meeting to order. I am Superintendent Dr. Monica Merritt. Welcome to the July 15, 2025 PCCS Board of Education meeting. Now, the first portion of our meeting this evening is the board organizational meeting. A portion of the
organizational meeting is dedicated to the establishment of officers for the 2526 school year. I'd like to begin by giving board members the opportunity to introduce themselves to you. Beginning on my right with member boss Jennifer
Boss, welcome. Good evening. Judy Wester. Good evening. I'm Patrick Kio. Thanks for joining us this evening. Hi everyone. Lauren Christensen. Welcome. Hi, I'm Cheryl Peard. It's nice to see everyone. I'm Ahmed. Welcome.
All right. I'd like to introduce my administrative assistant, Miss Diane Robertson. We want to thank her for being here to capture our minutes. Also, Mr. John Kger who takes care of our video and technology needs. So, we want to thank him for being here this evening as well. Like the remaining members of the core team to begin introducing
themselves with Mr. Tisquitz. Thank you, Dr. Merrick. Kurt Tisitz, assistant superintendent for student services. Welcome. Good evening. Joe Minnik. I serve as chief finance and operations officer. Good evening, Beth Rail, chief academic and innovation officer. Thanks for being here tonight. Good evening, Abdul Medun, chief human
resource officer. Welcome everyone. Liz Vartanian Gibbs, assistant superintendent, student and family engagement. All right. At this time, I would like to ask everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. At this time, I'd like to invite a motion for the adoption of the agenda for the organizational meeting. Is there a motion? Madame Superintendent, I would like to
adopt the agenda for our organizational meeting. Is there a second? Second. All right. Those in favor signify by saying yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries. 6. I like that. The agenda for the organizational
meeting will be adopted as presented. So this evening I am very happy to be able to turn over this gavvel to the next one among us who would like to be the president and be considered for the 2526 office. I think at the last meeting you all kind of talked about your
officer positions and established if there's some level of interest um in that position. If there is anyone else that would like to be nominated tonight as well that is open. So, I'd like to begin by by inviting a motion for the nomination of the president of the board
of education for the 2526 school year. As a reminder, there is not a need for a second for nominations. I would like to nominate Lauren Christensen to be president. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, I will call for the vote.
Those in favor signify by saying yes. Yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries. Congratulations, Madame President. Please assume your duties. I'll I'll give it a snack just on your behalf. Thank you, Dr. Merritt. Okay, I'm happy
to kind of take over this uh portion of the meeting. Um we're going to move on to the vice president. So, I would now like to invite a motion for the nomination of vice president of the board of education for the 202526 school year. And as a reminder, there is
no need for a second for nominations. Madame President, I would like to nominate a new truck sad to be vice president. Any other nominations? Okay. Hearing none, I'm going to call for the vote. Um those in favor, please
say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries 6. Okay. I would now like to invite a motion for the nomination of secretary of the board of education for the 2526 school year. Are there any nominations
for secretary? Madam President, I would like to nominate Judy Wester to be secretary. Any other nominations? Okay, hearing none, I'll call for the vote. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Yes.
Okay. Motion carries. 6. Um, okay. Last but not least, I would like to now invite a motion for the nomination of the treasurer of the board of education for the 2526 school year. Are there any nominations for the officer of treasure? Madame President, I would like to
nominate Patrick Kiho for treasure of the board of education. Any other nominations? Hearing none, I would call for the vote. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed, please say no. Okay. Motion carries 6.
All right. Now, we're going to move on to the remainder of our organizational meeting. And if you recall last year, we went through each of these items. And I've asked for each board member to um kind of roundroin or popcorn style help me through this because it's it's quite
lengthy and I know not everybody wants to hear me talk all night. Um so, we will move to item number four, bylaws number 0164.1 and 0164.2. time, place, and notification of
meetings. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we adopt bylaws numbers 0164.1 and 0164.2, time and place and notification of meetings. Can I please have a second? I'll second it. It was moved by Treasurer Kiho and seconded by member Bard. I'm going to
start to my left. Member um Ahmed, do you mind reading these bylaws for us, please? How far is she going? She goes through bylaws just the two headings and then we'll go through our vote. Okay. But we have and then we'll move on to number five
and then member Bard will read it and then number the whole number uh number four. Y bylaws number 0164.1 and 0164.2 time place and notification meetings. It was moved by member Kho and seconded by
member Picard to adopt the following bylaws. Bylaws number 0164.1 Regular meetings time, place, and notification. Regular meetings of the board of education of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools, Wayne and
Washington counties, Michigan shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. exceptions. There will only be one meeting in July, July 15, 2025, and one meeting in December,
December 9th, 2025, beginning at 700 p.m. at the following location, except as agreed herein, unless otherwise directed by a majority vote of the members. The EJ McClendon Educational Center, 454 South Harvey Street,
Plymouth, Michigan 48170. Do you want me to read the next one? Not at all. Bylaw number 0164.2 special meetings time, place, and notification. Special meetings of the board of education of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools, Wayne and Washington counties, Michigan, may be
called by the president of the board or any two members thereof by serving on the other members a written notice of the day, time, and place of such special meetings or by a majority vote of the board.
Public notice of each meeting of the board of education shall be given by posting a copy of the notice on the message board by the front entrance entrance to the EJ McClendon Educational Center, 454 South Harvey, Plymouth, Michigan, at least 18 hours prior to the
time of the meeting. The executive assistant to the board of education or other central office staff in her absence shall be appointed the designate for posting notices. Sorry, it was me. It's okay.
Okay. Thank you very much for reading both of those. And it looks like we're going to vote on both of those together. So, those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Okay. The motion carries. 6.
Okay. Next up, we have um is this the continuation of Yeah, we need to continue number four. I see. Okay. So, I need a motion. um to direct the executive assistant of the board of education to advertise bylaws
number 016 point excuse me 0164.1 and 0164.2 in the Detroit newspaper agency newspapers. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we direct the executive assistant of the board of education to advertise bylaws number
0164.1 and 0164.2 in the Detroit newspaper agency newspapers. Can I please have a second? Second. So, it was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by Secretary Wester. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no.
Motion carries 6. Okay. On to item number five, authorized signatures for school district business. Um, can I please have a motion to authorize the following signatures for school district business? Madame President, I move that we authorize the uh signatures for school
district business. Can I have a second? A second. Okay. So, it was moved by treasure Kho and seconded by member Voss. U member Pequard, do you mind reading that for us, please? Okay. Documents. Um a administrator contracts um president, secretary or
superintendent or author. These are the authorized signatures for 2025 2026. Oh, sorry. I don't have this. B is teacher contracts. One is probationary and two is continuing tenure. um probation areas
by president, secretary or superintendent and number two continuing tenures by president, secretary or superintendent. C motor vehicle titles and those are authorized signatures by superintendent, chief finance and
operations officer. D land contracts would be authorized by president, secretary or superintendent. E is deeds to write to real estate and that's authorized by president, secretary or superintendent. F leases and easements
and that's authorized by president, secretary, superintendent or chief finance and operations officer. G is depo deposit and investment accounts authorized by president, treasurer, superintendent, chief finance and operation officer, executive director of
finance and accounting and H vendor contracts would be authorized by superintendent, chief chief finance and operations officer. Thank you. Okay, those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries 6. On to item number six.
Considering the f consider the following resolutions. A naming depository investments of monies and naming signitories for all funds. Can I please have a motion? Madame President, I move that we name the depository, investment of monies and
and naming signatorries for all funds. Can I have a second? Second. Okay. It was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by Secretary Wester. Um, Treasure Kho, do you mind reading this first section, please? It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Westerra that the
treasurer and or chief finance and operations officer be authorized to deposit all monies for the funds of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools in the following banks: Community Financial Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, Huntington National Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank and
NA, Michigan Liquid Asset Fund Plus, PNC Bank and PNC Capital Markets LLC, Public Trust Advisors LLC, The Bank of New York Melon Trust, NA, the US Bank NA and further to invest all monies of all funds of the Plymouth Canton Community
Schools in investments authorized under section 1223 of the Michigan School Code of 1976 as amended. and further that these banks be requested, authorized, and directed to honor checks and other orders for the payment of money drawn in the name of
Plymouth Canton Community Schools against the name funds when bearing faximile signature of treasurer Kho and the faximile signature of President Christensen. and further that the Huntington National Bank, Bank of New York Melon, UNMB Bank NA, and US Bank NA be designated as the paying agents for
bonds of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools as required. And further, a blanket position bond is required for all school district employees in the amount of $100,000 and the cost of the bond to be provided by the school district. Thank you. Okay, those in favor, please
say yes. Yes. Those opposed, say no. Motion carries 6. Okay, moving on to naming general counsel. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we name the general counsel. Can I please have a second? Second. Okay. It was moved by Treasure
Kho and seconded by Secretary Wester. Um, Member Westerro, could you please read this one? It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Wester to appoint legal counsel for the 2526 school year. Collins and Blaha Law Firm
PC general counsel. Okay. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries. 6. Okay. On to C. Naming other specific legal counsel as appointed by the board of education. Can I have a motion? Madam President, I move that we name
other specific legal counsel as appointed by the board of education. Can I have a second? Second. Okay. It was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by member Peard. Um, member Voss, do you mind reading this section, please? It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Peicard to
appoint other specific legal counsel as appointed by the board of education for the 202526 school year. In addition, the board of education has the right to name other legal firms during the course of the year as it deems necessary. Clark Hill
plc, Lacy and Jones LLP, Le Point and Associates PC, Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone PLC, Thrun Law Firm, PC. Thank you very much. Okay, those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Yes. Those opposed say no.
Motion carries 6. On to section D, naming school district auditor. Can I have a motion, please? Madam President, I move that we name the school district auditor. Can I have a second? Second. It was moved by treasurer Kho and it was a close tie. I'm going to say it was
member Voss seconded that. Um, member Ahmed, do you mind reading this section, please? Uh, naming school district auditor. It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member, did we say boss? Voss. Yes. Okay. To appoint Plant Moran LLC certified
public accountants as the school district auditors for the 2025 2026 school year. Thank you. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Yes. Those opposed, say no. Motion carries. 6. On to section E, naming school district
bond financial advisor. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we name the school district bond financial advisor. Can I have a second? Okay. Second. It was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by member Pequard. Member Peard, do you mind reading this
section, please? Okay. It was moved by member Kiho and seconded by member Picard to appoint PFM Financial Adviserss LLC as the school district's bond financial adviser for the two 2025 to 2026 school year. Thank you. Okay, those in favor, please say
yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries 6. Okay, we're on to section seven, designate routine advertisement. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we designate the routine advertisement. Can
I please have a second? I'll second it. Okay, it was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by Member Pequard. Treasure Kho, do you mind reading this one? It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Peard that the Detroit Newspaper Agency or the Michigan Chronicle Newspapers be designated for
the following routine advertisements. A, notice of budget hearing and truth and taxation hearing. B, invitation for bids. C, request for proposals. and that the bond and that the bond buyer or the Detroit Legal News as required be designated for publication of A call for
redemption of bonds, b sale of bonds, c sale of tax anticipation notices, and that the invitation for bids for major renovations, additions, and new construction public act 232 of June 21st, 2004 requires schools to post
construction solicitations for a minimum of two weeks on the state of Michigan Sigma Michigan website. Thank you. Okay, those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries. 6. And that concludes
our uh portion of the agenda that's dedicated to the organizational meeting. Thank you everyone for your help through that portion. Um we are going to move on to section A of our regular board meeting, adoption of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda. Can I
please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we adopt the agenda and approve the consent agenda, action item 260701. Can I have a second, please? Second. Okay, it was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Wester. Um, Dr. Merritt, can you please take us through
the agenda? Thank you, President Christensen. This evening, our consent agenda consists of human resources transactions since our last time together. I'm so pleased to introduce a slate of champions for your consideration this evening as new hires as well as the consideration of some
resignations. We also have the approval of minutes from our regular meeting on June the 24th, 2025. Thank you very much. All right, I'm going to call for the vote. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries 6. Mr. Mun, can you take
us through human resources? Yes, I can. Well, it's that time of year, so we have quite a few um quite a few people being hired today. So, if you're um the new hirees or you're in the crowd, I'm when I say your name, if you can stand. So, once we get through everybody, then I'm going to take
everybody out to the hallway and we have um some sweet treats for you to take to take home with you. So, first I will start with um Emily Blasio Basilio. Um she's a prek GSRP teacher at Gammore.
Maline Burns, a math teacher at Plymouth. Andy Castro, art um teacher at um at Hovind. Jacqueline Kosk prek GSRP teacher at Canton. Anna Leslie, a resource room teacher at
Discovery. Andrea Markwood, a GSRP teacher at Galammore. Chad Steel, art teacher at Holing and Eric Vanston, a math teacher at Canton. [Applause]
Abigail Wizolowski, um, a GSRP at Holden, and Sarah West, GSRP at Dodson. In addition, we have several other hires. Um, we have Brian Alfred who has been hired as the dean of student
support at East Middle School. We have Jennifer Curry who is hired as the chief is hired as the chief academic officer. you know, Kathy Jax, who we all know, who is being rec who is moving up to the payroll supervisor position,
[Applause] Jessica Savage, who is the new assistant principal at Canton High School. And those are all the new hires. All right, maybe we welcome everybody. [Applause]
So, everyone that came in the hallway, I'll take everybody out. Thank you, Mr. Mun. Okay, we're moving on to our board committee reports and action. Up first is the president's report. I did not prepare anything just, you know, because it's our organizational meeting. So, we
will be short and sweet and we'll skip on to the next um sections here. Um so historically at the organizational meeting um we we run through each of the committees um the committee chairs the board committee chairs are appointed by
the board president and so those appointments will happen likely in the next week or so. So if anyone does have interest in becoming a committee chair please email me by Friday of this week and we will make our selections very soon. But I have asked each of our um
former board committee chairs just to pro provide a brief description of each each committee. So first up we have the student performance and achievement committee. Member Westerro, do you mind telling us a little bit about that one? The student performance and achievement committee is a standing committee of the board of education and it is responsible
for considering changes to the instructional program in pursuit of the district's strategic goals which include curriculum resources and course updates, research and best practices to support the prek through 12 instructional programs, out ofountry
field trips, and evaluation of student data and gap analysis while ensuring that there is transparency and community involvement in this process. and we are the most fun committee despite what Patrick Kho I love I love the rivals we've created through our our our committee
discussions. Thank you very much member Wester. Okay, moving on to policy committee. Um uh member Sudu is actually traveling and not able to attend today. So I've asked member Ahmed to share a little bit about policy. I think tenure on committee should be
counted for what's most fun. But anyways, we'll see. Um so the policy committee is responsible for reviewing and developing policies for the school district and it is Dr. Merritt and her team then who decide how those policies will be implemented. We need to make
sure that the policies align to the current law. Uh we review the current policies to make sure they're relevant and we also develop uh new policies for the district based on need and we refer the policies then to the full board for
adoption. In terms of membership for this committee, there's usually two to three board members, two or three community members, and the chief human resource officer, Mr. Maidun, um helps as the core staff person from Dr. merits
team on this committee. We do have legal counsel sometimes join us and other relevant staff members when either we need their input or whether they want to provide input, they will also join as needed and we are definitely the most
fun committee. Thank you very much. Okay, on to finance and operations committee. Member Kho considering tenure on the committees, I've been there for more than 10 years on finance and operations committee. So, I think that we're certainly in the running for the most fun committee. We
also meet probably the most often, the finance and operations committee. We provide guidance and direction to the board of education regarding the business operations for Plymouth Canton Community Schools, specifically in the areas of finance, accounting, budgeting, operations, and transportation services. Those specific areas are the budget
preparation and management, the financial planning and forecasting, cost reduction strategies, operating efficiencies and financial analysis, capital strategy and development, efficient and safe and cost-effective facilities management. Uh PCCS district
business operations, custodial and maintenance operations and student transportation services. Our governance is is that we report to the the the to the committee as a whole. In other words, to the full board. We provide minutes uh as required and we
publish those meeting minutes and agendas. We typically meet at least once per month in general. We meet every before the Thursday before every board meeting. Um so it is a very frequent meeting and in fact as an example of how
exciting finance and operations is, we're one of the only committees that's met since our last board meeting. and we met last Thursday, June 26th to discuss the upcoming crossing guard services agreement that'll be on the agenda for this evening as well as some
exciting topics of the purchase of Tomcat floor scrubbers and six John Deere tractors. All right, so come and join the excitement that is finance and operations. Way to sell it. Thank you so much.
Uh moving on to student voice and action committee. I will say our student co-chairs are both enjoying their summer break. So I'm happy to stand in and tell you a little bit about student voice and action. So the student voice and action committee meets once a month. Um they're responsible for elevating student voice
and providing students with the necessary resources to allow the imple implementation of meaningful and positive change here at the school district um through the board of education. So, some of the goals of this committee really are are to create that direct link between the school board and
the student population um and to actively implement uh student input regarding the board of education student policies, providing students from all backgrounds with an outlet to elevate their voices and to really promote equity and equality during the students
times at school. Um it is a student-led committee. We do have board members who do attend those meetings, but it is led by our students. We have our two co-chairs, Josh and Arjun, um that will serve this year and next. Um in addition to serving on that
committee, members of SBA also attend the other board level committees too to provide that student voice. Um that's more of a rotating I think membership and attendance, but we we um we do invite them at at the other committees. Um
I guess let's see the from in terms of governance um this committee reports to the PCCS district committee as a whole as we said this this uh are regular board business meetings and they also publish committee meetings and agendas and their meeting minutes. Um
I I think this rivals all of your committees for the the most let's just all agree that SBA is the best committee. Yeah, they're pretty great. And they meet they meet once a month as well in place. Very good. True. Okay. All right. And that actually um
concludes our committee reports here. So, thank you all for providing that brief description. And again, as a reminder, if anyone is interested in chairing one of these committees, please let me know by this week Friday via email or phone call. Um okay, up next, we're going to
move to the superintendent report. Dr. Merit citizens comments first. Do we have any? I think citizens comments follow. Oh, gotcha. Got you. Yeah. All right. Here I am. I thought I was president for a minute. I forgot my role as superintendent. All right. Well, you know, I never miss
an opportunity to brag on our amazing students. So, I'd like to begin this evening by celebrating the work of two PC graduates who were recognized for the academic achievements on July 14th when the final round of National Merit Scholarship winners were announced.
Plymouth High School graduate Sidarthther and Salem High School graduate Jushnure Dylan were awarded national merit grants from their chosen colleges, Wayne State University and Michigan State University. These scholarships are
renewable grants for up to $2,000 for up to four years of undergraduate study. Ayer and Dylan join four other PC graduates who were named National Merit Scholars in previous rounds. So PB's six national merit scholarships are the most
in a single year for the park that I remember during my time here at PCCS. So please join me in celebrating our two additional friends. So proud so proud of the work that they do. Now it may be the middle of the summer but it's never too early to start
preparing for the return to school in the fall. I think I was a little sad this morning when I heard the um commercial for Meyer to say back to school and I'm like wait we just ended. However, and we are excited to begin to welcome our students back. So this year's edition of the PCCS summer
communication provides the information that all of our district families need to prepare for the upcoming school year. This includes our transportation, our food service, our enrollment details, and more. This communicator gives students and families information that they need to get the most out of
learning. And this is actually the PC one for the park. Um, it covers everything from schedule pickup to school sports and extracurricular activities. So, you can find both of these documents on the district website and through links on our social media channels. We appreciate our
communications department for getting this information um out there for our families. When we think about our summer programs, it's been an absolute hit. Please just join me in taking a look at these pictures of our young people and celebrating their talents and skills.
Our dedicated staff that have really been a part of the summer learning programs. We want to thank them for their outstanding work that are really helping our students find fun ways to spend their summer while learning and growing together. From our community education department's popular safety
town program to our numerous camp offerings, students across our district are having a wonderful opportunity to learn in exciting ways. When is the last day soon? So, if anyone is interested, please let us know if you'd like to
visit one of our so summer programs. It's always just um a great learning experience. We have our back to school bash coming up and this is our opportunity to invite the PCCS community to join us in celebrating the start of a new school
year. This annual tradition is a day filled with games, prizes, fun food, and all the information our families need about the exciting things that are happening in our district. So, I want you to save this date. It will take place on Saturday, August the 23rd from
11:00 am to 2 pm. We don't want any construction blocking the bus loop this year, so we're ready to go. Um, and again, this bash is going to offer a great opportunity to meet our school and district leaders, members of the board of education, learn about the many
programs that we have here in PCCS from preschool through high school and beyond. What a great way to start the new school year. So again, mark your calendars and let's get ready for this school year to begin. I'm going to end this night without um sadness because
I'm just going to say that this is a time for joy. Although I've acted like a child in the fetal position for the last few months that my Beth Rail has announced her retirement. But I do want to say in her last meeting here, Beth, we are so so grateful for your
leadership here in our teaching and learning space. It was August of 2019 when we introduced and recommended for hire this champion for students. Um, from day one, she had three rounds of interviews, but we knew that she was our person. Um, from the first day that we saw her, she captured our attention
virtually, and that was a challenge because everyone else was uh in person, but we knew that again she was our person. She led with a spirit of innovation, um, kindness, how to get to yes all of the time. And I think that she when you think about a position and
I think we all go into this work um hoping to leave a space better than we found it. So I will say to you my friend job well done. You have succeeded in doing that. Um she is the chaser of our number our fifth goal I would say in terms of making ourselves as PCCS a
leader in educational excellence because that's what she strives to be. And again um you have left us better than you found us. Um, I am forever grateful for you. I truly consider you consider you my friend. And when you go to retirement, you I know you're supposed to like leave us behind, but just keep
my number on speed dial so you can just check in on me. I can check in on you, make sure we good. So again, Beth, uh, thank you for all of the work that you have done. Um, and we appreciate and we're going to I'm not going to miss you. We're not going to say goodbye. We're going to say we're going to continue to to see and I know
Jen is still here. We're going to continue to see you. you she is passing the torch to you, Jen, and um really setting the foundation and you're going to continue to take us to the next level. So, Beth, again, we appreciate all that you have done. Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
It's been my honor. Thank you. [Applause] You want to say a few words? I was just gonna say it's been my honor and my pleasure to serve the district for the last six years. And I'm, you know, I we we have an amazing program. We have an amazing school district. We
have outstanding teams of folks from the classroom to the lunchroom to the bus stop, you know, all the way up to the superintendent. So, I just it's been my honor. So, thank you all for having me. And, you know, I, as I always tell people, once you're mind, you're mine.
So, you're stuck with me. I'm like fungus, right? So, but thank you. I appreciate everyone. That's uplifting, isn't it? Yep. I know. So, you'll never forget that now. You always have to say something when you're leaving that people will be like, "Do you remember when Beth said something about being
like fungus?" So, there you go. I will say I always tell this story. Beth with her innovation came in my office early on with these uh I don't even know the word. You know me in technology. I kind of virtual reality headset. It was Oculus Quest. That was so I'm like, "What is that? Let me try this thing on." Because she's like, "This is what I'm bringing for for
our kids." Student- centered and again always focused on innovation and taking us to the next level. I put that thing on my head. I was like, "Oh my goodness." So, I was like, "Uh, yes, teach us and let's get this for our students." And now you brought us esports and um just a whole the whole
innovation hub was uh the dream of of Beth. And so, I'm seeing that come to reality. Again, we thank you, Beth. That's it. I'll stop talking. That concludes my report. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Merritt. Um Okay.
So now we're moving on to section D, citizens comments. I'm not seeing any in the basket. So we will move on to section E, administrative reports and recommendations. So we have our finance and operations um with Miss Minnik. Um can you take us
through this first topic, please? Thank you, President Christensen. It's the time of our agenda where it's my pleasure to recommend to you for your consideration this evening uh those replacement floor scrubbers. Uh it is just part of our routine work in our facilities department that we would
recommend uh replacement for uh replacement equipment when it makes uh no longer any sense to repair uh old or obsolete equipment. So these new units would be deployed at Plymouth High School, Pioneer Middle School, and Discovery Middle School. This purchase
will be made through the Omnia Purchasing Cooperative. Uh and after applying on top of that a volume discount and free freight, the total cost is $46,837.50 and these funds will be uh funded by the 2526 custodial equipment budget. Uh this
item was reviewed with finance and operations committee on June 26th. Uh so with that, I'll turn it over to uh Mr. Rice, our facilities manager, if there are any other questions that you may have. Thank you. Great. I will open it up to questions starting with member Voss.
No questions. Thank you. No questions. We talked extensively about the uh floor scrubbers and had a great discussion in finance and operations. I'm super excited these are coming forward and I have no additional questions. Thank you. I have I do have one
question. Um and this might be a softball, but does does the floor is the force scrubber compatible with our current flooring in each of these buildings? And is it compatible with any future maybe improvements with the
additions um whether it's LVT or um you know our our standard VCT or rubber etc etc. Yeah, the floor scrubber is compatible with any type of flooring. Just depends on the depends on the pad that you want to put on there and the chemicals you put in the tank. So it is I don't want
to say future proof. Um however it will suit our needs and they have proven to be very reliable as we have three in service in the district. Thank you. Thank you for that question. That's an excellent question as we look forward to our bond work for sure. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. I was at the meeting so I have don't have any questions.
Okay. Member Ahmed. No question. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Next item on our agenda for your consideration this evening is recommendation for purchase of six John Deere lawn tractors. This is the first reading. It was uh reviewed at the June
26th FNO committee meeting. Uh but we are seeking approval to purchase six new John Deere tractors. All of them are equipped with mower decks and snowplow attachments. These will replace outdated and non-functional units uh that we have throughout the district. So those usable
parts from the existing equipment uh will be salvaged for future maintenance needs and the remaining materials will be recycled. Uh these will support year-round grounds maintenance at Field, Ericson, Faren, Espister, Smith, and Tanda elementary schools. And the equipment will be procured from Hudson
through the state of Michigan's My Deal cooperative purchasing program. Each tractor is priced at $7,746.24 each snowplow kit at $1,29746 for a total purchase cost of 54,26214. And again, this like the track like the
floor scrubbers will be funded by the 2526 maintenance equipment replacement budget. And again, Mr. Rice is here for any questions you may have. Thank you. Member Voss, any questions? No questions. Thank you. Member West. No questions. Smith School is going to be really
excited about getting a new tractor. So, we're excit because their tractors on its last legs held together with duct tape and bailing wire. So great project. Yeah. You No, I do not have any questions. No questions. Okay. Thank you very much.
Oh well, thank you. We appreciate your yes votes that we are anticipating. This will uh be back on the agenda in August for that second reading. Okay. Thank you so much. Perfect. Thank you. Um okay, moving on to action item number
26-07-02. consider approval of a resolution for a crossing guard services agreement. This is a first and final reading. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we consider approval of a resolution for a crossing guard services agreement. It'll be a
first and final reading and the action item is 260702. Can I have a second? Second. So, was moved by Treasure Kho and seconded by member Pequard. Um, uh, can you please take us through this one? Yes. Thank you, President Christensen. Uh this evening for your contemplation
and consideration is a crossing guard services agreement. Uh this was reviewed at the June 19th and June 26th finance and operations committee meetings. Uh we currently outsource our crossing guards uh to EDG staff who recruits, hires uh
etc. Uh and we're looking to shift that away to a turnkey solution for all over management training uh uh staffing and substitute staffing all that is involved in a turnkey solution for management and provision of crossing guards at our 31
posts across the district. Uh so with that uh for more explanation and details, I am going to turn this over to our uh director of capital projects and facilities, Matt Lent, and our district's uh director of of student safety and security, Josh Meyer, for
more information. Thank you. Good evening, board. Uh I'm Matt Lance. I'm the director of facilities uh at PCCS. Uh so yes for crossing guards uh we have 31 current posts um one of the
posts uh is actually looks for uh additional so there's actually 32 that we actually fill and we actually do on a day-to-day basis. Uh both those 32 posts are AM and PM crossing guards. So we have for the morning to school and the
morning home from school. Uh today we are requesting approval to switch vendors from EDGU staff to all city management services. Um EDG staff has had a historical problem filling all 32
posts across the the district. Um they currently on average on dayto-day fill about 17 to 20. Um this puts the burden of filling the remainder 12 to 15 posts on a PCCS. uh we currently use in the facility
scene will use grounds uh employees or pees uh in the mornings or in the afternoon. Sometimes we have to have the principal come out or someone from the administrative staff come out to help supplement and cover these posts that are not being covered. Uh so this leaves
us anywhere between 12 and 15 posts daily generally in the morning while everyone else is doing their other work that are not being filled. Uh so this causes a considerable safety uh issue
for our pupils that we have. Um we have Matthew, Mr. M. I'll go there. Sorry, I'm not good with this thing. There we go. Oh my my apologies. Uh so
we reached out to a third party. Um they are all city management services. They are a nationwide crossing guard company. Uh they provide turnkey solutions uh to crossing guard issues in other districts around the
nation that are having the exact same problems we're having with staffing and oversight. Um they have will provide uh recruitment, background checks, training, equipment, insurance, supervision, subs and they will do a
daily oversight and they will also do program oversight uh as well to make sure the needs of the districts and the needs of these posts are being filled. Uh all city uh works with four Michigan school systems currently. Um, all those
school systems had the exact same struggles and the exact same challenges we are facing here at PCCS. All of them came back and said glowing reviews looking to extend or if not currently in negotiating longer extensions for this
turnkey solution. um half of the submission for the contract based off our agreement with the municipalities, 50% of the money that this contract uh will incur will be
build back to the municipalities uh as a part of an agreement with PCCS and the local municipalities. So, as we go through this in the next slide, you're going to see kind of a little bit of a fundamental breakdown of program cost, what they're looking at, and kind of
what the actual cost to the district is going to be and what hours can be build to the municipalities to help us fund said program. So, uh, all city management, uh, submitted a
2-year contract option, um, valuing at a not to exceed year one price of $352,581 broken down into 13,320 max billable hours at a rate of 2647
all-in cost per post. So when we look at what we currently have going at the top with our edge of staff model plus internal overtime uh edge of staff our current contract is $50,240.
Uh facilities team specifically paid $184,000 in overtime to have pees or grounds standing doing the crossing guard service. uh equating to about 22% of all
overtime paid by facilities covering this crossing guard service. Uh with the all city proposal, you can see the contract amount is up there at 352,581 less than 50% billable reimbursement to
the municipalities at 167 or 176 29050. Net total cost 176 29050 to PCCS. If you look at the bottom down there, that gives us a net savings of about $58,000
to PCCS. Um, assuming there's a some admin fee that we're not really calculating in the overtime numbers, comes up to about $63,500 savings. outsourcing this vendor and switching vendors to an all-in turnkey
solution versus edge of staff who's more of just a hiring uh and frontline management program not doing all the other services. Mr. Meyer, you want to talk about uh the safety issue and the references specifically?
Yeah. So, um, when I came to the district, prior to coming to the district, I worked for the camp public safety department and crossing guards have been a challenge for many, many years. Um, trying to fill those vacancies, trying to get crossing guards there. M, there's multiple sites across
the district that require two crossing guards due to the complexity of the intersections and the traffic studies that were done. And a lot of those intersections were some of them currently are not staffed with any crossing guard and some of them are staffed with one crossing guard. Um
so the goal through this is to try to get all of those fully staffed um and get those safety issues addressed. Um contacted numerous references um both in the in the state of Michigan uh state of
Wisconsin tried to use neighboring to the best of our ability. Um but but all of the references uh had positive positive feedback. Um Plymouth Canton Schools is in somewhat of a unique situation and that the motor vehicle code places the responsibility of
crossing guards on the municipal police departments. Um to not not to get into the weeds too far, what occurred in 1976 is there was a lawsuit filed against the the the school district and the three municipalities over crossing guards. That lawsuit drug on for several years.
At the time that the lawsuit was filed in 19 in the 1970s, there was only one municipality that had a full-time police department. That was the city of Plymouth. So, under the motor vehicle code, they were the only municipality that could be compliant with that code that that put the
requirement of crossing guards on the municipal police department. Subsequent to that lawsuit being filed, there was a consent judgment that was ordered or agreed upon between the the school district and the three municipalities that the school district would manage
crossing guards including the staffing uh the training, the equipping, etc. And that those costs would be split 5050 between the school district and the municipalities based on the intersection of responsibilities. So it gets a little
bit tricky in the city of Plymouth and Plymouth Township because five of those intersections are shared by the two different municipalities. So what we've gone down now done is gone back and we've reviewed all of those intersections all those crossing guard sites. We've come up with a a really
comprehensive list of how those how this cost sharing will occur. Five of those intersections will be split between two munic kind of a three-way split really um between the two municipalities, the city of Plymouth, Plymouth Township and the school district. Um and then the bulk of those inter the bulk of our 32
sites, 21 of them I believe are in Canton Township. Um so going through all of my my role in this, contacting the different agencies that are in the municipalities that are using all city management. um speaking
with some of the police departments that that uh fall within those jurisdictions using all city management. The positive the feedback was positive. Um some of the technology that all city management is going to bring and some of the challenges that we've faced is you we got 32 sites. So how do we ensure that a
crossing guard is there every single hour that they're supposed to be there? We don't have the technology to do that. It really would require manh hours to go out and physically check those or have somebody reporting back to us that there was no crossing guard. uh through all city management, there's a geo fencing system that's in place. So once the
crossing guard receives the initial training and is assigned a crossing guard location, there is an app that is used, they're geoenced, and so that they know, we know the time that they walked into that geoence and the time that they left that geoence. Um and so we're able to go back and track that data to ensure
that we have compliance with the crossing guards. um in working through some of those issues that we've historically had in dealing with with trying to ensure that we have adequate coverage. The other challenge that's been very difficult for the district is meeting the training requirements because somebody has to
provide that training. We have to bring the crossing guards in. The state of Michigan requires four hours of initial training for all crossing guards and then two hours of annual training every year for those crossing guards. So, we've had some challenges there. All city management takes that responsibility on. And the biggest the
biggest win or piece in all of this is they take on all the liability of crossing guards and they they they exclude the district from that liability. So because they're training, equipping, and staffing those crossing guards should something happen at that intersection doesn't mean that the
district isn't going to get sued, but we're indemnified in that contract from from that liability. Um and that liability falls on all city management. Whereas in our current situation through edge of staff, all they're doing it's a pass through. All they're doing is hiring and putting that person. We're
still responsible for outfitting them. We're still responsible for providing with the necessary required equipment. We're still responsible for training them and we're responsible for all the liability that that crossing guard should they should they act outside of the scope of of their training or should something happen at that intersection
with the crossing guard or should something happen when there is no crossing guard there. So that's what I can tell you and I'm happy to answer any questions from a contractual um get getting back to a we have had some issues with um
billing and kind of invoicing the the municipalities as Mr. Meer referenced the geo fencing. They will provide us all the data. So there will be indisputable backup that says we are going to attach this township this many hours at this rate with all the
documents behind it to say this is what you owe us for manh hours posts covered manh hours worked. Um along with in our invoicing from them we will get these reports as well. So, if we have questions or any sort of discrepancies,
we're also able to say, "Show me the geoence report. Show me your invoicing. Show me your backup to kind of do a double check. A, covering us from a financial, b, helping us gain that financial back, and c making sure our pupils have coverage that we're kind of
lacking right now. Um from a hiring model, uh All City has said they will hire and take on all crossing guards that are currently employed should they want to transfer over and become employee employees of All City. In doing so, they'll receive a
$2 an hour raise. Um, and moving into year two, because I mentioned at the beginning this was a two-year contract, there will be a 3% cost of living increase on top of the $2 an hour increase to come um to transfer from our
employee over to all city. Year two, that brings that do not exceed max billable number to 363,13. again broken down into 13,320 max billable hours at a rate of $2726.
Uh last two things because I've thrown a lot at you. Um the staffing model. So we have asked for a ramp up model of what that looks like from the day we sign the contract. Assuming the board uh takes our recommendation and signs the
contract and votes yes, we will sign the contract. Within 45 days, they have said they expect to be fully staffed. At that point, they have also given us a $40 an hour billable
um I won't call it a penalty, but it's a penalty for open positions. So, if I still have to take a grounds person or a PE on overtime rate out to that site, we will get $40 an hour back off of the
billable hours and off of that max total billable number. Thank you. And I I forgot to mention in references when I when one of the questions that I asked was was tried to ascertain whether the rate that we were getting from all
city management was comparable with other communities and and it's very comparable. The the average of of the various municipalities that I contacted was was between about 24 $25 an hour all the way up to $31 an hour. Um so we I
think we're getting a very comparable rate. Some of the lower rates were much smaller much much smaller contracts to ours. Um there is a very comparable community in another state that is at $30.75 an hour billable rate currently.
Thank you for that Josh. I also want to mention if I may that I just want to underscore your comment that this has been a a concern for several years and one of the other outcomes by going with this third party is the data and the reporting that they will offer so that we can substantiate that geo fencing the
attendance of the crossing guards so that we can better invoice our municipalities for that 50/50 share and receive uh their payments toward half of the cost that's quoted in your materials. Uh as such, there's also a 60-day uh
exit clause for poor poor performance. Yes. Uh and uh they will track uh names and information on those folks if we decide due to poor performance that we want to bring that back and explore another model whether it's with edge of staff again or or whatever it may be.
But those causes have been added. So happy to take any questions the board may have. Thank you. Thank you member Voss. I don't have any questions. So, just want to thank you for this. I have kids in the district who need crossing guards and have not had crossing guards at at
times. So, I really appreciate this personally. Thank you. Thank you for all of the thoroughess of the evaluation on this. Um, I have only one question. So, Edgy Staff currently posts district posts open positions on
the district website. Are they is is the new company still going to post through the district website job hiring or are they going to use an outside service like Indeed? So yes and I think the answer is both
they the one of the first conversation that Mr. Meyer and I had with them is we get this done by casting a broader net and that was kind of that same thing. they will use the website, they will use their own resources, they will use local resources um to get as wide of a net and
the eager person that really wants to be a part of this. So the short answer is both. Okay, thank you. Great, great question, Judy. Um so we had extensive conversations on this at FNO. In fact, the reason this is forward as uh first and final is because we wanted to work through some things uh in
this agreement to make sure that this was right. So, I want to commend the administration for collaborating and working through those issues and bringing forward a a better agreement and better process. The reason we're doing it as a first and final is because we want to get those crossing guards hired before the start of school. Um,
there were a few things that I wanted to to comment on. Um, and I think that to get some clarification on uh we had talked in FNO about a $40 per hour. You mentioned $40 per hour, but the contract itself is $40 per unstaffed location.
So, it's only $40 per day uh per $40 per post is what that will be. So, it will be a missed unfilled post. And that's why it probably I probably stated it on a per hour because this is kind of
set up as a per post is one hour. So, each post is essentially two hours a day with AM and AM. So that that is the that is the intent. That's good. So that's I just want to make sure I read this correctly. So in the contract it says in the event contractor cannot provide reserve
personnel for work at the assigned time and location, a penalty of $40 will be assessed per unstaffed location effective October 23rd uh 2025. So that gives the ramp up period. Uh which is great and I appreciate that that we've
built in that that time to let them get there. Um, are we sure that this is per shift? Yes. Yes, I we will verify as well, but I have already verified. I've already double check. So, the short answer is yes. I will triple check to ensure
before we sign. So, just for context, uh I personally and some of the other board members on the FNO committee had some anxiety on this because we've seen problems where contractors have made grand promises and then not actually brought the the staffing forward to support this. So, I
really appreciate all city and their commitment to provide uh a financial uh penalty in the event that they're not able to get that that staffing because for us having those crossing guards is key and paramount as has been articulated from a safety concern, but it's also a huge burden on the district
taking our other staff out to serve those locations. So, this is gives me a lot more confidence that they're actually going to perform because not only will we not have to pay for a position that they're there, there's actually a penalty associated with it. So that's a a nice agreement. So thank
you. I appreciate that context because that was my question. You know, you know, reasoning for first and final made an assumption that obviously we need to get boots on the ground and hire folks. But I do appreciate that background. Um I also like member Voss have some kids who
who utilize crossing guards and we we noticed that last year that there were some missing or we saw some familiar faces out there um you know kind of standing in. So, I do appreciate the district's um uh kind of move the district moving this forward and and realizing that, you know, student safety
is is our number one um priority here and so this this is really leaning into that. So, I appreciate that. No, no questions, just general commentary. Member member, I don't have any questions. I was at the meeting and thank you guys for the thoroughess of your explanations.
No questions. I just want to thank you for the thorough explanation. That was really helpful. Okay, I will call for the vote. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries. 6.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. I appreciate Mr. Meer and Mr. Lint's work together on this contract. Thank you. Thank you guys. Okay, we're moving on to action item number 26-07-03. Consider approval of a resolution for a
PEP pilot furniture purchase. This is a final reading. Can I please have a motion? Madam President, I move that we consider approval of a resolution for PEP Violet Furniture Purchase. Um, final reading action item 260703.
Can I please have a second? Second. It was moved by member Kho and seconded by member Wester. We did uh review this at our last meeting, but I will open it up for any additional comments, questions about this particular action item.
Okay. Hearing none, I will call for the vote. Those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those opposed say no. Motion carries 6. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, we are moving on to um we don't need the
citizens comments overflow section. So, we'll move on to section G discussion. Um I did want to bring up one item here in discussion. This is something that we had mentioned uh in previous board meetings of wanting to do uh a summer board retreat or board workshop. We have
been in conversation with a a facilitator. She has shared some dates. So, I'm wondering if we could all just peek at our calendars and I'm going to rattle off a couple of dates and I wanted to understand the team's availability. Um, so let me know when your calendars
are open and ready if you're if you're able. Okay, so we have there's several here, so bear with me. Monday, July 24 1st, and I assume that
these are kind of post work kind of early. Monday, July 24th. I'm sorry. Monday, July 21st. 20s are likely after after normal business hours, after normal working hours. So, in the early evening, it's a three-hour workshop. So, probably
looking at a 5 to 8. 5 to 8. Exactly. So, we have we have July 21st. I'm available. I'm available. I can't make it at 5. I can make it at 5:30.
5:30, 8:30. 5:30. Okay. I have availability as well on that date. I have have to find out my son's schedule because I'm have to pick up my wife from the airport. Okay, there's more dates before I make her take a test. There are more dates. Totally fine.
We have Tuesday, July 26th or 22nd. Oh my gosh, you guys. I can't read. July 22nd. That works fine for me. I can't make it that day. Is that next week? Yes. Yes, that would be next week. We're looking to next week.
But there are several more. We have Friday, July 25th. Nothing like a Friday meeting with colleagues. I know. Go to music in the park. Yeah. Do it there. I would love to. I actually have a commitment on the 25th. I'm unable to
attend. Okay, we're quickly moving on. Now we're moving into August. Wednesday, August 6th. I think I'm I can't either. I'm sorry, team. Okay, how about Friday, August 8th?
Fast forward. Fast forward. Yeah, Fridays are tough. Yeah, unless that's like the one and only date that works for all of us. Let's get July 21st working. So, let's keep on moving. Yeah. Yeah. Wednesday, August 13th. That does not work for me.
Oh, darn it. August. August 13th. Didn't work for someone. Okay. Monday, August enough. I know summers are jam-packed. Um, Monday, August 18th. I am open. I think
I'm open then, too. Yeah, I think that was good. Jennifer, you're open. I can do that. Don't know. I might have travel. It's supposed to get confirmed. Okay. Next week. So, a possibility. Is a possibility. Okay. Not sure. I will let you know as soon as
Actually, the 21st can work. I thought forgot my daughter's name. Oh, nice. We're just not used to her. She's just that I I don't know. I don't know member Sedu's uh schedule. I know she's traveling, so I don't know if she's back in time, so that's another one to kind of confirm.
Like August might be better. Yeah. Um but the 21st could be a placeholder. Okay. So we July 21st seems to work for most. August 18th works for most pending um member Amed's
commitment. Okay, moving on to how about this is like every day this week. So, Tuesday the 19th, Wednesday. Well, I'll just move Tuesday the 19th, August 19th. I think that was okay. I'm open that date as well.
Anyone else have issues with the 19th? If I My challenge is if I have travel, it'll be that whole week. That whole week. Okay. But I just don't know. It's a work commitment that hasn't been confirmed. Sure. Fair enough. Okay. We also have the dates on the 20th, 21st
and 22nd of that week. We expect the next week. The 23rd, Saturday. Okay. 22nd may be a problem for me. Okay. That's school move in weekend. Uh back to school. Yeah.
Okay. She offered one Saturday, but it's not until the 27th. So, that is kind of up in September. Labor Day. Oh, September. Yeah. September September. August or September 27th. Yes. Okay.
I have a wedding. I'll be out of town. Okay. So, that's off off the table then. Okay. All right. So, what I'm hearing is that July 21st is a possibility and August 18th and 19th are also good dates again pending. Will we hear back from
others? Yeah, I have to check on the 21st, but I think that's fine. That's this Monday, right? That would be Yes, this coming Monday. I have a paper calendar. That's okay. That's fine. The old fashioned way. Yep. that that helps us at least whittle down this list
and then if you can get back to me with um you know finalization that'd be great. Okay. All right. Let me go back to I think I think that's everything today everyone. Okay. So I am going to adjourn the meeting at
Oh sorry I'm that was a joke. So we do have section H follow-up board questions. Um, we do have one here. Um, if available, the board would like additional data from the spring data
presentation that highlights the differences between excused and unexcused absences. Is this one still open? Still open. I know it is. Jonathan is working on that data for you. Okay, perfect. I uh he had some issues with download from Myar, so he's working on it.
Okay, perfect. So, that one's in process. I didn't uh collect any from tonight's meeting unless I miss something. Okay. All right. So, that concludes the follow-up board questions, and we're going to move on to adjournment. [Music]