001We're going to call the meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Can you call the roll please? >> Member Steel >> here. >> Member Lionwell here. Member Frederick here. Member Billsboro >> here. >> Member Hullbrook >> here. >> Member Dean is absent. Member Lake >> here. Thank you. And next we have a presentation program from Jefferson Elementary. A professional learning >> Community. Yes. I don't know where we brought you. Okay. Well, good evening. So, we're here to talk about PLC's at Jefferson. The actual process of the PLC's at Jefferson. This is Katherine Stilson Stutler. No, I forgot she got married. Third
002grade teacher. Michelle Fondrin and Lindsay Dixon are both our second and third grade looping teachers. And in August they went to a PLC conference and they are eager to share how they are implementing these new practices and um we want to give you you can go on it. >> Thank you. >> No problem. We just want to give you a sneak preview of how we are using our time on early release Wednesdays to collaborate and support our students. As Toby said, we went to the conference over the summer and the focus was on how all of our students are doing both academically and non-academically. And so for us at Jefferson, this means looking at how are our students doing and what can we do to support them. And we've really focused this year on looking
003at how are we going to ensure that all students are mastering our Cardinal standards or the math and ELA standards that grade level teams have identified as being the most important standards for all students to master. At the conference, we looked at all this data and really what the data says is that we have a global problem where students need an average of four to five months of additional instruction in reading and math to catch up to where they were before the pandemic. And we know that before the pandemic there was still a need. We also looked at nonacademic needs and at the conference they shared that student engagement has decreased and absenteeism has increased. So at Jefferson we have been focusing on finding ways of increasing student engagement and in addressing concerns related to
004absenteeism. So we do have a committee that meets weekly and we look at our attendance and our behavior data and when we meet we talk about how can we support these kiddos? What can we do differently? How can we think outside of the box? So at conference time we actually prepared certificates and little candies to give parents to thank them for making sure that their child was coming to school and also then they could give that to their child when they went home that night. So it was kind of a different approach to just giving the child the certificate but to actually recognize the parents and what they're doing for us. We also met individually with the parents that the families that are really struggling with attendance and we wanted to find out what why
005why is this happening? How can we support you? There are many many different reasons why kids are not coming to school. So we want to partner with the families and then after we met at during conference time, we also set up additional meetings every six to eight weeks with these families just to find out how it's going, making sure that we're monitoring that data, making sure that kids are coming to school. And we want families really to know that not only do we care about their child, but we care about them and how can we support them. >> Absolutely. And on that end of student engagement, we've been focusing on how we can use explicit instruction strategies to ensure that all of our students are actively engaged in learning um in all subjects and in
006all classrooms. And we this year have been using the cerebrate curriculum to address some of those nonacademic needs. Here are some examples from our self-control unit. This is one of the eight focuses of our cerebraate curriculum and these are some of the ways that students have demonstrated their understanding of what it means to have and show self-control in the classroom. And some of the different strategies are look, listen, and stop, stopping and thinking before they act, and then thinking about what can they do when they feel that their body might not be in control. So based on the data, based on what we know is going on globally, we agree that change needs to happen. So at Jefferson, we have committed to using the PLC process to making that change happen. So the three pillars
007that we're focusing on are collaboration, which we want our um teachers to collaborate with each other, and we're going to give some examples of that. We also want to focus on learning. And the learning isn't just for the students. The learning is for the staff and the teachers to continually learn as well. And then we're focusing on results. Now, I have to tell you, this was my third PLC conference that I've been to. And every time we've come back, we've been so excited. You know, the first time I went, I think there were two people from my building that went and we came back and we were like all gung-ho. And it we kind of just kind of fell on our face. Then the next time we went, we had like three, four people that
008went. This time we had seven or eight people from our building that went and when we came back all seven or eight of us did a major presentation to the staff to try to get them to have a buy in that we were so excited about that if we do this PLC process correctly, we are really going to move our kids and they're going to learn what we really want them to learn. Um, I will be honest with you. I feel that really the only way to get your whole building to buy in is send your whole building and send your whole entire staff to go. But I know that's a lot of money, but I will say um if we want to I mean there's wonderful um schools out there that they can have
009wonderful testimonies of how they have helped their students to grow, but it takes everybody to buy into the process. I will say that this year we're getting more buy in and we'll show you the next example. Um, our collaboration, part of our collaboration that we've been working on, we've been working on results and we have we took an assessment in second grade and we put it out on a spreadsheet. It was out there for everybody to see how their students did. Um, and that's part of it is we have to be able to trust each other and feel okay sharing this data. And then we all went through and talked about how did you teach this in your classroom? And you'll see that each teacher um has some ideas of how they did it. And
010we all were doing different things. And our hope is that when when we leave there, they have just one new idea to help get their students to master and the concept that we're trying to teach them. And third grade has done the same. So this is an example of one of our um math um assessments that we took. So we're following a protocol where we all are telling what we noticed from our classroom um what surprised us and then what our next steps is steps are. So then again each person um shares what they noticed what surprised them and what they will do going forward. So this is an example from third grade. All right. So in addition to collaborating, we are focused on student learning and we feel one of the most important things
011we're doing is using explicit instruction. So all teaching staff is involved in explicit instruction throughout the year trainings. And some of the main ways that we're using explicit instruction is to increase engagement for students. If students are actively participating, answering questions, discussing, they are more apt to learn what we're presenting to them. So, um, some use of sentence starters, using hand signals, um, working in triads or in pairs, using their whiteboards. So, we're just constantly getting ways that students are engaged in their lessons, and we feel like that's really helping them to actually learn the content. And I just want to add every every time after our explicit instruction training, we go back to our PLC's and we talk about what are we going to implement, what are we going to try, what strategies did
012we get from that lesson, and we document it in our PLC um agenda. So everybody knows, they can always go back and say, "What was it that we were going to try?" So it's it's helpful with that, too. One of the explicit instruction strategies that we focused on is having students use turn-in talks. So, giving students frequent opportunities to discuss their learning with a partner. And this video highlights how students are doing that in one of our classrooms. I think the volume is on the computer, not up there. Fix that. >> Thank you. It's happened before. So, it should come out. >> Yeah, it was a little >> Yeah. >> So, even without the volume, you can see that the students are taking turns with their whiteboard showing each other how they solved the math
013problem. And my favorite part of this video is the one student says, "Well, this is how I did it, but I like how you did that." Um, so it's really giving students opportunities to discuss what does their partner's learning look like? What does my work look like? And giving them opportunities to learn from each other as well as as a whole group. All right. And we also committed to focus on results. So oftentimes when we came back from a PLC conference, we were we wanted to do PLC. We wanted to collaborate together. But did we actually look at data and adjust our instruction, adjust what's happening in our classroom based on that data and we didn't really feel like we were doing that. So we have made a commitment this year that when we take
014assessment assessments in our class um we are going to go back to a PLC and discuss that data as a team. So these are two examples um of our math assessments that we have taken. So the first example we wanted to see um what classrooms had the highest achievement. So again, as Michelle said, we really have to have a safe and supportive, you know, area that we can do that. We follow the protocol for data dialogue. That way, everyone feels safe and everyone has a voice that's heard. Um, but we can use this data to see, okay, Michelle's class had really great scores. Michelle, what did you do to teach that? What strategies did you use? Just to give us all some ideas, and maybe even Michelle could pull some students that were struggling and
015teach those strategies to them. So we're using data in a meaningful way. Um the second example we are looking at average scores for different types of questions um different content to see where students need intervention um compared to where they did really well and are mastering those concepts. So, as a building, we have all committed to doing PLC the right way to make that shift happen so that our students are learning and our teachers are learning from each other. So, we welcome you anytime you would like to see our PLC's on early release. Come on in and see what see what they're all about. >> I was ahead of my time. I used to turn and talk all the time. I didn't get my name on the board for it, but now it's all cool,
016isn't it? >> We should give you a gold star. >> Yeah. Hey, man. I'm just saying that >> the evaluation process that uh you're going to go through, is it a yearly process? >> When we're looking at data? >> Yes. >> Oh, no. We're looking at that every I want to say >> Oh, anytime we take six weeks, anytime we do an assessment. Mhm. >> And this process has been used at other schools. Have has it been successful than the other schools? >> Yes. From what when they went to the PLC conference and when I went to the conference a couple years ago. So we are being more intentional in making sure that we were using it to make our focus groups and to make sure that we were addressing those kids that were below
017grade level. But now we're being more intentional with every time we give an assessment to do that as opposed to just doing it every six to eight weeks for our groups. >> So this is going to help our students catch up the four months that they're behind. >> That's our hope. >> You're not going to cancel summer vacation? >> Not voting for that. Not yet. >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Uh, next we have the request for public participation. Does anybody wish to address the board? I don't have any slips. Next, uh, approval of the minutes from November 24th, 2025. Is there a motion? So, move >> any discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes. Any additions or deletions to the agenda? No. Thank you. Next, we have the consent agenda. Any
018communications? >> Actually, there were some communications in Claire's folder. Um, and since she's not here, >> sorry. >> Do you know? >> I I do. Um, >> are they anything we could wait on or >> Mary Dy's family sent in a thank you card for the arrangement that was sent um to her service? Both of them are from >> Yeah, both of them. And then the inner office envelope is something that was sent over um to Claire from I think uh where her grandchild I think maybe Larson he drew a picture for her. >> Yeah, it was just overland. >> How come she got a picture and we didn't? So >> you don't attend, you get burned. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Personnel recommendations. >> Um >> Mr. Flynn, >> relative to uh support staff
019recommendations of the board of education accept the resignation of Heather Harvey from the administrative assistant to the superintendent position and the executive secretary position for the board of education. Effective January 2, 2026, Board of Education approved the administrative recommendation to employ Julie Fitch for the administrative assistant uh to the superintendent position and the executive secretary for the board of education effective January 5th, 2026. And the board of education accept the resignation of Jason Reynolds from the position of bus driver for Cold Water Community Schools effective January 1, 2026. That it. What is it? What's this? That's these are >> all from November. It looks like >> you're looking at looking at the November jacket. >> We just did that last month. We just did that last month. >> Do that. So yeah, that's the PDF
020that opened is November 24th. >> Oh, 24 even >> November 24th on the right agenda. No, >> probably on the right agenda, but it's the minutes. The person >> You think it's the minutes? >> No, the PDF says board packet 11:24 2022. >> We're not going to be able to have this meeting. >> Do you want the hard copy over here? I'm confused what's happening here. I don't understand. He pulled up last month. >> So is the president of the school board. >> This is exactly the same from last month. So he's right on schedule. So >> once he get dives in, he's got it wrong. >> Got it. >> You know, if I had my old computer, we wouldn't have this problem. All right. All right. Well, let's just I'll catch up. >> Um,
021>> do you need the reports though? >> Approval of November accounts. >> Okay. >> Approval of the November or the Yeah, November accounts. >> Yeah. And December financial statements. >> You're out. >> All right. Be it resolved the following accounts for November be approved for payment as follows. General fund accounts in the amount of 2,317,439.13. Special revenue accounts in the amount of $251,29611. And they resolve that the general fund financial statements be approved as presented. >> Thank you. Next, we have the acceptance and approval of gifts via member steel. Yes. Recently, the administration was made aware of the following gift offered by the donor listed below. Recognition and approval for acceptance of the gift is being sought from good, better, best for monetary funds. Uh the recipient was Jefferson Elementary for field trip costs for
022$500. The gracious and continued support of the donor listed above is sincerely appreciated. We ask that the board accept the gift noted and acknowledge the donor's generosity. Be it resolved that the board of education gratefully accepts the gift as presented and be it further resolved that a letter of appreciation on behalf of the board be sent to the donor indicated above for their worthwhile and generous gift. >> Thank you member Steel. That is the consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Support. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I oppose. Motion passes. Next, we have uh building reports. Do the principles have anything they wish to add? >> Miss New Baker, I'd like to know what bowling with turkeys is. >> It was gross. Actually, it was a frozen turkey
023and >> frozen turkey. frozen turkey that we all the top Cardinal Pride point winners earners um they got to bowl with the turkey and we just set up the plastic bowling pins in the gym and they bowled with it >> like a ball. >> Is that a yearly event? >> Well, it was our first time. >> I was confused when I saw it on the agenda. >> Yes, it was our first time. It was my first experience also. >> The kids loved it. It was hilarious. I guess it can get really gross if you have too much bowling going on cuz the eventually the bird will flop out of the plastic and it's gross. >> We cleaned the gym floor very well. >> 8 lb turkey or tan or >> it was a seven pounder.
024>> I mean, did it have finger holes or you know? >> Nope. No, but they u they did require some help from officer Aabi. I never say his name right. Noah. Officer Noah. He helped some of our little people get it down there. >> Thank you very much explanation. >> That was gross. >> Uh next we have the director of curriculum and instruction. Didn't even wish to met with curriculum chairs, elementary curriculum chairs last week. uh individually they went and took a rubric um to look at our two remaining pilots and we're on schedule to bring our recommendation uh for our elementary literacy resource to the board next month. Excited about that. Excited to hear Jefferson talking about um instruction as all of our buildings are um as part of high reliability schools. Uh we'll
025be using kind of the framework of the new art and science of teaching. uh three categories, 10 design areas. Each building will be putting in uh instructional elements which will be our go-to moves. And just like Fortune 500 companies, we'll get better than anyone else at those. And you'll see kids scores increase, >> including reading level. >> Thank you, Mr. Steel. I appreciate it. >> Mr. to answer >> after we we bring the approval or the the chosen one for approval in January. Yeah. Then we'll go >> we'll we'll immediately order after that and get the materials so buildings can start to be familiar with it >> over phase two of the process. We'll get an implementation plan. Uh we'll work with the company to order um and also start looking at PD so teachers
026can be very comfortable uh prior to the fall. >> So we won't be piling all this extra work on them in the summer. >> We'll be >> our hope is that we will get the materials from the company and we'll be ready to go. They'll definitely have a chance to um understand uh what they'll be getting, what's in the curriculum materials. Uh obviously I'm not the one that does shipping and handling, but hopefully it'll be here early. Have you learned all this positivity from the superintendent? It >> it rubs off on me. Yes. >> Okay. Uh there's a swim report in here that it has no heading. So I didn't know what it was. >> So >> until I read through it. >> Yeah. So we're working with our um our director at the aquatic
027center on what her reports look like. Um, so stay tuned to bigger for bigger and better reports. All right. Uh, next, uh, board committee reports. We didn't have any, right? >> Correct. Superintendent report. Uh, I've already passed those out to you. I'm excited that uh, we've returned to Tibbitz. Uh students from Jefferson attended a show last week of the Kalamazoo Symphony doing Peter and the Wolf. >> Um we weren't the only school district that went. It was Quincy. It was Bronson and Pan Sophia >> and St. Charles were were all in attendance. Um so we have been working with Cristaney and the principles of the buildings um since the summer to start getting us uh kids back into the theater. And um another part that is great about that because where does the where do
028the funds come from that? Um we received funds from this year's giving pump through Johnny's Market and Shell. This year was a total of $2,924 and all of that money is being used to offset the cost of tickets and transportation. So the buildings aren't taking all of that out of their um out of their internal funds. Um, we received word that the city mural project is already being planned for this go around this year. uh high school art teacher Chelsea Wilbur has announced that there are going to be um more and various sizes uh for this year's mural project and they're presenting their concepts at the next city council meeting which I believe is right now and with a um display or reveal planned for middle of May. So um we'll keep you posted on
029that. The mats for the high jump and pole vault have been delivered and are currently in storage for the winter, but I'm happy that we have those in. And Buzz is coordinating for the possible replacement of the cement pad, especially under the um the pole vault mats. It's It's getting pretty crumbled, so hopefully we can get that done early enough. Uh Jefferson bus loop, an update on that. We've contacted a civil engineer uh to begin discussing designs and services for the parking lot work uh which was a recommendation by Mr. Billsboro that we do something back there to um help with the congestion of traffic every day. And then the energy audit that uh I've talked to you a little bit about. Back last year, we filled out a bunch of information uh on all
030of our buildings for a statewide uh energy audit study. And we have received our report for the district. It's 77 pages long and very very small type that Buzz and I will be um looking over and and coming up with some plans. But uh if you'd like a copy, I can email you a copy. That way you can uh do what I do and magnify it on your screen so you can actually read it. But hopefully we'll be able to start some plans for um for all of our buildings to increase the energy efficiency. And that's all I have. >> What's the status of the geothermal evaluation of the pool? There has been little to no movement in the status of the geothermal uh heating part of the pool. >> And I should quit asking.
031>> No, we'll we'll keep working on it. Um if you were if Buzz was here or if Nick were here, uh both of them would tell you that people aren't calling us back. So, we're calling and trying to get things set up and people aren't calling us back. So, both the city with Nick and the school with Buzz are working on it. they meet or talk almost daily about um different things that are going on at the at the pool. So, we'll keep you posted. Thank you. Any discussion items? We'll move on to the action items. The first is the second reading and adoption of revised and new policies. Uh we it went through the first evaluation last month and this policy committee met to discuss the Neola recommended updates. There are two areas of
032focus in this round. The first deals with repeal and reassessment uh reassignment of wording on the topic of non-discrimination to streamline and consolidate the policy manual to be consistent. Uh the second part consists mostly of changes that are deemed necessary due to changes in state federal legislation, clarification of language or the increasing needs for cyber security. Be it resolved that the board of education approves the second reading of the revised and rescended board policies as submitted and are hereby adopted. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call vote. >> Member Hullbrook. >> Yes. >> Member Steel. >> Yes. >> Member Dean is absent. Member Billsboro. >> Yes. >> Member Lion Welch. >> Yes. >> Member Frederick. >> Yes. >> Member Lake. Yes. Motion passes. Next, we have a
033recommendation to approve Xerox purchase for new copier/printer for Lakeland Elementary. Sorry. Number two. >> What the heck? >> That page right there. Oh, yeah. >> Sorry. >> You know, I might need a paper copy of this for >> I seem to be going too fast with this stuff. Uh the middle school volleyball poles are broken and need to be replaced. To address the need and maintain consistency across the district athletic facilities, the district plans to purchase new net systems for the high school. Two of the existing high school volleyball poles will then be relocated to the middle school. Be resolved. The board of education approves the purchase of volleyball net systems from sports imports in the total amount of $8,138.72. Is there a motion? >> So move. >> Any discussion? >> How are these things
034so special? Do they have electronics or something in them or >> Well, no. They're mostly metal and metal isn't cheap anymore. Steel isn't cheap. >> I see. >> Uh, all in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Now we have the recommendation to approve the Xerox purchase for a new copier/printer for Lakeland Elementary. Be resolved. Board of Education approved the purchase of a new Xerox printer/cop copier for Lakeland Elementary in the amount of $5,249 from Elizabeth Mason at Business Impressions as presented. Is there a motion? >> Some move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Next, we have the recommendation to approve entering into negotiations for the sale of the Gerard property. We discussed this, didn't we discuss this at the last meeting? >> And you've you've had some uh
035information in your emails as well. >> Be it resolved the board of education authorizes superintendent to act on behalf of the district and enter into negotiations with the branch intermediate school district for the sale of the Gerard property as presented. Is there a motion? Some move so far. >> Any discussion? >> Will the ISD be buying this? >> Yes. >> Yeah. This is that property that currently we own, but they put the the module on. Um, so they own the property, we or we own the property, they own the building. It makes no sense for us to own the property. >> Roll call vote. A roll call on this one. I have roll call on it. >> Okay, we'll roll call. Uh, member Steel. >> Yes. >> Member Lion Welch. >> Yes. >> Member Frederick.
036>> Yes. >> Member Billsboro. >> Yes. >> Member Hullbrook. >> Yes. >> Member Dean is absent. Member Lake. >> Yes. Motion passes. Next, we have the recommendation to approve overnight trip to Chicago for the CHS choir students. Dr. Simmons, with the support of the high school principal, Dr. Hope is requesting board approval for the overnight trip to Chicago April 18 and 19, 2026 for participating Cold Water High School choir students as presented. Be it resolved that the board of education approve the recommendation for the overnight trip to Chicago on April 18th and 19th, 2026 for participating our high choir students as presented. Is there a motion? Slow move. >> It's for >> any discussion. >> They will be performing. >> Yeah, it's it's for judging. Um, so it's it's sort of like a class. So
037they go and they perform and they they get feedback from the judges. >> I see. >> How many choir students are there? >> Right around 20 at the moment. >> How many? >> Right around 20 at the moment. >> At the moment. But I think they're going to take the after school as well. about 23 kids >> cuz I divided this out and it came up to 24 but that includes chaperones and everybody right teacher >> I think it's just I think I don't even know okay um all in favor >> I opposed motion passes next we We have the recommendation to approve an out ofstate trip to Cleveland for the CHS National Art Honor Society. Floor High School art teacher Chelsea Wilbur has proposed a one-day out ofstate trip to Cleveland, Ohio for members
038of the NAHS National Art Honor Society on April 24th, 2026. be resolved that the board of education approve the recommendation for a one day out of state trip for members of the NAHS on April 24th, 2026 as presented. Is there a motion? >> Move support. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have a request to approve the renewal of independent contract agreement between Cold Water Community Schools and Hampton Aquatics and Fitness LLC. At a regular meeting held on November 24th, 2024, the board of education approved the independent contract agreement with Hampton Aquatics and Fitment LLC for the management and operations of the Dr. Robert W. Brown Aquatic Center effective January 1st of for one year. Be resolved. The board of education approved the renewal of the contract with Hampton Aquatics
039and Fitness LLC for the management and operations of the Dr. Robert W. Brown Center effective January 1st, 2026 through December 31st of 2028 as presented and authorizes Superintendent Flint to sign the contract on behalf of its district. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. >> I guess you're up, Heather. >> Okay. Um, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the board of education, former superintendent Wheelen, Superintendent Flynn, the central office team, and all of the district staff for your support and trust throughout my time at Coldwater Schools. It has truly been an honor to serve this district for the past 10 years and to work alongside such dedicated professionals and friends. I am confident that Julie Fitch will
040do a wonderful job in this role and will feel, as I do, grateful to be part of such meaningful work. Thank you for trusting in me and for the memories and relationships I will forever cherish. Thank you. >> Thank you for your service. >> It's been magnificent. >> Thank you. That means a lot. >> And um on behalf of the board, a couple of uh tokens of our appreciation. the plant, which I was told was easy to care for. >> That's good. >> Easy to care for. But um to make your home office a little brighter, and a certificate to the local spa for the VIP treatment for VIP. >> Thank you. Thank you. Goodness. Thank you so much. >> And a new Announcements and comments. A special meeting of the board of education will
041be held Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Service Center located at 401 Sock River Drive in Cold Water for the approval by the board to proceed with the process of applying for preliminary qualification bonds by the state treasurer and any other business deemed necessary. The next regular organizational meeting of the board of education will be held Monday, January 26th at 6:00 in the evening at the administrative service center here. Now, we have a request to conduct executive session pursuant to PA267 section 8A for the purpose of considering a periodic personnel evaluation of an employee. A roll call vote is necessary. Is there a motion? So far. >> Okay. Member Dean is absent. Member Hold. >> Yes. >> Member Lion. >> Yes. >> Member Steel. >> Yes. >> Member Frederick. >> Yes.
042>> Member Billsboro. >> Yes. >> Member Lake. >> Yes. >> We are in close session. Thank you all for coming.