Benjamin Henry

The board workshop covered the introduction of new math and reading curricula, including the use of Waggle for adaptive learning and UFly and benchmark assessments to support instruction. Principals presented elementary-level NWEA data, highlighting student growth percentiles, district bright spots in mathematics and reading, and areas for improvement. The board discussed the upcoming state testing window and the implementation of teacher clarity and positive behavioral interventions and supports to enhance student learning outcomes.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to a presentation by the high school robotics team, Team 5505, detailing their program's structure, the current 10-week robot design and build challenge centered around an archaeology/digging theme, the importance of student leadership development, and the high operational cost of approximately $80,000 annually, which includes competition travel. The board also addressed public comment, with the presiding member referencing policy 0167.3 regarding appropriate conduct and maintaining a civil environment to protect employees from personal attacks, while noting that recent comments demonstrated civility. The discussion touched upon specific game elements for the current season, such as a challenging straight-up climb obstacle.

The meeting involved the approval of the January 26, 2026 regular board meeting agenda, which required an amendment to include 'Wilson good news' in addition to 'Lincoln good news'. Presentations from Lincoln Elementary highlighted positive trends, academic growth based on NWEA winter testing data, and the success of their PBIS program, including the ROAR recognition and the Kids Zone program. Specific academic data indicated that students are growing faster than national peers, with second-grade math showing the highest gain (12 RIT points). Community engagement was noted, with high participation rates in fall parent-teacher conferences (86%) and the Title One Literacy Night event (over 54%). Chronic absenteeism saw a significant drop of 15.7 percentage points since the 2021-2022 peak. Community support through donations was also recognized. The athletic director presented an update on a new, free mobile application designed to provide live updates, schedules, rosters, and team communication, which is planned to transition to a paid service ($4,000 annually) covered by a $15 charge per athlete next year.

The board workshop focused primarily on providing an update on the SORE (Self-contained Special Education Room) program, which is a partnership between AMA and Alpena Public Schools (APS) for students needing intensive behavioral intervention. Discussions covered the structure of the specialized classroom, leveraging evidence-based strategies, and the collaborative oversight model implemented this school year involving both AMA and APS staff. Progress data indicated increases in emotional regulation, classroom engagement, and reductions in physical aggression and elopement. The board also discussed next steps, including AMA's proposal for capital investment and renovations to upgrade the finishes and technology in the SORE facility space, which is housed in an APS building. The goal of the program remains facilitating students' eventual transition back into general education settings.

The discussion centered on exploring the Safe Routes to School federal grant program, which focuses on improving infrastructure for students walking or biking to school. Key topics included the grant structure, such as the approximately $300,000 available per school for construction and $15,000 for programming. A crucial preliminary step involves completing an action plan which requires data collection through student/parent surveys and walking audits. Eligible infrastructure projects include sidewalks, multi-use trails, and crosswalk improvements, but engineering/permitting costs are ineligible. The role of the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) in assisting with the grant application process, including walking audits, was detailed, noting MFF's coordination services have no direct cost to the board. The potential cost associated with engaging MSU Extension for additional technical support from trained engineers was also discussed.