Southfield Public Schools Board Meeting 11/11/25 7pm

001Good evening everyone. This is a meeting of the Southfield Board of Education and public for the purpose of conducting the school district's business and is not 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. Ashanti Bland, board president. >> Good evening. You bet Deval, vice president. >> Good evening. Leslie Lovemith, Thomas, board secretary. >> Good evening. Telicia Bel, board treasurer. >> Good evening. Ammani Johnson, trustee. >> Good evening, Julian, trustee. Nicole Densson, trustee. >> Sorry about that. Uh, Chi Naji, student board representative. >> Good evening. Paris Whitman, Southfield ENT student

002board representative. >> Good evening. Jennifer Green, superintendent. Taking minutes this evening is Miss Carolyn Foster. Technical support is being provided by M1 Studios. May we all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Um, I'd like to start by asking our trustees if they have anything for board matters. hearing none. >> I'm sorry through the chair. >> Sure. I do have a couple of board matters that I wanted to share. Um a couple weeks ago uh we were went as delegates for MASB from Southfield to um work on the bylaws and the policies that MASB has for Michigan schools. And while I was there,

003I was at um in attendance with um Trusty Densen as well as Trusty Holloway. Just want to go over just a couple of things that we um went to different sessions and um we're able to hear some different best practices. Uh one of the ones one that I went to which was I I think vital um Michigan virtual. And from what I understand, I'm not sure if our curricular um curriculum team is is here this evening, but um there's a gentleman by the name of Erin that's working with Southfield Public Schools on what is AI, artificial intelligence, and how it's going to play a part in our education systems and bringing up our teachers as well as bridging the generation gaps between AI and our students. um transformation is important and um it was a

004a wonderful segment and there's some things that I'll be chatting with her about as well as our board to make sure that we are um forerunners and front runners with AI >> chair. Yes, ma'am. >> So, first happy Veterans Day everyone. Um thank you for anyone who served our country. Um it has almost been a year for me and it's a pleasure to serve this district um and to be a delegate. Um it was a pleasure also to be able to vote with our vice president on uh ways to keep inclusive literature in our school system that reflects all races, ethnicities, religions, and abilities, genders, and expressions. also to um be able to vote on the need to um have assessment and competency testing um curriculum and standards. Um so it was really um a

005privilege to be there for the first time. I attended CPA which was cultural competent leaders. Um it was wonderful to network and get uh guidance from other school board members across the state. And the course was on um the schoolboard members with strategies to connect cultural competence to the mission of schools to provide highquality education for all students in order to close the achievement gaps and to have tactical multicultural issues. Um and this to help to ensure equity, access to opportunities, recognition of disadvantages, barriers, and to help with ensuring equity. Um it was also great to connect with other vendors. Um I was able to talk to a doctor Woodard um who, uh runs a firm called Lead, Grow, and Empower, um to help with reading and testing scores. um also to connect with transportation

006services as well as food services. Um so it was great to have conversations and connect uh with other people across the state through the chair. I also attended the conference on the class I had, one of the classes that I had was curriculum and instructions. What I was really interested in better understanding the board's role in curriculum. Um there were a series of questions that should have been asked or could be asked by the board which is does this align with goals and objectives of the district? This is aligned to the district's strategic plan. Is this culturally relevant and responsive? What do we want students to know? All our all of our students are all of our students learning. Those are some question um very vital questions to know. Um, the board should also be

007able to allocate funds and amend the district budget as necessary to implement the adapted curriculum and instructional materials. Should ensure the curriculum and instructional materials are implemented by requiring accountability. Review the data that evaluates the effectiveness of approved curriculum materials and instructional methodologies. Um all this is quite interesting and I learned quite a bit in this class. It's um the curricular instruction class. Thank you. Thank you trustees. Thank you for going and representing our district and thank you for bringing back your full reports regarding ALC. We appreciate it. Um so I will um take this time um as many of you know this is my last regular board meeting. Um I will be moving on to Southfield City Council effective November 17th. Um with that being said, we do have a transition timeline. Many of

008you have asked and so I'm going to share that at this moment. Um, so what will happen is I will effectively resign as of Monday, August uh August November 17th. >> Let's go back. >> I know. Let's go [laughter] backward to go forward. Um at that time I have asked that our um our trustees meet on um Thursday correct Thursday November 41 13th um for a committee of the whole meeting where we will plan this transition. We are governed by our bylaws. Our bylaw 10 071.2 two um states that our vice president will assume a interim presidency unless the board as a larger quorum decides that they want to elect another person to fill in as president until our organizational meeting um in January. Uh based on what happens at that time, we will also

009elect a new vice president. that person will run their term until January at our organizational meeting. What that also means is that we will have a seat available for appointment um effective um I believe Thursday. Are we advertising in the Southfield Sun? Are we >> November 17th. We will run an ad in the Southfield Sun that explains what a um community member would need to do in order to be considered for an appointment to this board. What that means is you will be appointed until 2026 when my term was originally um going to expire. At that time, we would hope that whoever asked to be appointed would run for the seat to keep the cohesiveness. It's a job. It is a job. Um, let let me be very clear. It is servant leadership. It is

010public service. Um, at at the root of it, it it means that you give your all to your community. Um the seat is great, the conferences are good, um the network is wonderful, but at the root if you're going to do this job is commitment and dedication and a love for this city and Lether Village. And that's the bottom line. Um it's it's working with others. It's being organized. It's being it's learning a lot of policies and bylaws and and at a lot of times it's self-regulation because many of us are parents and we want to intercede as such but our job is to be fiscally responsible and ensure the safety of this district. We have one employee to my left, the superintendent. Um the superintendent is the only person that the district hires. she

011is our only employee. We consider her the eighth member of the board. So that also is our responsibility to evaluate the superintendent. Um so I just wanted to make sure that that was clear for those who are considering uh we are looking at having our um interviews once we get those applications in either December 1st or 8th. And for whoever does end up taking that seat, please be aware that you would actually get sworn in December 9th. So, please have the bandwidth in your schedule to have all of that done, if you are interested. >> Yes, ma'am. >> If I may add, um, based on the most recent feedback from the Southfield Sun, they will run the ad as a banner on their website due to the timing of their publication. So, it will not

012go in the publication for this Thursday. It will be a banner on their website, our website, as well as our social media platforms. Got it. >> Um, the applications are due November 20th. That is a Tuesday. They must come via our portal by 5:00 p.m. Again, November 20th. 5:00 p.m. It doesn't matter who you know. Don't call us. Can you stretch it to 6:00? Um it it is a process because it's a process and it works. Um after that 2026 there'll be an organizational meeting at 6 pm on January 6 and at that time this board will elect their new officers. And then um Saturday, January 10th, we'll have a board retreat and then the 13th we're back to work as usual um of January at 7:00 p.m. So I just wanted to make sure

013that um I filled the community in on that. Oh, deadline is the 25th, not the 20th. So anyone writing that down, the deadline is the 25th of November. Um I'm going to take the time to just say thank you to this district. Not only have you embraced me as a board member, but as a child of Southfield. Um, it has been my pleasure to be raised in this city my whole life. Um, coming through Shaos Thompson Southfield Leip. It has literally molded me. Um, I would be remiss if I were not to say that my seventh grade teacher Lorie Liss is the first person that contacted me on Facebook in 2010 and told me to run for the board. Um, to the educators that are watching, it's you that makes the difference. I never had

014imagined that she saw that in me. She did, and she's still teaching in this district, by the way. Um, which speaks to the longevity of our educators. Um, to this staff, thank you so much. Um, you have put up with me coming through the door with candy and my purse and my keys and all of the things. But most of all to this board. Um when I got on this board in 2020, it was not the same space that it is now. Um we have managed to make this cohesive. We have a consensus. You all are hardworking. You answer the call, you answer the phone, you go to the conferences, we celebrate each other's birthdays, we eat the food upstairs. And so I just want to say thank you seriously um to the trustees that

015helped me out with this campaign. Um Densen Johnson, you gave of your time. Um y'all could get paid a lot of money to do what you did for me and I appreciate you. Um Belt Thomas where the first people put that sign in my yard. What we doing? Um so I just want to say um thank you so much. It's been my pleasure to serve and um in in being in service, I recognized that we had three students at the polls from sun up to sun down. And I started hearing people say, "Who is this young man out here?" I said, "What young man?" And I look back and I see Brandon. And I walked over. I said, "Young man, what are you doing out here?" And he said, "Uh, supporting Sylvia Jordan, ma'am." Ma'am,

016what school you go to? University K12. I said, I know that's right. I said, that's the type of people that we produced. And then here come two more, Dominic and Ariel. And they talked to me about their experience, what they liked, why they were out there, and um and to Miss Jordan, uh good luck, right? You put our students out there with you as the face of your campaign, and I think it's very important. They were a great representation. They had on your t-shirt and I was like, "Well, shoot. If she got our students, she got to be about something or other." Um, so thank you. Thank you for being here. I approached you all in the parking lot and said, "Hey, I would like to recognize you because while we don't teach civics anymore,

017which we should to the parents that allowed their children to be out there for 12 hours doing their civic duty, thank you. Some of these children have no idea what it means to vote, who they're voting for. The difference between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. It was clear to me that your children were dedicated. They were articulate. They were kind. They were wellgroomed. I didn't hear cuss words. I walked up to them and said 67. And Ariel was like, "Oh, God. I'm sorry, baby. I know. So, I I needed to stop, but I wanted to recognize those three young people that go to University K12. If you would please stand, [applause] you want to take the podium? >> Yes. And let me say a few words. You guys come up here. >> Yeah. We're

018going to get a photo um of of these young people. I see that um I see that their administration is here. If you would like to get in the photo as well. Dean Slate, Dean Balden, thank you for being here. >> To this honorable board, let me tell you, these guys did not only work election day, but they worked throughout the entire campaign. They sacrificed. They were out knocking on doors. They were out supporting the campaign. And I'm just so proud of them that they they took their civic duty seriously. It wasn't just staying on the side. So I just want to commend them and for their dad, Mr. Rock, that brought them to the meetings, brought them out knocking on doors and wearing the t-shirts and we had a ball. And not only that,

019we had a chance to talk because I was inspired by my seventh grade teacher to get involved in politics. So I'm telling you, teachers change the world. These guys deserve to be commended and I'm just so proud of them. >> Thank you [applause] so much. Um, Dad, do you want to get in the picture for us? Uh, I think it's important because it does take a village and this is what a village looks like. I I I've been proud of this district, but at that moment to have all those people seeing our children standing outside doing their civic duty and being engaged, >> I just want to say thank you. >> Thank you so much [applause] >> through the chair. >> Yes, ma'am. So I want to take some time to thank you. >> Um

020it is such a bittersweet um as for me to deliver a message from the board and how grateful we are to be under your leadership. We are thankful to you and your family. We know there are countless hours that Autumn has missed and I know that there are times that you are burning rubber and having people to step into your shoe to care for your daughter and your son. We are grateful >> in every way that I can express to you for your direction. Um we look forward to all the great things that you do as Shanti Bland. And with that said, before I have a moment. >> Wow. Is Tanya Hickman here? >> She's the only person. [applause] So, as we discussed, um, this this marks a new partnership in Southfield. We will now

021collaborate. Where there were no bridges, we have built one. Um, the district is the kitchen of the city. It's where everybody comes. It's where everybody meets. It's where it all starts. It's where it started for me. So, I look forward to bridging that gap. I look forward to working with the new council members and I look forward to this new journey with the board of education. So, thank you all. I'm so grateful. >> Um, thank you. So, we went from these three kids civic duty to these two young people over here, our seniors, our student board members. Um, we will start with Paris Whitman of Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology. Good evening, Paris. >> Good evening. Um, my name is Paris, as she said, and I'm the 2026 student board representative of

022Southfield ENT. I would like to first give a congratulations to Ashanti Bland, the president of the South Public Schools Board of Education for being elected to the student the Southfield City Council. I would also like to mention that today is Veterans Day. Today we honor those who've served in the military and showed their bravery. Furthermore, Southfield Public Schools is offering food boxes this month. Come between 4 and 6 PM to receive one at the JWE building. This building tomorrow at 12 um tomorrow, November 12th for November. Here are the past and current highlights for Southwood High School for the Arts and Technology. I will first begin with a report of the sports at Southwood Anti. All fall sports have officially ended, wrapping up an exciting season to the year. The varsity team won their homecoming

023game, which also happened to be senior night on October 17th against Pontiac, while JV also secur sec secured a win against Pontiac the same week. All levels of football worked enthusiastically to end their season well. The cheer team delivered an energetic halftime show during homecoming game and also performed at the pep rally. Alumni cheerleaders were invited to join, which created a powerful moment of school spirit that connected generations of warriors. The dance academy performed a dynamic routine during the homecoming pep rally and showcased their talent and added to the excitement of the event. The marching band gave an outstanding final field show during the homecoming game and invited future warriors from Levy Middle School. This is a powerful display of unity between the present and future of Southwood. Winter sports triyouts have begun for both

024boys and girls basketball as well as bowling and wrestling. Now, I'll begin with the leadership and activities highlights. On October 30th, student council members participated in Stevenson's Elementary School's trunk or treat for their second year in a row. Members decorated their trunks, dressed up, and passed out candy. This participation has created an annual tradition while showing strong leadership and community spirit. Student council has also played a major role in making this year's homecoming pep rally one of the best. They closely collaborated with University High's student council, aligning several spirit week themes and introducing a spirit stick to highlight unity between schools. Seniors from each fall sport were recognized during the pep rally and the class and the class competitions brought high energy with the sophomores taking the victory. The class of 2028 from both university

025and ENT took a joint class photo to celebrate their win. Student council hosted their second blood drive of the year on November 7th led by adviser Mr. Andrew Green and community service chair Tiarra Jones. The event was a success and reflected the the council's outgoing commitment to community service. Dance Academyy's advanced dance program participated in Thompson International's Academyy's Halloween celebration and spent the entire day engaging with elementary students. Around 35 dance company students passed out candy, ran game centers with bingo and word searches, and led cookie decorating and arts and craft stations while dressed up and representing Southwood Anti with leadership and creativity. Business Professionals of America's executive board attended the fall leadership conference with all Michigan regions. They learned valuable strategies for leading their chapter with equity and inclusivity. For the month of November,

026the National Honor Society is running a Mittens for Kitties donation drive to collect children's winter gloves. The seminar class with the most donations will earn a pizza or popcorn party as a reward for the generosity. The senior class board had their first general meeting of the school year on November 7th, which was open to any senior interested in being more involved in planning and prod in the planning and production of their senior class. Let me now tell you about the academic highlights. The first card marking officially ended on October 28th and grades became viewable in myar on November 5th. The NAF program, the NAF healthcare program went to Corwell Hospital on November 7th to learn about CPR and the life of a physician. If there's one word that sums up this month, it's definitely unity.

027From the spirit weeks to the school partnerships to celebrating leaders who make a difference, SOAP continues to shine together. See you next month. Bye. [applause] >> Thank you, Paris trustees. Any questions for Paris Whitman this evening? Hearing none and we will go to our university K12 academy representative Chitty Nanji. >> Hello. Wow. Okay. Sorry. Hello everyone. My name is Chitty Naji and as Miss Ashanti Bland has most beautifully put it. Civic duty is a very important scene. So I would like to give a a second round of applause for Miss Paris over here. All >> [applause] >> right, I know you have all been stretched from the rush of early decision deadlines for your kids. I know it must have been extremely tiring and a headache. At least it was for me. You can hear

028my voice at least. So, I want to talk about something more light-hearted than the college application process. The charges dark side. As you all know, last month we celebrated our annual fall bash. Thanks to you. Thank you to all of the parents for coming to the fall bash last week where we had over 670 stakeholders in attendance. All family and parents enjoyed the event and provided positive feedback to Dr. Howard. I know due to our hard work, we gave every single participant tons of joy and other candies too. But our love of food doesn't stop there. We handed hay we handed out hay and a nice feeling of pizza. The kids were gifted the experience of petting different animals. I think they had a portastic experience. Sorry for that bun. That was even said come

029of way. The kids also had the ability to wear their own saffron a warrior's horses helmet out for any event. I believe it's important to keep a momento of it. My school does too. That is why there was a photo booth set up for them. At the U, one of the core values is unity. It's also the core value of Southfield public school. We always believe that every single student is a part of the hood. Our middle schoolers know this because every day they have the opportunity to read to the first graders in Mrs. Molina's class. They truly value the education of our young. But the middle schoolers aren't the only ones that value it. Our parents do. You truly showed during senior opinion. I know some of you y'all cried at the thought of

030your children's growing up. We are you don't just care about people. We do you don't just care about you. We have a deep love for our environment. Mrs. Malona's class and Miss Grady's class. put our pumpkins in the garden when they were finished with them after watching the pumpkins grows this is for they finally picked them just in time for the harvest. While university may be a prep school, what you will quickly learn about us is that we love nothing more than showing great on and off the court. Our seventh and eighth grade girls basketball team had another undefeated championship win Saturday against the Levi Jaguars. [applause] Thank you for the round of applause for them. The final score was 37 to 17. Our fifth and sixth grade team did not win, but had a

031very formidable season. Yet, we didn't stop there. The seniors fought against the juniors in a powder pot game. To be expected, the senior didn't let a single touchdown get through. I have never been prouder. Yeah, thank you. Our fifth graders are learning how to combine math with creativity by creating monsters and grid paper with different areas and parameters. To them, any monster, math or otherwise, can be tamed. Dr. Wilson is already teaching our class the beauty of winning. Our eighth grade class was chosen as a as a winner of the Michigan Federal and Government Credit Union grant. Wow, a mouthful. Uh to fund their project, the great A grade STEM class will be designing and creating a skill model of the current campus as a physical tangible keepsake of the original Southfield Lrop High School

032campus to be placed in the lobby of the new university K12 academic campus upon its completion. There [snorts] are many reasons why people love to win. In my view, the most important one, [snorts] the most important one is the sense of accomplishments. Where do you believe people should be praised for the accomplishments? We did this when we threw a lunch in for everyone in the school who went out of their way to not just take a AP class, but pass one. In other words, we threw a launch in for 20% of our high school. As you all know, we are continuing to teach the highest scholars in the classroom. Meaning each grade will teach one grade up. We are focusing on all academic values, all of our levels of our scholars and celebrate all students

033that includes people like Asha in a school that consistently that is consistently great ahead. He never falls behind and is consistently leading his class in his vast knowledge of different topics. Then we have Johnny, one of the kindest people we have at the U. He consistently goes out of the way to have a positive attitude. We already hear about inclusivity from my Dex neighbor, Miss Densen. One of her students, Aminata, is a 11th grader who already understands the importance of it. She consistently tries to bring a smile to everyone from the motherland. As the president of the African Students Association, we charges believe charging right into the future, but as you know, charging into tins is dangerous without a plan. Our current plans start with the Thanksgiving break from November 26 to 28. The first

034half of senior dues are due in December, so make sure to pay them. We at the U believe that once a charger, always a charger. As a result, we'd love to celebrate one of our former charges for being elected onto the six council. You've had her name twice before, so you should already know it now, Mr. Shati Blad. Please give a strong third round of applause. [applause] I think both Dean Baldin and Dean Slate would agree that all of us will miss you and the work you have done on the board. I can't think of a single person that can feel your shoes. So, whoever is there, you have big guns. Thank you for listening to me. [applause] >> Uh, that was great. Thank you so much. Um, I I must say there are two

035chargers sitting up here, myself and Ammani Johnson. Um, and and so thank you. Um, does anyone have any questions for Cheety this evening? Hearing none. Um, to Paris and Chi, if you have any homework or assignments that you need to get completed, feel free to leave. If not, you are more than welcome to stay. Thank you both. >> Yeah, that was great. So [applause] I um I don't see James Jackson. Is James Jackson still here? >> Yes. >> Oh, do we have a PA system? >> I have a I have a cell phone with the director. >> James V. Jackson. >> Since he disappeared, um I I did want to take the time to just recognize the fact that Mr. Jackson is a veteran. Um, and I I think it's very important that we recognize

036people who have been in service to our country. So, thank you for your service, Mr. Jackson. We recognize you and [applause] we thank you. See, that's why you should wear a bow tie. You never know what's going to happen. Um, Dr. Green has the report of the superintendent starting with our employee of the month. >> Absolutely. And it is a great privilege this evening to welcome Miss Brasan Fast. She has a new last name and it's French. I took Spanish, not French. I hope that I did it justice. Is she not in the audience tonight? Oh, she is absolutely amazing. She is a social worker in our district. She did work for us at McIntyre. She's now at Bernie K8. And when I say our inbox was full of nominations for this young lady to

037be the employee of the month, it is truly a pleasure to recognize her. So, if you would please play the video so that we can publicly acknowledge [music] her service. >> Hello. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. Congratulations. As I understand it's now Miss Brousan thoughts. >> Yes. >> Did I get that right? >> Yeah. Rousan fast. >> Fast. Yeah. Okay. Wonderful. Well, congratulations on your announceual. >> Thank you. >> Also, congratulations on being the employee of the >> Bernie's announcements went off during the presentation. [laughter] We could not have planned that. >> These are all for you. PA does work. [laughter] >> When we looked at all of the nominees, you were an easy selection for the district. So, thank you for all. This is so cool. >> All right.

038>> Thank you. >> Hello. I am Kim Pritchette, the vice principal here at Bernie K8. And I want to say that it was such a pleasure to recognize Mrs. Brassan fast as the Southfield Public School employee of the month. She is an amazing employee. When I tell you thinking about people that go above and beyond their daily responsibilities, she is the one that will do whatever it takes to [music] make sure that our kids are being serviced. I can give you a list and I will start with seeing kids that um who are not on her case load but may need some type of um counseling or just someone to talk to. [music] Mrs. Brousan Fast is the person that's Johnny on the spot. We had some issues um during dismissal duty. She came in

039without even asking like, "Hey, can I help?" She called names for the car line. She has stood outside um with her umbrella on a raining day, raining day, making sure that our kids get into the car safely. Um I have a whiteboard here in my office. People come inside of my office just to read the joke of the day and the jokes are from Mrs. Brousan fast. So she is definitely the love and light here at Bernie K8. Give her another round of applause and we will make sure that she receives her plaque and her token of our appreciation. The next individual is one that you all see on a regular basis and she is a quiet storm throughout the district. That is Miss Amy Rich who is our partner of the month IT support

040with Oakland schools. Miss Amy, is that you hiding in the back? come on up and be recognized. [applause] >> Ron even had to come in for this one. [laughter] >> Okay. So, first of all, I want to say on behalf of our mic. >> I am one of many. There's some days where we work really long hours and gosh, you're still working. We're like, well, if you're working, we're working. We come in the next day, we get re-energized by the faculty, the staff, and the students. The energy they bring to the classroom every day, not just the first day of school, every day makes Southfield an education for 35 years in a lot of different roles. And I'm going to tell you right now, Southfield is the perfect balance of community, district, staff, faculty, and

041family. Thank you for allowing me to be a part. [applause] >> And speaking of family, I think you have someone in the audience with you this evening. Your son [laughter] Amy, step to the front if you wouldn't mind, and get a photo with the board, please. >> Hello. Hello. All of these people, >> how are you? I'm doing well. >> You're keeping everyone together. >> Uh, she does. >> Well, [laughter] you do as well. You You have a counterbalance here. >> I just eat Wendy's. >> You just eat Wendy's. Okay. Well, >> more than that. >> I'm here to celebrate you and your Wendy's. >> Oh my god. [laughter] [applause] [cheering] >> You know how fond I am of you, but everyone in this district thinks the world of you. So you were nominated by

042Quinn Denim on behalf of all of us as our partner. >> Thank you. >> I can't [applause] this district I think I speak for the rest of the team. This district is a phenomenal district and uh thank you for allowing us to be part of your community. what you are >> and it's it is absolutely >> remarkable. >> You are remarkable and the fact that you're attributing your success to the team >> speaks to who you are as a person because it does take the village and we're happy to have you as part of our >> I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Hi, my name is Gwendalyn Denham and I nominated Amy Rich. She's from our IT department and she has been my go-to gal since day one. [music] They've been

043rocking and rolling with the different schools moving and having to uh pull out wiring and set up it for all the different schools in the district. But whenever I call her, she is here. We had so much fun the beginning of this year coming up with a um musical theme just going through the hallways for [music] the students to kind of geek them up and we had a blast. So again, Amy, you deserve [music] it. [applause] Congratulations to all those being recognized this evening. Welld deserved. Next, I will move directly into the legislative update. And while there's not a lot that's happening this time of year, that is there is still something that is um pressing on the minds of all educators that is the 31A language. We have been meeting with our legal counsel

044with our uh insurance providers and we still don't have clarity on a lot of the information surrounding the acceptance of the 31A dollars. Um if we accept those dollars and we have until November 30th to accept uh we will be waving some privilege that we have as um under governmental immunity. There are some questions regarding definitions and the statute's definition of mass casualty. There's some insurance exposure. There's the timing of it. and um our legal counsel and many other legal counsel as you know BP I was with them this morning are cautioning us to weigh the acceptance of the funds against the legal and insurance risk. Um so we will have a decision closer to the end of the month as we continue to receive a different opinions from legal counsel relative to this money.

045It will be approximately $575,000 that we choose not to accept or to accept um moving forward. But uh we need to seriously consider the implications of accepting those dollars moving forward. So I wanted to keep that at the forefront. >> When do we um what's the deadline to accept or or decline? >> November 30th. >> And the monies would be received December 30th. I have made some alternative plans. the programs that we currently pay for out of 31A, we have found some alternative grant dollars in the event that we make a decision not to move forward in that direction. >> Um my only ask um would be that if uh we could a decision be made before Thanksgiving and the board be made aware just in case anyone has questions or has any additional lists

046or if anything else comes up. You see what I'm saying? understand what you're saying. So, what what I think um may be a happy medium between the two is before Thanksgiving, I via email alert the board as to where we stand based on legal opinions to date. >> Yes. >> And then also recognize that we still have seven days beyond that time in the event that we have to pivot to something different based on legal opinion. >> Yes, ma'am. >> The seven days. >> Yeah. Because well, because the window is November 30th. So if I tell you by November 23rd, which is before Thanksgiving, then we'll still have a few days left in the month of November, in case at the 11th hour, as we've seen with other decisions, we get updated information. So, >>

047thank you. >> Absolutely. Um, next on the agenda is the staffing update. Miss Foster, if you would please. I will go through this quickly. I am pleased to share that we have a lot of individuals having accepted positions and they will be starting in the various roles relatively soon. So if you would move forward I believe the first one is Adler Elementary. >> It should be there we go. Um the ASD position is still being filled by an ISSN team member. The staff pathologist is being filled by a partner. the resource room teacher will become effective or did become effective on Friday um as we received a resignation. So that will be filled by a substitute teacher while that position is currently posted. McIntyre still has a 0.5 gym teaching position and the 0.5 art

048to ensure that our scholars have the elective courses while um that uh program is being transitioned to Bernie Stevenson still has the secretary position. Uh we do have a sub filling that position for the uh time being. Bernie has the ASD position. Again, that has been filled by the same long-term person, and that person is seeking um an alternative pathway to credentiing. Um the EI teacher and the second grade teacher candidate will start on the 24th. Thompson has the two ASD positions filled by substitutes. The science teacher, we are still struggling with that. We strongly, strongly, strongly encourage anyone that knows someone with a science certification to please apply for the position. And as of um the last several weeks, the Spanish is being done online with the MEGS platform which is supported by our

049IB as well. Levy, the ASD position um that teacher has accepted and will start on the 17th. We have the ASD position at Southwood High School for the Arts and Technology. The secondary transition coordinator will start on the 17th. And the bookkeeper, we have an candidate identified. I do not have a start date for that individual. At the university, uh, Spanish position being filled by substitute teacher. The vocal music teacher, the candidate start date is the 17th. The second grade teacher, the candidate start date is the 24th. KC, one SXI teacher filled by subs and one social worker being filled by one of our partner organizations. Busy, two speech pathologists, both being filled by our partner organizations. two ECSC early childhood special education being filled by a retiree which is a sub but is a

050retired educator. One EIB teacher which is early intervention districtwide positions we have a candidate identified as executive director of talent management. [applause] That has been a very long hall and a heavy lift. Um, so we are waiting to get that person's start date and we have one ISSN Medicaid billing supervisor that recently became available and we do have that position posted as well. Trustees, I did send you the job posting in an effort that we can all collectively recruit for that position. That is all that I have regarding staffing this evening. >> Wonderful. That was great. >> Thank you. Next, we will trans transition to Mr. James Jackson who will provide us with an update regarding the metal detectors. I did >> good evening. >> So, as as Dr. Green pointed out, um I just

051wanted to provide a a brief update on where we are with metal detectors with our rollout plan. Um, as the board is well aware and the community uh is aware, uh the district made a decision to move forward with uh purchasing and then implementing metal detectors uh in the district. Uh we are beginning with Southville ENT and we are planning to roll that out on uh January 5th when we come back from break. Uh as we lead up to that uh we have begun to uh uh have meetings with the staff. Uh we've actually brought the metal detector to a staff meeting uh so that the staff members could see it, understand how it works uh and uh and see see it in action. Uh we are also meeting with parents uh this coming week

052to uh again talk to them about uh the processes and procedures uh and bringing a physical metal detector to their meeting so that they can also see it and see how it works and understand the process. Uh following that meeting uh I have uh begun to talk with building leadership about having grade level meetings with the students uh before uh before we go to break so that they can also understand uh what the process will be what the device does how it works uh so that it won't be this uh it it won't be a big shock in January. So, we are moving through this process to make sure that everyone is aware and and understands what's happening. Uh, some of the things that and and in the conversations that I've had with staff and

053with building leaders, I mean, we've talked extensively about what the process is and and what the process will look like. And we've gotten really good feedback uh from uh building leaders and staff. Uh I'm interested to hear what the students uh what the feedback is from the students. But I will also say that a lot of the um interest and push that we've gotten for this has come from parents and students. Uh and so uh we are uh moving forward with that. uh and I have been working with our security team to talk about the staffing models for this because this is something that the district has to has to has to conform to and adjust to. Uh and as we move forward with the staffing model and developing our process and fine-tuning it, uh

054then we'll be able to uh duplicate that throughout the district as we move forward. >> And Mr. Dr. Jackson, it's also important to lift that while we did hear from our parents, we also are taking the advisement of our chief of police and uh the Southville Police Department on their recommendation to move forward in this direction. >> Absolutely. And they've also >> subject matter experts. >> Absolutely. And they've also been involved with how we developed our process for this. Uh we had our SRO's uh as a part of the discussion. Uh they were there. they could, you know, kind of walk us through uh what they what they see and ways that we could refine the process uh to to ensure, you know, to add another level of safety uh to the district. >> I

055don't have a question um for Mr. Jackson, but I do want to remind the board that because we are bringing in metal detectors, we will need to revise the policy. So, our policies on safety, how we're governed will all change. My suggestion would be that the board will need to sit down with um Mr. Jackson, Dr. Green, and probably an SRO, right? Because the detection of something changes some of our our our policy and student code of conduct, right? So, it's a heavy lift. I just want to remind everyone that it needs to actually be approved and implemented before they bring the metal detectors in. So that's something that will need to happen before January. Just an FYI. And as a reminder, you have no study sessions in November or December. So, I just wanted

056to lift that um for everyone to say that that's something that needs to be be done before um Mr. Jackson rolls them on in. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I wanted to lift one thing and then ask one question. Um first that they were grant funded. Correct. >> That is correct. >> Okay. So, I wanted to make sure that we lift that for our community and also for the meeting dates um that you're meeting with parents. You said this week, right? >> This coming week. Okay. Do we have it already out to the parents? They already know. Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. All right. Perfect. Thank you. >> To the chair. >> Yes. >> Um Chief Jackson, um one thing um I would like for you to expound on just for the public uh the community

057can hear. It's um training for the staff um concerning disabled students as well as students with metal with metal medical devices. >> Absolutely. Can you just explain that sort of >> Absolutely. So that was that was one of the things that was lifted at a few board meetings ago. >> Uh and so we we've been discussing what our procedures are for uh for individuals coming through coming through the device. uh if someone is in a wheelchair on crutches uh or has a medical device uh whether it's a pacemaker or something like that um we have a backup plan so they actually won't come through the metal detector. they will be moved to the side and and a what we call a secondary search uh will be conducted with a wand uh so that we can

058make sure that we we check them but not put them at any risk or any danger >> no problem >> through the chair. >> Sure. >> Um I know tardy is a seems to be a thing which we really need to correct. Will these also be in place for students that are showing up at 9, 9:30 at our high schools? >> Absolutely. So, what we've been working with with our uh our security officers is a staffing model for the the first 30 minutes of the day where we have the heaviest volume entering the building. uh once, you know, once students once most of the students have made it to their class, then the devices will still be at those doors and they'll still be an officer at those doors uh to um to address anyone

059that comes in, whether it's a late arriving student, whether it's a parent, whether it's somebody who's there for the day to conduct business in the district. Uh they will be checked by the officer there. So, the machine will be it'll it'll remain at the door. Anything else? Hearing none. Uh Mr. Jackson, um I do think that Sorry, >> this is more for Dr. Green. I'm just thinking about um the roll out in terms of um tardiness um as was mentioned. So if there's long lines, right, due to the searching and the schools, particularly the high schools, having a plan put in place, I don't know what that looks like or needs to look like, but just thought to lift that um and if that's if they've been a part of the conversation, like what is

060the expected amount of time? >> So we we've discussed that at at Nauseium um and we'll continue to discuss it. one, getting them here on time helps and then getting them through the metal detector. So, Mr. Jackson, if you wanna >> Sure. So, we we have been talking about the time that it takes for each person to go through go through the device and uh and have the device check you. Uh and so we've one of the things that we've done is we've timed it so it it it is not as big of a holdup as one might think it is, but also we've talked with the building level leaders about also beginning the process a few minutes earlier uh and and beginning that process a little sooner so that we don't have folks late

061to class or or the lines being held up. You know, one of the consider one of the big considerations that we've talked about is the fact that we're rolling this out in in January. Uh and so, you know, where we have it inside the door, uh you know, we'll probably have students standing out in the elements for a few minutes as they as they begin to enter the building. And so, we've kind of talked about that. What's the timing of that so that we don't have students sitting outside for a ridiculous amount of time while they're going through this process. So that has been a a big part of the conversation and the planning for this >> and teachers know to be graceful. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Yeah. Yeah. And and the other part

062of it is I mean you know the first week is an adjustment you know but but as we as this becomes more routine >> uh the process will become faster. Uh and and so we we anticipate it being a little longer that first week but you know after that it will begin to speed up. >> For sure. through the chair. One last question if I may. Um, and this is only going to be a for short time on the U campus for reasons of >> I retract my question. Thank you so much. >> Let me let me just interject. [laughter] >> Let let me just interject because we at this current time we're only talking about ENT. The conversation has been lifted because the U is going to go through a major move and some

063major demolition. Is it even feasible to go through this whole process with the U for 5 months? Um and so Mr. Jackson, Dr. Green, um the SRO's, they're all in still in a conversation. Um, and I feel comfortable saying I think that we're going to heir on the side of not putting this school in that position and concentrating on getting ent right. The U is much more complicated is K12. >> Um, on top of that, more doors um different start times. Um, and I think just to uh maximize human capital bandwidth and capacity, it makes more sense to go with Southfield ent. So that is why stop that me sentence. Um, but just wanted to be clear with everyone um the why. So thank you. Anything else for Mr. Jackson? >> Not on this subject,

064but he does need to stay for the next subject. >> Oh yeah, you do. You need to stay. But before we do move management, I want to thank our student board reps. Uh you've shown us that you're paying attention and thank you to Trusty Densen. Um the student board reps have a question about the ISSN. Which one? Let me see. Hold on. Have a question about what is a ISSN Medicaid billing supervisor? What does that mean? What do they do? >> Excellent question. So ISSN is intense student support network. any scholar in our district that has an individual education plan per their educational specific educational needs and some of them have services that we can bill back to Medicaid which is an insurance platform. So this individual would provide the billing services back to the

065insurance company as well as ensure that those scholars with individual ed individualized educational plans are uh being serviced to the best of our ability. >> Yes. My other question was what is ASD? That term was used a lot on there. >> It is autistic spectrum disorder. >> Excellent questions. >> Thank you for asking good questions. That's what a charger does. [laughter] >> Paris was Paris is a warrior. >> Warrior. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Paris is a warrior. >> Oh, with a high five. [laughter] That's that right there. Okay. So, [screaming] moving right along to move management. Uh, we have two that we'd like to discuss this evening. So, Mr. Jackson, if you would take Bernie, then I will follow up behind with the U. >> All right. So, we have been uh working

066very hard on this Bernie move. Uh, this is up to date to this date, this will be our most complex move uh because we're moving from one building, splitting up the the students and the staff and moving them to two separate campuses. So because of that we have been um we have been really working uh very diligently to develop a plan and a strategy and and roll it out so that we have a a smooth transition to two campuses. Um and it's been all hands- on deck. I mean we we met with the building level leaders uh so that we could all be on the same page with uh what the plan is and what their messaging has been to their families. Uh we've met with staff to discuss the packing process and and how

067that how that will move forward. Um we have uh we held an a virtual meeting with the parents so that we could you know discuss the move and answer any questions they may have, gather questions that we didn't have the answers to yet. Uh and then we produced a uh frequently asked questions document that we sent out to all the parents as a follow-up so that they could get make sure that they had the the answers and the information uh that that they needed. Uh and then internally we've had a weekly meeting weekly meeting with all departments that are tied to this move in order to make sure that that every base is covered with this. And and when I say every department, I'm talking about operations. I'm talking about uh transportation. I'm talking about

068food service. I'm talking about uh uh we're talking about uh custodial. Uh we're talking about every every department that touches this transition so that we can make sure that we're all moving forward. Uh and a lot of work is being done. I mean, you know, we've had to do we've had to uh do renovations on the campuses to get them ready for January. Uh and that work has been ongoing and should be done by the beginning of December. Um, we have been in contact with we've had a big conversation with transportation about this because this becomes a very complex move and you know students that are walkers to the campus will now have to be bust and what does that look like and and so we've been working very diligently with the transportation company because

069we know this is one of those things that has to be done right and it and it has to work on day one. And [clears throat] so we're we're having weekly meetings. Our next weekly meeting is tomorrow. Uh so that we can continue the planning uh for that. We've talked with our custodial team to make sure that the buildings are are cleaned and ready to receive uh the the materials staff and then students in January. um our food service, we've worked with them to make sure that uh that the uh that they have the correct lunch times uh because because of the fact that we were going from one campus that had one start and stop time to two campuses, we had to stagger the start times uh so that parents and the buses could

070get to one campus and then get to the other campus. because we had to stagger the start times that also that also moves and shifts the lunch hours. Uh and so food service had to prepare for those new times and also divide up their staff so that they had staff to serve at one school versus the other. Uh like I said, this is this is our most complex move. Uh and there are a lot of moving pieces to it. Uh, but we are, like I said, we're holding weekly meetings in order to make sure that we're meeting the deadlines and staying on track to make this happen. >> BP, the only thing that I would add or trustees, the only thing that I would add to that, I spoke with several of you while I

071was doing a walkthrough of Vandenberg uh just yesterday. Um there were some things that were noted uh specifically that of carpeting in a couple classrooms that they attempted to clean that were not cleaned to my satisfaction. So we as a a bond team as we were walking through u made the real time decision to pivot from the installation of um ceiling tiles. We can do that internally. You had already approved us to put to pay someone to do the ceiling tiles. So, we're going to use those funds and that contractor to replace all of the carpet in the building and put the VCT tile in. And we're going to do the tiles internally to make sure that it's still a zero sum game and we're not increasing the budget for that for that cost. But

072we want our scholars, not only um those transitioning over from Bernie, but for the long term because we do know that we're going to use that building for at least four years. So, I wanted to note that. >> Um, anyone else? Anything for Mr. Jackson. Uh, I just want to say thank you. This is difficult. Um, it's complex. Um, just for the community, um, quite frankly, you have Bloomfield that was doing the same exact thing, right? They they have, um, construction going on with their elementary school. They did this with their middle school. Um, growth is uncomfortable. We appreciate everyone's uh patience, but this is what you asked us to do and we are trying to implement it with fidelity. So, there's going to be growing pains. Please be patient with us. I think the

073communication team is is getting in the flow of the cadence and send it out via email, schedule the parent conversations, and then implement. So, uh thank you all for all the hard work. We appreciate you. Trusty Densen, >> I just want to say as a Bernie parent who attended the virtual meeting, um you all did an amazing job of explaining the process and making sure all students were heard even with special needs and students of different ages and and and so just thank you. Um, I know it's a it's a labor of love right now, but um, it was really great and uh, I appreciate all your work and the team >> and and special kudos to the building level leaders uh, Principal Baldwin and AP Pritchette stepped up and they did an amazing job

074facilitating their team in that building and helping with this process. So, we'd be we'd be remissed if we didn't acknowledge them. >> Absolutely. >> I may have missed it. Did you mention about Champion Services? >> They were in the process of getting their their license moved over to the other locations as well. So, I will follow up to make sure that both Vandenberg and uh South Regional because those are the two campuses that they're traveling to, but I do know that we got all the paperwork to them in a timely manner. >> And we should have an update at tomorrow's meeting about that. >> Okay. And we'll send that to everyone. >> Thank you. The next one, >> can you tell us real quick? Um, I got your note. >> When is the parent meeting

075for the metal detectors at ENT? >> Uh, have a date for that? >> Next week. >> On the 20th. >> The 20th. And that is an in-person meeting. >> That's correct. >> In the media center. >> That's correct. >> Got it. >> Did you say >> I think it's 6 p.m. >> 6 o'clock. >> 6 p.m. Yeah. Yeah. >> And then um this does isn't pertaining to you, but about parent teacher conferences for next quarter, you want to lift that with your building leaders. Um the district does not decide on those. So if you send your building leaders a message and copy someone from the board, we'll make sure that you get that information. Thank you for being proactive. >> Thank you, Mr. Jackson. >> If I could take one point of personal privilege. >>

076Sure. Uh, I just want to extend my appreciation to you, board president, on serving on the board as a former board member and former board president. I know what it takes to sit in that seat. I know what it takes to sit in all these seats. And, uh, it is not easy. Uh, and I think you've done an amazing job as president. Uh, and I want you to know that even though you went to Lake. Okay, thank you. I'm done. shots fired. Wow. >> Okay. Well, Mr. Jackson, [laughter] >> now we will transition to that of uh university. So, uh board uh trustees, I did send you an email yesterday regarding a real time decision that we had to make uh concerning the transitions and swing spaces that we will have for our university K12.

077As we continued down this path, we looked at having our elementary children go to that of Vandenberg, that decision remains intact. That building will be prepared. As we discussed, they're receiving Bernie and then they will receive University Elementary Children in the summer of 2026. Our middle school from university will still go to that of Eisenhower. That building has been renovated. they will transition to that building in the summer of 2026 as well. The change is with that of the high school at university. Our original plan was well one of the plans, I'm not going to say the original plan, but one of the plans on the table was Southville Regional Academic Center. Then we heard from several of our scholars regarding OH House being an option. We know that that is where the U first

078started and we explored that option and it was a viable option until it was not. It recently was excluded as a viable option once we learned that as part of the renovation and new code requirements for fire suppression systems, we have to put a fire suppression system in O house which is the original portion of that building. That is the portion of the building that does not have a fire suppression system. You were gracious enough to grant us the $1.5 million at the last board meeting to do that. We were on track until we realized by way of city approval, county approval, and state approval that timing would not afford us an opportunity to do this by August 1st of 2026. Essentially what we would have to do is drill underground tap into the water

079man either across Lasser or across 10M. Meaning that we as a district would not only have the costs associated with the drilling and piping for the water lines, but we would have to damage the major roads that are countyowned and operated. We would also have to shut down those county roads during construction and then we as a district would assume the financial impact of putting those roads back together. So as a result we are exploring some different options. [clears throat] Had an opportunity to meet with the chief of the fire department. He shared with me that he believes uh with the construction of the new fire tower they put in a new water man underneath that fire tower. And if that is the case and it is viable for us to tap into it, that

080is the avenue that we are pursuing at this date and time. Of course, it would still cause us to do damage to our road coming in and out of this property, but it would be a less costly uh disruption to our community. So, that is where we are in the exploration period. The bottom line remains we do have to put in a fire suppression system in OHouse because it was not required 60 years ago. it is now, but we are looking at the um most uh cost-effective way to do that and and the most responsible way to do that. So, just wanted to update you there. So, where are our babies going? Our babies from university 9 through 12 will transition to Southfield Regional Academic Center as we go through the new build. So this

081lifts um this this is very apppropo to the conversation about a committee a construction committee. This is the why. Um I think that many of these lists came from being in the construction meeting. Um there were some things that stood out um to me particularly that caused me to send an email asking specific things. And one thing that I think this board stands firm on, we won't do anything that will be at a risk to our children, um, if it means that we're going to risk your stability, we're going to risk the timing, we definitely won't risk the safety, um, we won't do it. So I think on Thursday when we meet the conversation about getting this committee together so that we can have representation at those construction meetings, not just representing the board, we

082represent the community. Um and and we represent our tax dollars. So um I think these types of things are things that are important for us to hear upfront, ask those questions, understand what's happening. Um there was also um I spoke with Dr. Green because we've had these drawings up for a while. We know that in construction you get multiple iterations uh renderings so to speak or rev levels of the drawings. I have requested that um we sit down, the board sits down with the architect and you be walk through each iteration. Why? It will show you what's been added and what's been removed. Um because your voice is is is essentially Dr. Green. It doesn't mean that um we will always agree to what gets added and what gets removed, right? And so I think

083it's very important that you hear that in real time before we get to knocking down things and they have a final rendering and someone say, "Well, why y'all put the water fountain there?" And the board says, "Oh, we didn't know the water fountain was going there." I don't think ignorance is ever a good reason. >> And I'm I'm laughing board president because yesterday the conversation was about a fire hydrant. So it was not the water fountain, but it was about a fire hydrant. I did ask the uh architects to reach out to the fire department before they make a decision about where to put a fire hydrant that the fire department has to use. So, >> so I would urge this board to get that committee going sooner than later um because we're at the

084stage where timing is everything. So, thank you Dr. Green for um updating and and when will we have a university conversation with those parents? I know we're talking to staff. Yes. But when do the parents get the conversation? We are drafting that letter as we speak. Um, this decision was just made as of yesterday. So, they should have a letter in hand by the close of business Friday. >> Thank you. >> Um, next, the first student performance improvement plan. You will find in your binders um a performance improvement plan from first student um addressing student safety, incident reporting, timeliness and route performance, technology, functionality and parent communication. We have had a number of meetings. Um, oh, the other things, field trips, athletics, communication and transparency, driver accountability and timing, performance monitoring and compliance, the list

085goes on and on. We have been meeting frequently relative to this matter and um we will have a 30-day meet with the senior executive leadership from first student that came in from Kansas to ensure that we are consistent with what this performance improvement plan states. I will state that they are providing both Joe and I with a daily update in the morning and afternoon every day so that we know in real time what is happening with our buses and with our scholars. What I found most interesting in the conversation um and uh vice president I know you've lifted this in the past is that the digital platform they have updated it but apparently that was not communicated to our district. So, they are going to come in and walk through with us the updated platform

086so that we know um how to operate it and that all of our families have that information in real time. So, um based on some some conversations that we've had, we will have the board will have monthly check-ins with Dr. ing regarding the performance of first student. Um, this is in response to every parent that has emailed us, every child that has had to stand outside for um, lengthy periods of time, those who just weren't picked up, those who were left, those who were dropped off uh, at the wrong spot with the wrong folks, all of the things. This is in response to that. So, um I I believe that the board will get those those monthly updates and we'll continue to report out until we see a seamless transportation of each and every student

087in this district. Um so, thank you for that, Dr. Green. >> Absolutely. >> Next on the agenda is that of I'm sorry, next on the agenda is that of the busy director report. Dr. Kelly Wash. >> Okay. Good evening. Okay. Good evening everyone. Good evening, Superintendent Green, Board President Bland, and all those who serve Southville Public Schools Board of Education. Um, once again, um, congratulations, um, President Bland. Thank you. >> So happy for you in your new journey. Okay. So once again, my name is Ursula Kelly Wash and I'm happy to present Busy's director's report. Okay. So last month we talked about um Busy's mission statement. So I thought it would be important to kind of share the vision statement because it really will um share and kind of um guide our um stakeholders about

088what it is that we are trying to do here at Busy. So once again to deliver a comprehensive services for children and families by giving them a head start and a great start um on their future thus preparing them for kindergarten and life um beyond. So once again, we hear great start and we hear um head start which really speaks to our early head start, our head start and our great start to readiness programs. And so we're trying to make sure that our students have really a strong early education start, healthy start, and that they're working with their families to prepare them for their futures. So the director's report will consist of um an update regarding enrollment, our average daily attendance, our CACF meal report, an education report, and family engagement. So for our enrollment

089report, I'm happy to say that this is not accurate because today we had two scholars um enroll and actually they started today I should say Head Start. So, um yeah, that I'm very happy to say that our enrollment is increasing and that's what we want um it to do um daily or monthly. So, for our early head start, we will have two um new um infants start in the baby room. So, that will be updated um at the end of this month. And so, that will we will ultimately see 16 for um our early head start. And so once again for our Head Start instead of 55 it's really 57. And for GSRP it's 75. So we're increasing our enrollment daily. For our average daily attendance um as you can see for Early Head Start

090it's 86% Head Start 81% and then we have two um blended um classrooms and so it's 81% as well. And then for GSRP 85% and those numbers the percentages are pretty high because we have implemented some protocols and logistics when scholars are not present uh teachers call during their um you know lunchtime or they hand over the attendance cards to the family service workers to make sure that we are aware of any type of needs that they may have or illnesses. So attendance really does matter at busy. It's to give our students a strong start. Um in regards to our um CACF program, as you can see that um for breakfast, our students uh well, we're serving over 1,000 meals, 136 students for breakfast and for adults 289. For our AM snack, which is only

091early head start, students 198 and adults 58. And for lunch um for students over 1,152 for adults 288 and for our PM snack um for students 918 and for adults 286. Okay. And so also um we know data is important and we strive to have a data driven environment at Busy. And so for our brigance which allows um teachers and all providers to basically see the needs or determine the needs for our students academically and socially and physically with the BGance assessment. Our precores for um our pre-EST scores for early head start average um in the two classrooms is 71% for Head Start 63 and for GSRP 71. though in May I'll do the post scores and I know we'll see um uh higher scores with intervention of grade learning and um teaching and professional

092learning with our stu um with our teachers the scores will definitely increase and so I think that's a pretty that bance is usually administered like the first um two weeks of school so um I'm pretty proud to say that we're off to a strong start for our education report. Every week we are trying to focus on professional learning with our staff. So we have our educators empowering um educators. Tomorrow um during our staff meeting which is each Wednesday we'll have uh our teaching team present um how to do or create a class book using Canvas. So each week you know teachers are learning how to um um support core. Last week we had our two infant um teaching teams. They talked about how to decode um like a baby's language and it was very interesting.

093So every week we're learning something new and we're learning it from our own which is great. Um also we have um well we had a fire safety house which was very important. our children, our scholars, um now they know how to behave and how to respond if unfortunately they're ever faced with um a fire at their home, just what to do and how to react um accordingly. Also, we try to um always focus on family engagement at Busy uh Muffins for moms. It really empowered our moms and all women who support um children. And it was really um a very um kind of emotional event. The our our mothers were they they have to know that they can empower one another and they um are very um anxious and and inspired to be u of

094support for one another. So I'm happy that we're learning that we have that environment at Busy. Also, we had a um harvest festival and each teaching team had to basically I um have some type of learning table um in support of the harvest festival and that learning table actually embraced um or encouraged students to engage in math, science activities, um literacy activities. So, it was wonderful for our harvest festival that families were engaged in hands-on learning. And then I also wanted to just go back to the enrollment. Um, as most of you know or some of you might know for um our enrollment, we're trying to make sure that all of our busy scholars are um enrolled in myar. So I just want to really kind of um compliment our family service workers. They've been

095working very hard with Miss Lington and we've been trying to make sure that we have a smooth transition to not only child plus but recording and making sure there are scholars are in myar as well. Okay. So any questions? Yes. Thank you for this um very professional comprehensive report. Um my question for the educators um the educators empowering educators are they able to receive PD credits from state licensing for the sessions? >> Well, and that's a great question. It was just something that I thought of um just so that during our staff meetings they're not just hearing from me. I want them to take a role. So, it's not anything that I worked out with the Michigan Department of Education. Maybe long term that's something that we can do, but I just want our educators

096um to feel comfortable standing in front of their peers, sharing their insights, and also just a way to empower themselves, making sure that they can share information as well. So, that's a long-term goal. I have a lot of long-term goals for Busy, but just [laughter] >> this is just a a taste of what we're trying to do. I definitely see it being something um state licensing would potentially um you know allow as far as the PD they have to um complete the hours per year. >> My other question um which area if you could if you have it off the top of your head um which area of development did you find was the um greatest concern >> um regarding the bants? >> Yes. Um well for it depends on the the age. So for

097um GSRP it's more of like the onetoone correspondence with um the math. I mean like I said Briance I was still collecting the data during the first meeting but this is like the first two weeks of school. So um you know there's some teaching but now of course if we were to retest the scores would be higher. Um, for the infants, it's those um, you know, can they, um, you know, kind of like move their head? Can they have, you know, rest on their stomach? It's all of those developmental skills. So, I can break it down a little bit more for you the next time. But, like I said, the goal, I think overall, if a if a scholar gets below 50%, then they have to be retested within a week. And most of our

098students were able to have a score of of 50 or above. So, as you can see, I think our average scores are pretty high. >> Thank you. >> Do the chair. >> Um, I found the decoding >> baby language now. Every parent knows how to do that. We know, you know, when they're sleepy, when they're tired, this that So, has there actually been scientific research on that? Well, um the presentation that was shared with us with the baby team, I thought it I mean it's they had she showed some footage from a researcher. Okay. >> And um the researcher showed pictures or videos of different um the coups and the odds from babies and basically decoded that as such of being hungry or being tired. And that's important for a infant, toddler teacher to know

099so that they are responsive to a baby's needs. And then it's also just about listening, not only, you know, the language, but the listening as well. So, I mean, it's just great for our teachers to present on a wide variety of topics. >> It really is. It's quite interesting, innovative. >> It is. >> Yeah. Quite. >> I'm I'm h I'm looking forward to seeing the presentation tomorrow about how to create a classroom book using Canva. Thank you. >> Um I just wanted to say that um um hopefully it encourages you to know that you are turning around something that has been in a space that has been pretty negative for the last 10 years. Um and so be encouraged. um we appreciate the work that you're doing and uh we can see a difference because

100we sit here >> um every other week and we hear the rebuttals, we get the emails, we get the letters. I'm happy to say I haven't received one >> since you started. Well, great. >> Um so, thank you. >> Well, thank you. And I I it would be remiss of me to I would like to thank Dr. Freeman and Mrs. Rogers. They're very helpful and they support um all the time Dr. Green. So, thank you as well. Yes. No, thank you. Okay. >> Through the chair. Oh, sorry. You can go. >> Yes. >> Um, my question was still about the the metal detector meeting that they're having with the parents on the 20th. >> I was wondering because I know a lot of the parents aren't proactively checking their emails. [laughter] Could we um or

101could I send this out to my class group chat as well as making an announcement? I can. >> You can, but specify that it is a parent meeting. >> Okay. Thank you so much. That was my question. >> I love it. >> For this specific meeting, we are asking to speak with the parents just for space. >> Oh, for space. >> For space. It's it's in the media center. It's in person. Yeah, it would be too >> Stay at home. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yes, >> Chair. Um, would there be another meeting for the students after or is it just going to be one only for the parents? >> This one is specific for the parents, but we're >> Grade level meetings will happen for the scholars. >> Thank you. >> Oh, look at

102Yeah, they doing something over there. Um, >> that concludes the that concludes the report of the superintendent. >> Wonderful. >> Wow. Great job. >> Great job. Public participation. If you wish to address the board regarding a school related issue that has not yet been resolved by school administration, please submit a common card immediately. Comments are limited to three minutes per individual. As a matter of fairness, speakers with complaints against individuals are asked not to mention any persons by name. Complaints concerning employees pursuant to board policy 9130 should be brought to the attention of school principles or other administrators before coming to the board of education. Your cooperation is appreciated. Miss Marie Banks. Miss Banks, will you please state your address for the record? Good evening. Um 29506 Andover Boulevard, Farmington Hills, Michigan. First of all,

103congratulations to our now Councilwoman Bland, but our former board president. We thank you for your service. Um, but I come to you all. I haven't been here this year, so I want to say hello, but also to bring a full report. [snorts] Um, the 2025 graduating class of university and and even Southfield ants, they are doing well. They are landing well in college. My daughter is at uh Case Western in Cleveland. her English class, she told me, "Oh, it's just like AP seminar." Her calculus class, she said, "It's just like AP pre-cal and calculus." Our students are prepared. Our AP chemistry class, she's prepared. She hasn't seen us a content yet that she hasn't seen before. So, I thank the Southfield Public Schools for just taking care of my children's education. My next greeting is

104to our parents. And I don't know where the camera is, but the culture of Southfield Public Schools is what we make it. Do we all have problems? Yes. But can they be solved? Absolutely. We set the tone. We should not have a negative outside conversation about this district to anybody. When I have a problem with my board building leader, I meet with her. When I have a problem with my child's teacher, I meet with her and I keep meeting till we get it rectified. It always gets rectified. This district is filled with brilliant children. Brilliant. From K to 12. Brilliant. And if we believe that, we don't have to go elsewhere to find that. So, I implore my eighth grade parents who's making the decision right now on whether or not to send your child

105elsewhere. I'm a sports mom. And I know that confidence is as important as ability. You can be a hooper, but if you don't believe it, you can get taken out your game real easy. When we send our kids outside to these other districts that don't really don't value them or employ them to be great, they can get taken out their game. You see these students right here, you saw the other students earlier. That happens right here. So when we make our decisions, do your research. Find out what's going on at ENT. Find out what's going on at university. And if you don't know what's going on, the PTSA meetings are at all the schools, every last one of them. point of privilege. Next Tuesday is our PTASA meeting and we are going to have a

106Southfield LRIP alum come speak and his name is Steven Ball. He is a Harvard Law School graduate. He is a University of Michigan graduate and he has his own company called College Admissions and Advising. I paid $5,000 for that help, that type of help for my daughter. Not to him, cuz I ain't know about him. >> To somebody didn't look like us. We brought him here for jump start. Our building leader brought him here for jump start. PTSA is bringing them back for 7th grade to 11th grade parents. Not waiting to 12th grade. So you all parents be better. Bring your students on time. Pick them up on time. Check my star. Check >> schooly. >> Check your cell phone. Read your email. And then if you still have a complaint, have a meeting. Thank

107you. >> Thank you, Miss Banks. Miss Rosemary Allen. Miss Allan, will you please state your Well, everybody who live here probably know your address already, [laughter] but you everywhere. >> Oh my goodness. Yes, it is 24207 Tamarak Circle. I wanted to say good evening to everyone and thank you to the parent that just spoke, Steven Ball. He worked with me with the Southfield uh parks and wreck >> years ago. I am still on the parks and wreck as a commissioner and we saw in him then what we know he is doing now. So thank you for that. So uh again good evening everyone to Dr. Green to the board especially our youth. >> You all are doing a marvelous job. Our future is good because we know that you all are going to be in

108charge. [laughter] And I'd also like to say happy Veterans Day to Mr. Jackson and to all those who have served and still those actively serving. This year for the Allen family is bittersweet as my dear Vietnam veteran husband of 40 years passed away this year. So it's still very raw, but I am comforted knowing that he is being saluted in heaven. So again, I am Rosemary Allen, longtime ambassador and advocate for this school district. Yes. Yes. Yes. I have three students that came through this district. As the parent before me said, my students, my children did so well. They graduated. They've received multiple college degrees. They are doing well. And this is all from what was embedded in them at Southfield Public Schools. I was really busy while they were learning. I was PTSA president

109at every one of their schools cuz I was a nosy mommy. I wanted to know what was going on. [laughter] I was busy busy making sure that they were doing what they were supposed to be doing. And I'm also I was one of your 2020 co-chairs for the school millage that overwhelmingly passed at 74%. Yes. Yes. And I'm so excited about watching those dollars work in conjunction with all the updates that have been completed thus far and those to come. And again, congratulations Dr. Green and to all of those who rece who were honored last year. I mean last week. Woo. Last week at God is Real Ministries. You, Dr. Green, are the right are right where God wants you to be for such a time as this. We're so pleased to have you. Now,

110to my little girl over here, Miss Ashanti, I call her my little daughter. [laughter] Congratulations to councilwoman elect Ashanti Bland who ran for the first time for a city of Southfield council seat and got a 4-year term who does that. So this is a momentous time to continue to forge a strong relationship between the school and the city and I know you are the right person for this job and that is why the community elevated you from school board to council and you're going to do just as well there too. So as a community activist I have told you privately and I have told you personally Ashanti that the babies and the scholars here have released you. They've released you so you can leave. Okay you can go so that you can continue the next

111chapter in your journey. You will be missed, but all of the seeds that you have sown will bloom in all these scholars as they become our future leaders because they will rise up and make you so proud. You're not really leaving. You're just saying, "I'll see you in a different role at city hall." So go with God and know that this community obviously loves you not only in words but in deeds. So we are here for you. We are there for you. We're always with you. Thank you. I love you. May God bless you. And I bet you God speed and look forward to seeing you get in to a lot of good trouble. [laughter] [applause] Well, thank you, Miss Rosemary. You are like the Southfield gem and treasure and the gift that keeps on

112giving. Um, I don't know where Southfield would be without you. I really don't. Um, so, thank you for your advocacy cuz you fight hard for this school district. You really do. So, we appreciate you. Um, we have our action items, consent agenda, approval of minutes for October 28th special board meeting and October 28th's close session. Is there a motion on the floor to open and approve? >> I motion that we open and approve and set agenda October 28, 2025. >> Support. >> It's been properly moved and quickly supported. >> I thought she was done. [laughter] Is there any other discussion hearing? None. Board secretary, whenever you're ready. >> Trusty Word, >> yes. >> Myself, yes. Trusty Johnson, >> yes. >> Trusty Holloway, >> yes. >> Trusty Benson, >> yes. >> Trusty Bland, >> yes. >>

113Trusty Belt, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Thank you. Uh, personnel action report 6428. Trustees, you received the uh action report in your email and you have it at the back of your binder. Please take a second to review again. >> Have a question. >> Do you want to um put a motion to open and approve it? >> You do not. Okay. >> Is there a motion to open and approve report 6428? I motion that we open and approve report 6428 personnel action report [clears throat] >> support. >> It's been properly moved and supported. Any discussion? Treasurer Bel [laughter] >> through the chair. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um number seven. >> I didn't see that on the slides as a open position and I just wondered if anyone had been identified. >> My apologies. Great Lift.

114Um, no one has been identified. However, we did receive 40 applications for that position and we've narrowed it down to uh the 10 with the strongest credentials. Uh, they will be interviewed starting next week. [snorts] >> Thank you. >> Any other discussion >> for secretary? You see number four. I see four. I see four. >> Okay. Just want to make sure you saw that lift. >> Four and six though. >> Yes. >> Through the chair. >> Yes, sir. >> For number seven, is the salary competitive with what you're seeing in other school districts? >> It is. We did an analysis to ensure and made a counter prior to this departure. Thank you >> trustes. Anything else? >> One my concern is the um that being >> that is the one that I lifted in the

115slide this evening. >> Okay. >> Yes. Any other discussion? Trustees >> hearing none. Board secretary, whenever you're ready, please call for the vote. >> Trusty Bland. >> Yes. >> Trusty. >> Yes. >> Trusty Johnson. >> Yes. >> Myself. Yes. Trusty Wava. Yes, >> trusty go. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Thank you. >> Information items. I will defer to our board treasurer for the financial report and monthly bill dispersement. Trustees, you receive the financial report and monthly bill dispersement via email um as well. >> Thank you, BP. Um, we had quite a few questions this month. Um, but they all have been answered. Um, Dr. Green actually discussed a little bit about the things that I thought we would um, elevate as risk and that some of the uncertainty um, surrounding the budgets with the states

116and all of those things. Um, the $575,000 that was lifted earlier um, would still be considered a risk as well as I wouldn't say a risk, but the $1.5 million that this board approved. Um, I'm glad that Dr. Green lifted that that will still need to be done in O house. It's just a timeline change. So, I want to make sure that the community is aware of that because we did approve that 1.5 million. Um, as far as the other questions that I have regarding um the bond and the budget, I received a very detailed email from Plant Moran um that I have worked through um and I think it's satisfactory as well as internally. Um, our financials look amazing per usual. So that concludes my report, my financial report. Does any trustees have any

117questions? >> Hearing none. Thank you, Treasurer Bel. For the good of the order, does anyone have anything? Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you for president. Um, a few things. Check your emails. Trustees, um, MASB. Yep. MASB sent out an email today. Sent out two. One about the education credits. Um, Trusty Densson specifically, if you have any questions, let me know and I can sit down with you and we can look at that. Um, the winter institute also has been sent out um from MASB as well. So, check your emails for those. Also, I would like to celebrate um and recognize our marching band. Um, they are doing some amazing things. Uh I am just completely well one I'm I'm a little biased because I'm a parent obviously um but you know separate from that the experience

118that our scholars are getting. They just returned from Kentucky State University um from their high school uh band day a few weeks ago and were able to be exposed to um college level, collegiic level marching band um techniques and um even performing during, you know, the halftime show. Uh and they're getting these types of experiences, handson networking. I heard um all types of stories. You know, I wasn't able to attend, but I know some of some of the other u marching band moms um went and came back with all the stories and the scholars were really um were really excited just to envision themselves, you know, in just a year, just two years where they plan to be, where they want to be. Um, and so of course we know they have to be able

119to um, envision themselves there so they can actually strive towards it and they're getting those experiences here with our marching band. Um, and then of course they have been invited to participate in the Thanksgiving parade again this year. So um, if you're available and you want to support our u marching band, please um, go. I will be there as well. Make sure you dress in layers. We live in Michigan. >> [laughter] >> Um, and so then also this to the board, I just want to ask that you be on the lookout for uh some things they are looking to do and they need our support. So that's all I have. >> Thank you, trustee. >> Does anybody have anything else for the good of the order? See if I can just reiterate about the food

120drive. >> Yes, please. I know that our um student board rep lifted this, but I wanted to reiterate that South Public Schools um in partnership with Forgotten Harvest uh will have our food distribution on tomorrow from 400 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. here at the John W. English Administration building. We did send out two email correspondents asking families to pre-register to ensure a smooth transition um and and pick up during that time. Uh thanks to all of the volunteers who will be here tomorrow distributing those boxes to our families. One box services a family of four. Therefore, if you have a larger family, we are uh empowered to give you more than one box. Our goal is to ensure that you have what you need to be successful during this time uh with this food shortage.

121We do have a uh certain quantity of boxes. So, it will be first come, first serve. Uh we ask for your patience. We are winding them around the road to come to JWE to keep traffic off of 10 mile and off of Lasser. So we ask that the only thing you pack is your patience when you come. You must have a child currently enrolled in Southfield public schools in order to receive the boxes. Thank you for that, Dr. Green. Uh did anyone have anything else? Hearing none, we are adjourned. Future meetings. >> Oh, future meetings. Let's talk. Let's look at that. >> Future meetings. >> That that's kind of off now because there is one Thursday. >> We do we do HAVE [laughter] just said forget it. [laughter] Future meetings to um Thursday, November 13th,

122committee of the whole. We are out of school for Thanksgiving recess November 26th through November 28th. Tuesday, December 9th, regular board meeting and per our schedule for the transition that also will be the swearing in of the appointed trustee. So, please note that if you are interested in applying for the appointee position that you will be sworn in at the regular board meeting, 700 p.m. Tuesday, December 9th, winter recess, December 22nd through January 2nd, and then we are back Tuesday, January 13th, regular board meeting at 7:00. Now, we are adjourned at 8:51. Have a good evening everyone.