Jamie Lynn Otting

Key discussions included a revision to the agenda to move Public Comment after Administrative Reports, and the addition of Closed Sessions. The Superintendent reported on the temporary cancellation of the HS Media Club's attendance at the Journalism Conference due to unrest in Minneapolis. An update was provided on the Trane Technologies review concerning potential energy performance bond projects focusing on heating, controls, and lighting, with an RFP anticipated in April. The development of the CHOICE program (Creating Habits Of Integrity, Character, and Excellence) for fifth-grade students, in place of the DARE program, was highlighted. Several donations to student groups and field maintenance were noted. The Board approved multiple consent agenda items, including professional development conference attendance for staff. Action items included the approval of new course additions: Woodshop and Robotics/Coding for Middle School, and American Sign Language and AP Biology for High School. The Board conducted two closed sessions: one regarding material exempt from disclosure and another concerning personnel evaluation. Finally, the Board appointed Melissa Fortner to fill an open School Board Member position.

The Special Call Meeting focused on the review and approval of the revised agenda, followed by a period for public comment where no action was taken. The primary substantive discussion involved interviewing candidates for a vacant trustee seat. The meeting was adjourned shortly after the interviews concluded.

Key discussions during the meeting included Board Officers, Student Council Reports, and Special Presentations. The special presentations covered the Staff Members of the Month, the Monroe County Technology Millage Renewal (with an action recommendation to adopt a supporting resolution), and a Budget Amendment Resolution for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Action items included approving a one-time off-schedule payment to employees from Educator Compensation Funds, revising Policy 3209 (Debit/Credit Cards) and Policy 5405 (Title I Parent and Family Engagement), and approving the purchase of District networking equipment and Dell Chromebooks using Technology Millage Funds. The agenda also included adopting resolutions for School of Choice Opt-Out and Opt-In. The session concluded with a Closed Session to conduct the Superintendent Midyear Review.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by student council members. Key discussions included the election of Board Officers, resulting in appointments for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The agenda was revised by removing Student Accolades from Recognition. Committee assignments were reviewed, including representatives for the Monroe County School Board Association and Legislative Relations. The Superintendent reported that an RFP was posted to update district wireless access points. A special presentation recognized Carrie Esford as the December Staff Member of the Month. The Board approved a request for high school journalism students and staff to attend a national convention in Minneapolis. The Board also approved the hiring of several personnel, including two General Education Route Drivers and staff for Cook and CES IF Aide positions. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of door access systems and authorized staff to attend the Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference. The session included a closed session for collective bargaining negotiations strategy, followed by a Student Discipline Hearing which resulted in the permanent expulsion of one student.

The primary actions during this special call meeting involved the review and approval of the revised agenda. The Board entered into a Closed Session to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by statute. Following the Closed Session, a motion was made to Appeal an ALJ Decision, which ultimately failed on a 3-3 vote. There was no public comment offered. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.