WLCSD Board of Education Meeting - October 9, 2025

001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. Would like to call the meeting for October 9th to order and ask everyone to please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I alian 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, Dr. Lans Golden Apple Awards. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Seagler. I turn over to Mr. Scaling, please. >> Thank you, Dr. Lans. Our first uh Golden Apple Award winner recipient is Tamara Oglesby Baker. Please come forward. [Applause] It should make you feel very uncomfortable when you're in Tamara, a building secretary at Wixom Elementary School. Tamara was nominated because she consistently shows up every day driven by her love for the school and community. Tamara

002exudes positivity when others need it most. She is professional, warm, and exceedingly kind, making every child feel loved and important. Her energy is contagious and uplifting. Tamara never misses an opportunity to pass along kindness to others and inspires others to be the same by simply being herself. Tamara rises above difficult situations to remain calm, kind, and focused on problem solving. She was always willing to talk through concerns and problem solve with families, students, and staff. She remains clear-headed and consistently looks for ways to improve the way things run. She is dedicated to our families, students, and staff. Thank you, Tamara, for your positive energy, problem solving skills, and care for the Wixom community. It is it is our honor to recognize you this evening. [Applause] Miss Mir. >> Thank you, Dr. Lans. Our next Golden

003Apple Award recipient this evening is Miss Rachel Garmin. [Applause] Rachel is one of our CI pair educators at Walnut Creek Middle School. Rachel was nominated by Linda Stefen, CI program teacher at Creek, because Rachel is always professional and supports our CI students with understanding and empathy. She has been a has a keen ability to recognize what is needed and follows through to help. Rachel quickly adapts to situations and makes necessary changes to meet the needs of all of her students. She consistently reaches out for clarification on classroom activities, behavior issues, and the curriculum. When we encounter challenging behaviors, Rachel is always thinking of new ways to redirect students or incorporate strategies to manage behavior effectively. She is flexible, takes feedback well, and always keeps the students best interest in mind. Rachel continually seeks creative and

004innovative ways to incorporate fun activities into the curriculum to engage students. She has also provided many of the materials needed to support these activities. Rachel has become an invaluable member of the team. In fact, she ensured that the classroom ran seamlessly while Linda was out on a medical leave. Thank you, Rachel, for being a strong advocate and standing up for the rights of students with special needs to participate in classes. It is our honor to recognize you this evening. >> Moving on with the agenda, we have textbook recommendations. Dr. Lans, >> thank you very much. I will be playing the part of Mrs. Kwinsky tonight. She's at a conference with some of our other staff members. The current US history textbook, the American version vision, modern times, Gleno McGraill from 2010 no longer aligns with

005the 2019 Michigan Department of Education social studies standards, the C3 framework arc of inquiry, or the instructional and digital resources needed for today's students. After reviewing multiple options, the committee strongly recommends the adoption of United States History Modern Times through McGraill, a 2022 version. This text provides stronger alignment to the state and national standards, embeds primary resources, offers a balance of print and digital resources, includes diverse perspectives, and supports both the differentiation and instructional flexibility our students need, ensuring that every student receives a relevant and rigorous history curriculum. This purchase was budgeted for in the 2526 school budget and will be paid for by general funds in the amount of $107,000. This process has been endorsed by the administration and we will move for approval of textbook adoption on our November 6th meeting. Thank you,

006sir. >> Thank you, sir. Moving on to audience participation. Uh we have a nice pile of cards this evening. I would ask and I know we're all here for a purpose. Uh our position is to listen to the community, to listen to the individual speakers. I would ask for professional decorum, no personal attacks, and if we could minimize the applause at the end, we can get through all of these in a timely line timely period so you can all make it back home for a decent evening and go forward. So with that being said, Brian Grace M Mrs. Craftton will be our timekeeper. Thank you. >> And you have a time clock up there to keep you organized. >> Wonderful. Thank you. You guys can hear me? Okay. >> Yes. >> Great. Um, so I'm

007here with a contingent of Wald Lake Central High School tennis players. There are some boys and girls from the program, some parents in the back, and we're here with a purpose of, excuse me, recently. Um our our coach Darby O'Reilly in the back was dismissed from the program. We don't have the details on the circumstances, but we created a petition which I'd like to read to you all. Uh it was signed by 52 so far of roughly 80ish uh participants, members, uh and families. So I'm just going to read this aloud to you all and I think you'll have a few folks who want to interject on this as well. We, the parents of the Wald Lake Central High School boys and girls tennis student athletes, are disappointed by the recent termination of Coach O'Reilly's

008uh termination from the program. And we'd like to formally request that the school administration and the board officials to reinstate or consider reinstating Coach O'Reilly as the head coach of this program. During his time as the head coach, uh, sorry, during his time as head coach, O'Reilly made a clear and measurable impact on both programs for the students involved. For example, when he joined as the coach of the girls team, there were just 17 returning players. The previous season, the team had finished last in the region, fifth in their conference. And under coach O'Reilly's leadership, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround, finishing the most recent season as the Lakes Valley Conference tournament champions, and narrowly missing a trip to the state finals, excuse me, in one of the most competitive regions in the state. The

009program also grew substantially, ending the season with 47 players on the roster. Coach O'Reilly's dedication extended well beyond practices and matches. He spent countless hours organizing tournaments, coordinating logistics, um promoting the program, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork and community. His approach not only improved competitive results, but also strengthened the overall experience for the student athletes and their families. So, while we appreciate the commitment from the interim coach and and the program leaders, it's clear that coach O'Reilly brought a unique combination of energy, organization, and passion that elevated the Wald Central tennis to new levels of participation and success. So, we respectfully ask that the the Wald Central High School administration and board uh consider the decision to reinstate Coach O'Reilly as the head coach of the program. He's his proven record of success.

010His leadership and his dedication to the student growth represent the standard of excellence that our community and our students deserve. So with that, there again are 52 signatures on a petition thus far. We're happy to engage with the uh school administrative staff on this. I know that we don't get a vote necessarily, but I think it's important that you hear from us, the parents, and the students themselves who are sitting in the back and also may have an opportunity to interject during this meeting. I don't know if I've hit time or not, but that's the quick summary. >> Thank you. Yeah. You're welcome. [Applause] >> Lisa Young. >> Hello. Uh, last month I came to talk to you about special education. I would like to continue that discussion. Um, but I want to take a

011different approach. Um, as a parent of a special needs child, I am constantly looking for guidance, information, and a lot of times I have been uh searching that information out, and it has led me to conversations with families outside of our district, which I thought was interesting. It's just kind of where I fell. Um, but I want to share with you some things that were shared with me. Um, that I think might be interesting for you to take home with you tonight and really think about this. Um, these are not things that I've heard through gossip. These are not things I've heard through the grapevine. These were things that parents, teachers, staff members, children have told me personally. and I quote, "Now granted, these are all from people that are outside of our district and

012inside of our district, and this is hard to say. I feel so sorry for you." That's exactly why I pulled my child out of Wald Lake and put him into a district where they actually care about him. This one hit the hardest. every child every day. Not if you're in special ed. I never felt as disrespected as I did when I worked in Walt Lake. Our district would never stand for a crumbling special ed department wers. And this one, this one hit interestingly with me. Your board members look so well-rested. Why is that? Maybe they need to come in earlier, stay later, get a little less sleep. What I'm saying to you is that we have teachers in our parking lots, our schools that are here tonight. They are ticked off. Parents are lost. We

013have kids who can't read and write. And that's devastating as a parent. Because I feel like what we need from you, what we need from our special education department, we need to feel that you are in the trenches with us. That you stay late. You get no sleep until there are answers. Until we can say we're the best. We want to boast that we're the best. We can't do that. We have people in other districts who are laughing at us. They're laughing. >> Please wrap up your comments. 15 seconds left. They're laughing at us and that's disappointing to hear as a parent and I hope that it's disappointing to hear as a board member. Thank you. >> I know I'm going to screw this up. So, Allison, >> thank you. My name is Allison Lzorovich.

014I'm here to support all the staff and contract negotiations. I would like to see teachers receive or reach a more competitive benefit plan and more comprehensive plan that matches the districts where schools are ranked much higher. We need to correct the disparity of our higher ranked executives compared to teacher benefits. And it doesn't matter if the executives get paid high. We just need to get these teachers paid more to help our students. And I want to thank all the teachers for not actually walking off the job and striking. My mom was a Detroit public school teacher for 38 years. And after Angler passed the law um where you could lose your job if you got fired, Detroit public schools still were on strike every two years. And I was talk I talked to my mom

015about it and she said that teachers would go into the negotiations asking for forgiveness. And I know that there's a shortage of teachers and that if you walked off the job and were actually striking, um they wouldn't be able to replace you. So I hope I really hope that you guys can get what you need without having to strike. And I know that you can if you need to. Um so please please help these teachers get what they need. Um, I also wanted to ask the board to start looking at the stats and best practices from Novi, Okamus, Ann Arbor, and other highly ranked educationally successful districts to help make curriculum decisions that can help our students become more successful. In addition, with our literacy being a little lower than average, that you consider the

016program beyond basics. It's a great solution. Um, I actually volunteered for it years ago, and they have great success in helping to fix the gap for students in literacy, um, who are who are behind like we are. Um, I've personally seen great efforts in their program and and then be successful. Um, their nonprofit is a really great um a really great program and I have connections that I could reach out to if you want information and I just want to thank you for listening and thank you for everything. Hannah Zorowitz. Hannah I saw the note on the bottom of the card. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, so I am speaking here cuz I was wanting to talk about teachers Jane and raises. So there's I have so some of my teachers I have like

017um Miss Hutton um Ms. Shakura, Mr. act. Some of these teachers are from my elementary school and um I feel like they need raises cuz like they would always help me. And like Mr. Ol was my PE teacher and he would always like look out for like students and like make sure their health was okay. and Miss Hutton like so in fifth grade she let me like um read to her class like junior kindergarten or something and um and these teachers are like really nice and like whenever I tell my teachers like someone's bullying me or something, they like get straight to it right away. So I feel like they need raises. Thank you. Cat Katarina Katarina Cyeria. Okay. Okay. Gabby Thiaga. Hello. Okay. Hello and thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My

018name is Gabby Thiaga. I want to begin with honesty. To my knowledge, our Wild Lake girls varsity volleyball teams have not competed against Ann Arbor Skyline. Our district teams are in different conferences and our varsity schedules do not intersect. I'm not here to exaggerate or deal in hypotheticals, but what is happening at Skyline matters here because it is happening under the same umbrella that governs us, the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Over the past several weeks, Outkick has published multiple articles detailing how Skyline varsity girls volleyball team has been playing with a transgender athlete without the waiver required by MHSA. Parents from Monroe and Saline said that they were blindsided their daughters felt unsafe and they were given no warning. The MHSAA itself admitted there that no waiverss have been granted since last fall, meaning

019those games were in violation of policy. This is not gossip. This is not speculation. This is being documented in statewide news reports, in public statements from the MHSA and the voices of Michigan parents. So why does that matter here? in Wildlake because if the rules can be ignored in Ann Arbor, why should we assume they won't be ignored here? If Monroe and Saline parents can be dismissed, how can we trust that Wald Lake families will be treated any differently? And if Title 9 can be tossed aside, then every girl in this district as at the risk of being told her rights are conditional. This is not about one team or one season. This is about whether parents can trust schools to be transparent, whether daughters can step onto the court feeling safe and respected, and

020whether federal law will be enforced consistently across Michigan. I'm asking this board directly, what assurances can you give Wald Lake families that our girls will not be blindsided like the girls of Monroe and Saline? What commitment will you make to transparency so parents do not have to learn through social media or outkick articles whether children's rights are being protected? And I'll ask one more plainly on behalf of this community. What will this will this district publicly state that federal law is not conditional? Will each board member during their public board comments tonight affirm here and now that Title 9 will be followed in Wald Lake to the letter? Because this isn't about politics or perception. This is what about whether the love and respect of our girls will be outweighed by the hostility towards this

021administration or any administration. Ultimately, this is about trust. If it can happen in Ann Arbor, it can happen anywhere in Michigan. The question whether Wald Lake will wait for the crisis to arrive at our doorstep or whether we will wrap up your comments and say >> not here, not to our girls, not on our watch. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is Paula Small. I'm a 20 This is my 27th year teaching at Wild Lake Central. First of all, I want to thank all the teachers. Thank you for everyone for showing up. Good job. [Applause] Um, and I am here to ask the board to put some pressure on your side of the of bargaining because we would like to have a fair contract and we would like this to be over. Um,

022frankly, I personally am insulted that this has had to happen after years of cordial negotiations and many, many years of cuts that I have taken and other teachers in this room have taken. Other districts have settled before the state budget was passed, but ours hasn't. Uh there's another district down river that I I looked into, and my pay at that district would be $12,000 more dollars than I'm currently making here, which is a significant amount of money for the way that I'm paid. So, um, I was talking with one of my our younger teacher in my building and we were talking about how ridiculously low our starting salary for teachers is. After two years in this district, I had enough money that I could afford a house, which is unheard of for our young teachers.

023I still live in that house. I mean, obviously some of that is because of inflation and housing costs, but it also has to do with the fact that it's the starting pay in this district is only a couple thousand dollars more than when I started. There are two groups of people necessary for education to happen. Teachers and students. And teachers are the ones who do the core mission of our schools, which is education. Every one of you sitting at that table or on the other side of the bargaining table is there to support us in this mission. We want your help and we want to work together but we also want a fight fair contract. I worry not only for myself and other teachers but also for the future of this district. We are already

024struggling to fill positions in my building. We have struggled to replace a CTE teacher and a social worker. Every department has seen turnover of young new teachers seeking better opportunities elsewhere and many in my age bracket are leaving earlier than they intended to seek other opportunities. There is a teacher shortage and not enough college students are entering the profession because teachers have been a political scapegoat for so many years and because of low wages. >> Please wrap up your comments. That's I'm about done asking the board to I'm asking the board to put pressure on the bargaining team so we could have a fair contract. Thank you. >> Al, Alicia, Alexis, and Trina. Alicia, Alexis, and Trina there. Good evening. We are Wild Lake Central students. My name is Alysia Rockai. >> My name is

025Trina Fan. >> My name is Alexis Tren. We are here today to address the crucial issue that our hardworking school staff are facing. The mere fact that students have to stand up here and support our teachers is astounding. But since it has come to this, we have stepped up to speak in favor of our amazing teachers that do so much for the betterment of our education. To prove this, our teachers are a club sponsor. Conduct study sessions after school, and even on the weekends. Answer questions during school, after school, and even on their breaks. Lead literacy testing. Write letters of recommendations. Plan trips for classes and or clubs. Chaperon at our events and dances. Attend games, events, and graduations. Buy stuff for classrooms out of their own pocket. Update curriculum to fit students needs. Submit

026and help students to various competitions and shows. create international and national trips for students and lastly tutor students who need extra help. >> These are only a few of many things our teachers do with no pay. We believe that is unfair to not only teachers but us, the students. Having great, supportive teachers is a big part of our education. It's truly upsetting to know how much of their hardworking, dedicated efforts are not getting recognized. To continue having amazing staff and fantastic futures or students, there needs to be a re allocation of funds. Thank you for your time. Justine Lawson. Just Justine Lawson. >> Good evening, community and board members. I am a speech language pathologist for Wel Lake Schools. I've had the pleasure of working in many buildings over my three years here and I

027can honestly say that every teacher cares deeply about the students, not only in their class, but for all students in the building. Every kid who comes into my office has glowing things to say about those they spend the most time with, their teachers. The teachers who come in early and stay late without asking to be paid for it. The teachers who provide students with a snack when they forget it. The teachers who provide a safe place for them to learn and grow. This brings me to my first point. Pay or lack thereof. The current salary scale, especially for new hires, doesn't allow us to afford to live where we work. We want to live where we work. I would rather my tax dollars go back into the community where I work to help fund the

028necessary things we need in our schools. We deserve a fair wage. Working in special education means that I sleep, eat, and breathe data. So, here is the data. Out of all the schools in Oakland County, our superintendent ranks second for pay. Teachers don't even rank in the top 10 in the state. We do rank in the 10th top 10th percentile, but that's not the point. Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for teacher pay. Even though we have one of the top education programs located within our state at Michigan State University, giving us prime candidates to fill our positions, but we struggle to fill positions since our pay is not competitive. When positions are unfilled, the workload of that missing piece of our team is felt by all. We have to take on extra responsibilities to

029ensure that our students are getting the best that they deserve. When we are underpaid, we have less resources to put back into our schools, meaning that the child who forgets their snack might not have one if the teacher cannot afford it since bills come first. My second point being that we have been working without a contract since August 15th. During this time, we have continued to fulfill our roles as though we did have one. Continuing to come in early to put up decorations and bulletin boards to make school feel like home and participating in extra school events on our own time. With Halloween coming up and many events in our buildings being put on by our fabulous PTAs, our absence at these events will be felt. Our bulletin boards in the hallways will be bare

030and kids will be confused as this is not our norm. But we teach them about advocating for themselves. And who are we to tell them to advocate for themselves if we do not advocate for ourselves? We are empowering the future, the ones who will take care of us when we can no longer take care of ourselves. I think of educators and our support staff like the water cycle while growing a plant. Educators come in many forms from teachers, FAPE, lunchroom staff, paraprofessionals, custodians, secretaries, special educators, crossing guards and bus drivers, and anyone else in our buildings that I may have forgotten. The students are the seeds starting the second they walk through our doors that grow and bloom into beautiful flowers as they graduate as young adults. If we don't water the plant, >> please

031wrap up your comments. >> This is what happens when there are open positions, burntout staff, and teachers who only work to rule. for a district where our child or our motto is every child every day. Let's lead by example and provide the educators with a fair contract. Thank you, [Music] >> Kevin Wilson. Kevin Wilson. All right. So, first and foremost to begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and respect to my fellow teachers, our students, our administrators and community members that have been relentless, unwavering, and dynamic in their support to this precious and noble cause, that being education. Now, with that in mind, my name is Kevin John Wilson, and I have both lit I have both lived and taught in Walt Lake schools for the past 18 years. We've all gathered here

032to express our frustrations with the inability to create a contract that is fair, equitable, or just. It's as simple as this. We get what we pay for. If you choose to spend little, you end up spending more overall. We teachers are the tools that foster the growth of students learning. If our district chooses not to invest and support our teachers, whether they are teaching in their first year or their 35th year, our students will not receive the quality of education that they both need and deserve. We must invest in our students, our teachers, and our community. Now, real talk, our district's fund equity balance stands at 19.4%. Now, normally it fluctuates between 7 and 9%. We have over double the amount of equity, yet we are unable to come to an agreement on an equitable

033contract. Bargaining began all the way back in March. Yet, here we stand without a contract. My question is simple. How have we not achieved this goal? Instead of being in our classrooms both before and after school, which we want to do, we have been forced to express our discontent through the means of working contractual hours, holding poster boards, and wearing the color red. Our students again deserve the best. Our teachers deserve the best. Our community deserves the best. Now, I can't recall sadly the last time I didn't hear the word inflation used in a single day. However, it applies here because a tea a teacher with a master's degree at the top of our pay scale working in Wald Lake schools in 2008 earned nearly the identical amount is that same teacher working in Wald

034Lake schools today. I'm 45 years old and 30year-old me would have been in a better fiscal position. Okay, we teachers have lost thousands of dollars. We have families, we have expenses, we have fiscal obligations. I want to make sure I do this right with the time. So quick facts, 34% first year teacher in Wall Lake schools earns 34% less than a first year teacher in Northville. First year teacher in Wall Lake schools 44% less than a first year teacher in Novi. First year teacher in Wall Lake schools, okay, 20% less than a first year teacher in Pontiac. And this is all facts. >> We talk about fidelity, grading with fidelity, testing with fidelity. Well, here's >> wrap up your comments. Got it. Okay. When are we going to begin supporting our teachers with fidelity? When

035are we going to begin recruiting teacher or retaining teachers with fidelity? This debacle is not a me thing or is it a he thing or a she thing. This is a we thing and we have the opportunity, the responsibers, our students. >> Thank you for your comments. >> So, I implore you to empower us. >> Thank you. Mike Weiss wife. I love you guys, too. I hope we can get this Christa Harworth, >> members of the board of education, Dr. Lawns, cabinet members, Wald Lake residents, and Wald Lake teachers. Good evening. My name is Christa Harmssworth. I am a resident of the Wald Consolidated School District. I am a proud parent of an eighth grader at Clifford Smart Middle School and I am a very proud teacher at Sarah Banks Middle School. I am here

036tonight to share my thoughts about the current WLEA contract negotiations. I was hired into the district in August of 2003. In fact, I had just finished my last new teacher induction meeting and I was at SMART sending an email when the power went out for days. That was August 13th, 2003. I could have been in Lake Orian that day, but I was in Wald Lake by choice. I had two job offers the same day. The pay was a little less in Wald Lake, but the reputation of the district was hard to ignore. That same year, I remember the discussion about how we would be adding minutes to our school day. A few minutes wouldn't be so bad. In 2013, five days were added to our calendar. In 2016, five more days were added to our

037calendar, but we would not be compensated for any of that. I continue to believe in this district and its teachers. My daughter's elementary teachers at Keith were beyond impressive as they nurtured her into a lover of learning. She is thriving at SMART. She's on the student council, a newly inducted member of NJHS, and was selected to be part of the first ever cohort of CHS web leaders. Yes, her dad and I had a hand in that, but we all know how much time kids spend at school. Her teachers have been nothing short of amazing. I want to ensure that other children have the same opportunities as my daughter and that Wald continues to hire and retain the best teachers. However, we are unless we are fairly compensated, that is unlikely to happen. The number of

038resignations and early retirements to take on other better paying endeavors is greater than I ever would have imagined. As a teach as a teacher, I hold a master's degree. I shouldn't have to debate myself about whether or not I can afford a $10.99 12-pack of soda at the grocery store. The rise in cost of inflation is ridiculous, and our pay does not reflect the current inflation index. Insurance rates continue to rise while medications are being removed from the covered list. Now I have to pay out of pocket for medicines that can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending on whether or not I can obtain a manufacturer's coupon. Now I choose not to to not take the medication because I cannot afford it. My body tells me otherwise, but my money only goes so far.

039I have other stories to tell you about how I have given myself to this district without compensation. But there just isn't enough time tonight. Ask me and I'll share them with you. Ask any teacher in this room and I'm sure they will gladly share their stories, too. In my classroom, I see smiles, hear funny stories, and I'm greeted with non-stop good mornings and good afternoons. When I tell my husband of these things, he hears why I love teaching in Wall Lake. When I tell him about the salaries in other districts, he asks, "When am I going to apply?" I tell him simply, "I can't. I love this district. Paying taxes to support this the district's amazing educational opportunities is a welcome responsibility as a resident in this district. Partnering with my daughter's teachers for her

040education is a welcome responsibility as a parent in this district. Teaching and helping my students acquire knowledge and skills is a welcome responsibility as a teacher in this district. Now it's the district's turn. Pay teachers competitive wages comparable to other to those in other Oakland County districts because compensating teachers fairly should be a welcome responsibility for Wald Consolidated Schools. Thank you for your time. >> Bill Lenhyde. Bill Lusenhide. >> Hi. Good evening board, community members, parents. Um, today I'd like to start with the simple truth. Uh, our classrooms are the heartbeat of our district. Every success story that walks across the graduation stage begins with a teacher. Yet, when we look at our district's resources, how they've grown over the past 5 years, we've seen an unmistakable pattern. The heartbeat is being asked to do

041more. While the lifeblood of our schools, our teachers have not kept pace. Even as enrollment has dropped almost 9% over the past five years, we've expanded numerous operational and administrative categories, our district clearly uh recognizes value of student support and infrastructure, and that's important. I'm not trying to interchange that at all. But we've not made that same investment in the professionals who teach, mentor, and shape every student's day. Teachers have faced rising workloads, larger educ uh emotional demands, and increased expectations of individualized learning and evolving safety concerns. All while compensations remain relatively flat. We've built more support systems around the classroom, but not within it. We've funded the ecosystem, but underfunded the organism that sustains it. If we continue on this path, we risk a quiet erosion of quality. Not because our teachers aren't dedicated,

042but because dedication alone cannot sustain a career. We can't afford to fall behind. Not in this labor market. And not when our children's futures depend on the consistency of great teaching. When we have support categories grow 10, 20, even 70% in some instances. I'm a math nerd, so gone through the budget for the past 10 years. So apologize there, but our teachers only see 3%. We have to ask, are our budget priorities aligned with the operational goals? I urge this board to make the next budgeting decisions not just a financial plan, but a moral statement. Let's say to our teachers, we value you and we will invest in you. Because when we invest in teachers, we invest in every child who walks through the school doors every day. Now, Lancing came out with their budget

043about just short of two weeks ago. They've added 4.6% to the budget for every single pupil. And I ask, and I understand whatever eventually comes down to the board levels, individual communities. I ask that a lion share of that be dedicated to filling these gaps that we're all talking about tonight. You know, not all of it. I'm trying to be greedy and say every dollar is for directly to particular categories. I understand that we have a lot of debt problem or we have some debt. We have lot of experts. >> Please wrap up your comments >> meet met. But I ask that we show the dedication by dedicating most of that to the educational staff that our kids rely on every day. Thank you for your time. Karen Mcki Karen Maddie. >> Sorry. Good evening,

044members of the board. My name is Karen Maddie and I'm here today as a parent who has witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our teachers have had on our children's lives. My family has been part of this district for nine years and I currently have four children enrolled enrolled in Wald schools. I am also a proud graduate of Wald Lake School District. Over 20 years ago, I graduated from Walbeck Central and earned the presidential scholarship to Wayne State University, an achievement I firmly believe was made possible because the opportunities and support I received from the dedicated teachers in this district. Throughout the years, friends and family have often asked me why my children are not in private school like many of their cousins. My answer has always been simple. Because Wald Lake is the best. And

045it truly is. Not because of the buildings or facilities, but because of the teachers inside of them. Every single day, our teachers give so much more than lessons. They give their time, their energy, and their hearts. They spend more hours each day with our children than many of us parents do. And in those hours, they shape our children, who our children are becoming. Our teachers have been there for our kids emotionally, academically, and personally. They've challenged them to think critically, to be kind, to be strong, and to grow, not only as students, but as human beings. They lead by example, showing our children what it means to be compassionate, compassionate, resilient, and respectful. And they do all of these things while taking on increasing responsibilities, often with limited resources and far too often without fair

046compensation that truly a reflects the value of their work. Tonight, I urge you to stand with our teachers. Show them that their dedication matters. Show them that we as a community recognize and value their countless hours, the emotional labor, the love, and the care they pour into our children every single day. Thank you for your time, and thank you for standing up for the people who stand up for our children. >> Jennifer Russell. Jennifer Russell. Good evening. Before I delve into my main topic, I want to acknowledge the dedicated teachers in this district. Our family stands in solidarity with you. We have the 13th highest enrollment in the state and yet we were 48th in teacher pay. It's unacceptable. My name is Jennifer Russell and I am a parent of two in this district. I

047am here tonight frustrated and angry. Our children deserve better. My own child, Kai, has not received the education that was promised to us here. While my oldest is doing well as a freshman at Northern thanks to the dedication of the team, my fifth grader isn't currently attending school because he would not be safe in his current placement. Several actions of of administrators have led us up to this point. The lack of communication and transparency, misdirection, the disregard and disrespect we have experienced are grossly disappointing. This entire situation could have been easily avoided with a simple accommodation for Kai and a collaboration with the district. We requested resolution for months only to be ignored until we lodged a state complaint. We asked for our son not to be placed in a particular classroom because we knew

048and they knew it was a poor fit. Yet, he was assigned last June. We were finally offered enrollment in a different school, but only if we agreed to dismiss our state complaint. We did not. As any parent of children with special needs knows, it's lonely. We have no family here to help, but we have a community and friends we count on. School is supposed to be a part of that community fabric that supports us. We trust teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators to keep our children safe. Imagine our distress when Kai told us that he was being mistreated by students and staff. He was told he couldn't leave the sensory room until he apologized. He was made to do jumping jacks or run laps and stand at a shaming wall during a recess for minor infractions. His bully

049shoved him into a fence and made fun of him. Told him he was stupid, that he was short, that he had a weird voice. There was a note from his parapro that reads, "Don't ever let anyone in the tell you you're not smart." She knew. We raised these issues at every level and we were either told it was our son's fault or we were categorically ignored. And still the district remains silent. He had one special friend who made a huge difference for him. Mom, he said, they don't mess with me when she's around. She was an eyewitness to the bullying and told the staff she thought that they knew he was being bullied. She told her mom sobbing in her lap that she couldn't understand why the school was treating him this way. He weeps

050because he misses her. We've still not seen any documentation from that bullying investigation. I cannot get anyone from this district to stand up for him, to regard him, and to listen to us. It is time to change from a punitive, insular culture to a restorative, open one. Truth and reconciliation are the only things that can fix what is broken. I know that some of you here tonight and watching from home know exactly how we feel. You too feel disregarded. You feel your child in special education has been lost in the cracks or has become a pawn for adults. If that's you, please reach out to me. A single voice gets lost in the system, but a chorus can be heard as a clarion call for change. Every child every day includes our children too. Thank

051you. >> Ma Maha Z. >> Hope I got the name right. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Um this is my first time at a board meeting. Take it easy on me. Just kidding. Uh I'm here to support um coach uh Darby O'Reilly. He is the tennis coach at Wlick Central. Um he got his employment got terminated and mid-season and we never given any reason why that happened. Um, I am a mom of uh Zana who is a junior and Raja who is a sophomore and they both play tennis. So I've um I had a lot of communication with Derby both seasons. You know I'm on the boosters. Um I and my kids are very involved in sports. I've never seen uh a more dedicated coach than um coach O'Reilly honestly. Even on season, offseason, there's

052no such thing as offseason. He always has um you know like drills or you know optional practice. I mean my kids has they they've grown so much playing tennis. Um my daughter played tennis for so long but she never really loved it until you know freshman when she was in u when she started playing with Derby. And as um the petition that um Mr. Grace read. I mean, it's signed by 52 parents and we really feel strongly about hopefully reinstating him because he's a great coach. The kids love him. Uh they're over there. Uh they came to support him and um yeah, so please do what you can. And also, I know I'm not wearing red. I missed the memo, but I support every single one of you guys. I hope please please put more

053pressure on the negotiation team because those teachers deserve every single raise. Good luck guys. Jarby O'Reilly. Well, I'm the ex coach and I'm seeing red. Um, thank you so much for all the support. It's been a difficult month for me for sure. Uh, I've been coaching for five years. I've been to the state finals six times. Um I love coaching, but last month I was fired on a Wednesday with no notice and no reason. Um I'm not being investigated. I've done nothing wrong and I would really like an open investigation to understand what has occurred and I'm very willing to sit down at a table. I know that I've pushed the athletic director very hard. I'm trying to build an elite program at Wald Lake Central and it's difficult. There are a lot of headwinds,

054but I will tell you the success, the maturity that I've seen, the change I've seen in these kids is unbelievable. It's truly unbelievable. So, I just want a fair shake at knowing what happened and what it takes to do the thing that I love to do. I want to say that teachers right now have unprecedented challenges. You've got attention spans compromised by Tik Tok, right? You've got social skills developed by COVID. You've got self-confidence compromised by social media. It's really hard being a teacher. If a kid doesn't believe in their own worth, it's hard for them to learn. And I have seen kids through tennis develop a self-worth, problem solving, learning how to recover from mistakes, forgiving yourself from mistakes, all of these things, being part of a team and developing social skills. I've seen

055it happen and it's important. And if you look at Northville, if you look at Novi, if you look at uh Bloomfield Hills, Cranbrook, Seome, these are excellent uh educational institutions. And these are the top tennis programs in the region. It goes hand inand it's not just correlation, it's causation. Having a strong tennis program creates a nucleus of the characteristics that prepare a kid to be successful in a classroom and be successful in life. Okay? It makes your job easier if your kids play tennis. I've seen it happen. Okay? And I would like to get my job back. And I would like to build this program to be an elite program so we can compete with those schools and do better in the classroom and do better in life. So, thank you very much. Elizabeth Kisher.

056>> Elizabeth. Oh, there you are. >> Hi guys, my name is Elizabeth and I am a sophomore at Wald Lake Central. When I first found out Coach Darby was no longer coaching, it didn't feel real. The courts felt off, quiet, like something was missing. Darby was missing. He wasn't just our tennis coach. He was the person who made the effort to see us all individually and believed we could get better, even when we didn't see it in ourselves. Coach Darby never yelled or got upset when we missed a shot. He'd remind us to reset with confidence and continue on. It sounds small, but this mindset changed how we played and how we saw ourselves, not athletically, but mentally, too. Darby built a team out of people who barely talked to each other, let alone show

057up with a positive attitude. He turned us into a group that connected and supported one another and played with open arms and a welcoming environment. His effort to connect with kids through something as simple as tennis created a place where no one was embarrassed to lose. I know that was true for me. In such a short amount of time, Darby has accomplished so much. Things that go far beyond tennis. Anyone who's been on the team knows how much passion he has for what he does. His determination to help us grow in confidence and skills goes above and beyond what's expected of a coach. That's why losing him didn't just affect the team. It affected every player who found their confidence, their drive, and their sense of belonging under his guidance. Coach Darby made this team

058more than a sport. He made it a community. That's something worth fighting for. Although it was devastating that Darby is no longer a coach for Wildlife Central, Darby deserves to coach even if it's not with the Vikings. Thank you. Lisher. >> Hello. I'm just speaking as a parent. Um, that was my daughter Elizabeth. Uh, I haven't written anything, so bear with me. I'm just speaking from the heart. I have three children. Um, everyone knows Johannes Hennessier. He graduated last year and he had autism and he's doing very well. If any of teachers remember Johannes Hennessier right now he's in he he's he is in college. He's taking a double major and yeah, so he's in um University of Michigan and Dearborn. So we're very proud. Um my daughters decided to um take all AP classes.

059They're doing very well and they also do tennis. Um I have a daughter who has anxiety. It's the one who was actually talking here. Um she was would not have been able to do this till she started playing tennis. Um we put her in tennis. She stood there. She was even afraid to hit the ball. But we watched her grow and we watched I mean none of my kids are going to be obviously Olympic players in tennis but they are in all AP classes and they are all getting straight A's. And when we moved into Wall the Wall Lake school district I said we need a family and we need a support network with the kids because the teachers are our family. They're the ones who are raising our children to be what they are.

060And my children will be in their careers because of the school system. And I was very sad when my daughters straight A students come home and say, "Oh, the teachers are bar hopefully they won't go on strike. Oh, they come in just when the bell rings and they used to they used to be so much happier and they would stay after school and they would help us and and my kids love that. Like I said, straight A students, they totally profited from that. My son got that. My daughters are saying, "Gee, the tennis coach was let go with no warning." And my daughter, she h she had a therapist and the therapist said she has not cannot recognize Elizabeth after she had played for tennis for a year and a half. It has done so

061much for this child and it's done a lot for my kids and it's really hard for me to see them go, "Gee, mom, the teachers walked out again when the bell rang because they're in coup right now. They don't have a contract. It's affecting it's affecting children. It's affecting majorly families. It's going to affect our future. I mean, my kids are going to be something when they grow up. And they are very serious about their grades. And I'm so grateful for every teacher that has spent extra time at work. My son Hannis is an example of this. He would not be where he is. He's doing wonderful in college in Dearbornne. Absolutely. Double. Please wrap up your comments. >> Yes, like I said, he's getting a double degree thanks to Walbake Western. My daughters are

062in Central and I hope that they experience the same level of care as soon as this situation is resolved and the teachers get what they deserve. Thank you, Vzna Beckram. >> Good evening. My name is Vessna Beckram and I'm a proud parent of two children at Commerce Elementary and a proud stepmom of two graduates from Wald Lake Northern High School who also went to Glengary, which is why I'm wearing red. Our family's history, our story is deeply deeply connected to this district and that's why I'm here tonight. When I met my husband, Jim, one thing became clear right away. Glengary Elementary was not just a school where Keegan and Brady went. It was part of who they were. At the time, the boys were only in kindergarten and second grade. However, I saw an amazing

063community of parents, teachers, and students. When our relationship was getting serious, Jim told me, "If we're going to build a life together, it has to be here in Commerce." He also made it clear that not living in the Waldorship was a dealbreaker. That's how much this community and its schools meant to him and now to me too. So I moved here in 2011 and we chose to stay in this district because of what it represents. The care, the pride, and the district's commitment to every child every day. It's more than our district's motto. It's a promise. One we see lived out in classrooms every single day by the incredible teachers who show up for our kids. I can give you a list of examples about each teacher we've had. however, we'd be here all night.

064Our teachers are the heart of this community. They're the ones who greet our children with a smile when they've had a hard morning, who find creative ways to reach every learner, who respond to parent emails at 9:00 p.m., and who also come to cheer their students at their baseball game on the weekend. They don't just teach, they pour their hearts into our children every single day. And yet, too many of them are feeling undervalued and overworked. Some are struggling to stay, not because they don't love our kids, but because they can't afford to keep doing what they love. And that breaks my heart because I know the impact these teachers are making with their students. I see it in Brendan and Lily every single day. If we truly believe Wald Lake School's motto of every

065child every day, then we must believe in every teacher every day. Fair and equal pay isn't about just a paycheck. is a sign of respect. It's how we say we see you. We value you and we want you to stay. Walding schools is where my family chose to send our kids. Let's make sure it continues to be a place that puts teachers first because when our teachers thrive, our children will also thrive. Thank you, >> Randy Frerieded. Randy Frerieded. Hi, my name is Randy Frerieded and I am the parent of three children who have benefited from the support of the excellent teachers in the Wildlake District. Sorry. Um I have a current 12th grader at Wildlake Central and our teachers are the backbone of this district. They are who my um 11-year-old no longer goes

066to Wild Lake right now, but he I mean when I see these people here today, they are who took care of him from when he was tiny and they are who I trusted and they were wonderful and helped him grow and get to where he is now. So these people deserve money and respect and proper class sizes. I know my 12th grader said in one of his English classes, there's 38 students. They hardly fit in the classroom. How does the English teacher grade all those papers on the time they are given? I can't even imagine. This isn't what I wrote, so I'm point. But um but a contract isn't only about money, but it is about manageable class sizes and adequate planning time and a sustainable environment that makes these teachers want to come back

067and want to support our students. I mean, I've had teachers, my daughter, who was a 24 an a 2024 graduate, had a teacher who let her take her class during her planning time because it didn't fit into my daughter's schedule, and without it, she wouldn't have been able to take the class. So, I mean, these people go above and beyond, and they're all sitting here because they care about our children, and they, you know, I want to stay. And my 11-year-old may one day come back, but he can only come back to this district if there are manageable class sizes, if there are teachers who can continue to come back to work every day and and show that they can succeed and work and create and make these students thrive. our teachers, they deserve a

068fair contract that aligns with surrounding school districts and we need to recruit and keep talent of the dedicated teachers. So, thank you Katarina Casaria. Sorry. Hello, my name is Katarina Gashvski and I'm a parent of a recent graduate of Walt Lake Central and a former member of the girls varsity tennis team for four years as well as a current junior at Well Lake Central and a fifth grader at Metobrook. I'm here tonight to speak on the behalf of my daughter Maya, the junior who chose to leave the tennis team after her first season. The reason she quit, in short, was because of Darby O'Reilly's behavior toward her and others on the team. During one incident, Darby punched Maya in the arm, not playfully, but hard enough to cause pain. When she asked him not to

069touch her again after some back and forth, he told her to stop talking or I'll punch you again. Maya did exactly what we tell our kids to do. She advocated for herself. She spoke to Miss Fischer, who unfortunately minimized the situation. I then brought the issue to Mr. Medier, who after some discussion agreed that Darby should at least complete some type of training. Whether that ever happened, I don't know. Afterward, Darby began retaliating. Maya's position on the team was demoted, and his attitude toward me also shifted. He spoke negatively about me to other parents and quietly reassign the booster club responsibility I had been handling or trying to do. This is just one example of Darby's pattern of passive aggressive and punitive behavior toward players and parents who do dare to speak up while favoring

070those who flatter him. As we've seen tonight, my oldest daughter was also demoted and excluded in a variety of petty behaviors in her last two years on the team while others who favor Darby favored were promoted. But beyond that, the larger concern is how Darby makes the athletes feel. His actions and comments consistently made many of the girls uncomfortable. He would touch their faces and hair, make remarks about their bodies, and frequently commented about his favorite singer Du Lipa. There's also a pattern of emotional mistreatment. Although we've heard he never yelled, Darby routinely yelled at and belittled players in front of their teammates both during practices and matches. His behavior even drove the team's top player to quit midseason. I later overheard at a match other coaches discussing how Darby was telling people that the

071player had mental health issues, which was a blatant lie. It is deeply I also found it deeply hypocritical that someone who claims to care about mental wellness would turn around and weaponize it against a student. At the end of the day, it's clear that Darby's priority has always been winning. as he's trying to build an elite tennis team as you've heard and not wrap up your comments players perhaps that's why he's been allowed to continue for so long but I'm relieved to that the district has finally decided enough is enough and has chosen to prioritize the safety and mental health of its student athletes over a win loss record athletes will succeed under any capable coach the ones who truly need coaching the developing players need someone who builds confidence not terri >> wrap up

072you have 20 seconds >> I sincerely hope the board will not consider Darby O'Reilly for any future position position involving young athletes. And while I'm not worried against retaliation against my daughter because she will not play, I'm worried for the players whose parents refuse to stand up for Derby at his behest. I'm worried for the players who refuse to answer his call and text leading up to this meeting. Our students deserve better. Every child, every day, that must include our students. >> Please wrap it up. >> Thank you. Also, the teachers deserve better. >> Thank you, Gabrielle Ramos Guzman. Hi. Um, I'd like to preface this by saying I was not prepared to talk today, but I saw that my fellow teammates and my friends were here and I want to speak on my behalf

073and my parents behalf on our coach Derby and how he treated us players. I am the tennis boys captain and I'm not the best. But I played and I played and I played and I was always there at practice no matter what. And Darby as our coach, he said he was always accepting, but it don't always seem that way. And I remember the day that he was gone, the day that they canled practice, we didn't know what was happening and we were just left in the dark. And then he left us in the dark. We had no communication and the even our um administrator told us not to contact him and it just felt like we were being abandoned by our own coach and we later found out he was fired and he didn't know

074why. That just felt like a empty lie. Coach Derby, he always focused on singles and I'm a doubles player, so singles is higher ranked. And I never felt that I was treated as well as the singles players were. I remember I lost a match and he told me one thing. You just got to move your feet. Nothing else. He didn't say good job. He didn't say you tried hard. That was it. And I just felt in that day like I was being ignored by my own coach. He also does make many of the people uncomfortable. People, students and players having conversations would walk away whenever he would come back. And he would touch the girls in strange ways like moving their hair and touching their face. And I remember one time it was after a

075match, me and my friends, we took a photo together on the tennis team. And what we did, silliest thing ever, we held hands and we jumped up in the air for the photo just cuz. And Darby told us that he didn't want to show that photo to other people and he didn't want to put it on the tennis website because he was gay. And at that moment, I didn't feel accepted and I didn't feel like I was part of the team. Uh, another off-handed comment he made. Sorry. Um, he said to a player that your style is, and I quote, I'd say your style is a sexy grunge. He said that to a minor. >> Please wrap up your comments. I do not feel that Darby should be reinstated as a coach and I speak

076on my behalf and hopefully some of my teammates when I say we do not want him back. That is all. Thank you. >> I have a card here that says Wald Lake Central Varsity boys tennis parent with no address. If that individual would like to come up to the podium and identify themselves otherwise I will go to the next card. Thank you. Uh Nancy Vanlu. [Applause] Thank you. I'm not here for your applause. Um my main reason really for coming was to thank everyone for their support of the Taste of the Lakes event that I was part of uh this past Tuesday. Um, there were so many people that made it possible. Our organization was able to raise well over $20,000 at that event. Um, and some people in particular were particularly helpful. Uh, Matt

077Weber and his team who came and did all the sound for us. um the volunteers uh adult volunteers who came and spent most of the day, many of them most of the night helping us with uh everything from paying to setting up and so forth. Our student volunteers, two of whom spoke tonight that uh spent their evening passing out sporks and napkins. Um and and everyone who helped make this possible. So, thank you everyone for uh attending our event, for helping support, and it all comes back through Lakes Area Youth Assistance to the students of Wald Lake in one form or another. So, thank you. I also can't help but stand up here and support our teachers. Um, I am overwhelmed by the ability of everyone to speak, by your concern, by your articulate manner,

078by your politeness, by your caring. It's a long-standing thing in Wald Lake. I have been involved for 50 years here. Um, all of most of which was involved in the WLEA. I participated in negotiations. I participated in negotiations as a WLEA team member and I also was a part of it as I was on the board and it's not a this side against this side or it certainly shouldn't be. It's a we thing and you people have been so clear and so articulate in expressing the we of what goes on in Wald Lake and I just hope this comes to a generous and a quick conclusion. Thank you. I would like to thank everybody for their professionalism during audience participation and we will take a break after board commentary for those of you who might

079be in a rush to leave. So give us a give us a few minutes please. Dr. Lans administrative commentary. >> Mir >> nothing this evening Dr. Lance. >> Mr. nothing other than to thank the team for a great start to the new year and obviously we have student count that just occurred October 2nd and I know that they're working on and appreciate the help in the buildings to get everything taken care of so that we can get the funding that we need to be able to carry on what happens in the classroom. Thank you >> Mr. Durkin. >> Nothing this evening Dr. Lans Mr. Scaling >> nothing this evening Dr. Lans >> we're trying to help people leave. We're good. Thank you sir. board commentary. Uh before I start, I wanted to apologize. Mrs. West

080and Mrs. Kaplan had uh other priorities this evening were unable to attend with us. And I also would like to welcome back to the table, Mrs. Craftton. It is a pleasure to have you back here. And I will segue that into you can start. >> Hi everyone. Um, thank you for all of the love and support from the community as I uh tackled cancer the past couple of months. Happy to share I'm cancer free. Um, I have definitely turned the corner. I'm not there yet. I apologize to have to step out and cough. I'm not great yet, but I'm there and you can't get rid of me that quick. So, um, in all seriousness, it's been a great start to the year. Want to give a shout out to the high school students who went

081through the PSAT earlier this week. Um, I know for our juniors, that's a stressful test and it's a long day and, uh, you made it through. You got a couple more coming, but uh, it's a good practice. Um, I want to thank the teachers uh, and the community for all of their hard work. I want to remind folks I'm the uh proud product of a teacher for 50 years first in Leavonia and then at U of M Dearbornne and I have a sister who's a high school principal in Arizona. Um like we all do, my blood is red and um I hope we get through everything in the very near future. So thank you again for all of the love and support um from the community. I really felt it and uh I think that's

082part of why I turned the corner so fast. So onward and upward from here. Thanks >> Mr. Smith. >> Thank you Mr. Seagler. Um first I I'm happy to say um see we have a budget now from the state. Um hopefully you can share uh that impact with us and what that means for us moving forward once we get all the information. Uh thank you to all the teachers uh and the parents who spoke this evening. Uh it takes a lot of courage and passion to come up here and share your thoughts. I myself as well I'm a product of of you all. I'm a graduate of the district from Dublin to CHS to central many years ago now. Um, and my kids are in the district as well. And I appreciate everything and thank

083you for coming out this evening. Um, I had a lot more to say, but I I think it's all been said there. Um, just uh a quick recap of the last month or so. I tend to the taste of the lakes as well. I I as well want to thank um and the volunteers, Edgewood Golf Course, and really the broader community for showing up and showing out to really help out the community. It's amazing to hear that we raised uh 20K and I hope some people were actually able to out bid Mark on some items. Not sure. I saw his name on everything. Um I think you won some stuff. >> Okay. >> Uh p on a personal note, I I do want to say go White Lake Wolves. Uh they are doing very well

084in their inaugural year and have their battle at the big house uh this weekend against the Braves. My son is on the team and is uh is very excited for Saturday. Uh, and then I don't know if it's been mentioned, uh, I think it has, but we have a new program, well, a new old old new program now where we as board members adopt schools and, uh, my schools are Wildlike Northern and Dublin. Uh, so I will hopefully be out there uh, back in I've missed it now that my children are out of Dublin and I, as a proud graduate myself of Dublin, I I couldn't help but read, be a part of that community again. So, I hope to be there on tomorrow for the the color run. I'll be as a board member,

085not as a parent anymore, but I will be there. Uh, thus far, as well as I've attended some spirited Waldick Northern football games. Can't wait to attend the Pinkout game tomorrow along with upcoming plays, musicals, band performances, and other events. And this really shows, you know, the program is wonderful because it gets us back in there and conversing with you, communicating, really being there and present, and to really reestablish that uh connection that we can have. I did attend the Dublin PTA meetings and got caught up to speed and I really hope to have that meaningful relationship moving forward. And I just wanted I would be remiss if I didn't um end with uh tomorrow is world mental health day. Uh finally as we know you know life can be hard. It can be filled

086with many hardships and struggles and at different points of our lives we can face grief, difficulties, stress, strains, financial and personal struggles can affect anyone. Uh mental health is essential to overall well-being. Yet millions of people still face barriers to care. Many of you in this in this audience uh probably serve sometimes as a therapist to some children that are going through a lot of hardships. And you know when you think about that the impact goes beyond individuals touching workplaces, schools and communities. And there are just many statistics I could share but what I wanted to say is mental health is not just a personal concern. It it's a shared responsibility. So supporting mental health strengthens families and communities. And when we prioritize mental health well-being. We create healthier workplaces and we also build resilience.

087So, this is near and dear to me personally and I will continue to advocate and strive to reduce the stigma of getting help when you need it, when you think you, you know, just to talk to someone. It's out there. So, I hope we can continue on that path of promoting and advocating for open conversations and maintaining your well-being and providing access to the treatment that everyone needs. So, thank you again for coming out this evening. We're here. We're listening. And as a proud graduate, I thank you for what you give gave to me in all those years. >> Mr. Lippet, >> thank you, Mr. Sigler. Uh, so a lot's been said tonight and, uh, like Mr. Smith just mentioned, I I think we're all very appreciative of hearing and listening, uh, to each of

088you. So, thank you for your your very real and personal comments. Um, I've I had the chance to go to Wall Lake Western for my very first Warriors for Warriors event. Um, just like Mr. Smith mentioned, it happens that Wick Western is also my adopted high school and I'm spending a lot of time at Western these days. Uh, but this was my first Warriors for Warriors pink out. And I I just want to mention what a special event. Um, not only does it recognize the warriors that truly exist in our commun community, uh, fighting cancer, um, fighting a lot of different, uh, health issues, but, uh, it's an opportunity for the community to come together, uh, and and be as one in support of this of this community and having a chance to do they

089do a parade, not a parade, but like a a walk, a march around, uh, the the field and then uh, uh, Sarah Banks and Wildlike Western Choirs had a chance to to sing for us in very inspirational tune. Uh it it's it's very difficult not to get emotional knowing that people in our community are fighting, but knowing that they're supported uh through Wald Western uh you know, Warrior for Warriors. And I'm I'm proud to be a part of it and I'm also proud to be part of uh Friday's tomorrow's Wik Northern uh pinkout as well. And I hope to hope to see you there. I'm so sorry it's partly during the Tiger game. Uh I'm I'm I'm stuck there, but I I will be there at Northern and probably on my phone if you see

090me. Um similarly, I do want to uh make mention of Taste uh of of the Lakes. Uh we're going to need a bigger venue. Uh Mrs. Vanlon. Uh that was a wonderful event full much bigger than I saw it last year. Uh love to see the um the energy and enthusiasm there. And I'm so pleased to hear uh that we generated the revenue that that we did from it. I am I'm looking forward to hopefully winning something when Mr. Sigler doesn't uh next year. Um so thank you for that. Um for those of you that don't know um next uh uh October rather 24th through 26 at Wik Northern is the Diary of Anne Frank uh for the uh performing arts. Um I'm actually very sad that I'm not going to be able to attend

091because I'm at uh at a conference. So I'm pretty bummed out about that. Uh, but I do highly recommend it. If you have not been to a performing arts function at our high schools or this upcoming one at WAC Northern, I highly highly recommend you go uh give yourself a treat and be part of that process. Uh, you should also know that there's another exceptional show. I wasn't going to talk about this, Miss Mrs. Craftton, but there's another amazing Wick Western event coming up in November. Uh, Hades Town. We are going to talk about that probably in at the next uh board meeting, but uh keep your calendar open for that event. It is going to be special. Um, lastly, I just want to say this me, you know, much of my time before I

092was on the on the board uh was spent at that podium. And if you know me well enough, you know I am a parent in the district. Um, we're from Chicago. Uh, we moved here 21 years ago. Uh, and you know, we had all of Detroit to choose. Uh, we chose Wild Schools because of its reputation. Uh we chose to live in Commerce Township because we wanted our three girls uh to be part of a public school experience um in Wildlake schools and uh the reputation of the district and the reputation of its teachers. Uh and we did that by choice and I can tell you we were rewarded. Uh we had a stellar experience with our our children and uh my youngest is uh is finishing up now Wald Northern. And I just want

093to reinforce the notion uh we hear you. uh and I am expecting to do what I can as a board member to see that the next generation of of kids uh enjoy the same experience and dedication that we did as as a parent in this district. So, uh thank you and we just want you to know again once more we hear you. Thank you. [Applause] >> And sitting all by herself, Dr. Zner, >> I promised I showered. Um thank you, Mr. Seagler. uh a few uh celebrations. First, Mrs. Craftton returning to us. We also want to celebrate that even though the two parties had a hard time doing it, we got it done. We have a budget, which is just pretty exciting and uh something to celebrate. Um I also want to name how brave,

094especially our young people have been to stand up in front of this really packed room. I am nervous looking at all of you and um I like chose to sit here. So uh I just want to name that and I'm just absolutely impressed uh to echo one of the comments about how incredible all of your stories have been and how lovely it's been to hear all of your voices here in this space. Um, I have serious FOMO that I missed uh the Tuesday night event for Lakes Area Youth Assistance. Uh, as you may or may not know, I'm also an educator and I'm finding the balance a little wobbly because I have so many events on my calendar, but I'm going to get it. I'm going to get it. Uh, I don't know. Put me

095in for something next year handing out sporks. Um, I will also be at Wild Lake Northern tomorrow night walking my senior across the field. So, if you see me, I will be crying and uh pretty upset that my kids have grown and done so well here in Wild Lake schools. Uh I also want to thank all the schools for sending out our safe storage reminders. Uh remember that if you do need support for storing your firearms in a way that is safe in accordance with law, that any uh law enforcement agency can get you some gun locks and talk to you about proper safe storage because we want to make sure that all of our kids are safe in our community. And that is how we do that is by making sure that we're keeping

096our kids safe from those firearms, those unsecured firearms, and being in compliance with that law. And then finally, I also want to note that it's banned books week. So if you have not picked up your favorite band books, I know all of the libraries have this is like every librarian's dream week because they get to put out all the fun books. And uh I was looking at the the list of the most banned books and surprised to see uh things on there like the Holy Bible and Tequila Mockingbird and some of our favorite most impactful uh books that most of us have learned from in the course of our careers. Even the diary of Anne Frank has been banned. And so I just want to applaud our communities for holding tight to that right to

097read and keeping our minds and our hearts open to the stories of others and what we can learn from them. So thank you again for sharing your stories with us. And that is all I have. >> Oh, you know what? I forgot one thing. >> Thank you. >> I went to my first subcommittee. You guys, I'm learning. I'm learning. This is I told them that I'm setting the bar low so that I can get over it very easily. So, I'm sure some of my high school friends can understand that. So, we had a bond subcommittee. We got a lot of updates about the 2019 and 2024 bond programs, including some of the projections for going out in front. We got to see a lot of great pictures. And I have been in Wald Lake Western,

098even though it's not my school that I'm assigned to, but I got to be in there and I love it. It's so pretty. And uh we also found um a lot of efficiencies from plant manoran and it was just a really positive constructive meeting and so I just wanted to inform my fellow board members of that. Did I miss anything fellow subcommittee members? >> I did okay. All right. A+ for me. >> Thank you again echoing what my colleagues have said. We you know I want to thank everybody again for this evening. Uh, I've had the pleasure of sitting behind these tables for 32 years and have had the opportunity to listen and work on many contracts. And I and it's one of those things it's not us against you or anything else that when

099I sit here, I don't look at it as Wald Lake Consolidated Schools, as I've said many times. I look at it as Wald Lake Community Schools because we truly are a community amongst ourselves and I appreciate the advocacy on all all ends. Uh my adopted schools this year, Early Childhood Center, Guest Elementary and Metobrook. So I was at Metobrook for opening day where you know as I've relayed watched two second graders walk by at 9:00 and say this is going to be the longest day in my life and it was all you know I'm I'm sitting there going really we haven't started. So, um, and then I had the pleasure of going to PET, uh, to guests for a PTA meeting and, uh, working with their PTSA and actually hopefully assisting them in some ventures

100going forward. And then the early childhood center and I told Dr. Lans, I said, "Really, my colleagues on the board probably have not had a chance to go there yet." And it is a sight to see. And when you see the students and you see the doors are this big, this big and this big. And I remember uh Mr. Chadfield, I think he was on a skateboard going through the door to because there was no way he was going to limbo underneath it. It really is a sight to see with all the little fixtures and all the classrooms and all the excitement in that building. So, I'm looking forward to that. uh a salute to our troops and the pinkout. Phenomenal events for our community. I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time

101in Lancing on the budget. Yes, we have a budget. Am I happy with it? I have to say not. I am not. You know, there are still things in the budget that I look at. Uh things that people are just suddenly realizing have been cut or were not added into the budget. Uh you know, funding that we are now still giving our universities that can have fundraisers, can have endowments that is all coming out of the special education fund and you know the list goes on and on. So it's even though it has been approved, I think people already have their list of what we're looking for for next year and hopefully it's not roads and it is education. And lastly, you know, we talk about experience and in years and really enjoying something. And

102I want to thank my colleagues also because I was made aware very recently that four of the board members that are sitting here I actually signed their diplomas or gave them their diplomas and and I don't know if that's good or bad. So but it's it's something it's what did you say Mrs. Ben Leuen? >> I said it made you old. >> Oh okay. Thank you. I'm I am glad to be in that club. And And with that, we will take a 10-minute adjournment or recess. Recess. Thank you. random things. >> I've never really Susie. >> Oh, nothing. You can I don't really do Thank you. Thank you very much. And we will continue with the consent agenda. Approval of minutes proposed September 4th, 2025 special meeting. Close session proposed September 24th, 2025 regular meeting.

103Personnel recommendations, hires, retirements, resinations. Financial reports dispersements in the amount of 21,475,355 balance sheet and statement of revenues and expenditures unodudited and investment schedule and the Head Start director's report. Could I have a motion? >> I move that the board of education approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Dr. Zner, thank Do I have support? >> Mr. Wolf, thank you very much. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 5 nothing. >> Thank you. >> District annual report. Dr. Dr. Lans district annual report. Oh, I'm sorry. An administrative appointment. Dr. Lans. >> Thank you very much. Playing the role of Dr. Hama tonight will be Mr. Scaling. Unfortunately, Dr. Ham was called away from the district today. >> Thank you, Dr. Lans. We are pleased to recommend Mr. Bronson Goodsell to serve as

104both assistant principal and athletic coordinator at Waldick Western High School effective October 13th. With a strong background in education and leadership, he brings a passion for student success and a commitment to fostering a positive school culture. After earning a degree from Western Michigan University, he began a career teaching middle school social studies in Arizona. During that time, he coached multiple sports, served as an instructional leadership team, and earned a master's degree in educational policy from Arizona State University. Returning to Michigan to be closer to family, he most recently served at the University High School in Ferndale. There he led the athletic program, supported students in academics and extracurriculars, and launched a design thinking initiative to encourage real world problem solving. Bron Bronson is excited to join Wald Lake and is focused on building strong relationships

105with students, families, and staff, prioritizing visibility, approachability, and collaboration to meets of every student every day. >> Could I have a motion? Mr. Seagler, >> Mrs. Grafton, >> I move that the board of education approve the appointment of Mr. Bronson Goodell as the assistant principal and athletic coordinator at Wald Lake Western High School effective October 13, 2025. And that this appointment be made consistent with the provisions of the Wald Lake School Administrators association master agreement. >> Support. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes five nothing. >> District annual report. Dr. LS. >> Before I get to that, let the record reflect that as a proud Chipoa, I did not hold the Bronco against him >> or me. Just want to make our community aware that our annual report is

106published and completed. It is available outside here and also available, I believe, on our website. Is that accurate, Dan? And I'd like to to thank Mr. Durkin and his team for once again going above and beyond and putting together a fin a fantastic report that highlights all of our achievements from last school year. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Purchases over 50,000. Dr. L. >> Imagine Learning Egenuity provides licenses to access virtual courses that are used in Wel Lake Consolidated School District that support digital content for grades 6 through 12. Digital content supports middle school and high school for math, ELA, science, social studies, electives, advanced placement, world languages, and virtual tours. The courseware is used broadly across our system, not only for our summer school, but also for our flex classes along with

107credit recovery, initial credit, and grade improvement. The annual renewal of $98,184.75 will be paid for from grant funding and from the general fund. Just to let our community and the board know that we have had a long-standing relationship with Egenuity. I believe this is their third name change, but we've maintained our relationship with them and it is very beneficial for our students to have this opportunity. >> Mr. Sigler, >> I move that the board of education approve the purchase of Egenuity online courseware. Imagine learning annual renewal for 98,184.75 from grant funding and the general fund support. >> I >> Thank you, sir. The district recommends entering into a planned service agreement with Johnson Controls to ensure ongoing reliability and proper maintenance of the district's mechanical systems. All district buildings rely on G JCI Johnson controls

108for infrastructure including our HVAC equipment, lighting, and other miscellaneous equipment. Maintaining these systems for is critical for comfort and efficiency. The agreement offers the opportunity to prioritize our response times, preferred labor rates, parts discount, and ongoing training for our in-house staff. Uh GCI has a working history with the district as well as an understanding of our system. This agreement will allow the interaction between GCI and our maintenance team providing troubleshooting and repairs. The three-year cost totaling $165,246 aligns with what we have been spending previously, but this now includes added value as mentioned above with support savings and training. And just as to make everyone aware that that is our district standard. So that is the control system that we use in nearly all of our buildings. Dr. Zer. >> Uh, I move that the board

109of education authorizes the superintendent or designate to sign a three-year contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. to provide maintenance services to the district's mechanical systems with a total three-year cost of $165,000 through 146 to be funded through the general fund. discussion. >> I will just say from somebody who was involved with facilities, I think this is very economical for what we are actually looking at and be a great service. >> Absolutely. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes five nothing. Snow removal. >> Well, it feels like we could finally have some snow. Mrs. Zmer. Uh, >> the district seeks to establish a one-year extension of the contract with Progressive Irrigation, known as Progressive, to provide snowplowing services as needed for the district. The district entered into the initial contract with Progressive with

110a three-year term in 2021. In December in December 2022, the agreement was amended for the first time to update the fee structure and extend the contract for an additional year. The proposed second amendment would extend the agreement to cover the 2526 winter season with no increase in the fee structure for from the amendment in in the initial bidding process for this service. Progressive was the only bidder that submitted a bid for this unique service. The district has been satisfied with the service provided and considers the fee structure to be competitive. The cost of the services will fluctuate based on weather conditions. >> Mr. Smith. >> Yes. I move that the board of education approve the second amendment to the contract with Progressive Irrigation Inc. to provide snow removal services for the 202526 winter season with

111costs to be charged to the general fund support. Thank you. Any discussion? I know that there was one question in regards to the cost and that is per push. Correct. That >> is correct. >> Thank you. All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes 5 nothing. >> Bid awards. >> I'm pleased to let our community and the board know that we have solicited and received bids for the 2024 bond project related to the new Wixom Elementary School. Based on the review of the bids conducted in conjunction with the district's consultants, the project team is recommending approval of the award recommendations totaling 38,30,888.13. The awarded sorry, the award of contracts are based on the lowest responsive competitive bid and are identified in the schedule provided. Just so our community knows, this bid actually came in under

112the bond projected budget. So, we are currently in a in a bond savings situation. Now, obviously, when you build something brand new, there are things that come up that you can't anticipate, but we believe that we will easily be able to tackle anything that comes to fruition or comes up as we go towards construction. >> Mr. Mr. I move that the board of education approve the award recommendations totaling 38,30,888.13 for the new Wixom Elementary School funded from 2024 bond proceeds as recommended by the project team. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Excellent. I have uh sorry, a couple questions just popped up for the general public who might be watching uh because a question arose. Mhm. >> Uh what will we be doing with the current building? When will construction start? >> So what we're

113doing with what we're referring now affectionately as old Wixom that has >> look at >> that has yet to be determined and when we have some options we I'll be bringing that to the board for consideration and construction starts. So you're putting me on the So we're >> you can go back. >> No, we're planning a groundbreaking on I can remember this because it's November 11 at 11 o'clock. So, I remember that. And so, at that point, it'll be weather dependent. There obviously will be some construction before the frost and the and the snow sets in, but you'll see a lot more in the spring. So, right, >> no, you're good. No, >> right after the ground breaking, they will start clearing and preparing for putting in footers. >> Okay. One followup. >> Um, I

114remember uh Mrs. West asking about specifically about I think windows or something. >> Skylights. Did that all get solved? I know she's not here tonight, so I don't know if she would ask that question. >> We are maintaining the skylights that are very similar to the design of Dublin. So, and and I think our community knows this, but maybe it'd be important to mention that one of the reasons why we're able to achieve savings on Wixom is because it is a 90% copy of Dublin, very similar to what we've we've done in other buildings in the district. And so, we listened to the Dublin staff and they said, "Here are things that we could make better." And so we made those changes and now we're confident that we'll be able to build this building very

115similar to Dublin although it will look very different in color in fascia and etc. So it it won't be Dublin 2. It'll be new Wixom that looks like New Wixom. I have to say I was at a presentation over the summer and I'm sorry I don't remember what district it was at but they have what they refer to as skylights which were act actually reflective lights in the classroom and they said it is amazing because you know again it was one-story building but they had said it reduced their light usage by almost 40%. And then, you know, fortunately for them, they also had a little solar uh section and they were seeing immense savings all the way around on on power. But being in a classroom in the middle of the day with the lights

116off, I didn't even realize the lights were off. >> So, all those in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. Five nothing. Parent advisory committee board representation. >> Mrs. Premier. >> The Oakland school's plan for the delivery of special education program and services specifies that each district appoints two parents to serve on the Oakland School special education parent advisory committee for a three-year term. Due to a recent resignation, Denise Dunn has agreed to be a representative on the Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee for the remainder of the term ending in June 2026. I'll make this motion with great pleasure. I move that the board of education approve Denise Don as a parent representative to Oakland School special education parent advisory committee for the remainder of the term ending June 2026. >> Support. >> Any discussion? All

117those in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes 5 nothing. Proclamation safe school week. Mr. Smith. >> I get the luxury of reading the proclamation this evening. Safe Schools Week, October 20th through the 24th, 2025. Whereas schools make substantial contributions to the future of America and to the development of our young people as knowledgeable, responsible, and productive citizens. And whereas excellence in education is dependent on safe, secure, and peaceful school settings. And whereas the safety and well-being of many students, teachers, and school staff are unnecessarily jeopardized by crime and violence such as substance abuse, gangs, bullying, poor discipline, vandalism, and absenteeism in our schools. And whereas it is the responsibility of all citizens to enhance the learning experiences of young people by helping to ensure fair and effective discipline, promote good citizenship, and generally make school

118safe and secure. And whereas all leaders, especially those in education, law enforcement, government, and business should eagerly collaborate with each other to focus public attention on school safety and identity or and identify, develop, and promote innovative answers to these critical issues. And whereas the observance of Safe Schools Week will substantially promote efforts to provide our schools with positive and safe learning climates. Now therefore, be it resolved and proclaimed that October 20th through the 24th is safe schools week. >> Thank you very much. >> Proclamation principles month. [Laughter] >> Dr. Lans, >> Mr. Scaling. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Lawrence. It's my pleasure to read the proclamation for principles month October 2025. Whereas throughout Michigan and across the country, the school principal plays a central role in in creating an environment conducive to learning and

119whereas the school principal acts as the liaison between the school and the community it serves and ensures that the community is aware of student achievement. And whereas the expectation for principal leadership within schools have increased greatly in the past decade, including quality and accountability for all children. And whereas energetic and inspiring school leadership is essential if schools, teachers, students, and support staff are to implement college and career ready standards and rigorous rigorous assessments. And whereas the goal of National Principles Month is to raise awareness of the importance of educational leadership in the school and valuable contribution of the community principle to the success of the learning environment. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Wald Lake Schools Board of Education and Administration support National Principal Month and encourages each school and community to appropriately recognize

120their principal during the month of October 2025 and the vital role the principal plays in the success of all students. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Resolution in support of gun safety and safe firearm storage. Mr. Lipett. >> Thank you, Mr. Sigler. I I have the privilege of reading this resolution on behalf of our entire community board and especially my wife who's a pediatrician in our community. This really resonates with us. So uh here it is. Resolution in support of gun safety and safe firearm storage. Whereas the safety and well-being of student, staff, and community are of paramount importance to the wall uh consolidated school district. And whereas firearms in the home are associated with an increased risk of accidental injury or death particularly among children and adolescence. And whereas safe storage of firearms,

121keeping guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition reduces the risk of unintentional injury, suicide, and school related incidents. And whereas the Wald Consolidated School District recognizes that parents, guardians, and community members play a critical role in promoting safe firearm practices. And whereas evidence-based public safety measures, including safe gun storage, help create a safer environment for all students and residents. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Wald Consolidated School District Board of Education, one supports initiatives and programs that promote safe firearm storage and responsible gun ownership. Two, encourages parents, guardians, and community members to store firearms safely and to educate family members about firearm safety. Three, advocates for community awareness regarding the importance of safe storage in preventing accidents and injuries. and four directs the superintendent and staff to share resources on safe firearm storage with

122families and the community. Be it further resolved that the board of uh board and superintendent will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies, medical and mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations to collaborate and increase efforts to inform district parents of their obligations regarding secure storage of firearms in their homes as well as other gun violence prevention safety measures. Be it further resolved that this resol resolution shall not be construed to conflict with any existing Michigan or federal law. And should I read the adopted date? Adopted this 9th day of October, 2025 by the Wall Consolidated School District Board of Education. >> Dr. Zner, >> I move the board of education adopt the resolution in support of gun safety and safe firearm storage as presented. >> Support. Thank you, Mrs. Craftton. Any discussion? All those

123in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes 5 nothing. Board policy review. The board policy committee and administration have reviewed the proposed board policies updates which are provide for the board's review with anticipation of adoption at a special board meeting on October 23rd, 2025. The updated policies are in alignment with the current law. board policy and regulations. Dr. Lans, >> thank you, Mr. Seagler. This is just adjusting our uh organizational chart to reflect our new hires. >> Thank you. And we are adjourned at 9:00. Thank you, everyone.