Laura Bidlack

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance led by four students from Novi Woods Elementary. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, the student board representative report detailing the success of Wish Week activities such as pancake breakfast, tape takeover, and a staff vs. student basketball game, and updates on upcoming events like the Ro Shambo competition and choir concert. The board celebrated numerous staff achievements through the Weekly Wildcat Recognition program, honoring four staff members for their dedication and collaboration. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing several outstanding staff members who are retiring, including Allison Berg, Jeff Dingleman, Shirley Jenkee, Brad Miller, Kim TR, and Tamara Quinn, acknowledging their extensive years of dedicated service to the district.

The Board of Education meeting included recognition of NHS students for All-State Band and Orchestra honors, as well as recognition of Weekly Wildcat winners and retirees. The Board discussed and approved Personnel Report A and accepted a donation for the Therapy Dog Program. Reports were presented on Novi Woods Elementary and a proposal for the 2026 8th-grade Washington, D.C. trip. The Board also discussed OCSBA resolutions and a plan to implement ParentSquare as a unified communications tool. The purchase of custodial equipment for the Novus Center was approved, as well as the Novi High School Japan Spring Break 2027 trip. The Board adopted a resolution to issue Series I of bonds and approved the 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C. in 2026. Updates were given on the Master Planning Committee meeting, snow/salt treatments, custodial services, the Chopped competition, I-Ready assessments, and Kindergarten Info Night. The Board also moved into a Closed Session for negotiations.

The Board of Education meeting included recognitions and presentations, specifically honoring the 2017 support person of the year. The winter athletics report was presented, celebrating the achievements of various teams and individual athletes. The Novi varsity hockey team was recognized for receiving all-state academics, and a recap of their season was provided. The wrestling team was recognized as central division champions, and the girls basketball team was celebrated for their successful season, including winning the district championship.

The Board discussed various topics, including a student board representative report, weekly wildcat winners, NEF grants, NCSD Athletic Boosters Fall 2025 donations, and personnel reports. Presentations were given on Novi4All and NATC buildings, a trip to Japan for Novi High School students for spring break 2027, and a proposal for new kitchen equipment at Novi Middle School. The board approved the purchase of kitchen equipment, the 2024-25 audit report, the 2025-26 General Fund First Budget Amendment, and the 2025 Bond Program Profession Team Contract Authority. Updates were provided on the Master Planning Committee, Joint Finance and Capital Projects Committee, superintendent's initiatives, and administrative matters.

The meeting included recognition of Lisa Rice as the Novi Educational Foundation suburban collection 2018 Teacher of the Year. The board also received a report from Lisa Volmers of USA Hockey regarding the collaboration with the U.S. A 17 and 18 year old hockey development program. Student board members reported on achievements at their schools, including awards at the mission student Film Festival, the power nor by power day, Detroit Science and Engineering Fair, Interact Club, and science olympiad.