Lisa McLaughlin

The work session focused on several key discussion items. The Board reviewed a preliminary six-month framework for upcoming work session topics, with a request to prioritize more time-intensive subjects for Monday sessions. A continuation of discussion took place regarding high school grading, specifically the CA (Credit Awarded) practice and its link to attendance, including requests for data on potential decoupling effects. Additionally, the Board discussed truancy, aiming to clarify the difference between truancy and chronic absenteeism and its academic impact. Student retention practices were also reviewed, covering current processes, timelines, and parental roles, with follow-up planned for a future meeting.

The Board Meeting included the approval of the agenda for January 27, 2026, following Superintendent Comments which included Winter Thank You's and Appreciation. Key action items involved approving a Consent Agenda which covered staff reports, contracted services, and the approval of minutes from several prior meetings in January 2026, as well as approval for CTE overnight field trips. New business included a discussion and subsequent approval for the allocation of $100,000 annually to support vocal and instrumental music programs, offsetting costs for camps, trips, and supplies, beginning in the second semester of the 2025/2026 school year. The Board also approved a service purchase contract from Automated Logic not to exceed $45,056.00. Under Old Business, the Board approved the purchase of two buses and associated camera systems at an estimated total cost of $316,998.00, funded from the Navarre Field property sale proceeds, with an amendment stipulating they must revisit the purchase if the sale falls through. An update on State Fiscal Monitoring was also discussed. The meeting concluded after Superintendent's Comments and Public Commentary on various topics.

The Special Work Session included three primary discussion items. First, a presentation was given regarding school bus purchasing options, covering fleet overview, route challenges due to increased ridership and limited buses, and feasibility of short-term rental or leasing solutions. Second, the administration proposed a plan to allocate approximately $100,000 annually to offset student costs for band, orchestra, and vocal music participation, with discussion focusing on distribution models and equity. Third, the Superintendent reviewed and discussed the draft list of upcoming Work Session topics scheduled for the coming months.

The meeting began with the Superintendent calling the session to order, followed by the explanation of the procedure for the Organizational Meeting. Key discussions and actions included the election of the temporary chairperson, followed by the formal election and appointment of officers for the 2026 calendar year: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian, as well as the School Board Liaison Representative to the Monroe County Intermediate School District. The Board approved Option B for the 2026 meeting calendar and reviewed informational items regarding Board Member compensation and various reports. Under Consent Agenda items, actions included the appointment of the Administrator Treasurer, designation of signature authorizations for checks and contracts, employment of the Certified Public Accountant for the annual audit, appointment of General Counsel, appointment of the Administrative Secretary, approval of Corporate Resolutions and Facsimile Signatures for various bank accounts, approval of Corporate Resolutions for Bank Depositories. New Business featured the approval of the sale of the Navarre Field property, an update on Section 31aa Funds, ratification of the Administrators' Master Agreement contract, and acceptance of a committee recommendation for an unconditional reinstatement of a student. A discussion on Bus Transportation was also added and addressed. The session concluded with a Closed Session to consider matters exempt from public disclosure.

The Work Session meeting involved several key discussions. The first item reviewed the School Index Rating, where a representative provided an overview of the Michigan School Index system, including its historical context, scoring methodology (achievement, growth, attendance, graduation rates, subgroup performance), and interpretation. The second discussion focused on Student Data Presentation, reviewing four years of i-Ready assessment data for reading and math, categorized into Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Board Members requested analysis on tracking cohorts, grade-to-grade comparisons, and detailed intervention plans at secondary levels.