Jennifer Stern

The meeting focused on the organizational business for the year. Key discussions included the election of the Board President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer for the 2026 to 2027 term. The Board also discussed policies regarding officer succession and the value of informal mentoring between officers. Further actions involved accepting the schedule of regular meeting dates and times, appointing the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent to post notices of meetings, confirming committee assignments remained unchanged, appointing the Director of Business as the School Election Official for 2026, and adopting resolutions for depositories, investment institutions, electronic transactions, and machine-signed signatures. Authorized signatures for the district were also approved.

The meeting commenced with a Board Brightener segment featuring a performance by the South Lake Middle School band, who played the National Anthem and "Sleigh Ride," followed by recognition of students accepted into the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's youth program. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included attorney invoices from Clark Hill and Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone P.L.C, and checks written for December 2025. Under the Superintendent's Report, the Board declared January as School Board Recognition Month. Under Curriculum and Instruction, the Board approved Schools of Choice applications for the 2026-2027 school year, approved a contract with Fiber Link Inc. for structured cabling installation at A-Field to improve network stability, and approved a contract with Delta Networks for the replacement of network access points. In the Business Report, the Board approved payments for Avalon/Elmwood Renovations (Bid Package #2) and renovations to South Lake Middle School (Bid Package #3), and accepted the Annual Audit. During Public Comments, a representative from CARE of Southeastern Michigan provided an overview of substance use prevention programs, and a community member requested earlier release dates for summer program schedules and suggested removing references to un-implemented developmental kindergarten. The Board convened into a Closed Session for a Personnel Matter before adjourning.

The meeting featured several informational presentations, including a Board Brightener segment with a musical performance from the Koepsell Early Childhood Center and updates from the High School concerning Spirit Week, lunch program changes, and technology issues. A presentation was also given on the Lancer Newsletter, highlighting student contributions and recognizing the design editor. Key action items involved approving Board Policy Updates and several construction payments, specifically for Avalon/Elmwood Renovations (Bid Package #2) and South Lake Middle School Renovations (Bid Package #3). A significant discussion focused on the recommended award for South Lake Schools 2023 Projects Bid Package #4 (Koepsell Center and Middle School), where administration provided extensive justification regarding the necessity of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lighting upgrades based on system age and efficiency, noting the work aligns with the planned bond initiative. The Board also received an update on the Schools of Choice Program, noting that 531 such students comprise approximately 39% of total enrollment, generating an anticipated $5.6 million in revenue for the 2025-2026 school year.

The agenda for this business meeting included several key areas. Under the Superintendent Report, action was required for the approval of Board Policy Updates, and an informational item noted resignations, specifically Heidi Pisarski as an ECSE Paraprofessional. The Curriculum and Instructional Report included an informational item regarding an update on Schools of Choice. The Business Report required action items for the approval of payments related to the Avalon/Elmwood Renovations (Bid Package #2) and renovations to South Lake Middle School (Bid Package #3), as well as the approval of an award recommendation for 2023 Projects involving the Koepsell Center and South Lake Middle School (Bid Package #4). The meeting also included sections for high school updates, construction updates, public comments, and miscellaneous items.

The meeting included a high school update, with a student sharing updates and concerns regarding iPads, lunches, and the tardy policy. The board approved the consent agenda items, including checks written for September 2025 and attorney invoices. Construction updates were provided for Avalon and Elmwood Elementary Schools. The SLEA officially ratified the contracts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The board also discussed and voted on the approval of schools of choice applications for the second semester and the payment of Avalon/Elmwood renovations. A motion was made to reimburse teachers and counselors for school supplies, but it did not pass.