001and one second late. I know. So, we like to start with the pledge of allegiance. I'd like everyone to please stand. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Item 314.25. Roll call. Mrs. Hines. Dr. Weaver present. Mr. Rashan present. Mr. Ambrose present. Miss Abby Mitchell present. Mr. Cox present. Miss Hans present. President May present. Everyone's here. Thank you so much. Thank you. Item 315.25 adjournment to a close session. I would like to entertain a motion. So moved. Support. Thank you. Miss time, will you please call roll? Mr. Cox? Yep. Uh, Dr. Weaver, no. No. Close. Okay. Um, Miss Abney Mitchell, yes. Uh, Mr. Ambrose, yes. Uh, Mr. Rashad, yes.
002Miss Hines, yes. And President May, yes. Okay. Close session. Thank you. Calling our meeting to order. It is now 7:04 p.m. I will entertain a motion to move back into open session, please. Oh, we we took care of that in there. We did. We closed it. We didn't open it. Okay. Uh so moved. So board. Thank you. All in favor? I thank you. We are now at 317.25 recognitions and presentations. Our first recognition is with um a student recognition student recognition presentation, Dr. Jennifer [Applause] Paige. I believe we have a video to play too. But we are here today to honor one of our youngest students in the district. Carl Ghart is here. He was the recipient of a state award. There's a little video and then his teacher has something to and Carl and
003his family also have something to share with us. Dr. Paige, we're waiting to get the video up. Oh, there it goes. Board this evening is going to be in the area of arts. And so if I could have Carla Gearhart from Stmeer Early Childhood Center in Wayne Westland schools schools join me on stage. [Applause] Carl Ghart is a joyful and determined four-year-old student at Stalle Meer Early Childhood Center in Wayne Westland. Despite the challenges he faces due to the Fox G1 syndrome, which impacts his motor skills, communication, and daily activities, Carl has found a remarkable way to express himself through art. For Carl, art is a journey focused on exploration rather than just the final product. He uses his hands, feet, and even his head to interact with various textures and materials, fully immersing himself
004in the creative process. Through these sensory experiences, Carl has developed important skills like hand eye coordination and spatial awareness. His enthusiastic approach to art demonstrates a passion for learning and a curiosity that inspires everyone around him. Carl's creativity has also become a pathway for inclusion, allowing him to connect and build friendships with peers in the general education program. Through collaborative art projects and play sessions, Carl continues to break down barriers and foster a sense of belonging in his school community. His journey through art is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the limitless possibilities of a multi-ensory learning approach. The Michigan Council for Exceptional Children is pleased to award Carl Ghart the Yes, I Can award in the area of art. [Applause] Good evening everybody. My name is Kayla Ghard. Um my family and teachers are
005all over at the table right there. And um we're so excited to be here today to celebrate with all of you. This award means so much to our family. Carl was diagnosed with Fox G1 syndrome when he was 2 years old and he has a lot of setbacks and a lot of barriers um that he's had to overcome to get to where he is today. Um we're grateful for a wonderful support system at home, but um to be here to celebrate all of his successes in art with you um is a true honor. And I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you him um to this he's on the go to all the staff at Carl's school. They are the ones that nominated him today and I am so grateful for their unwavering dedication every
006single day. They go above and beyond to care for him and I truly couldn't ask for a better team. Sending him out to this world being nonverbal and having various needs can be so scary as a mom. But I can honestly say that he is in the absolute best hands possible and your efforts mean the world to us. Oh, thank you. [Applause] [Music] The next award is going to be in the area of athletics. All right, happy Monday everyone. Thank you so much for coming to celebrate an amazing preschool student, Carl. As you can see, Carl uses his entire body to work on his art. And the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children not only accepted his nomination, but he won the state award for art. Massive round of applause for our preschool [Applause] students. And
007then I'm just going to invite some people down to give some things to Carl that they created. As everyone in here knows, it truly takes a village and a community to help all students learn. So, we have some things to celebrate. Carl, all right, our first celebration is from Carl's SXi buddies in his classroom. This is one we made and we used some water and some Lots of fun went into it and Carl did help with the spray painting, too. Got a little on the wall. Awesome work, Carl. [Applause] Our next presentation for Carl is a high five award. These are two of his GSRP buddy teachers. So, Carl's artwork not only helps him learn in his own but helped him foster relationships with kids around our Scott Meyer school. And lastly, Carl communicates with
008a tablet. So, we are going to see if Carl has anything he would like to say. Carl says, "Why not?" [Music] Yeah, that one's a fun. Anything else, Carl? When when? Alrighty. And then Key, is there anything you wanted to say? I can say a little something. Okay. I didn't realize they were going to be playing my video. Um, but I did want to add a little bit to that. So, I mentioned that the staff at Stotlemeer go above and beyond to meet Carl's needs and make sure that he's taken care of. So, there's a lot of needs Carl has, such as diaper changes, tube feeds, giving him endless um opportunities to learn and creative ways to help him succeed. Um, sometimes he has behavior that's unpredictable, so giving him giving him extra love and
009cuddles when he needs it. Um the office staff at Stelmmyer are always warm and welcoming when we come in and they also are very inclusive with the entire school community. All the other classrooms are involved in his learning and is growing and his belonging. So I just wanted to send an additional thank you to all the staff throughout the entire building. And just one more point for our pal Carl. If you have ever worked with Carl, ever been in his classroom, whether a support staff, teacher, administration, will you please stand? And if you are part of Carl's family or friend group, please stand as well. And Carl, I want to show you that all of these people are here for you. And thank you to your Wayne Westland team for supporting you and celebrating you.
010You are an amazing guy. Thank you. You hide in the back. Thank you guys so much. This is awesome. All right, look at me. Look this way. All right, I got him looking. Good job. [Applause] He doesn't still have paint all over his legs and feet, does he? I'll give that hair somewhere. Thank you everyone. No, thank you all. Thank you. Nice job. Very nicely done. Thank you. All right. Thank you for allowing us to take part in that. Next, we have um our high school athletic team recognition, Mr. Tokco. Yes. Thank you. Before I introduce our athletic directors um at both schools, I just want to say in my 30 plus years in education, um this winter season uh was the most unique, amazing, uh season that I've seen in regards to success for
011teams. So, uh I just want to start by saying congratulations to both schools on your winter season. like they were the I I don't know if there's ever been a final four from Wayne of the girls and the boys in basketball. I I mean I'd love someone to tell me if there was, but I I I've never seen one. So, um before I move on, I just want to uh introduce um Jason Malloy is our uh Westland John Glenn athletic director and he will be speaking um about the accolades of his student athletes within his building. [Applause] Good evening everyone. Good evening. Um it was a great year for both schools um knowing both sides because I was uh the athletic director at Wayne Memorial at one point. So congratulations to all the teams at
012Wayne Memorial. Let's give them a round of applause again, too. [Music] The first team that I would like to um I would just like them to come down if they're here. Um our competitive cheer team. If you guys would like to come on down. Come on down. Come on down to the middle. Led by Coach Brittney and her staff. No, come down this way. Come on in a minute. Come on down. All right. They had a great year. Um I get to work with coach Britney in the capacity that she's our administrative assistant to athletics. So um she is phenomenal and does a great job. So just a couple of the highlights that they had this year. Um if you know anything about um cheer, they scored the highest uh second round in um in
013school history, the third round as well as a record in the over a new overall record of a 7 739.2. So let's give them a hand for that. They made it to regionals for the first time in 15 years. Placed top placed top 10 at regional competition um for the first time in school history academic allstate team with a cumulative GPA of a 3.0. Um two student athletes on the all academic um Audriana Lawrence cumulative 3.87 and Macy Oliver with a cumulative 4.0 GPA. All right. Um, first team all district, um, Victoria and Madison. Second team all district, Haley and Zana. Um, honorable mention all district, Alexis, um, Daniah. And then honorable mention all region, Victoria. And then KLA uh conference uh all athletes was Victoria Haley um Haley Dillard Dia and Alexis and Madison
014Jones. So let's give it up for our competitive cheer program. Next up, I'd like to bring our girls bowling with coach Kim Kabildo. [Applause] We do have some great bowling in Wayne Westland and that's a tribute to both schools. So, um, kudos to Coach Kabildo and the run that she's had. The team finished top eight in the state this year. Um, since 2012, um, 14 seasons, the girls have qualified for states, all of them except for two. So, they've been they've been qualifiers 12 years. Um since 2013 they've had multiple individuals um in the states. The girl program owns the division record of 83 and 0 from 2017 um 18 through 22 and 2023 bowling season and division record of 61-0 from 2012 13 to 2015 and 16. Tiara um finished in the top four
015in the state this year in the individual and Jana was a state qualifier as well. So, let's give it up for our bowling co. Thank you, Coach Deildo. All right, next is our boys swim [Applause] program led by coach Bob Harding. Um we had our first seven and two overall record, the best record um at John Glenn since we have joined the Kla. Um academic highlights, they have a 3.43 team GPA. Um this year every individual scored at the KLA conference meet, which is a hard meet with the other side of our division. So kudos to you guys. And then uh this year we defeated Belleville in Dearborn High School for the first time since we have joined the Kla. Wow. So, wow. Congratulations. All right. Last but not least, um our wrestling program led
016by Bill Pope. [Applause] Come on down. Looks like he's still trying to rally him up. Um, the wrestling program won districts. This is 12 in a row for Coach Pope in the wrestling program. I think we said it's like 17, our last 21 or something like that. So, kudos. Uh, KLA division champions, Wayne County champions, and had five individuals who went to the MHSA state championship. Na Dawson, MHSA state champion, three years in a row. So, go to her. Um, Landon uh Johnston uh top 12, Jake Kennedy eighth place, Brooklyn uh Fischer top 12, Franklin Hernandez fifth place. And then our regional qualifiers were Kairen Trice uh Khalil and Logan. And then this year, uh we just got this information. We were the top we were in the top 10 academically with a 3.74 GPA.
017like to say uh thank you to all of our coaches, all that they do in and outside of the classroom and and on the field the playing field. Thank you guys for giving us this opportunity to celebrate our student athletes. Thank you. Absolutely. Thank you. Now, I'd like to introduce the athletic director at Wayne Memorial High School, Mark Woodson. All right. Uh, good evening everyone. I just want to say, uh, first of all, thank you the board. Thank you. More importantly, you parents. Without you parents and the boards, this wouldn't have been possible for our student young student athletes to achieve the accomplishments that they did this year uh this winter season on the basketball court as well as the wrestling match. I'd like to thank you all as well as I'd like to thank
018uh our principal, head principal, Mr. Giddlese, his support and building leadership. Thank you all. Again, like I say, without you all, this wouldn't have been possible tonight. and you parents. First of all, before I introduce the teams, I do have some individual awards that I I would like to mention some of our student athletes as well as some of our coaches and the honors that they did receive this year. First, starting off with uh bowling uh individual, I would like to say uh Lyman Derek the third Great job, Lyman. Great job. And the best thing about it, he's only a sophomore, and we're looking forward two more years of great years with you, Lyman. Great job. But just his accomplishments this year, he was named and finished division one boys uh bowling single state champion
019as a sophomore. Stay up there, L. Stay up there. Uh the next two people uh I don't think they're here because I know they are playing spring sports. Uh but uh the young ladies I would like to introduce is Lupe Salazar. She made it first young lady to make state competition this year in uh state championship in individuals as well as Mariah Sim Samson. Both of those young ladies made it to the states. First time in school history that we ever had female women, young ladies make it to this stage. For wrestling. Yep. For the wrestling. For wrestling. All right. Next, I would like to introduce uh Lyman's uh You can stay up there, coach. Uh I would like to introduce his bowling coach, uh Miss Chris Christina Day. She was named Visual One Coach
020of the Year. Uh, great job, coach. Great job, coach. All right. And also in 2023, coach uh Day, her team, her men's team was state champion in in 2023. So, coach, you're doing an awesome job. Keep up the great work. And the last person I would like to introduce is, and he's not here because he did send me an email. I guess he got mixed up with the time. I told him it was seven. He said he saw on the school website it was 6:00 uh with the board meeting. But Dave Kobo, Dave Kobo was named this year uh regional coach of the year for the girls wrestling team. And he also was named nominated for the boys head wrestling coach team this year. Just a couple years ago, I think coach Koba might have
021had six six or five kids on the wrestling team. And now those numbers are close to 60some wrestlers on the team. So he's doing a magnificent job. Thank you all for your individual accomplishments. Now I would like to go on to our team. And what I'm going to do as I call the teams down, introduce the coaches, if the head coach should come here, I'm going to let the head coach speak a little bit about uh each one of our about his team and their accomplishments uh this year on the on the basketball court and on the bowling alley. First, I want to start off with the the boys bowling uh competition this year. They made it to the state final four championship. And also, I believe coach Christine Day, was y uh the championship.
022Y'all won the championship in uh competitive with the team. We won the KA conference tournament because it's different, right? Yeah. But they won the KLA conference tournament this year. They won a tournament this year. But congratulations to them uh to making it to making making it to the final four and the team that they did lose to in the final four wound up winning the state championship. Okay. Uh this year. So great job coach. Uh that's all you need to say. You want to say anything? You good? I just wanted to Well, we have one other bowler here. I think I have one other one. You good? You didn't have much to say. I just wanted I just wanted to say that we have two of our bowlers here today. We have Lucian Post and
023we also have Lyman Derek III. As just as he said, Lyman did end up winning the singles uh tournament which was a really big deal and he was the most humble competitor. I just wanted to say um he didn't even realize that he had won. So it was it was really entertaining for him to come back and he was like, "Did I did I win?" So I had to take a second and wait until the other bowler kind of started to, you know, walk up on his last shot to kind of say, "Yep, you did. We're going to wait until he finishes and then we're going to shake hands and then we'll continue on." So it was very sweet. Um he also made um first team uh all all state. So I wanted to add
024that as well. Thank you coach. Next I would like to introduce the the girls basketball coaching staff first. Uh they had the head coach is coached by Jarvis Mitchell. Jeffrey McKenny. Coach Mckenni I think I saw him here. You come on down there, coach. We're gonna get a picture here. Coach, you want to say a few words first or whatever you want to do? Then we'll take a picture. Uh, we got Coach June Mitchell. I I don't think she made it here. She didn't make it. Uh, Teesha Webster. She's here. And Richard Meshack Mishan. Coach Richard Mishan. All right. But these are our coaches, girls basketball coaches. I'm going let coach say a few things and then all the girls basketball team if you don't mind if you could come on down to the floor
025down here. Yeah. Come on down right now. Coach going to say something about the team. Great job, ladies. All right. Coach is going to say a few things and then we're going to have all the coaches come down with you all and then we're going to get a team picture in there. Thank you guys. Um, just want to say, uh, thank you to the board for having us and honoring us. Uh, this is our fifth final four in seven years, I believe, since 2018. Uh, the girls absolutely played their butts off this year. Uh, we started off the, um, season kind of sluggish and we lost a couple games early and a lot of people wrote us off, but they was able to persevere through it all. Um, I'll go left to right. I got
026uh Zoe High. Just raise your hand when I call your name. Zoe High Totower, she's a senior. McKenzie Nelson, she's a senior. Lyanna Neare, she's a sophomore. Tatiana Allen, I didn't screw that up. Yeah, I I was nervous about that one. She's a junior. Annabelle Dennis, she's a sophomore. Kaylee King, she's a junior. Mariah Cross, she's a junior. Gabrielle Geralds, she's a senior. Morgan Smith, she's a junior. Um Micah Darling, she's a junior. And Kina Bryant, she's a senior. And Jada Bryant, she's a sophomore. That makes up our um our varsity team. Um a couple awards um for the girls. Um Zoe Higher was all conference. Mackenzie Nelson was all conference. Mariah Cross all conference. Kina Bryan was our conference. Kina Bryan was a Miss Basketball finalist as well as a McDonald's All-American nominee as
027well as an Adidas All-American and she'll be uh continuing her athletic career at Drexler University. Uh Mariah Cross, a junior, she's committed to Temple University. Nice. She'll be You guys can clap if you want to. I don't want to want to sound like I'm just rambling, but um overall just a great group of kids. Uh had a lot of fun this year and we look forward to getting back to the Breland next year. Thank you. [Applause] Thanks, coach. We're going to get a team picture of you and uh your team. Great job this year, coach. If you want to take your team out to the lobby because it's a bigger group, Miss Johnson will be able to get a better picture with you guys. [Applause] Okay. Uh, last but not least, we're going to uh
028introduce the boys basketball team. Uh, come on, fellas. If you want to come on down right quick, all you coaches, come on over. I'm introduce the coaches. Our men's boys basketball team was coached by none other than uh, Coach Steve Brooks. Come on up, Coach Steve Brooks. here. His assistant coach Ryan Brooks, Todd Richardson, Avery Williams, Stephan Allen, and Courtney Smith. All right, great job. Coach is going to come up and say a few things right now. Thank you everyone and thank you to the board for also honoring uh our basketball team. It's been an amazing run. Uh the run hopefully is not over. Uh but just want to let the whole board and people who are not around the program know that these are some amazing young men, not just on the basketball court,
029uh but throughout the school. Uh we have teachers here that can vouch for that. And uh you can't do anything without support from all over. We want to thank everyone who really supported us. Uh, it was great just seeing everybody. Uh, familiar faces at the Breerland. Uh, want to thank my assistant coach, uh, Ryan Brooks. So, here's the deal. All of these guys are my sons. No, really, I just biological son. Uh, met him when he was 16. All right. Uh, so that was how long ago? 30 seconds. He's still having kids so he's still young. So, and uh but played for me and also played for me. And then Courtney Smith who stepped out was also played for me. And so that really helps the program work because a lot of guys are afraid
030to talk to the head coach. And uh so whatever coach they talk to, they still get the same message. So that's what happens when uh you have, you know, people that you coach actually coach with you. So great thanks to them. Also want to give thanks to just all the all the fans uh daughters, wives, uh principal. So the two people over there, the Purdus, I don't care where we were, we could look up in the stands and they were there. All right. And so that's all of that's fantastic. So, uh, we're going to introduce the guys to you. Uh, raise your hand just as the girls did. Absolutely. And Miss Bonnie, she was at every game as well. And And is Joel here? No. Okay. So, also Joel Lloyd, you know, and and like
031I say, when you go into uh gyms that you're not familiar with, it's always great to look up and see support. And so, that was really huge. Uh okay. Uh junior Carlos Medlock, junior Bam Williams, sophomore. All right. I'm sorry. Bam Campbell. All right. Cameron Campbell. All right. Antoine Williams. That's why I got mixed up. Uh Brandon Quick. We call him Bquick. Talon Clark, senior. Abraham Rooks, senior. Jeremiah Smith, sophomore. Jaylon Allen, junior. Chase Dyer. We call him Chase Bank. All right. He's a junior. Travail Hawkins, sophomore, and Josh Dennis, senior. Uh missing today are our captain, uh Austin Tory. He's got his last two days of drivers training, so he couldn't miss. [Applause] So, just to say a little bit a little bit further, uh, we had Josh Dennis, uh, Jaylon Allen, Carlos Medlock,
032Abraham Rooks, and who else made it? Austin Tory. They were all KA. They were all conference. Uh Carlos Metlock and Jaylon Allen uh were all team our first team all state and Carlos Metlock uh made the dream team uh both Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. Also we had uh Chase Dyer and Travale Hawkins and Jaylon Allen our KAA all academic. Nice. So, with that being said, we thank you again for uh honoring the guys and uh you know, we're we're excited to get back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, board, for having us here. We appreciate you having us down and recognizing our kids and our coaching staff and so forth. Thank you. [Applause] What you going to do now, President? That was very interesting. Very exciting. Congratulations to all of our
033student athletes. Next on our agenda, we have employee recognition with Mrs. Paulvich. Good evening, President May and members of the board of education, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to recognize one of our amazing high school administrators tonight. The human resources department will begin recognizing employees at board meetings for their significant contributions and impact on the district. However, Dr. Oily is attending the Wayne State job fair tonight, so he asked me if I could honor Mr. Jason Mallaloy, our athletic director at John Glenn High School. So, I'm just going to say a little bit about why I'm honoring him and a little bit about Mr. Mallaloy. Mr. Jason Mallaloy has dedicated his career to serving students and advancing educational athletics. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University where he
034was a four-year starter on the football team. He also holds a master's degree in sports administration from Central Michigan University and an administrative certification in K12 education from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principles. For the past five years, he has served in the Wayne Westing Community Schools, first as a athletic director at Wayne Memorial High School and now at John Glenn High School. John Glenn principal Mr. Kelly states, "Jason's strategic vision and ability to inspire both coaches and athletes has been instrumental in the athletic department's success. One of his most significant contributions is his commitment to fostering a positive and inclus inclusive environment for all student athletes. He has implemented numerous initiatives that promote sportsmanship sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic excellence. Jason's influence extends beyond our school district. He currently serves on the M MS
035MHSA representative council and the MIAA board as the recording secretary. He is also a member of the MITAAA diversity and equity committee and has contributed to the MHSAA public relations and awards committee. A champion for youth development, Jason is the founder and camp director of the Next Level Football Camp, a nonprofit organization that teaches student athletes the fundamentals of the game. He has coached at several schools and universities including Ips Lanny Lincoln, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Robashad, Concordia University, and Wayne State University. Among his many accomplishments at John Glenn, Jason led the creation of a student fueling station in partnership with the Detroit Lions, established the John Glenn Hall of Fame, securing funding for a new strength and conditioning center, and is actively led fellowship of Christian athletes chapters in each of the schools where he
036served. Jason Mallaloy is also a member of the Robash Hall of Fame. He is a devoted husband to Warnella and proud father of three daughters, Ariana, Jada, and Zuri. We are so very proud of Jason being named the region 11 athletic director of the year from the Michigan Interscolastic Athletic Administrators Association. And he's just an all-around good human, too. So, we're very thankful for you, Jay. Absolutely. Mr. Mallaloy, would you like to say anything? [Laughter] I just would like to say thank you. Um, it is a privilege and an honor to serve kids, our students. Um, I always say that this is not a job for me. It's a calling. It truly is. I'm supposed to be right where I'm at. And um when you have support from central office, from your principles, from your
037admin, um uh it is not a job. And I'm just so thankful for the opportunity to be in Wayne Westland to try to make an impact. Sports has done a great deal for me in my life. I always say the athletic ability helped me get the scholarship. The scholarship helped me get the degree and degree put me here in front of you right now. And so I want to try to provide that same opportunity for our student athletes um in the position that I am in um as athletic director. We talk in our school about win forever and that's win at the game of life ultimately because sports ends for everybody at some point. But as an administrator, as someone who has impact on our young people, what do we give them when they leave?
038That's great. Coach Brooks, they went to the state finals. They they are a great team. But what you'll know about Coach Brooks and Coach Britney and those people who really care is that they're instilling things into their life and they'll come back for that. They'll ask them to come to their weddings and when they have babies. Those are the lasting impacts that we want to make. So, we're about relationships at John Glenn, but we want to win games, too, right? That's important. That's important to all of us. But I think making better young men and young women is the ultimate goal. So, thank you guys as a board to do this because there are not many boards that do things like this to celebrate our student athletes and the people who get awards. So, thank
039you again. You guys are doing an amazing job. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next, we have the Meridian Vision Band, Mrs. Amanda Fonden. I'm looking over there. I see. But I see her now. Good evening and thank you for having me this evening. I'd like to call up some of my friends from Meridian who are here uh tonight. Patty Graham, plan president and CEO, Edward Hollis, community relations coordinator, and Maddie Madden, communications, I'm sorry, community relations coordinator. So Meridian has been such a amazing partner to our district the last two years. Um they came in and provided screenings for vision um eyeglass exams and also free eyeglasses to nine of our town elementary schools. In total, they screened any student um who had a returned permission slip. And in total, that was 1,298 students
040received screenings. And 318 of those students received free glasses from those screenings. And I want to convey just how grateful we are. And to do that, I I thought it would be great for you to hear some of our student statements on how the glasses impacted them. So, one of our students said, "These glasses may be the best glasses ever. They are nice. They help me with long paragraphs and confusing papers and also things I can't see." I feel great. They feel so good. Thank you. They feel great. They really improved my sight and from sitting in the back of the class, I really couldn't see. So, those really helped. I feel wonderful about my glasses. They helped me run faster. I love them. They're helping me read better and they help me hear better.
041I feel good about my new glasses. My new glasses help me see better. So, on behalf of all of our students who received our free glasses, I would like to thank Meridian at this time. Thank you guys so much. They were wonderful with our students. As you can see, it wasn't just one or two pair of glasses that our students got to pick out of. It was a lot of glasses. and the staff here um helped them pick out their glasses and do the little finger test to make sure they were fitting right and just made them feel awesome that week that they were here. So, thank you guys so much and I believe Patty you wanted to say a few words. I just wanted to say that, you know, as as we think around
042I we have the pleasure of serving the entire lower peninsula with members and oftentimes when we look at community's need or district's needs, it takes a partner who's really engaged and you've got an incredible team of teachers of of leaders within the school, Amanda leading and not only saying yes, but yes, how can we make this work? uh when you think about the impact that vision can give to a kiddo that that can't see, it can be lifechanging. So, it's not just because of the work we do, but it's also because of the great partnership with with the district and uh the leadership that we've got within the the student body um advocating as well. So, just wanted to say thank you for the partnership and looking forward to continued uh success and and partnership
043together. Thank you. Thank you. We're gonna get a picture real quick, don't we? Absolutely. Thank you, Meridian. As someone that wears glasses, I do understand the importance and the difference that they make. So, thank you for all that you do. [Music] Perfect. Next on our agenda, we have item 318.25, citizens comments regarding agenda items. Do we have any secretary? Hi. non agenda and one um it wasn't circle agenda or not for a bonnie hurry no bonnie's is none non agenda okay thank you moving along we have item 319.25 consent agenda do I have a motion move approval support support thank you Mr. Science will you please call ro uh Mr. Ombbras. Yes. Miss Abney Mitchell, yes. Dr. Weaver, yes. Miss Hines, yes. Mr. Cox, yes. Mr. Roshan, yes. And President May, yes. Motion carry 70.
044Thank you. Next on the agenda, 320.25, board of ed committee reports. We're starting with Mr. Ambrose with the finance and facility committee report. Uh so financial committee report for April 3rd, 2025. Uh meeting was called to order at 5:29 p.m. with the following attendants. Mr. Andrew Ambers, Miss Melody Hines, Miss Jennifer Curry, Mr. Scott Tokco, Miss Juel Claire, Mr. Daryl BBE, and Miss Kim Marky, uh Miss Lani Abney Mitchell was was excused due to attending the National School Board's Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Uh the committee heard first from Mr. BB about the following one and which will be presented tonight in our here in a few moments for our approval. One, the request for approval of new Chromebooks and carts for the elementary and middle schools. The board is being asked to purch, 1994 Chromebooks
045and 14 carts. $106,82310 would come from title one funds and $251,210.70 would be charged to title two funds. These Chromebooks would be delivered to the district with all the software needed and installed ready to use on day one. Questions were asked if the government could resend any of our title funds with uh with the news going around about some schools losing federal funding. It was stated by Miss Claire that our funds are secure and questions were also asked if these Chromebooks would be released for home use and the length of use before uh needing to be replaced. Mr. BB stated that these Chromebooks will remain at the buildings in order to reduce wear and tear and are expected to last 5 years before replacement. The number two, Mr. Be is requesting approval to purchase cellular
046boosters for seven buildings. There are some spots in our buildings where cellular signal is weak or non-existent. During the recent phone outage, it was difficult at times for staff to communicate using cell phones. A competitive bid process was performed and four bids were received with two being insufficient for our needs. Mr. BB recommends that the board approve MOSS for this project at a cost of $315,000 with funds coming from our scing fund. Questions were raised about the possibility of cost increase due to tariffs and the committee was assured that the quote would be honored. Mr. Toko said that if the district needs additional boosters that would be covered under the new bond proposal. Also, if the board approves the funds for the booster upgrades to the seven buildings, work would start within two weeks and
047start with the buildings that have the most signal issues. The committee then heard from Mr. Scott Tokco about assessments the district had performed on a few district-owned properties in Ingster. There is a discrepancy in the property valuation between what the district was presented by our appraisers and what the city of Inster has the property valued at. There is interest in these properties and also the Ketarine property in Westland. Mr. Toko will keep the board apprised of any future developments. Miss Claire then went over the state financial aid report and mentioned the new items for state aid are the section 41 bilingual and first robotics revenue. Also, there is a section about proposals for next year's funding. We then reviewed the check register and investment report. Per the investment report, the district has approximately 56.8 million
048which is a 1 million more than expected. With interest rates falling, she will be transferring money to a higher interest account. Miss Curry then shared about having some community engagement opportunities. Also, the district as of today now has a district facility dog named Madden. Madden is a golden doodle and will reside between a Hamilton teacher and Miss Fonahan. and he will be at Hamilton four days a week in the district office for one day. Miss Hines stated that she is working with businesses in the community to support the district including Schoolcraft College and Wayne Community Wayne County Community College and the meeting was then adjourned at 6:18. Thank you. Thank you. Policy and procedure committee report. Dr. Weaver. The policy committee met um and in attendance was Dr. Mr. Weaver, Miss Hines, and Mr. Rashan
049along with um many administrators and also Mr. Sutton. Mr. Sutton shared with us that there were a few tweaks that needed to take place with the wording to make sure that um we have consistency for our disciplinary hearings. Uh so the one policy update concerned behaviors and uh we needed to get um get in alignment with that. Also we uh Miss Paulvich talked about the VPAA visual performing and applied arts courses at WEIA. The graduation requirement she talked about is that the state requires 18 credits, but we at Wayne Westland require 22 credits. And um then we're uh instituting or the administration is instituting a grading task force and also again we talked about cell phone usage which is a hot button item across our country and I believe should be a hot button item
050for this board. Um, we looked at our operating procedures, um, interim superintendent comment, board member comments, um, and, uh, we were adjourned at 10:53 a.m. Thank you, Dr. Weaver. Mr. Roshan, the student achievement committee report. Yes, we had our first student achievement committee meeting um on a Tuesday, April 8th at 5:00 pm. Uh in attendance was uh President May um me, Mr. Roshan, um Miss Abby Mitchell and um Superintendent Jen Curry. We also have Miss um um Paul, I'm sorry, Paulo Kev. Paulo Kevich, I'm sorry, Miss Paulich. Um in in attendance, um we open the meeting at 5:00. Um I open the meeting by emphasizing the student achievement um uh committee and what it comp uh what it um all comp uh and what's all involved. Uh more than it I said that it was
051more than just test scores. I also um aim to lay out a strategic plan for the upcoming year. I'm beginning to talk about the vision and mission and goals for the student committee um uh student achievement committee. Uh the committee reviewed and discussed aligning our personal goals with the distinctive uh existing vision and mission um of the district. Collaborating collaboration is key and measurable goals will be established to track our progress in increasing student performance. Uh we went over curriculum and uh instruction um uh went over the curriculum and instruction overview with Miss Paula Kevich uh presented she presented an overview of the high school curriculum highlighting current resources and uh interventions. Uh there is f there was a focus on incorporating student vo voices through engagement initiatives and a rollout plan for new curriculum
052updates will be um communicated to families. Uh we talked miss uh Paula Kevich talked about graduation requirements and courses offer offerings. The committee discussed modifications to graduation requirements, including potential new science electives and the introduction of more flexible courses offering to cater to students interests. The goal was to ensure that all students have the access to necessary credits for graduation while enhancing engagement through uh various course selections. Uh we talked about the grading the grading task force uh discussed the grading task force efforts aimed to improve grading practices to do better reflecting students learning. Uh we talked about community engagement. The committee the committee underscored that the importance of comm community uh communicating these developments with the community and organizing workshops to explain changes and gather feedback. Engaging families and stakeholders with critical will be
053critical to our success. In conclusion, uh I concluded the meeting by stressing the need for clear communication with the community partners to uh with community partnerships to support our student achievement initiatives. And that was uh we ended our uh meeting at 8:06. Thank you. No, I No, we didn't. It's 6:16. Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm looking at another I'm looking at 806 right here. No, 806. Wait, what? Scratch that. A long meeting. No. All right. Thank you, gentlemen. We are next at item 321.25, review and approval of business service, finance, and facilities. Um, we have a recommendation from Mrs. Clear. I am um Mr. who's at um hiring event. These are the Chromebooks and carts um that uh were previously discussed. Um completely grant funded. Um they will arrive already um set up so that um
054our staff does not have to spend the time to um take them from basics to uh being able to be used. um title funds one and two um no no general fund dollars will be spent. Thank you. Do I have a motion? Move approval. Support. Discussion. Yes, Dr. Weaver. I'm curious as to how many of our students are currently being serviced with laptops. I notice we keep buying them by the thousands. Are we one on one yet? So, um, part of what what we did, we had we've been having a large sum of carryover in both titles two and title four year after year. Um, so one of the things that we did knowing that we don't know what's going to be happening with title funds moving forward is I I transferred about $40,000 um
055between the two funds to all of our title one buildings. So that's why you see some title um title two dollars being spent on this. So I transferred that money into um those buildings so that we could purchase technology to make sure that we had enough to support our students until our next bond. Um so I just wanted to make sure that you understood that that's why that money is there and why they they're purchasing it was kind of intended for them to do that to support that. But I'll let him talk about the technology piece. I was talking. So, uh, as it relates to Good evening to the board, uh, as it relates to our onetoone, uh, uh, status at this point in time, for the most part, we are, but I I think
056folks need to understand that our high school students are the ones who carry their Chromebooks home. Our elementary school students and uh, as well as our middle school students, they are kept uh, in the building. So specifically with this order though, we were very uh uh purposeful in regards to uh the touchscreen computers specifically for elementary school students because they do a lot better with the touchcreens than they do uh you know in terms of the non-touchscreen. So uh the majority that you will that we'll see or that are being purchased for elementary are the touchscreen computers. So it's an upgrade from what they have at this current time. Thank you. Are there any other questions? Yes. I have a question. So, I know this is for the elementary and the middle school, but you
057say the high schoolers is the ones that take theirs home. Uh, yes. Yes. So, are we how good are we at getting them returned when they leave? Uh, you mean in terms of when they're heading to the to college and whatnot? When they finish here at high school in our district. If they leave our district, are we getting our problems back? Yes. Okay. And these Chromebooks stay in the classroom, the majority. So, the new ones that we are ordering now, are they going on the shelf or they are in need right now? The ones that we're ordering now, uh um we'll finish up the year with what we have, but we'll replace once again, specifically the elementary uh with the with the touchcreens. And this a fiveyear lifetime? Yes. Okay. And what we going to
058do on with them after the five years? After after the five years, they're really at that point they don't work at all. But we will have to purchase more in five years. Well, once again, as we spoke to, we're we're trying to kind of build a sur a surplus to make sure that we have what what students need. Okay. For years to come. For years to come. Well, no. Yeah. So, I do have a follow-up question. I'm just wondering will we are students able to check out Chromebooks if they need a Chromebook at home to do an assignment versus just being able to do it at school? So, specifically at the middle school level, I'll ask or upper L. Uh definitely a lot of times we'll get specific uh calls from administration to give a
059student a Chromebook. So let's say the class has their set of Chromebook, but we'll bring an additional if we have a student who's sick or who's homebound or who has a need or have a special project, special assignments. Uh we had an honors group in history that we supply Chromebooks for them. So it's somewhat uh alleart for those who need them at home, need to work at home with them. Okay. But we supply we do supply them. Okay. And then are we ever are we having conversation about moving in that direction to be one on to be onetoone where students can take the devices home specifically at the middle school level since we're already doing it at the high school level. We we our highest breakage rate is at the middle school level. Uh and
060so with that um we're trying to find a balance between just sending them home and and and what happens between the bus ride and all that coming bringing them back. But our highest breakage rates were at that middle school level. That's why we went to keeping them within the buildings. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. I have a question. Oh, go ahead. My question is because they are you said keeping them in the building. So they at the desk. So it's not just one student's Chromebook. It's the it's the classrooms. Yes. It's it's in a cart within the classroom and they're distributed to specific students. different students depending on if it's elementary where it's Thank you. Yeah, you got Okay. I mean, but in the middle school, right, too? Yes. Or they do they have their assign
061own assigned one in the middle school? No, they don't. But when they, you know. Okay. Thank you. Right. Just grab my phone. Depending on when you come to class, you would come to the same Chromebook. You know, when you went to history, you have When I go to history, I'm going to look for the Chromebook that I use in history. That's right. Yes. Okay. But then the next class to come in history, John going to look for the Chromebook. Me and John share the chrome same Chromebook. Yes. Correct. Thank you, Trusty Mitchell. I just want to uh clarify something that Mr. BB um stated in regards to the high school students. As a freshman, they're issued a Chromebook. um that Chromebook is issued to them through their four years and then they have them. So,
062we're not collecting them. They're basically end of life at the end. So, I just didn't want that that to be confused that we're collecting those at the high school level because we're not. I was just talking about like if a student need a district, is he turning in his Chromebook in that case? Yes. But and if they want the four four uh full four years here, uh they would uh keep their Chromebook and the end of life. But if they transferred um went to a different building and so on, we collect them. Oh, that that's very nice to know. Thank you. Yep. Mr. Cox. No, I didn't have a comment. Okay. Thank you. So, we had a motion, support, discussion. Mrs. SC, roll call. Yep. Please. M. Yep. Mr. Cox. Yes. Mr. Rojon. Yes. Miss
063Hines. Yes. Dr. Weaver. Yes. Mr. Ombres. Yes. Miss Abney Mitchell. Yes. President May. Yes. 70. Motion carries. Thank you. Next, we have um a recommendation to award a contract for cellular boosters. Mrs. Claire, the contract is uh was given to Moss. So, we did take bids. Uh some of them did not include the labor, so we rejected those. because there is some work that has to be done for these. Um they'll be charged the sinking fund. We're not going to will not impact the general fund. These will make the building safer because um people can actually call out and it will increase the the internet um capacity in each of these buildings. Thank you. Motion So move support [Music] discussion. Mr. Cox. Well, as Dr. Weaver said earlier tonight, uh, with respect to cell phones
064in the building, I I don't know if the whole nation is starting to look at that for the damage it does in terms of student attention, but we certainly have talked about it and I know the governor's talking about it. So, so here we are in anticipation of something that might come down the pike from the state and we're going to spend $315,000 making our Now, I've wanted this for years because you can't get a call in and out, but do we want to spend $315,000 to exacerbate our problem? Well, it's also the internet, you know, increases the capacity for that. I can give you an example, uh, Mr. Cox in regards to when we have we lose say we lose power in the building. Um we have emergency situations that still occur that our
065internet goes down our phone lines go down in the building. So the boosters are and I get your point is well taken uh in regards to what you're doing in regards to your statement that these could be the students could be in a situation where they're not even going to be able to have them or use them in some way shape or form in the in the future. But right now in those buildings, it's unsafe when we do and we lose power quite a bit in regards to storms. We have a lot of over overhead lines um that that are not the underground lines that we don't lose some schools lose it more than others. Um, we've had multiple accidents where they hit a transformer where those buildings and I can speak for myself that
066we were we were concerned that that we couldn't have there was no ability to communicate with the outside world. Um, when your cell phones are not working in those buildings. Um, so that that is a that's definitely an issue within the district at this point. Um, in particular at the buildings we're talking about. Thank you. Any other questions? I have a question. So, this is for seven buildings. Which buildings are those? Thank you. Uh, John Glenn High School, uh, Wayne Memorial High School, Adams Middle School, Franklin Middle School, Stevenson Middle School, uh, William D. Ford, and then Wayne Westland Innovative Academy. Okay. It wasn't on the list, that's why. Okay. So, I'm going to pause this so that we can stay in our process. So, at this point, I'm going to um ask Mrs. Hines
067to call RO. We've had a motion and discussion, supporting discussion. Mr. Ambrose, yes. Miss Abney Mitchell, yes. Dr. Weaver, yes. Miss Hines, yes. Mr. Cox, yes. Mr. Roshan, yes. President May, yes. Motion carry 70. Thank you, Mr. BB. You did talk about I don't know if it was you or Miss Claire that mentioned that or if you read it in the finance committee meetings that the other schools were coming up in the bond project. Am I correct? Yes. Okay. So to answer your question thank you. Next we have the Marshall property update. Mr. Choco. Yes. Thank you. So, at the b at the January 27th uh board of education meeting, the board unanimous unanimously approved the sale of Marshall the Marshall property. I'm pleased to share that that that uh purchase agreement was officially executed
068on April 11th. Um while the property sold for 500,000, the total estimated benefit to the district is approximately $3.5 million. due to the elimination of ongoing maintenance costs and avoidance of uh future demol demolition expenses. And I I spoke about this before in regards to we were scheduling that building to be uh demoed in the next bond. Um now that we sold it and they are going to pay to demo it, we that we will not be on the hook for $3 million. So, this is a very exciting deal for the for the district in regards to uh um PY homes coming in and building homes because we could capture kids in that process too. Thank you. Are there any questions for Mr. Tokco? Thank you. We are now at item 322.25 review and approval
069of curriculum and instruction. Mrs. Paula Hello again. Hello. Um the I know that a couple of the committee reports had talked about um the high school credit modifications. So when I took over the executive director of high school um position, I've been doing a lot of digging and um just kind of listening and and all of that. So, one of the things that um I as I was looking is um we have some things in Wayne Westland um that um don't give our students as much flexibility as we could give um that the state has has allowed our boards to give to our students. So, um I have a couple different things that I'm hoping the board will um look at modifying of our current graduation um credits. I'm not looking to decrease the number
070of credits um at all. Just um what makes up those 22 credits that we are asking our students to earn um for graduation like my remote control at home. Oh, there it goes. Um so the this is directly from MDE. The MMC or the Michigan Merit curriculum um gives districts flexibility to develop courses, curriculum systems to meet the individual needs of students. So um the school board has the autonomy to explain and or give us direction on how our students earn um the credits that MDE um has said students must um learn earn through the Michigan merit curriculum. So, um, that's kind of what, um, I'm here to help us work through today. So, um, I would like to share some changes on our current graduation requirements. Um, the changes are to give our students
071more flexibility and autonomy in their learning. Um, so there's three areas. One is, uh, just general graduation requirements for all of our students. Um the second are our VPAA or our visual performing and applied arts classes specifically at our Wayne Wesley and Innovative Academy and our health science classes at our career tech center William B Ford. So I just wanted to give an overview of what MDE has required. Um so they have required that students take four credits of English um and that they meet proficiency in the state standards. um four credits in mathematics um three in mathematics and then one credit can be in math or a math related course that must be taken in their senior year. We must provide some type of online learning experience at some point in their education. um
072one credit of physical education uh and that's when one credit in PE and health or proficiency in the health standards and district approved extracurricular activities can count as a half credit in physical education science MDE states that students can have proficiency in state um content standards for science which is three credits or proficiency in science of two credits and completion of a department approved formal career technical education course. So that means they would take two set two credits of science and then if they take a CTE approved course that would count as their third year or third credit of science. Uh proficiency in the state content standards for social studies for three credits, one credit of visual performing and applied arts and then world language two credits. Um and that could be done with formal
073coursework of two credits in foreign language or world language a or it could be one year of a world language and one year of a formal career teched class or additional ver visual performing and applied arts classes. So currently um I put our graduation um requirements that are up there and I'm going to specifically look at the items that are highlighted in yellow. um as potential changes that um I'm recommending to the board. So, we currently have two semesters of biology. I'm looking at science first, two semesters of chemistry, and two semesters of physics. I'm recommending to the board, which is in yellow, that we keep two two semesters of biology, two semesters of bio chemistry or physics, and then two semesters of an additional science um or completion of a career teched course. Um,
074and that would be one credit. So, I'm going to flip ahead. Um, it's a little out of order. Um, there were some questions about what science classes do we offer. So, um, I kind of went through and updated what this would look like. Um, biology one credit, chemistry or physics one credit, and those are all of our additional science classes. So, for example, if we have a student who's as a freshman takes biology, as a sophomore is taking chemistry, and they're like, I really like chemistry. I'd like to take AP chemistry. We currently either they would have to take AP chemistry and physics at the same time in their junior year or wouldn't be able to take AP chemistry until their senior year because we they have to take physics. So, this is just giving
075our students some flexibility in how they're going to meet those credits. We're not taking and saying less science, but we are saying science unless they take a career teched class. If we have a student who knows that they want to be an auto mechanic, but and they're going to William D. Ford as a junior, instead of saying you have to take this physics class, you can take your auto um your auto mechan your auto tech class and that would count for that science credit if you complete that class. Now it's going back this one should. Okay. Um three credits of social studies. Um the only change here is that um starting with the class of 2028 um we need to offer a half credit of financial literacy. So, and working with um our economics teachers
076who one of them is right here um we are going to implement that half credit of um financial literacy within our economics classes. So, that's our current freshmen. So, um we'll be continuously working on that to make sure that those students have that covered. Um this is in place of a separate class. again trying to keep things flexible for students so they don't have more requirements to take if we can encompass those learning standards within a class we already have. Uh we currently require students to either take two semesters of French or two semesters of Spanish or sorry two years of French or two years of Spanish um which are the two languages we offer. Um I would um ask which is what the Michigan merit curriculum has that we would offer um two semesters
077of French one or French 2 and um I'm sorry French one or Spanish one and then students would be able to fulfill that second year of a foreign language with either uh their CTE course or they could take additional VPAA classes. So if we have a student who is um very interested in art and they want to take extra art classes, they can do that. We have students who are in mu are in our music program um that band class that they take could um fulfill that second year of foreign language. Obviously, our counselors will know um and talk with kids when they schedule and encourage kids who are collegebound to take those two years of a foreign language because it's something that most colleges are are asking for. But it gives our students who
078might not be on that path some more flexibility um instead of us dictating to them what classes they need to take that they can take some more classes that they're engaged in um and hopefully get them across the finish line. The the next one uh we currently require one semester of health and one semester of physical education. Um I just um again this is from the Michigan merit curriculum that students would take one semester of health and then they could either take physical education or um participate um successfully in two seasons of a varsity sport or two seasons of marching band to take that credit. Um, a lot of our student athletes are involved in lots of different things um and would like to take other additional classes. So, this just again gives them a
079little flexibility um of some classes that they can take. All the others um are are pretty much the same. Um those were the four areas for graduation requirements. And again um this just um kind of goes through and I give a little explanation um for those for our VPA courses. We have a limited number of staff at our innovative academy and we have an increasing number of students that are there that need to fulfill these these credits that are required by the state. So, we've worked with our our virtual course provider, graduation alliance, to review course offerings and see what other districts are um approving and allowing for VPAA. So, I've listed the classes there, finance foundations, financial accounting, fund fundamentals of financial services, digital literacy, web design, um digital and interactive meeting, uh media,
080and public speaking. Um all of our business classes currently here um that we have at John Glan are approved for VPAA. So this would just be approving those um graduation alliance virtual classes for our WEIA students only. Um just a lot of our students are taking art online or some things like that and they're just um having some some struggles with that. So we're trying to give that a little bit more flexibility for them. And then um lastly, we have um three different courses at William D. Ford um medical assisting, health occupations, and sports medicine and exercise science that cover all of our health standards that we cover in our health class in our um in our comprehensive high schools. So, this again, if a student for some reason didn't take health or something happened
081that they didn't pass health, um that if they take and and successfully pass um one of those three classes at William D. Ford, they would be able to earn their half credit in health. Um there the crosswalk and the standards alignment um should be provided in your packet. It's already been done um for you. So um so those are there and again this is just to provide some more flexibility for our kids. So um my recommendation um is that the board approve the new high school credit modifications and the VPAA courses at WEIA as presented. Thank you. Yes. Do we have a motion? Move approval. Support. Thank you. Discussion. I'd only like to say that I uh these are excellent changes. Uh I like the opportunity the kids the students that might not have gone
082to the career tech center now see that there's an opportunity for them might introduce them to something. I think it's a great idea and I took two years of French and just because Kathy Rebard took French but I don't know how to speak. Mrs. Fine. Um, just quick question. Um, when it comes to like the sports medicine, um, do you guys like uh want companies to offer like internships or do they can they get like credit hours for like experience? Yeah, we have uh we have a workbased learning coordinator at William D. Ford. So, they all have to have some type that's part of our career tech program. So, they all have to have some type of work-based learning experience. It could be a job shadow. It could be a conference. Like it there's various
083different things depending um on on the the class. Okay. Yeah. And thank you for all your hard work. Oh, no problem. My pleasure. Any other questions, Mr. Ambrose? I like the fact that um our on the science side, you are including CTE. Um, a lot of those classes are actually applied, uh, sciences, uh, auto mechanics, heating and cooling, construction, applied physics, um, and mechanics. The one thing I'm a little concerned about though is I'm looking at the three credits for social studies. And I remember growing up, we had to have a half credit in civics and a half credit in government. And I think it's important that our kids at least have some foundation in government and and their role in it. And that was at least in my school district was covered in the
084social studies department. And they do the um they have one semester of civics which is right above that yellow which is our government class. And we had a we also had a semester of government. We had to have it civics was freshman. Government was was our junior year. And we had two separate teachers for that. And Mr. Toko is looking at me and he he knows exactly what I'm talking about. And and I I I think when I I look and and talk to my to my kids, um they they struggle with understanding how our system of government works. And so I I don't know how we fix that. So, um, this is pretty pretty typical of most high schools. I know when I went to school, the only class that was required was what
085we had one semester of government. Um, we are we this is the first year um in kind of three years that we've we've we're completing our flip. We used to teach economics and civics as a freshman and then we would teach world history and then US history and we've now flipped. So your daughter probably had that as a freshman um instead of a junior where where our kids have that now. Um so our students now take US history as a freshman, world history as as a sophomore and then civics and economics as a junior. So, I think they might have a little bit more of a of a stronghold because they're a little bit older um and can understand, you know, just have a little bit more life experience and maturity to understand a little
086bit more about our government and what is and kind of encompassing in that class. Okay, any other questions? I would just like to say thank you for your hard work. Thank you. So, yes, thank you for this. Thank you for um just taking a look and kind of doing an audit of what we currently offer and providing kids with other opportunities for learning. I think that's how we keep kids engaged. So, thank you so much for that work. Of course. And with that being said, we had a motion, we had support, and Mrs. Hines, will you please call ro? Mr. Cox, yes. Mr. Roshan, yes. Miss Hines, yes. Dr. Weaver, yes. Mr. Ambrose, yes. Miss Abby Mitchell, yes. Yes. President May. Yes. Motion carries 70. Thank you. Next we have three um 323.25 board discussion
087regarding listening sessions. Mr. Roshan. Everyone. Um, this was something that came up um after talking to other school board members um statewide um sidebar conversations and attending the um the national school board conference. A lot of board members um and their districts, they would have uh community conversations with the board. Um, I appreciate the conversations our superintendent have been having uh with the community and we've been uh some of us have been attending those conversations with the community, but I think as a board we need to um um have those conversations directly with the community, something that we put on. What those would look like is um we would possibly um hold those conversations within the district um different areas within the district that's um um um best fit that best fits the um the
088um community and our parents and students. Uh we will utilize that time to um get feedback on what what what they think about uh what we should be doing, how we should be voting. I feel that we should not be voting um or or making decisions without feedback. With that being said, I just wanted to open up as a discussion. Um we we'll have a couple of harder discussions on cell phone policies, things of that nature down the road, but I would love for our community to uh first be able to give us feedback on their opinion before we make decisions for the district. So, I just want to open up open this up for discussions. What do you guys think about having a u a community um uh listening session with the board besides?
089Yes, I think it's a good idea because a lot of times um just getting that feedback is important. Even like with the bond, you know, I've been going out telling people we're got a bond coming up, but it's no additional cost to the family. So, just different things like that. It helps us if we get ahead of things because a lot of times we all notice on social media people that don't come to meetings pretty much tell what's going. is not even the truth. So, if we can get ahead of it, I think that's a good idea. And to know what the community, you know, is looking for. You know, we have a lot of things going on. We have a new year coming up next year, preparing our kids, you know, what's important. And
090even as they said before with the cell phone use, that's going to be a big hot topic, you know, within the community. So, I think it's a good idea. And then they can meet us as board members, you know what I'm saying? Like the community feel comfortable with us. So, I think that's a really good idea. Any other discussion? So, oh, are you No. Okay. So, I like this idea as well. Um, again, I just think it's important, as you said, not only for the transparency, but to receive not only feedback, but to hear ideas, thoughts, concerns from our citizens. I think that's an important piece of this as well. So, thank you for lifting this. You know, I'd just like to say I also think it's a good idea provided that uh there's an
091itinerary of things to discuss. Uh if you go there and say, "What do you think?" Well, we think you're all a bunch of bums and you know what about what do we want to talk? So, we're certainly dealing with with big issues and as long as we say uh you know, we introduce what we want to talk about, I'm I'm all for it. There actually is no way to have that conversation because board members really are precluded from going out and giving their opinion to everything. We're supposed to speak with one voice. The board is one uh entity made up of different persons, but it's one entity. We're supposed to speak with one voice and really let the president do the talking uh on our behalf. Uh and so there's kind of that line there.
092But yeah, a little community involvement before we have some kind of a disaster would be nice. So, one way um that was discussed or shared in terms of like doing that type of thing would be similar to how Mrs. Curry offered the community engagement sessions, but each board member would sit at a table to be a to have those conversations. So like you said, if it's a particular topic that we're talking about, then we could have a board member at each table and the board member then engages with the community at that table. So that would be one way that we could do it just and we can talk about it further, of course, but just an idea. Mr. Sabney Mitchell, I just think that it is a good idea, but we also have to
093look into what we can do and as far as policy because even when we have someone here at board meeting, we don't engage with them. We listen to them, but we don't engage. So that could be kind of like a little bit touchy. So the listening session wouldn't be a board meeting. So it's a we wouldn't have the formal, but you don't want to go back and forth. What? So yes, with an agenda, I think it'll work. I may not be the right person to be there cuz it's a listening session. You made me she did that. It could turn into a problem. And yes, with all the good intentions, it could turn into a good. But yeah, you know, I think with the right agenda and everything and you know, it can it can
094happen, but we just need to look at policy and make sure this is what we doing and you know, every board member don't need to be there. Okay. Thank Yes, Mr. One thing I want to add, um, after talking to other board members, other districts and how they did it, um, to kind of, um, um, the setup could sort of be like a speed dating setup where we have a board member at each table. And it's a timed, uh, a conversation. The first conversation can be about student achievement, about the budget, about cell phones. And we'll time that, maybe 15, 20 minutes to have that discussion. and then you rotate to each table so it's not one big conversation but smaller conversations with individual uh board members at each table. So I think we could
095probably manage it and work that out. I don't want this to just be a discussion for right now. So I'll I'll email you this in detail some ideas so we can put this on the calendar and really get this done as soon as possible. Any other questions, comments, concerns? I see you thinking, Mr. Cox. Well, yeah, I do have concerns. I have concerns because, you know, when people look at the board of education and and uh the head administrator, the superintendent, they kind of relate it to like it's a board of directors and the president running the company. But that's not how this is set up at all. The idea that individual board members would be sending emails to the superintendent, I demand this. I demand this. You have no basis with which to demand
096anything. I know members of boards of education believe that that is their role, but in fact it is not. The board should be speaking with one voice. For instance, if somebody wants something that's got to go to through the president and then to the superintendent and by the same token when you get involved in this kind of a thing and let's say you're doing the speed dating, I don't know what information it's almost like it's a like it's a campaign event. because the board really doesn't speak on for the school district. We have a communication director that speaks for the school district. So if someone comes up and says, uh, my child, uh, gets picked up at this bus stop and that's never working for us for this reason. I would like our child to
097have this, but there's not nobody here can say anything about that. We don't know. They're going to look at us at having answers to things that are administrative related because that's what they interact with. what we said is policy and we hire and and oversee the superintendent. So if we're having conversations about that, that is our our area of expertise. Whereas this kind of a thing would almost it's if anybody speak up, tell me if they think I'm wrong about this. This is going to be a time for people to interact with us as if we're administrative people. We're we're we set and we don't, right? So, we're going to say, "Well, gee, we don't handle that. You got to call this person." I I'm I'm just saying com in improving communication between the community,
098especially like Melanie says, when we have financial issues coming up that need to be described, that's a great idea. That's why I say an agenda. But this kind of thing could go off the rails quick because we don't we don't really don't know the answers to a lot of the questions we're going to get. It's not going to make us look smart. It's not even our role. Yes, Melody. I'm sorry. Sorry. Yes. So, I like to say, for instance, um one day I went to the gas station in uh Wayne and I had my Wayne Wesley shirt on and I had a parent come up to me. They had a situation and I immediately gave it to the superintendent because I tell them, hey, you know, I'm going to get it to the right advisor.
099So, because a lot of people like, oh my gosh, it was something, you know, really big. And it was just nice to be able to, you know, get that parent to feel good to know, hey, you know, I can't I'm the board member. That's not my place, but I'm going to get you to the right people. So, and I pretty much do that a lot in the community. I have people calling my personal phone. I don't mind that. It's like, "Oh, this is going on. Hey, that's out of my lane, but let me get you to the superintendent and then they'll get you to the right thing." Z was a situation where something was going on at a school. And I was like, "Let me call Jim real quick." And I'm glad I called her
100because she was like, "Hey, we need to get a hold of the principal." We was able to squash it really fast before it turned into a problem. So, um, sometime it is good to be that ear because just me wearing that Wayne Wesland um, gear, she's like, "Oh, you're on the school board." you know, so it was pretty good. So, I want to clarify what you were saying. You weren't saying you were going to email Mrs. Curry. You were saying you were going to email me. Yes. Right. Okay. That's what I thought. I just wanted to clarify that. But with that, the beautiful thing about uh a community conversation is we can lay the ground rules. We can let the community know, hey, we're not here to do this. This is our role. This is
101our boundaries. This is what we can do. We can forward it to, you know, the the right people. So if we let the community know our roles, a lot of times the community don't know understand our roles. That's one thing that can come out of this community conversation. Any other discussions? Yes. Yes. I'm sorry, Dr. Waver. Um, I'm torn on this because the politically correct thing to do or the thing that sounds the best is involve the community. Involve this person or that person. But I I want to point out the other side of the coin is that our community has elected us to make the tough calls. It's not that they're going to be disappointed in them and it's not that they're going to like everyone, but uh they have um elected us to
102look at everything that comes down from our superintendent to take a close look at it, to study it, and to make uh what we feel like is the best decision. Again, the thing that sounds the best is let's open it up and involve everyone. I'm not sure that that's the way to go. Thank you. Any other discussion? And I just want to say I agree I I agree with both of them because if we think about our role as board members, it's it's nothing in the role that that gives us where we go out and have community conversations. You know, like Fred just said, we are elected and they trust us. when somebody approach me out in the community, you know, I refer them to the secretary or I even tell them come to board
103meeting and put it on record because I cannot make anything happen. If I go tell the story, they going to think I'm making it up. So, I need you to tell your story and I support them that way. But we can get seriously caught up in a whole lot of situations. I I I I don't know. I just I know personally my mouth is too big for it. So, and I can only speak for myself, but we are as he said, we our voice go through our president. When we need something, we go through the president. If somebody called me and they needed something, I will refer them to the president. Then she can refer them to the superintendent or I'm always referring them call our secretary, you know. Um, so that and to just
104have all of us out there talking to people. Even when our superintendent had community conversations, we was talking, you know, with her. Even even when we sat at separate tables and the families was telling us their situation or whatever, we went and got the superintendent or shared it with the superintendent immediately. We did not even leave the the building with the information. We made sure that the superintendent had the information because that's who we handle it. So, it's just something to think about, something to talk about. Right now, our our schedules is completely full. if y'all got your calendars today. Anyone? Yes, Miss S. I just have one last thing. So, I'm a part of a lot of different organizations like the NAACP. Then I sit on the executive board of the 12th Congressional District.
105And what I do a lot of times because they have like that elected official, they let us talk for like three minutes. So, I'll just bring the actual like, you know, agenda. That way, I'm staying on topic, a couple of highlights. They give me like three minutes and then that way even like the city council meeting I went the other day let them know hey we got this going on in the district I had like 15 flyers he did get in like three minutes but so that way it's like it's you know to the point with what happened at the meeting like a quick recap for the community and then that way we're not getting out of order in zones and stuff like that to kind of let them know what's going on. Yes. On
106the surface I like the idea hearing hearing from parents all the stakeholders I would like to to see if any board in the area does it and maybe attend one of their sessions before I would you be in full support or not because because of some of the concerns that have been raised. I I just want to see the process in action before I would actually I think it's a great idea but I want to see how how other districts have implemented it first. And I don't know if anyone here knows of a district that has in the area that's done that anybody no all right so if there is no other discussion I'm not familiar with one so that's why I didn't answer your question in this area but um if there are not
107if there is not or are not any other discussion points we um table lists are in this but thank you Mr. Oshan for lifting it. Thank you everyone for engaging in the conversation. I think that's important for us to have is the healthy dialogue to hear ideas of other board members to make us a better board. Um we're now at 324.25 citizens comments non-aggenda items. I just like to make sure do we have everyone who wanted to say something information up here? Thank you so much. Okay. So, um we have let's see um April Astrander for non-aggenda items. Three minutes. Give her a minute and a half. Hi everybody. Hi April. Hi I just wanted to just talk for a few minutes. I've worked in the district for nine years now. I'm also a proud
108graduate of John High School. The district means a great deal to me. I take pride not only in the schools, but the incredible staff that I work with alongside every day. That's why I'm concerned that we haven't yet confirmed which direction that we are heading with Miss Curry. Um, will she continue as our superintendent? At the last meeting, it was discussed, but it was not confirmed to my knowledge. I didn't speak um last week or last month, and I wish I would have. Our staff, our students, and community have been through a lot this year. We are finally able to breathe again, and we are now questioning what's next. In the past, the district has conducted superintendent searches, and unfortunately, those hires ultimately did not meet the district's needs. In both cases, we ended up
109paying for two superintendent at one time, which placed the district in unnecessary strain on the funds that could have gone directly to support our students. The cost of another surge and the risk of repeating history should give us pause. Miss Curry has been dedicated to this district for over 20 years. She embodies the quality that the board said they wanted in a superintendent, someone who has been collaborative, transparent, and truly listening. The district feels calm and focused, and we appear to be moving in a direction that reflects the priorities of our community. Miss Curry has constantly gone above and beyond to meet the needs of the board and the community, and I believe now is the time for the board to do the same for her. Bringing in somebody new would likely mean a shift
110in leadership style and priorities. Miss Curry has already been leading us down a path that both the board and the community have asked for. Let's not lose our direction. Thank [Applause] you. Next, it looks like I have a Steve Khan for non-aggenda items. Good evening. Steve K, the president of the Wayne Westland Education Association. Uh, first I want to thank you guys for being on the board. I appreciate the discussions that you guys have uh throughout the state. A lot of school boards are just out of control. Uh, and it's putting their districts in liability. Um, I can give you examples later. Uh so the fact that you're having these discussions and working together and trying to work together uh is good for our district. Also want to give a shout out to our uh
111parapros uh how hard they have been working uh for minimal pay and uh ridiculous hours in the conditions that they do. They make our teachers jobs a heck of a lot easier. So I want to give them a shout out as well. And also to the uh style uh group that was here earlier. Uh we as you know we just negotiated our contract. Excuse me losing my voice. I don't know why I'm not teaching anymore, but you know, get yelled at too many calls. Uh, we moved all the teachers there from an hourly pay scale into the full teacher contract so that they are now salary. Okay. And I know we're only talking about 13 individuals, but it is life. It's it's life-changing for them. Okay. We're one of the first in the state. I
112think we're the first. We're still trying to do the research. Uh, the first in the state to move the preschool program. They all have their degrees. And the kids that start there, they stay in Wayne Westland. And what you saw today was just a little bit of what they do. Okay? Uh literally lifealtering for that group. Also, I want to say uh in general, obviously, this is a phenomenal district. All everything we saw here tonight, all the presentations and all that, and all that starts from the leadership from the superintendent's office. Uh Jen Curry has brought stability to our district that we haven't had in a very long time. The fact that you haven't hired her yet makes me kind of upset. Makes our employees upset. April was pretty nice about it, but that's the
113feeling. Okay, we finally want stability. Yes, you were elected. The union groups want stability. This is the first time in Wayne Westland history that the NBA supports your superintendent and wants you to keep this superintendent. Think about that. The first time, I don't know, maybe the 60s. I don't want to go back how long Wayne Wesland's been around, but for at least 50 years, this is the first time that all union groups support our interimm superintendent and want you to make her full-time. Where else are you going to have an on the-job interview for over a year? You're never going to get that. This is a rare opportunity for us. And I feel like you guys are blowing it, but I do appreciate you. I love you. So, uh, and so I just I just
114want to let you guys know that, uh, we're on the we're on the the the cusp. We are changing things. Uh, we're moving in the right direction. And it's because you have someone who never wanted to be a superintendent that has fallen into this position and she's taken up the helm. Uh, she's working more hours with the same pay than she ever has. and uh we appreciate her as a union and I hope that you take what I have to say on behalf of all MEA groups in Wayne Westland into consideration. Thank you. Thank you. And I have a an is it Hineki about community meeting roundts. I am Ann Hineki. I'm a community member and I'm a prepar pro in the district for 27 years. Um talking about the the community forums like you
115would I love that idea. Um we I sat in on Miss Curry's forums. Great. Um uh let's see here. I'm reading um um if I think that the the groups Sue come help me with this. Um the groups I think you need to hear what the community has to offer too and and with your groups have a set table for this. Have a set table for this. Don't go off of topic. keep that top. I really like that idea. Um, if you don't, you won't know what community members are interested in. I get both sides. I understand it. And that's what I have for that. And my second thing is Friday night, the unccorked and tapped. What a great evening. Maria, nice job. I Sue and I had the chance of serving wine and we
116had the greatest time. So if you weren't there, you missed out. I was there. I know you were. Thank you. And next we have a Miss Bonnie. I'm not sure if I'm saying this right. Is it Paro? Pendo. Parendo. Oh boy. Hi, I am Bonnie Pondo, a pair professional at Stevenson Middle School. Um, y'all should have a salary paper that I sent to you. Um, I'm here on behalf of WP. I hope I'm not too late for this. I would like to bring attention to our pay compared to other groups in the district. As a walk group, our jobs are mentally draining, physically demanding, and sometimes both. We get injured in many different ways, such as being kicked, bit, hit, things thrown at us, and we also hurt our backs, shoulders, etc. from moving moving
117students around that are in wheelchairs. However, we show up every day after day and love our students. They too love us back. We take care of them as if they were our own. We are second in line for education for our district. If we are apparent agenda and classroom, we help more students than just our own and are very happy to do so. By the end of the first semester, if not sooner, we have many students who sit by us or come to us and and ask for help. Our own students as well as others know they can trust us and that we will look out for them. We are not just that other adult in the classroom. We are helping to ensure students are ready for their futures. Please help us help them. We
118are always short people. We currently have around 45 open positions. Even after using one to two agencies, our positions are still not filled. We then try to help out in other special needs classrooms in our building that are short paras. We tried to make the day run smoother for all in our building. In the past several years, we rarely get subs. So they then again those who are there that day are lending a helping hand whenever they can possibly can. This can be very draining as we try to be in two places at once or do the job of two people. Our teachers love us. I have had some say to me, "I wish you could be in my classroom during a certain hour." I am sure that I am not the only pair who
119has heard this. Some even call us teachers. They are amazed and say it's crazy that we only make as much as we do. They feel that we are great a great asset in their rooms. All in our group have to be highly qualified, which means having at least 60 credit hours or paying for a test that extremely hard to pass. Some do fail and each time the cost is $45. I am not here to have any other group in the district feel as if we do not appreciate them. But the other groups that I would like to compare our salaries with do not need any additional schooling beyond high school and they do not have to pay for any testing. These groups start at least 2013 and end at 27.83. The starting f pay pay
120for the WAP union is $18.90. As you can see, our group is the lowest paid in the district except for bus aids. At one point I mentioned that I would like to have the WAP group make as much at least as the grade six secretaries. They are the ones that are in our buildings and I was told that that would never happen. I cannot grasp this concept. We have been in the bottom forever. Please help us rise to the top. We are a special group of people who give our love and a dedication to the students of this district. I hope the district has listened closely and will take into consideration what I have said here tonight and pay us what we are truly worth. Come spend a day in our buildings and you will
121see. Thank you. [Applause] And that's the last of our um Thank you so much, Mrs. Hines. Next, we um have three we're at item 325.25, interim superintendent comments. Great. Thank you, Miss May. Um, last week our central office team and building administrators engaged in a professional development session centered around artificial intelligence known as AI. Together we explored how AI tools can simplify everyday tasks, support datadriven decision- making, and discuss best practices for using AI responsibly in education. Next steps, we will plan to create a district AI task force to help foster a learning environment where AI empowers and enriches opportunities for every student. Thank you, as mentioned previously, to everyone who attended the Wayne Westland Education Foundation event last Friday. It was truly a success. I know even my husband had a great time as
122we were serving wine, I think, at the table next to you. Um, it was a wonderful evening filled with community spirit and support for our schools. The funds raised will directly benefit our classrooms and programs across the district. And lastly, our annual culture and diversity festival will be held at the William D. Ford Career Technical Center on Thursday, May 1st from 5 to 7:00. Please join us for the celebration, which will feature international cuisine, cultural performances, student showcases, and valuable parent and family resources. Thank you. Thank you. Next on our agenda, we are at item 3 326.25, reviewing recommendations, board of education. We'll start with Mrs. Hines tonight. Yes. Thank you for everyone who attended. I'd like to say congratulations to our wonderful sports teams. It's really exciting this year. Um I also like to
123give a thanks to um Mayor Kevin Coleman. um he donated $500 to our key club over at John Glenn High School. Um I'm the president of the Wayne Westland and surrounding areas Kowanas Club and we focus on literacy and with our students at John Glenn High School, they do a lot of community service projects. So I was really excited. Um some of the issues we were having with our club is the kids didn't have money for the membership. Sometimes it's like 17 to $25. So to be able to avoid that situation, we're trying to raise money to help the kids be able to pay for the membership. So, the mayor of Westland gave us $500. I'd like to thank the uh Westland Police Department, Officer Kaylee Copi. Um they gave us $200 for the key
124club at John Glenn High School. I'd like to thank the Kowanas Club of Colonial Plymouth. They gave us $500 for the Kuanas Club for the Key Club at John High School. Um we were able to raise $180. We had a book uh sale at the Westland library because they're one of our strategic partners. So, I'd like to thank everyone that helped our kids with that and hopefully once I get the key club at um John Glenn established. I want to definitely go over to Way Memorial. Um but we will need a new service advisor for the key club at John Glenn High School. So, if any staff members are um want to do that, definitely let me know. Um but we are, you know, really raising the money to get that club going. Um, also,
125uh, we do meet, um, at the Westland Library on the second Tuesday of the month at 12 o'clock and on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the West Library for the Kanas Club. Um, I definitely like to um, congratulate again the wrestling team for doing a good job. Um, I sit on the Wayne County Women's Commission and we had a resource fair at school calf college on Monday and we had over 64 companies participate. So, um, being on that committee, I definitely want to get them over to the Wayne Westland School. So, different companies that's hiring so we can add two different companies for our students when we have our fair and, um, I want to definitely get some more tours going over to the career technical center because we have a lot to
126offer, you know, and a lot of people don't know what we do over there. Um, I'm super excited. We've been working closely with the uh, Michigan Works and there's actually some job fairs coming up and I definitely want to work um, with some of the staff to see if we can get these flyers out in the Peach Jar. But there is a community job fair to on April 15th um from 12 to 3:00 p.m. at the 34th District Court 11129 Wayne, Michigan. Um there's also another job fair spring career fair um April the 30th in Southgate at 15100 North Line Road and the numbers if you're want to you know get this information because a lot of people are losing jobs and these are you know pretty good paying jobs. Um the number is 734
127uh 3623485. Um and I definitely would like to let people know about the um marshmallow drop they're having at Hype. It's going to be uh Friday the 18th. It's totally free to the community um starting at 10:30 at the Hype and Wayne is going to be at that park uh over near Franklin. Um, and then two, we're actually having a free networking event with the Wayne Chamber of Commerce at Lar Rosa on um, April the 12th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It's over at Brookies on Michigan Avenue. And what we've been doing, so I got a partnership with the Michigan Small Business Development Center. And we were able to do free small business classes for the people in the community over at the Wayne Library. So the first one we had at least about 30
128people show up. The second one, the LLC class, we had a ton of people. So this is something that's nice. You don't have to be an adult. I went to the high schools and passed it out as well. So you can be a, you know, a young kid, you know, want to start your own business, but this is really helpful in the community. And um again, we had a great time with the unccorked event. Um again, I look forward to that every year. And we also the Wayne Rotary is having an event May the 14th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson Barnes and it's a Jubilee with the Rotary. So definitely, you know, I like when different nonprofits and organizations come together to help our students. And I think, oh, one more thing too.
129So, um, just as a board member, just a quick reflection, a quick reflection I would like to talk about is, you know, being on the board for over 11 years. And when I first joined the board, I was uh, coming right after uh, Greg Barisy, who's been our superintendent for 17 years, and we had Dr. Harla and then we have other superintendents as well and just being on the board this amount of time we've went through a lot of superintendent and doing the searches and you know when people interview we get one thing but in the end something else happens and what I'm concerned about is going through so many superintendent as a district is not a good look in the public when we're on the news again like Wayne West said can't keep superintendent
130and then you know the fact of who wants to come to our district if we just keep going through superintendent we had a lot bad publicity and we're just now trying to stabilize. Um I'm like in full support of keeping um Jen as our superintendent. She's been doing the work. You know, school year's almost over with. The community has said that they want to keep her, the staff, the students, and we're just in the right direction. So, I don't want to cause any upheaval that could be a problem because if we have no superintendent, you know, because she could leave, it can happen. I've seen lots of principles that left the district and they're superintendent in other areas. So definitely, you know, I am concerned about that. Not having anybody in this be forest for
131a search. It can happen. So again, I support you, Jen. You've been doing a good job. You've been here over 20some years. You've been through all the superintendent and overall the bones are buried. And like I said, she just has my full support as a board and this is going to be a thousand% and she just has my support. Thank you, Dr. Weaver. Uh once again, we've come to a monthly board meeting. Once again, I will state that the policy committee for many months now has had policy changes in Q and uh the policy committee has not been recognized uh to move forward with these changes. One of the main things we do as a board of education is to consider policy. So, um, when we think about the policy committee, obviously nothing happens until
132this whole board votes on it, but this whole board cannot vote on it if it's never put on the agenda. All other comments I'll reserve until future events dictate. Thank you, Mr. Cox. Thank you, President May. This evening we were uh treated to a wonderful presentation student after student after student's performance and that was not an accident. Uh years ago the we had a conversation about kids just do better when they're involved with their school building whether it's extracurricular sports or activities at they just do better. And we were trying to create an environment in our school district where the students are at the school buildings not just during school hours but for a variety of extracurricular activities. The idea of bringing in quality uh athletic staff and coaches and what have you. It's a
133move that was criticized but it was done just so that we would have the kind of evenings that we had tonight. And you you heard the coach talk about the individual student athletes. It wasn't just about athletics. As a matter of fact, that was secondary. What did you see? The team the teamwork, the teamsmanship, them putting their arms around their coaches. That's what it's all about. And it didn't happen by accident. Those people are doing a tremendous amount of work and they're good people. And they weren't cheap. We put them there because the kids deserve that kind of attention. I was so happy to see it. Along the same lines, you know, we have for finances, we have uh a tool. I know everyone got today their benchmark report. Uh I looked at it before
134I came to the meeting. I would like to have a student performance report too. I would like to know just as easily as we can look at our finances and benchmark what the different school buildings are doing. It was mentioned earlier that there was a couple of uh elementary schools that were outperforming the others and the question was well what are they doing differently? Let's find that out. Let's find out what every single building what the student performance is. We can't make decisions based upon student performance if we don't have an ongoing relationship with exactly what it is. So I I would I would like to see that. I I'd also like to know we had a relationship with the Wayne County Community College District for several years where we were working in close uh
135contact with uh the chancellor on a variety of issues and that's that's fallen by the wayside. I'd like to know why did it and what can we do to get it back on track. And I'm asking this question because I've been called by uh Wayne County Community College District trustees who would like to know what we can do to put our relationship back together. It's important for the college and I think it's important for our kids too. We've got a lot of opportunities from that. Uh I don't know who it was Miss Hines mentioned about uh how many superintendents we had and I thought to myself I've personally been involved with uh eight of them. And of course, the school district was here for years and years before I got here. And tonight, we heard
136that the MEA has never approved of one person and all of those people. I don't know that that might say more about the MEA than it says about uh the superintendent. That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Roshan. Um, I'd like to um start by just recognizing the staff and teachers and the students on a great job that they're doing, you guys are doing. Um, to see the students uh student athletes and just the students be recognized today. Uh, in particular to start with Carl. Um, Style Meyer is one of the the schools that really have my heart and uh visiting Style Meyer and uh seeing the kids and um I I I that's one of my favorite schools in the district. I'm sorry. Uh with that being said, um it was just good to
137see him and to see him uh recognized for his art award. Um then going on to the student athletes uh from the wrestling team to the uh swim teams to the uh bowling team. Um, recently the other day I I I went bowling. I haven't been in years and I thought about the bowling teams. I knew how good we had how good our bowling team was. I was like, I want to see I want I want to sit down with the coaches and the staff and the the team to uh maybe put a program together. We can, you know, bowl with them. Uh that was that was something came to mind. But um just recognizing the bowling team, the basketball team as uh they said as um was that as was said earlier uh we
138don't know if uh was if there was a final four boys and u girls at the same time in the district. That's something that should really be highlighted and uh we shouldn't take that lightly. Um our student achievement and uh sports, things of that nature in the district. Uh with that being said, I I um this past uh week um we I was able to attend the uh National School Board Association uh conference. Um very very informative um as a new school board member. Um you have ideas and things you want to bring to the district, but to be able to talk to other school board members and get ideas from them and things that they're doing, I think it's it's invaluable information. Um uh couple of things that that come to mind. I kind
139of wrote it down was um as a board making sure that we have a board vision. Um I know we have a lot of different ideas but making sure that we establish our board vision so we can always uh make the main thing the main thing which is our students. Um I want to make sure that we have more conversations about that. Um, couple other things that was brought up um um during the conference was uh community partnerships um uh emerged as a critical theme. Collaborating with local organizations and families um can enhance our educational environment by actively engaging parents and community members. You you'll hear me say that often. Um I've always been active in my community. That's the reason why I ran for the board because I wanted to be even more active
140in our community. Um, that is uh uh the heartbeat of of me serve. The reason why I'm serving is to get the community involved, get the part partnerships within the community involved in our school system to help our student achievement. Um, another thing that was brought uh to attention, and I I've always said this as well, we're doing so well in so many different areas. I want to make sure our communication is is stellar um with our comm with our partners, with our community partners, with our parents. Um um focusing on our district marketing is essential. Um in education, we tend to uh think, uh we don't have to, you know, marketing is second, you know, uh a secondhand thing. Uh but we have to get the word out on how the great programs that
141we're doing, great things we we're doing in the district uh to attract uh more students to retain the students that we have. Um couple other things that I I'll be sure uh um I also want to highlight the importance and elevating student voices. um we're all here and we're doing our best for our students, but I would love to have a student uh within the district sitting right next to me as a student board member um having them involved in some of the process we have. Going to the national conference, I realized that there is a uh national school board student association. I might have got the words uh mixed up, but it's a uh national organization where students are part of the uh the board of education in their district. I think we should
142really look into um implementing that soon. Uh not just the one stellar student in the whole district, but I would love to see some students that come before the disciplinary community. they may have some issues within um the year, but to hear their voice as well and allow them to represent uh their school in the district. So, um we can talk more about that. Um um highlighting more student voices on this board. Um also, um there are a lot of conversations um that I would love to have with the board. A lot of times we're we're in session. We have to stick to the agenda, but there are things and nuances that we don't have a a time to really discuss. Um going to the conference, I was able to have conversations with Fred and
143and um President May and and Lwanda and just to have those kind of those conversations was great. Um one-on-one conversations. I would love um president if we could possibly look into a um a board more board workshops possibly a short b board retreat where we can just um get to know each other a little bit more. I'm I'm a new I'm a newbie on the board. So, um I'm coming from a newer aspect of newer voice. And that's something that I would love to see is for us to um talk a little bit more u be a little more personable uh personal and um um have that time aside um for the um a possible board retreat. Uh another thing and and I can go on and on, but we only have I don't want
144to belabor the time. Uh I feel I sound like a preacher. Um, with that being said, I would love to establish something like a parent a district-wide parent committee. Um, a lot of time I keep saying I want to hear from the community and um, get the community involved. I know we have PTA clubs in different schools, but if we can pull from all of those PTA clubs and create some type of parent uh committee and uh board members could sit on that committee and we can figure out who would head that committee and what that committee looks like just to make sure that uh parents are involved not just in their local school and their local elementary where their student or their child belongs, but they can see a a broader view of the
145district where they can commit to yes, my my son attends Starttomire, but I look forward to him attending Wayne Memorial, John Glenn in the future or one of our high schools in the future just so they can have that broad uh view and bringing our parents together uh districtwide, not just uh in the local school. So, I would love to raise that and I I'll send um more of the these ideas your email so we can um uh um bring those into fruition. Um in conclusion um uh being at the conference I gained a lot of insight in the necess uh the how it's necessary for us to build bridges uh with our community members with our staff amongst each other. And I just um wanted to say I'm committed uh to work with all
146of you all and collaborate with ideas. Um I'm I'm open to criticism. I'm open to opposing views. I welcome it. And uh thank you all. That's all I have to say tonight. Thank you, Mrs. Abney Mitchell. Yes. Good evening. This has been the most exciting, entertaining board member I ever been to since I've been here. I don't even mind that it's 920. Having those students in here was the delight of my heart and I am just thankful for them. But I'm thankful for the coaches, the parents. Absolutely. The parents. Most of those kids don't drive. So, they have to be driven there. Someone has to sit there and cheer them on. So, I'm thankful for the parents, the coaches, and the students. But the but the little preschooler just broke my heart. Just stole it
147away. I wanted to get up and go dance with him and everything. President say, "Sit down. Sit down." She wouldn't even let me move. She knew I was going, "Sit down. Sit down." But I'm I'm thankful for her to keep me grounded. I'm actually thankful for all my board members because I like to find humor and sometimes I'm not supposed to laugh but she is just sitting over there. She messing with me all night long. She can't sit there no more. So, um, and I'm just thankful for that. It was very entertaining to see them. Thankful for the coaches, the staff and and to matter the eyeglass place. Meridian Meridian Meridian the eyeglass place. So they said that they service the elementary schools and over a thousand kids got glasses. 300. They service over a
148thousand kids and over 300 got glasses. Yes. Well, I swear all three of them must go to 300 must go to David Hicks because after they came to David Hicks, every other student had glasses. Everybody, it was a thing going around. They got them Hicks glasses. So, the 300 kids must have came from David Hicks. Had to. And I'm just thankful to them. And y'all know I can't keep secrets. I see Amanda. What happened to the facility dog? He is at home in the crate. He's at home. You told me he was going to be at board meeting. Okay, the next one. So, I do have a question for the community. So, we have a new facility dog. Very pretty and everything, but he's going to be housed at Hamilton four days a week, right?
149He's not supposed to be doing that. Oh, I'm not supposed to be talking to Oh, I can't talk to you. I told you they keep me in order. But you can you tell us why the community why you can't tell me. Never mind. Talk to her afterwards. Oh my god. Read your board operation book. But thank you, Amanda. If you would have moved a little faster, you could have answered. You didn't even have to get up. The question could have been answered. But thank you so very much for everybody and I had the pleasure to go to the National School Board Association in Atlanta. Oh my god. To see all meet all and engage with the board members from all over the world with my little Insta name tag. I'm like I'm from Insta. I'm
150from Ingster supporting Ingster. You know they not familiar with Insta. So I was Insta proud. So, uh, but I met board members and superintendent and I can't think of the name of the school, but he has 500 students. And I was like, and you got seven board members. I need to be on that board. That's easy peasy. But we met um people from the school boards that had two 22,000 from 500 to 22,000. And I did not know that New York has over 18 students in their schools. I'm sorry. He looking at me. Don't look at me when I talk. New York has over 800,000 students and California has over 600,000 students. And it was just a treat to be there. I um I learned to um the classes that I interacted in was superintendent
151search and transition. Um the importance of being a board me the importance of board and superintendent communication, enhancing school safety and security. And you know, it was just a pleasure to be able to go. Money well spent. And um and I'm I'm just I just got to tell you, I'm just thankful you guys. It's I don't know if I can say it in school. It's Holy Week. And I'm thankful to the Lord for Easter Sunday and Good Friday coming. And thank you so very much and have a good night. Thank you, Mr. Ambers. out of respect of the time um I'm just going to say first of all thank thank you Miss Pichevik for your hard work on and your staff on the curriculum my social media feed was blowing up when the state was
152coming out with these standards about what's it going to do to this program what's it going to do to that program and I am grateful that the time was taken to so our students can have a well-rounded education. There are some things I'd like to to see added. Um, talking with with some teachers and I will bring that up with with the appropriate members of the board. Um, but it was a wellthoughtout process for how kids are can get the credits they need to be able to graduate. Um, it's been interesting. Um, school year is winding down to an end and I have a have an 18-year-old daughter who now has contracted senioritis. My advice, um, I'll go back, uh, over 30 years ago. I was a young man in California. I was away from
153my family for two years, uh, serving a mission for my church. And we called it getting trunky. You were living out of your suitcase getting ready to go home when you had about two months left. And we there was a saying uh amongst us. It was called sprint to the end. Sprint to the finish. Think of yourself this whole process as a marathon race. And the long the hardest part of the marathon is those last few miles. And it's that mindset to sprint to the end. Don't slack off from your in your classes. See it through to the end. You've already put in all this hard work. Now is not the time to slack off. Finish like a like the athletes that we had in here. They gave it their all. and and that's how
154you need need to finish the school year. And with that, I will turn the time over. Thank you. Um so I just like to say first of all, thank you for everyone who um is in attendance tonight for to our meeting, our parents, our students, our staff. Congratulations to Carl on winning the Yes Can award award. Talk about perseverance and just um encouraging others. Like there is no reason why you should ever have a bad day, right? And if you're in the midst of having a bad day, think about Carl. Get you some crayons, get you some glitter, do what you need to do to make your day better, right? I mean, there's just no reason. Um, I also am just I was very excited to celebrate our student athletes this evening from Glenn and
155Wayne Memorial. Um, I really love when we refer to our student athletes as student athletes, right? recognizing both their accomplishments in the classroom and then their accomplishments outside of the classroom. I also would like to say congratulations to Mr. Mallaloy for his um honors and just um really enjoy hearing him speak tonight. Just really hearing his commitment to our students, to education, and to sports. Also, thank you to Meridian for their work with our students and getting them glasses. As I said, as someone that wears glasses, I tell everyone when I take these glasses off, it's over. Like, don't send me a text message, nothing, because I can't see it, so I'm not responding. So, I know the relevance and importance of having your glasses and having cute glasses, right? Cuz we all want to
156look cute. So, I really am grateful for that. Um, I'm also excited to share that I had the opportunity to spend the day in the district and during that time, I was able to visit Mr. Lowe's social studies classroom and I was able to um not only meet some of his students but hear their projects as they're preparing to compete um for National History Day. And I just wanted to take a few minutes to just wish his students the best of luck. Their competition is April 19th at Central and the kids have done some phenomenal work. The projects are just so impressive. Um I too was able to enjoy the unccorked ontap event facilitated by the EF. Thank you so much for that work, Maria and crew. Kim, I know you're a part of that
157committee as well or that foundation. So, thank you for all of your hard work. Um, the purpose of the event or the e EF period is to support our teachers with innovative teaching practices and strategies to keep our students engaged in the classroom. And so, I just appreciate that support for our teaching staff as well as for our students. Um, I also attended the NSBA annual conference with three of my esteemed board colleagues. It was a great opportunity to learn and to fellowship with colleagues, not only um my Wayne Westland colleagues but colleagues from all over the nation. Um I attended several sessions, some regarding board governance, transformative leadership, portraits of a graduate, the school to prison pipeline and AI or artificial intelligence. Um, I also had the pleasure of meeting students who serve on
158their local school board as well as on the National School Board Association board of directors. Um, so like Mr. Shannon, um, Mr. Roshan, I'm sorry. Um, we've talked about adding student voice to our board table. We, and I know we're in the process of doing some other things in terms of getting that Congress together as ways to lift student voice, but I too would love to see us have students as a part of our um, board. And then next, I would also love to see Wayne Wesland develop a portrait of a graduate. So then that way, not only do our students know, but our parents know, our staff knows, we talk about this is what we want our graduates to leave with. This is what we want our how we want our graduates to look.
159That helps us to ensure students are prepared for life after graduation. Um, I also want to address I believe it was a question in regards to um having items put on the agenda. And so in our policy or our board operating procedures on page five under section 1.1, it talks about how to get an item placed on the agenda. It is actually um 1.1 1.1.1 item B um which talks about board trustees must request in writing or verbally to the superintendent and board president at least seven days prior to the board meeting any items they desire to have placed on the agenda at the discretion of the superintendent and board president. So we welcome um receiving anything that anyone would any board member would like to have placed on the board agenda. And with that
160being said, I would like to um entertain a motion for an adjoin adjournment.