Richmond Community Schools Board of Education Meeting on March 9, 2026

001Good evening. The regular meeting of the Richmond Board of Education will come to order at 7 o'clock. If we could please stand for the pledge of 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. >> Secretary Fortuna, could you please read our vision and mission statement and take roll call? The vision statement here at Richmond Community Schools is at Richmond Community Schools, we provide a quality education that empowers students to be successful in 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 everchanging world. And I will do roll call. Board member Gillis >> here. >> Uh board

002member Sutton here. >> Board member Telto here. >> Board member Cunningham >> here. >> I board member Fortune I am here. But board member Michon is absent with notice. Board member Sty is absent with notice. We do have a quorum. We also do have our two student representatives here today, Elizabeth Schaefer and Council McNair. >> Thank you. >> Do I have um I'm sorry. I'm looking for a motion to approve the agenda. >> All in favor? >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I motion passes. I'm looking for a motion to approve the consent agenda. So move >> support. Any discussions? Motion passes. >> Yeah. No. >> Oh, I'm sorry. All in favor? >> Nope. I have discussion, Billy. Um my questions about the um claims and accounts. >> Yep. So um board member Telto

003sent over a few questions. Um so I will share what those were and then share the response. Um board members, you should have also seen this uh a little earlier today, too. Um but I'll give you a chance for any questions. So one question was uh for check number 59530. It was to Brotherhood Sports for $390 for the purpose of new hire staff shirts. And the question was, is this new or um what do we provide staff shirts for? So, historically, the district has provided, sorry, historically the district has provided uh kind of a gift bag, a little swag bag if you will, for new uh new staff members. And so it's a reusable Richmond bag that includes a shirt, a cup or a mug of some sort with our logo, a pen, those kind

004of normal promotional items that we have. Um, so we typically do purchase the shirts in a large quantity to get the discount for them and a variety of sizes and then when we run low as we were, um, the purchase comes through. This is a new vendor. Um, with the switch in the, uh, HR office, this was a vendor that Miss Mitchell Octden was familiar with and had worked with before. So that may be why it looked different. And it is a different vendor. >> Thanks. No, my I just wanted to know it said new hire staff shirt. So I just wanted to know what the process and I like I just wonder people are usually pretty excited. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. >> And then another question was for um BSN sports in the amount

005of $491 and that was for girls basketball zipups. Um while the traditional uniform pieces are purchased by the district, these particular items were um paid from the internal account because the girls did have the opportunity to pay for them and keep them afterwards, which they typically do. So it was paid out of the internal account initially and then they recoup those funds from the girls if they chose to keep them. >> And so if they if they don't choose to keep them, then they become school property. >> But I think they are personalized. So I think they typically do. >> Oh, they are perfectly. So they could be mistaken. Uh and then we had um a check to Fenton High School for $300 for wrestling tournament fee. Um again, that one was paid out of

006an internal account rather than the traditional um sports athletic account. Um the school account does pay for postseason tournaments. So, the tournaments that you would earn your way into um as you move up the rings in that postseason, if any of our teams in any uh any any sport do choose to do an inseason tournament as an additional tournament, then we have asked them historically to pay for that out of their own internal account that they're doing fundraising for of that nature. And then the next one was the $700 check to Kawaii Piano Gallery. And that was an additional charge um when we did the purchase of the new pianos that was made following the elective department curriculum purchases. Um, there was an electronic piano that was purchased for the middle school choir room, but

007upon installation, it was not compatible with the technology in the room to be able to utilize their speakers and connect to the screen in that room, which was really what was the goal of having that new um, piano in that room to be able to have it be fully functional. Um, so we were able to exchange it for a different model that was compatible, but the $97 was the difference. That other model was, of course, more expensive, unfortunately. Um, okay. So, how did we wind up ordering something that wasn't compatible? >> They So, when when um Miss Flor really was leading the charge in that, she did explain to the vendor what we were looking for. Um and so they did have that information. They again, they they thought that it was going to work.

008They came and, you know, they were very hands-on with the whole process. Um so, I'm not sure if it was just a miscommunication on their part or them not understanding, but we were very clear with them what we needed. Um but again upon hooking it up in the classroom it did not and so they were able to realize what the problem was and it was the other model that provided that. >> Did did it cost us anything for an exchange? >> No they know they were very good about doing all the moving shipping and handling all of that stuff um at no additional charge char charge. So the difference was just simply the the different device. Okay. And then lastly, we had a check to Stfansancy Accounting and the amount of $4,585. And that was

009during the time when um our business director was out of the office for extended period due to some family issues and then ultimately a bereavement as well. And so, Miss Holly Stfansky was contracted to maintain the efficiency of the business office during that time. Um she's an independent contractor. She came very highly recommended from several districts across the county. Um, so we did just actually kind of close out her last few items that she was supporting us with and helping us with during that absence. Um, but it was definitely very helpful to keep things moving and have her supporting us there. >> Thank you. I just didn't I didn't know the name and and it's our professional services. So, thank you for that. >> Absolutely. >> Any other discussions? >> All in all in favor?

010I Motion passes. Our next item on our agenda is our presentations. Um for the first three presentations, we will be recognizing three special staff members. And after each presentation, we'll have a photo opportunity in the back for everybody. And I'm going to hand this on over to our intern. >> Thank you. >> Uh okay. So, uh, again, we are always so excited to honor our staff that kind of put in that extra effort to to seek out grant funds that we know can greatly support our district and our students and the various initiatives that we are doing um throughout the district and and throughout the school year. And so, to help us honor those um few of those grants that have been received this year, I'm going to turn it over to Miss Schiller who's

011going to go through and um introduce each of these along with the donators. Good evening. This year, three of our teachers applied for and received grants from three different community partners. These grants provide meaningful opportunities that directly impact our classrooms and enhance the learning experience for our students. We are honored to have some of our partners here with us this evening as well as the teachers who received these grants. One teacher will be presented with their grant tonight and others will briefly share the impact these opportunities have had in their classes. Before we begin, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the board of education and our community partners for your continued support of the staff and students here at Richmond Community Schools. Together, we truly are shaping tomorrow. So, our first grant

012highlights the power of music and the arts in our schools. Through the support of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, our students have been provided with additional opportunities to grow and perform through music. At this time, please join us in welcoming Miss Linda Smith, Mr. Zinc, and Mr. Gray as they present Miss Smith with her grand award this evening. >> Good evening, board of education, superintendent. My name is Bob Gray. This is Lance Peachy, Keith Stratton, day showers. We are from the Richmond Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Um, for about the last 6 years, we have been running a charitable foundation program with the help of our grant chapter of Michigan. We have in our lodge three communities we support. Richmond, Arma, and Memphis. So, we have been giving for the last six years $500

013grants. And to earn the grant, you have to submit a letter. Miss Smith gave us a beautiful letter. I have a copy here. Um, and from what we've read, she plans to do some fantastic things with the money in that. So, we uh look to help our communities do charitable foundation work. Um, how many are familiar with what Freemasonry is? Just a few of them. It's not unusual. A lot of people don't know. How many are familiar with the Shriners and the work the Shriners do? Well, to be a Shriner, you first must be a Mason. So, you have to go through what we call our blue lodge to become a Mason. And from there, there are actually many variations beyond the just the basic Mason. So, um, at this time, Miss Smith, you get

014the check for $500. Oh, you're very welcome. You're very welcome. School district, so you can take your receipts, submit them to the school district. >> No, unfortunately, the rules say we can't quite do that. Sorry. So, >> thank you so much. So, um, also before I step away, some of you have the flyers. We also do for the Willy School our books and bike program which will be coming up here shortly. Um, we are having a fundraiser on the 21st and I'm going to ask Dave Showers to speak on this a moment as he is the coordinator of the event. Dave, >> I know Dave Morning. Uh this is my our 19th year of doing this here at Lily Elementary and it it just is near to my heart and the bikes have gotten really

015expensive, you know, as everything else has. And so we have this fundraiser. So I just like to invite everybody to come to our fundraiser. It's at Strikers. It's the 21st. And uh every kid that signs up will get a bike whether it comes out of our pockets or the fundraiser or and statistics show that by the third grade a child is going to grasp reading or they're not. And that's why we picked the third graders and it works out great. I mean, I wish you could come into the assembly and see these kids when they come up and get a brand new bicycle. It's like giving you a brand new car. It's just just it just melts our hearts with these little kids. But all I got to say, thank you very much. >> Okay,

016quick picture. And there's the backdrop to the side. >> Yes. Can you say something for >> Oh, yeah. I want to take my I just had to store real quick. I will be quick. Okay. These are the tuners. And how I already have a tuner is because of this reason. A week before my concert, five students came up to me and said, "Miss Smith, my umbily broke. Miss Smith, my umbily broke. Miss Smith, my bucky broke." I'm like, "What?" It was the day before mid winter break. I'm sitting in my living in my room on PD and I reached out to Port Heron Music and I said, "Did you buy these ukuleles for us?" Because I know they they're superstar instruments and and they said, "No, as a matter of fact, they picked them up

017for me." They go, "They're not fixable." Like, "What am I going to do? I have a concert." Okay, I'll just buy them in the case. No, I can't. Let me call. So, I called California and I said, "Here's my dilemma. Do you have do you service our our school out? No, we don't. Um, I tell you what, the person that I was speaking to was William Chos, the director of education that helps schools. He said, "How many broke?" I said, "Five." She told me, "Cell, when's your concert?" Next Friday. I'll send them to you. Thursday morning, the band director came up to me and she said before before the concert, she said, "I got to tell you something. You had a package in the office." I ran. It was Christmas. I was crying. Oh my

018gosh. I open it up. No. Yes. There's tuners, too. They sent me the five ukulele I needed plus five tuners. And so I called them today, a psychopath to thank them. Told them that I was being awarded the grant. And I also called the Michigan Opera Theater and I told them that I was being awarded the grant. And they said, "Well, normally we charge $5 a ticket for the buses for the kids to come. I tell you what, if you get the buses, we'll do it for free. Wow. Gets better. They get better. So, I called Colin. I said, "Um, I know you sent me five. I just would sell them to me at a discount, but you know, if I need 15 more for for all the kids, and then I could use the

019rest of the funds because the Michigan Opera Theater to perform at $600 if they come to us." I'm like, "Okay, I can come up with another $100, but that's no problem." I said, "But then I don't have enough for my tutors." He said, 'Well, you know, we're having our meeting tomorrow. What's your email again? I sent it to him. We're having a meeting tomorrow for donations, so I'll let you know tomorrow how that goes. >> Oh, wow. >> So, I wanted to cry because you're $500. It's not It's going to cover the the the Michigan Opera Theater. Come perform for us. I'll throw the extra 100 hours in. That's okay. Plus, if we can we can get buses for the kids. We can take another group of kids to the opera house which is beautiful

020for free and we might get some more of these like wow that $100 be amazing. I have so much more to say but I got to go cuz I'm writing another grand for the to do a musical for next year on another miracle. Apparent one of the teachers came up to me and said she said you know what I just saw this thing in my inbox for for Disney and uh you might want to look into it. I'm like, "Okay, what musicals for free?" No. And they are the musicals that I did at Fox Elementary. All the Disney MTI probably musical. Not all of them. I didn't do all of them. I'm only doing the ones I done before. So, I just submitted that grant today as well. I won't know until mid year if

021we'll get that, but if we end up having our fourth and fifth grade the way we might have it next year, then I can do that for them, too. And I tell you, whatever you do, however you help these kids, you're helping me help these kids cuz I really love them. I really do love them. Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. How you doing? I would, you know, I know. >> I know. >> It was posted already. Was it? >> Next, we would like to recognize another one of our valued community partners, LNL Partners. A special thank you to LNL Partners for their continued generosity and support. Although they are not able to be with us this evening, we want to recognize and express our appreciation for their partnership and commitment to creating

022meaningful opportunities for our students. This school year, Miss Anne Gallagher was awarded the LNL grant. Through this opportunity, she has been g been able to provide engaging hands-on learning experiences for her students. We are grateful for the impact this grant is having in her classroom. And at this time, Miss Gallagher will share a little more about this grant. Okay, I'm just going to do a little um background. I don't know if I've ever done it before. So, um, I I'd like to share with you a bit of the history regarding the grants our district received from the LNL Education Foundation. LNL Products out of Romeo, Michigan started education foundation to give back to the communities that their employees reside in and to focus particularly on STEM education to help prepare students for the future. I

023received the first grant 2018 after Mr. Wamsley poured the grant to me. I was creating the new steam program for the elementary school and this grant was an opportunity to get materials needed to get the program off and running. Since then, we have been fortunate recipients of five grants totaling close to $35,000. The grant funds have allowed me to provide materials and lessons for my current position in grades 6 through 8. And this year was able to include the K5 steam program as LNL doubled the amount of funds you could receive from their usual $5,000 to $10,000 that you could apply for. So here are some of the items that we're able to purchase um through this grant for K5. They were able to um replenish the Dash robots and accessories that I received back

024in 2018. Those need to be replaced. Um our beloved BBOT are now called Bluebots. So, she was able to get some of those and mats and then some iPads and cases and a really cool um plant timelapse camera. And then for the 68 program, these are previous ones that I've had their grants through them. Hydroponic systems, aquaponic system, grow lights and outdoor greenhouse. And then this year um with the grant I purchased Hummingbird microbit robots bewax kit, kitchen DNA chicken DNA kit, wind power kit, solo power kit, grains for the United States kit, serious cereal science kit, and then I also got a couple things for the farmers club. I got um garden a glove and popcorn science kit. So the LL education foundation is um giving grant opportunities on a yearly basis. It used

025to be every other year, but since the picture now, we're doing it every year. Um, so, um, I want to acknowledge Gina Walker and who is the account accountant and program officer at El and all the members of the foundation for their continued commitment to STEM education and Richmond Community Schools. >> Yes. >> Think she was trying to get out. Do you want to share a little before? Okay. And then you want to share. Okay. Perfect. We are pleased to welcome from Extra Credit Union, Miss Ashley Cordise and Lacy Cornell from they are here with us tonight. Thank you for your continued partnership and support for our students here at Richmond. This year, Miss Gershy was awarded the Extra Credit Union Grant. And unfortunately, she cannot be here. So, what I'm going to do is

026I will share her slides with you guys. Um, so this was for Miss Gershy's resource room. So, there that was a picture of her receiving the grants. Um, so the grant was for $850 and it was for creating a mini sensory room in her classroom. Why? Miss Gershey recognized a growing need to support students with sensory processing needs and provide them with a safe, calming space during the school day. Her goal was to help students develop self-regulation skills, manage their emotions effectively, and return to learning, ready to succeed. Why sensory support matters? Miss Hershey currently has a small calming corner in her classroom. Through this grant, she is seeking additional funding to expand and enhance the space in response to the evolving and increasing needs of her students. Students utilize sensory breaks both at the

027end of academic sessions and at scheduled times throughout the school day to help regulate their nervous systems. Many of these students experience overstimulation during the school day, which can impact their ability to focus, manage emotions, and fully engage in learning. With this funding, Miss Hershey plans to purchase sensory tools and equipment designed to support self-regulation. These resources will help reduce anxiety and stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance students ability to refocus academically. Ultimately, this space will promote stronger mental health and greater success in the classroom. So, there is a couple of more pictures. I know she has a couple things ordered, unordered. They're not all in her room yet. She said, "We can't wait to share our new calming corner and sensory tools with you and to stop in for a visit once everything has

028arrived and is set up. The students are very excited." So, I think that was the end of that, but I did want to invite you up to say a couple of words. Thank you. So, good evening. My name is Lacy Cornell. I'm one of the school and relationship coordinators at Extraure Credit Union. And we were very excited to be able to honor Miss Gerchie with funds for the second year in a row. Um, last year she received $1,500 and this year the $850 and since 2011 we have been extra credit union has been awarding $10,000 each school year to school employees and this application process runs September 1st through about the third week of December. So for anyone that would be interested in additional funds for next year that will roll out. Um, since our

029inception in 1954, we have been committed to offering free financial education resources to school staff and their students. And over the last several years, we've been able to extend those services to Richmond Community Schools. And we are very excited to share that we have purchased real estate in New Haven. So, we're actually opening in a branch at 27 in Grasset. And this will allow us to further our partnerships and our reach within the Northern Community Schools with all schools. And we're excited to continue this partnership. So I wanted to show we've actually had the privilege of working with the elementary school. We've done March's reading month. We've been in the high school and done presentations. And then we hosted a money magic show at the middle school last year. So that was fun. But we

030created a little outline that shows educators the type of presentations we can offer to bring into the classroom. Um, and they're all resources for free. So, we were just excited to share this and we do have some resources that you guys can look at later and if you had any questions, but we are honored to be able to award funding and we look forward to the partnership in the future. So, thank you. Oh yeah. >> Oh, you're okay. Thank you. Thanks so much. >> Sorry. Our next presentation will be March's rating. And to help us present that, I will again invite up Miss Lee Huber and then she'll have representatives from each building. um join her as well. >> Today, we're excited to share a few highlights from March's reading month and the many wonderful

031literacy activities happening across our schools. Throughout the district, our staff and students have been celebrating the joy of reading in creative and engaging ways. Joining me today are Miss Borwick, Miss Mela, and Miss Banguni, who will share some of the great things happening in their buildings as we continue to foster a love of reading in our students. And I believe Miss Borwick, the high school is first. I'm going to try to be as animated as Linda Smith. Um, so thank you for having me. Um, March's reading month at the high school always looks obviously a little bit different than it may at the elementary in the middle. But, um, I want a big thank you to Miss Schaefer. She oversees our March's reading um, month and our activities. Um, Mrs. Ael actually put this idea

032together with the March Madness Tournament of Books. Um the kids have had a really good time with it. Um and it was nice cuz she put a lot of books in there that maybe some of our younger staff would pick and then maybe some of us more seasoned um administrators and teachers had some books on there too. Um so the kids are able to look at just like a March Madness bracket and they are selecting the books based off of what the staff members think they would pick. So the kids are having a really good time with that. We're going to do drawings at the end and after each round the brackets. So, I just clicked that. Okay. Um, the other things that we have kind of going on is reading responses. Um, Mrs. Schaefer

033put together um through our English classes kind of a a reading response, what they're reading, what they like about it. Um, just some different questions to kind of promote the conversation. Obviously, reading at the high school level. And then what we do is each week we do drawings with prizes and things like that. um just to kind of acknowledge that kids are out there and they're doing the readings and uh just to kind of kind of spark those conversations. Um the next one is staff book recommendations and our our daily announcements um and our social media posts. What we're doing there is just kind of talking about what our staff is reading. I think kind of promoting and modeling obviously that um I think at the high school level we have the challenge of the

034cell phone and kind of um dealing with social media. So for us, it's just kind of promoting it and showing our students it's something that we all do in some capacity. It might be a book, it might be a magazine. So the staff has kind of that autonomy as to what they'd like to share. Um and then the last one is the RHS book club. And what we have there is once a week Mrs. Schaefer is bringing staff and students together. There's a couple of pictures there um showing, you know, our first meeting. It was a small group, but you know, they were talking about books that they were reading or book recommendations. Um, having some good conversations. The one Kai popped in real quick and one of the conversations was that they had to

035take their book and use staff members to input them into characters within the book. So, it was fun conversation and it was just kind of a neat thing to hear kids perspective on. So, um, the last thing I want to do is just thank um, Lynn Pierce. I don't know that any of you know her, but she was a former parent of ours in the district and she worked with me in the PTA when I was at the middle school and she donated hundreds of dollars um Barnes & Noles gift cards, um tropical smoothie, big bs, bookmarks, um books, um just out of the kindness of her own heart, she doesn't have kids in the district anymore, but she's um really tied into the library system in Mcome County um and she sees the importance

036of it. So, I just wanted to thank her as well. So, any questions for me? High school. All right. What book did you recommend? >> I haven't yet. Um, so Mrs. Schaer, thank you, Margaret. Mrs. Schaer did give me my slip, so I will be sharing that with her this week. Yes, it might be magazine, but I'm still reading. Yes, she is doing it. >> Don't you listen to the announcement? I'm not here. >> I did place my votes last week. Yeah. Thank you, Miss Warway. >> All right. Next, we have Miss Mela and Miss Sher Middle School, but they are good afternoon everybody. Good evening everybody. Um, as you guys those of you that know me knows this is my favorite month. I love to read and it's really exciting because um Aaron and

037I talk books quite a bit all the time. What are you reading? What can I read? All this good stuff. So, it was only it was like a perfect alignment that she became our coordinator this year. So, I'm going to turn it over to Aaron and she is going to let everybody know what we are doing and it's all fun stuff. It is fun. So ping my hand on the march mand same um got everybody excited and um sometimes even the most reluctant readers if you can tie it around sports they're like okay um so we started with book brackets our fourth graders are having a picture book showdown so they are reading picture books they decided as a team which ones they want to present to their students and students are voting weekly on

038those um fifth grade and then sixth through 8th grade we have series brackets Um, our series are everything from like who is and who was for fifth graders to um the summer turn pretty and Hunger Games up in the 68. Uh, the first vote for those is this week. They're voting in their home rooms via forms um on their favorite series. So, we'll see who makes it to the next round and then switch. Okay. So then we have a calendar of events. Um we have a spirit day each week. Um since it's sports theme, tomorrow is jersey day. So everyone's coming decked out in their sports apparel. We are ending the month with our giant deer time in the hallway where everyone's going to snuggle up with their books and their PJs and bring a

039blanket or a towel to um sit and relax and enjoy their books, which I think is going to be super fun. I know everyone really likes our last year. And um I did I'm the person that you guys have those invitations from. That's me. Um I sent them out I believe last week. So if you are available anytime of the month, please reach out cuz we do really want to have guest readers come in for our students. They love being read. Um I know personally Jen and I have talked a lot um during my SSR time and the elective I teach, we're reading a novel. We read two chapters every week and they are like are we reading this week? We can't skip it even when it's like a half day. So um if you

040can please everything. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. And then we have Mr. Pedri and Miss Nanguni. And if you have not had a chance to walk through Lee, I know I've seen some at Roundup. You definitely need to because yes, the theme is amazing. The walls are decked out. Thank you very much. As you know, at Lee, we like to have fun and we're doing that this month. So, our theme is reading takes you places. I have Mr. Pedry here. He's going to speak at the end. He didn't want to speak at the beginning, but that's okay. Um, Mr. Pedry, if you don't know him, he's been with us over 20 years, and his main focus has always been literacy and teaching kids to read. it's what he lives and breathes. And so

041when this opportunity came up, I was not surprised when he said, "I want to do this." I was like, "You are the perfect person." Um, and he gets staff um like input and staff um buyin like nobody I've ever seen. Like on a Friday night, they're like helping hang hanging things from the ceiling. I'm like, "How do you do that?" But anyway, so um some of the things we're doing is the pajama reading day. Um we're calling it families and jammies. And the reason we started that last year was because we kind of took an inventory about, okay, we have some guest readers, but we're still missing out on some families. We can't have every parent come in and read. And then we're like, wait, we can have every parent come in and read. How

042do we do it? So now, um, every grade level has you come in in your jammies and bring a blanket and the parents bring a book they like and parents get so excited. We get some really crazy jammies. Sometimes we get like onesies. It's so fun. and they find a spot in the classroom and they um pull it down their blanket and they read with their kids. So, it's super fun. Um we do that preschool all the way through third grade. And then we are doing um a March's reading month calendar, which I'll get to. We're doing Reading Buddies where our young readers are matched up with our older readers. So, that's really been fun where they get to kind of model and see that, you know, the older kids like to read too. Um

043and then we also have the mystery reader, the guest reader. So, um we have some folks from MDE, Mrs. maniac, which has been awesome. She always leaves a book for the classroom, which I think is super special and memorable. Um, board members, I've seen you in the hallways. Thank you so much. Um, who am I missing? Mr. Pedro, we have lots of visitors. The Richmond um um um Miss Richmond, I'm so sorry. It's playing now, Miss. Okay. So, Miss Richmond in the court and the kids love that cuz they do bring like wear their dress and then their crowns. So, it's just really about showing them that whoever you might connect with um that's somebody that likes to read, too. So, Officer McCoy is a new one this year. He's nervous, but today was his

044first day. He had to pop in and go, "Okay, I'm doing it." I'm like, "You got this. They don't care. They love you. Just read a book." And so, that was super fun. So, lots of people um in our building. >> Jamie Green, too. >> Yeah. And then tracking your weekly minutes. Um, so we want the kids to log and return their weekly minutes. So we're encouraging them to read with their parents or a grandparent or their babysitter, older sibling. Um, cuz there's, you know, prizes attached. So we make sure everybody like has some fun with that. But we do have some bigger prizes for the kids that are really going above and beyond. We'll talk about that. Um, PTO is a huge huge support. So as they as you guys know, like the chocolate

045bars is a huge fundraiser. Little Caesars. Thank you, Mrs. Sleton. She chairs that. It's a it's a big deal. It seems small, but they bought all the kids flashlights cuz it's really about like making sure it's not a financial burden. We want every kid to enjoy and they do a great job. So, every child got a flashlight and then I just get on the PA as a surprise and it's kind of drop everything and read and so they get their flashlights out. You can see kids are reading in buckets under tables, you know, um things that are like different than they're, you know, able to do normally. So, that gets the excitement up and that's when they like get excited to grab their book. So, that's fun. The whole school gets dark. It's kind of

046weird but cool. And then we've kind of just been talking about as a staff like reader today, leader tomorrow. So taking you places. We really are talking to the kids about like reading unlocks everything. So it's the key to everything that you might want to do. So it starts there. That's kind of the non-negotiable. You can want to do a lot of things, but reading has to be a part of it no matter what you get into. Um if you get a chance, um I did a little segment with Richmond TV. It was really kind that they invited me in on just March's reading month. It's more in depth, but um super exciting. I'm going to share it out with our families because I talk about them a lot and talk about how they're important

047in this process and that you don't get these moments back when you have a little one with you reading and you think that you have a long time and then you don't. So, I think this is just so important to just be like, I know you're busy and working and I was there, but but just do it. You will not regret it. So, you read a page, I read a page, or you know, parents love, you know, to um have their kids listen to them and vice versa. So, I won't get too sappy, but we're really trying to get parents excited. So, um, and then the schoolwide challenge. Oh, boy. The things they want to make us do, right, Mrs. Gibson? So, you know, we've been silly stringed and the duct tape to the wall

048and all the things. So, this year, apparently, they want me to sit in a baby pool in a lawn chair and they want to throw wet sponges at me. This is what they came up with. So, I don't know if I'm going to go for it, but you know, I will. So that's kind of it. But they have to read 200,000 minutes collectively. I also have a lot of reptiles at my house and I have a turtle. They want me to kiss my turtle. So whatever they make me do, I'm going to do it. But they just got to read that amount. So um that is all and I think that's the last item. I'll hand it over to Mr. Victory. Is that it? Perfect. >> It has been a pleasure taking over March's reading

049with them. The collaboration between the staff has been awesome. The input is amazing. We have great parents involved in coming into the school. Families in Jammy's day is my favorite. Parents come in are so excited to come here with their kids. One example was yesterday. Kindergarten did not have no one to read with last week. Her mom had to work. She was so surprised that her grandpa showed up unannounced to read with her. She actually started to cry. So moments like that make it time for. So thank you again and hope you didn't next year. One other thing we do at we also I want to mention is with Jim John Field all the students will have an opportunity to earn a free ticket to Jimmy John's game by reading a certain amount of minutes.

050So that's another approach you do as well. >> Thank you. Um our next presentation will be for the new teacher academy. Okay. Um another important initiative happening in Richmond this year is our new teacher academy which supports and mentors our newest educators as they begin their careers in our district. Joining me tonight is Miss Jar and Miss Rman who will share more about the new teacher academy and the opportunities it provides to our teachers. >> Thank you. I'm Mrs. Jar and I'm going to start out telling you why we do it and what it is and then Mr. Straman will tell you what we've done with our new teachers this year. Um, the MDE requires all teachers to have professional development hours every year, but as new teachers, they have an additional 90 hours that

051they have to get in their first three years. And that's separate from what the district provides. And in the past, all of our new teachers have gone to the ISD for their new teacher academy at some cost to the district. I don't know what that cost is. I did that academy 30 years ago. Um we started talking a couple of years ago um actually with Staples and I and Mr. Wsley about the possibility of having a Richmond new teacher academy tailored to our teachers and what they actually need in our district. And last year continued the talks and Lily and I collaborated some over the summer and got approval to to give it a go. So we meet with the teachers once a month um for two hours. There's also an hour of their mentoring

052and there's a reflection log that they have to document their time and we talk about the topics that are important for all new teachers but also related to Richmond schools. Um and one final note is that we made it it is a mandatory that if they choose not to attend the one here in the district, they can go elsewhere. But that's at their own time and their own cost. So we provide this to them. Amen. Hello everybody. Um so some of the things that we talked about but I did want to mention um it is new teachers to the profession as well as our new teachers to the district. So make sure that even though they might have teaching experience, they're coming to us um within a district. So, we want to make sure they

053have all the information they need to be successful in Richmond. So, we offer it to everybody, but who we typically will see show up are our brand new teachers, um, first, second, or third years possibly, as well as teachers new to the district. They might not need those 90 hours, but they want the information. So, um, and it actually kind of helped with the instructional coaches. Jess and I work with many of those teachers anyway as we have been helping um coach them within those first few years here. So we see them at the new teacher academy when we are going over some of these topics. So some of the things that we have talked about for this year 1 and some of these will be elaborated for year two and year three where we

054will also be adding some new topics for them. Um, so we talk about powers school and schooly and how to use those um, possibly even entering log entries and what that would look like um, as a teacher. Um, we've talked about classroom management and some practices and strategies and helping teachers that are new. As we all know, when you're learning how to be a teacher in college, you don't get all those great tips and strategies. So, we try to provide them as experienced teachers um, when they're coming into the district for this new teacher academy. We had Preston Trenton come in and present to all of our teachers about the safety protocols. Even though he might have done that in the buildings, he was able to come in and do that for our teachers exclusively.

055And and then of course they had time to ask questions or whatever they needed. Um and pretty much every time we have a meeting, again it's one a month. Um Jessica and I would be doing like a Kagan strategy because many of these teachers have not experienced the Kagan training. um that's something that happened a little while ago and so we've been kind of incorporating some class builder strategies or some team builder strategies or um some other strategies for instructional cooperative learning. Um so we show that and they can take that back with their to the classroom right away. Um we've talked about especially for our new teachers what is parent conferences like and what that might help some things they might need to know to be helpful and be successful. that and communication with

056parents is key. Um, you know, not just what our contract says, but we need to be communicating with our parents as much as possible, especially, you know, that typical rule of communication within 24 hours. Um, if we do receive an email, um, we have we are going to be talking about more about standardized testing because that testing season is coming up. So, that's going to be something we talk about most likely at the beginning of April andor um, if they have questions, we're always available even now. talk about curriculum, staff resources, obviously professional etiquette, um, and responsibilities there. Um, something we just talked about in our last one is teacher evaluations, which we know that a lot of teachers get a little nervous with that whole process. Um, so we try to help ease some

057of their um, minds on a tool that the administrators in the district have adopted and use and how that they can use that to help them um, not just be better teachers, but um, within the evaluation process. And then we will also be at by the end of the year talking about how we go about purchasing supplies and those endofear procedures. Um in addition we had like Jamie Clawson come in and she talked to the teachers about IEPs and the type of special support we provide um 504s and even our English language learners and some of the additional supports that they receive within the district. So those are just some of the things that we talk about. I think there's additional um things here. Um these are some of the ideas. Did you want to

058talk about topics for two and three? >> Um as we move into years two and three because obviously the teachers that went through the year one don't need exactly the same thing three years in a row. Years two and three potentially could be a combined cohort and it would include refreshers on the year one topics. But moving into things like developing the assessments that you're going to use and more resources um applying for grants as we saw tonight that's really beneficial. behavior management and restorative practices. Um, and the importance of maintaining balance between personal life in school because we all know education, no matter what part of it you're in, it can be very stressful. Um, we give ourselves heart and soul to this and we have to remember something for ourselves. Um and then

059at the same time the new teachers would be having those year one basic topics on board at the same time and also the topics Adriana Jess um I've presented and we do we do offer and invite any other staff members that have information. I've reached out to um Sarah and also Angela from human resources to potentially have them come in and talk to our new teachers about that aspect of the job because a lot of these young kids come out of college, they have no idea what what does this tax mean or there's insurance plans. So, it's really been a benefit. Um, and one of the things that we provided was hot tips for teachers where we surveyed the veterans and just gave them this list of things that you would never think to ask.

060Let's just I don't know if it's the last time, but we just showed um so these are some of the actual um pieces. So like our evaluation tools over there on the right in the bottom. Um we didn't even go over how to incur an absence or bed rover. That's something like many of our new teachers would not be accustomed to and or be familiar with. So and that helps even our new teachers into the district because they might use a different system than the other district that they came from. Um we did talk about mandated reporting. We even show them MOAX which is the actual state of Michigan where we go in and they look at their ratings and all that information and their evaluations get entered into that. So we show them how

061to enter that and all of the PD that they are required would be entered there. Um that was one time that we work with them and there's the hot tips that we were talking about. The big three pieces that was what Cheryl was talking about earlier at the very beginning of the year. Billy um and Cheryl gave them a folder of these required components. um to go through with the new teacher academy. The very last slide, I think our last slide here, this was a really fun Kagan strategy that I think Jess and I were pretty excited and proud of. Um if you I don't even remember what it's called, but who am I is what we used. It's a Kagan strategy and they hopefully went back and maybe even tried it with some students,

062but we printed a whole bunch of random um celebrities or people that are famous um and we put them on their back so they didn't know. So they had to ask only two questions. I think it was two, three, three questions per person. And they could only ask a question that was yes or no. So it was extremely funny to see the older teachers that wouldn't know some of the young people that was a celebrity and they didn't understand. And then there were some that couldn't tell me or they couldn't figure out who McDonald was, Elvis. And then so those were young teachers and they just didn't know. It was very interesting. there was somebody that didn't know who Tiger Woods was. So like on the back and they were asking all the questions but

063the guy that was wearing that knew who he was just the people answering the questions that know who he was. So it definitely gave a different dynamic and I think it would be a great classroom um class builder which is how we kind of showed that and displayed that. So that was a lot of fun. That was one of our um more recent ones this year I think in January. So that was it. Any questions for the new teacher academy and or for Cheryl? >> I don't have a question, but I love the fact that we're doing here ourselves. It's like a really big orientation and a welcoming figuring out. I love that >> that we're doing it here >> and the fact that we do it once a month. >> So we're not meeting

064and okay, good luck. We'll see you in 3 months again. there there's a constant touch >> although some of that I hope is included in their onboarding already >> the one piece staff resources I I did that and even the the presentation Preston did it is included in the onboarding but that is so crazy busy hectic >> and there's a lot as the new teachers that's like everything is overwhelming and so this is a chance to then go back. Okay, remember we talked about this. Now, here's a little bit of time to actually >> It's a safe space, I think, too, when you It's a great relationship builder and a safe place for them to ask questions after they get all this information and they they've been able to have it sink in >> and

065then it's kind of like, oh, it comes up again and then they can come and ask their questions and then it's it is awesome. I am glad that we have it in house because I think I mean new teacher academy at Mcome is great but when you're with your peers across the district it does it makes a huge difference. So I'm excited and the dynamic too not just being only those first or first or second year teachers because we have staff like we said that's come with many years like Linda is usually there you know I mean so she has many years of experience but new to Richmond. So she makes it a point to make sure she's there. Obviously, she can give different pieces of advice to those newer teachers. And then even some

066of our year two or and I can name a couple year three teachers that that got a little bit behind on getting those 90 hours because it was challenging to go out to the ISD even though it was free and an option and they could go. It just timing was bad. It's always after school. You got to get all the way down there. And so they were so thankful to have that time. And again, a year three teacher versus year one teacher, you you do you have a lot more that you can share. And the level of questions I mean the group is just it's a great >> conversations right are the best part the conversations listening to teachers talking to each other talking to us it really is >> I think I think one

067of the best things is that we are showing as community schools we support our teachers um we give them the support whether it's through the new teacher academy we give them mentors We have instructional coaches so they feel supported because we don't want to lose them. That's the big thing we are definitely trying that that really goes towards and speaks to the teacher retention. The more support they feel um they have the people they can go to um instead of feeling like they're all alone and in this world especially as a brand new teacher we're going to keep these really good teachers and that's what we want to do. So, >> I also think it's important that we worked together on this because it's it's a joint effort between our teachers and the district. So,

068it's not something being imposed on them that some people could feel that way. >> We created this together. >> Thank you, Thank you. >> Okay, our next item on our agenda will be our student board of education representative report. I will now turn this over to Kelsey Mcamero for Lee Elementary. The Early Learning Child Center at Will L Elementary recently hosted its annual preschool roundup and the event was a big success. Families from across the community had the opportunity to visit the school, meet staff members, and learn more about the exciting programs offered for our youngest learners. During the event, families were able to tour classrooms, explore learning materials, and ask questions about our preschool and GSRP programs. Staff members were available to help guide families through the enrollment process and share information about what

069makes our early childhood programs such as special place for children to begin their educational journey. Preschool Roundup is always a wonderful opportunity for families to see firsthand the engaging and supportive environment that our students experience every day. Children who attended enjoy exploring the classrooms and participating in fun activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement about learning. We are proud of the continued growth of our early childhood programs and are excited to welcome many new families to our school community. For the middle school, March 1st kicked off reading month at RMS. We're so excited to celebrate all the things reading. On Thursday, March 5th, the eighth grade concert band participated in the MSBA district 16 band festival at Warren Lewis Tower High School. The band was awarded a strong first division rating from the panel of

070four a educators in the class D division earning 16 out of 20 possible A's in the various categories and even included a few A+ Alice's. The performance was very well received by the audience and the judges. They hated Miss Shaq for helping our band continue to be amazing. They're so proud of our eighth grade band. Our fifth grade students are enjoying their time at our annual trips to Starbase. They are so excited to share what they experience each week. And finally, our final student cyber safe school presentation will be held tomorrow, March 10th, in our middle school cafeteria. Our final presentation for the year will be a parent and community presentation on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30 in the RMS cafeteria. This will be part of our RMS par empowerment night. More details to follow.

071At the high school, student artwork will be on display at the Anton Arts Center in Mount Cle beginning on Saturday, March 14th through April 12th. Congratulations to the 20 students who made the show. Robotics will be competing at Mary'sville High School this weekend. DECA state competition took place this past weekend. Congratulations to the four students who competed. Congratulations to the mock trial team who competed this past weekend. You represented Richmond very well. Our science Olympia team will also be competing at Mcome Community College this Saturday. For athletics, winter sports have come come to an end this past weekend. Last week, Claire Milan represented Richmond High School at MHSA singles bowling state finals. She bowled well enough to qualify for match play. As a junior, she is now a three-time singles state qualifier. This past weekend

072was a busy one athletics. Colin Long, Mata Shotti, and Pauline Chapman represent RHS at the MHA M oh my gosh, MHSA individual wrestling state finals at Forgefield. Pauline finished fifth in the girls 110lb weight loss. The RHS competitive cheer team competed at the MHSAA Fi state finals at CMU. The girls capped their stellar season off with the fourth place finish. Thank you to all the fans that made the trip to sell out two sections of the arena. The powerlifting team had their state finals at Lake Orian Saturday. The girls team finished third overall while Leo Leia Dero and Sophia Jackson won their respective weight classes. For the boys, Brody Mayor repeated as a state champion in the heavyweight division. He set three new state records for deadlift, bench, and overall lift total. Today marked the

073start of spring sports practices. Many teams took advantage of the beautiful weather to kick off their season. That's all. >> Great. Thank you. Our next item on our agenda will be our superintendent search update. Um, for that I just um have to say that the Michigan leadership will still be accepting applications until Wednesday, April the 1st at 4 o'clock. If you are interested, we ask that you please go to our district website where you will find our superintendent search tab that has all the pertinent information that you will need. Next on our agenda, we have our bond update. Christy Toto, do you have anything on this? >> I do. Thank you. Um, couple things that uh, Billy and I have been talking about, so I'm going to do my part. I just want to talk

074a little bit um, about our social media friends. Um, one of the things that is out there is that going from bond in May is um, a secret thing that the board is doing. Uh there's nothing secret about it. Uh you can have your elections November, May, and August. And as a board, when the bond uh didn't go in November, we decided to go again and we're going again in May. And that was all public. And the reason we're doing it is because we need it. We're full. And by the bond not passing in November, that put us 2 years in essence behind the things that we'll have to do. So that's why we're doing it right away in May. Um again, it's no secret. It's uh we legally can do it and we chose

075to do it because we need it. Um there was also some questions in our friends on social media that talk about us being a failing school. We are not a failing school district by any shape or form. Um there was talk about our previous bond uh where our football field um and the uh um what's it called? the turf. Thank you. The turf field. Um that was that was done in the last bond and um the last bond was a $38 million bond. The turf u amounted to 2% of the total part of that bond. Um so there's conversation out there about frivolous spending with doing that turf field. And while we didn't need the turf field, that's there's truth there. We wanted it. Um the turf field, we do get revenue from that when

076we uh rent it out to places, you know, that want to have sporting events. Our band is able to use it uh to get ready for competitions. The upkeep of being able to have a field that is not destroyed by weather is a big deal. Um, and this board, uh, maybe not everyone that's sitting here at this table, but when that bond was passed, we made a commitment that every year we would put money aside, $100,000 a year, so that when the time comes where you have to um, do repairs, upkeep, I think it's we talk 10 or 15 years is what the worth of that turf. And we have continued to do that. so we don't have to go back out to the public and ask for a bond to do the stuff we've

077been setting money aside. Um conversations about the the wait room that the board should have thought back then if we are running out of space, why do we put this big fancy weight room? Um, yes, the weight room is four times what it was, but that weight room is used for um classrooms for physical education classrooms. And that bond in 2019 was all about getting us to the point where our facilities were updated, our roofs were done, um, heating and cooling things, safety things, all of that. So, um, nothing was frivolous in that bond. Uh, and there's nothing frivolous in this bond. Um, we are going for it again, like I said, because we need it. Um, one of the comments, I'm not going to find my Oh, one of them, uh, one of our

078social media friends talked about the fact, uh, when talked about failing school and that our middle school doesn't even have a library. So, I just want to read and I want to thank Billy for um giving me this. She helped um put this together. Um just to clarify out there, our middle school does have a library. We call it a media center because it serves today's students in multiple ways. It includes shelves of books that students regularly check out, comfortable reading and study spaces, and flexible seating for collaboration. New books are purchased every year based on student interest and the space is staffed daily to support learning. It is a wellused hub of the school. So um we do have a library in the middle school and great things are happening and this board is

079going for this bond a second time because we need it. We are full because of all the great things we're doing. And so I just encourage our social media friends to really really listen when we're speaking. Look at the stuff that's going to be coming in the mail to you. Um and just get some accurate information when we're talking about it. That's it. And I'll share a couple more points um as we go through the bond um updates in the next few meetings between now and May 5th. Um I'll go back and share some of those kind of logistical details um that we know are very important. Although I wish I had Margaret's job. That's the more fun stuff, all the great things that our students will get to experience, but I'll share the the

080nitty-gritty of of what it is. So, um, so again, this will be on the ballot again on May 5th. Um, so why are we seeing this again so soon? We know we were there in November. Um, and unfortunately, the reality is that we were very intentional in our planning. We knew exactly what was needed and what space we need to add so that we can continue to pro provide robust learning experiences for our students, but we also saw that voter turnout was very low in November um for this particular election. And so we really again want to make sure that this time it's very clear what the message is and why this is so important and just really ask people to come out and um you know please vote. We still require that space. Nothing

081has changed about what we're asking for because we plan very carefully and specifically as far as what we need to address our current needs and what the future capacity might look like and we very luckily are able to do that with no increase of the tax burden which is not always the case in in a bond proposal but that is the case now once again for us. So in order to think about you know yes we know in some cases especially our middle school we are already out of room if you will. We have students uh in classrooms that are not intended to be classroom spaces. Our stage um again our gym is split in half pretty much throughout the entire day as far as kids only being able to utilize half of that space

082which is meant to be one whole gym space. Um office spaces are split in half. Teachers have to rotate in classrooms at different times throughout the day to make sure that they have a space for those students. So that particular that particular building already experiences this. But if we look at enrollment moving forward, we have a couple of things that we have to look at. Um, one is our headcount. And it's important to kind of keep in mind there's a difference between how many bodies are actually in our building every day versus what money we are making um per pupil for those students. So for instance, we may have a classroom of 18 students total throughout a week or total throughout a day. Um, but if some of those students are only attending partnering, maybe

083they're um a student that's in a co-op program with dual enrollment and so they're only here with us part of the time, maybe they're a special ed student that goes out to an ISTD program for part of the day. So, anytime we have a student who's not going to be with us for that full day, we're typically getting a prorated rate for them. So, but yeah, we still have to make sure we have space for them when they are here. So, that is something that's important to point out is that, you know, sometimes that actual bodies in seats might feel a little bit different than what we're actually getting the money for. And that really can can put a strain on us as a district. So, that's one piece to keep in mind. Um, additionally,

084we can look at the enrollment from the past and kind of look through the projections of the future. And, uh, the next slide will show a little bit more about those projection reports that we received from five different research companies. um they kind of come together in a collective one entity that we are able to look at. So if you look from about 10 years ago from 2015 16 up until last school year where we you know have our full final count from um that trend is going up like anything like a stock market like the weather anything you're going to see little ups and downs um as you go year to year but it's really important that you look at that trend of multi-year to really see where you're going so that you can

085prepare for the future prepare for what's coming. So, like I said, there's five methods that um exist to show us potentially what that um growth may be over five and then over 10 years. Um so again, we we pull all of those together to get that one model and this front graph shows again you can see that line very clearly trending up from this particular graph is looking at 23 24 and it's giving us that trend up to the 28 29th school year. Um so again starting at that school year two years ago um just over 1,600 and then looking at depending on exactly which model you look at on the small end almost 1,800 on the high end 18 uh 45. So either way looking at a lot of growth in buildings where we're

086already out of space. And here's the 10-year projection. So pushing out a little bit farther. And that one we do see in the combined model uh a 21% increase. So really no matter how you look at it and which which model you choose to look at all of them are showing a significant increase between 5 and 10 years from now. Um which is you know certainly in that 5year mark would be when we would be able to complete the renovations of this particular bond ask. Our community has supported millages in the past. Even if it was, you know, something that was more so about renovations or, you know, perhaps people thought that it was about sports and and fields. Be that as it may, they were supported. Um, so in 2007, we saw $6.5 million

087approved all the way through 2019, and we have the potential to, again, with no increase to the taxpayers. This year we could potentially see another bond increase of well over that amount. So how much might this no increase in millillage be? If we look at our bottom line, we're at $51.8 million, which is actually a little touch more. Well, more than a little touch about $200,000 more than what um we presented in November um because the interest rate has gone down. So, I guess if there is a silver lining to speak of, it's that hey, maybe it was meant to be that it passes this time and it didn't pass then because there's a potential for um a a better increase. Again, $200,000 we can do a lot with. So, um again, that number is

088a little bit higher. It's not because the ask is different. It's simply because the interest rate um has decreased between November and now. So, we can get more bang for our buck if it were to pass. And how does that work? You know, we often use that term, no increase. Um, how do we get 50 some million dollars if there's no increase, right? How could that happen? So, in July of 23 and 24, the mill rate was reduced and that's shown kind of in that purple section. You'll see it went down just a little bit in those couple of years. In July of 26, so this year, the military is expected to drop 1.7 ms. Um, and that's indicated where you sort of see that difference in the green. It it does have the potential

089if nothing changed here. If we didn't go for another bond proposal and there was no ask, it would go down. But by by the bond being approved, if it were, then the we would just keep the millage exactly the same where it is. And that difference of making no change here this year in 2026 would keep us flatlined. So instead of having that decrease of the blue line, ultimately the blue line would stay up here where on this graph it shows a red line. Um so that is how we're able to gain $51.8 million without asking for more money. It's an ask for the same. I'm going to give just little snippets um like I said between this meeting and and the next few meetings through the month of April. Um, so next time we'll

090talk a little bit more about the scope of the bag and what we're looking to do with all of that. And also we definitely want to invite everyone to join us at the state of the district address where we will feature a virtual tour of the project. That's on March 25th at 7:00 p.m. in our auditorium. Thank you. Our next item on our agenda is our blue devil raves. Sandy, you have >> I mean I think we have a lot to a lot happened this weekend. >> So um I mean just congratulations to everybody. Um I know there was a lot going on this weekend. Um some did better than others, but uh still, you know, I mean there was a lot of state competitions, which means we made it there. So great seasons by

091all. Um so I'm just going to leave it at a blanket statement. I'm not going to go through all of them. I'm sure other people will. >> Daniel, >> um yeah, so I I attended on Saturday the mock trial um down in Mount Clemens and was blown away by the terminology and the competency, I guess, of our students um and all of the students who were involved. Um there was two judges specifically that said some of you as like they give them a review at the end of how they did and their pointers and their goods and bads and what two of the judges that I sat in specifically said to the students some of you performed better than some of the attorneys that I see on a daily basis here in the courthouse. So

092they were um really impressed. I was really impressed by the questioning and the the being on your toes to ask those questions and pivot. Um, so that was really cool to see. Um, and then also I wanted to thank um, Mrs. Hunter, Mr. Conan um, for being able to go in their classrooms last week. And then I'm also going to be in Mrs. Zizzleman's classroom this week and then three others next week. So, thank you ahead of time to those for letting me come in and read to the troublemakers kiddos in their classrooms. It was a lot of fun. >> Sarah. >> Yeah. kind of echo what everyone said, so many things. Um, so I happen to be in Mount Pleasant this weekend with cheer and uh they did a great job. Fourth from the

093state is >> an amazing feat. Um, everyone sounds like everyone should be proud of everything that they did this weekend from DECA to art to powerlifting to cheer to mock. I mean it was so many things but I just think good job to everybody. Margaret, I want to give a rave to um lease staff for the kindergarten and preschool bonup. I went to both. Um just the amount of people that came through both of those nights is unbelievable. Um our food service, the staff, you know, feeding the families. Um but the the two secretaries just um what a welcoming environment and what excitement from the teachers, every staff person that was there of watching families come in that are brand new come to Roundup or brand new come to kindergarten Roundup or brand new to

094uh preschool. Just to watch them and be excited about it was really cool. Um, my my big shout out is to Mr. Gibson. Um, Mr. Gibson did an amazing job. Was preschool, right? Right, wasn't it? I believe. >> Um, he had a parent and grandparent who um were school shopping, if you will, trying to decide should they come here or should they go somewhere else. And I said to Billy, I tried to move along with him. I was listening to things he was saying, but it was probably about 40 minutes of talking and just just the stuff that he said, but absolutely true and accurate, all of that. But um he invited them to come to our state of the district if you want to hear more stuff. But just the time that he took

095for these two individuals to bring them through and show them is just a real testament to what he believes the Lee school is about and everything. So I give a big rave to him. Um and yes, I do want to echo I went to my first cheer state finals on Saturday. Um our girl Elizabeth just you you guys were fabulous. Skittles in and um Miss Fortuna there. Correct. Fourth place finish is huge and you've got something productive. You guys are really, really good at that just bottom line. And um it was a cool weekend to have so many of our kids competing in state competitions. Um Paulina Chapman uh took fifth in in wrestling and she became a three-time allstate wrestler. You know, power to the women. Good for you, Lena. Um, and Brody Mayor

096and the powerlifting. I told I went he had his signing today. He's going to Northwood to play football. So, I went to his signing today and um I told him he's going to be a rave. But that kid's really cool and that kid is really dedicated. I mean, when your when your teammates want to come up to tell an adult just how great you are and and how you motivate, I mean, that's that's a really good kid and he's very humble and um so that that's just really cool. And I read in classrooms, too, wait till you go to Susman's. It's the Ron Clark effect in there is going to just make you smile. >> I just couldn't I couldn't get over everything. She's got a stage and every it's just it's just a really

097cool experience. But um I was in Miss Sizzleman, Vance Lewight, Joe and Lombbert and um it's just really really cool to be able to go in those classrooms and read and see all the great stuff that's happening. Um one of the my last one the one classroom and I can't remember I think it was Johnosky's room but they had a brand new student that day. It was girl's very first athletic. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I was there at 8:00 in the morning, you know, and so I always ask, "What are you going to learn today?" You know, and um one girl said, she goes, "Well, we're going to learn all about our new class." So, today is her first day. And I went, "Oh, boy." And this little girl waved to me. And I said,

098"Oh, welcome." And Miss, she said, "Yeah, we haven't really had a chance to do that yet cuz you were coming in to read." But they were all excited to learn about this girl. And you guys mean that's not the coolest thing to sit there >> and watch a group of kids just be so welcoming to this brand. It's March and you're coming in brand new. These kids have been together all year long. Um we got So we got some new kids in that building. That's it. >> Great. Thank you. Um next item on our agenda is our in interim superintendent and legislative update. Mrs. P. Thank you. Right. So, I will again not reiterate everything, but of course, huge congratulations to our multiple teams and students that were part of state events over the last

099uh week or so. Um and also to our band for the middle school band for the division one rating. So, we will make sure that we get some of these students in here so that they can get a proper congratulations from the board. Uh later this month, uh we do have our NHS inductions this Wednesday. Uh that's at 7:00. So, you should have received that invitation from Miss Shakar. Um, if you're able to come, please let us know and we'll make sure to honor the board members that are able to join us as well. Um, and then I did mentioned in the last report, our state of the district event is shaping up for March 25th at 7:00. And we also launched our parent uh district survey for district improvement. That is available on the

100website and was sent out to parents via email. It was also available in person during conferences. That's open through March 11th. So, we want to encourage our parents to take that survey if they have not had a chance to. Um, but even as of the last time we checked, I think Mich were well over the amount, >> right? Which was, I mean, a good couple, you know, couple dozen more than last year already. So, we're glad to see that participation. Legal update. There's really not too much new. I'll go through a few things. Um, you know, we know that the last time I presented, the governor had just put out her recommendations for the state budget. Um, and so of course now it's kind of that ping-pong back and forth of, you know, why is

101this good and why is this bad and and some of those arguments that ensue until things are finalized. Um, so as far as things impacting the school state aid, um, there was a house appropriation approp appropriation subcommittee on um on the school aid fund and that was um kind of on behalf of the schools. They had Matt Schuler um who's the director of government relations for MASSA and then Bob Casten who is um a part of MASSP. And so they were really um representing the gap between the current pup per pupil funding levels and the resources that would be required and making sure that that was clear to um those politicians that were part of that decision- making. Um, see there was also a House Committee on Finance. Um, they heard testimony on House Bill

1025318, which was to expand sales tax exemptions, which we know could then impact state aid if if that is signed into law. What that would do is expand property tax exemptions for certain nonprofit um, owning housing properties. would allow qualifying nonprofit housing developments to be exempt from local property taxes including the six millil state education tax that supports the school estate aid fund and then it applies the exemption to housing developments owned or operated by nonprofit entities. So that could definitely stand to impact school funding um if that were to pass. So that is one that we're keeping an eye on. um bills that were approved. Uh the Senate passed um Senate Bill 492 on a 360 vote that would modify the requirements related to the transfer of student records. Um so from here that

103will go to the House committee. That's probably tight tightening up pieces that we already do. So if we get a new student, um of course we get the records from the other school. This is just requiring a bit more of a formalized written policy in place um which could help us tie up some of those loose ends. you sometimes do have a district or a student who may leave and and that other district doesn't ever officially ask for their records and then that student could be counted against us. So, I think that this does actually help student um school districts keep track of where students may go if they're transferring. So, that could have the potential to be helpful. Um and another one that passed um the house and that is going to the senate

104is um the one to oh pardon of this as um house bill 5364 requiring the legislature to approve any changes to the state's model curriculum content standards before they can take effect. Um so we've heard some of that rumbling lately about changing the state standards. Um so this is making it a little bit harder for that to happen. Um, so it would have to go through um passing full legislation before it could be approved in that process. So that's kind of where we are now. Like I said, lots of things up in the air, but that's what's being talked about. Any discussion, any questions? Okay. Our next items of interest are from the board and we'll start with Sarah. Sandy. >> Yeah. I just want to um I just want to say that I did

105we did have the education foundation did have the food um drive over the weekend um and well it was food and toiletry type drive and it went really well. Um, it went really great actually and I think that you know the the toiletry part was kind of like just starting and we really did I think help get that part of of it off the ground. Um, got a lot of toilet paper, toothpaste, you know, those kinds of things and so that that's awesome. That's great. So, I just wanted to thank the education foundation, um, Billy for coming out and, uh, Ann also, um, for coming out and helping out with that, um, drive, >> Danielle. >> Yeah, I just thought of this while you were talking, Billy, so I don't expect an answer right now

106at all. Um, but before I forget, and I was just looking at my phone, the 27L funds that were going on, I just curious if we ever hand out any thoughts or brainstormed anything about that, but I don't I have a brief update I could give you. >> Um, I will be asking for a close session during the next board meeting so that we can talk about that. Got >> great. My only um thing is it's March. Um, so just to ask Billy, where where are we at with budget conversations? Like you and Tammy working together where and what's what's the plan of when those kind of conversations are going to come >> for amendments? No. For budget talks for next year, >> right? Yeah. So I mean, so go so the next year's budget

107would be June. I mean, officially, right? So that would be that that early June meeting. We won't we're hopefully we're going to talk about it long before. >> Right. So that would be Yeah. So the second amendment piece of it we're looking at sometime in May. Um just with some of the other pieces that we have up in the air right now with superintendent and bottom we thought that would probably be the the smoothest time. So we're working on everything. Um but that's when we did intend to bring it to the board >> in May. So just >> Yeah. So that would be like second amendment piece, right? finish out this school year to kind of see where we stand and then present I guess if you will um so that in June we get

108approved for the next year's >> it sounds like they might have a budget a state budget early this year for us from the things I've been watching >> it does sound like they will probably be much closer to the timeline than they were last year I'm sure they were >> I don't think they could be much more than That would be Yeah. Okay. Um and for me, I realized that I skipped myself during the raves. Uh so I just wanted to um um give kudos to Miss Shack and eighth grade band. Obviously, another rave that has already been out there um for their MSB festival reading. Um they won. Good job. And other than that, I can know I do not have any item interest myself. So, next um on our agenda, we have our

109public comments. Um since last meeting, uh neither myself or President Michan has received any emails. I did talk to her yesterday about that. She hasn't received anything either. So, for public comments now, um, 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 follow-up response, please check the box yes and write your contact information on the signup sheet. Do I have any public comments? Okay, being no further comments or further business will address.