Matt Siebert

The Board of Education meeting included the approval of new hires and the adoption of an agenda. Key action items discussed and approved included the relocation of an air conditioning unit to the roof at Gordon, which is projected to result in cost savings; the adoption of updated board policies, including new student cell phone usage restrictions; the adoption of middle school FFA agriculture textbooks; and the approval of various overnight or out-of-state field trips. Additionally, the Board authorized cooperative purchasing for graphic and print technology equipment for Opportunity High School using grant funds. The meeting also addressed board member inquiries regarding the state budget, specifically funding for mental health and safety, and provided an update on football field lighting improvements.

The board conducted a public hearing on the upcoming budget and reviewed various financial presentations, including separate discussions on food service, the Marian Brown Trust, the sinking fund, and student activity funds. The board approved the revised 2025-2026 general fund, the 2026-2027 budgets for multiple funds, and resolutions for fund levies. Furthermore, the board awarded a fuel bid for the transportation department, accepted a dairy bid through a cooperative purchasing agreement, approved a bidirectional amplifier system for the high school to enhance emergency communications, and authorized the installation of glass enclosures for the pod areas at Walters Elementary.

The Board of Education meeting included a presentation from Albion College regarding the Maymester program, highlighting its twenty-year partnership with local schools and various experiential learning projects. Several student teachers shared details of their unit plans developed for different grade levels, including topics such as community advocacy, environmental studies, literacy, local history related to the Civil War, science experiments, and poetry. The discussion also covered the logistical aspects of the upcoming Showcase Learning Fair.

The board held a business session that included a special presentation by Albion College, a consent agenda addressing personnel and monthly disbursements, and highlights from the Marshall Middle School administration and the Transportation Department. The Superintendent provided a report that included special recognitions, departmental awards for the Class of 2026, and an acknowledgement of retiring staff members. Financial action items were discussed regarding a MYCA bus lease and the installation of air conditioning at Gordon Elementary.

The Board of Education meeting focused on a student discipline hearing. The session included an executive closed session to deliberate on the matter under the Open Meetings Act, followed by a return to open session to take action regarding the discipline case.