Shawn Gatling

The board meeting primarily focused on the review and approval of district expenditures, including payroll for January, paper check disbursements, and various ACH payments. The expenditures covered a wide range of operational costs such as staff payroll, utility services, building maintenance, security services, milk and food service supplies, and various professional development or membership dues.

The board meeting focused on reviewing and approving district expenditures. The primary discussion involved the payment of bills, including district payroll and various vendor invoices for maintenance services, supplies, staff training, utility costs, and professional services such as financial consulting and health staffing.

The board meeting included discussion on the return to full face-to-face instruction for grades 7-12, with specific dates outlined. A construction update was provided regarding the installation of new marquees across the district. The superintendent's report highlighted student achievements in art, culinary arts, and the Black History Month essay contest. Upcoming events, including literacy nights, conferences, and spring break, were announced. A detailed report on the Student Support Team (SST) process at Pleasant View Elementary was presented, including data on student growth in math and reading. An update on the bond project was given, including financial information, enrollment projections, and potential project scopes. The report also included a discussion of the potential impact of a tax increase on taxpayers.

The board meeting covered various topics, including the superintendent's report which highlighted the boys' basketball team's achievement, March as reading month with guest readers, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and upcoming Kindergarten Roundup. The meeting also included discussions on internal facilities master planning, K-5 ELA curriculum adoption, summer programs, upcoming events, and a curriculum presentation from Forest Park Elementary. Public comments included feedback on school facilities, traffic concerns, and positive comments on student performance and school culture.

The board meeting included a review of the 2023 amended budget, which reflected updates for known activities throughout the year. The general fund, the district's main fund, was discussed, including its revenue sources (property taxes, state per-pupil funding, grants) and expenditures. A review of the 2024 original budget was also presented, which included assumptions about pupil numbers, foundation allowance, and grant funding. Tax rates were discussed, including the operating millage, debt millage, and sinking fund millage, and the Headley Amendment's impact on these rates. The sinking fund was reviewed, along with its use for capital improvements and repairs. Finally, the board reviewed the tax rate request form for Macomb County.