Katie Carthew

The meeting featured a 'good news' segment recognizing the varsity girls' basketball team's regional success, the upcoming kindergarten roundup event, the achievements of the middle school 'You Be The Solution' team in a chemistry competition, and the selection of a staff member as the regional Teacher of the Year. The Board reviewed monthly financial reports, noting that revenues are currently exceeding expenditures, and outlined plans for a comprehensive budget update in May. The curriculum committee presented a policy change requiring eighth-grade algebra students to take their course at the high school to ensure rigor and announced an alignment check of pacing guides across all district buildings. Additionally, a brief update on board policy revisions was initiated.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including acknowledging champion middle school swimmers for their achievements, such as setting school records, and recognizing a teacher named Carrie Barton for being named Michigan Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 8. Appreciation was extended to Sergeant Lama and K-9 Buddy for their service as School Resource Officers. Updates were provided regarding the recent Hundreds Day celebration in elementary schools and the observance of Career and Technical Education Month, noting that approximately 40% of junior and senior students are enrolled in CTE classes. The board was informed about the upcoming open house for prospective Young Fives and Kindergarten students in the Class of 2039. Student reports highlighted the success of the Winterfest celebration, positive student turnout for Count Day to maximize funding, and the establishment of the new leadership-based Tribe Club which organized the delivery of winter-themed letters to nursing home residents. Athletic achievements included updates on basketball and wrestling teams, including a wrestler competing at D2 states. The senior class announced their class color (Sunset Orange), flower (Marigold), and song (Landslide by Fleetwood Mac), and the progress on their senior gift for the 'jungle.' Academic highlights included a hands-on demonstration involving human organs for Anatomy and Physiology students and a field trip for related courses, as well as a successful National Honor Society event where leaders from several counties made donation blankets. A fun event setting a school record for walking taco consumption was mentioned, resulting in an administrator dressing as a taco. Finally, a swim team fundraiser involving shaving heads was noted. A budget committee report discussed the plan to transition a tuition-based preschool classroom to a grant-funded GSRP classroom due to cost savings and family qualification rates, and noted that funding for the strategic plan is secured via Title Two funds.

The meeting agenda included discussion on the partnership with Lev's Bakery for a 'Sugar and Shine' doughnut drop-in initiative to recognize staff dedication. The student representative provided an update on the second semester start, emphasizing the review of basic expectations like timely work submission, ongoing senior seminar activities focused on professional social skills, and updates on winter sports achievements, including three band students receiving all-state honors. The student representative also highlighted the strength and composure of a teacher recently diagnosed with cancer, and confirmed that snow days have been managed effectively through online assignments. Key operational discussions included the addition of an item regarding copier RFPs, the status of the Patterson property sale (which is sold), progress on the Heric Park sale, updates on the printer and print services RFP, an adjustment to the high school door buzzer camera angle, and updates on capital projects, including cost savings on the TMS barn reskinning/roofing and the temporary operational status of the middle school elevator jack replacement.

The meeting commenced with the annual election of officers, resulting in Becky Brooks being elected as President, Lynn Davis as Vice President, Mr. Martinez as Secretary, and Greg Lewis as Treasurer. Following the pledge of allegiance, good news items included a celebration of a holiday tradition involving elves visiting schools, recognition of Tecumseh Middle School students competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, highlighting the fall high school career fair featuring over 50 businesses, and acknowledging January as School Board Recognition Month. During public comment, one individual raised concerns regarding alleged ongoing Fourth Amendment violations due to classroom searches for cell phones without reasonable suspicion, citing board policy and legal precedents. Another commenter expressed concerns about the upkeep of facilities, specifically aquatic centers, in contrast to expenditures elsewhere. Revisions to the agenda were approved to include a committee of the whole discussion on the budget. Scheduled reports covered the Budget Committee's discussion on recreational millage and fund balance definition, safety and facility committee news about solar savings, and the Curriculum Committee's review of a proposed Data Science course and a comparison of PSAT outcomes between dual enrollment students and those taught by district staff, showing significantly higher scores for the latter. Finally, the initial discussion item recognized a $573.19 donation to the athletic department from the McDonald's High School Sports Digital Fundraiser.

The agenda for this meeting included scheduled reports such as the AP/Dual Enrollment Report. Discussion items covered the Superintendent Contract, a Budget Committee Recommendation, the Careers in Data Science Course, and the Pool Closure & Reduction in Force. Action items included the adoption of the Careers in Data Science Course, the Superintendent Contract, the 2025-26 Budget Amendment Adoption, the Copier Request for Proposal (RFP), and the Pool Closure & Reduction in Force. The administration's report section included a discussion on School of Choice and Enrollment.