Anthony Gates

This document is the Final Environmental Scan Report, designed to inform the strategic planning process for Midland Public Schools. It synthesizes extensive stakeholder feedback (students, parents, staff, and community members) collected through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The report identifies key themes across Strengths (dedicated staff, academic offerings, communication, reputation, financial discipline), Opportunities (student experience, equitable access, extracurricular alignment, modern facilities, technology, relevant learning pathways, community engagement, communication transparency, organizational capacity), Aspirations (vibrant school experience, whole-child focus, engaging learning, modern facilities, multiple postsecondary pathways, equity, deep community connection), and desired Results (broader student success metrics, postsecondary outcomes, academic growth, equity and access, supportive school and community climate).

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key activities included the consent agenda approval, which covered the approval of January 15th meeting minutes, recommendations for employment, staff resignations, the Yo-Yo audit renewal, and the payment of school system bills and legal invoices. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing two 'Shining Star' award recipients: Shawn Brown for his dedicated service as a building manager and Pamela Andrews for her exceptional support of a third-grade student with ADHD and a 504 plan. The meeting also featured two major presentations: one detailing the multi-school 'Nepal Project,' which involved fundraising and curriculum integration related to rebuilding efforts in Nepal, and another presentation by high school students on their 'International Business Alliance Program' focusing on creative solutions for businesses in Nigeria.

The meeting included a review and approval of the consent agenda items covering the meeting minutes, staff resignations, and law firm bills for January. A member of the audience presented a letter from the American Association of University Women regarding the prevalence of sexual harassment in school settings for grades 7 through 12 and urged the Board to review policies and update the Title IX coordinator role. The Superintendent's report detailed activities including a visit to a new tech program at Pinckney Public Schools, discussions with Dow Chemical Company regarding curriculum partnerships, updates on Kindergarten orientation turnout under the Schools of Choice practice, and a Parent Involvement Committee meeting on K-12 testing. The Superintendent also discussed recent attendance at various conferences and the potential impact of state legislation on cyber schools, urging opposition to lifting the cap due to underperformance data. Further agenda items addressed the acceptance of bids for asbestos abatement monitoring services, specifically for tile replacement and window caulking at Dow High School and Adams Elementary School, with a recommended purchase order to Sierra Technical Services. Finally, a resolution was presented concerning the Best Practices Incentive, which involves developing a service consolidation plan to qualify for a one-time state grant.

The meeting included the reopening of the regularly scheduled session. Key discussions and presentations centered on recognizing outstanding staff members designated as 'Shining Stars' from the literacy team, including Kim Welter, Shannon Panasik, Analisa Christensen, and Patricia Clancy, detailing their contributions to literacy intervention and instruction. Furthermore, the Elementary Literacy team presented an update on their work titled 'Leaning Into Literacy,' detailing the adoption of a new ELA curriculum, systemic changes implemented through organizational practices consultation, the development of a Literacy Framework, and the use of short improvement cycles focused on teacher practice. The presentation also covered Professional Growth and Learning (PGL) sessions for administrators focusing on literacy instruction analysis and goal setting, as well as the implementation of 'Learning Labs' to observe and reflect on small group instruction practices.

The special board meeting included a period for public comment where a visitor requested that the selection of a superintendent be formally added to the agenda as an action item, leading to a motion to include the board vote on the two candidates. The majority of the recorded time was dedicated to a candidate presentation focusing on a vision for the district centered on true diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, creating a pipeline to recruit and retain diverse staff, and developing a toolkit for the future of education. Key discussion points within the presentation included performing an inventory of the district's current DEI status, emphasizing accountability alongside restorative practices, ensuring scholar engagement in planning processes, addressing diverse learning styles, and building a robust pipeline for future educators through partnerships with universities and engaging with high school students. Further topics included prioritizing staff mental health, comprehensive facility planning, and ensuring competitive compensation and recognition for all staff, including bus drivers and custodians.