Ian Gilyard-Schnaitman

The board conducted a public hearing on the upcoming budget and reviewed various financial presentations, including separate discussions on food service, the Marian Brown Trust, the sinking fund, and student activity funds. The board approved the revised 2025-2026 general fund, the 2026-2027 budgets for multiple funds, and resolutions for fund levies. Furthermore, the board awarded a fuel bid for the transportation department, accepted a dairy bid through a cooperative purchasing agreement, approved a bidirectional amplifier system for the high school to enhance emergency communications, and authorized the installation of glass enclosures for the pod areas at Walters Elementary.

The Board of Education meeting included a presentation from Albion College regarding the Maymester program, highlighting its twenty-year partnership with local schools and various experiential learning projects. Several student teachers shared details of their unit plans developed for different grade levels, including topics such as community advocacy, environmental studies, literacy, local history related to the Civil War, science experiments, and poetry. The discussion also covered the logistical aspects of the upcoming Showcase Learning Fair.

The board held a business session that included a special presentation by Albion College, a consent agenda addressing personnel and monthly disbursements, and highlights from the Marshall Middle School administration and the Transportation Department. The Superintendent provided a report that included special recognitions, departmental awards for the Class of 2026, and an acknowledgement of retiring staff members. Financial action items were discussed regarding a MYCA bus lease and the installation of air conditioning at Gordon Elementary.

The Board of Education meeting focused on a student discipline hearing. The session included an executive closed session to deliberate on the matter under the Open Meetings Act, followed by a return to open session to take action regarding the discipline case.

The strategic plan for Marshall Public Schools aims to improve ELA and Math scores by 1% by June 2026. This objective will be achieved through key strategies including implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for academics and behavior (PBIS), providing intensive individualized support, and fostering personalized learning environments. The plan focuses on enhancing support for building principals, improving tiered instruction, and strengthening family relationships to ensure a rigorous, well-rounded education.