001I'm sorry. >> I call this meeting of the South Board of Education together at 6:32. Stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> On the agenda, call the role of committees. Mr. Secretary, >> yes. >> Anthony Johnson, >> thank you. Amanda Flescher, >> present. Lorie Hicks, >> present. >> Sher Flesher, >> present. >> Misha Early, >> present. >> Daniel Winston, >> present. Dollar >> present. Next item on the agenda, approval of agenda. Are there any corrections to the agenda? There are none. The agenda will be as written. Next item on the agenda is superintendent communications. Mr. B. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh,
002I have several communications this evening. a couple weeks ago now since the board has last met our hospitality, tourism, and culinary students. uh were offered to sponsor and provide all the food for the state of the township meal uh for the state of the township address that occurred at the brand new community center just up the road that opened in 2026 where uh the board will be happy to know that um thanks to the outstanding contributions of the hospitality tourism and culinary students uh we were able to provide food for 185 guests at the state of the township and myself along with trustee Hicks had an opportunity need to be there. And uh to hear the number of compliments that our students and our program received that day were simply innumerable. And so special thanks
003to our students as well as to Chef Tony. Um to see our students recognized on the township stage um was quite remarkable. Uh, additionally, congratulations are in order to the construction building trades program that was recently featured in the trade up segment yet again on channel 4 for the second time in which our career technical education programs are being recognized by WDIB. Um, this time specifically with our construction building trades program um, which is underneath the uh, instructional leadership of Miss Tanya Walker. So, uh, hats off to the students of that program along with, um, Miss Walker, the teacher for that program. So, to see our programs continue to be recognized by WDIB is also quite remarkable. And speaking of which, uh, last week over at Jefferson Elementary School, uh, we had four board members
004that were there, either as attendees or as readers over at Jefferson Elementary School for the Glow Read program, which, uh, the board I, if someone would be so kind to hold up their t-shirt there. Um, you can see the shirts that were provided to the board of education that you recall hearing the Jefferson staff uh talk about just a couple weeks ago when they presented to the board of education. Thank you, Trustee Hicks, um, for sharing the shirts. And so again, we had several board members that were there either as attendees or as guest readers. It was exciting to see um families come out in support of reading month for March and seeing the energy surrounding the theme of glow reading was uh outstanding. So um many thanks are in order to the Jefferson staff
005for the planning and preparation for a successful program that took place uh last week at Jefferson. And then additionally a friendly reminder for both the board as well as the guests tonight. We will be back in the space here at Soore on Wednesday to continue our work with the family and community engagement which is part of our strategic plan and part of our philosophy here in South Redford. So we'll be here in the space but instead of at 6:30 we'll be here at 6:00. And so looking forward to continuing our work on Wednesday evening with our curriculum instruction and assessment director Amy Davidson as well as Joy Burks and Sean Salmanin that will also be um helping facilitate the work on Wednesday night here at Soore from 6 to 8. And that concludes my communications
006this evening, Madam President and members of the board. >> Thank you. Next item on the agenda is board communications. Are there >> none? >> There are none. Okay. Next item on the agenda is comments from the audience. Topics related to the agenda. >> Are there none? >> There are none. Wow. I love that. Next item on the agenda is the consent agenda. Do I have a board member willing to adopt consent agenda >> for the chair? >> Yes. >> Like to move the adoption of the following resolution, please. >> Do I have a support? >> Support. >> It's been adopted by Mrs. Flesher and supported by Mr. Woodston. All in favor? >> I. >> Any nays? Seven eyes. Zero Naz resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is reports from >> We have Kathy Woods
007here from Southford Foundation. >> Foundation. >> Good evening everybody. This will be not so long tonight. It's good to see everybody and thank you for having me. >> Today has been a long day. Uh I've been at the NEFP for the foundations of all over Michigan since uh from 8 this morning to 3 and then over at Pierce be uh just to update you. We did we have started our uh champions programs at each school. Uh we have a lot we have we have one issue that I reported to you all last time that we did that we were able to resolve as far as a couple of the champions felt as though they were always last. I came up with a solution for that and that's to offer them a one-time uh submission of
008what it is that they would like uh as the secretaries at the middle school. What would they like? what would what can we do to contribute to their needs that is that will also um help the children in in that manner. So we are going to allow them up to $500 um to satisfy that championship along with the champions um event at the end of the year we'll be having like a banquet or something of that nature for them as well. Uh also our p charity poker has begun. Well, it will begin on the 24th. Uh it will begin 24th through the 27th. Those funds from that will also go toward the increase to this year high school scholarships. So instead of a th00and we're looking at 1,50 per for six students. So that's our
009goal for that. was just for me so far. Okay. Um I also want to say on behalf of the foundation to um Madam Chair, if I can just say to uh Miss Cheryl, we do miss you and um we look forward to having you come visit. Our open meeting is now April April 9th and you're more than welcome to come in sometime and share your ideas with us. And that will conclude. If there are no questions or concerns for me, that will conclude the report from the foundation at this time. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is discuss technology rate agile. Mr. B. >> Thank you, Madam President. Here to discuss bids for our technology -ate projects, we have Mr. Jonathan Turner from Wayne County Resa who is kind enough to
010be our technology coordinator here in South Redford. And so for those of you that are meeting Jonathan for the first time, Jonathan, this is members of the board of education, members of the board, this is Mr. Turner. and uh he does a phenomenal job taking care of and providing our technological support not only for the district but also in leading uh his exceptional team. And so we're fortunate to have him. And so to talk with the board tonight to discuss bids for our project, I will turn it over to Mr. Turner. >> Good evening, Southwest Board of Education, cabinet members. Um, thank you for your time tonight. Uh, I just want to go over our project for the -ate bid for South Brenford. So, we're going to be talking about the fiscal year of 2627.
011So, just to go over our agenda within our agenda, I'll go over the enterprise computer network overview. Basically just describing kind of what our network is and what it looks like. Then, we're going to go into the - funding source to explain kind of how it works and where that money comes from. then the timeline that we took to go over this project and then the actual details of what we went out to bid for in our rate and then I'll conclude with what our recommendation is. So with that being said, I'm going to start off with what is our network. So some of you may know, some of you may not know, but the way that our network works here at South Redford is our internet comes in from our provider which is Resa
012through our fiber cables. through that it goes through our firewall which is basically kind of like our data our filtration system. So it ensures that all the bad things stay out and that we only want the good data points that are coming through the firewall and keeps hackers out as well. Um once the internet comes through there, it goes to our core switches which are all within our main server system which is our headend room. And then from there that main core sends it to all of our buildings to their main server room and then to the network closet that pushes through all of our classrooms. Um kind of uh the best way to explain the network switch is if you guys have seen the Grinch, the Jim Carrey version. Um, if you think about
013the scene where the Grinch is in the mail room and he's just shooting all the mail to all those different mail slots, that's what our network switches are doing. So, it's shooting the internet, power, and certain data to certain ports or classrooms. And then we have our UPS's, which is our uninterruptible power supplies. They're basically just a super strong power strip with a battery inside of it. Um, so essentially when a so if we actually go back real quick, so each building has an MDF, which is their main server room, which goes to our network closets. And then if we zoom into our network closets, this is what they're going to look like. So they'll have a rack that has those patch panels. Each of these ports goes to a different classroom. It comes from
014the internet. And then we have the UPS, which powers the entire rack. Um, so essentially if the power ever goes out in one of our buildings, like from a crazy windstorm, um, the UPS is going to keep that power alive to our phones, our computers, and our internet for about 15 to 20 minutes so that you have enough time to save your documents, call who you need to call or close whatever files before the internet does actually go out. So that's why UPS's are important. So now I want to talk a little bit about the funding source. So the -ate is a federal discount coupon for internet. So it's designed for schools and libraries to basically be able to provide highspeed internet at a low cost. Um the way that that discount is calculated is
015the amount of students that you have eligible for your free or reduced lunch divided by the total enrollment that you have for your school. usually comes to around 70 up to about 95%. We set about that 80% range for our discounts. And then that program itself for the e- rate on what you can spend it on is split into two categories. That first category is kind of like the pipe, the things that you need to support the internet such as the fiber cables, the supporting equipment like patch cables or your monthly contracts. And then the category two are going to be your kind of like your plumbing which will be the actual hardware pieces that you need being your switches, your access points, your uninterruptible power supplies and your cabling and you can stop me
016at any time if you have questions. I have a question. >> Yes. I only saw one firewall. But how do is there a way that people can bypass that firewall given that you're going through so many different buildings here in the district? >> No. So yes, we do have a firewall that comes in that goes to our main data center. Goodness gracious. I didn't think that was going to pop up. So yeah, um the firewall works in all of our buildings. So yes, it does come through the main fiber like cables that we have for the main server room, but all the internet districtwide goes to a firewall. >> One firewall. >> Yes. >> How many layers do that one firewall? >> That is a great question. I can ask my network team who are
017the more experts on the actual firewall and I can bring that back. Um, most districts will only have one firewall. You can have two, but it is a little excessive for to have two firewalls. It's just more so fortifying that one wall that you do have >> given what's going on now. >> Correct. Okay. And I'll bring that one back to you. Any more questions before I go on? Don't be afraid to interrupt me. So, we've got the -ate funding timeline. So, back in February, about a month ago, we sent out our RFP for that -ate bid tor and our vendor Bob Rice. Um, we project that this project will start around June 2026. We have to start a little bit early so that we can get that firewall replaced. Um, and ending around October
0182026, it will go a little bit into the school year just cuz we're assuming that USA, who approves our bid, might take a little bit of time, which goes into my next point, because we're anticipated our funding return from that purchase to be about 16 weeks after we complete our project. And so the details, these are kind of the things that we these are the things that we went out for bid in this RFP. The main most important one is going to be those UPS units. The ones that we currently have are about 5 to 6 years old right now. So kind of like the last incident that we had at one of our elementary schools where the power went out. It's a perfect example of the UPS was not able to sustain the amount
019of power that one of our racks pulls. So we weren't able to have phones. So, as soon as the power went out at one of our elementary schools, the phones instantly went out. With the new UPS switch, it's going to allow about, like I said, 20 minutes. If you get a really good one, but we got the 20 minutes one, it can go up to about 30 minutes. But those racks do pull a lot of power. We're also getting switches for the thirst high school campus and for central office. because we've been doing such great work at growing and innovating here at South Bedford, we're going to need a few more switches just to power a few more supplies here. Um, two being the fieldhouse and the press box back in the athletics area just
020so that they're a little bit more temperature controlled. And then with the addition of our cameras and a few more devices, we're going to need another switch here up at central office. We're also, of course, our firewall expires this year, so we're going to have to do a replacement of that to ensure that we have internet for all of our students and staff. And then we're going to go out, we went out for fiber maintenance and smart net contracts. The fiber maintenance is just our fiber cables that run through our district. It's a contract to ensure that if anything does happen to them, whether it's a storm or an accident, we have someone that is on call to be able to fix them. And then the smart net contracts are just the contracts that are
021the support systems for our switches in our network. >> So So the UPS lasts 5 to 6 years. Is that what you're saying? >> Yes. About I would say about 5 to 7 years depending on the type that you get. So the last time that we got UPS's was around 2019 2020 before I was here. So a lot of the batteries within our UPS's currently are depleted. If you walk in a lot of our halls, you hear a little beep. And then on March 18th, last week, we went out, we opened our bid session. There were six companies that responded with those bids for what we went out for. Yeah. And so from those bids, we did an evaluation between our district team and the RISA team to see who was the best cost efficient
022um who really fit our needs for what we're asking for in the district and just overall was a good company. So with that, uh for our fire maintenance contract, Amcom was our lowest bidder. It was about $56,000. Um, also just to explain these numbers to you guys real quick, what you see here on the left is going to be the cost of the project totally and then the the right side is going to be the district's responsibility of paying out of pocket. So that's the discounted price that we've gotten for all these items. So with our fiber maintenance, it's going to be the $11,28. UPS's the best one was Vector Technology. There's a slight difference in the package that you may have seen because after going a deeper look, we noticed that they missed two
023units from the original bid. So, they made that change for us. For our firewall, we went with Delta Network Services at about $70,000. For our switches, we chose Inop, which was $23,360. And for the smartet contracts, which will handle the switches, we stayed with Inop, which was that $8,045. Also, a little bit of information. If you were curious, the only vendor to show up to the bid opening was an account. And then just to total it all together, the entire project is going to cost about $271,000. $271,75. And then of that, the district's responsibility would be that $90,000 535. And then that funding source is going to come from the technology budget allocation and the federal e- rates program. >> Any questions? >> Does the chair? >> Yes. >> I do have one question. I
024don't know if you all have the answer. Um, since it's federally funded, what happens if the government decides to take away this program? People who get stuck with the bill? >> No. Um, >> good question. >> That's a great question. I >> question. It's a tricky one. Um, for this one, I would say no because we're already in it. They're not out to this. So, once we do start the work, they can't take it away from us. In the future, if they do so choose to get rid of the -ate program, then yes, it would be a district purchase to provide highspeed internet for the districts. Okay. >> Yes. Any other questions, comments, concerns? >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Johnson. >> To the chair, I have a question for the
025cabinet. >> Okay. >> Where would the funding be coming from? What account does this come out of? Well, I am going to say that this was a discussion that was made with uh tech coming from the uh tech budget fund. >> Yes, >> you are referring to that because that's >> their buildings. >> Yes, tech. So the non-ET >> components of those costs would be paid for out of the tech bond. But >> yep, that was what I was wondering. >> Question. >> Any other questions? Next item on the agenda is consider Thirstston High School temperature control project. >> Thank you, Madam President. On March 9th, 2026, the board discussed awards for the Thirstston High School temperature controls project. Bids were solicited and received for the work. The company that is recommended for the work
026required is Metro Controls Incorporated for $528,366. A 10% contingency total expenses not to exceed $581,23 is requested to cover any unforeseen costs associated with the project. The bid would be paid for out of the 2021 bond funds and a resolution is attached for board consideration. >> Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? >> So the chair? >> Yes. I'd like to move the adoption of the following resolution. Please support. >> It's been adopted by Mrs. Flesher and supported by Mrs. Early. All in favor? >> I. >> Any naysay? Seven eyes. Zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is consider Jefferson and Vanderberg Elementary School boiler replacement project. Mr. B. >> Thank you, Madam President. Also on March 9th, 2026, the board discussed awards for the Jefferson and Vandenberg boiler
027replacement project. Bids were solicited and received for the work. The company that is recommended for the work required is Goyette Mechanical for $627,143. A 10% contingency total expenses not to exceed $689,857.30 is requested to cover any unforeseen costs associated with the project. This bid would also be paid for uh in a different account. Uh it would be paid for out of the building site syncing fund as well as the 12A grant funds that we talked about during the last board meeting and a resolution is attached for board consideration. >> Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? >> Chair. >> Yes. >> Adopt the following resolution support. >> It's been adopted by Mr. Winston and supported by Mr. Johnson. All in favor? >> Nays. 7 I zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item
028on the agenda is considered food service contract extension. Mr. Bob. >> Thank you, Madam President. On May 22nd, 2023, the board approved the food services contract between South Redford and Chartwell School Dining Services. In order for the current contract to remain in effect, it is required by the Michigan Department of Education that the board formally approve an extension to the original contract. Each 5-year period, the Michigan Department of Education requires that local school districts must advertise for bids. Since South Redford advertised for bids in 2023, it is not necessary for us to advertise for bids this year. On March 9th, 2026, the board discussed the food services management contract renewal. Chartwells has provided food service management to the expectations as outlined in the contract. The contract approved by the board of education was for one
029year with up to four one-year renewals. Based upon Chartwell's overall performance during the school year, it is the cabinet's recommendation that this contract be extended to include the 2627 school year. The food service management contract with Chartwells is pending approval by the Michigan Department of Education and a resolution is attached for board consideration this evening. >> Do I have a board member to adopt the resolution? >> I do. >> Mrs. Hicks, do I have >> support? Miss Flesher. It's been adopted by Mrs. picks and supported by Miss Fletcher. All in favor? >> I. >> Any nays? Zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is comments from the audience. Topics not related to the agenda. >> We have none. >> There are none. Next item on the agenda is plus delta for improvement. Mrs.
030Dickers, >> good evening. Um, what process is the board with tonight? Pluses >> to the chair. >> Yes. >> Before we get into I I have a question >> um about the open meetings act. >> R15 does not say plus delta plan in our board packet. Now just clicked in my mind. It's talking about going into close session and that was not posted in our agenda. >> We did take that off. >> Yeah, we're we're not going to close session. >> Okay. Because it says on our >> Yeah, that's why I'm asking because there's a conflict. >> There should have been an amendment. >> So, we're not Okay. That was my only concern. >> All right. or so we are passed down. Okay. >> So once again, what process is how the boards work this
031evening? >> Thank you for that clarification >> to the chair. >> Yes. >> Uh I appreciated the presentations tonight from Miss Kathy as always and uh our tech guy. It was nice meeting him. He disappeared already. And it was also nice having a full board tonight. So, and thanks for the snacks and chocolate, >> of course, >> whoever provided that. Anyone else? I'd like to thank Jan for his great job. He He did a good job. Um, and Amy, you always do. >> Oh, thank you. Okay. >> Um, opportunities for improvement. What processes would help the board in the future to the chair? >> Yes. >> Uh, would it be possible to get a copy of Jonathan's presentation to be able to read further? >> Yes. And also followup would be um my opportunity for
032improvement from last time which is that when we invite certain groups to come speak if they could come or let you know ahead of time so it could be removed from the agenda. >> Okay. >> What was that one again? If uh we invite like Suropa and SA to come present, I would like them to actually show up or just not be put on the agenda if it's if it doesn't work out timing wise. >> Okay, I believe that's all. Well, if there's nothing further that comes before this board, I adjourn it at >> 702. >> 7:02.