Bernie Killeen

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and an opening statement emphasizing the board's role as a team bound by Policy 2302 to prioritize student educational welfare. The consent grouping approved included general fund bills totaling $1,134,846.50 and several staff actions such as assignment changes and leaves of absence. The District Impact Team provided updates, focusing on instructional improvement and student support systems. Key areas discussed included student participation trends at Benzie Academy, formalizing the instructional coaching approach, preliminary discussion on a proposed 2028 student travel experience, and tuning protocols for benchmark testing at Lake Ann. The Middle School's multi-tiered system of behavioral supports was also reviewed. The Student Council Representative reported on recent events like Snowcoming and upcoming Prom planning. The Superintendent reported on state-level items including the Governor's budget allocation for reading and preschool, updates on School of Choice bills, and potential elimination of ACT/SAT/MME on transcripts. Action items included the approval of investing up to $2M in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) from the Sinking Fund and General Fund, and the purchase of up to 250 Chromebooks and associated charging carts not to exceed $90,500, funded primarily by bond funds. Committee reports covered Sinking Fund projects requiring fixture and locker color choices, FAFSA language review, and planning efforts to communicate the details of the Sinking Fund millage renewal/ask, which includes language for purchasing buses.

The meeting commenced with an affirmation of the team concept and the fiduciary duties of board members. The agenda was approved, but the consent grouping items, including minutes, bills, and staff actions such as appointments, assignments, leaves, tenure, and terminations, were all listed as NONE and approved. During the administration report, the Board of Education reviewed and made minor changes to their Communication Protocol, agreeing to publish a simpler version online. A significant discussion focused on the upcoming Sinking Fund Renewal planned for the August 2026 ballot, with consensus reached to form an Ad Hoc committee to manage communication strategies, including utilizing social media and BCTV. The Board also set January and June as potential check-in dates for Strategic Plan Monitoring. Furthermore, they discussed the structure and content for future Administration Presentations, aiming for a 10-15 minute limit and a focus on strategic plan goal areas with supporting data. Data review included results from a Safety Survey sent by the Union, with the Board requesting the data be broken down by building. Academic data, including i-Ready and NWEA scores, was also presented. Committee reports provided no updates.

The meeting covered several key administrative and operational items, including the approval of the agenda and consent grouping items such as general fund bills totaling $559,365.21 and various support staff appointments. The District Impact Team provided an update focusing on finalizing the District Strategic Plan, with goal areas including attendance, communication, and instruction, alongside reviews of building-level tuning protocols for Homestead Hills and Betsie Valley. The Superintendent reported on the distribution of 27L funds to qualified employees and recognized two educators for achieving National Board Certification. The Board also received presentations on the new Strategic Plan, including its proposed mission, vision, and beliefs, and reviewed calendar proposals for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 school years, which include Pre-Labor Day starts and specific conference scheduling. Reports were given on Buildings and Grounds projects, noting repairs, sinking fund progress, and planned summer construction. Key action items included the approval of the Benzie County Central Schools Strategic Plan and the approval of the 2026/27 and 2027/28 school calendars. The meeting concluded with a review of current district enrollment data.

The organizational meeting included the nomination and election of officers for President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The schedule for regular monthly meetings in 2026 was set, including specific dates for Board Retreats, Budget Reviews, and Budget Hearings, with several date adjustments approved. The suggested agenda format was approved after a suggestion to remove Bond Project Updates. The Board also designated the banks to serve as depositories for various school funds for the 2026 calendar year and the 2024 calendar year.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, followed by an opening statement emphasizing the Board's team approach, governance, and fiduciary obligations. A consent grouping addressed the approval of minutes from the December 8, 2025 meetings (Regular and Closed), General Fund Bills totaling $559,365.21, several support staff appointments, and several requests for staff leave of absence for maternity leave or FMLA. Key reports included updates from the District Impact Team and Student Council. The Administration Report covered NMSLA matters, recognition of newly certified National Board-Certified Educators, an update on the Strategic Plan, proposals for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 calendars, and updates from the Homestead Hills Elementary and Middle School principals. Board/Committee Reports were provided for Building and Grounds, Finance, Parent Advisory Council, and Liaison roles. Discussion topics included a review of the current district enrollment summary (Exit Out vs. Transfer In) and Board of Education Retreat topics. Action items scheduled for approval included the Benzie County Central Schools Strategic Plan and the 2026/27 and 2027/28 calendars.