Rick Dernberger

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a recognition ceremony for the RoboDux (Creekside Robotics Team) and Overclucked Bots (Cityside Robotics Team). A session was reserved for public comment with established time limits per speaker. Following agenda modifications, the Consent Agenda was approved, which included the approval of bills paid in January 2026 totaling $9,688,936.61. Key discussion points centered on Committee Updates from Policy & Goals and Finance, both focusing in depth on programming, staffing, and budget for the 26/27 period. A department update was provided by Zeeland Recreation.

The meeting included recognition of Rod Hetherton for Board Appreciation month and acknowledgment of a visitor. Key discussions centered on committee updates, including the FAFSA Grant, MiCIP goals, initial Hanover survey findings, and bids for the Community Track project. The board also heard technology updates. Action items included approving the Operating Millage and Sinking Fund Renewal Resolution for a May 5, 2026, special election. Bid approvals covered the replacement of a dehumidification wheel at ZEHS and the Community Track project, which came in significantly under budget. The board also approved several budget amendments across General Fund, Food Service, Student Activity, Debt Retirement, Sinking Fund, Capital Outlay, Community Recreation, and Community Service funds, detailing changes in revenues and expenditures for each. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding the Superintendent Midyear Review.

The organizational meeting addressed the structure and appointments for the Board of Education. Key topics included the review of terms of office for the seven members, the election of board officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary), and confirmation of current committee appointments, including the Agenda Planning, Policy & Goals, and Finance Committees. Board members also reviewed and signed the Board Code of Conduct. The meeting recessed to reconvene in regular session.

The Special Meeting included a discussion section pertaining to three distinct resolutions regarding an 'Opt In & Waiver' status (Resolution A, B, and C, with options to Opt In & Waiver, Decline Opt In, or Decline Opt In Unless Waiver Condition Eliminated or Modified). Under the Action section, a motion was made to rescind the previously adopted Resolution A: Opt In & Waiver, but this motion did not receive support.

The meeting commenced with a Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of Cityside Middle School Soloists. Under the consent agenda, the board approved bills paid as of November 2025, authorized the annual Summer Tax Resolution for 2026 property levies, and approved the hiring of two new teachers, Connor Vachron and Tyler Mayo. Discussion items included committee updates: the Policy & Goals Committee reviewed a FAFSA Grant opportunity, the Wellness Policy, and German Trip plans; the Finance Committee reviewed notes on the Natatorium roof replacement project and 2021 Bond Budget updates. Action items included the review and posting of the 31A Program information as required by state law, approval and adoption of the updated Foreign Exchange Student Policy, and the approval of bid pack #15 for the Natatorium Roof Replacement project, budgeted at $1,610,350 to be funded by the 2021 Bond. Superintendent reports highlighted a successful Kindergarten Expo and a large food drive collection.