Is unable to attend today and I'm going to tell you why because in Atlanta, every year, the people that have moved from Pontiac to Atlanta get together and they have a cookout. So, Marsha goes down because a lot of them are our classmates and our friends and she hangs out. She also took my son, her nephew. And had him go as well. They had a really nice time. So, she apologizes but she had me read this to you. She says, I'm so very sorry that I cannot be here to meet and
present you with your Pontiac Alumni Foundation scholarship. But I want you to know how proud I am of everyone of you. The Pontiac Alumni Foundation and our scholarship committee are happy to be a part of your future scholastic endeavors. Once again, congratulations and well done. Sincerely, Marsha Easley, Devin Scott, and Sarah McCall. I'm going to let the real professional people speak. Well, good evening Pioneer community. Uh my name is Devin Scott.
Um as the president said, I am the co-chair of the scholarship committee and I want to say to all you young people, your package, your resumes that you presented to us, we were very impressed. But also want you to remember one thing, the heart and soul of Pontiac has always been as you. And today, you represent that history and so you take that with you and you carry on with that. There is no limit to what you can do. Amen. Yes. Alright. That's it. Alright.
Alright. No, that's okay. She always thinks she's going to speak. Yeah. Big dog speaks. We just want to tell you guys that in celebration of the accomplishment and how much your applications and stuff stood out, the launching of our rebranding is going to be announcing you guys' winners. So, that's going to be on our social media and website. So, we want to get all of your handles and everything and tag it. So, the celebration of you doesn't just end today that it continues on. And I'd like to thank the members of
the Pontiac School District Board. You all have always had your arms and hands open for us to do some of the things we've accomplished. We look forward to homecoming and we look forward to hearing from you guys after the first semester, all A's, all Bs. Alright. Nice work. Oh, yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Introducing Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you very much. Now, I will moving down the agenda to recognition of our elected officials. Good afternoon, State
Representative Brenda Carter. Carter and our Councilwoman Melanie Rutherford. Are there any other elected officials with us today? No. Sure. Okay, great. Good evening, everyone. Good evening. I'm sorry. My voice is gone. I've been singing all weekend. I just came to give you guys some updates about some important things happening in District one On June the 14th, we are having our superheroes luncheon. That's going to be at the Bowl Club
from 11 to 2. The guest speakers will be Max Maine, Dre Jeter, and the main speaker will be Quincy Stewart, June the 27th. There will be a grand opening of ribbon cutting for Art Dunlap which is being repaired on the boulevard. I'm so proud of that because thank you. Uh thank you. I did everything I could. Great. So, that's important because people talk to talk with them. You have to walk to walk and when the things I said is that we were going to have a state-of-the-art part in district one and we have that. On June the
twenty-eighth, it's the district one meeting. We have moved our location, our new location is going to be at Sunset Boulevard which is owned by the world-renowned four types of Ronnie McNear but this is the last part why it's important. Each student in district one doesn't know that we have a celebration forum. So, I came to formally invite you to tell everyone who graduated from district 1 only. District one only. And it was either going to a trade school in our college. I have a
district one open house. It is June the 19th from three to six. It will be at the Bowen Center. I just need someone to get them in contact with me. It's important because each student gets gift baskets. Some are eating from five to $1000 dollars. We don't know what we going to do. But we need to get a total of a total of all the students who have graduated in district 1 only who's either in either is attending college and or a trade school. My direct phone number is air code two four eight nine four
one two four two nine. They must show proof that they actually was accepted in the college. That's the only way to be fair. And this it's going to be a great shindig. Again, my name is Councilwoman Melanie Rutherford and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can always reach me at Eric code two four eight 9 four one two four two nine and or two four eight seven five eight three zero one seven and or in Rutherford at Pontiac. MI. US. Uh thank you for your time and god bless you all. Have a great evening. Thank you Councilwoman Rutherford. Miss
president. Yes. Melanie, you said June 19th, where where's the July 19th? July. Not June. Yep. Okay, July 19th. July 19th. At the Bowen Center. Bowen Center. That's right. Three six. Horizons Junior. Okay. Okay. Alright. Thank you, good evening. Good evening, madam president. Good members, City of Pontiac at large. It is indeed a pleasure to be back here
again. For it wasn't that long ago that I sat with my esteemed colleagues right here. I want to just highlight just a couple things and I see you over there. You know I see you. I'm watching you soup people. But hey there, what up. I mean hi. But I want to just highlight some of the successes we did in the last session in Lansing. We eliminated that 18 million dollar debt. Yeah. From the city of Pontiac. We brought EV buses
here. We are working very hard to make sure that our teachers have everything that they deserve. But we have some challenges this session. Because when the budget came across the table the first that the current leadership in Lansing hit was education. But then that follows the the what's going on in in Washington. And what I want to say to everybody here is that we've got some challenges that we have to face as a community. As a people, as one unit.
We have to recognize the fact that they're going to cut at risk funding. They're going to cut mental health programs. They're going to cut all of these things. And districts like ours are the first ones to be on the chopping block. So all I'm saying here. It's a privilege to be here. I spent eight years on the Pontiac School District Board of Education and I took the knowledge that I garnered from working on the school district to Lansing where we were able to work together with the committees, the Democratic
Committees to garner a lot of support for public education. So, I'm asking my school board members. I'm asking my teachers. I'm asking my administrators. So, very proud to see Kennedy graduates. Can we give them another round of applause? That was my pick school. So, I enjoyed every minute of watching every one of those young people crossing, get their award but I'm going to be here. I'm always watching Pontiac. My heart is in Pontiac and anytime that
anyone needs me about anything in education. In fact, I'm doing a press conference tomorrow. Yo, at 3 PM where we going to talk about the budget cuts they're doing to education. Just stay tuned. Call me. I'm and I can get my number because most people know I live at 86 West Yale in Pontiac and I'm married to Randy Carter who is the grand grandfather of Elijah Stacy. So, yeah. You have a graduation here. Yeah. Same school. You know, he'll he'll
probably go to Pontiac. No, no. Anyway, but my number is two four eight five two one nine six three 2 and like I said, I'm up there in Lansing. I'm one of a hundred and 1forty acres fighting. Well, not all of us but most of us that you know which ones we are are fighting to make sure that we take care our children because it was stated. I think by Terry Covington. She may be gone now but with me My number one priority are our
children. And one last thing, speaking of our children, wherever you are, this Saturday at 3 o'clock, Bring your babies out. They need to know their history. They need to know their legacy. They need to know that they're descendants of kings and queens. So this Saturday, the city of Pontiac is putting on a Juneteenth parade. Now, people may not know what Juneteenth mean but June This is a celebrated holiday where
descendants of slaves were given their freedom in Galveston, Texas and now, because of the work that they did back there, I believe 1865, I stand before you as the chair or national chair of insurance and everyone of y'all my colleagues here have benefited from our ancestors. So, bring your babies out this Saturday. Don't let that parade route go down the street and nobody's to watch them. You're going to have some notables there. The first black
lieutenant governor is going to be there. Garland Gilchrist, the first black speaker in the house, the first woman to be the the captain of the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. You got some notables going to be there and our children need to understand the ones that got the awards today and the ones from Kennedy need to understand that they come from high-quality people, okay? Thank you everyone. I appreciate this opportunity to speak tonight. Thank you. Okay, moving down the agenda. Can I
get a motion to approve to accept the consent agenda? Salute. Support. It's been moved by Trustee Gross, supported by Treasurer Terry, for the approval of the consent agenda items. Any questions? Pro call. Trusty Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Trustee Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley. That passes six of them. Okay, thank you very much. Information from the
superintendent and administration, Doctor Levert, the meeting is yours. Thank you, Doctor Hanna. At this time, I will turn it over to Diane. Diane will provide a report. Fiscal year twenty-four 25. Rant's budget overview as well as fiscal year 2526 grits initial budget overview. Diane. Come around. She went around. Okay. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Um I am presenting tonight the grants overview for both the school year 25
and then what we anticipate for fiscal year twenty-six. Um in the packet, you should see two different overviews. One for this year and then also one for for next school year. Um so, the first one is our grants overview fiscal year twenty-five. Uh we're starting off with the state-level grants Um you may recall that at the last board retreat, you saw something similar to this where you saw the awards, columns,
and the actuals columns. Tonight, you also have included what I project or what we project to be utilized and then also carry over for next school year. For state, we have about 21 grants. Uh we were awarded 15 6 million dollars. We anticipate utilizing $9 million dollars and that leaves us with a six six-point-five-million-dollar carryover. Um a lot of that carryover
is triggered with multiple factors. However, the biggest factor is having Esther funds another COVID funds that we needed to utilize first and then we shift over to our main grants. We do have a plan for to ensure that we're utilizing both that carryover. Um and in appropriate and allowable manner. With with summer school and with other initiatives that have been
included in these grants. Um just keep in mind that a lot of those grants some of them are one time. Some of them are multi year such as the at risk. And as has been shared tonight. There is anticipated decreases for the upcoming school year. And we'll look at that in the in the next overview. On the next page, you'll see federal grants Federal grants we received $33 million dollars. That's
including 12 million of SR3 and five point nine million of the EPA clean school bus grant. Which are our biggest contributors to this to the federal grants. Above and beyond title one which was about $8 million dollars. Um we anticipate utilizing twenty-one point seven million of the 33 million with a carryover of $11 million dollars. Um this year, we had about 1 million dollars extra in
title one that was not anticipated to be received but we will make sure to put that to good use with regards to our summer school and after-school tutoring. Um and then you also see that another contributor to the carryover is the EPA clean bus which is still the $5. 9 million dollars the that we're looking to utilize for our ED buses. And the final page for this school year, we have twenty-two local grants. We received $50
million dollars. I'm sorry, not 15 50 million. $1. 1 million dollars in local funds. We anticipate utilizing seven hundred and 000 with a carryover of four hundred and twenty-two. The largest amount being of carry over being the bomber group grant and so next year that Balmer group will be our last year with $292, 000 So, overall, we had a 60 grants. We as of yesterday,
we have actually 61 because we did receive an additional grant this year. Um that's not listed here. Um so, we received $50. 2 million dollars in grant awards. We anticipate 31point6 being utilized and 18 million in carry over. Question. Yes. I was reviewing I was looking at some of your grants such as like the Detroit Lions grant and the NFL Foundation. Yes. And I see that we're carrying over
for the Detroit Lions grant. 3000. Yup. So, for the Detroit Lions grant, that's I'm going to be reaching out to our athletic director to see how we can utilize those funds during the summer with the any practice, any that we could utilize that for it's supposed to be utilized for milk, some type of protein, or some type of drink that they can utilize during athletic. And and the NFL digital. The NFL digital divide is a grant that
was awarded to our special ed program and Doctor Jameson is working with our IT department to ensure that they utilize that in the upcoming school year. In the upcoming school year. And the Boma Grant is only to be used for CTE. So the bomber grant is only to be be utilized for the pathway programs in the CTE. Um and that is one one more year that we have. That that will have it and we're hoping that we will get additional support from the bomber group and
that's that's to come. Yes and and and I'm sorry I didn't ask this in the beginning. The of the 3000 from the Detroit Lions as part of that grant can any of that money be used for equipment for the kids? No, this is strictly a drink of Training? For training or for during the school year. Whichever one the athletic director. Or you utilize it for the Gatorade and stuff like that? Yes. You can? I believe so. I know that milk is one of the ones that
they mentioned. Um some type of protein drink. And that yeah. Please give it the athletic directors. I know some things that the football team because that's what's coming up next. We just complete that and I think soccer is about finish now if not. But the next thing is is the the and I think spring soccer. Maybe girls, boys, I think. Yeah, please do and see because that money can be utilized because I see them been carried over a few years. Yeah. Thank you. Thanks, doc. Any other
questions? Trustee Miller. Thank you. Thank you for the report. I have a few questions. Um I understand that you said that there's a plan to utilize the carryover. Um specifically, the at-risk and you said that's yearly. Yes. And as of current, we have only used 39% and even as of the projected uses, 56%. My concern is, I know I asked this back in February that there's no expiration dates that are provided so that we know, hey, we gotta spend
this money prior to this day. Otherwise, we have to give it back and especially at the with the at-risk being that our district has some different circumstances compared to our neighboring districts. If we're only using less than 50 percent, how can we better utilize that money to support our students? So, one of the things that with specifically about at risk, we have two years to utilize the money and we have to that so for instance in this we received $4. 4 million dollars
this year. We had 3. 4 million in carryover. We anticipate using four point four. So this three point 4, this is million that we carry over, carried over from last year. We have met the criteria requirement of utilizing it by the end of the second year. Um so, and we've utilized about a million dollars of this school year. So, next year We must utilize 3. 4 million in order to to not lose any of
those funds. Uh another thing that we have with regards to planning for that grant some of the items that because we anticipate having a 15percent decrease next year in many of our grants. Uh including federal and some of the state ones. And so we had to play around with okay we have all these grants. We know what's allowable in these grants. We know what's reasonable and what's appropriate. So we had to play around and stick some of those positions or
programs within different grants including the at risk to ensure that we can continue to to provide certain services and programs to our students. Thank you. And the second part to that is being that the fiscal year will be ending June thirtieth. Yes. Are there any grants that are at risk to be with the funds to be to be returned that we need to spend prior to June 30th, we don't, okay? And you've been very helpful with your
explanations but in the future, if you can, I would like to hear especially the grants that are soon to be expiring. I would like to hear what the plans are to utilize so we can make sure that we support and get those implemented to support our district. Sure. Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you, Diane. Alright. Moving forward to fiscal year twenty-six. So, fiscal year 26 looks a little different because we only have the awards columns on in this one will she will see the estimated awards. We
have the prior year carryover which aligns to the carryover amounts that you see in the fiscal year 25 overview and then of course, the total award amount. For the state funds. Um the what we projected for estimated awards, a lot of these, like I mentioned, we budgeted for 15% less than what we received in this school year. Um and so, for instance, at
risk, this year, we received four. 4. Um right now, we're estimating that we're receiving about three point a little bit less than 3. 8 million. Another item to note is section 32D GSRP, which is one, two, three, four. Fifth to last column or fifth to last row. Um that one has increased because now we're receiving a slot amount equivalent for five days a week versus four days a week. And so
the amount per student that we receive increases. Um and you may remember some conversation that we had at the board retreat this year. We were shy of we were we were missing some funds, not missing some funds, I apologize. We were we didn't meet a certain amount of students during the spring count And so some of our funds were taken away because it the amount the allocation
is based on how many students we have. Um although we had that many students the needed students are the the required amount of students at the beginning of the school year because of drops and other reasons we didn't meet that full amount. And so our was decreased. We were at a deficit for about between 175 to 200000. We did find a grant that was that would allow funding some of those costs. Uh
the at-risk funds and so we were fortunate enough that we have sufficient funds in that grant to cover that at least this school year. We don't anticipate having that problem next year because of the increase for five days allocation with the when you said we had less was that account day thing? Where? It's account day thing. Okay. So, for GSRP, the our account is done in the springtime and that count is done through Oakland schools and so
because we didn't meet that slot amount, they did decrease our allocation almost by $350, 000, I think it was and so, we were at a deficit with regards to we didn't have enough money in that grant to sustain that program for this here. Okay, thank you. So, for state funds, we have 17 grants and we anticipate receiving $15 million dollars overall with that 6. 5 million dollar carryover.
The next page is federal funds. Federal funds, we budgeted 15% less than this school year based on conversations with MDE and different factors that played with regards to the US Department of Education. And so we have 14 grants including the EPA clean school bus. Estimated amount is 9. 2 million. Carryover 11. 6 million Um meet total award is 2020 million
dollars. $20. 9 million dollars. Any questions? Aren't you? The last page of fiscal year 26 has to do with local grants. Local grants, we estimate that we'll have thirteen and like I mentioned earlier, we've received an additional grant so that will probably be fourteen and of course, increasing as the school year continues but for right now, we have an estimated award of 1 000. 18. 5 is carry over and including the
bomber. I'm sorry, not 18. five. 422 million and 4 22, 000 with large portion more than 50% of it being the Balmer Group Grant and that's a total of five hundred and 000. Totals for all grants. We have 44 anticipated seventeen 9 million overall estimate new awards. 18. 5 million carry over. For a total of thirty-six point five million. Yes, ma'am.
This may not be a question for you but maybe a statement. It's for you, Doctor Leverette. My concern is that as I went through the data that you provided, it consistently, it seems, it appears as if we are utilizing less than 50% of free money and a lot of the times when our our district and our students need things. I would like to see basically, I would like a better plan
to utilize these funds. Like for example, the NFL Foundation Digital Divide, the the there was no award but there's Cario. That mean that we didn't spend any of that money? Correct. Alright. So, the requirements for that, are they that strenuous or? They're not. Okay and and and you see what I'm I'm going. Correct. So, it's especially for local grants. Yeah. One of the things that our goal for this year was to decrease a lot of our local grants whether it be the smaller ones for
2500, the 3 million the 3000 ones or even the the bigger ones and so we did decrease quite a few of our anticipate our a lot of our local ones and we're still working on that to make sure that we continuously decrease and utilize those funds in the same year that we receive them. Because correct me if I'm wrong. What I'm reading is that we have five grants that all have carry over that we haven't utilized any of the money. And I I understand. I know that you
guys are diligently working to create a plan. Mhm. But I would like to see a deadline to see what the plan is because what the thing about Grandstad, I know in my experience, you don't ever want to give back free money at all and if we can utilize that to benefit this district, I would like to see a concrete plan with deadlines of what we're going to do to spend free money that was given to us and I, you know, it's just disappointing to see that we have so much carryover, not disappointing but is, I wish we would utilize that
money to help our students. Not not a question for you but. Oh no, no. And I agree with you. Um one of the things that we do intentionally is we utilize that carryover over multiple years and that sometimes is intentional. Mm hmm. Because we we in order for us to sustain our model, we have to have carryovers to a certain amount of carryover. And I appreciate the clarity is from my experience working with Grants, it was like you got a 1 year, you better spend it before that deadline, every penny, whatever you don't spend, you
give back. Exactly. That's why I was asking about the like the deadlines because just based on my experience, school experience, I don't know but I appreciate the clarity. Yup. And then, definitely, I, we can add this some type of column that talks about a deadline. Yes. Whether it be a one year, two year. That way, there it's it's distinguished in here. You can see that we're meeting potential that potential goal or if we're not. Yup. For more clarity. Yes. Alright, Doctor Hunter. Yes, that would be that would be helpful because my
question was going to ask, what was the deadline for those grants that we had that we're carrying over. So, they don't expire. No. In 2026, well, because now we're going into this is the twenty-five twenty-six. So, it's not that they expire in twenty twenty-six, correct? Correct. So, the ones that we're carrying over into fiscal year twenty-six. Yeah. Those still meet the requirement with regards to carryover. Okay. Yeah. Okay, thank you. Right and and that's one of the things I was going to say. If you look at the Detroit Lions grant, it's been
carried over for several years. Yes. So, there is no probably no expiration date until the money is gone, right? And so it would be, it would help us to look at but I did have a question as it pertains to that $1 million dollars. You got that you weren't anticipating on getting and you said you could possibly utilize it for summer youth, right? Summer use. Yes. So, right now over, go ahead. I'm sorry. Well, my my question is and and I'm okay I'm okay with. I would like to know deadline for the usage and if we could utilize
it or take a look at what are the criterias are for that grant to possibly use it to do something else too. And not just stick with one certain things because we know we can use it for the summer. But can we look at like bringing on a staff for the summer to help out to do tutoring. A staff for the summer to help out doing attendance. For the summer You get what I'm saying? Whatever the grant specifies that we can utilize it for, if we can look at
other areas outside of just for, you know, whatever you said, it was two things that you said you were looking at. Summer school and something else because I know we utilize a lot of SM moneys towards summer school but I'm just saying, be open to look at something else where we can bring someone aboard for that period of time through the summer. Use the grant money but let them know. I'm just saying. Just an idea. I know it's a million dollars and I can cover a lot of stuff over the summer. But we need to definitely make sure it falls into the criteria for that particular.
That's all I'm saying. Yes. Find the criteria if it can be utilized for staff to assist in the summer. Why not bring them on in the summer? That's all. President Hannah Yes. Yes. To piggyback on what Trustee Gross was saying section 35 A 9. Summer reading program. Yeah. Call 3 one 4. So, we carried over thirty-one thousand three 301. Again, so summer, our summer program will start after the fiscal. So, it'll go into the twenty-sixth fiscal year. Correct. To improve the success of our summer
program, has there been any discussions regarding how we can utilize some of that money for our students for this upcoming summer school program? So, if you look at the grants over use school year 25, there are several grants that have to do with summer school. Uh there's the section 23G that we're carrying over into summer. Uh the section thirty-five A nine and the section 35 A thirty-five A five early literacy. Those all those grants will be
utilized this summer for our summer school. Um including some of at risk and some of Title One. And Diana, when you make that list for the expiration of spending the money, also do a like a column of interim check in. So, you've spent X amount so we can see follow that line of spending. So, I would like to see that. Follow that line of spending. Are you sharing? So, instead of
having one actual, such as it says here, April 30th, you'd like to see So, certain Different so such as quarterly or something to that effect. But but at least that would give us an opportunity to follow the money. For me. Yes. And then that would eliminate eliminate some of that carryover because we can make some suggestions. Seeing where we are which is spending. We can come back to you and say we need to. Do you understand what I'm saying? Yes.
Thank you. And I have a suggestion for that. Thank you. When when we get back to the review of our budget monthly. Which we're supposed to. And we said we were promised that we were going to be able to see the budget monthly. Specific information towards your grants could be added into that bump monthly review. Yes. As we look at it and if nothing has changed, you can just simply say nothing has changed instead of continue to document over and over and over and over and over what you're doing. But if the specific items that you know see speaking of that could be
in our review. And then if we decide to continue to have outside board budget study sessions which I'm recommending and I'll I'll do that and and that we should do it at least three times a year to have a board study session in the on the budget before we start the amendments and actual approving of the budget because it gives us an opportunity to deep dive into the budget to get a clear understanding of what we're looking at instead of it being presented to us. Now that it had they have basic information as we
look at it monthly. But as it pertains to budget amendments the the grants, the because we're near the end of our bonds. You know, we can have a real deep dive and look into that at a board, financial budget study session and if we did that three times a year, then we'll we can we don't have to worry about getting this information like we're getting now. So, I did just a suggestion. Come in. Thank you. And then the last item I did want to share was a lot of these grants
especially our federal funds. Yeah. Um and a lot of our state ones that are continuously are annually renewed. We do one of the requirements of a lot of these grants have to do with only budgeting and spending. Right. On items that are specifically in our My Kip improvement plan. And so one of the things that we our system with regards to our school improvement or
improvement planning is that we review what's in my cup. Ensure that we budget for those items. And then as we review and monitor those programs. Those initiatives that we either review them for cuts, review them for expanding whatever that may be within all these different grants. Alright, thank you. Any other questions for Diane? Thank
you. Bye. Thank you. That's, yeah, I do just say thank you. Alright, Doctor Leverette. Yeah, we talk about money. Thank you. At this time, I would turn it over to Shelby for our twenty-four 25 budget amendment number 2 and our 25 twenty-six proposed budget combined presentation. Shelby, good evening. Good evening. Good evening, Shelby. I'll try that again. Good evening. Good evening. Good excited about budget. Alright, we got a big night tonight. So,
there's a lot of information. Um I'll try to go quickly but please stop me if there's questions. Uh thank you for having me. Um I was able to meet the board. Uh one other time during a retreat to talk about some budget information. So, I'll hit some of those highlights that we discuss Um for those of you that don't know me, my name is Shelby Frayer. I'm I'm helping out right now in a very interim role while Jim Graham also the interim CFO. I'm not sure what his title is is on vacation but so he'll be back here in a couple of weeks. So, this is really his budget. Presenting tonight. So, if there's
real technical questions, I'll do my best to answer but I may have to get with Jim for an answer or to get back with you. Um I also want to give lots of praise and thanks to missus Fright. She was very lucky. Rack for making sure we didn't miss any documents and resolutions were done correctly. So, thank you very much for your help. Um any questions before we get started? No, okay. Alright, we'll dive in. There's a PowerPoint and we're going to maybe okay. Technical difficulties. Okay. If she's working. Technical, okay, good. Do you guys have it up in front of you
also just because it's really tiny numbers, you've seen it. Okay. Yeah, I have, we have it here. We have it. Okay. It was Emailed to us. Awesome. Thank you. While she's working on the presentation, there's going to be three documents tonight so that you guys can get ready. There's the PowerPoint that will go over but then also two one-page documents that show the twenty-four, 25 final amendment, and then the twenty-five twenty-six proposed budget. So, we're going to kind of go back and forth between those. Um some of the times when you you know, cut and paste onto a PowerPoint. The numbers are just so small that you can't actually see what the budgets are. So, we tried
to make em separate but of course, made it more complicated for. Alright. **** Okay. Yup. That works. As long as you guys can read it. Yeah. Okay. Um so the twenty-four twenty-five budget year without reading every single detail on this slide. A couple of the highlights. You can see the revenues increased by just over $9 million dollars. Uh largely in fact for that bus rebate program. Um that the district was able to receive this last year. Um and then also a decrease of what we call our tan borrowing, our our tax anticipation note borrowing is down for for this year for one time
savings. Those were kind of the two large contributing factors for additional revenue this year. Um and we'll talk more about here on an upcoming slide. Uh slide three, perfect. Um expenditures increased also of course because of the again, the electric bus purchase for about eight point seven million and also there was some dollars that came through late this fiscal year in about March through the sorry the Mipsers program, the retirement that we'll also talk a little bit more about. Um it was one forty7 G funding that we'll see on a future slide but
something that the district couldn't anticipate because the state didn't give us that information until well into the fiscal year. Um so, we'll see that to Coming up. Um and then the next slide again some of the things actually that were just presented in the grant conversation. The district receives grants in really three different ways. From a local perspective, a state perspective, and also a federal perspective and so tracking all of those dollars gets a little bit tricky. Uh state dollars come in directly through state aid. So whether we spend it or not, the money is coming to us every month and
we book what's called deferred revenue. And so one of the changes to our budget was because of that. Basically revenue that we were able to push off into a future year. Uh similar to a federal revenue that we classify as really carryover. Uh the really the big difference is that federal funding is is often times reimbursement based. Meaning you have to spend it to get it back. Where state revenue they just give it to you. And then if you don't spend on appropriate things you you can't actually classify it as revenue. You put it on what they call basically our balance sheet. Um so those those contributing factors were kind of the big items that really changed our
budget significantly for twenty-four twenty-five. And if you want to pivot back to that other document, sorry for the actual twenty-four 2five. Amendment here. You'll see the third column over. So, the budget was passed of course right before the end of last fiscal year. An amendment was done. Uh rep second rule there that says number one and what we're looking at right now to approve is amendment number two or that third column over. Uh revenues are coming in at about $131 million which is is wonderful and you'll see
total expenditures very close to the same at 1 31. 4 million. Uh we are adding to balance this year. So, for for folks that are paying attention here, we have essentially revenue that exceeds our expenditures for twenty-four, 25 school year. So, we're planning to put in about $300, 000 dollars into fund balance which is is positive news. Um and it gives us a total fund balance right now projected to just over $17 million dollars. Um it's about 15. 6%. Uh which is great for the district. Um typically, CFO is about this time are
very conservative in their estimates because we still have really two months passed June 30 to do all of our accounting. So, we do a lot of guessing. Um I we learned in our training session, state aid for example, comes in in the months of July and August and all of those dollars actually accrue back to this last fiscal year. So, at this time, a CFO is making a bunch of assumptions, a bunch of guesses to end this current fiscal year. Um and we're going to talk more about that as we talk about the twenty-five, twenty-6th budget. Any questions so far on the twenty-four25 amendment? Alright. We're going to skip on
through here to slide 7 where we're going to talk about why we're here tonight. The the big item, the twenty-five, twenty-six general fund budget along with the other subsidiary budgets that we have. We're also going to talk about our our tax levies later on in the presentation. Um the next slide is the purpose for public hearing. Of course, it's to gather input from the public before the board decides. So, the whole point of this is that you get all the information. There's an opportunity for a public comment before the school board will actually vote up or down on this
budget. The next slide just goes over a quick outline of all the things that we're going to talk about today and then the next slide, perfect. Um so, as I mentioned, this time of year gets gets a little bit tricky for for finance folks because there's a really a cycle that we have to kind of fall within and how we make our guesses. So, this is a visual I've used a lot of times that really just shows start of a new fiscal year is July one. The hard part about it is that like I said, we have the next really summer months, the next few
months to do all of our accounting work, book all of our accruals, and really end the fiscal year. Auditors arrive, you know, summer beginning of fall and don't tell us our final numbers really until it's due November first to the state. So, it makes it really tough to know how you're going to end this current year when you're not going to know til November. So, you're still making a lot of guesses. Well, of course, to start planning for next year, you have to know how this year ends. So, not only am I guessing for next year, I'm still guessing right now. So, it makes it even more complicated and then, throw in the fact that the state budget has a
different fiscal year in their October 1st through September 30 and so, they haven't decided how much going to give us which is over $20 million dollars worth of our total budget. So all of our grant revenue that was just mentioned for 31 A or 31 double A. You know, we don't really know. The governor put out her budget. Um senates kind of given given its opinion. Um House hasn't done much with it yet to know where they're going to fall. Um so, a lot of districts right now are really guessing and we're going to talk a little bit more about Mipsers funding but that in my opinion is the the most volatile kind of revenue
source for us right now and one that we should be paying attention especially as it goes into next year. Um so, we'll we'll keep talking about that one. Um but we're at right about here right now in this cycle. So, we've we've made the budget. We're representing it. Uh right now, we're still working on closing out this current fiscal year and once we have that number, that's when we start doing our budget amendment, through things up usually about December, January timeline. So, it's just a constant cycle. Soon as you get the budget done, you finish the audit and you're right back to budget. So, it should be always working on really
two fiscal years at any given time Alright. Uh this was the timeline that I think you guys have followed really in the past. It should be a familiar slide for you guys. Um the only chain is the the very last line here. Uh, I'm not sure if the plan is still to adopt on the twenty-third. Um, I think it probably depends on the outcome of this meeting and if folks have questions or we need to get more information. Um, but obviously this budget has to be passed before June 30 to meet the state law requirement. Um, the next slide is just a high-level view. The state requires that we have all of our accounts and
what we call a fund accounting order. So, they dictate to us how to separate all of our accounts and one of the things that we'll focus on today is that this fund account here. Uh we have to keep all of our pots of money separate. So, it's not like your home account where you can pay your car and your house out of the same account. We have to make car payment out of this account and a house payment out of this account. Everything's gotta be separate and detailed so that we can submit that information back to the state because they track every single dollar that we receive. So, talk a little bit more about that too. Uh the next slide just shows the
different accounts and I'm sorry this is small but you can see the general revenue is separate from athletic revenue, separate from our special education, any debt service funds, or anything else that we might levy, a sinking fund, things like that are all kept separate. Uh meaning they're all accounted for individually and tracked very independently. Uh the next slide I think you've seen before, that's just again a visual of those debt structures. Mm hmm. Um the next slide will be kind of tiny here but this is just a copy and and folks here received a copy of our an example of a
state aid payment that we would receive. One areas and I'm not sure if you can blow this up but one of the areas on here you'll see at risk funding, that's a state grant that comes through unlike a title grant that would be federal. Um these columns right here where it says Mixers and there's, I don't know, seven or eight of em. Um that's great. These are all four employee retirement cost and they change every year and it makes it really hard to do your budget when you don't know what the state is going to give you until they pass their budget which
sometimes could be in September, right? And we're already a couple months into our fiscal year and we've gotta hurry up and make a bunch of changes or relations to what amounts we're going to get. This one forty-7 G line this employee health care reimbursement then went back and forth between the House and the Senate for months and finally, they said, we're going to give you this money but give it right back to us and so it was really a flow through. The same thing for 147 C funds that were a portion of it. So, the districts don't get to keep that money. We get it in our monthly payment and then we
have turn around and give it right back and so sometimes it excuse what looks like how much revenue we actually get because we have to just turn around and give it right back which is whole another whole another presentation. Okay. Um so a couple of things to note upon here on the the top of the payment. Thank you for working the the map here. Um if you go all the way to the top here, you'll see this comes out monthly and it's available on Department of Education's website. This is our stated membership. This three seven six
eight point nine three and that's how we receive our funding from the state. So, they pay us on a per pupil basis. So, the ninety-six oh eight is the amount that they would basically multiply that times that and it gives us a number. We are out of formula so what we receive is generally either retirement funding or grant funding that comes through our monthly state aid payment. Um so just something to watch. They also in here assume our local revenue. So a lot of times when I'm working with the new district I'll pull the last payment just so I can get a feel for enrollment size, budget size, how much local revenue?
We're going to be receiving or the states expecting us to receive. Um so it's just a really helpful get a lot of information out of one sheet you know from the Department of Education. Okay we're going to jump back over to our other one pager document for our twenty-five twenty-six budget. This one's a little bit bigger because it's not so many columns here. Um but what you'll see is and we're going to talk about some assumptions. We're at the twenty-five twenty-six budget right now. Anticipation of revenue is about a 18 point three million dollars. So I'm all the way over on
that final column that says twenty-five twenty-six. Uh anticipating expenses about a hundred and 4 million dollars. Increasing our fund balance by eight hundred 76 thousand220 Meaning we're planning to increase our fund balance next year. For a total fund balance of 17. 9 million which is great. Uh we're going to talk about some of those assumptions that really got baked into the budget because we know things change every day. So, when this budget was done, you know, a month ago, we now have better information or we know new
things that are happening operationally that will impact our overall budget. But right now, this is the budget that we're we're asking for approval on. So, if we jump back to our slide, sorry, it's the last jump. We'll stay with the PowerPoint. Thank you. So, a couple of the things Jim did a really nice job putting a bunch of detail and if I read all of these, we would be here a very long time. So, I'll make this presentation available publicly for everyone to look at every detail but just so folks have a general idea of what's happening. I tried to hit
some of the highlights. So, on the expenditure side, for wages, only settled contracts were included or baked into this budget. So, if a contract has not yet been ratified and those wages haven't been increased or given out, those are not included in this budget. Um Also, as I mentioned, Mipser's rates on here, he did an estimate because we don't have any information. Um the last budget that was put out was April 29th by the gov's office and then Senate had their their opportunity to go through. So, we really don't have any more information since April. So, we
had to do a bunch of guessing on what we think we might receive for the Mipsers retirement coverage. Um and then also the next slide, he just highlighted no new positions were included in this budget except for a couple teaching positions it looks like. Uh because they're anticipating about 50 new students of growth. So, no new, no new FTEs in this budget Uh the next slide this happens quite frequently and often times is the reason for grant carryover is vacancies. So, if if title or thirty-1 A for example has a
grant and it's it's to fund an additional summer school teacher or tutor in the district can't hire that person while that money doesn't get spent and therefore, that money drops back into carryover or potentially deferred revenue and it carries on to the next year until you can fill that position. So, what's been budgeted here is just shy of a million dollars and what they think will be vacancies for this year which I'm sure is probably normal for for this district or what would be on average carried over in in vacancy cost on the budget. Um so, he also listed out here I think the the positions right now that we're showing at least back in May vacant at
that time. And then gun further down on the next slide hitting those big picture items again. Um still between 1516 percent fund balance, which is wonderful. Uh MSBO, the business officials association recommends between 12 and 15. So, we're we're great. We're in a pretty healthy spot. Um some districts really get excited and they want to have this huge fun balance but we're not in the business of making money. We're in the we're in the business of educating kids. So, there's a sweet spot between making sure your borrowing cost and having cash on hand is great but not having so much
money that you're just sitting on piles of cash when your your students need services, right? So, 15% is is really healthy and and wonderful. Um again, we're still waiting to hear back on the the governor's budget and what's going to happen from a state perspective. And next slide, because certain contracts hadn't been approved yet, the anticipation is that those will get approved and those costs will have to go back into a future budget amendment. So, just so everyone's aware. Um and then, I think that it for general fund. Any any questions? I know I went through
that really quickly. But you guys have heard it before so I didn't want it. Right. Yeah. Okay. Any questions, trustees? I know I talk really fast. I tried to. Okay, good. No, that was good, Shelby. Okay, great. Thank you. Imma keep moving on. So, the next fund on your slide is the food service fund. So, again, if that separate pot of cash that we have to track everything later in the agenda, there is a SFE contract renewal that we'll talk about a little bit more but all it is is again, kind of an in and out. So, these budgets I think you tried to you know,
cut paste into so you can put into a PowerPoint but they're they're pretty tough to see. Estimating revenues of just over $4 million dollars and expenditures nearly matching. Uh for a slight increase to fund balance, again, you shouldn't be making money off your food service fund. You don't want to lose money but certainly, if you're carrying a big fund balance, the state actually requires that you have a spend-down plan to invest in either new equipment or new programs for kids in the in the food service program. Uh slide twenty-four, student activity fund is about $97, thousand dollars of revenue and also matches
expenditures. Same thing, 97000. Student activity accounts are usually managed at the district level. So, if students put together a prom fund or whatever it is, popcorn sales, things like that. It's it's money generated. Oftentimes by students or sometimes PTAs and PTOs not often. Um and then again, those expenditures go back out the same way they came in usually at the building level. Um so, estimating just $1 00, 000 for that fund. And then the bond funds the next three sheets are really the bond funds. Um series one,
we still keep in track separately. So when that bond was issued, we have expenditures that hit that fund and we maintain those in a separate a separate account so that we can report back to whomever might want to know how we spent those funds and did they align with the the bond language that was passed? Um so same thing you'll see series one, two, and three. Uh series three, we're getting to issue now. Uh I think the anticipation is in the next couple of weeks to issue that last kind of tranch of bonds for about $17. 6 million dollars. And Imma jump ahead
to slide thirty-two sinking fund. So, one thing that we're going to talk about here with the next tax form. This is the last year that the district has authorization to collect sinking fund dollars. Uh right now, it generates about $3 million dollars for the district every year and I'm sure folks here could talk about all the wonderful things that goes through the fund every year and how how needed it is. Um there was some conversation from the administration side about potentially putting it back up on the ballot for a no new mills renewal just to keep it going. Um it is shy of one
mill. I think it's point eight. We'll see it on our form here coming up. So, it's not terribly expensive. We also have some tax rates to show that it really won't impact the ratepayer too much or the or the the homeowner. Um so, we'll talk about that here in a second but I just wanted to make sure I mention right now. Um go ahead. Thank you. I wanted to go back before we got too far ahead to page forty2 bond 2020 series. One debt fund. Fiscal year twenty2-6. I think I might have different numbers but I'm with you. I I on the side on the right
side it says forty-two. Okay. It's the one that it has Okay. Goat. Possibly goat up one slide. Down. Like the next slide beside behind that one. That has the breakdown of that because that's this slide is right before that one. Look. You're looking at series one, two, or three? Series one. Series one. Okay, that would be a slide twenty-six. Yes. Yes, thank you. Sorry, I didn't
know your numbers didn't match up with mine. Oh, that's right. Okay. So, help me understand the variance column. Does that mean that we're in the negative 1 million 4eighteen thousand nine hundred and 41, Nope, just the difference between the twenty-four, twenty-5, and twenty-five, 26 budget. Mm hmm. So, that variance captures just the difference between those 2 years. Okay. So, not in deficit at all. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Good question though. Keep moving. Okay. Um alright. So, sinking fun. We're
going to talk about more in just a second. And series three we mentioned. Great. Let me get caught back up here. Okay, let's jump to slide forty-one. So, this is our also what we call kind of truth and taxation. It's where the the public has an opportunity to see how much we're going to go out and levy this year. Um all of our our millages are voter approved. Um meaning, we don't put any thing on that the voters haven't already said yes we agreed to. Um so this is that opportunity to really showcase what they are and and
how they work and also when they'll expire. So if we look at slide forty-three Sorry. I think it's down. Looks like three. Yes, slide forward. There it is. Okay. So, every municipality, schools, cities, counties has to put together what they call the L forty twenty-nine and it's a dreaded form but everyone has to do it. So, this is where we say all the different. The the the voted debt or potentially non-voted depending on if it's an assessment would go on this role and then also we we say how much we want the each local municipality to collect on our behalf so that we can collect
that revenue. It's an it's an important for us because we're out of formula. Meaning, we rely on this money to operate our our school and so on here, you'll see that the sinking fund millage expires in December and so, oftentimes, what happens is a board might decide that they want to go up for a non new mill renewal. They don't want to have to ask voters for more money. They just want to keep status quo. So, it's kind of the sweet spot to be able to get that renewed. Um typically, elections are held in November, May, and August. Um not always but that that's usually the the cycle. An
opportunity to go up three times for a renewal. So, if it doesn't pass in November, you can ask again in May or potentially August. Um a lot of times, renewals are are much easier than a new, a new millage passing. So, might be something the board wants to consider doing and working on. Um again, so this would be the last year we get to collect those dollars if the board decided not to renew that that sinking fund which again is about a three-million-dollar impact to this district. So, that form is on here. Uh the next slide just shows which is actually of a neat slide gem
through in here. Uh the millage rates for the county, you'll see that Pontiac is is the lowest way at the end which is wonderful, right? I mean, that's very affordable place to live. And and if I might, this is the year that we have two chances to go after the August primary as well as the November election. So, that's something we should consider and how but we need to in the past, we need to, yeah, get the language in a timely fashion to get it out to the people and let them know that it's not going to, you know, really cost them a
considerable amount of moneys and if I think it's best we should look at getting that done within this time frame to put it in August because they're utilizing a lot some of our buildings for the election which we don't have to always pay to have our own election and then if things get complicated in August we can also go back in November. Thanks Diggers. It's too late. Yeah it's too late. For August. So many weeks before. So it's too late for August? Correct. It's usually 12 weeks before like 12 Tuesdays before auction. My math is
off. This is June 9th. Okay. The primary's August what? We'll be ready. We'll get our language together so we'll be ready in November. I think the request I think was if you guys are up for it, I'm happy to have language that you can take a first look at. I think at the next meeting, you don't have a meeting in July, correct? So, at least I would give you an opportunity to. We can call the special meeting. Take a look at if the if the chair wants to. I'll work on getting language as soon as I can. There's a nice meeting. Okay. Thank you. Wonderful. Yup. Um and then the next slide again is just a quick data point. Uh again, the kind
of the school tax. We got another, we have another question. Alright, Shelby. Yup. Thank you sorry, Shelby. I wanted to just follow up with Trustee Gross' question comment. So, from what I'm hearing is that we are looking to present something to the community to for them to vote on to support the school district, correct? Yes, in August and September. Well, not August because we missed the deadline, November. November. My frustration is that we gotta we have to do better with
planning ahead because not only did we miss the deadline for August, we also did not prepare our community by having talking points, by educating them, by being transparent. And if how can you go to our community and not to you, I'm not asking this to you. How can we go to our community and ask them for money and we have not given them the opportunity for us to ask for them to ask us questions. For them for us to explain to them why we want this and how did we miss a deadline for something that we want to ask for for
from our community. it's just I'm sorry I'm not, it's just frustrating to me because we we have to do better. Like we can't we can't miss it's imperative for the success of this district for our kids. Not for us. For our kids. For us to be on top of stuff like this. Like how we miss a deadline. I don't understand how that happens. Well so technically then I'll just go through December. So you haven't missed it yet because you have an opportunity in November for it to be renewed. We missed out the August one. Yeah, if you wanted to be ahead and have a second. Trying to
catch up with one opportunity when we could've had two August and November. Sure. I don't I don't know what's customary or what you guys have done in the past but two opportunities is always better than one. So, why we just counting on, okay, yeah, our people going to support us in November. Well, we haven't even talked to our people. That's not fair. That's doing a disservice to our community that we are seeking support wrong. I'm just asking. I'm my suggestion to the board is that we take into consideration the respect of our community that we all I think we all
live in. We need to take that into consideration. We gotta be more diligent with the upcoming deadlines that we know and we're we're we're educated in that. Thank you Trusty Miller for that and I think it's and I think it's clear that we had a turnover in our business office. So, as to why I don't think we intentionally missed a delay or I don't think this was intentional but because there has been a vacancy in that space which is why we're with an interim. At this point, that could have something to do with why we're
receiving this information at this point. Thank you, Shelby. We have another question? It's just a suggestion that we still move forward with educating the community. Absolutely. To come up with something and start those town meetings, getting that. So, by the time, November comes around, they would have had adequate time to come back once or twice where we had to go find answers and then provide em. So, I think be advantageous for us to continue. Absolutely and I think that's what Shelby mentioned while she would get working on talking
points now. Yeah. As opposed to Delan at any further. Yup. So, thank you. I want to speak for the operations folks but I know the the list of bond projects are eligible things to be completed and repaired is is extensive and very much exceeds. Uh what we have authorization on the bond side. So, I'm certain a lot of those projects would spill over to sinking fund and I don't want to put anybody on the spot or speak for anybody but I I think there is lots of plans in place of identified projects that need those dollars that would become, you know, pretty easy for talking points. Yes, thank you. VP Bowman. And just a historical
sake, we always of course, a lot of trustees are new from the time we passed the Bond and Millage, but there was always thought to go back out. And then let me ask. So, we are asking, we will be asking for the zero0 point seven nine eight oh. Renewal. So, that would not increase. That would just renew what the current residents are paying. So, it it doesn't increase but it just renews what they're already the space that they're already at, correct? Yup. So, you have that
choice. You could say, yes, I want to renew it, no new meals, keep it the same, or you could say, we want two mills. We want 3 million, whatever it is. So, that that's absolutely a bored decision to decide. Well, if we leave it where it is. It would be underrated. Yup. The red that 3 million that you spoke about. Correct. Okay, thank you. But the key to that is, if I may, the key to that is, is that you understand it. But the information has to be shared because that's been the issues in the past to the community because the first thing they hear is increase or
non-increase or just a renewal. But it comes from this table on explaining to them that yes, because that's that's the issue we ran into before. Because it's not going to increase anything in their taxes in their home. But they need to hear that from us. And the key and that's why I say it's important that we get the verbiage out and we could've done it in August and that's fine. I'm not saying deadline. I'm not blaming anybody or anything. But we can still get it out of November. But the key is coming from this table. What it
actually would do. And the benefits. Not just the cost or non cost. But the benefits. And when the people hear that is generally those who go out and vote and they understand. Because we've not and I'm just saying for for history we've not had an issue in the past because people had a clear understanding because it came from this table but I don't want people to think, you know, y'all laying off people and but we still ask y'all for money. That's not the case. That's not what this is about. Two different fruits. Oranges and apples but it has
to come from this table and it and we need time to do so. That's all. Right? Cuz when you hear that increase and it's not an increase. That's yeah. Right. So, thank you. That's all I want to make sure. I work with Doctor Leverett. Make sure we get the right information up the next week. We will provide the information with the board with updates. Sounds great. The last slide I think is just next up. So, again, today is the ninth where we're having the official public hearing. Yes. Opportunity for public comment. Um after this, of course, the next things to look for are the state budget passing so we can
see what's going to happen with our retirement funding. That's going to be a big deal for us along with the audit that's due November 1st to the state and that will let us know how we end our current fiscal year. So, really we want to shoot for kind of our first budget amendment, December, January depending on all the things going on and that really helps chew up kind of where you're at. So, your study session that you mentioned, great time to do that. Yes. Um dive back into that. The finances and also start looking at next year and planning because you can never be too far ahead of that budget planning and then again, the final amendment will be done in June. So, so there is there's the
presentation for twenty-four25 and 25 twenty-six. Happy to answer any questions. The public? Yeah. Your decision opened up for the public. Alright, thank you. So, for those here in the audit, if you have any questions, now would be the time for you to ask your questions as it relates to the budget. Are you watching the mic? Go to the mic. Or don't ask. You know I love you. To attend this session. Yeah, I see. I just. Hi, my name is miss Henderson.
Uh I just want to know, can we get a copy of that somewhere? Cuz I just want to see. I can't see it from the. Up here. Yeah. Um do you think what post his name that 4 minutes? We just, this is our website. It's on the website. We do. Yeah. Oh, it's last year. So, I just want a copy. That's all. I just see it. All from last Yeah. But once we happen to be involved. Yeah, once we adopted this. Yup. Okay, yes, Miller. Trustee Miller,
thank you. In regards to that, what is the requirement for us as a district to post certain things that should be available to public like the budget, contracts, what is the require, what is the date requirement for us as a district to have this posted to our website for public review. So, not necessarily the website, the the law requires six days prior to the public hearing that this document become available for public inspection. Um so, it gets posted typically in a local newspaper and then also copies available. Um typically at Central Office or in the administration. Um
I'm sure there was a copy printed in the lobby. Um but typically it's available. Um has to be available six days prior to this actual hearing. So just to be for clarity you said 6 days prior to the public hearing. Correct. So, not necessarily online just has to have a hard copy available for public. So, so for example, whatever the newspaper ad said, where the budget would be located is where folks are able to come in and and view that document. Does anyone have that available just for clarity for the public where they can access it now because as of date, the but she said it
doesn't have to be on the website, correct? It just has to be accessible to the public. So, at this point, for the public, where is it accessible? It is. For our public. It's time. Been out there. It's not out. For them to review it tonight. But it will be posted. It was supposed to be in a higher copies out in the front so the people of the community to have a copy of it to review it as we go through the public comments. We did it last year. It's supposed to be there this year. If anybody want a copy of the budget, they can see Miss Cynthia Wright in
administration to get a copy of it. She's right. It's great. I just ask because I want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence as a board to make public knowledge to our public and accessible to them. That's why I was asking. Absolutely. We'll give it a couple more minutes for our those in the audience if you have any questions regarding the budget. Or trustees if you have any other questions. Um I do. Okay. Seekers correct me if I'm right or wrong. Can we go? We can't go forward with
improvement of this budget unless the public had the opportunity to review it. You make comments. I think that's the law. No, they have to have the opportunity to give public comment. What's that? In order to comment, they have to have a copy of the budget to have it accessible to them, yes. And if there was no excess to the actual budget itself to have comments, we cannot vote on that tonight. If I'm, am I correct? I'm just asking if what's the state law? I'm I'm not confident that there wasn't something accessible to the public. As you said, the whole budget
is on there. Nothing about that was stated tonight is Brennan. For their review. And to follow up with Kevin, if I I'm requesting formally the MCO state law that dictates specifically what we're supposed to do for our public because I do not want us to be in violation. So please, some attorney Seagers provide me the MC a lot. Look it up myself so that we are compliant with our obligations to the public. I do not want us to not be in compliance. Absolutely. I'm just
asking. I don't know if it's a state law but I know. Well, there's a law that says it has to be available to the public. Six days before. By the time before the vote. And it and it always is. And it has not been. It has it's not now. Am I correct? I'm just dumb. You are correct. I'm just making sure that we were just told the whole budget is on the website and it's nothing nothing solid outside for them to review. Generally, we have hard copies for the public to take a look at the budget to be able to ask the questions at the time of public hearing. Thank you. For public comments. I I didn't hear anybody say
there was nothing out there for review. There's there there's nothing out there. Oh, I'm asking myself. I'm just saying. I I was. Nobody has told me. There's nothing out there to see. Yeah. There's nothing out there. So, the law requires not to split hairs here. When the ad goes in the paper and says, hey, the budget's going to be presented on this night at this location. Six days prior to an actual hearing. Um the the document itself has to be available for Publix to come in and and take a look at. So, it doesn't have to be 50 copies provided to everybody. Just one copy available in a public location that
folks can come in and take a look at. My understanding is that that happened 6 days ago. Um now, I wasn't here six days ago to see that myself so I'll rely on Central Office folks to verify that but it has to be accessible ahead of time. Not necessarily the day of because we're presenting it. But accessible within six days. That's what I'm asking. I want to make sure. So the accessibility was there. Six days prior too. Correct. Please provide me yes. Because I don't I don't want to hear this later. If and I'm not accusing anyone. I just want to
make sure that this board is compliant. So if the state law says that six days prior to June 9th which is today the public hearing that we should have had documentation for our public to not request but to be accessible to them. Please just reassure our public if it was there. I'm not sure. but for my knowledge, it wasn't. Please reassure our public that in fact, we were compliant and give proof that we were compliant in what we were supposed to do according to the law. That's all I want. Thank
you. Could be provided if they would just tell us where it was located in that in the discussion. Hi, Heidi, can you? I can verify that the ad ransom that's what we want to do. That we're in compliance. Hi, I can confirm that the ad ran in the Oakland Press prior to 6 days. Well, it's actually I think 12 days in advance that said that if anyone came in and asked for the budget that they would have access to it. I cannot
confirm if anyone came in and asked for it. Now, I do know in the past when people came in, they could either if there was a copy printed, they could ask for it. If there wasn't a copy printed, they could ask for one and a copy would be printed or someone would come into the business office and have access to it. So, I I cannot confirm but I do know the standard practice has always been if someone comes in and asks for it, whoever is at the front desk which would be miss
Burkett. She's always been every single time knows the rules, knows how it works, goes, and gets it but the ad absolutely ran which did tell people we are absolutely compliant that that ad ran. I have proof of that. And and thank you. Yes. Thank you for the clarity, Heidi. I guess I I'm looking for some clarity from the board, from attorney seekers. From what my understanding of the law is, we need to make it accessible and having to put somebody out of their
way to come in, have to stop, and ask for a copy of the budget is not making it accessible, nor is it on our district website. So, how are we making it accessible to our, I'm just, just for clarity, how are we making it easily accessible or accessible, whatever the law states to our public, when they have to come in, seek somebody out, and ask for it. That's not ability if or is it? Is that accessibility? Is that what the law states? Because from my my understanding, that's not
accessibility but I don't know. I would like some clarity if someone could give me a definite answer on what we were we were required to do to make it accessible to our public. In the past, I know in this, I don't know what it is currently. You have to ask Attorney Sears but in the past, as long as it was accessible during business hours, meaning that we had, they, here in the public building, being our administration building, just like if you go to a library, you could go and see a document during
business hours. That was compliant. I I'm not a lawyer. I cannot tell you what. In my law, the press classes are old. So, Attorney Segas, can you provide some clarity be and good good point Heidi but when you go to the library if you want to see something, you go pull it out. You don't have to sit down a librarian to get the information that you're you're seeking. So, what is what is our requirement as a district, very specifically, if you know the law. If not, I'll look it up myself. What is the requirement of a district to make
what's supposed to be public actually accessible to our public. It's not on the website. It's not printed. Accessible. What does the law very specific and I'm not badgering but I need to be very clear because My frustration is that it's not us. Yeah, we get it through Email but what about our public who follow and is concerned about where their bond money or whatever money, however the district is doing. Where, how, how are we doing, how are we servicing them? Or are we being
negligent to the public that supports this district that's been living here? That's that's my question. What, what does the law specifically say? And were we compliant? Uh I think we we said it a few times but basically, the the law says 6 days before, we have to, you know, make sure people have access the document and from what I'm understanding there was a publication indicating it was accessible here and I I do not know if anyone came in and actually look for
it but that's been the past practice where people have come in and they've actually accessed the document that may have happened as far as I'm concerned over the past week. Um So, I mean that hopefully that answers your question. It doesn't but in the future, I would, I would, my suggestion would be that we follow the letter of the law. If it says accessible, meaning that somebody can come in here, walk in that office, whether miss Burkett is there or anybody is sitting there, they can pull it up or easily go to our website,
six days prior and put it up for their reviews so that they, when they come to the meeting, they have the questions at hand instead of having to come to the district. That's my only recommendation in the future for our budget review hearing. Anything that's supposed to be posted public. We that we post it public for our for our people. That's that's all I'm asking. Okay. Thank you very much. Are there, thank you, Heidi. Are there any other questions regarding public during public comment for our budget? So I was.
Okay, we're going to close. The committee, the community had the opportunity to review it. Are we satisfied as a board to go home with it? No, I'm not. I'm not. I'm sorry. I'm not. In the past, we have had copies of this budget printed outside the night of public comments. So, people can review it until it's time for them to make their comments. That's what we've done in the past. Why it wasn't done this year? I have no knowledge. But in the past, we've had copies of the budget printed outside for the community
have to physically hold and to read and we even brought copies to people in it that wanted to have one that was sitting out here. So, are we satisfied as a board to go through with this process? No. That's I'm asking the board. I I'm calling her from two people. I'm I'm going to say no because as a community member, if I wasn't sitting on this board, the my first line of defense is to go to our website to get myself updated on what's going on. I shouldn't have to leave my house, come to the district, ask somebody, wait for the print it out and then I get a chance to read it
and then come in here to listen to it. That is a disservice to me as a community member. Outside of me sitting on this board. So, absolutely not. I am not satisfied that this board has done our due diligence to make our community aware of of aware of what we're doing here. I'm not saying it was anyone's fault. I'm just saying we owe our community that. Period. We cannot we cannot continue or start we we can't start a habit of Discounting our community and I feel like for older adults, for you know, people that are
handicapped, they should that, that is not making it available to them. If they have to get out out of their house, get in the car, come down here, and ask somebody to print it out. No, I'm not satisfied with that. That is doing a disservice to our community. So, then, my next question would be if I made madam chair. How would it affect us if we were to adjourn this and delay this until the sixteenth, the following board meeting as it pertains to our time or do we have to have something special call? Cuz I'm not comfortable with not going forward. When I know what we've done
in the past as it pertains to the the community getting the understanding of the budget. Because then we're going to turn around and ask them to approve a renewal. And then possibly approve a bond. And we're not doing our due diligence. I am blaming somebody. She may not. I am. Because I don't know who this lame is. I knew who to blame. I call him out. But but I'm not understanding why we've not done this and this young asked the question on where is the budget? And I remember last year at a renewal, someone asked for the budget, we
brought them copies. We brought them copies here. We did. So, So, Tina, answer your question. Uh so, you legally have till June 30th to approve the budget. I'm sorry. You have till June 30th to approve the budget. So, if the board wants to wait an extra week or 2 weeks, whatever that next meeting is to approve that budget, that that's perfectly fine. I'm just asking. Um the only the only thing I would suggest the L 4 029 form if the board is comfortable with approving that, the sooner we can get
that to our municipalities, they send out tax bills for July 1. Yes. Um so, if we can get that piece out, that would be wonderful but actual budget amendment and budget could absolutely wait till the next week. Because we gotta get a tax bill. Okay. Trustee Treasurer Terry. So. I just real quick. Um correct me if I'm wrong. This is our second reading. The first. This is the first for the twenty-five twenty-six budget. We're asked to approve the budget amendment today. Only blame us family. So, so I think. Oh, this is the timeline was a little
bit crunched this year because of lack of Billy CFO being able to present at your meeting so. Yeah. Kinda the first preview was at the the board retreat and then now the public hearing making it available. I'm not sure who is available for the next meeting. So, I just want to make sure the board knows. If you have questions, please Email them to likely Jim or myself. Mm hmm. So, we can get those answers if the community comes to you with a question. We get those answered before the next meeting. Okay. So, I'm sorry. Just charger Terry. No, not so good. So, for clarity
purposes, you were asking if this was we were talking about the twenty-five, 26th budget whether we can postpone approving that budget until our June 16th meeting, correct? Of course, we love the 22000 twenty-four25 budget amendment. That's what we're asking to postpone. Is there public hearing of like the first. if I'm am I wrong trustee Gross? Is that were you stating? Let me look at this.
We're we're asked to approve The approval of the two the 20 twenty-four twenty-five budget amendment, approval of the L four zero two nine, which you say is important, which is a separate issue to vote on. Uh huh. That we need to do in approval of proposed budget twenty-five twenty-six. Okay. That's what we're talking about here. The proposed budget of 2526, which the public has not had the opportunity to review. Correct? That's that's that's the only thing that has the requirements of the six days, correct? That is correct. So, we're looking at just the approve
proposed budget of twenty-five twenty-six. Howard changing that deadline to next week affect the actual approval of the budget if we didn't do it today. You say we have the June 30th to do it. Mm hmm. So again, just for clarity purposes, just to clarify, we are saying that if we want to allow the public to review the budget for the twenty-five twenty-six, we will postpone the approval of that until our June 16th
meeting. Yes, the six snakes. Yes. Yes, attorney seats. I'm thinking maybe just for little extra caution maybe to the twenty-third. Okay. And I'm thinking maybe even publish again that it's going to be another hearing on the twenty-third. And as we have another six-day period. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Just for good measure. Okay. But but but what we're saying is on the agenda, we're still moving forward with the approval of the twenty-four 25 budget amendment number 2. And the forty twenty-nine.
Yes, okay. I wanted to make sure that we were all clear because there's a lot of talking going on. Mm hmm. And it's making things a little confusing. So, yes, I totally agree. That part, we can make a decision to table that until the June 23rd board meeting. Is. Alright, trustee do. Oh, trustee Miller. Trustee Miller. For the, for the record, Doctor Leverette, humbly, I'm requesting a a deadline, a date of when the this budget proposal will be up and available on
our website. I would like, please, to be provided with a date of when it will absolutely be there for our public. It will be posted to our website, please. Thank you. Did you have a question to proceed Julie? Yes. Alright. So, continue on with the agenda. Doctor Leverette, back to you. Think Pontiac F FSMC. Okay, go ahead y'all. Me again. Okay. So, as we talked about, this is the standard renewal for the Southwest
Food Service Excellence or what we call SFE for our food service program. Um Department of Education has a very prescriptive process that's followed to select a food service vendor. Uh so, this is year three of potentially a five-year contract. Uh this is kind of the standard renewal sheet. Uh what we'll do after that, you'll see on here kind of the flat increases. Those were already determined in the RFP process three years ago. So, all this is doing is saying FSE or SFE is on board with renewing at the rate agreed to and us saying yes we want to continue using them as a vendor.
After this and the board approves, should they wish to to make a motion and approve this? Uh we'll go through the state system to let them know that we've locked in again to this vendor for just a regular rate renewal. So, pretty standard form. You guys should have seen this the last 3 years. Happy to entertain any questions if there are any. Any question trustees? Thank you, Shelby. Alright, Doctor Leverette MSHS excuse me, this is the twenty-five, twenty-six MHSAA annual membership resolution membership resolution for the year August 20 August 1st,
2025 through June 31st, 2026, junior high, middle, and senior high schools, or your school system which are to be listed as MHSAA members, and receive MHSAA mailings during the twenty-five, twenty-6th, our Pontiac High School, and Pontiac Middle School, enrolled A, enrolled as members of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Incorporated, a non-profit association, and are further enroll participate in the approved inter-school athletic activity sponsored by said association.
Funding NA. It is the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education approved the twenty-five twenty-six MHSAA annual membership resolution for the period of August 1st, 2025 through July 31st of 2026 and the membership resolution is attached. Okay. Thank you. Any questions, Trusty? Yes, Trustee Muller. Just for clarity. So, our current contract with Michigan High School Association School Board. No, that's not MHSAA athletics. Um
there's not going to be a lapse. So, it it it at least extends until July 31st and then this renewal will be August the first 2025. That's correct. Okay, thank you. Okay, and the next one. Okay, you too. Eastman of Pontiac High School. Okay, at this time, I will turn it over to Attorney Seagers. This is the easement at Pontiac High School, Attorney Seagers. Good evening. Uh the City of Pontiac plans to upgrade the traffic signal signal at Arlene Avenue near Tennyson. As part of this project, it has been found necessary
to acquire a public easement at 1051 Arlene Avenue, the Pontiac High School Building. The the proposed easement at PHS is a critical component of a broader infrastructure improvement project aimed at enhancing traffic, safety, and accessibility in the surrounding the school. The easement would allow the city authority to maintain and operate upgraded traffic signal equipment at a key intersection adjacent to school property boundaries. Beyond daily school operations, a safer and more efficient traffic pattern benefits families, staff, and
visitors attending events, meetings, or extracurricular activities at the high school and middle school. The estimated compensation of the permanent easement is $8, 710 based on a broker's opinion of value and constit the estimated fair market value of the property interest and as the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education approved the easement and Pontiac High School 1051 Arlene Avenue for an estimated compensation of 8 710. Thank you Attani Seagers. Trustees, any
questions? I do. I I just want some clarity. Just to make sure I'm I'm following you. Sure. So what I'm reading and what I'm hearing is that. they're going to pay us eight thousand 710 to put the easement on there. Is that correct? Um Well, the easement is essentially an an interest in the property. So, it's easement is not something they put on the land. It's so but for the interest in the land, they are paying us eight thousand7 710. What they're physically putting on the land is a
device to assist people when they're leaving Pontiac Middle School. Mm hmm. Um to actuate the light turning, you know, green, the red, depending upon the traffic patterns and it's like, it's a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that will go into the ground. So you you said that in interest of the land. So are we giving up part of our land for this easement? And if so, how does that benefit the district? It benefits the district because we get a state-of-the-art actuator for purposes of safety when
people are exiting the Pontiac Middle School parking lot. Uh huh. That's that's our benefit. But we're giving up some of the land that we own, Correct? We're not giving up the land. We're giving up an interest in the land. In other words, it gives them the ability to go onto the land to put the equipment down into the ground and to and occasionally come back on the land when it's necessary to service and repair the device they have put in. So they're not physically obtaining part like ownerships are part of the land. They just giving them permission to be on
the land. Correct. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Alright. Alright. Thank you very much. And that was it. Alright. Moving down to action items. Uh can I get a motion for the approval of the twenty twenty-four twenty-five budget amendment number two? So moved. Supports has been moved by Trustee Grove supported by VP Bowman for the approval of the 20 twenty-four twenty-five budget amendment. Any questions? No questions, just a comment. As I stated, I just don't
have a firm understanding of exactly what is in the budget. I have reviewed it several times and just as a result of that, I just don't feel comfortable with it for for me as a trustee. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Row call, please. President Hannah? Yes. Trusty Miller? No. Trustee Treasure Terry? Yes. Vp Bowman? Yes I'm voting yes. Trusty Dooley? No. And Trusty Gross? Yes.
And that passes five to 2. Alright, thank you very much. Can I get a motion for the approval of the L four zero two nine taxation? Some more. Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman, supported by Trustee Gross for the approval of L four zero 2 9 Taxation. Any questions? Yes, trustee Miller? No question, just a comment. Again, same thing. Let me repeat myself. I just don't really have a firm understanding and I know that we will. Um we will do preventive measures in the future but at this point, I just don't have a firm understanding of what we're voting
on. So, I don't feel comfortable with it but thank you. Okay, any other question Trusting mama. No. Treasurer Terry. Yes. VP Bowman. Yes. I'm voting. Yes. Trustee Dooley. Trustee, no. Trustee Gross? Yes. And President Hannah? Yes. That passes five to 2 Okay, thank you. Approval of Pontiac FSMC contract removal rate agreement for twenty-five, 26 school year. Can
I get a motion, please? So, move. Support has been moved by Trustee Gross and supported by VP Bowman for the approval of the Pontiac FSMC contract I'm sorry. I read. No, I read it right. Renewal rate agreement for the school year of twenty-five, twenty-six. Any questions? Trustee Miller? Yeah, I have a question again. Just making sure that I'm clear and the public is clear. From what I'm hearing is that the city will be putting in this state-of-the-art light What about
the any future repairs? Um what is it? That's not what we're talking about. What should we talking about? At the food service. I apologize. I will ask that question. I I jumped ahead. My bad. Right. Any other questions? Roll call please. Uh treasurer Terry. No. Vp Bowman Yes. I'm voting yes. Trusty Dewey? No. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. And Trustee
Miller? No. Support four three That passes. Alright, thank you very much. Um next on here is approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026, MHSAA, annual membership resolution. Can I get a a motion for approval, please? Sobu. Support. It's been moved by Trustee Gross, supported by Trustee Dooley for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026, MHSAA annual
membership resolution. Any questions? Not this time. Broke off. Repeat Bowman. Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright and can I get a approval of the easement at Pontiac High School? So move. Support has been moved by Trustee Growth and supported by BP Bowman for the approval of easement at Pontiac
High School. Any questions? Oh, that'd be me. So now that we're actually on topic, I don't I I caught up. Just to be clear, so what I'm hearing is that they're going to install this state-of-the-art equipment to make it safer for our students when they're crossing, okay? Right? Any future repairs or anything like that? Is it in, is it written somewhere that we have access to that they maintain that or does that fall back on the district? Is all those expenses are born by the city of Pontiac. Okay.
Any other questions? Yes. And you have that, isn't it writing? Yes. Okay. So, we gotta support ourselves and support this district. That's right. Alright, roll call please. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasured Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. May I pass the seven oh? Alright, thank you. And can I get a motion to table the approval of the proposed
budget for 2025 until our June 23rd meeting. So mom. support. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley and supported by Trustee Gross to table the approval of the proposed budget twenty twenty-five, 2026 until our June 23rd. Meeting, any questions? Yes. Okay. Me. Go ahead. Um you probably going to answer my question. Not a really question. Just a statement. Again, for the record. I, before the the June 23rd meeting, at least six days prior to
that, I would like a date with a deadline on when it will be and it has been posted to our website for our community. Also, Trustee Gross. Point point of order. Go ahead. Is there some way we can convene to go over that? For our questions that I may have or should I just because we can't send it out without. Well, we can have you get in touch with if Shelby is available. I don't think Jim is available so that you can talk to the source and ask your questions that way. Okay. Justin
Gross. Thank you. My comments are only to the community that. We're making this decision to give you the opportunity to review what it is that where our expectations are for them to come to school year. As you can see, we filled the capacity to the to the wall. It's highly important that you understand what it is that we're doing at this table and the budget is one of the main things that we have to make sure that it's getting done. So now, I say to those in the community, the listening artist, those who are out here. It's highly important that
when this is posted, when it's available for review, you can come get a hard copy. Take a look at it. Be here to ask questions. Don't make assumptions because when you make assumptions, then, we begin to run into problems. Take a look at it. It's the upcoming budget for the next school year. It's extremely important that you review it and have questions. That's all I ask is that you show that you care. Where the
money is going for your child. Thank you. Thank you. Roll call please. Trusty Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. That passes seven oh. Alright, thank you very much. Moving down to regular working agenda, Board of Education for Discussion items. Um Neola policy updates, attorney seekers. Sure. So, before you now is the second
reading of Neola policy updates for policy numbers one, three, one, point1, five, three, two, zero, five, three, three, zero, point1, five, three, five, zero, eight, three, two, zero, eight, five, one, zero, and eight, six, four, zero. Uh, the board had its first reading of these policies at its last meeting. Um, I will read the background rationale, school board policy serve as the foundational governance framework for district operations, ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and transparency, and decision making,
the Neola Policy Service provides comprehensive, up-to-date policy recommendations that are aligned with federal and state laws, as well as practices in education governance. As legislation and educational standards evolve, it is essential for the board to routinely review and revise its policies to maintain compliance and operational effectiveness. Neola's policy updates incorporate recent changes in state and federal laws, judicial decisions, and regulatory guidance. Updating the board's policies accordingly
ensures that the district remains compliant with current legal mandates and reflective of sound educational practices. The policy committee end administration have reviewed the proposed updates and are recommending that all of the proposed updates as listed below be adopted by the Board of Education with the noted modifications and option selections as presented to the Board of Education in final form today. It is a recommendation of the policy committee and administration that the Board of Education approved the following policy updates from Neola as
presented number zero13 one point 1 five three two zero five three three zero point zero one. Five three five zero eight three, two, zero, eight, five, one, zero, and eight, six, four, zero. Uh, this is the second and final reading and if you all approve this tonight, these policies will be adopted. Okay, thank you very much. Um, from our policy committee, do you have any comments or questions? Yes. This pee pee bombing, can I speak on behalf of the policy committee? Yes, please. Thank you. Thank you. Cuz you
know I have something to say. I just want to say that in addition to the updates from Neola, when we met, we really took a took a deep dive into reviewing these policies line by line and we removed things and added things that were were not applicable to this district. So, and we all know that I read them and reviewed them line by line. So, I I feel confident and I'm excited that we have the opportunity now and me as a community as a as a committee To review these policies so that they can apply to
what we're doing as of date for our district. Thank you. Thank you very much. Alright, next on our Agenda City of Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment Summer Neighborhood Playground Program, MOU. So, I will share The City of Pontiac Youth and Enrichment Summer Neighborhood Playground Program MOU, the City of Pontiac Youth and Enrichment Program in collaboration with the Pontiac School District is launching the Summer Neighborhood
Playground Program to to enhance access to safe, well-maintained, and engaging spaces for children and families throughout the community. As part of this initiative, the city will utilize the playgrounds located at Alcott Elementary and ITA during the summer months when school is not in session. Activities that will be offered include fitness and health, basketball, dance, stem, which is science, technology, engineering, math, droning, kickball, flag football, reading,
tutoring, and a young author's program. This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to child wellness, community engagement, and neighborhood revitalization. The neighborhood playground program will provide supervised recreational opportunities, encourage physical activity, and foster positive youth development in a safe environment. It is particularly beneficial for families who may have limited access to transportation or nearby parks helping to ensure that every child in Pontiac has a place to play, grow, and
connect with peers. By opening district playgrounds to the public public through this coordinated effort, both the city and the district are maximizing public resources, strengthening neighborhood bonds, and promoting a culture of shared responsibility and pride in our community spaces. The program also supports the district's broader mission to serve as a community hub and reinforce positive relationships with residents and local government. This collaboration exemplifies the partnership to improve quality of
life and create lasting impact for the children and families of Pontiac. It is the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education approved the City of Pontiac Youth and Enrichment Summer Neighborhood Playground Program MOU and I think I saw Tanisha here. Mm hmm. If you had any, did you have any comments or anything to share as it relates to this? No. Good evening. Good evening. Good
evening. I am just in hopes that this happens. Um it's been long awaited and just piggy backing off of everything that you just said. It's time and it's it's just for our youth in the community and we are truly about the youth in the city of Pontiac. Thank you. Thank you. Trustees, did you have anything to say? Yes, comment? Alright. I think it's a great idea to do this. I'm kind of disappointed not to hear that Peace Academy would have been utilized because as we look at the
demographics of the students that are more at risk or underprivileged. I think that sector would have been better served And if in fact there's any way that that can be added. I would definitely even if I had to come out and help. I think those students that live in those housing projects tend to need a little more better more service than some of the other areas because Alcot is adjacent to a little
more and that's what I want to say. I think when we look at things that will benefit, let's look at some of the, let's dive a little deeper into the demographics and what affects. We all, we know they are all in the poverty but at the same time, some are a little deeper than others. You mean the first. Thank you, trustee. When I knocked upon the building, we talked about the students. Know what I'm saying? Using that building is such the the the. For that area. Provide that area. Yes. That's what I'm asking. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Trustee Miller. Tanisha, I know
you named Twin. I know you sat down but I'm very excited. I remember you presented this a few meetings ago. I'm very excited for this program to be successful for this district and for our community here. I just want to receive confirmation that we have that the district has done everything on our part with staffing, with accessibility for our for the partnership that we have 100% done everything on our part to make this program successful to support them. Yes. Thank you.
Alright. Alright. Thank you all. Excuse me. I have a question and I'm not sure if it goes to the chair, president, or Doctor Loverette. Is there any way possible to get Frost included into this program? Because it appears that we would have the authority to do that. I'm sorry. I'm talking about our buildings. Well, no. Well, this is just for the outside use. It's not the internal use and their ask was for the bathroom as
well. My question is not to her, it's to us. Is there any way possible? That we can work in concert with the city to be inclusive of both students that will utilize that area. That is my question. And at this time, this program, we're just doing this program at the two schools that were mentioned. That area was not one of the areas that they had asked for. Now, going forward in the future, if they're wanting to expand to other,
other schools, then, that's something to be determined based on their needs for the program. Thank you. Alright. Yup. Thank you. Um just wanted to add the reason why Peace Academy is not in there is because we currently use Murphy Park and so Murphy Park is adjacent to, yes, right there and the shelter that we use, we have a shelter at Murphy Park versus the other parks
we don't. So, thank you. Thank you. Anyway. Okay. Alright. Thank you. Alright. Now, if we can move on down for the approval, our action items. Action item approval of the Neola policy updates. Can I get a motion, please? Senate. Support. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley, supported by VP Bowman for the approval of Neola policy updates. Any questions? Roll call. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes.
Thank you. A VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes and Trustee Doo. Yes. That passes seven huh? Alright, thank you. Next, can I get a motion for the approval of the City of Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment Summer Neighborhood? Yeah. Uh some move. I'll take it. She support. Support has been moved by VP Bowman supported by Trustee Dooley for the approval of the City of Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment Summer Neighborhood Playground Program. Any questions? Trustee Miller?
Not really a question, just a request for the record and a statement. Um like I said before, I'm very excited for this partnership and my request is that we either get some some literature out to the parents and the students or post on our website kind of blast it out so that the our community knows about this program and we've talked about it here and we've mentioned it here. Um my concern is that we get this information out to our community so that our our students are that they can utilize that and it can be
successful so we can do this continuously. Whatever, however you see fit, Doctor Everett to get it out to our parents, I would just like to see something available so the parents can know. Work together to come up with this. A calendar or something so they can know. Okay. That's good. Thank you. Yup. No problem Alright. Um no more questions. Roll call please. President Hannah. Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Absolutely. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes.
And Trustee Gross. I'll make it unanimous. Yes. That passes seven up. Alright, thank you very much. Thank you. Tanisha. Alright, General Council, human resource items. Right. Okay, at this time, I'll turn it over to Ashley and this is discussion and action for the Central Office position name change as we had discussed during our board retreat and we brought this matter to your attention. So, here we are. Ashley.
Good evening, everyone. To better align with common practices and similarly size the neighboring districts. The administration is recommending the following title changes effective July one, 2025. Assistant superintendent of human resources to be retitled as executive director of human resources, assistant superintendent of business and finance to be retitled as executive director of business and finance. Um these changes are entitled only. There will be no modifications to the
responsibilities or compensation associated with these positions. It the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education discussed and approved the title changes as specified above, effective July 1, 2025. Thank you very much. Trustees, any questions? Okay. Thank you, Doctor Leverette. Ashley. the professional services contract renewal for pediatric health consultants. Yes. So,
the purpose of this contract is to provide physical therapy and occupational therapy services to our students with disabilities as specified by their IEP individual education plan. Federal and state regulations require that PT and OT services be provided to students as stipulated in their IEPs. This contract will ensure the continuation of services for students who qualify from July 1 20 25 through June 30th 2026. The contract does have a price increase for hourly
employees being employed by this company for the twenty-five, 26th school year. Uh the rate for the physical therapist is increasing by $2 from $66 to $68 and it's a proposed increase for the occupational therapist from $65 to $68. Um increase of three. It is the recommendation administration that the Board of Education discussed and approved the professional services contract agreement with Pediatric Health and
the Pontiac School District. Effective July 1 2025 through June 30th of 2026. Expense amount for the twenty-five, 26th school year is $300, 000. Thank you very much, Ashley. Any questions? Trustee Miller. My question is, we've had several discussions regarding our special needs, special education department with the compliance aspects of it. So, this contract with
this the pediatric health consultants, they will consistently provide us with the service that we need. We so we will be compliant in that area with meeting the requirements of IEPs and things like that. Yes, this is one of four contracts that will allow us to be in compliance. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Alright, thank you very much. Next one. Point of order. I just want to make a comment so it'll go on the record what I how I felt about the change. The change of names, it was seen to me that the rate would change
as well. Are you talking about the change of the assistant superintendent to exec and the other ones you it would appear that those titles carries a certain if I will steam and that and their wages accompany that title. So, to be brought down, it would appear that that would decrease as well. Okay. That's just for me on the record of my thoughts.
Thank you. Doctor. I'm sorry. You want to speak to that? And you're absolutely right. It depends on their background and experience that they bring to the work. That is correct. Alright, thank you. Okay, next I have the Professional Services Contract Renewal for Blazer Works. Um the purpose for this contract is to provide ancillary services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, speech and language, social work, and no nursing services to students with disabilities as specified by their
individual education plan. Federal and state regulations require the ancillary services be provided to students as stipulated in their IEPs. This contract will the continuation of services for students who qualify from July 1 2025 through June 30th 2026. This contract does not have a price increase for the upcoming twenty twenty-five, 20, 26 school year. It is a recommendation of administration that the Board of Education discussed and approved the professional services,
contract agreement with Blazer Works and the Pontiac School District Effective July 1 2025 through June 30th 2020 expense amount for the twenty-five, 26 school year is 1 million $500, 000. Questions? I do. Oh, go ahead. No, no, you go ahead. No. How many employees do we have? Well, I think with Blazer Works, it might be about 14 FTEs. Okay. It's fourteen Pediatric is
about three or four. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Trustee Miller Just for the record, I want to be clear. So, with, I know, we got a few more to go. Okay. And Imma keep asking you just for clarity, we've been we've been down some positions in our special special ed department. So, with contracting with these professional services, will they, would that make us closer to being fully staffed so we can meet the needs for our students with IEPs and things of that sort? Yes, and it's not to say
that we we still continue to look as a district to see if we can find internal this is just something in the meantime to ensure we're in compliance. So, if we are able to hire us as well, a social worker or OT in-house, we will still continue to do so but this just allows us to make sure we're in compliance until we can do that. And and they will be diligent on keeping the staff to where we can meet the needs of of all of our students and be complying with their IEDs. Absolutely. Okay. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you. Alright. Any other questions? Trusty Dooley, you have a question?
This goes to Doctor Jamerson. The last time we were present and you gave a presentation, I may be wrong. I thought you said we were stabbed. We were pretty much, we, after we hired the last person, that lady, your supervisor of special ed, and then you said, you had people in place. They weren't necessarily certified but they were certified. You gave to that nature. Which
includes the contract. So that. Yeah, this is just a renewal. Are Good evening. Good evening. Um as Ashley's mentioned, I I stated that we have the vacancies but they are filled with contract staff as well as subs and then we also have some pairs who are teacher records. So, we try to make we are there no vacant positions where you know, noone no there's a person in the position but
it's not a direct tiger. Mm hmm. So, therefore, if we have to leave it on the book as a vacancy, we can't say that the the position is filled if it's not filled with a certified direct hire person. So, my statement was we don't have any positions that are unstaffed. We have positions with a we have vacancies. We have quite a few vacancies. We have like 30 something vacancies but they are all
filled with a person. Yeah, a person. Okay, Thank you for the clarity, Doctor Jameson because leaving the retreat, when we because I remember you said that we had like thirty-seven vacancies. My concern was we weren't providing the services that our students need. So, I appreciate the clarity saying that it's somebody there but it's just not a direct hire of the district. Correct. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Alright. Thank you. Okay. I think I'm on Metro EHS now?
Yes. Okay. The purpose for this contract is to provide ancillary services such as speech and language services to students with disabilities as specified by their individual education plan. Federal and state regulations require that speech and language services be provided to students as stipulated in their IEPs. This contract will sure the continue continuation of services for students who qualify from July 1 2025 through June 30th 2026. This contract does have a price
increase for speech and language sessions provided by this company for the twenty-five, 26th school year. Um currently, the rates are $55 per session and they are requesting the rates to be increased to $65 per session which is a $10 per session increase. It is the of administration that the Board of Education discuss and approve the professional services contract agreement with Metro EHS and the Pontiac School District effective July 1 2025 through June 30th 2026.
Expense amount for the 2526 school year is $130, 000. Okay, trustees, any questions? Go ahead. Thank you. It's not for you, Ashley. Just a it's actually a statement. Very much in support of any services that we can contract through to provide the level of care that we need for our students with IEPs and things of that sort. My concern is that we some of us receive a lot of
communication especially from our special needs parents that they're not receiving the services that is dictated in their IEP. At some point, I would appreciate an update or some type of data that shows that we have contracted with these people with these services and what percentage of our students are receiving their services as indicated with their IEP. For I would like to receive some some sort of data if if appropriate. Some sort of data that shows that we
are increasing our diligence with supporting our students with IEPs. I have a question. How many employees are we hiring? I mean, how many does this? So, Metro EHS is a bit different. They don't come to us. Our parents take the students to the sessions. Um so, they have a number of staff members available I think this school year, about 55 or 60 students went to the Metro EHS sessions. We're hopeful that that number will increase so that those students
that's interested can go to the sessions and have that in-person in-face speech and language services. Okay. Thank you. And okay, sorry and I know when we were at the board retreat, we also talked about how we would receive support from Oakland schools. Was it regarding speech and language in this area? I'm not, I'll have Doctor Jameson expound on that but as Doctor Jameson is coming, let us all be mindful of the percentage of special education students that we educate in Pontiac
School District for the state requirement. Any student that has an IEP, we must also provide a free appropriate public education to them. With that being said, one of the limited resources that we have is in our hiring staff. We have worked diligently and thank you Doctor Jameson and your staff. It is just not enough. So, we have to be mindful of
that and we have to continue to have conversations about how do we work, create, create a creative, creatively within the stipulations of what the law says a student must have services in their IEP. Um so, it is challenging time. Staffing is is very difficult but we are is which is why we utilize the services of these contractors who are vetted and meet all of the requirements to be able to do that. So, I just wanted to share
that before you go ahead, Doctor Jameson. Sure. Uh and until with the add to that, well, Doctor Leverette, our numbers continues to increase. So, that's a struggle as we hire because we are working closely with HR. Uh I have a tour schedule for tomorrow. We had one last week for OT. I have we had one special ed teacher who we did a tour
with last was last Thursday at Whitman. Uh EI teacher. So we're continuously looking, recruiting, hiring but as we are there visiting with us, we they're also visiting with another district. Mm hmm. So, and we just had a school psychologist who accepted an offer. Actually, I don't know if Gelena told you that. That just happened today. So, we're constant but we also as we are hiring our
numbers are increasing. So, as our number of spare students are evaluated the the percentage, I I would have to show you the percentage of our increase for this year. I would share that with you of increase in ehm the request for evaluation, special education evaluation services this year. It was just crazy, ridiculous and that's because of the needs of the students that are coming in the door. Um so, but to your question, the Metro EHS, they
provide speech services, speech and language services for our early childhood students. So, that's our early on and our peace students. So, this school year and this summer, we also owe compensatory services. So, for this summer, they will be providing services for our compensatory for early on and speech and Oakland schools, they're they are working closely with us where they we are partnership. We are in a
inner governmental partnership agreement with them where we have AnthroMed, that's in contract agency but it's through Oakland School and other districts are part of this in a government agreement as well and we had they we got a social worker through them for this school year that that fill one of the vacancies and for I'm interviewing right now a speech pathologist who they referred to us so Oakland Schools is working with us for our
early on program we are right right now we are We have like 28 students that twenty-eight kids that we need to evaluate and so Oakland Schools is working in partnership with us because we just don't have the staff. We we try, we've been trying all year to get too early on teams going. Every time we were hired, two, you know, two people at one position, a person would quit and they quit because of the workload. It's a lot of work when
you're evaluating a birth to birth to three year child. So, Oakland Schools is an answer to your question. They are working closely with us. They're even providing staff to do the evaluations for us to help us get caught up with these 28 students. Okay. So, they are working closely with us. Okay. Thank you very much. Uh huh. Yes. Trustee Miller. Just for clarity, the the staffing of the professional services that we're contracting through. Being that that's a critical need for the
program. Can they supply staff on a consistent basis for that specific need for the you intake, correct? Yeah and for birth to five, three year olds? Yeah. Will any of the people that the services that we contract through, can they provide a consistent staffing for that because that's a critical need and that's where we're backed up at. We contract with them. We do a yearly contract with them, an annual contract with them. So, the contract
is actually read maybe from January, I mean, July 1st to the end of the school year. We of staff who have committed to that contract but it's nothing in that contract saying that doesn't say, I mean, in the contract, it says, they can give a three-weeks notice. So, we they'll be contracted for a year but they may not stay a year. So, the contractors, they have to send us another person to replace them. So, it's no way that you can
have, I mean, make it mandatory that someone say, you know, with us the whole year. No, not my mentor. Just trying to see if we can feel a need, the need that you need for your department with one of our staffing contracts. Yeah and they are. They are work. They work with us closely. We communicate three, four times a week and making sure that we are staffed. You know, trying to get someone to us to feel whatever vacancies we have. We have we have several people seriously that are
working with the district and trying to make sure that we are I know this sounds funny but fully staffed but you know, have a person in that vacancy I I should say but they, all of the contractors, you may get another contract. I'm always looking at, you know, other contracts, you know, other contractors, other agencies because we do get solicitation and my first question to them, okay, you're contacting us but do you have someone immediately available? You know,
so, they they do work with us and I appreciate clearly. That was my next question was what's the turnaround time? So if someone does vacate the the position, how long does it take for the company to send somebody else so that we don't have a lapse in the services provided to our student? Um sometimes it takes, you know, a couple of weeks, sometimes it takes a month. If it's a lapse in a service, that's where the compensatory comes in at. We provide the services. Child doesn't go without services throughout the school year without
the the district providing the services to try to make sure that they reach their IEP goals and objectives. Thank you for the clarity. You're welcome. Thank you. That's it. Thank you Ashley. Okay, last but not least, professional services contract renewal for Cindy Rivers. The purpose for this contract is to provide speech and language services to students with disabilities as specified by their individual education plan. Federal and state regulations require that speech and language services be
provided to students as stipulated in their IEPs. This contract will ensure the continuation of services for students who qualify from July 1 2025 through June 30th 2026. This contract does not have a price increase for the hourly employee employed by this company for the twenty-five, 26th school year. It is the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education discussed the professional service professional services contract agreement with Cindy Rivers and the Pontiac School
District effective July 1 2025 through June 30th 2026. Expense amount for the twenty-five, 26 school year is 55, 000 dollars. Is Okay. You done? Okay, you're done. I do have just another question. So, are the students going to this organization too or no? Are they? She she's in. She's in house. She's in house. Insight. Okay. Alright. Just. Okay. Alright. Thank you. Any other questions? Alright, thank
you. Now, we're moving on down to action items. So, I'll just read each one. Can I get a motion for the approval of the Central Office Name Change? Someone so. It's been moved by VP Bowman supported by Trustee Dooley for the approval of the Central Office name change. Any questions? You have a question? Point of clarity, will we also include what Doctor Levert was in agreement that we will look at qualifications and it should be
noted that there could possibly be a change in wages. I like that noted for the record. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Roll call, please Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasure Terry. Yes. VP Bowman. Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. And President Hannah? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval of the Pediatric Health Contract Renewal? So move. Support. It's been moved by
Trustee Grow supported by Trustee Dooley for the approval of the Pediatric Health Contract Renewal. Any questions? Roll call. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Groves? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. That passes seven oh. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval of Blazeworks? Contract renewal. So move. Support's been moved by Trustee Growth supported by
VP Bowman for the approval of the Blazeworks contract renewal. Any questions? Row. Trust the question. Trusty dude. Great to meet what that was. Again. I can't hear you. What was that see what you read what it what the actual proposal is. What was the proposed works is for the the ancillary services for physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology. Okay. Any other questions, comments? Roll call please. Thank you. Vp Bowman Yes.
I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. That passes seven oh. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval of Metro EHS contract renewal? So move. Support. It's been moved by Trustee Grove supported by VP Bowman for the approval of the Metro EHS contract renewal. Any questions? Roll call I'm voting yes, Trustee Dooley
Hello. Trustee Grouse? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. And VP Bowman? What? Yes. That passes six one. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Moving down. Can I get a motion for the approval of Cindy Rivers contract? So move. Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman supported by Trustee Gross for the approval of Cindy Rivers
contract. Any questions? Roll call. Trustee Dooley. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. And I voted yes. That passes six one. Alright, thank you very much. Operations Maintenance items. Doctor Leverette. Thank you. At this time, I'll turn over to our interim director of facilities, Marvin Beasley,
Harrington Elementary Schools, the infrastructure upgrades with the paving of the parking lot. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon, afternoon. Good evening. Tonight, repeat. Well, good night. Good night. Yeah. Yeah. No, Tony. I'm sorry little tired. Oh, you alright, man. The next time I'm going to bring you the Handen Elementary School infrastructure upgrade for asphalt paving, backfire rationale, a proposal, was requested meal, the existing parking lot, and basketball court down to two inches to accept new two inches at surface. Brother number one, previously approved cost to
crack, fill, seal, restripe the parking lot, and basketball court. The approved cause of this shown in the breakdown of the quote funding source of numbers 2020 Bond Series 2. Recommendation is that it's recommendation for administration for Pine School Board of Education approved Harrington Elementary School, infrastructure upgrades, ask for paving at the cost of 1 to fifty-5 thousand three hundred twelve dollars and eight cents. Oh, thank you. Trustee, yes, trustee Dooley. This when you guys did the
initial estimation of the project, this was not included. For you guys redid Harrington, am I correct? Yes. And this was not under consideration. This wasn't part of their moneys. Not through the whole parking lot. Any other. It changed several times. The whole project did so. So, was the parking lot damaged in need of repair when you guys initially presented the proposal for Harrington to be. Redone. No, not
damaged. So, so there was no need to have it redone at that time? Not not for what we put in. So, the infrastructure put in the parking lot, what we had to do for the generators and the upgrade of the infrastructure for the wiring, the new plumbing. So, as of tearing up. Okay. Gotcha. So, so this so what happens is instead of give you guys a parking lot that we can go ahead and seal, coat, and stripe but you going to have a lot of humps in it, cracks, do we instead of doing that, we looked at the contingency that we very good job. Uh we're looking at the amount of money we're going to have
left out of this project. We're doing very well with it. We look to give you guys a total finished project. I know it been an issue with some projects that took place. Again, I'm very proud of what we've done as a team to make this project very successful as it has been. So, I want to give you guys a real nice finish project. So, doing this property now, make it just like that. Any other questions? Yes, trustee member. I remember when you guys presented a few months ago and I think I asked the question specifically, how were we on track as far as the budget for this project?
So, even with the additional 15five, 3 12 dollars and eight cents. How how does that impact the budget? Does that put us over the budget? Are we still under the budget, projected budget? Okay. Good evening. Good evening, guys. Okay. So, let me give you a quick breakdown. Um I think. We go over this every week but I think this will help kind of bring this full circle here. The board approved contingency for the overall project for total of 1. 7 million. Just over that. To date, as of this morning, we've only used 63% of it. Um so, right
now, the remaining balance of that is around 6 and thirty-three thousand, right? And we're almost shut the completion date at this point of project. With that, as a team here, we built in allowances within the contractor's contracts. We have not really touched these whatsoever. So, With that, it was around $665000. We've only used 38% of that. So, that's around 412, 000 a little more left and as of today, if we were to give project ended today and give a credit
back once we reconcile with everybody. It was around just over 1 million back into the bond. Oh, wow. And that's accounting the 55000 is already accounted for and that would be what's what's returned if today was, you know, the very last day but that we're tracking right now, what's coming back into the bond once everything is, you know, complete. Perfect. Thank you. Yeah. Any other questions? What's your name, sir? Cody Farber. Cody. Yeah. I am excited
to hear percentages and numbers. Thank you. You, thank you so much. I really, really appreciate that. Very specific data. Thank you. You're welcome. Very much. Okay. Yes, I do have a question. Alright. Yup. You all set? Yes, I'm good. Um will this change any of the dates where possible completion? That's all I need to hear. And you putting up a new hoop with rims in. I'm just Del I was just kidding. Alright. We need a
little humor at this time of night. You want me to? Just a statement not a question. Thank you all so much. We've had the opportunity to tour the building and this is prior to the completion of course of the parking lot. So, I think this will just be the the cherry on top and thank you all so much for the diligent work. Yeah. Because it's it's going to feel like a new home for our babies. Very excited about this project. So, you guys want to come back again. You can more than welcome. We can walk you through again. Yup. We know you're ready. Just let I'm ready. I'm ready to walk. Thank you. Very proud of the project. Alright, thank you very
much. Next. Thanks, guys. Yeah, one more though. Yup. You got one more? Yeah, I do. Okay, stickers. Uh good evening. Uh this is the Fourth Amendment to the custodial services contract with Grand Rapids Building Services, GRBS. Uh the district is currently undergoing a restructuring of its custodial operations including the elimination of certain in-house custodial positions as part of broader efforts to streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in this
context, ascending the contract with GRBS presents a strategic, operationally sound decision that lines with the district's goals for long-term sustainability and high-quality maintenance. GRBS has a proven track record in providing reliable, professional custodial services to the district. Their experience in managing large scale custodial operations ensures continuity of services particularly during this transitional period when the district is phasing out its own custodial positions. By allowing GRBS to assume responsibility for
these duties, the district can ensure that there is no lapse in service or cleaning the standards which are critical to maintaining safe, healthy learning environments for students and and allows the district to focus its internal resources on its core mission, educating students. The attached amendment will extend the GRBS contract for three years from July 1 2025 to June 30, 2028. At a cost of 2 million 2 hundred and seventy-eight thousand nine hundred and 44 annually. It is a recommendation of administration,
the Board of Education approved to modify the contract with GRBS from July 1 2025 to June thirty 2028 and an amount not to exceed 2 million two hundred and seventy-eight thousand nine hundred and forty dollars per year. Um mister Beasley and I have been working diligently with GRBS to come up with a plan to transition some of the district custodians into a framework with with GRBS. Um we
estimate that the total savings for the district as a result of this transition is going to be approximately a little over 1 million dollars per year savings and I want to thank the facilities department and and coming up with some creative ways to in the business office and assisting me in negotiating this agreement. Uh I think this will be a very good fiscal decision for the district. Thank you. Questions, yes. Okay, thank you. Thank you for the information. For clarity, why are we
going into contract with any vendor for 3 years? Is that a requirement from them or did we just choose that? I have this two-part question. So, you would like to answer that. Why we, why we solidifying a three-year contract with the vendor? We've had a three-year contract with them before and we've been into one-year extensions but they wanted a little longer commitment in light of you know the kind of commitment they're making to the district. They're going to be handling all of our custodial services. Okay, my sec, I'm glad you said that my second
part to that is, the way is written here and what I'm reading is that, now, you just said they're handling all of our custodial services and right here is saying the district is currently undergoing a restructuring of its custodial operations including the elimination of certain in-house. So, is it certain that meaning that we'll still staff some in-house or are they taking care of all of our custodians because it's contradicting what you're saying was based on what's written right here. Uh they're taking care of all custodians. So, but I want to be clear
that there's part of our maintenance staff that aren't custodians. For instance, mister. Right. Mister Beasley is not a custodian and nor is his assistant Harriet Smith. So, Hope that answers your question. Not really Um because I for me I'm I'm it's just the wording. If we had to vote on something I would like the wording to be precise and consistent with exactly what you're saying. And to me that's still a little bit conflicting if someone else was to pick this this this bear up and read
it. It's it's a bit confusing. Let me clarify it for you and and we can we can change the wording out if you like. Uh there will be no custodians employed by the Pioneer School District. They will all be employed by GRBS. Okay. I hear any other questions? Comment. Comment. I do have a good question. Uh and and mister Beasley and I talk all the time and you are satisfied with the work that they're doing. Because you wouldn't be presenting this, right? Yes, correct. And there's a possibility, a strong possibility
or probability that some of our laid-off maintenance people may be able to work with them through this current. All our current house employees had the opportunity to go work for the coworker for them and they can come back and keep their own same positions. With this company, how reactive are they to you as it pertains to your leaderships and expectations? Immediately, I'm I'm very firm. Oh, you are. I hear you on the phone when I'm talking to you but you you've not had any issues with them, not completing or attempting
to complete or or doing a job to your expectations and what needs to be done in the district. No, that they have staffed a director that runs half the state directly to me to make sure I count. It's very satisfied with the we need for this. We have a lot of demands in our district to be honest with you. So, I make sure they're fulfilled on those basis. Yeah, okay. Then, my last question, how does this affect the amounts of supplies that we utilize or will it affect? Okay. Give me a wash. Thanks.
There's a and there's a a foreman attached to the bear which is an evaluation form that mister did and he gave him a very good evaluation. Oh, I listen. Let me tell you, mister Seager. For the last few years or so, I will not approve any maintenance track unless I've spoken with him and he's satisfied with it and if he came to me, I hope so. Okay. And and and we discussed this. I mean, here beforehand, when I read this, hey, Marv, what do you think? Uh huh. Because he's the one that's dealing with him. I don't I'm not there every day. So, I make sure that I have this
conversation with him that if he's satisfied with it or want to make some changes, then, let's bring it to the table. Absolutely. And and the question to ask is this company is not supplying any supplies. We still supply em. They are supply suppliers now. They're a supplier? Yeah. The supplies. If you, okay. I still have control and make sure they they have the right amount that we need. So, we still have that authority over the company to make sure that's included. In the $2 million dollars. Yes. As a wood supply. All equipment, everything. Oh, that's just the savings because I
know that we based on the cuts we had to make. I just want to make sure you were satisfied. Good. Okay. Thank you, sir. Okay. Thank you. To the chair or Doctor Leverant. As we continue to outsource our services, Where does that put us as a solid district? You have to clarify what you mean as a solid district but as a district that is looking to maintain fiscal and financial responsibility and to maintain our integrity in terms of
that. Trustee Dooley, I would say that that is though these are the tough decisions that have to be made to make sure that we are financially where we need to be and outsourcing is one of those options. Any other questions regarding the GRBS contract. Alright, hearing none. Moving down to action items. Can I get a motion for the approval of Harrington Elementary School's infrastructure upgrades? So move. Support. It's been moved by trusty
growth supported by VP Bowman for the approval of Harrington Elementary School's infrastructure upgrades, asphalt paving. Any questions? Roll call please. Trusty growth? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. Trustee Bowman. I'm sorry, VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion
for the approval of the GRBS contract? So, move. Support, it's been moved by Trustee Grow, supported by VP Bowman for the approval of GRBS contract. Any questions? Yes. Trustee Miller? Comment more or less. Okay. I I'm not supporting the the inconsistency with what was said and what is written. For me, everything that we are going to abide by has to be written in black and white and what I'm versus what is being told to me is two completely different things and I can't support it unless those two
things align. So, to protect this district. Okay, any other comments? Pro call please. President Hannah, yes. Trustee Miller? No. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? No. And trustee Gross? Yes. That passes five to 2. Alright, thank you very much. That was the last thing until now. Nope. Okay. Moving down, we have communications, petitions,
and delegations, VP. We have one, okay? Your request to address the Pontiac Board of Education for three minutes is granted. With your commitment that all of your comments will be delivered with courtesy and civility. Failure to do so will result in or picture of your allotted time. Asher Tador Thank you. Thank you very much Um recently, I became involved with a group in Pontiac and Waterford Uh human rights group and
while we were talking in our group, it came to my attention. Someone told me that the Pontiac School Board passed a resolution to protect its students from being apprehended in class. Correct me if I'm wrong is that is what happened. Well, you guys are at the forefront. I want to congratulate you and we want to do the same thing with municipalities. We're going to pick some key people. You guys will be at the front but I want
this to snowball, to protect all, not citizens, all people. If they're in the United States and we have written up something and we're going to take it to the municipalities but what I wanted to do is I came here. I want to share this with you and then, I want to see your resolution too. See if we let things out just to you know, it's always better. Two heads than one, you know? But that's basically
it. So, if I can give this to you and then I can get a paper above which you guys did here. I appreciate that. Okay. Bring it to you. Yeah, we'll bring it to me. Alright, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Alright, moving on down to board. Comments and announcements. Thank you. Thank you. Think I got your Email too. Yeah Yep. So we'll be in touch. We'll start over here with Trustee Miller. Thank you very much. Can we good good evening everyone? Thank
you for sticking it in with us for our board meeting tonight. We had a lot of important things, topics to discuss. Uh first thing I want to congratulate our students at Kennedy. Um I see greatness in all of our students but it's just something that just you know warms your heart when you see the students that come in here and and and are acknowledged. So I really appreciate that. Ever left the book bags, thank you for the book bags. I personally love book bags and I want to promise whomever left it. It will be greatly appreciated and
very much so used. Love it. Uh I want to send thank you to the alumni, Pontiac Alumni Association Um for them supporting our students with their post post-secondary achievements. The $20, 000 or any amount that's donated to our students to help them move forward with whatever they choose at the high school is great as a parent. I greatly appreciate that and as a board member, thank you for providing that service to our students. Um let's
see. Thank you to our elected officials, State Representative Brenda Carter, and Councilwoman Melanie Rutherford for attending and providing updates on upcoming events and important information regarding this district and the city of Pontiac. Anything that you need to know from what they presented, just please locate them on social media and I'm sure they can give you the information. I encourage all parents and community members to take advantage of the Enrichment Summer Neighborhood Playground Program. I, this district, and
myself personally, we are very excited about this and we want our students, our children, where our parents to utilize this. So, please take advantage of this program. I also want to give another shout out to the class of twenty. Our graduates from PHS and ITA class of twenty twenty five. When I tell you, listen, when I tell you, I was up there so proud of our kids. Y'all don't even understand and what made me a slightly upset is when I read in
the newspaper or what have you when they said a Pontiac, the Pontiac School. No. Let me clarify for everybody listening. That was not PHS or ITA. That was a school that's located in Pontiac but not up underneath this board So, and I'm going, I I'm giving that to credit how how well behaved, how excited our students were both at PHS and ITA and as a parent, as a board member, they made me proud. So, don't take nothing away from our students here with Pontiac School District by
implicating that we had some issues at our graduation because last time I checked, we did. To come out and I was there for the entire time. Um The one representative from the Pontiac Alumni Association made a comment that really set home with me. He said, the heart and souls in our youth and most definitely, the heart and soul is in our youth and I am excited to hear new ideas and excited to move this district forward forward so that we can we can bring more to our students because they are our future and they
are the heart and soul of this community, of this city, and this district. Have a great evening. Thank you very much. Alright, thank very much. Secretary Davis Smith. Good evening, everyone. Like trustee Miller said, I wanted to congratulate our Kennedy students as well as our students that received scholarships. I was so happy to see but the Pontiac Middle School kids got to go to to Washington DC and when I saw the pictures of how happy they looked, it was all worth it. So, thank
you everyone who did help to get them there. Um congratulations to our eighth grade students. They graduated today and we missed it because we were here but Congratulations, Baden and all of the eighth graders that has graduated today. Also, I got a chance to see our our eighth grade sneaker ball and our they did such a great job. It looked so cute in there and I just love things like that because that gives our kids an incentive to want to get better
grades and have better behaviors so that they are able to do more things like at. So, I just hope that we we start doing more things where our kids will say, school is fun like when I was in school like to they need their education but what will get them up in the morning to go to school. That's what we need more things for them to to be able to do those things and I'm proud of all of our kids here in Pontiac that graduated this year and
that's moving on. A lot of our students are not just to college but they're going to trade schools and they're doing things. I've had I have helped a couple students to to get their LLC and start their own business. So, I'm just proud of our kids because they they do the most. So, I just want everybody to be safe this summer. Remember to read to your kids. Um and just have a great a great safe summer.
Good night. Thank you, Trustee Dooley. Good evening, everyone. In my effort to be transparent and accountable to those 7 thousandsix hundred and17 voters that put me in the seat. However, I do represent all educational stakeholders. Let let's be clear. Uh I received an article that stated, I did not support our teachers. I want to go on record and say, that would not be
true. However, I did vote no on that contract reason being I can't understand how a teacher would not be evaluated and how they don't go to professional developments. So, I'm going to leave it at that but I just want teachers to know that I do support you because I am a lifelong teacher. I'm also a member of Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. So, I do support you in your endeavors. Also,
I have been asked why I take the position of a bunch of nos on my votes. Well, It's a lack of alignment of resources for me. I am still not satisfied with the presentation of the budget to me. So, therefore, I utilize my right to choose to say no. So, I'm trying to give you an explanation as to what's going on with me. Certainly, I want to as we talk about alignment of resources to those persons that have
been calling me and wondering, I am still asking questions and making inquiries as to how we can support our security to make sure that our students will be provided with adequate security and staffing of those security guards as well as everybody that's in the building, internal and external that they are provided with safety and that they can come into a learning environment that is certainly conducive for learning but also safe. And the attendance. The attendance,
I'm I'm not clear with that attendance about how you want your teachers to do that. Uh teachers are already inundated with a lot of stuff to do. So, to add that to their plate, I don't think that would be fair. So, I am still pushing that attendance piece. And also a shout out to Donovan Johnson who was here tonight as a Kennedy graduate and to all our graduates and as trustee Miller
said, it was nice to see them but I think it was really great that we're inclusive of all students, all students and and that makes parents feel well too because they're already dealing with challenges of having a challenged child. So, with that being said, I'm certainly happy to part of the school district hadn't seen my colleagues in a couple of weeks. It seemed like a long time. So, we're back and we are here to do the work of the district. With that, I say good night. Thank you very much.
Trustee Gross. Thank you. Good evening all. It won't be long. Uh a lot of stuff to approve. It's been a long time since we approved those many items but I'm glad what we got and we're getting this stuff done. Um I want to give a shout out to former trustee board trustee Troy Craft. We had the opportunity this weekend to go over to Bodeck Park better known as Mia Thank you. That's for all you Pontiac ers.
He brought softball back. Adult softball and it was the mixed league and both myself and my sister had the opportunity to show our skills and umpire. No, I didn't play. Uh but we we were involved as kids and to see what he's doing out there and and it's about seven or eight teams and you want to talk about a good time. It was hot but we had a good time and to see one involved, barbecue pits, bouncys, and everything. So, I
commend him on his projects and he's also having the itty bitty basketball program starting up soon here. Um so, he's still active out there and I want to commend and thank him. I want to thank whoever gave us this. Somebody tell me, who gave us these backpacks? I appreciate. They're just in the chair. Ain't nobody going to tell me? I don't know. Staff appreciation. Huh? I didn't hear that **** Appreciation. Shelf appreciation. Yes. Staff appreciation. Good looking out, Doctor Leverette. Thank you. I'm a backpack man and I really love taking
my backpacks. Now that I got to because my wife went out and bought me one put that one up and use this when that bad boy is nice. And when we go on our excursions and I appreciate the gifts that you give us. It's not necessary but appreciated. Yeah. Um also let's continue to Miss Wright, I want to appreciate you and sharing the information because I had no knowledge of what was going on and I was getting text messages and people asking me, is that your school? Is that your school? And sometimes, we
have to be cautious. And I actually, based on the photos that I saw, I knew the young man that were actually involved in that incident. Yup and so, we, let's, You know, it's time that we have to stop this madness and start celebrating each other because that's getting ridiculous because it doesn't make it right because you're angry. Right. You think you can do. The issue is not getting
angry. Anger is another emotion. When we run into problems is what we do when we get angry. Mm hmm. I don't have the right to pull a gun and go after somebody because I'm mad at you. We gotta speak on that. Thank you again, miss Wright for sharing that information. It wasn't us and I was able to share that information out to the community. Thank you, Heidi. Wasn't Pontiac School District? We've been talking about these things. Been things like that in the past that has happened. Not this time. No. And lastly,
I'm part of the I'm part of the school improvement committee and I've had a conversation with our chair and there's some things that we're going to talk about over the summer. So, I think it's because learning doesn't stop just because it's a summer break. Good. So I don't know everyone's vacation time but when you're leaving, when you're coming back but I'm going, I'm proposing a couple of meetings over the summer that we can get this thing started and be ready for the school of the year in the fall. I've already talked with the athletic department and we're
going to come up with a meeting date. I'll let you know the days. Trustee Dooley and I want to talk to the principals and see when everybody is available. So, we can talk out of the summer to come out with some clans together. Uh what we're going to do for to some changes. I had the opportunity this past year to work my second year as a school liaison and I work with a lot of districts outside of Pontiac because they say it's a conflict of interest so I can't work with Pontiac. But all the improvements that I saw based on some
of the adjustments that I've made with the outside school districts. I think will benefit our district in attendance and I've seen attendance improved in Farmington, South Lyon, White Lake, and Commerce Township. And I'm not saying this because of me but I am saying it's part of me. Imma take some of that credit. Because the parents and kids are listening. Think we can implement some of those ideals here. Well Miss Dixon and hopefully your summer, you'll be available and we can go over some
things and that will be part of our school improvement. Now, she didn't take a break at all. Thank you. I appreciate you all and lastly, to our students who are here. Have a good summer. Our summer school kids will see you at the schools. But like I tell my people promise me one thing and I say this to this board. Have fun. Thank you. Thank you, Treasurer Terry. Good evening. I'm Imma be real
quick then. If he was quick, I'mma be real quick. Um first off, congratulations to our Kenny students, the graduates. Um big accomplishments and I hope you do good and better as you continue out there in the real world. Um do your thing and and let your light so shine. Um also want to say thank you to Joe Longhammer and Joe Longhammer Chevrolet for the partnerships that they gave us over the years. Yes. And we pray that can continue to grow and
continue to flourish as well. Um also say thank you to Pontiac Alumni Foundation Um it's wonderful seeing the ten students here receiving those scholarships. Um always good good good information and good details and good facts. Just to know that they are pursuing some I guess further education at different colleges throughout the country. So I wish them the best endeavors as they continue as well. And I also want to say congratulations to our awardees. Um the Matthew Yang is
Christina Mendoza and Stacy. Oh actually, take that back. They're retired. Okay. So, congratulations on that retirement. I'm trying to get there one day but congratulations on that retirement and I want to say thank you for the reports that we received. Um good information as well and then, as always, lots of good discussions. I want to say thank you also to my board members as well for hanging in there. I know this was kind of a long meeting but you know,
information is power and the best way we can the I guess best decisions is to know everything that we need to know to make that vote when that time comes. Other than that, I guess enjoy your summer. If we don't hear from you again, do plan on being on vacation. Taking some time off for the summer. We have been working quite hard, I would say. Mm hmm. But you know, let's let's I guess reenergize ourselves and power back up and get ready for the next school year as we do face I guess additional
challenges as we continue to move forward. So, thank you. That's all that I have for tonight. Have a good night. Thank you. PP Bowman. I won't be long Um but I do want to say congratulations to our students who've graduated in the year of twenty twenty-five. Uh 2025 has been a very interesting year thus far. And I'm glad for the wine down. We have a few more meetings. But I'm glad we're
at the end of this school year. It's we need to break every single one of us. Um thank you to my trustees for doing the hard work because again, even sitting here on the board, getting used to one another and and working together, that has been a challenge in itself but I'm glad that we've turned the page and we're moving forward. I just want everyone to know that this job, this this position is
of service. We serve our community and we don't take it lightly. The things that you all do for us and for our students. It we know often times it can be a thankless job but I say thank you. Thank you to all of you who choose to work in the Pontiac School District because you can be anywhere in the world but you choose to continue to be here with us and I thank you that. Um we know that this space is not perfect but we serve a community
and we do it with the with our best foot forward. I'm grateful to serve and I'm grateful for my colleagues and just know that the decisions that are made by I can only speak for myself. The decisions that I make that we make, I'll say we. Um they're for the best. They're for the betterment of our community. They're to push us forward and to to make sure that the legacy that leave here is better than
how we found it. So, I'm grateful. I'm thankful and know that moving forward in the future decisions that are made are always in the best interest and safety of the school district of the city of Pontiac. So, thank you much. Good night. Alright. Thank you, VP. Alright. So, Doctor Leverette, administration, teachers, staff, we almost there. This is the last week of school. And I
know y'all are probably counting down the days just like the kids are probably counting down the days too but I want to say thank you. Um for hanging in there all the work that you guys have done this school year. We truly appreciate it. So almost there. We we countdown but again I just wanted to acknowledge you all for what you have done and just tell you thank you for that. Uh special thank you to miss Rush. She came to us and she was committed and she said that those students for the middle
school that has signed up to go to Washington DC, it was going to happen. So, despite her roadblocks, despite the challenges, she made it happen. So, when I saw those pictures come across, it made my heart proud because she, god answered her prayers. So, I thank you miss Rush for your commitment and your dedication to those students because you made it happen for them. Uh congratulations again to the class of twenty twenty-five especially to our Kennedy graduates that were here a day. Miss Shields, you and your team
it it it doesn't go unnoticed. The love and the compassion that you have for those students. I think most importantly just the the love you wrap around their parents. So I thank you for all that you do for them. Um just wanted to reiterate the Juneteenth parade that was stated it will happen on Saturday, June the 14th at 3 PM, Downtown Pontiac. Um Just everybody, don't forget. Terry and the Pontiac Alumni Foundation. Thank you so much for this
opportunities that you are awarding our students. Uh I don't know the last time we've seen so many scholarship recipients come through. So, I appreciate the support that you're giving to our students so that we can make sure that they're off to a good start after they've graduated high school. I want to also thank Joe Longhammer for their partnership. As you mentioned, it's been 10 years. Um We need partners like that and we appreciate them sticking with us despite our challenges and just really being dedicated and
committed to our students here in the district. So, thank you and to the parents and teachers that you support through also through your initiative. So, thank you very much. Um I'm trying to, oh, before we go, this partnership with the city. It's been a long time coming and despite the the city is one entity, the district is another one. I'm happy to see that we are able to work together to show that we are one community and so, I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a lot more and that we are
able to make sure that we're sticking by that. This is one community. So, we have to support all of our students within it and I'm happy that we were able to do it through this playground initiative. Um that is all that I have for tonight. So, if I can get a motion to earn this meeting. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley and supported by VP Bowman. Quickly. To adjourn this meeting. Any questions? Well Oh, she got trusting.
You would go. Alright, roll call. Secretary David Smith, Trustee Miller. Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. Repeat Yes. I'm voting. Yes. Trustee Dewey? Yes. Trustee Gross? No, I'm no. I'm just yes. I'm President Hannah. Yes. I gotta wake y'all up again. That pass is 7 up. Alright, the time is now 9: 41 PM. This meeting is adjourned. Trusty I know. Okay I gotta go home