001roll call, please. Trusty Anderson present. Trusty Belttowski present. Trusty Dyra present. Trusty Sterlin present. Trusty Stephanovic present. Trusty Wall present. Trusty Winless present. At this time I'm looking for a motion to take a short fiveminut recess. So moved. Moved by Trustee Wimless. Supported by Trusty Sterny. Roll call please. Trusty Anderson. Yes. Trusty Bowski. Yes. Trusty Dyro. Yes. Trusty Serini, yes. Trusty Stabanovic, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Wless, yes. Motion carries. We will we will reconvene at 7:15. [Music] I'd like to call this meeting back into order at 7:15. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Wall. Supported by Trusty Sterling. Roll call, please. Trusty Anderson. Trusty Dyro. Trusty Sterlin. Trusty Dean Novik. Yes. Trusty Wall. Yes. Trusty Wless. Yes. Trusty Belttowski. Yes. Be it so resolved that the board of education accepts
002the April 16th, 2025 agenda as presented. A board member may request an item be moved from the consent agenda to superintendent recommendations. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Wless. Support. Supported by Trusty Sterlin. Roll. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. Trusty Anderson, Trusty Dyro, Trusty Sterling, Trusty Stavanovic, Trusty Wall, Trusty Wless. Yes. Trusty Belttowski. Yes. Motion carries. Moving on to public comment on agenda items. Do we have any public comment on agenda items only at this time? Seeing none, moving on to superintendent reports. Thank you. Sorry we were running a little bit behind today, but I appreciate everybody sticking around. So, thank you so much. We have uh three items that we want to talk about this evening. The first one is I mentioned this in my um report last
003week, but we did receive the official notification from the Michigan Association of School Boards. Um we have a member that has achieved the award of distinction. So, congratulations goes out to Mr. Derek Wall. Very nice. Good job, Derek. He received the financial certification level three award of dis distinction and data skills with the data skills uh specialty area. There is a ceremony on April 24th at Redford Union Secondary School campus at 5:30. And so if anybody's interested in attending, please see Sue. She'll get you a ticket. And so just wanted to do that formally and congratulate you, Derek, on your work on your MASB program. So very nice. Great job. Thank you. Very nice. Okay. The next item is the title one grant purchases. So, we thought we would put this on the agenda because
004this is um a little bit unique in the way that the state of Michigan handles the title one grants. So, in my memo to the board, I included the a little bit of the background and I've got Kelly and Shaheen here to kind of speak to the MYIP and to the technology purchases, but I wanted to introduce it first u by saying that um the way that the state of Michigan works their title grants is, and I'm sure Kelly will talk about this, but she meets with the building principles and the school improvement plans. They develop those plans and all the budget for the year. They submit it to the state. It gets approved, but it's not fully funded. So, they do not fully fund the grants upfront. They hold on to those dollars and
005then early spring, you get a notification, you may get the remainder of your funding or you may not. And so, um, in this case, we we are awarded the additional dollars. So, Kelly goes back, meets with the principles, here's the dollars for the entire grant. And in this case, it's almost $200,000 worth of of money that um to to fulfill the grant, the original grant that was put in, but you do have to update your plans. And um Kelly will talk about that. They have to be based on the MYIP school improvement plans. And then um then Shaheen gets involved once we decide what we're going to do, and he goes to work on this equipment. So, it is um it's interesting that we have that we're spending Title One grant dollars now for on
006this year's grant, but unfortunately, it's the way that we are notified in the process that the state has set up and the feds have set up to do this. So, um I just wanted to explain that so everyone understood. These are title dollars. These are this is the release of the of the remainder of our title grant. And so we're ready to take this to the board, but we wanted to put it on um a presentation first so you guys understood as opposed to just walking in and spending that money, right, without knowing a little bit of the backstory. So Dr. Fenny, could you maybe talk about the myip and the whole process? I don't know. I'm used to speaking into the mic. Um, good afternoon. I mean, good evening. Uh, as uh Mark mentioned,
007do you have your phone on you? No, I don't know what's going on. Okay. Uh, as Mark mentioned, Title One funds are based upon what schools put in their MYIP plan. MP stands for Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process. And that's a process that we have to go through each year to identify goals as a district that we're going to work on to improve student achievement. And so, one of our goals is to increase student achievement in ELA and math. And therefore, all of the items that you see that the schools would like to purchase are items that they believe will help them to increase student achievement at their respective schools. And so I wanted to go over with you those items and how they relate to the school improvement plan. At the three elementaryaries this
008year, they decided they wanted to purchase iPads. and they want to purchase iPass to provide students with extended reading opportunities but also they wanted to provide students with this resource in order to help them conduct research. So that is why the elementary schools have requested to purchase the iPads. As far as OW Best, OW Best would like to purchase Chromebooks, desktop computers, and a laser projector. For their Chromebooks, Best uses a software that's called Dreambox. And Dreambox is a software that they use to help students that are deficient in reading and math skills. So, that's an online platform that students need access to. And so they want to use these Chromebooks as a tool for students to access that program as well as to access I Ready. If you're not familiar with I Ready, that
009is our benchmark assessment tool, but it also provides individual individualized learning paths for students when they take the I Ready assessment that helps students to either remediate skills or to build upon skills that they already have. And so that is how best chooses to use the Chromebooks for the desktop computers. That is the rationale as well to use those for Dreambox I Ready and then also for conducting research. And then for the laser projector, that laser projector is going to be put in the library. and the principal states that she would like that tool in order to help facilitate learning when whence classes are brought to the library. And then finally for the high school, the high school would like to replace or update the computers that are in their CAD lab. And so there's
01025 desktop computers that they would like to purchase. And then additionally, they would like to purchase 83 Chromebooks. And their Chromebooks are going to be used for online learning. As you may be aware, the high school offers online learning. Sarvo, Miss Sarvo and Mr. Blet recently presented to the board about Edmmondum and so they would like to use the Chromebooks to facilitate learning on the Edminum online learning platform. Very good. So 35 iPads for each building, excuse me. Then the OW best, the 197 Chromebooks, the 44 desktops, and those are for the labs. Um, and we can uh make sure that we're going to go with the laser pro uh projector. And then of course at the high school, it's the computers for the CAD, and then the 83 Chromebooks and carts. That's what's in
011the B question. Yes. Um, why does it say 30 iPads for Pulk and 35 for the other two? That's a great question. Do you know if the amount of dollars that um Yes. All all schools don't get the same amount of um funds. So that may be the the reason why. Okay. Why is that? We are one district. Because each school has a different number of students enrolled and so it's based upon the number of students that are enrolled in that school. Okay. I have I have a bunch of questions. Um, why not all iPads for maybe Sheen can ask this. Why not all iPads? Why are we using How often do we First of all, how often do we replace the Chromebooks? How often are we replacing Chromebooks in the district? So, I guess
012could you define replacing? Like, do you mean repairing or swapping out? Swapping out. Yeah. So, they're constantly being uh parts are being replaced. Okay. So, we have a technician Wayne who's going through all the schools weekly and collecting and repairing and replacing the devices. Okay. My next question is why are we using Chromebooks and not investing if we're going to invest in Apple iPads, why would we not invest in Apple um laptops which don't need to be replaced out as often as Chromebooks? I think so. So I can I can jump in on that. So we do have um the board approved last year a significant purchase of Chromebooks, right? That's why I'm asking. Yeah. So um so and we do have a rotation. What's the lifespan on a Chromebook about? Uh the license about
01310 years. Okay. And on an Apple laptop? But uh I'd say it's similar life lifespan or software updates about 10 years. Okay. Um my daughter is using an Apple that was from St. Sebastian which closed over 10 years ago and it's over 10 years and it's still working really well. Um can I Ready be done on the iPads? Can the I Ready assessment be done on the iPads? It is capable. Okay. And again, I'm going to go back to why not um why not Apple products that seem to not have the turnover um as much as the Chromebooks do. So, are you referring to like districtwide? Why are we not moving to Apple? Yes. The way our infrastructure is currently set up, if we were to implement a districtwide move over to Apple, it would
014be a major o overhaul of all of our systems and tools. Okay. It would be uh heavily involved and it would require a lot of downtime as well. Okay. So, I'm just wondering why are the elementary schools requesting the iPads again? They said that they would like them for extended learning opportunities and for conducting research. But what's an iPad going to do that the laptops can't do? I actually have an email from uh the media specialist at the elementary schools where these were kind of propos these were proposed by them. So, the iPads will be used by students to search Destiny, our library software for books in the library. U the iPads have front-facing cameras when working on STEM activities including stop motion and the iPads are used for some coding activities. That's our meeting
015specialist. Thank you. Anybody else have questions, Mr. Ley? Um so they the the Chromebooks can't do exactly what the iPads can do. We as far as the camera goes. I know there's differences. Sure. But I mean, iPads, I believe, are a lot more money than Chromebooks, correct? Yes. So, but they're they're not I know they're not apples to apples, but anything on the iPad cannot be done on the Chromebook. There's some iOS specific or iPad OS specific applications that will only work in the Apple environment that these teachers want to use. Correct. And that's why they Okay, now back to the question, and I'm sorry if I didn't hear it. We we gave a lot of money last year towards new Chromebooks. So, and right here we're looking at 200 Chromebooks. Is this the same?
016Were we talking was this the same money that we're referring to or that's This is a whole new book. This is a new Yep. This is a whole new book. Yep. So, it's Oh, it's 270 Chromebooks. 280 Chromebooks that we're after. We um So you're telling me since last year we've gone through 280 Chromebooks, but you're saying that they last 10 years. We just got all new Chromebooks, I think, when COVID hit in 2020. This is only year five. So how do we need 280 new Chromebooks? Student. Yeah. So uh we have incoming freshmen at the high school. Uh they'll receive new device when they begin. and OWBS goes through a lot of Chromebooks. So many in fact that we're not able to kind of keep up with the demand of repairs and parts. So
017we're constantly trying to replenish their devices and for students to take home and use as well. Incoming freshmen. We have incoming freshmen. I get that. But we have outgoing seniors. So you have an outgoing class and an incoming class coming in. Sure. So I'm just wondering that my second question is this is a more pressing question is what is the issue with middle schoolers and why are they not taking respons I mean I understand what's wrong with middle schoolers. I get the age but the responsibility should fall back on the student and the families. If they're not taking care of these Chromebooks then they should not be given the Chromebook. They should be able to use the Chromebook in schools. If if we can't keep up with how is it that we're not keeping up
018being able to keep up with all the repairs on the Chromebooks in the middle school? So, I can kind of jump in on that. Okay. Okay. So, when we purchase the we didn't purchase Chromebooks for the whole school, our last purchase. So, these will replenish the older ones that we that we've had. So Shaheen has a inventory of all of the Chromebooks and all of everything. So um it's not like we're throwing them away or we're damaging them. They were they continually need to be upgraded. And um so this will assist with that process. And this is grant dollars. So the the one the ones that we purchased on our last big purchase that was general fund dollars. So um so it's just the money's here. This is what the buildings um are requesting and
019so that's what does that make sense? Anybody else have any questions? Miss sorry can we buy the other five iPads so that it's equity amongst the elementary schools if we even though we didn't get the grant money for it because she said it was based on student enrollment. So we didn't get the grant money for it but like out of general funds. Can we just buy the other five iPads so that they're equal? Did I understand it was the number was based upon the total number, but it's just we don't have we don't I don't know the specific numbers. We don't have like 200 200 200 in each of the schools, right? It might be 200, 170, 200 or something like that. Yes. That's how you guys came up those numbers. Yeah. Okay. So technically
020per student ratio, they're all even. Yes. Okay. So they already have iPads and this would be making them so they all already have five iPads. No, we're saying equitable as far as the amount of money that they've received compared to their student ratio. So this is only a portion of what the schools have asked for. They've asked for other things. For instance, at Part D, they want to buy sensory boards that the other schools are not buying. So, it's equal in the in the fact that they're all receiving their due share of the title one funds, but each building gets to decide how they want to use their money. So, if they wanted to order 35, they could have ordered 35, but they wanted So, they spent it somewhere else. I got it. Okay. Okay.
021So, we're missing like the other parts of the purchase. It's a long list. I got it. Okay. Okay. That makes sense. I'm glad you asked that question. No problem. Anybody else? I mean, yes. Okay. Does it Does it make sense for us to see the list of what they asked for? Because I'm just I I'm stuck on these Chromebooks again. I really am. I know we have an influx of people again. I'm concerned as you are. Why aren't the middle schoolers taking better care? Like, do we need to charge the the parents um and the sensory boards? I I don't I just feel do we want to see them with the list or does it matter? Like, let's let them decide. I get it. They're in the thick of things, weren't That's what I was
022going to say. We're not in the thick. I would never in a million years I can look at the list all day long, but never in a million years would I try and tell them what I think they ought to have. Right. Right. Right. You know, I just I just wouldn't. But back to her point on um equity. Um, and we had a conversation the other night about that that um it's great that they get to decide, you know, that the the staff gets to decide what they want in their school, but as long as what's happening at Bedford is also happening at Card and is also happening at Pulk. So that when all those elementary kids get to the middle school, you know, hopefully they all don't stomp on their Chromebooks. Um, you get
023what I'm saying? Yeah. You know, I mean, I just want I want it to be fair for everyone. I want to make sure that what all the school that all the schools are getting what they want, but that some aren't, you know, that it's okay. I have made a point. Right. Yeah. I would just say to that again, the the process of developing the my kip plan and the school improvement plans, sitebased management, right? That's where that came from. And so it has to go through the steps to get to Dr. Finny and to get to Shaheen. And so um yeah, it it is a it's a it's a balancing act because you I mean that's part of the school improvement process is taking and and you know and I appreciate you saying that and
024and my comments are not criticisms at all. It's just making sure that we remain aware and that dil and that we all remain diligent in that quest for equity, diversity, and inclusion. I said it. Yay. You um I am looking I am looking at Oops. Excuse me. I'm looking at the Apple Inc. education price quote. Um, I do not see, and I know they make them because I have them, cases for the iPads. Cases for the iPads. It's not on the quote. And um, so you need cases for the iPad. Item number three, the Brett Haven Edge Folio for iPad is a 10 pack. And there should be three of them included within each uh on each. Oh, I see it now. Item number three. That's what that is. Is that the one that goes
025over and it looks like a book or is that like the otter box that goes on the outside of the iPad? So, it's it's not a Is it the one that's like a portfolio? like you can magnetic and you can stand it up so you can you can you can have your iPad in uh landscape mode. Is that that kind of portfolio that you're talking about or is it one that goes like a phone case around the outside edge that protects the iPad if it gets dropped? I believe it's a full case that the iPad will kind of lock into that has a folio mechanism. It will lock into it. Yeah. So, a rubber molding around that the iPad kind of sits into and on that rubber molding there's a sort of like an Folio
026style cover on the I'm familiar with that because we have that at home. But at school, we have the one that goes around that is like like an like an otter box for a phone. So it makes it so it doesn't So have you done your I'm sure you have, but the research on which is a better case for the iPad because if we're going to be putting these in the hands of elementary students, we want them to not break. So if if you would mind, I actually have it uh the B haven folio. If you would like to take a look at it, I can I can kind of bring it up there if you'd like. Um sure. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Show and tell or tell us. So, it is it's kind of like
027an outer box, but it's also covers the it's a protector over the iPad. My mom's got one of those. You can hold it as a So, I have one question. Yes. So, for the iPads, because there's 30 of them, is that staying in the school or these the kids are taking these home? What? How are the I'm just making sure. So don't I did That's why I'm asking. So So they stay in the school. That's making sure. Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you guys. And then the final item on the superintendent's report is a study session. And I'll turn that over to Mary Beth. So I did ask if we could have a study session. um after our special meeting next Wednesday and we had somebody who cannot make
028that um trustees because she is on the e-course creek commission which is a very worthy commission to be on and she can only miss so many of her meetings and I don't think it would be fair to her to miss out on the study session. Um so I canvased for some dates. I understand Mr. Wall's um birthday is coming up as well and so we want to take into consideration everybody's um time. Um Trusty Dyro did bring up that she has a policy committee meeting before the first board meeting in May. Um but that she would be willing to move that if that is a in agreement with everybody that we do a study session before the next board meeting. It would be here. That would be good. Um, starting at 6 o'clock. Not the
029end time. Ah, that's right. Okay. Okay. So, I guess if we can look again at some dates, possibly the second Wednesday in May. How does what does that look like for any of you? Yes. Second Wednesday of May. I don't Can you throw that date at me? This I don't have my calendar out. Sorry. Seventh. May. Yeah. 14th. Will it be May 7th? May 7th or Oh, it's a meeting. So May 14th. So May 14th. May 21st. Our meetings will be the 7th or 21st. Yeah, I could do the 14 May 14th. So, I will say I do sit on the TIFFA board and those are our meeting dates, but but I I can those are few and far between. I'm willing to I can let them know ahead of time. I'm good. I'm good
030with if I need to miss it, I'm fine. Thank you, Trusty Sterling. Do we have any other meetings that week? No. Okay, then I can do six, right? The 14th at six o'clock. Okay. Yeah, I'm good for that. Okay. We'll have a study session here on the 14th at 6 o'clock. Okay, that'll be good too because her and I and I was just going to say and because Elise and um Tanya are attending the MASB conference in Meno, we can kind of piggyback it all together. So, I do just want to say real quick, I brought you all back something from Atlanta from the um National School Board um convention. So, if you want to stick around, I just got a little something for all of you at the end or I can wait until
031then to give it to you. May 14th, six o'clock. Okay, moving on to superintendent's recommendations. Certified staff appointments, exhibit one in your packet. Be it so resolved that the board of education accepts the following certified staff appointments. Jodie Sakarsski, Child S U C H A R SK K I Child Care Teacher Assistant Madison, effective date March 17, 2025. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Wall. Support. Supported by Trusty Sterling. Any comments or questions? Roll call, please. Trusty Dyro, yes. Trusty Sterling, yes. Trusty Stan Novik, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Wless, yes. Trusty Anderson. Yes. Trusty Beltowski. Yes. Motion carries. Letter B, Certified Staff Resignation, exhibit two in your packet. Be it so resolved that the board of education accepts the following. Certified staff resignation. Carrie Mchio, MCCIO. Bedford reading specialist 30
032years retirement July 1st, 2025. Amy Pataki, P O T O C KI, math interventionist, Bedford for 25 years, retirement, effective July 1st, 2025. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Sterlin. Support. Supported by Trusty Wless. Discussion. Mr. Klein. Yeah. So the good news is I've told both of these that this board will deny these wholeheartedly. We don't want these people to leave. No, we're just joking. But um I do want to thank these two for the wonderful years, all of the lives that they've touched, 30 and 25. I mean, if we did the math on all of the students that these um two have been uh have helped grow and develop, just amazing. So, I would just like to say congratulations to these two. I hope that their retirement is everything that
033they dream of. They've done wonderful work for D7. Anybody else? Jesse W. President W. It's okay. I just wanted to say with um reading uh Krie Makio's uh letter there. I just was so impressed on how she's thinking even while she's leaving, she's still thinking about the future. and she asked that when she back in 19 Oh, well, I guess well yeah, because she wrote it 1995 that she had to have a reading specialist certification and she's asking that whoever would be replacing her that the district looks for that on the next candidate. So, that was kind of nice that she was thinking ahead. So, wonderful kudos. I agree. Wonderful people. Anybody else? Oh yes, Miss Stephanovic, I just had a question. Um, in regards to I want to say two meetings ago, we nominated
034her to be our designate for the Rotary Club. Is she still willing to do that as she is retiring? I believe so. Yes. But I will confirm. Yes. Okay. Y So when I get to my superintendence report, I'll talk about the reading the Rotary and the reading program. And I'm pretty sure she still wants to be involved in that. So Roll call, please. Trusty Sterlin, yes. Trusty Stean Novik, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Winless, yes. Trusty Anderson, yes. Trusty Dyra, yes. Trusty Bowski, yes. Motion carries. Letter C. 2024 2025 budget fund appropriations. Exhibit number three. Be it so resolved that the board of education approves the Dearborn Heights School District number 7 fund budget appropriations for the 2024 2025 fiscal year as presented. General fund beginning fund balance 12,657,830 revenues $40,491,762 expenditures $45,51,240 fund balance
035$8,98,352 syncing fund beginning fund Balance1,882,714. Revenues 1,62,200. Expenditures $2 million. Fund balance $944,14. May I have a motion? So move. So moved by Trusty Sterlin. Supported by Trusty Anderson. Questions, comments? Seeing none, roll call, please. Trusty Stavan Novik, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Windless, yes. Trusty Anderson, yes. Trusty Dyro, yes. Trusty Theini, yes. Trusty Belowski, yes. Motion carries. Letter D, second reading of proposed, revised, and reissued board policies. Exhibit 4 in your packet. Be it so resolved that the board of education approves the second reading and adoption of proposed, revised, and reissued NEOA board policies as presented. Bylaw 01000, definitions. Bylaw 0123, philosophy of the board. Bylaw 0142.3, term bylaw 0142.4, 4 oath bylaw 0142.5 vacancies bylaw 0142.7 orientation bylaw 0143.1 public expression of board members bylaw 0144.1 compensation bylaw 0151 organizational meeting may I
036have a motion so moved moved by trustee windless Support. Support by Trusty Dyro. Questions or comments? Seeing none, roll call. Trusty Wall. Yes. Trusty Winless. Yes. Trusty Anderson. Trusty Dyro. Yes. Trusty Sterling. Yes. Trusty Dean Novik. Yes. Trusty Belttowski. Yes. Motion carries. Letter E. Field trip to Revved Up exhibit 5 in your packet. Be it so resolved that the board of education approves OW Best 6th grade field trip to Revved Up in Wood Haven, Michigan on June 9th, 2025. The course of study is social emotional learning. Cost to be paid for by the students. Transportation will be paid for by the PTO. May I have a motion? Moved by Trusty Wall. Support by Trusty Windless. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. Trusty Wless. Yes. Trusty Anderson. Yes. Trusty Dyra. Yes. Trusty Sterling? Yes. Trusty
037Stavanovic? Yes. Trusty Wall? Yes. Trusty Belowski? Yes. Motion carries. Letter F. First reading of proposed, revised, and reissued board policies. Exhibit six. Be it so resolved that the board of education approves the first reading of proposed, revised, and reissued NEOLA board policies as presented. Bylaw 0131.1 bylaws and policies. PO1430 leaves of absence. PO2340 field and other district sponsored trips. [Music] PO3430 leaves of absence. PO4430 leaves of absence. PO immunization. PO 5330.01 epinephrine auto injectors. PO 5350 student health well-being and suicide prevention. PO5460 graduation requirements. PO8320 Personnel Files. PO 8510 Wellness. PO8640 Transportation for Field and other district sponsored trips. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Sterlin. Support. Support by Trusty Windless. Questions or comments? Yes, please. So this is volume 39, number two, the updates, but there two or three mannequin
038helmet that we're getting more input on. Two. Two. Yep. So we have two that are will be forthcoming from the committee. We just wanted to seek some input from folks in the district that deal directly with the issues that those two involve food service and um wellness wellness. So y trusty dy can I just do my policy minutes right that reflect this I don't have any basically it's what Mark said um in that um it was volume 30 and it was number two and they these were presented by Niola um I do want to point out that PO 8640 transportation for field and other district sponsors that's being rescended and it's added Then two, you'll see it up there under 2340. So I just want to point that out. And basically those were my minutes.
039It was a great meeting. Mrs. Morgan even said that we were a great committee. I felt that that was no wimpy. Great job. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Roll call, please. Trusty Anderson, yes. Trusty Dyro, yes. Trusty Sterlin, yes. Trusty Stavanovic, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Willings, Jess and Trusty Bathowski. Yes. Motion carries. Moving on to unfinished business. Do we have any unfinished business that we need to discuss? No. Thank you. Moving on. New business. Does anybody have any new business they wish to bring before the board? Trusty Windless. It's kind of new, old. Okay. But once upon a time we talked about doing a study session with MASB um like a team building workshop but we weren't in a space to take advantage of it but I was wondering like now that
040we are playing nice in the sandbox if we can do that study session with MASB. Um can we have our study session first? Yeah, because I will address that in our study session with some items that I picked up at the conference and then we can discuss it there. Yes, Trusty Dyro. I'd also like to point out that we had done a board self um assessment prior to that. Um and we have new board members and as you said things have have changed changed up a little bit. So, I'm guessing that MASB would want us to do an assessment first again and then probably the work the the study session because it it's neck and neck. Yes. You know, yes. So, tied together. We're discussing that at our study session. Okay. On May 14th. Thank
041you. Anybody else? District points of pride, Mr. Kleinhance. Okay. Just a reminder that the school of choice window opens beginning uh in May. We have uh on our website you can visit for more information. Um the board did approve um the school of choice resolution. The elementaryaries on a limited so that window is shorter than the secondary which is open through the summer and that was by design. Just a reminder and that information will be up on the website on May 16th. No, 15th. The information is up already, but the application is not open yet. Okay. So, once it Yeah, thank you. Once it's open, I'm looking at Carol. So, yeah. So, um she does a great job managing all that and takes care of putting stuff up on our web page as you guys
042can determine. So, we have instal installed a temporary fencing along the back of the party elementary playground if you drive back there to keep that area st safe, excuse me. And then we're working on some permanent fencing for that area and that was discussed at the meeting last night as well. So, when at the next meeting when um Derek gives his minutes for the building and site, I'm sure that will be on there. But just as FYI, if you go back there, you'll see there's some temporary uh fencing back there. Uh, thank you goes out to the building and grounds crew for getting the playing fields ready to go for our spring events. It's been a wet, as you guys know, a wet spring. It's been difficult the first week. I think Brian canceled everything
043the whole week, our athletic director, because we didn't have a choice. I think there was still snow on the ground. Um, so it's been difficult with the wet weather, but they've been doing their very best. So, just a shout out to to D'Angelo and Daryus for Darius for the work that they do on that. Madison, um, celebrating Reading Month. Um, you know, we spoke a lot at the last uh meeting about all of the activities and everything going on. They've done a great job for Earth Day. The classes um at Madison will be reading a book and they'll be going on a scavenger hunt at Bedford. This is what I was uh speaking about. The Rotary Club has donated a bookshelf personalized with huge bag of new books for each of our third graders. They've
044also donated a bag of books for every second grader as well. Our third through fifth grade uh students are also testing and the the staff's done a good job motivating them. So on the Rotary Club you'll see some pictures. They were there today. They were there Saturday building them with a crew and then today they presented them and I know that um Carrie is very involved in that. So um I'm I'm sure there'll be many Saturdays moving forward that she'll be involved. So that's why we'll we'll determine um her. But I know that she's worked with the Rotary on this project for years. So, um, really a neat event. So, shout out to those folks at party. The party pandas have been busy with student the student and staff spelling be. I can't believe that
045they didn't ask me to participate. Just kidding. Last week was the autism aware awareness. Uh, they had a celebration last week of autism awareness month. Um, they had a neur I'm gonna mess this up. neuro diversity diversity university or divergent spirit week and each day was a different theme themed day. So I thought that that was pretty cool at Pulk the district elementary spelling be she just uh Dr. Porteller wanted me to remind everybody April 22nd um and Apples High School auditorium. They too celebrated Earth Day. We'll be celebrating Earth Day with a parade around the school. This is on the same day as the spelling be the 22nd. They'll be led by the Pulk student council. The parents will be invited uh to watch the parade and then afterwards the students clean up the
046area. So I think it's kind of a neat um neat day for them at OW Best. to eighth graders uh wrapping up very exciting project in their uh science classrooms building Mars rovers. Very unique and interesting models that they built and presented. Very solid attendance for the eighth grade PSAT. That's the PSAT test that all of our eighth graders um take. students were are able as part of that process to experience a rigorous academic test, prepare them for future tests, and the students are also excited, again, weather permitting, and some of the cancellations, but to finally get out with baseball, softball, and track with spring sports. Also, at the middle school, they're gearing up for their end of the year uh field trips, and they're pretty excited. Seventh graders are doing uh the Mud Hens
047game, eighth grade to Cedar Point, and sixth grade that you guys just approved for, um for the Rev Up. So, um at the high school honoral assembly went very well. Um uh Mr. Mlette indicated it was awesome to see some new faces recognized. The blood drive also went very well. Thanks to the student council, Mr. Kanda and Miss Stagger, they did a fantastic job. In athletics, our girls soccer team won the first ever in school's history girls soccer game three to two over Ramulus. So, congratulations to the girls. Yeah, that's awesome. To think, you know, years ago that was just an idea. Hey, why don't we have a soccer program for boys and girls? Thank goodness you guys supported it and um and they're off and running. So, the virtual programs, they've already had a
048couple of their students complete their courses early, and so they're taking additional courses to get ahead in areas of interest. They're preparing and gearing up, making sure their seniors have met all the requirements for graduation. And they try to get that all wrapped up um here in the next few weeks. In the maintenance area, um they've done some pullhead work for the HVAC work at Party Pulk. Over spring break, they were here. They set rooftop condensers on the curbs. the new HVAC unit um was installed at the high school as you know that's been an ongoing issue. I can I'm happy to report I've been in those that classroom numerous times and the smell is much better and so that is installed. It's 209 and 210. This will replace the old unit. That old unit
049was from 1999. So also the um HVAC unit is installed way ahead at the high school auditorium and it is functional and working in the tech area. excited to move forward um you know with this this whole technology uh procurement process. The tech department that's if approved at the next meeting the tech department is also working closely with the district technology committee. You guys recall we created a technology committee and um given us a lot of input. We're working closely with them on the Windows 11 migration and it's interesting that these the purchases that if they're recommended out of the title will certainly assist moving forward and will will kind of help us get over that uh hump with the uh Windows migration. The the last piece of this and Shaheen talked about the infrastructure
050that you guys approved. So that would be good to go. The last piece that we'll be bringing, we'll set up a finance committee meeting once we finalize uh what it is we're we we need to complete the Windows migration. The last piece are the desktops for all the teachers and um all the offices. So that's the last step and then we'll be good to go for Windows migration. So Shaheen's put a lot of work into that committee and a lot of effort. So very appreciated. In the curriculum area, the district has established a districtwide MTSS team composed of representatives from all buildings, all grade levels to develop a cohesive structured process for supporting students with academic and behavior needs. This um issue, we've sat in on um numerous meetings with folks from MDE and Dr.
051Dr. Finn has been very involved in this and we are going to be going through um an audit although it's a very unique type of audit. It's um instead of coming in and they just assess and and take it from there and walk out the door. This audit is working with um the folks from MDE on the areas that we need to improve and the MTSS is one of those areas the whole process. So we're taking that on. We've also established a wellness committee. Um comp this is representatives from all across the district and the broad broader school community to oversee the development implementation of our school health programs. The first meeting will take place May 7th from 2 to 3 in Madison Elementary. Today we uh met with also representatives from MDE, different representatives
052on our food service audit. And one of the um things that um that we talked extensively about in this meeting and as she had indicated this school and many others was this whole wellness committee and um the processes and the steps that we have to take and the things that we have to consider um in moving forward with that process. So um Kelly's done a lot of work in that area and I appreciate that. So I have two resolutions that I would like to read if that's okay. Yes. You guys can bear with me just for a few minutes, but I think these are important. So these two resolutions um the first April 2025 autism acceptance month. So this is from the governor. Whereas a autism spectrum disorder affects more than 5 million people in
053the United States. And whereas the center for disease control and prevention report that one in 36 children may have autism and 5.7 million adults or 2.21% 21% of adult population have autism spectrum disorder in the United States. And whereas autism is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by social impairment and restricted restricted interactive communication behaviors and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or social an socioeconomic background. And whereas symptoms and characteristics of autism may present in a variety of combinations and can result in significant lifelong challenges in areas affecting learning, daily living, employment, social interaction behaviors, understanding verbal and non-verbal communications. And whereas as the effort to address autism continues, physicians, psychologists, behavior analysts, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, vocational rehabilitationists, professionals, educators, and others can assist persons with autism and their
054families by supporting early identification, education, healthc care, service provision, intervention, employment, recreation, and other opportunities that are vital vital to enhanced development and well-being. And whereas it's critical to ensure that people that persons living with autism have access to lifelong supports and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness, independence, and community inclusion to achieve their greatest potential. And whereas much more can be done to better support individuals with autism as they strive to acquire, maintain, and advance employment pathways that best support their interest and needs, including collaboration among state agencies, families, providers, payers, and advocacy organizations, providing individualized and customized support, offering comprehensive training, and conducting better advocacy and outreach strategies. And whereas Michigan is honored to celebrate the many ways individuals with autism enhance the quality of our communities and is
055committed to fostering acceptance and a sense of belongings belonging as we work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive state for all. And then it goes on to say, I um Governor Whitmer of Michigan do hereby proclaim April 25th as autism acceptance month. and as you know um at our last board meeting um Mr. Armstrong who's um out tonight um and still so um he did uh read u what they're doing and recognizing that. So I just wanted to make sure that uh you know we continue to work um in this area but wanted to um make sure that everyone knows that we're supporting the work and we need to continue to support the work. Also in April is the ArabAmerican Heritage Month. So I have another proclamation that I would like to read.
056Over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to vers virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military services, and culture. And whereas since migrating to America, people of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends while also striving as model citizens and public servants. And whereas Arab Americans hold resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education and diversity and faith creed, all of which have strengthened our republic. And whereas ArabAmericans have enriched our society by embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous. And whereas the history of Arabameans in the US too often has been tainted with misconceptions, bigotry, and hatred. And whereas ArabAmerican issues such as civil rights, stereotyping, bullying must be combed through education and awareness.
057And whereas we must come together as Americans to build a peaceful, prosperous, and diverse society where every individual is treated equal. And whereas we join the ArabAmerican Foundation to celebrate the ArabAmerican community. And then it goes on to say as governor proclaiming April 2025 is ArabAmerican Heritage Month in Michigan. So we certainly want to recognize that. I am so proud of the work that Narmont has done and that department and our ELLL in meeting the needs and the support that this board of education has given and hiring and staffing that um that area facility that area or that that group appropriately. When I arrived there were three employees. I think we're up to nine. And so those numbers continue to to grow. We've done some professional development with our staff. I'm meeting the needs of
058our ELLL students in the classroom. So, I'm just very proud of where we're going with this and I thank you and I appreciate the board allowing me to read these two proclamations. Thank you. Um, I just have a question if I may. Does every elementary school have a student council? So to say to Mandy's Trusty Dyro, excuse me, Trusty Dyro's point earlier about equity um and making sure that all of our elementary students when they come to middle school are properly equipped. I think that is something that we need to possibly um look into making sure that all of our elementary schools have a student council. And then I have one other question. Can I go ahead? But to your point, not each elementary school is teaching the same curriculum. They don't go on the
059same field trips. So, we can go on and on, but I would agree to that. We have other issues. That's a whole another can of worms that right that we will address during the study session. Um, and the other question I have is why does the Rotary only do the book cases at Bedford? Can somebody please explain that to me because I know it's been going on for years, but and I know they do one school in the Westwood district and one school in district 7 and I'm just wondering why it's just those two schools and not the other ones. If somebody if somebody knows, can they please Does anybody know? I have no um Trusty Dyro. So I was on the Rotary Rotary for a couple years. Um, and they always did it at
060Bedford. And I don't know if they chose the school or how it came to be, but you you were right. It has always been Bedford and that's the school that they've worked through and um so I don't know how they get how that how that got chosen and how it's maintained that. Well, I'm I'm going to the Rotary meeting next Wednesday, so I guess I will ask the question there and then hopefully come back with an answer for all of you. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Moving on to other business. Board committee updates. We got an update from the policy committee. Thank you, Trusty Dyro. We have no other updates at this time. I know there was a building and site committee meeting last night. Yes, at night it opens to 9:00
061p.m. So, next meeting. We will have Derek um Trusty Wall um update us at the next um board meeting up. Can I just jump in? Yes, Mandy. What was the statement? It's tomorrow already, Mark. Oh, yeah. I said it's time to go home. It's almost tomorrow. Okay. I said that's a t-shirt. That was a different meeting. It's tomorrow already, Mark. I think she was telling me to be quiet. So the building and site committee met Tuesday, April 15th at 6 p.m. in the board office. Finance committee has none scheduled as of this time. Policy committee up meeting will be on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Oh, no. I'm sorry. Yes, it is. It's going to be May 7th at 5 p.m. here at OW Best. Thank you. Citizens Advisory Committee, we do not
062have one scheduled as of now. Does anybody else have any other business they would like to bring for the board? Seeing none, we are moving on to public comment number two. At this time, if you have a comment that you would like to come up and make, please address the board. State your name and affiliation. Thank you. Uh Mer Street, Dearborn Heights. Just get into my usual city council vibe. Um, I laughed when we were talking about the middle schoolers and the Chromebooks because I have two middle schoolers. So, I, you know, they haven't I haven't heard that they've broken theirs. So, hopefully they're the good ones. But honestly, at that age, they've got so much going on. We could probably go techfree those three years and just have computers in computer class, right? And
063they might actually learn more and it would help their handwriting so much, which they really desperately need to work on. Um, the question about Bedford, the student council, it did come up at the Pulk PTO meeting uh this week or last week. I can't even remember which week it is anymore. Um, I believe that they are planning on getting one together in the next year or two. Um, it had kind of fallen out and they are planning on restarting it is is what I understood. Um, also brought up at that meeting is buses for field trips. Um the PK PTO we really prioritized supporting field trips. So this year we were able to give every single classroom. So like both second grade classes got $200 each. So every single grade including our young children's class
064got $200 each for a field trip for their bus. Um we did have some adjustments to that like the fifth graders chose to use for books at the book fair which also helped out the book fair to raise more funds which was awesome. Um, and the young children's program had a sort of unique field trip where we paid for the tickets and the parking instead of a bus because they drive there themselves. But we're really proud that we were able to do that. But what we've learned in this project um is that buses are crazy expensive and it might be time for us to consider as a district investing in a bus or two. and I'm more than willing to like learn how to drive a bus and that's what like legitimately several of us
065were like if we need to find people that are willing to learn how to do that parent that might be planning on going on the field trip anyway right um grandparents maybe that are retired maybe already had the right driver's license for that right maybe you know a guy that drove trucks he's retired now his grandkids are in the district he would love to do that maybe I don't know um but it might be time for us to look into purchasing our own buses is because just the amount of money that we've got to be spending on transportation is it's got to be insane. Um on the topic of middle schoolers, uh my eighth grader, he said the PSAT went fine. He I was a little concerned because he said um he felt like he
066wasn't ready for the math, but I know that a lot of that is like because it's mainly for ninth graders. Um, so he didn't seem too worried about it, but I know we're looking at upgrading all those curriculums and I'm sure that's something already on your radar, but I figured a little feedback from a kid doesn't hurt it. Um, and then with autism acceptance month, um, thank you for reading that. I've got some neurode divergent children. I'm neurode divergent myself with ADHD. Um, and with autism especially, I think it's important to remember, uh, there was a line in there about like that autistic people deserve support throughout their whole lives. And as a highly genetic disorder, it's we've got kids who are neurode divergent, odds are at least one of their parents is neurody divergent,
067too. Um, and adults don't get a lot of accommodations. We don't get any really. And a lot of times we might not even know like I didn't know until I was in my 30s that I had ADHD. So, um I would just really encourage you guys and then really all the staff and teachers to remember like odds are they might really be needing some accommodations and they're probably really stressed out because they don't have the support they need. So, don't forget about the parents too. Okay. Have a good night, guys. Thank you for your suggestions, Mrs. Le Point. And um to that last point, that's funny because we will be discussing that at our study session. Do we have any other public comments? Just state your name, please. Thank you. Just two really short. [Music]
068I think it's really important that we engage the entire community and there's so many people out there that are here in this room every time we have a board meeting. So to improve that um I um I want to make a comment. Um, so we pay uh this company uh District 7 Schools um called K12 Media and you pay them to post information so that everybody in the community can be aware of first of all where those board meetings and they do a really nice picture here and it says uh district 7 schools board meeting, where it's at, what time it starts. The only thing that's missing is that sometimes, most often, there's no link to see the agenda. So, I end up calling probably several people in this room and saying, "I can't find
069the link to the agenda." And it should be right there, right where I can see when it is and what you're going to talk about. And then sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. In addition to that, sometimes the link is there so that I can if I'm not here like many people are not here, they're at home and they want to see how the meeting went, the link is not there. So, I want to say um you know that I think this is a real um thing that needs to be addressed particularly when we want to engage the entire community and tell them where the meetings are, what time they start, what you're going to talk about and then actually can see the work you're doing. So, that's my comment on that. I want to
070tell you about the meeting. Yes, I started it. uh six o'clock and and uh I had an opportunity to sit in on the policy meeting the week before and they worked so good together. I made a comment that they got so much accomplished and everybody talked and it was a wonderful meeting. I have to say the same thing about the meeting yesterday. Um so much I think was accomplished and um There's going to be many things that are going to make that Derek's going to read and make recommendations and I hope you support those recommendations because a lot of time and emotions and trying to do what's best for the district was put into that meeting yesterday. So when you see those recommendations from the building and site committee, don't think, well, you know, they're
071just forwarding a recommendation to you, but it's the best that we can aim up with and we hope that you supported 100%. Because then the community sees you're behind it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. And to your point, community engagement will also be discussed at the study session. So if you would all like to come to the study session, you're going to hear a lot of ideas and a lot of discussion and and just to clarify. Yes. Because you've said about 10 things that we're going to discuss. Is this all I mean is this study session about what you learned and Yes. Okay. And so these are the topics that you Yes. It's quite remarkable. I did not pay these people to be here and say thanks. They just happen. It's just
072what what is the word I'm looking for? Okay. You know, it just happens that they mentioned two things that are very important. Does anybody else have a public comment at this time? Seeing none, do we have kudos, Mark? Oh, thank you. All right. To Andrea. Oh, I'm going to apologize in advance if I mispronounce anybody's last name. Um to Andrea Cardonoitz, Emily Hunt, Elaine Crosac, Marcy Jopy, Carrie Mchio, Amyaki, and Pamela, Slazac, Slesac, Wigena. Close enough. uh from the PBIS team and the date is for April 9th, 2025. Thank you for volunteering at our COVID fundraiser. Without you, this event would not have been possible. Thank you. And I have one if I may. Um I would like to give a kudos to Julia Belttowski on being the first female head coach of the first
073female girls soccer team at Annapapolis High School. Um Julia fought for four years of her high school career um almost every day to have a soccer team and to see it come full circle and to see her be the coach of the first girls soccer team at Annapolis High School just makes this president proud. Thank you. Anybody else? Be it so resolved that the board of education adjourns the meeting at 8:22 p.m. May I have a motion? So moved. Moved by Trusty Windless. Supported by Trusty Sterlin. Roll call, please. Trusty Dro, yes. Trusty Sterlin, yes. Trusty Stanovic, yes. Trusty Wall, yes. Trusty Winless, yes. Trusty Anderson, yes. Trusty B, yes. Motion carries. Thank you everybody. Good night. Thank you guys.