Call to order and welcome to the January 12 organizational meeting and regular meeting, for the of our board of education. Where can you please come from? Clark? Here. Colpron? Here. Rogers? Here. Madison? Here. Scott? Here. Carmen Tanks? Here. And Tyler? Here. Okay. Item number two. We've all received the agenda prior to today. If there are no objections, we will approve the agenda with, unanimous consent. Are there any objections? Okay. Item number two is approved.
We will now approve the consent agenda. If there are no objections to doing so, we will do that with, unanimous consent. Yes. To, add some questions for, discussion on, line item three b and three c. Okay. So we will move item three b and three c down to so you did it before?
Oh. Okay. We'll move it down to 13. I don't know. Come. 86. What is it she's moving? What's moving? What is it she's moving? The consent agenda. Item b or c. B? Oh, I'm sorry. Items yeah. Three b and three c. Yes. Okay. So let me move it down to after number 12. Okay. The consent agenda will be approved with unanimous consent. Are there any objections to doing so? Okay. We will go to item number four, election of officers.
Two elect officers for the twenty twenty six, twenty twenty seven term in accordance with the bylaws. We will go to item four a. President, any nominations for payment? I would like to nominate, Paige Madison's statement. Okay. Second in second? Second. One second. Okay. Who's gonna Who's second? Alright. I need you to put it right there. Okay. Madison? Yes. Scott? Yes. Yes. Herman Tanks? Yes. Tyler? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Corpering? Yes. And Clark?
Yes. Thank you. Congratulations, president Madison. Congratulations, Madison. We will now go. Thank you. We will now go to president, item number four b, vice president. Any nominations for vice president? Oh, I nominate oh, I nominate our department. Okay. That is any any second? Second. Okay. And a motion made by trustee Scott oh, Scott. Rogers. Sorry. And seconded by Perriana Tance. Miss Griffin, can you please call her up? Mhmm. Madison? Yes.
Scott? Yes. Paramount tanks? Yes. Tyler? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Culpren? No. And Clark? Yes. Congratulations, vice president Clark. Oh, so item number four c, secretary. I'm sorry for all that information. Mhmm. When there was a motion for, asking for the nomination, and I raised my hand and also I could raise her hand. When you told her to go ahead, she just did it. Oh, so mine beats out for my nomination?
The person that I want? Yeah. Because she she got enough votes to me. I'm sorry. So you told her to go. Correct? You said go ahead. Well, well, there were two two nominations. I mean, two two people who wanted to nominate. Why? Because I told her to go or I should have just taken over. If that's what she wanted to do, but since she got enough votes to be it, then she she is that how that goes? Pretty sure. Yeah. Is that not how it goes? That's not how it goes? That's not how it goes. Okay. Tell me how. Okay. So we get to do her nomination as well?
Yeah. Okay. And whoever has the most cases? Okay. Thank you. Thank you all. Okay. Miss, trustee So I would like to nominate trustee Tiffany. You can accept her. I'll accept her. That's who I nominate for vice president. Do you accept that? Okay. Alright. So, a second any second? A second. I can make the motion. Sorry. I can make the motion. I can make the motion made by, trustee corporate and seconded by trustee Tyler. Miss Kirk, can you please spell that out?
Pearmund tanks. We already voted. No. Rogers? No. Culpring? Yes. Clark? No. Tyler? Yes. Scott? Yes. And Madison? No. Alright. We've got a item number four c, secretary. Any nominations for secretary? I myself will nominate, trustee Kermit Stacks for secretary to remain secretary. Any second? Motion made by myself, seconded by trustee Clark. I have a nomination to nominate, Tyler or excuse me, Asia trustee Asia Tyler for secretary. Okay.
So we're gonna go with trustee Kerrigan Tech first. Miss Gerritney, please call the roll. Rogers? Yes. Cochran. I'm sorry. I don't know. This is We're not on Tyler. Alright. No. No. Madison? Yes. Tyler? No. Scott? Yes. Clark? Yes. Perriment Tanks? Yes. Okay. And then we will now oh, is there a second, first time? No. You're for APS. I'm sorry? APS. That's what I said last time. Let's ask you. I know it's all. You're still No. You're still not in this. No. You're still not in this. No. You're still not in this. No. You're still not in this. Okay. So is there a second? A second. Second. Okay. Maybach's corporate trust settlement by Tyler.
Miss Bear, can you please call the roll? Rogers? No. Cochran. Yes. Madison. No. Tyler. Yes. Scott. No. Clark. No. Herman tanks. No. Okay. Congratulations, secretary, Kerri Scott. I mean, Kerri Min tank. All over there. Alright. We'll now go to item four. The treasurer. Any nominations for treasurer? Alright. Okay. Not superior. I'd like to, nominate Tiffany Scott for treasurer, please. Okay. I'll second that. Miss Clark, can we start? Is there any other? Sorry. Anybody else wanna be nominated?
No, ma'am. Okay. Tyler? Yes. Madison? Yes. Scott? Yes. Permantanks? Yes. Clark? Yes. Rogers? Yes. And Colprin? Yes. Okay. Congratulations, treasurer Scott. Yeah. We will now move to item number five, facsimile signatures. Okay. Go ahead. Resolve that the board hereby authorize the use of what's the assessment? The system. Signatures of president Madison and treasurer Scott for use in signature signing checks drawn upon district funds, except those transactions for which other signatures have been authorized by the board,
such as contract agreements. The board hereby hereby authorizes the following school employees to to conduct such transactions. Superintendent, director of finance, board designee. Second. Alright. Motion made by trustee Clark. Seconded by trustee Tyler. Miss Greer, can you please call her up? Any discussion on the motion? Kyla Scott seconded it. Do you? Yes. I seconded it. Yep. I said any discussion on the motion? No? Okay. Miss Greer, can you please call her up? Clark? Yes. Fireman Kings? Yes. Corcoran? Yes. Rogers? Yes.
Tyler? Yes. Madison? Yes. And Scott? Yes. Okay. We will now move to item number six. A little that motion passes. Right. We will now move to item number six, design designation of bank depositories for district funds. Would anyone like to read the motion? Okay. I will. Resolve that the following brokers, dealers, safekeeping institution, school accounts and banks are recommended as depository institutions for school district funds and other public monies coming into the hands of
said treasurer, brokers, dealers, safekeeping, Huntington Capital Markets, Comerica Securities, Huntington Capital Markets, pooled accounts, m I l a f slash public financial management, p o m, banks, Comerica Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Huntington Bank. Any second? So any motion on second. Okay. Motion made by myself, seconded by trustee Tyler. Miss Greg, any discussion on the motion? Okay. Miss Greg, can you please call the roll? Clark? Yes.
Scott? Yes. Tyler? Yes. Madison? Yes. Copring? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Perriman tanks? Yes. Okay. That motion passed. We will now move to item number seven. Would anyone like to read the motion? I don't know. I heard it. Do first. So resolve that the Board of Education authorize the administration to utilize the services of the following legal firms as counsel to the board of Oak Park School District and matters as specified for the 2026 school year. Firm of Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone Paddock and Stone.
Firm of Miller Johnson, Shawan law firm, PC. Second. Motion made by trustee Scott, seconded by myself. Is there any discussion on the motion? Go ahead, trustee Corcoran. I'm sorry. So we no longer have, Tron? I mean, not Trone. I'm sorry. Miller Johnson. Did I hear that? Because I Yeah. Both of them. Okay. Yeah. I didn't hear the first time. We're trying to find Mhmm. Very good. Yeah. Is that all, trustee Colburn? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Motion made by trustee Scott, seconded by myself. Miss Greer, can you please call the roll?
Parliament tanks? Yes. Tyler? Yes. Scott? Yes. Madison? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Culperin? Yes. And Clark? Yes. Okay. We will now, motion passes. We will now move to item number eight. Committee appointment, Oakland County School Board Association Committee. Would anyone like to read that motion? I can read it, but we need to have the discussion of who can be appointed to Yes. Meetings. Would anyone like to volunteer to be the, Excuse me?
Would anyone like to volunteer with Arrow? Can we I'm in Dallas. We're gonna have to revisit it, I'm assuming. There is a deadline to to that. Mhmm. So just for, information. I think I have that in my email as well. It's in your board book. Mhmm. Mhmm. The thing where I can find it before me, please just holler out the list. Oh. December 1? February 1? No later than January 31. Okay. So do you do you all wanna revisit this, at the next board meeting?
Or do we have somebody that can possibly do this? I'm not available, so I can't. I won't be available to do it either. Okay. Yeah. We'll have to revisit this, at our next board meeting. Alrighty. So we'll go to number nine, public participation. Can you please read the public participation guideline here? Mhmm. Here in a second. Because the open education values public meetings, not just meetings in public, but you are on public comments on school issues.
Speakers are asked to express themselves in a civil manner with due process for the dignity and privacy of others who may be affected by public comments. The public comment portion of the meeting cannot be used to make personal attacks against a school board member or a school district employee that disrupt the order of the meeting and are totally unrelated to the manner in which the member or employee performs his or her duties. Because should be aware that if statements violate the rights of others under the law
of defamation or invasion of privacy, such comments may result in legal liable liability. Most comments can be concisely stated in three minutes, and the board is definitely asked that comments remain focused on the topic or issue and not directed at specific personnel or board members. And I have Sunetra? Sunetra. Sunetra Ward. Okay. Welcome. Welcome. Can I move this out a little bit? Sure. Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Again, my name is Sanitra Ward.
I am the vice president of OPE. I stand before you with a statement, to speak to you in the absence of our illustrious president, Desiree Fuller. Once again, good evening. I am speaking tonight in my role as leader of the Oak Park Association representing hundreds of dedicated educators and and staff who show up every day committed to serving the district and its students. It is now been fifty three days approximately since the superintendent was placed on leave.
We want to be clear that the OPEA fully respects the principle of due process afforded to the superintendent. We are not challenging that right nor are we seeking confidential or legal protection information. We are asking for and have consistently asked for is communication. Acknowledgement, reassurance, a visible demonstration of care and concern for the staff who are navigating an extended period of uncertainty. These requests are rooted in the well-being of the workforce and the overall health of
our district. We recognize the central office leadership can only do so much in this situation, and we appreciate their efforts to support staff. At the same time, the lack of direct communication from the board leaves staff unsure and anxious. Clear, consistent messages from the governing body itself are necessary to maintain trust and confidence in the district. Our memberships are asking reasonable questions. They're asking to feel seen, supported, and valued by the governing body of the district
they serve. Even a brief acknowledgement, of the strain that this situation places on staff will go a long way in maintaining trust and stability. Tonight, we respectfully ask the Board of Education to demonstrate leadership through, thoughtful communication and visible care for its employees. Our education remains deeply committed. Excuse me. Our educators remain deeply committed to Park students and community. We ask in partnership with you that the board demonstrate the same level of commitment
to the people who make the district function every single day. With more in regards, OPEA. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Okay. We will now move to item number 10, close for call session. Call for call session. What's it up to? Another. This one, another. You have another one? No. This is not all. Okay. You sure? Yeah. This is the one I'm Okay. Would you like to do the motion? Yeah. We the call for closed session that the board enter into closed session pursuant to
section eight c of the Michigan Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing two letters of agreement and LOAs. And a second on the motion? Second. Motion made by trustee Clark, seconded by trustee Tyler, miss. Clark? Yes. Coughran? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Madison? Yes. Scott Permutanz? Yes. And Tyler? Yes. Okay. We're now in close session. Thank you. Okay. Welcome back. We are now in open session. Madam president, I would like to make a motion to amend the agenda. Okay. Second? Trustee Clark made the motion, and trustee Scott seconded.
I I move that the board accepts the administration's recommendation for the following action items. For the LOA to modify the school year calendar, be it resolved the Oak Park Board of Education has thoroughly reviewed the letter of agreement between the Board of Education and the Oak Park Education Association with regard to modifying the twenty twenty five-twenty six school year calendar. The Oak Park Board of Education formally accepts and approves the letter of agreement as presented Adopted by the Board of Education this day, 01/12/2026.
Okay. And spoken about Trustee Scott, correct? Yes. So motion made by trustee Clark, seconded by trustee Scott. Miss Burty, please cover Mhmm. Tyler? Yes. Herman Kings? Yes. Scott? Yes. Madison? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Cochran? Yes. And Clark? Yes. Okay. Motion is passed. In addition to that action item, I would also like to make the motion for four, LOA regarding placement. Be it resolved, the Oak Park Board of Education has thoroughly reviewed the letter of agreement between the Board of Education and the Oak Park Education Association, OPEA.
With regard to staff placement, the Oak Park Board of Education formally accepts and approves the letter of agreement as presented adopted by the Board of Education this January 2026. Okay. Motion made by trustee Clark. Any second? Second. Seconded by trustee Tyler. Miss Murphy, please call the roll. Clark? Yes. Colburn? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Madison? Yes. Scott? Yes. Herman Cain? Yes. And Tyler? Yes. Okay. The motion passes as well. We will move to item number 12.
Action items, number 12 a, acceptance of the June 2025, audit report. Is there any more like to get the motion? Alright. It's resolved that the board meet. Resolve that the Oak Park Board of Education Education accepts the audit report for the year ended 06/30/2025 as presented by mister John Ringling of Manor Coursesourcing at the 12/08/2025
board meeting. Second. Okay. So motion made by trustee Pam and Tanks and seconded by trustee Scott Clark. Miss Greer, can you please call the room? Clark? Yes. Coburn? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Madison? Yes. Scott? Yes. Herman Tanks? Yes. And Tyler? Yes. Okay. That is that's moving on to item number 12 b. Eighth grade student out of state field trip in Sandusky. Ohio, would you like to read the motion? I'll read it. Okay. Resolve that the Oak Park Board of Education approves an out of state field trip
for the eighth grade students of Oak Park Preparatory Academy, OPA, to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio on Tuesday, 06/02/2026. Students will depart OPA at 07:30 a. M. And return at approximately 09:30 p. M. Via ground travel under the accordance with district policies and procedures. Would anyone like to second the motion? Second.
Okay. Motion made oh, any discussion on the motions? Motion. Okay. Motion made by trustee Clark and seconded by trustee Perryman Tanks. Miss Griffin, please call the roll. Tyler? Yes. Clark? Yes. Permantanks? Yes. Carpryn? Yes. Scott? Yes. Rogers? Yes. And Madison? Yes. We will now move to item number 12 c, sixth and seventh grade out of state field trip to Washington DC. Would anyone like to make that motion? I'm here. Alright. Go ahead. Resolved that the Oak Park Board of Education approves an out of state overnight field trip for the sixth and seventh grade students of Oak Park Preparatory Academy, OPAA, to
Washington DC from Wednesday, 05/13/2026 through Sunday, 05/16/2026. Students will depart OPAA at 5AM and return at approximately 9PM via World Strides. Under the supervision of Wolf Park School District instructor Amber Miller and approved chaperones in accordance with district policies and procedures. Okay. Motion made by trustee Rogers and seconded by trustee Keri Minh Tanks. Any discussion on the motion? Okay. Miss Greer, can you please call the roll? Madison? Yes. Tyler? Yes. Rogers? Yes. Clark? Yes.
Corcoran? Yes. Scott? Yes. Kerriment Tanks? Yes. Okay. That motion is passed. We will now revisit item number three d, which was moved down. Personnel actions, 01/12/2026. Trustee Cochran? Yes. Personnel action report that I had a discussion on is the, the resignation of the speech and language pathologists at the Oak Park Preparatory Academy.
Is this position available? Or did, are we do we have any candidates, for this position? Like, are we interviewed? The position is posted. Yeah. Yeah. This position is posted as all of our other vacancies on our on the front line system. And, HR, along with our director of specialized student services, reviews those candidates, in the portal daily, probably. If not daily, then at least every other day to see any new candidates.
At this time, we do not have any viable candidates, so we consistently, take a look at the court to see who has applied. And also, I know there's the social workers. So these are two major, positions that we lost. And I wanted to ask because I know now that the law has, allowed the permits, for certain professionals. Are we, like, is it I know there's a competition out.
Right? And I'm trying to word it properly, because these are state laws, that says we have to have these, positions. So is there anything different that we're gonna be offering this time that we, you know, lost them? Because I know that, miss Aliyah said that, you know, she's done a whole lot to get these positions filled.
But I know we continue to run into these roadblocks, but strategically, are we coming up with something, you know, more powerful? Because we we have some competitors out there than we do. To your point, Trustee Foreman, these are specialized positions. Right? So, unlike, us being able to get a permit from the state for a teacher, it is much more I don't even think they give permits for these because you have they have to not only be licensed by the state, but also Laura as a social worker, and a speech that they have other credentialing.
So typically the state does not give permits for those positions. However, I do believe we came to the board a couple months ago, to just expand our net, our network and our, and our net to include contractor services if possible, because as you mentioned, these are requiring your positions to serve as the students of the Oak Park School District. One of the things that we are considering, and I know we did it last year, because these positions fall under the collective bargaining agreement. So technically, we can't do anything above and beyond for this group that we don't do for all everyone at OPD yet.
So because they are in collective bargaining, unit, we would need to have discussions The OPA to explore, perhaps additional, opportunities or additional, problem solving strategies we can have to, make sure that we are, desirable and to make sure that we are recruiting and retaining those specialized positions. I thought, if my memory serves me correctly, that it was a permitted position that
ago. No. No. Not for not for ancillary staff. So not for social work. Was I was with it it let us do it for teaching staff, but not because it's, it's specialized. Right? So social work, you have to do law, and you can either do limited licensing or full blown. We can't get any permits because they they require a whole host of extra training that, is not required by other positions. So the state will not use permits for those. Which is why we sometimes go to contracted services. We gotta make sure we have them right. So sometimes we have to explore, in in collaboration with our OPA, explore.
So how many contracted companies out here in Michigan that happens to Yeah. Have some speech in English. Uh-huh. It's it's a few. Well, how about we have we reached, like, out of town? Because I know you're talking about the town. So we do have some people that apply by the town, but typically, they won't they won't virtual hours. God, I just cannot. So so there's several outstanding candidates who have applied, but they want they think they can do work virtually.
That's not our test that's not our function. Right? So we can't approve those applicants. Now, they moved to Michigan and they want to come service the beautiful children of the Oak Park School District. Here we are. What is the limit, the limit of time, you know, the limits, the limit to where we have to have this position fit? As soon as possible to make sure that we are in compliance with students' IEPs. Right. Right? So IEPs dictate how many service hours and services students get mostly by month.
So typically, we don't we try not to go very long without those services because we have to deal with we was called compensatory services. Right? So then we'd have to say, okay, these group of students didn't have social work hours for the month of October. So we do hire a social worker. They have to go through and still give those service hours because legally and morally and ethically, we are entitled. Those two those children are entitled to those hours. So we always make sure, in conjunction with our director of special education, doctor Olole, that we give those compensatory hours, if we have vacancies.
Thank you. You're welcome. Is that all, miss Courtney? For that one? Yes. Okay. Alright. So now we move to, item number three c that was moved down, financial statements of terminal number 2025. Go ahead, trustee So the question I have, under general funds expenditures.
Oh, here we go. So, we have amended budget, actual, and we also have actual over under budget. So my question is, actual under over budget. And I noticed that our total expenditure says $60,629,730, and the actual is $26,539,951.
Mhmm. But it looks as if we underspent of $34,000,089.77 $771, which is giving us an average of 43.8% over. Great. But that is great. That is great. That is great. Now now to explain it a little bit. So this is our amended budget for the year. So this year, we budgeted $60,629,000 roughly.
We're almost at the halfway point of the year, which if if if you're spending your money correctly, you should spend it you should be at or below 50% of your spending. Now, if we're over 50%, then it would be a problem. But right now, today, we've only spent 26,000,000 and we we still have to go from here until June 30. So we're to your point, we're looking very healthy. The amount that we budget is 60,000,000. We're only we've only spent down 26,000,000. According to our budget, we still have 34,000,000 to spend down for the year based on the budget the board approved, on July or June 30, and we are under
that 50%. Thank you. You're welcome. Alright. Is that all I have to ask for for me? Yes. Anybody else? Okay. Now we will move to item number 13, information items. IP address quote quote. Good evening. Good evening. So OPARC is scheduled to refresh 375 iPads. These iPads are used through kindergarten, latch key, STEM, and ESL. The reason we need to update these is because they no longer support the security upgrades, software updates, and state testing. So we can use bond funds.
So we do have bond funds left over from contingency. So that cost will be 150,959 thousand. So we will bring that into next week. Alright. Any questions for that? I have a question. Trust, the Trust, can you tell me real quick? Sorry. Oh, I'm sorry. I can't hear you some. You bet. Mhmm. Do I need to call my questions until the next order now? Is it about this? Yes. Go ahead. Okay. So okay. Thank you. So my first question is okay. So we need this. Right? But, this So we are contracting this out to be done?
No, we're gonna do it in house. Oh, so we're gonna do it in house? Yes. Yeah. The switch over from the old iPads to the new iPads. This is just the purchase of the iPads. Purchase of the iPads, the cases, the licensing for the iPads, and then the headphones. So we're gonna buy some new iPads. Yes. That's right. Yeah. So where the old one is? They we no longer can support them. So When did that sound like when we bought these was in 2014. Okay. So alright. So we need these for our our students.
Okay. Alright. Because I was looking on okay. So what do we now how many how many can excuse me. How many The three seventy five. IPads are? Yeah. They'll be split between kindergarten, latch key, the STEM program, and ESL. How many? Three seventy five. 375. Okay. Alright. I want to hear that. You understand the past, so make sure they all get to the kids. The refresh works. Excuse me. Refresh. So the refresh is defined as because I I I misinterpret what refresh was.
I thought it was us taking because I know Apple updates software. Yeah. We're good. So I thought that's so what's the definition of refresh? Yep. We're getting the parts replaced. Getting yeah. This is yeah. She's using a different hardware. I I send out radios to have them re flash, which is the same thing. We send out the radios and then they program them, send them back. Refresh it. But I was like, oh, wait. Is it reflashed? Is it sending out, coming back?
I understood it. No. It's like utilization. You said I I I know you said the STEM, the preschool Kindergarten. Kindergarten. STEM, ESL, and slash. ESL. That's fine. Okay. Is that all, professor Quaker? Yes. Okay. We will now move to item number 14, communication. Any communications from the the, the the the ministry? Yes. First of all, we would like to we sent out a district communication, but we would love to invite our illustrious school board, our community, and everyone to our annual, Doctor. Martin Luther King Jr.
Keep Up the Promise program that will take place at Oak Park High School this coming Monday at, 09:00AM. It's a wonderful program put on and led and directed by, principal Haley over at Key with, district. He will get you for saying that. What happened? You said Key. Oh. And now the Oh, no of the Promise.
We'd love to have our school board there in our community. Unfortunately, I have a previous engagement out of state with my daughter, so I won't be there, but we would love for, you all to attend. That's the first announcement. The second one, we have a half day this Friday. Friday's records day. And in the car market period, our teachers will be here, writing the last of those projects and assignments and getting those grades in. And because it's MLK Day on Monday, there is no school for students. But we do take that as a day of service and celebration of all of the hard work and dedication, for people like, from people like doctor, Martin Luther King
Junior. My other communication is January is National School Board Appreciation Month. Appreciation Month. So we just like to take this time to recognize our wonderful school board for the service that they provide. You ran out, you got boats, and you come here every other Monday to do the business and the work of the district. So we appreciate, all of you show to events, y'all at the school houses, y'all shuffling and gliding all over the place here in Oak Park School. So we appreciate your presence, we appreciate all that you do, your commitment, your care, your passion, your joy, your love, provide to our children.
So, shout out to you all. Happy National School Board Appreciation Month. We gave you gifts from our administration, and then we have just some beautiful, QSAT certificates. Oh. For you that we'll give to you, at the end, but just just in recognition of your service. So Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. Anything else from okay. Okay. Any other communications from the board? Go ahead, sir. Go ahead, sir. Go ahead. Thank you. I have a letter here, to the communication I mean, to the community and the school district. This is in reference to the censoring of me at the last point that I
wasn't in attendance. Not that I have to give a reason to why I wasn't here, but I had a cousin who was in ICU, and he later on passed away. So to shut that noise that why I wasn't here, that is the why I wasn't here. Dear community and school district, the the school district district attorney, Adam, contacted me with inquiries, prompting me to consult my attorney. My attorney asked me, was I under a criminal investigation?
I asked Adam, was I under a criminal investigation? He stated, he doesn't have that type of flower. And I, again, answered no. He mentioned the board president initiated a fact finding inquiry about me. A closed session was held, without my consent to discuss my situation. Since I am not under an investigation, I am taking this time to advocate a openness and transparency with which hasn't provided which wasn't provided in this instance.
Adam didn't clarify and propose he didn't clarify the proposed of his questions. As per the Michigan Compiled Letter, Ross, section 15.267, you can find it on page six, on page seven and, seven and eight. Excuse me. Page six and seven in the Michigan Compiled Laws where it speaks.
And this is clarifying because it's it's very long and I didn't wanna read all that. So closed sessions can be held to discuss matters related to the discipline disciplinary suspension, disciplining, complaints, charges, or evaluations of a public officer, employee staff members, and additional, I mean, excuse me, an individual agent. Providing that the individual in question request a closed hearing.
However, in my case, I wasn't informed about the closed session, beforehand, and I was not under any criminal investigation. I repeat, I have not done anything wrong. I believe transparency is virtual is, is vital. In such matters, and I had nothing to hide. It's important to follow the rules set forth in the Michigan codes to ensure fairness and accountability. As an elected official, my fiduciary duty is to this community and this school district
and everybody else. Not to the comfort of the board majority or the superintendent. I was chosen by the people to re to represent their interests. And this is what I intend to do. Regardless of the challenges I face, the sensor I have received is a clear case of retaliation for simply disagreeing and speaking openly. It is damaging to my reputation and undermines the spirit of public service.
However, I will continue to to ask questions, speak truly, and carry out the duties to this to to the best of my ability and excuse me. As this is what I was elected to do. I remain committed and serving our community with integrity and dedication. And I will be deter will not be deterred by those who speak to silence me. Now there are some quotes from my mother. My mother was a union woman.
She was a committee man. She taught us ethics. She taught us transparency, and she taught us how to stand strong. That would be me and my sister and my brother. She used to say, do the right thing even if you stand alone. And also to Ian, Michelle Obama always says, when they go low, you go high. And that's it. Thank you. Trustee Corcoran, anybody else? I have a hearing. Okay. I would just like to thank director of communications, Brandy North.
She was able to participate in a Zoom for the youth recognition program that is coming in. I appreciate her. I will be sending a save to date a save the date to all of you through your email, for the youth recognition ceremony that we will be having in April. It is a private invitation only event. So I will give you the details of what is needed and I would also like to thank teachers that have nominated students thus far.
We do appreciate it and we hope to have more nominations to come. Madam president, I'm sorry. I do appreciate one thing. Thank you, trustee Clark. Trustee Clark, you're good. Also, I wanted to, talk about the, state oversight. I know back a couple of in November, we received a, actual paper that discussed and, miss Murphy had spoke about it. What what happened was I had I had not understood what that meant even with this one piece of paper, I read it and read it.
So what ended up happening is I called the Department of Education to ask them to define what losing your oversight meant. So, they contacted, the administration. Administration gave me an email. And in that email, it was a PDF. But the reason why, I guess, I did not understand is because there was four pages added on to this. So now I I request that the other board members receive those other four pages because it is very critical that they understand, you know, the, the reason or why
or how we get to this situation. And that's why I call our MBE US. Okay. Any other communications from the board? Thank you, okay. I would like to, go I would like to start by saying happy new year to everyone. I hope y'all had a good holiday, good break. Welcome back. Just to give a little bit of, notice the investigation is still ongoing.
We don't have any words on that yet. I will put out, something from our legal stating that, but it's nothing, as of right now. You know, with the holidays being just past is and so many you know, so much of it. I can't really speak on it, but, soon as we get something with the findings, we will report it. Happy school board appreciation month to all of you, all my fellow trustees. And I would like to thank you guys for your support, with me being president
for the first time. Thank you so much. Y'all have been awesome in, you know, guiding me and helping me. Trustee Corcoran, I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you. And I just wanted to explain with your case what you just did since I was kinda singled out. I just wanna explain that you had complaints that I had to go to the attorney about, because that's what they wanted me to do. So I have to do it. Mhmm. And I have no reason to retaliate the issue at all. I support you.
So thank you to everyone. Anyone have anything else to add? No? Okay. This meeting, 15, number item of 15, adjournment. Can you tell us when the next meeting? The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held Monday, 01/26/2026 at 6PM in the Boardroom of the administration. Alright. So it is adjourned.