001Okay, the regular meeting of the Richmond Board of Education will come to order. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> The mission statement of Richmond Community Schools is that Richmond Community Schools we provide quality education that powers students to be successful in a global community. And our vision statement is to foster a culture of academic excellence, creativity, and character, ensuring that all students are prepared for success in an ever-changing world. Board member Cunningham? >> Here. >> Board member Gillis? >> Here. >> Board member Meszaros? >> Here. >>
002Board member Stier? >> Present. >> Board member Sutton? >> Here. >> Board member Teltow? >> Here. >> And board member Burchnall and I am here. I have a quorum. We do have our student representative Elizabeth Shaffer with us tonight, but Kelsie McNair is absent with notice due to soccer. >> Thank you. Looking for a motion to approve the agenda. >> So moved. >> Support. >> Thank you. You guys are quick. Any discussion? >> [clears throat] >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Support. >> Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Next item on our agenda is our presentation for this evening. Um I'm going to turn it over to you.
003Kelly, it's your up. You're up. >> Hello, Kelly. >> Um first and foremost, I want to apologize for not being here at the last meeting when I was on the agenda. Um you you all know I'm severely diabetic and had a terrible sugar day that day, so that's why I wasn't here. So, thank you for pushing it to tonight. I appreciate that. >> Glad you're okay. >> Thanks. It's just an ongoing thing and stress has a lot to do with it, so. But, all good. Um I'm here tonight to talk to you and answer any questions that you might have regarding our um summer camp that we go to. Oh, I guess I should say I'm the junior high coach here. This is one. Um so, we every year we go to a summer camp
004and basically this year is the exact same as last year. It's just at a different location. So, last year we went to Covenant Hills. It was a two-day overnight camp. Um this year we're actually going to Frankenmuth. And it will be at um the Bavarian Inn, I believe is the location for it. So, it's two days. We take the kids um the whole team goes and our coaching staff will be there as well. So, we'll be staying right at the Bavarian Inn. We have camp all day on the first day. They do get time to um go to the water park, which is an added bonus for them this year. Um and then we have camp on the second day and that's it. >> Anyone have any questions for coach Kelly? >> Cost? >> Oh,
005I'm sorry. >> The cost is part of the your fundraising >> Yes. >> Yep. So, what we do is we break it down. Um we break it down into payments that the parents make. >> Okay. >> Um we go over everything with them at the very first parent meeting, and we break it down into two or three Sorry, go ahead. Um two or three payments, and um if anybody has any financial trouble, we always do what we have to do to take care of that. Um and then there are fundraisers that are available to them. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Yep. >> Along the same lines, that was going to be my next question. The cost was going to be Is there any any cost incurred by the school itself, the district, or the school? >>
006We take care of it. >> And no other questions before I go. >> We take care of all of it. Anything else? No? Yes. Thank you, Kevin. >> We will be voting on it next week. >> Okay. Great. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Okay, next item on our agenda is our student Board of Ed rep report. >> And before she starts, it is her very last one for us. So, Elizabeth, thank you. You've done a great job these last 2 years. So, we're going to miss you, but um the stage is yours. >> last one. >> All right. So, at the high school, their senior Can I say this word? Convocation? Did I say that right? >> Convocation. >> Okay. I I just skipped Our senior convocation and graduation were truly an exciting event for
007all involved and a great way to end the year for our seniors. Thank you to all the students, staff, and families for celebrating with us. Our underclassmen awards will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2026 in the auditorium. Grade 9 will take place at 8:35 a.m. Grade 10 will take place at 9:30 a.m. And then Grade 11 will take place at 12:55 p.m. At the middle school, May 21st, the third graders from Lee came over for a trip for the tour of the middle school. They walked the halls and met Mrs. Morella and Mr. Knight, and they're looking forward to having them join them next year. On Friday, May 22nd, our fourth and fifth graders had their annual field day. The RMS PTO put on an amazing event with so many families helping out. It
008was a great success and the and the kids had a had a ball. Um on Friday, May 22nd, our sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students participated in the first annual kickball challenge. Students had so much fun. Congratulations to Miss Brown's team who scored the most runs. On Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, the fourth and fifth grade students who reached their personal achievement goals took their leaves on the swag tree. The sixth, seventh, and ninth grade students who met their personal achievement goals had their picture taken around the swag tree. Swag stands for students will all grow. We're so proud of our RMS students. At the Lee school, they had their annual color run last week. They also had their PBIS assembly where students were winning some prizes. And then this week they have field day. Lee's
009Friday tomorrow. Um for athletics, Tuesday, um we have away golf at Washington. It's their regionals. Um baseball's at Athens. Uh right now we have uh soccer districts for girls. And then Almont versus Armada, so that was at 4:30. And then right now they're going against Green City. And then home varsity softball district versus Armada. And then Wednesday, they have a home varsity baseball versus Richmond at 4:30. Thursday, they have a home girl soccer district final 5:00 p.m. Friday, no athletic events. And then Saturday is away um baseball districts. And then at Yale. And then home softball districts at Capac. So, that's all I have. One more. >> I'm sorry, Elizabeth, what time was the girls soccer districts here? >> And the baseball is 5. >> Well, they're they're playing right [clears throat] now. >> Yeah,
010they're and then at 7. >> No, but then there's another one if they win. >> Thursday it is at 5:00. Thursday, yeah. And it's at home. >> I was just going to say it's here. >> Yeah. >> Thanks. Anyone else have any other questions for Elizabeth? >> Thank you for all that you've done. YAY! >> [applause] >> GOING TO MISS YOU. >> I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY THAT. >> WE'RE GOING TO miss you. >> Okay. >> You're going to miss us? >> Yeah. >> You've blossomed. >> A lot. >> You can come see us, you know. >> Yeah. >> You can come if you got nothing better to do. >> [laughter] >> Did you hear the first half of the meeting? So come. >> [laughter] >> You can come speak at the podium. >>
011Oh, yeah. >> Public comments. >> There you go. >> Okay, thank you again for everything you've done. Okay, our next item on our agenda is our superintendent search update. Um as of Monday, May 18th, the board voted unanimously to hire Pasquale Casmano as our next superintendent pending contract negotiations. A committee was made up of Sarah Gillis, Margaret Teltow, and myself uh to negotiate our contract with Mr. Casmano. Uh we have received a uh contract from the attorney, the district attorney, and it's a template which we are working with, and we met earlier today [clears throat] to go through that um so that we can make some corrections and then meet with our new candidate. And that's where we're at right now in our process. >> So do you have a date to meet with him?
012>> With Mr. Casmano? >> Correct. >> No. Um we met the committee met today. We went through the template that came from the attorney. We have some questions and some changes and things we need to insert, so I'm going to get a hold of the attorney tomorrow and hopefully get that straightened out and then we will >> Our goal is to meet with him next week. >> Yeah. >> Okay, so that's all good. So, but have you made contact with him? >> Oh, yes. I have been in contact with >> Oh, okay. Great. >> Him and I have been going back and forth email wise >> Okay. >> for a week >> And he's aware that there you guys are looking to set up a meeting next week. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yep. Actually,
013we we made a meeting today. >> Okay, great. >> You tell them that we want to meet with them next week. >> No, I did not say that. I just said as soon as I knew for sure >> Oh, okay. >> So >> I need to I need to get the document squared away with the attorney. We had some questions in the one he gave us. >> Yeah, but I just don't want him to think that we're not >> No, he knew. I he we talked today and I said I explained what I just read is what I told him. And then I said we needed to get back with the attorney. And then he would get with you. Okay? >> Yeah. >> Okay, and and it was my understanding at the last board meeting
014that though the committee was formed, all board members would have like the final say on what was >> Yep. Oh, absolutely. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, that's I also I'm wondering so if you're you're scheduling a well >> Well, we're hoping. Okay. Um depends on what we get back from the attorney. Um we are negotiating We need to know what we're we're working on. So, I don't know yet. I we we have we took the document and everyone was supposed to have given them what their thoughts were on the past contract. Not everybody did that, but we went and we're looking at the stuff. So, Deb wants to take it to the attorney to show him. It's going to come back. Everybody's going to see it so that before we meet with him
015next week to negotiate, everyone on the board has seen the contract. So, that Right. Is I think that's what you're asking. So, correct because it's not just Right, it's not just three people going. Everybody's going to be able to see it and then we will go from there. And then once we negotiate with him and when he agrees to everything, then it comes back here to the table and we will vote for it as a whole. Okay? >> Yep. >> Okay. You're welcome. >> Okay, next item on our agenda is our Blue Devil Raves. Um Margaret, anything? >> Um I just want to rave about graduation. Graduation went very well, so kudos to the high school administration um and Dr. Ladd who um unfortunately it was his last graduation where he's going to say the
016students' names. We will miss um his beautiful voice. Um and I want to thank our staff who came to all of our meetings um when we were picking our superintendent, going through our search, that um were there through it all. Um I also last week I had the chance to go to the bike assembly at Lee where the Masons give out the bikes to the third graders. That is a really, really cool assembly. Um and I got to be someone that got to wheel one of the bikes into the assembly. They had like 14 bikes to wheel in, but thank you to the Masons. That's just really cool. Uh and my last rave my last rave about Elizabeth. For those of you that weren't at the awards assembly, Elizabeth received the Maybelline Citizenship Award which
017is the highest award that is given out to a graduating senior at Richmond High School. So, she got it and well deserved and so KUDOS TO ELIZABETH. [applause] THAT'S IT. THANK YOU. OH, SARAH. >> Um well, graduation obviously matters to mine. Um I think we probably all have something to say about that. But it was a great graduation and just thank you to everybody who put time and energy into making it a great day for the graduates. Um I thought it was another great Awesome. >> Thank you. Uh Danielle. >> Um yeah, I to Elizabeth's point of field day. I attended field day this morning. Um and it was a beautiful day to work, obviously, but they did a really good job this year of putting K3 on the field and doing it by house
018um as opposed to regular local this year. Um and I think it went really well and I didn't see I mean, if there were hiccups, she covered them up really well. Um but the students being in the bleachers and filling the bleachers and doing the cheers and things were stuff that, you know, we saw down at Concord Academy. I thought that was pretty awesome to see it. And I'm sure the races of the mascots will be on the page some way, shape, or form, but I don't know who those teachers were who dressed up or who was >> I'll start. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Uh Sandy. >> I of course also uh kudos to whoever put together all everybody who shares more than one person. Congratulations. It was great. It was a fantastic night.
019Um thank you to Elizabeth on her award. The award ceremony was also a really cool event. I always love going to that. Um I actually think that that is more emotional than graduation day in my opinion, but um cuz you just get to really hear about all the really cool great things all these kids do. Um and I also was able to attend, uh, the color run, uh, for the first time ever and I thought that was really cool and just, um, all of the people that came out to, you know, donate their time. I just kudos to them, um, to get wet and colored ball and uh, it was a good, it was fun. Um, so that was cool to see. Uh, so and I think that's all I have. >> Thank you. >>
020Mr. Candace. >> Yes, um, same thing. Um, just congratulations to the class of 2026 and, um, the administrators that put all that together. It was it ran very smooth. It was perfect and, um, thanks to the choir and the band also that gave us the wonderful entertainment. Um, and, uh, also the marching band, um, for the, uh, Memorial Day parade yesterday. They did a great job. Thanks to Molly Shack, um, who always above and beyond. She's amazing. Um, and uh, one last thank you to Deb for leading us through this whole superintendent search. Thank you for guiding the way and making it as easy as it could be for all of us. So, just appreciating you right now. Thank you, Deb. >> Thank you. You're good. >> Ready? >> Uh, I echo a lot of
021the things that have already been said. Um, and in addition to the uh, the marching band for the Memorial Day event yesterday, marching in the parade, there was also two members that also, uh, rendered taps during the, uh, the ceremony and then an additional ceremony at the cemetery just down the street after the main parade was done. And, uh, it was echo taps. So, there was there was kind of a note behind the note and, um, and that's I thought they did an excellent job with that. So, I just kudos to them for doing that. And so, my understanding it was a one of the the seniors and then a former senior or a member that was just graduating this year and then And and then, you know, girlfriend and boyfriend that were were doing
022that. And so, I thought that was really really awesome. So, just kudos to them. >> Thank you. Um I think I just took everything. I just again want to stress graduation. Um the 18 years that I did it, I know there's a lot that goes into it. Um very time-consuming practice and everything that goes and making sure uh Dr. Bland does a phenomenal job of pronouncing the names correctly, which is so important. Um so, all those staff that was involved and participated in graduation, I know how much work that is and I appreciated that it went off without a hitch. So, thank you. >> Okay, next item on our agenda is our interim superintendent and legislative update. >> Uh not really much on the legislative legislative update. It's been a little quiet since the last
023meeting, so nothing really new to report there. Um I'll retouch on a couple things tomorrow when we're focused on the budget that are relevant, but mostly a review, it's not really anything new. Um as far as around the district, um of course, also thank you to all of our board members for being at graduation participating. Um Cynthia also placed in your uh spot a copy of the newspaper that that's yet the senior um and the senior shout-out section there from last Sunday's Weekly News, so that's a copy for each of you to have. All the seniors got their copy um during their rehearsal home room home. Uh We also have um our 27L um that we we did in closed session a couple weeks ago. Um I spoke with them everything nailed down for today
024but we just got it wrapped up so we will have that ready to go. Our goal would be to be able to the goal in the agreement with them the tentative agreement is that it would be a while until we attend it. Um They and so if possible I didn't talk to them and see if there's any need for us to have that tomorrow. They would like to get that in front of you guys so we'll get that as possible since we do have a special meeting. And we also do have a tentative agreement on our early learning child care center so that will be on our next regular meeting. They're they're going to be looking at it today but I did hear that that was good news from one of the three groups so
025I'll bring that to the board at the first two meetings. So lots of things in action but all good stuff. >> Billy, with the 27L if we're going to have it for on the agenda tomorrow a quick thing can we can you answer yes or no did we get what we wanted? Okay. >> We're all good. That one last piece that we had our question to. >> What's that? That was your question too? Yeah, I mean it saves having to >> Absolutely. And I forgot I did have one more thing. Um I also we had a question between our last meeting and this one and I'll go over that this week. Um this was related to um this is one page. Um related to our energy costs and gas energy costs so this is something
026that I just wanted you guys to have in front of you. It won't necessarily play into tomorrow I don't think. If it does then that's okay we can put it there but I figured I'd get it out now in case it doesn't really have a bearing on tomorrow's meeting. Um so this page shows a breakdown of the foster energy costs which is the my choice Um and then that chart on the bottom there says on the rate. So, we were locked in at that 0.364 per therm for this last contract. Um and then what um music, which is the the group I can't even remember what the name of that is, but they kind of do some advising um for districts and then companies on where uh is going to be their best um options
027as far as where they should purchase their gas from. And they kind of looked at Sunoco and and did make recommendation that it would be in the Sunoco area that it would potentially be cheaper. And so, um as our contract was up, Tanny did pull that and sure enough, all but three of the months over the last about year and a half, um Sunoco would have been cheaper. Um So, we just wanted to look at that and see if that was the, you know, most appropriate move before locking in. And you can see much higher at 0.419 or 0.439 if you did a 1-year contract. Um whereas Sunoco wouldn't lock into a contract and it continued to to go up and down with the market, which, yeah, so you have that end of risk or
028or not by locking in or not. But when we look at where we were over the last year and a half, overall, it would have been a savings for us if we did that. Um So, that's kind of where we are. She also had an opportunity to look at a couple of additional companies. They also came in higher, actually higher than what um my choice energy was, so that wouldn't really be a smart move. Um we did look at Tanny, anything else you want to add kind of to that picture? >> Um this MEC is the Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative. That's the name for it. Um through the Michigan School Business Officials to help with the choice program when it became available in the state of Michigan many years ago. Um so, that was that's
029one of the resources that we have to contact this you know, there's a lot of numbers on our energy bills. And just trying to get some assistance from them. And their response was, you know, looking at the Sunoco general generally the Sunoco territory, Sunoco's rates are actually lower than the choice. So, we did not lock in. We still can. they Frost River can carry over if we want to and that did help us with the March and April because they're 364 rate was actually lower for March and April. So, we're still in discussion trying to figure out what we have It's month-to-month for now, so we can look at it if we want to lock in with them or continue to go month-to-month instead of When I speak to NESC and other companies that provide
030service that are kind of competitive with my choice of energy. They're like, "Well, you you're probably good through the summer, but you may want to consider, you know, locking in before winter comes when the energy level goes up." And they also mentioned I mean, whatever happens in the world um what's going on in in the Iran conflict now, war against Ukraine that they influence our energy prices in the long run. Certainly has influenced our gas and you know, diesel fuel. Um but how would impact the natural gas is a little different situation, but it's looking at kind of watching and doing research to see what will be our best option before we sign into a long-term um contract. So, we have a couple of months before we we need to make that decision and you
031know, I've been in touch with like you said, the two other competitors as well as NESC and just trying to figure out I had one conversation with Constellation probably a month or two ago just to let them know we were you know, working on what we want to >> So, we'll talk about this tomorrow night. With with our budget as part of the Okay, cuz I I have lots of questions. >> Okay. I just wanted to give you this as a preview to that. >> I did Are you good? Did Have you heard anything about the state or yeah, the state cutting the property tax? There's something out there right now out on the >> They're they're they're they're They're at options and there's more than one way. It's like you know one way might
032be to to citizens who don't have students in school not have to pay the 6 mil tax. And there's other property tax ideas out there as well. So they're kind of They vary. >> Who's looking? Who's >> legislature >> They're They're legislators and groups, you know, putting pressure on for them to to look at options and what happens with the whole >> I mean cuz that's how we're funded or a lot of our funding. So if if we lose that piece I just want to know how the state's going to if they do change it or they take that away, how is the state going to be funded? >> Well, right right now our property taxes plus our per pupil equals our foundation. So they say what our foundation We have our foundation amount, they
033deduct what we collect locally from our different taxing units on our 18 mills, and what's left that we don't collect of that per pupil portion is what the state pays. So the state if they reduce who's paying those taxes, the state may have to give you more if we're not collecting as much locally. But it isn't cuz it's really been explained like there's only different I don't know something. >> But it is being talked about. >> It's being talked about. Right now the the last revenue conference they had in the middle of May, May 15th, they mentioned that seem like something they're going to have to gamble on watching here, but maybe in the future this year. So something to watch out for, but didn't sound like it was something we needed to worry about.
034>> Right next year. >> Okay. That's what I was wondering cuz I know we're going to talk budget tomorrow. But who knows, you And I was just thinking if there's something out there in that piece we have to We have to consider it. >> I haven't heard anything as far as I I've read that there shouldn't be you know, there's just not enough support for that to be answered in this early stages of conversation, but we can and if successfully hear our planning around it. Thank you. Thank you both for sharing that. >> Okay, next item on our agenda is items of interest from the board. Um, we'll start off with Margaret. >> Uh, just want to let everyone know we have two applicants for our replacement student board rep. So, um, we're getting uh,
035interview dates together. Hopefully, we'll have someone at the June 8th meeting that we can say is going to start next year. So. >> Does Kelsey stay on? >> Yes. >> And then we hopefully bring one more on. >> Correct. >> Does she want to be a part of the board? >> She wants to be, yes. >> Cool. Anything else, Margaret? >> Nope, that's it. >> Okay, next one. I did mix these up. Sarah. >> Nothing. Thank you. >> Okay. Danielle. >> I'm good. >> Uh, Sandy. >> I'm all set. >> Candace. >> Um. >> [clears throat] >> Uh, just a question for Billy cuz um, Michelle Laycock is not here, but we had the volunteer appreciation ceremony here a few two meetings ago. Do you know if the athletic boosters were I know invited presidents.
036names of athletic. I don't know exactly if they're boosters or not, but presidents submitted a whole list that was athletic. >> Do they know about the ceremony? >> I mean, they would have gotten the email blast, yeah. >> Okay. >> I there's someone specific that didn't even let me know, but yeah, they were definitely like I didn't have a list of who was volunteering for what piece, if you will, you know, on Preston's list, per se, but we definitely had a lot of youth sports, so I don't know exactly >> Okay. >> We can check and see if you have something specific. >> Yeah, I I know the coaches were here, but I I don't mind any of the boosters. >> I know some were here, so I know some of the sports guys. >>
037Yeah. >> Okay. So, we were looking for the the boosters? Is that what you were saying? >> The actual boosters themselves. Okay. Ready? >> [laughter] >> I'm ready. So, I would like to address some things that that took place in my absence while I was on a deployment. Um and just have an opportunity to to speak to that and some of those things. So, as most of you know, uh I as well as in November of 2019 was deployed to the Middle East. Uh before leaving on the deployment, I worked with President Shawn and and then Superintendent Reynolds A 2 to set up virtual meetings while I was gone. I felt that it was so important while deployed to stay connected and involved. I wanted to continue my service with the district and community. Um
038From October 2025 until the beginning of February of 2026, I attended meetings uh virtually and then in that manner. And then in the beginning of February, I reached out to the board and notified everyone that due to the operation tempo that I would be unavailable until further notice. Things were getting a little spicy. Uh and then on February 20 28th, Operation Inherent Resolve officially began. And over the next 60-plus days, the environment that I was uh that I was in for first 4 and 1/2 months no longer existed. And uh when I mean by that, I no longer had capabilities to have access to board emails or the ability to attend meetings in a consistent manner. Uh I can't go into details of what that consisted of, but uh what I can tell you is
039that my full attention and priorities shifted to taking care of my airmen and the base that were under constant threat of either ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones. >> So, near the end of that month, I was informed that Secretary Fortuna and Trustee Pelton had made comments about me on on the March 23rd board meeting. Uh where Secretary Fortuna made a statement to the effect that my absence was a disservice to the district and that I should have resigned before I left for deployment. Uh Trustee Pelton then echoed uh Sanders' comments. Uh from what I recall, uh Trustee Pelton further went on to say that uh she and other board members had previously discussed my absence. And that um unfortunately there was nothing that could be done about it. Uh And as I interpret
040those comments, I I think it's reasonable for me to believe that Arnett and and other board members had had previously had those conversation or conversations uh to figure out how they could have had me removed from the board due to my temporary absence. That's how I interpreted that. And uh to me that's that's seeking to have me removed was a deliberate attempt to subvert the will of the thousands of community members that voted me into this position on the board. And uh At the April 13th board meeting, several community members, along with many individuals from outside of the district, attended the meeting. Many of them Many of them provided public comment expressing their disapproval and disappointment regarding comments made by Secretary Fortuna and Trustee Pelton on March 23rd. Many of the individuals requested that an
041apology be made. Uh the words and requests from from all those that spoke at the public comment seemed to have fallen on deaf ears and no apology was ever offered or given, either in public or private. At the beginning of the board meeting held on 27 April, Rose Ann Brashaw did make opening remarks addressing those statements. And that um However, in in no part of that statement included anything that resembled an apology to myself or the community. Conversely, she defended her comments stating that board members have the right to express their personal opinions. Which, without a doubt, they did. Unfortunately, my troubles did not stop with the comments made by by the two members. In fact, they actually escalated. Over the following weeks, my wife and I were subjected to numerous personal attacks on social
042media. It wasn't until after my wife filed a complaint against a suspected individual with the Macomb County Sheriff's Department that the personal attacks and negative comments subsided. In the late night hours of May 16th, I received about an hour and a half notice that I would be departing from the Middle East. I returned home from my deployment in the early morning hours of Monday 18th May 18th. This was about 6 weeks 6 weeks past the original projected projected date of my return from my deployment as I was involuntarily extended. Upon my return home, I got right back to work for the district before going to spend precious time with my own family that I'd been away from for the last 7 and 1/2 months. I attended the board meeting later that evening where we as
043a board voted in our new superintendent. I also attended the senior classes commencement ceremony at Macomb Community College on that Wednesday, personally graduating all of the members of the 2026 graduating class. As school board members, we are leaders within the community. We literally create the moral, ethical, and anti-discrimination policies and standards for our district. As Secretary Fortuna and Trustee Teltow were making their comments, what examples did this provide to our stakeholders in the district of our community? What message does this send to our students? For far too long, members of this board have been not held accountable for their poor behavior and unprofessional actions. In part and because of this, our board has lost the trust, faith, and confidence of the community members and stakeholders. From the conversations that I've had with many community members,
044they do not feel that the board listens to them. They feel that some board members have their own personal agendas to push and that they do not have the community's interest at heart. The community's loss of trust in the board is having a very real effect and direct negative impact on all the students, staff, employees, and stakeholders throughout the district. In my opinion, this is a no clearer evidence of this than the failure of our most recent bond proposal. We as a board need to act in a manner that builds the trust and confidence from the community and our stakeholders. That means putting away any personal biases aside and working together to build the community. We will not accomplish this by continuing the manner that we have been. Deborah, as the president of our board,
045you're responsible for holding the line and maintaining the standard of the board. The poor actions and behaviors of board members that you ignore will remain to continue to be the standard and culture that you allow. In light of this situation, I believe that there are some good things that have come from it. First, I want to thank the board members that did voice their support for me and express that their views were not consistent with the comments that were made by some of the other board members. I also want to thank everyone that supported my wife and I as we navigated through this. Additionally, I saw several of our community members as well as community as Excuse me. Secondly, I saw several of our community members as well as community members, groups, and organizations from
046outside of our community come together to show support for a common interest. I hope this will get more of our community members involved in board meetings and that they will hopefully play a role in forging the future of our district. Lastly, this has brought to light the core personal beliefs and feelings of some board members have gone unnoticed or unseen previously. The community now has a clear awareness of where these board members stand. This also gives community members something else to consider if the members should decide to run for re-election. I still believe that an apology is owed by President Prashant, Secretary Fortuna, and Trustee Telfer. Not to me or because they broke any official rule or policy, but to the community and stakeholders because it's the right thing TO DO. >> [applause] >> EXCUSE
047ME. THERE SHOULD BE NO COMMENTS FROM OUR AUDIENCE. Excuse me. Excuse me. This is our meeting. You work here only to listen. >> And you disrupted >> Excuse me. Excuse me. We're talking our meeting. >> Then don't talk in my meeting in my township. >> If you have a problem, please leave. Okay. Anything else? Are you all set? >> That's it. >> Thank you. I do not have any thing to items of interest on the board. Okay, next item on our agenda is our public comments. Since the last board meeting, the board has not received any emails. There were no public comments that needed addressing from the last board meeting. At this time, any member of the public will have 3 minutes to address the board. Please sign in and state your name. If you
048wish a follow-up, please provide contact information on the public comment sign-in sheet. Are there any public comments? >> There being no public comments, next item on our agenda is our action item. Looking for a motion. >> I move to >> Whoops. I Let me finish. I'm looking for a motion for the overnight extended student trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan. >> I move to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the overnight {slash} extended student trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan as presented on May 26, 2026 as outlined in the attached documentation. Can I Can I Thank you. But can I just add rather student trip that it's the cheerleader? I think that should be So Ray, I'm going to change that to the cheerleaders. Do you still support it? >> I'll still support it. >> Okay,
049thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Motion carries. There being no further business, the board will adjourn at 7:39. Thank you, everyone.