Southfield Public Schools Board Meeting 12/09/25 7pm

001of the Southfield School Board of Education in public for the p purposes of conducting the Southfield School's district business and is not int to be considered as a community meeting. There is one opportunity for public participation during the meeting and comments are limited to three minutes per individual. The board will listen to comments but may not respond during the meeting. If you wish to address the board, please submit a comment card immediately. Roll call. You betal board president. >> Good evening. Telicia Bell, board treasurer. >> Trustee Nicole Densen, board trustee. >> Good evening. Paris Whitman, student board representative. >> Jennifer Green, superintendent. Taking minutes this evening is Miss Caroline Foster. and technical support is being provided by M1 Studios. >> And for the record, Leslie Smith Thomas will be in shortly. Um, our trustee vice

002president, Monty Johnson, is out of the country. >> If we could please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to theublic and justice for all. >> At the top of our agenda, we have board matters. to the trustees. Do you have any board matters that you would like to share with our community this evening >> through the chair? >> Absolutely. >> I have a few that I wanted to lift this evening. Um the first I wanted to lift and make a request for the update of our um district website and the redesign and implementation um timeline. I'm hoping that we can possibly get like a 90-day turnaround to where the board can have something to review for the implementation of our website. I

003know it's been lifted a few times, so I just wanted to um put that out there for one of our board matters. Um I have another one for our transportation update. We know that our community have been has been complaining and talking about our transportation, but we've been hearing that um things are back on track. But I'm just requesting that we receive a updated 30-day report that we have had discussed previously um so that we can get that through the superintendent's office. >> Absolutely. >> Uh board treasurer, I received those requests um and I do wish to share that we have the 30-day meeting with first student scheduled for next uh Tuesday, December 16th. So I will have a full update for you on that uh process shortly thereafter. And as it pertains to the

004uh website um as you know we are in the process of doing final selection for the new um communications coordinator at which time that person will be onboarding and we are looking to make any necessary changes with the website effective in January. So for next semester I will have that update for you as well in January. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Have one more. >> Absolutely. Um, I know we're ending the um the year end and the calendar year, but I have not seen anything on my calendar. So, I wanted to lift this to make sure that we have the um year end superintendent evaluation um on the books. I'm not showing that we have that on the books and I believe that all of the trustees have been um trained on the evaluation

005tool because I know that it's important before the end of the year. So, I just wanted to lift that. I haven't seen anything on the books for that. through the chair. >> Yes. Uh, as a new board trustee, I haven't received the super evaluation information and tool training. >> We'll make sure that happens. Trusty Densson. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I have one last one. >> You can. >> I just want to um know if we have any dates on the calendar for town halls for university um for our move for I saw that we have we know what day we're doing the groundbreaking. think we have that information, but I was wondering if we were scheduling any town halls um just for our parents so that we can make sure it's clear. I did

006look at the sign. I was asking Miss Foster about that. So, if we have anything that we can get it out to the parents so that they can participate and that concludes my matters. Thank you, >> Dr. Green. You'll make sure we get that information. >> We will have those dates at the beginning at the top of the year as well. And um board president, if I may uh add um unfortunately due to the weather, you know, we had the legislative update scheduled for tomorrow and unfortunately um due to the timing of the inclement weather, we had to cancel that and that will be rescheduled because that was one of the additional uh opportunities that we were going to share information regarding our bond updates. >> Okay. and all parties who are involved have been

007um brought up to speed on the weather conditions that we have coming. >> We did send notification to all of our elected officials as well as our partners that our bond partners and um most importantly we sent notification to all of our families. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other board matters? Uh the only um board matter that I would like to lift is first of all um as you can see uh we do have a a trustee our previous board member um board trust uh board president who has moved on and I am working with you all as well as our board to um fill that seat until our organizational meeting next year. So, I am excited to be in this um position as well as to work with the community um to

008make sure that we get things done at least in the next 30 days and moving forward. Happy holidays as this is our last regular board meeting. Um we do have a few other meetings that we will be part of, but this is our last regular meeting. So, happy holidays. Find some time to spend with your family and friends. There's currently a lot on our calendars as it relates to activities within our district. So, um please support all of the children um uh to the grandparents and aunties and of course we will be out doing our best to make sure that we are present and supportive in that manner as well. Um with that said, we're going to go ahead and get into our student board reps um presentations. Um I understand that one is not

009feeling well, so we can move through yours quickly, Paris. Okay. Thank you. >> Good evening. Good evening. >> I'm Paris, one of your student board representatives, and I'll be reporting for South ENT today. As we enter December, a month filled with celebrations like Christmas, Quanza, and Hanukkah, and other traditions families honor in their own way, we're reminded of the importance of togetherness, gratitude, and supporting those we care about. This season highlights the strength of our community and the warrior spirit we show through kindness and connection. for December. Here are the past and current highlights for Southwood High School for the Arts and Technology. I will first report on our sports. Winter sports have officially kicked off and our teams are already making momentum. The boys basketball opened the season with a strong win on the

010road against East English Village Preparatory Academy on December 2nd while also working hard when they face Canton on Friday. Our wrestling team began their season on the weekend with their first match against Warren Lincoln. Bowling is off to a great start with many returning athletes leading their team. Their most recent competition was December 8th at Astro Astro Lanes versus North Farmington. Our girls basketball team will make their home debut December 12th, which also doubles as middle school night. We hope to see the stands filled with spirit and warrior support. Triyouts for competition cheer have wrapped up and athletes have officially placed have officially been placed on their teams. They've started practices in our building routines as they prepare for the upcoming season. Our marching warriors have also had a busy season and successful one as

011well. They participated in the Harvest Fest at University High School where they completed six rounds against 10 different schools in an event hosted by Levy Middle School. Some of the groups they performed alongside include Oak Park, Renaissance, Ecourse, and Levy. The band also represented our community at the Americans Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit and helped bring community holiday spirit to the South Municipal Center tree lighting where they performed several pieces that brought everyone together. I'll begin with the leadership and activities highlights. Our Rocket League esports team is currently in the playoffs. They've been practicing consistently and have the support from students which has motivated the players to continue through the bracket. They are also holding a second set of triyouts for another season of sports. The National Honor Society has welcomed 16 new members for

012the 2025 2026 school year. The National Honor Society's Mittens for Kitties donation drive is underway with steady preparation and participation. Several teachers and seminar classes have become quite competitive about securing the lead. The winning seminar class will receive a popcorn party. This initiative of service is to donate gloves and other winter gear to the elementary schools in the district. The senior pinning ceremony was a meaningful event honoring our seniors and celebrating their accomplishments. The speeches were wellreceived and the motiv and motivational to the class, especially the poem read by Vice President Caris Pate. But was even more popular was the Jim John's donated by the PTSA and the Cena rock painting tradition attendees enjoyed afterwards. The TV production Thanksgiving show highlighted student creativity and spirit through student made segments which featured great music. For senior

013movie night, students watched Zootopia 2 on opening day and thanks to the PTSA sponsorship, every attendee received a goodie bud with popcorn, water, and candy. There was also a photo area so students could capture memories with friends. Our book club on the same page continues meetings on Wednesday mornings at 7:05 in the media center and encourages students to explore new reading selections and connections. They are currently reading one of us is lying. Our student council food drive was a major success. They propel they prepared 12 full Thanksgiving dinner baskets of non-p perishables and delivered them to the counselors so they can support the students in our own school who need them. This initiative originally started by a past student council president shows how leadership and service continue to build our warrior spirit over time. Let

014me now tell you about the academic highlights. Our new apprenticeship wall continues to gain attention throughout the building. The main interactive display is set up outside door one by the main office and we also have many walls outside the library, the cafeteria, and inside the counseling center. Students can scan the QR code to watch a shortformational video and access specific apprenticeship applications. Gearup has been sharing more information about career pathways to the seniors in the trades. Their class visits and resource prep presentations have helped students better understand certification programs and hands-on career options. [snorts] The C2 Pipeline University STEM Lab recently held its grand opening on November 22nd. C2 Pipeline students and other students who were interested had the chance to take the bus to the lab and spend the day exploring, experimenting, and working

015on hands-on activities. The experience in encouraged curiosity, innovation, and teamwork, and teachers said students were highly engaged throughout the visit. Students in the health careers NAV program also experienced a unique learning opportunity when the physical therapist assistant program from the WCCCC visited the anatomy and physiology class. They taught students about the PTA career and learn and led them through real PT, balance, and strength assessments such as standing on one leg and repeated sitto stand exercises. I now [snorts] have a specific highlight about security and safety. On November 20th, the PTSA meeting was held in the media center. Here, parents learned about recent changes that will soon be made, as well as current programs and events that are happening in our school. Our school will receive four new metal detectors, two at the fieldhouse and two

016by the media center entrance. Each monitored entrance will have security guards or officers present to assist and maintain safety procedures. Before I wrap up my December report, I would like to highlight the leadership shown by two seniors, Eric Miller and Xavier Jenkins. Our senior class board initially struggled to promote the after school movie night event, but Eric and Xavier helped us gain momentum again. They recognized that we needed to do what worked best for us as teenagers, social media, and created a group chat that brought the entire senior class together. Their initiative helped us communicate more effectively and boost attendance. We are incredibly proud of this impact that they've made. Thank you for listening to my report. I hope your holiday is well and see you next month. >> Thank you. >> We'll now hear

017from our representative Chi from University K12. [clears throat] >> Ho ho ho. I'm Emil Bisant, but it's truly my pleasure to wish everyone a warm and joyful happy holidays. Over the past four months, we've celebrated so many moments from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. And now we're hunting to the most wonderful time of the year, my personal favorite, winter break. So obviously, it's the best. Before we dive into the celebrations, we at the U would like to give a huge round of applause to an incredible woman, our newly selected board president, Miss Iet Wedall. [applause] We all truly wish you a great congratulations. As we enjoy the season of giving, I hope we all remember the message of our last being thankful for us students certainly have. First graders held their own Thanksgiving period inspired by

018balloons over Broadway. They studied the history of parade balloons and the famous Mrs. Thanksgiving parade, designed their own creations and even engineered mini buildings for their floats. Our fourth graders shared heartfelt messages of thankfulness while enjoying a beautiful Thanksgiving meal provided by Dean Bowden and our grand generous parents. Of course, the holidays aren't just about gifts. No one knows that better than our talented boy choir talented band and choir students. As Miss Paris said, the Michigan the band went to the Michigan First Credit Union. They had a festival of light. Members of the band performed at the sound field tree lightning ceremony. The angelic voices of the university choir under the leadership shship of Miss Stacy Barrett sang beautifully at the Hope United Methodist Church on November 30th. Now, let's talk about academics because our

019students have been shining brighter than holiday lights. Our middle school earned an impressive state index score of 89.24, boosted by programs like academic games led by Miss Nelson, whose team placed third in their first tournament. At K25, students achieved an outstanding 95.97 on the state index score after hands-on learning at Leonardo da Vinci Machines in motion exhibit, which connects science, engineering, and literature. Your minds are easily mal and with way better memory than last of us. I know I would never be able to connect that. Have you ever hear that the saying that when there's smoke there's fire? It's usually meant to mean that there's almost every truth to every rumor. At the U rumors are at the U. The rumors are true. We excel. We scored near perfect on the state proficiency index 99.03.

020This demonstration of brilliance shows that scholars at our school don't just follow others people definition of what it means to be prepared for college. We define it. While most schools would be fine with their students simply hitting their expected growth rate, we would never settle with such an outcome. Our school casually scored an almost perfect score on the growth index. We also achieved an almost perfect score on the group. Girl students don't just oh just don't meet expectations, they exceed them. The uh high has consistently had the word it's boring shadowed on all of us. The thing that most people don't know about the U has a massive amount of opportunities. This means if the U is boring, every school is boring. Last month we talked a great deal about children knowing the importance of

021helping their community. Our school recognizing the importance our study skills classes are mentoring our eighth graders on academic habits. Team is in the house of courage one school rides canned food drive. The elementary students held their first meeting house meeting on November 19th. Our inter mural program is teaching young students teamwork, grit and resilience through small goose pro sessions November 12th and 19th, December 3rd and 17th. While physical activity is great. Tell me, I know the value of music should never be understatement. It can be a way for one of us to show their truest version of themselves. For Ivan, it's not just a way of showing his immense creativity. His way of showing his leadership skills. Ivan continues to beat the drum measure and leads it with passion and confidence. However, that's not the

022only way to show creativity. Kelsey well knows that is crafting. Kelsey crafts items to support the middle school theater club fundraiser. Calling shows daily leadership simply by helping classmates. Providing leadership is more than a title. It's a mindset. We as charges believe in charging right into the future. But as you know, charging into things is dangerous without a plan. Our charging our current plan starts with the winter concert is December 11th. That's probably going to change. Sixth and seventh graders beat the streets play on December 17th. The payment is due December 12th. Blood drive is December 15th. Sign up to save a life. Middle school's basketball is December 16th and 18th. 8th grade trip Frank is December 17th. The Valentine's Day bazaar is for the eighth grade is February and the first half for senior

023dues were just collected. I know your bank account is hotening. The next half is due on February 14th. The middle school house party will come up soon. As Chargers, we ch the future with purpose, and this semester has shown just how bright that future is. Thank you, and happy holidays to you all. [applause] >> To both of our board reps, thank you. Does anyone have any questions? >> Um, thank you so very much for your first half of the year um and your reports and the details that you add and the information that our community really needs to hear. At this time, you are excused from the meeting if you need to do some studying for your finals and exams. >> Feel better? >> Or could go home and get rest. >> Um, with that

024said, I also would like to just mention for the record that Secretary um Trustee Smith Thomas um entered at 7:40 7:14. We'll move on to report of the superintendent, Dr. Green. >> Thank you, board president. this evening. Um, as with every December, we are uh fortunate to have guests with us from Plant Moran to share the results of our fiscal year 25 audit findings. Gentlemen, [applause] >> I appreciate that. We normally don't get the claps. Once you start, we might get the booze. Good evening. Thank you for allowing us to present this evening. My name is Michael Foster. I am the partner from Plant Maran in charge of the Southfield Schools audit. With me are Paul Bryant, who is one of my partners at Plantaran who's very involved in Southfield and uh we're happy to

025have him with us tonight. And then um also have Phil, who is the manager on the engagement this year. Um, we're going to talk about the results of the audit. And as we're going through the results, please don't hesitate to interrupt us if you have questions or if things aren't clear. >> Don't forget RC RC uh, >> Mr. Mark Ingram. >> Yes. And joining us this evening is Mr. Mark Ingram, who's the chief financial officer for the district. uh we've asked him to join us and hopefully he can provide some a little more detail on some of the items that we're going to present from a district perspective. Thank you. So I'm going to start out talking about the qualitative results of the audit. First of all, the basic financial statements. So the financial statements

026are the responsibility of management. We've been hired to put a opinion on those financial statements. This year, as we have in the past, we're issuing an unmodified opinion on the financial statements. That is the highest level of assurance that we as auditors can place on the financial statements. Our audit report is dated uh 10:24, October 24th, which is before the due date. The reports are due to the state of Michigan by the end of October, October 31st. As part of the audit, we're also required to look at your uh bond expenditures and um syncing fund expenditures. So, uh we did did that as part of our audit engagement and found no non-compliance. This year, the district did implement a new accounting standard, Gazsby 101, which was related to a slight change in how the district

027accounts for compensated absences that happens at the district-wide doesn't impact the fund level financial statements, but was a change that was implemented this year. Any questions on that? So, next is the single audit report. Uh, as you can see on the graph, it says it's in draft. Part of the single audit guidance that we get comes from the federal government. They give us guidance as to what we should test and how we should test it. Typically, we get that prior to beginning the audit. This year, the federal government issued that compliance supplement on October 28th after we had already issued the financial statement audit. Uh we had gotten a a draft of the compliance supplement prior to doing the audit. So we were pretty much aware of changes that were in the compliance supplement, but

028we didn't have the final compliance supplement that was recently issued on October 28th. So we're now in the process of finalizing the single audit, the federal awards audit, but that's why that that's still in draft and hasn't been finalized. We did test the educa education stabilization fund and the head start program and we're happy to report that we're issuing unmodifi unmodified opinions with no findings on those two programs. The third and final document that's part of the audit process is the report to the board. Um, we're happy to report there was no um issues in the audit process, no disagreements with management or anything like that. Uh, the most significant estimates that the district has are the pension liability and the OPED asset from the Mipser's plan. And as I stated, there were no um

029difficulties encountered in performing the audit. I'm going to turn it over to Phil Norris. He's going to walk through more of a quantitative the results of the audit. We're going to focus mainly on the general fund. Again, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to interrupt us. Phil, >> thanks, Michael. Um, so like Michael said, he focused kind of on the the qualitative aspect of it. I'm going to focus on the quantitative aspect of it. So, some of the items that are reported in our financial report and and the numbers that you see in the financial statements. Um so starting off first this is a condensed balance sheet for the district's governmental funds as of 6:30 2025. Um this is prepared on a modified acrruel basis. So this is a focus on resources available for

030current operations instead of long-term assets and liabilities. Um this slide breaks out the the major funds. So you see the general fund, the two building and site funds and then it combines all the the non- major funds in that one column there as well. Um, so the general fund, like Michael said, that's going to be the focus of a lot of our presentation. And, um, this is the the main operating fund of the district. And then the the building and site funds are are capital projects funds that are each tied to specific bond issues for facility improvements and equipment. Um, and then the non- major funds include your special revenue such as food service and student activities fund. Um, your non- major capital projects funds. Um and then it also includes your debt service funds

031um which are used to record bond proceeds and and pay down debt. Um so this includes your your assets is the first piece of that that includes cash investments um amounts owed to the district uh prepaids. Then liabilities include accounts payable, crude payroll, deferred revenue. Um, and then the difference between your assets and liabilities is your your fund equity or fund balances. Um, which we'll break down further on the the next slides. Um, so taking a little bit of a closer look at your fund equity. So this is um fund equity for the past two years. Um so you'll notice fund balance decrease from 13.1 in 2024 to 12.1 in 2025. Um most of the fund balance at 68% this year is unassigned meaning that it's available for general use. And then the next portion

032of that pie is the assigned fund balance which is 32% which represents the use of the fund balance included in next year's budget. Um, and then the last piece is non-spendable, which relates to items like prepaid and inventory. Um, and since those items have already been spent, they're considered non-spendable when looking at fund equity. Um, and now I'm going to kick it over to to Paul to provide us a little bit of background on the importance of fund equity at the district. >> So, as we were just talking about, you saw the $12 million in fund equity regarding that. So, usually the question, think of fund equity as your rainy day fund. We always you hear a lot of auditors talk about rainy day fund. So what's the importance? What does that mean to you

033as a district to you as individuals within the audience? You'll see. So the first thing it it gives you a chance even if you can correlated it to your own home. Having fund balance and a ready day fund allows you to minimize the need to borrow to meet cash flow. So you have the opportunity to meet the day-to-day activities because you have cash on hand and you're not at the mercy of outstanding or external borrowers at whatever the interest rate is currently regarding that. It also helps you prevent operating with a structural deficit. Although these numbers are large, if you start peeling them back, there are times districts have structural deficits because the liabilities that they owe are indeed greater than the assets that they own. Regarding that, so because you have a fund balance,

034it prevents you from worrying about a structural deficit, allows for cash flow flexibility, contingency for the unexpected. We all know we live in Michigan. We have older schools, a roof, a furnace in the middle of the winter. Uh just the different things that happen uh overall because you have that fund balance, fund equity. It allows you to have a contingency for the unexpected as those things happen. It also helps you with maintaining your credit ratings, which comes into play when you go out to borrow dollars, as you've had for all of the construction that's going on. People look at what your balance sheet are. They look at how they're going to charge you from an interest rate. So it helps your credit rating overall. Regarding that, so again, what does that mean? MSBO recommends that

035your fund balance be at 15 to 20% of total expenditures. There's very few if any schools in the state of Michigan that are able to hit 15%. overall where their uh fund balance is at least 15%. This district has always had a policy of setting theirs at a balance of 10%. You're currently at over 11 regarding that. So, not only have you set a minimum balance goal that you shooted for, you've exceeded that at 11% overall. And again, nice to have a goal to shoot for at 15 to 20%. But internally, you know your district. So, you've always set it at 10% and you've exceeded that based on the current situation and what you have going on regarding that. And then here's here's the biggest thing. It allows the you as a district to run

036your own district and not with state of Michigan interference. So, there is something called the early warning legislation we've all heard about for years that has been out there where districts have been triggered where the state now comes in and possibly takes over your district. regarding that. That warning starts at a 5% of general fund balance. Remember I just mentioned you're over 11 regarding that. So not only are you over 11, remember that second bullet from the bottom, your minimum for your district is 10. So you've exceeded the state, you've exceeded your own minimum that you had. So overall, the district has done a very good job structurally maintaining and using what it has under the circumstances that are going on currently regarding the state, regarding politics and everything else. You've done a really good

037job in maintaining your own fund equity because if I had to equate it to anything, at the end of the day, it gives you independence. It gives you the independence to run your own house. That's not an accounting term, but we all understand control over our own house and the ability to do that. Oops. Mark, do you have any thoughts on fund balance and how internally you think about as you're helping to manage the district and the fund balance? And >> well, I wish we were closer to 15%. It's going to be hard, but we we have a dedicated team from the ED to the business office committed to keeping us. We're shooting for the 10% definitely going to avoid 5% at all costs, but it it's not going to be easy. So, board president,

038if I may ask Mark to expound on the fact that it's going to be difficult specifically as it pertains to the increase um costs that we incur annually with the benefits >> within the state of Michigan. So, it's not something that we as a district are struggling to manage. It is something that's on a more broader scale. So, if you could just expound on that so that everyone understands that it's not it's something being imposed on us. between benefits. Obviously, we also want to be competitive with our salaries. I mean, other districts, they're using whatever resources they have to try to steal our high quality teachers. So, we got to be competitive, but also our enrollment dropping a little faster than we want. And that and our state revenue is tied to our enrollment. And

039if our enrollment is lower than we expected, then that probably will mean we're overstaffed during the school year. And then you don't want changes in terms of instruction mid year. So you're left with a over populated school, which means your salaries are a little high and probably don't match your revenue. But last year we are over the 11% as Paul mentioned but um as Dr. Green put on her real estate hat and sold a couple of buildings without that we would have been under the 10%. >> Yes. So, we're we are over 10% right now, but without we we only have one more building to sell. And at that point, we have to figure out between our enrollment and our staff and our contractual expenses because our contractors, they don't have to they don't really

040care about our enrollment. they have their own costs. So their their costs are going up even though our enrollment is going down. >> In a in a good way to interject here looking at the numbers on you see the first column the general fund exactly as Mark was mentioning. You see where it says the expenditures you relatively held your expenditures the same over a prior year and you will be able to see that in your budget to actual. We show it to you in a couple slides. So you see where those expenditures of 105 are greater than 102. So you were in essence you spent over your revenue if it wasn't for the sale of those buildings that other other financing sources you see the 2.1 million your deficit would have been larger regarding that.

041So some of the assets that were able to be sold and when we're looking at percentages as Mark mentioned you would have fallen below the 10% just mathematically if it wasn't for that 2.1 that's sitting there. So again there are things that are out of your control all things being equal if you keep all of your expenses at 105 every year but your student count is going down. Remember your foundation allowance is 12,000 plus. All things being equal, you have larger expenses doing nothing but inflation and health care cost and all of those things that are going up that are kind of out of your control regarding that. That's where it hurts you. Reason being, if you lose 200 students, that's not one classroom. That's five from kindergarten. That's four from the second grade. They're

042spread across the but you still have to heat the classroom and pay the teacher and the lights. That's why it's not always a dollar to dollar revenue versus expenses regarding that. >> And um also trustees, we're going to have some difficult conversations in the future relative to contracted services in our district and what those may look like in the future. As uh Mr. Ingram mentioned, uh they are businesses and they are for-profit and we have to ensure that we have the right subcontractors working in our district to best support our scholars. Thanks Paul and Mark. Appreciate the input. Um, okay. So, now that we looked at the balance sheet side of things, we're going to take a look at the district's financial activity during fiscal year 2025 as opposed to at a point in time

043that the balance sheet was presenting. Um, [clears throat] so this slide summarizes revenue expenditures and changes in fund balance. And this is presented in the same manner as the balance sheet previously. Um, in the general fund, expenditures exceeded revenues by about $1.1 million at year end. And as previously mentioned, the year-end fund balance is $12.1 million. Um, statewide, the average fund balance as a percentage of expenditures is 24.7%. Um, and as we mentioned previously, the district is at 11.45%. Um, it should be noted that that statewide average has kind of been inflating recently. a lot of our our districts and what we're seeing and um as Paul mentioned, it's it's not common that you're seeing districts hit that statewide average. Um and then as noted earlier, um there was a a $2.4 million transfer um

044including that other financing sources and uses that um increased that percentage to 11.45%. And then looking just at a couple of other columns on there, the 2023 building and site fund decreased as remodeling projects continued within expectation. And then the 2025 building and site fund increased by about $50.1 million. And that's just due to the the new bond proceeds. And then non- major funds saw a decrease of about $.7 million in aggregate. So this is looking at the revenue aspect of that that previous chart. And this is just looking specifically at the the general fund. Um so this is looking at the past two years again. And um what you'll [clears throat] see here is that local sources of revenue that about 45% this year. Um that makes up the largest portion of of general

045fund revenue. And um this is primarily related to property tax revenue that the district receives. And so this total $45.7 million in 2025. Um the next largest portion of this is state sources at about 37%. Um which is partially made up of state categorical revenue but primarily made up of the district portion of the state per pupil foundation allowance. Um as we discussed previously um which is determined by taking the per pupil rate of 12,410 by the pupil count at the district this past year was 4,482. And since this revenue is directly tied to to headcount, the the trending decrease in enrollment at the district has contributed to a decline in state revenue um as evidenced by the decrease year and year-over-year in that that category. Um federal revenue comes in at about $10 million.

046Um and we tested about $6 million of that as a part of our aforementioned single audit. And then the decrease in in $2 million is primarily related to expiring COVID funding. So in total revenue declined from $ 106.8 million in 2024 to 102.1 million in 2025. So kind of handinhand with state revenue that we were looking at specifically on that that previous chart is your your state aid membership. So, this is kind of outlining the reduction in in enrollment that we've seen going back to 2021. Um, a little bit of background on the the drop after 2021. Um, that does reflect the end of the COVID related super blend formula. So, that there was a larger than the than normal drop there. However, as you'll see in the subsequent years, that that reduction was steady

047as well. Um, and so lowering birth rates, increased competition from charter, private, and online schools continues to to drive this trend. >> Can I say something real quick? So, everyone always shocked not shocked when they see this. If you look at your student aid membership for 2024 compared to 2025, that drop is about 300, whatever the math is. Students, if you time that times your allowance of 12,000 something you get probably $4 million whatever it is. If you go back here you see the difference between the 106 and the 102 you're dropping revenue guess what it is you're dropping your students times your foundation. So you see how the two correlate you didn't do anything you just lost students regarding that but that has an effect on your revenue regarding that strictly tied to your

048super account. I mean there's some other er funds and different things, but the majority of that drop, if you do the math, is about three to four million dollars sitting right there in front of you regarding your students. >> All right, thanks. Um so this next slide is looking at the other side of the income statement looking at the general fund expenditures. Um so this is presenting all of the expenditures by MDE function. um which is each type of service or commodity obtained by the district for each expenditure. Um so overall expenditures are are pretty consistent with what we saw last year. Um and then looking at just kind of some individual functions within the the chart. The largest that you'll see is 54% this year. Um and this is primarily related to instruction expenditures.

049Um, this includes teacher salaries and benefits or resources spent directly in the classroom. Um, and so this kind of makes makes sense given that the district is a people-based organization and um, in line with expectation, that's where the majority of expenses are are occurring. Um, and then the next piece of that is support. Um and that that portion is coming in at about 42% and this relates to things like librarians, counselors, in instructional aids, things things of that nature. Um and then the remaining areas all less than 5% include capital outlay, community services, and athletics. >> So So again, just doing the plain math, you kept your expenses in line. They even dropped from 24 to 25, but we just saw your student count drop as well as your corresponding revenue drop on the same

050level of exper of expenses. It costs to run a district. Everything you're trying to do budgetwise, you're doing it, but then again, the revenue driver of your students, we can see the math jump off the page. >> Okay. Okay. Now, now rounding it out, um just looking at now that we've looked at general fund activity, wanted to briefly touch on how the general fund activity occurs to to the budget that was that was passed for the year ended June 30, 2025. Um so, as you can see, revenue was $2.3 million above budget and then um expenditures was $2.2 million above budget. Um both of which represent variances of around 2%. Um, and then after considering these variances as well as a variance in other financing sources, the net change in fund balance was about a

0511.05 million increase, which was about $275,000 better than expected. Um, so budget was was fairly close with what we see as as actual activity. Um and then within these categories, one thing that we do look at as a part of our financial statements is that we um disclose any variances by function code of greater than 10%. Um and we did note in our report that there was um an athletics fund or an athletics function um actual expenditures of about $92,000 greater than budget, which represents about a 15% variance. Um so with that, I'll turn it over to Michael for the last couple of slides on here. Thank you. So, we spent a lot of time [clears throat] talking about the fund level financial statements. In your financial statements is another set of books called the

052governmentwide financial statements. That takes all of your funds, adds them together. also includes your long-term debt, your pension and MIPers assets and liabilities as well as your fixed assets. Those are called the governmentwide financial statements and those are done on a slightly different method of accounting. It's done on the accounting method that for-profit entities use. And so we just wanted to highlight that there is a separate set of financial statements included in this document that were also subject to the audit. Those have more of a long-term focus whereas the funds are more short-term current year focus. The governmentwide statements include all those things listed on the graph and are also included in that report. Any questions? Mr. Ingram, anything else we want to mention? >> Want to mention >> the athletics fairness? That was my

053error. It was under budgeted. Uh, Coach Q doing a good job of with with their expenditures. So, I accept responsibility for that. board. Do you have any questions? [clears throat] >> Um, I don't have any for the team. Thank you all so much. My question um is for you, board president. Um, I actually have a request that we set a date for a budget study session that specifically um walks through this uh audit and look at very closely what are some of the spending trends, budget trends, as well as the alignment to the services offered. Um, and with that, I'd like to also request that um, transportation that we're looking at the routes and what are the trends for the routes now as opposed to the beginning of the year. >> Thank you. Um I

054think it would be um prudent of us not to take a look at um and have a study session around the budget report um and definitely transportation and how that aligns with how we need to strategize in working with um our students and enrollment so that we don't continue to um to bleed in the manner that we are. Um thank you gentlemen. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Sorry, board president. Um, in addition to that, I'd like to know what are the trends for our enrollment and loss. So, at what grade level? >> Um, and I'll put this all in writing so that as we set a date, we understand what it is we're coming to the table to talk about. >> Thank you, sir. >> Sure. >> I just want to make sure that

055we discuss the um the overspan. And I know Mark just discussed it in athletics so that we're fully aware of how that'll be corrected going forward as a board. >> Absolutely. Um as Mr. uh Ingram indicated, he had not accounted for the uh athletic invoices in the month of June and because our fiscal year ends at the end of June, um those invoices came in after the June 30 deadline. So they had to go back and journal entry all of those additional invoices. So moving forward, Coach Q along with the team has come up with a proactive plan on how to avoid that moving forward. I'm sorry, board president. Um, one more thing before the gentleman leave. There was a correction to a document from last year and I didn't hear that lifted in the

056conversation. So I think that's important that we also share with the community that um one of the findings from a previous year had been corrected and is no longer a finding of the district. >> Thanks Dr. >> Thank you. Uh so as part of the federal awards planning process each year we look at the results from the last two years federal awards audits because that helps us determine which programs to test, which ones might be considered high risk. So as part of the planning process for this year's federal awards audit, we were looking at our 2023 federal awards audit. That year we tested the food service program. There was a finding that was related to on-site visits that were not completed. That finding that part of the finding is still correct. The part that we

057adjusted the finding for 2023 was that we were not required to test the controls around why that didn't happen. We reported that we did test them and that the controls were not adequate. We weren't required to do that and so we removed that part from the finding and have reissued the 2023 federal awards audit. It's now been corrected and submitted to the federal government and to the state of Michigan. Thank you for bringing that up. Any questions on that? >> No. Thank you. Dr. Green, report 6433. >> I'm sorry, board president. Um just wanted to lift that um our previous board president as well as our board treasurer did have an opportunity to have a meeting with the auditors separate and apart from administration to ensure that all of the questions that the trustees had

058lifted have been asked of of the auditing team. So if there's any additional questions that any trustees may have um our board treasurer is very well verssed to answer those questions. >> Thank you. Um, moving to the next item, which is perfect alignment, uh, report 6333, SA public schools 2026, school building and site bond resolution. Um, as you heard the gentleman mention, every time we go to market to sell another series of the bond, we one have to ask you for approval to do so. And two, we have to ensure that our credit score, if you will, our Moody's or S&P rating are aligned and supportive of us doing that. Originally, when we went for the bond, the 2022 bond, we had it divided into three series. We since reduced the number of years that

059it will take us to complete the bond work from 10 years down to that of eight. And as a result, we expedited the request or the sale of some bonds. So instead of going to market for three series, we are now going to market for four series. We have completed series 1, that request was 75 million. Series 2 was 50 million. We are on track and asking the trustees um if it is the pleasure of the board that we go back to market this spring not to exceed $100 million as recommended by our financial partners so that we can continue the work on schedule and um in a timely manner. We know that one of the things to get our scholars back is to have adequate learning spaces for them. So we're working feverishly to

060get that done. >> Dr. this and this is >> this is a this is a legal resolution drafted by our bond council for consideration >> and you're asking this to be moved as an action item this evening >> given that we have no other meetings in the month of December if it is the pleasure of the board I would ask that um trustees consider it actionable is there a motion on the floor to open and approve report 6433 Southfield schools 2026 six school building site bond. >> I make a motion that we open and approve >> support. Was there any discussion >> for president? If I may just add again this is not additional monies. This is monies that have already been approved. We are taking the bonds to market to sell them for the

061revenue to come to the district. >> Any other discussion? >> Word secretary, you can call for the vote, please. >> Trusty Belt, >> yes. >> Trusty Densson, >> yes. >> Trusty Holloway, >> yes. >> Myself, yes. Trusty Wobb, >> yes. >> Unanimous. Carried. Thank you, trustees. Um, next on um the agenda is the swing space building readiness report. Uh, we've had a number of meetings as lifted earlier with our Bernie parents regarding their move to the swing space that will occur January 5th, 2026. Hard to believe it's already approaching 2026. Nevertheless, when we come back from the midwinter break, um, our Bernie scholars will be at two different locations. Our K5 babies will be at that of Vandenberg and our sixth through 8th grade babies or scholars, they're not babies in middle school, uh will

062be at that of the former Southfield regional academic campus on Evergreen. Um that being stated, uh the bond team has been working along with the operations team to ensure that those spaces are ready to receive our scholars. The movers will come on Monday and Tuesday of next week, the 15th and 16th, to begin moving the furniture, furn some of the furnishings from that of Bernie over to the new locations. Um TJ from Planaran Realpoint, our owners rep and I have an appointment scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. to walk those campuses to ensure that they are properly ready to receive our scholars. We also have some contractors that will be coming in the district over the two-eek break to ensure that any last minute touches will be uh completed prior to our scholars arriving on

063January 5th. >> Are there any questions >> to the chair? >> Um I believe that there's a virtual meeting, but I don't have that information. It's on the 16th. >> There is one final virtual meeting for our our families if they've not had an opportunity to attend in the past. That will be on December 16th. I know that uh Principal Baldwin did put it out in the weekly newsletter. I will ask that she pushes that out again so that everyone has that link. >> Thank you. >> You're most welcome. >> Um Dr. Green, um if you could uh after your walkthrough, can we get a final report on the state and the status of the buildings? I know there was extreme concern from a lot of our educators um the rugs, the flooring, and that

064type of thing. So, if we can get a full report from you, that would be great. >> Absolutely. And one of the reasons that our walkth through has been pushed to that of Friday is um we had some ongoing abatement happening um particularly on the campus of Vandenberg and the replacement the carpet was taken out of the media center and one particular classroom of which was of grave concern to our SC um our educators and it would have been concerning to our scholars. So once that uh piece is finished um and TJ just gave me the nod. We will be doing that walkthrough on Friday and we'll make sure you get that in a full updated report. >> Thank you. uh staffing update. >> Lastly, um well, not lastly, but uh the staffing report. Miss

065Foster will pull that on the screen. Um we have a lot of progress. I am pleased to report this month. Um Trusty Smith Thomas, I don't have the actual dates on there as you requested. I will have those moving forward, but I do have a lot of updates on progress. So, um including some interviews that are scheduled over the next two weeks. So, if we can move through this swiftly. Um, Adler still has the ASD position which is being filled by an ISSN team member. The speech pathologist being sp filled by a partner. Um, the resource room teacher, we have a candidate identified, although it's currently being filled by substitute teacher. That candidate is being onboarded. So, we will have that um position filled. The gym teacher at McIntyre, again, that is being filled by

066the long-term sub um of which was the request of the building leadership. I am pleased to share that the 0.5 art teacher will split with Bernie K8. So that will be a 0.5 at Bernie and a 0.5 at McIntyre. So that's a 1.0 FTE and that candidate will start on 5th, first day back from the midwinter break. Stevenson secretary um will begin on Monday the 15th and the third grade position will be posted. I do want to if you can go back one the third grade position that will be posted is due to the vacancy being created by the art teacher voluntarily transferring to the art position. So that is not because we lost someone. That individual asked to go to another position thus creating um this vacancy. Uh Bernie, the ASD position is being

067filled by a substitute teacher, the EI teacher. We have a candidate selected. However, it's currently being filled by an ISSN team member. Again, the 0.5 art teacher that I mentioned being split with McIntyre, the internal candidate will make the transition over on January 5th. at Thompson. Um we have two ASD ASD teachers being filled by substitute teachers. The science position is still posted. We have the Spanish teacher um vacancy but again that is being uh supplemented by the MEG's language partner platform and that has been approved by the IB. And then we have Levy and that is not a typo. We have no vacancies. We are proud of the work having been done [applause] there. >> [laughter] >> THAT'S NOT A TYPO. UM, High School for the Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology.

068Again, when I look at this page, I am amazed. They only have one ASD teacher vacancy, and that is being filled by a substitute teacher for a high school of that size. That deserves an applause as well. [applause] At university, we have another candidate identified. Yay, cheaty. I'm working towards it. [laughter] And then we have um a guidance counselor that is retiring at uh the end of this month. And we already have an internal candidate that has been recalled and will be there on the 5th of January to fill that vacancy. So that vacancy went up. Oh, look at Chibi. I got major points from him. That's awesome. Uh KC on one SXI teacher again being filled by substitute. uh one SXI teacher identified and will be starting there on the 6 and one social

069worker being filled by a partner, two speech pathologists, both being filled by partners at Busussy. Two ECS teachers being filled by a substitute who are retired employees. So they are certified. They are just um in the substitute position and they are retired and one EIV which is early intervention and district-wide positions. Yay. Where is our newest employee? He's supposed to be there. He is. That's our new executive director of HR. PLEASE STAND. MR. [applause] STEVENS. YES. MR. Devon Stevens will be joining us from business and industry. He has a lot of experience coming from highly regulated fields. um one of pharmaceutical and the other chemical >> and aerospace and defense. So he brings a plethora of knowledge to us and we are looking forward to partnering with him as we move forward. So Mr. Stevens,

070welcome to Southfield Public Schools >> and back to the state of Michigan. >> All right. um one ISSN Medicaid billing supervisor is is posted and then the communications coordinator I mentioned earlier we have final interviews next week we have three final candidates um we had some very good options that came forward um so we are pleased with uh the pool and then one director of career focused education we have those two final interviews slated for this Friday so tremendous progress having been made with the staffing any questions Um, yes. I have a question as it relates to the um I notice a lot of the the special education positions um being filled with by substitutes. What qualifications are required? Are these is there a certain um like a separate qual set of qualifications for those

071positions? So, I'll ask Miss Smith to join us at the podium because we have a we have a variance happening in the district. So, we have some that are technically substitutes, but they are in programs to earn their full credential. We have others that have a certain number of educational credits that are on 90-day plans. We have some that are on the full year per permit. So, Miss Smith, if you could add to um the answer for Trusty Smith Thomas. >> Yes. Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> So, in order to sit in a special education position um per MDE, you have to have an undergraduate degree. It doesn't necessarily have to be an undergraduate degree in education, but you still have to have an undergraduate degree. Um, and then you can only sit

072in those positions for 90 calendar days, but we do have some staff members that are on alternate tracks. Um, Talent Together and uh, Teach for America and things of those sorts. So with those um chair um so with those um those different programs has MDE allowed us to apply for interim certifications on their behalf so that we can keep them longer or are we do we have to keep switching them out? So the th those that are on the alternate uh routes that I mentioned they do have the waiverss for the year. So every year we have to reapply. But those that are sitting in those substitute positions for those 90 days, they do have to exit those positions in 90 calendar days. Okay. So my concern Dr. Green would be just the consistency for

073those scholars especially the stability needed for the most our most v vulnerable scholars. Um so I would like to ask uh board president that we um talk about how do we develop some type of internal pathway. It sounds like we are recognizing at least what some candidates are already coming to the table with in terms of um you know the different programs but that we have an internal um I don't know structure of some kind where we can have an internal pool to strategically place people >> and and trust Smith Thomas if I may through um the chair um we are not necessarily just identifying what people are bringing as they as We engage these staff members. We sit down with them and look at their backgrounds and we try to identify programs for which

074they would benefit in going in the alternate route. Some of them have no desire to do so. Others that are interested, we are trying to pair them up with those appropriate programs. So, um, we do sit down with everyone that comes forward and and try to get them in the best program in a timely manner. >> But I'm very much concerned about the 90-day turnaround. Yes. and placing them >> where you know. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah. >> Yes, ma'am. Um we did have an audit with MDE regarding some of the individuals that had been in those positions and unfortunately um had some challenges with the um pathway that they had selected. Um their pathway wasn't recognized by the state of Michigan. So, we're trying to work really closely with them to ensure that they

075are not just going through coursework, but course work that's actually applicable in the state of Michigan to earn their full credential. >> Absolutely. Because I guess it's most concerning, this space is most concerning. Um true >> um this is really concerning to me because this is a a true um need statewide um where it's not just and nationally. So, we have, you know, the teacher uh shortage, but then we also have the special education, you know, that is in in even more of a need. So, and I know MDE is recognizing and they're trying to put together alternate route programs and things like that. And so making sure that we can partner with them and then perhaps even have them um I don't know send us some folks if they have and actually met with

076um the executive director of talent together most recently they opened up their window again for applicants and for the hundred spots that they had they had over 450 applicants prior to that. So definitely working closely with them to ensure that um Southfield is being considered when they have these candidates apply. Thank you. >> But I will keep you posted. >> Okay. >> And last from the report of the superintendent, we have Dr. Kelly Wash, our director of Busy Early Childhood Center. Dr. Wash. >> Okay. Well, good evening board president, board members, and superintendent Green. My name is Ursula Kelly Wash, and I'm happy to present the busy director's report for December. So, as I've stated before, busy, this year for the 2526 school year, our theme is one team, one dream. And we are living

077that each day as we um celebrate teachers. So, we have our quote for this month. Good teachers help other teachers find the good teacher in themselves. And so, through our programming, through um our just our daily classroom environment, we're really trying to promote teachers as leaders. Um for our director's report, I'm going to review our enrollment um enrolled students weight listed and our um um weight listed data. our average daily um attendance, our monitoring report which is based on our child find data and I'll give you some updates regarding education um health and safety and family engagement. So for our December enrollment um data report um we actually had one um infant enroll today well well start today she the enrollment process it's a process so it's already taking place so right now we have

078um six team for um early head start for head start we have um 55 students and for GSRP we have 75 so we're constantly enrolling students students and um our goal is to um really kind of promote this during the summer so that we can always have our classrooms um you know enrolled as as much and as greatly as possible. So, but we're happy to always receive um students for our um early head start. We transition kids um they transition out due to age. And so our transition process is that when they are about to go to Head Start from early Head Start, they spend a few like they spend two weeks um taking um like short um stays in the Head Start classroom so that they can become acclimated to the learning environment. So

079that's working out very well. For our average daily attendance for early head start is 84 84% for head start 82% for our blend classrooms is 82% and for GSRP 83%. So, um I think that's pretty high. You know, with that age, we do have um you know, some illnesses to report sometimes, but the parents are very committed in getting their scholars to school on a regular basis. For our CACF um program, this is our November data report because the report is always um well um designed to be given at the end of the month. So for our breakfast, our students, we fed 1,726 students and 320 adults for breakfast. For our AM snack students, um that's 171, and for adults 64. And for lunch, the students, 172, adults 334, and for our PM snack students,

080145, and for adults 296. And we're defining adults as um each classroom at Busy has two teachers, a lead and an assistant. And we also have a foster grandparent program. And so we feed the foster grandparents as well. Okay. So for our child find reports, that is where teachers are doing their observations and trying to meet the needs of students cognitively, socially, and emotionally. And so um right now we're making sure that with every child find form that is submitted that we are submitting data as well. So we're submitting bance scores. If teachers have anything to report regarding core which is the child observation record, they're submitting that too. And so we're using that data to make sure that we're meeting the needs of our scholars um and um holistically. Okay. Um, so for our

081child fine, um, I'm sorry, for our core, our child observation record, we, um, just ended period one, we're on period two now. We had 84% completion from our teachers. Hopefully um, at period two, which ends in March, the um, percentage will be higher. um core is based on teachers observations, anecdotal notes and aligning those to KDIs which are key developmental indicators that are based on math, language, science, social emotional development. So when teachers are taking notes, if you come to Busy, you'll see them. They're like little researchers because they're constantly looking and observing and taking notes on students and then they're aligning that to the KDIs to create core notes and those core notes basically are the report cards for our um our scholars. So we did we had um two days of successful parenting

082teacher conferences and last Friday was the end of our first report card marking and it was [snorts] great. We highlighted that we also had like an art gallery too. So parents and um their scholars they were able to create art projects and in the gym we had it like an art gallery. So once the parents had their parent teacher conferences they were able to enjoy the student made artwork or the family made artwork in um our media center as well. So our conferences are um they went pretty well. And then also for I always talk about our E3 program or educators empowering educators which the staff they present at the staff meetings. Our last report was about donor's shoes and which is a phenomenal program where teachers can basically go and put in a request

083about a project or a wish that they want and they basically have um partners match um what it is that they want. So, a teacher did a presentation on basically how to get your donor's um shoes project funded and she requested um you know our students go outside um on a daily basis and she requested coats, hats, scarfves, mittens and the project was funded. So now we have um you know doesn't matter how if a student if their coat is not you know warm enough we always have something that can be um given to our scholars. And because we have washers and dryers at school, they can be cleaned as well. >> So for our family engagement for the month of December, um last week we had um well, right before um the Thanksgiving Day

084holiday, we had a parent workshop called Mastering the Art of Budgeting. It is um due to the holiday season is very um a lot of parents, they struggle with trying to manage their money. And so that um parent workshop was well attended. And then also we had our um family art gallery during our parenting teacher conferences. Okay. And then last I sent all of you an email about three emails. Right now we have our FA1 review which is where we have our monitors who are at busy. They were this today was their first day. Tomorrow we will still have some virtual meetings and Thursday will be our last day. They are looking at classroom exploration. say we're going into classrooms. We had a fiscal data review. We had a building operations data review today and

085um they're looking at education files. They're asking questions and it's it's a review. So, we um are doing that, but also they want to talk to parents and they also want to talk to the governing board. And so, I set up a a link hopefully. They need at least three members to participate. And so the meeting tomorrow, the virtual meeting tomorrow I believe is um 10:15 to let me check my notes. Uh 11:15 to 11:45. So hopefully someone at least three people are able to um join in on a conversation with Ruth Prescott. She is the lead reviewer. >> Okay. And that concludes my presentation. Are there any questions? >> Thank you, Dr. Walsh. Um board, do you have any questions? >> Um one question. You said tomorrow is a virtual >> virtual. Yes. >>

086Virtual what? >> Well, they they call it governing board discussion. >> Governing board >> discussion. It's a virtual meeting. I Yes, I did. >> We already have it. Okay. >> Okay. I just want to make sure. >> Okay, great. [laughter] >> Because at least three people need to um participate. >> Okay. I plan on >> Thank you. >> Um 11:15. 11:15 to 11:45. Yes. >> Great. Thank you. >> No, thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> Um, Dr. Green, you were mentioning that of course four board members cannot be based on OMA. Four of us cannot be on any meeting. Um, okay. So, are there three that can be in attendance? We know that No, we know that Trusty Holloway can join for that uh time frame. >> You're joining as well. >> Okay.

087So, we have our three. Trusty Holloway, Trusty Belulk, and Trusty Smith Thomas. all be on your call tomorrow, >> right? Because we cannot. So, I just want to make sure that we have participation. >> Wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone and happy holiday. >> I do have one other question. Um Dr. Walsh, thank you. Um Dr. Green, how are we marketing Busy? >> So, I'm glad that you asked that question. Um we've struggled in the past with um getting individuals to properly market. But I am pleased to say that with our new communications person as well as avants being on staff, we are doing some creative things with uh busy moving forward. And we have our kindergarten signing day. You didn't mention that. And I think it's important that our families know um as

088our our athletes and others go off to colleges. They have these big signing days. We think it's a big deal for babies to go off to kindergarten. So on January 15th, we're having our big kindergarten signing day uh there at Busy. So, while we encourage um everyone to participate, I know January 15th very important. Um we also want to make sure that we're spreading the the word via social media and uh word of mouth is the most important tool. I'm pleased to announce and as you see with the reports, the culture is changing back to one that is very positive, very educationally driven and and I attribute that to Dr. Kelly Wash, very professional. So, thank you Dr. Kelly Wash for accepting the the challenge and for really doing what's best for our early learners.

089And I say that not only as a superintendent of this district, but as the great grandmother of one of your scholars there in your building. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. I I share with our reviewers today that everything that we do at Busy is data driven. And so, we had the documentation for our meetings, signing sheets, and to just let them know that what we're doing is intentional and there's purpose behind what we're trying to do at Busy. So, thank you very much. the chair. >> Yes. >> Not a question. I would just like to um to ask that you would tell your staff person, your staff member who did the donor's choose project. Kudos. That took a lot of courage to step out. Um I know what those type of projects

090entail and to think of our scholars and um you know in that way to put themselves out there to make that request and then get it fully funded is amazing. >> Absolutely. Well, it's a challenge now. So every teacher the challenge is that every teaching team do a ton donor's choose project. And so now if they mention the teacher who actually did the um the project, she'll receive a $25 um gift card. So that and like she said, it's not just for her classroom. She'll use whenever they refer or use her name, she'll take the $25 and we'll do something collectively for Busy as a whole. >> Thank you. That concludes the report of the superintendent. >> Thank you. Public participation. If you wish to address the board regarding a school related issue that has

091not yet been resolved by school administration, please submit a comment card immediately. Comments are limited to three minutes per individual. As a matter of fairness, speakers with complaints against individuals are not to mention any persons by name. Complaints concerning employees pursuant of board policy 9130 should be brought to the attention of school principles and other administrators before coming to the board of education. Your cooperation is appreciated. If we can have Miss Robinson please step to the podium. Good evening, Miss Robinson. if you would state your address for the record. >> Sure. Betty Robinson, former uh board president, former school board member. My address is 21889 Glen Moira, Southville, Michigan. And just sitting here listening to some of these reports, uh it's really amazing and astounding that what's being reported is not actually being happen in

092the schools. Um I have uh three grandkids in the district. One is at busy and um it just truly amazed me uh the information that that is written given about these situations. Um, first of all, I want to talk about the um I attended about five graduations um last summer, this this summer and um in Twickeningham neighborhood, my neighborhood and another one. And most of the kids who graduated did not attend our school district. They went to Brother Rice, UFG, they went to Cass Tech, uh West Palonefield, uh Cranbrook, and uh Country Day. Now, I think that's a problem because they live in the neighborhood, but they choose not to attend our schools. Why they choose not to attend our schools? Because they um if you look at the Michigan Department of Education, uh educational

093statistics, we're like 34 in academics, math, reading, and science in the district in the state of Michigan. And that's a problem. uh 12 years ago when we had um Dr. Cook Robinson as our superintendent, uh enrollment dropped was 12,000 and it dropped to to 10,000. At that time, she asked people to take a buyout, the layoff, and our current mayor was one of them. He stepped down to save the district money. I don't see anybody here who's stepping down to save the district money. You had five different human resource directors since Dr. Green been here. That's a problem. And you guys don't see a problem with that. And how many of you actually go and visit or attend the meetings at Busy? Like I said, my niece was there. She said that um one day

094she came in, the security guard was on her phone. Another day she was eating her lunch and another day she was asleep. That's a problem. Those are children there that anybody could walk in and abduct them and the lady's sleep. What are we paying them for? We are not doing a good job at educating our children and making sure they are protected. And I I I strongly recommend you guys go over there and visit that district uh busy because it's a hot mess. It's just a Now, you may say you your your grandchild is there, but what about the other kids are there? My granddaughter, the teacher quit. They didn't even tell the parent she had quit. She didn't know who her new teacher was going to be or anything. And here we go. All

095right. Um, >> thank you, Miss Robinson. >> And that that's another problem. You're giving parents three minutes. Your parents are your constituents. You report to them, >> Mr. Robinson. >> We Just a second. I was on the board when we instituted that three minute. You need to listen to what the parents are telling you because they're not lying to you. They're telling you the truth. And this is why we are losing enrollment. Okay. >> Thank you, Miss Robinson. >> You're welcome. >> If we can have Vanessa Solomon please step to the podium. If you would please state your name and address for the record. Thank you. Uh, Vanessa Gregory Solomon, 21405, Constitution, Southfield, Michigan. Um, good evening, superintendent, members of the Southville School Board, and distinguished guest. My name is Vanessa Gregory Solomon, and tonight

096I'm honored to share the progress of something I spoke to Dr. Green about a few years ago, my vision to support Southville student athletes through what is now Team Vinnie Foundation. Team Vinnie was created in memory of my youngest brother Vincent Vinnie Gregory I second a proud Southfield athlete who whose determination and spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. When I first discussed this idea with the superintendent my dream was simple to remove financial barriers so that no self-filled student would miss the opportunity to play sports because they couldn't afford the to participate. I'm proud to stand here today and say that dream is no longer just an idea. It's happening. Over the past month, team Vinnie has already begun awarding scholarships to Southfield students. These scholarships help cover spirit packs, essentials

097athlet athlete athletic cost, allowing students to fully participate, feel included, and represent their schools with pride. I'm I've seen firsthand the excitement, confidence it brings when a student receives support that ensures they can step onto the field and carry out and court without worry. This just isn't this isn't just about equipment. It's about belonging, opportunity, and the message to our community that our community believes in them. And we are we are only at the beginning. Southfield is my home. I've graduated from Southfield High School. I volunteer here. I remain committed to helping our students succeed, not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and athletically. As we continue to grow, Team Vinnie's goal is to partner closely with the district so we can expand our our reach, support more teams, and uplift even more young athletes. Thank

098you for listening and thank you for your early encouragement and thank you for the work that you do every day for our students. I am grateful for I am grateful I'm I'm grateful for your support of team Vinnie as we continue our mission to level the playing field one player at a time. >> Thank you, Miss Solomon. Miss Banks, if you would please step to the podium, state your name and your address for the record. >> Good evening. My name is Marie Banks. My address is 29506 Andover Boulevard, Farmington Hills 48331. I just wanted to speak to you. um the chief of staff came to our last PTSA meeting and spoke um with our group regarding the high school move to ESRE. Um and I gave him a message to give back to you guys

099and I just wanted to say it to you as well. I heard one of our board members ask about a town hall um for the parents, but I also want us to really deeply consider and I know we just heard Plant Morance's um report and with our declining enrollment and as a mother of an eighth grader listening to a lot of parents making those decisions that we put a lot of effort in making this transition to a school that not really is a full experience high school acceptable and it will be. But I think we we can't let it slide like it's something normal that we got to think outside the box as a school board and as a community to make it worth their while. And we need to do that now as those

100decisions are being made because there are a lot of schools being built and as we speak but none of them are being displaced. So, not that it's a bad idea, but what I'm saying is we need to make an extra effort and it may cost, but we have to start the culture now. Capture the people that we accept um early and welcome them. Throw just really welcome them. Take a tour of just the culture. Maybe not of ESRC yet because it's a middle school there now. You can't send new high school students to a middle school. see middle school students, but I mean we can send them to university right now. Um, but we have to start just really thinking outside the box. quite as kept university uh high school just got really high scores

101in their proficiency higher than Cass Renaissance West Bloom a lot of our peers in their proficiency in math read in math and reading I think it was 90 something 90 something% I don't have it um but I really believe that we have to in order to make this effective especially for the high school we have to create a culture that makes this bigger than life and make it seem like we're going to go outside the box and really make this a special time. And oh, by the way, by the time you're a senior, you're going to be the first inaugural class in the new building. So with that, I don't want we can't have status quo. Oh, this is just going to happen. We got to make it happen with a deliberate attempt to make

102it special for these students who sacrifice some of their high school. Thank you, Miss Faith. Understood. That's all we have from public comment. We'll move into uh action items. Consent agenda, approval of minutes. Is there a motion on the floor to open and approve our consent agenda? Some move support. Any discussion? Board secretary, you can call for the vote when you are ready. >> Trusty Wava? >> Yes. >> Myself? Yes. >> Trusty Holloway? >> Yes. >> Trusty Denser? >> Yes. >> Trusty Bo? >> Yes. Unanimous. Motion carried. Report 6430, revised policies. This is our second read of policy 5550 and policy 7470. 55, I'm sorry, 5,500 and 7440. This is just our second read. for our second read. Uh, is there a motion to open and approve reports 5500 and 7440? >> So moved. >>

103Um, board president, I don't see the um >> the report. >> I don't see the policies here. >> Were there any additional changes? not to the ones that you had from the first from the first read that you did last week in the specific verbiage that you mentioned you wanted to see in there. So, we've had we had no additional feedback from trustees. So, they still remain the same from the first read that was presented. >> Okay. >> Is there a motion on the floor? >> Um, I'd like to >> Oh, we already did. No, I we opened it, but >> we want to accept them. I support it. >> Did you open Did you open and approve? >> Open them for discussion. >> And then granted there were no additional um comments. >> Yeah.

104>> Or or anything change no additional changes. >> Yeah. So then my motion is to um to approve them. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Board secretary call for the vote. >> Trusty Belt. >> Yes. Trusty Densson, >> yes. >> Trusty Holloway, >> yes. >> Myself, yes. Trusty Wava, >> yes. >> Unanimous. Carried. Um, the last report that we have is 6434, personnel action reports. Do I have a motion to open and approve personnel action report 6434? So support. >> Is there any discussion here? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other discussion? No. Okay. Board secretary, you can call for the vote. >> Trusty Bel. >> Yes. >> Trusty Densson. >> Yes. >> Trusty Holloway. >> Yes. >> Myself? Yes. Trusty Wava? >> Yes. >> Unanimous. >> Information items. report 6435.

105>> Thank you, board president. Joining us this evening is Miss TJ from Plaran Real Point. Um you will see that 7 A, B, C, and D all pertain to our bond projects. Um 6435 BDS environmental. This is uh for asbestous abatement specifically to that of Southfield entity directly but um these are some of the reasons that we have had to pivot from not utilizing the high school as we originally planned. Um but we want do want to start remediating that area so that we will have a viable area um to utilize in the future. Um so this is for the asbestous work that will be taking place specifically there at O house which is the oldest portion of that building. Um 646 is Arch Environmental Group that's the environmental consulting specifically um not just to

106the project coordination but uh the air monitoring because we will have scholars in the opposite side of that building. So monitoring the air quality throughout this process is extremely important. um 6437 G2 consulting. Um that is professional surveying to ensure that the grounds of um both UK12 as well as Southwood ENT um the extended underground utility testing etc is completed um which aligns with our um environmental services and our sustainability piece as well. And then of course 6438 Fanny Howy Associates the professional surveying of those properties for uh storm water uh sanitary utility locations on both of those campuses. Did I do did a pretty good job with that TJ? >> You did. >> All right. Any questions that you can ask the subject matter expert? >> 39 is um Oakland County School Board Association.

107So that's separate from the bond. Those are the um um amended resolutions that uh Oakland County School Board sent. >> So bond stops at 38. >> 38. >> Yes. Okay. >> Um board president, given that we don't have any more meetings for the month of December, regular meetings. Um if it is the pleasure of the board to keep this work moving, >> understood. >> I would ask the board to consider moving them to action. >> Okay. Did you all have any questions regarding the reports that were just lifted by Dr. green that are timesensitive. >> Yes. >> I have a question about the um the air monitoring. >> Now, how do you plan what kind of barriers will you be using to protect the students while you're doing the lead abatement? >> There are um

108one hour um firewall separations between occupied and the construction areas as required by the state of Michigan. And so then Arch Environmental will also do their air monitoring to make sure that the um levels are of acceptable levels. So that is the barrier that you have. So that barrier will also be there during any construction that goes on as well. >> Thank you. >> Were there any other questions of the board? >> Dr. R, did you need to add any additional information? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Uh, can I have a motion on the floor to open and approve reports 6435, 6436, 6437, and 6438? >> Who said that? >> Trusty. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Support. >> Oh, that was support. >> Supported sec. Uh, any discussion? Secretary, can you call for the vote?

109>> Trusty Wabah, >> yes. >> Myself, yes. Trusty Holloway, >> yes. >> Trusty Den, >> yes. >> Trusty Belt, >> yes. >> Unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Um, next we have report 6439. The OCSBA proposed new and amended resolutions. They sent them to all trustees electronically and I believe Miss um Miss Foster has them in your binder as well. Those are timesensitive also um as they are required to be returned to Oakland County. >> January. >> Yeah, I think January 9th. Yeah. So, you do have I think it's the day of our next meeting though. So, um you think you should be okay moving them or holding off? Holding off. >> Holding on. >> No. Is it okay? you want to look at them in further detail. Okay. So, those are they are presented this

110evening for information. Again, those resolutions came specifically from Oakland County. The district did not put those resolutions together. However, if you do have any questions, I know that there are a few of us that are going to the joint OCSA and OCSBA meeting next week. So, um any questions that you may have, we can entertain them while we're there and get you the answers that you desire. Okay. >> Thank you. Uh the next we have the next we have is financial report. >> And monthly bill distribution. Good evening everyone. Y'all still with us? All right. We about to talk about some money. We've been talking about money a lot tonight with Plant Maran. Um, for the month of November, based on the current bill dispersements and monthly financials, we appear to be on track to

111remain within the board approved fund balance targets um, as long as our revenue continues to be the same. We've all heard the report um, from Plant Maran, but at this time the district is financially stable for this point in the fiscal year. Um, a few findings that I had, um, Mark lifted it, plant Moran was the transportation. As I reviewed the monthly billing statements for the transportation, um we were trending higher than normal. Um this variance was primarily due to June's invoices which was omitted um which has been corrected. Um our fiscical year 25 our fiscical year 26 adopted budget was built using the understated fiscal year 25. So that's where the um misalignment was. Um, as we talk about transportation, and I know a lot of people are talking about transportation, we will continue

112to monitor that because we do have um new routes that may be um instituted because we have swing spaces. So, transportation will be um under my peer review very very closely because we're watching um the amounts of transportation that's happening. Um we'll continue to monitor transportation costs closely. Um what's one other thing that we had? I'm getting older, so I have to write things down. Oh, I've already spoke with Dr. Green in regard to the 30 days for the transportation so that we can continue to have oversight and transparency to our district um regarding the transactions. Also, I am going to meet with our team, our financial team within the next 30 days to gain further clarity and transparency on how the system records electronic transactions. um specifically understanding the differences between our system generated

113statuses and true payment reversals. It was a question that I've had um with Mark. I completely understand it, but I asked the question again every month um because the way it looks on our statement. So, I'm going to gain clarity on that and I'll report it back out to the board. Um that concludes my financial report. Do we have any questions from the board? >> Very good. >> Thank you, darling. >> I'd like to ask that um Dr. green through the chair provides a 31A funding update um just kind of like at a high level for the community to understand all the moving parts that have taken place and how the district has decided um potential impact potential risk. >> Absolutely. >> Indeed. This is um as you know trustes a moving target. Um initially

114so 31A is a funding source being provided through the state of Michigan to help us with security measures in the district. It's approximately $575,000. Um the language that was written into um the state aid um budget for this year required us to wave certain privileges that all school districts have. When that uh was asked of this school district and all school districts, our trustees unanimously supported not applying for those dollars because it would put our district in jeopardy. Since that time, litigation has been filed on behalf of all school districts in the state of Michigan, not only at the state level, but at the federal level, and they're challenging the constit constitutionality of those stipulations. Um given that the litigation, we are expected to have a ruling on that litigation no later than the end

115of this month. Our board has since supported us applying for those dollars with the understanding that if we are not successful in the litigation, we can withdraw our requests for those funds. So if we withdraw our request for those funds, we are at risk of losing that $575,000. But I do want to put a caveat out there that they were grant dollars that would have been in addition to our general fund dollars. They are not regular dollars that come to the district. They were grant dollars specifically. So we will know by December 31st whether we are in or out depending on the court ruling at the state and that of the federal level. >> Thank you for lifting that um Trusty Smith Thomas and thank you so much for um that explanation Dr. Green. I

116just want to dial back real quick as it relates to transportation. Um, as we pivot from moving Bernie, um, and I know we've got a the very large move coming up um, next year for University K12. I just want to make sure that we are in front of um, the community and the parents and the students and having those conversations um, and doing the town halls to keep them updated on what's happening and how it's happening. Um, I think that's very important. um it was kind of lifted that we need to be forward thinking and think out of the box how we can make this experience um good and healthy for our students and that's what we need to make sure that we do. Okay. So as soon as we get them settled then we

117need to figure out how we need to move forward um with our communications team as well in bringing that all together for the next move for the good of the order. Trustees, do we have anything that you all would like to share for the good of the order? >> Um, I just have an ask um where president as you begin to develop the agenda for our retreat um that you can uh send out some type of survey or some type of way to get some ideas and um so we can make sure that we're making good use of that time. Um, and I know I was, and forgive my tardiness, first of all, community. Thank you. And board, um, I believe it was mentioned already about the, uh, about Dr. Green's evaluation >> for 2025.

118May I be brought up to speed on where we are with that? >> I do not have any further information as I need to bring it to. >> Yeah. So, one of the things that we heard this afternoon um is that uh Trusty Densen needed to have the training. So, we're going to get from our vantage point, we're going to get that scheduled as soon as possible and then um the board president will talk with you all about your availability and we'll get that scheduled >> for this year before the year closes out or are we within our >> you may be in an off year. So, I'd like to speak with George Pitchford about that as well because you had it last year. So, we need to get that legal opinion as well. But

119nevertheless, we definitely want to make sure we get the appropriate training and um get the full schedule to you as soon as possible. >> Then I loop myself in that conversation with um George and Dr. Green and um get you all up to speed as well as myself through that. >> And we can have that tomorrow. >> Yeah, we can have that tomorrow. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Tomorrow. >> Um anything else from the board? I'm not the board, but I did just want to remind our community that um we did send the letter uh an email out to everyone this evening and I know that people are saying why did you close so fast? So for full transparency uh we do we being the county of Oakland uh are contracted with

120a meteorologist. We met with that meteorologist this afternoon. Um, according to their most recent uh report, the snow is scheduled to begin this evening at 10 pm, go through 6 am, which would create uh treacherous road conditions with the morning commute to school. And with our buses being on the road, so for the safety of our scholars and our staff getting to and from the buildings, uh we always air on the side of caution and school will be closed on tomorrow. The second wave of that of course is at would be at dismissal when the temperatures are scheduled to plummet and while the snow will turn to rain, it is going to freeze. So the roads are going to be very icy during the evening hours as projected between 5 and 6 p.m. Therefore, the

121legislative meeting for tomorrow evening was canceled as well. So I wanted to be fully transparent with our community and we want to tell them always in a timely manner so that they can make um arrangements for their young scholars. So that is why we pushed it out. Um we're probably one of the first districts to push it out. So >> thank you very much. >> Anything else for >> with that said, uh future meetings, December 22nd, 2025 through January 2nd, 2026 will be all winter recess, no school. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, our organizational organizational meeting will begin at 6 PM. Saturday, January 10th, 2026, we will have a board retreat at 9:00 a.m. at Plant Moran. Thank you. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 will be a regular board meeting at 7 p.m. >> Yes. >> Did

122you mention the the interview? The second interview? >> The second interview. >> Oh, thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you. So, we will have a second round. Well, it's not a second round of interviews. It's a second interview process. We had an overwhelming response. Um, and thank you so much community and parents um and grandparents in some cases that were interested in filling the vacancy that we currently have. Um, we had interviews last Monday, this Saturday, and just yesterday. So, we will be meeting again on Monday. Um, we look forward to talking with those candidates and moving forward on the decision. Thank you. Did I forget anything? Board, >> our meeting is now adjourned. It is 8:49. >> Have a good holiday.