Trina Smith

The meeting included discussions on the month's bills and financial statements, with no questions raised. The board reviewed a budget amendment presented by Carl Seiter, which included explanations for budgetary changes and recommendations to begin setting aside funds for future boiler and roof replacements. Requests for overnight trips were presented for review. Discussions also covered resignation letters received, an update on the Winn Early Education Center (WEEC) contract expenses, and a Huntey Clubhouse update with a comparison of rental revenue and related expenses. Finally, the board reviewed three potential mascot designs and associated color options for the district. The meeting included a closed session to discuss the superintendent evaluation.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key business included the approval of Accounts Payable for January 2026, approval of the budget amendment for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, and approval of overnight/extended trip requests for wrestling, a 4th-grade trip to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and a BPA event. The Board also accepted several teacher resignations. Following a closed session to discuss the superintendent's evaluation, updates were provided on building statuses. The Superintendent reported on gathering input for the Portrait of a Learner and reviewed requirements under Michigan's K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law. The Director of Business Services presented details regarding the budget amendment referencing proposed state budget negotiations.

The agenda for the meeting was revised and adopted. Key action items included the approval of a new hire, Cassidy Lane Mudford, for the SES/WES Elementary Music Teacher position, effective January 5, 2025, pending fingerprint results. The Board also approved a 4% increase to Salary Schedule A for members of the Shepherd Education Association (SEA) and approved the new Schedule B, with the increase partially funded through Section 27L2 categorical funds. Finally, the Board approved the 2026/2027 school calendar.

The Shepherd Public Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting where they received building updates from each principal and approved several action items. These included approving the November 2025 payments, purchasing presentation equipment, and buying a new school bus. The board also approved and adopted Thrun Board Policy 3121 regarding Public School Academy Authorization and a resolution establishing the method of selection for the board of directors of each Public School Academy. Additionally, they approved salary and wage adjustments for the 2025-2026 school year. The board then moved to a closed session to discuss negotiations, followed by reports from the Superintendent and Director of Business Services, covering topics such as district celebrations, special education funds, and the State Aid Status Report.

The committee discussed several items including the district's MPSERS UAAL rate stabilization payment, a recommendation to purchase a diesel bus from Midwest Transit International, and an update on Project AWARE counselor costs. They also covered the Perspective Final Survey Questions, Policy 3121, and a vendor selection summary for replacing servers and network equipment. The committee moved to a closed session to discuss negotiations.