Sara Mead

This Storm Water Management Plan for New Buffalo Area Schools outlines a comprehensive strategy to minimize stormwater pollution over a five-year permit term (2026-2030). Key programs include Public Education, Public Participation, Illicit Discharge Elimination, Construction Stormwater Runoff Control, Post-Construction Stormwater Management, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping. The plan focuses on educating the public, engaging stakeholders, identifying and eliminating illegal discharges, managing runoff from construction sites, ensuring long-term post-construction stormwater quality, and implementing operational best practices to protect water quality.

The meeting included presentations from The Habitat Company, Leeward Ventures, and The Southwest Southwest Michigan Community Land Trust regarding the PUD. An update was provided on the Performing Arts Center and STEAM building. The Board decided to rescind the 31aa Resolution passed on October 27, 2025. There was a discussion regarding the final evaluation of the Superintendent, the 31aa Resolution, the New Buffalo High School Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony date, and the potential cancellation of the Board Meeting on December 22, 2025. The Board convened into a closed session to discuss the purchase of property. The New Buffalo High School World Travel Giveback Nights were approved, and the revised 31aa Resolution was accepted.

The meeting included a presentation on M-STEP ELA and PSAT scores, which showed strong performance. The board approved the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation to fundraise for baseball field bleachers. The board adopted the Annual Summer Tax Resolution, 2026. The board approved the Letter of Agreement with the New Buffalo 5-C Education Association to clarify compensation for additional or newly created middle school courses. The board approved the New Buffalo Area Schools FSA and MESSA as the FSA Administrator. The board convened into a closed session to conduct a superintendent's periodic evaluation.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as student requests for more school breakfast and lunch options, Junior City Council establishment, successful fall sports seasons, and Section 31aa funding for school safety and student mental health initiatives. The board approved the Business Office Procedures and Federal Award Administration Handbook, as well as the October 2025 Thrun Policy Updates. A resolution to decline opt-in for Section 31aa Funding was also approved.

The meeting included discussions on concerns about Confederate flags at the elementary school, the 2024-2025 audit presentation, and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation Phase 2 fundraising for the baseball/softball project. Updates were provided on recent facilities projects and a facilities assessment. The board approved the New Buffalo Area Schools Emergency Operation Plan 2025-2026 and discussed relinquishing Title III and Section 41 funds. The superintendent shared remarks from the Michigan Superintendents' Fall Conference and an upcoming event focused on suicide risk assessments. There was also a discussion regarding funding for the New Buffalo Area Schools' Free Breakfast and Lunch program.