001[music] Good evening. The uh regular meeting of the Richmond Board of Education will come to order. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, before we start the meeting here, I have a couple of announcements. Um, first off, uh, we want to acknowledge a member of our school community. We are keeping one of our students and her mother in our thoughts following a serious car accident. On behalf of the board, we extend our heartfelt support to their family during this difficult time and wish them strength and healing. I'd also like to acknowledge one of our uh retired bus drivers who with the district for
00225 years. Uh she passed away. Again, we'd like to keep um her family in our thoughts and prayers. I have one other statement. Um, we kindly remind attendees that board meetings are attended for board business and discussion among the board members to ensure meetings run smoothly and fairly. We ask that members of the public refrain refrain from speaking during our meeting. If you need to talk, please step out in the hallway. Thank you. Okay. At this time, uh, Sandy, if you could please read our mission and vision t statement and take role. And our mission statement here is at Richmond Community Schools, we provide quality education that empowers students to be successful in the global community. And our vision statement of Richmond Community Schools is to foster a culture of academic excellence, creativity, and character,
003ensuring that all students are prepared for success in an everanging world. Board member Cunningham here. Board member [clears throat] here. Board member Sutton >> here. >> Board member Styer >> here. >> Board member Telto >> here. >> Board member Gillis >> here. >> I board member Fortuna. I am here. We have a quorum. And we also have our um student representative uh Kelsey McNair is here. And then Elizabeth Schaefer is um I think coming in late uh duty cheering so late with notice. >> Thank you. This time I'm looking for a motion to approve the agenda. So move support. Thank you. Any discussion? This is a roll call vote. Margaret I, >> Candace, >> I. >> Raymond, >> I. >> Sarah, >> I. >> Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. Looking for a motion
004from the approval of the consent agenda. Some moved. Support. Any discussion? It's a roll call vote. Um, Margaret, >> hi. >> Sandy, >> I Candace, >> hi. >> Raymond, >> hi. >> Sarah, >> hi. >> Danielle, >> hi. >> I vote I. Motion carries. Next item on our agenda is our presentation for an overnight extended trip. Miss Warwick, I think, didn't did I You didn't ask if there were any questions on the I did. I thought I did. Did you? Oh, I didn't hear you say that. >> No. No, >> the regular agenda. You said is there any discussion? I thought I did. Okay, let me go back. Sorry if you did. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you say. >> Okay, so we have a motion. We have a support. Is there any disc coming?
005>> Yes. >> Okay, go on. Um I just did Did Ray get this? >> Ray, you have an email from me? >> Um I believe It's a just put at the table to us, right? Is an amended copy of the personnel report. And just so everyone on the board knows, I had asked some questions about the personnel report. And um I got responses back from Billy and Sarah. So, I don't know. I don't know if you guys were going to say something about my questions, but um this this amended document answers all my questions. So, I don't know if you guys were going to say something, but I asked um there was an eighth grade basketball boys basketball coaching opening and I just asked about that because I knew boys basketball had already started. Uh
006that should have been taken off. And then I asked some questions about um our spring sports coming up, like what was the status of that? And um so I was told that those those jobs are being um interviewed. And I asked about uh the mechanic position because I had had a conversation with Sarah um wondering, you know, um what kind of applications were coming, you know, how is that going about getting a mechanic and um she was concerned at the time whether we would get some and Sarah, if you want to say that what you told me so everybody knows. >> Sure. We actually ended up with three very good candidates. Um, two of those were moving to second interviews on Wednesday. Um, and then I asked about the early literacy coach and the speak
007speech and language teacher. Um, just kind of like a update what's going on with those spots. So, Billy answered me on that. >> Yeah. So, the speech and language will continue to have posted. Um, if you recall, we have currently that's a contracted position. So we went from a virtual contractor and now we have the inerson um speech therapist that's working with us but it is still a contracted position. So for the REA contract, we do have to keep it posted in that effort to find someone that we could hire in from the district um side and um so it is it is filled but as a contractor and then the educator on loan, we also did those interviews and are in kind of the final processes of filling that um we had two very
008viable um candidates. So we should have that um on I would imagine the next. And then I asked the question that the middle school district newsletter that spot was open. So I just asked them who was doing the getting the information from the middle school for the newsletter and that's one of those lucky other duties as assigned for a principal and something's not filled. And so uh Miss Morela and Mr. Knight have been taking care of that for us. Um but Mr. Knight said he has a couple people he's kind of tapped on the shoulder. So we're working on that one. And then my last one was the spring music director there. That was blank. And so I asked about that and that was already filled. Just the name wasn't on there. >> Yeah. So
009our two our the two folks that do it kind of take turns. One does it in the fall and the other one does it in the spring and then they flip-flop rules and so we just want to make sure we knew which one was doing it this time versus the other one. Our same um two individuals that have been doing it for the last few years because I knew we were doing something in the spring. So I just asked why the music director was waiting. So thank you to to them for answering and giving us the updated. >> So that's why you were getting an updated copy. >> Thank you. >> Anyone have any other questions? We're going to revote. All in favor? Oh call vote. Margaret. >> Hi. >> Sandy. I Candace. >> Hi.
010>> Raymond. >> Hi. >> Sarah. >> Hi. >> Danielle. >> Hi. I vote I. Motion carries. Now, Miss Forward, you may come on up about our proposed extended trip with DECA. Thanks for having me. Um, obviously I'm here to um get the approval for the overnight DECA state tournament. Um, the information that was provided to you, um, the event takes place March 5th through the 7th. Um, they're expecting over 4,500 members with advisors at the event. and that'll be taking place at the Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Um, if you don't know a lot about NECA, um, it's an event that allows um, our students to work on their leadership and professional skills in the area of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Um, we are lucky enough to have five students who qualify. Um, only
011four most likely will be in attendance. Um, Margaret Guest will be going for entrepreneurship and individual series. Julia Hopgood will be going for principles of economics. Courtney Moore for marketing. Autumn Whitmire for access accessories and appeal marketing. And Elizabeth Shaver is the one that qualified, but she has a conflict because that's the same weekend as the state cheer competition. So, um, she has been able to attend the last two years. So, she's qualified for three years. So, I think it's worth mentioning. Um, she's a state, you know, contender for three years in a row for this as well. So, I know it's a tough choice, but looks like cheer might be the the way she's going. So, um, big thank you to Miss Christensen, our adviser. She couldn't be here tonight. And also, Miss Fields,
012who's also a judge for us at the event. Um, I guess I'm here if you have any questions or obviously just want to thank you for the consideration in advance. So, I feel like there's more and more kids every year. I was just going to say that, too. >> Yeah. I mean, I will say the last two years I the first year I think we had the most. I think there was maybe I would say there's at least five or seven that first year. Last year we had two and then this year we obviously have five qualify. So it's in comparison to about two years ago we had at least probably five or seven. >> Okay. Yeah. So Mrs. Christensen does a great job. And I will say Miss A and I attended two years
013ago. Um it's a busy weekend for us at the high school with a lot of different events going on. But um she does a really good job taking the kids and exposing them to a lot of the different opportunities down there. Takes them to dinner and does all the things that are downtown. So I I just think it's a good opportunity for our kids as well. Yeah, that's awesome. >> Now, do they compete each one of the girls? Is it just one time in in an event? >> See, and they have a scheduled event. I Miss Fields can probably speak to her because she is a judge, but they have a specific time in which that particular thing that they're competing in takes place. >> Okay. So, it's just it's just a one one time
014for that. Yes. Event >> like depending on what category you're going to go into, they'll give you a time frame, but between that time, the students are doing other stuff. It's very active down there. Kids are everywhere and they're um it's very eventful, but when um it's time for them to do the role play, that's what I judge for. um they will be there on time and then they have time to get their presentation together and then they're with the judge and it's all business attire. So the students are all in suits. just is there is there a way that we could get like a schedule, you know, like that would tell us, you know, just >> just in case we have a cheat, you know, something emailed that says what time they're um are
015people able to watch? >> Not so when when they actually do their thing, you can't watch them do it. No, it's they get called into the place where >> Yeah. I mean, and the kids are there um getting their presentation together. it is timed and then they're walked over to where the judges are and we're in like little draped areas >> and then they present only to us and then they leave and they have to leave all their information with the judge and then they get escorted out and then that's that part of the role playing. There is a um awards day on Saturday and it is YouTube cuz I watch it. I don't go down for it. I um watch it to see if any of the students that I judge make it and
016they get glass and that means they get to go to the international um competition and it's a couple hours long but I'm happy to send you the link. Yeah. Okay. >> In terms of the cost for the finances, 1500/350 per student. Is that just the >> um originally well we had originally we had two students attending and then that opened it up to additional students. So there was no additional cost outside of the registration I think was originally like $1,200. So the reason that that cost went up I think your first information packet had 1,200. That was the difference. Um but that allows obviously Mrs. Christensen to have per room and then the four students would obviously all be in the same room. So that was the increase in cost. It's just the registration. It
017didn't cost us more to have rooms because we could put four in a room. Okay. And then what is what is our what is the district's part that they pay, >> right? Because this is state competition. What's the >> in the past I believe you've paid a certain amount for food and then the lodging >> and lodging, right? It's a certain so so that that'll come off what what this cost is. >> And then Mrs. um Christensen and I spoke about transportation just because it's a small number. She was going to speak to parents to see if they would want to take them down, but obviously if we need to do transportation, that would just be the extra cost. >> But is it is transportation in that state? I think the reimbursement would be if
018the parents chose to drive, I'm assuming. Unless you want to do a bus, it would just be for four kids. >> Yeah. >> I don't know. You know, I'm just thinking we're open to either. So, >> we have a budgeted account that we take it out of, but they need it in us. >> Tammy, is there isn't is there something for transportation? We just charge all. Yeah, we charge all of it. Whatever if parents request reimbursement for meals, transportation, paper out, registration >> because it's it's a it's a form, you know, that >> she has the form she did last year. >> I think you're still working on the number of students going to have that form. >> Yes. >> And we all start waiting. Um you put in for so many hotels. So once
019that gets approved, they they have certain approved hotels and that hasn't been given to us yet. So we picked two out of the seven or eight that they had. So we're just waiting for that information to come back as well. >> So So there's no specified dollar amount at this point. >> I think the rooms were the amount that you have that's the price. We just don't know which hotel they are putting us in because like I said there's 4,500 students and adviserss. So, I think what they do is they have everyone put in their one or two um first choice and then they kind of move schools around. So, we haven't heard back yet what hotel we're at, but there's a list of I think seven or eight in which the students and adviserss
020have to stay at. >> They just put you Yes. Yeah. But I don't think there's an additional cost. My understanding is all the hotels are the same set price. Anyone have any other questions? >> Thank you guys. >> Okay, next item on our agenda is our board of education appreciation months and I'm going to give a quickie here and then I'm going to head over to the podium to to provide certificates and gifts. Um but overall on behalf of the students and staff um we would like to recognize the um board of education with certificates and a gift basket of appreciation to each board member um for school board appreciation and recognition month um for your dedicated services to our students staff and the Richmond community school community. Um so the gift baskets um which
021are arranged up here on the pleading area to the side. Um, each gift basket includes a gift from each building and or department. And uh, they include a keychain made by an eighth grade student or um, also a hat. In Mr. Sire's case, they thought that you might prefer the hat over the keychain. It was a little bit feminine, so they just they gave you a hat instead. [laughter] Um, for Middle School, it is a team puzzle piece keychain and a Tim Hortons gift card from the high school. a glass mason jar mug from the athletic department some Richmond Blue Devils golf towels and from food service. It stings a batch cookie mix in a jar. Transportation an Amazon gift card and from central office a journal and notebook. And then a little gift also
022for our two board representatives. And move over to the podium and I'll have you come up for your certificate and go grab your gift. All right. And I say that just want to thank you um personally on my behalf as well. Um just to sincerely thank each of you for your service and leadership that you provide within our district. Um, and again, personally, stepping into the role of interim superintendent, um, has been both an honor and a responsibility that I'm deeply grateful for, um, especially for the support and trust that you've extended to me during this transition. Um, and with the decision that you made, it's really allowed our district for a smooth and steady start. And, um, again, I truly appreciate you welcoming me into the role. Um, the commitment that you all bring
023to your work as board members often happens behind the scenes. Um, but we know it has a direct impact on our students, our staff and the whole community. So, thank you for your dedication in doing what you do and I look forward to continuing this partnership with all of you. And so, with that, I will call each of you up. And, um, you'll be able to grab your certificate from me here. And then if you want to kind of go take a look at your basket, you're welcome to. The um the the farthest one on this side is Mr. Sters. All right. And then we'll probably we're thinking about trying to do a picture over here. So like Ray's kind of in the picture. So we're going to see if it works. [laughter] All right.
024So Candace [applause] stand for Thank you. Serious. [applause] Thank you. Raymond Styer, this one's for you. and Margaret [applause] and Kelsey [applause] and we have one for Elizabeth. Thank you very much. All right, we're we're going to t this picture. Okay. >> All right. So, I don't know if you heard that, Ray. We're going to take a picture in front of the big screen. So, you're going to be like next to us in the picture. >> All right. So, let's see. We can do this. >> He's going to be huge in the picture. [laughter] >> I didn't see you, right? Is that right? Okay. >> That looks funky, doesn't it? Let's see. Okay. One, two, three. Let's see if at least one of them worked with Ray. I can see him. I just >> Oh,
025yeah. He's on the background. >> Make sure we get when Elizabeth comes to Oh, so pretty. [laughter] [cough] Okay, next agenda is our blue double rays. Um, Margaret. Uh, no, I don't. Um, yes. I wanted to say thank you to our amazing transportation department for all their hard work getting our um precious possessions to and from school safely the past couple weeks. I know it's been trying and um I appreciate it myself. Thank you very much. Outstanding. Uh just real quick, I went to the B food service um breakfast challenge. Uh that was very interesting. All of them were good. Um I think the winner was the high school, right? Yeah. Um and it was like banana split. It was very good. Um they all did a great job. I appreciate the invite. I had
026a good time. So it was fun. >> Banana split. What? It was It was like It was like yogurt. Yeah. Yeah. They called it banana split cuz that's what it looked like. >> But it wasn't a It wasn't exactly That's what it looked like. >> It tasted not It It tasted similar. It was a lot of fruit, like fresh fruit and um yogurt. >> The yogurt and they had the granola on the top because other than nuts. I mean, it was um And then one of them was a smoothie thing and the other one was like a little sausage turkey. >> Yeah. Yeah. Turkey sausage egg bake. Um but they all were very passionate about it and um I they were all tasty and I thought they did a great job. So they sprayed a
027bite and they're they're going to have another one. But they say March, >> April. April. Yep. They'll be ready for their spring break. So that when they when they do it, whichever one wins that they get a little trophy. >> Yeah. But that's when they're start selling, you know, at the school. But [cough] >> will it be next month like in February? >> It's usually relatively soon. Maybe whenever, you know, they'll get like that next big order in. But yeah, it's it's relatively soon. Yeah. >> Thank you, Steve. Sarah, >> no. >> Uh Raven, >> no. Thank you, >> Danielle. I'm good. >> Okay. I too went to the food lunch thing. It was just really cool to talk with them about like what grade levels and what they were serving and what kids favorite
028meals or favorite breakfasts were. Um I just to thank them for inviting me and again as Sy said, it was a good time and good food. >> Yeah. You just really tell like they just really cared about the kids. >> Yes. That's probably more than anything about the food. >> Yeah. >> It was what they talked about about the kids >> and uh they know the kids and they know what they like. >> So, it was very nice. It was very important to to and they work well. You you can tell they like working with each other too. You know that they're good. Each building is a good group working together. >> Anyway, it was a good thing. Okay. Um next item on our agenda is our student board of ed. I'm going to make
029a motion to table Miss Michon to later in the agenda so that um Elizabeth can get here. >> Okay. Thank you. We'll we'll soon as she pops in, we will uh someone has to support that. >> Um any discussion? All those in favor? Oh, I have to do a roll call. Okay. Margaret, >> hi. >> Uh Sandy, hi. >> Um Candace, >> hi. >> Sarah, >> hi. Raymond. >> Hi, >> Danielle. >> Hi. >> I vote I motion carries. So, we will table it until Lisa shows up. >> Okay. Interim superintendent legislative update. Um, so first couple district updates. Um, so definitely snow snow days, snow removal seems to be on top of mind for everyone. Uh so we uh I will be meeting um um with our snow removal company just to check back
030in. I mean it's been it's it's just been difficult for everyone and you know and so appreciate the parents and staff keeping us ab breast of oh there's a little spot here and there's a spot here that's not you know quite quite clear. Um of course working hard again in collaboration with both our staff, our custodial staff and our um company that we um hire for snow removal. Um, but it's just I mean, you know, it's been relentless and especially on those days where it's snowing continuously. Um, it we're looking at all a number of new ways and just how can we be more efficient and make sure that everything is safe. So, definitely something we've been spending a great deal of time and energy on to make sure that everyone is able to get
031in and out of our building safely during these challenging winter days. Um, today did mark our sixth snow day. Um so we will continue to utilize a variety of data measures to determine um when it is safe or not to bring students onto campus during the weather. Um our Mcome County superintendent um especially those of us on this northern end here. Um our constant communication with each other providing the updates that we've heard and you know all of us have our transportation teams out on the roads. Um again just constantly making sure that we're able to safely go to school. So a lot of a lot of folks involved in that. Um there's a lot of different pieces of data that we look at to make those decisions. So that's a great announce for tomorrow,
032everyone. [laughter] Um and again, luckily, um our state superintendent, um has indicated um you know, he say so much right now, but he's definitely seems open to approving the three additional forgiven days that um schools are able to ask for. He's been um again, he's he's said that in a number of different settings that he understands how difficult this winter has been. So um while we have reached the six days, I feel confident and comfortable still that we have a little wiggle room and and staying safe is the most important thing. So we will keep that in mind. >> Can I ask a question? >> Absolutely. Um the the whole road commission thing again I would hope that would give us a reason to be able to get some forbidden days too, but how's h
033how's that going to work? I mean, is that was that just like a fluke thing or is this something that might be happening again? Cuz some someone told me there's not enough salt. Well, I that's that's an issue. I've heard of a few mixed things. So, one of the biggest things I would say that we're dealing with right now as our temperatures are so low is that when you get into that, you know, zero or certainly below zero, the salt doesn't do its job, right? So, I think that's a big piece of what we're dealing with right now. I've heard mixed things about there being a true shortage and whether it's a shortage of salt, whether it's the shortage of staff to be out on the roads, right, that we know we're all facing. So,
034and we actually do um at the county level. So, um at the ISD when they bring all of us together to talk about, okay, what do we know? What are the facts? Um there's always a free conversation that they have with road commission to bring to us so that we do know where they are or where are they with clearing up everything. Um so at least we are getting those reports um as quickly as we can. You know again whatever their reality is is their reality. Um but we are at least they keep us breast as much as I feel like they can or we I'm able to find out as best I can through that network. you know, it's not an answer answer, but at least I mean, they sense, but I don't know
035that that helps us if they say, "Well, we don't we don't have it or it's not happening. That doesn't help us, but we're >> Yeah. No, I mean, I just I guess with your email, my thought was just, well, that's that's not in our control, right? So, that to me would be a really good >> forgivable, at least an appealable thing. I totally can't. Yeah, I think you're exactly right. And then that again that seems to be the sign problem that I just and it's not where I want to be. I want us to be a school but I I don't I feel like we're you know it's it's recognized. So thank you. Absolutely. Um to start our meeting I know um President Michan did mention that um just our condolences to our student that
036was in the accident. Um we know that um mom has been approved and is released from the hospital. So we are originally having to communicate with other family members because both were in the hospital. Um so we haven't been able to move forward with communications with them which is helpful. Um our student does remain in the hospital. Um has again still a longer road to full recovery but um we're um our staff and our team especially at the high school is connecting with um some other community volunteers that the family was involved with um providing some food support and just different pieces that you know that they indicated was what they were in need of at this time. So, we've definitely been in communication there and, you know, kind of starting forming those plans of
037when she's ready, what could, you know, ongoing academics look like for her because it will probably be a further time before she's back in school. So, again, just to reiterate what what Dev said at the beginning, we wish her the best and we're thinking about her and doing the best, you know, as much as we can think to do here on our second channel is barely scratching the surface, I'm sure, for what the family is going through. Um, another update. Um, unfortunately, back to that cool weather piece. Um, we did have a pipe that burst this morning. Well, we recognized it this morning. Uhoh. Go. Um, at at Lee, >> right there. >> Yeah. I got you now. >> Okay. Um, at Lee in one of our classrooms, um, a pipe in one of the
038bathrooms burst. It is um even though we did keep the heat up more than we normally do over the weekend um knowing that we had such cold weather coming in. The bathroom was heated but where the pipe is that we realize or recognize now there was some flashing that was damaged. So kind of the perfect storm those cold temperatures in an uninsulated small part of the wall caused it and so that classroom had to be remediated along with one adjoining classroom and then two little bit across the hallway. Um, so we do have um, again that repair is underway. We're working with the plumbing already. Again, our team, I mean, I can't thank them enough for coming together immediately this morning. Everyone from all three buildings pulling together to make sure it got cleaned up
039as quickly as possible. Um, so again, we will move that one classroom to another room um, just so that the piping can get fixed without interrupting the students day tomorrow. Um, but we anticipate that by Wednesday they should be back in the classroom. So, um you're able to to get all of that together today. Um so, again, we talked a little bit about this um in our earlier meeting. Um but last week uh Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, I did have the opportunity to attend the Mesa Superintendent Midwinter conference um which was about 500 stu superintendent um or central office folks from across the state um in Kazoo where we got to hear the latest updates um whether it was legal or funding um just what's hot and trending right now in education um and then um
040again just a variety of insights on a number of topics vendors um that are out there for different curriculum on some resources we might um be able to tap into and again talk about the dollars for those things. So um they got very invaluable experience and so um one of the pieces that was very much um highlighted throughout the event were legal updates and funding updates. So um that is mostly where the legal updates from today are kind of pulling from. Um so update on 27L that is the um per pup people funding for educator compensation that the state this one time $23 million um budget that's there for that. So for Richmond uh it is $225,935 that we will have or that we do have now available as an additional compensation for staff. That
041is what it has to be used for. Um, we have until September of 2027 to expend that money. Um, and right now what we're kind of waiting on is some some more details on fight retirement. Is that to be part of that money? Can can the dollars be used to also pay for what would be our portion of fight retirement? Um, that hasn't been made clear yet. Um, does it have to be part of a general salary? Can it be a different kind of bonus, a different kind of payout to staff? Um so those are answers they haven't yet provided um or at least not made clear um because you may you hear different you've heard different answers depending on who's sentence. Um so we need that clarity and then um also you know it
042they weren't really clear at the beginning this I think it's cleared up a little bit as far as who are they considering the staff that is meant to receive these funds. Um because initially it was you know it was four bargaining units and uh members marketing unit members um which again we have several of course our teachers uh parros um you know several units and so secretaries what have you also our administrators are in a bargaining unit you know so we we needed that clarity initially the the what they've come out and said is basically well we suggested bargaining units but really it can be any staff member I even heard somebody at the conference saying they were giving it to contracted help which I you know I think That seems like a stretch to
043me, but I mean that was allowable. So, um, so again, that's kind of where we are. We need to have a little bit more discussion on, you know, again, waiting on the retirement FIFA piece so that we have a solid answer there. That makes a big difference for us. Um, and then um again, which which staff are we talking about? And again, we've had Tammy and I have had conversation and um I've had initially the REA group just, you know, had wondered, you know, what what this was all about. And so we've talked about the fact that it would be, you know, pretty open. Certainly anyone that is in a bargaining group and I think we all tend to agree that shouldn't stop us. You know, we have other staff that aren't in bargaining and
044we would want that to be supported as well. So So just slightly giving away. So it's basically just no bonus money, >> right? But how we give it and what the parameters are ultimately are up to us. And again, but it's just we >> $2 million total >> total across the state 200 million and for us 220 almost 226,000 a shame that that could just go into I don't know >> something more realistic or anything instead we have to play the teams but >> it will you know it will get in hand I guess I can at least it will be in the hands of of you know deserving staff and we know that frozen up again >> a lot of things. >> Oh, no. I just my my screen froze up again where everything
045just stopped and so I just see if I was still there. >> Yep, we got you back. >> Any other questions I can answer for now on that? We'll certainly be talking more about >> 27 L. >> So, you have until December 27th. >> September September. >> Yeah. And so I did let Ara know that I think they were maybe expecting something quick and I said we've got some answers to, you know, to find out first. And they said, we have a little bit of time, so we're going to make sure we have a good plan that's not going to have any negative impact on us and we certainly want to offer it and provide it um as appropriate, but we don't want to have to lose money in the property either. Um the other
046uh again a big chunk of time was spent um on some of the boiler plate items. Um, and I know we've heard about this these items before, but it was reiterated again um that MD could withhold 5% of a district state aid for non-compliance with um the key requirements of um making sure that all families do complete the federal uh reduced price meal applications, which again, of course, we work diligently to do um but they are really indicating that it has to be 100%. Um the they ban offering any students financial incentives to attend on count day, which we do not do. Um and then I know we've talked also in previous meetings about the public disclosure of any district-wide student survey questions um that go out. So, um, we haven't had any go out
047since this mandate was put in place, but if we, you know, the next time we do a district-wide survey, we would have to place it on the website, the questions on the website. Um, and parents would have the option to opt out, which we've always offered, but it's just that additional of that public posting of the questions. So, is it we could lose or we will lose or we may lose. It says it requires that the language says MDU would be required to withhold 5% of a district's state aid payment for non-compliance of any of these requirements state. Yeah. So 5% of our state. And then the last one is that we would have to notify parents if we were using a non designated MD evidence-based curriculum. Um, all of our curriculums are FDE and
048um compliant, so we cannot don't worry about that one. Um, moving on to again, of course, 31A was not as hot of a topic as it's been in the past, but the the big sentiment there was just for all of us as district leaders and and for you as board members, just for us to be continue to be very diligent and mindful of reading, you know, reading through that. the the worry is that the language that they kind of tried to sneak in the 31A and those rights that they tried to take away that they they're hearing they continue to hear comments like that being made with other bills and other funding sources. And so we just have to you know it seems to be that that these precedent setting measures, right? And so it's
049just we're just we might be at the beginning of this and we just need to continue to be really mindful and make sure we don't you know lose sight of anything. And again, um, you know, I think for me, right, okay, I know we don't want to put ourselves, we won't put ourselves in a position where, you know, again, they're putting us in an unsafe or, um, illegal position, but also then they're withholding money and so we're we're back at that problem. So, um, I mean, scared was the word that was used over and over and over again during those conversations. So, that is, um, something we have on on the top of mind. Um I'm sorry for those of the other schools that didn't participate did they get this huge increase in what they've
050seen? They haven't. Um so right now they haven't seen that yet because if you recall so the 31A dispersements went out earlier. They went out in December or whatever was in November um before that final that extended opt in or opt out. So, as of right now, technically we have 31A money sitting in our bank account um just as they do. So, there's still MBA is still working out how they're going to recoup those funds from the districts that ultimately opted out. So, we just we're not touching anything that um and then once that step is finalized or they figure that out, then they'll be able to let those other districts know what they're getting in addition basically. So my guess is it's going to be a while for them because they don't seem to
051have a good solution on removing funds right now. They couldn't give us any clear answer of how what that was going to look like, when it would happen. Is it just going to be they indicated be withholding from future sting payments, but they can't say when or will it be all months? Like they're just really there's no additional lawsuits out there right now trying to >> So there is still the So we're still we're not any further than we were in January. So, we expect early February um it would be the next open um date for it to be heard at the state level. So, the federal side will wait to see what the state determines. Um so, they're both still technically out there. Um but the state um lawsuit will will continue on again.
052So, we should hear something more in February after that hearing that one. Yeah. Uh and then the other another big topic was the cell phone bill, the House bill um 4141 and then the Senate side it's 495. Uh so according to um the lawyers that we heard from there, it looks like they're pretty much at a a compromise. So this is what we're they're expecting. They said this is what we could kind of in the back of our mind be planning on for that student cell phone bill um that we've been hearing about. Um so basically um the [clears throat] bill would be adopted um if it is adopted then we would expect to see several key exemptions. So it would be um the cell phone dad would not apply to um devices used for
053instructional purposes. So like I mean if a teacher had some kind of electronic setup in the classroom that wasn't going out to social media sites and texting that kind of thing. So if we had something internal for instructional purposes, students that uh utilize their device for individual education programs that's part of their IEP, medically necessary devices, districtowned devices, emergency situations, and to kind of clarify that last one, districts would be required to develop and maintain a protocol of when and how students would be permitted to use cell phones during an emergency situation. So that is so they can't have them on them. that there's something that kicked them in the door that came out. Who knows? >> So, right now, this is this is what it looks like the bill would say, right? So, I
054don't have the answers beyond this. Um, you know, >> so the districts will not be able to decide or have their own policy. >> Well, we still have to have some kind of our own policy in place. I mean, you know, we we would again, right? Like they like you said, it doesn't necessarily say I don't from what I see it says they can't use it during the school day. Well, does that again does that mean if I see a student with it tucked in the side of the backpack, but they are not using it, you know? So, I mean, we absolutely would still have to create a policy because there are too many whole I mean, this is not thorough enough to say, oh, a student has their phone. Well, what happens, right? What
055does that look like? What are the steps? was the progression of discipline if you will. Um I mean so there would be a lot that would go into this on our plate once it was approved. Um so but this this would be sort of the context that we would be expected to work with or with with building. So that one seems to be you know again the different presentations and things I heard at different times that were speaking out different things. this one came up as yeah that's probably one of the first bills that we'll see come through. Um, so that's, you know, that's where the focus has been. Um, let's see. And then as far as um, categoricals, there was a not as much on that because I think there's still a lot up
056in the air. Um, but just kind of reminding us and pointing out that um, from general fund um, we have seen a decrease, a 2.4% decrease in the past year. Even though, you know, we keep hearing how much more we [clears throat] getting, but it was a decrease. Whereas the school aid fund was a 2.3 increase. So, they kind of just moved essential money that almost equal money that used to be um in that general fund over to the school aid fund. So, those capitals um and then looking ahead to this year, the predictions are that um that the general fund is projected to decrease by about only.4%. So not as big of a decrease as maybe we saw in the past. Whereas school aid anticipated to increase by 2.3. So again that concept is
057pulling more money away from the basic general fund and putting it into those categoricals where we are they are earmarked for certain pieces. You know we can only spend it on whatever that you know it's extended school day or on Twitter or whatever it might be right. So kind of moving money around on us and again that goes back to that kind of same concept as 31A. Those are the places where they can be a little tighter on the control. They can put other regulations in around what reporting we have to do with that money. Those kind of things. So those are those kind of concerning areas for us to again keep our eye on. And that is that's questions. Okay. Elizabeth, are you ready to go if I >> just ran in? >> Yes.
058>> Okay. So, what we're going to do is we are going to now do our student board of education pride reports. So, ladies, >> elementary students and staff are getting ready to kick off kindness month, February 1st. This will involve receiving random acts of kindness cards, earning kindness stickers, and having a calendar that emphasizes doing different random acts of kindness each day. One of our strong beliefs at the elementary school's kindness always wins. At the middle school January 19th, teachers are participating in a professional development and begin norming grades to best support students. This will work in level grade levels plc sorry students are finishing NWA. When they are finished, staff will dis sorry. >> I'm like, "No, it's mine." This aggregate and analyze the data to determine what supports are needed moving forward. Globe
059bingo is scheduled for the past Friday, but has been postponed. We'll have a new date available soon. The students and staff of Richmond Middle School would like to wish the members of the board of education happy schoolboard appreciation month. We are so grateful to have all of you for high school. Just Renaissance is holding a leadership summit at Lance Cruz this Wednesday for schools from Cone County in which we'll be taking a group of students to participate in this leadership opportunity. The inaugural black uh bands will be taking place this Wednesday at 600 p.m. at Emily City High School. A big thank you to everyone who made this year snowcoming true success. Students participated in spirit week, our annual film assembly, and the dance. It was a great week. For athletics, we have varsity cheer
060claimed first place at the Richmond Invitational at Adams and Bry and the first BY. Seventh and eighth grade boys basketball and middle school competitive cheer began receiving January 5th. The boys opened on the road at Emily City on January 19th, while the competitive cheer team will compete this weekend at Forton Invitational. We have a great crowd for our snowcoming games. The varsity girls play at 6:00 and the varsity boys the varsity boys um play immediately after. RGB girls got a win on that night with an overtime thriller over North Bridge. Wrestling will host the alumni rules this Saturday beginning at 9:30. Also like Michan said, I would like to um make an announcement for um one of my students who is dealing with a tough time. Um, I want to keep obviously her family, but
061also close friends, her thoughts, prayers or whatever you practice. Um, it's good to hear that from mom hospital. It's a big step in their very long journey. Um, they do have a GoFundMe. So, if you have the means to donate, that would be extremely appreciated. I'm glad to hear that you are donating food and helping out. So, that's also great. But yeah, it's very disheartening to hear what happened, but I'm glad you're moving to >> where might I find >> um I did repost it on our Facebook page. Yeah. So, it was Monday last week if you remember the other day, earlier part of last week. Um if you scroll back um if you can't find it, cancel. It does say I think her and her model's name and show and so I think that
062might make it more recognizable in the Richmond H2. >> Yeah, I think it is too. >> I think that's one thing that makes this district and this community special is that everybody will chip in and everybody will do what they have. That is to me what I know and have been there with the community. So, we're going to keep hoping and praying or whatever we need to do. Okay. Next item on our agenda is items of interest from the board. So, um Danielle Raymond. >> Yeah. Um, so I was taking a look at the agenda uh just before the meeting and I saw on there previously Sarah had brought up and asked a question for an update on the the standardsbased meeting and I didn't have to see it on the agenda and I apologize.
063It was just something I was just briefly looking over just before tonight's meeting. So I was just wondering if there's a plan to follow up with that at a future board meeting. >> Yep, it will definitely be a future board meeting. we we haven't had a chance to get it together yet and then again kind of keeping those presentations more so for the earlier board meeting. Um but absolutely yes we will have that as soon as possible. >> Thank you. >> Um Barbara um no I think we're going to do it. Okay. Um Candace um not a whole lot. I just wanted to thank um all of the staff and um whomever was involved in the special gifts to the to the board tonight. Um it it is an honor to be a part of
064this community and um I just want to thank everybody for that. These they're your gifts are always very thoughtful and um heartfelt and so I appreciate it. Sandy tonight. >> Yeah, there's something I didn't want to say. Sorry, you're kind of sick, too. Oh, I'm going to try to come here. Um, okay. So, last meeting we had our presentations um from MLI and MASB and um that night the truth of transparency page on Facebook had posted kind of a summary of what our um meeting was and what everybody's position was after we kind of said, you know, which we preferred or what our thoughts were. And I just feel like there were some um things that were posted that were inaccurate. I just kind of at least for myself. So I wanted to clarify um
065you know for a page that is literally called truth and transparency. There was a lot of opinion and assumption based comments there. Um and I just don't know that that is living up to its name being truth and transparency. Um the first part the actual post um by Ben Stammer seemed accurate. It did seem factual. So, I don't have an issue with that. She had commented that I preferred MLI, which is true. Um, she didn't put any of the reasons why I preferred MLI, which I will I know I wasn't I didn't hit my mic and she had said, "Hey, we can't hear you guys." So, that might be the reason that she didn't put the reasons why I preferred MLI. So, I just kind of wanted to go through again why I chose MLI
066because then in the comments, um Jamie Green, who I like her very much. Um you know, she made a comment that said, "This is unfortunate. Masb is an incredible organization that really transcends through all the stuff. They have a tremendous reach um in finding a diverse group of qualified candidates." Um I couldn't agree more with that. I don't disagree with that at all. I think that my is a great organization. I have nothing against them. I don't think I said anything negative about them. Um Amy Lorraine, who is an admin of that page, then commented that's why the majority voted no. And I just don't think that that is a factual truth statement. Um that's not it. And I didn't vote no for MASB. I voted yes for um MLI. And I didn't vote no,
067so to speak, for MASB because they were going to find us a well vetted candidate. That doesn't even make sense. Um, so I just kind of wanted to call that out. Um, I did vote for MLI for the reasons that I stated that night, which are I liked that they had the mentorship program. I liked that everybody in that organization had um had that superintendence. I felt like the presentation was more professional. Um, I didn't comment on the dress. I know deputy did comment on the dress which also got I know Beth came up and spoke after that. But I do feel like showing up in a suit does present better. Um I do feel that way. I felt like the whole presentation was more thought out and I did feel as though they would
068represent us better. Um so I did not vote no for MASB um because they were going to find us a well- vetted candidate. Doesn't make sense. Um the other comment was by Amy Lorraine. It said I honestly was not surprised by what we heard tonight. It was very apparent for a majority on that board that they do not um sorry they do not feel like taxpayers should have any say in who is in charge of their children's education. Again, never I did not say those words. I don't think anybody on this board did, but I'm just going to speak for myself. Um in fact, I feel like we kind of all said the opposite. I feel like um throughout this whole process that we've been talking about it, we've consistently said, I know Margaret has
069said on a couple occasions, we tell them what we are looking for. They don't direct us on how we are conducting this search. Just because the MASSB might have said we're going to get community involvement and MLI might not have specifically said it, doesn't mean we are against it. we can tell MLI this is something we would like to incorporate into our search and I definitely am open and hopeful that the community is going to have some input for us. Um much like our students I I feel all input is good. All of these different groups in our community are going to have different viewpoints and ways of looking at it. So for the for the Facebook page to say that um majority now do I know that they were speaking of me? No, but
070I was part of the majority that voted for MLI, so I I'm making the assumption they were speaking to me. Um, I absolutely feel the taxpayer should have a say in who's in charge of their child's education. They're not going to have all of the say, but they're allowed to have input and I would welcome that input. So, I just kind of wanted to address that because I didn't feel like it was very truthful. I feel like they were making some assumptions and some broad statements about why I voted the way that I did, and I just wanted to clear that up. Good for you, Sarah. Well said, Sarah. >> Um, I don't have any comments tonight. I'm going to do my part during the public comment section. Okay, next item on our agenda is
071public comments. Uh, since the last board meeting, the board has not received any emails in which to reply. I um specifically wish to address um the person who came to our uh podium to to uh talk about some issues um in the show of truth and transparency. I wish to comment on statements made during public comments at our last board meeting regarding the email that was referenced. I want to clarify that I did not receive the email because it was sent to an incorrect email address. I am always willing to review and respond to correspondence when it is received through the appropriate channels. I encourage anyone with concerns to ensure they are using the correct contact information listed for me. It is on the website. I would also like to clarify that the district does
072in fact have an established dress code policy. This policy is included in our student handbook for our students and in board policy for our staff both which are available again on the district website. If there are questions about the policy, please um get a hold of our superintendent and share your thoughts or concerns. Um, I too was um bashed on both of those comments on truth and transparency and I want to make it clear that um what was written was not accurate. Um we value parent input and remain committed to open communication and accurate information as we work together for the best interest of our students. So, um I too wish to express concern what was put out because I don't believe it was true or transparent. Okay. Um at this time, any member of
073the public will have three minutes to address the board. Please sign in and state your name. If you wish a followup, please provide contact information on the public comment signin sheet. Are there any public comments? Seeing no public comments, we will move on to our next item on our agenda. I'm looking for a motion to go into close session. Pursuant to MCL5.268 268 section 8E of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. I move that the board of education go into close session for the purpose of consulting with its attorney regarding [snorts] trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, but only if if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the public. >> Thank you. Any discussion? This will be a roll call vote. Margaret
074>> I. Sarah >> Hi. >> Candace. >> Hi. >> Sandy. >> Hi. >> Raymond. >> Hi. >> Danielle I. >> I vote I. Motion carries. Uh for the public. We will be coming back out. We have three action items that we will do and then we will. Okay. We're going back into open session at 8:59. Okay. Next item on our agenda is our action items. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of a proposed overnight extended trip request. I motion to accept the recommendation of the interest superintendent to approve the overnight extended student trip to Detroit, Michigan is presented at the January 26, 2026 board of education meeting and outline of the documentation. Thank you. >> Ray, was that you? >> I I didn't say so. >> Okay, good. Thank you. I'm sorry. I
075just didn't hear from um any discussion. This will be a roll call vote. Uh Sandy, >> I Raymond, >> I. >> Margaret, >> I. >> Sarah, >> hi. >> Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of a resolution for a special election on May 5th, 2026. I move to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the following resolution. Whereas number one, in the opinion of this board, it is necessary and expedient to ask voters whether to approve a bond project consisting of erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings, remodeling, equipping, and re-equipping and furnishing and refernishing school buildings, acquiring, installing, equipping, and re-equipping school buildings for instructional technology. in preparing, developing, approving, and equipping playgrounds and sites. Number two, this board estimates the necessary
076cost of the project to be 53,222,32. Number three, it will be [clears throat] necessary for the district to borrow the sum of $51,800,000 and issue the bonds of the district, therefore the remaining funds to be derived from the investment of the bond proceeds. Number four, this board intends to submit a proposition at a special election to be held on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026. Number five, honor before 4:00 p.m. On Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, the board shall certify any ballot proposition to be submitted to the voters at such election to the election coordinator or coordinators designated to conduct elections within the district, the election coordinator. Now therefore be it resolved that number one a special election of the school electors of the district be called and held on Tuesday May 5th 2026. Number two the proposition
077to be voted on at the special election shall be stated on the ballots and substantially the form as set forth in exhibit A. Number three, the election coordinator is requested to a utilize MCOME Daily, a newspaper published or a general circulation within the district for publication of notices in accordance with the election law requirements. B. Utilize ballot proposition summary information as prepared by legal counsel in the forms of the notices of last day of registration and election and substantially the form is set forth in exhibit B attached here too. C. provide a proof copy of the ballot to the district and as legal counsel in sufficient time to allow the ballot to be proof read prior to printing. Four, this board estimates the period of usefulness of the improvements for which bonds of the district
078in the amount of $51,800,000 are to be issued to be not less than 20 years. Five, the secretary of this board is hereby authorized and directed to file a copy of this resolution with the election coordinator and with any election clerk or clerks designated to conduct elections within the district by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. Six, all resolutions and parts of resolutions and so far as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution are hereby support. Thank you. Any discussion? Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Margaret >> I, >> Candace, >> hi. >> Sandy, >> I Raymond, >> hi. >> Sarah, >> hi. >> Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. Go. Marvin's going to probably do the other action item. Okay, let's do the last action item and then we
079have one other thing. All right. Okay. Okay, I'm looking for um a motion for the approval of settlement. A motion to accept the recommendation of the interim superintendent and approve the mediation settlement of a former employee claim in connection with uh charge number 471-2025-02 638 in the amount of $61,988. Do I have support? Any discussion? This will be a roll call vote. Um, Sandy, >> hi. >> Uh, Daniel, >> hi. >> Sarah, >> hi. >> Raymond, >> hi. >> Janice, >> hi. >> Arthur, >> I I vote I. Motion carries. Okay, before we adjourn, um, going to talk real quick. We need to get a committee over the bottom to help. Um, yep. I uh have talked with Billy and Deb and I have volunteered to lead uh committee for uh bond issue. Um so
080uh two other people would like to join with me. Um we're going to um get some uh staff people together. Um we've got some ideas on um we're going to do a video um do some reaching out to voters some some different ideas. We're going to have a meeting next Thursday the 5th um to invite staff to come um uh I I met with Cheryl Jar and um Christy Crarampton from the teachers union. They're real excited. they've got some ideas themselves and what they want to do to help us get it um get it passed. So, they're going to bring their ideas together. So, um whoever would like to to be if you'd like to join me in doing this, but um we're going to move forward and we're going to get this passed. >>
081I I I wouldn't mind being on committee for I guess. So Margaret, Sandy, I I know you Candace. Okay. So there's our three for our committee. Oh, and I would like to do if we could for the next February, March, April, just have something on the agenda. Just a little like update. We're under presentation. >> Billy Hill can give her little update for the things um that she's doing up. what our committee just so that the board gets an idea and after we meet on the 5th I'll send an email so that the rest of the board knows what the idea is and what we're what we're doing and I know Ray it's really hard being so far away to be able to to do much but um we can we can always put a
082sign in your yard so at least we can put it on your wall behind Yeah. Yeah. >> But um so yeah, they but I'm I'm excited cuz they've got some really good ideas. Um and video the high school video class, middle school video class is going to do some stuff. So um got some really cool ideas. Okay. Um the only uh you'll let us know when things are going on or when you need help or you need us to do something. >> Yeah. >> Um Okay. Because you're going to have a meeting then with just the three of you on the 5th. Is that what you said? >> That's our might. >> Okay. So, one of >> you have more than three board members there, right? No, >> we well >> you can have more
083than three members. You just can't talk board business. I got it. Yes. Um just just so everyone knows, one of the things we're going to do is we're going to take the voter roles and um get people to maybe take a group, you know, like maybe you take 30 people that you know and you would be responsible for those getting those 30 people to to vote, you know, since I think part of it was people didn't vote, you know, that's that's one of the ideas that we were tossing around. So that's something that's it. Okay. No further business. We are going to adjourn at 9:08. [music] >> [music]