Suttons Bay Public School District

The Board meeting included administrative reports regarding school events, such as Reading Month, kindergarten roundup, and upcoming job fairs. The Superintendent reported on recent academic and athletic achievements, including success at the district band festival. Key business actions involved the approval of spring athletic coaches and the authorization of significant capital purchases, specifically classroom display panels and a new special education bus. Additionally, updates were provided regarding ongoing bond construction work and the school's planning for the upcoming academic year.

The meeting included the organization of the Board for 2026, involving the approval of Board Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and the appointment of standing committee members, including the Policy Committee. The Board adopted the agenda and recognized the Teacher of the Month and Support Staff Person of the Month. Legal reference resolutions regarding the district's status and member terms were incorporated. The schedule for Regular Board meetings for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was established, along with authorizations for bank depositories, signatures, electronic fund transfers, legal counsel retention, and signing of state/federal reports. The Board also approved participation in Schools of Choice programs, established the FOIA fee schedule, and authorized mileage reimbursement. Administrative reports covered an update on Restorative Practices implementation, the Middle School Kindness Council presentation, and the celebration of student athletes. The Superintendent reported on staff stipends, new hires, open positions, and upcoming events, including the start of Bond Work and a community forum regarding the 2024 Bond Proposal, which was also included as a resolution for a May 5, 2026, special election for operating millage Headlee restoration. Consent agenda items, including the approval of the December 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes and disbursements, were approved. New business included the approval of a contract for asbestos abatement.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the recognition of the Teaching Staff Member of the Month (Adam Couturier) and Support Staff Member of the Month (Zack Grants). Administrative reports covered a new Student Athlete of the Month recognition, participation numbers for sports seasons, a summer leadership group meeting, and a presentation by students from the MHSAA Women in Sports Leadership Conference. The Superintendent's report highlighted community engagement at a recent basketball game, the Hundreds Day Celebration, Norse Awards, semester awards, and updates on abatement work in the old middle school. Budgeting for 2026-27 is underway, and a community bond information night was held. Key new business items included the approval of two overnight trip requests: one for the senior class to Mackinac Island and one for the Business Professionals of America Club to Grand Rapids. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of display panels from Forte, not to exceed $33,000. The Board also entered a closed session to consider and subsequently approve a reinstatement recommendation for Student A.

The meeting covered several discussion items, including updates from the Superintendent regarding his upcoming absence and the submission of the Impact Aid application. The Policy and Finance Report addressed Michigan legislation on Name Image Likeness (NIL) opportunities and included an action item to approve the purchase and phased replacement of district projectors with new display panels. Marketing campaigns for Kindergarten Roundup and alumni were shared. The Buildings and Grounds Report confirmed asbestos abatement is on schedule and noted that final designs for the boiler room and athletic fields are forthcoming. The Personnel and Curriculum Report highlighted the ongoing review of the Social Studies curriculum, the posting of the Annual Education Report, and anticipated staff retirement and restructuring needs. Other items included scheduling a closed session for a reinstatement hearing and noting a forthcoming proposal from the elementary team regarding the multi-age structure modification.

The meeting covered the annual organization business, including the approval of the agenda and the election of Board Officers for 2026: President Chris DeJong, Vice President Lizabeth Venie, Secretary Greg Gurka, and Treasurer Lee Grant. The Board also established standing committee memberships, reviewed a legal reference resolution based on the Revised School Code, and set the schedule for Regular Board meetings for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Administrative reports highlighted the designation of employees of the month, updates on Restorative Practices being utilized in the schools, and recognizing student and athlete achievements. New business included the approval of the asbestos abatement contract not to exceed $216,000 and the resolution to call a Special Election for May 5, 2026, regarding the operating millage Headlee restoration ballot language.