001threw all the curve balls. >> Yeah. Your career here. >> I guess it was just a perfect storm. Are they sick? >> So Randy was traveling. >> Uh, welcome everybody. I'd like to uh call this meeting of the Portage Public Schools Board of Education to order. Would you all please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Well, I would like to welcome everybody and explain uh why we only have a limited number of people at DAS tonight. Um we had several people who plan to be out of town and then we had several last minute call-ins from trustees. So, we do not have a
002quorum. So, we have just talked to our attorney um to confirm that uh we we can still have this meeting, but we cannot conduct any action tonight. So we will have uh an information meeting. Um we'll hear hear from the superintendent and his report. We will hear uh public comment. Um and we will hear uh a discussion item. So uh so welcome everybody. Let's let's begin our unique meeting. Uh so we have uh uh under reports we have the superintendent report. Superintendent. >> All right. Uh thank you, Vice President Snyder, uh as well as members of the board of education and those who are joining us today. Uh we have our superintendent report. First, we're going to have Russ Gerber. He's going to kick off our assistant superintendent of operations. He's going to kick off
003a bond project update, followed by a financial update by Paula Johnson, and then I'll conclude with the superintendent's 90-day presentation. >> Good evening, board. Superintendent Edwards. I'm happy to bring to you a special uh bond presentation tonight. Uh it's a little more exciting than most of them because we get to talk about the results of our election, November 4th election. Uh which was a quite successful for the district. Um we had a 63 to 37% yes vote on that election, which in the uh in the world of school bonds, that's a that's a landslide. It's hard to get much better than that just with the way the elections go. But a 63 37, we're super excited about that. And then when you look, we had 5700 or 50 5,842 more votes than the 2021 election,
004the bond election. And usually when you get that many more votes, you start seeing that percentage passing go down, but ours stayed the same. I'll give you an example. 5,842 votes was more votes than voted yes in 2021. So it's a 67% increase in voter turnout and we still had a very positive election results. So very happy about that. Um if you look across the state, 31 of the 48 schools that had bonds passed, which is a 64.6% uh pass rate. Um which over the last the last two elections, it went up about a 10%. Back uh before COVID bond elections were pretty pretty positive, like 80 85%. They kind of dipped after COVID, but they're on the rise again now. So 64.6. We're happy to see that across the state. Um if you compare
005the other bonds uh we were the fifth highest percent passing of the 31. So I believe there was uh four higher than us and then for costwise ours was the seventh largest amount of bond. So pretty good statistics. Uh very happy with the outcome very happy very supportive community of portage. Uh you know just a big thank you to everyone involved in the bond the board for pushing it forward and talking positively in the community. uh all the people that work for our partners uh feeling international tower pink and o and then for the community just for improving it as move forward. Um if you look at the history of portage our tagline for this was finish the job and I would say this goes well beyond just finish the job of the elementary schools.
006If you look at uh porridge's uh bond over the last couple years going back to 2007 we renovated the high school of northern we built a new central high school. We built a new 12th Street Elementary and a new Lake Center Elementary. And that was the ' 07 bond. And then in 15, we built Northern Middle, Central Middle, and we renovated West Middle School, as well as hitting a whole loo of different athletic complexes and new football stadiums both for Central and Northern, soccer fields for Central and Northern, and Nitoriums for both Central and Northern. That was from the 2015 bond. and we get to the 2021 bond. The one we're working on currently, we just opened up Central Elementary and Habra Hill Elementary and in 2027 we're going to be opening up Woodland Elementary.
007So when we talk about finishing the job, we have a few more elementarymentaries to go as well as some of our ancillary buildings for early childhood and community ed. So I'm happy to announce that we are currently working on the do design for Amberly Elementary. So, our next elementary is going to be Amberly. The goal is to open that in 2028, followed by opening up Angling Road in 2029. The order of these in terms of which one came first was largely in terms of how we could construct them. We can build Amberly on the site so we don't have to wait for uh Woodland to move out of the current uh old the old Haverh Hill building. So that's why Amberly went is going forth and then Angling Road is going that and then we
008also have uh some additional projects you'll see you'll see us looking at uh how we're addressing the early childhood building as well as a community high building. Both those are housed in a 70-year-old building. So we'll be addressing that and then we'll be looking at renovating Morris Bridge Elementary School as well. So all that to be said is finishing the job wasn't just finishing the elementary job. It's finishing the job for the district. We will have touched every building in the district from 20 2007 to when this bond is done. Will be either be renovated or rebuilt. For a 100-y old district, that's quite impressive to do that over the course of a little over 20 years. So, Portage Community should be very proud when you know with what they've accomplished so far as well
009what we will accomplish by the time this bond is done in probably 2030ish. Uh depending on how long it takes to get all these buildings done. That's a quite an accomplishment. very proud to be here and very proud to work on that. Um, so that's kind of the uh the bond like the update in terms of how this bond's going. I'm going to bring Freedellin International to our Pinkster and OK to come up to talk about Amber Elementary and how that design process has started. So you guys want to come on up. All righty. Uh, good evening board and Superintendent Edwards. Thanks for having us here today. I'm Mike. I'm with Fielding International. >> I'm Carissa Benjamin. I'm with Tower Pixer. >> Milbourne with Tower Pixir. >> Tom Stanick with OAK. >> Um so we're
010excited uh to revisit with you uh the process we've been moving forward in these um elementary school projects and this uh the previous bond, what we're bringing forward into this next bond. Um so we estab when we began our work together uh many years ago um we established a set of guiding principles for portage that were the centerpiece of um decision- making for these new facilities. Um and we are returning to those same guiding principles to guide the decision-m for both uh Amberly and Engling Road. Um and those guiding principles are listed on the board and you'll see uh reflected in that things like um not only developing elements of the buildings to facilitate the ideas of leadership and achievement and citizenship but also focusing on uh minimizing disruption to student learning and providing safe
011and secure campuses. So these continue to be priorities for these projects. Um, we've also had opportunities not only when we originally started our work with the district um after the 2019 bond when we were able to meet with all of the elementary school communities and uh your building leaders, but also some re over the course of the past few years revisiting with staff members um and some folks at Amberly to establish what we believe to be the the drivers of the Amberly project. And so, um, these are some of the elements that emerge from specifically that community. Um, elements to make, uh, the school feel small and easy to navigate. Making sure that student supports are even more integrated than they have been in the past. Ensuring spaces that support collaboration are are embedded in
012the environment. Um, and things that make teaching and learning easier like storage and other amenities. Um, and so these are the specific drivers we'll be using for the Amberly project. Uh, moving forward. Um, we have, as I mentioned, uh, been able to meet with students and staff, um, in a variety of ways to collect feedback about the Amberly project, um, in the past several years. Um, and we were able to work with that feedback and Ty Tyra Pinkster's uh, design team to create a design statement for this opportunity. Now, there's a lot of text on this screen. Please don't feel like you have to read it all. Um, but the big idea um, is about forging a new path. And uh Kristen, do you want to explain a couple of the key elements of the
013uh design statement for this building? >> Yeah. So, forging a path came from our staff at Amberly and it was about how to get kids to feel like they have some thought into how they can move through the building. So, we have lots of spaces, core spaces just like you saw at Haber Hill and Central. So, natural gathering places, that would be the cafeteria, the heart, those types of places. And then the concept encourages learners to navigate challenges, discover new possibilities, and build confidence in their own steps. >> And so reflecting some of those elements, these are um diagrams essentially of the early concepts for the Amberly building. And you'll see again, as Carissa mentioned, similar patterns to what you have already been construct constructed um in Central and Haverh Hill Elementary, but also in
014Woodland. Um the building will be divided into learning communities that support grade levels. Um and so see you'll see this yellow blocks are six learning communities and then you see educator workspaces and student support environments um largely in the green blocks distributed near those learning communities. Um and then in orange you'll see those um specialty environments the gymnasium, music room, art room and library more centrally located uh in the building. Um, and uh, what Chrissa mentioned, a heart, that kind of red space in the middle, really a organizing circulation path, but also a place for large gatherings. Um, and so those are all the different types of environments that students will be able to navigate through as they go through their journey or this path through their elementary experience. Um, this is a detailed design
015that starts to show um, the a more I guess refined plan. And so this is a essentially an early schematic design for the facility. Um and so we've been able to develop the plan up to this level and we continue to look forward to have more engagements with the staff um to refine the elements of Amberly into a more final product. Um and this is so this is a a kind of a a three-dimensional um axon view where you can see that community heart right at the center of the building. Uh a navigation but also a gathering space. Um and so all of the same elements of Central and Haverh Hill focused on collaborative teaching and learning, helping students feel like they belong and connect to this um to their school and to the staff
016and other uh students in the school will continue forward. Um there will be a second floor to this building just like in Haver Hill and Central. And so you'll see three more learning communities distributed on that second floor. Um and then again kind of a three-dimensional um kind of outline of that building to see how it starting to take shape as a full building. Um and with that I'll pass it to Doug. >> So we have a >> okay a very preliminary exterior you know rendering showcasing kind of what the building could look like similar to central Haber Hill and Woodland take input not only from our engagement opportunities with the staff but also the context of each neighborhood. you know, each of the two buildings that have opened and then Woodland also have their
017own kind of vibe, their own feel that corresponds to that school's culture as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. So, we're aiming to do the same with a a similar palette of materials. You know, colors themselves may may vary to respond to the existing neighborhood and adjacent neighborhood. But, you know, as Tom will speak to, cost trying to continue tracking, you know, costs that are in budget and recognizing the materials that we've used at the the previous three are helping us do that. So, obviously, we'll continue to do the same with the upcoming Amberly design. And I'll just I'll add finally, we're excited to also um begin the process to get to this level of design with the uh angling community now that the bond is passed. And so we'll look forward to initiating uh or
018building on the work that we've been able to do previously with that community as well and look forward to creating a building that really reflects that unique community in the same way that Amberly will reflect its unique community. >> Yeah. And I think maybe just one other point of information. So while we have had the engagements with Amberly, we also did with Angling Road and Morris Bridge starting back in the spring as the you know momentum was building towards this bond vote. Wanted to engage all three communities that remained as you know projects on the books and get them excited hopefully get the you know overall community excited which it appears the community was for the bond vote. And so like Mike said we're excited to get started on Angling Road and all the other
019projects that Russ shared. I think there's less side of our content, but we take any questions before we flip to to Tom. >> Yeah. So, is there any questions for uh Fielding International or our Tarper? I'm just curious, you know, are I'm assuming that you're the teachers at Amberly and Angling are talking to the folks at Central and Haverh Hill and you guys are kind of taking all that feedback about what's working, what's not working and >> yeah, they've both both Amber, well, I think words too, but Amberly and Engling Road teaching staff had the opportunity to tour Central and Haba Hill on different occasions. certainly took any feedback and they're they're starting to use their own internal feedback to then help inform we receive at the engagement sessions with them. >> We also had
020a walk through just recently with the building principles at each site and they walked us through what was working really well in their building and what were some things that could be tweaked. So we have t we have gone back to the principles and got that feedback from them of what they really like and like they said 99% of this building is amazing. Here's some things we would tweak. Um so that's good to hear. It's sure great to have all these buildings going on and you can learn from each one as you're doing it. And >> so it might not be a bad idea to be the last one on the lead. >> They actually said the the principal said they actually felt bad because we spent a full two hours with them really nitpicking
021everything that wasn't perfect. It's like it feels like we're just complaining. It's like no, we want to make sure we get it right. And so you know spending that time is really helpful in ensuring that each subsequent building is even better than the first. >> Great. And then also prior to Russ's arrival, um, as we were making corrections to Central and Haver Hill or learning lessons, we were applying those to the Woodland design now. So, um, so we we actually started some of this work uh, a couple of years ago as we learn things during construction. >> Great. >> Yeah. And the nice thing is keeping all this momentum going with the design of Amberly and everything. We want to keep the process moving because obviously the longer you take to do stuff, you got
022inflation costs and everything going in. That's why I'm going to have Tom come up and kind of talk about the cost of Amberly now, just so you guys get your heads wrapped around what this is looking at as we go. >> So, as uh as the team has worked through from a design standpoint, we call this the schematic design budget. It's really one of those first checks and balances. And speaking of lessons, learns and things uh we have some cost basis from the previous three schools that we've uh completed now and are in the process of a woodland. So this is based on 80,000 just under 80,000 square feet just uh very similar to central size building. Uh we are just at under $48 million for the project. So happy to report that it's very
023uh comparable to the other projects that we've done. And way we've done that is we've taken the costs for Central, Haverhill, and Woodland and escalated those to 26 basically when Amberly is going to be going out. And so happy to report that the square footage number that you see there is really only about $3 difference from a square foot standpoint. So when you take into consider escalation costs and stuff, it's really right there. So when they're talking about those lessons and learns, they've been applied to this uh this next project for Amly. So happy to report that. So, um, if there's any questions regarding that, we'll come back in when we're in the D phase there and again do another checks and balances. But we work closely with these guys as they're kind of developing
024the the the design standpoint and and always questioning whether we should do this or that or should we look at another product for example from a cost perspective. So, we're uh constantly in communication with that. So, I think this is reflective of that. Super. >> Well, perfect. Well, thank you guys. Um, if there's any questions you guys have, I'm more than open to taking them right now. >> So, Russ, could I ask a a big picture question? >> Yes. >> Could you just go back through the key dates with us? So, so I I know what started up to now. We've got two finished. >> Yep. Two finished. >> We've got We've got Haver Hill and Central. All are finished. >> Yep. We just started Woodland. >> Yep. >> And that's going to be a
025two-year process. >> Yep. So, go ahead. >> Yep. And then our next start will be Amberly. >> Yep. >> And that will start when? Remind us. >> That's a great question. We're The goal is to start some uh general site preparation in April. >> All right. >> So, um that will be starting in 26. >> Yes. April 2026, >> which means it will open in 28. >> Yeah. So, we're going to open one in 27 Woodland. We'll open Amberly in 28 and Angling Road in 29. >> Okay. So, Angling starts in 27. >> Yes. >> And we'll finish in 29. >> So, including the building we just started, it's going to be one a year. >> Yeah. It's gonna >> So, it's going to be Woodland Amberly Angling. So on your calendars you might as
026well start penciling in August opening ceremony for next August meeting 27 28 29 >> a recurring meeting >> the goal will be you know we're looking at we got the ECC building community high and the renovation Morris bridge we got a whole bunch more things to celebrate too as we go we're just still working out the timeline for those three and how those work with our projects in terms of design team how much some as I'm mess up that word But given where we get the money from the bank in terms of paying for the projects and all that stuff, make sure it all lines up perfectly so we don't have any hiccups along the way. >> So, three schools and three consecutive years. >> If you ask me, it's going to be more than
027three in three years, but we got to get there first. >> That that's exciting. Um, and the people in the Amberly area will be thrilled, as will the people at at Angling. Yeah, really good news. >> So, you'll see us back here in January, uh, kind of talk a little bit more about site and everything then, as well as the planning to keep everything moving forward. Uh, because we do want to keep that that pace going so we can do, you know, my our goal is like a March approval of bid pack one. We're going to break this up in series, but we'll talk more of that in January. >> Other questions? >> Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thanks for all your work. Next we have Paula. And Johnny and I
028are sitting here kind of telepathically wondering who introduces her. And I guess >> Yeah, I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it. um Paul Johnson can do our uh financial a update and uh and then I'll I'll come behind her with the 90-day report for super >> Thank you. >> Good evening, Board of Ed and Superintendent Edwards. Tonight, I will cover a few highlights from our October financial report for the 2526 school year. This represents four months already of our operating year. Um there's not a lot to touch on, but I'll I'll I'll touch on a few things. You'll notice that uh federal revenue has a small variance from last year. And if you recall, I mentioned that we were going to draw down on federal funds before the government shutdown. So, we were
029able to draw down a small amount um in regards to those federal programs. local payments from other districts is up slightly compared to last year and that is due to payments from Kesa for the enhancement mill and the special education payments that we receive. Um those came in both came in higher this year than last year. Moving down into expenditures, um operations and maintenance does show um higher than last year. And I just want to bring it to the board's attention that what rolls up in this categorical is also some 31A money that we wanted to make sure we had spent by September 30th so we wouldn't lose the funds and that has not been incorporated yet into the overall budget. It'll it'll get incorporated in the February budget amendment. So those expenditures look skewed
030compared to last year. Um just briefly touch on child care services that does look appear to be higher than last year but the overall budget in the 2526 school year is substantially less than last year. So you have to take into consideration the amount of budget in each year. So don't just automatically focus in on the 40% of budget that's been spent in that category. On the second page of the report by object code, I just want to touch on the supply number for this school year is less than last school year. And that's because we were spending um ESSER money last year be before it all expired. And so we were buying Chromebooks and and great things for the students um that were approved underneath those grant guidelines. So last year we spent a
031lot of SSRE money and then capital outlay appears to be skewed to a large percentage but that's the 31A entry secure entryway and items that we were able to charge off related to some the new elementary schools. I will incorporate that into the February budget amendment as well. So don't don't be alarmed by that. Um just want to cover just a really quickly a general update for the board. Um our Feb our October count numbers were finalized last week Wednesday and um our overall FTE for the October count came in at 8,536.87 students. Keep in mind that that count represents 90% of our blended enrollment and 10% from the previous February count rolls up and blends in together to that number that we put into the preliminary budget that you adopted at the end of
032June. I'm happy to report that I came really close. Um, in the preliminary budget, we budgeted 8541.37 FTE and we will be blended at 8,539.6 FTE. So, that's just under two FTE variance. Um, that'll fluctuate a little bit for section 25 adjustments between now and the February count date. um it could go up from there or it could go down from there, but I will know um probably by March what our overall final final number is for enrollment. So um just to give the board an update from fall to fall change, so fall of 2024 compared to fall of 2025, we're down 57.58 FTE. So any questions? I'm not any others. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um for for tonight's uh 90-day report, um board, you have a copy of
033the presentation at your tables. And I want to just stand up so I can follow my slides and my presentation simultaneously. Um, thank you, President, Vice President, uh, Mo Snder and members of the Port Public Schools Board of Education. Uh, tonight is a presentation about my first 90 days in the school district. It's been a great experience as a new superintendent, and I can I could not have asked for a better start. Shortly after the 4th of July, I published my 90-day entry plan. The plan was posted on the school district's website and we released a video introducing me to the public. A brief overview of the 90-day entry plan was incorporated in the video. Today, I want to provide an update to the board and the community about the 90-day plan. There are four
034broad areas that I want to discuss tonight. One, my focus areas and goals. Two, listening and learning. Three, share and build. and then finally analyze, report and plan. There are five focus areas that uh are inside of the 90-day plan. The first of which is the board the superintendent board of education superintendent relations. Uh secondly, student success, third, people and culture. Fourth, service excellence. And then finally, stewardship. Those focus areas two through five align four pillars within our strategic commitments. For each of the five focus areas, I developed a goal. The goal for each of those five areas are listed on the screen. So now let's um go to our next slide, please. Let's hone in a little bit on our listen and learn. This portion, the purpose of the listening and learning sessions was
035to gather insights on the district from different stakeholders. I hosted a series of events to hear from all stakeholders in the Portage public schools. The goal was to engage our staff, our students, families, and community members in a conversation about our district's values, its strengths, our challenges, and our areas of opportunity to improve. Each entity will ask a different set of questions. I met individually with 29 administrators. This included the the entire exec team as well as other central office administrators, building principles and also building level assistant principles. I also met with each of you and those who are absent as well uh individually and collectively as a board and superintendent. We had two board retreats. I held four listening and learn sessions for staff members. Two were at the secondary level and two were
036at the elementary level. I held six listen and learn sessions for secondary students. I met during lunch at the three middle schools and the three high schools including community high. With those six sessions, I met with over 235 students. Uh this was quite fun for me. Uh it took me back to my days as a building principal and I can attest students are not shy when you ask them about their opinions. But I created a safe environment for students which permitted them to share their honest opinions without fear of judgment. Along the lines of students, I am continuing the superintendent uh student advisory board. We've held two meetings thus far. That board is comprised of 21 students. Uh the board is open to high school students at all three high schools. Uh because I do
037not have representation from community high school, I am planning to work uh with the principal to do some work during the school day or whether that's during lunch or over a class period to engage our students at community high. I also held two listen and learn sessions for parents, caregivers, and community. Both sessions were held at the senior center. One was held during the day, the other was held in the evening to accommodate the working adult schedule. And finally, while I cannot meet with each individual employee in central office, I met with each department, eight of which are listed on your screen. I apologize for the acronyms. Next, I moved from listening to learning to sharing and building of the 90-day plan. The purpose uh was to share my leadership journey, my educational philosophies and
038core values. The goal was to establish a trusting and positive relationship through communication and attendance at school and community events. First was my opening day message to staff. I shared my journey of a child in Sagenov through my path to superintendent. In the opening day session, my father was in attendance. I recognized him and shared stories of how my parents raised me. Also, I spoke about four significant educators in my life. My preschool teacher, Mrs. Nickelberry, whose picture is shown behind me on that slide. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Calhoun, and then I surprised our staff by bringing on stage my middle school and high school counselor, Mrs. Mack, as well as another mentor of mine, Mr. Pew. The response from our staff was overwhelmingly positive. They had an opportunity to see me as an
039individual and not just a superintendent. I encourage them to continue to be on the be the same beacon of light for our students as my significant educators were was to me. I also interviewed uh by the television news media three times. I was interviewed by the local newspaper three times. I held two bond informational nights to encourage our community to support our students. As you heard tonight, we passed the bond with great success. We're ready to finish the job. I also wanted to ramp up our social media presence. We have over 10,000 followers on Facebook and other platforms. I have noticed how people watch more videos or reals as they are often referred to. We have produced in-house with our communications teams 40 reels and those videos have generated over 520,000 views. I am hopeful
040that we can cross 1 million before the school year is over. The reals is a new strategy and we've received lots of positive feedback. Ironically, the top performing reel thus far is just a short clip of Porta Central's football team winning in the regional finals last Friday. Since Friday, that clip has been viewed almost 48,000 times. We have also expanded our usage of LinkedIn. Uh, in the past, we only use LinkedIn for job postings. Now, we're using LinkedIn in a similar way as we are with Facebook. We have increased our views by 200%. I've also been invited to speak to four organizations. Uh I've spoken with uh the Lions Club in the evening, the Optimus Club for breakfast, the Rotary Club for lunch, and the Portage Northern PTO or Compass group. I explained to everyone
041that I would be willing to meet with any group at any time in any location. Then lastly, I created a new concept called the superintendent educator circle. This is a voluntary group of educators from within the district who meet with me each month. The educators represent two from each school. Uh and the group uh will meet with me throughout the school year. Just for fun, when combining the total number of years of educator experience in Portish public schools, that group comprised of 371 years of Portish public schools experience. When totaling their total number of years of experience in education, it comprises of 587 years. So, there is a wealth of knowledge to have in one space each month. The last area of the of the 90-day report is the analyze, report, and plan. Here is
042where I analyze district data, the survey results to report my findings tonight about our strength and challenges uh for the community. I want to highlight seven celebrations that came through overwhelmingly by our stakeholders along with some opportunities for growth as well as next steps. Number one, outstanding educators. They are the heart of our school district. Portis public schools is defined by exceptional quality of uh educators across every stakeholder group, student, staff, and community members. The most consistent and passionate theme was clear. It is our people who make Portis public schools special. This theme was often mentioned first. Our teachers, administrators, peer educators, and support staff build relationships they inspire and change lives. Students spoke about their teachers from elementary school that they still contact many years later. Staff members describe colleagues who support them both
043professionally and personally. Community members commu consistently praised our top-notch educators who truly care for every student and there are some quotes from different entities on the screen. Next, number two, collaborative culture. Teams working together for our students. Portage public schools excels because of a culture of collaboration and teamwork in our schools and departments. Educators support each other. They step up when needs arise and share responsibility for student success. Staff members describe being able to turn to one another in their buildings for help, working with colleagues who care about our professional and personal lives. This collaboration extends across grade levels, departments, and buildings, creating a network of support to support the students. Educators willingly problem solve together on a daily basis. When challenges arise, our educators face them together, knowing they are not alone in their
044commitment to do what's best for our students. Number three, there is a value on academic excellence and preparing students for their future through rigorous course offerings and highquality instruction. Portis Public Schools has earned a reputation for academic excellence through a commitment to rigorous highquality instruction. Our students recognize that they are receiving an education that prepares them for life after graduation. The district offers advanced placement and international balor programs inhouse providing access to college level coursework. Community members consistently praise our academics noting pride in our ratings on comparison websites. The culture of excellence is about setting high expectations for students and providing the support necessary for them to meet those expectations. Our rep reputation for preparing students reflect decades of a commitment to educational excellence. Number four, student center support caring for the whole child. Portage
045public schools has a commitment to student success that extends beyond grades and test scores. Our staff view students holistically. They address their physical, emotional, social, and academic needs. Students describe feeling safe psychologically, and physically, and they know that their educators genuinely care about their success. Staff spoke about their commitment to ensuring students don't fall through the gaps, working together to identify the meet and meet the needs of the students. This is about recognizing that students learn best when they feel valued, supported, and safe. The relationships between staff and students create an environment where learning can flourish. Number five, exceptional extracurricular opportunities. Ordish public schools offer an extraordinary breath and depth of opportunities for students to explore interest and develop talent. With over 30 varsity sports at each high school, students compete at the highest level,
046including a recent state championship in soccer and a state champion tennis player. Our fine arts program are equally impressive with musicians and singers competing in state levels. Now, with that being said, we have two great productions that have just gone on in our schools. Uh, our marching bands are also being recognized. We have theater productions, Alice by the Heart at Portis Central, Young Frankenstein at Portish Northern, both of which showcasing our students talent. Visual arts programs, they provide space for creative expression. While the number of clubs we provide for students, help our students belong. Students describe the various extracurricular choices and praise the ability to start new clubs around their interest with proper support. Portish provides the programs, facilities, coaching, and support to help students ex excel. From athletics to the arts, our district provides
047opportunities for students to thrive inside and outside the count the classroom. Number six, modern facility facilities investing in schools and athletic spaces. for public schools facility stands as a testament to our community's commitment to providing students with exceptional learning spaces. November 2025, voters approved a 132.4 million bond that enables the school district to continue building new elementary schools. The new elementary schools provide flexible learning spaces, collaborative areas, and designs to prioritize student engagement. Our facilities are the finest in Southwest Michigan. Students describe our high school campuses as feeling like a mini college campus. Our athletics uh facilities rival those of a small college, providing venues for our student athletes to compete at the highest level. This makes for a pleasant experience for our expectators and we often host Michigan High School Athletic Association and tournament
048competitions. Number seven, unwavering community support, true partnership and education. The strength of Portage public schools is the community support. Beyond the recent $132 million bond approval, our community has consist consistently demonstrated its commitment through the passage of an operational millillage, building and sight syncing fund millillage, special education millillage, and a career technical education mill. The schools have active PTOs who volunteer their time and raise additional funds. The booster clubs support the athletic and the arts program. Local businesses purchase advertisements to generate program revenue. Students spoke about the generosity of the community and they recognize that their opportunity exists because of the adults in the schools and the adults in the community. Now, while we are proud of our celebrations, we also have room for improvement. The first opportunity I want to share comes from our
049staff and the second one comes from our students and that's an enhanced support for student behavior. First, our educators are deeply committed to every student success and we recognize that some students have behavior challenges. While our staff members demonstrate dedication to meeting these needs, they identify a gap between student behaviors that they are addressing and the support systems available to help them respond effectively. Teachers are asking for the additional support and training so that they can help students self-regulate and make positive choices. Second opportunity for growth. This is from our students. The strategic coordination to help them balance academics and extracurricular opportunities. One of the portis public schools greatest strength our extracurricular opportunities and rigorous academics have created an unintended challenge for many students. Our students are ambitious and eager to excel in multiple areas.
050But they often mention that they struggle to balance demands of challenging coursework and participation in their sports, arts, clubs, and community activities. This balance may further include commitments to part-time jobs or even family responsibilities. The students wonder if there could be a systematic coordination among educators regarding the workload. Student express weeks express weeks of light homework followed by uh weeks that have test and major assignments all due in the same week. With this strategic coordination, we can preserve the academic excellence and the rich extracurricular experiences that make portis special. Finally, with that being said, here are three next steps for us as an organization. One, comprehensive curriculum management audit. We will engage a third-party expert to conduct a comprehensive curriculum management audit. This independent evaluation will examine the design, delivery, and alignment across grade levels.
051The audit will assess whether our written, test, taught, and tested curriculum are aligned to maximize student achievement. The audit will provide recommendations to improve instructional practices to ensure we provide a guaranteed and viable curriculum. This effort demonstrates our comm commitment to continuous improvement. Two, the refreshing of our strategic commitments. Our strategic commitments have served as a foundation for the school district. I want to explore a refresh of the graphical rep representation to create a visual and narrative representation that is clear and actionable. While the content will remain the same, it is pertinent for the district to review multiple ways in which the graphic representation can re be reflective of the voices and celebrations of our school district. Third, and finally, exploring career pathways. Uh while we celebrate our IB program and our AP offerings and
052students who attend Kamy, we recognize that this represents one pathway to success. We have a responsibility to ensure that every student has access to pathways that align with their interest and goals. We need to work to develop a career pathway framework that provides clear early college exposure beginning in elementary school, progressing through middle school, and then high school. This includes elevating our career technical education program particularly at the CCC. Um also dual enrollment opportunities, early middle college and the education for the arts or EFA. We will strengthen our advertisement, our marketing, recruitment and communication to students and families to help them fully understand their options. So tonight, I just want to say thank you to the board and their confidence in me and leading our district in this next chapter. We have a lot to
053be proud of here and there still room for grow. So this concludes my presentation. I'll be happy to answer any questions tonight. Thank you. Um yeah uh there's a lot there and we've got to figure out how this can be given to the other four trustees uh in a a better better vehicle than them watching the YouTube >> that's a good start but um but this is a presentation um could I I guess make an observation before >> um it's one of your first slides and it was the one with the five like the Olympic ring uh >> okay Right. And so, well, many reasons to thank you for this, but but one thing that you're helping us do is you're helping us as a board as you talk about this kind of think about
054our role and kind of how we can support um but also to kind of stretch um and kind of help set the bar higher. And so when you showed this, I was c crosswalking parts of our policies. Um, and so the top middle circle of student success. So last winter, um, and Mary Lindmark had just joined the board and we spent several retreats trying to articulate kind of how we measure that at a at a high level, not at an administrative level or in a classroom level, but at a higher at a at a board level. And I think and it was it was fun. It was painful. It was words smithing. It was qu you know polite quarreling with each other to try to get it right. And I think I think we've set
055some some parameters to help stretch the district a bit. Um and then last month at our retreat we talked more about um service excellence and student engagement and parent engagement. and we began but got nowhere near and you're finishing a discussion as to how to what are our expectations and how can we set them to stretch. Um and then was it at just the last meeting where we were we uh saw a monitoring report on 2.2 which is treatment of staff. Um and then so the similar board dialogue could occur as to okay what what are our expectations and how can we set those to to helpfully helpfully realistically stretch and get us to aspire >> um you know to to a higher level and then stewardship you can go a lot of different ways
056with that >> um one is financial um but but we've got policies that we could talk about there too. So, I'm just I'm suggesting to my two present trustees and any others who are watching us on the internet tonight that we've got some areas where we can get into our policies because we don't govern by spouting opinions from here. We the board governs collectively through our policies and and how we articulate those. And so anyway, I'm I'm I'm inspired and enthused by what you're saying. And you can kind of see some key leverage points where the board can help through a better articulation of our policies um to help, you know, give some guidance and to maybe help us set the bar um you know, a little higher than it is. And so and on
057that thing, I'll make one more comment, then I'll be quiet. Um but how did you frame it? you were quite diplomatic as you are known to be. Um, opportunities for growth which is great and you know you could call them opportunities for improvement or but um but on the positive side all the celebrating all the great things we have here and and and supporting those protecting those great things. And then over here where you know there are areas legitimate areas uh where we could do better areas of critique and criticism and looking at those in a positive way and kind of rolling up our sleeves you know on on some of those. So always look for and appreciate the balance on strengths and then o opportunities over here and it's it's managing the balance and
058always working on some of these. So I'm I'm seeing that come through. So, I just wanted to um acknowledge that and thank you for that. >> Thank you. And I I'd want to thank you too and your team, you guys. That's passing that bond. You didn't take anything for granted. I sent you that email. I just really appreciated everyone putting that time in. I know traditionally just passed those bonds about the numbers that they were, but everyone kind of went with it. And for you, all that time you've put in hitting the ground running, um all those listening sessions, everything. I mean, you had the pressure of the bond right there on day one. Um, plus you got the transition from your old job to R. It's just you've done a lot of good things
059and I'm impressed and I'm looking forward to the future. I really do like that educator circle thing. I thought that was a neat thing when you mentioned it and to see that you talked more in detail about it before. I just think that's a great way to keep in touch with each school and to kind of catch some of these issues that are coming up, you know, before they catch fire. And I think that's an awesome thing to do. And yeah, thank you. I appreciate it. Okay, >> I I would sound like a broken record. Um, so yeah, thank you very much, Johnny, for all the analysis that you're doing on all of this and I was particularly tickled that you you have the students number two on your opportunities for growth. You you are
060a good listener and I think people are feeling that and and that's that's great. I know, you know, as a board we certainly feel that way from the get-go. So, and and you just are engaging all pieces of the puzzle here and it's a lot. So, so as to what Bo said, I'm hoping that as a board, you know, we're learning a lot. I think Mark's faster at it than I am, but um how as a board we can, you know, put those foundational board pieces in place that help support, you know, and so >> and doing that together, too. Everybody Yeah. And we and we do have uh board policies that address those those key points and and you know so I mean so the exercise for us could be spending a little more
061time on those and sharpening those up having discussions as to how we can better articulate our expectations and encourage you know not resting a bit on our laurels and um you know a comment on what on what you're doing is so much listening and one great thing about listening is uh when you're doing a lot of listening. Uh it keeps you humble >> because you you will hear where those opportunities are. Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Well, and and one other thing I wanted to add, I was talking with someone over the weekend and they said um what they really appreciated about everything that everybody said about the bond issue was that it was honest information out there. There was nothing hidden. This is why we're doing it. This is this is what happened. Blah blah
062blah. And the the communication was was great, but it was straightforward and it, you know, it hit people as okay, you're telling me this tr the truth, so I'm going to go with you. >> I appreciate and I I would be remiss. I need to recognize our entire exec team and all of those who played a role. and some of this work behind the scenes. Uh all of the beautiful things you saw for the bond presentation came out of our communications department with Michelle and Kayla even helping with these slides tonight and some of the data points as well. So they've been along the entire exec team has been along with me in the listening in and learning. Uh Paula was a guest at our superintendent educator circle last month. Uh Brad and Ann will
063be guests next month. So, this is a collaborative team effort. I do understand as a superintendent a lot falls on my my plate, but uh we have an excellent team here. Uh and we have a lot of great things to be proud of in our district. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Yes. >> All right. Uh so that concludes reports for this evening. Um we can do our next section because it does not require action. We're going to have comments or communications. And first up we have uh comments from citizens and we have two signups tonight. I think I'm seeing them here. We know you and we have no others that have come in. Okay, good. Um because we have people who we know you know the rules about three minutes. You've never
064talked about a student. Appreciate it. Um, so, um, our first speaker tonight is Bethany Mezer, who's going to speak to us about TBIS. Welcome. I'm here before you today to address the epidemic facing our public school system, including the Portage Public School District. The way the discipline is handled has become a serious issue affecting all students ability to feel safe and learn in the classroom. Children are causing issues in classrooms, but instead of addressing these problems and following through with consequences, the child is sent down to the office where they get to calm down by petting a dog and getting a snack. Those same students are then sent back to their classrooms where they continue to be disruptive and interfere with the rest of the students abilities to learn. Teachers are tired of the office
065being a revolving door for these kids. Children are being allowed to be aggressive and threatening towards staff and students, forcing classmates and teachers to function daily in environments that feel unsafe. Children should never have to worry or be fearful of other students in their classrooms. They should be able to trust that the adults around them will ensure their safety and well-being in school. Likewise, teachers are frustrated with the lack of support and are being forced to deal with many issues on their own while trying to teach 20 other children. How is this appropriate learning environment for other students or for the teacher in that classroom? Kids are being taught that if they act out that they get special treatment. Children who may not have been a problem are causing problems because they want to go
066pet the dog and get a snack and not have to be in class. How is it fair to penalize the 20 or more other students in a classroom and disrupt their learning because teachers are having to constantly stop to deal with one child causing problems? Many students are also upset about these disruptive behaviors. I know of several that have expressed their frustration over teachers being unable to teach lessons because other classmates are being so disruptive and disrespectful. They are frustrated that they are not actually learning things and that they are not being challenged in their learning. Several have asked their parents if they can be homeschooled so that they can actually learn. They have also shared that when other students observe their disruptive behavior and lack of consequences, they join in significantly compounding the problem.
067As every teacher knows, education begins with classroom management. When a classroom is out of control, the students ability to learn is strongly compromised. When a problem is addressed and a child receives appropriate consequences, the teachers are able to teach their students and the students are actually learning the materials. Likewise, other students learn that this behavior is unacceptable, leading to a decrease in the classroom issues and an increase in every student's ability to learn. School is here to equip these students with skills and knowledge that they need to know to be successful adults one day. If we aren't teaching them that there are consequences for their choices, we are setting them up for failure. Let's actually live up to our motto, every student, every future. Thank you, >> Bethany. Thank you for addressing us tonight. >>
068Our next speaker is Lindsay Zerber. Welcome. >> Thank you. Whoops. >> I am here tonight to talk about the unnecessary use of sexual materials in a Spanish classroom. Several weeks ago, my eighth grader came home from school and shared with us that he had been working on an assignment where he had to listen to a song in Spanish and fill in a section of missing lyrics. While this is a common tactic used in the study of world languages, the choice of artist most certainly was not. He shared that for this activity they used a song from the artist Bad Bunny. As we do not listen to this music in our home, we looked up his songs and found the same themes of sexualizing women, talking about being with many different women, inappropriate language, and more
069immoral ideology. We looked up the specific song he stated they used and found the following lyrics. How you kissed me, How I Did It to You, The Way You Looked at Me, It made me horny. The new girl's good at going down, but it's not your lips. And let's do it again like last night. I reached out to the principal asking how it is remotely appropriate for a school to use this artist when his music is riddled with sex and profanity, especially when there are many Spanish songs with clean content that can practice the same skills. She responded by stating that many language teachers in the district use this program, that they restrict the site to use only G and PG-rated songs, and that the students are not being asked to translate the lyrics, but
070simply to fill in the missing phrase. She went on to say that the goal of the assignment was not to focus on the song themes or messages. I pointed out that the entire purpose of studying a language is to understand it. In order to find the correct phrase to fill in the blank, students have to know what the phrase says. Therefore, how can it be said that they are not understanding the lyrics? If that is true, then they are simply guessing and the assignment has no educational value at all. Also, whether a program deems a song acceptable or not does not change my opinion. That we should not be exposing students to lyrics referencing being horny and going down on someone. Computer programs do not have discernment the way human beings do. And to rely
071on them to determine what is and is not appropriate is an egregious error. If we wanted a computer teaching our child, we would not be sending him to school. Whether or not the goal is to have students connect to an artist, song, or themes does not change the fact that by exposing them, they may do just that. I've heard the same erroneous argument made by this district many times before. Finally, if many world language teachers are using this program in this way, perhaps it is time to re-evaluate, as I find it hard to believe that other parents would support this content being used if it was widely known. There are more than enough songs with lyrics devoid of sexual content that can be used to accomplish these same goals. As we firmly believe content with
072sexually deviant behavior has no place in a classroom. If this program has a multitude of songs and artists in its database, it should not be difficult to have readily available songs with lyrics above reproach. I firmly reiterated my desire that my child no longer participate in this. Two weeks have now passed with no response or acknowledgement of my preferences for my child. For a district that claims to value parents, this sends the message that you only value parental input that agrees with you. Once again, when challenged, the district closes ranks rather than invites conversation and compromise. It's time to find a way to work together for the best interests of our children. >> Thank you for addressing us. Uh, next we will move to comments from board trustees. And I can still say that with
073plural, although it's the numbers are getting a little sparse tonight. Um, any comments from my colleagues tonight? Just a a plug for Portage Northern's Young Frankenstein. It was laughed a lot and it was really a great show. So, you get a chance, they have three more shows this weekend. >> Yeah. Already said my piece. >> Yeah. Um I I kind of lose track with the flow, but uh the Portage Central football team keeps keeps doing its thing and is uh in the semis um this weekend, so kudos for them. Um uh re- reflecting on the bond. Uh and yes, that's occurred since our last meeting. >> Um yeah, it's it's we've started this. I I just want to um thank the community. Um there I believe three other communities in this area whose school bonds
074did not pass. Um so this is um it puts things in context. Um and really appreciate um the support of this community and then you know the presentation here um gets us excited about what lies ahead and and what those funds will will go to do. So um yeah, my appreciation to the community and everybody involved here. Okay. Um so next on the agenda is the consent agenda. We are prohibited from doing the consent agenda tonight. Um that uh requires u board action so we will not do it. Uh that is followed at uh item number eight required action items. The summer tax resolution. We are prohibited from taking that action tonight. Followed by number nine action items. um setting the superintendent midyear progress report and I think Randy just wanted to get our agreement
075on a date. Um the date proposed would be before our meeting on December 8th and I I suspect Randy will make that decision on behalf of the board and let us know um about that and then there were some administrative handbook changes uh cannot take action on those tonight. Um and that brings us to item number 10 which is a discussion item we can hear from this which is the purchase of box truck for food service and we have Russ. Good evening again. Um I'd like to make the recommendation that the board of education produce a new uh food service truck. Uh this is the box truck the district uh uses to bring food around the district to various other uh items. Uh we're looking at we went out to bid about two months ago.
076Uh received three bids. Um kind of worked with the three companies that provided those bids to figure out the best solution for the district. Um, and we uh would like to recommend going out for a 2026 Ecoline F450 with box truck and liftgate from Bob Maxi Ford in Detroit, Michigan for a total of $74,900. And this the funds for this will come from the uh lunch fund ex excessive fund balance. Um, the reason we're replacing the old ones, the old one's old. It breaks down a lot. Uh, it's getting costly to maintain. Um, it's time. Um, we're trying to get through. We would have would have asked you to move this to an action item tonight, but we know we can't do that. Um, so we'll we'll come back hopefully get it approved at the
077December 8th meeting. Uh, but just know this is definitely a need for the food service department as their truck is on its last uh leg. There any questions I can answer for that one? I will say if you look at the bid tabs and look at the uh what we're recommending um the bid tab they bid the their low bid was for an F350 but when you started looking at everything to go up to the F450 made financial sense just to get a little more oomph behind the truck you're not talking a big price increase to go from 350 to 450. Getting everybody fed is important. >> Food around the district is is need. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. No questions for Russ. >> Thank you. >> Uh so that brings us um
078to the the close of our items. I mean uh what I would say before we adjourn is um so next scheduled meeting is December 8th. Um that is the way the the calendar falls. That's three weeks. So, I will defer to board chair and superintendent to figure out whether we can wait until December 8 to deal with some of these items or if we have to have a special meeting um to get approvals um on some or all of these items before then. So, I'll leave that to Ry's in your discretion. There's nothing else to come before the board. >> I'd like to say thank you to you for >> being Randy tonight. >> Oh, sure. Okay. It's a pleasure. It's kind of fun. All right, everybody. Thank you. We're journed. Hey, hey, hey. All
079right. >> Oh, let's see. Nice job. >> No, thank you. >> No, it's good. It's good. It's good. >> We're preparing for someone's like, "No.