Matthew Cook

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of financial reports for November 2025 and an Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice dialogue focusing on chronic absenteeism data in Washtenaw County. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for multiple employment recommendations, several position reclassifications, and the authorization for new positions. The Board also authorized administration to approve several contracts and agreements, including one with Washtenaw County not to exceed $20,000.00 and another with Everett Evaluation Research & Consulting up to $50,000.00. Under New Business, the Board authorized acceptance of the 27h Mentoring and Induction District Support Grant totaling $1,028,322.00. Additionally, the Board conducted the first read of updated WISD policies concerning student assessment, immunization, medication use, and health/suicide prevention. Administrative reports covered topics such as a lawsuit involving the Sheriff and County Commissioners, discussions on improving literacy efforts, and updates on Michigan Merit Curriculum legislation.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the October 2025 financial reports for the general fund and Head Start programs. A presentation outlined upcoming family engagement plans and goals for Region 9 of Michigan. The Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice dialogue featured Superintendent Norman sharing details about a recent cabinet and Kriseles retreat. The consent agenda involved the approval of staff resignations and retirements, authorization to apply for the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Out of School Time grant, and authorization to accept contracts/grants from Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. New business items included the adoption of the 2026 Summer Tax Resolution authorizing 100% tax collection in the summer, approval of a three-year contract with Goalbook, authorization for a fund transfer between fiscal years in Payment Management Systems, and approval of a proclamation making November Family Engagement Month. The Board discussed but ultimately decided against opting into the 31aa School Funding for Mental Health and School Safety.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda. Communications noted a $2,500 donation from the Kegel Family Foundation for training blind or impaired children. The Career and Technical Education Director presented gifts for Board Appreciation Month, and the Superintendent received the Superintendent Communicator of the Year award from MSPRA. Financial reports for December 2025, including Head Start reports, were reviewed and approved. The Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice dialogue covered the Superintendent's MAISA meeting experience and ICE activities. The Consent Agenda approved employment recommendations, new position requests, staff resignations, and authorized contracts with several regional service agencies. New Business included a first read of updated Head Start/GRSP policies regarding shared governance and a second read and approval of updated WISD policies concerning student assessment, immunization, medication use, and health/suicide prevention. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 Selection Criteria for Early Childhood programs.

The meeting included the presentation of the WISD's 2024-25-year end audit results from Plante Moran, which led to the approval of the 2024-25 WISD financial report. The agenda was amended to include a closed session for the Superintendent's evaluation and discussion of attorney-client privilege material. The Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice dialogue featured updates on an early childhood design team focused on early literacy and a celebration of the passage of the Career and Technical Education millage on November 4, 2025. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of minutes from the October 28, 2025, meeting, approval of staff resignations, and authorization to amend contracts with the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, Laurel Manor, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and the Student Advocacy Center. Additionally, approval was granted for a contract increase with Emdin Support Services, LLC, authorization to apply for grant funding from the Community & Economic Development Association of Michigan, and utilization of capital project funds for furniture purchases at Progress Park.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation on the 2025 Courageous Conversations Summit, which also addressed the equity, inclusion, and social justice topic for the session. The Head Start financial reports for November 2025 were reviewed and approved. Under the Consent Agenda, several employment recommendations and staff reclassification requests were approved, along with staff resignations and retirements. The Board also authorized the administration to approve a contract supplement for the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program and to accept a grant from the Community & Economic Development Association of Michigan. New Business involved approving a three-year contract with Zero to Thrive, approving a resolution in support of the WISD Stormwater Management Plan, and approving a contract continuation with Washtenaw Community College for adult education services. Administrative reports included updates on the Superintendent's meetings with other ISD Superintendents and a University of Michigan professor regarding educational impact on children of color.