I >> All right. It is 7:01. I will call us to order. This is the regularly scheduled October 14th, 20125 meeting of the East Lancing Board of Education. Uh, Miss Hokortore, can we get a roll call vote?
All right, a roll call. I did that again. I did it again. >> Can we get a roll call? >> Trusty Martin >> here. >> Trusty Lions >> here. Trustee Zel here. Trusty Ferris Highland >> here.
>> Trustee Chambers. >> Trusty Torres >> here. >> Trusty Tikaki >> here. >> Student Representative De Jia >> here. >> Student Representative Mega >> here. >> And Superintendent Leo >> here.
>> Thank you. And uh Trustee Edel and Trusty Chambers are both excused. Um Trusty Lions, can you read our mission statement? >> I sure can. So um the mission statement of East Lancing is uh nurturing each
child, educating all students and building world citizens. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion for approval of tonight's agenda? >> I move that the board trust the board the board of education approve the October 14th, 2025 regular meeting
agenda as presented. >> Second. So >> moved by trustee Torres, seconded by trustee Taiaki. Is there any discussion on the agenda? All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. I. Any opposition? The
motion carries unanimously. Can I get a motion for the approval of minutes? >> I move that the board of education approve the following minutes as presented. September 25, 2025 regular meeting. Second. >> All right. Motion's made by Trusty Lion, seconded by Trusty Ferris Highland. Is
there any discussion on the minutes? >> All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. I. Any opposition? The motion carries unanimously. Now, the next item on the agenda is recognition. I understand we have some good stuff tonight. >> We do. I have a ton, which is great. Let
me begin. Um, on Friday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m., a group of outstanding local high school m musicians, including our very own senior Sarah Fimma Buslova, will share the spotlight with professionals at the
Fountain Center in Muskegan. Sema, who's a violinist in the fourth movement string quartet, will perform Elanor Riby, A Day in the Life, Hello Goodbye, Hey Jude, Gimme Shelter, and Ruby Tuesday. Sema was the winner of the VVA VValdi International Music Competition,
and she plans on getting a degree in violin performance and wants to perform music professionally for the rest of her life. In other music news, our East Lancing marching band won second place recently at the Great Lakes Invitational with a score of 78.8. 8 as well as an
outstanding percussion. In alumni news, 2020 East Lancing graduate to Henry Gray was crowned LSU's 2025 homecoming king. Toenry, along with Colania Walker, who is not an East Lancing grad, were crowned the second black king and queen in the university's
history. Associate principal Jeff Lampy said he represents everything true about our Trojan family. and another awesome 2020 grad, Ali Nye, led the WNBA Las Vegas Aces to a national championship on October 10th. Locally, we'd like to
congratulate White Hills fourth grade teacher Danielle Smallley for winning state rep Penelopey Cern's teacher of the month award in October. And finally, two of our East Lancing High School teachers completed the Chicago Marathon this past weekend. PE teacher Miss Brazie and math teacher Maggie Moore.
Miss Brazie is going for her six-star major medal for honors runners who compete the six original major marathons. And Chicago was number three out of six, which is pretty awesome. And Mrs. Moore completed her 22nd marathon. And after some calculations that were
not done by me because they're mathematical, um, considering all the mileage that she covered in her training programs and races, it was determined she circled the globe 1.4 times on foot, which is just outrageous. So um that is my recognition for the night.
>> That is really that's really interesting. Do any other board members wish to offer recognition? >> I will offer one bit of recognition. Um the middle schoolers had their final
cross country meet yesterday and we had a ton of students who did a really great job. There was one student who finished first among the boys and it was trusty Taiaki's son Henry first among the boys for the team. So it was >> a really um it was a really awesome
event and saw some great people there. Um happy to be a part of it. >> Awesome. >> But congrats to all the uh all the all the guys all the guys and girls on the team who participated. >> All right. Well, if that concludes recognition, we'll move on to our
student representative report. >> Good evening everyone. Um, we're going to start off with just like a little fair warning. Our report this time is a bit more detailed than it usually is, but that's just because there's like a lot of exciting things happening. So, we wanted to kick things off with
like a more schoolwide update. So, we just wrapped up the NHS SECAN drive, which I'd say was pretty successful, and um also related to NHS, we're gearing up for the upcoming blood drive, and also are having a scrap metal drive this
Sunday. So, there's lots of ways for students to give back and volunteer. And then, um moving into sports, our cross country team has absolutely been crushing it. Both JV and Varsity won the Shepherd meet which is like a huge race with a lot of different schools
competing and a bunch of um runners are setting like a lot of new PRs and a sophomore Killian Bullwware Lopez, I'm not sure if I'm pronouncing that right, is now officially the sixth fastest sophomore in East Lancing history. So, it's pretty impressive.
>> Um, and over in the pool, uh, Swim and Dive has also been doing great. Uh, they've won every meet but one, even after losing a lot of seniors last year. and they brought home a big win at the Waverly Relays, which they haven't done in quite some time. Um, and a special
shout out to Ava Harmon, who qualified for MSA, which is basically like a statewide, um, swim competition. So, that's a really big accomplishment for her. And then, um, golf also had like a strong end to their season along with water polo. So, Water Polo had their
senior night last night and they ended off with a good se like season in general, but for golf, they actually placed third at regionals and we already knew they were going to do great because of Addy Luaji's hole in one earlier in the season. So, we just can see how hard they've worked for it. And then shifting
gears a little bit, our portrait and yearbook students out oh, sorry, also got the chance to attend the MEIPA conference recently. So, they came back with like full of ideas and lots of inspiration to make this year's publications one of the best ones. >> Um, jumping a little bit back to the
pool, Water Polo also just celebrated their senior night last night, wrapping up a strong season and honoring their season um their seniors for all their hard work. And speaking of cool opportunities, some of our students, especially the ones I think on student
congress, right? Yeah. are um headed to the MSU soon for a youth summit focused on equitable education. Um it's an awesome hands-on experience and we're really excited to represent East Lancing there. And then to kind of build off of like off of what was being said earlier
about the band, they play second at Plymouth Canton, which we already know about and the they won best percussion, but um this Friday they're also going around to tour all the elementary schools. So they're going to be doing like a little demonstration and like a fun little performance for all the kids. Um and over in studio um student life
powderpuff signups are officially closed and practices are underway and the game later this month is sure to bring a ton of excitement and friendly competition. And finally in the library the annual um pumpkin decorating competition is back
and it's one of everyone's favorite fall traditions. It's always fun to see how creative people get. So overall October is shaping up to be a very busy month as you can tell from our very long report, but um like events are w ramping up and students are really diving into
everything from like athletics to arts and then like all the way to community service. So there's a lot of positive energy going around right now. It's also great to just see everyone so involved and engaged in everything. And thank you for your time. >> Well, and thank you both. And by the
way, never say you're sorry for telling us about the good things that are happening because it's always so so refreshing to to hear about the great things that are happening. Sometimes when you're on this side of the table, you tend to hear more about things that aren't going so well. So, it's always
great to hear from you guys. >> All right, next item on the agenda is our superintendent report. I'll turn it over to Superintendent Leo. >> Thank you. I also would say um it's also a good night when we have so much to share and it doesn't overlap between our
student representatives, our recognition and my report. And I did think of one more um piece of recognition I wanted to mention when um when our students were telling us about uh our yearbook and journalism students being down at the
Mippa conference last week. I happened to be down there for a different event at the Lancing Center. Um, uh, Principal Schwarzbeck and I attended, um, the two 2025 Michigan Gun Violence Intervention Summit at the Lancing Center. We went
down to support our student, our high school student, Jessica Mock, was one of five local high school students to be part of the youth panel at the Gun Violence uh, intervention summit. Uh the panel was moderated by Sergeant Ty Howard and students shared strategies, stories, and perspectives on how we can
make a lasting impact on reducing gun violence across our state. So um that was really uh Jessica did a great job uh with her comments and representing East Lancing High School. So I just wanted to mention that as well. Um my reports to
share as well. Um, finally I'm able to share that free school meals will definitely continue for 2526. This year's state budget has been approved and was just signed by the governor yesterday. We are thankful that free school meals were included in this budget and that all of our students will
continue to have access to healthy meals at school at no cost to their families. Uh, we also uh just completed we welcomed um our German exchange partners. So, I know the board um uh approved a trip for this past summer
where our teachers took some of our students over to Germany. But then from September 19th through 30th, 20 students and two teachers from Seabold Gymnasium in Woresburg, Bavaria, Germany came to East Lancing where they stayed with host
families and explored Michigan's history, culture, and community. Highlights included an urban garden tour in downtown Detroit, a visit to the Michigan State Capital, stepping inside the men's basketball locker room at MSU's Breerland Center, a dune ride at
Silver Lake, a ride on a yellow school bus. Yes, that was a highlight, and a farewell dinner at Patriarch Park. Students also joined our classrooms, experienced homecoming festivities, and participated in soccer, golf, pickle ball, and more. East Lancing and Seabolt
have been partner schools for over 45 years with students traveling every other year for two-week culture and classroom exchanges. This past July, e East Lancing High School students visited Wor Worersburg. And I'd like to recognize and thank East Lancing High
School German teachers Bob Filter and Adam Orange for their dedication to this program and to our students and thank our host families for opening their homes and providing these opportunities to our partners. Um update again on our East Lancing
Public Schools Health Center. Uh it is near, the grand opening is near. Sparrow UFM Health Sparrow is awaiting some final inspections and is expected to be open for patients in the next couple weeks. We will share opening information as soon as that date is confirmed. Um
parent guardian consent forms and student information forms will be sent home with students this week. In the case where your student may access the health center, we will need these forms completed and signed by a parent or guardian or student if age 18 plus, there's anformational letter in the
packet uh being sent home. And please return completed forms to the main office of your students school and we will ensure that they are kept confidential and delivered to the East Lancing Public Schools Health Center so the information can be put into their system. All students between the ages of
five and 21 or 26 with an IEP are eligible to utilize our health center. Uh a little bit on just a reminder on how to follow our social media to see more daily communication and happenings in our district. We have three social media platforms that are posted on
regularly. Facebook uh East Lancing Public Schools on Instagram East Lancing PS and on X formerly Twitter also at East Lancing PS. So, this will go out again to families to remind them if they want more updates or to see some of the awesome things that are happening, um,
how they can access that information. A little bit of a construction update. If you've been to East Lancing High School recently, you've noticed that construction of a new secure entrance, front-facing main office, student collaboration spaces, an interior ramp, and a second cafeteria space is well
underway. This project is completed is expected to be completed by the start of the 2627 school year. Our new administration building is also on scheduled to be completed this December and you can follow those social media uh platforms for more progress photos.
I'm going to talk a minute about our professional learning days for staff and first I've included the dates of our five professional learning Fridays with one of them being a Thursday for 2526 are we've already had one uh that was in September. Our next one is Friday
October 31st. Yes, Halloween. Uh then we have one December 12th. Uh February 12th is a Thursday. This is the day before a long mid- winter break weekend. Um so that we already don't have school that Friday and Monday. So families and students won't have school that Thursday
either due to professional learning. And then Friday, April 24th. Uh please mark your calendars as there is no school for students on these days. And our professional learning days offer an opportunity for staff to engage in conference style sessions in the morning that are focused on our three mission
statement aligned goals. Nurturing each child where we offer sessions around wellness, safety, social emotional learning, educating all students where sessions are offered all around teaching and learning and building world citizens uh which are sessions focused on equity,
inclusion and belonging. All staff reports to East Lancing High School for their self- selected morning session with a few required sessions for specific groups throughout the year and then returns to their buildings for the second half of the day to participate in building level workg groups or
professional learning communities. Staff are also required to complete a series of professional learning modules to comply with state laws and board policies around topics that include mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Title N
furpa and automatic external defibrill defibrillators AEDs. Last month we offered 16 different sessions at our first professional learning Friday that included introduction to mental health first aid safer schools safer
communities prevention for educators AEDCPR which is now required for all firstear teachers. School AI implementation personal curriculum essentials in essential information to support achievement handwriting boot camp from
syllable types to super sentences restorative questioning in circles social justice primer and making the ejat work for you. Our next professional learning Friday is October 31st. Um, also last month we shared resources
for safe gun storage and guidance for talking to your children about guns. We have some additional information and resources to share. Districts are required to send information home to parents and care caregivers on the safe storage of firearms. This is in accordance with the safe storage laws.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provided this information to the Michigan Department of Ed MDE for distribution. So, there's links in here to what is the secure storage law in Michigan and a safe storage notice. This just complements what we sent home last
month on um safe storage and along with how to talk to your children about guns in homes. Uh ELPS is proud to offer free gun safety locks for distribution to students, families, and staff. This opportunity is made possible through the Michigan State Police Grants and
Community Services Division. and just email me or call my office if you would like to arrange to pick up a free gun and safety lock. I also have linked here school calendars are completed through 2728 and they are on our website. So I have a link to all of those calendars
that will be sent out tomorrow as well and they are divided into each of the years and then elementary, middle and high school. They're all a little bit different um because of conferences and exams and then a couple dates u important dates coming up. I've mentioned the 31st for a professional
learning day and then November 24th through 28th there is no school for Thanksgiving week. Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent Leo. Are there any questions or comments for the superintendent? >> I I love hearing about the German
exchange program. >> It's really neat. I had a chance to go down and meet with them when they were in our building one day. Um, Principal Schwarzbeck and I had a chance to go down and just talk to them for a few minutes and uh have a little breakfast with them on their their first day in the building. So, it was fun to uh
engage with them. >> If there's nothing further, we'll move on to the next item on the agenda, which is our consent agenda. Uh, can I get a motion for the consent agenda?
>> I move that the board of education approve the consent agenda to include the following. A, new hire, one hiring of Oh, I say this wrong. >> Mooney >> Mooney Choi as a conditional hire pending obtainment of certification 1.0
0 FTE resource room teacher ASD focus at Marble Elementary at BA step 3 effective October 15, 2025. The individual will be paid at a daily rate of $200 until certification is received. Second. >> All right. The motion was made by Trusty
Lion, seconded by Trusty Ferris Highland. There's no discussion on the consent agenda, so we'll move to a vote. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposition? The motion carries unanimously. Um, do we have uh Mooney
Choy with us today? >> Okay. >> She's already employed in the district, has been employed for a number of years as a pair professional, so her well. Yeah. >> Excellent. Excellent. >> Thank you for helping with I I hate saying names wrong. So, thank you. You're welcome.
>> All right. So, we can move on to the next item on our agenda, which is public comment. I have a couple of public comment slips here. These are blue forms that you can pick up uh at the entry. If you would like to make
public comment, uh please uh fill out a blue slip and make sure that Miss Hokor uh gets it so that she can bring it up to me so we have a record that you were here. I will read the statement that goes along with public comment. It says uh this is the opportunity to address
the board. Speakers are to confine their remarks to 5 minutes. If a speaker requires more than five minutes after all other persons who have requested to speak during this part of the meeting have spoken, then that speaker will be allowed additional time. Superintendent or other district staff make comment to
clear up or avoid significant misunderstandings. And so I'll uh look at I have two uh public commenters right now. First one is uh Carissa Buckolds who's here to talk about Glen Karen Elementary access
and crosswalks and it is, you know, kind of tedious to have to go all the way around. So, apologize to Miss Buckholes for making her do that. >> I figured it out. I don't want to climb up there. She thought I should, but I I don't really want to. Um, so good evening. Thanks for having me here
tonight. Um, I'm Cararissa Buholtz. I'm the parent of a second grader at Glen Karen Elementary School. I'm here to request support from the school board um for a petition for safer crossing at the Harrison and North Lawn crosswalk in front of Glen Karen Elementary School.
This petition has been endorsed by the Glen Karan Elementary School community council and the East Lancing Transportation Commission. in addition to um the proposed uh truck restriction on Harrison Avenue which was recommended by the East Lancing Transportation Commission in May. I would like to note
um that the city has already addressed some of the issues on the petition including installing additional signage at the crossing, more regular staffing at the crossing guard position, installing a street lamp and radar speed signs of which we are really grateful for. Uh these measures are helping slow
down traffic some. The city is currently working with an engineering firm to propose a longerterm solution for the crosswalk. The petition that um requested that a raised crosswalk and installation of a pedestrian signal be installed as part of that longerterm solution. Uh we don't know if that will
be included yet or not. In addition to the infrastructure improvements at the crosswalk, uh we are in need of a city ordinance to restrict truck traffic on the road. Given the school's proximity to the 127 construction project, as well as multiple MSU projects, we can have
dozens, if not a couple of hundred large construction trucks, many of which are carrying well over a 100,000 pounds of gravel travel through the crosswalk daily. Many of these trucks are Michigan trains or double trailer trucks, of which I would like to note are actually
banned in many states on highways. Yet, we are experiencing these coming through our school zone. This is particularly problematic as we have a blind hill on the south side of the crosswalk. So, these truck drivers cannot see us until they are right up on us. MDOT has agreed
to reroute their trucks for the 127 temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix, and we need a long-term solution to ensure the safety of our children. Uh the petition and the potential truck restriction are on the city council's agenda October 21st next
week for a vote. I would like to kindly ask that the school board be willing to support the petition and the truck restriction. Your support would send a message, a very strong one, um about the importance of the student safety and could help influence the council's decision. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you uh Miss Bolson and thank you for your advocacy. The uh the next item, the next uh public commenter is uh Will Paddock from ELA. Uh good evening everybody. Um for anybody who doesn't know me, my name is
Will Paddock. I'm a science teacher at the high school. I was also recently elected as the uh ELA or the teachers union president. Um I'm also a parent in the district community member. I was born here. I've been around for a minute. So nice to meet anyone who who
may not be familiar with me or if I haven't met you. Um I came this evening to speak to the board and I appreciate the opportunity. Um first of all, just to introduce myself. Uh I've been to a couple of board meetings since my election, but I haven't spoken to you. So I thought I would take a minute just to say hello. Um, I also had some really
great recognitions to share, but you stole all of them. So, between you and the students, they've all, and I won't I won't repeat them, even though some of them maybe bear repeating. Um, but I think, uh, one thing I wanted to share tonight is just that, uh, in my new role as union president, I've had the opportunity to get into so many
buildings. Um, and, you know, I've I've I've again been in the community for a long time. I have a daughter at the middle school, a son who graduated from the high school last year. So I have a lot of experience but it certainly has been um I would say an eyeopening and and very uh steep learning curve in this
new role. So um it's been wonderful to be uh be able to interact with so many of my colleagues who I haven't had interactions with before and with administration and it's been uh been really interesting to learn so much more about a space that I've been in for so
long. Um just a couple of specific things to share and then I'll let you get back to the rest of your agenda. But um one thing that I'm hearing from middle school teachers is that they're very much appreciative of the new support they have for in the hallways and this is obviously something that was
approved by the board. But um they are loving their new electronic pass system. They are loving the people in the hallways to help just be there and and be present when students are around. And um what I'm hearing from those teachers is that it's just created a really nice like hallway environment that's uh been
a big improvement. So thank you to the board and everyone who supported uh those resources, right? Because that does take uh time and energy. So that's great. Um the other one that we're really excited about is the sick bank. And so as you know, people may or may not be so aware of all the new
provisions in the contract, but there is quite a bit of new language in the contract. One of the um I think really exciting things is that we do now have provisions for a sick bank or a medical leave bank. Um this is going to provide teachers who are facing long-term
illness or um or pregnancy um uh which you know these are uh seasons of life that can be challenging and to have the support of knowing that you can have a little bit of extra time away from work that's paid leave. It's
it is uh certainly a privilege and a blessing to have a job where you have paid leave and now we have additional paid leave for teachers who may again be in a season of life where they need that little extra support. So um excited about uh what's to come with with the medical leave bank and appreciative of
support in the middle school and and there's many other things but that's all I'm going to take the time to share tonight. So um so thank you and uh thank you for being here in support of our students and teachers. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. IC and uh we look forward
to working with you as well. All right. Is there any other public comment before we close public comment? All right. We will close uh public comment at this time. Uh thank you to everybody who appeared for public
comment. Uh the next item on the agenda is board discussion. Um, we do have um a couple of items for board discussion that we have listed here. Um,
I guess we'll take them one at a time and I think there may also be an additional item on here. >> So, um, that trustee Ferris Highland mentioned to me earlier this week. So, um, I can kick it off with, uh, the first item on the agenda, which I know
came up with the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, a collaborative meeting request for joint action on afterchool youth needs. Uh, Trusty Torres, did you want to speak to this? >> Yes. So, the there was a letter that we
received from the East Lancing. Sorry, the So, sorry. I don't know if I need the glasses or if I don't need the glasses. >> I kind of put you on the spot. So, >> yeah, I know. Talking about seasons of life, right? >> Yeah.
>> Um, >> here we go. So, we received a a a letter from the East Lancing Public Library regarding um yeah, support for after school programming and
given some of the um a need to support our youth after school. Um we all know that there's limited opportunities for our young people to go after school. they're
limited space, there's limited activities for them. And so, um, we received a an a letter asking from the library asking for some type of collaboration, um, and partnership, um, and so that we received an a
a an email or a letter asking for a meeting um to to think through with the library and the city council to come up with a collaborative efforts to to sort
to address these concerns. >> And this would just be, as I understand it, how can the li how can we support programming happening at the library andor the Hannah Center in connection
with the city. >> Yeah. >> Is the is the idea. >> Yeah. So it' be a joint effort. Yeah. >> Um >> so like to have all of us come together and have a conversation. >> Yeah. Yeah, they just want to have a they they want to have a a a great big
meeting about it, I guess. >> Yeah. So, the initial So, so so the the request was for initial meeting to discuss what that might look like. >> I would support our attending that meeting. >> Yeah,
>> definitely. >> Just a reminder, if there's more than three of you there, it has to be an open meeting. Otherwise, we'd want to send three folks. Yeah, >> there was there hasn't been a meeting set, but it was the letter was for a request to begin the conversations to set a meeting to see if the we as a
school board were interested in having that meeting, >> right? >> Yeah. >> So, it Yeah. So, >> I guess the question is do we want it to be an intergovernmental meeting or >> which I think it should be >> and then we report back.
>> I would Yeah, I would support that. I would I would think that uh Trusty Torres, if you don't mind taking the lead on it as chair of the intergovernmental committee, uh you and anybody else in that committee could certainly be a part of that. And if for some reason somebody from the committee
doesn't want to go, anyone else from the board can go as long as it's three. >> Um >> somebody else could be there as an observer. Yeah. >> Just not as a participant. >> And so I think obviously we support this. We've done everything we can to support the programming at the library
and we want to keep those lines open with the city too. >> So, um my thought would be to just um have the intergovernment middle committee do the communication and go through these initial meetings and if there's anything
that the whole board needs to be involved in, you can report back. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I Yeah. So the the reply will be that yes, we're interested in having that meeting. The intergovernmental committee will have the meeting and then we'll come back to the pole board before
moving forward with any further solid plans. >> Is that is that something that we can all get behind? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> All right. Well, congratulations, Trusty Torres.
I do want to add that I am this high school offers after school tutoring which is great and a lot of high school students have been utilizing that and I did go to the library to observe um recently specifically and um it was really well the kids were really well
behaved and attended to and I spoke with some of the you know the library employees and they agreed you know but they just but they also emphasize they want more support right and and I on a couple of nice days. So kids, I know when it rains and it's snowy, it's it's
busier in there. So, um, but what they're doing right now is wonderful. What the high school is doing right now for tutoring is a really great offering, but I mean, we've been wanting to collaborate for years. And so, I think this is a great opportunity. So, yeah, >> thank you for taking on. >> Yeah. So, if you don't mind, uh, Trusty
Torres, you can respond to them and, uh, >> yes. and anything that uh you might want to check in with tr with superintendent Leo before uh to see what to what degree the administration wants to be involved as well. >> So is this a resolution to support do I
read this? No. Okay. >> No, I don't think we need to do anything. Okay. >> I think we're just kind of delegating right now. >> Okay. >> Speaking of delegating, >> how's that for transition? >> That's brilliant. Um, we do need to appoint delegates for the MASB
assembly that we typically do, too. There are two people missing from the meeting tonight. Um, but um I I'll say that last year's delegates were Trusty Chambers and um and I was the other delegate. Um,
this was something that we probably should have figured out at our last meeting, but I failed to put it on the agenda and I take responsibility for that. So, um, I'm happy to continue serving as a
delegate. Um, and I have not heard any objection from Trusty Chambers from serving as a delegate. And if we did that, we could we don't have to change anything with MASB. Um, however, if somebody else is interested in serving, I would certainly
step aside if that's something they would like to do. >> What does it entail? >> Um, going to a meeting that we didn't go to last year. Um, >> okay. >> So, um, there are I think it's one of these roles where we can be as involved
as we want to be. Um and we did not do we did not do a ton last year, but obviously the climate is different this year, you know, where um there is going to be a different role for school boards um following, you know, the kind of the
the difficult budget situation. Um and then you know there's always there's bad news about special education coming from the federal government. So I, you know, I don't want to gloss over. It might be a, it might be a more involved role in
the coming year or years. >> Does it require attendance in at the Grand Travers Resort on October 23rd? >> Um, last year it was at the Lancing Center. >> Yeah, that's more convenient. >> Yeah. So, um,
>> because I am interested, but I am not available to be in a different city on the 23rd. >> What's the What's the What's that date? >> October 23rd, Thursday. >> Okay. Well, um, yeah, I'm I probably would not be
available that day either. Um, but again, um, that's up. I I would I would serve if I if if you wanted me to. Um, but if there's others that want to go or participate, then certainly I would seed
that. >> Does this have to be decided tonight? >> It's supposed to be decided the last meeting. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um, which is part of why I suggested that Tara and I would be good delegates
because we're already in their system. >> Yeah. Well, if you don't mind, then maybe we stick to that for this go around and then see moving forward for next year. >> And um
>> so I have a question. If you two are the delegates, but neither one of you can attend that meeting, can someone else or no one else could would be able to go? >> I think we could probably designate an alternate >> um >> or if it's something that we have to
attend. You said we didn't go last year. >> We did not go last year. Um and it like I said it it was something where um we both had conflicts u on the day on the day of the meeting
and it was local which is embarrassing. Um >> but um yes, like if somebody else would rather do it, we can certainly they're they're not going to turn away a board member in good standing who wants to participate.
>> Yeah. in case terra and you are not able to attend that if there if someone else could go and if it's something that we should be at then um I'm not saying that I want to do it because I don't know if I can or not that day either but
it should be attended I think right especially >> by one of us right by one board >> by one by at least one of us >> one board member yeah >> yeah what's the date again did you say the 26th October or 23rd >> 23rd >> just to be clear this is What we that is what we're that is what we're
designating this person these people this person or people for is for that conference. >> Uh it says in the letter here that all school board members are invited to attend the delegate assembly but we just have to
>> Dor do you know have we attended in the past? >> I'm not aware of folks attending much in the past. Not that I'm aware of at least. >> It says it's live streamed for those who will wish to watch, but delegates must be present in person.
Only certified delegates or their alternates may offer motions and votes. >> Any school board trustee attending in person may speak on the issues and participate in the debate. >> I don't know. Would
anybody would anyone like to serve as a delegate or alternate? >> I teach that. >> I just don't know if I physically can be there. I was not prepared to have that discussion right now. >> I might be able to get there.
>> I am very certain that I cannot get to Traverse City on that. >> Sorry. And it's do you um and do you have to be present all three 23rd like all of the the 20 the 23rd through the 26th?
All of >> Looks like the meeting is just on the 23rd starting at 7 p.m. >> Oh, >> so it could be a late night drive back depending how long the meeting takes, right? >> Yeah. >> Or you could stay the night in beautiful
Trevor City. I I'm willing to be an alternate just because there's like a a medical issue that might prevent me from being able to be there in person, but if I'm available and a delegate needs to be sent, I could be an alternate maybe. >> It's I'm I teach I just realized I teach
that day. >> Yeah, I teach that day. >> I'm in Yeah, it's a Thursday. Yeah, I'm in class. Okay. Um, Trusty Ferris Highland, do you have any are you able to do this? >> I could potentially be an alternate. I too have a conflict that day, but same as Abby, I could be an alternate.
>> Okay. >> So, we could have you and Tara I mean, who knows? Tara might be able to attend. I'm not quite sure. >> Could we we does Is it I guess I need to I I can't pull up the letter here because my internet's out.
Um, can we designate do we designate a delegate and an alternate or is it two delegates and an alternate? >> I think it sets >> like this is really just the handbook. It's not actually asking us to
designate anybody. >> It's just explaining what will happen at the meeting. >> Okay. Um >> I'm asking Terra question. Could we designate there's not I don't think there would be any objection to designating
trusty chambers trusty ferris island and trusty taiki as our delegates and then maybe having some communication to see over the next day or two if anybody can make it to the meeting and that way we can uh send a communication masb as to
who we'll be naming if they if there is really an issue with it, then we can address that if it comes up. >> Yeah, >> that sounds good. >> Yep. >> Do we are we okay with moving forward? And then that'll give Trusty Chambers, who's not here today, an opportunity to
share her availability as well. >> Sure. >> Anything else on that topic of the de of the MASB delegate? And that's again, that's my oversight. I should have made sure that was on our last agenda and I did not do that. That's why I apologize for that. Um the
third issue that um we wanted to discuss was communication with the city about these um pedestrian issues that we've been uh hearing about and there do seem to be a few that are specific to Glen Karen
Elementary, but they certainly are not exclusive to that uh to that school. Uh there are families throughout the district that have expressed concerns about uh pedestrian access to schools. Um
Trusty Fair, you had mentioned something about uh preparing some communication to the for the city council. Is that right? >> Yeah. you know, um I attended the walk to school with the Glen Karen team last week and um as did Kath Ed trustee Edol
and so I quickly drafted a letter in support of um you know what they're asking for. So, I can read that aloud and if everyone is in support of this letter, we can send it um well, we can make a formal motion um to support it
and then vote on it and then, you know, send it to council before their meeting on the 21st. Um so, I just kept it very simple. I said the East Lancing Board of Education supports walkable schools evidenced by the rebuilding and remodeling of our six neighborhood elementary schools from 2017 to 2021.
Additionally, we appreciate all the work various members of the Glen Karen community has done to advocate for safer routes to school. Therefore, we support their efforts to erect signage, one that prohibits through traffic on Kensington and two that bars trucks on both
Kensington and Harrison. Additionally, we support the further study of one, a raised crosswalk on Harrison in front of Glen Karen, two, changes in traffic lights on Harrison, and three, the installation of a Hawk pedestrian pedestrian signal.
Thank you. So, that's what um is in the letter of support. Does anybody have anything to add or any questions? No. Thank you for attending that >> event and for drafting this support. >> Yeah. Yes. And it does seem to capture a
lot of what Miss Pukul said um in her comment. So, thank you uh for putting that together. >> Yeah. >> Um I would be uh perfectly happy to to to lend the board's signature to that to
that letter and send it to city council before their meeting on October 21st. Um should we uh well I suppose if the rest of the board is willing to do that we should amend >> the agenda with another with an
additional action item >> action item G. >> So um if there's no further discussion we should may move to amend the agenda. I move to amend the agenda to add action
item G, the resolution uh in support of a safer crossing at Glen Karen Elementary School. >> So, not a resolution, a letter in support. >> Oh, sorry. Letter of support. >> Letter in support. And it would be addressed to the city council. >> Yes.
A second to Trusty Taiaki's motion. >> Second. >> All right. So, this is only on the topic of whether we would amend the agenda to include a letter and support to the city council was made by Trusty Taiki, seconded by Trustee Torres. Is there any
further discussion before we move to a vote? All right, let's move to a vote. All in favor of the motion as presented to amend the agenda, please say I. I. >> I. Any opposition? All right, the agenda is amended to
include action item G. I believe that's all the board discussion that I was aware of for today. Is there any additional board discussion that we'd like to get into before we move on to our action items? All right, thank you all.
Um, let's move into action items. The first action item is action item A. uh resolution to support and endorse the invest in MI kids my kids proposal. Can
I get a motion? >> I move that the board of education adopt the resolution to support and endorse the invest in my kids proposal as presented. >> Second. >> Motion was made by trustee Torres, seconded by trustee Taiki.
Is there any discussion on this uh action item? the invested my kids proposal. >> Should it be discussed and read aloud? >> Well, we've already have we already done the So, is this Have we done a resolution yet or is this the resolution?
>> This is the resolution. It hasn't been read aloud. We haven't read it. So, we need Yeah, we need to read the resolution into the record. >> Okay. >> And before we do, we should say Trustee Ferris Highland has done a lot of work on this topic. >> So, yeah. So, I can explain what it is. It's um like like we said, it's invest
in my kids. It would be a constitutional amendment to our income tax in Michigan. Um that and we're you know the campaign is working very hard to get over 500,000 signatures in support to get this on the ballot in November 2026. So what it would have the potential to do is to
raise over 1.4 4 billion for public schools in Michigan by raising the income tax of the ultra wealthy in Michigan, less than 2% of people um by 5%. So um I heard about this initiative in the summer. It's like been 10 years
in the making. It used to be called Babies Over Billionaires um and it's kind of evolved and the language finally passed and now it's in the the place to finally maybe get on a ballot. And I thought um you know with
education consistently being underfunded and devalued that maybe a peoplepowered campaign um could really make a difference. I mean we're still underfunded. Our our schools are underfunded currently by like 4.5 billion. So it wouldn't cover
everything, but it's something. and school boards across the state are getting involved and um MASB is getting involved. So, it's just it's been kind of a grassroots movement that's taking, you know, that's gaining momentum and um they're passing resolutions across the
state and I that's why I brought it to us. >> Cool. So, do you want to read the resolution? >> Yeah, I can read the resolution. Um, so it's a resolution to support and endorse the invest in my kids proposal. Whereas the board of education of East Lancing acknowledges that Michigan's public
schools are the cornerstone of our communities and the foundation of our children's future. And whereas the board of education of East Lancing believes strong public schools attract families, boost property values, and strengthen the workforce, benefiting everyone. And whereas Michigan public schools are underfunded by 4.5 billion. and more
than threequarters of all Michigan public school students and attend schools in districts that are over 2,000 per pupil below adequacy. And whereas funding for Michigan's school aid fund has significantly decreased over the last two decades. And between 2015 and
22 2022 seven studies found Michigan does not provide enough money for the state's public schools. And whereas in the 2021 2022 school year, Michigan offered the lowest starting teacher salary in the Great Lakes region. And whereas the top 1% earners in Michigan pay a lower effective tax rate than
everyday people pay. 5.7 for the top 1% versus 7.1 to 9.7% for the bottom 80%. And whereas the lifetime earnings of Michigan's current K- through2 students could increase by 27 billion if their educational achievement matched the
national average. And whereas a 10% increase in per pupil spending improved low-income students graduation rates by seven percentage points and their adult hourly wages by 13%. Therefore, it be resolved that the East Lancing Board of Education hereby endorses the invest in
my kids proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution to impose a 5% fair share search charge on annual taxable income over $1 million for joint filers and over $500,000 for single filers. This funding is to be used to raise funds for career and technical
education, reduce class size, and attract and retain educators in public schools across the state. These funds are to be used only for these purposes and must not be redirected and are subject to an annual audit. >> That's it.
>> All right. Thank you. >> All right. So, uh, we have a motion on the table and we've read the resolution into the record. Um, is there any other discussion on the resolution to support and endorse this uh ballot language?
I um obviously as a supporter of public education, I think it's awesome and I um applaud Trustee Ferris Highland for the work she's done on this already because she's been all over the community working on this. Um, >> and Aby's joining or joined the
signature gathering campaign. So, >> I haven't collected any yet, Hie. I'm sorry. But, yes, I have. >> We'll get there. We'll get there. >> And it's great for me because I make $999,000 a year. >> So, >> just under. >> Just under. >> Yeah.
>> All right. I'm I'm I'm always shocked when I see the percentage of tax for, you know, the top percent versus everybody else and how it's just not equitable, right? >> That needs to be corrected. >> Yep. >> All right. Well, if there's no further
discussion, I say we move to a vote. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposition? >> The motion carries unanimously. The next item on the agenda is
multimedia renovations. Uh, can I get a motion? >> I move that the board of education approved the purchase and installation of multimedia and AV hardware for the central administration building and meeting spaces from MOS in the amount of $135,30.84.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Uh, motion was made by Trustee Taiki, seconded by Trustee Ferris Highland. Uh we have Mr. Palasti here. U if we need to have any discussion on this topic. Um
is there any discussion on the multimedia renovation topic? All right. We're going to save you the trip. >> Give you two minutes. >> Um it's it appears pretty straightforward.
I say we move to a vote. Uh, all in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposition. The motion carries unanimously. The next topic is the 2026 summer tax levy.
>> I move that the board of education adopt the resolution as presented to impose a 100% summer tax levy to collect all school property taxes. >> Second. >> U. Motion was made by Trusty Taiki, seconded by Trustee Ferris Highland. Any
discussion on this topic? >> No. Let's get those taxes collected. >> Full circle, right? >> Yes. >> All right. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposition? >> The motion carries unanimously. The next
uh topic is PA152 resolution, which is the 8020 hard uh versus hard cap. I move that the board of education adopt the resolution to comply with PA152 of 2011 as presented.
>> Second. >> Moved by Trustee Ferris Highland, seconded by Trustee Taiki. Um, is there any discussion on this topic? >> Just to be clear, this comes up every year. We have to we have to make an election here. Is that correct? Correct.
And the election that we are making to comply with PA152 is the preference of ELA. Is that correct? >> Yeah. In the past that's been the case. Yes. I don't know if >> Yeah, we don't have Mr.
>> Pardon. >> So, this has come up before. Um, and every year it's trusty edit asks all the follow-up questions, but she's not here, so I feel like I should interject. um the decision to comply with PA152
that's the preference of most of our teachers and ELA is that correct? Okay. And I I don't think we would put on the agenda if it wasn't but I just wanted to make sure we were all clear before we voted.
Any other discussion on this? >> All right. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. Any opposition? Motion carries unanimously. The next item is policy updates. >> I move that the board of education
approve the updates to the following policies. One, 4105B, religious workplace accommodations for employees and applicants, and two, 5421, workbased learning experience. >> Second. >> Motion was made by Trustee Ferris
Highland, seconded by Trustee Lions. Is there any discussion on these policy updates? All right. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposition. >> The motion carries unanimously.
>> Item F, approval of contract for Dr. Mark Dobson as assistant superintendent. >> I move that the board of education approve the contract of Dr. Mark Dobson, assistant superintendent, effective start date October 31st, 2025.
Second >> moved by trustee Lions uh seconded by trustee Ferris Highland. Any discussion on uh the contract for Mr. for Dr. Dobson? >> Can he start sooner?
>> Yeah, I know. >> I tried. Um, I feel like it's important to say that like uh that we've this was obviously a very involved process for the superintendent to uh to make this hire
and to make this recommendation to us. I was able to participate in one round of the interviews. Um, and I was also able to review the materials that the candidates uh submitted. there were some
really really awesome candidates and I think it speaks to the character of Dr. Dobson that he kind of rose to the top of that group and it's uh I'm excited to have him on board and I think it's uh I think it's going to be a great fit. So
I'm really excited. >> Any other discussion? All right, we'll move to a vote. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. Any opposition? Motion carries unanimously. Dr. Dobson, it is our custom to invite new hires to
the podium to introduce themselves, say a few words, uh talk about, you know, their priorities or anything they want to inform us about. >> Or just say hi. >> Yeah. Or just say hi. You don't have to. We I don't mean to put you on the spot >> in case we start the clock. I wanted to
hustle under the twominut. So, um I I'll be very brief, but good evening uh and and thank you so much uh for the opportunity to serve this community and this district. Um I recognize that this is a big role to fill. Um and I'm very
humbled by that trust that you're placing in me. Um ultimately, uh you know, through the lens as a father and the spouse of an educator, I I believe that we have the greatest and and most important job in the world. And so, um,
if I can help my fellow educators by supporting them and growing them in this craft, then I think that's a job well done. So, I look forward to hanging the ground learning and, uh, serving this district and community. So, thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> Can you tell us where you came from or tell?
>> Sure. Uh, so the the reason I'm not here today is because I I'm not working in East Lancing today is I, you know, I didn't have your approval and I'm also the principal at St. John's High School. Uh, I've been there. This is the start of my fifth year there. Uh before that, I'm actually kind of quite boring. Um I
was the principal at Byron area schools and that's where I had spent my entire career before that. So I left as a high school and middle school principal in Byron area schools. Um but prior to that, I had been uh heavily involved with the union, the school improvement. I was the athletic director there, dean
of students, student council, so coaching as well. So that's the that's the 32nd educational educational history. So >> perfect. >> Yeah. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. >> I think you left out an important detail. You're also a Spartan.
>> I I am a fourtime Spartan grad. So if there was any Wolverines on the board, I'm glad we got that vote out of the way. I I know. Well, she doesn't get a vote. She already she already put her two cents in on me. So uh yeah. So yes.
Yes. I I am uh >> Yes. >> Good to good to to balance out the >> deck. Yeah, it's a good balance. Yeah. >> Well, welcome and we look forward to October uh 31st. Was that the date? Yeah, >> October 31st. >> Welcome aboard.
>> Thank you all so much. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> And good luck to you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All right. Excited to see the great things that uh Dr. Dobson help uh does for the district in the coming years.
The next item on the agenda is the letter in support of the pedestrian access issues to the city council. >> So I move that the East Lancing Board of Education approve a letter in support of the Glen Karen community um to present
to city council on October 21st. >> Second. >> All right. Motion was made by Trustee Ferris Highland and seconded by Trustee Lions. >> No, not me. >> I'm sorry, Trusty Torres. did. So, >> I mean, I'll take it, but it was her.
>> Is there any more discussion of the letter in support uh that trustee Ferris Highland drafted? >> Let's move to a vote. All in favor of the motion as presented, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposition. All right. The motion carries
unanimously and we'll make sure that that letter goes out before the October 21 meeting. >> I'll get it to you, Kelly. >> That's the right date, right? Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, no problem. >> All right. No problem.
Um, okay. So, I believe that concludes our business. We'll move on to committee reports. Uh, the first one is academic and technology. So, Trusty Lions. >> Yep. Um, we have not met since our last meeting, so I have no updates, and we
look forward to having uh Dr. Dobson um at our uh maybe not next meeting. We might have one this month, but um if not at the following one. >> Jump right in. >> Uh facilities committee trusty fair. >> We have not met.
>> Finance committee. Are there any updates from finance? And trust is not here. >> Uh we met. When did we meet? October 6th. >> Uh last Monday. Yep. >> Yep. And we uh got a review of our audit.
Um, it's ex it's awesome. >> And, uh, we got some state and federal budget updates and talked about some upcoming board resolutions. So, >> very good. >> Mayor will be here at the October 27th meeting to give the presentation on the audit to the full board. >> Thank you, Dory.
>> Yes. >> Make sure that Dr. Dobson's here for that one. Um, >> the uh, >> he can watch it. It's a it's a it's a long meeting as you may know from your experience. >> Yeah, it was clear that Lisa has done a did a lot of work uh with the auditors
but so thank you Lisa. >> Thank you. Thank you Miss Allen. Exactly. Intergovernmental relations trust. >> Yes, we met on September 29th and this and during that meeting we set goals for the upcoming year. one was to
reestablish some communication with the city to discuss that email from the East Lancing Public Library, which we've already discussed earlier in this meeting. Um, and to set some meeting
dates for up for our upcoming meeting, which will be on at 9:30 in the morning on October 29th. >> All right. Thank you. policy committee. That's also trusty. Is there any report from policy? Um
>> we did meet and we're waiting, you know, on some rewrites um and replies from Trune. Um nothing that I want to report on now. Um things are just pending. >> All right. And I skipped personnel by
accident. I don't we do not have anything to report. um is OOA Trusty Taiki. >> Oh yes, we met and uh we got a review of mental health services provided to the districts from Dr. Noel Duval who is the
director of mental health and wellness for Ingam ISD. Um she so the review was basically that the ISD provides individual and family therapy, parent support, group therapy and helps connect folks to community resources. Um in 2020
and 2021 there were 134 referrals to the program and last year we had 698. >> Wow. >> Um and these do uh um relate mostly to student anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideiation and disruptive
behavior. So there is a need and it continues to grow. Um, so that was really great to hear some of the um the great work that's happening, but also the challenges they're still facing and the increasing funding needs um for mental health and safety services in the
district. Uh we also got a superintendent's roundt update from the superintendent of Weberville Community Schools and he discussed that they had talked a lot about um the cell phone ban and discussion on the positive changes that have uh they've seen in student
interaction and engagement after banning cell phones. Um there was a safety update where uh as Dory has mentioned before the importance of um finding requiring common language so for ease of understanding in emergency situations.
They also discussed um 22E funding and unanimously voted to support the state aid following the student if they transfer districts within the ISD after count day. And we got a budget update and our next meeting will be on November 5th at 8 a.m. which is an in-person tour
of the Beakman Center in Lancing. >> Water. >> All right. Thank you, Trusty Taki. Announcements. Our next meeting will be back to the normal Monday schedule on Monday, October 27th.
So, uh, please plan accordingly. We'll be we'll still be here, correct? >> Yes. for the foreseeable future. >> Um, are there any other announcements? >> Oh, I have one. Uh, since you were so kind as to give my kid a shout out for his cross country performance at the
middle school meet yesterday, I also wanted to mention that the first place finisher for East Lancing Middle School on the girls team was Tessa Casper, who finished 35th, which is a huge accomplishment. >> All right, thank you. >> All right, any other announcements?
We will stand adjourned at 8:09. Thank you all for being here.