JPS Board Meeting - 12/16/25

001the Jackson Public Schools regular board of education meeting to order. Thank you for everyone attending tonight. If you would like to make a um public comment, there are sheets of paper on that back little cupboard and if you just put your name, address, contact information, and what you'd like to speak about um just so that we could follow up if we need to follow up. So, at this time, we're going to stand and do the pledge of allegiance. Sarah, can you take a roll call? Miss Hamilton, present. Mrs. Simonetti. Mr. Ready? Here. Miss Sharp Mr. Doby's here. Miss Actton here. Agenda item number four, approval of agenda. Do I have a motion? So moved. Support. Any deliberation? Any questions? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion carries. Turn it

002over to Mr. Patterson for the superintendence report. Thank you, acting president um Actton. Uh welcome everyone to our December board meeting. We are very excited this time of year. We have three more wakeups until holiday break and we have a lengthy agenda this uh evening. So I'm glad so many folks are here and interested in Jackson Public Schools. So I am Superintendent Jeremy Patterson and at this time I'd like to acknowledge Shelanda Hunt. I believe uh Mrs. K is here in the audience with a few words as she is an outgoing board member. Uh madame president is it is with the utmost gratitude that I respond to your resignation from the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education with these two simple words. Thank you. You've been a champion for Jackson Public Schools for a lifetime.

003Our motto, as our motto says, once a Viking, always a Viking. Yet you went far beyond the call of duty. You led with integrity. You sacrificed. You made difficult decisions. And most importantly, you inspired a community. You celebrated our children, supported our staff, and helped move JPS forward academically and organizationally. While thank you isn't enough for all you've accomplished, this moment is not an ending. It's a new beginning. Your continued service on the city council represents a powerful opportunity for our partnership that will benefit both our schools and our city. I am proud of all that you have achieved and all that you will continue to do. Uh best wishes and your leadership with Ward 5 and the city of Jackson. What is good for JPS is good for Jackson and what is good for

004Jackson is good for JPS. Thank you again for your outstanding leadership. five years as a board member, one year as board president, and a lifelong Viking. So, at this time, I'd like to give Madame President Shelanda Hunt a hand for her years of service. Thank you. Okay, next up, we have a guest here from the Michigan Department of Education. I'd like to call uh Lisa Francisco to the microphone and there's a red icon or a button next to the little person. Uh Mrs. Fl Francisco Francisco has been our pal or our partnership liaison during our JPS partnership agreement and worked extremely close with the district and um has just been uh just a godsend to bring the knowledge and the guidance and the partnership and the collaboration uh many trips down here to Jackson. She

005has Jackson ties and she has some great news to report out to the board of education. So uh we're grateful for your presence this evening. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, Superintendent Patterson. Um, it is a privilege for me to be here tonight and I promised um Jeremy that I would try not to birdwalk, but there is such good good things going on here from the leadership at the district level and at the building level that are committed to the progress of JPS. three years ago, they were uh met the criteria for entering a partnership agreement with the Michigan Department of Education to increase student achievement in whole child indicators. From the onset, they embraced that opportunity rather than looking at it as what are we going to do to get off the

006list. It was what can we get out of this? What can MDE do for us as well as Jackson ISD? Probably the biggest impact that they have had is their commitment to implementing a multi-tered system of support. And that is a five-pronged portion of strategic planning that can be applied to anything even in our own lives. And it requires team-based leadership. Who do you have around the table to help you make decisions? It's committing to do we have a sound tiered delivery system of instruction and whole child support for our students. Tier one at the classroom level, tier two differentiation, and if that isn't sufficient enough for our student needs, tier three. Do we have all of those? Do we have a comprehensive assessment and screening system that will help guide our decision-m help us

007to see students where they're at, where their strengths are, and where their opportunities for growth are? Do we have the correct selection and implementation of curriculum materials of interventions of instructional practices? How do we know how do we look at that? And finally, are we are we making decisions based upon data? a team of people um cohort what they have affectionately coined the MTSS coordination team embraced how to how to bring this to the table for everyone and that included professional learning in the first year and we had a a group of probably 30 to 50 staff members from across JPS from all sectors of the the staff members um that rep that serve our children as well as from each building and each staff uh grade level type and at first they were like

008why am I here what am I learning this really doesn't make sense to trusting the process and then understanding ah I get what we need to do so a couple of points that I'll highlight is that um again and I'll just continually repeat it is that the exceptional dedication and hard work demonstrated throughout the whole process this is a robust system and it's very impactful and they're at the onset of it and they'll continue to to move forward. It is a diverse, open-minded, and passionate group of educators that have come together to establish a strong foundation for future growth and creating an a inspiring model of collaboration. I brag about Jackson Public a lot across the state. I've learned and grown right alongside of them uh and along the the team, which some of them

009are here. And these are individuals who are witness to what allin looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Um, I I just do a couple of shoutouts to Kelly, to Corey, to Sarah, to Heather, to Julie and Jeremy, and so many others. So, so the MCT, the MTSS coordination team, so they uh made sure JPS staff was involved in this work and are inclusive and open-minded. They cultivated strong buyin and shared ownership of the systems and goals. They recognized that diverse voices and perspectives are necessary and they ensured that they were um if they weren't represented at the table, they kept asking who else needs to be here. They are intentional with communication and planning. That is probably the uh biggest barrier is when districts don't communicate out to what what are we doing and

010why and continually doing it, not just doing it at the onset. So, as such, the greater JPS staff has a higher engagement in this district-wide initiative and they're seeing systems and improvements are for the long haul, not oh, this is this will pass. It's not passing and it will outlift all of the the great leadership that are here. So learning and understanding the multi-tered systems of support framework, identifying the current processes that are in place at JPS that align with it because that's the very important key. What are we doing great already and how does that fit into the framework and building on and strengthening and growing that framework has been in my opinion the most powerful outcome of the partnership agreement work at the district level. The framework allows for building autonomy which buildings

011very much appreciate, the formation of the MCT as a critical driver of this collective system work, maintaining the MTSS coordinator position, and there have been since that position was created and it is funded by section 21H funding which is one of the perks of being a partnership. um that salary currently is paid for with the intention hopefully and I'll be a strong promoter maintain it with a different funding stream when section 21H is no longer. Three different people have served in that role during my tenure and not at one point did they miss a step in handing it off. They they trusted each other. They were there to support each other in the transition and they're there collectively to for ongoing support. They utilize a district capacity assessment. So that's taking a look what does

012it mean to implement this? What should the indicate? How well should we be doing it? What does it look like? Are we doing it? Monitoring it. And they're they're very open to using it. It's a pretty comprehensive um assessment. They've leveraged the Jackson IST. Kelsey Jabkowitz is um the person that I work closely with and works closely with um the with the public school Jackson public schools. She she is just powerful in um facilitating groups, encouraging communication, getting all voices heard even when people don't want to share and is also I think a person that can say hey folks this is what it says is that what we're hearing it looks like if not so what are we committed to doing just having that outside person is it it's great um you're so lucky to

013have that you've sustained core teams the district implement mentation team along with the MCT team. You're using and growing the use of instructional walks to validate and inform instructional practices and professional development. And they hold sacred days for district data dialogue. That's very important as well. Snow days happen, crises happen, a lot of busyness happens. And we know we we know the sense of when our building principles are fatigued and it's like, "Oh, we you know what? We need to cancel and it's like no we don't because knowing this data and what it tells us is very powerful in moving along the way. JPS revised their code of conduct and adapted language and key documents. They've strengthened their positive behavior and intervention supports implementation and they've revamped your assist uh process, your child study process

014to better see students strengths in growth areas. At the building level, each building has um and with the help of the Jackson ISD has completed their positive behavior intervention support tiered fidelity inventories. And those again are those things that we we look through. Are we doing it? Are we doing it as it's described? How well are we doing it? They're doing that for PBIS. The next step is to begin to do that with reading and to see how are we putting in all of the foundations for sound reading and literacy instruction. uh Kel along with Kelsey, she and I provided professional learning in uh year two for the early warning indicator system that is used proactively to address student needs um at the middle school as well at um South Central Michigan Virtual. And uh

015I uh what's great too about working with SCMV is that they recognize how they deliver their instruction to students. How they motiv motivate students isn't how it is in what our typical traditional school is and they were able to recognize how does this look for us and uh they just didn't sit back and say oh we don't have to worry about that. They figured it out and said what can we do? The uh as I mentioned, the data meetings are also occurring at the building level and the district team is recognizing that um the use of a standardized template around those data dialogues will support consistent action planning across the district. you have MTSS coaches at each building and that had to take somewhat of a pause last uh last year as you were dealing

016with some budget issues, but gratefully that that was maintained as a priority and that is um been re-entered and now the team is looking at hey we have some people that are in these positions that are new. What do we need to do to onboard them to keep things rolling and consistent? uh system documentation efforts are underway to un to standardize documentation across the buildings and then also taking a look at key student transition times um you know from elementary to middle for middle to high school in our general ed population but also let's take a look at things for our English learners for our students who receive special education services and those also that transition back and forth from SCMV. Um it I I just have a lot of affection for how um Freddy

017embraced the students and his charge to help the whole district understand the students that they get to serve and hopefully transition back into the traditional program. They're also being very thoughtful about the social emotional learning curriculum and are piloting that and using the data from piloting that feedback from the teachers and from the students to for um further implementation as we looked and close things out and uh the student perception survey uh was a key part of the outcomes wanting to see some improvements and we were able to celebrate. There definitely is areas that will continue to improve, but um the most recent student survey validated progress um in in several areas. Uh there's 11% increase in students at the middle school at Parkside who said, "Yeah, we behave pretty darn good." That they're noticing

018that. That's that's a good feeling when kids can say, "Yeah, self-reflect." Um we have more students who are feeling safe and and feel like they belong. Um certainly in these times that and we know that winds of change can change that from day to day depending on circumstances but overarching that's that's excellent and more students are enjoying just attending school. The chronic absenteeism rate has been reduced. They're still not happy with where you're at. Just like with our our academic achievement scores still not you know they're mo progressing well but still not satisfied as as no district should be satisfied. Um the again the acknowledgement I want to make in leaving with you tonight is just the dedication and the leadership across the district. Um the monitoring of the implementation of initiatives is typically where

019organizations it can fall short or when they wonder why isn't this doing what it should be? It's typically did we implement well? Did we monitor what we're implementing for impact? and uh your team is dedicated to understanding that and making those action plans and taking time to reflect um their commitment to also to sustaining and scaling efforts to ensure every student thrives. The opportunity to support efforts in minimizing barriers and securing essential con uh connections for JPS has has been a just great for me. I that's what I do. That's the the joy I get. But um these folks that I as I'm uh starting to work with two new districts, I say you'll get out of it what you put in it. And again, an excellent role model for for this is JPS. Genuine

020teamwork, committed leadership, and steadfast focus on student success continue to drive this meaningful progress. From the onset, it's always been about the students, and it's it's students. What can we what can we change as adults? What are our students telling us that we can change as adults to affect change? So, thank you very very much. This is and congratulations. Thank you. I appreciate that. We've been having these discussions at the board table and in the community and in the buildings for three years. And it's really nice when we can just celebrate at the end. We appreciate your partnership along with us. Support is what schools need, not consequences, but support. And that's what we received and that's why we had positive outcomes. So, I don't that was a lot. I don't know if there's any

021questions or comments at this time, but we're grateful for your partnership and your leadership with JPS. Thank you. At this time we have an owner's representative from Baker Tilly Advisory Group with a presentation. It was the request of the board of education last month um to bring forward a owner's rep. We had some discussion at finance and facility and are going to continue that conversation. So uh Mr. Bara Well, good evening everyone again. My name is Sam Bara. I am a senior manager with Baker Tilly. Uh I've been with Baker Tilly for um a little bit more than uh 15 months now. Uh prior to that, I was the assistant superintendent or CFO of Oxford Community Schools here in Michigan for nine years. I was also for a period of those nine years also the

022facilities director as well. Uh prior to my time at Oxford Community Schools, I had a similar role. I was the executive director of finance and operations. So again, the CFO, but also over all of the construction projects for the district and the bonds uh at Dearbornne Public Schools as well for uh about three years. Um so um I do have a uh state of Michigan. I'm a licensed builder as well. So, it's a passion of mine. I was at the time when I was in Oxford, we were um and still are. Uh Oxford is a uh a customer uh of a client of Baker Tilly. Um so, I wanted to also say to you, congratulations on the successful passage of your bond proposal uh back in November. It's fantastic for the students, for obviously the

023uh the staff of the district and the community as a whole. Um it's going to be the next seven years is going to be fantastic in terms of the the additions and the changes, positive changes for all of those uh that I just mentioned. Um as you know, you will be asked as a board uh by administration to approve several million dollars. Obviously, you passed $126 million bond proposal. Um you're going to be, you know, tasked with approving um obviously pay applications for those construction projects and um it's going to be obviously there's going to be a lot coming at you as I'm sure many of you are well aware. Um there's also going to be a lot coming at administration obviously particularly the facilities um department as well as the business department specifically uh

024with just managing these projects um not just from a cost perspective but also from a obviously a planning perspective and a constructibility perspective and that is why again um obviously as the superintendent mentioned that's why you wanted to hear from me hear a little bit about what we um can offer as a firm. Um and basically that's what I want to dive into now a little bit. Um before I do, I just wanted to mention that I know I mentioned uh that I met several of you if I didn't I met several of you before. Those of you that I didn't meet about a week and a half ago, I also put a example of one of our monthly reports that we have currently for one of our construction clients and that's Aendale School District

025in Oakland County. I put an example in front of you of a monthly report. You also may have that electronically as well. So feel free if you have any questions at the end. I I will try to be as brief as possible. I know you have a long agenda tonight. Um but if we can refer to um obviously the uh the presentation that you see over and above or maybe on your laptop, Baker Tilly, who we are, we're the sixth largest accounting firm in the country. Um we are accounting firm but we're also uh we have several we wear many many different hats and obviously one of those is owner rep style services construction accounting and monitoring uh but we do many many different things obviously uh we have a little over $3 billion of

026revenue um in the state of Michigan we have 114 team members 11 CPAs are partners um and so just to give you a little bit of a a highle view of who we are and who Baker Tilly is um snapshot of our construction um cost and uh mitigation services that uh obviously you have me here tonight. Nationwide we work with municipalities uh cities obviously towns we work on infrastructure projects as you see here um sports and entertainment and obviously closer to what you care about is obviously K through2 construction. I mentioned Aendale and the example of monthly reporting that I put in front of you. We also have Pawpaw here as a client um closer to you here in Michigan. And then you see other uh K through2 districts throughout the country um as well.

027Um why would you choose to hire us? These are just a couple of highlevel bullet point examples of why would anyone choose, maybe not even Baker Tilly, but why would anyone choose to have kind of an owner's representative um as part of your team for your construction projects? Well, some of the facts that we've seen from our client base are 50% of large construction projects exceed their budget, as you can see, by 35% or more. That's what we have seen um as as part of just the general in the nation what we've seen for large projects and your project in my opinion is quite large at 126 million or so dollars. Um the construction projects are typically overcharged by 1% or more. Um and I mentioned early on that you know you're going to be

028approving payment applications each month. you're going to be approving change orders depending on the size of those change orders going forward. Um, so again, there needs to be obviously keen eyes to all of those documentations that come through each month once construction gets underway. Um, there's obviously right now there's tariffs that we have to be concerned with. Um and then in general just the labor and material shortages um that result and can increase um the the abuse and fraud that you may be subjected to. Um hopefully not. Um, your construction contracts are frequently one-sided, and it's not just yours because you probably don't have one yet, obviously, but many that we've seen across the country um are geared towards the construction manager or architect rather than the client themselves. So, just to be aware of

029that and why you would want to hire someone to help go through those contracts and again look over your financials on a monthly basis to ensure they're compliant with the contracts that you have. Um, also the contract ambiguity um in in in basically looking sure making sure that um costs are clearly defined and that there are no gray areas within your contract. So those are the big reasons. Um the capital project management alternatives. This is basically what we're uh proposing uh for the district. And I discussed this about a week and a half ago with the committee. That upper box is what I put the proposal together for. So it's really financially geared towards the district. However, we are extraordinarily flexible as obviously an organization. If the district uh decided to say, "Hey, Baker Tilly,

030could you add on architectural design review services or on-site construction review because we want to have another third-party independent opinion on our roofs? Our construction manager and architect are telling us one thing, but we're uncertain. Can you help us?" We could add those services on as well. But as I I'm showing you today, it's really the larger box on the top and that really is focusing on the costs and the dollars uh with your construction projects going forward. And so what we provide and what I shared with you earlier is really the communication uh and that monthly report that we provide for the district that shows not only where you're at actuals versus budget by project, but also where you're at in your schedule. are you uh you know uh behind schedule? Are you ahead

031of schedule with each of your projects? And it's just an ability for you to either inform yourselves also if you wanted to share that with the community to become more transparent if you so chose. So that's the nice thing about obviously that monthly report. Um so I kind of went over a high level of some of those bullet points. Um, again, we review in detail your contract that you have. The earlier that we're brought on, we could work with your obviously bond attorney, contract attorney to help review the language for material escalation clauses as an example. You know, as I mentioned tariffs, and everyone hears about tariffs nowadays. Well, in construction projects, as many of you are aware, your construction manager works with the subcontractors to purchase steel, aluminum, whatever it is, gypsum, whatever it

032is that probably has a tariff associated with it. Maybe it doesn't though. So, it's looking at that detail and comparing it to your contract to ensure that you're not getting taken advantage of or there's maybe just honest errors in billing to the district. that is what we do and that is the bread and butter of what we do. Uh again, if you want to just kind of go through the the other points that we have an online tracking website that you can choose to review as well beyond the hard copy report that we share monthly with the district. Um we also have a dedicated team obviously I am here in Michigan. If you wanted me to be on site, not only at your meetings, but at your projects, I am happy to do that. Um,

033I live in Oakland County. I put a lot of miles on my car and I have no issue with doing that. Um, but we also have about 50 team members in this group nationwide. So, we're a large team that's really dedicating to looking out and being that fiduciary for the district to ensure that obviously the eyes are dotted and the tees are crossed when it comes to looking at your financials on a monthly basis. Um, obviously the district staff, they have a lot going on outside of the bond and they're spending their time obviously with their daytoday and their responsibilities. having a large uh construction and a large bond project just exacerbates and really reduces the amount of time that they're able to dedicate to other things. And the nice thing is is that you

034know obviously with whomever you may choose if you choose to do and hire someone regardless of who it is uh for construction accounting and monitoring or owners rep services. You use bond proceeds for that if you so choose. you don't have to use your general fund which is really crucial and you could put it back in the classroom if you so choose as a district. So that's the nice thing about these services. Um if I go a little bit move forward here and uh there we go the next slide really talking about you know what benefits again and that's the improved resource efficiency by using someone such as an owner's rep. Um, a lot of the times, as I mentioned, that your district staff either doesn't have the time, nor do they maybe have the

035expertise to go through your contracts and look at all of your change orders and your pay application on a monthly basis in detail or to the level that they would like in order to catch errors and to c catch some, you know, erroneous maybe charges potentially. And that's again what we are offering to do as well. Um, again, time is of the essence and oftentimes when I was in the CFO seat, as an example, at Oxford, some of my pay applications, honest, were like 200 pages long because you have subcontractors submitting detail to you depending on your project and depending on the size of that project. So, it can be a daunting task is my point. Um this is kind of like the timeline the standard timeline and cadence um of engaging with Baker Tilly

036as an example project kickoff be meeting a project risk analysis that's looking over your construction contracts or contract as I mentioned earlier and doing a deep dive um but also doing that monitoring as I mentioned every month to make sure that you're on track and prod producing that report and being part of your project team. And again, I showed you um a little bit. Again, please feel free to take a look at that hard copy that I put in front of you from Aendale Schools. Um but really, it gets into the nitty-gritty detail. You know, we produce RFIs, which are requests for information on a monthly basis depending on what we're looking for from your construction manager. And it's normally to your construction manager, not to the district. And normally we're looking for things like,

037okay, can you send us this subcontract that you have with your um with your drywall subcontractor or can you send us um obviously your lean waiver to make sure that it was signed off so that there's no district issues um for them coming back on the district if they didn't sign off on their lean waiver. There's various hundreds of things that we could ask for and we complete this RFI log and show that to you on a monthly basis as a roll forward to show you what has been asked, what has been provided and what's outstanding from our standpoint. So, it's it's quite nice uh to have that and especially if you're asked by a community member, hey, what's going on with your projects? Where are you at? It's nice to just show them say,

038"Well, this is the report and this gives you a summary view and then it dives into the detail the pages after that summary." So, we think it's very nice and so do our clients. I won't go into too much more. I kind of gave you a highle overview and again I know that you're pressed for time tonight. I will open it up to if you have any questions for me, I'd be happy to try to answer those. Um, I have a question for you. What's your name one more time? I'm sorry. I'm Sam. Sam Bara. Yeah. Hi. Sam Parker. Bara. Nice to meet you. Likewise. Um this uh and Sarah might have the answer to this um this uh PowerPoint. Do we have that? Did you send that today? Is that what we have that

039you sent today? Okay. Um because I want to look at it um Sure. further. Um can you just from your experience um briefly or uh like you're talking to a fifth grader um give me the difference between um and I understand that you would be considered an owner rep. Sure. Versus this project project construction manager rather what's the difference between the two? So, a construction manager um that you would normally hire, most districts hire are actually responsible for um dealing directly with your subcontractors. So, let's just say that you're doing a roofing project. They're going to have either directly uh through them or directly through the district a contract with that subcontractor and they're going to manage that subcontractor unless the district decides to manage those contractors, those subcontractors themselves. But you hire a construction

040manager for their skill set and expertise to manage projects. Okay? What most of those firms though do is they don't, and I'm not saying all, they're not CPAs, they're not accounting firms. So they get paid based upon a percentage of construction. What we do is we don't offer a percentage of construction. You pay us a standard amount and you could cancel at any time. There is obviously there's no long-term contract. construction managers. Again, if there's a change order and it increases the project budget, well, guess what? They're getting paid for that in addition to their original contract terms. So that's a big difference between what they how they get compensated, but they really are hired by districts as an example or other clients depending on the industry for their industry expertise in construction and managing

041to a schedule and managing overall a high level budget, but they're not they don't have a fiduciary responsibility to you because they're not an accounting firm. That's a big difference. I don't know if that does that help answer your question. Thank you. Thank you. Absolutely. Hi Sam. Um can you explain to the group of what you offer with regards to boots on the ground and when we'll actually see you and if we have an issue that comes up your response to that? Absolutely. So if we were hired for a again the the services that are more financially oriented which is what you have in front of you I would be obviously here as physically if you need me whenever you wanted truly. Um in addition to that I'm normally online for my other clients or

042I am in person depending on when they meet with their construction management team. As an example, at Aenddale, we have a construction meeting every two weeks on Monday at 2 PM, and it usually is an hour and a half long. It's also online. I usually choose to attend physically in person, okay? Because there's there's often times where we have sidebar conversations um with the construction manager and the architect that sometimes you can't capture online. So, I'd like to physically be there. But to answer your question, Cheryl, really it is is depending on what level you need of service. And again, if you need construction on-site management services, we can revise our proposal to include those. And it could be me or it could be others that have more direct experience of that particular construction change

043order. As an example, let's say that you had a change over order for a roofing project. Well, I don't maybe feel comfortable um Sam Bara as Baker Tilly to instruct you, but we have someone that's an expert in Baker Tilly that we can have come out and help with that change order to ensure that your engineer or your uh your construction manager as well as your architect are accurate. And so that could happen as often or as infrequent as you would like. That's why we don't bake it in in the beginning. You could choose to add that some other time. Let's just say you are experiencing issues with your construction manager a year from now. Baker Tilly, would you give us a proposal to add that service? That's why we add that flexibility to it.

044We we're trying to be good fiscal stewards because we understand that your community voted for this and they expect obviously as much as perfection as possible. Trust me, I know because I was the CFO of a dis two two different districts. So, I get it. So, does that answer your question, Cheryl? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It's a great question as well. Uh thank you, Madam Chair. the uh I've worked on a number of different economic development projects and and seen many come to fruition and would be interested in seeing a proposal or addition to the recent proposal for the on-site review and seeing what that is because I think it's more comparing apples to apples in lie of the on-site review. who who would who would be doing that I guess um

045if if the construction manager is if there's change orders if they're completing you know work is that typically done by administration um if we aren't contracting uh with Baker Tilly on on that that's a fantastic question Derek so what happens is when you would hire a construction manager obviously if you had u a specific project where there was a change order as an example they would be the firm to help you through that process. But keep in mind again, you have also district administration specifically in that example that I just provided, your facilities director who obviously has great experience at many different facets of construction, I would assume, because that's why they're partially in the position that they're in. in addition to myself if I was hired. If not, you would be really you would

046be uh looking more at your construction manager, architect, and your staff internally to make those decisions where do we think this is reasonable? Okay, the construction manager is telling us this is a reasonable change order and it's not in the original contract. The architect is saying the same thing as the construction manager. Then you refer to your internal administrative staff to say, do you guys think that this is accurate? That's how you would navigate that as a construction team. We would come on board and we would add that expertise if you wanted the on-site construction management services as well. But if it was just the financial piece, that's what I was describing tonight. Yeah. So, and setting change orders aside, ensuring that the the quality of the work throughout the process, is that also what

047would be included in that on-site review and assessment? It would be without that that is your construction manager and architect because their reputations are also on the line. Sure. And again, you know, oftentimes um most constru construction managers are are are usually very diligent about making sure that what is constructed is obviously it has to pass the state first of all, building codes. Uh otherwise, obviously there's going to be some lawsuits, right? Um but they really obviously want to avoid that. So, it's the comfort level that you have with whatever construction management firm you're ultimately going to choose. But again, when things might get a little dicey and you may have a disagreement internally with what they're suggesting is where you would hire an owner's rep, per se, and say, "Can you tell us what

048your perspective is? You're a third party independent. You're not getting paid if this gets approved because this is you're just getting a monthly fee for your services. You're not getting paid based upon a dollar value of construction." That's the beauty of our services truly is that you can depend on us for our expertise but you're not paying us and we have a fiduciary responsibility to the district. So when you have those contract do you have on-site contracts in in Michigan now? Uh not on the two that we have but we have them nationwide and otherwise the two firms that we or the two school districts didn't need that at least not yet. Sure. Yeah. Uh what is the average level of frequency of on-site visits when you have that as part of the contract? Would

049you would you think it really depends on the It really depends on the level of construction going on and the size of your contract and the complexity. It really does. It's hard for me to answer that because it could be a small client that's maybe just doing a paving project, right? Or several paving uh projects throughout their community or in their district if that's a K12. But it could be something much grander like as I mentioned in my prior slides doing an airport. So it could be huge and spending billions of dollars and therefore your onsite could be really really frequent. So it really depends and it's I hate to not give you a direct answer but it really is dependent upon the complexity and the size of your project. Yeah. Sure. So, no. And

050I I I guess once seeing a revised proposal, then it's yeah, easier to understand what that looks like. And I will work with my team to put that together. And what we would end up doing is making an assumption of like we assume, you know, twice a month that we would show up because you may not need those services. But then again, you could also say, "Hey, Sam, you're doing great on the cost side with the with the financials. I don't think we're going to need the on-site construction at least for the next six months. we're going to pause this. You wouldn't pay us. That's the beauty of inflexibility of what we can offer. So, hi. Hi. How are you? How are you? I'm doing well, thank you. Good. Um, I was just curious, so

051you're one of many what sounds like many options for us to go with for owners rep. Why Baker Tilly? Um, our expertise nationwide. Um, we are not just in Michigan. Obviously, we've, as I mentioned to you in my my prior slides, we deal with small projects all the way up to multi-billion dollar projects. And we produce savings when we have these larger projects. As an example, um we're able to find items that are either erroneous or things that are just misbuild or uh just things that really shouldn't be charged to clients, we're able to find those by doing those monthly reviews. And so why us is because again we also the way that we structure our our our charging as I mentioned and I keep on harping on it but that's a big difference. I

052think that others that do this service do charge almost like a construction manager they charge a percentage of your construction project. So they really don't have a fiduciary responsibility to really look at your financials and your change orders and your pays and say there's a problem here because they're going to get paid more if they don't catch it. So that's a big reason why I would say that's a big, you know, besides our expertise, it's our flexibility truly. Thank you. Can I ask a followup on that whole on-site construction addendum, if you will? Sure. So, how is that then calculated? Is that a blanket number? Is it a per visit number? Like how how do you calculate that number? So what we would do is we would obviously look at the needs of the district

053and obviously the we would dig in and work with obviously the administrative group to find out what what is the expected time frame of your different projects and we would put an assumption based upon like I mentioned earlier two three visits a month and if it exceeded that we would have a perdm charge okay that's as simple as it would be it'd be more like a time and materialsbased contract then outside of a norm and that that would be agreed upon obviously by the district by by the board. So that's how we would handle that. Again, very flexible. So, one more question for you from me. Um remember like you're talking to a fifth grader. Um I just want to clarify that um we could pay you out of bond funds. That is correct. Yes.

054Yes. You you pay out of bond proceeds uh rather than general fund. Perfect. Correct. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much for being here and your presentation this evening and answering those questions. Thank you as well and happy holidays to everyone. We'll be in touch. I'll be in touch. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. At this time we have also a construction manager presentation. Uh Mitch would also Can you turn your mic on? Can you turn your mic on? little bit suspenseful, but it worked out well and uh I congratulate you. Uh my name is Mitch Watt. For everybody that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, uh I'm partner at Triangle Associates. I have been in the I'm an architect. Uh I have been designing and constructing school facilities in the state

055of Michigan for my entire 41-year career. This is what I do. This is what our company does. 85% of our work at Triangle is K12 public school projects, construction management projects. Um, a little bit more about our firm for those of you who don't know. I'm going to keep this really brief tonight. Um, but the firm is we're in Grand Rapids. We are working with probably 25 or 30 school districts in the state of Michigan. Our reputation is based solely on the word the good word of our clients. And so we are 100% focused on delivering excellence, quality at a reasonable cost to our clients within the budget that they have established, which is no more than $126 million. That's our job as your construction manager. We've worked with TMP, your architect, on many projects

056very successfully. You should be excited to know that they're an excellent firm. I have nothing but praise for the organization and the good work that they do. Who has the clicker? Jesse, we have a clicker for the Oh. Oh, there it goes. Ah, thank you. Thank you. So, what I want to do tonight is really just give you I was asked because you're considering an owner's rep, which is which is a great uh conversation for you to have to understand clearly how you're going to approach this project. But I was asked to come in tonight just to talk a little bit about what we do and what our responsibilities are. And there's a few different there's a few different contract forms when you deal with construction management. So I think it's very important that you

057understand what form of contract that you'll have and what our role is to deliver on that contract. Okay? So that you clearly understand that we always consider the construction process a three-party stool. That's you as the owner. This is your project. This is your money. This is your community school, your primary. Number two is an architect. That's TMP. And number three, your construction manager. That's our role. three-way partnership. It's your duty as the board and the administration to establish and approve all project parameters, uh all the contingency dollars you approve based on recommendations you get, any scope revisions, um all the phasing plans. There's going to be a lot of phasing and implementation that has to be carefully thought out. how we do the construction in active schools on those active sites, how that we

058phase it so it's safe, it doesn't disrupt education, which is your primary focus, you'll be a but we will develop those for you. Uh monthly review of project details that was discussed uh just a few minutes ago, status, budgets, approvals, that role is consistent no matter who your consultants are. Your your duties as a board are to approve all of those things. your architect uh we just just met uh a few weeks ago talked about kicking that process off. Uh will work with you to establish a clear line of what the the program is going to be, what the objectives are going to be and develops the design. He develops they develop the uh construction documents which are what the contractors will bid on the specifications related to materials all of that detailed information. But

059they also have a responsibility to oversee uh what the construction manager is recommending on your behalf. Uh they uh advise the owner on scope changes, change orders. They review all of your change orders. They recommend those for approval to us and to the school. They uh observe the construction for compliance with their plans and specs. So they are already looking at every job as it progresses along. They're meeting with us every month and they are actively involved in reviewing the project as it's built to make sure that the construction is going along with exactly how the contract documents expects it to go along. Every detail is being built properly. Everything is being executed to the quality standards of TMP and we have to abide by that. They approve all payments for application. So once those

060payments for application are come to the district, before they do, they go through the architect for their final sign off. What do we do as a construction manager? And I'm going to talk about two forms of contract. So hold your breath on that. But right now, in general, we're your professional consulting firm. We start now. We aren't just a contractor. We aren't actually involved in construction. We don't actually construct anything on your projects. We manage the process. We consult for you. We have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that we're maintaining your budget. That we're clearly delineating the scope of the project. What's going on every single month, what has been done, what will be done, how much money has been spent, how much contingency dollars are remaining, what we approve, what we don't approve.

061That is what you're paying your construction manager to do. We're we're responsible for quality, the cost effectiveness, the budget, compliance, value engineering. During during design, we will be working with your team and the architect to review the design as it develops. Along that process, we'll be updating the budgets that we've already established prior to going out for the bond issue. We will be reviewing those budgets as the designs develop to make sure that the budgets are staying in line with what was developed in the bond issue. We will come to you if there's an issue. If we see a budget scope creeping, which is pretty common, you know, uh we will make recommendations to your team to align the project design with the budget and we will come to the board with where the budget

062stands at that point if you have to make some decisions. But that is our job during design. During design, we will also be looking at detailed phasing plans, the schedules, how we're going to implement the various projects and execute those in line with your expectations as a board and a community administration. So, we'll advise you on those things. We'll advise you on scope changes. We advise on the change orders. We put those together. We do review them for what we think is reasonable. We send them to the architect. They review them for what they feel is reasonable, and then they will recommend to you. um for those change orders to be accepted or or rejected. We are also responsible for supervision of the job sites. So, we not only bid the projects, but we will

063have a full-time onsite supervisor at every single active work site in the school district. If you have three jobs going on at once, we will have three people assigned at least to we'll have one person to each one of those active jobs responsible solely for that job so that they are monitoring the construction. They are monitoring the quality. They are monitoring the effectiveness of the contractors that are working on your jobs. We we respond all that. We uh one of the things that we will do um which a lot of uh contractors CMS don't do uh is we um we will establish a joint escrow account with the school district. We try to make the accounting aspect of these kinds of projects as simple as possible. Um not in the information we give you but

064what you have to do as a school district. So we establish a joint escrow account with the district. Um, and when the payment applications come to us and we approve them, they're approved by the architect. We then send that to the school district with every single contractor that should be paid with one total. The school district deposits that total into our espro account and we pay all of the subcontractors for the district. So that takes the burden off Marcus and his team of issuing 30, 40, 50 checks every month and not knowing what those are for. We keep track of that. We know exactly what they've asked for, where they are in the project, what percentage complete they are, and we verify that and we issue those checks directly to them on your behalf. So,

065we do have a significant fiduciary responsibility to you as our client. There are two different kinds of uh construction management contracts. The first was the initial contract that was developed in the 70s in Michigan for these kinds of projects and that's that's referred to as construction manager as constructor CMC. In that contract we as your construction manager do uh we hold all the contracts for all the trade contractors that work on the job. That's the primary difference in these two contract. Everything else is the same. We do all the pre-construction scheduling and budgeting and all of those things. The main thing is the trade contracts are held by the construction manager. What that creates in our mind uh is that reduces our fiduciary that reduces our fiduciary to the district by saying we now have

066a contract directly with the subcontractors. You might question, well, you you do a lot of work with XYZ. Are you being fair to the district? We want to avoid that at all costs. Um, one of the other things I wanted to talk about was in an owner's rep scenario, the best case for an owner's rep is under this form of construction management. Uh, I know in Western they're using a an owner's rep. They have a construction manager as constructor and the construction manager is actually performing construction on the job site. They're doing some some of the divisions of trade contract work. So that's a great opportunity for an owner's rep. They have an owner's rep there that gives them that thirdparty independent fiduciary to review the project in the scope. an outcome of this issue

067with having that third party in the state, the development of the construction manager as advisor contract. That is the form of contract you utilized on your last bond issue. That is currently the form of contract that we're we're working under on this project. And under this project, it basically takes the contractors, all of the trade contractors, whoever is going to work on the project, whether it's flooring, structural steel, masonry, all of those trade contracts are directly with the with the school district. We are completely 100% independent of any contractual obligations to the subcontractors because we are 100% your third party independent representative. That is our job. Uh along with an owner's rep, we provide you with a monthly summary uh and construction management report which will have photographs of progress going on in the project,

068a complete download of where the status of the financial uh obligations are for the school district. Where are we with contingencies? Mitch, you said along with a owner's rep. Did you mean similar to similar to an owner's rep? Yes. We will do all those same kinds of things. Yes, we are construction manager. The president of our company is our CFO. He's a CPA. Most of our work revolves around management of a process and execution of contracts that are in your best interest, not in ours, in your best interest. And that we are uh making sure that we're monitoring and controlling the budget in a very careful way. We know that all of our clients only have so much money to spend and we have to be very careful to maximize that. As a matter of

069fact, every one of our projects, we start with the goal of being returning money to the school district so that you can actually in the end we want to save contingency dollars. We want favorable bids at the time of bid uh so that we can actually turn money back to the school district and you can execute more projects than were actually defi defined in the bond issue. that is that is our primary goal. So in this case the the CM in the advisory role serves as your independent third-party representative. This is the form of contract that is used by most school districts in the state of Michigan and I know most of the uh attorneys like this form of agreement because it does create that third-party independent set of eyes looking at your project for

070the school district on your behalf. So that kind of gives you that that overview. Uh so the takeaway is the architect and CM are responsible to the school district to monitor your cost to develop ways to save dollars to bid the projects out in a fair and competitive market to organize the bid documents in such a way that we attract a wide range of quality contractors to the area to do the work. uh to make sure that as we're under construction, our supervisors are focused on safety both of the contractors as well as the students and the visiting community. They're focused on the quality assurance, making sure that we're delivering at the highest level of quality. Um, we also want I wanted to note that, you know, we've developed the bond issue budget and if

071there's a another consultant that is brought on, which is fine, those dollars will come out of monies that are allocated specifically for projects right now because we simply didn't know that when we set up the bond issue. So, those fees are not included. Um we um I think the other thing that from what I understand is a concern is the time of the staff for the district. Um whether you have an owner's rep or you have a construction manager, your staff is going to be involved in this project. They they need to be involved because they understand Todd and Marcus worked with us to develop the scope and the priorities. They need to be involved in making sure that we're implementing those projects in the right manner and that we're making sure that we're prioritizing

072the most critical needs for the school district. What they don't need to do is a lot of paperwork and that's our job is to do the paperwork to do the research to provide you the information that you need to make a good decision to put what they need to make a good decision to manage the budgets to manage the costs to we will develop all of the contracts for the trade contractors and despite what some people might say uh we develop those in the favor of the school district not the contractors themselves elves. We We're known for having very tough contracts, but we attract a lot of great contractors because they do like working with our firm. We're fair with the contractors, but we don't let them get away with anything. And um so I

073think it's important to know that you're going to need a steering committee who will meet with us. We will have monthly or some most of the time it's bimonthly, so two times a month we will meet. We call it an OACM meeting which is owner, architect and construction manager meeting. Your team members will be involved in that. We haven't defined who, what, when, where, but they will be involved in that so that they're kept up to breast on exactly what's going on in the project and where you are with the budget. We will provide you a monthly report to the board that outlines exactly what's going on on every single project. So now I'd like you to ask the same questions that you just asked few minutes ago. All right. Uh we should have set

074up two tables and had you guys just debate back and forth. That would have been a good time. So I appreciate you walking through this. super informative for those who haven't gone through uh large-scale construction projects before and how they can be set up and and thank you for sharing uh how it has been set up in the past in the 2018 bonds and how we have currently uh set it up for the 2025 bond. In reviewing the what has initially come back from the owner's rep, it seems there's a $5,000 startup cost, an $8,000 a month retainer, plus it appeared to be a 400 a month tech uh cost 8,400 bucks a month. the duration of the term of the bond over 72 months. I'm just calculating $610,000 with the extra duty pay that

075we're looking at somewhere around $220 or so to compensate those that would be uh serving in the capacity of the owner in working with the architect and the construction manager. There's a difference of $385,000 there without the addition of whatever is going to come back presumably at the next meeting for additional on-site review. And that's some of the questions that I asked because in the 2018 bond, I've literally dropping off my kid at school, seen uh Marcus and Todd on site presumably with somebody I didn't know that probably was one of your uh construction managers looking at some of the work that was performed, evaluating it, seeing what else can be done with some of the intricacies of whatever was happening there. Um, so $385,000 plus whatever additionally would be for that individual to come

076on site for change orders or whatever sort of quality control we seek to attach to that contract. Can you help me understand what the the value of that would be? I already have a idea, but would we just be paying for the same thing that sounds like Triangle does a lot of? In my view, you are already going to be paying for all of those things with our service, our standard services. Yes. Okay. And if we were to pay for those things from bond funds, presumably then we would need to make determinations as a board working with administration in terms of what projects that we already made commitments to the public through this bond would need to get cut. Yeah, there were not additional fees contemplated when we developed the bond issue. Just the ar

077the architect, the architect, the construction manager fees, all of the bond sale fees, all of the attorney fees, those have all been calculated, but the owner's rep was not calculated into that. So, under the construction manager adviser, we uh role and I understand how it's different from the constructor. uh if we were to also retain an owner's rep, we would be paying that private contractor for work that is already being performed while also not compensating staff that are I mean the presumably as as you said and uh the other gentleman said there's still a role for our administration uh to play for Marcus, for Todd, for others to to to play even with an ownership. Well, I think you know I think you you have to do a gut check. I mean, in my view,

078I've I've never had a project in my 40 years where the staff wasn't involved. You would you would essentially be saying, I'm going to turn over all the decision-making authority to somebody else. Um, and in a school district where you have so many constituents and so many people that have a voice, it's important to know that you're going to be doing that. In other words, you're going to be turning over, whether it's to me or to somebody else, the decision-making authority of how your bond issue dollars are going to be spent. And I I'm just I just have not had a district ever do that. Generally, they want to be involved to make sure that what what we've developed in the bond scope is implemented and that if there are shifting priorities, which do happen.

079I mean, this is a long bond issue. There's going to be things that are going to shift around. That's for you to decide, not for us. Yeah. This is your project. It's your project. It's your school district. It's your schools. And so, they should be involved. not running the project, not telling us what to do, but being there to to answer the questions as the questions arise. And you would agree that there is in construction there is a difference between something that passes code, state code and something that meets the uh construction, the aesthetics, the functionality of what we are looking to deliver to the staff, educators and students. not only for the next seven years but for the next decades. All of these projects will will require decisions on both regards. Yeah, I have

080to realize that during the bond issue planning, we went through with Marcus, Todd, other staff members, went through the buildings, TMP went through the buildings, looked at everything, talked about all the priorities, but we didn't design those solutions. Those solutions haven't been we we've allocated the funds that in our best per professional judgment would cover the the scope for those items, but they haven't been designed. So, is that door going to stay there or does it move because now we're going to put a big unit right there? You know, those kinds of decisions. TMP is going to try to make a lot of those decisions, but they want somebody on the owner side to to say, "Yes, let's do that." It's like designing a house. Would you ever design would you ever build your own

081home, hire a contractor and an architect and tell them just just do it. No, you you want to be involved in those decisions, but but you do want a consultant that is going to make that those decisions easy enough for you. Give me reasonable solutions that fit within my budget. Don't give me 10 10 alternatives and just throw your hands up. That's not what we do. We we we basically frame every decision as easily as we can and we make them simple as as simple as we can for you. Sorry, one one more question. Did they Yeah. Uh thinking through some of those visits and accommodations, are there components of the 2025 bond and the construction over that period of time that will through efficiencies reduce costs for the school district? Generally speaking, that could

082be reflected in our general fund or Oh, operationally. Operationally. Yeah. I mean, there's mechanical, there's there's all sorts of system improvements uh that could benefit the district. Sure. Mhm. So, I have a couple questions for you. Sure. Um it sounds like um the different uh ways that you could be involved um included um you potentially being in the role of an owner's rep and a construction manager. Is that correct? One of those Well, the construction manager is advisor is really one single contract and we are they call it adviser but as adviser you're the third party owner's rep. And a lot of times when people say what what are well construction we're construction manager but essentially we're an owner's rep. So we don't hold any contracts with the subcontractors. We are 100% under contract to

083you to advise you and make sure that the project is going going well. Okay. So maybe I didn't ask the question um in a way that would get the answer I'm looking for. Um so on your slide you told us that there were different ways that you could be involved in this project. One of them was as an adviser, one of them was as something else. Were there three different ways about constructor and and a construction manager as constructor is where we actually we still do all the same kind of budgeting things, but we hold all the trade contracts. We would hold all the contracts with all the subcontractors and the concern. So that makes sense. M before you keep going because I'm getting confused now. Um I see this advisor one. Go back a

084slide, will you please? They're all Did they all say advisor? I didn't see that. Nope. One more. Okay. So, is this the one? What? Now, did you just throw show us three different ways that you No, there were two slides on that one. So, this is one and the adviser is the other one. Y. Okay. Now, this one cuz I understood the adviser that was kind of more of an advisory role. You weren't as involved in the advisory role and it was also the way that most K12 uh chose to engage you all. this one. Um, is this one the one that kind of could operate both like a construction manager and an owner's rep? Is that No, that's what the adviser is. So, so don't don't don't just so you know cuz let me

085ask the question. Um, because I just I'm just trying to get to that. No, I understand. What is this different besides owner rep? This one This one is where we uh like a general contractor. You hear people talk about general contractors. That's really what this is, okay? Where I we bid the project publicly like we have to, but when we hire all the trade contractors, we hire the mechanical guy, the electrical, the flooring, they're contracted with me. So, I hold the contract. So, essentially, I'm a general contractor, okay? But I'm still advising you. And that's where people start to say, "Wait a minute, you know, are you in, you know, are you buddy up with the trade contracts?" Yeah. are you you know and you're marking up the change orders, all that kind of stuff,

086which really isn't true, but that's what people might say. Um and so that's why this other form of construction management agreement was developed so that it avoids that. It's like we don't have a relationship with them. We have only a relationship with you. Okay. And and I hear you um specifying the differences particularly based on what the other gentleman was saying. One more question for you. Um, so it sounds like um you're never operating in the role of both a construction manager and an owner's rep. You're never operating in that role. Well, I mean it's essentially that's what that's what we are doing. We are an owner's rep. So I was right with my first question. You actually do operate. Yes. I mean that's just they call it advisor, but it's essentially owner's rep. Same

087same thing. But in the owner's rep, we don't get the construction management part of you. A lot of a lot of owner's reps don't. Yeah. No, no. I'm talking about with you, with your organization. I'm just trying to understand the difference between these two roles. And if in either of those differences, do you operate as a construction manager as well as an owner rep in that same role? Is that when we're under when we're under a CMA agreement? That's what we're doing. Okay. I thought so. Okay. One more question for you. Um, so you do operate as could rather operate as both a construction manager and an owner's rep within one role. Um, the next question for you um because you know from my perspective um I don't I don't imagine that our school board

088and this is not necessarily for you um not school board but our admin that they would be hands off. I don't know uh anybody in their right mind that would uh have any type of construction project that they would be uh you know just paying someone to do and then not them not having some involvement in. So so I don't think that's for for me that's not a conversation because I anticipate I expect that our school board I'm sorry our admin would have um the whatever level of involvement they're supposed to have. Um, and then I expect that should we hire uh someone else such as what what's the name of your organization one more time? Triangle. I expect that if we were to hire a triangle or a Baker Tilly or both that um

089they still would be as involved as they needed to be, but that you all would be taking the bulk of it uh the bulk of the uh project off of us um and then just kind of letting them advise you all to you know about our needs. So um that's there. But then the last question I have for you um is that the funds, you know, for paying you all, we could pay you out of bond funds. Is that accurate or not? Yes. So those fees have all been allocated in the bond. Perfect. For both TMP and track. Thank you, Mitch. Uh we already we was this January or something like that. We've been involved in the district for a year. Yeah. Because I remember it was I think Triangle Granger and there was Yes.

090somebody else that um bid on that. So yeah, we we interviewed and yeah, it was before the first of the year because I was not and then we worked with the district to a while back we worked with the district and TMP to develop the bond issue. So like that's not a like TMP same like we've already had those conversations. We're squarely discussing as our construction manager as advisor which you are. Uh you already provide the services of an owner's representative. you do not hold the uh any construction contracts yourself. uh you are managing those and in that capacity, the district has the assurity that because you don't hold any contracts and you're not operating as a general manager, uh that you don't have any conflict of interest or financial interest in ballooning any of

091those or padding any sort of subcontracts and things like that. So, as our existing construction manager, as advisor, the second of the two that are up here, we're purely talking about does it make sense to spend additional bond dollars because we can already we're already paying for you out of bond the bond dollars. Does it make sense to pay additional bond dollars to have another person duplicate a lot of the work that you're already doing? And all of that is setting aside the fact that some of our administration here, whether they're talking to you or whether they're talking to you and Sam or some other person or entity that we can pay more money to do that Marcus, Todd, JP, others are going to be either working with you and TMP on that for working

092with UTMP, an additional person that will also be doing the work that we pay you to do. That's pretty much it. Okay, Jeremy, one last question for you. Um, so I remember last month when we um asked you to have the owner rep come so we can kind of better understand the owners rep. Um, and then I see that we have the um construction manager presentation on here which is very helpful. Thank you for having both of them here. Help me understand kind of what we're getting at with um with with their role um in in relation to this. So I don't know clearly we know that the um owners rep conversation was around the extra duty pay, what the difference would be and you know all the things in that way. Um what does

093uh this construction manager presentation have to do with the extra duty pay? Just help me understand kind of why we brought him in. So you've been helpful though. Yes. Today the intent was not to have any discussion about extra duty pay. we tabled that to kind of look at another avenue of the owner's rep um and also talk about what's already in place like what the district is already committed to which is a construction manager which when we reviewed at finance and facilities there were some aha moments that I wanted the whole board to hear about services that are already provided and resources that will make an informed decision about how we spend our funds moving forward. That's very helpful um to understand kind of like why he was brought in. So with his role

094and you know if you could answer but with his role that he's sounds like we're already using them for and I get that but um you wanted us to kind of understand what their role was versus the owner's rep and in relation to kind of what we're already doing with them. That's kind of uh uh it's equal to the owner's rep. Is that some of what you wanted us to understand? Yeah. Um, so the the board wanted more information about what an owner's rep does. Okay. And so once we shared that information and we revisited what we already have, I just wanted the board to make an informed decision about do we need that? And so if the answer is yes, then the board will know the totality of everything that's already at play with

095the bond. Okay, that's very helpful. Um, okay. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any further questions, discussions? Yeah, I just have a detailed question about the joint escrow account. It said that we did not use that in our last bond program. Is there what was the was it not available? Did we decide against it? We were not the CM on the last bond program. I don't know if you realize that. Um and I think the other firm just doesn't take that policy. That's why I wanted to highlight that because Fred actually told me that um uh was not set up that way. the last bond issue that this district was issuing, you know, loads of checks and uh our our procedures are generally set up in favor of the client making things as easy as

096possible and our accounting department. Um, you know, they they they do all the work um for you. Um, we also have because of prevailing wages, we have to verify all certified payrolls of all the contractors, everything that they submit. So that's the accounting department verifies all that with the project managers. If we hired a owner's rep, would we escrow to him and then he would escrow to you? Well, I don't know. And then probably or something like that. Probably. Probably. Yeah. Anything else? Well, I thanks for having me come in. It was great to talk to you. I look forward to working with all of you in the next over the next few years. Yeah. Thank you. All right. And the final portion of the superintendence report, we are going to uh begin our board

097vacancy interviews. Um it is the request I believe of the board that um the candidates who are interviewing will remain and we have an alternate location for any other candidates that are going to interview if they are not present uh during the interview time. So, we're going to begin with Keith Jacobs and our cabinet is going to support our other candidates to an alternate location, bringing them in for their interview period. So, we appreciate uh recognition of that at this time. And Keith Jacobs is present. Thank you. I think um if the board would like to do kind of roundroin question one, two, and three for the first candidate, one, two, three for the second if that's something that you all want to do. Okay, you'll ask question one and Derek two and Elena three.

098Is there any way we can increase temperature a little bit because the temperature cold? Yeah. Um Joe, is there any way to increase the temperature in the room? They said Okay, thank you. Appreciate that. Okay. Uh we are ready if uh I'll go first. So, thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public School Board of Education. So, we have read your letter of interest already as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. So, we're going to give you 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So, um if you could take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Uh yeah, my name is Keith Jacobs. I

099grew up in Teaccumpsy, Michigan. Um, went to college in Florida, Eastern Michigan, and then, uh, did some follow-up education at a private school for writers. Um, I'm a published author. I have a screenplay that's won 15 awards. Um, I own my own business where I'm developing a phone app game that's educational in nature, um, called Questions where the players asked a series of questions to earn coins to drive the economy of the game. Um, basically I've spent most of my life just trying to make an impact positively. Um, you know, I've served as various roles in my Masonic lodge. Um, I've worked as a union rep at Ford Motor Company. Um, I'm fairly familiar with the business side and the um, representation side of helping people and usually helping people when they need it the

100most. And I have a fairly good grasp of like calculus level math and like um the people that were here talking are experts in it and I'm not. But I would at least be able to like double check their work and see that they're not deliberately hiding things from the board. Um, so I think that's pretty much sums up that question. Super. Thank you. Y, thank you, Keith. Um, and that's a great diversity of uh backgrounds. interesting what the the screenplay is about, but based on uh the questions that the board has read and reviewed, are there any clarifying questions for the candidate from from the board? Yes. One um you do live in the district though to come see in Florida and different I live over on by Stormwall pretty close to Parkside. Thank

101you. other questions? Oh, you want I was going to ask one of these. Oh, sure. Okay. Uh, what do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities of a board member? Of a board member. Um well I kind of look at it in terms of a business because that's part of my background and board members I think would be responsible for making sure that the right decisions are made and giving the best opportunity to the administrators so that they can help the teachers and the product of the business is a well- educated society. So ultimately the board is responsible for making sure that the students have the best possible outcome. Keith, what uh to clarify question four, you'd be willing to run for election November? It kind of it looked like you said next November

102looked like you said maybe so long as if the people thought you were doing a good job. What what sort of criteria would you put upon yourself to make that decision? Well, basically, if I've made the school board system better than before I got into it. I mean, anyone anyone can sit and like argue and cause issues and ask questions and whatnot, but to actually move the school board forward and like invest the right things in the right places to make the biggest impact on the students because ultimately the school board works for the students. And if the parents aren't happy, then I would have assumed that would be like the biggest shortfall. And if I make if I make things better, then the students will have a better opportunity to go to higher colleges

103and go into higher paying jobs and maybe even bring some of the uh achievements back into Jackson to make the entire city of Jackson better as a result, too. And that would be the metric that I would base it on. We ready for the third question? Yes. Uh, Trusty Sharp, can you ask the third question, please? Yes. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? But my only closing remark is I care about the District of Jackson because my two kids go to it and um I'll be involved regardless. So, um whether I end up being involved as a board member or as a parent, it's not like I'm really going to go away. So, that's my closing statement. Thank

104you. Thank you. Thank you, Madame Vice President. Um, without objection from the board, maybe just for cadence, if you could ask the first question just to kind of open it up and then also ask the last question and then maybe the the second question you just kind of open it up for any of us to ask anything. I'd be fine with that. I like the idea of us doing round robin like we suggest. You don't have the ability to ask. Yeah. I Okay. Well, Mr. Brown Robinets, ju just to clarify, I thought Trusty Sharp's question was specific to the question five about the board role. It's important that we don't present new questions that we're not going to be consistent in all candidates. But I thought your follow-up question was specific to question five like

105cuz you asked um is contributions as a board member. Yes, I think I think you did if I'm not sure what you're showing me there, but like the answers to his questions based on the question that are there any Yeah. Okay. I'm just I'm just making sure we're all on the same page. All right. Very good. No, I took it as you did it right. I'm just making that connection. My my only suggestion was to have have you open up and then us to ask, you know, whatever other follow. I think we said no to that. Yep. Okay. So, now it's the round robin. Who is it? So it would be your turn now. Suba to ask a question. I think a couple of us said no. So I'm not for the record since we're

106taking a vote. Oh, just go ahead. Okay. Okay. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public School Board of Education. So, we've read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. At this time, you'll have 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So, number one, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Well, good evening. Feels good to be back in this room again. Been a while. Uh, my name is Joel Shainer and I am a retired educator. My wife and I live about three blocks that way and you might see me walking around the neighborhoods getting my exercise in

107or breaking my leaves like everyone else does. Um I've had 41 years in education and prior to that many more years as a volunteer and uh work within several nonprofits in the state and in local national communities. Um, I'm very interested in education and what young people do and what we're doing for our community. Um, my background is in education. Both my parents were educators. My sister's an educator. I have many aunts and uncles that have been many roles in school boards and superintendents and principles and teachers. And uh, so education, well, our life calendar is built on a school calendar. You'll know what I mean by taking vacations, right? Yeah. Okay. Um I my my background I think also is somewhat to do with um as you said through the last couple pres presentations

108here in construction. I've been a part of several construction projects and renovation projects in schools. Uh I was a part of the big construction project at East Jackson before I left there. the auditorium, the music rooms, and the new uh gymnasium, the movement of the football field over there. I came over to Jackson High with a $25 million renovation back in 2000 and was a part of that team with Tom Stoby and Mr. Holman. Um, and have been a part of renovations here at the high school all the way through my last tenure. Um, it was interesting to hear the project managers talk about these schools as a part of my additional career as a musician and adjudicator and clinician. I'm in a lot of schools. I've been in Aendale. I've been in Pawpa two

109weeks ago. I was in uh uh um uh what was the one they he said over in the east side that it just had Lake Orian and Oxford Dearbornne as well. So, I've been in these schools. Um, and I see the way schools spend their money and how they treat their kids. And I have a lot of great ideas, I think, based on what I get to see as an as an adjudicator, as a clinician. I've seen some wonderful schools in our state. Um, other than that, I think I I I I'm a good person and a good fit for the role here on the school board. And uh I think it's time for me to get back and be involved. My dad told me years and years and years ago that there's only one

110way to fix a problem and that's to get involved. And I can't sit in the side and and complain or talk about what's happening without being responsible and being held accountable for my views and what we do to spend our money. Our money. I told you I live three blocks over there. our money on our community and our schools. Thank you. Happy to open up the rest of the questions and appreciate uh your service to to JPS. My my family is in education too and my my sister's in band particularly. Uh I'll save you the question of do we need an owner's rep? Um but uh speaking back to uh your application about uh running next year, we we do have some folks that um have have previously run before. Um you didn't because I

111think you retired in 2023, right? Yes. Um would you similar question uh uh run for this seat uh next year with the the plan of whether whether or not appointed um or not. It is my intent yes that I would run whether I would be appointed to this position or not. Okay. It you you laugh about the idea of project manner. My second son, all three of my kids, by the way, graduated from this school and program. My second son is an assistant project manager and construction manager and a very very large project in Milwaukee. Uh re renovating St. Francis Seminary in schools there. He's uh he's been doing that for well almost 15 16 years now. First in New Orleans and now in Milwaukee. All the all the stuff you all were talking about

112is very familiar and I see it from his point of view as opposed to from the owner's point of view as well. Very interesting. What do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities of a board member? primary roles. Well, primary roles is to represent our community and the families and students that that come to our schools. That's that's I believe our primary role. Um the the a leadership is a vague one. Leadership I think comes from our superintendent. We're we're giving our superintendent the responsibility to lead our schools. We're there to advise and to help out. That's my perception. Um through couple years of of attending board meetings and make presentations. I make presentations to you as a teacher. You decide whether it's valuable enough to move forward. Um as a board member, it's

113an interesting reversal for me where I would be doing a lot more listening than I ever did before. Those of you that know me and may listen to my presentations, I have a tendency to talk a lot. And I need to learn to listen just as much. And I think that's what I can offer. I will listen a lot and offer an opinion when requested. Anyone else? As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? I don't have any questions, I don't believe. Um, I think that's another benefit I have of being in education and being here presenting before the board many many different times. Um, I think I understand your position. I think I understand the role of the board

114at this point. Um although there always are wonderful challenges to be a part of it. Uh for me myself I think this is the next really good step in my professional and personal career and uh a way to give back in some way that I feel comfortable with in our community. Thank you very much. was already on. Hi. So, thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public School Boards of Education. So, we've read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you're you are seeking this appointment. At this time, you will have 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So, number one, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve

115on this board of education. Okay. Excuse me. My name is Jocelyn Cotton and I'm an alumni of Jackson High School. I have a son that's also alumni and I have two grandsons that are in the school district and a granddaughter that's in Michigan Center. And um I've always had an interest in being with this school board. But I was a single parent most of my life, all my life really. and um and I just wasn't didn't have enough time cuz I put a lot of um emphasis in my son making sure that he was doing what he wanted to do. He was all into sports and different things. So he came first for me. And so then my grandkids came along then um being involved with them a lot and people will see me with

116them all the time because they're with me all the time and I value that. And um so I'm really heavy into their education, what they're doing in their schools and um so that's keeping me involved um not only with just athletics, academics, um the things that they're learning. I'm finding out both of my grandsons are at Parkside and um I'm learning a lot about what they're learning because they come to me, we look at their um homework and we look at their grades every day. Their dad does very much so. So they're straight A students, both of them. One's in sixth grade and one's in eth. And um so it's very interesting and very um very hands-on to know what they're learning. some of the things they're learning. I'm like, I didn't learn this when

117I was in school. I mean, it's really some of the stuff that they're doing. And it's really impressive to know what they're learning. Um, just today, um, my younger grandson came to me because he had said something and the slang words that they're using nowadays, it's not like what we used to use, cool and jive and all that stuff. So, the things that they're saying, I have to ask him, what does this mean? What is that interpretation of it? So he had said something that another student didn't appreciate because he was that what he was asking if you like somebody are you dating somebody. I said you're 11 years old. Where are you going to date? You can't walk across the street by yourself. So, but like I said, I I am and that gives

118uh background showing that I am really involved with them and I appreciate being um running for the board few years ago that gave me a lot of insight on what actually entails. Um it was really a learning experience for me and even being on this committees um I've learned a lot especially with the bond committee. I would have never had any idea about what it all entails until I was involved in the B. So I appreciate that because it's um educational for me. Thank you. Hi Joan. Uh first I I just want to I asked administration who participates who participated on the bond committee. So, first I want to thank you for participating um on the bond committee and helping us pass that. Same question that I've asked others. Uh you've actually run for office

119before. If you are appointed, would you run for office next year? If not, would you also consider running uh for office next year as well? It has been on the forefront of my mind to run again. Um because like I said um I know what I need to do a little bit better for my campaigning. So with that for my first campaigning I was kind of like fish out of water just feeling my way through and getting different um answers from different people. So so I know what I can do better. So my interest is definitely still there. And this part when this came up I was like well this still gives me a chance you know. So even if I don't make it at this point, I still may consider for sure. Nice to

120see you again. I know I've seen you million times in last few years. Um including when I ran with you during November elections a year ago. And I know you you gave me a name, walking billboard. I still remember that. Um but I did. I I um I want to know how will you advocate for the belief that all students can learn taking into account the district's assortment of backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances. Well, I think all kids should be treated equally for sure. give them an opportunity to learn and find where their um what's the right word I want to say find where that they need help in and get the right people in place for that just don't push a kid along just because you know a social norm they need to be able

121to learn they need to be recognized where their barriers are and that's what I like to see too is the for the educators to really take um charge of looking at what that child needs and not just push him to the side or push him along because I know I can say that my son was kind of pushed along because he was very popular and it was like oh we can't you know hold him back because you know he's with this group of kids you know they got to he'll learn he'll learn he'll learn but I learned that I should have just been a bigger advocate and said no no no this will help him if we just make sure we concentrate on where his barriers are not just keeping him in that norm group.

122Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? So, question three. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? I don't know of any questions at the time, but my closing remarks is that um if I am chosen for the board, you will find that I'm committed that I definitely have pride for the Jackson Public School System. And what I like to see is positive outcomes. I'd like I um recognize the more calmness in the board situation and that's what I like. I don't like a lot of conflict and stuff, but I know that there can be conflict because everybody doesn't all think alike. Everybody has their own opinions, but um when you come to that happy meeting and come to that

123um positive outcome, that's the biggest thing, making sure we have that positive outcome for the kids, for the district. Thank you so much, Joselyn. Thank you. That's it. Thank you. So, Jeremy, before we move on to the next one, can you clarify this whole question asking thing because are we supposed to be asking every candidate the same question and I'm confused now? Yes. So question two was, is there something you want to dig in deeper based off their written responses? So if they said something and you're like, "Huh?" And and you have a question about what they said in writing, then that's the opportunity to clarify. So I understand that. But these other five questions that both Elena and Zuba have asked from this list, we didn't ask everyone the same question. That um that's

124what I'm asking about. I I would assume that those were clarifying questions from those two based on their reading of their written responses. So yeah, I I would I would disregard that. Sarah did add those questions, but that wasn't the intent of the three questions that we were going to ask today. Yeah. As long as we're consistent is the key that we don't ask brand new questions, but rather followup questions to the questions we've already answered. That's the key. Yeah. So, thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. We have read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. At this time, you'll have 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So, number one, please take

125a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Good evening, board. My name is Chris Davis. Um, I am a lifelong Jackson resident. I'm an alum of Jackson public schools, proud of being from Amy FTH, Tomlinson, and then TA Wilson. I currently have two boys that attend JPS over at Hunt Elementary, and I am a former um candidate for the board. I ran in 2024, and out of 10 candidates on that ballot, I was placed number fourth. um just a little less than a couple hundred votes away from um getting a seat over there. Um I've been working this past year with the bond campaign 2025 bond and um successful in um getting $126 million for the district.

126Um, I also bring a unique well-rounded perspective as the JPS alum from the alternative education, a parent of children currently enrolled and an active advocate for advocate for special education and meaningful parent engagement. Um, I am encouraged by the course correction that we have seen under Superintendent Jeremy Patterson's leadership. Um, but we have more work to do and I'm committed to getting us to that place. Great. Thank you. Hi, Chris. Hello. Uh, you got a woot woot in the back from uh some folks back there. All right. Uh, just letting you know there's some in the back. Uh, and I I want to start by thanking you for uh your work on the bond. One of the things that I see as expressing being allin for JPS uh whether you ran for office prior or

127uh not is participating in the bond uh campaign. And so I want to first thank you for that um because of of the work that you did on that. Uh my clarifying question, I know it was on the questionnaire if you'd be willing to run for election in November. Um you answered yes. Uh my clarifying question would be uh does that uh would you continue to say yes if appointed and if not appointed would you also say yes appointed or or not appointed? Does that make a difference? So the question if I'm understanding is if I'm appointed would I run in 2026 and if I'm not appointed would I run in 2026? Yes. I'm all in for JPS. Thank you. Any other questions? I have a clarifying question based on your um answers to um

128the interview questions that we um sent out for you. Um, so one of the questions I think you must have answered was how does the district's identity inspire your desire to serve on this board? Um, in clarifying that question, my question is um I've seen you in board meetings um since you ran and lost um in 23 was it? Um, and yet it still seems like you have been committed, as you've already mentioned, to JPS. Just clarify the district's identity that kind of inspired that continual support of our district. Well, I think um so I ran in 2024, but I I think it was late 2023 when I first started getting involved. and I started getting involved really because of my children being in the district and um seeing some of the uh great things

129that JPS was doing and some of the things that we were offering. Um we just I just had a conversation with someone um that JPS has a great partnership with the Jackson Wreck um and that's kind of a unique um aspect that most school districts doesn't have. So, the fact that JPS is thinking ahead and trying to um really attract the community to be allin for JPS is something that I was able to admire and buy into myself. Thank you. Any more questions? Okay. Um, so number three, as we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Um, I don't think I have any questions. I think, um, I would just close with, um, just reaffirming that my commitment to JPS has

130never depended on holding a title or a seat. Um, I actively show up. I've probably only missed one or two board meetings this entire year if in probably in the last two years honestly. Um it I'm grounded in the work that I'm doing. Um I've showed up. I've listened. I've listened to the board, to the parents, to the community, and I've advocate for what I hear we can do better. Um, and a lot of times, um, I've had a lot of one-on-one conversations with you guys as trying to advocate for those needs. Thank you, Chris. Thank you. Yeah. Good evening. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. We have read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this

131appointment. So, right now you're going to have 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So, I'll read number one. Please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Well, you know, every morning when I bring my youngest daughter to school, I come around the back way and I read the mission statement of JPS. And that part about equipping children to be lifelong learners always hits me. And when I see these kids walking to school from very many different areas coming in with some of them with their sports car and they're all variety of kids and what I wish for them is for them to have an experience at this school and all of the

132JPS schools that instill that in them that they are lifelong learners that they that they have a passion and a uh a deeprooted desire to learn. That's what I feel I I would instill in all of you that I would want to to collaborate with you in seeing that these kids that come to JPS have that mission brought forth that each of the people that are the teachers, the uh everyone involved in these kids' lives have that mission that we are equipping these kids to learn to to think, to be excited about thinking. And um I'm a mother of four. I'm a teacher. Um I I have the experience of working with children. I have the experience of being a parent who brings their child to JPS and brought their her children to JPS. I

133have had the experience of being with wonderful teachers at JPS and wonderful uh principles. Um and so all of that experience I think helps me bring fresh eyes. I'm not uh a political person. I wouldn't want to be on this to say I'm on the board of JPS. What I would want to do is represent the kids in this community. Thank you. Hi, Julie. I know um you indicated that you'd be interested in running for the seat next year. My clarifying question is does that apply uh if and only if you're appointed? If you're not appointed, would you also consider running? Have you um is there a describ a difference between those two scenarios? Um that's a good question. I I did not think about I' I've not I don't have the I I've never

134had the ambition to to run for the board until I got the email that said there was a vacancy. And then I started to think about it and then I thought, you know what, I could serve a really good role on that board and I would enjoy it. And because I'm a lifelong learner, I would want I would expect and I would look forward to to learning from all of you as well. And for that collaboration so that it you know you you are removed in a lot of ways from the kids but the decisions that you make about these buildings, about this carpet, about this ceiling affect those kids every day. And so there has to be a uh uh coherence, an integration with what you do that seems very dry. You know, it's

135not, you know, you're you're not all enthusiastic all the time because there's just so much you have to do, but those kids are what your priority is. And so, okay, so I'm getting a little I'm getting a little off track, but I I did not think about it until I started to think about the vacancy and what what I could do and and then I got excited and enthusiastic about it. And so I said, "Why not? Why not try it?" So, uh you know, now you've planted a seed. So, you know, who knows? But I you know, um we'll take it one step at a time. So, we'll see. So based on what we've read and what you've said so far, would you describe what you see as the primary roles and responsibilities of a

136board member are? Well, can you repeat that? The primary roles and responsibilities of a board member. What do you see those being in your opinion? Good listening skills. always putting the priority of that mission first so that we are always thinking about those kids and education. That's what we're here to do. And so um I would want to be uh very cognizant of that and I would want to instill all of that in all of us, right? Um, I would say that my role would be one of great responsibility for the future of Jackson because these kids are, you know, they're they're of course going to grow and and move, but we would like them to be strong leaders in our community. So, I would want to uh to make sure my role would be

137to be a good ambassador to to the Jackson community as a board member of JPS. Um, but it would always come down to decisions that are made for the best of the education and the welfare of these kids. As you all know, these kids face a lot right now. This is a crazy time. You know, they've they've had COVID, they've had so much stress, and we all do, but these kids need to be prioritized. And so my role would be always think about always prioritize, integrate the the responsibility of being a board member to the children and their education. You're welcome. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Um, I would like to know what you're looking for in

138a new board member. Maybe just a one word. Integrity, honesty, commitment. What what do you feel that is an important thing for a board member? I think working together collaboration I am looking for someone who knows that they want to run because truly that process starts in less than six months and it's not very much time. It's it takes a lot to get a board member on board and it takes a lot for a new person to feel like they know what they're doing. So, it's a pretty short time frame and I am looking for someone who definitely knows that they want to continue to be here. I'd like to see someone um choose to run for the school board who uh in this role as an appointee or um you know otherwise who um

139is aware of the makeup of our district and understands that um not every child needs the same things. Um and then a person who understands that um one they may not fully understand because they don't have the lived experience but they be willing to attempt to understand andor listen to uh voices that are different than theirs and experiences that are different than theirs and believe those voices and experiences um and then work to um solve the issues that those voices and experiences have that are separate based on what those voices and experiences say they need as their solution. So, somebody like that. Thank you. And I just add I like allin for JPS because there's so much and there's so many different things that um are needed and I think teachers understand that that there's

140not one thing that they need there. They need a lot. And so all in for JPS. Thank you. I appreciate your your answers. Thank you. And I just appreciate the opportunity. Everything is learning and so tonight has been learning for me and I appreciate the opportunity and I appreciate the job that you do. Uh it's an important thing and I have benefited from JPS. My family has benefited from JPS and I am committed to being a good supporter of of the school regardless. Thank you, Julie. Yeah. Thank you so much. Good evening. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. We've read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you're seeking this appointment. So at this time you will have 10 minutes

141to respond to the following three questions. So the first one, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Thank you for that question. Um well, my name is Tabitha Williams. Good evening everyone and thank you for the opportunity to be here with you. Um, I'm very excited. So, if I get a little shaky, it's just excitement at the opportunity. Um, I am the associate director of annual giving and community service labor leaison with United Way for South Central Michigan. I am a parent of three JPS students. Um, I bring a combination of long-term leadership experience, financial and strategic expertise, and most importantly, the lived experience of a JPS alumni and now a JPS parent. Professionally,

142I've spent over 20 years in leadership. Um, I have over two decades worth of property management uh for a hotel that grossed over $2.3 million a year. Um, I am a previous board member of Experience Jackson. I was a member of that board for over 20 years as well. I served as the board chair as well as a treasurer throughout my term or time on the board. Um I've I've participated with extensive um strategic planning initiatives through experience Jackson um here on Valley Area Labor Federation and the United Way. uh these efforts have align or I'm sorry these efforts have required aligning diverse interests and building consensus and developing long-term strategies um that balance organizational goals and uh with community impact. Um, in addition to my my previous experience, um, I did participate in the

1432025 bond planning and advocacy um, efforts um, through being a parent. Uh, I volunteer regularly at school um events as well as um being a previous candidate for the 2024 um Jackson Public School Board of Education seat that was open during that. I did interview and was um one of the o well the only candidate here this evening uh to receive the endorsement of the Jackson Education Association which was a huge honor. Um, in receiving that, I I feel as if the teachers were um really putting a great deal of faith in the fact that I would listen, collaborate, and respect their work and be able to advocate for public education. Um, along with that, um, now for this vacancy, um, I'm proud to count the endorsement of President Hunt, um, to fill her seat.

144Um, in having conversation, I I think President Hunt was able to see the the drive that I have for our community, for our kids. Um, I don't look at this board opportunity as being a short-term opportunity. Um, I feel like the district is at a very pivotal moment where they're you're coming out of partnership. You're um planning for the bond and I think there's really exciting things that are happening and I would um really appreciate the opportunity to um have a seat at the table and be a voice for some of our parents. Um I experience everyday realities um that families face being a parent. Um, I have a child that has an IEP. I, um, know what it's like to navigate those educational meetings. I have a child that, um, has chosen an alternative

145route to her education with attending SCMV. Um, thank you JPS for providing that opportunity. Um, because that's something that's been beneficial for our families. So, I think along with my professional experience that there's a lot of experience as a parent that I have um all the way down to at 7:00 this morning, I got a call from JPS saying my kids's bus is going to be 20 minutes late. The bus should have been there at 7:36. Um so, in that I'm afforded the luxury of being able to be flexible and take my kids to school. Um, I'm also in the know enough to know that that wasn't the bus driver's fault. I'm I'm not going to be the screaming parent either. So, I would really like to be the bridge because I I see things

146from both perspectives. Um, I know what frustration looks like, but I also know we have a lot of parents that are currently frustrated and they're not necessarily aware of the supports that are around for them. Um, I think a lot of our parents are a little disengaged because they're uncomfortable with uncomfortable conversations or they're intimidated by, you know, administrators or teachers or maybe they feel like they're not educated enough um to be able to advocate for their children um and and be boisterous with that. Thank you. You sound excited. take a breath. Um, so my clarifying question, uh, I went to your letter of interest. Um somewhere on here uh at the end it talks about yes running uh you've ran before and first I went through and asked administration of the applicants who uh

147went above and beyond and and supported the bond and was part of the committee. So thank you for your service on the bond committee first and foremost. clarifying question. Uh you've run before also and there's a public vetting process that goes through that. Uh to clarify on question four about running for election next November, if you are appointed, would you run? And also if not appointed, would you also run? Kind of as a um clarifying to the to that question. Thank you for the question. It's a yes straight across the board. Um, again, I have a senior that graduates this year. I have uh twins that just entered the sixth grade. And beyond that, I'm a homeowner in Jackson in Jackson County. My life is here. I've not lived any place else. This is what

148I know. This is where we've chosen to continue raising our family. Um, so this isn't really like a I woke up this morning with a brilliant idea and I think I'm going to run for the school board. Um, I think I've made, you know, my my presence kind of known and bugging some of the admins, um, some of the community work that I do puts me in spaces that I'm able to locate resources. And I've been very intentional with the way that I share that with um admins and some of our our our staff as far as putting 211 cards in teachers hands to when they know that the the children are struggling, they can maybe try to have a conversation with a parent. Um there are lots of grant dollars that flow through Jackson

149County. One of them most recently being the opportunity to get support with driver's training. um some of those things well drivers training for underserve underserved students. So as I learn about those opportunities I bring those opportunities right back home to help support our kids. So whether I receive um the opportunity to serve tonight, I'm still going to be here. You guys are still stuck with me. Um I'm still going to show up. Last question. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Um, yes. I think one of the things that I ran on back in 2014 when I ran for a board seat was that I wanted to be transparent. I wanted to be able to work through what then

150seemed like a difficult time with the board. Um I don't necessarily feel like, you know, times of difficulty are are no longer on the forefront. Um, I feel like, you know, with the bond and just the state of our world right now, there's a a lot of turmoil that we'll continue to have to navigate. Um, so in that, I I see the great work that the board has done and I commend you all for working to together in the capacity you've been able to work together. Um, I'm very very interested and just really feel like I could be a a strong voice um not just for parents and students and teachers, but you know, a a voice of how do we navigate when we don't agree? What are the other options? What can we think

151of that isn't necessarily in the box or on the table? Um, that's my time. Thank you, Tabitha. Thank you all. Have a good night. Good evening. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. So, we've read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. So, at this time, you'll have 10 minutes to respond to the following three questions. So number one, so please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Sure. Thank you. My name is Lauren Zessen. Um I am educated to be a teacher. I actually student taught here in 2009. Uh went to Albian College, studied secondary

152education, English and psychology. Uh really enjoyed my time here at Jackson High School. really feel like it's a uh very unique place in Mid Michigan. Uh I'm from Metro Detroit myself, so um a little bit of a different uh mix of people, a different community than I grew up in, but um I've grown to really love it. My daughter is 13, so now it's home. We've lived here for almost 14 years now, and I love the community. Um definitely involved in some different things around Jackson. have four kids and they're all JPS students. My youngest will be in kindergarten next year. Uh currently they go to Sharp Park except for our youngest who will be there next year and I serve on the PTO board there as secretary and have for the last several years.

153Definitely just love being part of our community and help causes that are positive and uh help Jackson move in a really good direction overall. um love to see it be a place where people really enjoy living, where people want to work and who, you know, would like to stay and come back to. Thank you. Hi, Lauren. Hi. Um first I want to thank you for uh your service on the the PTO. Uh the work that we do here is is not only driven by our educators and uh teachers, but by the parents that step up and contribute to making our schools a success. So, thank you for that. Uh, my question, clarifying question, you said on your questionnaire that you would be excited to run for election next November. Uh, my clarifying question is, uh,

154would you make that commitment? Um, if you were appointed, would you run? And if you were not selected tonight, uh, would you still also consider running? Yeah, thanks. Yeah, thank you. So, I've actually been interested for the last several years. Um, have always had an interest in leadership opportunities. Um, I didn't mention before, but I've worked as a development director raising money for student scholarships at Jackson School of the Arts. So, youth and development and community have always been core values of mine. So, I would definitely be committed to running again um during the election cycle. Uh I view this as a good opportunity to become acquainted with questions and the board functions as a whole. Um getting to know more stakeholders, community members, etc. But definitely would look forward to the opportunity in the

155future and then again in the next cycle um if not selected tonight. Another follow-up question. Hi. Um, can you tell us what you think your primary roles and responsibilities as a board member would be or what you see those to be in your position? Sure. So, I would envision that being overarching uh vision for the district as we move forward. Um, obviously getting to know community members, their wishes, their needs, their concerns. Um, one thing that I see as a pattern over the years that our kids have been in JPS and then just being involved as a parent and community member is the equity piece. So, uh, working as a positive person in that role and working hard to ensure that student needs are met, um, that there are less barriers to less potential barriers

156to education um, within that realm and working hard to make it so that JPS and Jackson High School, all the elementary schools, the middle school are desirable around the county and statewide that we're meeting all of the standards. So doing what I can with a firm commitment to work toward achieving quality education and maintaining that quality for years to come. Um I think we're headed in an excellent direction with the passage of the bond and um I just love for that momentum to keep going. I feel really positive as a parent and community member uh when I hear things like the innovation center uh where students can come and learn in ways that are going to benefit them going forward. So, even if they're not headed toward college, you know, maybe they're going to a

157trade, um, or maybe they are, you know, skilled and talented in ways that are going to be ones that can only benefit from future improvements here. So, my role would be a positive one, helping to ensure that student needs are met, that we're achieving excellence, and just doing what I can to contribute to that. Third question. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Sure. So, um, not necessarily questions, but just closing remarks would be thank you for the opportunity. I was excited when I saw it come open and again just viewed it as an opportunity to sort of pursue something that I've been interested in over the years. Um I really like Jackson. I feel like, you know, it's

158a good place to be. Uh I love being involved with the schools. Um I view it as such a great opportunity to really do something important in our community. uh if you you know there's not many causes greater than making sure that our kids are well prepared for their future and are receiving a really solid foundation. Um so thank you for the opportunity and I'm grateful to keep being a supporter and a Viking either way. So thank you. Thank you Lauren. Please raise your right hand. Good evening. So, thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. Thank you. We have read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. At this time, you'll have 10 minutes to respond

159to the following three questions. So, question number one, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on this board of education. Oh, okay. I'm Christopher Lockach. I went to this school. It is a place I love. It was probably my favorite time of life because I came in as this nobody ninth grader and built up into being on the well I was the tech captain of the tech crew and I as the president of the drama club and um band all that stuff I threw in there. Um, so this is a very special place. And by the way, notice it's not an academic thing, though I love my academics here. It's all the extra stuff. So I'm very excited to

160feel the energy going on this year that it feels like there's a good focus with Monica and Jeremy on all the stuff outside the class, which I feel is so important. Um, I think you can do both. as I'm a public school teacher. I'm not right now. My dad is 95 and I'm living at home with him to help him out and it's a wonderful chapter. And I'm probably retired. Um, but I taught here in the basement down there at Pathways. I was the entire English department, your 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th, and 12th grade. And then I would leave and I'd go over to TA Wilson and then I taught all those classes. So that was nine preps every day. And then we had COVID and then we had to do everything three different

161ways. And I had 18 hours of live direct instruction that had to be recorded each week. And so people are like, "Oh, well, why did you um retire?" And I'm like, it was it was an intense two years and I was pretty much done. But also um I had suggested to Jeff some ways of doing the English classes that we were doing maybe in a better way um for the kids interest and I don't think he ever looked at it. And I also had another suggestion on after school activities and I don't think he ever looked at that. So, I kind of felt like, well, I'm big on doing stuff, and since he just wants me to do all these classes non-stop, I it's just going to burn me out, and there's nothing that I

162can do about this and control it, so I'll just step away. I don't have to do this. So, um, so I come to you as a teacher. And so, I kind of know education from my entire life. I uh been teaching since 1989. I taught in California. I taught in South Central Los Angeles, which were the greatest classes I have ever had in the inner city. If you do your job, you will be the most interesting thing in those kids' life. And the endless uh reward was very hard to leave. So, um I guess uh to wrap up that little intro, oh I als I also uh ran off to the Franklidd Wright School of Architecture and got a master's of architecture degree which is married to my UCLA urban planning degree because I'm fascinated

163with cities and as an educator how schools fit into cities and people decide if they're going to move into a city based on the schools, but I also just love construction. So, not that I'm a contractor or anything, but I have a great interest in building design, which might be of use since we're doing a lot of that. I talked to Jeremy just a couple months ago and um thank God that bond got through. I was so happy. I was a little worried. I I volunteer as a um I and another person are the Democratic canvasers for the county. We're teamed with two Republicans. We make sure everything's fair and I was getting a little nervous that night, but then it cleared through. So, we did it and I'm very pleased that there's opportunity to

164do things. Um so, yes. Um I I have many interests. I love teaching. I probably come at it as an unusual person because I don't have students. I don't have kids in the schools. I come to it as a person with a lot of background in how education works and especially how this wonderful school um works and I'm very excited to be a part of what I feel is the right priorities going on. Thank you. Hi Chris. Hello Derek. Hi. Thanks for thanks for applying. My read through your questionnaire and one of my clarifying questions as a followup would be we asked if folks would be willing to run for election next November. Does it in your mind make a difference? If you're appointed tonight, would you uh consider running next year? And also, if

165you weren't appointed tonight, would you also consider running next year? I definitely, if I was appointed, it's a great I think that the reason why so many jumped at this, a one-year bite-size trial period to see if it's a good fit. um if it's not a good fit um you know I doubt that would happen but so I say yeah I get to try this out and I'm kind of thinking if it's a good fit you bet I would go to it but if it's not I'm so to me everything just like kids it's all contextual it depends on the kid it depends on this time and I have a feeling because I know some of the people I have a feeling it'll be pretty Great. And a follow up for that. I was following

166some of your comments here and reading through your stuff. You're you're back here uh as a caretaker for your dad. Are you uh you're a resident here, a registered voter, so you would be qualified to run? Oh, yeah. I've been here for five years, six years. And I used to be up in Charavoy a lot and always thought, "Oh, I'll eventually go up there, but that place is kind of empty half the year. It's awfully cold." And I don't know, Jackson has its spell, you know? You think, I'm just coming back to Jackson for a little while and then you stay longer and longer and after a while you're like, I don't know, maybe this is it, you know? So, yeah. Um, so I have a follow-up clarifying question is as far as your retirement

167goes. So did you because I don't know you. Um, did you retire from JPS and when did you retire? Well, I I didn't really retire because I was only here for two years. To me, if you retire from a place, you've been there longer. Um, no, I fulfilled my contract and then at the end of the year, you know, I said, I think I think we're done. I might add they went through because they weren't changing anything the next year they went through three or four people and and that didn't work out well and then they got another person in the position and because they weren't changing the program that person didn't have any background in education and then that person at the end of the year was fired and now they got somebody that

168must love it and but they've altered the program so it's much more sustainable now. So maybe I can ask the question differently. How long has it been since you worked for JPS? Three years. Four years. Three Three years. Yeah. I I By the way though, it's not like I knew tons of things about it. I was down there morning, noon, and night till like 10 or 11. So I I wasn't up here hanging out with all the other teachers. So, I don't know the scuttlebutt. You guys can fill me in on that, you know. Question number three. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Uh as far as any questions that would come if I am in the role

169I am a big believer in opening up not coming in with an agenda. I will want to know what do you want to do and how do we want to do it and to me how you do something is really the big thing because how you do something is going to decide will it happen or not. It's the same thing in a classroom and it's the same thing with kids and all these situations and things. So, the questions would come and I would love to hear from the public and probably hang out in a coffee shop so that people who had some concerns feel like I'm listening, but um also talking to teachers and also to the board and kind of getting my footing. But um no, I'm pretty open-minded and it's interesting just coming

170in and seeing this thing. I mean, I took contracts class for my architecture degree, but I would have to read all sorts of stuff just to know any idea of which direction to go and probably talk to my architecture friends. Super. Thank you, Christopher. Thank you. All right. It doesn't go up. Good evening. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education. So, we've read your letter of interest as well as the questions you answered on why you are seeking this appointment. So, at this time, you'll have 10 minutes to respond to um the following three questions. So, the first question is um if you could take a few minutes to introduce yourself and tell us how your background and experiences make you a good fit to serve on

171this board of education. Sure. My name is Angeline Patton, formerly Angie Harris. Um, 1987 graduate. Um, brief Vikings. Um, I was born and raised in Jackson. I went to Jackson Community College right after high school. Then I ended up in Indiana University where I pursued my bachelor's degree and I worked at the university um at the time I was doing my bachelor's and then I moved back home because I missed Jackson so much and I missed my family. So I started working at MSU. I worked there for 23 years in education working in financial aid and helping the students um get rid of that financial barrier to in order to proceed and be successful in college. And then one of my good friends recruited me to go to Western Mi Michigan, go Broncos. And I'm

172currently working there as the compliance and training of financial aid. And I helped the university with spending the billion dollars that they received um a couple years ago and making sure we're in compliance when it comes to federal rules and regulations. Thank you. Hi, Angeline. Hello. and thank you for applying. A a clarifying question from your questionnaire. You indicated that you would be willing to run for election next November when this seat is up. My question is if you are appointed to the seat, would you run? And if not appointed, would you also run? Kind of as those two different scenarios. Um the answer to your question is yes, I would run. Um, if I was giving the seat today, I would continue to be on the board. If I was not, um, I don't

173believe in quitting. I believe that maybe it just wasn't time for me yet, and I would pursue it still. I mean, that's okay. Hi. Um, would you tell us what you see as the primary roles and responsibilities of a board member? um to be transparent, to be fair, um to be a open line communication between the board, the administration and staff, and to make sure that we are all in sequence and make sure we keep the public and the students first. You're welcome. Third question. As we prepare to make our final decision, would you like to ask us any questions or leave us with any closing remarks? Yes, if you don't mind. Um, where do you see your five three to fiveyear plan for this board? And how do you um also how are you

174thinking about increasing the um student population? because I noticed in our district the student bodies have decreased and is there any plans or strategic planning at play to get the enrollment up? That's a great question. Thank you. So, we're just exiting our 36-month partnership agreement where we didn't really focus on one school, but we focused on the district as a whole with 14 specific benchmarks from academic, non-academic, and other areas. And so, we've seen a tremendous improvement, which we kind of disclosed uh earlier in this meeting. And we want to continue that work. So, we're going to embark upon a strategic plan which seeks the input from the community and all stakeholders. So, kind of um transitioning from the plan that we currently have with the Michigan Department of Education and in infusing it into

175our mission and vision statement. That's uh the work that we're going to begin and complete in 2026 in addition to our bond program of you know continuing to update and improve our facilities and programming. So that's the work that we've talked about at the board table which the board has requested and secured and the work that we're going to continue in 2026. Thank you Angeline. You're welcome. Thank you. Pardon me. So without any objection, I'd like to have a 10-minute recess and we can reconvene at nine. Does that sound good? So maybe it's more than 12 minutes. order. We are now on number six of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. support any deliberation. All those in favor hearing none. All those in favor say I. All

176those opposed, no. Motion carries. Number seven, citizens requesting to address the board. We have one person, Chris Davis. Um, you'll have five minutes to address the board. Good evening board. My name is Chris Davis. Um I wanted to come tonight to um talk about a topic that has been um a focus area for about a year now and it's chronic absenteeism. And I wanted to talk about it because there seems to be a misunderstanding um not here at the table but in the community I think um when we talk about chronic absenteeism we have to be honest about what it really is and it's not a motivation problem or a discipline problem. A lot of times it's a support problem. Students aren't missing school because they simply don't care. They're missing school because they're dealing

177with anxiety or unmet learning needs, unstable housing, transportation barriers, and family responsibilities. And when anything can feel overwhelming, attendance is going to naturally drop. And I'm not sure if you guys are aware, but if a student that goes to Jackson High School lives at the interfaith shelter, they don't qualify for JPS transportation. They have to walk here. Monday when I took my kids to school, it was five degrees outside with a real field of negative eight. And so when the interface shelter is only half mile from here, you know, four or five blocks, go ahead and walk that four or five blocks in negative8 degree weather when you probably don't have the right resources to be out in that type of weather. So, those are some of the barriers that um needs to be addressed

178around chronic absenteeism instead of just saying that it's, you know, the parents fault or the kids are just undisiplined or anything like that. Um, and I also just want to bring you to your attention something I just learned this afternoon that um all skate gives out free passes to kids um in the community during um holiday breaks. Um and they gave out passes to every district except for JPS. and when I questioned them on why they didn't give to JPS, they said there is a policy that prevents them from giving those passes to JPS students. So, I would just encourage you guys to look into that and maybe we can correct that in time for spring break so they can get some free passes. Thank you. Thank you, Chris. Agenda item eight. There are no

179discussion items. So we will go down to agenda item nine. Action items 252645. Do I have a motion to for the board vacancy appointment to approve? Can you give an overview of how we're going to proceed with this? Would you like to weigh in? I mean, I I think it's up to the board on how they'd like to procedurally a motion can be made and seconded and then debate would happen. Um if that if a motion were to be made on the process or a candidate, you know, that's believe would be appropriate. Oh. Um. Yeah, there was there was something that was sent out. I mean, my my opinion would be it's at the board's perspective on how we would want to fill the vacancy, which is a majority vote of the board. So, I

180appreciate the um you know, kind of laying this out. It it feels a little little bit clunky but so if I can just explain what was shared. So after interviewing 10 candidates uh the the board was recommended to have like a top three. Someone might say I don't have a top three because I have a clear number one. And that's fine to say and then the board will understand that and every everybody has an opportunity. Well, I have a top two or I have a top three. So whatever discussion you want to share out so that the board understands what are the next steps. If everybody has a clear one, then they should say that. And if they don't and they have a top three, then you can discuss strengths about why you rank the

181way that you rank. And then we could, you know, talk about ultimately what you need is a majority and if the board can come to a consensus on a majority to make a motion to support that candidate. So, this says top three, but it's the board's um you know, based on the interview process. If you want to do your say your top three or if you just want to say I don't have a top three, I have a top one or two. Yes, this is a discussion about your findings uh and rankings based on the interview. I don't think it's necessary to um provide feedback on all 10 unless you do. That's why it was discussed to narrow it down to finalists. Thank you. And Sarah is going to tabulate everyone's responses. Is that be

182for the record? Yeah, I'll start. Um I have a top one. I see this as though it's election day and I'm looking at a ballot and there are 10 candidates for one position and the directions say choose one. I choose Tabitha Williams. I uh same here. Um um I don't have top three. I got top one. Um same um I known her um you know known her family and I known her kids and I seen her uh everywhere in at JPS. Um, I'll share some of my thought process in this. Uh, and I think I think we had some an incredible diversity of of applications and differences of interests. And I'm excited to see that the hosting also got some other people thinking about getting involved at JPS and and contributing and and exploring what

183that can look like. Um because of the short nature of the posting and our uh need under our policy to fill it within 30 days. I kind of outlined some of my parameters considering this one. a solid commitment to JPS. Um, someone who's from Jackson knows the community, uh, went through JPS. uh if they have kids here that go to JPS. Big points. Uh running for office before I think was one of my uh qualifications that I was looking for because I believe they're uh one that's an expression of someone's commitment to the district and their foresight and already wanting to uh engage with the board in that capacity. And there is a public vetting process. uh even if even if folks uh didn't get enough votes to win, uh they did go through a

184public vetting process there. Uh I think that being emphatic about running again next year is important and we were able to ask some questions of those candidates here tonight. uh significant participation in the bond proposal because we want to see folks that are all in for Jackson uh public schools and uh that you know there are folks that served on the committees here um you know and then I'll say because of the tight time frame I I would value from the board's perspective of someone that has been there before and frankly is departing um listening to their feed feedback. Uh there's one candidate here that expressed that having already gone through the process of being screened and endorsed in their candidacy by the Jackson Education Association and the teachers and educators that help us carry

185out our mission. Um you know, other other things for uh diversity and and the community engagement aspects and and some of the things that they deal with. Um, my top pick would be Tabitha. Um, you know, I have some other, you know, seconds and stuff, but that's that's where I would probably head in my decision-m process. So, this was a um, wow, what a wonderful um, list of candidates. Wow. Um, my top pick would also be Tabitha Williams. Miss Hamilton, you welcome to go first. All right. Um, Miss Tabitha would also be in my top three. So, for what it's worth, sounds like we're moving towards consensus. Tabitha's in my top three. Is my mouth full of Jimmy John? So, um, my top two I'd have would be, um, Miss Angelene Patton. Um, just based

186on, um, her diverse experiences that she's had in her, uh, work experience. Just so, you know, I don't know. I know they think that, you know, all black people know each other. We don't know each other. I've never met her. But um the experiences that you shared based on um the work that you've done, all the different places that you lived um there's something um very uh beneficial to being in different communities um seeing what they do and they've been able to bring that information back versus kind of being in one space your entire life. Um uh you kind of get bottlenecked into that space and into those thought processes. So, I appreciate the different places that you lived and the different experiences that you've been able to gain in those different places and then

187your willingness to bring those things back to the community. Um, also your uh your follow-up question. I appreciated it. Um, I like that you're thinking, you know, how do we fix these things? Um, how do we address these things? Um, let's not ignore them. Let's put them right in front of us and then address those issues. Um, that to me says you have an analyt analytical perspective, strategic mind. Um, and in my opinion, when you're sitting at the board table, we don't need individuals who are um, you know, kind of just go along to get along. We don't need individuals who are afraid to um, look at the hard things and address those things. So, I appreciated those questions that you had. So, you'd be my top one. Um, and then Chris Davis would be

188my second choice. Um, he ran in the last election. He was the fourth uh, runner up. And to me, in my perspective, the community chose Chris um to be um one of our board members. Um not only that, he's been consistent in attending, you know, the board meetings since then. I think he's shown um by his consistency, his followup, his showing up um to board meetings when he had absolutely no reason per se to except for his interest and his commitment to JPS. Um I think that says a lot about him. Um just the way of staying engaged. I mean, you know, I don't know that I would be coming to board meetings if I was not a board member. Um, every month is a big commitment. So, um, I highly value that from you.

189Um, and I think the community, uh, should and they did. Um, so you'd be my second choice. Do I have a motion to appoint Tabitha Williams effective immediately? I make a motion that we appoint Tabitha Williams to the uh board vacancy. Any deliberation? hearing. None. Do should we take Miss Hamilton? No. Mrs. Semini? Yes. Mr. Ready? Yes. Miss Sharp? Yes. Mr. Doby's? Miss Actton? Yes. the next at this time. Okay. At this time, because we are under a time crunch, I'm going to ask uh newly elected board member um Tabitha Williams to step forward to uh to uh for the constitutional oath of office. We're going to swear you in today. All right. Um, please repeat after me. Raise your right hand. I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United

190States and the Constitution of this state. that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of the member of the board of education Jackson public schools according to the best of my ability. At this time, we're going to um go down to action item 252646. And I'm turning this over to Mr. Patterson. I would like to make a motion to approve the Neola updates as presented. Second. deliberation all those we we've gone through these um are you going through these again? We've Has anything changed? No. Um nothing has changed. This is a second reading. I did make some updates. Uh one of the updates was uh changing the date of the FAFSA will not go into play 2026. that will go into um play for 2027. And there was also some clarity that was

191asked last month that regarding the opt out that um there is some clearer language in there that suggests um that that has been clarified in that contract. And I also did receive back from the FAFSA challenge and there is a grant to the order of amount of 254,174 and85 just as an FYI but there was nothing changed to any of the non-discrimination or other areas. That's just some of the discussion that we had from last month regarding the FAFSA challenge and that's the update. So I have some questions for you Jeremy. Um I've had opportunity to thumb through most of these now. Um the the FAFSA um hold on let me find it. These got printed um front and back, so it makes it difficult to find them, but give me a second. I will.

192It's the first one on the um agenda if that's helpful. The electronic agenda. I got them in um printout versions. I got a question about a few of them, too. How many non-discrimination ones did we have? Did we we canceled like two of them out? Do you remember, Jeremy? I don't believe we canled anything. Is it okay if Jeremy answers since I'm asking him? Move stuff around. I believe there are three that um we're bringing for approval today. So, I don't remember the number that were cancelceled out, but I know that we have revised three that we're trying to approve today. All right, I almost found it. I did not find it. Okay, give me a second. I got the questions wrote down. Um, for the graduation requirement, um, the funds that, and you might

193have answered as answer answered this last time, but I'm going to ask it again because I don't remember. um the funds that are attached to this policy, how often are we getting those funds? Is that just a onetime thing? Yes, that's correct. Okay. Um so our getting uh the students to sign on, you know, year after year after year is not tied to that money. It's just once we pass this policy, then therefore they'll give us the money. That's correct. Okay. And I can't find the policy in front of me. I don't know why I did have it um here, but um the opt language, I did read it. Do you mind just going through that again? Uh not again but going through that a little bit more detail um what the opt- out options

194are. Yes. So number one says after all good faith effort the students parent or legal guardian refuses to sign the parent waiver is unresponsive or cannot sign the waiver would afford the district to um help the student opt out. The student is unable to complete the FAFSA as an independent student allows for a student opt out. The student agrees to opt out of completing the FAFSA or other than the requirements in subsection 2. Uh the student is on track to graduate. Uh currently, I believe the number was like 84 85% of our students last year completed the FAFSA. And part of these resources will be to secure a college and career access person to support our students and families um that are interested in um participating. So thank you for that. Um, so in no

195way is there a student, you know, in no circumstance will any of our students not graduate based on not filling these documents out because these opt out opt out or opt whatever these these um protections are in place. That's correct. So in any circumstance, you know, and I know someone that were based on age, um if they're underage, under 18 years old, we still have options for them. their parents are not available. You know, they're under 17 or they're under 18. We still have an opt out. That's correct. What was what was that one? Um just that would be good faith effort. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Okay. So, I can I can be comfortable with that one because of the opt outs. Now, this policy is is not a and I don't have it in front

196of me. I don't know why I don't have it in front of me because I had it, but anyways. So, it's not an MCL. Is this just like our choice or is support policy? No, no, no. Um, so you know, some are state state policies that we have to do. Other policies are policies that we can choose to do. Is this a we have to do it or we do not have to do it. We choose to do it. Okay. Thank you. I got some more questions for you on some of the other policies. Um, okay. The web accessibility. Um, did did much change in that? I saw one that looks like we were um changing a bunch of language in the something about a web seat number while I'm searching for it because a

197lot of the um is highlighted or strucken out that I could refer to while I'm trying to find Okay, I think you're referring to 7540 um 002. It's revised possibly. And so in the document that I'm looking at, it shows all the changes that are uh revised by highlighting. Yes. Um so so a lot of this is language they call it now digital content and accessibility. Yes. And not web accessibility and content. And so it does show a number of changes that are a lot of uh language changing is what I'm reading from um district generated and school related digital content which was formerly just content apps and services. So, you see a lot of uh edits with with that kind of language change. Is this one like a technical um is this because I

198saw some that are like technical edits or technical something. Is was that one what this was more of or you know as far as just kind of adding in broaden language or Yes, that's the way that I'm reading it and all the highlights that have been made. You you you change from digital content to content. you change from district generated digital content and it used to say content absent services. So that's a lot of language change that I'm reading. I found the graduation one too. It's in the middle of these. Thank you Jeremy for that. I do have some more questions for you. Um the disaster recovery plan. Um I see that we we're no longer um keeping it in a printed format. Is that what that policy is saying? Or it's not in electronic?

199No, it's not in electronic format. Is that what I read? Am I understanding that correctly? Can you share with me? I I knew I should have wrote those down and I didn't. I'm gonna be able to find it when I sit there. And of course, I'm not. Um, give me a second. I'm looking for it. Okay. Me, too. The disaster recovery, just so you know. That's what it's called. Disaster recovery plan. I haven't seen that one yet. I don't think that's the information security one. Or is it? Yeah, I don't recognize that title. We had like a thousand um policies, folks. Just so you know. It it basically said though that we were no longer going to keep it in electronic format and I was just like that seems like that would be not smart.

200We should keep it electronic format. Next time when we print this, we got to print one side only. Sarah, just so you know. Do you have a number? Okay. Oh, there it is. Um, I found it. Okay. PL7541. Okay. That's a new policy. Okay. We're rescending it, it looks like. Oh, no. That's a operations plan. What was that? 3,800. It's It's PL7541. Okay. No, that's a different one that I was seeing. So, let me see. Looks like we're rescending this policy. I was wondering what we have in place of it. Do we not have the rescended policies on the digital 7541 is what I'm seeing on the code. It says copy of electronic data processing disaster recovery plan. Okay. I'm I'm seeing uh PO7541. Yep. Electronic data has been rescended. Yes. Okay. We have something

201in place of that or what's going on? It just seems like we should have our data in electronic format. Yes. Is the title is copy of electronic data processing disaster recovery plan. Um just reading some of the language that has been struck in the board of education is committed to maintaining and protecting the district information systems. Um, yeah. So, yeah, I I don't recall that it was replaced with anything or just rescended. And the I mean obviously we had a a breach and we also you're getting this from the website. I think it's on the website as rescended. I don't believe so. So, I couldn't find it in there. So, that's that's the only information I have at this time that this policy has been just strucken out or rescended. So, we don't know if

202we've replaced it with anything or we're just I I just trying to understand why we're not keeping a electronic copy of our disaster recovery plan. I just don't understand that. It seems like in the information age we should. Just not understanding why I got struck out. Okay, I'm gonna check one more location. 8300. This one. Okay. Okay. Okay. Uh I'm looking at the next policy which is not in the printed manual but I think it's on the electronic 8300 continuation of organizational operational plan. So so it's been replaced and it looks to be more extensive and that's 8300 and it's a new policy. The 8300 is a new policy. Yes. Okay. Thank you. So, it sounds like we do have this in electronic format. It just took this out and put a different one in.

203Correct. Thank you. Couple more questions for you. Um the information security uh policy that we're updating the green means that we put in all this extra language, right? That's correct. Those are the changes. Okay. And this is this is what just kind of strengthening our information system kind of based on that breach we had a couple years ago. That's correct. So, they've been vetted by legal counsel and this is the recommendation that they're bringing to our district. Okay. Two more questions for you. Um the anti-harassment um policy, help me understand it. I I see a few of them that have been completely, you know, rescended and then I see that we had a couple that looks like we've replaced them with um what's the biggest what's the differences between them? You know, what what are

204we losing? What are we gaining? Yeah. So my understanding is they're all redundant and so we had nine policies that we condensed into three. Each of the three policies that I'm reading were 20 pages long and so I think they said we got it covered and we don't need nine. Okay. Yeah, it was like 500 pages. So it's like hopefully Jer can give me a summary. Um, and then the last question I have for you, um, the compliance officer on I think the anti-harassment, uh, policies suggest that we have a male and a female. I noticed that we have two females. Um, are we can I know we can have a third from what I'm reading. Is there plans and and to get a third where we have a male um, compliance officer as well?

205Um, I know I'm listed as an appeal officer. So, if there were maybe a complaint that I'm listed as another person. I was formerly the compliance officer and so I guess in the process I'm still in there if there were request and a need for a male and that's not conflict of interest for you in the supervisory role, superintendent role rather. We don't need to have somebody separate from you or No, I think it would be requested. Does it say required or recommended? Which one are you referring to? Um to have a male and a female. It's recommended. Yep, it's recommended. So, I don't think it's a mandate, but just a good recommendation for obvious purposes. And I think if there were ever a scenario where someone had to recuse themsel for specific reasons, then

206I could fill in that capacity. Okay. I know that we um tend to think that, you know, uh Niola is uh God in their policy. So, I would, you know, understand that if we were uh particular about taking their recommendations, I understand we're not in this instance. Um but thank you, though. Yes, you're welcome. Thank you, Vice President. Um, I would just ask that uh one of the things I noted in a in an email and as part of a response to a constituent's question about how all of this stuff was was moving around. If I noticed on our compliance officer section of our website that it does have a a colon and then maybe it's just on my computer, but I'm not seeing that detailed. uh as we formalize these policies, uh if we

207could reflect that so the public knows the process and who they should be reaching out to, I think that would be um helpful as well going through this. Do I have a motion to approve the Neola updates written? Oh, it has. Okay. So, all those in favor all those in favor say I. I. Opposed say no. Motion carries. We are on agenda action item 252647, the 2526 budget amendment number one. And I'm turning it over to Marcus. All right. Thank you. Um, so as you know, we do three budget amendments each year to kind of track our progress as we hit different milestones throughout the year. Um, if you remember back in June, we brought a budget that showed we were going to project using approximately $2 million in fund balance. At the time, we

208had no state budget. We obviously had no enrollment numbers. Um, just a lot of unknowns, right? Um, since then, we have had a state budget that was finalized and signed. We've had our fall count date um done and certified and submitted to the state. And so this is our first look at where we think we are so far. Um and really even though we projected that $2 million in June, also remember we did have some contract uh extensions with some of our groups that had expired over the summer and uh we moved forward with some sort of uh one-year extension until we had more clarity on the state budget. Um those extensions had an approximate value of about $500,000. So just to put in perspective, we were starting off the year looking to use about

209$2.5 million of fund balance. Um after taking a look first look at the revenues and expenditures to date, um we're projected at this point to use about $1.6 million of fund balance. So, as you can see, we have had a somewhat favorable state budget, but also we, you know, we saw some money come in where we did not last year. Um, we also saw some things like the retirement rates increase for this year. Um, just a bunch of unknowns that have started filling in the blanks for us. Um, and so again, we'll take another look at this again in March as we move through the year. Then a final look in June. Um, as you remember last year, we started off the year looking at about a $4 million fund balance usage and then we

210wound up the year a little over $3 million. So, um, you know, as we get through the winter months in March, we'll have a better idea of where utilities are and things like that and and so we'll we'll kind of hone in on those numbers as we move through the year. Um, but at this point, this is where we stand as of today or when we finish this. We did discuss this at the finance meeting about a week and a half ago and at this time we would recommend approval of the 2526 first budget amendment. Do I have a motion to approve the 2526 budget amendment? So move. Any deliberation hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose say no. Motion carries. The next action item is 252648 energy projects RFP. I'm turning

211that back to Marcus again. All right. And um so this item we discussed a little bit last month. So we've partnered a few years ago with an energy advisory firm, Guaranteed Community Advisors. They've helped us bring projects to the district such as the EV bus project, the solar fields we have at a few sites. Um about a year and a half agoish, we uh went through an RFP bid process uh working with GCA on a bunch of energy efficiencies, the initiatives that we feel um best help the district in the years to come. And through that process and whittling down the scope, we we brought to you for discussion last month um the items that we feel are are best suited for our needs. Um, and so tonight I have the CEO of GCA, Andy

212Bitner, here um, to go over a little bit. I think I mentioned last month I was not definitely the technical expert on some of these projects and um, so I wanted to have him here to help uh, the board understand or any questions that they might have. So I'm going to turn it over to him for a few minutes. Good evening board. Thank you for having me and thank for allowing me to uh, serve with your administration for a little over two years. It's been very fun as we've been able to help uh Jackson moving towards being a little bit more efficient. Um and it's become one heck of a story. Uh so appreciate your support in um helping the administration. I will also uh pause since I don't get an opportunity to do this

213uh very often. Uh but I do have a chance to work on billions of dollars worth of projects across the country uh with schools, with cities. Uh the administration that we work with here at Jackson is remarkable. It is very good. I don't get the chance to say that in every community. Uh it is commendable when I do and so I like to make sure that I highlight um those folks that are doing that. Uh Marcus and his staff uh specifically Todd are very hard on us. uh but they're very good at what they do and we appreciate that. Um so I think that that is notable to be said. Um that being said, we have been working very hard over the last 18 months on a project and it has come to a really

214good uh spot now for conclusion. I had the opportunity to speak at the finance committee uh several months ago um and we have continued on from that pathway. Um but uh I know you have a lot of things going on. So just real quick in this development process, we have done complete comprehensive energy audits of the entire Jackson facilities. Uh we have done that across all of the buildings. We have looked at it from a holistic standpoint of energy and operations. uh those both uh matter both how it hits the utility bill uh as well as how it hits the operational function uh of your facilities. We then were able to uh collaborate with Marcus and Todd and the staff to structure an RFP specifically to highlight some of the areas uh of scope that

215made the most sense. When we originally targeted this project, we had 15 different areas that we targeted. we have been able to whittle that down through effectiveness and efficiency uh down to six that I am actually going to recommend today. Um from our standpoint, we also did get a chance to go through and evaluate each and every vendor. The way that we ran this RFP, it was not a search for a general contractor. It was a search for who could be the absolute laser best efficiency and effectiveness on each of the specific measures. uh that has driven cost down significantly. Um and has also uh enabled some vendors that uh ordinarily wouldn't be able to do say water technology and electrical technology. You you've got what we recommend are uh the best in the field

216uh in those spaces. Uh we then put together a capital stacking strategy which means we paid for it. Uh we put together some funding mechanisms when I spoke to the finance committee. Uh I shared with you that this is not going to cost any money out of budget if you didn't need to spend it. Uh I commit to that. Uh it does look like it does make sense uh from some of the leftover bond funds uh that it does make sense to use some of those funds, but we do have the flexibility to actually pay for uh this program completely through some of those different funding mechanisms. We are stacking uh green loan programs. We are stacking rebate programs and uh through these programs, we'll also be able to write some grants. I can't guarantee

217you that we can win any grants on these uh but I can certainly tell you we will be writing and applying for those grants uh as they go through the process. We've also put together the financial needs portfolios and and proformas uh but these are all essentially measures that work on your existing buildings. Congratulations on passing your bond. that is for new builds, major renovations, big uh processes. As you well know, what we specialize in is finding what are the no-brainer things that we can find funding, pay for those things, uh and drive short-term uh returns. So, you'll see some of the ROIs on these are u relatively fast paybacks, especially for the public sector. Um, and I just wanted you to be aware in a public setting of some of the things that are

218going to be massively upgraded here. uh to the community with your blessing. Uh first thing is power optimization. This is becoming a bigger and bigger thing with demand across utilities as well as uh fluctuations in power as our grid changes. But it also just flat out, even if we were doing this 10 years ago, uh makes your systems more efficient and more effective. So, uh, we're deploying several different ways to utilize your your, uh, electrical, uh, stations and your, uh, electrical panels more effectively to balance out, uh, the draws that are coming in. Data monitoring and management is a big opportunity. Uh, we'll now be able to track the use of energy uh, down to the millisecond, which is tremendous in a day of data. Again, 10 years ago, not so useful because even if

219you had the data, you couldn't do anything with it. Today, you can make thousands of dollars of impact and change and you can move things around quite a bit. You guys also have a tremendous staff that is able to utilize uh this technology. It's also able to tap into some relatively effective u metering from consumers energy. And so we're able to through the RFP identify different ways to drastically cut down on uh the usage of equipment uh so that we could tap into things that already existed inside of your home utility here in consumers. Uh so that is very good. It is also very not notable that this program has a specific uh design and cutout for students to become involved in the data monitoring and management process and they get paid. So uh this

220is another beautiful thing of the RFP process. Uh we identified this group uh through an RFP that we actually ran in Seattle, Washington and found this group uh and they're remarkable. We invited them to participate here and found that they did an absolutely wonderful job and they crushed the competition in the RFP as well as being able to bring a student program. Um, so I I'm very excited to to see how that gets rolled out uh here in Jackson. Walk-in coolers and freezers, there's opportunities to do some uh small measures and upgrades there simply just to help with some of the motors. Um, and there's a sensor package that also taps in beautifully into some rebate programs uh at consumers. On the HVAC side as well, there is technology called bioenzymatic cleaning. uh that is

221really just an enzyme that is natural that does cleaning really really really well and sometimes nature is even better than bleach uh and it specifically works really really well in HVAC systems. Uh it is low cost. It lasts a long time but most importantly provides uh great efficiency effectiveness and the thing that everybody loves about HVAC which is comfort. So it will enhance all of those things. A water valve was also a uh major focus here. This technology specifically will help with some of the shut off valves. It will also help with um reducing some of the uh load on your main pipes, especially being here in Michigan. That is a big issue. Uh it also helps you pay less on water because it condenses the bubbles that flow through. And if you've ever had

222uh bubbles in your lines at home, you know that that runs through your equipment and runs hard on your equipment. So although you may not see an immediate um net ROI on just the the water bill, uh which is what we're projecting here, it it will also show up significantly on the operational side. Um unfortunately, we did have uh some busted pipes recently. Um, we specifically we're targeting a water leak detection detection network to be able to help with that. Um, we can see now why that can be very useful. And of course, it's it's uh when Todd goes on vacation, it seems that that's always the case. Whenever your best maintenance people are gone, that's when things go down. So, um, this will help uh remedy some of those things. And we also were

223able to really put the screws on some of the vendors and knock down some of the scope of work and drive some cost down uh very recently. So those are some good new updates from what we presented uh previously in the past. Uh we had also briefly touched on some LED uh scope that has been moved over to the bond scope because that seems to make the most sense uh from conversations that we've had with um Todd and Marcus. Um and then when it comes to funding program selection, one of the things that we are recommending is that uh to fund this project, there is a 0% APR program through Michigan Saves uh that we were a able to identify. So free money ain't bad. Um Michigan Saves is a nonprofit green bank that operates

224here in Michigan, works very closely in partnership with Consumers Energy. Uh and they did essentially a um vetting of the financial groups and there are three specific uh groups that they work with specifically to fund these programs and for your program team financial group uh has been selected and so we have gone through many of the processes uh on the financial side to be able to get that application ready. Um and so we are uh at the point now where we are capable to now receive uh the complete submitt uh with your blessing. Um as the CEO of the company, I have been personally working on this project because I have been working with you guys for a long time. I don't get a chance to work on individual projects all the time. So when

225I do, I really get a chance to lean in. Um we've tried to put together some of the tables. I know this is virtually impossible for you to see uh some of the specific numbers, but we've tried to organize all the tables out and and some of the data, but uh overall about a 2.3 uh netar payback on uh these measures uh because we have the data monitoring program installed as well too. Um you're guaranteed to be able to see the results on that down to the millisecond. So we'll have really good data on exactly how this thing is performing uh and exactly how it all comes together. So um I I appreciate the opportunity to present this especially on such a long day. Uh so I attempted to go through that quickly and and

226appreciate your comments and uh and questions. I'm back in the I'm sorry. Uh I'm in the one of these documents. Uh energy assessment GPS energy assessment um asset report and I'm scrolling through this uh one I see that the admin building is not the best at being cost effective per square foot. That jumps out. uh the executive overview page like 17. Um is that the summary of what is proposed here in that that asset report that you're looking at is I'm guessing a roughly a 100page document. That is the overall assessment that we did to analyze where we would really go with the RFP process. Okay. So that's the early on process where we go and objectively just look and say all right this is the data here's where things are now we should really

227go and and break out phases phases measures and and figure out what would really happen so um what is the total annual savings on what we're looking at here well that's a good question to ask probably could have talked on that one we're pretty excited about that side. So from an energy standpoint, we expect to see a little bit over uh quarter of a million dollars at $261,125 uh dollars. And that is right here. Uh it's just one of the tiny little boxes in the middle of this page that we hide there. That's so that's annual and that helps pay off the cost of all this upgrades over what you said 2.3 2.4 years yeah precisely and that is uh how much of this work can be funded through the bond 2018. So, um, we

228are planning on using as many of the leftover 2018 bond dollars, which we estimated about 350,000. If it's more, it's more. I don't anticipate it being less than that at this point. Um, and then again, you'll know the stadium lighting currently is in the 2025 bond program. Um, which is why that cost is not included in the board recommendation tonight, but it was part of the RFP process and and everything we've gone through. So that that pre-work has already been done. So, is it is it fair to say that um because we were able to pass the 2018 bond and also the 2025 bond uh that were able to make upgrades to our infrastructure, make us more costefficient, energy efficient, cost efficient. And that then reduces the expenditures that we would have to make on

229energy and other costly things from our general fund. Yes. The to the tune of 261. So the the the easiest analogy I can think of I think I brought it to you by participating that EV bus program we've already seen savings of I don't remember what I said about $70,000 last year alone in fuel costs. Right. So similarly, we should be able to realize similar whatever the dollar value is on energy costs through these initiatives over time. Does that answer? Yeah, I'm just kind of getting at like the the work that you guys are doing to lead the bond proposal is um well it in the past it's come out of the general fund. Uh those funds are making energy improvements that are uh keeping more of our dollars here to be used on. Correct.

230And it goes back to being able to try to control the things we can control. So this comes out of general fund or bond? I'm confused. We're going to our plan is to pay for about half of it from the 2018 bond funds that we have left over with the remainder coming from um combination funding program. Okay, got it. Y and andor rebates that we might see back from, you know, places like consumers and things like that. Okay. So, I was very impressed with the energy audit like just when you went through the buildings and that's when I think I emailed Marcus. Oh my gosh, Reynolds Hall uses a lot of energy. But and then I was looking at you and I was like I thought I knew you and I couldn't figure out where

231I placed you and then I was like, "Oh, that's the person that came to speak with us a couple months ago." So, good seeing you again. Thank you. Um, and I will send good regards to our engineering team because they're the ones who do the hard reports that make it possible to make informed decisions. So, am I correct um in understanding that um none of the funds will be coming out of the general fund? Correct. Is that correct? There will be a cash outlay from the general fund. Explain that a little bit, please. Yep. So, if we're recommending these projects cost just under $700,000 as a cash outlay, right? Um we're planning on using about $350,000 from the 2018 bond fund. The other half the 300, we'll call it $350,000 will will be funded initially

232through 0% loans or rebates or whatever, but the district will repay that over a 20-year period or whatever that is, but the savings we'll see from the utility costs will pay for the cash out. Is that help? Very much. Thank you. I make a motion that we approve the energy projects RFP as presented. Any deliberation hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed, no. The next action item, 252649, the 2025 series 1 bond resolution. and I'll turn that over to Marcus. All right. So, um there's going to be a lot of steps in this bond process. This is the next one. Um so, after we pass the bond, our next step is a board resolution authorizing us to sell the bonds on the market. So, we've already started that process. Um

233we've selected an underwriter um and all those are wheels are in motion. Um, we look to be funded sometime in March, but the first step to that would be a board resolution authorizing us to proceed with selling the bonds. This would be for the first series. We'll be coming back again in about a year when we go to sell the second series with the same resolution. Um, so part of the process, so I'll let Derek talk. I thought he was he's trailing off. Move approval of the series bond uh series one uh bond resolution. Any deliberation hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion carries. Agenda item 10, board comments. Um, I'd like to say congratulations Tabitha. Nice to have you on board. And from earlier in the

234meeting, I thought it was extremely helpful that we had the owner's rep presentation and the project manager presentation back toback. It really helped clarify things for me. Um, so whoever planned that, good job that I thought was great. Um, also say congrats to Tabitha and thank you to everyone else who applied. Hope that folks can continue to engage with JPS and consider how they can continue to serve the folks that call this place home each and every day and uh agree. The presentations today were were very clarifying and um hope everybody has a safe uh and joyous holiday season. So I wanted to thank all the people that did step up to the plate that wanted to be on the sport. The talent was exceptional. I'm just so impressed that people want to serve. We

235had 10 10 people. So, um, congratulations, Tabitha. And, uh, I just I wanted to express my appreciation for the staff, everyone involved in their children's lives, and the just the effort that they take and that they make. And I ran into um my son's former teacher. It was Don Francis when I was over at Cascades and she remembered my son Nicholas. He's 37. I think she was his uh sixth grade teacher. I'm just so And she remembered me. So, you know, the teachers here are unbelievable. They they remember it. It's really kind of a family. So, happy holidays to everybody. Um have fun on um your break. And at this point, um, I'm going to talk about the calendar. December 22nd, winter break begins. January 5th, school resumes. January 19th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

236no school. And January 20th, our organizational regular meeting up here at 6:00 pm. Do I have a motion to adjourn? Um, actually, no. So I think we are delinquent in something. So we have to make a motion vacant presidency position and according to our bylaws it has to be filled within 30 days. So um and then if we fill that seat and it then vacates another officer position, our January meeting is 35 days away and we're kind of stuck. So, I would like to make a motion that we temporarily suspend our bylaws and table the election of officers to January to work. Deliberation hearing none. All those in favor say I. I oppose. No. Motion carries. Thank you, Cheryl. Motion to adjourn now, Cheryl. Do we have support? Ajourn. I adjourn now. Thank you.