Joshua Bourne

The proceedings included a required public hearing on the general fund budget for the 2025-2026 school year, with the board set to formally adopt the budget later. Key discussions involved budget projections, noting conservative estimates for state aid foundation allowance ($10,000 per student) and assuming a loss of 23 FTE students, leading to an estimated deficit of over $2.3 million against projected revenues. Strategic plan reviews covered multiple focus areas: teaching and learning advancements, including launching a new mentoring program and partnering for staff certification; community connections, involving the rollout of a new website and communication app, and development of a consistent brand book; and facilities/funding, addressing bond projects like vestibule renovations and exploring future funding methods such as competitive bidding and donor outreach. Athletics recognized several high-achieving student athletes.

The meeting commenced with the board secretary presiding due to the absence of the president and vice president. Key discussions focused on the presentation of district goals aligned with the strategic plan, spanning teaching, learning, and programming; community and communication; and facilities and funding. Specific initiatives included evaluating curricular opportunities, refining communication plans utilizing new digital tools, working on rebranding, overseeing fund utilization (including bond and grant dollars), and enhancing district safety measures. Safety initiatives involved implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), pursuing Michigan Heart-Safe School status, conducting cardiac response drills, and implementing recommendations from safety assessments, such as secure vestibules. The consent agenda covered approval of the August 18th, 2025 board meeting minutes, payment of invoices, and the second reading and adoption of Neola policies, including those related to non-discrimination on the basis of sex.

The meeting commenced with roll call attendance confirmation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. The consent agenda covered several administrative items, such as approving the June 2025 board minutes, establishing the 2025-2026 board meeting calendar and work session times, approving annual retainer contracts, designating the superintendent's executive officer, approving board bylaws and policies, approving memberships in the MASB legal trust fund, approving conference requests, and determining board compensation. Major business items involved approving substitute rates for ancillary staff and substitute teachers, confirming travel rates remained at the IRS reimbursement rate, and approving the bid recommendation for the US12 access drive bond project, which came in under budget, pending final MDOT approval regarding traffic flow changes. A significant discussion centered on the update and approval of the reproductive health curriculum, opting to continue with the updated Michigan model for health, which involved significant work from an advisory board, community subcommittees, and two public hearings held in May and June. The Superintendent's report included recognizing two board members' birthdays and noting the recent passing of a maintenance department staff member.

The meeting included recognition of National Principal Month, highlighting the work of principals at various schools. There was a presentation on new elective courses at Edwardsburg Middle School, including Advanced FCS, Yearbook, Digital Design, and Practical Law and Debate. The Advanced FCS class focuses on practical skills for personal, family, and career success, covering textiles, fashion, human development, caregiving, education, and culinary arts. The Yearbook class, comprised of eighth graders, is responsible for creating all the pages for the yearbook with the theme of Hollywood. The Digital Design class teaches students how to think like professional digital designers using Canva. The Practical Law and Debate class focuses on laws, criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, and consumer law.

The meeting included a public hearing on the district's SIP of compliance, presented by the district's IT director. Updates on construction projects throughout the district, funded by the zero mill increase bond passed in 2024, were provided, detailing renovations and improvements at various schools. Highlights from the summer school program were shared, with reports on elementary and middle school initiatives, including attendance, activities, and the impact on students.