Michelle Leak-Rensland

The organizational portion of the meeting included the election of officers for the 2026 term, with Brennan Bowen nominated as President, Bill Simpson as Vice-President, Jamie Hansen-Hopkins as Secretary, and Rob Train as Treasurer. The Board approved committee and liaison assignments for Finance, Facilities, Board Development, and District Continuous Improvement Team. Actions were taken to continue membership with the Montcalm County School Board Association, authorize signatories for internal accounts, designate the Superintendent for posting meeting notices, and appoint legal counsel. The Board also designated depositories for the 2026 calendar year and established the meeting schedule for regular meetings and workshops for 2026. During the regular session, the Superintendent provided updates, including information regarding per-pupil funding challenges related to state budget and Headlee rollback legislation, and highlighted academic growth at CMMHS, CMUE, and CME, including a 42% reduction in behavior referrals at the high school. Personnel actions included accepting several retirements and resignations, and approving the employment of multiple new staff members and substitutes. The Board also conducted a first reading of several NEOLA policies concerning Nondiscrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Anti-Harassment.

The Board Workshop focused on several critical funding discussion topics, including an analysis of the non-homestead millage limitation due to Headlee Rollback legislation, which results in a loss of per-pupil allocation. Options presented for reclaiming funds included a Non-Homestead Hedge Millage Request, a Non-Homestead Restoration Millage Request, or a Sinking Fund proposal. The board also reviewed deadlines for placing proposals on the August or November election ballots. Consensus was reached to wait for the completion of the Strategic Plan before further discussion on these funding options. Procedural discussions covered updates to meeting procedures, including changes to the handling of Consent Agendas, Public Comments, Principal Reports, and Committee Reports. Items to be considered included establishing a DCIT rotation schedule for 2026, continuing the review of board protocols by the Board Development Committee, and assembling new board folders with key documents. Public comment included discussion about community support for millage proposals and inquiries regarding township solar projects and their potential impact via Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreements.

The Special meeting included an Organizational Meeting Discussion covering proposed agenda items, officer elections (with a recommendation for the President nomination), and the establishment of three committees: Finance, Facilities, and Board Development. Further discussion addressed participation in the District Continuous Improvement Team (DCIT) meetings and the representative role for the Montcalm County School Board Association (MCSBA). The Board reviewed and adjusted tentative 2026 meeting dates, agreeing to move the December regular meeting and change the regular workshop dates to Wednesday. An Annual Calendar item requested adding upcoming school events to the monthly packet. Key topics under 'Around the Table' involved strategic planning steps, specifically surveying employees and the board regarding vision/mission statements, and a brief update on 31aa legislation. Public comment included concerns regarding student behavior investigation procedures at CMMHS.

Key discussions included a report from the Hope Squad concerning mental health education and their "Bryce Buckets" program, and recognition of twenty-two student athletes who achieved All-Conference or Honorable Mention status for the Fall 2025 season. A department spotlight recognized Clerical, Technology, iLearn/Alternative Education, and Adult Education staff. School highlights covered elementary activities, including the use of adaptive jump-rope equipment, CMUE's success in math fact mastery, and CMMHS's well-received fall play and wrestling assembly. The Board also received an update confirming the Single Audit information remains as previously presented since Federal guidelines did not change. Old Business involved the rescission of one NEOLA policy and the approval of several NEOLA Policy updates covering compensation, superintendent employment, curriculum, instruction, and security. The Board also adopted revised School Board Norms. The consent agenda involved accepting several resignations and one new hire. Finally, the Board held a closed session to discuss the annual evaluation of the Superintendent, concluding with a rating of "Effective."

The Special meeting included a report from the Superintendent detailing excerpts from Judge Patel's ruling regarding the 31aa Privilege Waiver Lawsuit and shared media responses concerning opting in or out of the 31aa funds. The primary action item involved a motion to rescind the prior opt-in decision for 31aa funds, which passed by a vote of 5 to 1. The Board agreed that further steps, potentially including contacting legislators, would be discussed at the January Board Workshop.