001I call this meeting of the South American Board of Education together at 6:30. Stand for the pledge of alian. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please. Mr. J, Mr. Anthony Johnson, present. Amanda Flesher, present. Misha Early, present. Sher Flesher, present. Daniel Winston, present. Uh, we have Lorie Hicks who's absent. And then we have Shirley To present. Next item on the agenda is the approval of agenda. We will be taking item 20 off of the agenda. Next item. Oh, second. Okay. Yes. Next item on the agenda is superintendent communications. Mr. B. Thank you, Madam President. We have officially entered our busiest uh season and summer for the bond work where there
002is significant bond improvements taking place at four of our seven buildings this summer. And I really just want to highlight the herculan efforts of the staffs from those four buildings who in conjunction with it being a half day for students, uh our staff at those four particular buildings also had to be out by the end of the day so that we can turn uh the buildings over to the bond teams as quickly as we possibly could. um where every day with um the bond renovations and improvement matter tremendously. And so again, just want to recognize the herculian efforts of our entire staff at those four particular buildings uh as we enter the busiest season of the bond work. So um super excited about what's taking place. Uh I know it wasn't all that long ago
003where our partners from Bart Malo and TMP shared an update with the board and so if you recall that we're now we're now in that season officially. So uh hats off to the staff at those four locations uh for their efforts and making that possible. Additionally, I would like to congratulate the coordinated efforts for our end of the year celebration uh that was led by Kyla Paige, Elizabeth Duparin, Mr. Bill Dyer in the SRA as well as assistant superintendent Mr. James Kinsey um who after quite a bit of conversations um the team came together and was able to coordinate a very successful end of the year celebration right here at Sfons located within the South Redford School District just down the street from Jefferson Elementary School. And it was a phenomenal end of the year
004celebration where we were able to come together to just enjoy uh the company and uh relive some of the positive highlights from the school year and wish everyone uh that was able to be there a wonderful summer. And that concludes my communications this evening. Madam President, thank you. Next item on the agenda is the board communication. Are there any to the chair? Yes. I have a letter I'd like to read, please. Okay. After 24 21 years of service on the board, I am tired of walking on eggshells. The climate of the sport has changed over the last couple of years and not for the better. One has to ask themselves why. The board was recently given a prestigious award through MASB called the honor board award. Under normal circumstances, the award would be something to
005celebrate as the definition of honor means to have honesty, fairness or integrity in one's beliefs and actions. Unfortunately, the current beliefs and actions of this board are far from living up to that definition. Board members are elected by the community to do a specific job as legally empowered by the state and federal government. The key components of our job include overseeing the superintendent, policy, finances, and student academic achievement. The board is failing on all levels. We have board members that don't do not even bother to complete the superintendent's evaluation. We have board members that say they're against policy and procedure. We have board members that are most focused on renting district facilities to outside organizations than they are on our students safety, academic success, and preparing them for their futures. This board has reached an
006all-time low by neglecting to accomplish the jobs they are legally required to do. Some board committees complete their assignments with due diligence. let Yet their dedication and hard work is continuously disrespected and discounted by other board members. Meanwhile, other committees do the bare minimum and drag out their assignments for months or even years at a time. There is blatant favoritism when it comes to which board member questions, concerns, or committee reports make it onto the actual board agenda. Certain board members personal desires get treated as priority over actual board work in the needs of the district. Certain board members have even been allowed to bully and threaten right at the board table. And if it has continued to happen over and over with no accountability or consequence, these same board members also utilize their positions
007and titles to intimidate and bulldo district employees till they get what they want. At the same time, our board fails to set a good example for the rest of the district by refusing to follow the policies and procedures which we have set for ourselves. It's embarrassing that this district and board prides itself so much on personal development when time and time again our board has publicly shown disregard and lack of comprehension when it comes to basic governance procedures and Robert's rules of order. Why should the district continue to spend money on board and professional development and the knowledge is not being utilized or retained? Communication between the board as a whole is virtually non-existent, including communication with the board president and superintendent. All board members are supposed to be privy to the same information in
008an equal manner. Additionally, the information when relayed is supposed to be accurate and timely. A phrase of late that has become too often used as the will of the board. But how can that be the will of the board when not all voices are being listened to or respected? Meanwhile, the quorum of the board is making hasty decisions based on little to no accurate information. The board just recently received a long email with documentation and data about the concerns of many of our staff in the district. I personally would like to know what this board's intention is in regards to addressing the issue contained within that correspondence. This board has a habit of not responding to or simply ignoring matters of contention under the belief that it will be taken care of by the superintendent
009or the board president. But there's no followup after that. I will close by saying some members of the board are more focused on using the board members positions and titles for personal gain rather than focusing what our actually job is that we were elected to do by the community. Until this is done, we should not repro ourselves as an honor board and the district will continue to spiral downwards because transparency, accountability, and change starts from the top. We are stronger and better district when we learn how to work together. United we stand, divided we'll fall. Thank you. Next item on the agenda. Are there any other board um communications? Chair. Yes. Um this more for the north end of Redford, but I did see a post come through the other day from Redford Interfaith Relief.
010They are looking for um specifically summer clothes for kids, not babies. So, they're looking for donations of summer clothes for young kids. Nothing. Notice, but there's a post on their social media for more information for students or young kids. Yeah. Students or kids in the community. Um, possibly toddlers. So, I'm not I I didn't memorize the the post, but yeah, Red and Faith really is looking for donations. All right. Thank you. Are there any next item on the agenda? Are there any comments from the audience? None. There are none. Next item on the agenda is the consent agenda. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the consent agenda? Not present. Yes. I move the adoption of support. It's been moved by Mrs. Early supported by Mr. Johnson. All in favor? I. Six eyes.
011Any nays? Zero nazs. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is consider preliminary budget for the 25 2026 school year public hearing. Consider it resolution. Mr. Thank you, Madam President. At our previous board meeting, uh our finance director presented uh the budgetary pieces uh pertaining to FY25 as well as uh for the upcoming year FY26. And so I know the board is required to have its public hearing uh this evening. and if there's any additional remarks from the board or from the audience this evening pertaining to the public hearing portion. Um and then there is also a resolution attached based on the presentation from from our most recent board of education meeting uh for board consideration. M president. Do I have a Are there any questions? First of all, chair. Yes. Can I get a
012reminder on when's the next time we look at the budget after this? Is it in January? So, what we would like to do this year is actually have uh something prior to the the dismissal at um the holiday season in December. Okay. Okay. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? Madam President, yes. I adoption move the adoption of the B. No. Open the public hearing first. Sorry. Got open public hearing. Okay. A public hearing is now open at 6:41 6:41 p.m. for the purpose of hearing the public on the adoption of the operating budget of the South Redford School District for the fiscal year 2025 and the proposed tax millage rate to be levied to support the adopted 2025 2026 school year budget. All interested parties will be heard in all
013aspects of this matter are open for discussion. If there are people who wish to comment, we appreciate you you taking the time to present your options. Please step up to the podium, state your name for the record, and limit your comments to three minutes. There are none. Since there are none, no further comments to be heard. The public hearing is now closed at 42. 642. That's good. All right. Now, thank you. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? Madam President, yes. of the following resolution. It's been moved by Mrs. Early and supported by Mr. Johnson. All in favor? I. Any nays? Zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda, establish 2025 tax lev. Mr. B. Thank you, Madam President. Additionally, one of the pieces that the board has to visit
014annually is the school tax levy, which was also presented from our finance director at the previous board of education meeting. And so in your board packet, Madame President, as well as fellow board members, uh attached uh is the 2026 tax rate request and there is a resolution attached for board consideration. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the tax to the chair? Yes. Like to move the adoption of the following resolution. It's been moved by Mrs. Flesher supported by Mr. Johnson. All in favor? I. Any naysay? Zero nays. Six eyes. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda. Discuss and consider state aid note for cash flow. Thank you, Madam President. At this time, I'm going to turn it over to our director of finance, Mickey Borie, to talk with the board this evening
015about the discuss and consider for state aid no cash flow borrowing. So, as the excuse me, as the board is aware, uh last year, uh we had a state aid note. We are looking to um do the same. this year. Uh the reason for doing the state aid note is to make sure that during that month of October when we are not receiving state aid that we are able to cover our um our salaries or wages for our employees. Um so we are looking to uh again uh borrow with the state aid note in order to make sure that we're able to cover those expenses. Uh we do not want that to exceed uh 2 million. We are working through I I am working through that process um as we speak. Does anybody have any
016questions? You said not to exceed 2 million. Not to exceed. Yes. And you will see that in the board packet. Um they have their format as well as we have our format. So, you will see both of those in the board packet this evening. Um, but it does say that uh we will not exceed with um Miller Canfield. Um they have their format in here. Um that uh once the cash flow is um provided, they will do all of their um all of the paperwork and put it within the pool um for us to get the best rates. Any other questions for the chair? Yes. This might be a silly question, but um what's the difference between a state aid note and a bond? Like what is the difference between that? Like when we have
017bonds that people buy to cover expenses? I'm trying to think of what would be the best that if if I may. Yeah, go. Uh and in our um in our environment um bonds are usually for capital improvements. Um you know when we think about um the industry of education uh whereas state aid note is like a line of credit because it has to cover our lowest uh point to compensate our staff before we begin to receive state aid from Lancing. So we don't receive our first state aid payment until October. And meanwhile, we bring staff back to work starting in August. So, it's to cover payroll for staff while we're awaiting our first state aid payment from Lancing or for bond uh in the educational environment. It's usually for capital improvement renovations. So, so it's
018kind of projects projects or people. Yep. Yep. Like a line of credit. Yep. Thank you, Jason. Mhm. Now, followup question though. Does that loan have interest on it or No, it does. Yes. Mhm. does I didn't see that in here but and that is why we choose to choose to pull is because of the better rates because we could go through our bank but we're not going to um receive as good a rate as if we go within the pool. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution for the chair? Yes. I'd like to move the adoption of the following resolution, please. It's been moved by Mrs. Flesher. Do I have a support? Support. Support by Mr. Winston. All in favor? I any nazs? Zero nays.
019Six eyes, zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda, discuss and consider custodial maintenance and ground service contract extended. Thank you, Madam President. The district currently contracts with ABM to provide district-wide custodial maintenance and ground services throughout the district. The contract approved by the board of education on May 22nd, 2023 covered the period of July 1st, 2023 through June 30th, 2024 with an option of up to three one-year extensions. The board of education resolved to extend the contract by one year on April 8th, 2024. During this period, ABM has provided custodial maintenance and ground services to the expectations outlined in the contract. We are pleased overall with the services provided and have identified areas for improvement and therefore it's our recommendation that it's appropriate to extend the contract for an additional uh two years.
020We have negotiated the terms of the proposed extension that are favorable to the district. Based on the terms of the extension and ABM's overall performance during the past three years, it is my recommendation that this contract be extended for a two-year period period with a 2-year period covering July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2027. Madame President, a resolution is attached for board consideration. Mr. Chase. Um, we've spoke on some things to do with um, ABA. Um, I don't know the landscape of custodial services around the country and expectations and what it is. Um, I'm kind of I like the people. Mhm. because I've spoken to them on numerous occasions. The work sometimes as I've spoken to you about is sometimes uh um but I know when I have talked to the supervisors they said they
021were going to address it. Mhm. Um you're confident that given them two years things will improve. Yes. and we have some processes in place uh for some of what you're referring to and uh it's going to continue to be progress monitor ongoingly so that we don't experience a lapse in the services. I think the staff is great like people but you know just the work I'm just concerned to make sure they're doing the the job that we're contracted them to do um at a level that our expectations are met. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else to the chair? Yes. I'm a little confused. Um cuz it was options of three one-year extensions and you're asking for a two-year extension. So, is that like a completely new negotiated contract? No, it's an extension. How can you extend
022something for two years if it was only one year? Yeah, it's a it's a contract extension. So, we had two members of the board of education that served on the facility uh review committee when it came to custodial maintenance and grounds. And so, the recommendation of that committee that two board members sat on was to make a recommendation for uh an extension of their current contract. So, the scope, the staffing, um insurance, all those components stay the same. So rather than continue to do one-year renewals, it was the recommendation from that committee for custodial maintenance and grounds is to consolidate it into one two-year extension instead of two one-year extensions because overall we're pleased with the services and we can do that legally. Yes. Okay. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the
023resolution? the chair. Yes. I move the adoption of the filing resolution. Do I have the support? Support. It's been moved by Mrs. Flesher and supported by Mr. Winston. All in favor? I. Any naysay? Zero nays. Six eyes and zero nays. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is discuss and consider employment contract for assistant superintendent of operations and human resources. Mr. Thank you, Madam President. It is my recommendation to the board of education that we look to offer a new contract to our assistant superintendent of human resources and operations uh for Mr. James Kinsey. And the contract would be effective July 1st, 2025 through June 30th of 2028. Um, and Madame President, there is a resolution attached for board consideration. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? Chair. Yes. resolution. It's
024been moved by Mr. Johnson. Do I have a support? Supported by Mrs. Early. All in favor? I. An eight nazs, zero nazs, six eyes, zero nazs. Resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda is discuss and consider employment contract for director of curriculum in cons in instruction and assessment. Mr. Fox. Thank you, Madam President. It is also my recommendation to the board of education that we offer a new contract for our curriculum instruction and assessment director, Miss Amy Davidson, for the time frame of July 1st, 2025 through June 30th of 2028. And Madame President, there is a resolution attached for board consideration. There any questions to the chair? There's a typo. It says July 23rd, 2025 on this page instead of June. I don't know if that will affect anything. I just saw that just now.
025July 1st. No, it says July 23rd instead of June 23rd for today for this resolution. Oh, okay. That piece gets stripped off so that Okay. Thanks. Okay. the chair. Yeah. I just have a question for um Jason or Mickey. Um since Amy's at the top, will we treat her contracts moving forward like we do teachers and other what we've discussed because it's not reflected in this? Yes, we will. So each year it'll it'll go up some. Not necessarily. At minimum, it would be the amounts that the board has uh in its packet tonight, but it may possibly go up. And if uh that be the case, then I would be that would be the minimum amount, it would not be lower than that. And in the event that we're able to do something greater in
026years two and three, then I would look to bring something back before the board of education. There's a second page we have. Maybe I'm just But I I don't see what Jason is saying in this contract. That's why I'm asking. They're the same or does it reflect that change? But we It does not say that in the language that we're approving. Correct. The board is only approving those amounts that are on this page. So you would be bringing back the contract for renewal if things were to change. Correct. And this is comparable to what we're offering all of their staff that are at the top across the entire district at this point in time. Okay. But right now, this is what we're voting on. Yes. Do Madam President, there's a resolution attached for for consideration.
027Do I have a board member willing to adopt the res? It's been adopted by Mr. Johnson. Do I have a support? It's been supported by Mrs. Early. All in favor? I. Zero nays. Resolution adopted. 6 for the safety and security of the district students to prolong the longevity of the competitive track people and out of the need to update the district's outdated policies. At the board meeting on June 24th, 2024, the board resolved to allow the Redford Eagles a third party with one season waiver to rent the Thirstston High School competitive football field. The Redford Eagles Rangers Elite are requesting a one-season waiver to rent the Thirstston High School competitive football field for the upcoming football season. Given the previously honored agreement with the Redford Eagles Rangers Elite, it is my recommendation to the board
028to allow the Redford Eagles Rangers Elite, a third party, a one season waiver to continue to rent the Thirstston High School competitive football field using the previously established rates by the board of education while still maintaining the safety and security of the district's students and prolonging the longevity of the Thirstston High School competitive field. Madame President, a resolution is attached for board consideration. Do I have a board member willing to adopt the resolution? Madam President, yes. The adoption support. It's been moved by Mrs. Early, supported by Mr. Winston. All in favor? Uh I zero nays. No. Oh, there's two naysay. Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. Okay. Four eyes, two nays. Can you say any nays? Cuz you didn't didn't say any names. I didn't say any. Are there any nays? No. Okay. Thank you. Four eyes.
029TA's resolution adopted. Next item on the agenda, discuss winner of the thirst high school's competitive track and field. Thank you, Madam President. At the board meeting on November 28th, 2022, the board resolved to not allow third-party rentals of the Thirstston High School's competitive track and field. The board this evening is discussing reinstating thirdparty rentals of the Thirstston High School competitive track and field and either grandfathering track and field rates from the rate structures from the board prior to 2022 or establishing new rates based on the board presentation from November 14th, where all district facility rentals were discussed by the board of education. New facility rental fees were adopted on November 28th, 2022 with the exception of the Thirstston High School competitive track and field. Madam President, this is a discuss item this evening for the
030board of education. [Music] This is a discussion. [Music] does chair. Yes. Uh I'm not even sure how to even have a discussion without all the information that we need to have a discussion. So I don't even know where to start cuz I don't feel like we have all the information we need to make a decision. We're not making a decision. This is just a discussion. Yeah. But for next time, we usually do a discuss and then we do a consider. I don't even know how to do this part cuz I don't have all the information that I asked for. So, I can't say yes or no either way cuz I don't have the information. We're discussing it now without the information. So, yes. So, how can we make a informed decision without having information that
031we asked for? Now, Madame President, if I may, uh, for tonight's board packet, um, for tonight's board packet, uh, inclusive of the packet for this evening, um, the information from 2022 is uh, in each board member's packet for tonight's discuss, inclusive of the previously w uh, mentioned uh, outdated rates um that were passed by the board coupled with the facility committee's um wonderful comprehensive work that they did uh back from 2022. Um so there there's a fair amount of information that is available uh for the board to reference for tonight's discussion. Um, however, if there's additional information that's requested from the board, um, beyond what's in the board's packet this evening, I would certainly um, be glad to pass that along to the board prior to the next meeting. If there's something additional that's not
032included in tonight's packet to the chair, right? Yes. What is needed like specifically? What are we looking for? Well, these are just the rates from 2022. Uh, it was also mentioned seeing if the rates need to be updated. These are rates I don't even know if these are from 2022 because we didn't touch them. So, the rates previous to that were like 13 years old. So, now we're looking at 3 years old. So, that's 16 years old for these rates. And I asked prior to this board meeting why that part wasn't included in this packet because it was mentioned by a board member at our last meeting that potentially we would have to see if the prices have gone up since the facility met. So, I don't feel comfortable discussing and deciding on something when
033we're being scrutinized right now for our budget and being fiscally responsible if we haven't even done our due diligence to look at what things cost right now. Otherwise, we're going to open it up for rentals possibly and we don't know if there's even going to be any revenue in that cuz you're talking about old rates. But it says right here, we either do the ones from before or establish new ones. Right. Nope. It says based on the 2022 ones. Mhm. Which are old, which are now 3 years old. Okay. So, prior to any tariffs or anything with this new president and inflation. So, we're rushing into this discussion without having all the information. Not to mention the policies were still outdated. Our committee never touched the policies. So, I don't even know how you can
034have a rental packet for outside organizations for the football and track field when the facilities committee never even finished that work for the rules and stuff, let alone having them posted by the field to the chair. Yes, I too requested information. Um, Chris was on vacation. And Jason said he would talk to Chris about um gathering information. I feel that the whole board needs to know to make a decision. I myself feel very uncomfortable discussing when we don't have all the information in front of us and don't understand the the rush. Um a waiver was given. All of a sudden this is on our agenda. It's rush rush rush. I don't think we're being physically responsible. and I requested information and I think I have the right to request it and I want the whole
035board to get it and I'm not going to make a decision without all the information and Amanda's right there is a policy that is connected for everybody and I think that if we just finish this last little piece and not let it linger we can get back to doing what we need to be doing. This al always was supposed to be into operations hands, not ours when it was finished, but it was never allowed. Okay. But we're bringing it up so we can be finished. That's what I'm saying. But we can't finish it because you guys dissolved the committee. So now we have operations to do all the research and then bring back it for us. So that's where the time frame comes from and it's just enough. It's just my opinion. If you think
036it can't be done to two weeks, maybe J's team can do it. I do. I respect everybody's opinion. I'm just saying we need to collect the data. There's no reason to rush it. Do it right. Why don't we just move it all the operations and let them figure it out since they're the one who's been doing it forever. You said that last time and I believe you were told that the board has to establish the rental rates. So, they can't just have all of it. It would still need to be brought back to the board of vote on. That's what I just said. Let it go back to operations. He'll figure he'll figure it out just like he did earlier in this this forum. He recommended something and we voted on it based on his
037recommendation. It can just be that simple. If he brings back the data, I have no problem with that. Everything I've asked for, if he brings it back where I make an informed decision, I don't have a problem at all. And we've said all along we've requested information through his office. I have not gotten it. That's what I asked last time. What information would you be looking for? I just answered that question like five minutes ago. If we're basic if we're basing things on what other cities are doing, that might not mesh with what we have to do for our children and our residents here in our city. Because what one city can do, we can't. Some things we can do, they can't do. That's why. But how do we know until we collect the data?
038That's what you said. That is all I'm asking. You keep saying collect the data, bring it back so I can make a form edition. So we can make Who's going to collect? Exactly. You just said the superintendent. No, you keep saying we who we Well, we're all a team, so I don't understand. That's why I said so we can make a decision. But I don't I don't that's what that's what everybody keeps saying the decision and decide this is not what we're doing. We're just saying we're bringing everybody it doesn't even get through the discussion. So, madam madam president, yes, if I may, if if it's the will of the board to go with the comprehensive work that the district facilities committee did approximately 3 years ago, um that's certainly at the will of the
039board. if it's also the will of the board to have uh me go back to the Wayne County listerve to collect updated information that may have occurred in the past 3 years and bring that back to the board. I am willing to do that. But I I do need some direction uh from the board of education if if the board wants to go with the rates that were assembled by the facilities committee or if the board would like the most updated rates uh across Wayne County um you know as of 2025. Um I would be willing to do that. Another possible suggestion for the board to consider uh during tonight's discussion is to set a sunset clause where the board of education approximately every 3 to 5 years would put a list serve out to
040surrounding communities in Wayne County to see how the rates may evolve for the reasons that several board members have mentioned tonight and to do that every 3 to 5 years. Um we we could do that as well. Um, but I I do request um it certainly doesn't have to be tonight, but some direction from the board um you know as to whether or not the board would like to function based on the comprehensive work that the facilities committee did 3 years ago or if the board would like updated information to 2025. To the chair, yes, I agree on two things. I think we um since we did do the current rate structure three years ago but did not do the athletic I cannot see the athletic um track and field. I think that we should
041at least look at the track and field stuff like you do a list serve like you said and look at that all the other stuff is done and then like you said again in between that three and five years we can look at it all again together you know the whole packet and go from there what's the will of the board you also one other thing real quick you also have to look at the dynamics of where you're getting your certain data from because for instance pal They get a large portion of their money from the Detroit Lions, right? They go play in Fort Field for championships and they don't charge they don't charge those kids to come to that field for using their facilities that's donated and they get discounts on equipment etc etc
042etc. A large group of people get monies through that way. So therefore, you have to understand when you got a a unit that's close-knit and close in proximity of where we're at doesn't get those benefits. So if you want to collect real data, that's where you have to look at the amount of money that goes in. So if we was to rent for a bill to play our championships, how much you think that would cost? cuz I used to coach in Pal when we were the first team that played in the championship when the boy field opened. I know for a fact we don't pay to go play at that field. I would also like to take a deeper look at um not just surrounding districts but districts that are just like us. Same amount
043of schools, same amount of people, same amount of community members and all of those and compare that. I don't want to look at Leavonia because Leavonia is bigger than we are, you know. So, their pace structure is totally different than what we are, you know, something compatible with us. Senator Chair, I don't disagree with Misha at all. I think we need to collect that data, but we also need to look at the type of field, too. So, it's apples to apples. You're looking at the size of the district and the kids. You look at the type of field they have. some of the week. So I I agree with her. I very few don't have new all the data before you can make a decision and however long it takes to do it the right
044way. The last comparable state most of them but I have asked for all that information going on record and I'm sorry I didn't get it. other people have asked for it and it really bothers me the will of the board because I have a voice and a right for that information too and to be ignored by my superintendent or even by my board president when I ask for