Britta Baxter

The Board of Education discussed several business items, including a pending litigation case and a proposed senior class trip. Finance committee discussions covered financial reporting, payments, fund equity management, participation in a county consortium, and funding for external entities. The curriculum committee addressed adjustments to the school calendar, the purchase of new curriculum materials, and human resources matters, including the hiring of an assistant principal and staff separations. Additionally, the board considered the installation of classroom security cameras, received superintendent updates regarding conference changes and a board member resignation, and established a policy for reviewing community flyers.

The meeting agenda was approved unanimously. Public comment included a discussion regarding a proposed before- and after-school programming partnership funded by the 32N OST grant, which will focus on STIM, health, and tutoring for students aged 13 and older, with transportation confirmed to be provided. In Finance Committee business, the December monthly financial information, including AP and fund financials, was reviewed. Clarification was sought regarding payments to ATS Educational Services, requiring a breakdown of income and expenses, and the service agreement with Trustec for technology oversight. The board approved the December payments for all listed funds. The board unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Burr Oak Learning Center 32N Grant. Discussions on Athletics focused on implementing a streamlined communication protocol for all department needs through the Athletic Director and Secretary, and addressing coaching vacancies and low participation numbers early. The employment of staff was unanimously approved. In Technology, updates were given on the PowerSchool system implementation, noting some student data extraction issues, while classroom camera policies await attorney review. Facility action items involved tabling a quote for electrical service transfer to the new ball field shed, discussing the need to install a new boiler system and a replacement unit heater for the maintenance shed due to carbon monoxide emission concerns, and approving a one-time purchase of up to $45,000 for a new passenger van utilizing insurance reimbursement funds. Superintendent updates included a scheduled follow-up meeting regarding financial payments, and confirmation that the teacher union passed in an 8-1 vote. Old business included discussions on daycare facility taxes, insurance, and maintenance inspections, and emphasizing the need for a prioritized list of District improvements to be submitted by January 26, 2026. The board also agreed against forming committees for the year.

The meeting began with the Superintendent calling the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key board business included the election of 2026 Board Officers: Britta Baxter as President, Nicole Persinger as Vice President, TJ Baxter as Treasurer, and Jeanne Root as Secretary. The board unanimously approved the bylaws and amended the calendar for 2026 board meetings to be held at 5:30 PM on the second and fourth Monday of each month, with no work session in December. April Rolin was designated as the primary employee authorized to post meeting notices under the Open Meetings Act, with Trustee J. Root as the alternate. Board representatives for the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District (ISD) were nominated and approved. Thrun Law Firm was approved as counsel, while Clark Hill was tabled for further review regarding HR issues. A resolution approving designated depositories and authorized agents for various funds was passed. The appointment of auditors for the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year was tabled pending a cost comparison between two firms.

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Butts, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Due to an insufficient number of present members, a quorum was not established. The meeting was adjourned shortly after being called to order.

The Work Session included a review of the 2024-2025 audit by Gabridge and Company, which the district passed, noting a minor finding regarding record retention. Financial information for October, including the AP report, was presented by Sturgis CFO, noting overdue invoices where 70% went to ATS Educational Services (Burr Oak Virtual Academy). The vote on SCAA league structure changes was deferred to the next Regular Session. Discussions covered new staff onboarding processes managed by Sturgis, quotes for classroom cameras with considerations for system compatibility and storage, and a demonstration of the Powerschool program. Superintendent updates included an ongoing search for a SPED teacher and guidance counselor, contract review for the DayCare, and ensuring volunteer background checks are current. Old Business included requests to separate BOVA and Brick and Mortar expenses in financial reports, discussions about the ballpark shed's electrical panel relocation, and inquiries regarding field leases and marquee sign repair.