Mike Hart

The meeting commenced with the Organizational Meeting, which included roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and subsequent elections for Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Following this, appointments were made for board member representatives and committees. The Regular Meeting included special presentations recognizing the Board of Education Month and updates from Student Government and Ludington High School AI Student Ambassadors. Key discussion items involved the Bond Project Application and Certificate for Payment #67, and the Retainer Fee Agreement for the appointment of Thrun Law Firm, P.C. Action items included approving the mentioned payment certificate and retainer agreement, and proceeding to a Closed Session for collective bargaining strategy discussions.

The meeting included a modification to add a resolution regarding 31aa Funding as a discussion and action item. Key actions taken involved approving a motion to pay a $1,400 stipend to members of the LESPA bargaining unit for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Additionally, the Board adopted Resolution E, the "Opt-In Rescission," developed by Thrun Law Firm, P.C., which allows school districts that opted into 31aa Funding to rescind their participation by a specified deadline.

Key discussions during the meeting included student government updates, presentations to All State Athletes and the Ludington Elementary School Robotics Team, and confirmation of a letter of agreement resolving a grievance and Unfair Labor Practice concerning an English Language Learner (ELL) position posting. The Board received reports from the Finance/Negotiation Committee and the Building/Site Committee. Major discussion points involved a presentation by the Michigan Leadership Institute regarding the Superintendent search, an update on LEA Negotiations, designation of school district depositories and authorized signatories, and the replacement of a dishwasher at LHS Kitchen. Action items approved included moving into Closed Session for collective bargaining strategy, approving the master bargaining agreement with the Ludington Education Association for 2025-2027, approving administrative/non-union team contracts for 2025-2026, designating bank depositories and an official signatory, and approving the purchase of a replacement dishwasher not to exceed $40,000.

The agenda for this meeting of the Board of Education included a discussion item and a corresponding action item concerning a stipend for LESPA staff members. The meeting also included sections for citizen participation and general announcements.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss attorney-client privilege and collective bargaining strategy. The board accepted the resignation of Dr. Kyle B. Corlett and approved a settlement agreement. Mary C. Marshall was appointed as the interim superintendent. The Michigan Leadership Institute was approved to lead the search for the next superintendent. The District received notice from Laura Jacobs of her decision to retire from her position as Director of Business Services.