Northwest Education Services

The meeting included the approval of new Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) lead and assistant teacher positions to address regional slot deficits. The board discussed the financial aspects of the GSRP expansion, including startup costs and contributions from community partners. Additionally, the board received an informational update on new Title IX compliance requirements, which necessitate updated policies and the designation of trained administrators to conduct investigations.

The meeting included the introduction and recommendation to hire Ryan Jarvie as the Director of Communication, noting his background as Press Secretary for the Michigan Attorney General and as a journalist. The agenda approval process was conducted. Key presentations focused on promoting literacy during March is Reading Month. The New Campus School shared a project where a fifth grader co-authored a book titled "The Kids in the Socks," which involved dramatic readings and student-created visuals. The Life Skills Center detailed their focus on functional reading skills for students aged 18 to 26, encompassing employability, community participation, independent living, and recreation/leisure, including examples like reading recipes and work-related tags. A student presentation covered research on the Mackinac Bridge, and another segment highlighted instructional lessons for students with severe multiple and cognitive impairment integrating reading.

The meeting included initial procedures such as calling the roll and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. Public comment opportunities were provided, specifically regarding the extended continuity of learning plan. Presentations were delivered on the 'My Connect' update, which details the allocation of a $25 million grant for device purchasing rebates (with higher rates for districts exceeding 50% economically disadvantaged students), cybersecurity enhancements, and connectivity reimbursements for distance learning expenditures incurred during the COVID-19 emergency. Action items included approving the consent grouping, continuing support for an existing MY STEM Memorandum of Understanding with a $10,000 match, approving the purchase of 100 to 111 iPads for staff and student use, adopting an annual resolution for summer tax collection continuation, approving the bid for an enhanced 9-1-1 directional signage project awarded to Image 360, and approving adjustments to Board Policy 0167.1 to allow for virtual meeting and voting capabilities under new legislation. Finally, the board considered the recommendation to initiate the process of changing the entity's legal name from TBAISD to Northwest Education Services.

The special board meeting focused on updates related to the advancement of the strategic plan across several goals. The first goal involved developing a structure to increase understanding of role supports and available programming, including the creation of a comprehensive organizational chart with contact information and self-descriptions from each department, intended for internal and external use. The second goal addressed student transportation structures, where objectives included improving student experience as measured by incident reports and reducing overall student travel time to below two hours for at least 90% of students, although current staffing issues have slightly impacted the latter metric. A third key discussion point was the evaluation of student transportation communication and data sharing protocols, defining urgent response requirements for student health incidents, behavior incidents, bus accidents, and significant delays (15-20 minutes off schedule) involving contact with parents and center-based supervisors.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and transitioned to remote operations via Zoom due to the current circumstances. Key discussion items included the approval of 2020 projects for AECOM concerning continued remediation at the CTC facility, a contract continuation for substitute teacher and assistant placement services with PCMI, and the approval of an annual agreement with PCG for Ed Plan usage for compliance tracking. The board also approved a contract for regional staff development day speakers via the Premier Speakers Bureau and authorized a two-year extension for four administrative contracts. Furthermore, the board considered a resolution granting the Superintendent authority to implement requirements from Executive Order 2020-35, which allows adherence to state executive orders even if they conflict with existing Board policies. Financial policy adjustments regarding fund balance definitions were adopted. A significant discussion involved the Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 plans for local districts and center-based programs, detailing outreach strategies, material distribution, and contingency plans for students with IEPs. Finally, the planning for the virtual presentation of the April budget to local districts was discussed, including the potential for accelerating the implementation of new financial policies due to anticipated budget impacts from the pandemic.