Christopher Billingslea

This document outlines Holt Public Schools' vision, centered on the principles of "Innovate, Educate, and Inspire," to create an enriching educational environment for all students. It focuses on fostering innovative thinking for complex problem-solving and knowledge application, providing comprehensive support for students to achieve their educational goals, and inspiring efficacy to make a positive impact on the world. The document details various learning experiences and acceleration policies for K-12 students, including early entrance, single-subject and whole-grade acceleration, test-out procedures, and external learning opportunities to cater to diverse student needs and aspirations.

The meeting focused primarily on the search for a new Superintendent. Discussion included the sharing of data points on attendance for input sessions and the results from the Community and Staff Engagement Survey, presented by the MASB Executive Search Consultant. The Board reviewed a draft selection criteria document, providing feedback to ensure community and staff input was adequately incorporated into the criteria being developed for the new Superintendent.

Key discussions included a presentation from the bond partner, Moore Trosper Construction, regarding the Sycamore Elementary Bond Abatement Work, resulting in the approval to award the work to GFL Environmental. The Board also approved the purchase of a new bus, selecting a bid for $162,897. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025 and early January 2026, as well as a donation to Elliott Elementary School. During the working session, the team engaged in community building activities and reflections centered around Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including discussions on 'Letter from the Birmingham Jail,' a book study on anti-blackness at school, and a review of the strategic plan refresh led by the Policy Committee. The Board entered a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding a settlement strategy, and subsequently approved recommendations from legal counsel upon returning to open session. Old business addressed the district's plan for responding to inquiries related to events in Minneapolis.

This Annual Education Report (AER) for Holt Public Schools, specifically Horizon Elementary School, provides key information on the 2024-25 educational progress. It addresses accountability, student assessment, and teacher quality, fulfilling federal and state reporting requirements. The report details the school's commitment to effective Tier I instruction, data-driven identification of students needing additional support, and intervention strategies to raise scores for underperforming student populations in ELA and Mathematics. It also emphasizes monitoring economically disadvantaged, BIPOC, and students with disabilities to ensure adequate academic gains through curriculum alignment to common core standards and instructional fidelity.

The meeting included several actions taken by the Board. Key agenda items involved the election of officers, where Amy Dalton was appointed President, Jennifer Robel as Vice President, Jessie Jones as Secretary, and Mark Perry as Treasurer. The Board also set a detailed timeline for the Superintendent search and hiring process with consultants from MASB. Discussions included drafting contract language early and clarifying residency requirements for the new superintendent, noting that while a requirement cannot be mandated, a preference for residency in mid-Michigan would be listed. Further steps involved identifying community partners through feedback sessions and finalizing the salary range for the posting, which was set between $195,000 and $235,000.