001United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice. [crying] >> [screaming] >> I'll go and get started here. Approval of the agenda additions or corrections. Do I have a motion to agenda. >> Are there any questions or discussion? >> Not hearing any. All those in favor say I. >> Anybody opposed? That motion passes. Uh moving on to the approval of the consent agenda. Uh we do have an adjustment to this. Um, so I would like to have a motion to approve the consent agenda with the change of taking off the closed minutes um from our um uh close session. Um do I have a motion to pass? >> Any questions or discussion? Not hearing any. Everybody in favor say I. >> Is anybody opposed? >>
002Okay, that motion passes. Okay, now moving on to highlights. Um, we've got the EA vice president, Erin Suchek, here to recognize district teachers. Good evening. I'm Erin Suchek. I work at the middle school and I am the vice president of the EA. This evening, it is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on teachers Nicole Linton and Catherine Katherine Wood from the intermediate. Nicole Linton serves as an exceptional looping teacher at the intermediate school where she works daily with her class of 34th graders. She began teaching at the intermediate in 2019 after moving to the district from South Bend to be on the same schedule as her four children. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Miss Linton consistently takes on numerous roles beyond her contractual obligations in service to our district. She has been a dedicated
003member of the intermediate schools PBIS team for four years, the school improvement team for three years, and the building council for three years. Miss Linton is also regularly entrusted with substituting for administrators in other buildings when they're attending conferences or otherwise unavailable, effectively utilizing her administrative degree in support of district operations. For the past three years, she has served as the lead teacher for summer schools, a role that requires assuming assuming full administrative responsibilities despite never having held a permanent administrative position within this district. Additionally, she has coached many youth sports which contributes to our Edwards community beyond our schools. Miss Linton says her favorite part of being a teacher is the connection she makes with students and their families through school and sports. She is able to build relationships with students and their parents
004that are lifelasting. These relationships bring her such joy. Please take a moment to say thank you to Miss Linton for unwavering commitment to our students each day. [applause] [applause] Throughout her 25 years of service to the district, Katherine Wood has contributed a wide range of instructional and extracurricular roles. She began as a multi-age teacher in grades three, four, and five, and later second and third. Ms. Wood subsequently served as a second grade looping teacher, a traditional third grade teacher, and later returned a second grade multi-age setting. Today, she stars in her fourth grade, fifth grade looping teacher position at the intermediate. Beyond her instructional responsibilities, Miss Wood has made significant contributions to the arts, serving as the director of the high school's fall plays for the past 13 years. It was my pleasure this year
005to work with her. She has also choreographed and served as assistant director for the high school's musicals for the past 15 years. In addition, she has taught and supervised summer school, tutored students after school, and sponsored programs like the roller skating club and the summer music camp. Miss Wood says her favorite part of teaching is when a struggling student finally grasps a concept. She believes in teaching the whole child and that includes helping students confidence grow along with the desire to learn standing. If students leave her classroom believing in themselves, Miss Wood feels she has done her job well. Please take a moment to say thank you to Miss Wood. [applause] Thank you, Miss Lason and Miss Wood, for your dedication to our Eddies at all ages. You are both inspirations to your colleagues. It
006is my honor today to shine the spotlight on both of you. [applause] Thank you very much. Uh now moving on to the board recognition section section of This will be uh Mr. Brian Con's chance to take the podium and take >> Well, thank you very much. Uh welcome everyone. It's wonderful to have you all joining us this evening uh for our board board appreciation event uh portion of the meeting. Uh so tonight we take a moment to say something that deserves to be said more often, which is thank you. Uh while January is schoolboard appreciation month, we're pleased to convene tonight. We proudly join more than 500 local school districts and 56 intermediate school districts across Michigan in recognizing the important work of our boards of education. Serving on a school board is not ceremonial.
007It is real, meaningful work. It It's often com complex, sometimes challenging. It's always consequential. Our board members give their time, their insight, and leadership in service to our students, our staff, and our community. They provide governance, wisdom, direction, all while serving as a steady voice for the community. Collectively, this board helps create opportunities for students and supports the educators and staff who serve them every day, ensuring that all edies grow, not only as learners, but as responsible individuals prepared to contribute to our community, our state, and our world. Tonight, you'll hear from students and staff from across the district who want to share their appreciation with you. On behalf of Edwardsburg Public Schools, thank you for your service, your commitment, and for everything that you do. Among the many Eddies speaking tonight, representing a wide
008range of ages and experiences, it's now my pleasure to welcome Mrs. Tracy Spalding, principal of Edwardsburg Primary School, to kick off our fun evening. [applause] On behalf of the staff and students at Edwardsburg Primary, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to you for your continued support of the primary school. Your commitment to education in our school community makes a a meaning makes a meaningful difference in the experiences and opportunities our students have every day. We truly appreciate your leadership, your dedication, and your investment in our students. And with that being said, I'm going to welcome to the front our multi-age team of Mrs. Lenel Clark, Mrs. Katie Clark, Mrs. Grace Green, Miss Kaylee Smith, and their students. Well, as I walked in, I said, "Good morning, guys. How are you today?" And I
009was like, "Oh, I guess it's not morning. Good evening, guys. How are you today?" And so, they are going to come up with their presentation. So come on up, guys. You might want to open those follow Right We are thankful for our We are thankful. We are thankful. >> [applause] >> Once again, thank you very much for all you do for the primary and for the greater Edwards community. >> Well, thank you so much, Mrs. Spalding, and fabulous job to our primary students. I now welcome Mr. Peter Meander, principal at Eagle Lake. [applause] I appreciate the warm back there. That was really nice. If you are a primary student, it is probably getting close to you at that time. You are welcome to head out. Thank you for that wonderful performance. Great job. And don't
010worry, I will not try to sing and match that. That will be for everybody. But in all seriousness, I just want to say thank you to our board members. Um, for myself, uh, being second year in the district, I just continue to be overwhelmed by the support that I feel from all of you. I'm just so grateful for all that you do. Um, tonight I am thrilled that I welcome our third grade looping team, the students from Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Siden Bender, and Mother's Best to do an even better job of just expressing our sincere gratitude. Thank you all. That's it. learning. You help us grow, smart, and brave enough. You listen, you care. You help us succeed. You make our schools have what we need. When we try, when we fail, when we try
011once more, you help every new. So today we stand and we want you to know because of your support, we learn. Thank you for helping our dreams come true. For students, this cheer is for you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Well, thank you to our Eagle Lake third grade looping uh students and their teachers. Uh, I now I'm pleased to welcome Mr. Andy Jordan, principal at Well, right here, Edwardsburg Intermediate. [applause] >> Um, uh, for myself, on behalf of the intermediate, I'd like to thank you guys for all you do. I know that these meetings seem to go so smooth, but I know the time you guys put in in the work sessions and the subcommittees, um, and EPS wouldn't be successful without a good part of the leadership that you guys provide. So, I'm going
012to have my student council [clears throat] representatives, uh, Miss Ratliff and Mrs. Mamal, come up, and they've got some students that have some appreciation statements to give you. My name is Grace and I'm a fourth grader in Miss Linton's class. On behalf of the students at Edwardsville Intermediate School, we would like to recognize our school board members for keeping us at the heart of every decision, making them champions of students. My name is Will. I apr being a champion of students mean more than policies and plans. It means seeing every student as as individual with potential promises of purpose. A school board consistently leads that belief by asking how decisions will affect students in their classrooms and futures. [applause] My name is Debbie. I'm a fourth grader in this class. Your leadership helps ensure that
013students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of your hard work, learning environments are stronger, resources are better aligned, and students are given the tools they need to grow, achieve, and succeed. My name is Kennedy. I am a fourth grader in Miss Reynold's class. Many students may never know your names, but they will feel the impact you have made and the opportunities they receive, the paths that open before them, and the confidence confidence they gain along the way. >> Hi, my name is Tilly. I'm a fifth grade Mrs. Ferris's class. We'd like to thank you for your dedication, your service, and your unwavering belief in the potential of everyone. Your commitment makes a last lasting difference in our lives and futures. Thank you for being true champions of students. [applause] Well, wonderful job students. That
014was fabulous. Thank you to our intermediate student council. Uh I'm now pleased to welcome Mr. Josh Bourne, principal at Edwardsburg Middle School. [applause] Good evening everybody. Thank you so much to our school board. You guys truly are champions of students. you know, we anytime we come to a a meeting and and propose something that we think would be great for our kids, they it's always met with the utmost support, and that's what we're here for. So, you guys truly are champions of students, and every champion deserves a trophy. So, you're each going to get your own individual orange and blue trophy. um to share a few more words. Uh Miss Kate Johnson, our student council rep uh advisor, wrangled up three of our finest. So, we have two eighth graders, Ellie Piggley and Claire Garza,
015and sixth grader Ava B. You guys come on up. [applause] Good evening members of the school board, administrators, teachers, families, and fellow students. I'm Ellie Higgley and I'm an eighth grader at the middle school and we we are the executive board and we are here to just say a quick thank you to the school board. A lot of the work that you do takes place behind the scenes. While students may not see the meetings, conversations, and tough choices that happen outside of the classroom, we experience the results of your dedication every day when we come to school. Your decisions shaped the learning environment in ways that truly matter. >> I'm Claire Garza and I'm also here to speak on behalf of Eversburg Middle School. One of the most important things students recognize is that you
016consistently put us first. Your choices reflect a deep commitment to what is best for students, not just short term but for our future as well. Knowing that our voices, needs and growth are considered gives us the confidence in our education and trust in the leadership. Your commitment is especially clear through the opportunities you provide, particularly through the wide range of electives students. By supporting electives, you allow us to explore interest beyond traditional academic subjects. The classes that give students chance to explore passions that build confidence and develop real world skills that will follow us long after gradu graduate. Electives allow students to express creativity, explore potential career paths, and learn in ways that feel meaningful and engaging. They remind us that education is not just about grades or tests, but about growth, curiosity, becoming well-rounded
017individuals. These opportunities help students feel more connected to school and motivated to succeed. >> I'm April and I'm also a part of the executive board and I'm here to represent the middle school. In addition to the choices that you make to help students set up for success in the future, many of the opportunities you provide prepare them for advanced courses, future classes, and life beyond high school. By giving us the exposure to different subjects and skills early on, you help students feel more confident and be prepared for academic expectations that increase. This foundation allows us to approach future challenges with readiness and rather than author I'm sorry. Um, as students, we can see how much an education has changed the better because of the decisions you make from increased choices in our schools, learning environments
018that encourage exploration and individually. Your leadership has helped us create schools that meet students where they are support where they get support and who they are become. We may not always fully understand the effort you put behind these improvements, but we recognize the results. We feel them in classes. We enjoy the skills we gain and the confidence we build. Your student focused approach has made us our education and us our education more inclusive, more engaging and more impactful. On behalf of the students, thank you for listening, for advocating for our success, and for continuing to make the decisions that prioritize our growth and wellbeing. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities you provide. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to put to putting
019students first. [applause] Well, thank you, Mr. Bourne. And to our three students from the middle school student council, fabulous job. Thank you very much for sharing. Uh it's now my pleasure to welcome Mr. Ken Grenage, uh director of the Eversburg Alternative Learning Center. [applause] Good evening. On behalf of the Edwardsburg Alternative Learning Center, I would like to start off by thanking the board of education for the support you give our students and our program. It's clear that you keep our kids and our community in mind when making difficult and important decisions, and we truly appreciate that. This year at the Edwardsburg Alternative Learning Center, we've adopted an unofficial motto, flip the script. It's all about helping students change their story and move forward with confidence. Tonight, two of our students are here to share what
020flipping the script has meant for them. Please welcome ALC student body representatives Cam and Jillian. [applause] Hello, my name is Cam and I just want to say prior to me coming to AOC, I struggled a lot mentally and faced many challenges because of this. I had a lack in my academics and was failing my classes along with poor attendance. I eventually got put into the ALC middle of my sophomore year. Had a lot of worries coming to a completely new district along with that getting placed into an alternative school. Everyone attempts to give alternative schools a bad reputation. Honestly, the OC has turned my life around. I had concerns about coming to a new school, but everyone at the was super welcoming and accepting. Due to the support I was surrounded by by students and
021teachers, I was no longer afraid to come to school. I rather much started and enjoy it. I'm now almost completely caught up in my schooling with perfect attendance flipping the script in my life. I would not be where I am right now without the help from Mr. Gr, Miss Orin, Mr. France, and Miss Block. In addition, thank you to the board for making this possible. AOCC has not just made a change in my life, but also many more, and I think it will continue to. [applause] Good afternoon. My name is Julia Davis and I'm currently looking to finish my senior year at the ASC. When I first learned how to alternative learning center, I was nervous and I had so many different questions about my life. Like what was I doing wrong and why was
022I in the alternative learning center? But when I got there, my whole outlook on the alternative learning center was completely changed. When I first got there, I was dealing with a lot of hard times. I had just lost my little brother. I was just struggling with staying school. I was struggling with more than I was struggling and I completely my and when I got there I was only a sophomore. So now I am a senior and I am almost completely done and able to graduate this year a long before I got there. I was struggling to really just get out of bed and take care of myself and prioritize myself until the first day I came here. The first time I came here, I met so many people who had my same situation and so
023many people who I've been through so many times and so many people I was able to relate to along with this Mr. Mesial and see that I really didn't do anything that I was just suffering in my own along with this. I would like to thank you guys for just putting your effort into the ALC and putting your effort into letting us show you that we're not all just really And I would really really really like to thank you for just all your resources that you put into us and just all the help that you put into us and not only to us but everybody who will and will continue to attend this school. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Greenidge and Cam and Jillian. Thank you for sharing. Fabulous job. Uh, it's now my
024pleasure to welcome Mr. Ryan Markle, principal of Eversburg High School. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Towner. Uh, thank you, school board. I'd like to welcome up here Hannah Bus. Um, got a brain fart here. I know. Bella Pankin. Sorry, Bella. She's our student. I know her. I promise. And our student council adviser, uh, Dr. Beth Croy. um they're gonna gift you with a gift from our ceramic students that they have made. And as they're gifting this to you, I want to read you a poem about clay and how it impacts our day-to-day operations here at Ever Post. Shaped from clay, every public school is a circle of hands and hearts, a gathering place where the molding starts. Like clay on a wheel, soft yet strong. Each member belongs, each piece lifelong. The students are
025clay, fresh and new, full of promise in all they do. They bend and stretch. They grow and learn. With every lesson, the wheel that will turn. The teachers are hands both steady and wise, guiding the shape before their eyes. They press with care. They smooth each seam, helping clay becomes what it dreams. The staff are the water that keeps clay tight, adding the balance. and quite might. They soften edges, help cracks men, supporting each form from start to end. The schoolboard is killed with patient flame, giving strength to each molded frame. Through steady heat and thoughtful art, they harden, resolve, and steady the heart. Together, our eddies are crafted each day, not stone or steel, but living clay. Different shapes, yet side by side, fired with purpose, passion, and pride. So, we're hoping when you
026sip on a coffee out of that clay mug, you'll remember what we think of you and how much we appreciate everything that you do. Bella and >> Good evening everyone. My name is Bella Hen, senior class president. This is Annab, senior class president. And on behalf of the Edsburg High School student council, we want to take a moment to thank our school board for everything you do for our district. We recognize and appreciate the time, effort, and responsibility that goes into serving on the board and making decisions that impact our schools. We truly appreciate your willingness to take on such an important role. As students, we do not always see everything that happens behind the scenes, but we know that your efforts play a major role in shaping our community. The choices you make help
027ensure that our schools remain safe, supportive, and focused on learning. We appreciate that those decisions directly affect our daily lives from the classes we take to the activities we've participated. We also appreciate your commit commitment to maintaining high standards for education and for providing students with opportunities and resources needed to succeed. Your dedication helps create an environment where students can grow academically and personally. You help shape important decisions about curriculum, budgets, and programs that both support academics and extracurriculars. Because of your work, students have access to opportunities that allow us to grow, not only in the classroom, but also as leaders, athletes, and active members of our community. On behalf of the Edwardsburg High School student body, thank you for your contributions and your continued commitment to our education. We appreciate the work you do
028for our schools and our community. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Markle, Dr. Croy, and Hannah and Bella. Fabulous job. Uh, it's my pleasure to welcome uh forward members from our Edwardsburg PTO. Uh, come on. Come on forward. Good evening. My name is Stephanie Murray. Um, and we are coming to you as the PTO. We represent over 60 parent volunteers. I just want to say thank you so much. Thank you for your time, your energy, your intentionality, and all the ways that you serve our students, our children. We're so grateful. We truly believe that we have the best school district. And it's thanks to you guys. So, here's a small token of appreciation from the PTO. [applause] Thank you so much. Well, thank you very much, PTO. Thanks for all you do for our schools. Uh, and
029so Becky, Stephanie, and Bonnie, just thank you for for being here and sharing. Uh, I now am um glad to welcome Mr. Shawn Jesse, president of the Edwardsburg Education Association. [snorts] [applause] Good evening. My name is Sean Jesse and I'm here on behalf of the EA. During Schoolboard Appreciation Month, we take time to recognize a group of people whose work often happens quietly, but whose impact is felt in every classroom, every hallway, and every student's future. Leadership at this level is rarely simple. True leadership is not about popularity or ease. It is about responsibility. It is about making decisions that serve students and communities. Even when those decisions are difficult, even when they are met with disagreement and even when the right choice is not easy one, you are asked to weigh many perspectives while
030keeping students at the center of every choice. Even when the path forward is challenging, our school board members step into that responsibility every day. They balance competing needs, limited resources, and strong opinions. All while keeping their focus where it belongs, on what is best for students. That takes courage. It takes integrity. And it takes a deep commitment to doing what is right, not what is convenient. Your willingness to lead with integrity, to do what is right rather than what is easy, sets an important example for our district. The work you do, often behind the scenes, shapes classrooms, opportunities, and futures in ways that may not always be visible, but are deeply meaningful. We are grateful for the time, thought, and care you invested in our schools. Your leadership helps set the tone for our district
031and reminds us that meaningful progress is built on principal decisions. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and your willingness to lead, even when it's hard. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you very much, Mr. Jesse. and uh as well as such. Uh well, our next and final presenter uh would be our administration. So, I asked to join me, Dr. Courtney Such, our superintendent of schools. [applause] >> So, I know I get to work with you guys very closely and I'm not sure what more I can say that hasn't been said tonight. I think your leadership speaks through what our smallest Eddies had to say tonight all the way up to our staff and our PTO. The fact that your leadership brings together so many people to truly make this the best school district anywhere
032around and I know you feel that very deeply since each of you have your own eddies here as well at school which is unique in a school board. So I just want to say thank you. I know last year I was up here saying, "Thank you for your work on getting the bond passed for us to be able to improve our infrastructure and safety. Thank you for your work on the strategic plan." And this year we get to say thank you because we've actually gotten to see that put into action and we'll continue to do so. And I know that is not without your leadership and your connection to the community that allows that to happen. So I feel truly blessed to work with such an amazing team of leaders. So, thank you very much
033for your leadership on behalf of our administrative team. [applause] Well, thank you again to all of the uh students, parents, staff who have joined in tonight's board recognition ceremonies. Uh you know, my first time seeing this and coming from another place. Uh you know, it's just it's awesome. our community is amazing and so thank you board for all that you do and students and parents for coming out tonight, teachers for coming out tonight uh to share your appreciation. Um so that concludes our board appreciation uh portion of the agenda and so President Overmmy the meeting is again yours. >> Well thank you very much a wonderful job. Thank you everybody for um all the effort and gifts and just appreciation you guys have showing us today and especially thanks for the courage of all the
034students and everybody got up and presented today. That's not easy to get up in front of a lot of people do that. So kudos to you. So thank you very much for standing forward and showing what a true at this time. Any of you that would like to leave, we're getting into now the not so fun part of the meeting. You're welcome to go now. Nice job. Thank you. Thank you for bringing her out. >> You're welcome. >> Thanks for having too late. >> Thank you. You doing great? >> Yeah. I know. I should have started >> your baby. birthday. >> I think >> Okay. Uh moving on to the next item on our agenda is the election. Does anybody have any Are there any questions or discussions on Mr. our nomination for the region
035six seat. Moving on now to personnel. It's not normal to see me here midyear recommending a teacher, but I'm here to recommend to the board Joselyn Matiac for first grade position. Um, Joselyn has her bachelor's of arts degree in elementary education from Try University. She comes with about four and a half years experience teaching first grade at Elcart Community Schools. Her husband Phillip and um her future Eddie Bidley lived nearby in Elkcart and she's already acclimated herself to the first grade team and she's already showing her outstanding teaching abilities. So recommending to the board that we hire her as a first grade teacher. Thank you. >> Motion to approve the hiring of Mrs. >> Any questions? Welcome to the team. Mrs. moving on to school of choice. >> So this is that approval to opt
036in for section 105 and 105C because hard to believe is about that time to start our kindergarten registration. So we want to be able to allow our future especially those who might be coming from um another school district to apply for school choice and fees, but that is unlimited. So, we're able to run that once this is approved from now until the time of school starts. our grade levels that will have limited slots. Those will be posted a little bit later when we run our lunch window. >> Are there any questions or discussion on that? Not hearing any. All in favor say >> I. Opposed that motion passes. Moving on to the superintendent's midyear 2526 progress report. >> Yeah. So, a little different than in previous years because I don't have a big screen. So,
037I sent ahead of time. This is my goal update. Um, and as you remember and as are attached to this agenda as well and really my goals are the district's goals. So, those are what we set as a community for our strategic plan. Um, so when you're going through that document, I've just started to highlight some of the that our team um including our our administrators, our teachers um our department of operations plays a large role in the strategic plan on what we have accomplished so far this year. So the first goal is on uh teaching learning and programming and then down below just list some of our updates which include um what you guys have approved as a board most recently with adding two additional AP which also with a lot of school or
038student voice coming into that that student voice they wanted to see more AP classes offered on campus. We were able to add an additional ESL endorsed teacher to be able to provide our students who are um English learners service minutes that they are um supposed to have with certified staff members. So that was a great ad. Uh we've been looking at um different partnerships for things such as eports that can be covered through some grant funds. Um and also the work of our teachers which has been continuing with the horizontal and vertical alignment. Um it's really fun on those late start Wednesdays to go around and hear from the different staff members have been talking and working on. Um so they're making great use of that. we added or this year we really focused on
039that safety team which we just most recently had um another day of that really dive in and understand the SRP along with our EOP and then next year we'll be moving up to that reunification piece. So those are along with um our curriculum cycles uh some of those things are highlighted there. Um the second goal is with community and communication our um subcommittee headed up by Tracy Spalding who's done a lot of work already this year. We've added each jar for our community members who want to be able to get information out to our our different families that aren't necessarily affiliated with the school. So, our group ad we're in the middle of finalizing all of the permitting for all of our buildings. So that has been in process. One of the things looking to
040connect some more with the community. We were going through our parent safety academy today, but we pushed that to before March. Maybe better weather will make it better attended. So that is yet to come. and then looking for ways which I know the board has started off a little discussing to get our community into our facilities so that they can see where we might have some needs as well as the things that we've improved on with dollars and such as well. So, you know, I know we talked about things like silver sneakers coming to walk the tracker in our building so that they can come in. Um, so just looking at a few of those things and then uh last but not least, the last goal is focused on And this is where that subcommittee.
041Um, but a lot of this has been focused on our bond work and implementing that which has taken a lot of efforts from Chris and Kale and their team to be able to stay on top of all of the different projects we have going on. I think now looking back it was very ambitious to touch every single school in the district in one summer which is why moving forward um for this next round of bond projects instead of completing all the HBAC work at both the middle school and high school we're going to do that over two summers so that we can try and lessen the disruption to teaching staff and make sure that things are done in time for students when they return. Uh but some of the other projects I've been completing including
042um roofing or working on completing the drop off um and pick up loops, [cough and clears throat] excuse me, and just working for looking at additional ways where we're thinking where we need to go next or our infrastructure needs. So you can go through all of that. There's much more detail there. And then as we get close to the end of the year, at any time if you guys want to go in, I'm starting to add folders that go with my actual evaluation and drop in different. So those will be continued to be updated from now till the end of the year. So you're welcome to look at just a quick update on where I am with also to give you an idea, the administrative team is going through this process in each of their
043buildings right now as well. Mr. and I have been um visiting different classrooms and meeting with all the different administrators. Middle school will get to be reschedled. They were supposed to meet today. Um so they're going through a similar progress. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have. >> Okay. Well, thank you Courtney. I know you're putting a lot of work into this and it's easy for us to to know what's not going well, but it's really awesome to see all the cool things we got going on. >> You have a great >> We do and I feel blessed by that because um you know, you always hear people talking about what's missing, what's not happening, man. Man, there's a lot of stuff going on around here that people don't even realize, you
044know, and you're doing a great job keeping us organized. So, thank you very much for all the work. Okay. So, we've now received the midyear report. So, that can check that off now. Um, we can now move on to budget. >> Okay, we're on to the budget amendment. Thank you. [laughter] But I just want to personally say thank you to all of you board members for all the hard work that you put into working with us and attending the finance committee meetings and um I'm going to start out this budget amendment with our student count. As you can see in the little summary sheet that I sent you guys, um our student count dropped much more than we had anticipated. Um when I set the uh student count, we set it to decrease 23 students.
045In actuality, according to the state, we lost 66 students, which really hits our revenue really hard. Um some of the revenue changes that we did see in some local sources was a slight increase in the property tax revenue than what we anticipated and a generous donation to the um tax system. Um in the state grants we were not aware of someone calculating the budget back in um June. One of the grants is u for curriculum which Mr. Ter worked on really hard to get some of our curriculum covered which saves some general fund dollars and then um there was a grant that we had in the past, but this year the state designated it to be stipen related. So I'll um anyone who is considered an educator, which is not only consider a teacher, but
046food service staff, transportation staff, maintenance staff, clerical staff, everybody will receive a stipen um from this money. So you see it in the state sources and then you'll see it again later in the expenses. On the federal sources uh line you'll see um that slight increase in title funds and then we received a filter first grant. All of our water needs to be filtered if it's going to be drinkable. So we're going to be putting in new um bottle fillers, new bubblers. Um and then what won't be able to be um consumed has signs on it. So that will be fairly handful. So that again you see the revenue in the revenue section. You see the expenses and the expenditures. So some of the the large changes in the basic programming. Uh our sub costs
047are going to be a little bit more than we expected. the um additional grants, the one for the stipens and show that expense when calculating that and we just recently learned that the whole stipens can cover the benefits which I had measured separately. So now the benefits part will um not have to come with federal fund likely finance. So that will add a little bit more to our model going. Um our added needs cost increased a little bit again with uh subteer cost some new software and we did add an eel position that we did not have earlier because we never find anybody to kind of remove that position and now we call someone and we're adding it back. Our operation maintenance went up a little bit because of the expenses for this filter. First
048grant first grant was about $86,000. The uh middle school water heater we need to replace. Although now we've been talking and we believe we cover that with bond funds so we can bring that back into the general fund as well. And then we had some increased cost due to additional fobs that we put on all the exterior doors and um inspections that were a little higher than they originally expected. Transportation on the um agenda probably after Mr. Cower um the cost to replace the bus that was in the accident back in the fall and then a van that actually lost last year. We have the insurance money which gets um charged revenue section and then these were the added expenses in the expense section and then athletics increased just a little bit and that's due
049to the um increased cost that we need to athletic. So I ask you to please approve this budget and then in the June we will look at a another amendment and that'll be the end of the year. So that what should be our final will be our final and absolutely hoping that numbers are better. Any questions? >> Thanks. Uh do we have a motion to approve the general fund? Any questions or discussions? that motion passes. So now we can move on to >> the bus. Oh no, sorry. Hey everyone. Um yeah, so this is something that I understand has occurred in years past. Uh relinquishment of title funds to give you a little bit of information. Um the state mandates for title 3 part A, which title three is a federal grant in support of
050English language learners. Um, so all schools get, you know, we all all schools are budgeted funds uh through MDE, but MDE stipulates that unless you have a unless you're receiving 10,000 or more, you have to be be part of a consortium. Uh, so we are well below that. Our title 3 part A funds would be in the mid200s. Um, and I I've had some conversation with the with with MDE with their EL support staff. Uh the person who's assigned to us is Kelly Albra. She's been very helpful. Um but I kind of inquired about hey we want to participate. How do I join a consortium? And she kind of said well you know it's like you got to find your own dance partner kind of thing. And so we are we I am in that
051process uh uh having some conversation that could be through another uh you know local school district. It could be through an ISD. Um, so the what I found is within Cass and Van Beern County, you see all sorts of things where some are indiv individually uh operating because they're above the $10,000 threshold and others, you know, like one district in in Cass County is part of a consortium with Vanurren as an example. So, I'm exploring options and Kelly kind of told me, well, tough luck on this year. Uh, start working for next year. And so while we relinquish those funds this year, um you know, it's my hope that it it won't have to be a pattern that continues. Um there are separate funds. Something called immigrant funds does populate within our consolidated application. Largely
052speaking, that's the title one application. Um and for us, it's a very small amount in like I think it's the$1 to $200 range. Um and so uh we um you know continue our past practice with relinquishing uh but know that it's something we're working toward to hopefully find a consortium partnership uh that we can be fully participatory in these grants in years to come. Do I have a motion to approve immigrants? >> Any questions or discussion? >> Yes. passes. Now we can >> question. So, as I said in the um amendment portion, we want to replace bus number seven that was in October. Uh April has been working with Holland Bus Company to locate a bus that is similar to the one that we had. We did find one. I believe it was in Texas
053or Oklahoma. Oklahoma. And that bus, the cost of it is 96,000. However, the insurance only gave us 72,000 for our damaged bus and we were able to keep it and parts off of it that we could use on other buses. So I come to you asking that if that bus is still available which used buses go quickly that we go ahead and purchase that bus taking 23,000 of the general if that if that bus is not available I would like to ask you to allow us to go up to which is over the um approval that Dr. individually that we need to come to a board only because the buses go so quickly and we'd rather buy a used bus rather than a new bus 185. Although I'm sure transportation would love a new one
054instead, but as our budget stands right now, I think that we should use. So I'm just asking that we could go up to a dollar amount of 35,000 if the bus in Oklahoma is not available. Uh, do we have a motion to authorize the purchase of up to $35,000 for Christmas? Any questions or discussion? >> Say I got a resolution that has been provided to all board members and is available for public inspection. resolution. I move that this board approve the resolution authorizing issuance and delegating the sale of bonds and other matters relating there to as prepared by bond council and presented by the administration. >> We have support. >> Any questions or discussions? This is also >> passes. Moving on to the multi-year. >> Yes. So this is the time for the board to
055discuss so that we know what resolution should be brought to the board at the March meeting. So this is that nonh homestead and village rule that you have to have to be able to get the full foundation allowance for the state. Um, and we had put it on a three-year cycle previously uh so that it was we weren't asking voters to come back every year and then generating those costs for the elections for the special elections. Um in talking to um our attorneys and our financial advisors, they have suggested uh moving it to a fouryear renewal to truly stay on that election cycle to again save um uh the community and taxpayers money because with the threeear cycle we will get off and then need to have special elections again. So I just wanted to
056get the board's opinion on that before we So um with the timing of this though we had that guarantee that it would This one would be looking to do for this upcoming one which would still be on that threeear cycle in August and a lot of districts go we were kind of unique when we were going every year for this. A lot of districts go more seven years 10 years out this type of renewal but still looking to make sure that it within our community more recent memory or either one of those people to really know what it is. when you do get to that 10 year mark forget that this is something that doesn't impact their their taxes on their own residences second and the state of Michigan is assuming we're collecting this and
057that's how we get our decisions have to be made today will be you guys will be voting on March I just like have a special election. I agree though during the month getting lost in that chaos because Okay. I guess we're launching superintendent report. >> And just again, thank you to the board on everything that you guys do for the district. And I think I might be biased, but I feel like we have best district, best, best ad, best teachers, and just a huge thank you. Moving on to comments from the audience. pressure. >> Make sure you get up and state your name and address. [laughter] >> Um, just thank you guys. Thank you for all that you do. You know, this is a time that we honor you and recognize um all your hard
058work um and where I do I noticed all that you guys do. You go above and beyond um you know lots of meetings all the um um that it was just to making our school district the best it can be for all of our students and as a parent of former students um thank you. I appreciate it. You know, we raised great kids here and that's because of your dedication and your leadership and um the opportunities that we provide our students. It's fun to see them once they have graduated and go on, you know, in world meet them again. And um just to see what we're doing is amazing. We we just raise great kids here. Provide them with great opportunities and to to watch them go out and be leaders in the world is
059is awesome. So I do see that and I love that. So thank you guys. [laughter] >> I was teased. I'm okay. Anybody else want to follow that? >> No, but that is very humbling by you know everything you heard tonight and uh we truly do. I know I speak for everybody. We really appreciate everything you guys do because you guys work a heck of a lot harder and uh you know sometimes a little embarrassing when everybody gets up and like oh we really appreciate you guys. And I'm like you put in a few hours you guys put in a lot of uh you guys are really make this thing go. I can't thank you guys enough. Honestly, you're 100% right. We have an amazing school district. It's really the people sitting out there. A little
060bit to do with us, a whole lot to do with you guys. So, thank you. Thank you. You're sitt You're supposed to sit out there when I say >> seriously. All right. Anybody have anything else? Do we have a motion for any question? Everybody says