Ben Engelter

The resolution outlines the general appropriations act for the Howell Public Schools for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It details the estimated revenues and expenses for the general fund, including local taxes, state aid, federal sources, and interdistrict sources. The resolution also appropriates funds for various expenditures such as instruction, support services, maintenance, transportation, technology, athletics, community services, debt service, and capital outlay. Additionally, it covers the special revenue fund for cafeteria services and student/school activities, outlining their respective revenues, fund balances, and expenditures.

The meeting included an impact presentation from the S.C.O.T.S. Bots Robotics Team, student representatives reporting on Howell High School activities, and board member reports on various committee meetings and programs. The board discussed and approved several consent items, including changes in employee status, payment of vouchers, an out-of-state field trip for Parker Middle School band students, an overnight band lock-in at Howell High School, and an out-of-country field trip to Japan. Additionally, the board approved new and revised board policies, designated the District's LESA Election Representative and Board's candidates, approved athletic training services, the Livingston Educational Service Agency 2025-2026 budget resolution, Highlander Way Middle School bid recommendations, the 2025 tax rate request, a bond ratification resolution, and curriculum approved by the District Improvement Team.

The meeting discussed the original, amended, and proposed final budgets for 2024-2025. Key topics included revenue from taxes, local sources, state aid, federal grants, interdistrict sources, and other financing sources. Expenditures were reviewed for basic instruction, added needs instruction, support services, community services, facilities acquisition, debt service, and capital outlay. The discussion also covered revenues over or under expenditures, beginning fund balance, change in fund balance, and estimated fund balance as a percentage of expenditures.

The MICIP Portfolio Report for Howell Public Schools outlines several goals, including improving ELA and Math growth, enhancing Portrait of a Highlander skills, and boosting performance in Science and Social Studies. Key strategies involve implementing the 5D+ Instructional Framework and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The plan also focuses on fostering a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Framework (WSCC) to ensure student health, safety, engagement, support, and challenge.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions and reports on various topics, such as the Highlander Reading Express, the Howell Public Schools Fire Academy, a Finance Committee meeting, an i3 Board sub-committee meeting, a proposed county consortium through the Livingston Educational Service Agency for the GSRP program, the SEAB Biennial Report, proposed Sex Education curriculum recommendations, and the 2025/2026 Appropriations Budget. The board also heard statements from candidates for the Howell Carnegie District Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, the board approved the MHSAA Membership Renewal and the posting of a Notice of a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025/2026 Appropriations Budget. The first read of new Sex Education curriculum was also approved.