Bernard Brown

The meeting included the introduction and administration of the Oath of Office for the new board member, Samantha Scott. Key financial discussions involved reviewing Year-to-Date Financial Statements, providing an overview of the FY2025 Audit Report, and handling the 2025 SET payment status. Major actions included approving two significant transfers to the MILAF account: $200,000 from the Community Foundation fund and $5,000,000 from ChoiceOne Bank. The board also approved several payments to public schools for College Advising Reimbursements and Youth Solutions Foundations, along with approving various operational payments to entities like Brickley DeLong for audit fees and Muskegon Area ISD for expenses. The board discussed the potential revision of the ACH/Check Signing Policy and reviewed marketing updates, including approval for the MLCC Sponsorship for 2026.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which included the Minutes of the November 17, 2025 Regular Meeting and detailed financial statements as of November 30, 2025, indicating year-to-date expenditures and fund balances. Reports included updates from the Superintendent on Head Start activities and a general financial report for November 2025. An education update focused on the Transition at Craig Campus and its Growth in Employment focus. New Business involved several financial and operational approvals: a $2,000,000 transfer within the Special Education funds; distribution of estimated Act 18 Special Education net available revenues to local districts; approval of final bill back/Act 18 calculation payout for FY2025; approval of an updated Memorandum of Understanding with Kent ISD regarding PowerSchool Special Programs/MiPSE costs; approval for the use of on-line virtual learning at Lakeshore Learning Center; approval for the purchase and installation of conference room equipment; approval for an out-of-state conference request; approval for the employment of new personnel; approval for the creation of new positions/changes; and approval of a Leave of Absence. The Board also acknowledged several personnel resignations and retirements.

The meeting agenda included routine items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call, followed by approval of the agenda and consent items, which involved approving the minutes of the December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting and various financial statements. Reports included updates from the Superintendent (Head Start, School Board Recognition, Mid-Year Evaluation Progress) and financial/education updates. New business focused heavily on budgetary and contractual matters, including setting dates for the 2026-27 General Fund Budget review, approving several 2025-26 budget amendments across multiple funds, and approving agreements with Cornell University for TCIS Training. Further new business involved authorizing the purchase and installation of conference room equipment for multiple locations, approving various out-of-state conference requests and field trips for staff and students, approving the employment of four new personnel, noting position changes for two existing employees, acknowledging several retirements/resignations/separations, and approving one termination.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The agenda and consent agenda were approved, covering financial statements, resolutions, and budget comparisons. Reports included the Superintendent's report with a Head Start Program update, a financial report for August 2025, and an education update on early childhood programs. New business included adopting updates to board policies, approving contracts for mass communication systems and literacy grants, and approving purchase orders for various services and licenses. Appointments were made to the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, and agreements were approved with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Access Ability. The board also approved the purchase of Xello accounts and CrowdStrike Falcon Complete licenses, out-of-state conference requests, and employment of new personnel, while acknowledging the retirement or resignation of other personnel.

The meeting included communications from Rep. Will Snyder regarding 32p funding, a Head Start Program Report, a financial report for October 2025, and an education update on the Early On program. The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the Education Advocates of West Michigan (EAWM) to share staffing for legislative representation, a lease agreement for a replacement passenger van, and a contract with David Hundt for specified work. They also approved out-of-state conference requests and overnight field trip requests, along with the employment of several personnel in various positions. Additionally, the board acknowledged personnel retirements, resignations, layoffs, and separations.