Heather Kowalski

The board meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report covering the General Education, Special Education, Motor Vehicle, and Unemployment Funds, and the authorization of expenditure payments. The board received a presentation regarding CTE Summer Camps and the MiStem Network. Additional items discussed included the superintendent's report, out-of-state and overnight travel, and personnel hiring recommendations for a Teacher Consultant and a Finance Specialist, contingent upon background checks. The meeting also included an executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining strategy.

This document outlines the partnership opportunities for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) offered by COPESD. It details requirements for participation, including facility licensing, staff credentialing, and calendar options, alongside funding models for both school and extended day programs. Key benefits for subrecipients include increased enrollment, financial alignment, and access to program coaching and professional learning. Benefits for families include high-quality, play-based preschool environments, opportunities for parental involvement, and a smooth transition to Kindergarten, all emphasizing continuous quality improvement through professional development and adherence to Michigan Early Childhood Standards.

The meeting included a review and acceptance of the Treasurer's Report, which covered cash reports for various funds and payment of warrants. The Superintendent presented certificates recognizing the board members for School Board Appreciation Month and pointed out student artwork. A presentation was given regarding the restructure of the Great Start Collaborative (GSC) program into "Help Me Grow" due to funding cuts, with assurances of continued service through June. Personnel matters included the approval to hire Ryan LaBean for a Student Engagement paraprofessional position and the formal acceptance, with regret, of the retirement of Teacher Consultant Jacqueline Fry and the resignation of School Psychologist Olivia Lehr. The Superintendent's Report for January 2026 was also reviewed.

This Future Planning Summary for the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD covers the period of 2023-2028, outlining a mission to maximize learning and citizenship through educational leadership, sustainable evidence-based practices, and professional development. The plan emphasizes engaging learners to foster growth and success, focusing on five priority areas: Programs/Services/Academics, Culture/Learning Environment, Operations/Finance, Community Engagement/Communications, and Leadership/Personnel.

Key discussion points included a presentation on Regional Professional Development and Learning updates. Actions taken or recommended involved accepting the Treasurer's Report for January and approving associated warrants. The board considered approving overnight travel for staff for upcoming workshops and MAISA General Membership meetings. Furthermore, the board recommended approval for the 2025-26 Mid Year Budget Amendment #1 related to the Strategic Plan. The board also formally accepted the resignation of an ECSE Paraprofessional, presented a hiring recommendation for an SSW, and recommended approval for the 3-year University Center Lease Renewal through June 2029.