Joel Fabris

The Board of Education convened into a Closed Session for the purpose of reviewing the written advice of Council before returning to Open Session and subsequently adjourning the meeting.

The meeting included the acceptance of the amended February 4, 2026, agenda, with adjustments made to policy recommendations. The Superintendent's Report covered the Summer Discovery Program Grant Award. Key actions included the approval of a 5th-grade field trip for Pardee Elementary. The Board approved participation in the Schools of Choice Program for the 2026-27 school year, setting the open enrollment period from May 15th through August 14th, 2026. The Board also adopted several new, revised, and reissued Neola Board Policies and Bylaws, including policies related to Staff Ethics, Professional Growth Responsibilities, and Staff Termination. Several Board members received approval for virtual attendance at professional development sessions. Updates during District Points of Pride covered various school activities for Kindness Month and Black History Month, the success of the Vision to Learn Program at Polk, athletic performance, scholarship achievements for the Class of 2026, and IT Department customer satisfaction ratings. Financial matters included the approval of the MiFamily Network grant to fund a Family Connection Lounge and the Summer Discovery grant for enrichment programs. The Policy Committee provided an update during Other Business.

The Board of Education meeting included discussion and action on several significant items. Key actions involved accepting the Superintendent's report items concerning the Athletic Department donation, the 2025-2026 Amended Budget, and a Short Term Loan. The Board officially accepted the amended 2025-2026 Budget and approved a resolution authorizing a short-term loan of $7 million for operational purposes. Furthermore, the Board accepted the second reading and adoption of several new, revised, and reissued Neola Board Policies and Bylaws relating to staff employment and student supervision. Under District Points of Pride, updates were provided across various schools (Madison, Bedford, Polk, Pardee, O.W. Best, AHS) highlighting student achievements, cultural celebrations (Black History Month), reading initiatives, and college tours. The Technology update noted high global traffic to the district website. In Special Education, the district announced plans to open two new cross-categorical programs at the elementary level and absorb students from Westwood School District's ECP program. Finally, the Board agreed to cancel plans for the NSBA San Antonio Conference and establish stricter parameters prioritizing local and virtual conferences for future Board education.

The Board of Education accepted the agenda for the meeting. Key actions included accepting certified staff appointments, such as an ECP Teacher at Madison Elementary, effective December 15, 2025. Committee appointments for the remainder of 2026 were confirmed for the Building and Site Committee, Policy Committee, Finance Committee, and Reinstatement Committee, including the designation of chairpersons for each. The Board also approved two trip requests for the Annapolis High School Band for performances and adjudications in Ohio and Michigan in March and May 2026. Furthermore, the Board approved the first reading of several proposed new, revised, and reissued Neola Board Policies and Bylaws covering topics like staff ethics, professional growth, board powers, and staff employment/discipline. During District Points of Pride, recognition was given for the successful production of Matilda and for extra efforts in snow removal and grounds maintenance. Several individuals received Kudos in a dedicated section.

The Board of Education accepted the agenda and addressed several Superintendent's Reports, including recognition for MASB 2025 School Board Achievements and a proclamation for Black History Month. The Board accepted the resignation of one certified staff member, Michelle Karr, School Social Worker. The Board also accepted the first reading of proposed new, revised, and reissued Neola Board Policies concerning areas such as employment of support staff, anti-nepotism, and weapons policies. District Points of Pride updates included planning for Family Fun Night, the Wayne County Association of School Boards General Membership Meeting, and a new D7 Enrollment Fair. Significant discussion centered on the 2025-26 School Year Budget, noting significant issues due to decreased student counts, changes in state funding formulas, rising costs, and reductions in at-risk funding, necessitating a plan for budget adjustments. The district is also partnering with the University of Michigan Dearborn Campus on a community project regarding crosswalk safety, for which a survey was distributed. The meeting concluded with committee updates and public comments, followed by kudos recognition.