Andrew Kaschalk

The Board of Education meeting covered a range of operational and instructional agenda items. Discussions included the approval of bills, the hiring of instructional staff, and the adoption of various course guides for middle and high schools. Financial matters, such as the purchase of elementary math resources, the final budget revision for the 2025-26 school year, and the proposed budget resolution for the 2026-27 school year, were addressed. The Board also ratified collective bargaining agreements with the Southline Education Association, Southline Administrators Association, and the Michigan Educational Support Personnel Association. Additionally, the superintendent provided updates on legislative efforts concerning the state school aid budget.

The board meeting agenda included the recognition of staff retirements, the hiring of new instructional staff, and the review and approval of the 2026-27 Code of Conduct and student handbooks for middle and high schools. Additionally, the board considered the 2026-27 meeting calendar, the Michigan High School Athletic Association membership resolution, the 2026 tax levy rate request, and amendments to the OCSBA bylaws. The session also covered informational updates regarding legislative items, bond progress, course guides, curriculum units of study, budget revisions, and committee reports.

The board meeting focused on the presentation and adoption of the 2025-26 Final Budget. This included detailed resolutions for appropriations across several funds, specifically the General Fund, Food Service Fund, Community Service Fund, Student Activity Fund, Capital Projects Fund, and Debt Retirement Fund. The budget presentation also covered operating property tax value changes and the impact on state and local revenue streams.

The committee meeting focused on updates to student handbooks across middle and high schools. Key topics included the implementation of updated language regarding personal information theft, AI usage, and electronic communication device policies, specifically detailing restrictions on cell phones and the prohibition of Meta and AI glasses. Middle school handbooks were updated to include new award categories for honor roll and Principal's List students, as well as adjustments to elective course descriptions and Math PLUS class clarifications. High school handbooks were updated to revise tardy policies, expand eligibility guidelines for extracurricular activities, and clarify procedures for handling student conduct during criminal investigations.

The committee reviewed procedures for club athletics and the process for adding new athletic programs, focusing on consistency between middle and high school policies. Discussions included drafting language for middle school clubs, refining existing high school procedures, and identifying the need for further research on policies regarding the expansion of existing sports programs.