Kim Bidwell

The special meeting agenda was approved. There were no public comments on items not on the agenda. The Board moved into and returned from a closed session for the purpose of conducting a student discipline hearing. The primary decision rendered was the expulsion of student 052A from Newaygo Public Schools through the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered monthly trial balances and the accounts payable listing. Presentations featured recognition for a School Resource Officer, an update on the High School's Unified Basketball Team, and information about the 'Out of Darkness' suicide prevention walk. Personnel actions included accepting resignations, retirements, and terminations for several positions, followed by the approval to hire a Head Varsity Football Coach, a Middle School Girls Basketball Assistant Coach, an Elementary Aide, a Middle School Science Teacher, and a Middle School Counselor/District 504 Coordinator. Informational items involved a Finance and Budget Update and a Mid-Year Data Update concerning Capturing Kids' Hearts and NWEA Data. Administrative matters included the approval of the ORS Salary Schedule for non-union employees for multiple school years and the approval of technology vendor and project lists for the bond. The Board also discussed public comments and convened a closed session for Attorney Client Privileged Communication.

The Newaygo Public Schools Board of Education held an organizational meeting. The primary agenda item involved the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in the declaration of Vince Grodus as President, Mary Spicer as Vice-President, Tom Frisbie as Treasurer, and Sara Rivera-Cronk as Secretary. The agenda was approved, and there were no public comments.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the minutes from the December 15, 2025, meeting, monthly trial balances, and the accounts payable listing. Key discussions included an update from The Christman Company on the Bond work construction phase, an update from the MTSS Director of Curriculum and Assessment, and a Middle School update featuring student leaders discussing leadership initiatives. In administrative matters, the Board approved a list of vendors and projects for the bond and adopted a resolution calling for a millage election on May 5, 2026, for the continuation of the statutory property tax levy. The Superintendent also reported on one personnel resignation.

The Board discussed finance and budget updates, including proposed budget amendments for the General Fund and Food Service Fund. They approved Resolution D2 for 31aa Funding Opt-In and a resolution authorizing the sale of bonds Series II. Additionally, they approved budget amendments for 2025-2026, the purchase of a special needs school bus and a regular school bus, and repairs to the Transportation Office roof. The Board also approved a Therapy Dog Policy. The board then moved into closed session for a student discipline hearing and a reinstatement hearing, and later for Attorney Client Privileged Communication. Finally, the board approved a change to the January regular meeting date.