Bob Johnson

The meeting included presentations from Student Ambassadors providing updates on school activities and reports from Saginaw United, SASA, and SCC. Great Lakes Bay Health Center shared information regarding the school-based health center, launching dental and vision screening services, and expressing gratitude to the Board. A detailed presentation covered the 35m Grant funding mechanism from the Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 State School Aid Acts, noting the total allocation of $475,649 for literacy materials and professional development, which requires expenditure by September 30. The consent agenda included approving the adoption of the 2026 regular monthly meeting schedule, the December 2025 financials, the January 2025 Human Resources/Labor Relations Report, and authorizing a $10,000,000 transfer from the General Fund balance to the Bond Reserve Fund for Bond 2020 projects. New business involved the approval of scheduled board conferences for the 2025-2026 school year and the adoption of proposed board memberships for 2025/26. Committee assignments for 2026 were also announced.

The primary focus of this special meeting was the interview process for a Board Vacancy. The Board interviewed five candidates for the position. Following the interviews, the Board deliberated and tabulated scores for each candidate. A motion was passed by the Board to appoint Dr. Janae Bady as a Trustee based on her receiving the highest cumulative score. No public or union comments were made.

The organizational meeting included the reaffirmation of the Oath of Office, the election of a Temporary Chair and Secretary, and the formal election of 2026 officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary). The Board adopted the regular monthly meeting schedule for the 2026 calendar year and affirmed compliance with the Conflict of Interest statement. Key presentations included a tribute honoring the recently deceased spouse of a former Board member, recognition for School Board Recognition Month, and an update on the Bond Budget, noting that the SUHS budget exceeded its allocation while Saginaw Middle was under budget. New business covered dual enrollment and student opportunities via SMOB, a review of December Financial Reports and the First Student transportation contract renewal to be placed on the Consent Agenda, and a discussion on revising Board Vacancy Interview Questions. The Board also received an update on Section 31 aa student mental health funding, confirming the opt-in status for the 2025-2026 agreement which provides approximately $700,000 to cover general fund expenses like social work services. Finally, the Superintendent recommended holding the SUHS graduation at the Dow Event Center Arena in May 2026.

Key discussions included the presentation of time-sensitive 31a 2025-26 Budget items, specifically the approval amounts for Title II Part A ($547,328) and Title IV Part A ($633,302). The board also reviewed the 31AA Mental Health funding option (around $700,000) but decided to postpone the final decision until a special meeting to gain clarity on new certification requirements, particularly the potential waiver of attorney-client privilege in mass casualty situations. New business covered initiatives by Student Members of the Board regarding a career fair and a planned mental health field day, and the announcement of a new SAT preparation program. Committee reports noted that Finance reports were available and that the Policy & Curriculum meeting was scheduled for December. A Human Resources interim evaluation timeline for the Superintendent was established for December 2025 and subsequent dates in 2026. Following public and union comments, which included condolences for the late Trustee Mattie Thompson, the Board approved the Consent Agenda, excluding item C (31aa Presentation). The meeting concluded with a significant tribute honoring the life and decades of public service rendered by the late Trustee Mattie Thompson to the district and community, followed by an announcement regarding the need to appoint a replacement within 30 days.

The meeting began with the administration of the Reaffirmation of Oath of Office to the newly seated Board Member, Ms. Vera Harrison. Key discussions included a presentation by the N.A.A.C.P. regarding the donation of clear book bags for middle school students. Information was presented on the Bond Refunding from 2008, which is scheduled for refinancing. A Certificate of Recognition was awarded to the Arthur Eddy Academy upon its release as a partnership school. The Food Service department shared recommendations derived from a student focus group meeting, detailing upcoming changes to student meal choices. An update was provided regarding the 2025 Fall Count audit requirements. New Business included comments from the Student Member of the Board about the new SAT preparation program. Committee reports covered the Financial Update and an upcoming City/School/County Liaison Committee meeting. Discussions on Policy and Curriculum involved the presentation and recommendation for the Bid on STEM equipment for various middle and high school programs, funded by 31A and Title 1 Funds, including Virtual Reality Welding Simulator Equipment. Several Nondiscrimination and EEO policies underwent a second reading for revision. The Superintendent provided an overview of the Human Resources/Labor Relations report. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the Consent Agenda items, excluding the Resolution to Refinance the 2016 Bond Series which was approved separately via motion, and a motion to enter Closed Session to discuss the Superintendent's Interim Evaluation.