001Good evening and thank you everyone for attending tonight's board meeting. Uh before we begin, I would just like to remind everyone that the board meetings are conducted to carry out the district's business in an orderly and respectful manner. We ask that all attendees remain quiet during the meeting so that board members, staff, and speakers can be heard. Thank you for your cooperation, courtesy, and commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for all. We will now call the meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Sandy, if you could please read our mission and vision statement and take roll call. >> Sure. The
002mission statement is at Richmond Community Schools, we provide a quality education that empowers students to be successful in a global community. The vision statement is to foster a culture of academic excellence, creativity, and character, ensuring that all students are prepared for success in an everanging world. Board member Cunningham >> here. >> Board member Michon >> here. Board member Sutton >> here. >> Board member Styer here. >> Board member Telto >> here. >> Board member Gillis here. >> I am board member Fortuna, I am here. Um, so we do have a quorum. Our two student reps are done for the summer, so we won't see them back until closer to school starting, I think. >> Thank you very much. I'm looking for a motion to approve the agenda. >> Um, I'm going to make a motion
003to appro to approve the agenda with some amendments. Um, item six under the consent agenda, I want to pull out of item A and make it an item B, the JV volleyball position. um remove items eight and nine. We don't have student board rep report anymore. Our superintendent search update. So then we'll re number uh blue devil rave start 8 9 10 11 12 13 action items 13F adding superintendent contract >> support. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. Motion carries. Looking for a motion for the consent agenda. >> I move to approve the consent agenda items A through D. >> Do I have I'm sorry. Do I have support? >> Thank you. Uh any discussion? >> Did you say A D or E? >> D with a D like
004dog. E E is the new one. >> Okay. >> That I just added. >> Right. Okay. >> So I just A through D. >> Okay. You got >> uh any discussion? Uh I just want to take a second to recognize Bo Brackett who um has been our golf coach for many [clears throat] years. He is uh resigning and just a thank you to him. He's put in a lot of time and effort for both the girls and boys program. So just to thank him. Any other discussion? All those in favor? I >> opposed. Motion carries. I need a motion for item E. >> Motion to approve Anna as the JV volleyball coach. >> Do I have support? >> Support. [snorts] >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Other than that, I will be abstaining because I'm
005related to Ann Gallagher. >> Any other? >> Okay. All those in favor? I >> I opposed. >> Abstain. >> Motion carries. [snorts] >> Okay. Next item on our agenda is our recognition of our retirees. Uh we are going to start off with Mr. Yes. First off, I'm giving you this. I was told to give you this. I hope you know what it is cuz I don't. [laughter] Um, it is my honor and privilege tonight to recognize Brian. Um, he was with the for the past 11 and a half years. Uh, he was our superintendent here. He has guided this district with dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community. During that time, Brian has faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and achieved milestones that have transformed our schools. One of his greatest strengths
006has been building strong teams. The outstanding administrators and leaders serving our district today are a testament to thoughtful hiring, mentorship, and a belief that great schools are built by great people. The leadership team that is in place today will continue to serve our students well because of the foundation that was established by Brian. When we reflect on Brian's time here, one of the things that comes to mind is the unwavering focus on students. Brian consistently asked one important question. How will this benefit our students? As a board member, that was a question we always what we were doing, how would it benefit our students? Under his leadership, our district expanded opportunities for students through innovative programs including dual enrollment, career and tech education pathways, STEM and robotics initiatives, enhanced our early childhood learning program, comprehensive
007student support services, and many other programs. These programs have helped ensure that every student, regardless of their interest or future goals, has access to programs that help them discover their talents, prepare for college and careers, and build confidence in themselves. The investments made in educational opportunities will continue to benefit future generations in Richmond long after this evening. Brian also recognized that some of our students most meaningful memories would not come from a test score or a report card, but from a championship game, a standing ovation after a performance, a concert, an art exhibit, or the friendships formed through these experiences. Brian ensured that these programs had the support and resources needed to thrive. The success and growth of these programs stands as a testament to his vision and dedication to educating the whole child. Equally
008important has been Brian's stewardship of the district's resources. Strong educational programs require a strong financial foundation, and he has worked diligently to ensure both. Through careful planning, responsible budgeting, and thoughtful decision-making, our district remains financially stable and well positioned for the future. We have also witnessed tremendous progress in our facilities from new lighting in our classrooms, roof door replacement, office space development, safety features on our building, signage around the campus, which was always a joke because we had so many [laughter] turf football field, auxiliary gym, the new weight room, and many other facility changes. Through Brian's leadership in passing a bond, our community demonstrated its confidence in our schools and its investment in the future. Because of that support and because of Brian's persistence, we now have beautiful facilities that provide safe, modern, and inspiring
009learning environments for our students and staff. While tonight marks the end of one chapter, it also marks the beginning of another. On behalf of the board of education, I want to express our sincere gratitude, Brian, for your years of service, your leadership, and your commitment to excellence. The legacy you leave behind is visible not only in our buildings and programs, but in the opportunities that have been created for generations of students. We want to thank you for 11 and a half years of dedicated service. Congratulate you on a well-earned retirement and wish you happiness, good health, and many rewarding adventures in the years ahead. Before I finish, I just want to let you know that he had 24 bosses in the 11 and a half years that he was here from the board. So, uh,
010he survived that. [laughter] Please everyone uh join me in recognizing and thanking Brian for an outstanding career and the lasting contributions to our district. [applause] Brian is not receiving a bell because he's asked that the money for the purchase of the bell be donated to the Richmond Education Foundation. SO, [applause] thank you for everything. Congratulations. >> We're going to take a picture, please. Yes. Sarah Sarah. No, she won't wait till [applause] you congratulations. Yes. >> Our next retiree is Mark. >> Unfortunately, uh, Miss Borick and Miss Ael weren't able to be here. building administrators. Um, normally we'd ask them to put a few words together and share on a staff member from their building who was retiring, but they graciously put together a piece for me to read on their behalf tonight. So, on behalf
011of the entire district and written by the high school administration, uh, Dr. Mark Lad Mark Lad joined Richmond Community Schools in 1994. He had a tremendous impact as a teacher, mentor, and coach throughout his career. We hold so much appreciation and gratitude for the depth of knowledge he had for his subject matter. He was able to take complex concepts and make them understandable for students. His approach encouraged highle debate which enhanced student engagement within the classroom. He found ways to challenge his students by making the material relevant and relatable. Dr. Land provided mentorship outside of the classroom through coaching and enrichment programs as well. He coached a variety of athletic teams, served as government a student government adviser and led our mock trial and we the people teams. Our students benefited from his leadership and
012he instilled a level of work ethic in his students and taught valuable life lessons that served them well beyond their high school experience. A fellow colleague described Dr. Lad in the following way. Dr. Lad's tenure at Richmond High School. He has been a staple of integrity of integrity and hard work not only in the classroom but on the sports field and in the community too. Dr. Lad has been a leader among colleagues and has been a mentor to many. His lasting impact on Richmond students and staff will never be forgotten. From his success with We the People, winning football seasons, his ability to get the most out of students and student athletes at all levels, Dr. Lad's avail ability to establish great relationships and set the bar high in his classroom will always be remembered.
013No words can thank him enough for what he has done for RHS and our students. We wish him the best of luck and will forever be thankful for his many years of service to the Richmond family. We will miss the daily morning conversations while you make your cup of coffee or sneak a quick trip up to the candy jar for a piece of chocolate. But most importantly, we will miss the impact that you've had on the students. Congratulations, Dr. Lad. We hope that you enjoy your retirement and best wishes wishes on your future endeavors. [applause] That might make it easier. And then I go back and we would like to present you with your golden bow. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Go ahead and run >> just real quick. Mr. Mr. Sty earlier 2000 2001 I left and
014went to Alganac and then I came back. Um because this this was always home. This always made sense. It always fit. This has been a great place. I never came to work. I just came to play with the kids. It was always great. It was great. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> [applause] >> DR. LE, CAN WE GET A PICTURE? SURE. >> SURE. >> Ring the bell. You got to have the bell. Steal it. >> [applause] >> And last but not least, we would like to honor Mr. Matt Clintenn. Um Matt was not able to be here with us this evening unfortunately, but we still would like to say a few words of his honor. Um again on behalf of his uh building administrators, Miss Mela and Mr. Knight. Tonight we celebrate an incredible career and
015an even more incredible person. After 25 years of service to Richmond Community Schools, Matt Candennon is beginning a well-earned retirement. While it's easy to count the years, it's impossible to count the lives Matt has touched along the way. As an exceptional leader, he understood that the most important part of education isn't just the lessons in a textbook. It's the relationships we build with our students. Matt had a remarkable gift for making every student feel seen, valued, and capable of success. He knew that when you connect with a student, learning naturally follows. His impact extends far beyond the classroom. Matt has been a trusted colleague, a supportive teammate, and a friend to so many. His sense of humor, willingness to help others, and genuine care for both students and staff have made Richmond a better place
016to learn and work. He is deeply respected by his colleagues and genuinely loved by th those fortunate to work alongside him. As Matt enters his next chapter, we know his legacy will remain in the countless students he inspired and the relationships he built over the past quarter century. Richmond Community Schools is stronger because of his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to young people. Matt, we thank you for 25 years of making a difference. We wish you happiness, good health, and countless new adventures in retirement. You have certainly earned it, and you will always be a cherished part of the Richmond family. Congratulations, and enjoy every minute of this well-deserved retirement. [applause] And we were able to pass his bell before he left last week. So, he did get that. Let me say something. Can I
017just say one thing about Dr. Lad? He's not going to like this, but um I think it's a real tribute that do for Dr. Lad that former students are here took the time to come. That's a real tribute to you and to be able to have not only a former student, but you're now educating that his child her not her because you graduate, but his child. I just think about that as a real good full circle moment and just really really cool that former students took the time to come be here for you. It was very impactful. But thank you. [applause] >> Okay. Next item on our agenda is our LNL Educational Foundation. So, we are inviting I'm going to invite Miss Anner up along with Heavy Dominic Muscat from LNL. Um, we uh were
018able to honor Ann for um another year this year with uh schoolwide scholarship for our grant worker program. And at that meeting when we uh talked about our grant recipients, we were not able to have an LNL guest with us that day. So, we were lucky enough to be able to reschedu tonight to tell us a little bit more about their programs and scholarships and grants. So, I'm over to Case and there is a little clicker there. So, if you want to click that board button, um I'm Peggy Dominic Muscad. I'm the president of the LNL Educational Foundation and I'm thrilled to be with you tonight, not only to talk about how we have helped educate some of your students, but then also how we have attempted to give back to the community, not only
019with our STEM grants, but by being an employer of choice in our community. And I'd like to talk about both of those today. So LNL Products is owned by the Ligan and the Lane families. It was established in 1958 by Mr. Bob Lian, Mr. Jean Lane. And when they retired, they decided to give back to the company and the employees. So they established the Elan Educational Foundation. And the goal of the foundation was to support postsecary education opportunities for families for LNL employee family members of which there are quite a few that live in Richmond and future generations. So last year we have an we had our scholarship award banquet. We awarded 92 scholarships, five of which were um Richmond LNL family members. And over the years, we've supported a lot of Richmond students. We
020as a company have several core values and one of them is being a good citizen in our communities. So the way one of the ways that we attempt to be a good citizen in our communities is when we have money left over from our scholarship awards. We provide STEM grants to the communities where a majority of our employees live. So Mr. Ligan and Mr. Lane started this foundation and over the years they are now deceased but over the years Mr. Lian, Mr. Lane and their family members contributed to the foundation um and it has grown quite large. So by giving back to the programs to our communities um we are able to support STEM and our STEM grants are intended to support hands-on learning um and encou encourage skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem
021solving, and decision making. Oh, that wrapped funny. So, since um since 2015, we have awarded over $41,000 in grants to Richmond Community Schools. And I'm pleased to let you know that this year when our application comes out, we are offering awards of between 15 and $25,000. So I'd like to just talk quickly about the partnership that we have had with both an and Mr. Walmsley. Um and just quickly I'll run through these. In 2015 we helped support the first Lego League grades K through 4 and to design and build models using Lego components in 2018. The title was full steam ahead and we helped support coding, programming, robotics, 3D printing, engineering and design. Um 2020 the project name was innovators of tomorrow and the goal was to deepen students experience of technology with 10 little
022bits technology expansion packs for code kit classroom bundles. And this was grades K through five. Moving on, 2023, we were um we were here and with an and the AR and VR were demonstrated by some of the students. Um so this was for grades K through four and it was design and build a challenge related model using Lego components. Um, sorry, I read it wrong. Students will learn to use and create their own AR and AV products and experiences. And this was grades 6 through 8. 2024 was agriculture in the classroom and it was um national agriculture in the classroom, robotics and STEM curriculum in middle school. So this was middle school age students. And then last year um steam agriculture in the United States and around the world. And this funding supported the purchase
023of hummingbirds to enhance engineering design programming skills, iPads to expand student opportunities and programming with Dash robots. This kind of giving back to the community. Oh my gosh, our shareholders, we all we all get very excited. Our employees get excited. Our shareholders just fall over themselves about these things because they really want to give back. And the goal has been and has always been not only to help our LNL families with higher education for their students, but also help the communities where they live. And Richmond is one of them. So, you know, another thing I wanted to talk about is LNL as a preferred employer in our community. LNL is worldwide. When I started with LNL in 1987, a long time ago, we were this little plant up on Van Dyke in Romeo when we
024had 250 employees. Now, we have about 1500 employees and we are around the world. >> [clears throat] >> You know, we have very nice benefits that smaller familyowned companies tend to give back. We have no out of pocket for our medical, obviously. We have scholarships and grants. And we have a generous 401k program. And what do we make? What do we do? We primarily support the automotive industry with products that make cars stronger, lighter, and quieter. And this is a new an example of a new product which is a heat shield that's going into Volvo trucks all over the world and it's a brand new product for us and we're really excited. And that's just one piece. There are like seven pieces that are that big. It's crazy. Um and I want to thank you.
025We've enjoyed supporting your community. We look forward to doing it in the future. STEM is at the heart of what we do and Ann has been an awesome partner. [applause] First, I have just a couple things to say. I promise. Um, at first I want to thank LNL Education Foundation for the opportunity to receive grant funding from the organization. 10 years ago, I was approached to create and teach a STEAM program for grades K3. Over the past 10 years, this program has developed and grown with the addition of incorporating agriculture to become a K8 program. None of this would have been possible without your organizations such as yours that gives us give so generously back to surrounding communities. Your grants have funded all the high-tech equipment we currently use in our programs such as Dash
026robots, BBOT, Hummingbird robots, iPads, 3D printer, hydroponic system, and a greenhouse. All of which would never have been possible to provide for our students without receiving your grants. Our district is extremely blessed to have your continued support and partnership to grow our steam program. Every day we get a chance to spark creativity and critical thinking skills among our students. It has been a privilege to see students learn and grow while being engaged in hands-on project-based real world situations. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you and the rest of the board members of the LNL education foundation and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our steam programs and our students. Finally, I'd like to share a quote from one of my um STEM and students this year, a student
027that kind of struggled a little bit. Um really wasn't sure if she wanted to take the class and kind of told me that. So, it wasn't going to be fun at first. She said, "Really wasn't sure I was going to like this class, Miss Gallagher, but it turns out I really like it. It makes me think about everything and how agriculture is tied to everything. I love this class. So, that kind of it's kind of what we're trying to do. We're trying to get kids to be um critical thinkers, think of an impact on the environment in the world and um and get those girls into STEM, all those kinds of things. So, um I can't thank them enough. So, thank you so much. [applause] Thank you both. Okay, next item on our agenda is
028our 2026 millage tax request. Hey, that's a hard act to follow, but um the 2026 mill rate request. We do this every year so that the local municipalities know what to levy for taxes for our operating and our general fund and as well as for our debt payments and our debt comp. So for this year um on the on the form that was provided our total taxable value for 2026 is just over 815 million and that's what we use for our debt collections. Our local general fund taxes are just on that excludes principal residents qualified agriculture qualified forests um and individual industrial personal and commercial personal properties. So the taxable value for our general fund is 247 just under 247 million. So for that on the board the top line is our voted nonoperating millillage.
029Um that was approved in November of 2016 and that goes through June of 20 2037. So have a while yet. It was authorized at 18 mills in 2021. hit were hit by a headley roll back which took our millillage down to 17.9244 um over the six years. Um that's about a $90,000 hit to our general fund across all six years, not one year, all six years. Um and what happens is when the state calculates our per pupil foundation, they assume we collect the full 18 mills on our nonomestead properties. Um and so when we don't, we lose that money. they take with 18 mills, they subtract out what we collect locally and then pay the balance um in our foundation. So when we don't get the full 18 mills, that does impact our general fund
030budget. In 2021, when it first hit us, that impact was $12,500 and for 2026, that's at $18,700. So that total for all six years, it's about just under 90,000. We could do a roll back or a headley um what's it called? Headley to roll to put the middle back at 18 and we have not done that. We don't have to do that when it's kind of a small amount. It doesn't seem really necessary to do that but it something to keep an eye on in the future. As I said this millage goes out to 2037. So, I don't know when we'll be hit again by the heavenly roll back, but if we want to do a heavenly override, um that will that's something the district could do and that will get us back to the
03118 bills at that point. So, just something to consider in the future if we're hit again by for now, I think we're okay. The next four lines on the form, it's the L4029 form are for debt collections. And for our 2025, our millillage is at 6.5 mills for the four debt issues that are remaining. And for this year, as we mentioned when we were doing our fund campaign, we roll that back by 1.7 mills and reduce our debt mills to 4.8 mills. Any questions on that? So that's what the we're asking you to approve tonight is this form so that we can send this off to the county clerks, treasurers, and the t local township clerks and the city clerk as well so they know what to put on the tax role for the summer.
032Um on the form there's a column nine that says what we can collect and a column 10 that says what we're going to levy in July. So we do all of our levy in the summer. So there are no there's no levy in December. The school does it all in the all summer time. Any questions? [snorts] Just a just a little bit more information. We did a when we did our bond issue, we went forward with a no mill increase. Um that is a opportunity that will come up again. It can come up again. Um so we did ask PFM or our financial adviserss when we do a bond issue to calculate what our debt millage needs to be for our tax collections as well as where it's going. Um, so they've done a scenario
033where if we wanted to do an election in May of 2027, we could actually do a no mill increase and raise about 200 raise about 29.2 million. And if you take that out into the future, that number should grow. So I just want to let you know that that's still a possibility if that's the need still exists and that's something that we need to do in the future. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay, next item on our agenda is our blue double rays. Start off with Mark. >> Uh just want to thank all three of our buildings administrators for the award ceremonies over the last week or so. Everything went great and it's just really nice to see kids getting the awards and the excitement that comes with that. And then I just want to
034shout out to our varsity baseball team. They were regional champs on Saturday and then lost in the quarterfinals to um Lake St. >> Yeah, Orangeford Lake St. Mary's. Um 6-2 was a great game. They played well and um they just had a really great season. So kudos to the seniors on the team and Coach Evans and his staff. >> All set? Yep. Thank you. Uh Daniel, >> um I just wanted to say thanks too to the elementary um building for doing the awards. Um and then also on the last day of school, I thought it was really neat that the non-eing staff were out at the end of the day. Um and some had signs of encouragement and hello summer and congratulations and things like that. So that I I thought that was really nice.
035Um I specifically talked to Miss Nim when she was out there with her sign holding it up. Um, but I thought that was a really great um, addition to, you know, not just hiding in the building, but being out and being seen on the last day. So, that's >> Thank you, Sandy. >> Uh, no set tonight, Brandon. uh going back to all the different grades graduating their classes and it was so cool that uh the the little kids and the students as little as they were were supporting each other when they're getting the awards and I thought that was really cool that uh I don't remember that when I was a kid and it was just to see that on such a grand scale that even the teachers made comment and and highlighted that and
036I thought that was really awesome and it was just good to see all the little personalities coming across And um yeah, so >> thank you Candace. >> Yeah, I just wanted to um congratulate the Richmond High School track team for being first place um for their home Richmond track invitational that they had on Saturday. It's a fun event and um they took first place. Congratulations to them and thank you as Margaret said to all the administrators for allowing us to be a part of the um walks for each grade. It it was kind elementary. It was kind of neat to just all of it. I still do love the kids. Sarah, just to echo what everyone else said about the award ceremonies, they were great again this year. They usually always honor. So, they were
037great again this year. And then um just for our retirees again, I think it's very cool. One of the things I like about the small town is that yes, Dr. Man taught my husband and he's also just taught my daughter and I think that's very cool just to kind of get that kind of come full circle. So, I think that's pretty special. Thank you to all of them. Thank you. Um, okay. Now that you've all taken mine, um, I too want to acknowledge our the all of our buildings for the awards. Um, I also like to acknowledge the teachers that were there and the secretaries because I know without them that would not have happened. So, um, they all went smooth. Great job. Um, I was honored to speak at the 8th grade, uh, graduation.
038Um, thank you, Billy, for that option. And um that was just really cool to know that those kids were coming into the high school and they're ready. Um I also thought the one cool thing the third graders going into the fourth grade they did the passing of the torch and they literally had a torch that they plastic one that they actually pass out on the stage and it was just really cool. The kids really got into it. >> Yeah. So, I'd also like to acknowledge um our administrators and central office staff for their involvement in our budget meeting. Uh their contributions were invaluable to our budget process. I really felt um it was a good addition, a good part that we haven't done before. And then I wish to acknowledge Cindy or Cindy over here
039for all her help uh during our superintendent search, the typing, the um just staying on top of me so we can get everything done and in place. So I want to thank you very much. Okay, next item on our agenda is our interim superintendent and legislative update. Really? You really took all my celebrations. >> I'm sorry. Well, I do want to thank you, Doug, for for filling in for the day ceremon. I wasn't able to be there for uh to speak with my family. Um so, thank you for that. And again, thanks for all the board members and central office staff who were able to come out and support each buildings as well. So, we really appreciate the time out there. Um couple of things. So, one, I do want to start with the update
040on the um traditional grading pilot for 8th grade. Um so, just kind of quick, but we thought it would be helpful to have a couple slides of it, too. So, um we talked about it before and this is where we landed at the end of the year. >> Is this in our packet? >> Uh no, this is part of my my Okay. Um, so again, we talked before about where we were kind of going, where we were thinking, and we had Miss Jar and Miss Marela here to talk about it before. We were looking at doing a pilot trans traditional grading for the eighth grade class. Um, and the key essentials at that time that we brought forward with student accountability that it was still not meant to be punitive, being consistent with the board
041policy at 80 uh percents, 20% for um the assessments. We'll look more closely at that on another slide. And then also was very important to the committee to remain consistent um with the teachers and how they were treating. So coming off of uh kind of updating from where we were last time where the concept was kind of coming together a committee was put together at the middle school level and district level that included both middle school administrators uh Mr. Jar as both a teacher uh committee member and also kind of representing the union to make sure there were any stale points there that we were overlooking. Miss May from the counseling lens, Miss Thornberg from the power school um leaison lens and then Miss Lee and myself kind of supporting from the upper administrative angle.
042And so what we were able to do to make sure that this pilot would work is that Miss Thornberg um was able to create what's called a sandbox or kind of like a a sample classroom essentially if you will. So something where this jar was able to go in and try different scenarios with grading to look at, you know, if we had a student that had this grade and we gave it this percentage of points, is it going to calculate the way we wanted to? And so she went through a number of different scenarios so that she could um identify if that was going to be something that would work and would turn out the way that we were hoping and anticipating that it would. Um, and so the we met that group met a
043number of different times over the last month or two. Um, look at that and she tries something and sometimes I've had Tracy reset it for her and try different things and ultimately she was able to get it down to a plan that worked. Um, so to kind of summarize what the pilot will look like um, coming out in the fall. Um, so the the committee decided that it would be the smoothest um, pilot temporary roll out with the four core 8th grade classes. So we just those classes are ELA math science and social studies. So not an elected eighth grade class where they might have a mix of seventh and eighth grade or sixth, seventh and eighth grade students because that was really going to kind of muddy the waters for a teacher within their
044grade book. Um but those core classes are pure to the grade level. So um again working through what it would look like in the grade book. This was the kind of cleanest way to still get a good segment of students um out there and then trying that traditional grading. So looking back again at the board policy, the summit of assessments will be worth 80% of the final grade and then 20% will be the what we in middle school always refer to as that formative work. So the assessments in classroom um we will be able to continue to link the summitive assessments to standards. So you'll see an an example of what a report card will look like. that was really important to the middle school team to not completely walk away from that concept of
045making sure that um the work that the students are doing is tied to a standard and that's very clear and that ultimately at the end of a term or unit it is their mastery of those standards that is really being taken into account but in a more traditional way. Um students will still have a retake option um as they have in the past and as high school students do. So that's not uncommon. Um but that would be for available for all summitive assessments following um the established policies for retaking. And then the eighth grade team will again be working to make sure that that's um followed consistently. And summitative assessments. One thing we found is if you didn't weight them the same within the setup of Power School, that could throw things off. So that
046was a piece that we know is going to be important to make sure teachers have that grade set up correctly. And the same thing with the formative work to be weighted the same. That was just an area that we found could throw things off and make it not turn out the way you intended it to. So, a lot of good learning through that process. A little small, but this is um generally speaking what a report card will look like. So, what you will see in addition to the standard. So, this kind of lower section of the report card is is what they're seeing now. So, they have an identifier of what the standard is and then to the far side it would give them their proficiency rating. And the addition is at the top of
047that before they see the standards, it will give them a broken down letter grade and percentage. So in this example, a student has a B, 84%. And then at the bottom of the report card after it's gone through and listed, their standards, their scores, um you'll see that breakdown as far as what percentage of their grade was the 20% that was based on the formative and what they got for that section, that 20% and then what piece was summitative. So in this case again she used an example of student who didn't do very well on their classwork but continued to work at it continued to maybe do retakes work through with the teacher and you know had low scoring F there but they were able to get an A on the test and that average
048out to a B looking at students who she has in her classes now and kind of looking at that same pattern of of that student and she kind of took real life examples a student who's at you know what we consider a B range but we don't have a letter grade tied to it. This was an example where she said it matched up very well and that that was realistic to what they would be seeing as far as the P's on their work right there. And then um similarly, a student who may have done um better on their day-to-day class but maybe struggled with the assessments. In this example, the student had a B+ on the formative work and a D+ on the summitative. They still ended up with a C for passing grade. Um
049again, because of that balance of the 8020. Um and it does it breaks down and shows which standards they did better on which they did worse on. So that piece is still there but it does give that overall factory. Um so that is what the I said the report card would look like and the work that the team would have around doing their um their work to prepare for that in the August time when the teachers are together that eighth grade team will have time to to work through all of that. They're they're aware that it's happening. It's been discussed at their PD meetings and things that they've had already. So, not a surprise to those core eighth grade teachers that this is um the pilot that they're moving to. They're actually very excited about
050it. It's something they've been asking for. So, um that's a good thing. Um certainly information will go out to parents beforehand so the team will get that together and kind of look at what that means to include for the parents so that they see it before um before the students begin earning grades for those classes as well. >> Are there any questions like answer follow? Could you email me that or email >> please? >> Yeah, I was gonna say so thank you for this because I know I kind of asked for it for sure. >> I was hoping I I wish it was a presentation only so I could have looked at it ahead of time and really >> digested it. I also cannot see that at all cuz I'm obviously blind but it is
051very hard to see. >> I can't see. I can see what does it look like. That's pretty much it. >> So if you could email it, I could read it. Um, so when you say report card, >> is that going to be mailed or is this in power school? So if I'm a parent of an eighth grader next year and I go on power school, is it going to be listed like the high school where it's got the assignment if it's a summitive or formative and what the not only the standard but right now if I go to high school? >> Okay. So it will so when you say report it will also translate to power school. >> Yes, absolutely. So it'll be tracked in in power school daily or weekly weekly in power school
052you can go and check at any time and then yeah and then the report card would reflect the actual grade at the end of that term. >> Okay. >> And is it going to be explained in the the kids as well like what they're seeing and what it means. >> Okay. Just so they because I think the whole point was that readiness for them right so it wasn't such a culture shock. >> Yeah. >> I think the teachers definitely feel that way that way. So the the the teachers are are aware because right now they don't update our school weekly. I mean I get it. >> It will be it will be easier I guess I would say for lack of better words with the traditional piece the the with the standards based reading when
053those formative pieces don't really count for a grade. Often times they're in there but it's a it's an interesting setup because they don't constantly they don't count towards a final grade. And so it's a it's a little tricky to put something in powers school, but then at the same time say, well, this doesn't really count, but I'm putting it in there so the parent can see it. And so there is a little bit of of that give and take that occurs with that. This will link that easier because you will be able to see those actual assignments or grades totally. So this will um improve that situation. >> Is there GPA on there too like >> No, there wouldn't be a GPA. And we decided to do this on all students, all eighth grade. There
054will be all eighth grade core classes. >> So to go a little bit, I have a couple questions, but to follow Sarah. So is it two different report cards that a a child is getting because >> the court? No. So everything's it's just this is what it's going to look like different with both the things together. >> So kind of what's showing below the part that's circled. I know you know that you can't see but that that section has the standard and then a little description of the standard and then their their PE or their their proficiency rating. This has an additional column excuse me row across the top that gives that final grade. So it's really just one extra row that will show up for those four classes. >> Okay. So if the if
055the idea has been um about the grading the questions that have come up over the last year I guess um so it's only core classes so then that means elective classes don't matter because isn't shouldn't there be a motivation to do well in the elective classes too because even moving into high school you can't you're great point you're uh playing sports and participate. So I don't understand how it's just and I know I asked the question last time where if I had seventh and eighth grade, you know, asked how that went. So then it sounds to me like we solved that by saying we're just not going to do electives. Well, the reason that they so again that was something that Miss Jar worked through. I mean, knowing that that would be a concern, a
056teacher that had two different students, two different grade levels in one class. And so, essentially, that teacher would have to be running two separate grade books for her class. And because of this, with this being a pilot, we want to see how it's going. We want to work the Kings out. If we had that additional layer of people having two grade books going at the same time as we're also working Kings potentially out with one grade book, that felt like too much for the group. Again, this wasn't something I cited or Miss Char, but that committee that came together um felt that this was the right um group was to have it be those four eighth grades that are pure reports because our pure grade level classes so they can really see how that's working
057again without muddying the waters of of maybe a split class. So, >> okay. Okay. So, then start I understand it. I know full well I understand. But I guess I'll just end my question here with um why wouldn't it be the electives? Okay, whoever has seventh and eighth grade, however many of those seventh grade students, they would just participate in the pilot so that the entire child's schedule is all done the same way. That's the only question that I don't understand why we just pulled and just decided only core classes. So that's that's my question. Why wouldn't how many how many kids would it affect and wouldn't it be simply to say to parents we're pilating piloting this and because your child is in a split seven their part I just I don't get it.
058They decided to keep I guess that again that committee >> who decided >> the committee >> whoever the committee oh okay >> that I listed so both administrators miss jar missberg miss or myself so we after many meetings miss jar looked very carefully as she tried that out with different students in different grade levels in that example class it was very challenging for her to do that it was tricky and she was very on top of it she was amazing at the things she was able to navigate and figure out with this and and she really said that is something that we don't I want it to be a turnoff to teachers for them to feel like this is going to be way too much work for switching. You know, we're used to this standards
059piece and now we're doing it this other way and now as a teacher I only have to be doing my grade book two different ways. We didn't want >> Oh, no. I was not I was the one who brought up asking about the two different ways the last time. I'm just saying I I just think we >> I don't know why we couldn't include the electives and whatever that small group of seventh graders, whatever. They're just part of the pilot. But >> but the Okay. But were all the teachers that could be part of this involved in it or just the committee of administrative people? >> Mr. [clears throat] >> Okay. But Miss Jar was the only teacher. That's that's all I mean. Okay. Okay. >> I think it's better than nothing. >> It's not
060everything, >> but it's better than nothing. Um because I think the most important thing to me is that the grades are updated in real time. By the time we get the report card, kids [clears throat] are past that project or that assignment from a month and a half ago. They're they're two months. They're over it. So, I think the important thing is I can go in power school and I can see my daughter in high school, you know, oh, she had a test last Tuesday. The grade's already in there. With middle school with my son, I can't do that. It's just like the end of >> I can until I get this and then it's just the standard. It doesn't really tell me anything about how he did or what the assignment really was. It
061just says what they supposedly taught him. I have no idea how they did that. Was it an essay? Was it a I have no clue. So I think there the important thing for parents speaking as a parent I guess and from feedback I've heard from parents is that it's in real time we can assess what the assignment was, how our child did, and then we can work with them on what that's going to look like the following year in high school to just get them ready. So it's not everything, but it is a step in the right direction. So, I thank the team for working on it and taking it into consideration and I guess we'll see how this year goes. >> I did want to share openly or outwardly towards um whoever may be
062your meeting today. Um, again, just another apology for the attendance uh update letters that went out to all students rather than just our ninth grade students on June 1st. Um, so as I noted to the board and it did indicate in the letter um that we followed up with or email letter that we followed up with that those were intended only for the 9th grade parents. That was something that was only set up for 9th grade students. that had gone out without a problem at all on the May 1st um updates to that went to those nth grade parents. They had been informed of what was coming saw no issues at all. No really no comments, nothing negative at all. And so we had we had assumed because it's a new program for us too
063that setting it up that way for May 1st, it was going to duplicate for June 1st and go out to just the nth grade students. And it didn't reset back to I guess kind of those original settings, if you will. Um, so so parents did receive uh attendance letters that that really didn't amount to anything. I mean, they truly I can't say more that they they were not set the parameters were not set up. The the notifications were not set up. They weren't intended to go to those folks. So, you know, I think people saw things like, oh, what is this? You know, it's something bad or something, you know, that I my student only has this many absences. Why am I getting this letter? It was just something that went out to everyone that
064should not have. I mean, it was not set up. So, um, that was a mix up on the back end and we do apologize that that happened and caused distress to parents that got those letters and, um, obviously didn't know what they were because we didn't think we would be getting them. So, we apologize for that. Um and lastly um in February uh we had announced MSB MSP had announced their winners from the 2025 um executive director's awards and um Miss Cunningham did win one of the uh award of distinction certificates and they just I'm not sure why it didn't come when they announced those in February but this actually just came in the mail this morning so I thought I would share it with you. So it is a nice little pin and certificate
065for your award of distinction from the NASP. SO CONGRATULATIONS [applause] and I have no additional legal updates for today and that is that. Thank you very much. Okay, next item on our agenda is items of interest from the board. We're going to start with Daniel. >> I'm good. Um Um Sarah set >> nothing for me. >> I'm all set tonight. >> Um the only question I had was the email that we got about the central office summer hours >> starting June 15th. I guess I got two questions. one have we has it been June 15th or early in June or I always thought it was the month of July and then my just second question was we're setting up summer hours for a central office staff that's going to have a new leader so we
066want the new leader to create if what summer hours or how they want their office to run >> well I mean we did want to give staff a a fair amount of time to be able to plan for their summers and and that what have you. Um we did look at a few things. So in the past the last at least again my time with the district is is not long. So I know that last year we waited until after summer school um cuz that went through the end of June and so this year summer school is pushed back. So that wasn't a factor within that. um talking to the folks that are in the you know in district during the summer from the custodial side they um indicated Mr. Trent and Miss Bingra that
067it's really helpful because it helps their groups plan and they can kind of plan for days off and not have folks taking a day off during the week when and then it really messes up their team schedule of cleaning. So they said that was very helpful for them to have it planned and then they won't take a day you know take a day off if they need to. They have it built in. So for their um um increased summer cleaning, they really appreciate that. Um Miss Jab looked and and Mr. Trend at some cost savings for not running the air additional day during the week. So that was part of the factor. So we did look into a number of reasons. Um that would make the most sense, but certainly if our new superintendent coming
068in would like to change things, we would certainly be able to do that. What date is this? >> July 13. I didn't have anything to add this evening. Next item on our agenda is public comments. Since the last board meeting, the board has not received any emails. There was no public comments that needed addressing from the last board meeting. At this time, any member of the public will have three minutes to address the board. Please sign in and state your name. If you wish a followup, please provide contact information on the public comment signin sheet. Are there any public comments? >> I don't need the time. >> No, it's going to be >> It's going to be short. My name is Dana McQueen. I have two granddaughters in the middle school. won into the middle
069school. I just want to thank all of you that showed up for the awards. I don't know if you know how much the kids really appreciate that. They may not know you, the parents do know you, but when you hear of little kids saying, "Did you see how many hands I had to shake?" That's awesome. And I know some of you have full-time jobs, cannot make it, you may have other obligations. And so I'm not [clears throat] here to say, "You didn't make it. You didn't make it. Sh my I'm here to say thank you for taking the time if you were able to to go stand up chips and shake those little kids hands. They do realize it. They realize somebody else some other adults that they don't know care. So when you go
070on your summer break I know it's short. I hope we can get back to what's really important and that is the students and the teachers and to make the schools safe. That is my hope that the school board meetings become that and nothing else. So enjoy your break but I will be here at the next one and thank you. Thank you to everybody who was able to show. Thank you. >> Any other public comments? Okay, being no other public comments, we will move on. Our next item is I'm looking for a motion to go into close session. Pursuant to MCL5.268, section 8C of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, I move that the board of education go into close session for the purpose of negotiation. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> oppose. Motion
071carries. Um for anybody that's here, we will be coming back shortly. Okay. Next item on our agenda is our action items. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of the food service Richmond Middle School kitchen floor repairs. >> I move to Go ahead. I move to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the Richmond Middle School kitchen, kitchen storage room, and kitchen bathroom floor repairs in an amount not to exceed $25,700 as outlined in the attached documentation. Funding for this project will be provided through the food service fund school meals program as provided by the Michigan Department of Ed support. >> You can give it to Ry. >> Give it to Ray. Okay. Uh, any discussion? This will be a roll call vote. Margaret, >> hi. >> Raymond, >> hi. >> Candace,
072>> hi. >> Sarah, >> hi. >> Sandy, >> I. >> Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. Looking for a motion for the approval of food service and the Richmond High School kitchen floor repairs. I move to accept the recommendation of the entrance superintendent and approve the Richmond High School kitchen floor repairs in the amount not to exceed $17,000 as outlined in the attached documentation. Funding for this provide is provided through the food service funds school meals program as approved by the Michigan Department of Education support. >> Yep. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> This will be a roll call vote. Sandy >> I. >> Margaret I. Candace. >> Hi, >> Raymond. >> Hi, >> Sarah. >> Hi, >> Danielle. >> I vote I. Motion carries. Looking for a motion for the approval of the
0732026 millish tax rate request. >> I move to accept. Go ahead. >> I move to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the 2026 tax rate request L-429 as presented in the attached documentation. So, thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of the master agreement between Richmond Community Schools and MEA Richmond Early Learning Childhood Childhood Center Bargain. Motion to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve a three-year contract between the board of education of Richmond Community Schools and the MBA Richmond Early Life and Childhood Center bargaining unit beginning July 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2029 as outlined in documentation >> support. >> We'll give this to Sandy. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I
074opposed. Motion carries. Looking for a motion for the approval of the Michigan High School Athletic Associ Association 2026 27 membership resolution. I move to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the Michigan High School Athletic Association MHSAA membership resolution for the 202627 school year as presented in the attached documentation. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of a contract for our super new superintendent. I move to approve the contract per Pasquali Kusmano superintendent for a 3 and a halfyear period beginning July 1st 2026 and ending on December 31st 2029 according to the terms and conditions of the contract of employment as presented in the attached documentation. Any extension of the contract requires the express approval of the board of education >>
075support. Oh, did somebody Oh, sorry. Okay. >> Can you put all of us on? >> Yeah, we all support it, right? >> Yes. >> Any discussion? Okay. This will be a roll call vote. Margaret >> I. >> Sandy. >> I. >> Candace. >> Hi. >> Raymond. >> I. >> Sarah. >> Hi. >> Danielle. >> Hi. >> I vote I. Motion carries. Okay. We're actually going to do our signing right now. So, WE'RE OKAY. Last item on our agenda, we're going to go back into close session. So, I'm looking for a motion to go into close session. Pursuant to MCL5.268, section 8H of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, I move that the board of education go into close session to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute. >> I'm going to
076give it real quick. Yep. >> Uh, any discussion? Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Margaret >> I, >> Candace, >> I, >> Sandy, >> I, >> Raymond. >> Hi, >> Sarah. >> Hi, >> Danielle. >> I vote I. Motion carries. We're going to go back to the conference room.