001I'm here. Very close. I see so many fun faces out there. So, we are going to get started. The board of education meeting is called to order. Please join me in welcoming students from Grayson Elementary who will perform the national anthem and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Bluetooth connected. Oh, [singing] say can you see by [music] the dawn early light so proudly [music and singing] we at the twilight last [singing] [music] whose bright skies and bright stars [singing] Through the performance [music] [singing and music] streaming and the rock is [music] the mon [music] through the night that our flag [singing and music] was still There savior as star [music] forever. [music] [music] [applause] >> [applause] >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which
002it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right, we are going to take a roll call with Secretary Rristage. >> Right now we are missing member Torres. >> All right, we're going to move on to the approval of the agenda. Unless there are objections, the agenda will be approved with one change. We are removing from the consent agenda item F as the hearing was cancelled today. Are there any objections? All right, we are going to move on. We are now going to move on to our celebrations of learning and welcome again our Grayson Gators who are here to perform in honor of school board appreciation month. And our board members are going to actually come down in the audience so that we can see your performance. >> [music] >>
003It's a new day. [singing and music] A new day. It's a day [music] to me. [music] That's what you see. Every new day is a gift [music] that [music] is [singing] now gone. Yesterday's only a [singing and music] dream. Yesterday's [music] canes. [singing] [music] Every new day is [singing and music] a new chance starting with every new dawn. [music] At least sunrise in [singing] [music] my journey. Oh [singing] sh [music] to me. Everyone [music and singing] gets what you see. [music] Every new day is again set [music] free. Day [music] breaks and hope. [singing] [music] Possibilities to choose your sun [music] on every day I rise and shine. Oh, I [music] on my way on my way. [music] But now is [music and singing] yesterday a dream. >> [music] >> can carry on. Yesterday's [singing]
004wishes can [music] every day [singing] starting [music] with every newer. [music] [singing] Highways [music] to journey upon. Oh, it's a new [music] day. A new day is a day that's [music] gi [music] [singing] [music] A [music] new day [music] to me. Everyone [singing] gets one. [music] Every new day is a gift. It's a [music] gift each day. It's a gift. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> We would love to share our new school song. I think We started this last year. Where did Mrs. Knuckles go? >> Last time, right? Yes. >> Okay, guys. >> Here at Grayson, where the people are great and we learn, listen, and grow. That's the way the gators go. But we are K I N D and respectful [singing] of the things we see. We help each other and we love
005our [singing] school. Give us Gators rule. [applause] >> Weren't they amazing? And yes, [applause] our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Holly Harren, who gave up her time tonight, also created that Gator song. So, isn't that amazing? [applause] >> So, we know to our dear school board members that Grayson can only be great with great people. So, you are a important part of that, right? Um, we can only accomplish great things together and we very much appreciate all of the time, efforts, dedication, all the hours that you put into making sure that our kids have the best, our staff members and our schools have the best, and our district is amazingly wonderful. So, thank you to our school board. Let's give our school board a round of applause. [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, we are good to
006exit. >> Thank you parents for getting them out here tonight. Go back. >> Yeah, maybe. >> Should we just go behind >> that? She said she's coming. >> One, two, three. Gators. >> All right. Thank you. [applause] We'll go ahead and give you a few minutes to find your families if you want to gather your things and head. Oh, thank you. But you did an amazing an amazing job. Thank you so much. I wish we could start every meeting with all of you here. We would love it. >> Okay. >> Actually, Thank you so much. You did awesome. Great job, you guys. Thank you. And parents, thank you so much for bringing your kids and and having them come perform for us. We greatly, greatly appreciate it. Definitely couldn't do it without all of you.
007>> I love it. >> All right. >> Yay. We'll give them a chance to >> to get out of here. You did tell them they don't have to leave >> because we the fun is still >> still coming. Right. We now are going to move on to elementary with our kindergarteners for another presentation in celebration of learning. >> So that was the national anthem and the pregame kind of performance. So now um we have Havland and crew here to share what they've been doing in the classroom as it relates to letters learning and how it relates to our HMH resources. And now it's time to go to school. [laughter] Oh, [laughter] >> that was sweet. Hi, my name is Sarah Fernie, kindergarten teacher at Havlin, and this is Alyssa Cororsen. >> Hello. And we are
008here to share about our wonderful letters training that we have. um Sarah and I have completed and we have [cough] taken that work into our classroom. So, oh this is you sorry letter stands for literacy essentials for teachers of reading reading and spelling and it teaches uh it taught us skills in which to identify what skills students needed the way in which to do it and come up with a plan for it and it's aligned with our HMH curriculum. So within this training we learned about um Scarbor's reading rope and our HMH curriculum follows this reading rope to a T. Um we have our lang we don't have a proficient reader unless we have our language comprehension and word recognition intertwined together. That is what creates a proficient reader. And we are going to focus
009for this portion of our celebration on our word recognition. And our kiddos back here are going to be taking you through one of our a little snippet of one of our foundational skills lessons. So our HMH curriculum and letters combined has helped us to teach our students. Um you'll today you'll see our students engaged in best practice literacy strategies that you'll use tonight and experience but we use on a daily basis in our classrooms. Um and then are you ready to see this magic firsthand? All right. Super. All right. So I need Parker first. Parker, you're going to come here and go ahead and find a find a friend. Find an adult you're going to work with. Go find an adult. We might need to partner two up. [laughter] >> Cool. Are they dry? All
010right, we need one more with Mr. Martin down there. >> So, for our first activity, we are going to show you how we use our mirrors in class. So, using a mirror, it really helps um with our students so they can see what their mouth is performing. They can um different sounds require different mouth movements which these mirrors they're able to identify um the sounds based on their movement of their lips, their tongue. Um they're going to tell you if this sound is voiced or unvoiced. So that means if their sound box is on or off. This really benefits kids when they're learning to read because understanding different sounds like if you were to say the B sound or the P sound your lips and move do the same movement but if you are able
011to understand what's voiced and unvoiced BB B is a voice sound where P is not so your your soundbox will vibrate. So, our friend Gavin here, oh, sorry, nope. Parker, sorry, kiddo. Parker is going to be teaching you all about our letter F sound today. So, he's going to tell you our learning target and then what your mouth, teeth, and your voice should be doing. Here, come on. I can read words with the F sound. Get your meals out. Top teeth hit your bottom lip. Puff air out. Unvoice sound box off. Go ahead and try this sound. Good job. Put your me away. Can I see Gavin and Gloria? >> He's coming. >> Gavin, come on down, honey. Please get your way boards out. Hold your pen in the air when you're ready. Wipe the
012graphing to match the sound. Hold up your boards. >> Great job. >> Mr. Mman does another sound. >> There's another letter. >> Oh, wait. I I >> I had a little help. Good job. Write the graphing to match this sound. Hold up your boards. >> Great job. [applause] >> All right. Wipe the glass into write the sound. B-hold [laughter] up your boards. lowerase. >> Make sure the lower case. >> I had upper and lower. I had upper and lower. >> I president. [laughter] >> I had both. I had both. I was going for extra points. >> Already. [laughter] >> Write the graphing to match this sound. Hold up your boards. >> Try again, Mr. Riches. That's an S. I have F. I have X. Why couldn't you hear [laughter] me? But so does Adam. Adam
013has >> We have X, too. >> We have X. Yeah, it's not. It's an S. >> I thought it was an X. >> Not an S. >> I'm leaving. [laughter] >> Put your words away, please. >> I'm sitting down here so far. >> Are you smarter than a kindergarten? >> Sweating bullets. [laughter] like I >> go ahead and put your boards away and then can we see Salem and Harper, please? >> Yeah. >> Here, I'll scooch over. You guys can both sneak in. It's okay. Here, we'll just we'll just push Gavin over just here. Can you both? Okay. >> Find a spot around the room. >> You'll need to stand and find a spot around the room for this one. Yeah, just right back there is totally fine. Yep. >> Is that good? >> Jump
014for each sound you hear. Then dab for the whole sound. >> Show your groom how to do it. Ready? >> In. >> Did you? Did you? The sounds are up here, guys, if you need to see. >> All right, >> getting better. Proud and proud. >> Good job. [applause] >> [applause] >> We really appreciate you being good sports with us and following along with our lesson for foundational skills. We do have some invites for the board. And this was just a little snippet of our 45minute foundational skills lesson. So, we would love for you to come on into our classrooms and be able to view all the great learning that we have been doing this year. So, the kiddos are going to pass out a homemade invitation for you and give them a round of
015applause cuz they are [applause] [applause] forget your bags, you guys. Thank you so much. That was awesome. Gab or sorry Parker, do you need this? >> Do you need that, too? Okay, >> you guys did such an amazing job. Do Do you mind sticking around a little bit because we might have some questions for everyone if you don't mind? If >> do you want pictures? Parents, would you like pictures? Okay. Do you want if we can have the kids maybe come up here, we can do the pictures and then if you don't mind sticking around, we just have a couple of questions for the kiddos. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> You want to bring him right here? So, we're going to walk around. Okay. Yeah, that
016sounds >> She got to get up again. She's ready. >> [laughter] >> Okay, now look here. One, two, three. >> Say letter. >> One more. One more. [laughter] All right. >> Thank you so much. [applause] >> We'll let all the board members get back to their seats and then if every anyone has any questions. But first, all of you did such an amazing job. I think you should give yourselves a round of applause. [applause] I would happily come into your classroom and take any lessons from any one of you. I was so impressed with with what great teachers you are. It was very fun. Do we have any questions or comments? Member Stitch, >> I was gonna say um we have a really talented staff, but Steve and Darren, I would much rather have the
017lessons explained from them. [laughter] >> So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That was amazing, Gavin. Great job, dude. Great job. [laughter] >> Did anyone else have any comments or questions? >> I just don't. Member McGregor, >> I just wanted to say thank you guys for sharing your time with us. You did a really great job. >> So I I member Patricia and then I'll ask >> I also want to thank him because again kindergarten I remember I was in kindergarten. We had a little circus and we practiced roaring. I got to be the lion. >> You know it was really fun in the class. As soon as it came time to perform and the parents came and they pulled me around a little wagon and that was the cool part being pulled the wagon.
018I cried because I was terrified. [laughter] But for for these these students to be able to come up here and speak and and put on a lesson for us, uh I I can't thank you enough. It's a a true blessing that you have to be able to come here, make us adults feel as good as I feel just having you and the other students here today. It's just a I was having a bad day and this has just made it so much better. So, thank you for that. >> Yay. [applause] and the teachers for it just I mean oh gosh >> member Torres >> you you all did an amazing job I'm very proud of you and teaching that lesson to us uh was just amazing and uh I'm with Rob uh you know this
019I really needed this today so that really filled my bucket you know uh so it's just it's one of the beauties that we have of being on a school board is being able to see the kids and to have them come and show us the things that they're doing. So, great job, kiddos. You did an awesome job. [applause] >> So, I was really impressed with the bags and when Gloria was able to tell me everything that was in her bag, it was really, really cool. So, I have a question for all of you. What is your favorite part about learning this way? What what do you like the best about it? Any one of you can answer. >> Gloria. >> Um I love the mirror. >> The mirror. >> It's very cool. What a great
020tool that was. Parker, what's your favorite part? >> I love the writing. >> The writing. Well, you all are doing amazing. I can't wait to see where this takes you. I'm so impressed. And you should be so proud of yourselves. and parents, thank you so much for bringing your kids here tonight and giving us this opportunity. Thank you. [applause] All right. I'm sure you probably don't want to sit through our whole meeting, but you're welcome to. [laughter] We'll give you this chance to go ahead and gather your things and head on out. Thank you again so much, and we will hopefully be seeing you soon. And you are welcome to come back anytime and teach us a lesson. Okay. Good job, honey. >> It feels downhill from here. Can I go home now? [laughter] >>
021Going down. >> A Rob's not wrong. It definitely fills your bucket when the kids are here. >> Oh, sorry, but yeah. >> Yes, that I mean we Yes. [laughter] >> It uh it makes everything so much better. >> Got a heart attack. All right, we'll give everyone a few minutes, but we do have more fun stuff coming. So, we do because we do [clears throat] we do >> keep convincing yourself. >> We do because we get to recognize another important part of our team. So, next up, I'll give them a chance to close the door so it doesn't get get too loud. A >> I love the flowers. That was so cute. I don't know if any of you saw that, but some of the siblings had flowers for their for their siblings. That was
022that was sweet. All right. So, now we are going to move on to recognition of achievement, the MSP award presentation. So, we're going to welcome Jerry Allen, the executive director of the Michigan School Public Relations Association, MSP, who is here tonight to present a special award to Sarah Davis, who is our director of communications and community relations. Welcome. >> Good, good evening. Thank you. Um, my name is Jerry Allen and it's my pleasure to be here on behalf of the Michigan School Public Relations Association, also known as MSPRA and that's where I serve as the executive director. MSPAR is the premier organization for school communicators in Michigan with more than 220 members statewide. MSP represents those who are on the front lines of communicating about the amazing students, staff, and stories like we've seen here
023tonight. It's just amazing. And you have so many future leaders. Those those children were amazing. They were just amazing. Um MSP's purpose is to advance education through responsible communication. And one of the ways we do this is by recognizing outstanding work of school communicators. And this evening, it's my honor to present one of Mspra's highest awards. The Waterford School District has received the 2025 Michigan School Public Relations Association Gold Medallion Award for its project, the Stfansky Early Childhood Center Grand Opening. And that was submitted by your director of communications and community relations, Sarah Davis. Sarah, do you want to come up? And you will recall that in July of 2020, Waterford voters approved a bond measure that included constructing the Stabbansky Early Childhood Center, the first new building in Waterford School District in over 50
024years. Now I'm actually taller than she is. for me. [laughter] Um, to promote the cent's grand opening event, the district communication team, Sarah and the team, developed and implemented a communication plan that emphasized community inclusion and transparent information using a layered approach to inform key audiences. These communication efforts resulted in attendance that exceeded expectations and led to an enrollment surge of 70 students directly following the event, which that was awesome. Um, EMPRA's panel of experts judge the entry on the clarity of concept, good writing, and evidence of using the four-step public relations process in our business known as ARPAI, which is research, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Waterford's submission s surpassed the robust criteria for recognition, highlighting both the power of effective communication and the skill of Waterford's communication team. This project was noted in particular
025for its detailed planning and communication tactics, and we want to congratulate the Waterford School District, the school board, and its communication team. We look forward to further celebrating your success at MSP's annual conference in March. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] A [applause] just real quick um thank you to EMPER for this award. The people in this organization are nothing short of amazing. They are the best communications professionals across the state. So to receive especially the gold medallion is it's truly an honor. Um, of course this is for the entire school district, the entire communications team. There was not a department that did not play a role in the earning of this award. We worked for months on planning this event and it really took the collaboration of everyone. So, thank you again
026and I share this with the district. [applause] And I've known Sarah for years and she is an excellent practitioner. You are so wise to have her on your staff. We really appreciate her at the statewide level as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Before Before Sarah runs up, who's taking a picture of Sarah? Because she always takes our pictures. So you need to have your picture taken as well. with with with Miss Allen. Is there a way we could do that over here at the podium? Megan's got it. I just No escaping. >> Sure. [laughter] >> We all like it when we can be taller than Sarah. It's so nice, isn't it? >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for coming tonight and presenting the award to our district. We
027greatly appreciate it and we are so grateful to have Sarah Davis and the entire communications team and like she said, our entire district because that was a feat and it was amazing and thank you for all that you do for our district and helping us share our stories and the right stories with our community. Thank you. So welld deserved. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. So, now we are moving on to public comment on action items. I don't have any green cards on action items. Is there anyone that would like to make a public comment on an action item? All right, we're going to keep moving on to the consent agenda. Unless there are objections, the consent agenda will be approved as presented with the exception of item F. Are we good? Everyone good? All
028right. And next up, I think I flipped that the wrong way. We're moving on to information items to our policy updates. Volume 38, number two through 39. The board is in receipt of the policy updates, including volume 38, number two, volume 39, number one, volume 39, number one, Edgar, and volume 39 number two. Members are asked to review these policies over the coming weeks and reach out to the superintendent's office with any questions before the updates are brought back to the board for approval on March 19th. All right. Now, we are going to move on to the life tracks Durant parking lot site improvements with assistant superintendent Hildebrandt and also Sid Tippet and Carla's going to be joining us too tonight. Good evening, trustees. In the package, we are presenting information item on a parking
029lot repavement at lifetracks. There has been damage. You'll see some pictures within your package. with that um area that requires that being repaired for the safety of the kids and the staff there. We've done as much patching as we can. It's to the point where we cannot repatch any longer. So, we are seeking um to have you review this information. We have a Q&A within the package as well. And we will be going for um action at the next board meeting on March 19th. You can see the bid packages and I'll open up for any discussion or questions. >> Colleagues, do we have any questions regarding this project? >> All kind. But I'll hold off till I actually go through the stuff. >> Okay. >> I have all kinds of questions, but just because it's
030it looks like it's cement now. Uh is it going to be cement again or going to be uh black top? >> It's going to be ashalt. >> Ashvalt. So it I think that's cheaper than cement. >> Yes. >> So that's one good thing. But again, just spending money on older buildings is I >> I'll look at it real later. >> Colleagues, any other questions or comments? Member McGregor, >> I just wanted to say thank you for including the Q&A. That's something we haven't had in the past and I really appreciate that because it shows that you're putting the effort in ahead of time and I know it takes a lot of time [laughter] and hopefully it saves you guys some time. Well, thank you. >> All right, we are going to move on. But you're
031not moving. >> Nope. Not for >> we are moving on to the warehouse exterior bulk storage also with assistant superintendent Hillbrandt and team. [laughter] So, as a background, um, back in the late 1990s, the district put into place prefabbed concrete blocks to hold three sections, which included the rock salt for the winter months, pearl for the playgrounds, and wood chips for the playgrounds. We've since eliminated the use of pearavevel, and for the wood chips, we've switched over to engineer wood fiber. We first looked at the first pass um back in 2024 which was similar in structure with three bays and a roof which would provide additional safety for our team members to uh reach the materials. Uh that pricing came in very high that was not presented to the board. It was outside of the
032budget constraints. There was then a redrawing done which brought it down to two bays. We presented that to the board as an information item back in the summertime. [clears throat] We did not present for action. We went back to the drawing board. Since that time, we've brought it down to just one bay for the rock salt. The engineered wood fiber will have delivered in the spring and in the fall when we open the playgrounds right before and at the springtime after the winter. you will have um you can see the Q&A and the thought process that went in this final drawing coming in. We're looking at a prefabbed steel dome to go over cement footings and a base to hold that. And I open up for any questions. Colleagues, do we have any questions regarding
033this project? >> Member McGregor. Um, I just wanted to ask about Okay, so it looks like some of the materials are different than the initial design. Are we expecting a longer lifespan of this structure? Um, obviously like the cheaper part is great, but um, will it also hold up over time? >> The steel dome should last for approximately 20 years. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Member Stitch, >> the the new structure will be built on the site of the old structure or no? >> No, it will be built at the warehouse area, but not in that same area. We'll take down and demolish the old structure. There is a cement pad under there. If that pad is in good condition, Sid and his team will continue to use that to park some of
034our vehicles on. member down. >> So, with this dome, is this large enough that the the dump truck, whatever is delivering, can back right in to dump that off, or is this where it has to be dumped out front and then kind of like bulldozed into into the bay. Um, for protection sake, >> I'll defer. We >> We'll end up having to push it in. Uh, it's going to be able to probably like the first load will fall in, but the rest will will push in, which is what we do now. >> Okay. And then do you have the obviously the next question is is in a situation like that do you have the equipment already that you can go in to get that salt out to put in Okay. >> Yes. We have a
035skid there that we Okay. That's what we're using currently. >> Understood. >> Member Stitch. >> I think last time when this was brought forth as an information item, one of the concerns was the amount of cost to um uh remove the current exterior or the structure. Um it is that still as significant as it was then just to gain a couple parking spots. >> So we did not break out the cost between even last time we didn't break out the cost between the demo and the new install. It's still we're we're removing the current location and installing in a new one. Um, and your question was if it's >> to g it's not to gain parking spots. >> We have to bring that down. It's not safe. It's not plum any longer. It's dangerous. So,
036no matter what we do, we need to address that for safety reasons. >> Correct. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And redoing it addresses the issues we had with Eagle. Correct. >> Correct. >> So, this will satisfy eagle. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, that will no longer be an issue. Member Patricia >> uh it it mentioned that uh because we don't have a price on it, detailed cost and recommendation will be presented at the March meeting. So you'll be presenting the cost and an approval at that time. So I don't know how much it cost right now, but I'll be getting that information. Do we have an estimated ballpark? >> The bid tab is included in here. We're vetting out. >> Turn the next page. Okay. Doesn't say that on my thing. >> Part
037of the last Thank you. >> Well, I'm just reading the the letter stuff and it says I don't have a price. I'm thinking, how can I not have a price? We have to have an idea. >> We're vetting all the vendors that bid to make sure the bids. >> You give me the price before you give me the question of we don't have price. Thanks. >> All right. Do we have any further questions? Do we have any further questions? Are we good? All right, we're going to move on. Thank you so much. But you're not moving still. >> You get to stay. >> But Sid and Carla get [laughter] >> Thank you, Sid and Carla. >> Director Michael Williams. >> All right, we are going to move on to the food service equipment with assistant
038superintendent Hilda Brandt and also with our director Michael Williams. >> Good evening again, trustees. In your package, you will see information in regards to purchase for food service equipment for all nine of the elementaryaries. There are two pieces of equipment being proposed for each one. All of the equipment is movable if our needs change. And we are doing this. We did end with the audit last year with excess fund reserves as noted in theformational item about $36,000. and we are recommending this purchase which would utilize approximately $200,000 of that excess fund balance reserve. We're looking at other projects for the other component within it. I open up for questions. >> Colleagues, do we have questions regarding this project? Member Patricia, >> will this bring back turkey slap? [laughter] >> You knew it was coming. You
039knew it was coming. Don't be sitting there like you didn't know. Rob, we back turkey stop once a year every year right before Thanksgiving. >> Okay. >> I'll make sure we email you. >> So So the answer is no. It doesn't bring >> It's already Yeah, it's already here. >> Okay. Once here. >> Thank you. >> This This make sure it stays. >> Okay. >> Nothing. Member Torres, >> what was the the total cost you said collectively? Again, >> uh for these two pieces of equipment at each of the nine buildings is just under $200,000. >> All right, then that makes sense. >> And it is a consortium bid >> and with Oh, sorry. >> Oh, yeah. And this is better utilization of space, higher production capacity, more consistent, higher quality meals. So, this is
040going to allow us to be more efficient, faster, and then uh um more cost effective. >> Correct. Yes. So, um the last time we've updated and purchased new oven equipment for the elementary schools was in 2012. Um these type of ovens have around a 10 to 12 lifespan uh year lifespan. And we've as far as equipment repairs, we've been spending a lot of money on them yearly trying to keep up with them. So the best thing to do is upgrade it and it again like with the information provided it'll improve on efficiency, food quality, rate and speed in which we produce for the students to make sure that they have enough time to eat you know so that's what's mo most important. >> Thank you. >> Now and this is because of the audit and
041the excess we have to spend this money down. Correct. Isn't that part of just just so our everyone in our audience is aware of that that we by law have to spend this down? >> Yep. Classic sense of if you don't use it, you lose it. >> We have to give it back. So what what is a better way to do it than spend it on our students to make sure that they have the best quality food possible? >> Y. >> All right. >> Sonic, >> if I missed something, um, it says does not include the demo, disposal, or relocation of existing equipment. What are we doing with the existing equipment? >> Our own internal teams will be handling the removal of the old equipment. Anything that might be salvageable or being able to be
042sold at public auction, we will. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And we will keep some for backup just in case we need some on hand. Yep. >> Okay. >> All right, colleagues, do we have any other questions? >> Thank you so much. We appreciate both of you being here. No problem. And now we are going to move on and you get to switch with Elizabeth. >> Well, Karen's actually gonna stay. >> Oh, okay. So, you don't get to you get to stay. >> All right. All right. So, don't go anywhere, Karen. I >> No going anywhere. Oh my goodness. So, we are now going to move on to our children's village school technology purchase with Mrs. Koochie. >> Thank you, board. I'm sorry I don't have dancing or writing on a board for
043you today, but I do have in the packet today a proposal for upgrading the interactive displays at Children's Village. So, currently at Children's Village School, we have I'm going to put this nicely, older smartboards um that we are aged out on. We have fixed, we have replaced, we have done everything we can do to make them work and they are no longer working. they are about 12 to 14 years old which in tech terms is ancient. Um so we really looked at a plan that was fundable through section 41 grant which Karen can share what that is in a second and then we also met with the county to see what would work within the infrastructure of children's village knowing the nature of that school. So we are proposing at Children's Village that we install
04420 Epson bright light interactive projectors which essentially is an interactive board on a whiteboard kind of similar to our Prometheium boards but doesn't require that internet connectivity which we would not be allowed to have at Children's Village due to the nature of the building. So, this allows those teachers to utilize our curriculum through that interactiveness like all of our other teachers just in a different format. Um, we know this is something needed. So, currently we are looking at bringing forth on the March 19th for a vote. If it is approved, we will start installing the spring within the next couple of weeks after that because we really want to get this project moving. And like I said, s uh Karen can share what section 41 grant is and that would be the funding source for
045this. >> It's actually the section 24 grant which is state dedicated money for adjudicated youth. It is the activities and the expenses of children's village and what we do within that program are fully funded with that grant funding. There would be absolutely no impact to the general fund and our other reserves. So even though Oh, sorry. Go ahead. Member Patricia, I can ask after. >> No, thank you very much for that. That doesn't really It doesn't cost us. We're getting free money. Hey, this doesn't cost you [laughter] money. Buy two of them. >> For that reason, Rob. >> Okay. [laughter] >> There is guidelines. >> Sorry. >> So, I just did want to clarify because it does say in our packet section 24 grant/general fund. Is that because we have to get reimbursed by the
046grant? So, just if anyone were to question that, that's the only reason it says general fund is because we will get reimbursed correct >> for through the grant. Thank you. I just wanted to clarify that. >> Does anyone else have any questions? >> Um question, >> member Torres. >> So, you said it's it's state grant money specific to children's village. So, so specific for youth, right, that are um just justice youth, right? Correct. >> Okay. Uh so that's and then so we're being reimbursed from our own and then these projectors um so we're is that why are they're cheaper than the boards then it was that I would presume correct >> so they are they are considerably cheaper because they run on a laser projection system and they don't require that inter interactivity where like
047our Prometheium boards are actually essentially a computer they are considered an Android device where these would not be they don't need that activity they connect directly to the computer and allow for that interactivity that we have within our curriculum. >> So then the computer is is you're doing it all and it's projecting it onto the board. >> Exactly. >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. Are there any other questions? All right. Thank you so much. We appreciate that. Now Karen, you get to go. >> I get to leave. >> All right. We are now going to move on to our Chromebook purchase to begin refresh again with Mrs. Kie. Thank you again. Um in your packet you'll find information coming forth to you about our strategic plan for Chromebook refresh. So, in the bond,
048we had the um plan to refresh our Chromebook cycle strategically looking at what was some key transition years as well as what looked within our fleet for keeping warranty for the most machines as well as what would be cost-effective for our team for not having to repair them because that is a cost. So, we really looked at kindergarten, incoming, sixth, and nth grade will be years that students would get brand new devices. What that will allow for is essentially in our elementaryaries they will have the warranty work and be able to be sent back to Dell for repair in sixth, seventh and sixth, seventh and eighth grade which are middle schoolers tend to be our roughest for a variety of reasons. They will have a warranty those whole three years. And then our in our
049nth, 10th and 11th when they become seniors, we would need to repair them. But for that one year off, we can absolutely manage that. We want to keep this cycle going. So we keep having refresh of new devices because Chromebooks life is typically four to five years. Um sometimes you can stretch it six to seven. It really depends on the battery. So this will allow us to keep our fleet in line and keep our um resources for our students working and where we would want them to be. And again we have plans for this in the bond. So this is something that's definitely in that plan. >> Colleagues, do we have any questions regarding the Chromebook refresh? Member Patricia, >> I see that we only have one vendor. Is it the vendor that we use?
050Only one person bid on it. How does that work? >> So, REMC bid is a little different. So, REMC is the statewide contract bid that um only one vendor gets approved for each manufacturer. So, we have Dell Chromebooks in our system. So, people driven is the only one who can give us a price that's locked in for the year. So, the REMC pricing is locked in from March. Well, usually April to March of each school year. So HP Chromebooks are in a different vendor. So that's how it works. You're only going to get one vendor if you want to go through REMY. If you wanted to do your own bid, we could, but I'm going to tell you right now, they would be more than this. >> Even though they're the only vendor and kind
051of have that monopoly on it, it's >> Yeah, it's kind and it's kind of a little bit tricky right now. So there is a chip shortage due to AI. Um, so we've been looking at Dell Chromebook prices. They're they're they're drastically increasing. So, we really want to make sure we get this pricing in now, even before the next bid cycle. >> Y do we have any other questions, >> Member McGregor? >> So, just kind of related to that last statement, right? Because that is a really [clears throat] serious concern throughout the market. >> Yep. >> Not just here. Um, are we do we have any preparation in place? And I'm sorry I didn't ask this ahead of time. >> You're fine. >> But um do we are we thinking about planning ahead for the next
052cycles and >> I mean obviously a lot >> so we are really strategically looking at what we need to do to move forward as well as looking at our current structure model. What's best for kids, what's best for the teachers. So we're really in that process right now. We know we want to start this right. Um but we also know we also don't want devices in house that are going to sit for years because then the batteries are going to die. So, it's kind of this where do you go, right? Um, so we kind of got to find the sweet spot. Right now, we're in the sweet spot because we're able to use this this bid package from Remy for right now. But what would happen in April is they'll rebid it and we know
053they're going to go up. So, we want to make sure coming this now and then coming forward in March, we would be able to hit that target. >> Thank you. Yeah. And thank you for thinking ahead. >> Oh, of course. >> All right. Are there any other questions? Thank you so much. We appreciate it. We are now going to move on to new business with our superintendent recommendations. Moving on to Treasure Donahghue. And this is a really exciting one, by the way. Seriously. >> Okay. >> This is one of the things I've been looking forward to all night. >> All right. So, Megan, um, the first name I want to make sure I pronounce this correct. >> Baron. >> That's a lot easier than how it looks. All right. Okay. [laughter] Okay. All right. So,
054>> okay. So, superintendent's recommendation 29-25-26 administrative appointments. It is recommended that the board of education approve the following administrative appointments. Diane Barren. Yes. Okay. Interim principal, location, Children's Village School. Effective date February 3rd, 2026. Nicole Faudy, interim assistant principal, location, Mason Middle School. Effective date uh to be determined. Daniel Lake, principal, location, Kingsley Montgomery School. Effective date February 20th, 2026. Joanne Oor, principal, location, Stapansky Early Childhood Center. Effective date February 20th, 2026. Jessica Richest. Richest. Out of all of them, that's the one I messed up. [laughter] >> Richish, >> you get that one wrong. >> Principal, I'm so sorry, Jessica. Um, location is Bulmont Elementary School. Effective date February 20th, 2026. And Mr. Clifford Snitchen, uh, principal. Location, Havlin Elementary School. Effective date February 20th, 2026. I so [snorts] move. support. >> Oh, support. >>
055All right. The motion has been moved and supported. Are there any comments or questions? Member Rristich, >> I will be abstaining from this vote because I am the proud husband of Mrs. Rristitch. Oh, you said it right. [laughter] Are there any other comments or questions? Or do we want to wait till after we do the vote and then do our comments and questions and our congratulations? All right, let's move on to the vote. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand. All right, motion carries 6 because we have one abstension. And oh my gosh, I'm so excited. Congratulations to all of you. This is like amazing. [applause] [applause] I couldn't I couldn't be prouder and happier to see what an amazing team of administrators that we have coming on board. And I am
056so excited for all of you. Obviously, some of you have been with us for many years and it's amazing to see you move on to these great positions and and welcoming back others. So, we are excited to have all of you and congratulations. I'm I can't wait to see you bring your kiddos in front of us. [laughter] >> Can you Oh, okay. So, if if you would like to >> You want me to do it? >> Yeah. I'll have Superintendent Martin introduce each one of them to you so that way everyone knows who everybody is. >> And you stole the thunder. Incredibly talented individuals that we're looking forward to uh leading our building. So, uh we're going to start at the top. Uh Mr. Dan Lake over at Kingsley Montgomery. Dan, did you want to
057come up say a little thing? Yeah. I'm going to give them each an opportunity [laughter] just to come up and introduce themselves. >> Good evening, members of the board of education. Um, I'm very excited, also humbled to return to KMS um as the building leader. So, I want to thank you for the confidence and the faith that you've placed in me. Um, it's it's very appreciated and um thank you very much. Thank you. [applause] Next up, Miss Joano Ror over at Stapansky. [laughter] >> And they did not know that they were going to be asked to speak before they got here. So, >> hi. I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity. I am beyond excited to um support our families with their first experience at the Waterford School District. and
058I really hope I can live up to your expectations and send prepared students to kindergarten. That was incredible. [laughter] So, just thank you. I'm happy to be here. And say hi to Jacob for me. It's been a while. [laughter] >> I know. I think I had Jacob my second year of teaching. >> Yeah. So, thank you. >> Welcome. [applause] >> Next up, Mr. Cliff Snitchen, who's going to be over at >> Heavland. [laughter] All right. Good evening, members of the board, um peers, colleagues, family, friends, and soon to be teaching staff that I'm working with. I just want to say thank you so much. Uh I am so excited to be the next principal at Havlin Elementary. Um, as you know, I've been in the district now for 4 years, and it's always been my
059goal to lead a building. And so, this is the opportunity that I've been waiting for, and it absolutely warmed my heart to see um some of my kindergarters up here today. Um, and so I'm so very excited to start. And, um, where do we begin? I'm ready. Let's go right now. [applause] and Miss Chesca Rristitch, who is going to be over at Bumont. >> Oh man, it's feeling real. [laughter] Uh, I think those of you that know me know that I love this place. Uh, I live here obviously and my kids go to school here. I've been in Waterford um with the school district for 19 years. Um, and I have loved every moment teaching and then working for the English language development department. Um, I have felt a little bit of a tug to
060get back to working more closely with students and that was reaffirmed this evening watching those Grayson Gators and those Havland Eagles. Um, oh my gosh, amazing. I I am even more excited than I was before. Um, I just want to thank all of you for having trust in me. I take this um responsibility very seriously, but I'm also ready to get in there and have a little bit of fun, too. So, thank you so much for your support. [applause] And last, Miss Nicole Faudy, who is going to be the interim assistant principal over at Mason, replacing Cliff. just want to say thank you very much to the board members for their trust and confidence in me with this position. Um I'm very excited to um to serve all the students and families um and staff
061of Mason Middle School and I'm promised that I will stay committed to upholding the values and vision of Waterford School District. Um I'm very excited to be back in Waterford. Um, I used to teach here a little over a decade ago and I'm just very thankful and excited for this opportunity. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Colleagues, do we have any comments or questions? Member Torres. >> U, I think it's exciting. It's new beginnings to see so many uh people taking leadership roles in our district. Um, and so many from within. Um, you all seem so grateful and and so happy and excited and that excites me. So, um, I'm excited to see what happens. So, great job everybody and congratulations. >> Member McGregor. >> And I just wanted to say I think I know some
062of you better than others, but I know how much really amazing work that you have put into this district and how much you all care. And um I just want to say thank you and I'm glad that we have people like you guys taking care of the kids in our community. So thank you >> memor [laughter] really quick. Uh um we've just this is an amazing team and this is a really nice complent to our strategic planning session the other day. We just have such great momentum um at the superintendent level down through uh central admin down to our buildings down to our amazing teachers and we've just had such great evidence of that tonight. Um so just really excited to see this um as just more evidence of all the great things that are
063happening in Waterford. So welcome and thank you everyone. We can't wait to see what happens next. >> And again, thank you and congratulations and we are so excited. We can't wait to see what you're going to do and I know you're all ready to hit the ground running. So, good luck in your new buildings and in your new roles, and we appreciate all of you very, very much. All right. Now, we're going to move on to Secretary Rissich with recommendation 30-25-26 relative to the Oakland County Enhancement Village. >> Really quick, I just want to tell Jessica, we'll see you at fourth tavern for carrot cake after this. Okay. [laughter] >> Superintendent's recommendation 302526. It is recommended that the board of education approve the attached resolution requesting that Oakland school submit to its electors the question
064of a regional a regional enhancement millillage for a period of 6 years at the school election to be held August 4th 2026 and I so move support >> it's been moved in support >> just just looking at everyone make sure everyone got it good all right do we have any questions or comments Member McGregor. >> I just want to make sure people understand this is just a a vote to make sure that if this is approved, it goes to the voters to vote on it. It's not approving a millillage or anything like that. That's what the underlying idea is here. >> Member Patricia, >> just like member McGregor had mentioned, it is, but it's also putting to the people a vote. I as a person that's been elected five or six or whatever amount of
065times, I don't always trust voters. Uh the it's true. I don't they voted for me. I don't [laughter] know what he said, >> but it it the the the it basically is trying to circumvent proposal A back in '94 96 when we tried to reduce property taxes. this is a way of going around that and saying, "Hey, uh it's not a property tax. It's it's this." Um I I really don't like that part of it. Uh it it could affect us in later. If we want to do bond millages, we already have the people say, "Well, you have this money. Why aren't you using this?" If we want to do something like a syncing fund, which I really like it, I don't want [clears throat] to say it confuses people, but we keep asking for
066money, asking for money. By voting for this, we would be because we're a larger district, we would be a donor district. And this isn't for the the people of Waterford could turn this down, but another school district that would be receiving more money than they put in are going to be voting for it. So, by allowing the people to vote for it, which is wonderful. I want people to vote, but my community can turn it down, but we still have to pay. and that I I don't like I don't trust Oakland schools with the way they do things per se. I don't think they have the best interest of Waterford in mind. It's it's Oakland County which is all wonderful, but I I don't want to pay more in than what I'm getting back out.
067Uh that's that's a true concern. Uh when it goes to the the people, Waterford again could turn it down, but these other communities are going to be voting because they're going to get more money than they put in. And that's a concern and I I hate to put Waterford voters through something like that that they have no control over per se. So I I have some very very serious concerns of the millillage and allowing people to vote on it because I think it's a poor idea. >> Do we have any other comments or questions? There is a lot of information that is now starting to circulate in regards to the enhancement mill. It is important that we wanted to make sure that we put this before the voters. This is not an endorsement by our
068board for or against. This is something that we wanted to make sure that our voters had the opportunity to decide with the democratic process. Um there are multiple counties within the state of Michigan right now 48% of the students in Michigan do benefit from enhancement millages. Um Wayne and Mcome also have them and unfortunately because they have their enhancement millages they have been able to siphon our teachers because they can pay at a much higher rate because they have an influx of money coming into their districts due to the enhancement mill. And unfortunately as member Patricia said with proposal A that the voters approved in 1992, it also caused communities not to be able to do additional millages. And in Oakland County, 28 districts, 18 of them are hold harmless and they have additional millages.
069The only way that school districts are able to do a millillage is through a countywide ISD mill. That is why it's being proposed. And also 51% of the voters can approve this. And even if our own township, as member Patricia said, does not approve this, if the rest of the county does, it is something that will become part of the millages for the Waterford Township community. So I I would definitely advise everyone to to look into it, look at all the information. There will be a lot coming out from Oakland schools. Oakland schools will not they will only be the fiduciary. They will have no control over the money. The money will be in control of the individual school districts. But it's really really important that as a voter that you take the time to
070look into the information so that you are best educated on what the enhancement mill is. >> Member Estitch. One more thing too I think um you know uh one point of concern I have here about this is I really wish Oakland schools had reached out to the Oakland schools uh school board had reached out to its constituent school boards all of the locals to have a conversation about this first because I think the Oakland schools uh put our superintendents in somewhat of a pickle and having to sell some of this to boards. Um uh it seems that this was a missed opportunity for the Oakland schools school board to really um uh listen to their their locals to get some input on how this thing may or may not be crafted um as opposed to
071handing uh uh things for all of the locals to consider. I really wish this had been a little bit more collaborative well a lot more collaborative um from the Oakland schools themselves. >> All right, do we have any other comments or questions? All right. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand. Motion carries 61. We are going to stay with Secretary Rristitch for our storm water permit renewal. >> Right. Superintendent's recommendation 312526, storm water permit resolution renewal. It is recommended that the board of education adopt the attached storm water board resolution to satisfy state mandates and continue the district's commitment to environmental stewardship. I so move >> support. >> All right, the motion has been moved and supported. Are there any comments or questions? All those in favor, please signify by raising your
072hand. Motion carries 70. And now we are moving on to Treasure Donahghue for the summer roofing projects. >> Superintendent's recommendation 35-25-26, roof replacement, summer of 2026. It is recommended to award to lowest bidder to specifications William Molner roofing the 2026 roofing replacement projects at Mason Middle School and the transportation building in the amount of $538,958 along with a $50,000 contingency for a total award of $588,958. funding source is the 2020 bond. I so move >> support. >> All right, the motion has been moved and supported. Are there any comments or questions? Member Patricia. >> Was this the lowest bid on these? >> It was the lowest bid to spec. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And we've used them before. >> We have. >> Okay. This isn't the one that we don't want to
073use. This is [laughter] >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Are there any other comments or questions? All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand. Motion carries 70. And we are going to stay with Treasure Donahue for our elementary water coolers. >> Superintendent's recommendation 33-25-26 BP26-02 elementary water coolers. It is recommended that the board of education approve the award of contracts as follows along with a 10% construction contingency for a total award of $23,112.80. Premier Title Design Incorporated for $24,100. Dickerson Mechanical Incorporated for $ 109,000. Doublejack Electric Company Incorporated, $51,548. Construction contingency 10% $18,464.80 funding source 2020 bond ISO move support. >> All right, the motion has been moved and supported. Are there any comments or questions? Member Patricia, >> uh, I [clears throat] notice we've been putting a contingency fee of 10%
074on this. That we haven't done that in the past. Is that something fairly new, so we don't go over? We're expecting things to cost more. What's >> So, in my past and in my career, um, I've always put in 10% contingency, particularly projects you can't see behind the walls. Yep. And so that covers us. If the projects went above that 10% contingency, I would be coming back to the board to say we've overexpended and to provide that transparency to the board and the community. >> Okay. Because in the past, we've just kind of paid it. So it's >> correct. >> This this is good to see this is we're there's always something especially when you can't see behind. Uh and if we have no problems, have we ever had that? we we wouldn't pay that
075or do they have to bill us per >> they they don't have access to that that's for us to design based on change orders. >> Okay. So if let's say with mechanical if they went in and they came across something that required a change order we would vet it internally with a meeting with Barton Mallow Sid myself to review that change order for either approval or rejection and then proceed forward >> and using that contingency as okay we had some money here but if we don't run into the we would actually save it >> we're not just giving it away we actually save >> no if it if it doesn't if it's not used we repurpose it back into other bond projects. Thank you. You're >> welcome. >> Are there any other questions or comments?
076>> All right. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand. Motion carry 70. And we are going to stay with Treasure John for our Mason Media Center HVAC. Superintendent's recommendation 34-25-26 BP30 BP26-02 Mason Middle Mason Media Center HVAC. Wow. Um, it is recommended that the board of education award the project to the lowest biders as follows. $168,700 to Dickerson Mechanical Incorporated for the mechanical work. $28,769 to DoubleJack Electric Company Incorporated for the electrical work and a contingency of $19,746.90 for a total project cost of $217,215.90. I so move >> support. >> All right, the motion has been moved and supported. Are there any comments or questions? Member Stitch, >> Miss Hold, in your previous experience, how often is that contingency touched? >> Usually, there's a few change orders, especially when you're dealing with
077like electrical or um HVAC. When you're buying stuff, it's pretty firm, but you you really don't know what's going to come across if you have to a water line or electrical. So, usually it is touched typically not to the full 10%. because it it also seems like a good kind of assessment of these contractors and the accuracy of their bids too. So, I imagine that if we have one that's always sort of going over and we're having to use a contingency, then we would sort of think twice about using them in the future. >> There's a very solid vetting process with the bids when they come in to confirm that everything is up to specifications. You may have seen in some of the uh materials tonight that there were bids that didn't meet the scope.
078And so while their bid was submitted and it appears on the bid tabulation to be the low bid, they weren't up and they didn't pass the full complete review for the specifications of the projects. >> Thank you. >> All right. Are there any other comments or questions? Member Patruchia. >> And is that the what had happened? Because there was someone that had bid lower and they withdrew their bid. they realize, oh, we forgot to add something or they just didn't meet the specifications. >> Correct. So, there's a like there's like an interview that takes place with the bids and with Bart Melo and with French and with Sid and myself, but when I can attend where they go through all the specifications to ensure they have them uh agree and affirm that they were aware
079of all of the components within the bids. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand. Motion carries 70. All right, we are now going to move on to our public comment on non-action items. I do have a green card here, Miss Mary Crate, if you'd like to head over to the podium. Um, please be reminded that comments are limited to three minutes in duration. Members of the public are invited to share comments. However, this is not intended to be time for questions and answers. And lastly, participants may speak only once on the same topic and are asked to avoid statements that are personally directed, abusive, or obscene. >> You're asking a teacher to keep it under three minutes. We've gotten good with many lessons
080doing that. [laughter] Um, so I'm here tonight. I want to take you back a few years. Um, when I got hired in Waterford, I thought I was the richest punk kid in the world. And yes, that's what my colleagues at Mason Junior High called me. They thought I was a punk because I was told them, "Someday I'll be number one. I'm just going to keep teaching because that's what I love doing. And um they said, "No, all you worry about is getting to the top step, Mary." Because it was 10 steps at that point. Once you're here, nobody leaves Waterford. And they didn't. At $18,600 today, that same amount of money would be $55,000 for the BA minimum. We now have teachers who are trained in letters. And as I sat last week at the
081MEA conference and heard union presidents gone mry were coming after your teachers are a hot commodity. I basically told them they couldn't have them. We can't afford to lose any more of our staff. We have the best trained staff not only in Oakland County but in the state of Michigan. Alyssa and Sarah tonight were living proof of what's happening in our classrooms. Please don't let any state test score tell you these people aren't working hard every single day. They come in for our kids. Yesterday as I walked through the door, 40 years as a Waterford teacher, I had a colleague say to me, "Aren't you ever going to retire?" I go, "No." I told Adam I'm going for 50 at this point because I still love what I do. And it's evident when I see
082my colleagues how much they love it. So, I know it's early, but I know very soon we're going to be going back to the negotiating table. And I don't want to spend eight months back in negotiations to then have a contract that expires in seven months. That's not how we're going to value our people. That's not how we're going to be able to keep them here. And our kids deserve better than what we've given them. So, as we're working on the strategic plan and all of the decisions moving forward, I'm begging you to find a way that we can do multi-year contracts and value the people that we have. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right, we are now going to move on to our board of education reports. Does anyone have any board
083reports? >> I do. >> Member Sonic. >> So, last night we had a Waterford Youth Assistance meeting. What a great program. Um I'm just amazed at everything that they're doing and I love their office at Covert. They love their office at Covert. So, thank you from everyone over there. Um there's a lot of great stuff going on there right now. Uh the 39th Youth Recognition Awards will be coming up Tuesday, April 28th. Help us recognize students who give exceptional service to others, set a great example for others, and overcome personal challenges and circumstances, perform outstanding humanitarian acts or acts of heroism. So, they're looking for um people in the community to please nominate youth. We had um 69 or 70 last year. We're hoping to hit a hundred this year. So, please um contact the
084youth assistance office. They have flyers out and information on the website. Another thing you may not know about that they do, they have money sitting that hasn't been used because nobody's called them for youth enrichment scholarship applications. If your kids want to play a sport or if your kids want to go to camp, reach out to them if you don't think you can afford it. There's a form that you can fill out and it's a very simple form and you can talk to them and there's an opportunity for your kids to possibly do something that they may not have been able to do. And lastly, there are um they do two fundraisers. They do the big shoe drive that everybody's aware of, I'm pretty sure, where you see shoes being donated on all the local
085businesses. Well, they make pretty good money doing that and it's an awesome program. but they also have five weeks of Uker and they partner with the Elks and it will begin February 22nd and there is five different dates. It starts at 12:30. It's $20 to play. If you're interested, call youth assistance, call the Elks. We have information out there and um it's a great great fun time and then you're making money for a really good cause. So, thank you. >> All right. Do we have any other board reports? I just wanted to mention uh the um uh board appreciation month uh and it was carried over this month. So loved watching the kids up here and and their singing. Um I just think the little things they give us are just so cute. I got
086an invitation from Parker from Havland and it says I can come anytime and he gave me an RSVP with his email address so so we can email him when we want to come. So I wonder if you know I think [laughter] it's the cutest thing. And then the pictures. I I love this picture that somebody drew of me [laughter] and my ears are big, but it's truth though, right? So, [laughter] but no, it was just cute. I I love it. And it's one of those warming things that uh it's one of those things as a school board trustee. I don't really know that there's any other elected office that you get that where the kids actually come and you get to see them [snorts] and uh you get to see the fruits of your labor
087and they're so appreciative. And >> I had a a fellow elected official comment to me that when they saw what we get to do on board appreciation month and when kids come and present that like yeah we don't get that you know that's like something cool that you guys get and I've always appreciated that as a school board trustee. Thank you >> memberstitch. Y just really quick um we had a great strategic planning retreat. Thank you to everyone who showed up. We had really robust participation. We had three of our amazing students participate. Um just really great um to be able to have um such important conversations about the vision of the Waterford School District and and begin to lay the the framework for um another amazing five years. And thanks to Greg Janicki from
088MASB who facilitated that and uh of course Megan Robins who who always makes everything run so so smoothly. Um uh also I'm going to start uh one of Waterford's marquee events is coming up in about a month and a half. Um the uh the sheep shearing at Hess Hathaway. Yeah. So it is it is what a marquee event. April 25th um pancakes 9 to 11 sheep shearing 10:00 a.m. be there 10 a.m. sharp. $6 for those who of us who or you who are 10 and younger and $10 for everybody else. Um, so WA the Waterford Hathaway annual sheep sharing. Let's go. >> All right. Member McGregor. Uh, so last night we have we had our Oakland County School Board government relations meeting and we did um confirm the legislative priorities for Oakland County. I
089will be sending that out in an email. Um the other thing is that uh we did recently have the National Association of School Board conferences and a number of members did go to that from Oakland County and they did offer that if we would like them to come and speak about that experience they would be open to that. Um and I just wanted to pass that on. >> Okay, great. Well, I too would like to echo my colleagues um comments regarding our strategic plan. That was an amazing day and I feel like we might be stealing Superintendent Martin's thunder again >> always. So that's okay. >> Um but it it was if if there's anything that can energize you, it's getting 40 to 50 people in your community, not just in education, in a room
090and to find out how likeminded the community is on making sure our schools are supported and that we are doing the right things to move our district forward. So, it was an amazing day filled with teachers, community members, board members, staff, administrators, and most importantly, three students that their voices were the most important and they were amazing that day. Like just their input, they came prepared. So, I'm blanking on one of the names and I feel terrible. But I would like to say thank you to Haley from Waterford M. Thank you to Blake from Durant. And I forgot the Ketaring students name. and I'm putting all of you on the spot and I feel terrible, but she was amazing. She was absolutely amazing. So, all three of our students, if you ever want to be
091blown away, not just by our youngest learners, but by our high school students, they have so much to give and they're just, it's really cool to see them participate in things that they know will help move their community forward. So, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for that. And moving on to Adam for his superintendent report. That's [laughter] right. And you did steal my thunder a little bit, but just a continuation. Thank you everybody. A debt of gratitude to those 40 or 50 individuals that were there in addition to the individuals back in December and January who submitted surveys, came to focus groups. Uh without that data, really it's impossible for us to be able to uh know where what our community is thinking and then be able to plan going forward.
092Uh cabinet spent today with Greg um finalizing some implementation. We're excited uh on March 5th uh at the committee the whole meeting uh to bring that plan forward and then to begin what the next 5 years looks like. So uh fantastic. Also, Waterford Foundation is looking for elementary teacher nominations for teacher of the year. Uh the deadline is tomorrow. So if you have a teacher who uh has had an incredible or crazy impact on your students or on you or um former students, uh please make sure to nominate them. We're looking forward to celebrating all those nominees uh this spring. Uh big shout out to Durant High School. We had three students uh Dayton Cervantes, Kaden Megalithan, and Blake Jennings. Uh they represented Waterford school districts at the youth and government day. Uh they visited
093the Oakland County Courthouse. They participated in a debate over cell phone use in schools. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall there. Uh met with local officials, toured the building. They had a demonstration by a K9 team. um really proud of them for being able to to enjoy that. And then Blake showed up the next day in his his shirt and tied to the strategic planning. So pretty cool that he was able to represent um in both. Uh Wired Robotics is closing out their season. It's it's kind of the end of that winter season. So uh want to recognize a few of the elementary and middle school teams uh who traveled to Flint um and competed and did really well. Uh, team 45885F from Pierce uh, finished second in the playoff
094rounds. Uh, team 45885A from both Mason and Pierce earned a judges award. And then team 45885D from Pierce earned a sportsmanship award. They're keeping their fingers fingers crossed to see if they'll be invited to the the state competition. But either which way, they did a fantastic job. And then last, uh, this Saturday, February 21st, from 10:00 to 1:00, families are all invited to to come, um, introduce yourself to Miss AOR at the Stansky Early Childhood Center for their open house. Uh, staff will be there. Uh, we have the ability to get you registered and and all signed up there as well. So, looking forward to uh, sharing that state-of-the-art incredible facility uh, with as many family as families as possible. So, please share the word and pass it along. And that's it. All right. Well,
095seeing no further business, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone. Have a great night. I feel terrible. >> I know. I feel terrible. Like, is that terrible?