Southgate Community School District

The regular meeting commenced with the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, followed by the statement of the entity's mission and vision. The agenda was approved by motion. Key action items discussed included the approval for students to attend the Michigan Association for the Education of Youth of Young Children (MAEYC) overnight conference in Grand Rapids, and approval for the DECA team to attend their state competition in Detroit. Further approvals were sought and granted for the replacement of windscreens at Anderson Stadium and tennis courts, involving a material change for better breathability, and for Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services for the Allen turf practice field renovations. The final action item approved was a contract revision concerning the superintendent's contract.

The meeting included a mission and vision statement review, followed by the approval of the agenda. A key segment involved the Board Recognition Month presentation by Davidson Middle Academy (DMA), where the principal detailed successes in required classes such as Design, which featured hands-on engineering like bridge building and a potato chip shipping challenge, and Spanish immersion, which emphasized visual learning and storytelling. Highlights also included hands-on learning across subjects, such as building model cell phones, using gummy bears to understand government structures, and performing science labs on gases, solids, and bacteria. Service learning was emphasized, including plant beautification, creating a mural, making holiday cards for children's hospital patients, and crafting blankets for the local animal shelter. Student representatives presented their appreciation for the board's support, highlighting the value of caring staff, hands-on learning, community service, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. A significant portion of public comment involved a district employee detailing a disciplinary action, including being placed on unpaid suspension and offered reassignment following an investigation.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers, resulting in Jason Craig for President, Andy Green for Vice President, Dr. Pomponio for Secretary, and Jason Cooper for Treasurer. Following the election, the agenda was approved. Discussions covered board organization, including the establishment of Policy and Finance committees. Board compensation and professional development budget requests were reviewed and maintained at current levels. Key action items involved the approval of policy adjustments concerning the use and distribution of Narcan or other opioid antagonists, presented as a first read for subsequent approval. Additionally, the board approved the 2026-2027 School of Choice program, including IB programming atlas updates, detailing expanded kindergarten and 8th-grade allocations, while emphasizing caution regarding capacity at Allen Elementary.

The meeting included presentations recognizing high-achieving SAT and AP students, state-qualifying elementary robotics teams, the Anderson Marching Band, Fall 2025 Titan Award Recipients, and athletic champions. Key action items involved the renewal of the contract with Plante Moran Realpointe for Sinking Fund Support for an additional two years. The Board also approved capital projects, including the implementation of fleet parking and a bus loop at Davidson Middle Academy for a cost not to exceed $1,333,907.47, the replacement of the gymnasium flooring at Gerisch for a total cost not to exceed $372,515.00, and the purchase of a new gymnasium sound system for Anderson for a cost not to exceed $40,062.00. A citizen expressed concerns regarding Special Education staffing and the classroom environment.

The meeting commenced with a recognition of staff members who have served in the military in observance of Veterans Day. Key discussion items included the first read of Policy Package 25-2, which involved a minor change to the field trip policy provision to exclude adult education and community education travel trips from the board's oversight. The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the October 28, 2025, regular board meeting, an HR update, and October 2025 disbursements. Under the action agenda, approval was granted for the Anderson High School hockey team to participate in the Tawa Showcase tournament in November. Additionally, the board approved the replacement of carpeting in the Groen Media Center and Principal's Office, awarding the contract to SCI Floor Covering Inc. for an amount not to exceed $15,817.40, which includes switching to carpet squares for easier maintenance.