Bridget Holton

The meeting focused on the presentation of the proposed 2026-2027 Wayne RESA budget. The discussion covered budget development timelines, revenue and expenditure assumptions, fund balances, and the allocation of funds to constituent districts. The preliminary budget was presented to fulfill legal requirements and provided an opportunity for feedback.

The board approved a variety of personnel actions including new hires, contract renewals, and staff reclassifications. Financial actions included authorizing purchases for instructional materials, payments to intermediate school districts for grant-funded literacy and grant activities, and contract renewals for software, consulting, lawn maintenance, and HVAC services. The board also amended allocations for Great Start Readiness Programs and independent paraprofessionals across multiple districts and academies. Several grants were accepted for purposes such as homeless education and early literacy coaching. Additionally, the board approved the preliminary budget for the upcoming year, a budget amendment for the current year, the certification of the 2026 tax rate, and the appointment of a new Director of Finance.

The meeting included staff introductions, reflections on professional conferences regarding artificial intelligence and education, and celebrations of student achievements across various county school districts. Presentations covered Project SEARCH, a curriculum and assessment pilot, and a preliminary budget report for the upcoming fiscal year. Legislative updates were provided, along with observances of various national commemorative months. The board took action on personnel matters, authorized multiple grant agreements, approved the upcoming meeting schedule, extended the five-year common calendar, and moved to a closed session for negotiations.

The board approved personnel items, including new hires, leaves, and reclassifications. Financial actions included the authorization of technology purchases, reimbursement claims for special education services, Act 18 payments for special education centers, facility rent payments, and several contract renewals for maintenance and professional services. The board also approved agreements for a new CTE aviation program and startup funding for Great Start Readiness Programs. Additionally, updates to board policies and the ratification of the AFSCME Local 1882 contract were approved. The Superintendent's comments covered the recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, updates on the 'Backpacks to Briefcases' event, pre-k enrollment initiatives, campus infrastructure improvements, and service celebrations.

The board approved several internal personnel appointments and returns from leave. Financial actions included the authorization of various grants and inter-agency agreements, such as supporting the Michigan Department of Education and various district-level mathematics instruction initiatives. The board also addressed action items including the proclamation for Teacher Appreciation Week, the approval of the 2026-2027 meeting schedule, updates to the county common calendar, and a first reading of policy and administrative regulation updates. The superintendent provided reflections on organizational mission, impact, and upcoming recognition events for educators and staff.