. He had a great time. But I want to acknowledge our our students that's going on their field trips. We have um four students that is attending women's and sports leadership conference. These are four students from John Glenn. you know, you in sports, but to be able to go to the leadership conference, that's almost like our level when we go to a board conference. I am so happy and excited for these kids. We have um

13428 students from John Glenn going to student council leadership conference. Um we have 16 kids from Wayne Memorial going to student council um state conference leadership conference also. So when I read over these field trips and everything and I said conferences, it made me feel like I feel when we sign up to go to a conference, you know, to be around other people in different from different communities that's on the same level as you learning and you know, we just like we spoke about Kalamazoo schools, we learned that at a conference and just to be able to have these opportunities for our kids. This this is promoting our district right here. Send your kids to Wayne Westland School District. We send them to a state conference. But no, but just to say merry Christmas and

135happy new year if you celebrate, take time, spend some time with your family, but most important do something for yourself. Do something for yourself. If I could take nine or 10 days and do something for myself, I'd be a very selfish person. I'd be a very lonely person. Let me put it that way. But, you know, just take some time and do something for yourself and love on your family at the same time. And happy holidays. >> Thank you. Um, I just have a couple of things I'd just like to mention. um one thanking Zoe and Eva um for their um leadership this evening with the pledge and just being phenomenal students based on the information that was shared. Um as I already stated, Mrs. Pringle and the work of her team over at Franklin.

136I also just like to take a few minutes just to say thank you to Mrs. Harris because every time she comes to a board meeting, she's complimentary of everyone. Um, despite what some barriers that she may have encountered, she still comes very positive. Um, her emails are very positive and so I just want to say thank you for that. Thank you for your dedication. Um, I know you have worked really hard to be a volunteer in the schools. I know how dedicated you are to our students and so thank you for that. Um, I'd also just like to share um that there are two music concerts coming up this week. So, Glenn is having theirs um tomorrow night and then Wayne's is um Thursday. Uh just an update also to the board in regards to

137board book. So, we voted to have that. Um we approved it in October and we approved it with the implementation beginning in January of 2026. I don't know if you need sauce. Don't want to keep talking if you were over there like dying or something. Um, >> don't die. >> No, I don't want her to die. I'm just saying like, you know, she needed something. So, starting with the January agenda, board members board members will receive both a printed agenda and an electronic board book version as part of the pilot phase. Beginning in February, board members will receive agenda packets exclusively in electronic format. So, that would be the board book. Um, also I know we've talked um at the board table. I believe it's been a conversation in policy around live streaming and just

138want to provide an update on that and that's just based on what I read in the policy committee and I'm going to kind of lean to Dr. Cost to help me to make sure I'm stating this correctly. But it doesn't sound like we're going to move forward with live streaming just based on some ADA um compliance concerns as well as um I don't I'm going to say legally but maybe not well just not being able to really engage in a two-way communication if we go with live streaming is is that that's been the advice that we've been given. So, I just wanted to provide an update on that. And then, um, yeah, I think the last thing that I have is just wishing everyone happy holidays and asking our staff to, you know, just and

139staff, everyone just take a moment, enjoy your family, um, take care of yourselves sincerely, take care of yourselves, and just really, really have this time to reflect on how your year is going thus far. And with that I willcept.