Hazel Park School District - Board of Education Regular Meeting - May 19th, 2025

001[Music] I called the Hazel Park Board of Education meeting to order at 6:01 on May 19th at 6 PM at Hazel Park High School. Roll call. here. Becker here. Fortress present. Fox boys here. Here. You need to uh please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I have a motion to approve the agenda. I move the board of education accept the agenda. with moving the conference on the consent agenda for Brooke Barrett Barnett to an action item. Oh, moving. What are we moving? I'm sorry. What are we moving? We're moving the conference for $1,725 for the National Community Schools Conference to the regular meeting. It's

002over the $500 threshold under item Oent. They're moving it to item I thought it was consent. It's not. Sorry. It's not on here. Correct. What was that? Was it something that was added? No. Do you have a question, Miss Hinton? I didn't know there was something in the packet that wasn't in here. Well, it's a confer under conferences and the total amount is $1,700 and any conference over $500 isn't normally goes under a new business. D, she's just moving part of D to O. Okay. So with the um amendment then we will move that part of conference request to we'll make an O conference. I don't know if anybody second it. Did a second. I'll support. Thank you. Is that all? All right. Motion made. Um, Madame President, we need to uh table the athletic

003director action item for a meeting later to come. B new business. Does it need a second? What's I What is there a particular reason why? God, that uh an an offer was extended um with salary and job description and he needed more time to make a decision. Perfect. Thank you. Second. Okay. So, the agenda's accepted with the changes with the amendments. Nothing else? No. Can we have discussion about the agenda? Roll call. No, she wants discussion. Oh, for what? About the agenda. Can we discuss? This is echoing so bad. I'm really sorry. It's like doing this to me. I can hear you in my ear and in my ear and it's wild. I don't I just I don't know if there's a way to turn them down. Or if we just like the microphones further

004away. Maybe it's like bouncing off the wall. So, she wants discussion on the agenda. discussion. We are. Oh, you want to discuss? Yeah, we can get discussion on that now. Um, yes, please. Yes. Okay. Are are we good with volume before we move on? Are we going to what? Are we good with volume before we move on? Well, I'm going to leave mine off. Sounds good. You can hear me. Um, I I know that there is a motion on the table, but I would appreciate uh the consideration, especially uh concerning some current legal discussions that we've had lately uh that we add on the agenda um adding a adding an item on the agenda that solidifies a formal return to work date for Superintendent Krooppy. I don't agree with that because we don't have legal

005representation here to give us advice or a date or discussion on that. So if you want to direct President Hinton to reach out to him. No, I No, I want to discuss it today as a board so that we can make that determination on our own. No, I'm not okay with that. Jimmy's not our I'm not in favor of that either. I have two um uh things to read from him tonight. Uh and I think we need to do that and follow the plan that we already uh discussed. My concern is that we have received communication that the plan that we discussed was it was a decision that was reached inappropriately and it was a decision that is inappropriate in and of itself. And I am extremely concerned that based as a board and as

006individuals that we are opening ourselves up to some really catastrophic legislation that we can individually and together not afford if we don't move forward and make a decision based on the request that has been made of us. I am not comfortable doing that without our attorney present and giving us legal advice. I I agree with April. Um, I think it needs to be addressed. I think we need to move forward. I'm not doing that tonight. I'm sorry. Well, we can vote on the agenda. I'm not in favor either. I have two statements to read from him. We We made an agreement. We have not hired some I don't know, off the street attorney that you think keeps advising us incorrectly to go in close session. He has many years of experience. I don't I don't

007understand. I understand that he has many years of experience advising us on going into close session. So did the attorney from the Allen Law Group, but it has we have been arguing since late January that the use of the closed session was inappropriate. Uh we have been repeatedly told that the use of the closed session was inappropriate. And regardless of the terms of the close session, we are able to make a decision as a board with a vote today. Again, based on requests that have been made of us, it is well within our rights to make a choice to stick to that choice and to move forward. And in my opinion, we've already received some questionable legal advice from our representation to begin with. and I trust us as a group to make a choice

008and move forward based on our own understanding of the situation. It was kind of hard to bring to attention sooner than what we saw the allegations were today. You know what? I'm just going to call for the vote. Okay. Based on my motion, based on the two changes that we made and her her addition, either the agenda passes with her addition or it doesn't. Miss BCO need to roll call. Could you explain what the two changes were again, please? The two changes on the agenda tableabling athletic director and adding broke barnett's conference. Okay. Thank you. Is that correct? Sorry. Moving Brook Barnett's conference, I should say. Is that correct? Moving the conference and the eliminating the Okay. Yes. The athletic director. Yes. Just want to make sure I know what I'm voting. It's hard to

009hear. I understand. Yeah. So, we're not adding an item that April No. requested. Even if someone, we would just get voted down apparently. Is Jenny in the audience? Well, it's Mr. Patter. I'm not changing my motion. If she wants to make another motion, then that's up to her. Who do you want? I'd like to know if we have to finish Heidi's motion. Yes, you have to finish my motion. April can make a new motion or I'm not understanding the process next. We have to vote on the motion that's on the table. Thank you. Okay. So, we're going to vote on Heidi's motion and Dr. CS taking um our athletic director off, right? Yes. Okay. Roll call. Fortress? Yes. The boys? Yes. Beaton? No. Becker? No. Fox? Yes. Richie? No. Yes. Uh motion carries with Heidi's

010changes four to three. Now did you want to add yours? Is that what we said? We were making another motion. Are there any more changes to the agenda? Well, it doesn't matter. You've already approved the agenda. Okay. Okay. So, we are on to special order business. And that is the best part of the night. All the students. So, we have student of the month. I don't know who's first. Yep. We are going up there. Which button turns it off? Slide it. Thank you, ma'am. Let's turn this one off. If all my principals want to come up, who are here? I feel like we're so separated. Can we like maybe go in the middle? Wait, why? No. You can go to the podium. Just under. [Applause] Um, I'm here today to commendia was nominated by her

011teacher Miss Ashley and Missic. She has learned to push through challenges and with persistence. Elena is not only successful J is definitely You need us to hold it. Congratulations. All right. J is definitely information about he has independently learned outside of the school day. During the school day, Jack always dives deeper into whatever they're learning. Each day he goes about above and beyond of what is expected. His enthusiasm for learning is contagious and is such a joy to see every single day. Without a doubt, Jack is Jack's love for learning will take him far and he will achieve many wonderful things in his life. We are so grateful to have [Music] [Applause] student. All right. I'm here to recognize Johnson from I believe he's here. Alia is a high student who is always happy. He's

012a great storyteller. Great storyteller and an excellent reader and just so fun to be around. Elijah is always making sure that everyone is story. He takes rule following very seriously. He is so sweet and kind and such a pleasure to have you in the [Music] [Applause] class tonight. First web elementary Okay, Charleston is our with us, but it's really important that you hear amazing things about artist. Mr. Dry Fantel is one of the hardest most dedicated and I have never had the privilege of working here. Her commitment to excellence is not only on the field but in the classroom as well. She leads by example is always always complete her class and has great sportsmanship. Angela's leadership will be greatly missed upon her coach. Miss Ree who is also a teacher and a coach said

013is the inspiring of the ideal student. She's hardworking, respectful, understanding and deeply motivated. We have to say she is one of the most dedicated students I have ever had the privilege to work with. The love of the trophy here and let Christ Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. ability of kindness and she superstar the power of right and left hemispheres and people remarkable of our high school [Applause] people um we have Mohamad from Invest Um, Muhammad is a bright and ambitious student originally. It is on. Hello. My mic's not working. [Applause] Hello. Yes. No. No. I'll go down. Okay. Muhammad is a student origin from Iraq who was reaching for the stars. Muhammad dreams of becoming an astronaut and was inspired every day by his older sister both as well. My favorite [Music] subject to continue with

014his determination, passion for learning and powerful life by sisters, Muhammad is well on his way to make an impact on our community. Congratulations [Applause] Good morning. Our final question was done with a continued effort to be professional. These efforts have made a impact on the quality of her work. Molly Heritage has made a positive impact in the fashion environment. Not only is she a leader in profession but willing to help others and take human a person and a fantastic student. She takes pride in her work and always goes above and beyond to do the best that she can. Always will help her teachers and her fellow students. Please pause it and join me in [Applause] I turn it off. So, Congratulations. Where's the button? Closer camera. We can hear you. What? Put this closer to

015channel. We can hear you. Hello. Okay. Congratulations to all the students of the month. Well-earned, great kids, and we're glad that you made it here tonight. A lot of times, um, people are absent, so nice to see so many. Next is our junior high representative. We have somebody here from the junior high with a report. Okay, moving on to the high school representative. Advantage representative. No student athlete recognition. Oh, we're back up. Back [Music] up. Okay, with those Come on down. I think the coaches the one after that. Um, I believe we are going to uh honor the men's basketball athletes. Wrestling first. We're going to do see which which ones do you have in your hands? Wrestling. Wrestling. So, coaches are going to announce their players. Um, but in order to get a coach

016up on the stage, uh, we are first honoring the 2024 2025 Max Silver Division Wrestling Coach of the Year, Donald McGinness. [Applause] [Music] Thank you. And then do you want to use this mic to do? I don't I only got like two kids in the there. Thank you. We love you. [Applause] Give me that. Oh, that was yours anyway. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Hold. Okay. Um, hi [Music] Here you go. Take this one back. I'll trade you and give this to Jamie. Go ahead. Hello. Okay. So, most of my wrestlers are somewhere on the field trips for the seniors and all that. And a lot of them had games today and all that. And uh with the short notice of uh of doing it here with all the wrestlers. We only had a few here.

017Um right now I just want to I'm going to call all their names out just so they get heard and then I will uh have the three that I know that are here. They come on up. Yeah. Uh, Kendra Miller, Andrew Whitney, Aiden Bailey, Corey Battle, Kyrie Belton, Yeah, it's right here. Stand right here. Yeah, just stand right here. Clarence Perry, Greg Crouch, Taylor Crumb, Jeremiah Gilmore, Nathan Goodson, Aia Harris, Antonio Harris, Raymond Hartburgger, Madison Harren, Chris Hill, Noah Hilla, Kennedy Hogen, Jeremiah Howard, Kamari [Applause] Jackson, Lilianne [Music] Kennedy, Millie Kennedy, Taj Brown, this one's here, Katie Miller, Julius Olinger, Montreal Parker, Montre Parker, Brandon Penland, Aiden Rivera, Genesis Roberts, Destiny Rogers, Jeremiah Scott, Corey Thomas, Kalia Walker. [Applause] These are the wrestlers. The three that are up here right now are the captains as

018well of the year. Why she didn't have one? Kendall Goodson. No, she needs [Applause] one. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, let's see here. Okay, first I have junior Keshan Stewart. Keshan averaged 17 seven rebounds for us which resulted in a first team all league. Keshan is a great student athlete. He moved here last year into the city. He's been nothing but a blessing. He also just qualified for states in the 110 meter hurdles for track and field. [Applause] Next, I have junior captain Chris [Applause] Hannah. Chris averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and he also earned first team all league. Chris Chris has been a captain for us and he's been a true leader. He has really worked on his game and he has become one of the best players in the MAC. [Applause] Next, I have

019junior captain Doug Calhoun. [Applause] Doug. He averaged 12 points, three assists for us, which earned him honorable mention all league. Doug is also on pace of finish in the honor role and has really been working on his grades. [Applause] You're welcome. All three of these juniors have been named by Prep Hoops as incoming seniors to watch next year. And they also named our team as a a team to watch in the MAC next year. Now we have senior Mike [Applause] Riley. Mike was the heart and soul of our team. He's a hard worker. He did all the dirty work for us. We are really going to miss him. Mike is going to attend Eastern Michigan in the fall. [Applause] Next we have freshman Jayce Goff. Jayce averaged 12 points a game, four and a half

020assists which led our conference. He also had scholar athlete award for for maintaining a 4.0. [Applause] I would also like to thank the administration and everybody that helps us build this program and for believing in us. We we really appreciate you giving us the opportunity to raise money, have fundraisers so we can do things for these kids that they have never had before and they get to enjoy like we have a summer program coming up in June where they're playing at three college camps in front of college coaches all from fundraising that you guys allowed us to do. We really appreciate it. And from the custodians to the administration to the board, we appreciate all you guys for letting us build this program. Also, next year in in December, we we have the privilege of

021hosting the biggest showcase in the state with 54 of the best teams in the state over a 4-day span coming to Hazel Park. And we appreciate you guys allowing us to do that. And also, we get to headline one of the nights where we'll be playing a top team in the state of Michigan. So, thank you. [Applause] Good evening everyone. I'm Mr. Hos, business teacher and DECA adviser here today to uh congratulate a group of students that did exceptionally well, worked hard in DECA this year. I'm going to call the names of the students. they weren't able to make it. And then I'll call the students up here um that are present today. So am I ask [Music] you Joe Burks my do Samantha Matthysse Jade Moore and then the other three were able to

022make it today. So, first I'm going to call up Florentino Vance for his outstanding work in DECA this year. A first year DECA student. [Applause] who attended uh the state competition with over 4,000 students from the state of Michigan. Congratulations, Florentino. [Applause] and go ahead and stay up here. Um, I would also like, um, Tory Robson and Madison Young to come on up. Tori and Madison have been uh, working hard. They're secondyear DECA students. Uh this year they competed uh successfully earning the medals. You see um in the entrepreneur team event. Congratulations both of you. [Applause] Now we're gonna transition to celebrate our staff who have been dedicated employees and given so much to the students of Hazel Park schools. So, we have some different um year targets and we're going to start with our

023five-year award recipients and I'll ask that you come forward. Please see Miss Buco. We'll shake some hands. Then, if you would come down in front, Chuck will take a picture for us. So, first off, Erica Bailey from United Oaks, five years of service. Enel Bennett, Jordan or Jardan, five [Applause] years. Ashley Baler from Web again. Five [Applause] years. Corey Chancellor from the high school. [Applause] Jennifer Dar Darawi from Webster, five years. Congratulations. Gina Hodgson from Web, five years. Thank you. Emanuel Joseph Perry from United Oaks, five years. Leanne Lease from Web, five years. [Applause] Mary Mack, also from United Oaks, celebrating five years. Lauren Manson from Edison, celebrating five years. Barbara May from the high school, also a five-year recipient. Congratulations. Jennifer Mc uh I'm sorry, Jennifer McKiston from Jardan, five [Applause] years. Hannah Negoani

024from Web, five years. Sheila Oakrain from really the junior high celebrating five years. Congratulations to Sarah Permaly from Hoover five years. Rodney Reynolds from Advantage celebrating five years. [Applause] Dana Richardson here at the high school, fiveyear anniversary. Karen Ryan also celebrating five years from the high [Applause] school. Leah Shivers from United Oaks. She's been with us for five years as have Kiara Stewart from Edison. Five years. Last of all, Linda Yates from our administrative building. 5-year anniversary. We appreciate all that they've done and five years marks a remarkable time here at Hazel Park Schools. [Applause] [Music] The next group of people we are celebrating, six of them have reached their milestone of 10 years with the district. They include Brenda Glance from [Applause] Web, Sarah Kurtzols from [Music] [Applause] Hoover, Nora Ray from United [Applause]

025Oaks, Katherine Rogers from Advantage, Amy Rosen Bloom from United Oaks, [Applause] and Michelle Stanford from Michigan Charter Academy. [Applause] Next, we are going to honor those individuals who have been with the district for 15 years. And I have five wonderful names to read. They include Kimberly Chamberlain from [Applause] Jardan, Brian Elias from the administration [Applause] building, Colleen Goobo from [Applause] Web, Rebecca Hughes from Hoover, and James Norseworthy from transportation. [Applause] Fantastic. Is Nancy Mutler here? I ask because she is our only individual that is celebrating a 20-year mark. Also from our transportation department. [Applause] What makes Hazel Park School so special are the people who are so committed to the students within our hallways and classrooms. This next group we are going to honor will celebrate 25 years being in the same district. So Denise

026Biddick from the high school is amongst that group. [Applause] Melissa Brokowski from [Applause] Edison, Tammy Henry from the junior [Applause] high, Amy Leak from United Oaks, Elizabeth I'm sorry, Elizabeth Papus from the junior [Applause] Hi, Lisa Perrick from United Oaks. Last but not least, Katie Jagger from Hoover, 25 years. [Applause] We have two more levels of distinction and we're going to honor six individuals who have given 30 years of service to the district tonight. I can't imagine 30 years what changes they've seen in education so far. This includes our EA president, Monica Gregory. [Applause] Kindra Johansenbaw from [Applause] Webster Michelle Krauss [Applause] Edison. Thank you, Dr. Krauss. Sheila McNottton from Hoover, 25 years. Jennifer Manoreso from United Oaks. Oh, wait. And our last 30-year recipient is Sheri Thomas from [Applause] Web. Well done. [Applause] And

027that brings us to our last category, which believe it or not is 35 years of service. Our top employees have given so much of their lives to help build the young lives of today. So we are here to honor Dorene Beller from Hoover, 35 years. [Applause] Mary Hartman from Webster, 35 [Applause] years. Here she comes. Last but not least, Kathy Jones from Edison. 35 years. [Applause] Can we give her one more round of applause? as she's getting her picture taken. Um, we're going to move to the final segment of this portion of our meeting, which is to honor those people who are retiring and starting a new chapter of their lives. It's exciting and terrifying probably for all of them, but mostly exciting, I hope. Um, so we're going to start with Thomas. He has

028been with the district for one year. Thomas has been an advantage alternative high school instructor for a little over a year. He works daily to support our students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Mr. Tomich is both friendly and outgoing and always works to brighten the days of those with whom he works. Thank you, Mr. Tomitch. [Applause] Colleen Gubo is retiring from the district after 15 years of service. I don't believe she is able to be with us tonight, but we certainly wish her well in her retirement years. Next is William Rearden, and I believe Miss Mckenry might come up and say a few words on his behalf. Not yet. There we go. Better. Okay. Bill, as we know him, uh, has been with the district, was 16 years as security at both Advantage and at

029the high school. I met Bill just a couple years ago when he transferred from Advantage to the high school in the spring of 2023. He has an incredible sense of humor. Uh, sometimes it's sarcastic, always witty, but always in good fun. Uh, he does not like confrontation and will do everything he can to avoid it and resolve it. And Bill is one of those people who truly starts each day with a fresh attitude and works to build positive relationships, not only with kids, but all the adults around him. We are wishing him only the best and appreciate all the work he's done in Hazel Park Schools. He retired a couple months ago, so we do miss him. Thank you. Um, next we are going to celebrate 18 years of service from Deborah Schwaggler Michael. Deb

030began her career in Hazel Park as a student teacher at Hoover where she also worked as a substitute teacher. She spent the next nine years teaching special education at the junior high followed by five years at the high school. While teaching in a self-contained special education classroom at the high school, Deb began bringing students to Jardan, where she revitalized the use of the greenhouse, turning it into a vibrant learning environment once again. Deb is now rounding out her 18th year career in Hazel Park at Jardon, where she provided steadfast leadership, dedication, and a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. Thank you for your commitment to Hazel Park Schools. [Applause] Our next retirement is Mary Noff celebrating 2020 year 22 [Applause] years. Mary began her journey with Hazel Park Schools in 20 2002 rather as

031a lunch mom. Her dedication quickly led her to a position in the kitchen at Ford where she served breakfast to students. In 2003, she transitioned into a role that would define a much bigger part of her career, working as a paraprofessional at the early childhood special education center. She remained in this role for over a decade, touching countless lives with both her compassion and support. In 2014, Mary moved to Web Elementary where she continued to work as a parapro in the ASD classroom, bringing patience, understanding, and joy to her students each day. Mary concluded her remarkable 22-year career at Jardon where she supported special needs adults in the same unwavering love and dedication that divine defined every step of her journey. Congratulations. What a [Applause] career. Barb Smith is graduating. Well, she's retiring after 23

032years. And I believe Miss Mckenry is going to come back and honor her. I don't believe she was able to make it today. Uh, but Barb has 23 years in Hazel Park Schools. She started as a lunch pair professional at Ford Elementary until it closed as an elementary and became our administrative offices. She then worked in the office and a kindergarten pair at Webster when it was an elementary until it became the preschool. and then she went over to United Oaks where she worked with kindergarteners and in the lunchroom and for the last nine years has been in the media center at Hazel Park High School. Barb has a way of getting our high schoolers to to feel cared about and valued even when they're coming in to see her maybe for a lunch detention.

033Uh the high school will miss her greatly and wish her only the best in her muchdeserved [Applause] retirement. Thank you. Our next honore is Cassandra Roush Brown who is celebrating 24 years of a career here and going on to retirement. Cassandra is one of our Hazel Park Junior High School teachers of the year. Miss Brown does so much for our students that falls outside of the responsibilities of a PE teacher. Not only does she provide instruction on the importance of healthy lifestyles and good exercise, but she makes purchases with her own money to provide students with treats for the holidays. She supported morning indie racers and many, many times offer to take students from the cafeteria for free time in the gym and supports outside when students are able to go out for lunch. All

034of that while building these important, meaningful relationships with them. We wish you well on your retirement. You too will be greatly missed at Hazel Park Junior High School. Denise Robinson is next on our list with 25 years of experience and again Miss McHenry is coming to honor her. Okay. Uh Denise Robinson actually at the end of this year will have completed 26 years in Hazel Park schools. I know she's completed the 25, but at the end of this year it'll be 26. Uh she has been a math teacher at what was Beecher Junior High. Moved over to continue teaching math at the new junior high back in 2004, I believe it was, or three. Uh and for the last four years has been both a virtual and a credit recovery teacher here at Hazel Park

035High School. Uh Denise and I taught across the pod from each other back at the junior high for about six years. When I came from elementary, I cannot tell you how much I valued her expertise in not only teaching middle schoolers, but understanding them. She was constantly finding ways to motivate and engage students with the newest technology while making sure to teach all the necessary math standards. Denise is self-motivated, highly intelligent, very creative, detailoriented, and always remains calm and professional. Denise is going to be greatly missed. We have so many wonderful memories. Congratulations, [Applause] Carol Gruno is also being honored tonight after 25 years of [Applause] service. Carol is dedicated to the district and rarely misses work. She was a hard worker and a kind person who would help out anyone in need, staff or

036student. She takes care of so many people during her time here and often in silence without letting anybody know what she is doing. Carol's kind gestures, her sense of humor and dedication will be greatly missed. She was an amazing friend and an employee to all. Congratulations, [Applause] Carol. Kim Forester, 26 plus years, retiring this year. Kim leaves a behind a legacy of excellence, inspiration, and impact. As a media, steam, and art teacher, she has been more than just an educator. She's been a mentor, a guide, and a driving force behind countless student successes. A true team player, she consistently has uplifted those around her, offering collaboration, encouragement, and kindness. Her presence in the classroom and in our community has made a lasting difference and we will miss her dearly. Congratulations, Kim. Vicky Esho, 28 years

037of dedication to Hazel Park Schools. [Applause] Vicki comes from our transportation department and Gina Brew said, "We want to thank Vicki for her hard work, dedication, and positive impact as she has had so many days with students. We are going to miss you." Thank you, [Applause] Vicki. We have two more. Stephan Kelly Stephan Kelly has 38 years with Hazel Park Schools. [Applause] Incredible. Mr. Kelly has provided exemplary teaching and learning for our students at the junior high, showing genuine care and concern for their health and well-being. Their lessons learned provide students with lifelong skills to manage their life choices and develop into a healthy mindset. He has also been an important part of our team by pitching in where needed, supporting after-school events, promoting indie racers in the morning, and using Pelaton bikes. He has

038modeled positive, encouraging pedigogy for others and works well with the team of physical education teachers at the junior high. Mr. Kelly, we wish you well. You will be greatly missed. [Applause] Last but not least, Miss Mckenry. Come on down. Miss Mckenry is what is considered a lifer. She started kindergarten here in the district, transitioned all the way through the high school. You may not know, but she graduated from here as validictorian. She went on to get her BA in elementary education from Eastern, her master's in special education, and her administrative certification from Wayne State. She was with us as an elementary teacher, also as a student teacher. She was at the junior high as a science teacher and reading interventionist. What I remember is in a meeting she went over to one of the traps

039that had mice in it and she gave it a shake. She goes, "Oh, it's still empty." And I'm like, "Oh." And she's like, "I was a science teacher. That's what we do." Uh, she became the junior high principal followed by moving to the high school. She's coached baseball, softball, and basketball. Oh, basketball. I didn't read it well. Um, and this was a very difficult decision, especially coming back from COVID and all those crazy implementations. And she has been a a rockolid leader for the district and we are grateful for through 31 years of work in Hazel Park schools. [Applause] We'll let them get a picture. But this concludes this portion of our program. For uh those students and families in the audience, if you need to go home and have dinner or do homework, we

040totally understand. Thank you for your attendance tonight. And congratulations [Applause] I have one more round of applause for the great athletes and amazing staff that he part [Applause] of. Uh added some [Music] presentation would like to introduce four employees of Edison who are going to present on our K12 program and also our adult transition program. Mrs. Kesha Rivers is one of our high school teachers. She's going to talk about our K K12 program and our adult transition staff, D'vorah Ashakis, teacher, Evan Major, social worker, and Fenton Jones peer professional will follow with a presentation on our adult transition program. So, I'm here to present Edison the K12 side. Um, At Edison, this is our motto to soar. Want students to stay safe on task, act responsibly, and respect everyone. Um, Edison has been providing quality

041education for emotional and behavioral dis students with emotional and behavioral disabilities since 1987. The center-based program provides uh quality education in a therapeutic environment. Um we at Edison we have um social workers, teachers, paraprofessionals, school psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists that provide um therapy for students as needed as written in their IEP. Here's an example of some of the quality education provided at Edison. Our uh elementary school students um participating in academics science projects. Here's a science project that was conducted in the high school video of a physics experiment. students really enjoy projects such as uh again more projects in the high school, Black History Month on the bulletin boards and then um some posters from various uh class projects that they had in social studies. The focus at Edison is on social emotional

042learning. And so um students are taught through a curriculum called trails to manage their feelings appropriately. The trails curriculum addresses mental, behavioral and emotional issues that our students face. So at the beginning of the day um the first class is called circles and that is led by a teacher and a social worker and students check in. They tell they let us know how we're how they're feeling, how their night went and then staff will also let them know how our night went and um how we're feeling that day. This allows us to gauge where students are emotionally at the beginning of the day so that we can help them manage their emotions. Students are given um sore tickets as part of our PBIS program. When we catch them being safe, on task, acting responsibly, and

043respecting everyone, we give them a sore ticket. We let them know what it's for by circling which aspect. They can then save those tickets and use them to purchase items like you see on the right. Here's a PBIS celebration that took place at holiday time. More PBIS um celebrations. And then this is field day. On the left you see three students that are enjoying field day. And on the right staff also is enjoying it. Here's another video. This was during co a PBIS celebration that took place during Halloween. [Music] two students. Um I I interviewed two of my students this year. One was a um graduating senior. He said that Edison helped him control his behavior. He says, "I don't have as many crashs as I had when I started coming here. I know what

044to do when I feel frustrated. Um, and I have watched this student progress um, since he started at Edison in the high school. Um, being able to manage his emotions. The second one is from another high school student, a current student. He said, "The program is helping me to control my outburst." And then this was from a parent. Um her son was a student at Edison from sixth grade until 10th grade. And over that time she watched him improve um being able to build healthy relationships with peers and staff. And now he is graduating from his home district. He was able to transition back to his home district and um he is in the process of earning a bachelor's degree. as she was writing this email, she said that she had happy tears because she

045was thinking about so all the progress that he made um throughout his time at Edison and where he is today. I'd like to thank you for your support for Edison for the K12 side. Um and I'll pass it over to the uh ECC [Applause] Are you the clickers over there? All right. Guess we'll we'll uh we'll do our best here. All right. Good evening. Thanks for having us so much. Again, my name is Evan Major, Shaka, Fenton Jones, and we are uh three of the four staff of the Edison Career Center. Um so we're a post high uh young adult ages 18 to 26 program housed at Edison School but operating as a independent program. Um, as you can see here, our motto is a real world chance to grow into your full potential. Next

046slide. Our mission is that we want young adults to leave with stable mental health supports, ongoing community connections, and gainful employment. Those are kind of our three big buckets that you'll see us hit on throughout the course of the presentation. Um, those a little more deeply fall into our independent living skills and systems, social and emotional skills and systems, and employment skills and systems. This is the kind of core structure of our program that every component of every day um relates back to. This is our typical week here. Uh we start off with the children have breakfast. Uh we do a morning meeting. It's like a warm-up session where they'll talk about what they did the previous night. Uh how they're feeling, what they want to accomplish, and then what they're grateful for. Um, we

047also do um uh Evan and Deborah will do a um a review per week with the kids. It's like a twoon-one and they go over what they accomplished the um previous week. We go to Planet Fitness twice a week for some physical activity. Um we do civic engagements or um the volunteering like we volunteer at um Forgotten Harvest also arts and I think it's crafts arts and crafts and that's kind of good because the kids get a chance to to uh mingle with other people and just the classmates. Uh we have the business the micro business. We do that on Wednesdays and Thursdays where we actually cook the food and we um prepare it. It's kind of like a production. Um, and we also sell it to the school and we handle money and and

048and the unprocessing of money. Then we have the other job rotations we do at at the school like the school store. We have a greenhouse and we have the newsletter. Then um we do the tours and the uh field trips which is good for the um uh learning job skills and seeing what the other uh job opportunities are out there. Like for example, we did the um we've done tours at um the Automate which was just down in Detroit that was good for the new technology. Um, we've done the the hands-on and the field trip at the um the DRA ranch for the horses. That was like therapy for the kids, but they also learned how to deal with horses and also how to um well, they also learned the different job opportunities that were

049there. Okay. We learned independent living skills um which are day-to-day skills to function. um through experiences and exposure to community service and civic engagement. So, um it could be anything from um connecting to local um to the local government agencies, um Oakland County Health Department, um the community libraries, or it could be like partner partnering with a bank and um learning money management, um cooking and shopping, doing everything you need to do to just function in life and these are some of the you know going to planet fitness also you know health and wellness part of it. Okay. Um one of the other big buckets as we stated before is our social emotional skills. So um we like to operate our program you know and what you may have heard referred to before as person

050centered planning. Um, and so it's the idea that instead of, you know, anyone in the world who has to, you know, we're all familiar with going out and navigating all the different systems of the of of the health care system, of the finance system, of the school system, um, independently as a person and trying to to figure all that out. Um, so with young people in particular with some complex mental health needs, you know, we try to organize those things around them. And so it's a way to try and help them and make supported decisions so that they have more agency and more role in both understanding and managing their own mental health. Um but then making choices that are important for what comes next in their life in terms of housing, transportation, education, employment.

051Um, and so here's some of the pictures of us exploring, you know, some of those, uh, concepts through the outings and the opportunities that Benton and D'vorah uh, both mentioned. Um, but it's a rewarding um, opportunity to kind of create something a little more form fitted for each person uh, and what they actually are interested in, what they actually need uh, to go to the next step in their life, which is different for for each and every participant. So with the employment skills, this is kind of um close related with me cuz I come from a background I studied uh printing at Fair State College. I had to change my career a couple of times, went into sales and then uh customer service and then currently at the at the Edison school right now. So,

052so with me trans um changing from job to job myself and changing careers and then seeing what the different employment and what the employers want is kind of perfect for me cuz I can help the kids, you know, that are transitioning to understand, you know, what the employer is going to need and what and what the employers want from them. Uh we do the career and job exploration. Uh we work with Michigan Works uh the uh the MRS. We do the job skill development. We also do the simulated work environment and that's kind of like what we do with our micro business. That gives them good examples. Um then with the volunteering we do like we said at Forgotten Harvest. uh local business community connections like we've uh done tours at Alli Printing, Home Depot

053and then uh those are good connections so the kids can see what they do there and also uh what's expected um from them and then the resume building and then also job search and uh the applications. Okay. And then this year we had some new and exciting um additions to what we're doing. Um we added the carpenters and milrights training center and um you know we learned a lot a lot from them in terms of job exploration and working in the trades. Um we even did some hands-on there building our own um toolkits. Um we we had some new micro businesses. We had the spices, juices, popcorn, and pickling products. We made we did our own canning. And I actually have a little bit of for you. We just finished that micro business, but we're

054still like in the process. But I have some um samples for you when this is over. Um we um Allied Printing, as Fenton said before, and Home Depot as well. Um we paired up with the Royal Oak Golf Center. Um, our students learned how to golf. Um, they're pretty good. Okay. And then, um, Goldener Walsh nurseries we went to and they to they taught us, um, more than just gardening and using our greenhouse. They taught us how to use every part of a flower. Um, you know, just making even like making dyes out of the flower, which was kind of cool. We went to the opera house where we even had an opportunity to sing on stage kind of and um we learned how to use the smart system. We went to the headquarters. We

055got rides and um we have some students that you know they know every stop where smart start you know where smart where they could catch a bus. So just you know some sampling of new stuff for this year. All right, next slide. And there's just a snapshot of some of the many community partners that make all of this work between Mrs. Shakis, Mr. Jones and myself to um coordinate uh outreach to develop relationships with um and make sure that both coming into our program and us going to um students have some of these con connections when they uh leave us for the rest of their their lives. Here's a video from a former participant. I'll let him speak for himself. a little bit about [Music] programs. I like a lot of new relationships here and

056also I learn a lot of jobs here and Mr. Evan and Mr. and a big help and they taught me a lot of things that I now can take under um I now have my own department and I think this is one of the best programs in all the time that was not a paid promotion um and there's a few excerpts from happy parents um which you guys can read in your packets uh I won't read word for word, but some gratitude for their time to help them find their paths here for a young man who is now in college actually um and another who's moved on to another state at this point but was our longest serving participant and um brought a lot of joy to everybody around her in addition to what we

057were able to share with her. All right. And that's it for Mr. Shocks is going to pass out a few samples. Um, just to reiterate, um, may have glossed over a little bit earlier that, you know, for those of you that already know, thank you. But those of you that might be newer to ECC, it's a very unique program that you house here um that serves all of South Oakland County uh, for people with some very complex uh, mental health needs. and it's the only one structured as it is to help support both diploma track and non diploma track young people for a period of up to um up to eight years as needed. Um so it's a very unique thing that's very much needed. Uh there are more young people out there that that

058could benefit that we intend to be able to support. Um appreciate your support and and being able to do that and grow. [Applause] It's a very nice report. Uh thank you for everything you do for the children at at Edison. It's fantastic. Thank you. Um I have Leo presentation Dr. Domic. Good evening. Can you hear me now? So, I'm coming for the final legal report of the year. As you know, we have a strong partnership with uh the ISD and that partnership provides funding for one of our coaches and this year it also allowed us to expand into some supportive work with the math consultants at the ISD. Um, strong partnership again. We engaged in a lot of continuous improvement with ISD. We had advanced training for our coaches with which also supported our teachers

059and our principles as they were implementing many things related to literacy vocabulary development. And we also expanded this year into something called EPIC which is really focused on supporting deep learning in the area of math. Our goal this year is to expand that to the junior high. So we had some strong coaching from the ISD as long as work with our instructional coach at the junior high. Um, we accomplished a lot. We did it in partnership with the ISD and we are very grateful to continue that partnership with the ISD into next year and dig deeper into our literacy as well as our math area. Thank you. [Applause] have uh youth assistance presentation. Good evening board members, attendant strers. Uh it's wonderful to be back here at Hazel Park High School where I spent uh

060many years here. Congratulations to this evening's honores and retirees. Uh feels like family again. And uh I'd like to introduce you to one of our newest family members of Hazel Park Youth Assistance, uh Paul To. He's our new case worker. uh he replaced or um yeah he replaced Amy Sullivan who served for many years and she moved on to Rochester schools where she's a case worker there. Also up here is uh a new volunteer Kathy Nelson, member of the community and of course Councilman Andy Luro who served on uh youth assistance for probably about two decades. Yep. working on my second decade myself and a few board members up here are also uh members of youth assistance and many of you have uh volunteered and attended many of our events. Uh we have a brief

061presentation. Andy will tell you about youth assistance. Paul will tell you about uh his role as case worker and I will share some of past, present and ongoing programs. Thank you. Hi everybody. Thanks for having us here. Um, Hazel Park Youth Assistance started here in Hazel Park, 1953. It started with uh Wilfred Webb, that's who the uh Web School is named after, and also Arthur Moore, our judge. And what they were trying to do is keep the kids out of the juvenile system. Kids were having a little bit of trouble. Um, wanted to strengthen the kids, the youth, and the families. community involvement programs. Um that program started here and then soon spread to every school district in the Oakland County was such a success. We are a now a 501c3 and we received funding

062to try sponsorship program with uh the Hazel Park School District, city of Hazel Park and the Oakland County uh family circuit court division family. Um we also get a lot of funds. We have a fundraisers. We get donations from local businesses, families. One of our biggest fundraisers also is the Hazel Park Firefighters Bowlathon. Every year we have a great fund there. Um and so you we uh what we do is try to really strengthen families through community involvements. We have programs that we offer sponsorships to and uh kids can like a lot of these wrestlers. We had given a lot of sponsorships to the uh Hazel Park Viking wrestling. Um, I'm going to hand it off to Paul here. He'll tell you some of the programs and how what he does. Thank you. Good evening.

063Thank you. Um, so yeah, with this slide, it's a good picture. We sometimes we refer this to this as the youth assistance angel. See this angel with two wings. Um it's actually a way to show how the again the tri sponsorship youth assistance is able to do what we do because we have the all everybody's hand is uh included to help not only the city but the school district. Thank you. And our our family court. So there are two then there are two halves to what we do. One is community organization and then one is casework services. And that's where I come in. So my title is youth and family caseworker and I've been with the county now since 2007. Um each youth assistance office has a caseworker and I get the privilege of working

064directly with the youth and families who are referred to our program and um some of the great features of the program this is there is no cost. This is a free program for families that are referred who reside in Hazel Park. Um the the referrals are confidential and we can get referrals from a variety of sources. Sometimes it's from parents themselves, teachers, counselors at school, principals, um and sometimes also from local police or the prosecutor's office. And again, the goal is, hey, maybe we can make an intervention early. maybe we can prevent this young person from having to be involved in uh the court system or the juvenile system. So, we provide these short-term um interventions that develop goals with each family to help the child get back on track. And we want to look

065at all areas with the child. How's he doing at home? How's she doing in school? How are they doing in the community? And um as I said, they're available, this program is available to all uh residents in the county. And then when there are some maybe we have some students who attend from outside Oakland County, we still work to try to connect them with supports that will be helpful to them. And um yeah, Andy referred to some of the ways that we receive funding. And to talk about some of our community programs, I'll turn it over to Steve. Thank you, Paul. Um, you'll see some slides uh that you may uh be familiar with, such as our Grinch Miss programming that was born out of uh born out of COVID. Uh we couldn't be involved

066in person. So, uh uh we decided to collect some donations of gifts, educational materials, coupons, coloring books, and such. And uh we had volunteers make scarves and socks. In fact, uh Darren Fox, thank you for um contributing some of those scarves. And uh we randomly uh selected about a hundred students pack bags and deliver them uh on a Friday evening in December to surprise members, kids in the communities with these Grinch Miss bags. Uh it's a it's some work. It's fun. and uh the rewards. If you look on Facebook, uh you'll see many happy families and uh and kids. We also do other events such as uh we sponsor programs at the rec center, uh lunch with the Easter Bunny, the Easter egg hunt, lunch with Santa. We've had coloring contest uh up there right

067now. You see some rocks that uh students have painted and we've hidden them with coupons or notes attached to them or uh give certificates to businesses in the community. We'll be doing that again this summer. So, look for some rocks and playgrounds near schools. If you see a colored rock, encourage a kid to pick it up and uh you'll be hearing more about that. We also every fall and uh wintertime we do a Target shopping spree with the service members, the police, the fire department, uh local um state representatives, Mike McFall, city council members, board members, and here's a picture of our large group. And there's a few pictures of some families that we don't often show faces, but uh the firefighters are working with kids and helping them pick out uh uh some clothing

068that's needed for months. Also, one of our uh big highlights is our youth recognition night that we do in the spring. Our keynote speaker was Mike McFall. Um Miss Emanuel Joseph Perry contributed uh bunch of her students this year. earlier. Um we had 47 students honored for a variety of reasons uh ranging from creating um American sign lang sign language programs in the schools to uh students who experienced trauma of h homelessness and have thrived in now in his park schools. Uh we're always looking to do more. If any here are viewing this have ideas for programs, uh we're all ears. Uh we have monthly meetings. Third Tuesday of every month um at the rec center tomorrow 4:30 p.m. summer months we uh we mix it up. We might visit a business and uh look

069for some programming with them. other uh items that we do or uh um programs that we do. We have some afterchool programming. You see us at the hometown huddle with our gratitude board and our other giveaways. Um are definitely growing in our numbers. Oh, there's the hometown huddle there. We are growing in our numbers of volunteers. Uh we picked up Kathy Nelson. uh members have joined us from the city hall uh working in the clerk's office and we're looking for more so please come join us. Andy said we're a 501c3 vol. Uh any donations are tax deductible and we'd like to thank the board for sponsorship. Park schools for your sponsorship and look for long and continuing uh looking forward to that 75th year. A few down the road we'll have another celebration. Thank you

070very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] So, we are up to public comment and uh first I have Jennifer Jackson. Oh, you have five minutes and state your name and address please. Hello again. Uh, my name is Jennifer Jackson. I live at 139 West Robert Avenue. 112 days ago, this body of elected officials put Dr. Krooppy on paid administrative leave. Last Thursday, May 15th, 4 days ago, the same body of elected officials voted unanimously to reinstate Dr. Krooppy without providing a return to work date or reasons why all of this has taken place. It was communicated that a letter from the board would be sent out uh to the community hopefully by Monday. As of this afternoon, I had not received anything. Um we have not been provided any communication regarding Dr. Kirpy's

071reinstatement or future plans. Um love the transparency. During the meeting last week, after the board was in close session for hours, the community heard that both investigations into possible uh violations of policies uh by Dr. Krooppy and the Board of Education members uh were complete. However, the results have not been shared, not that they couldn't, and no date for the release of that information has been provided. May 18th, an open letter to Hazel Park Board of Education and Community from Sharp Law Firm, signed by Heidi Sharp, was made available to the public and has since been shared widely. I have questions. Did the board violate the Open Meetings Act in closed sessions? Is there pending litigation regarding Dr. Krooppy and her role as superintendent? Did the board discuss specific pending litigation or review materials that

072are exempt from disclosure? Did the board of education use their time in closed session to pressure Dr. Krooppy to resign using a closed session to discuss how to end the superintendent's contract under false pretenses? Does the public have a right to a transparent, law-abiding board of education? Does the board realize that if they violate the Open Meetings Act, they are subject to both criminal and civil penalties? Did the board discuss punishment of Dr. Krooppy in closed session, specifically not allowing her to attend graduation? Does this violate the Open Meetings Act? Did the board issue punishment without a written complaint, without a hearing? Was Dr. Krooppie given an opportunity to be heard pursuant her louder mill rights, the revised school code, and her contract? Has Dr. Krooppy ever been told what she is being punished for?

073Or what if any complaints were made against her? Have you as a body even had the courage to be transparent about that? Where the details of the investigation? Both investigations are complete and our community has been provided with no information, not even the total cost of taxpayer money. Our superintendent has been reinstated as of 4 days ago without a return to work work date. Fix that today. Let her return to work tomorrow morning. That's not going to happen. I I applaud the three of you who said no to the agenda earlier. I really do. It shows in integrity. Again, the list of broken trusts just gets longer with our board president, board vice president leading this public body. We cannot trust them to make decisions that have our students, teachers, HPSD staff, community, or taxpayers

074in mind. Their priorities are self- serving, including hiding the results of the investigations our district is paying for. Their leadership has done more damage to our district in less than six months than anything Dr. Krooppy has done. I've said before, mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them and take action to correct them. The board president and vice president must resign and save our district the embarrassment of their continued, failed, and very expensive leadership. Thank you. Next is Lisha Calhoun. My name is Lisha Calhoun and I live at 811 East Milton and I am here as a concerned parent and member of this community and I am demanding two things effective immediately. One, the return of Dr. Kupe to work immediately. If her leave was effective immediately, then why isn't her

075return? Why are you willing to waste even more money after this scam of an investigation by agreeing to continue to pay two superintendants more than $1600 per day combined? Does that make any sense? The math isn't quite mathing to me. You've already wasted tens of thousands of dollars and all the bills are aren't even been submitted yet. So, what's the reason? Do you have to continue this charade? The 2025 graduates deserve to be honored by their superintendent. And for a board who claims to have the best interest of the kids in mind are the ones that are robbing them of their final request. It's only fitting and right to have Dr. Krooy congratulate her students on a job well done. Why do you want to continue punishing her and basically saying f them kids? You

076want to stick it to Dr. grouping so bad, no matter who's in the crossfire, you have an opportunity today to make that right. Secondly, I am demanding the immediate resignations of Miss Beverly Hinton, Deborah Leroy, and Heidi Fortress for their blatant abuse of power and gross mismanagement of public funds. This board's personal agenda and stupid vendetta has been nothing short of an embarrassment. It screams the mean girl behavior and it has no place in this district. Your focus should be on our students, our school, and the future, not this petty Your time is up, ladies, and you have definitely worn out your welcome. Have uh Ian Lloyd I think I thought Ian had left Don Rice. Don Rice um Vance, you have my address in writing. I like April have some concerns about this law

077firm as well. Um, I put a FOYA in on March 4th for the invoices pertaining to this new law firm and I didn't get it until May 6. I'll address that in a minute. There was $7500 spent um up to 12725. My concern is why are there charges at 1 19, 110, 113, 115, 117, 117, 120, 122, 22, and 23. They I couldn't find anything in the minutes that hired these guys that there was a board vote that hired these guys before the 27th. So, and then we have an invoice signed by Bev Hinton. It's okay to pay $2747. I am concerned that you picked your law firm. You wanted to get rid of our normal law firm when I was on the board. You picked your law firm. You talked to him about getting

078rid of Amy Krooppy because it's there's um some board documents that were prepared on the 20th. There's a review of a document that happened on the 15th. Yet the board didn't even meet these attorneys until the 27th. So you met with them by yourself. The rest of the board, because you don't function on your own, the rest of the board hadn't met them yet until the 27th. Correct me if I'm wrong. I also need to update the figure that I gave you last week. I gave you 197 and $480 that this investigation has cost us so far. And I heard through the grapevine that I'm lying about that. Well, I'm not lying. I need to add another 7,800 of invoices that I finally got in May for a FOYA that I put in in March.

079So, I'm going to add that 700 7,800 to it. So, now we're up to $25,000. And the bills aren't all in yet. We haven't seen May's bill and they were still talking to people. I am so proud of you. We have a 2.3 fund balance. 2.3 $1.4 million as of April. And you spent $25,000. I wish I could talk to the parents and the kids and the teachers and ask them what they would want to spend $25,000 on because I promise you it wouldn't have been a witch hunt. I'd like to add another 190 plus to wasted money for paying an in-house lawyer that we know we don't need. Don't worry, Bev. I'll be done. that we know we don't need. We can't get foyas on time. We don't even get letters saying we're delaying

080your FOYA. This is breaking a law. Our lawyers are breaking a law per 190,000 a year. So now that brings us up to $395,000. This is my suggestion. resign or the community brings a lawsuit against you to repay us. Oh, and I will be Amy Krooppy star witness if she decides to sue [Applause] you. I forgot to say one more thing. Thank you, Ryan Boss, for being a Grinch from day of [Applause] nothing. Okay, about Don Mitchell. My name's Don Mitchell. I live at 1216 East here at Hayes Park. Obviously, I'm demanding this stop. Amy has been reinstated. Why wait till the middle of the summer? Do it now. She should be with this graduating class. She has been the one with with these students the whole time. as long as they've been in the

081district. What is the result of your investigation that the board is being investigated on? What are the results? If Amy should not be at graduation, neither should you. Plain and simple. She's she's been investigated. She's been allowed to come back. You guys are withholding the results. So why should you be up there? You shouldn't you should be ashamed. Um, sorry. She is the one that knows all these kids. She's built relationships with them with majority of the students. Maybe not all, but majority. These students want her there. Can you say the same? Any one of you? It's not a parent with these students now. You don't know them. You're not with them daily. This is not the or sorry, this back and forth is just making it wor the district look worse. Not to mention

082spending the district money. God, that's ridiculous. Um, I didn't know it was that much, but um, we don't have that to spend on let alone what we need it for. Get it over with the time for the vendetta. Just forget it. We're all adults. Act like it. um truly think about why you guys were voted in. It's not for this reasoning. Please resign so more money does not have to be spent on a recall to get you out of the position you're in because everybody's done with it. If you care about the students, that's what you will do. You guys say you do. Get out of there. Remember, we lead by example. this. What example is this setting? It's definitely not one we want for our students. Anybody else wishing to speak? Then I'm closing

083public comment and we need to vote on the consent agenda. I move the board um of education accept the consent agenda as presented. Report Motion by Heidi and support by Debbie to accept the consent agenda. Any discussion? With the discussion, I see that the is add I think we should table it till next month since it's not on the agenda and we already approved the agenda. Thank you. Yep. I agree. Uh, no discussion. Then we need roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. 70. Uh, passes. Uh, mental new business mental health month month proclamation informational. Somebody have that? Is that here? I have it. I I can read it if you'd like. Yeah. Would you please? Yes. Uh from the Oakland Community Health Network, Mental Health Awareness Month, May of 2025. Whereas mental health includes our emotional,

084psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. And whereas mental health is important for our individual well-being and vitality as well as that of our families, communities, and businesses. And whereas nearly one in five American adults will have a diagnosible mental health condition in any given year. And more than 42 and a half million US adults live with anxiety disorder, the most common mental health condition in America. And whereas May 1st through May 31st, 2025 is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health America 2025 theme is turn awareness into action, which celebrates the progress we've made in recognizing the importance of mental health and provides challenges to turn understanding into meaningful steps towards change. And whereas Oakland

085Community Health Network joins our national partners in promoting this year's turn awareness into action campaign. And whereas mental health management ensures that individuals can focus on their abilities to live, work, learn, and fully participate and contribute to our society while promoting diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. And whereas improved systems of care for vulnerable populations, access to non-emergent and crisis services, advanced integrated physical and behavioral health care along with provider relations help to fortify services coord coordinated by OCN. And whereas OCN and its service provider agencies are committed to inspiring hope, empowering people, and strengthening communities. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Oakland Community Health Network hereby recognizes May 2025 as mental health awareness month. OCN calls upon our citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, faith-based organizations, and schools to recommmit our state to increasing

086awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses to promote recovery and a higher quality of life. All right. Thank you. Anybody any comments? No. Thank you, Nate. Um, Truan policies. Need a motion to I move the board of education approve the change to Truan board policies. Support. Motion made by Heidi and support by Debbie to do um higher uh switch to Truman policies. discussion. I have discussion. Um, after just hearing Miss Rice talk, um, our numbers of money that have went out is insane. And right now, we do have, um, an in-house legal counsel that was said that he would be helping us with this, too. And I just think at this time that this needs to be tabled and discussed at a

087later date when we can figure out finances a little bit better because to spend more money on policies when we have policies and have already spent a lot on this specific law firm. Um I just don't think I don't think for our taxpayers and our citizens that this is a good step. Anybody else? I agree. Um, when I say speaking to what April mentioned earlier, my confidence in that firm isn't um what I would hope it would be for someone that we would be considering coming in uh for policy. Uh, and we do have counsel that in their job description, it calls for working on policy. So, I think we should f pursue that further before we decide to make any uh decisions to spend money like um Monica just said. I also requested months

088ago that we get some sort of um information from Clark Hill if they could help us further our policies, if they were going to charge us to further our policies with no money or even just a little bit of money instead of completely switching and spending a lot more money. and I've never received any information on that. Anyone else? I I think I'm willing to say as part of discussion that uh first of all, we have abandoned discussion that we were going to have with Clark Hill um in a presentation that we had agreed that they would come. Um I'm also deeply concerned about adding another layer of representation from Truan at this point. Um I'm not comfortable moving forward with absolutely no point of reference. There is no documentation. There is no quote. Uh

089there is no discussion about the policies that they provide or the backup uh assistance that they will give to us. They this has never been a discussion that the board has had regarding what Truan is able to provide us uh the amount of money that it will cost. So I I I'm know we have a motion on the table. I can tell you I'm not comfortable voting at all without any type of background information, any type of supporting documents whatsoever to look at regarding what they're going to provide us. Um, I also have a concern that the only mention that has been made regarding moving to Truan as a policy provider was made at an inappropriate time during our last meeting and we have nothing else to go on other than that. uh we don't

090have a quote, we don't have a cost, we don't have a level of support that they will provide, we don't have sample policies, we don't have references um ongoing. I'm just not comfortable moving I'm not saying I I will not perhaps in the future after conversation and a a rebuilt level of trust with true and representation. Um, I am not comfortable moving forward with them at this time. It especially given the lack of supporting documentation that we have to review. I'm going to agree with April in some aspects of her conversation. We did you're I I'm sorry, but I can't hear you. If you may, is that better? No. Worse. Like if you move it away because you're echoing. Yeah. Okay. So, I agree with you on some of your comments. We don't really have

091a quote and I agree that we shouldn't be voting on it because we don't have a quote. Um, may I am I would be willing to amend my decision to get a quote from Truan Law and maybe um a couple other law firms and see what they have to offer. We got a quote and we got a packet from Truman Law probably two months ago. It's $8,000. It's a couple thousand dollar a year to keep them updated. We had a quote from Miller Johnson and we had the clerk hill all on the paper uh comparing the prices. So we did already receive that information. What we received was a blanket price. That is in my opinion that is not a quote. Um, a quote would provide us with detailed information regarding what they would provide

092as ongoing support and it would also include examples and references that we would have to reference and have a much deeper discussion on than having a quickly added blank agenda item just prior to today's meeting. Again, if if Heidi's willing to amend the motion, um I would certainly be comfortable to have a deeper review and maybe at the next committee of the whole if they're able to get something together for us in time, but we don't have that today. Would you like a presentation at the June workshop of Truan and and Miller Johnson? Yeah, that would be great. Bev, can we include Clark Hill if they're available considering that they're our current policy provider? I suppose. And I would just like to go on Hello. You're good. Bring my mic up. Um I would like

093to go on record that uh a couple months ago I stated that I don't know why we don't have uh Mr. Patterson. He's our legal counsel part of it. county. Right now, he's a director of athletics, but uh you know, he's going to be hopefully freed up from that position, and I I think he he has the experience, and why wouldn't we use somebody that has the experience in our district, especially when it comes to policies that that would help save us a lot of money. I believe he has a good working relationship with Clark Hill and um I don't see why we we can't do that, but that's just my, you know, original input and my original comments. also a really valid point. Thanks, Darren. I'd like to amend my motion to table this

094until what day is that meeting, Bev? I think it's June 4th or 5th. It's the first Monday. 5ifth, I think. Oh, I think a fifth is a Friday or Thursday. Let me just say June committee of the whole I think it's June workshop. Oh, sorry about that. We It's a workshop, so they can tell us what they offer. Do you think that could be done in a week? And that's a June 2nd's coming. No, June 2nd. That's a week and a half. Two weeks. Okay. Make uh amend my motion to redis on June 2nd at a workshop. Support. Did you support the first one? Mhm. Okay. Thank you. All right. All in favor of deciding this roll call. What? Roll call. Okay. Roll call. Yes. Sorry. Yes. Yes. 2025 OCSBA amendment to the bylaws and

095resolutions for Oakland schools. I move the board of education approve the 2025 Oakland County School Board Association amendment to the bylaws and resolution as presented. support. A motion by Heidi, support by Debbie to um support the amendment of the Oakland County School Board bylaws and resolutions. Any discussion? Um, I think just for the purpose of having some community here, um, I I support this action item. Um, but having the the community that we have in the audience understand that some of the changes to the bylaws are verbiage that are based on what are proposed or expected changes to education funding going forward. and they should be pleased to know that um a lot of these amendments are OCSBA, which is the Oakland County School Board Association, supporting and offering their advocacy for um really vital

096supports uh mental health in schools, free universal meals, um uh equitable per pupil funding for K12 education in the state of Michigan. uh the disagreement with proposed school vouchers and they they should rest assured and confident that OCSBA has has made these amendments in really good faith and definitely in support of public schools across the state. Anyone else? Okay, roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. L4029 I think. Um, Miss Papazian or Miss Dmond. No, it's taxes. Oh, yeah. Right. Did I call the right person? Yes. Stephanie just moved. I thought she was getting up. Good evening. Good evening. So, I'm requesting that we property taxes the rates that we're a little bit but more property Nope. We need a motion. I move the board of education approve the 2025 tax rate request as presented.

097Support. Motion by Heidi, support by Monica. Um, all in favor. Oh, I should do roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Our motion carries. Thank you. And you're up for charts. You didn't say yes. So the chart the chart wells renewal will be the fourth year of renewal for the contract with them. about bid then this is just renewing their contract for one more year all of their fees I'm sorry can you just tell me how that works because I don't understand why we're renewing it when it has one more year I mean why we're renewing it yeah if it has another year um so the state allows um up to five years contract before we have to go back out to bid but it's a one-year contract with four optional renewals Um we

098have uploaded the contract renewal to the state. They've reviewed it but won't approve it until uh after you approve this and then have to provide them with that documentation. So it's the same contracts just yes same contract. None of the terms have changed. It's just for one more year and then we'll have to revisit that. Thank you. I do have a question, but we we're not open for discussion because not a motion was made. So, can I make the motion first? Sure. Okay. Uh, I move the board of education approve the fourth year of the chart contract with a 2.5% increase in administration costs, which is about equivalent of $2,000 a year. support a motion by Heidi, support by Monica to uh extend to a vote for the Chartwell contract. Um I was reading in

099the minutes that we have a loan out with Chartwell. We borrowed money to finish the cafeteria. Okay. Do do you know what the terms of that loan are? I know I thought it was a very low interest if not zero based interest. Uh I believe it is zerobased. They um add a portion of that loan repayment onto our monthly invoice and that will be repaid at the end of this contract. Okay. So the Okay. So at the is that ends in June of 2026. Correct. Perfect. Thank you so much. Okay. Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Can I get a motion for the web roof repair? I move the board of education approve the emergency roof repair completed at Web Elementary School as presented. Support. Motion by Heidi, support by Monica for the red

100the the web roof repair. Any questions, discussion? Okay. I I just want to say thanks to Greg for managing this project and taking care of it, and I'm sure he's probably made it sure that it's completed correctly. So, I just appreciate his time and effort. Okay, roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Uh this is a second reading of the seclusion and restraint. Can I have a motion? I move the board of education approve the second reading of section 24 using seclusion and restraints additional language added to our bylaws as presented. support a motion by Heidi and support by Monica to accept the second reading of the seclusion and restraint uh language. Quick question. Um I think it says 14. Is that on yours? Is it 24 or did you misspeak? Mine says section 14.

101Did or maybe I didn't hear you right. Did you say section 14 or section 24? Yes. Just clarification is section 14. Oh, I I make an amendment to my motion to I move the board of education approve the second reading of section 14 use of seclusion and restraint additional language to the board bylaws as presented. I'll continue to support. Okay. Uh roll call for the correction of the seclusion and restraint second language reading. Can we have discussion? Sure. Sure. I would just like to say Dr. I would like to thank Dr. Papazion for and her team for taking care of this. It was important. Um I was at one of the meetings that it was really an important issue and thanks for continuing to take care of this. That was very nice. Thank you. Okay.

102Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. I get a motion for the 2325. Wow. 2526 extended school year for Jardan and Hazel Park Schools. I move the board of education approve the 2020. Go ahead. 526 extended school year for Jardon and Hatsburg school as presented. You have a second. Wait, I second. Okay. Motion by Monica, second by Heidi for the 2526 extended school year. Is there any discussion? Yeah, I'm just kind of uh curious on what is HPS Hazes Park Schools. Yeah, I we had voted on this at our last meeting and it was rebrought back to committee of the whole just to make sure that our verbiage was correct. Yes. Um so this was amended to to not be limited to Jardan but to be Jardon and Hazel Park schools, not Hazel Park High School. Um

103so I don't know for the sake of not having to bring this back again for correction if we want to amend that to say specifically Hazel Park schools. I know that there are um children who will certainly be in need of extended school year services through their IEPs that are not at either Jardon or the high school and we may want to make sure that we correct that across the board. Well, my my only concern is it looks like the information that I have and I thought maybe I saw something else that we may have gotten in a package but I don't see it handy that Oh, thank you. Okay. So, we're we're Does an amendment need to be made to exclude Jordan then? No, it's for Jordan. No, I think it's just Jon and

104Hazel Park Schools. I I think that the wording when the motion was made was Hazel Park High School when the motion was made before. That's I will admit. No, just now like a couple minutes ago. And Hazel Park schools as So are you talking about all the schools in Hazel Park or are you I I guess I'm not understanding on what schools you're referring to when you say Hazel Park schools. Is it the high school? It's all of them. It's when we discussed it at committee the whole it was mentioned that there were at both the elementary, middle, high school, alternative and vocational levels. There were students that pursuant to their IEPs were deemed eligible and in need of extended school year services and based on this recommendation and the staff that were needed to

105provide it, uh, we were amending this memo and revoting to make sure that we approved ESY across the board districtwide instead of on a limited basis. It it was it was only a change in verbiage, not in amount or the number of staff that were needed. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Need a motion for the 2526 junior high scheduling budget. I move the board of education approve the expenses for the general fund up to $29,350 to support professional learning associated with the shift to the learning model at the junior high school for the 2526 school year. Oh, teaming model, sorry. support. Um motion by Heidi, support by Monica for the junior high scheduling budget. Any discussion? Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Need a

106motion for the Webster smart table. I move the board of education approve the purchase of the Inspire interactive panel in the amount of $7,295.95. Support. A motion made by Monica, second by Heidi to purchase the Webster smart table. Is there any discussion? Okay, hearing none. Uh, roll call, please. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I need a motion for the CARES room facilitator. I move the board of education approve the hiring of a class B pair professional for the care CA care cares care program effective immediately. Support. Motion by Heidi, second by Monica, that we hire the cares room again. God, holy smokes, that's two times. That's two too many times. It's a ghost. What was that? Okay. U motion on the floor for the CARES room facilitator. Any discussion? All right. Uh roll call. Yes.

107Yes. Yes. Need a motion for the Foxbrite website renewal. I move the board of education approve the renewal of Foxbrite website hosting to address integrating stateofthe-art technology. I'll second. Support U by Heidi and get quick. Motion by Heidi, support by Darren. I had to get it in there quick. Yes, I noticed. To renew the Foxbrite website renewals. Is there any discussion? Okay. Roll call. I would like to just make an amendment to my motion not to exceed $5,697. I'll second that again. Thank you. Where did you get that from? In the on the on the um memo. Okay. All right. So amendment is made to for what? 5,000 $697. $697 for the Foxbrite website renewal. Any other discussion? No. Roll call, please. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Superintendent report. Oh no, sorry. Freedom of information

108isformational. We all got a list of what that was. I don't have it in front of me. Yep. And then we have item O as the um national communication school conference. Oh, the conference we post. Okay. Are we good on for you? Everybody got a copy? I I know Don Rice had something on there. I don't remember. Anybody remember the other one? No, I think they were both Don Rice. There was one about a And then there was another one about a parent. So, sorry to the public. I should know what those both were, but um I don't have it in front of me. So, we moved the conference down here. Approval of the conference. Yep. And who is that for? Brook. Do you have a motion? Yeah, sure. I make a motion to approve

109the um National Community School Conference from May 26 to May 30th in the amount of $1,725. Support. Okay. Motion to attend the National Community Schools Conference, $1,725. And And who I I Who is going? Brook Barnett. Who is that? Monica. Brooke Barnett. Okay. Brook Barnett. And it's covered by United Way grant. By the grant. Yeah. Right. It was covered by the grant. Yes. Um any discussion? Okay. Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Superintendent report. Thank you. For um the the month of May, we have lost five students since April. That's a big change since the previous month when we lost 84 students. Um, when I looked at that a little bit deeper, uh, the students, there were 31 students from Michigan Cyber, 24 from Invest, and 18 from Advantage. So, that meant

11073 students from our programs that um are in an alternative placement left out of the 84. So, our enrollment has stabilized this month, which I'm happy to see. And uh across the board we saw minimal change. [Music] Okay. We have a total of 3,12029 headcount. All right. Thank you. On the fundraisers, there are two justformational and um we're getting close to the end of the year, so we're we're getting everything wrapped up. Okay. Anybody have any comments on those [Music] um requests for future agenda items? I would like to see um fudiciary for the outside organizations that we have. I'd like to bring that up. Okay. Anybody else? Calendar dates? I don't have anything. Um, back to public comment. Anybody wishing to speak at public comment? Okay. Board member administration comments. I have two things

111to read. This is in response to uh coming out of close session last week. Um is this working? Last week the Hazel Park Board of Education say this was written by an attorney. I did not write this. Last week the Hazel Park Board of Education voted to return Dr. Amy Krooppie back to active duty as superintendent on or before June 30th, 2025. Dr. Krooppiey's exact return date will be determined in the next few weeks. The board understands that Dr. Krooppy's placement on non-disciplinary paid administrative administrative leave was a tough decision, but it was made for several reasons. First, the non-disciplinary paid administrative leave was issued to allow the Allen Law Group PC to perform a thorough fact-finding investigation regarding concerns that were brought to the attention of the board. Second, the board approved non-disciplinary pay

112paid administrative leave because it wanted to protect Dr. Krooppy against any potential claims that Dr. groupy or anyone else on her behalf on duly would influence the factf finding process. The Allen Law Group PC has completed its factf finding investigation and submitted its findings to Dr. Krooppy. The board reviewed the findings and will address the findings with Dr. Krooppy through disciplinary action along with a plan of assistance to improve some performance deficiencies that were found during the factf finding process. In addition, the board will implement another measure that will further support Dr. Krooppy's team for 20 for the 2526 school year. While this process has been challenging, the board has received answers concerning long-standing concerns and is now prepared to move forward with Dr. Krooppy as the superintendent for the 2526 school year. So, that

113was last week. This is in response to the letter that was brought up today and written to the community. Um, it's been on Facebook. This is a long one. Um, the Hazel Park Schools, the district board of education, the board acknowledges receipt of a legal demand letter dated May 18th, 2025 from Dr. Krooppie's legal counsel, the sharp firm regarding her placement on administrative leave. The letter challenges the board's legal basis for entering a closed session on May 15, 2025, alleging violations of both the Constitution and the Open Meetings Act. The board remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and now takes this opportunity to provide additional context and legal justification for its actions. On the May 18th letter, Dr. Krooppy alleged that the district improperly entered close session on May 15, 2025. Specifically, Dr. Krooppy

114believes the district used close session to discuss how to end the superintendent's contract under false pretense. Unfortunately, Dr. Krooppy has materially misconstrued the board's motive and presupposes her argument without adequate factual support. While Dr. Krooppy correctly cites that Michigan law does not authorize a public body to hold a closed session solely for the purpose of receiving an oral legal opinion. That was not the case here. Rather, using the district retained legal counsel, the board formally requested that Truan Law Firm PC prepare a legal opinion for the board to review. In doing so, through this specific arrangement, the board created an attorney client relationship and therefore the opinion was subject to both attorney client privilege and work product doctrine. In Michigan, this doctrine is codified under Michigan court rule 2.302 302 and forms the basis for

115entering a closed session under section 81H of the open meetings act specifically to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal law MCL 15.2681H. Additionally, the board struggles to fully understand Dr. Krooppy's assertion that during this more than two-hour session, the board met with its attorney and discussed the recent lengthy investigation conducted regarding Dr. Krooppy her performance as superintendent and how they could get her to quit unless she possesses confidential correspondence from this session or is alleging or is alleging a breach of confidentiality by an individual that was present. It is unclear how she arrived at this conclusion without factual support. The board categorically denies this assertion. As previously stated, the purpose of the close session was to review a written legal opinion, a standard procedure that ali aligns with Michigan law.

116Regardless, her assertion is incorrect. The board corrected the board requested. Sorry. Regardless, her assertion is incorrect. The board requested and True and Law PC prepared a written legal opinion that was discussed in close session on May 15th to argue otherwise would go against the very core of the attorney client privilege and in turn negate purpose behind 81H of the Open Meetings Act. Furthermore, Dr. Krooppy asserts that the board reached conclusions during closed session in violation of the open meetings act. Again, the facts do not support her allegation. In Dr. Krooppy's own words, she stated that the board met for hours in close session with its attorney for reasons not allowed by law and then when it returned to the public session, it read a pre prepared motion into the record and without discussion. The board

117finds this assertion quite perplexing as Dr. Krooppy claims that the board reached a decision in close session but then sub subsequently voted on formal action immediately after. To clarify typical board operations, a board can only speak through its minutes and not through its individual members. See Travner versus Elk Rabbit. Elk Rapids 1954. Any act of the board shall not be considered valid unless approved at an official meeting by at least a majority vote of members elected to and serving on the board. MCL 380.1201. Therefore, any decisions made during public session following a closed meeting constitutes the legality. rec recognize legality recognize action of the board. Dr. Krooppy also appears to take issue that the board's lack of explanation after voting on the motion. However, the board is a public entity is bound to follow the

118law and to only carry out those functions which it is authorized. Consequently, the board is unaware of any affirmative obligation to provide the public with increased context regarding its discussions held in close session. Closed session as a tool that can be utilized to protect confidential matters for both the district and its employees alike, and requiring such explanation would appear to negate the reasons for entering close session in the first place. to discuss confidential information subject to attorney client privilege. Finally, Dr. Krooppy asserts that the actions taken against her thus far are adverse, specifically that she has received no notice of charges and no explanation for the investigation. This assertion is entirely misplaced. Dr. Krooppy was placed on paid nondisciplinary leave while the district conducted an internal investigation as is standard procedure for all personnel investigations.

119Dr. Krooppy has cited to Mud Mudro versus City of St. Louis, Missouri, a Supreme Court case standing for the proposition that for an employment action to be considered adverse, some harm must occur. While Dr. Kubie is correct that some harm must occur for an adverse employment action to have taken place. She fails to articulate that harm, what harm she has suffered. To consider this action adverse, an explanation must be offered demonstrating that her employment rights have been impaired. However, she was never disciplined during this time and she continued to receive full compensation and benefits during the pendency of her leave. C Hill versus Nicholson uh CA62010 holding that although a suspension may be adverse action even without a loss of pay, there was no indication the employees one day suspension had any long-term impact on

120the terms or conditions of her employment. And that's referring to that court case that confused me. um as she was able to continue working and receiving her regular pay even through suspension. See Greg versus Jefferson County Board holding that a written reprimand without evidence that it led to a materially adverse consequence such as lowered pay, demotion, suspension, or the like is not materially adverse employment action. Furthermore, the district has not levied any formal charges and because no formal action has been taken place against Dr. Krooppy, no adverse action has occurred. Therefore, the board reiterates that none of its actions stand in violation to the state or federal constitution nor the Open Meetings Act. Rather, the board followed its standard protocol in handling its investigation into Dr. groupy. In doing so, the board utilized its retained

121legal counsel to prepare a legal opinion for its review in close session. The board concludes that these actions are in conformance with board policy and the law and therefore rejects in their entirety the claims made by Dr. Krooppy and her council. At this time, the board would like to thank the public for their attendance and attention to tonight's meeting. That was a mouthful. I don't want to I'd like to make a motion to authorize True Law Firm um PC to have discussions with Superintendent Dr. Amy Krooy's legal counsel. [Music] Support Okay. Was it not heard? Is that better? It was not heard. I move the board of education authorized Truan Law Firm PC to have discussions with Superintendent Dr. Amy Krooppy Leo Council support. All right. Motion made by Heidi and support by Debbie that

122Truan have conversation. Yes. With Dr. Droopy. Legal counsel. Legal counsel. The Sharp Law Firm. Legal counsel of her legal counsel. Yes. The Sharp Law Firm. There would be you could write it for me. Okay. Any discussion? I I think first if this has happened before. Um, I think first what we need is clarification that we can toss an action item up during board member and administration comments without having this be on the agenda. Um I I don't know if we have somebody that can advise us on that and then further if it is appropriate during a meeting um for for us to be voting on this without any type of prior discussion or any understanding of what we are authorizing Truan what type of discussion we are authorizing Truan to have with a legal counsel.

123I am I am deeply disappointed that two lengthy statements from Truan on behalf of the board were just read out loud and that this board is hearing and learning of those statements at the same time as the community. Uh while I definitely think that they deserve to know that information, uh to to have caught us completely off guard and to purport things that I can tell you I fundamentally do not agree with. Um as as legal writing on our behalf, we've never seen that. We had never heard that. We did not even know that those letters were written or that they were coming. And now all of a sudden it has sprung on us that this this ongoing conversation take place again outside of any type of open discussion and outside of any type of

124border community involvement is I struggle to find the word wild. Okay, I I I hear you. But we had people make public comments tonight that that was a letter was coming out and Bev just read the letter. I don't know when Bev got it today. Um and then when something is publicized all over Facebook and we get it at 10:00 last night, are we not supposed to respond as a board? But then it should be as a board. Like none of us saw that. I heard about this just a couple hours ago from a newspaper writer that you read about it last night as did everybody. No, I'm talking about what she just read. None of us read that and like April said, there is things in there that I don't agree with. And we

125should have been able to see that as a board before it went out to the public at the same time we all heard it. Nobody knew about these. Everybody knew the letter from last week was coming because he told us that he was going to write a response that we could read because everybody was I don't blame him on transparency too. The hardest thing I've had ever had to do was like be quiet about all of this. It's torturous. It's torturous. But I'm going by legal advice. And he told us he would write a response to last week. The other one just came today because of what happened last night at 9:00. Correct. But a newspaper writer knew about it before I did. A newspaper writer knew about it before I did. Before our board

126did. And it's not it's not audience time. She also received a letter today that she can attend graduation. So hopefully she will tell everybody that. [Applause] Does attend graduation mean that she will be handing out diplomas? Well, her her letter that she states says that she needs to ask permission from the president. So, if Dr. Koopy wants to hand out diplomas, then I think she needs to make the request to the president as it was instructed in her letter. So, put her back in her job. Public discussion is not now. Darren, we need to vote. Can I speak first? Um, I'm in agreeance that it is a little off-putting to hear these letters for the first time here with everyone else. Um, I was hoping that something would come out earlier to the public, you

127know. Sorry. Uh, so that's, you know, I'm hoping that we can work together as a board moving forward and be transparent with each other. I mean, how can the public us to be transparent with them if we can't be transparent with each other? So, that's a little disappointing. Two, going forward, you know, Dr. Kubie is the superintendent. she's reinstated, right? I don't see why we need to prolong this any longer, why we can't just move forward, you know, have a little overlap with Dr. Cost. I appreciate Dr. Cost and everything you've done, but you know, a little transition move forward for the community, for the students, for the for us. um you know it's it seems almost as if the students are potentially being punished uh in a in a sense. So I just would

128like because from now we don't meet for what two weeks I I find it hard to find that we're just going to leave this gap and leave it open-ended uh when we have already voted already decided to end the administrative leave. So, that's my two cents. I hope if we have to set up a special meeting or something to discuss, I I would be an advocate for that. Uh, and I hope uh, you know, I go through these trainings with the Michigan Association of School Boards and and it really really hits home that you are, this isn't seven board members in the superintendent. We're a team of eight. It's not an adversarial role. We're supposed to work together for the students, for the district. And I hope going forward that we can we can do

129that better for the community, for the students, and for the schools. [Applause] Point of order. President Hinton, I have a motion on the table. Okay. The motion's on the table and it's seconded. So, roll call. We'll vote. Yes. Yes. I hesitate because I I do not want to stand in the way of moving forward. But much like the original proposal of hiring the Truan Law Firm, much like the original discussion regarding uh the hiring of the Allen Law Group, um I am my my level of trust is worried and I do not want to move forward in a way that I believe may be in congruent uh to the needs of the students of this district. So I will vote no. Uh, I echo April's sentiments. While difficult, I'm not exactly certain what the purpose

130of um this is. So, I vote no as well. Yes. I am going to vote no as well. Um the fact that we are just hesitant and not 100% about Shurin and what has transpired, I'm going to yes. That is it. All right. Motion carries. Board comments. Do we need a motion to adjurnn? No, we still have board comments. We still have comments. We have what? We we still have comments to make. Okay, I'm raising up. I always have tons. So, um just because I know it's the end of the school year and things are crazy. Um junior high softball had a game today. They also have Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week because there are so many cancellations due to weather. Um varsity softball had a game today and then they have Wednesday and Friday.

131And I just want to congratulate Greg Richardson on his 50th win as um head coach for softball. That's pretty awesome. Um, I want to congratulate all the students of the month, all the retirees, all the years of service. Um, that 135 is insane to me. 35 years at the same place, but that is amazing. Um, baseball has had a game today, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Boys, junior high baseball have Wednesday, and Thursday. Um, there is a Hoover spring concert tomorrow. the junior high multicultural and fine arts family night tomorrow, advantage graduation Wednesday, middle school swim Wednesday, and then I am plenty sure there's more games next week, but I didn't want to keep naming all of them for you guys. Um, graduation for Jardon is next Thursday, 8th grade formal next Thursday, um, and ending

132the week with our high school graduation. Um, I did want to just say that on May 15th, I received an email back from um the Allen Law Group from the gentleman that I did the investigation with saying that it was complete. Um, and I do know that when our first one was complete, we got answers right away asking us to have a meeting. I understand it's year end, but I don't think any one of us are not willing to have a special meeting. We do it all the time for far less important reasons. Um, so I'm just curious why we're not at any meeting, why I wasn't even asked what days we could do this. Um, and I'm going to echo a few things about if we are agreeing to move forward and have Dr.

133Kubby come back. Like Nate said, um, I have heard from Dr. Cost, Amy needs to be at the graduations, Amy needs to hand out diplomas. And that came from Dr. Cross as well. And she is right. Parents have said this, they are right. Um so I hope that she will be the one doing this. Um just again want to uh second great to see all the students of the month and the lead s being successful the business the DECA the uh the Edison presentation the youth assistance everything. It's great to see all the good stuff. I love it. Um, and then I do want to go back to mental health month. Um, that's important. Uh, there's help. If you have issues, anybody. There's always someone. Talk to a friend, a neighbor, family member, teacher, anybody.

134Uh, I just want to throw that out there that there's someone there for you if you are having a mental health crisis. Thanks, Anybody else? I do. I just wanted to bring up um did I I couldn't always hear you, but there's a graduation Wednesday for I just looked advantage for Advantage. Thank you. I I didn't know if she brought that up, but I wanted to say that is this Wednesday. And we had a parapro that completed their RBT certification. So, I want to tell them congratulations. Who was it? Well, am I allowed to say? I hope so. I believe it's Sandra. Sandra, I believe it is the person Sandra Petri Petri. Thank you very much. I wanted to tell her congratulations. Um, and again reiterating what everybody said. It was great to see all

135the presentations. Uh, thanks youth assistance for coming out. That's a great organization. And that's it. Hope everybody has a good summer. So, I just have um honors night. Honors night is Thursday here, which is awesome. Uh to see all the successes and the families and the students and then uh Memorial weekend. Everybody enjoy. It's hard to believe it's end of May, but it's going to be our holiday weekend. So, everybody have a good one. If I may make comments as well. Um I I may repeat um some of the things that I had said earlier, but I I feel very strongly um about moving forward and regaining the trust of our community. Um earlier this week, there were some several um community discussions regarding the role of a school board and the responsibilities. Um, some

136of those are to understand community resources and their needs. Uh, to be transparent and accessible to everyone in the community and to be a watchdog of our taxpayer resources. And while I agree that the the actions of the past few months have been to echo President Hitten torturous, uh I am speaking both to the community and I am I am asking my fellow board members at this time not withstanding the results of these meetings uh to immediately schedule a special meeting to solidify a return date for the superintendent so that we may move forward as a district and begin working together to advance the needs of our students and our staff. Um, I beg us to hold this meeting in an open session so that the community is aware of if not allegations at least

137processes that are necessary in order for us to move forward. Um, I am also requesting in an effort again to move on from the actions of the past few months that this board immediately hold a meeting to review and discuss the investigation into board members for violations of potential board policies. Again, based on community need, I am begging for us to hold this meeting in open session. Um, I don't see a way that we move forward by continuing to move in silence or continuing to make decisions uh that the community is not aware of or understanding our thought processes behind that. Um, I would like to remind the community that the board financials are public documents and outside of contractual obligations in pay, which are also public, uh, the payments that have been made to

138both Truan Law and the Allen Law Group in support of both investigations are public. Um, they are certainly not up to date because we have not received final bills yet. Uh, but you are able to look at them. Um, and then to to end on a positive note, um, I think we had some difficult discussions today, but we started off our meeting with overwhelmingly positive presentations. Uh, thank you to all the staff that have stayed and have provided years, decades of dedicated service to the district. Um overwhelming congratulations to our scholar athletes who have have really learned to balance the roles of their extracurriculars and their community involvement with their academics and they have obviously excelled. Uh good luck to all the teams that are still in session and um in order to move forward

139positively and to continue this movement. I am very excited to celebrate um each of the graduating students at the upcoming ceremonies this month. Anybody else? Motion to adjurnn. Second.