Collin Henry

The Board discussed and approved various construction and service contracts for the 2024 Bond Bid Pack 2 project, including excavation, demolition, landscaping, concrete, carpentry, roofing, glass and aluminum, drywall, acoustics, insulation, flooring, painting, mechanical, and electrical work. Additionally, the Board heard comments from staff and discussed future communications to parents and the community regarding the status of the bond project.

The board reviewed and approved the payment of various district bills, including payroll and general funds. Key discussion items included the 2026 federal E-Rate grant bids for power supplies and cabling, the purchase of new varsity football uniforms, and the selection of new furniture for the 2024 Bond - McComb project. The board also accepted several staff resignations and retirements, including the Caro High School principal. Furthermore, the superintendent provided updates on enrollment, district facility projects related to the 2024 Bond, and upcoming end-of-year events.

The board meeting included a presentation on 31n services and student survey results, along with discussions regarding new math and literacy curriculum resources, a security camera project funded by the 2024 Bond, and a review of wellness policy goals. Key actions taken included the approval of purchases for literacy and math curricula, district-wide security cameras, and Chromebooks. Additionally, the board approved several NEOLA policy revisions and accepted the retirements of two teachers and a principal. The Superintendent provided an update on 2024 Bond projects, progress on the realignment and consolidation initiative, and updates on spring athletics.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of financial bills and budget revisions for the 2025-2026 General Fund. Policy revisions were introduced for a first reading. Significant decisions included the approval of a grade realignment and building consolidation plan for the 2026-2027 school year, the nomination of a candidate for the 'Friend of Youth' honor, and the nomination of a candidate for the MASB Region 5 Board of Directors election. Additionally, the superintendent provided reports on snow day usage, upcoming legislative changes regarding cell phone policies, and awareness initiatives regarding substance risks.

The meeting commenced with the organizational actions, including the election of officers: Brian McComb as President, Tina Gomez as Vice-President, Kathleen Curtis as Secretary, and Susan Holder as Treasurer for the 2026 calendar year. The Board approved bills totaling $2,359,553.60, covering payroll, general fund, and food service expenses. Key discussions centered on the selection of the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) reading series as the new K-5 literacy curriculum resource, funded by a grant, and discussing potential nominees for the 2026 Friend of Youth award. Board action included approving the Thrun Law Firm, PC as official school attorney, designating depository banks, approving The Tuscola County Advertiser as the official newspaper, setting stipend parameters, and establishing the recurring meeting schedule for the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of the Amplify CKLA 3rd Edition literacy curriculum for grades K-5, not to exceed $152,698 in grant funding. The Superintendent provided updates on the bond project, noting a pause on Phase 2 work to consider consolidation models, and confirming plans for summer 2026 tennis court work.