001Good evening. The regular meeting of the Richmond Board of Education will come to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America >> and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. >> Sandy, if you could please read our mission and vision statement. Take world call. Sure. Our mission statement is at Richmond Community Schools, we provide a quality education that empowers students to be successful in a global community. And our vision statement at Richmond is to foster a culture of academic excellence, creativity, character, ensuring that all students are prepared for success in an everchanging world. >> [clears throat] >> And then board member Cunningham here. >> Board member Michon >> here. >> Board member Sutton
002>> here. >> Board member Telto >> here. >> Board member Styer >> here. Okay. Board member Gillis is absent with notice. I am board fortun here. We do have a quorum. And we have our um student representative Elizabeth Schaper is going to be a little late with notice. And then uh Kelsey is not going to be here tonight. Thank you. Um I'm looking for a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'm going to make a motion to um approve the agenda with a couple of amendments. Uh first is um because Elizabeth is going to be here around 7:30 after um cheer practice. I'd like to move student board report item number eight. Move it down after action items so it will become item number 12 and just reumber everything. And then uh under the consent
003agenda, I'd like to make a new item D to pull out of the personnel report, approval of Julie Robbins, special ed resource room, teacher, high school, middle school. Um that is uh in individual that I have to abstain from voting on. So I want to separate that from the rest of the personnel report. That's it. Any um do I have a second? >> Thank you, Danielle. Any discussion? Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Mr. Once again, >> we're just doing the agenda. >> Oh, sorry. You're right. >> Okay. Um, okay. Candace, >> I >> Sandy, >> I uh Danielle, >> I >> Raymond, >> I >> um Margaret, >> I vote I. Motion carries. >> I'm sorry. And I really screwed that up, too. Sorry, guys. Um, where's my sheet? Okay. I'm looking
004for a motion to approve the consent agenda. I move to approve the consent agenda. Agenda items A through C. Do I have support? >> Support. >> Thank you. Um, Mr. Wy, any discussion or anything we need to know? Yeah, in the uh personnel report, we have a couple hires. Aaron Dalton um student support pair professional. Sarah Dishinger, a student support student support pair professional. Uh we have two middle school uh excuse me special ed teachers uh Melissa Henchel and one is being moved to the second U letter G sorry Julie Robin uh Sherry McGregor is also student support professional and then we have the appointment of Kelly Shimennis I apologize um secretary the principal Um, a couple resignations. We have a baseball coach for freshman, Michael James. Uh, Allison Menz, a student support pair professional.
005Um, Laura Ortega, Spanish club lead. And we have my retirement in the packet to perform formal. And I see a couple of new appointments that we've already been hired by the board. There were no questions regarding the November 10th regular meeting or the November 17th special meeting board ordinance. And then you also have the head counting fulltime. Sorry. >> Any discussion from the board or questions? I just want to um recognize I'm just going to say Kelly S. I'm not going to attempt to say her last name, but she's a Richmond grad, so that that's kind of cool and exciting that she's uh taking on that role at the middle school. Any other questions or comments? Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Margaret >> I. >> Candace, >> hi. >> Sandy, >> I.
006>> Raymond, >> I. >> Sarah, oh, sorry, Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. Okay, I'm looking for a motion for the hire of Julie Robbins, >> right? >> Okay, so Candace said it. I have a second. >> I'll second it. >> Okay, thank you guys. Um, any questions? >> Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Uh, Candace, >> hi. >> Uh, Sandy, >> I. >> Danielle, >> hi. Raymond >> I >> Margaret >> I have to abstain item related to Julie Robbins. >> Thank you. I vote I motion carries. [snorts] >> Okay. Next item on our agenda is our blue devil raves. Um here we go. Let's see. Um, Sandy, I uh just real quickly, I went to the Dracula matinea on Sunday and um it was a really good show. It was
007really fun. Uh but I do want to I do want to point out that this I think is the first show I've ever been to here where there was absolutely no hiccups that I noticed with the tech booth. Um, and they had indicated that it was all run by students, so I just feel like they deserve a real pat on the back. Um, I did not notice not make hiccup with that. So, it was awesome. It was a really great show. Everybody did a great job. But, I just uh wanted to make sure that I I I said something special about them. >> Thank you. >> Can I just add to that Ian O'Neal RIT has been working with kids who are interested in the the tech side of the theater. Okay. So, that's why
008we now some of the students in that tech. Oh, okay. All right. Very nice. Yeah. I mean, usually there's like there was no like crack of the mic, no static, no I mean, there's usually at least something, right? Like I think that happens even in the professional world, but this was it was to me it was seamless. So, they did a great job. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Marvin. Um, yep. I went to the play Saturday night and they did a great job. And uh then I want to just give a shout out uh to the middle school for the Veterans Day assembly. Uh to Miss Mela, Mr. Knight, uh Mrs. Shack, and Mrs. Core, and uh Miss Gardner, uh the teacher that was responsible for the students getting everything together. Um, one neat thing,
009uh, there were students that had prepared cards for any veterans that were there that day and they walked around and gave veterans cards. And my husband being a veteran, it was just a really cool touch for the students to walk up and um, share those cards with veterans. So, um, it was just a really, really nice uh, nice event. So, thank you to them. Um um let's see. Candace, >> I'm all set tonight. >> Um Danielle, >> um I just had two small ones. I wanted to say thank you to the PTO at the elementary for putting on the playing boards um that finished up and was a lot of fun with the new house system and holy cow I saw the numbers today and how much they raised and >> they raised enough that
010each student will get $9 during um the Santa shop. Oh, wow. But I don't remember the all the totals, but they were in like the 11,000 range for each like point totals for each house or something around there, but big numbers. Um, so it was very cool. >> Um, so that was a lot of fun. >> This was the pennies that they're no longer making, right? >> Yes, the pennies are no longer making. Yeah, exactly. So, we'll have to call it something else next year. Um and then also thank you to um Miss Manguni for stepping in um to hold the stop sign and risk her life in that parking lot in the morning um when Miss Nichols was out um the one morning. Um and she did that flawlessly. So that was great. And
011all the questions and the noticings of oh no, Miss Nichols isn't there. But um she hopped right in there and you know took care of it. So that was great. >> Cool. Thank you. Uh Raymond, >> not this time. >> Okay. Um I too just would like to comment on the veterans assembly. Um it was a very very special um event. The band and the choir were just phenomenal. The music was really uh you know I kudos to both of our directors Stacy Flor and uh um Molly Shaq they did a very very nice job. So whoever put it all together and everything it was um it was well attended to place was filled. So thank you for doing that and it was it was very well received. Okay, next item on our agenda. We're
012going to jump to our superintendent and legislative update. Mr. Wson. >> Okay. I'm going to start with district stuff first. Uh so for district updates, um just to update the board, the community, the uh we've been working with the REA to get the two calendars finalized for 26 and 27. Those should come to you shortly after the first of the year. um given that we only have one regular board meeting before December 30th, but we are very very close um with the goal of trying to get as many as much instructional minutes as possible with kids and so forth. So, we're we're excited. Um it's been a long time coming, but that should be coming through. Um reminder of the board, next Tuesday when we get back from break is the Palm County Schoolboard Association
013dinner meeting. If you are your schedule's changed, you're more than welcome to join if you have not been able to. or um RCP, right? That might be a little more challenging for you, so I apologize. >> Yeah, [laughter] [clears throat] >> I too went to the the musical that I went on or play on Friday. Um um I just I thought they did a great job and I I love seeing more and more of the students take ownership of it, especially from the tech room to the set building. Um which is a good thing. Um for the Richmond again as a partner with uh the Richmond Community Theater, they have a upcoming uh production of Scrooge. Uh we received several tickets for the December 7th and 14th performance. So staff responding back. So we're going
014to get those out. Um but I encourage everybody to go to the other performances they also put on at the Richmond Community Theater. They um the reason why we partner with them, they do a lot for our theater program with props and sets and so it's just a great partnership to have. Um believe it or not, when we come back from Thanksgiving break, it's going to be December. So, our holiday band concerts are coming up. Uh December 9th is the high school holiday band concert and the middle school is on December 16th. Both performances are 7 o'clock and will take place at the auditorium. choir is coming up on December 10th is the uh high school holiday choir and December 15th is the middle school holiday choir. Again, those concerts start at 7. Also, uh
015we are partnering with the Richmond uh Lions Club on December 13th. We have breakfast with Santa. Typically, it's housed at St. Peters. Um it's going to be at Richmond uh Lee Elementary School. So bring your bring your little ones to come give your last chance plea to Santa to make sure that you've been good. Santa will be there. We're over there today making sure all the logistics were coordinated. So really looking forward to that. Our food service department will be providing the food. We have several of our student volunteers that will be helping that day from NHS and all the organizations at the high school. So um again the holiday season starts off uh officially in this area. The red kettle bar or red kettle collection starts. So, uh, if you're out doing your holiday
016shopping on December 20th, Saturday, December 20th, or Tuesday the 23rd, I'll be outside Kroger. So, stop by and pick up your last, uh, holiday dish and so forth. Drop some change in the bucket. Um, it it goes to the Salvation Army and a lot of our, uh, needs in our our community. So, I honored to participate in that every year. Um just a reminder that schools will be closed beginning this Wednesday for the Thanksgiving recess and we will open back up December 1st. So just wishing all families uh a a rested grateful Thanksgiving legislative update. Really the only thing that just has been on the radar as far as in the news is we've talked about it previously is section 31A. Um I know some the board members know I've tried to keep them in
017the loop on the on the process which seems to be evolving and changing by the hour but um in section 31A the law that was passed when they passed the the budget um there were some things in there that are questionable in terms of whether they are um violate the con constitution as well as some other uh amendments etc. So, um, the MISDS took the spearhead of this and they filed a lawsuit on behalf of the districts in Mcome County as well as several other MISCs joined and last week the uh judge um kind of put a stay in the the the ruling um from the perspective of um districts have to say whether they're going to opt into 31A regardless of the position by uh December 4th um 11:59 and December 4th. 4, the
018judge will have uh uh cases adhere the decision and issue it by December 19th. If the lawsuit does not go in the district's favor, uh districts have between the 19th and December 30th to opt out of that process. So, um if we don't opt in by the 4th, regardless of the position, we lose the money regardless this year. Um but you can opt out after the 4th really through December 31st at any time. So um I know that's on the agenda tonight. There's four resolutions for you to consider. Um it's not praised as a superintendent recommendation. This is really a board decision that you guys have to make um and so forth. So um pick one of the resolution. The last one that you should have gotten in front of you um is the one
019that I sent to you last week after the board packet was sent out. That's the latest resolution. This allows us to opt in and then it basically lose in the the hearing from the school district side that allows d basically directs me to opt out. Um so that's what resolution D is in that package. So other than that um again just wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving and um when we come back it will be December 1st. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. The next item on our agenda is items of interest from the board. Um, we'll start with Jamie out this time. >> I'm sorry. I I >> Oh, been debating on where to take this topic. Um, but I believe this is more related to legislators, so that's why I won't bring it
020up. Um, Ryan, could you just kind of tell us a little bit more about what's going on with this health education standards framework that's I know that we don't have a sex ed program. So, are we exempt from all of this? it's going >> generally when the state board approves standards and let me preface by we've received no guidance from MDE to this point other than they had hearings on these standards um and that it was approved by the state board that's all the information we have but generally once they approve them then there's a uh process of schools go through the curriculum review process process, an adoption process, and that integration where the and and I'm not burst on those standards. I've seen parts of them, but I'm not burst on all the standards.
021So, I'm kind of cautiously saying certain things. Um, where it's appropriate to our our guidance, we would or our curriculum, we would update our standards. Some of the content is because we're an abstenceonly district and we don't teach sex education. Some of those we won't teach or address because we don't we don't we don't we haven't gone down that road. >> We don't have a committee for that. >> Well, if the if the board says we want to move from a from a non-absidance base to a sexed, there's a process and one of the pieces is you have to have a committee. It's defined on who has to be on that committee. So, all of that would have to get put in place. My experience in my previous jobs is that is at least a
022a year and a half, two years process. Once you're established in the committee, setting kind of what the framework is, you're going through and looking at the curriculum, you're going through and deciding what you're going to teach and so forth. It's it's a process doing all all the components. Um, so it's nothing that they say we're going to implement next year. There's no way that would happen this year. There's a there's a process. So um >> about the health curriculum itself just focusing on that that that wouldn't be changed either until >> our intent is the health and a lot of those courses were just done in the electives that were not part of these new >> standards or guidelines. Thank you. Um so it would come up generally in the next cycle of review
023unless there's something that is mandated that we have to take action soon. Sometimes they'll pass in the law like you have until October one of 2026 to implement it. Like for instance, um coaches have to have certain training in concussion and all so forth. So they give you a period of time to get your ducks in a row and get everything lined up before it comes into effect. Um epien training like that, those are past things that we've had to do. But it's never um you know, unless it's legislatively mandated that it has to start by a certain date. um generates through the process of the curriculum adoption, >> but all of that would run past the board at some point before anything would be put in place. >> If if there's going to be
024a change to the health curriculum and and that we do current that would have to come to the board like Billy does with all the elective courses, the core classes, and that will come at that point though has just done >> we just last year. >> Yeah. I mean really we just implement we're still working through putting our current one that we just purchased in place our forgiving benefit >> which is all based on the previous standards >> right so the teachers have just started to we're kind of our process is doing a little cross talk if you will and seeing what we're for ourselves going through and seeing where are these differences and again there's that whole section of the sex ed piece that we aren't feeling we don't so >> okay thank you
025just some clarity because you Yeah, even like when they look at the state curriculum, they approve the math standards or the science. I mean, science is a great example. It took years before the assessment was even lined up to those standard. Just recently, about two or three years ago, the assessment finally started measuring science standards. >> Um, it's it's a it's a long process. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other comments, questions? Okay. Next item on our agenda is our items of interest from the board. Um Danielle, >> I'm good. >> Um Candace. >> Um no, I just want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving and um just grateful for everybody who um comes and makes good choices for the children every day in our district. And um thank you for everything. Um Raymond. >>
026Yeah. Um I would just like to to add that um you know last week we had the uh at the at the special meeting and I would just like to request if possible that even during the special meetings if we could schedule the uh the camera or the TV to add or to cover that those meetings as well. Um there's a lot of great dialogue regarding the uh you know the process that we're going to take for hiring the interim and then also for the the more permanent position for the superintendent role. And I just think that that like I said there's a lot of great dialogue there that um even though the the public is invited to come sometimes it gets really late and these special meetings are out of out of cycle so
027to speak. They're not every two weeks. Um, I would just ask if we could find a way to ensure that all of our open meetings are covered, you know, via video. >> Now, is that that's not anything we schedule though, is it? Is it don't we do we send the notice and then they come if they want to come and they don't if they don't. >> I have never called I send everybody gets the notice out there and they they schedule to come or not, >> right? And that that meeting that special meeting last week has been on our schedule >> since January. So that didn't just pop up. >> I don't know that we can schedule it though. I guess cuz like we're not paying them for that service. >> That's correct. >> I
028Well, I'm just looking at if you know if we could look at into having all of our open meetings covered by video. Well, that's that's like I mentioned to Candace last week. If that's something you like Candace mentioned, she wanted it, then you have to reach out to Richmond TV and contact them yourself and ask them to come to do that because it's not something that's normal. They're choosing. They're picking and choosing what they want as a courtesy to the community. It's not something that we're scheduling them to do. It's not something Brian's asking them to do or somebody in the district's asking them to do. It's something that they're doing personally for the community. So, like I told Candace last week, if she wanted it, she could have asked them to come. But it's
029something that you would have to ask on your own. If I wanted them to come and I could contact them and ask her confirm if there's something I see on the agenda, I could say, "Hey, I just want to confirm you're going to be there this week because I see something important on the agenda." But it would have to be on our own will to go and confirm with them. Unless they're listening right now to know that. But you know that's just that's on your own terms to do that. It's not >> it's not something the district coordinates their service. >> They don't confirm like they don't call that day and say, "Oh, we'll be there tonight." Like that doesn't happen. No, they're they they have >> it's a service >> for however many years
030we've had our meetings um filmed I don't know 15 plus years they come to regular scheduled meetings that's what they the service or however you want to do that to what Danielle said that's that's what they >> that's their decision >> correct because they have been at some they have been at some special meetings um in the past, >> couple of different times. >> So, yeah, but not because we've asked them to come. >> No, I know. I know. That's what I'm saying. But like they they are looking at the agenda they want to come or not >> and decide that looks good. We're going to send something else. >> We send them like all of our events like sports scheduled. We send them awards scheduled. Um they come or not come. So I guess
031I guess it's based on the programming that they they decide. Again, I don't know how that board or that small group at the city operates, but >> um we send them we send them everything to say, "Hey, here's another event you could cover." >> Okay. So I So I just I've been cautioned before, you know, in regards to as an individual board member, you know, reaching out to agencies for one thing or another. and uh I was told that you know that's not for my place to do so that the the board's actions work through the president and through its motions and so um to hear that I can individually as a as a board trustee reach out and and request this then then okay then that's my answer but I I just didn't know
032that that was a process and so I guess u thank you but if if if we as a board or as you know, Deb as a president can request that, then I I would like to do so moving forward. >> I I just want to clarify. I think there's kind of two two roles here, right? If the board right now were to take action, say we want you to me to request that you guys your voice board, I would do that. If that hasn't been the practice for at least 12, but probably more 15 years as an individual member of the community. >> That's what I was going to say. >> I think that's what Daniel saying. you have the right to contact the city and say, "Hey, why are you why are you covering?
033Why are you not however that conversation goes as a trustee?" >> I don't think you would address them as a trustee. You'd be more address them as a community member >> from that angle because in that case the the voice on the policies does come through the president rather than the individual. So, just just a little clarification as a as a member of the community, anybody can reach out and say, "Hey, why or why not are you filming or we'd like you or not to film it?" However, >> I hope I just clarify. I didn't mean to just So, that's Well, that's in part that's what I'm looking for. So, if I reached out, you know, via email or the case and said, "Hey, I'm Raymond Styer, resident of Richmond. I'd like to request this."
034versus, "Hey, I'm Raymond Styer, trustee on the board of education. I would like to request this. Correct. >> So if if that's the difference and Okay, that that's the difference. Thank you for that. I appreciate the uh clearing that up for me. >> No problem. >> Okay. Anything else? Ron, >> no, that was it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Margaret. >> No, I'm good. Um Sandy, >> uh just real quick want to say that uh we did secure the date for the staff appreciation uh for May 1st >> and uh well maniac or Macy's I don't know however some people say it differently but um that is >> I think we need to find out what their official what they want to be called. >> Yes. Um, yeah. So, I just wanted to real quick
035say that I mean there's more information coming of course, uh, but that I just wanted to make sure that the date's out there, which Danielle did send an email to staff, but I just, you know, >> and it is on the district calendar, too. So, it is print that off on your fridge. Yep. >> It's also on that date. >> All set. All set. Okay. I just want to update um our community on our search for our superintendent. We did meet with um Billy last week and discussed her jobs and duties and other things like that, who could fill in things like that. Um I know that Mr. Wsley and her have been meeting and are going to meet with the union and I will have more information at our next meeting as far as
036what um packages and things we put together. Um, all of the staff, all of about 112 community members, um, have received an invite to attend our reception for Brian. So, those are all out. Um, I am in contact currently with MASB and we're going to be looking at Michigan leadership, but MASB reached out to me about doing a presentation to the board, which is what we already talked about doing. uh they have agreed to have someone here on our January 5th meeting and then I'm reaching out to Michigan leadership tomorrow. Um but that's where we're at right now on that process. Okay, I think that's everyone. Okay, next item on our agenda is public comments. Since the last board meeting, the board has received uh one email. Uh, this email was from a middle school
037parent expressing their appreciation and thank you to the middle school ad administration for the Veterans Day assembly. Uh, this email was forwarded on to U. Mr. Wsley, uh, our board members, and to the middle school administration. Um, there were no public comments that needed addressing from the last board meeting. At this time, any member of the public will have three minutes to address the board. Please sign in and state your name. If you wish a followup, please provide contact information on the public comment sheet that's on the podium. Are there any public comments? Okay, being no public comments, we will move on to our action items. I am looking for a motion for the approval of the middle school uh courses. I move to accept the recommendation of the superintendent and approve theater 2, creative
038tech and STEM and agriculture as courses to be offered at Richmond Middle School and be placed in the 2026 27 middle school and high school course catalogs. >> Thank you. Um, any discussion? I put Jamie down. I heard her before. I heard >> Any discussion? No, other than it's exciting and the first step, our first time with the new process. So, thank you uh [clears throat] Billy for that and um these classes are exciting. >> Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Uh Margaret >> I. >> Sandy, >> I. >> Candace, >> I. >> Raymond, >> I. >> Uh Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion for the resolution summer tax collection. I motion to accept the recommendation of the superintendent and impose a 2026 summer property tax levy
039to collect all school property taxes in each city or township in which this district is located as outlined in the attached resolution. Support. Thank you. Any discussion? >> This is something we do every year. Collect our tax in the summer. We don't split it between the winter itself. >> So this comes all in we'll get a sum. >> You'll get your sum. Yeah. So we'll get that's this helps with our cash flow so that we'll get the summer taxes before we get the state aid payment so we don't have to borrow money. That's why we typically do the summer. >> Any other questions or discussion? Okay, this is a roll call vote. Sandy >> I. Margaret >> I. >> Candace I. >> Raymond >> I. Sarah, sorry. Sarah's not here. Danielle, >> I vote I.
040Motion carries. Okay. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of a section 31A resolution. Um, resolution D. I move to approve the attached resolution to opt in subject to recision as outlined in the attached documentation. Support. Okay. Uh, any discussion? Yes. >> Yeah. So, >> go ahead. Right. >> No, I'm just What is What is the difference between the uh option C and D? Cuz previously C was that we would be able to opt in, but then if the courts didn't uh rule in the favor, you know, then that would resend this. And then from what I was seeing in your email and the brief explanation, D was similar in nature, but what is what is the difference please? >> Well, C says decline declined optin unless waiver condition is met. >> So prior
041to >> C as in C as in Charlie, not B as in Y. Okay. >> Resolution C says we're going to decline opt in >> unless there's a waiver. So basically when that was presented to us a couple weeks ago, the extension of the December 19th opt out was not even in discussion. So we either were going to accept decline to opt in tonight and that if between tonight and December 4th something changed legislatively that would have given me the ability since they took the condition out that I could opt in. That's not happening. The they're uh it's not happening. So then when the f lawsuit was filed, what was agreed upon by the attorneys of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit and the attorneys in the uh attorney general's office and the governor's office and
042MDE, they agreed that if districts opted in by the fourth, that would put them to get the money this year. But if the courts overruled and said the districts, nope, the law is good, then it gives the districts the option of out opting out. The difference is the law says the states, the schools have to have the money by December 30. So, what option D or resolution D will allow us to opt in, get the money, if the lawsuit loses, we have to return the money back to the state, but we're still and we're not agreeing to the we're basically opting out at that point. They've given us a second opt out between the judge's >> decision on the 19th and December 30th. We can opt out where resolution C said we were going to
043decline opting out opting in. We're going to decline the money, but if something were to happen before that deadline date, you gave me the authority to get in there so we can keep the money this year. Regardless of what resolution, if you aren't opted in by December 4th, you will not get the money this year. >> So, this way we're able to opt in um which I'm actually really grateful to see this and then be able to resend our optin uh as long as we do it be on or before December 30th. And the issue is going to be is we're going to see on our state aid payment in December section 31A and they're going to give us the money and basically if we opt out after that before December 30th they're going to
044take that money back from us >> right but we get to resend that decision and when we when we rescend it that's like it never happened. That's what recision means that that never happened. So that way um we're no longer then waving our >> rights >> attorney client >> our attorney client uh privileges. Yeah. Privileges. >> And the other piece is that this is this was filed in federal and state courts. This is really the state courts that we're hearing from. We're getting I mean federal could be coming out any day or within the next week. So this gives you if the board doesn't want to lose the privilege that I don't think anybody in this country would want to lose. I mean the basis of our constitution D is your best option because then
045you could say nope you you're going to keep it then we're pulling back take your money back. We aren't on the hook for any strength. >> And we just have to make sure I just want to make sure I have this part correct. We just have to make sure that we are rescending our original optin before the 30th of December. >> Absolutely. >> So my question is >> is okay, what are we actually looking for in this lawsuit? I mean, we didn't like any of the language. So, what the lawsuit focused on, what they they believe in the attorney is illegal, which basically means your ability to talk to an attorney is private. >> And if I was, you know, if I got in trouble and I want an attorney, my conversation's private. What this
046law says is that conversation is no longer private. And forgive me, it's been a while since I've read the the amendments, but it's like the 14th, the fourth, and there's a fifth one. There there's several amendments and say this is a violation of the Constitution, and that part of the law is what they're asking to be ruled unconstitutional. The judge could say the whole law is thrown out, the whole section 31A law, and they got to go back to script because no district then would get we'd all be returning the money. What they're asking for put in place by December 30th, >> right? What they're asking for is just the part what they went to court for is the part where you do not wait on your privilege. >> We are not disputing that if
047god forbid something happens that we are we have to cooperate or we aren't even going down with what defines a a mass hazard. >> That was my question. >> None of that is what they're what the law is what they're they're fighting for. What they're fighting for is waving the privilege that is illegal >> for unconstitutional. >> It will be discernment >> and so all the other is below that. It starts there with the unconstitutional. >> But they're just they're just >> below that it just trickles down. So even that is going to be wiped out too. what's considered a mass. >> No between >> No, it's just the lawsuit is just that the um >> unconstitution >> waving the privilege is unconstitutional. That part of the law everything else >> we weren't happy with
048any of >> Oh, there's a lot that we're not happy with. But from a legal perspective, fighting in state and federal court, that's the the best argument because it does violate the con or it's my opinion. The judge will make that decision, but it violates the constitution and that's what they're saying they kicked that part out just the constitutional part out >> but not the definition. >> Say that again. >> Not the mass casualty. But but from what from what I'm understanding what Candace is saying and what you're saying is that this this you know section D where option D only is pending the um the the rights waiver for lack >> that's it not the definition for mass casualty or that the invest or that the governor can create an investigation committee or whatever
049her investigation >> or whoever in the future that would still remain. >> That's correct. But if we have a that is correct, but if we have the protection of our attorney and our attorney private, you know, attorney client privileges, >> then I mean they they could be fighting those things for us in that, you know, at a later date if we needed them to. I suppose >> Go ahead. From a from a legal standpoint, the argument why they filed the federal and state court was the attorney client communication and having to give that up is unconstitutional. That's the leg that that um their stand the other stuff there's nothing constitutional in question that they could do that the legislators and the governor pass. Now, if someone challenged that later on and say, "I'm not going
050to give this information cuz that's not a mass casualty, and we believe the interpretation is this way." And you're going to have someone on the other side say, "No, we believe it's this way." Then that's going to get play out in the court of law >> with your attorney >> at at at the whatever the next mass casualty event happens. >> Yeah. I'm definitely not an attorney, but um yeah, I just >> this this this was spearheaded by >> Yeah, to me this this kind of is like a traffic stop, right? And then a police officer said, "Can hey, can I can I uh can I search your vehicle?" you're you're being given an option to wave your rights to a full amendment. And this is the same thing. It's it's a request to wave
051your rights. And so I don't know that you know and clearly the court what rights are we waving? >> What rights are we waving >> if we decided to go with option >> confidentiality like >> No, we're not though. Uh that's that's the one thing that we're that we would that we could resend or opt in for. We're only we're only saying we'll take we'll take option D if they take >> if if the lawsuit of the waving waving the attorney client privilege >> when and right and that's pending the court's outcome whether they >> right so if it doesn't happen we're not opting in >> so that I don't understand what you're saying >> I I just I just proceeding And clearly it's it's you know it'll be in the court's hands that that
052it would just be the court saying well it's it's not unconstitutional for them to ask you to wave your rights. That's that's what >> Sure. And if the court decides that rate then we pull >> we pull and say no thank you. >> Here's your money. >> Yeah. and and and I still don't like that the the language would still be in there about the definition of a mass casualty event and that the governor would have the you know total control of conducting the investigation independent I just I don't want to >> well but but but the but the reality is on that and the the whole conversation we've had all along since 31A came about has all been about the uh the um unconstitutionality of the waving our rights. We've been that's been our
053whole beef. But the po the mass casualty, I agree with you on that. But it's it's not the governor didn't create this law. This was legislators that did it. So to me, the thing that has to happen is that people have to have to get to the point where the law gets changed, fight that battle of it, cuz it's ridiculous. There there's no point that that should have been done in the deep dark of the night where nobody knew that it happened and all of a sudden there it is cuz that's that's how it came about. >> There's also the timeline part where it's openended. Is that part of that also? >> Yeah. The one >> the constitutional part >> that's a good >> for the uh waving of the rights. >> No, for that
054part >> so they can come back. >> They could go back or they can go forward. That's that's still there's not a define there's not a fine >> still and that's where right now >> the politics of this is our legislators whether locally or anywhere else in the state could have while the few days they have left in session stood up and said I want to do an amendment to 31A to take out the waving of the privilege define mass casualty because I really believe it was what the tragedy that happened at Oxford was what the intent was >> and that the or whatever needed to be cleaned up in that lane. They didn't. There's not even enough time between now and the end of I mean maybe if they do some secret deal in
055the middle of the night and they've done it before in lame duck session but they aren't doing that now that a court case has been filed the judge is going to rule whether that part and they only it's only the waving of the privilege that is being challenged. If, god forbid, something happens and a district does not believe that's a mass casualty and again it's a fight on the football field, three people get injured. >> Yeah. >> By the definition in the current law that could be a mass casualty. >> We have to bring in >> we would we would have to fight that law say no that's not um you don't get to automatically do your own investigate. We would have to challenge that and at that point it's going to come out in
056the courts whether that part would be constitutional. The thing it the truth of the matter is is that they als I mean they're going to conduct an investigation. It's just how cooperative we have to be. Um but I mean they're going to they're they're going to do an investigation. I mean if there's a mass casualty >> and and I don't know of any district who says they aren't going to cooperate, right? They're all cooperate. The issue is is that the fiduciary responsibility you guys have >> is >> you have to also look out for the district, >> right? >> So the decision you have with the conversation you have with your attorney, you're looking just like, you know, if you know someone who's gone through the court case, well, you could take a plea deal
057or you could go do this or so forth. You have those conversations with your attorney, correct? And you figure out what's the best strategy for you. That's exactly what he is. But what this law says, sorry, you guys don't get to do that. All that's open. If someone wants to sue you, >> they can sue you and they can listen to all the conversations you had with your attorney. That's wrong. And that's why they focus the narrow scope on this part of the law is unconstitution. I believe the next step is to get legislators to stand up and >> say the rest of it is >> it's got to be fixed. You got to define it because it just can't be anybody's willy-nilly definition of what a mass cap should be or how long do
058you go back as you said. Does it go back, you know, four years ago, we had fight on the football field, someone got hurt and they want to do something. There's no parameters on this. >> Right. I do have one quick question. Okay. So, if um if we vote to um if this goes through, option D goes through or whatever resolution B um and we we get a decision from the court or whatever that's in favor of the districts. Okay. where they're not, okay, we can't we can't, you know, they're not going to wave our rights to our attorney client privilege. >> Do we we still have the opportunity to resend this decision until December 30th? >> If the courts rule that part that part of the law is unconstitutional, >> yeah, >> that's thrown
059out. The rest of the law stays. So, we get the money, but that part >> I understand. But what my question I understand, but I think you didn't. I'm not sure if you understand. >> We change our mind. >> If we decide Yeah. So we But we could resend this decision that we're making today up until the 30th, no matter what the decision is in court. >> Yeah. The document the document that you're approving, whether it's A, B, C, or D. >> I understand my question. >> That does not. What do you mean? If you if you pass resolution D that says, "All right, >> there's nothing saying we can't resend it. >> We're going to decline opt. We're going to opt in. >> We're going to opt in." >> Yeah. >> But if the
060courts rule something, >> then we're opting out. >> They rule against. >> What this is just giving me direction say tomorrow press the button to opt in or don't do anything and we're opting out. Gotcha. >> What it's also saying is the courts rule in our favor. We're not doing anything because they've ruled that unconstitution. Okay. If they rule in the state's favor, I don't need your action, I'm going back in and opting out. We're not taking the money. >> Okay. Got it. >> Okay. If you pass D >> and later on you guys say, you know, we don't want to do that. Even if they rule in our favor, we don't want the money. you want to >> you would have to do a special board meeting and issue a new resolution saying this
061is what you're directing me to do. >> So basically what A C and D are telling which way do you want to go? How do you want me to press the button and submit it? >> And I guess for me what's on the table for the the court hearing is not enough for me to not to want to be in it. It's just too much I want out of it that I I guess I just even that little bit about the Constitution. It's just so much other stuff that um I would think that that last option you just spoke of would would be where I would want to go. >> Well, that's I mean you have special board me and resin >> correct >> the >> what would give what information would you get >>
062once the court ruling is issued? What information would you get if change your mind over D verse C, B or A? >> Just more of that language taken out of there all together rather than just that's not going to happen. That's not that other language, the definition or the uh timeline has to be done legislatively. Someone in the legisle has to do an amendment to the bill to make that change. None of those other two are valued as unconstitutional for the attorney's side. >> I'm sorry I cut you off. Sorry. >> No, no, no. I I I I was just, you know, reaffirming what you're saying is that yeah, regardless of which option we take, that other language will not change, >> you know, >> based off the court's decision. >> Correct. >> Unless they
063rule the whole law is unconstitutional and they nobody gets 31A money. >> It's 31A. They got to go back to the drawing board, the legislator. >> Okay, I see what you're saying. >> All the all the lawsuit is asking about that privilege >> okay >> language because the belief every attorney firm Trum O'Reilly Renillu Collins and Blaha Miller Canfield all of them believe that is unconstitutional. What you're asking someone to give up violates the constitution. That's why they did a very narrow scope because we're at a very short time frame here. This should never to be honest. >> This should never have come to this far if the legislators did the budget process in open not three people in a room >> passing a resolution and asking legislators to vote on a budget that they
064never even read. >> Right. >> Sorry, I'm on the soap box. You guys know that. But this should never have gotten this far. >> No. >> Okay. Okay. Do we have any other questions before we vote? >> Well, I guess I guess I just want to throw out the question then. So, if you're if you're leaning to not vote for this, so Ray, when you sent us that email today, so is it is it about your email or is it truly about the fact the the the quote unquote mass casualty language? >> All of it. So, it's it's all of it. So, you because in your email, you talk about the fact that you don't want us to uh waste money on uh safety and mental health stuff. Correct. >> That's that's not what I
065said at all. >> That's not what you said in the email. >> Yeah. I did not say that we shouldn't be wasting money on that. That's not what I said. >> What did you say then? [snorts] >> I would defer you back to my email. >> Do Do you want me to pull it up and read it back to you >> if that's what you feel you want to do? >> [snorts] >> I do not support the opt-in option in any capacity. I do not want to risk losing not only my own personal rights but the rights of each one of you, our district staff and employees. There is too much risk and uncertainty here for what is being offered. Additionally, the community members that I have spoken with do not feel that it is
066up to the district to provide additional mental health services outside of a standard school counselor. Our school should be focusing on the fundamentals of education such as reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and social studies. Those are the areas that we should be focusing our efforts, not looking for additional money to promote more mental health programs. Having a SRO, which is school resource officer, is extremely important to the community. And if we are no longer eligible to receive state grant money because we don't opt into this, then we should look into other options. If we need need to rep prioritize other expenses to make that happen, then that's what we should do. If we can spend over $20,000 on refinishing shelving units and cabinets, we should be able to afford a SRO to keep our students, staff,
067and facilities safe. So, what did I misunderstand? I didn't say that that stuff's a waste. Okay. What did you say that in your words that I just read? >> You just read it. >> Okay. Okay. >> I just had one thought. Does anyone have any concern that our state might do something screwy? Or do we trust people in Lancing that they will change their mind? Well, I will tell you. Um, >> well, who knows? It keeps changing every >> I know. I don't mind. That's my one little piece in there that >> if they Okay, so >> can they change their mind? >> What if they they take it out or they put it in or whatever? Can they change their mind between now and December 30th or I don't know. I just don't I'm
068uncomfortable a little bit, a tiny bit because I just don't know that I trust >> I don't have faith that it's going to be resolved by December 30th. So why >> I will tell you that's a very good dinner. >> It will not be resolved by December. [laughter] >> It will not there's >> at the state level going through the the hearings the law writing out and sending all that. >> I know >> I I maybe you'll get a good dinner >> unless it all gets thrown up. >> Right. Well, I think but I think if the if the leg if the judge throws this out, rules the entire thing unconstitutional, >> you're not getting something before December 30th. They're getting something after January 1, they're going to come back in a supplemental bill. And
069every district would be wonder, hey, wait, we got these expenses. We opted in. We got this money that is on our December state aid payment and now it's being taken away on our January state aid payment, which may come back in a May state aid payment. >> That's the other part. I mean >> that's what I was going to >> I think it's going to happen after January 1 >> would be my best guess given how our legislators >> work otherwise >> but we would know if that's coming after the hearing is on the 19th and the 20 or >> yeah the hearing is on the I think the judge is the 18th so we'll know on the 19th you're going to know whether it was thrown out or whether a part was unconstitutional and
070if the part is unconstitutional which would let letter resolution D still allow us to collect the money and we as a collective group need to work with our legislators and our local person representative Green say introduce a bill and clean this up >> and whether it's her or any other legislator whoever is going to stand up and do it but it needs to be cleaned up they've known about this >> they've known about this since this budget passed >> didn't do anything it's you know our ISD and with the partnership with the other had to file a lawsuit to get something done quickly. They could have fixed this when they adopted the budget October what fourth when they adopted it. Okay. By the end of October they could have done >> October. October >> it
071was October when they had that partial wasn't a shutdown continuation bill but October they could have they could have did something all the month in November but they didn't they went on their twoe break they're on their Thanksgiving holiday right now. I mean, they could have done something. >> Well, and what I think is ridiculous is I heard comments from legislators that acknowledge the fact that, you know, these school districts are overanalyzing what we wrote and that's not what we meant. Okay. Well, then take the five seconds and clarify it. Tell us what you meant. >> Then tell us what you meant. Then why you understand that there's confusion? Why not sit down and clarify it and take the time to clarify? I would I would hope I I mean wishful thinking right that the
072judge would say okay well let's throw this out but also mandate that this crap gets clarified and in the process not only of taking this out but also mandating that something get clarified >> well and you can you can respect the idea behind >> what obviously they were trying you can respect the idea behind but it's not the way they did it it's just it just doesn't work. It just doesn't work. The strings attached, it just doesn't work. There had to be a better way. >> Well, if you acknowledge there's confusion and then you don't do anything to clarify the confusion, that makes >> freaking sense, >> right? You want schools to be safe and all the all the stuff that you want, but then then you put that in it. It just it just
073doesn't make sense. >> And I think this is not just public schools. Barochial schools have signed on this lawsuit. Charter schools have signed on because it affects all of them. is they take money through the general fund end rather than the school aid fund. But it's all part of it. I guess the the piece that we're have is the deadline dates, >> right? >> In order for us to even be considered the money, I've got to do something by December 4th, 11:59. >> Say I'm in. >> If we choose I'm in and we want to change it, I have till December 30th to change it. Pull out with no no issues. We didn't wave anything. We didn't give up something. It's no issue. That's that's what resolution D gives us the biggest flexibility. And to
074go back here, if you guys want to say we want to formally do something, resend, you know, one, you can do that. We just have to hold a special meeting before December 3rd. >> But then what what would be the point of that then? >> Well, I'm not sure that there would be. I guess if they um mine wasn't necessarily in regards to this lawsuit, but like what if they like if if this part gets thrown out and then they quickly throw something together. >> That's what I was thinking. >> Put another wrench in. >> Yes. >> Right. That's what I'm saying. Like so so it doesn't exactly >> I get at least the doors there. >> Yes. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. I would I would say the odds of that happening are
075stronger if we were in 26 because now you got that lame duck session after it where >> um >> I don't necessarily Yeah, I didn't necessarily think that was going to happen but like I'm just trying to make sure >> but the reality we're all sitting here is >> that's where I was going. >> None of us have faith that the faith the state's doing what they should be doing, >> right? >> That's the reality we're living in. So, >> and we know we >> Well, we all agree on that. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Margaret, your motion was for to pass D. >> Yes, it was. >> So, are we all set here? Because I'm going to do a roll call vote on this. >> Okay, here we go. Margaret, >> hi. >> Um, Candace,
076>> no. Danielle, >> I'm sorry. Thank you. Danielle, >> hi. >> Okay, Candace, >> I have to say no. Okay. Uh Sandy >> I. Raymond >> nay. >> I vote I. Motion will carry. >> Okay. Next um action item is I'm looking for a motion for the approval of a three-year contract extension between Richmond Community Schools and the Richmond Administrators Association. I move to accept the recommendation of the superintendent and approve the three-year contract between the board of education of Richmond Community Schools and Richmond Administrators Association beginning August 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2029 as outlined in the attached documentation. >> So for Sandy, >> any discussion >> other than this is really good. Thank you, Brian. And thank you to the administrators as well. >> Thanks, Sarah. This is your first >> Thank you,
077Sarah. Thank you, Sarah. Thank you, Sarah. >> Any other discussion? Okay, this will be a roll call vote. Margaret >> I, >> Sandy, >> I. Candace, >> I Raymond, >> I. >> Danielle, >> I vote I. Motion carries. I'm looking for a motion for the approval of the evaluation for our superintendent. >> I move to approve the superintendent's evaluation for the 2025 calendar year with the determination that the superintendent has met his established goals. Upon approval, this action sheet and the corresponding board meeting minutes shall be placed in the superintendent's personnel file to document the evaluation outcome and verification of goals met. Do I have support? >> Thank you, Candace. Any discussion? Okay, this a roll call vote. Margaret >> I. >> Candace, I >> Sandy, >> Raymond, >> I. >> Uh Danielle, >> I
078I motion carries. Okay, we're now going to have our student report. So, Elizabeth, you're on. >> Um, so the high school last week students attended a Michigan career class where they learned about careers in manufacturing, construction, technology, and healthcare. It is a hands-on experience that students always find very engaging. FASA night was held last Wednesday for the class of 2026. This year, this year, there has been an increase in college visits and post-secary support for our graduating students. We encourage our families to attend as many events as possible as they help support their students next path. Please contact Miss Crarampton if you have any questions or need additional guidance. Our extracurriculars have been very busy. We people competed on Friday. Interact club volunteered at Metal Lodge and student government has been running a canned food
079drive during first hour classes at the middle school. Arma celebrated veterans day with another successful assembly. Our SC parent, Mr. Michael Gutierrez was our guest speaker and gave a moving and meaningful speech. Quilts of valor wrapped 11 veterans in their beautiful quilt and our band and choir showcased their hard work by providing wonderful music. Our student spectators are outstanding, helping to make sure this was a truly amazing event. Fourth and fifth grade students are experiencing targeted response to intervention each morning. As we move through our first cycle, we're excited to see our students demonstrating growth. During PLC's, teachers continue to analyze classroom data to determine how to best support our students throughout each unit of study by providing interesting and engaging learning experiences. At RMS, we are so proud of our student athletes. Currently, basketball
080and wrestling for demonstrating great sportsmanship. Come out for a game or match and you won't be disappointed. At the le school, preschool through third grade recently held their PBIS assemblies focusing on the theme of thankful thankfulness. Students and staff had the opportunity to reflect and share what they're grateful for. Many heartfelt responses were given, including being thankful for family, friends, pets, and being a part of the elementary. It was a great discussion, and the assembly gave our students and staff the time to reflect about what they are thankful for. As we approach Thanksgiving, for athletics and extracurriculars, middle school wrestling hosted their first Blue Devil middle school duels and was a huge success. Boys basketball opens their season next Tuesday at home against Lindon. And then our theater program's wonderful performance of Jackie was this
081past weekend. That's all I have. Thank you. Any questions for Elizabeth? Okay, being no further business, the board will adjourn at 8:07. You were close. >> Thank you guys. Everybody