Jill Collins

The meeting commenced with recognition of the 100 Mile Club participants, celebrating students who achieved a collective program record of nearly 2600 miles run. Key agenda items included the required annual approval of the Health and Safety Protocol Plan, ensuring adherence to CDC guidelines for K-12 schools. Discussions also covered first readings and policy reviews based on legislative updates from November 2023, effective February 2024, concerning school powers, administrator evaluations, and staff reduction procedures. Further policy discussions addressed revisions related to the evaluation of the superintendent, the rescinding of policy 2410 regarding abortion assistance, and updates to policies concerning reproductive health/sex education based on recent legislative repeals. Technical corrections and additions were made to policies on purchasing, construction, prevailing wages, payroll deductions, animals on property, and religious/patriotic ceremonies. A major action item involved the presentation and award recommendation for civil engineering services related to the 2021 bond program renovations for three specific buildings, totaling an estimated $84,650 for geotechnical investigation, utility locating, surveying, and site engineering. An out-of-state field trip request for a football tournament was also presented.

The key discussions and actions following the close session involved student reinstatement matters. Specifically, the Board considered conditional reinstatement for student number 1-012424 to TVLA with a hybrid schedule for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. A subsequent action confirmed the reinstatement for student number 1-022124 with a vote of 5 to 1. Board member comments highlighted upcoming community events, including a fundraiser for the Taylor Public Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence at Famous Daves, a fundraiser event benefiting the Griffin Food Pantry at McDonald's involving the Mick Police night, and a basketball exhibition match between Taylor High School and the Taylor Police Department, also supporting the Griffin Food Pantry.

The special board meeting included a budget hearing and addressed several discussion items requiring board approval. Key topics involved the revision of the local wellness policy, including updating promotional materials to use the USDA's 'My Plate' guide instead of the food pyramid, establishing specific meal time allotments (15 minutes for breakfast, 25 minutes for lunch), and formalizing the successful 'share carts' practice. Revisions also included commitments to partner with local food suppliers. Other agenda items included approving overnight conference requests for the Michigan CTE Summer Leadership Conference and the MASB Summer Institute. Furthermore, the board discussed revising Taylor High School's certificate of completion requirements, which necessitated increasing graduation credits from 19 to 20 to incorporate the Griffin Hour, alongside addressing related scheduling impacts on dual enrollment and CTE students. Finally, the presentation covered the amended budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call, followed by recognition of student representatives from Taylor Parks Elementary, who presented on their cheerleading program, highlighting student dedication and bonding. Good news updates included recognition for the Teacher Cadet program, noting its significant increase in participation across 16 schools and positive impacts on student support, as well as updates on the robotics team's success, including winning a district event and qualifying for the state championship. A foundation grant was announced, funding a trip for eighth-grade ELA students to the Holocaust Museum, which will cover admission, a survivor talk, and transportation costs. The board also reviewed scheduled reports, including an update on the 2021 bond program progress, covering accomplishments like new elementary school playgrounds, demolition of Kennedy and Board of Education buildings, and Truman sidewalk replacement. Playground updates specified that ADA-compliant surfacing would be installed during the summer to avoid disrupting school activities, and the relocation of the Eureka Heights playground to Blair Moody was also scheduled for the summer. The agenda was approved as presented.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office for a new board member. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the American Red Cross for efforts related to blood drives, specifically highlighting the achievement of meeting sickle cell unit needs through student participation, which was noted as a lifelong learning experience. The board also recognized several long-serving employees upon their retirement. Key business items included the second reading and discussion of several policy updates concerning compensation, board conferences, and travel reimbursements. Technology software renewals were presented, involving systems like I Ready instruction, BrainPOP, Learning a toz, and Sengage learning, with details on funding sources including state mandates and grant allocations. Two change orders were presented regarding PA systems upgrades at multiple school sites. Additionally, a request was made to approve the creation of Dean of Students positions at Taylor High School, West Middle School, and Flubber Middle School, with a detailed explanation provided on how funding was secured by moving other positions into grant funds. Finally, the board reviewed contract renewals for medical assistants supporting students with severe medical needs, and security guard contracts.