001Okay. I'd like to call the regular meeting of the board of education to order at 6 p.m. on this December 15th, 2025. Uh, roll call, please. >> Here. Becker >> here. >> Present. >> Here >> um can I have everybody stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. I need a motion to accept the agenda. >> I make a motion to approve the agenda as written. Um, can I just make one that we're Can we move the conference request to new business? Letter P. >> Sure. Is that where was the cons? >> That's part of the consent. Move it from the consent to
002>> move it from the consent to new business. >> Yes. I make I amend my motion to >> we we approve the consent agenda after public comment. >> Okay. So we can do that separately. >> So the regular agenda is okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Can I Is this where I um I want to move to add the HPCA 2526 salary increase and ongoing negotiations to the agenda as an item GP. >> As an item what? Gar is so >> um we um there's a motion to accept the agenda with the addition of the um grade start salary increase and negotiations agenda. >> Okay. So is that were we going to do that with G? >> Yes. >> I I don't understand. It's already on the agenda. Um >> so go ahead. May I
003clarify? >> Yeah. >> Do you want to clarify? >> No, go ahead. >> Oh. Um, we had been waiting for this information and so it was not on the posted agenda. It was on your updated agenda for this meeting. So, it was not posted properly as of yesterday because we only received the LOA today. >> Okay. I >> But we wanted to make sure if if the board chooses to approve this, then we can take care of this before the holiday. >> Okay. Perfect. Sorry. So, I made the motion. You made the motion. Well, Heidi made the first motion. Second by Monica. So now we need to >> amend I I make a motion to add item GA great start salary increases. >> I still support. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um roll
004call. >> Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. Uh yes, motion carries. Uh special order of business is our outstanding students of the month. It's the best part of the meeting going back. Okay, good evening. Um, I'm very excited today. We are uh from Webster and we have Maxwell Foreman here with us today. Maxwell is very deserving of being named Webster Early Childhood Center student of the month. He is kind to all of his classmates and he is very understanding of students special needs. He is a wonderful, caring friend. He works with others and is an excellent teammate. In learning situations, Maxwell has mastered focusing and remembering the topic. He has also grown in his ability to cut, count meaningfully, write his name, and knows most of his ABC letters. He is learning new sounds of letters
005every day. Maxwell loves to play in the kitchen center, as well as constructing unique structures in the building area. Congratulations to Maxwell Foreman, a wonderful, intelligent, and delightful young man. He is a pleasure to have in our program. Hello. I have Miss Malia Hill from United Oaks who is a second grader. I don't believe I see her. I don't think they could make it, but I'd still like to share. Malia Hill is a motivated and dedicated learner who consistently pairs hard work with genuine kindness. She approaches every challenge with determination and a positive attitude. And she effortlessly spreads good vibes to everyone around her. Malia leads by example, treating peers and adults with respect, compassion, and a smile that brightens the room. Her commitment to doing her best while uplifting others makes her a shining
006role model and truly a deserving student of the month. >> Hello. I'm here to honor Jasper peers. They couldn't be here this evening. Uh but I still want to tell you about Jasper. Jasper was voted student of the month by his peers. Many peers stated that he is respectful to others and adults, completes his work on time, always on task, and his handwriting has improved tremendously. Jasper is also able to work independently and in small groups, and stays on task the entire time. Congratulations, Jasper. We are lucky to have you here at Hoover. This is very welld deserved, and we are all so proud of you. Keep up the great work. I'm Bobby Kiger from the junior high and our uh representative also could not be here today. Um but um Gal Planco Flores is
007uh was our student of the month. Guy consistently demonstrates outstanding character, dedication, and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Known for his positive attitude and willingness to help others, he sets a wonderful example for his peers and staff alike. We celebrate Gele's hard work and leadership. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Good job. >> My student of the month isn't here either. His name is uh Kyle Androski. Kyle is an excellent student with his hilarious sense of humor. He's an avid reader who reads after completing his work. Miss Kasa stated he has fun talking about books. Oh, he is here. He is here. Hi, there he is. Okay. Um, Miss Kasa stated he has fun talking about the books that he is reading with him. He participates in class, is very polite, as highlevel questions, and
008is very thoughtful in his work. Um, I have to comment on Kyle's sense of humor. There's one day that I was visibly frustrated with a student who was giving me a hard time in the hallway and visibly frustrated to put in lightning. My blood was kind of boiling and Kyle came up to me very matter of fact and said, "Mr. Smith, how you doing today? You need anything done?" And his timing was perfect because he took all the tension out of my body. I just laughed and hugged him and told him thanks for being him. And he, like I said, took all the tension out of my body. So, thanks Kyle for being who you are. He's our student of the month for advantage. >> Good evening. We're proud and honored to grant to congratulate
009ninth grader Brittney Nikki as Hazel Park High School's November Student of the Month. Britney is an excellent example of the HPS Viking who values and demonstrates the core values of hard work and positivity. Britney has consistently shown what it means to be a respect respectful and dedicated student. Not only does she work hard academically, but she also demonstrates a level of responsibility that sets an example for others. Among staff, Britney is known for actively contributing to a classroom, a positive classroom atmosphere, and for respecting classmates and teachers. Britney is inclusive and empathetic, ensuring everyone feels welcome, seen, valued, and heard. She is a well she is well known among the school for her kindness and willingness to help others. Britney is a natural mediator and problem solver who strives to support collaboration and respect among
010her peers. Britney's calm and inclusive demeanor sets a tone for others around her. She is amazing at noticing when someone needs a positive comment, friendly smile, or empathetic ear and is quick to provide it. We are incredibly proud of Britney's accomplishments and positive impact at Hazel Park High School. Thank you for the support and encouragement you provide at home, which allows her to excel and bring her best to school each day. Congratulations, Britney. Mrs. Nastasi could not be here this evening, so I am stepping in. Um, probably not as eloquent as she does. Paige Hawk is our student of the month in room 223. All right, so you're going to go up and shake hands. Paige demonstrates fifth grade responsibility as soon as she walks through the doors of web. She starts by taking care
011of necessary steps to start her day with zero reminders. getting her Chromebook, marking her lunch, gathering important materials for the workday. Paige never forgets to check in with me before she heads down the hall to help our friends in wheelchairs get to their destination. She continues to assist throughout the day by reading with peers, cleaning up the classroom when needed, and completing service squad duties. I am so proud of Paige and hope she keeps up her genuine attitude and great work ethic. Congratulations. Hey, did we miss anyone? >> Oh, yep. I can read Addison and Jardon. Hold on here. Edison. Zachary Harrison. Nope. Zachary is friendly and respectful, and he works hard to keep his grades up. He makes an effort to follow the behavior expectations and stay on track with both his studies and
012his behavior. Since last year, he's made tremendous progress towards achieving his goals, both academically and behaviorally. He is a pleasure to have in class. Way to go, Zachary. And for Jardan, Robert White. Robert is always kind and caring and respectful. He comes to school ready to work. He is always aware of his appearance and presents himself as a responsible student. Way to go, Robert. And invest. We do not have um any information, but her name is Leila, and I'm probably not going to say this right, Safari. Um, but they did not write anything here uh for Leila. So hopefully we can get something and send it out to the board so you can know the great things that she does. Thank you very much. And uh congratulations parents on raising some pretty amazing kids. Okay,
013one more round of applause for our wonderful students. Thank you for coming out on this tournament. Uh, next I have the junior high representative report. Anyone here from the junior high? Okay. Okay. Next, we have high school representatives. A bunch. >> Yeah. Look at this. >> Yeah, we got a lot of representatives today. >> All right. Hello. My name is Preston Blae and I'm the high school representative. Um, I'm just going to share just a few things from the past month that have been going on at the high school. So, starting off, we have boys basketball began their season on December 2nd against East Point and currently have a record of 2 to2. Girls basketball opened their season on December 9th against Lampir and won. They also have a game tonight, so good luck to
014them. The band had their annual winter concert on December 4th where members from both Sophonic Winds and the concert band played their music. The spring musical has been announced and it is Beetlejuice. We have auditions for uh fourth through 8th graders tomorrow uh at the high school. The winter blood drive is on December 8th this Thursday and we currently have 31 people signed up. Please sign up between 8 and 2 if you can. Um it's highly encouraged. Uh on Saturday, uh competition cheer got first place at their division four uh yeah division four meet. So, congratulations to them. Bowling and swim have been practicing for their season that starts after break. Mr. Deus has announced a PBIS award for all students who have less than five tardies on December 19th. There will be movie there
015will be a movie, games, and food. So, that sounds fun. We have spirit week this week. On Monday, we have or today we have Nightmare Before Christmas. Tomorrow, we have tinsel Tuesday. Wednesday, we have ugly sweater day. Thursday we have Grinch versus Candy Cane. And Friday we have PJ Day. Perfect day start off break. Um on December 18th we'll also have our winter pep assembly that will include games, performances, and announcements from uh throughout the past few months. And lastly, some of our drama members, some right behind me, uh just returned from Michigan Thespian Festival where they part participated in workshops consisting of acting, dance, and technical theater. Some members participated in thespies uh which are little competitions where they get to show off their creative skills in those um same elements of acting, dance,
016and technical to judges for feedback and a rating. So, I'm going to name off some of the scores that um our our students received. So, first off, we got Mal Staten with a superior in solo and group acting. We have Timothy Hawk, a superior in group acting. Axel Cochran, who is not here, got a superior in costume design. Jayla Gains, who is not here, got a superior in group acting. Kayen Mortantella, uh, who is here, um, got a superior in group acting. Quinn Beverlin, uh, got a superior in playwriting. and I, Preston Blaze, got a superior in solo acting. Next up, we have our excellence. Jayla Gains got an excellent for sound design. Quinn Beverlin got a excellent in musical theater group performance. Axel Cochran also got an excellent in musical theater group performance. So
017did Bria Collins and Genya Taponitzka also got an excellent improp design. Separate from those scores, um we also had a student that participated in a college related version where um colleges got to watch their audition and award them money. So Bria Collins was awarded $80,000 to Rochester Christian University. So yeah, that's pretty much it. Um, thank you for listening and I wish you guys all a wonderful break. >> Thank you. That was a great report and all those successes. It's a lot of talent and very very good news. Um, before I do the next one, it's the advantage representative. If anybody wishes to speak, there's a form on the table back there to fill out and it will go in this basket. But I need the Advantage representative. Somebody here from Advantage. Good evening everyone.
018My name is Princess House and I'm honored to be back speaking as the student representative at Hazel Park Advantage. This school has helped me grow a lot. My attitude, focus, and minds have all improved because I'm in an environment that pushes me to do better instead of giving up on me. I'm staying out of drama, keeping up with my girl, my work, and staying focused on graduating early. And I love being able to show other students that change is possible. I also want to talk about the boys basketball tournament in November and congratulate them for winning second place out of six teams. I want to take a moment to truly thank Miss Hall, who works closely with students on college planning. She believed in me, guided me through the application process, and gave me advice
019that really mattered. With her help, I was accepted to Grand Valley State University and Oakland Community College. She didn't just help me with paperwork. She helped me feel confident about my future. Having someone like her in the building means more to students than people realize. I also like to welcome our new math teacher, Miss Tai. Students appreciate her patience and the way she explained things clearly, which has made math feel less stressful for many of us. Overall, the school feels more organized and calm. Mr. Smith, leadership and consistency from staff have made a real difference in our learning environment. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak and represent the students. And now we have a presentation by Advantage. I'm just coming up to introduce what's going to happen tonight or because I'm going
020to have our Oakland 80 rep, Miss Dre Hall. She's going to talk to you about what she does with our students and highlight some things and then I'm going to show you I'm have um Charlie Robinson read a beautiful poem that she wrote that was sent to me over this weekend. I hope you guys have your tissue. >> Good afternoon everyone. Um is this the to control the Okay, perfect. Um my name is Dre Hall and I am the career and education navigator here at Advantage. Um essentially I work with the students who are interested in pursuing post-secary opportunities um here. So Mr. Smith essentially um asked me to kind of highlight what we've done thus far um for the first trimester. Yeah. So, what we've been up to, um, we've really been focusing on
021FASA completion, not only just with creating FSA IDs, but completing them fully. Um, with that, we did have a winner, our student representative, Princess, she actually won a Kendo after being the first in advantage to not only complete her FASA, but also complete her um, college applications during free um, application month in October. So she was awarded a Kindle for her dedication to her future. So that was really nice. Um we've also been focusing on college application and resume writing. So with the résumés about eight students have come to me to assist them with creating résumés and of them five have um went a little bit further and we did um interview prep and all of them as of this month have secure positions. So that's really exciting. Um, we've also worked a lot with
022field trips. Uh, we did, uh, manufacturing day, MRCC career day, a health showcase with OC, and we also went to Michigan Career Quest. Um, so through the slides I just showed a couple uh pictures of the experience that we had um just to kind of see what the students have been exposed to for these last couple field trips for the um MRCC career day. Essentially, this was um partnership with the Union Karp um training center like local um where we kind of went through a lot of carpentry positions as well as um mil rights positions as well. um these before we kind of go further, these field trips were kind of cultivated based off the students interest. So when we had senior meetings at the beginning of September, a lot of the seniors who um
023are set to graduate in addition to the 11th graders who are set to graduate next year as well. a lot of them had interest in these fields which is why I planned uh field trips to kind of surrounding those because I wanted to really show them what they wanted to see essentially. So um this one was really heavy on carpentry where the students got to do really hands-on activities so that they can see themselves in those positions which is what I wanted to kind of do when it came to planning field trips. Um so these are just a couple pictures. They had like a VR setup which was really nice. Um so this was one of our first field trips. Next we had U Michigan Career Quest Southeast. This was really nice. They had multiple
024um essentially like rooms where the students could experience whatever field that they had interest in. So they had health sciences, construction, advanced technology and um they also had regular technology as well. So, these are just a few pictures um of the students kind of doing what they do. Um we had a really nice um turnout with that as well. That's a nice little group photo, me and my my guys. Um and then also we partnered with OC um Southfield and we attended their um health showcase. Um a lot of my students also are interested in like the health field whether that be CNA, dentistry, um even health administration. So, that's another field trip that I cultivated based off their interest and they were able to go to the showcase where you can see they're also
025doing a lot of hands-on things. They like um sewed a pumpkin to kind of get the idea of like multiple skin sewing. They were able to like dissect the pumpkin as well, which was really cool for the students to experience. Um they showed us like our their hospital wing. It was honestly it was very um informative because you really feel like you're in a hospital which a lot of the students appreciate it because again this is just another opportunity to expose them to those um those careers that they might not have seen in their grasp. So being able to see this and being able to experience it hands-on was definitely um very good for them. Um in terms of upcoming opportunities for the coming um second trimester that we're currently in, um I want to
026kind of shift the focus. Uh our last trimester I was heavily um highlighting trades due to the strong interest amongst our students. Um however here not only do we um kind of encourage the students to do the trades that they're interested in but we also really highlight the importance of um attending colleges and universities. So this trimester we really want to focus on our lunch and learn. So we have a nice amount of college reps visits planned um at the school in addition to college tours based off of um the interest. So a lot of students wanted to go to Wayne. A lot of students wanted to go to OC again. A lot of students went to visit Mcome Oakland University. So like I said, I really cultivate the field trips based off of large
027interests and then also smaller field trips based off of the small groups of students. Um but then also everybody's welcome. So like I said, um and then also we I also um gain a partnership with Oakland schools. Uh so they in January are going to come with VR headsets. I ordered 30 of them and essentially the students are going to be able to, you know, um, pick their career field and kind of also get that hands-on opportunity if they've missed some of the field trips. So, like I dissected a whole knee, you know, I was like, "Oh, wow. Got to bring this to the school." So, um, dissected a knee. So, I'm a doctor now. Um, also, um, they were able to do like dentistry. So, I have a two students who are interested in
028dentistry. So they have like um stimulation where they can put on braces. So really enjoy that partnership that I was able to get with them. So that is coming in January. So I'm excited for that. Let's see. Um in terms of upcoming events that we're planning. Um this is going to be I believe our second or our third college and career fair. Um that is what I'm kind of planning right now. Um it's February 25th here in this boardroom. Um this is going to be a more interactive fair. Um, I've noticed with my students, they really like that interactive component when it comes to um, vendors and college representatives and things of that nature cuz they like to see that hands-on component. They like to actually physically see themselves in that role to know whether
029or not this is something that they're interested in or not. So, I really want to um, emphasize that interactive component here. Um, so this is going to be like a bigger one. Um, every I was here May last year. Um, so I did kind of kind of see the last one, but obviously I want to do everything bigger and better than the year before. So I'm super excited to see where this one goes. And then upcoming events as well. Um, we're going to have our third decision day. I'm also planning for that. Um, last year I did start in May, but I also was able to organize a decision day. Um, it wasn't as big. H, it was big. I'm proud of myself. It it it was it was a thing. It was nice. Um,
030I kind of did it pep rally style. A lot of the students hadn't like experienced like a pep rally. Um, so I did it pep rally style. I allowed all the students to kind of um, the ones who I worked with say, "Oh, I'm going to OC. This is what I'm doing. I'm going to Oakland." Whatever the case may be. They got the opportunity to say what they want to do, things of that nature. And then we kind of play games, rewards. It was super nice. So, because I wanted to be bigger than last year, um, I'm already um, planning that as well. So, that's super exciting. Um, we've also still have been working with our previous class. So, Kerianne, who's Miss Mitchell here, very great student. She's working really good in early childhood development
031at Wayne State. I still talk to her regularly. Um, Leadia, she's at OC, looking to transfer to Wayne State as well. Um, that's Kaiden, she's also at OC. So, a lot of the students are still um thriving and still um contacting me for assistance even now, which is super good. And that's all I have. Thank you. >> That was fantastic. The experiences given to the students there very informative. Very good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Next is uh public comment and we know we have >> Oh, yep. >> I'm sorry. >> Hi, my name is Charlie Robinson and I was asked to present my poem where I'm from. I'm from glass houses and brick doors. From a place where the sky feels bigger than the people who tried to break
032me. Where the nights get quiet enough to hear your own heart arguing with itself. Where porch lights flicker like they're praying for everyone to make it home safe tonight. I'm from worn out shoes by the front door. From text me when you get there love. The kind that doesn't say much but means everything. I'm from slammed doors, whispered prayers, and the soft hum of it's going to be okay. even when no one said it out loud. From kitchen counters sticky with memories and the smell of someone trying their best. I'm from slammed doors, soft apologies, from voices that rise too fast and arms that wrap around even faster after. From learning the difference between being lonely and being alone, because I've been both. I'm from bruised knuckles and soft hearts, midnight talks that saved my
033life, and all the versions of me that I had to outgrow just to breathe. I'm from the girl who kept going. The girl who didn't always know how but always did. I'm from nights spent in cars, music blasting through cl crack crack speakers, windows down, hair wild, yelling lyrics that know me better than anyone else ever will. Radio turned up just loud enough to drown out whatever hurt too much to name. From screaming lyrics out a windshield like it might shatter the weight off my chest. From songs that knew my story before I ever understood or wrote a word of it. I'm from road trips to nowhere. From sunsets that painted over the worst parts of me. From laughing until my ribs hurt and crying until they did, too. From moments made in empty fields
034and little moments that saved me without anyone noticing. I'm from the ones who made mistakes and the ones who paid for them. From promises broken, rebuilt, and broken again. And somehow I still learned how to hold people gently. I'm from the people who broke things and the people who stayed to sweep it up. From addiction shadow in the hallway and forgiveness in the living room next door. From seeing love get tired but somehow never quit. I'm from the girl who grew up fast but still keeps pieces of her child in the glove box. The girl who loved hard, lost harder, and held herself together with shaky hands when no one else knew. I'm from late night talks that stitch me back up. From soft eyes across the room. From hands that help mine like a
035promise. From loving someone who didn't have to say much for me to hear everything anyway. From hope that shows up quietly like sunlight on a cold floor. From learning that healing isn't pretty or poetic. It's messy, stubborn, and sacred. I'm from every version of me that didn't think she'd make it. And the version standing here now who finally believes she will. That's where I'm from. That's who I am. And that's who I'm still becoming. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I apologize for getting forgetting. That was very very nice. Um, next we have public comment. I don't have any uh people here. This is a chance to address the board but from the community. And next we have uh approval of the consent agenda. >> I make a motion to approve the consent agenda with
036moving conferences to new business item PR. Motion by Heidi, support by Monica to move conferences to at the end of >> uh roll call. >> Yes. >> Can we have discussion for just a second on that? I saw that there was minutes for um the uh policy committee. Did we receive those some additional minutes in a prior meeting and board book? I didn't see them when I went back. >> I would have to look into that and get back to you. I couldn't find >> I think there was three meetings, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We'll take a look and get back. >> All right. Thank you. All right. U budget budget number two. All right. Give me one minute. M pull it up. All right. Um, good evening. Um, I am presenting um,
037budget amendment number two tonight. So to begin, I wanted to um start with a few important um points on the budget budget notes. Oh, sorry. I was the one using the clicker last time Monica was talking, so I have to remember that. Uh some of the few talking points is that this budget reflects the spending projections based on the information made available at the time the amendment was created. Um, while the state funding levels has been established, the full impact of certain funding changes is still being evaluated by the district. Fall student membership counts are still pending state audit. So, enrollment related adjustments are not yet reflected. Um, grant funding. Well, although we've completed portion of the the our portion of the student count, that's what it means as far as the MDE just we're
038waiting on their audit. Grant funding and categorical revenues are subject to recalculation and may change as data is finalized. This is more so with the state aid, not necessarily the um other grants that we obtain. Um, we will continue to identify grant opportunities and alternative revenue sources to support district programs and reduce reliance on the general fund. Okay. Now, turning to revenues, the most significant driver this year um continues to be the increase in the state aid foundation. And I know some of this information on here is a little repetitive from what we went over on the first amendment and really it's just the main portion at the top um letting you know what our new foundation um per student amount is. Um so going from there the FTE based on the information that we
039submitted to the state is uh 2845.4. Now, this is just the unodudited um piece and we will have the official numbers once they come in. Usually takes a few months. The some increases that we've seen that total out to about 1.5 million is the 147 C Mipers UAL stabilization and that is just due to statewide funding increases and updated pupil and need-based um data incorporated into the state aid formula. Um and this can change but for the most part it remains the same. 61D and 61A a um CTE total increased by 23K with 61D being double the amount in what we had last year. And for those um in the audience and out there in the community in case you don't know necessarily what 61DNA is um the 61D is a career and technical education
040programs um by funding instruction materials and services tied to approved career pathways um whether it's welding go to tech different things like like that. The 61A one supports the administration and coordination of the career and technical education programs, ensuring they meet state requirements. So, it's a really great program for those that um are looking into the fields and kind of ties into what our representative at Advantage was talking about. We also have two new grants, 35M and 35N. Those are these are support um instructional priorities without adding pressure to the general fund. Um I can thank our grant person Stephanie. Um and this is quite a bit. So in all based on what we have here is about 1.5 and the federal funding is is the same as what we had prior. Um just kind
041of reiterating the fact that we don't have er funds. Um so that is no longer this graph just shows the increase from the uh state aid 9608 to 10,50. This graph just shows the enrollment trend although 2026 isn't labeled yet. Right now that is just reflecting the uh 2845.4 enrollment but again this will be updated once we actually get the audited numbers. Now, with the revenues, um, oh, I'm sorry, I missed a spot. So, I did want to note with the revenues, it's not on here, but we did receive the updated information for the December state aid. And with that um we it shows a positive enrollment rate stabilization adjustment of appro approximately 170,000 along with funding under section 27 L2 which is the educator compensation program and I believe that's about 400 about $400,000.
042So I just wanted to let you know it didn't make it for this amendment but you'll see it tie out on the next one. Okay, so this is just a summary of the revenues that reflect our known changes um since our last budget amendment. Um in the end, the budget amendment number one is 57 million. Um our proposed for amendment two is 57.6 for the revenue, which is a total gain of 658,000. And the information at the top is is pretty much just the same on what it was for amendment one. There really hasn't been any change in regards to that. This right here, the chart for 2025 does uh accurately reflect reflect the 1.5 um 7 million uh fund balance that we had at the end of 2025. Now the summary of expenses. Um
043as of right now for the amendment number one we have 59.08 million. We are down about 223,000 at 58.8 8. And this is in regards to the help of the it contributes to the the staff reductions um refining the budget any and other changes that we know um that we've known of for just within the next month. And again, we'll continue to monitor any other changes in addition to any um positions that can be um reduced or eliminated furthest away from children. general fund budget trend. So with the first amendment, although if you guys were to take a look at the previous one, um the beginning fund balance, this now reflects the actual audited amount, whereas prior on the on that one, it did not. Um um so it does with this one. So now
044we're projected a 4.36 fund balance which is a 2.5 million. And now our next steps. We want to make sure we maintain discipline spending and regularly review expenditures and um contact for cost savings opportunities. Monitor grant spending to ensure timely use and reimbursements of committed funds. Continually review budget projections to support uh support informed decisions. Use caution with large unbudgeted purchases as union negotiations begin. Um and then continue pursuing grants and other revenue sources to supplement funding and reduce general fund um reliance, which we've actually been doing a great job with that. I believe the district will continue to monitor revenues and expenditures and make adjustments as more information becomes available. And then with the business the business part of HR departments, we continue to evaluate evaluate these positions and make recommendations for changes based
045on needs. And this is actually a partnership not just with HR and the business office. It's just with the district as as a whole. So, I don't want to just probably should change that as a district to the whole and not just with HR my and um business department. >> Crystal, are you able to talk about the $400,000 and what it has to be used for >> for the >> that came in on the state aid payment >> the I have to get information behind that. So, >> it is it is um >> it's a educator >> it's an educator bonus. So really like we had a few years ago, remember where everybody got set amount of money, we have to negotiate that with the unions again and everybody that touches children will get some
046kind of bonus with, you know, those dollars. And so um they're still waiting some guidance and then we'll talk with all of our unions so that we can make sure that we get that in the hands of our staff. And so that's going to be a flow through. It's going to be an inn-out back to our staff. And that's pretty much it. But I did want to make one comment. Um, just so everyone's aware, it's a collaborative effort between the district. So, it's not just a couple departments doing everything as I just uh noted prior, but it takes a lot for the principles and just administrators, central staff to all come together and make this work. So, it's it's a complete district team effort with it regardless of if it's a 0.00001% um involvement in
047it. So, just wanted to to kind of throw that out there if you have any questions. >> Questions? >> Thanks for all your hard work. All right. Thank you. >> Great report. Thank you. >> I don't know how to protect. >> We do need an approval of the budget. >> I move the board of education approve the budget amendment number two as presented. motion by Monica's support by April to accept the uh amended budget number two. Uh roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Becker, >> yes. >> Fox, >> Yes. Motion carries. Uh 70 power school training and customer support. I need a a motion. >> I move the board of education approve the purchase of additional power school training and customer service hours, including implementation support for incident management and amount not to exceed $1,865.75.
048>> Support. Go ahead. >> Okay. Motion by Monica. Support by April. Is there any discussion? We did this last week, but sometimes we have questions. Okay. Roll call, please. Yes. >> Deon, >> yes. >> Forress. >> Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. Motion carry 70. A motion for school choice resolution. >> I move the board of education approve the school of choice resolution as presented. >> Second. >> Motion by manifest. Second by uh Darren. >> Do we need to read it? discussion. >> Discussion is too many. >> Yeah, we didn't read it last week, did we? >> No. You want me to read it? >> Yeah, please. >> Board of Education School of Choice resolution. Whereas the Hazel Park School District desires to make its schools, grades, and special programs available for enrollment by non-resident students
049residing within the Oakland School Intermediate School District. and its contiguous and non-ontiguous intermediate school districts to the extent permitted by law and to count the same in membership pursuant to section 105 and section 105C of the state school aid act MCL 388.1705 and 388.1705C otherwise known as the schools of choice legislation for the upcoming Uh 2023 2024 school year. >> 25. >> Yeah. 20 25 2026 school year. >> 26 27. >> Oh, one more time. 26 27. >> I'll get it. I'll get there eventually. >> It's updated lower. >> Oh, 2026 2027 school year. Therefore, it be it resolved that the Hazel Park School District shall make such all of its schools, grades, and special programs available for enrollment by non-resident students residing within the Oakland school's intermediate school district and its contiguous and non-ontiguous
050intermediate school districts to the extent permitted by law and count such pupils in membership pursuant to section 105 and section 105C of the state school aid act MCL 38. 388.1705 and 3881705 C otherwise known as the schools of choice legislation for the upcoming 2026 2027 school year. It is further resolved that the school district through its administration will comply with all the requirements set forth in MCL 388.1705 and 388.705C for participate participation in school of choice resolution declared adopted December 15 2025. >> Okay. Is there any discussion? Again we did that last week by show please. Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. >> Becker. >> Yes. >> I'm going to vote yes, but I still want an enrollment committee. >> Uh yes. Motion carries 70. The next is Oakland County uh association resolution. They gave us
051these two resolutions. Uh the first one is about um they support nonpartisan school board elections. uh the legislators wanting to turn the school board into uh partisan um making your choice. And the second one is funding early childhood early on Michigan um completely and that keeps coming up. That's not the first time that came up. So those are two resolutions. Uh we got a nice packet explaining them both and we just need a motion if we support both of those. I move the board of education approve the resolutions for open county school board associations as presented. >> Support motion by Monica support by Nate. Any discussion on those? >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Becker, >> yes. >> Fox, >> yes. >> Uh, yes. Motion carries 70. Superintendent Merit pay. >> I move
052the board of education approve the $3,000 merit pay to the superintendent to be paid out on December 26 payroll. >> Support motion by Debbie. I mean a motion by Heidi, support by Debbie. Um any discussion? Okay, hearing none. Roll call. >> Yes. for boys. >> Yes. >> Fox, >> Yes. Motion carries 70. Uh, next is non-union salary schedules. >> I move the board of education approve a formal central office salary schedule. >> Support. >> Motion by Monica, support by April to approve the non union salary schedules. >> I just have a question on this. Um it says the MASA recommends that the district adopt a board approval s schedule for the superintendent. Is this for the superintendent or is it for central office? >> It's for both. And so the information I gave was uh
053in order to support and show um how superintendent contracts have incorporated. They recommend it be right in their contract. With these individuals uh the same you develop it such as this. tonight. Thought I gave an example of it before uh through the MASA, but anyone that the for the aud um the audience in the community um anyone that is not in a union now needs to do this based upon an ORS agreement that was done uh last year. They're still working through this. If it's not put in place, um then we risk if somebody's retiring them not getting the percentages that they should. So, it's something that we should do every year. Um I also have a question in this packet you um we got a lawsuit that was pending regarding this the MASA OS
054lawsuit. Was this um is this lawsuit finished? It is ongoing. Um but this first piece um has been put in place which is why it's recommended to be in everybody's to do a salary schedule for those and to be in the superintendent's contract. So um also the second copy that we got for this week has a few extra people in it or new I mean maybe they're supposed to be in it in the first place. >> Yes. But um Webster principles in there. Why aren't all the principles the rest of the principles are in a union? >> Well, currently they are that position is not in the union. I mean, by all rights that they could request it to be in there, but at this time it is not in part of their bargaining agreement.
055>> We talked about this a couple months ago. Um Okay. And these are no raises pending. This is just the schedule for the past few years. >> This is the schedule. And then when you determine what you'd like to look at for the 26th 27th school year, then we would readopt that salary schedule and just keep going so that we make sure that we're protecting our people. >> Okay. >> So this would just be updated with the actual amounts in their contracts when they're settled. >> When we come to what that salary schedule would be, we bring it back for approval with that amount in there. I mean, most places are going out, but at this point in time, given the situation, >> yeah, >> this is my recommendation. Okay, I have a question too.
056Um, it says it is important to work directly with the staff who will be creating and maintaining the salary schedules for the district employees and to collaborate with the board of education to ensure that new documentation is adopted. So would that be payroll or would that be fun? Who would the board be it's HR >> collaborating with HR? HR would bring that would that means HR brings up for recommendation and that you guys would approve it. Okay. Anybody have anything else? >> All right. Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Becker, >> yes. >> Fox, >> yes. >> No. Motion carries 5 to two. I mean, six to one. Six to one. Um, great start. HPE CA salary increase motion. >> I move the board of education approve the 202526 HPECA salary increase and ongoing negotiations
057letter of agreement as presented. Second motion by Monica, second by Heidi. Any discussion? Oh, this is new. We didn't have it on last time. So, anybody have questions? I think it's great that that it's came together. >> So maybe for the community >> I think isn't there more to come? >> Yes. So uh for the community, our GSRP and preschool academy um have formed a union and um due to some unforeseen um issues this fall. We did not get a chance to negotiate. And so in order to make sure that we uh get them their salary just for this school year, the agreement is is that this will be the the salary for the 2526 school year. But we have dates already set up in January to negotiate with the union on other topics that
058uh um we may agree to and they may propose to us. So salary will not be one of them until we talk about 2627. >> Anybody else? Thank you for that because we weren't aware all of that. So um well we knew was coming. I shouldn't say that. We knew a little bit. That was good. Uh roll call >> yes >> beaton >> yes >> becker >> yes >> fox >> yes motion carries 70 how they schedule extension motion please >> I move the board of education approve to designate December 26 2025 and January 2nd 2026 as additional paid days off for district employees extending the district's holiday closure I second the motion. >> Okay. A motion by Monica, second by Darren. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. >> Uh
059yes. Motion carries 70. Uh, next is district council. >> I move the board of education approve the elimination of the district council position for the remainder of the 202526 school year. Support motion by Monica, second by discussion. I have a couple things. Anybody? Um, okay. This came forward to us in uh March when our audit came back that we had a zero fund balance and had deficit and then it was brought forward to us in April to approve an extra year after it had we had a small discussion um about having no funds and now we do have a fund balance but we're using the reason that we don't have money that we need to um end the position. And so I think it's been back and forth. I think we have funding now and
060I'm not in favor of terminating this uh job at this time. Unfortunately, we do want to get at that 5% and more. And I understand our fund balance is getting higher, but it's still not where we want it to be. We also got um a great outlook of where our money has been going for the lawyers. um it could be potentially something that we could do as needed basis if it's at board meetings or certain things but to have the salary that it is would really help going towards something else. We do have negotiations coming. We have plenty of other things that need that amount of money or could use that amount of money and I I feel that district council has been aware of this for some time. >> It is not right to
061not give raises and keep this. >> Anyone else? Okay. Roll call, please. >> I believe you have to read the resolution. There's a resolution. >> Yes. Has to be done by resolution. Resolution >> looks like this. >> It will be on your >> Yeah, I got it. >> Yeah, I can do it. >> Uh, res Hazel Park School District, Oakland County, Michigan. Resolution regarding elimination of district council position. A meeting of the board of education of the school district was held in the school district on the 17th day of March, 2025 at 6 p.m. that should be changed. >> No, it's been it's the one at your table. Can I give you this one? >> Sorry. A meeting of the Hazel Park School District Board of Education was held in the school district on the
06215th day of December, 2025 at 6 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Beverly Hinton, president. Uh, present members, Fortress, Rati, Becker, Beaton, um, Secretary Fox, Vice President Lefron Boy, and President Hinn. The following preamble and resolution were offered by member Rati and supported by member beaten. Whereas the district's recent financial audit has confirmed the need for the board to take immediate and necessary action to reduce costs. Whereas the board has determined that the elimination of the district council position, which was only established as a new administrative position a few years ago, would result in significant savings to the district with the loss of services being able to made to be made up by other administrators and the district's outside legal counsel. And whereas the employment contract of the district's council
063with the district permits a termination of the contract for reasons of a reduction of personnel upon 90 days notice. Therefore, be it resolved that the board hereby authorizes the reduction of the district council position effective March 15, 2026 and that the district superintendent challenger written notice of this board resolution is provided to the employee forthwidth in at least 90 days prior to March 15, 2026. >> Okay. Uh any other comments? And we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Just want to offer by way of explanation that I mean we just had a preschool teacher salary schedule in front of us that is like literally poverty wages. We have parapros that are working 16 hours a day as latch key staff in order to make ends meet. Um, we had drama students here that were getting
064awards left and right, uh, that we told had to fund raise their own opportunity because we didn't necessarily have the money to pay for it. And I don't I think that there's some value that our district council has to add in terms of administration and foyas and things like that. But when I see that we're literally taking money away from our kids um to the tune of almost a4 million dollars, I just I can't. Yes. Uh again, this is just looking at the position and looking the state of our affairs and looking at all of the legal fees that we do pay to all of these attorneys. Uh it's it's just in the best interest, I think, to spend that money elsewhere. So, I'm a yes. I am a no. Thank you. >> Fox, >>
065No. Motion fails. >> Three to four. >> Um, can I ask a clarifying question before we move forward though about item? We passed it. But I think the um item G, the HPCA salary increase, I noticed in our packet when I was digging through it that we also have a resolution for that. Does it need to be read aloud? Do we need to vote again or are we okay? >> That's an LOA that uh we will ask uh President Hint. >> So we don't need to. Okay. That's I was just worried that if we didn't do it the right way, they wouldn't get their money. So >> thank you for questioning that. That would have been pretty bad. Uh, camp is a woods motion for windows in a roof. >> I move the board of
066education approve this item permit camps wood at a cost not to exceed $40,000. >> Support motion by Monica, second by April. Any discussion? Okay. Uh, roll call. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Motion carries. Invest Serfield. Need a motion. >> I move the board of education approve the request to seek a request for proposal for the construction of a new soccer field at Invest Roseville. >> Support. >> Motion by Mike to support by April. Discussion. Roll call. >> Rie. >> Yes. Eaton. >> Yes. >> Becker, >> yes. >> Forress, >> yes. >> Fox, >> yes. >> Uh, yes. Motion carry 70. High school doors. Um, RFP. >> I move the board of education approve the request to seek to request a proposal for additional doors at Hazel Park High School. >> Support. Motion by
06790, support by April. Discussion roll callress. >> Yes. >> Can I stop? >> Can we redo that motion? This motion is to do a request for proposal for additional doors at the high school. Did I >> Isn't that what she said? >> Okay. All right. I just probably didn't hear it. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Eaton. >> Yes. >> Becker. >> Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. >> The problems. Yes. >> Yes. Motion carries 70. School safety training motion, please. >> I move the board of education approved a conference request for digital threat assessment training and advanced digital threat assessment training not to exceed $1,116 as presented. Supported. >> Motion by Heidi and support by Monica. And I'm just looking where is this going to be Dr. will tax. >> It is uh virtual. >> Oh,
068it's virtual. >> Yes, they're virtual frames. >> Okay. >> No travel. >> Thank you. It's probably on here. I just don't see it. Okay. Roll call. Fortress. >> Yes. Motion carries. Uh 70 board training. >> I move the board of education approve the board training for the 2026 winter institute which is virtual for any board member wanting to attend and the uh CBA class support motion by Heidi support by Monica. Sorry, I'm reading all the great training here. Then you're signed off for Monica. There's a big list and named um any discussion. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Yes. >> Eaton. >> Yes. >> Fox. >> Yes. >> Uh yes. Motion carries 70. Student discipline. >> I move the board of education approve the student discipline as presented. Second >> motion by Monica, second by Heidi
069to approve the student discipline. Any discussion? >> Roie, >> Yes. Motion carries. Uh 70. And now we have the conference request. Uh I made a motion for that. I move the board of education approve the conference request as presented. >> Second by motion by Heidi. Motion by man to support by discussion. Roll call. >> Yes. >> Uh I'm abstaining because of familiar family conflict. >> Fox. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Motion uh carries with one abstension. Um superintendent report enrollment. This is a nice report. >> Yeah. So uh what you're getting to see is our data and analytics coming to life. Um it's even more exciting when we dig in a little bit further. You can even show how many people have enrolled in, how many have enrolled out. Um, this is how when I
070meet with students, um, I take a look at not only on what their discipline was, but I can go in and see their past test scores, um, what interventions they're receiving through our student system of support, how long they've been receiving it, when they change. It's very exciting that work that Dr. Domage and Josh have done, uh, and the building principles is just substantial and we'll continue to show this coming to life. And so, I felt like these two reports were helpful. If you don't think they are, let me know. Um, but it just gives you a really good vision about what's happening. Uh, our special ed numbers that are actually I was shocked to see them more, not higher than last year. Um, so just it's I think a really good piece for you
071to see. >> I appreciate the color copy, too. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Um, very informative. And what's next? >> Any questions? So, we do have fundraisers that are on here for December uh that were approved. And so, interesting enough, the junior high is going to be raising some money for PE equipment and Jason Smith's family or he and his wife own a dance studio. And so, for their fundraiser, they're going to do dancing lessons. Um, which sounds pretty fun. >> Are you, >> huh? >> Are you going to go? >> We weren't invited as administration, but if they did, I would surely go. um something I've always wanted to do, so it'd be fun to check it out. Um I have a list of things that I promise I'll go through quickly. The
072governor's literacy um uh summit happened today and uh it was really fantastic to hear people from all over the country talk about um literacy and what's happening in our state and other states. uh we are at you know 44 uh in the country here in uh Michigan and some of the uh pieces that they said I just want to kind of go fun fact um we're 35th and fourth grade math we're 44th and fourth grade reading we're 34th and eighth grade math we're 44th and eighth grade reading one in four Michigan students are considered proficient in subjects listed one in four um we are 27th% in the country and per pupil funding. Um 42nd overlaw all compared to other states. Um one of the things that they said is that one in four individuals are
073uh proficient as adults at this point in time. And so it's a real move from our business um and our state and um because if we can't have literate individuals um then we have a hard time hiring. We have a hard time people doing their jobs. One of the things that said is the most important thing that could happen is that boards collectively work together with their superintendent and administration to not blame but to talk about what things need to be changed because this is a crisis in the state of Michigan as a whole as well across the country. The same with math and so uh it was a very good conference. literacy. Um the uh governor stated that being literate is a superpower and that every child it shows 95% of all children can
074learn to read and can read at their grade level and that's what the research is saying. Um so it was a really wonderful conference. I have lots more that I could say about it. Um we'll see what their next steps are. They brought in Mississippi who was at the bottom of the country and now have risen to the top by slow moving together. It is a marathon. It is not a uh it is it's what did you say? It's a marathon. It's not a quick race. It's something that's going to take a long time. >> Is this what you went to today? >> Yes. >> Oh my gosh. Yes. >> Whirlwind day. >> Yes. And it was um the press were there. Um Bomber was there. Kresky was there. The governor and her team were
075there. Um the new state superintendent was there. I mean it um was really great. I sat next to an ISD superintendent um and chatted with him for a while about what they're doing. Um it was it was important and you know some of the things they talked about are some of the things that we're doing. The letters training making sure everybody gets letters making sure they're getting Orton Gillingham having a um program that um is scientifically based which we do and we've been doing that. And so the reason we were invited is our work that we do with Barb Palmer. They talked about the summer discovery grant and how important that is and how community schools are important as well that if we can't wrap our hands around families then um we're not going to
076help be able to help them. It broke my heart today when we met with a student that had some discipline and I asked what he likes to read and he says I don't have any books in my house. And that was a conversation that was done in the conference as well as so many of our kids do not have books in their home. And it's something we need to change. Take the phones out, get rid of the iPads. Let's get kids some books so that they can read because it is AI is going to come and do so many things for you, but kids still need to learn to read. So, I'm sure there'll be more for that. Um we have our first girls basketball game as he said and Tuesday night is the um
077junior high band concert and we do have boys basketball at home. We received a wonderful donation from Amazon and still is receiving parts of it up to $10,000 on school supply. So once we get it in, we'll open it and do a little PR thing for them to thank them. um they now have a communications person for the Hazel Park area and I am super excited about that because of the fact that um I've been trying to get through to Amazon for some time. We will also be writing a grant in the spring to them for some additional things. They said if you write a grant then it's not like the long grants we write pages, it's write a paragraph. We're super excited for that. I think it's probably the same organization that gave the
078rec center their items today. Um, we have the junior high choir concert on Wednesday. Thursday is the web holiday concert. I also want to thank all of those who uh did holiday baskets that gave uh donations. I know families, we had 85 families um that were given and all but two were picked up this weekend which is pretty exciting. So that was >> the web concert. Is it at web? >> No high school. It's at the high school make up for the snow day and resume. >> And on Friday, our school to work uh UAW training center on 9M had a wonderful party. I unfortunately had an issue in a building, was not able to attend, but I know Dr. Dmitch got to be there and uh when I met with the uh 2026 parent
079group on Friday night, yes, Friday night, 7:30, that parent meeting, um the boys had said they were waiting out front for me to escort me through on my red carpet. So, I did disappoint a few boys by not being able to get there, but I'll make it next time. But just a really good opportunity, wonderful things happening. If I missed anything, um, you know, please let me know. I just uh great things happening and we're really proud of the work that our administrators, staff, secretaries, custodians, maintenance are doing, especially when it's so cold out there. >> Um, the ADK winner, who was it? >> Oh, Jamie, can you tell me who >> it was? It's Mackenzie Brass at Hoover. >> Mackenzie Brass at Hoover. Yes. And staff and teachers, if you want one, Chuck puts
080it in the newsletter. Make sure that you uh get that out. >> That's awesome. It's awesome. Okay, back to public uh well, actually the future request agenda items first and then public comment. Uh for future agenda items, I would love to see us discuss a resolution in support of pending legislation, Invest in My Kids, uh which is it's aimed at equitable school funding, um offering some additional funding towards districts that uh have lower tax base or um lower income residents that that would sort of elevate them up to the same status as our county peers. Um I will happily put a packet together and email it to you so that Yeah. >> So that we can maybe have a a packet to discuss at our next committee of a whole. >> Okay. Awesome. >> Um
081our December meeting, we normally um honor the fall sports. We didn't do that today. So maybe something about that >> about the sports. >> Yeah, fall sports. We do fall sports in December. >> Now that Dr. Okay. >> I did. I'm writing as we do. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So then if we do calendar dates, does that mean January will probably be at the high school >> if we do fall sports? >> Yeah, we do. >> That depends on the numbers of kids. I think um we'll address that at committee of the whole if that's okay. >> Okay. >> We have to find out what's good for the kids based upon what sport might fall on that night and >> make him leave the bench and run over. >> Maybe not. >> We'll just
082do it right in the gym >> because that was a great game. If you did not see the game, the home game and I know I'm stepping back in, but it was a nailbiter down to the last minute and but they played really great. I was super excited. Yeah, that was Thursday night. >> Good. Then it's public comment. Mrs. Grassley, >> I always remembered when I met you, you said my name rhymes with Presley. >> Presley. Yeah, >> Elvis Presley. And my ex-husband wanted me to name our youngest Elvis. So, it would have been Elvis Gresley. Okay. Um, I'm going to put on my uh community school hat on Wednesday. Uh December 17th, we're doing another food distribution. We have about 200ish uh shelf stable food boxes left from our forgotten harvest. Um we're going
083to invite anybody that would like uh a box or two to uh Longfellow, which is the address is 244 Battel. Um so come on over 8 to 9:30. You don't have to get there too early. Um we're going to be uh just doing it out of the front door and um we're so um you just pull up and we're going to ask you um how many people in your home and then uh the box is for four people. So if you've got a uh four four family then we'll give you a box. If you've got more than that we'll give you two. So, please come on over Wednesday, December 17th, 8 to 9:30 at Longfellow Community Center, Battel. Thank you. >> 9:30. Thank you. That's awesome. All right. Uh, Miss Kales. Christy Kales. >> Hi,
084Christy Kels. 1812 East Harry Avenue. I stand before you today with a unique perspective. I've served this district in many capacities over a significant period of time. First as a parent, then as a volunteer, a board member, and now as an employee. Today, however, I'm speaking as a community member. Over the past 18 to 24 months, I've witnessed something deeply troubling. the continued denigration of the role of the board member. Despite the amount of training many of you have received, there's been a persistent disregard for what that role is and just as importantly, what it is not. It is quite honestly disappointing to watch. I spent six years sitting in the very chairs that you occupy today. During that time, I would never have made even half the comments I've heard coming from behind this
085table before, during, and even after meetings. It's embarrassing to witness sometimes. What's even more concerning is the volume of feedback I've received from both community members and employees regarding what these meetings have become. The number of people who have reached out to me is staggering. I've heard comments from staff such as, "How sad. We watch for the entertainment and I'm so sorry you're being treated the way that you are. Those aren't things anyone should ever say about the governance of a public school district. I'm here to ask directly that the disrespect towards the staff stop. In my role as human resources, I am the person employees come to with complaints and concerns. I never would have imagined that those complaints would be about the actions and the conduct of the board of education itself. I'm
086asking that we use January as a fresh start, an opportunity to reset, a chance to refocus on the many positive things happening in Hazel Park schools, our programs, our accomplishments, and our continued efforts to educate the children here. Our staff is already under an immense amount of stress. They should not also have to worry about how they're perceived or spoken about by the board. Every day, I see incredible hard work taking place. I see people coming together to support students, all students, whether they live in Hazel Park or not, and that's where our attention needs to be. Thank you for taking the time to listen. I sincerely hope you've heard my concerns and will take the time to thoughtfully consider them. >> Thank you. That brings us to board member and administrative comments. Um, I
087guess I'll go first. Congratulations to all those drama students. Fabulous work. Uh, oh, what else did I write? No, I don't remember. Um, reminder of the blood drive. I have to work so I can't go, but but I support that wholeheartedly. And I'm looking forward to Beetlejuice because I love that movie. >> And yeah, that's a lot of fun. Um, anyone else? >> Um, Dr. Dr. Wilox said most of mine cuz I was going to talk about all the junior high band choir concerts and everything, Christmas concerts coming up, but um I do want to say thank you to our representative from Advantage coming up. Um seeing all of the things that she did for college readiness and getting her FASA in and winning that tablet and just you can see it on her face
088how proud she is of herself. Um, so I just really want to congratulate her on that because a lot of kids don't understand that they can truly make themselves proud with something like that. Um, I do want to thank Miss Kes for coming up. Um, just in general, I know to speak to the board like that is hard. Um, but you're speaking up for all your staff in your role. So, I do appreciate that. And I do want to say it is hard up here to do things and ask for items or ask for someone to not work here anymore or anything like I don't want to call you out with too much but like it broke my heart like Nate's hand was shaking. It's hard. It stinks but sometimes we have to do it
089so we are doing the best for our kids. So >> good. I just like to um say that I went to Hoover's uh choir concert and there was this little girl, I think she was in third grade, who was just having the time of her life and just to think that life is so easy and you can just she was just having such a good time. She just melted my heart and she was just in the moment and I think a lot of the times we forget just to be in the moment. So, um, I urge everybody to just take a minute during the holidays and not worry if your presents aren't wrapped perfect or you're short of gift. Just be in the moment. Life is too precious to worry about the small details. Um,
090and I think her name was Charlie who read that poem. Well done. Well done. Um, you did amazing. And um I think it could that poem hit home for a lot of our students and it was hard to not get all choked up while she was reading it. Um I wish everybody a happy holiday and I hope that everybody enjoys their family time. >> Also, thank you for our gifts >> and whoever did this one. I don't know. I didn't look in it yet, but thank you >> and see you guys all next year. >> Oh yeah. >> Anyone else? >> Yeah. I just want to say uh hope everyone has a good happy holiday, good New Year. Get some rest, get some relax, get some time with your families, and uh enjoy uh enjoy
091the holidays. >> Anyone? >> Yeah, I want to complain about school funding like I always do. Um I, you know, listening to the statements that were made about the literacy crisis within the state and across the country today, um just sort of a reminder that literacy begins with putting books in your kids' hands, um and giving them access to reading at home. Uh which is early literacy is literally when you have a baby and their fine motor skills are learning to turn the pages of those little board books that they put in their mouth and just learning what a book is. Um, with that, um, you know, we we made some strides today, um, in having the Hazel Park Early Childhood Education Association be formed, um, and making sure that our preschool teachers get raises,
092but just to remind everybody that across the board, uh, while all educators deserve to be paid a significantly more robust salary than they currently get, um, across the country, preschool teachers do not even make enough to pay rent in an apartment on a single salary. Um, and it is not any different here in Hazel Park. Uh, so I would really look forward to us uh, working more closely with them and let you all know that money should be in classrooms. Uh, and I hope that your union is good to you going forward. I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and happy new year and uh, thank everyone for participating tonight. Appreciate it. Anyone else? >> I just I have these books from Mr. Soie for each board member. A better way to budget
093is what he's governing and working his program by. This one is for Mr. Fox because he makes those are papers from last meeting and this one is for April. >> And I just have to say merry Christmas, happy new year, enjoy your family. There's nothing like family time. It is I think one time when people do make time for each other because everybody has such busy schedules. So enjoy your family. Um enjoy uh the time off. >> Motion to adjourn. What are you doing?