Judy Cox

The board meeting agenda includes the introduction of a student representative and review of monthly financial summaries, personnel changes, student expulsions, and a JAG contract revision. Communication items feature the Superintendent's report and the establishment of SMART goals for the Superintendent's evaluation. Regular business items cover the first reading of board policy updates, adoption of an E-Rate resolution, approval of a revised curriculum guide for 2026-2027, authorization for Washington Elementary restroom flooring renovations, and decisions regarding student reinstatements. The meeting will also include a closed session regarding negotiation strategy.

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to consider the conditional reinstatement of a student (RR 2024-2025) for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, following a recommendation from the Superintendent's Review Committee, which was ultimately approved. Board discussion covered recent basketball games at Bay City Western and Central High Schools, building cultures, regular resource sharing, school honors assemblies, and transportation matters.

The key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the introduction of new student representatives. Under the consent agenda, the Board approved financial reports for November and December 2025, along with associated checks for December 2025 and January 2026. Approval was also granted for the January personnel changes report. A significant item was the consideration and recommendation for the expulsion of Student F1 2025-2026, with eligibility for reinstatement review after May 1, 2026. A student trip request for the WHS Travel Club to Spain in June 2027 was also considered. Under the regular agenda, the Board approved the 2026-2027 high school curriculum and course guide, despite one dissenting vote. Vendors were selected and awarded contracts for restroom renovations at Auburn Elementary, McAlear-Sawden Elementary, and Kolb Elementary schools. A resolution was adopted to update the trustee and risk management coordinator appointments for the Middle Cities Risk Management Trust. Furthermore, the Board approved a five-year contract extension with Weinlander-Fitzhugh for financial audits through fiscal year 2030. Finally, the hiring of Mike Thayer as Interim Assistant Principal/Athletic Director for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year was approved.

The Special Board Meeting addressed a student discipline appeal and involved a subsequent closed session for the hearing. Key discussion points included the consideration and approval of the hiring of the Associate Superintendent of Finance and Grants, Scott Sawyer. Following the closed session, the Board upheld the recommendation to expel Student E1 2025-2026 for major infractions for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, with the possibility of reinstatement application after May 1, 2026.

The agenda for this meeting of the Board of Education, which is for conducting school district business, included the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Approval of Agenda, and Call to the Audience. The regular agenda focused on the potential Approve/Deny/Modify action concerning Student Reinstatement RR 2024-2025, followed by Board Discussion and Adjournment.