Wendy Donal

The organizational meeting focused on key procedural matters, including the acceptance of the agenda and public comments. Significant time was dedicated to the nomination and election of the 2026 Board Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer), with existing officers largely continuing in their roles. Appointments were made for various Board Committee Members and Liaisons, including the Parliamentarian, Head Start Policy Committee representative, and subcommittee memberships for Policy, Financial & Operational Planning, Strategic & Educational Performance (DTN), and Community Relations. A presentation was given regarding a proposed structural update and review of the District's retirement plans (403(b), 457(b), and 401(a)). Action items included the adoption of the 2026-2027 meeting schedule, designation of District Compliance Officers, authorization for facsimile signatures, designation of bank signatories and depositories, appointment of an Electronic Transfer Officer (ETO), designation of the auditor as Yeo and Yeo, and authorization of Thrun Law Firm, PC and Collins & Blaha PC as legal counsel. Additionally, contracts were approved for the State of Michigan Treasury-required building assessment, awarding $106,000 to TMP Architects and $45,000 to Granger Construction.

The key discussion topic of this session was a workshop presented by the Michigan Association for School Boards (MASB) facilitator regarding Understanding Leadership Styles through the DISC Profile, aimed at building stronger teams by improving communication and collaboration. The agenda also included the formal acceptance of the agenda and a section for public comments, though no public comments were offered. Board and Superintendent comments followed the main presentation.

The primary discussion and action items centered on a Student Discipline Appeal Hearing concerning Student #2026.0303A. The agenda included the acceptance of the meeting agenda. A request was made to enter closed session pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Open Meetings Act to consider this student disciplinary matter, followed by a return to open session. The final substantive item involved the Board of Education adopting the Board Resolution for Student Discipline related to the same student, with the hearing purpose being to determine whether expulsion from Ypsilanti Community Schools was warranted based on presented evidence and input.

This strategic plan outlines three core pillars to revolutionize education and set a higher standard for the institution. The plan focuses on Accelerating Academic Excellence to unlock student potential and prepare them as confident contributors. It also aims to Advance Future-Ready Preparedness by equipping scholars with diverse skills for an evolving world, fostering innovators, critical thinkers, and resilient leaders. Finally, the plan prioritizes Allocating Resources Equitably to ensure every child receives necessary support through strategic funding, creating enriching paths to success for all scholars.

The meeting included recognition for Holmes Elementary School's Points of Pride and a National Board Teacher Certification Recipient. Key presentations covered the 180 Program, Budget Amendments, and Section 104h. Action items focused on student affairs, including the acceptance of multiple field trip requests for various student groups to locations such as Baltimore, MD; Wilberforce, OH; Frankfort, KY; Nashville, TN; and Charlotte, NC. Business and Finance items involved resolutions for 2025/26 Budget Amendments, 2026 Refunding Bonds, provider changes for 403b, 457, 401a, and resolutions concerning the Stormwater Board. Furthermore, the Board addressed bid award recommendations for Summer 2026 Paving Projects and the resurfacing bid for the Ypsilanti Community High School Track, along with service orders for Khan Academy and E-Rate related purchases. Discussions also included the Invest in MI Kids Organization Ballot Proposition.