Terry Arriola

The Special Board Meeting included the adoption of the Agenda as presented. The primary action item involved the approval of the 2025/2026 Amended Budget, which was recommended by the Interim Chief Financial Officer and the Interim Superintendent. There was no public participation during the Call To The Audience segment.

The meeting included a continuation of the Board Self-Assessment discussion, highlighting strengths in areas like Academic Performance and Board-Superintendent Relations, and identifying areas for improvement such as Leadership. The board plans a retreat to develop new vision and mission statements. The Student Representative provided updates on student council activities, fundraisers for prom, and upcoming events like the career fair and Hope Week. The Interim Superintendent recognized National School Board Appreciation Month and provided an update on the status of 31aa funds, noting the district rescinded them pending an appeal. Several staff members were recognized as Staff Member of the Month for January 2026. Updates were shared from various schools including Beech Elementary's pancake celebration and caroling, Hilbert Elementary's 'Healing Hearts' initiative and robotics team success, and Redford Union High School's holiday visit to a senior residence and recognition of a retiring math teacher. Action items included the authorization to enroll a limited number of non-resident students for the second semester under the School of Choice program, approval of the Storm Water Management Plan resolution, and approval of a contract addendum for the Interim Superintendent, including retroactive stipend payments. The board tabled the vote on the 2025/2026 Amended Budget to a future special meeting and authorized the sale of the T-Mobile cell tower lease for $410,000.00. The consent agenda was approved, which included waiving the reading and approving the minutes from the December 1 and December 16, 2025 meetings, approving check registers and ACH transfers for December 2025, and approving new hires and separations.

The Board Workshop included discussions on two primary items. First, updates were provided regarding upcoming E-Rate projects, detailing the three bids received from Spectrum, Western Tel-Com, and All Covered, along with associated costs and portions to be covered by the District. A formal vote on these bids is scheduled for the February 2, 2026, Regular Meeting. Second, there was an extensive discussion on the process for Strategic Planning, covering key work areas, turning the plan into action, the benefits of using an outside facilitator, and the phases involved (pre-planning, analysis, retreat, and implementation planning). The Board encouraged broad participation from staff, students, parents, the community, and District partners, with the Strategic Plan adoption targeted for May 2026.

Key discussions and actions for this meeting included the adoption of the agenda, which was presented with potential amendments. Communications included a segment for the Student Representative and the Superintendent's update on the Staff Member of the Month selection process, Board Brag Book, and Calendar of Events. The agenda covered reports from several executive directors regarding E-Rate Projects and the Capital Bond 2025 Update. Future workshop topics scheduled or discussed included updates on the 2025 Capital Bond Project, Strategic Planning efforts, Board Norms and Protocols, the MICIP Report Presentation, and the Superintendent Search. Action items focused on two conditional contracts contingent upon E-Rate reimbursement: one for a Fiber Line Installation to Keeler School and the Old School House, and another for an Access Point Replacement project via Konica Minolta -- All Covered.

The special board meeting agenda was adopted as presented. Action items included entering into a closed session to receive and consider an opinion of legal counsel regarding a personnel matter, followed by returning to open session. During the public participation segment, the Interim Superintendent expressed her commitment to the District and stated she is not seeking a permanent superintendency. Board members voiced their support for the Interim Superintendent and recognized the contributions of the absent Executive Director of Curriculum & Technology. Discussions included sharing information about a NASA opportunity for students to have their names sent around the moon, an iHeart contest offering $5,000 prizes for schools, and a 'Thank a Teacher' contest nomination. Board members exchanged sentiments, and the President publicly apologized to two members for past conduct and oversight regarding contract information. The Board acknowledged an upcoming special meeting and workshop.