Board meeting. Tonight, the time is now 601 PM and we are going to call this meeting to order PP Bowman, roll call please. I am present Trust you Davis Smith. Trustee Dooley. Present. Trustee Gross. Present. President Hannah. Present. Trustee Miller. Present. Treasurer Terry. Present. We have a corn. Okay, thank you. We can all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Can I get a motion to amend the agenda as approved to add close session to the agenda after board comments and announcements? So move. Thank you. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley, supported by Trustee Gross to amend the agenda to add close session item after board comments
and announcements. Any questions? Yeah, yes. Look, today? Yes. Just the the motion should read for the reason to seek legal counsel regarding pending litigation. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. I mean that's you didn't just say. That's the reason why he is added. What am I putting on it? To discuss pending litigation to update of pending litigation. About that. Any other questions, comments? Any Roll call. Let's see.
Okay. Do you want me to do it? And then we'll pass it to her. Okay. This is for the approval of the amended agenda. Trustee David Smith. No, this is for the approval to go into close session. Yup. Close session. Yup. Just. Session. Uh huh. You can write it over there. Appropriately going to close session. And trustee Davidson, you said yes. Uh Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes.
Treasurer Terry? Yes. And I'm saying yes. Alright, thank you very much. Can I get a motion to approve the amended agenda, please? So. Sport. It's been ruled by Trustee Dooley supported by Trustee Gross to approve the amended agenda. Any questions? Question so this is the the agenda in its entirety like the amended part with the closed session and the original agenda. Yes. Okay. I comment and concern. Um as I stated
to my colleagues. We have 338 pages in our board packet. And I had the this board had less than three days to prepare. And I understand there was some certain circumstances with the district being but I would appreciate if we could be more diligent in distributing the packet information. I would rather receive it the day before than not have have less than three days to prepare for this meeting and respectfully for the record. I am requesting that we
review our a process on and timeline on how we distribute information to the board. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Well, Paul please. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Yes. Trustee well? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Nope. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. And I'm voting yes. That passes six one. Alright, thank you very much. Moving down to awards and recognition, Doctor Leverette, the
meeting is yours. Thank you President Hannah, board trustees. Good evening to our staff. Thank you all for taking the opportunity to participate in this very, very important recognition. These are recognitions for our retirees. So, let's just preface it with a round of applause, please. Thank you so much on behalf of Pontiac School District, the Board of Education, Your tireless
commitment to the profession Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your time, your resources, your dedication, and I don't think people truly understand that teaching is truly an art form and so you have to have a special skill set to be able to impart knowledge in children and I know a few of you very personally and I know the work that
you have done in this district and so tonight is just a celebration of you so take some time to rest but please come back and see us. We would love to have you. So, with that being said, this first recognition is with great appreciation. We honor Allison Curley. Upon your retirement, miss Curly, we thank you for your years of service to the Pontiac School District. We wish you joy and success as you embark on this next chapter of your life. School District of the City of Pontiac.
In Driscoll. Jacqueline King. We grew up together. One of the best Natalie's Good luck. Deanna Lewis. Kimberly Mukowski. Tamara Nelson Take a look. Diane Thompson. Elizabeth Voltus. And we'll turn it over to the board for comments. Well, thank you Doctor Leverette. I'll start. Trustee Dooley. Want to welcome you guys to retirement but I also extend an
invitation once that time period goes. Come back and see us. Personally to miss Curly and I had the opportunity of working side by side for many years with them. So, enjoy to Tamara and and Womack. And Thompson. Thompson. Okay. Well, they say how far we go back. We work and these two young ladies, I did not have the opportunity but because you helped represent and have our students. I appreciate you and I say good luck into all your endeavors as you
embrace retirement. Any of the comments? Trusty. Yes. It's so good to see all of you. You look too young to retire so come back next year. I am so elated to see the smiles on your face. Tamara, so it's wonderful and we talk about this all the time at church. And I just want to say something real quick about miss King. If I can't and we go back many years. But you want to talk about not only in the classroom and with the children. But one of the
greatest athletes and I won't say female athletes. One of the greatest athletes we had in this of Pontiac with miss King who was all world basketball, track, softball. She probably could've played golf. Tennis, all of the above and she did extremely well a lot but I once had downfall but she went to Northern. But I'm so but I'm so appreciative to call her friend. a family friend and and
thank you for your service, all of you. Yes. But I really don't want to say, you know how I feel about you. Thank you. Thank you, Trusty Miller. Thank you. Congratulations and thank you. Thank you for your tireless years of of dedication to our, to this district, to our students, and to this community. Uh your impacts, you you won't be able to see your impacts. You it's going to take some time. I don't because I don't know what level what grade you
guys. Tell them, I'm sorry. I don't know you personally but thank you so much for what you've contributed to this district. Thank you. Thank Okay. Secretary David Smith. I just want to say congratulations to you all and thank you so much for all you've done for our students and our families Um miss Nelson is strange because I was just looking at some pictures with Jerry today and he was like, there go my other mom and so, he love you and I really appreciate you guys for all the things that you
did for my for my kids and and for the students here at Pontiac and the dedication that you gave to us because you could've been anywhere else but you you chose to day here in Pontiac. Thank you. Thank you, treasurer Terry. Yes, good evening. I also want to say congratulations Um this is a major milestone in your life to get to that retirement age. So, I just want to say I appreciate all your services and everything you've done for the district, all
your commitment, all your hard work, and I'm sure that you left some examples out there for the other teachers that's still here. So, once again, congratulations. I wish you the best on whatever else you decide to do from here on out. Go out there. Enjoy your life, live it up, you know, sleep in, enjoy your coffee Early mornings, all that fun stuff. So, congratulations again. Thank you. Bowman. Um we can't say it enough. Thank you for your tireless years of
service for giving. because that's what you all have done. You've given your lives, yourself, your families. Have you you you've given yourself to this community and to our students and for that, thank you so much because often times we know jobs are thankless and we don't see the results of our hard work. But I know every time you're out in the community someone says thank you. I love you. And you're appreciate it because we know that there's heavy
lifting to do and and you losing all of these years of of knowledge but I just hope that you all will lean back and reach back and in some capacity but we appreciate the time that you have given. We appreciate the love that you've shown to this community and to our students. We can't thank you enough but we're grateful for your service. Alright. Congratulations and those who take shots, do one for me. But just
you know, in that time on the beach, think of us. Think of me, and enjoy. Alright. Now, to the retiring class of twenty twenty-5. You have now graduated to the place of you can do what you want to do, when you want to do it, how you want to do it, and you don't have to do it at all. But we thank you so much for dedicating your career here to the Pontiac School District. Thank you for all of the years and the sacrifices that you've made for our students. I don't know how it can be poured back into you, all that you
have given out, but we hope and pray that it does be returned to you for your love and commitment that you've given. So, thank you again for everything and miss I know we'll probably just see more of you. Yes. Uh huh. even more. So, thank you all so much for your commitment. Thank Um Tyrese, before you leave, if we can grab a quick picture. Yep. Yep. We'll come right up front. Oh, no. I understood. It worked out. Yeah. Okay. It worked out. Okay. Hold on. You're missing one.
Trustee Davidson. Get your eyes over here please. I said, okay. That's cute. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah, call me. Yeah. Alright, thank you. Kenya. Thank you, hon. Alright, trustees. As we continue on with our agenda, Um next is recognition of the elected official and good evening again to my trustees. I don't see any other elected officials in the audience. Um so, we'll move on. Can I get a motion
to accept the consent agenda items? So, move. Support. It's been moved by trustee growth, supported by treasurer Terry to approve the consent agenda items. Any questions? Yes. No. No questions? Okay. Roll call please. Trusty girl? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright, thank
you very much. Moving down the agenda under regular working agenda, Board of Education. Let me get my notes. Alright. Interim Superintendent evaluation. The interim superintendent was recently evaluated by the Pontiac School District Board of Education where she received the ranking of effective. During this meeting on June 17th, 2025, when the interim superintendents evaluation process was completed by the Board of Education, members of the Board of
Education recognized that the interim superintendent had achieved the objectives that she and the board of education previously agreed to. It is the recommendation that the Board of Education approve interim superintendents evaluation for the fiscal year of 20 twenty-fourslash2025. Any questions? Yes. Yes. It didn't we vote? Yes, that's right. On this at our, we came out of close sessions for board governance. We already voted on this. Yes, we did. We
came out of close session. We came back into board governors and we've already voted on on this. That's my question because I thought we voted because the evaluation was effective and we voted for it that evening. Okay. After we came out of closure. I'm just saying. I'm just saying to you. So, you we. Yes. We did vote on this. Yes. We did vote. Uh So, I'd like to make a statement regarding it. If we did vote yes. So, it has already been established that we did vote. However, this
evaluation was by consensus. It was not an individual vote. I just want that to be on record that this was by consensus. It was not individual voting. Any other questions? Okay. Alright, next item of discussion. Is for the so we don't have to vote again. No. Um point of order. Point of yes. It just clarified to me that we may have voted to send it forward. Yes. To be voted upon here tonight's
meeting. It was a consensus to vote. Can I help you trustee Gross? We did vote to to move it forward but we have to vote and put it on record in the public's eye. We. Because I know we voted was effective. Yeah, you you and we even had the the language that was suggested that we use to to announce it essentially to say that she was that the board has raided her
as effective because that it was announced once we voted and then then then President Hannah said we're voting because that was a public meeting that we had were governors. Yeah. Yes. I mean but it was tech. Yeah. It was a public meeting. So we were in in in poor governors we are allowed to vote and unless my memory serves me incorrectly we already voted and approved of this her evaluation. So, can I just make an amount of
suggestion? Thank you, ma'am. For the record, let's just vote again since we already know then, we will have it documented. Yes. So, I I was going to suggest that too because our meeting when at that meeting, we voted to accept the rating. So, now, we're going to vote to accept the ballot. To yes, to officially accept the evaluation. So, we're going to move forward and leave that on as an action item to accept the evaluation. So, of course we have it on there. Time for that. Yeah. Okay. Alright. Thank you. So, I'm going to
sow that we don't approve one. We're going to continue and then we can approve both of em together. Or nope, let's do it this way. I'm going to separate them and we're going to now call for the vote. Can I get a motion? Um for the approval of interim superintendents evaluation. So moved. Support. It's been moved by trustee growth and supported by VP Bowman to for the approval of interim superintendents evaluation. Any questions? Roll police. President
Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. And trustee Gross? Yes. That passes seven up. Alright, thank you very much. Madam chair? Yes. Prior to the next item, can you say publicly and on camera what it was? Yes. So, Doctor Leverette's evaluation rated effective. Thank you. Yes,
you're welcome. Thank you. Okay, next item is the appointment of Doctor Kimberly Leverette as superintendent of Pontiac School District. Background rationale. The Pontiac School District has been engaged in a thoughtful and deliberate leadership transition to ensure the continued progress and stability of the district. After a comprehensive review of the district's needs and future goals, the board of the Board of Education recommends the appointment of Doctor Kimberly Leverette as superintendent of schools. Doctor Loverette brings
extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven record of leadership to this role. She has successfully served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for seven years where she has led significant academic improvements, supported the professional development of staff, and fostered a culture of continuous growth and high expectations for students and educators alike. Under her leadership, the district has seen measurable progress and curriculum alignment, instructional practices, and
student achievement. Since January of 20 twenty-four, Doctor Leverette has served as interim superintendent providing steady and effective leadership during this critical period of transition. During her tenure as interim superintendent, she has maintained strong relationships with staff, families, and community stakeholders while continuing to advance the district's academic and operational priorities. Her leadership has reinforced a commitment to student success, financial stewardship, and the
creation of safe and supportive learning environments. A Morning, Doctor Leverette as superintendent provides the Pontiac School District with a leader who is deeply committed to the community fully invested in the success of his students and uniquely positioned to lead the district forward. Her experience demonstrated confidence and vision for the future making her the right choice to guide the Pontiac School District to its next chapter of excellence and growth. It is the recommendation of
the Board of Education that we approve the superintendent contract for Doctor Kimberly Leverette as superintendent of Pontiac School District for Fiscal years 20 2026 and 2027. In an amount not to exceed 200, 000 for fiscal year, school year 25, twenty-six, and two hundred and 7, 000 for school year 26, 27. Trustees. We agree to the length of the contract Attorney Seagers, do you want to
share that? I I don't know you all have a, nobody's agreed to anything yet because you all haven't voted on it. However, mister Romberg, who is negotiating the contract on behalf of Doctor Leverette, indicated that pursuant to an ORS Office of Retirement Service Regulation, it is required that a superintendent contract B for a be for multiple years and the the shortest amount of time that could be his 2 years Trustee Dooley, stay on the floor. So
Did we agree? Did I miss what we said the year was? The the length of the contract. Did I miss something? Or we never I know we received something with some suggested timelines. Mhm. Was there a consensus that I missed? There was a consensus of the of those two of 2 years. But based on the recommendation from that it needed to be multiple years. Then that aligned with what the consensus was. So, what is the length that we're
extending the contract? Because she's not being appointed. She's being voted in. Yes, it'll be 2 years. The term will be a two-year contract. Any other questions or comments? Yes. Um respectfully to this diocese and stock liberate. Uh as I've stated, I have some concerns and being that I work for and advocate for the community. I would be wouldn't do my due diligence to ask that we table this vote Um pursuing to look in in the
interview, there were questions that went unanswered and there were some gaps and there weren't specific goals and outcomes that could be measured even when the question was asked regarding the ninety-day plan. It was answered but it was I I just want to be able to speak with the rest of the trust. Well, we can vote on it. I'm asking to table it because I have to consciously be able to say, you know, okay, I spoke up on on the community's behalf and I do share
some of the same concerns as I have expressed. So, respectfully ask that we vote to table this until we can get some so we can get some clip with clerk Doctor Leverett can provide us some clarity and some more substance to the answers to to her interview questions that she answered last week. And with that being said, I'd like to make a motion to table this. Can I get a second? I'm sorry, a second. Has been moved by Trustee Dooley and
supported by Trustee Miller to table the appointment of Doctor Kimberly as superintendent of Pontiac School District. Vote, any questions. Roka. Trusty Miller. Yes. Trustee Terry? No. Trusty Bowman No. I'm voting no. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Yes. Trusty Gross? No. And President Hammer? No. That passes five to 2. Thank you. Okay. Now, we'll move down to action
idol. Can I get a motion for the approval of the appointment of Doctor Kimberly Leverette as superintendent of the Pontiac School District. So, move. Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman and supported by Trustee Groves for the approval of appointment of Doctor Kimberly Leverette as superintendent of Pontiac School District. Any questions? No questions, brother. Yes. For the comment. Uh I want to be from this side of the table. This is not any indication of a lack of support for Doctor Leverette. Um it's just
Most job seekers don't have luxury of being able to interview on a position that they've done the job for and I know that she's done the job for over a year. I just would have liked to have for you to brag on yourself more and be able to tell the board and the community. That what you have done for this district for a year. But that doesn't mean that I that that it's not I just wanted some clarity but it doesn't mean that I don't support
you. Okay. So let's make that clear. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions coming? Yes. Trustee Dooley. And as I stated too, Doctor Laura, whatever the outcome, you have my support as we move forward. However, in good conscience, I will not be voting a yes. Based on some things that did transpire at your interview evaluation and you know what I'm making reference to. Okay. Any other comments? Roll call
please. Treasure Terry. Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dewey? No. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. That passes five to 2. Alright, thank you very much. Um before we move to any other questions or comments I would like to give Doctor Laverette an opportunity to speak and then also invite
superintendent Williams to share as well. Thank you President Hannah. Thank you Board Trustees. I look forward to as I've said to my in my interview. I look forward to us working together to advance student achievement. That is not something that I've started doing in recent years. It's something that I've been doing my entire 29 year career and that's what I will stand on as we move forward in advancing student achievement for Pontiac School District. Thank you. Thank you. Superintendent Williams.
Doctor Leverette, I congratulations. Um congratulations to the board. I am very happy to be able to stand here and to say I feel positive that you all have made a great choice and Dr. Leverette and her leadership Um with that being said, it is a tall order to be a superintendent in the Pontiac School District and for anyone to take the helm of doing this
job is courageous. You stand tall, you hold your head up, and trustees, you all continue to do the work that you have been doing and making decisions that will lead this district and continue leading this district. On the platform of excellence. During my tenure I did a lot of great things and I'm proud of them but I also made mistakes and I was also transparent with the board in those mistakes that could
have been done better. With that being said, we had good days and we had bad days in this district but I fought for what was always right which was the children first. I thank Sylvester for always leading me in making sure that I kept the children first and I encourage each and everyone of you, the cabinet, to keep the children first. Yes. I thank my
mentors, one being here, Doctor Weatherspoon, Doctor Burt, I stood on their shoulders and learned many things. Learned how to speak to the legislators to make sure that Pontiac was not forgotten and to encourage them to always put us first in the discussion when he talked about what urban districts needed. And some people take offense when we talk about urban districts and urban children. But it's a fact. And we
stand tall with our heads up to say we serve an urban community. And that looks different from the surrounding districts. So with that being said, you all know what these children need and you demand it and if it takes driving to Lansing and Sylvester knows how many times I would drive to Lansing to fight for these children. Keep the fight in you. Doctor Weberette has shown me over the last couple of weeks, she has
that fight in her and I wanted to see that because that was my only thing. I said, girl, you better get that fight in you and she showed me. It is there and I feel good about passing the baton to Doctor Kimberly Leverette. Thank you, trustees. Thank you so much for having my back. Um we had some hard times. We had some tough discussions. I encourage the two and I don't call you all new trustees anymore. You are veterans now because you all have had some
courageous conversations but I thank you all and I encourage you all to work together, collaborate. It takes a team effort to do this job and it is thankless. No one is going to say thank you and noone is going to say you did a great job. Very few times. Cabinet, the same for you. But you all know what you do every day. You know what you take home and you know what you have sleepless nights over. So make sure that when you think about those things, you continue to put children first. With that,
I want to pass the baton to Doctor Leverette and I also from Sylvester and I to Cynthia, come up. Cynthia, you were my backbone. Oh. When I needed to cry, when I needed to shout, you were right there. Right. Doctor Leverette, please come up too. Yeah. This is from Sylvester and I. Thank you, miss Sylvester. Hello. This is Ryan. Thank you. Alright. I love you Pontiac School District and I am going to enjoy
retirement but you all know, I will be here if you need me. I'm just a phone call away. Thank you all. Thank you. No tears. Alright. Okay, let's get it together. Isn't it? Alright, thank you. Um continuing. on with the agenda. Now, we're moving to finance items. Doctor Levin Rhett. Thank you, President Hannah. At this time, I will turn it over to Jim for our budget presentation and updates. Thank you. Thank you, superintendent, board of trustees.
Tonight, we're going to discuss the, let me get to the right page. The proposed 2 thousand twenty-five twenty-six budget Um this is a public hearing for the community for their feedback if they have anything on the budget request. So, do I have a clicker here, Cynthia or do you want to. I'll be your clicker. Okay. Alright. So, I know some of this has been was shared last meeting so I won't go through every every item but the purpose of the public hearing is
to provide community support, allow them opportunity to give suggestions or concerns regarding the budget and also discuss the underlying tax levy that is part of the budget. Uh and again, the board cannot adopt its proposed budget until after the public hearing. So, brief outline, we're going to talk about talk about the purpose of the public hearing. Um quickly, talk about the budget process Quickly, the accounting fund explanation. Have a summary of the general fund budget and go through the other
remaining funds and then we'll discuss the tax information portion of the public hearing and then the final, the next steps after this evening. So, you can see the grab this. The budget cycle before you. It's actually an ongoing process. The budgets are very dynamic instrument. Um you start with new fiscal year. Um you have the audit then of the prior year. Then, you amend the budget based on partially your audit findings,
partially new information such as a state aid budget, maybe enrollment numbers, things that have changed. Um and that usually happens in in this district in December. We usually have the First Amendment and then there's a final amendment in later in later in the year usually in May or June. Also, concurrently in the spring, we start the budget development process and then, we start actually right now starting really tomorrow. We're going to start closing out the the general ledger to prepare for the audit which
usually occurs just after Labor Day. So, budget process and timeline, again, briefly really starts off at the first of the year. There's an estimate from the state regarding revenues, current year, and proposed revenues and a lot of districts use that to start looking at their budget. The governor usually is the first person, first entity to release their budget which usually occurs in February. Then, we have meetings with department heads and principals. In April, we get the estimated tax revenues and then that
allows us to update our our wage and benefit projections and then if there's new requests. We include that and then in May, we have internal meeting. Then, there's a draft presentation usually at the board retreat which occurred this year in May and then that is updated if there's any changes to that and then we have a usually a public hearing. There was one on June 9th. We have another one tonight. Second reading of the public hearing and then, again, after that, we can adopt the budget and the tax rates.
So, there's also as the the the board knows, it's also for the community. There is a very lengthy budget that's on the website that has a lot more detail in the summary tonight. But this this dictates how we develop our account structure and it just shows and if you were to to look at the budget, you'd see these different categories. I want going a lot of explanation but a big area is function function is like you might have business office as a function, maintenance is a function. So, the
budget's developed really on a functional basis and and and throughout all the different funds that we have. These are all of a different funds. The general fund is actually made up of a number of sub funds. We have the general fund. We have the we have the special education fund. We have the grant fund. We have athletics and those are actually sub funds within the general fund. Then, we have special revenue funds. We have our our food
service fund, our student activity funds. And then we have our debt service funds and capital funds. Now, this list is actually a generic list that the state provides. We don't necessarily have all these different funds but this is a that that are used and again, we have a fun 810, which is our internal service fund for cost for workers camp, property casualty insurance, and unemployment. This shows specifically our fine numbers. Um I kind of just really went over that but you can see the different varying funds based on the
different categories. This is this is a state-aged dash report and it's just an example. This is the April report but you can see this is what dictates our state funding and you can see this area here are the categoricals and you can see this number twenty almost $22 million dollars. So, when the house talks about getting rid of categoricals for school districts, obviously, that would be a major major issue for this this district and hope that does not occur who are heavily relying on categoricals and
we generate enough tax-based revenues that we don't actually receive money per pupil. We receive it from our tax base. So, we're considered an out-of-formu district. This is a general fund proposed budget summary and you can see the the Second Amendment there that we originally you might remember there was about 2. 2 million shortfall. It has increased to 3 $300, thousand dollar projected surplus. That was gone over the details of that last meeting so I won't do that. The
proposed budget is just under $600, 000 surplus. But again pretty when you have a hundred plus million dollar budget these are essentially break even budgets statistically So, there is one typo. My eyes aren't as good as it used to be. That eight point 13 is actually 3. 13. I think everything else is correct but you can see we're heavily reliant on our local revenues and again, that's our commercial tax base. That's the eighteen mills we receive from our commercial properties. 26% state revenues. I mentioned all those categorical monies we received from
the state. About 25% from the federal government and again, as our talk, there's talks at the federal level about reducing resources. We have to keep an eye on that because obviously, unlike a lot of districts, we're very, we are very heavily relying on federal revenues and then the other category is our tax anticipation of borrowing and the money we received from the county for our special education millage. Ashley, can you go back? Sorry. I'll do the other side. So, expenditures, we have a waste form. We've had I think
this is our fourth or fifth year. Uh it's a it's a minor increase in the overall schedule but there are steps included for all all groups but again, we it as of right now, we only included ratified contracts. So, if a contract wasn't ratified as of when this was done about a month ago, I believe we're still in about the same situation. Those wage, those costs are not included in the budget Um we have the rates. Uh we did increase some contracted staffing services just by inflation. We weren't sure
about those contracts but we try to keep everything stagnant and in terms of discretionary accounts. Um let me grab my water here. Sorry. So, on April 22nd, I had a board retreat in this in this in this building and one of the things I talked about is the structural deficit the district had and a couple million dollars we need to try to figure out a way to you know, right size the budget and so as I shared at
that retrieve which is about two months ago that I was going to develop the budget trying to keep discretionary costs the same to cut try to help balance the budget. So, that that was done is it went through the process here. It it is good news and I think this was shared with the budget amendment. We are reducing the 10 to four to four and a half million dollars and our goal has always been to get that to zero. So, with no new positions were included in the budget, we did include two positions for potential growth for teachers and again, we
won't know our enrollment till school starts next year. We do have a number of vacancies traditionally. Um I did do a deep dive to try to figure out what we really should be budgeting for these. Um it is a little bit complicated because students are still being served but they might be served by a contracted staff. They might be served by teacher having overages in their classroom. They might be served by long-term sub. So, there are costs that would be avoided if we did have full-time staff. So, that's why
these numbers have been adjusted down to what believe the real impact would be next year depending on the hiring that goes on. So, we're looking at a fun-balanced projector of $7. 6 million dollars about 15%, which is right about where they want you to be. It might be about 15percent fund balance Um you know, a cautionary note, the budget was developed on the governor's proposal. I mentioned the house proposal earlier that would be pretty devastating to the district. So, it last I heard there are ways away
from getting this thing approved. They have to approve by September 30th but our year starts July one. So, it's very difficult. When you go maybe a month into your budget year and you still don't know where the revenues are. So, that is one of the reasons why you usually wait to amend the budget once you know these numbers. So, something we'll keep an eye on and hopefully, it will be at the level of governor's proposal and and hopefully we'll be fine in that regard. So, the impact for using our our salary schedule or salary formula is
about $500, 000. So, the projection is about $598, 000 surplus next year. So, if that were to be what the contracts end up being, we'd really be at about 98, 000 surplus. Again, very close to break even. Um we have done some other adjustments based on studying all the accounts, little lower interest incomes. Uh the bus rebate program. Uh obviously, it's going to be off the books next year and then, we do expect a little bit of a decrease in Mipster's reimbursements.
Food service, 4. 1 million. Again, fairly close to a break even budget. Heavily, heavily reliant on the federal program for free and reduced funding. Um again, this is a very very much tied to student participation. Um I know there's been strides to make sure that we're counting all the kids that we can. That is almost still very important to do and because that is money that is obviously going to help the budget. So, by really about break even
budgeting that we'll have to watch that closely. And again, you can see pretty pretty much break even. Student activity fund, we have, I don't remember the exact amount. I think about 28 different student activity accounts. Every school building has one. The secondary schools have more than one. Some have it for specialized like robotics. Um it's just it's a mechanism to be able to fundraise for those programs and have that money available to supplement those operations. And you can see it's budget to be break
even. There is there is there is a surplus in that fund but again, our goal is to continue to have that at least a break even budget. Bond series one. So, the first, when the bond passed, 147 million dollars, March, I want to say March 11th, 2020, a week before COVID. Um we sold those bonds in three installments. There's series one, series 2, and series three. Uh series three is actually happening as we
speak. We're going to that's going to close July fifteenth. So, this is series one. This shows the depth because once we sell the bonds and we receive the money, then we our community to pay those payments like a mortgage. So, this is the series one and you can see the property tax collection for that and the two mills that we levy for all of our series in total. 1. 22 of that is for series one. And you can see it. We do carry a bit of a
little bit of a surplus which you want to do because the tax revenues do not always come in right away and actually, actually, you don't get a big chunk til May. So, if you are having operations for cash flow, you want to make sure you have money in the bank. Series 2, very similar. The portion of that in the two mills is point four one mills. Um there is a little bit of interest income. We also have as the money is sitting in the bank. We make sure that it works for us and again, our payments to the
bond holders come out of those in November and May. And again, similar situation. Uh surplus for cash flow. Series three that was sold. Um again, we're going to close July 15th. That portion of the two mills is point three seven. So, again, all three of those together equal two mils and we have a payment of 1. 3 million that is going to occur in November and May this year coming up. And this is a
brand-new fund. So, we budgeted the the actual sale and the proceeds again will be here July, hopefully, July 15th. Seeking fun. Um this is this coming year is the fifth year of of the five-year sinking fund. Uh there's agenda item coming up to kind of talk about what what's next here but we get about $3 million dollars for the Seeking Fund annually and also some interest earnings and that tax actually was slightly reduced the point8 mills is is because of the
headly it's it's a process where you have to reduce your your taxes to this formula. So, a slightly lower 8. 980 but still generates about million dollars and basically that can be used very similar to a bond issue. You can use it for construction. Usually not big projects because it's $3 million dollars. You can't really build a building with it. but you can do smaller smaller portions of that. And the nice thing about sinking fund is you can pay for repairs which you cannot do with bond funds. So it's always good to budget a certain
amount every year for repairs. Yup, that's fine. Um series one. So, this is now the construction portion of it. Series one has been basically completed. So, it was zeroed out last year, last year's audit, moved closed that out and really combined any little residual series two. So, series one has been closed out. And then you see series 2 also is is basically about closed out. They maybe a little bit residual left with series two but basically that's about that's about fully spent. And then series three, the proceeds
just under $18 million dollars expected some interest earnings and the goal is to and I really want to do this this month in July but look at the outstanding bills we we've had for some projects that we're discussing with contractors. Clear that up. Um any remaining bills for current projects that that Sachs is working on. Um I believe we're get the the funding now for Esther which is going to add money to this. Uh the
goal is to to get for the board and administration to know exactly how much money is available to go forward with the final projects in the bond. So, that's important to get to that number but we have to do some cleanup to do that. Instagram question. Um I I know that there are some stipulations that as it pertains to how the bond money can be spent. Uh huh. But are there stipulations on the interest that's obtained from the bond money? It's the same thing. Yeah. Change the place. It's killed by association I guess. So yeah it it
follows the bond proceeds yes. Thank you. Yep. So, again, we don't show a lot of spending yet. We actually put a category in here but we don't, you know, as of right now, you know, I know that that some of this plan is in place with the peace being moved and I know Bill's been working on stuff but the big the big key is to figure out truly what resources are available to make sure we don't over commit a project and we can serve the students as best we can. So then fun 8 10 is a
risk-related fund. Um again, the cost for general liability insurance, workers' comp, unemployment. Those are in the those are paid out of this fund eight ten. It's funded by a transfer from the General Fund. So, that is in the budget to transfer that and it's a way to isolate these costs so we can kind of they're big costs. We can kind of track them separately and it's something that's been done in this district for many years before I was even here. So, we continue to keep those costs separate. We did increase unemployment cost because
of some the positions that have been changed. So, there's quite a bit of money in there. We may not even use all that because I know that that list was somewhat reduced. Okay, and now the the tax portion of the public hearing, again, this will be a little bit redundant but I will go through the tax calculations. So, it. Questions for each section of his proposal opposed to Yes. Yes. Did you have a question now? Yes, you do. Okay. So, how much is in the surplus? That's
one. How much do we expect to make off of the interest? Uh those two are way. I I can go for. We go back to that slide and we can. It shows the surplus $300, 000 estimate for fiscal year twenty-four twenty-five. Oh. Um little further back. It was a first chart Cynthia. Oh, you don't have to go back through it. I just, if you know. It's okay. It's okay. It's it's those are important numbers. So, no, no, no
worries. We'll highlight em again. Yep. Keep going. Keep going. Right there. It. So, we're looking at again with the second budget amendment having a $300, 000 surplus in twenty-four 25 and then, the budget right now is five about 599 for 2526 with obviously the comments I made earlier. So, that that is that. Um I'd have to look at the spreadsheet to tell you the actual interest. I know I
reduced the interest estimate because of concern the rates may go down. I believe Eve. It's 9 hundred thousand but I can Email that to the board secretary or yeah Cynthia and she can she can send that out. Or if you want I can pull that file up. It might take a second. But we a program I put in place when I was here is that we on a weekly basis we look at all accounts payable. And we make sure we put a little bit of buffer in
there. But everything else is invested. We want to make sure our money is working for us. So it's something we do weekly. We monitor it for all funds So, we do try to maximize interest earnings for the district. Also, one of the presentations, if I recall properly, we were at a two point nine In the black, we were Where is that money? I'm done. $1. 9 million. Well, I know that going back to with a year ago, there was talk of
about I believe they referring to possibly the structural deficit. It sounds about the dollar amount 2. 9 million. Yes. We have 3500 account numbers. So, there is obviously going to be plus the minuses on that. Um so, I mean, one of the big things in the budget is again, we have the $2 million dollars in in this budget that we set us for budget reductions. Um I know the big chunk of that is moving to contracted staff long-term subs to contracting out
custodial. So, there are things that were done to to basically offset that and so really that 2. 9 is now a positive number. Yeah. But again, if everybody gets the formula, if we ratify contracts like we have, that's basically about 1 hundred thousand dollars. So, we're cutting it pretty thin and that's again why I came to the board of two months ago and said we really need to try to freeze office supplies. Anything that people have control over and
through all those different machinations, I think we've addressed the structural deficit but here's the thing, we don't know what's going to happen now with the federal government and obviously the the state budget. So, we're good as we stand today. We I think we've addressed it but stay tuned. There was something on there that talked about 500, 000 coming back as a savings from the consultant what's that about? Yes. That was that was the consultants use this last year. Um that was
everything that came out of that count. I analyze those costs. Um so, we obviously those superintendent Williams is is is leaving. Doctor Weatherspoon is leaving. So, the best anticipated money. Yes. Yeah. And there's other other things that came out of there but those are big chunks. But that is 500, 000 that the board approved for earlier maybe two months ago if it's been that long. That's not that same file. This is the reduction. So, this is an approval of anything. Thank you. Any other questions for this
portion? Okay. Okay. All the way back. Oh, yes. All the way forward to the tax stuff. So. So, ooh. Here we go. Gotta be quick, I guess. Um I'm going to slide over here a little bit, change my arms getting tired. So, I mentioned earlier that Pontiac is now the Formula District. We're actually the largest auto formula district in the state of Michigan. Um we generate more money through our commercial tax base. Then, we would get on a per pupil basis. So, we're not
impacted by number of students. Um like like 95% of school districts are. We do receive money for per student special ad, at risk, and things like that but the general for people funding, we do not get any money from the state on that because we generate more than that from our tax base. So, we're very heavily reliant on our tax base. So, we did couple years ago, we added, I think, two mills because we want to make sure we can levy our full
eighteen mills. I mentioned earlier that the the sinking fund is dropped a little bit lower to the point seven nine eight zero. So, the the the millage is always subject to a small reduction. So, we actually have an authorized amount of nineteen 89 mills. Just in case we get rollbacks. We want to make sure we can levy the full eighteen mills for the benefit of our students. So, that's about forty, $44. 4 million dollars for that. Um about point9 million or so for the sinking fund and then the two
mills I mentioned for our debt is about accumulatively about 7. 4 million. The rates have not changed for next year. They're still the 18 mils, the point 79eight zero, and the two mills for the debt. They're they remain the same as the current year. This shows the 4029 form and this is merely the legal form we have to give to our eight communities who collect our taxes and you can see the you can see the varying votes and what's highlighted here is the sinking fund and again that's
coming up on the agenda. That does expire with the levy this summer. This is old but I will say that every three years, Logan County updates their average taxpayer. So, this could be, this should be able to be updated next year but what it does show and again, I don't think these numbers have changed drastically but it shows with the 2eight districts in Oakland County. Pontiac, the millage rates is the lowest. I mean, in terms of the impact on our taxpayers, it's the lowest millage rate in the county and I think
it's important to note that for our taxpayers that you know, we're we're a lot even though the the the militarites are are at the lowest port portion. And this again would be updated hopefully this year but it shows the average tax bill by community in Pontiac. The average tax bill is much lower than the rest of the county. And again it will vary based on your property. Uh obviously the property value will change. But this is something that is submitted by the county and they come up with
this average tax bill by community which will be updated. So, next steps of tonight, we're doing the public hearing and we're going to ask for the budget adoption. Um we'll have the auto results in November. Um the First Amendment in you know, January, December time frame and the Second Amendment in the May, June time frame. Now, of course, if the board wants to amend the budget earlier, obviously, if the state aid comes through and it's a drastic good or bad, you know, the the the board may request to have an amendment done
earlier sometime in the fall. If those numbers different. So, that you can have as many amendments as you want but generally, two amendments are the standard. And that's it. So, thank you. Thank you. Alright, Trusty Dooley, before we open it for public comments. Can a district take a district homeowners take on additional added responsibility which changes the variation. I know Pontiac is the lowest and some of those higher district. Do they not have the
opportunity to take on additional responsibility to to increase the revenue for their particular school district? Well, it's you know, what's what I always tell people because a lot of the you know, I'll get to your answer but it's actually it's a bigger discussion. Um the budget when everybody passed proposal A in nineteen ninety-four. Everybody understood that the money went to public schools. But there's a caveat caveat in there about K-14 schools. So, that was used by community colleges to say, hey, we
want a piece of that and then pretty soon, the university's got a piece of that. So, universities, I'm not knocking universities but they have tuition, they have tax revenues now. They have fundraising. community colleges have tuition, they've got you know, they can do fundraising. We don't have a lot of options. So, as a school district, the only thing we can ask our voters for is you can do what's called enhancement millage and I think up to three mills that some counties do that. You can do a special
education millage but those are county wide. So, if that would happen, it would affect all the communities within Oakland County would be would have an increase in their taxes but that's the only mechanism that change really the taxes besides your local assessor saying your house is now worth more than it was before and if it does, I mean, everybody's taxes go up a little bit but there's really no mechanism to for taxpayers, I guess, voluntarily or you know, pay more towards the school district. Good. Okay. Alright. So, now, we'll
open it up for public comments regarding the budget. I have been on this board with. Son have board comments in a minute. Now, it's just for the public. I'm sorry. That's okay. 3 minutes, I think. Three to 5 minutes? Frank, are you able to see if anyone makes comments online? Okay. And give it two more minutes. Made after the war movie. What happened? Alright. Last call for public comments, going once, going twice, None. Okay. Now,
we'll open it up to board comments. Trustee Dooley, did you have comments? Thank you, Trustee Hannah. Yeah, you're welcome. I joined the board this January. So, I've, this is my sixth month and I have on numerous occasions requested a budget session that would have allowed me to cross reference and ask more questions and get a better understanding. But one question that keeps me in a quandary, that's remains unanswered is how could the
board pass allocating giving an additional $500, 000 dollars to consultants and yet we face layoffs. We laid off our attendance officers. We laid off our chief of security and we laid off our public relations. Heidi and and excuse me, I did not know in your last name nor Alicia's last name but I, those are vital roles and while I certainly admire our new superintendent for inviting those challenges to take it
on but I I really think that's unfair to continuously add those jobs to her plate. Because she's already has enough to look at. Especially when we need to get back to being a front runner in academics. How about that? So with that being said I cannot support a budget because I I just can't understand how we won't need attendance officers and we're
trying to push that over onto the teachers. I can't understand how Doctor Leverette will be able to facilitate in this job alone just and she's I don't even know if she realize it but she she's constantly and I appreciate her having the willingness as a leader to want to take the helm and everything but it's just not humanly possible. It's not going to happen properly So, I I will not be supporting this budget. Okay,
just open for board comments. Any other comments from the board? Yes, trustee Miller. Mister Graham, I just want to to thank you for your presence. This is the what second, the third one that I've heard that you presented to this board and thank you for your. Thank you. Thoroughness and explaining and presenting an accurate budget to the to the sport. I just hope that in the future, we we will continue. I don't know what you're calling up. Yeah. Um I hope we can continue to we can continue for
me so I can grasp some knowledge, more knowledge but you have been instrumental in the knowledge that I do have. So, I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you very much. Alright. Anything? Yes. Yeah. Question 2. Thank you. Uh I just wanted to extend to the question of concern that Trustee Dooley had as it pertains to those specific positions in the district that have been eliminated. All I'm asking from this point upon prior to us getting back in the fall. If we could and I don't I don't want it
for selfish reason. I think they have an entire board. It's just my opinion that we should have a concrete plan on how we're going to deal with the communications, the manager of security positions, and the attendance actually be able to view a concrete plan or where you're going and how we're going to deal with those situations because as you know, I am My heart is in attendance because I'm a firm believer that you cannot teach an empty chair and I just need to know
what our plans are and I'm just in prior to the start of the the school year where you're going and what you're going to do because these positions are gone and what is your plan to deal with that because I know part of the process, well, part of the process with attendance was upon 15 days missed is when the attendance agents got involved But now, there's no agent. So, what is your plan? I just need to, you know, we can talk about that and but I want to make sure that we
had a concrete written plan that we can view to see where you're going and what you're going to do in those areas. Um especially in attendance, in security, also communications. But that that's my my concern with that and I do understand why we did what we did but I didn't know where you're going and what's your plan. Thank you. Okay. Secretary David Smith. Show me. Any board comments regarding the budget? No. Okay. Thank you. No, we,
I'm good. Treasurer Terry? No. PP Bowman? I just want to say thank you, Jim, for coming back for, you know, helping us out during this period of time. Um, I'm glad that you are ready and available and just let you know you're appreciated. So, thank you. Thank you. Appreciate that. My sentiments to Jim. I know when you laugh, you said that was retirement but you did say that if we needed you, you would reconsider. So, needed you and you kept your word. So, we totally, totally appreciate you for
helping us out on crunch. I appreciate that. Thank you. Yeah. Alright, no other questions, comments from the board. Alright, moving down to the next item resolution. Approving a building and sight syncing fund. Did we do that one already? No. Nope. Nope. Alright. It's on you. Okay and this evening, we have Jim Crowley from Miller Canfield and Jim prepared the ballot language actually for you for the board. So, if there's any specific questions about the election, the process, any of the
language, Jim would be happy to answer those questions but as I mentioned earlier, this current year is the last year of the sinking fund. Uh we do need to go back to the voters to get that renewed. Uh it is important to have that, well, you you have to have it done by December thirty-one and there are only four election dates that are allowed. School districts are allowed to have. I don't know the exact dates but I know there's four. Um and the November ballot is is one. Um so this
is scheduled. Um the the resolution for that election. Um as long as we have this voted on and approved we can call it a renewal. Um Jim can talk about the legal reason for that. But if it does expire they actually we have to actually have to treat it as a new millage even though it wouldn't change people's taxes. So it does really need to be approved in November Um you know, by the voters. The nice thing is is that there was five years ago, when we renewed this,
there was discussions about should we change the language to include at that point you're allowed to buy technology with it but at that point, the legal interpretation was you'd have to call a new millage and I know as a district, it's kind of a burden to hand. We're like, you know what? We have a bond issue. They can pay for technology. So, we're not going to change those those that verbiage and called an increase but now according to Miller Canfield, think that interpretation has changed. So, with this renewal, if it does pass, we are allowed to use those
proceeds for buses. We can use them for technology. So, it gives us more tools to address some of those areas which is obviously very nice because a bond issue, the series three is eventually going to beat her out and the sinking fund does happen year after year. So, with that, I'd be glad to answer any questions gym also if you have any Any questions from the board? No question but comment. Okay. Yes. Um thank you. Not familiar. We we've done work before. Uh mine is and I said
this at the last meeting. Um is that we make sure that we provide the public with the information about what this renewal is and how it will not increase their taxes, right? And we need to start now into this til November because you know, fully stadium, being transparent. Everybody didn't watch our meetings and we see everybody's not here. Mm hmm. So, I think it's in the best interest of this district to get that information out about this renewal and that it will not increase your
taxes and reiterate that as much as we can to make sure because November be here sooner than later. I agree. And I think that's extremely important for this community to know. Agree. Thank you. Okay. Yes, Trustee Miller. Thank you. Uh in agreeance with Trustee Groves, I would like to see a timeline of when of when we, what, what we're going to do and when we're going to start it because this is our second time.
We've already missed one deadline to be on the August ballot. Thank you. I don't want it to complete to fall to the wayside. I don't want it to it. Now, we're talking about the end of October. Now, we're trying to rush around and and contact our our community. So, being at this is our second time talking about it. I would like to have a develop time wise so that we're not rushing at the end. Okay, thank you very much. There there is a specific timeline for and I think Jim has provided that for the
structural stuff that we have to have the ballot language approved by the county and communicate that. So, that along with legal council, that will occur but concurrent to that, yes, it needs to be a informational campaign that goes along with that. Okay, yes and I think that's what. Miss Williams Superintendent Emeritus gave us. Yeah, it's in here. The language but yes, Trustee Dooley, you had a comment? Uh yes. I would like to see the board or not
necessarily the board but we would be there to support but I would like us to take this to the community to hold town hall meetings, community meetings, go to some churches, as trustee girls said, they need to know that it's not going to increase but they also need to be educated on what exactly it is. Uh huh. Oppose You know what I'm saying? Oh yeah. So that would just be a recommendation of mine's suggestion however you want to word it. That we take it to them. And as trustee Miller said we do
need a timeline and it's like yesterday to start advancing dissemination of this information. Yes. Thank you. And that's what that is the plan? Um to visit all those places that you mentioned. And that's why we have this to give us our footprint. Yeah. So that is the but any other questions or comments regarding that, the resolution. Alright, thank you. Um Deliver it. The beard. Is that one more? One more. Okay. Go ahead, Jim. Yes, the property and casualty insurance
renewal. Um you had that before you Um Set Sec currently serves five and twenty-five public school districts in Michigan. We've been a member of that that pool for 8 years. Um we have all of our buildings and property covered under the insurance program Um you see the different areas that we have including things like terrorism and cyber attacks, all that kind of thing as well as builder builder risk for new construction, all of our
vehicles Um so, you can see the the information there being a long-standing member. We actually get a a rebate of fifty-five thousand 568. So, the real net cost is six andfifty-3 thousand 4 81 I believe I have $7 20, 000 in the budget. So, this is actually less than what's in the budget for this this plan Um so, with that, we we'd ask glad to answer any questions you may have. Okay. Trustees, are there any questions
regarding the property and casualty insurance renewal? Trustee Dooley? Jim, what is our grade or waiting? Grade or rating? What I'm, what I'm getting at is the different levels of being insured. You know, if I can use this as an example, the better your credit. Yes. The better your your your interest rates. Right. So, what is the district's rating? If if. well, I'm not sure that there's a numerical value. I will say that when I first got here, the insurance was
more costly because we'd had many claims you know, over the years. So, over in in over time, as things stabilize, the the cost actually went down. So, I think and they do an audit. Every year, they come out to the district. They look at your safety program. You know, they look at how you run your operations. So, I'm sure they have some type of template they use to determine it but I will say that we become a better, I guess, a better bet as time's gone on as we stabilize and we don't have as
many claims. Now, you may remember we had a claim on the pool when it the high school flooded and stepped up and helped us with that. Um I do, you know, publicly versus a commercial carrier and I know this is a little simplistic but commercial carriers usually usually find a way not to cover you. Sets egg is a board of school people. It was developed by school districts because they didn't like the commercial market. So, they try to find a way to cover you. So, it's a real big difference and you know, active god is interpretation,
right? So, they have been a really good partner over the years for us to cover well, you know, incidents that we've had. Last question, Jim. Based on your expertise, knowledge, and experience in this field. Using fair, good, and excellent, how would we rate or rank, should I say, rank among the twenty-eight districts that make up Oakland County? I would think we've we've you know, I mean, I haven't I haven't toured the
other schools. I would say before this bond issue, we would have been, you know, probably at the lower end because the buildings were very old. Um I think with all the improvements we've made, we have a lot of new facilities, a lot of renovations. So, I think we're very competitive with the other twenty8 districts. Our our athletic field is state of the art. Um I mean, it's going to last probably, you know, another ten, 15 years. Um so, I think we're very competitive in terms of our facilities. So, fair, good, or
Just your purse. Yeah, I would, I would say good. I mean, because there is, we still have, if, if. Yeah. Yeah. You know, again, and board may remember, we would love to have had more than $147 million dollars in the bond issue but we didn't want to increase taxes. There was, I think a facility needs assessment that we had probably 250 million in needs. So, we've addressed a lot but there's still more to address. Correct. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Yes, Trustee Miller? From what I'm hearing you say when a
while ago we were our we had more risk factors which made our insurance. Yes. The premiums higher. Would it be are we at a point to where it would be beneficial to consider another carrier that will cover for example it was for my understanding this carrier covers very minimum when it comes to legal things. Okay. And would it be beneficial to this
district to search for another carrier that may cover more of that the legal part of it? I know that every year that they they look at their level of coverage and they make they make changes. I believe they increase some of these coverage areas. You know, they're at the forefront with like the cyber stuff. There are other pools in Michigan that are kind of run in consortium for schools. They're smaller in nature. Middle cities was one but we may remember middle cities actually
went belly up Um so, this is by far the largest. I think the danger with going with a commercial carrier is you might get a lower rate initially but if you have a loss, they might really, it might be, you know, it might be kind of pennywise, pound, foolish kind of thing. It doesn't mean we should meet with them and and find ways to maybe reduce, reduce cost but I know whenever I've looked at historically, you know, the pros and cons, this was always in my professional opinion, the better
way to go than a commercial car but you can always look at it. Times change but I'd be worried about you know, what I mentioned earlier. Good. Alright, any other questions, comments? Alright. So now, moving down to action items. Action item A. Can I get a motion for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 20twenty6 proposed budget? So move. Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman, supported by trustee Gross for the approval. Oh, I'm sorry. Approved by Treasurer Terry?
Oh. Yes. Supported by Treasurer Terry. That's fine? Yes. Okay. Yeah, that's fine. Yeah, he he has the sport. She moved and he supported. Okay. It's been moved by VP Bowman, supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of the twenty twenty-five twenty twenty-six proposed budget. Any questions? More of a comment for me. Uh mister Graham has been really thrilling, really helpful for the records in moving forward in the future going into our new school year. Um I would appreciate this board can take a deeper dive into the
budget. So, to minimize questions and to have a better standing. Any other question comments? Roll call. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? No. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. Treasurer Terry? Yes. That passes five to 2. Alright, thank you very much. Can I get a motion for the approval of the L four thousand
twenty-nine taxation? So move. Support. It's been moved by trustee growth supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of the L four zero two nine taxation. Any questions? Roll call. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? No. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. Treasure Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. That passes five to 2. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval or the resolution,
approving a building in sinking, sight syncing fund, millage, renewal, proposal. Some Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman supported by Trustee Gross for the approval of the resolution, approval of building, and site-sinking fund millage renewal proposal. Any questions? Roll call. Trusty Dewey. Clarity. I want a clarity. President Hannah this proposal is already in place. You're just asking for renewal. There's no additional asking for
funding, no changes, Nope. None of those things. We're just taking this straight to the community. You know. Regardless sinking fund. Okay. No. You're bogus. Trusty growth? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Trustee Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. And I'm voting yes. That passes six to one. Alright. Thank you and finally an approval. Can I get a
motion for the approval of the property and casualty insurance renewal? So move. Support. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley supported by VP Bowman for the approval of the property and casualty insurance renewal. Any questions? Broke her. Trustee Grouse? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. Vp Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes and Trustee Dooley? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright,
thank you very much. Continuing down to General Counsel Human Resource Items, Doctor Lavarette. Thank you. At this time, I'll turn it over to Ashley for the administration evaluation presentation. Thank you. You can stay down. Yeah, that's fine. Good evening, everyone. I just wanted to provide a brief overview of our administrator evaluation process. So, for the upcoming, for this current school year, we are using the school advance model. Um this
framework helps develop an educator at evaluation system to support learning, growth, and adaption for teachers and administrators at the school and district level. And then a few a few notes from the school code. So, this evaluation, it evaluates the teachers and administrators job performance at least annually while providing timely and constructive feedback. It establishes clear clear approaches to measuring student
growth and provides teachers and administrators with relevant data on student growth and also evaluates teachers and administrators job performance using multiple rating categories that take into account data on student growth. Um model also uses the evaluations to inform decisions regarding the effectiveness of teachers and administrators, promotion, retention, and development of administrators, and rather to grant a tenure or full certification in the
removal of ineffective tenured or untenured administrators. For the twenty-four25 school year, the school administrator evaluation. So, the the portion of the school administrators annual evaluation, year-end evaluation that is not based on student growth and data assessment assessment data must be based primarily on school administrators performance as measured by the selected evaluation tool. Um the portion of school administrators annual year-end evaluation that is not based on
student growth assessment data or the administrator's performance as measured by the selected growth evaluation tool. Must incorporate at least the school administrator's proficiency in using the evaluation tool for teachers The progress made by the school district in meeting the goals set forth in its school improvement plan. Pupil attendance in the school district, and student, parent, and teacher feedback as available. I meet everybody. Go
ahead and do it. So, the responsibilities of our lead building administrators is to conduct or designate a person to conduct at least an annual evaluation for all teachers to provide meaningful feedback to teachers within 30 days of that observation. And then the youth observation and and student growth data to align professional learning to teachers needed to collaboratively develop specific performance goals in the annual year
end evaluation during feedback sessions with the teacher. To develop an individualized development plan for any teachers in the first year or if they've received a developing or needing support rating in their most recent year-end evaluation. The next slide just shows some of the framework for the school advanced model as it relates to principals and building leaders and district leader framework. There's five domains that are used for both. Um Domain One is the results. Domain two
is leadership. Domain three is systems. Domain Forest Processes and Domain five is capacity. So evidence of those items are typically provided to the administrator doing the evaluation to determine the ratings for each category. The school advanced non-instructional administrative support Administrative staff performance review, and development process is designed to provide specific and timely feedback to all personnel on key performance indicators and then the
purpose of the feedback is to provide staff with recognition of their accomplishments and contributions to the district along with the means to identify growth that could enhance performance. So, for this school year, MDE did make a few changes to the final rating scores. So, previously, it was highly effective, effective minimally effective and ineffective for this current school year. The ratings have been changed to effective, developing, and needing support and that's for the
administrators as well as the teachers. So, just a brief summary for our evaluators. I'm sorry, our administrators evaluations. So, we have 42 administ, 43 administrators effective, one developing, and then two employees were not evaluated as they started mid year or later in the year. Any questions? Yes, you do. Tell me again, you said 43 were effective? Yes.
So, how many principals do we have? Whether assistant or. Hmm, I believe it's thirteen. Sorry, let me get my and then teachers, how many teachers do we have? If you, you, if you don't have the information, I understand. Well, we have a little over 200 teachers. I do have a report that breaks down exactly which administrator received, what rating, as well as the overall ratings for the teachers. I'd like that but it the last time you gave us a
report, Ashley, if I have correct notes, 1 21 teachers were not evaluated. Correct. They are exempt from evaluations based on previous evaluation scores. So, that. So, telling me that the hundred and 1twenty-one all were found effective. Yes, in the previous years, they were either rated highly effective three years in a row or effective which now state law allows them to be exempt for up to 2 years. And this is just a question that I post to
my colleagues here. Having been a former educator. I thought I was going to get through this without saying what fell in district But when you there's a direct correlation between the delivery of instruction and learning. There's no way you can get around it. So when you have effective teachers would not the outcome be effective students passing. So I'm just throwing that out there. From being in the classroom and having the
educational background. That's just like you a kid that has always passed AB honor roll but when we pull the real data and we look at scores for grade level, you'll find many of em have not performed And on their task yet, mom or dad would argue. They've always been honor roll. So, as we progress and move forward, I definitely intend to be a
little more vigilant on the committee with my trustee colleague for I guess the school improvement slash curriculum but we have to bridge that gap because two and two just doesn't equal for when you look at it as all of these people were effective yet we are still failing. Any other questions for Ashley? Alright, thank you. Thank you. I think I'm still. Alright, the next is the, was that the
20twenty-four year-end evaluation piece? Okay. So, moving down for discussion is the twenty-five, twenty-six, non-union administration contract renewal. I deliver it. Thank you. Sorry. Yes. So, the proposed twenty twenty-five, 2026 contract contracts will secure services for the positions listed below. If the operating tax levy for for a given fiscal year increases greater than 3% from the previous fiscal year tax levy, the salary schedule increase
shall equal 50 percent of the percentage increase above 3 percent. For example, if the tax levy increases 6percent, then the wage shall increase 1. 5%, which is 6% minus the 3% times 50%. The salary schedule increase shall not exceed 5percent in any given year. Um based on finances recommendation, the contracts for the non-union administrators are increased by
that point 07%. Um that gym brief gym informed us of as well as a step for those that qualify. The want me to list all of these names? I'm sorry Should I win some Oh, there, yes. Okay. So, for the non-union administrator contract renewals, we have a contract renewal for our interim director of facilities and operation, Marvin Beasley, our communication specialist, Frank Colon, our security coordinator,
Steven Cunningham, our data and assessment coordinator, Jennifer Dean, our controller, Chris Ewok, our HR generalist, Michelle Fasse, our energy and technology innovation specialist, William Holcomb, our project supervisor, Henry Jackson, our transportation coordinator, Audra Kyles Gross, Our grants compliance and billing program specialist, Dana. I'm sorry, I cannot pronounce her last
name. Our talent acquisition coordinator, Regina Nicholas, our executive assistant to General Council and Human Resources, Susan Parent. Our grants, compliance, and billing coordinator, Diane Perez. Our payroll specialist, Shanika Thomas, our security court second security coordinator UTL Whitaker. Our facilities and operations coordinator, Harriet Williams, our MTSS coordinator, Yvette Wright, Williams, Yvette Williams, and our
executive assistant to superintendent Cynthia Wright. Um it is the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education discuss and approve the twenty twenty-five, 2026 annual contracts for non-union district positions. Effective July 1 2025 through June 30th of 2026. Okay, thank you. Are there any questions? Comments. Clarity, Ashley, can you tell me what the two positions were Steven our security coordinators. So, so
they're considered security coordinators. Mm hmm. That's their current titles, yes. So, now, my question is not to you, Ashley, just for Doctor Leverran. What did you say they were last week going to be when you said they would report to you. What did you say those two person You said, okay. So, Trustee Gross asked based on the past or current however you want to put it. Uh Chief of Security
that he had X amount of training. They did they would report because they let's just say they were people will report to them, him. And then you said we were in compliance with what I and I might be mistaken so you jump in and tell me I'm wrong if I'm wrong. That Oakland schools said they qualify to take the position. Remember, remember you said they they, okay,
some kind of way. Help me out, girls. You said, I I can, yeah. Oh, you said, he had, come on. Help me out. The the state of Michigan approved that you have to have a manager of security. That's right. The question was whether or not they were she said they would be considered the managers and they will report directly to her and be part of her staff, her captain. Now managers. Managers. Yes. So, manager and supervisor, is there a discrepancy in the job responsibility? Cuz it's
definitely a difference in the name. I don't recall saying that they would be managers now. If they if that was going to change, then it would be reflected in the bear that she shared in terms of their current positions as coordinators. But we can certainly go back and take a look at it. I just want was that meeting recorded? Does anybody remember? Because it would be or does. Let me rephrase this. Can any of my board members that were present?
Concur with what I just said. Yes. Thank you. So that your managers. So, with that being said, as we look at the security position, I'm not quite sure that that's they're the same because now we went from manager to supervisor. So, I'm I'm just. Help me out. Trusty mother. Okay and then. On the bare bat that Ashley just read, As of current, they are listed as security coordinators. What Yes. So, what you
are referencing is what I also heard when it was reported that the two, they will be co managers and they would report back directly to Doctor Leverett. That is a, that is a fact. Thank you. So, you can go back and take a look trustee Dooley. It may be a matter of semantics in terms of the communication but we can go back and take a look at that. Whether easily here because they were supervisors and now they're listed as coordinators. So, I guess
where my disconnect is coming from. How did they, you, you, I'm almost sure I'm correct. You did say they were because if we asked, the question was asked, do they have the qualifications to facilitate? And you said, yes, they're going to be co managers and report to you. That's why in my earlier comments, I was saying to you, while I commend your desire to want to facilitate and because you are at the helm and it it just won't be humanly possible for
you to let them report to you because you said they would report directly to you. Correct. Right. So. And they are now not managers and somewhere along the line, they had to be of that status. I may be wrong and Imma let it go. We can talk about it. I guess a little later. I mean, we can definitely revisit it. So, if that was the issue and the concern because there were supervisors, Ashley. I
can, I can double check my records. If it's a. I'm sorry. If it's a matter of doing like a title change, is that the request we can definitely revisit and do that? Okay, but I think Secretary David Smith. I just, please, this is not. Secretary Davis Smith. I was just going to say that. I believe it was stated that they were managers or co-managers or something like that but I know that Frank was recording that day so we can go back and revisit. So, it sounds
like there's a discrepancy with the title. That's what we're, that's what the confusion is, the title. Correct? I'm not quite. The title is but at the same time, when titles change, responsibilities change. Because it's not fair to say, if that's the case, then, you you don't need a supervisor coordinator and manager. You don't need the different steps. Everybody can just work. So, there's normally a, that's just like when you have a department head, they're over the department. Everybody wouldn't be. So, I'm just
concerned again that we're we're eliminating vital positions and they're just going to go unwarranted. Nothing's going to necessarily because to overwhelm then you're going to assume some additional responsibilities because both superintendents emeritus will be gone as well as Doctor Weatherspoon as your consultant. So, I just don't want you you know, if some of these positions can be saved and I think that's because if I recall, safety was one of
your number one when we talked, safety, attendance, and academics. I'm sure academics had to be there. So, safety was number one. You said that. I remember that because I took notes. No, in my mind. I didn't write none down in there. So, if safety is number one, wouldn't you want to have a someone that's more and I'm and and I'm saying gross valid growth is because he has the experience of having been a chief of police So with that level
of security training, why would we defer something that essential and vital to the operation of the school to someone lesser. Also, a little birdie said that he was willing to forego even the expense of insurance. So, when someone, so, I just want us to look at that again because security, you stated that was your number one
priority. That came before you even said academics. I yield. Thank you. Trustee Miller. Speaking independently but I'm going to make a recommendation. There are some some things that haven't been final, that hasn't been, there's some inaccuracies in there that we need as a board we need to discuss further and receive some clarity from Doctor Leverette. I share your concern as I have stated that there are policies
that have to be changed. policies that included Chief Gross that we we need to revisit to know who we need to put in that in that field. So my recommendation is that we set like set a date to have that ironed out as a board with Doctor Leverez so that we can have the questions be in a different form to ask the questions so that we can get direct answers. Trusty Gross, did you have a question? You know, I'm treading on because I don't want to I'm not concerned of the two of those
can't do the job, right? I'm not. But they were trained by him. I have not been given the rationale, the reasoning why the elimination of the chief's position for the state calls for you to have a manager. Now, if coordinator title is suitable to manage, and it qualifies them as it pertains to the states and the manager, then, we'll move forward. But I've not got, I've not seen or heard the rationale of actually
removing the position. Now, I may understand possibly removing the person but the actual position of chief which I hold closely because I implemented that. That was part of when I was on the board way back in the early 2 thousands when we implemented this security type program and the way it is now and the chief position was essential one because that position had contact
with other entities like local police, state police when things were needed with this position today holds the same type of contacts. I have not been told on why we're eliminating the chief's position. Now, if you just wanted to eliminate the person, can explain that but to actually eliminate the position and then have two cold chiefs or coordinators. I don't understand
the rationale. And I'm speaking on behalf of the position. Not who's in the position and we've not been told why and if it's based on finances That's a line-based resources Doctor Leverwood also on the same lines I'm still not sure who's going to replace both Is Frank going to be expected to do everything three people did? When
with the elimination of both Heidi and Alicia and Frank's name was the only one I heard for public relations and then again, that attendance, I I I think we need to truly look at not having someone over that attendance piece that's can be held responsible because if you're going to have teachers along with what's already on their plate, delivery of instruction, grading,
already calling parents and then to add that caveat that they're responsible for attendance, I don't, from my experience of being in the classroom, I don't see the accuracy being there. Now, you may know something I don't know, of course. You're the superintendent. But I would like us to look at and then we're talking about doing getting in front of everything. We're trying to involve the the public and all our educational stakeholders. Frank will be
responsible for all of that by himself. No. And I'm I'm not asking you to necessarily seriously answer that right now. No, but the answer is I'm just trying to put that out there. Right. So, so Franco is going to have additional staff with him and not Alicia and Heidi? You're replacing them. You're getting rid of them and then go replace. That's my question. I'm looking at a variety of services that we can have as a district to support communications. To support
our communications. Now, keep in mind trustee. Well, keep in mind trustees that we were in a deficit. So, if we want to go back and revisit but these decisions have already been made. I understand what you're saying about attendance, Trustee Dooley. Per the Michigan Department education in the 31 A at-risk funds, the data did not support the need for or the effectiveness of those positions. Not talking about the person. So, we are looking at doing
something different to ensure. As you said, that those 15 days don't slide by and then we're out of compliance because right now, we still are not meeting that expectation in terms of making sure that our kids are here and that if We're out of compliance with the grant then the positions cannot be funded anyway. What data are you referencing? The data didn't support. It's what you said. You also said to me that in
you almost received a mandate from Oakland schools to get rid of those attendance officers. No, I told you the Michigan Department of Education, not Oakland Schools. We had a meeting with them when they came, I believe, in April or May. We had a very large meeting in Michigan Department of Education was there and I have that language and the feedback from Michigan Department of Education that specifically made that statement. With with all due respect
I I I believe we would do our self a a disservice not putting someone in these positions. I yield. Thank you, Trusty Dewey. Alright, any other questions or comments regarding the twenty twenty-five, 2026 non-union administration contract? Alright, the next one on the agenda, central office position name change. Thank you. Um to better align with
common practices and similarly size in neighboring districts, the administration is recommending the following title change effective July one twenty 25. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and instruction to be retitled as executive director of curriculum and instruction. These changes are entitled only. There will be no modifications to the responsibilities or compensation associated with this position. Okay. I have a question, Dooley. Yes. What's the rationale? If there's no change in responsibility or
changing their wages, the their funding, I think it's a disservice to to knock em down. Because if I was already serving as assistant superintendent and not saying that I'm sure Doctor Debson has nothing in her mind to go anywhere but I'm using her as an example. If she to go somewhere else assistant superintendent would help propel her before the executive director,
especially because that's kind of a knockdown and and if I was in personnel as a personnel HR and and having endorsement of Central Office, I would see that as a door a knockdown. So, for that reason, I would say, she needs a state assistance superintendent. So, as we had discussed at the retreat, the goal was to bring three positions, the assistance superintendent of human resources, the assistant superintendent of curriculum and
instruction, as well as the Business and Finance into an executive director of curriculum and instructions. Specifically speaking about the role and responsibility that I held for seven years and we talked extensively about changing that title and that in the future, we would look to have a director in terms of supporting academics and looking forward to the future of what our students need. We have specifically talked about a director, executive, excuse me, Trustee Dooley, an executive director of elementary education
and an elementary director of secondary education. So, this position again was entitled only so that in the future, we are hoping that it is necessary for us to bring on another executive director for curriculum and instruction, one for elementary, and one for secondary. Is this position still over pretty much everyone that delivers curriculum instruction in the district. Anyone that had anything to do with curriculum which because what I guess what I'm getting at is
once we have an opportunity to sit down and align this budget since it's not going to change any money anyway. Based on the statements, why wouldn't you let Doctor Delbertson remain assistant superintendent a curriculum and then do those two execs under her. That's just my thought. Any other questions or comments? Regarding the name change? Next. Actually. It's it's me. Oh, sorry. Attorney Seagers. The contract renewal for Doctor Jeremy Devison.
Uh Doctor Jeremy Devison has served as the interim assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction since January of 20 twenty-four. She continues to lead the department in an effort to improve the delivery of curriculum and instruction within the district to propose twenty twenty-five twenty twenty-six contract pending the title change from interim interim assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction to interim executive director of curriculum and instruction will secure her service, contract, and share be at the annual rate of one
hundred and thirty-four thousand five hundred and seventy-one dollars and five cents. If the operating tax levy for a given fiscal year increases greater than 3% from the previous fiscal year, tax levy, the salary schedule increased shall equal 50% of the percentage increase above 3 percent. For example, if the tax levy increases 6percent, then the wage scale shall increase one and a half percent. The salary schedule increase shall not exceed 5percent in any given year. It is a recommendation of administration
that the Board of Education discuss and move to action the twenty twenty-five, 2026th annual contract of Jeremy Devison in the amount of one hundred and 000, 5 71 dollars and five cents for an effective date of July 1 twenty twenty-five. Thank you. Any questions board regarding the contract? Alright. Next. Yes. Um this is a contract renewal for Ashley Smith, interim executive director of human resources. Ashley Smith has
served as the interim assistant superintendent of Human Resources since November of 20 twenty-four. She continues to lead the department in an effort to improve the delivery of human resources within the district. The proposed twenty twenty-five, 2026 contract will secure her service contract and she'll be at the annual rate of one hundred and31 thousand two hundred and eighty-nine dollars and fifty-8 cents. If the operating tax levy for a given fiscal year, increases greater than 3% from the previous fiscal year tax levy, the salary
schedule increase shall equal 50% of the percentage increase above 3 percent. For example, if the tax levy increases 6 percent then the wage scale shall increase one and a half percent. The salary schedule increase should not exceed 5percent in any given year. It is a recommendation of administration of the Board of Education discuss and move action to the 2025 sixth annual contract of Ashley Smith as the executive director of human resources in the amount of one hundred and 000. Uh $289 and fifty8 cents for an effective
date of July 1 twenty 25. Okay, thank you. Any questions from the board? I have a question. How many times has this job been posted? Um Ashley. The position is currently posted now. Um we'll be reviewing applications and interviewing in the coming weeks. So, would that be one time, two times, three times, four times, 10 times? How many times has this job been posted? This job position, this school year has been posted one time.
Thank you, Ashley. Alright. Next Uh yes, the next is the we ask that the board approved the calendar for the twenty-five, 26th school year. The district had discussions with the Pontiac Education Association as it relates to the calendar for the twenty-five, 26 school year. The draft calendar is attached and this board should note that the first day of school will be on September 2nd, 2025. The day after Labor Day is a recommendation of administration that the Board of Education approved the twenty twenty-five, 2026 school year
calendar which has been tentatively agreed to by the district administration and the Pontiac education Association. Okay, thank you very much. Any questions? Alright, moving down to action item. Action item A, can I get a motion for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026, non-union administration contract renewals. So move. Support. It's been moved by VP Bowman and supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026, nine-unit
administration contract renewal. Any questions? Yes. Yes. In this it's for the sake of being repetitive. This is for the the the set of contracts that we have to approve. Not taking away from the hard work of anyone. Uh it's just I need some further explanation as to how we're so administratively top heavy. Um with what we're spending out and I would like to see those resources aligned. So, in good faith, and consciously, I can't again support a a wage in it. Well, any
type of increase administratively when we're so top heavy, not taking away from the hard work from anybody as I appreciate you but we I just I can't I can't justify that when we're, you know. Okay. Thank you. Any other comments? Roll call, please. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? No. Trustee Gross?
I'm staying. According to So I have to For the fortitude and one abstain. Okay. Thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval of Central Office Position name change, executive director of curriculum and instruction. So move. Support. It's been moved by trustee growth supported by treasurer Terry for the approval of Central Office Position Name Change, Executive of curriculum and instruction. Any comments? Roll call Trust, Trusty Miller. You said me?
Yes. Treasure too. Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dewey. How good with consensus? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. And President Hannah? Yes. That passes seven oh. Right, thank you. Oh, can I get a motion for the approval of the contract renewal for Doctor Jeremy Devison? So move. Support. It's been moved by trustee growth, supported by treasurer Terry for the approval
of contract renewal for Doctor Jeremy Devison. Any questions? Roll call. Treasurer Terry. Yes. VP Bu Yes. Our voting yes, Trustee Dooley? Trusty Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. That passes five to 2. Okay. Can I get a motion for the approval of the contract renewal for Ashley Smith, interim executive director of human resources. So moved. Support. It's
been moved by trustee growth supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of contract renewal for Ashley Smith, interim executive director of human resources. Any questions? Roll call. Vp Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? No. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Biller? No. Treasurer Terry? Yes. That passes five to 2. Alright, thank you. Can I get a motion for the approval of the Pontiac
Education Association regarding school year twenty-five, twenty-six calendar? So move. Support. It's been moved by VP Obama supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of the Pontiac Education Association regarding the twenty 526 school year calendar. Any questions? Roll call. I'm voting yes, Trustee Dooley. Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. And VP Bowman?
Yes. That passes seven oh. Alright, thank you. Moving down to curriculum and instruction, discussion items, Doctor Leverette. Yes, thank you Doctor Devison, 2526 school year materials 2-5 twenty-six school year materials and services grant funds. Good evening. I'm going to start with the general fund as requested you all wanted to have it separated from grants and general funds. So, I will start with general funds. Um Pontiac School District Administration is looking to
purchase curriculum resources materials for the twenty-five, 26 school year and this is this is from General Funds. The first one is data analysis, tool, material, digital, and training, Educlimber and we put the account number here in the amount of twenty-eight thousand three hundred and eighteen dollars and 40 cents. The company name is Renaissance. For literacy, high school court, literacy, curriculum, materials, digital, my perspective, and the general fund
number is here. The salve is for from Savage and the amount of thirty thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars and 50 cents. Again, literacy, Elementary and middle school core, literacy, curriculum, materials, print, and digital, wit, and wisdom. The general funds are located here, Great Minds is the company and the amount of seventy thousand 4 00 and thirtyfive dollars and three cents with the total amount of 1 hundred and 32 thousand seven 32
dollars and ninety-three cents. It is the recommendation of administration that the Board of Education approved the above purchases in the amount of a hundred and thirty-two thousand seven hundred 732 dollars and ninety-three cents. Thank you very much. Any questions from the board? One of the issues of concern would be has anyone done a assessment on the usage of materials that already exist and not being used. To my understanding and I
I cannot verify this but the sources were good. That we have a multitude of unused, unopened materials in various schools. So, have we had an opportunity to go do an inventory and then try to see how this these materials that have already been purchased and that are sitting unopened. So, we did this year in the past. The companies would not allow
us to order portions of it and this year, they did allow us to order portions of the curriculum. So, we did take an inventory this year. So, with that being said, Could any of the material that you're requesting be cross reference where whether it was spiraled, spiraled up or down by the teacher, there was no usage for this material that remains to my understanding somewhere. So, let let me ask you this, Doctor Jefferson. Is that a correct
assessment that we do have materials in various locations that remain unopened? Regardless to why is there do we have, does that exist? Correct. Thank you. Any other questions? No. Okay. Psd administration is looking to purchase curriculum resources materials and services for twenty-five, 26 school year and this is under grant funds and the first one is local assessment and intervention materials, digital, and training, iReady and it's under
curriculum associates and the amount of one 000, nine hundred and forty-six. And then we have the SEL which is the social emotional for elementary, middle school, and high school, social emotional learning, assessment, digital progress monitor materials, digital training, savers under Renaissance in the amount of eleven thousand 458. SEL Elementary Middle School and High School Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Materials. Second step, and this is Committee
for Children and the amount of twenty-six thousand nine hundred and sixty-four thousand. For the ESL curriculum, English learner curriculum materials are rural and in the US. Senegage Learning in the amount of sixty 712 and 30 cents. ESL Middle School and High School ELD curriculum materials live for Senegage Learning 73 thousand40 for
the literacy elementary decodable textbooks just right reader in the amount of eighty-four thousand 9 62 thousand. And 76 cents. La Elementary Diverse Classroom Libraries in this to file it in the amount of a hundred and forty-4 hundred and forty-four thousand and 72 dollars and sixty-six cents. For our summer school program, ELA
intervention material subscription and training, TCM, fourteen, thousand one hundred andsixty dollars and forty cents. Summer School Elementary Materials Intervention Material Subscription and Training for TCM from TCM in the amount of eighteen thousand six and 90 and 26 cents. For Mav Summer School, Middle School, and High School, Math Intervention, Material Subscription and training, coaching for Algebra One, Intensify Algebra, and Agile Assessment.
Algile Mind, 28, 900, I'm sorry, 28000, 1 95 And therefore, the summer for Kennedy, art, and music, therapy, the art and experience 1 04, 000 400 and seventy-5 dollars. It is a recommendation of the administration that the Board of Education approved the purchases in the amount of $715, 000, two 26, and 3-8 cents. I do. Trustee Dooley, go ahead. So, Doctor Jefferson, for summer
school, I I've missed the total but it's a nice little chunk of money being spent for summer school. Could we not reteach what was not learned with the materials that teachers used in the regular school year? So, I will say for this summer, we did try to be more intentional as it related to our ESL population especially at the middle school for the middle school it was like our level one students so we wouldn't be able to do that for the
middle school. So we were intentional about that. As it relates for the elementary and high school I'm not 100% sure I would have to give back to you on that. So what are the barriers for learning if if we can't use the same stuff and then you also talked about the second language students. Help facilitate my thinking as to why whatever their curriculum was as well. Apparently, they didn't learn
it and almost very few students come to summer school without needing the help. Very few. Some come just because they love learning. Others come out of necessity. So, in an effort, I guess what I'm trying to think about is aligning some of this money to get some of these position and some of the spending, it could, we could use materials we by your own admission, you agree. We have materials in various places that possibly could be adapted in a in a
good teacher knows how to spiral up or spiral down to to accommodate any student. So, I I I'm I I guess I'm just why won't we even when we talk about the book the library putting that stuff in for the rooms if it's not implemented properly it's not going to be successful. So, Perhaps, I don't know when summer school starts. Sorry for that but it
it it would be logical. Even even if a teacher took hypothetically, I'm teaching sixth grade ELA and once I do my initial assessment, I see the weaknesses. I can accentuate my the strengths but I could just go get me a third or fourth grade book because I thought it was established that pretty much the curriculum is the same across the border and on each grade level. So,
I guess if we come together and we put our minds together, we can begin to save the district because we have the the wherewithal in teaching, I would like to think but then in that being evaluated so that might be something that needs to be looked at. How can they take a curriculum and spiral it up and what I mean by that? TB, spiraling up, I can take a sixth grade book and even if I had 11th grader, I
can bring that up to 11th grade level because the skills are the same. They are just added. They're built upon. each level. It's built upon. So, I would like the curriculum team, your team, whoever team to think about us utilizing the curriculum, all the materials that we have right now. Let's put that to use and say and and utilize this money somewhere else. I yield. Dually. I I
do have a question. Did you want to go? No, you go. Okay. Um first, going back to the school year materials that are coming out of general fund. The digital materials. So, does this mean our students will have access to these materials at home or is it just for them to use while they're in school? I believe both but I know for sure in school, I would have to double check if they can use it at home. I'm almost sure they can use it at home. Okay. Yes. Okay. Just want to make they can access it at home. Yes. The second the second question I wanted
to kind of tag on to what Trustee Dooley was saying because I I it does make sense. So far, the I understand that the summer school materials, all of this is grant funded. Correct. First. And so, thinking about our students that maybe lacking in math or in reading. So, the materials that we're ordering for the summer is it just the the content is still the same but is it just a different vendor or different
company that it it may look different because I do understand if if it was if the materials that we were using during the school year, they weren't competent in that. Why couldn't we use that same material during the summer but I'm just wondering if for summer, it could be presented differently or it could just be in a different by a different vendor or something but the content is still the same. For example, if it was algebra one, that was they were lacking in during the summer. I mean,
during the school year. So, during the summer, it's still going to be algebra one but maybe just present it in a different by a different vendor. So, when I look on this document, the summer school is only online eight, nine, and ten and if you look at it, it's most of this is the training that they're doing for the teachers, not so much supplies, order. The only thing for middle school, like I said, we did do a better research on. So, last year, when we enrolled students, we did not have the
materials for the level one and level two students but those were the students who enrolled. This year, we were so much more intentional as identifying who enrolled and so we were intentional and we realized that again, our ESL population at the middle school were the ones that enrolled. So, we tried to get a curriculum that would be suitable for them and then, we were able to get other materials that were free such as what was the program? Uh I'm trying to process because we did get to or
offer some other programs through like I can't think of the program but they come, they're coming in for free and no charge for the students that are not ESL. Mm hmm. So, we have multiple things going on at the middle school but specifically for the level one and level two students because those are the students enrolled. So, like for example, if we had a hundred students enrolled in middle school, summer school, 90 of them were level one and level two students and the other ten were just
general ed students. Okay. Okay. Trustee. Trustee Dolly is trusty gross. Yeah. He he he did. Okay. Been ongoing. Okay. I'm learning. Doctor Davidson, one of the things or challenges that I saw doing my various walk throughs was the lack of computers for all students and I heard you just say online. So, have we facilitated in that lack. So, every
student will have a device to work. You mean, for summer school or. Yes, some, well, I'm only, yeah, I'm talking about summer school right now. Yes, but they are they are Chromebook carts in just about all of the classrooms. I don't think we're lacking technology. Not lacking talk in the sense of I think we we have a lot of things. I'm saying the number. What I saw there was not a one-on-one to each student. Each student did not have their individual device to work
on. Now, it something could happen. I don't know. I'm just saying what I observed. I will double check for my experience in the classroom. There is a one-to-one correlation when it comes to the Chromebooks. So, that is just it's a that for every school and not the high school and middle school just our elementaries because teachers are better equipped and then devices weren't assigned. I would have to double check but as far as I'm aware of every
classroom has the Chromebook cards. No, okay. So, A Chromebook cart holds how many computers maybe. A classroom set. A 30. Yes. So, what happens if my class is thirty-five Again, I would have to double check but as far as I'm aware, everyone has a Chromebook to be able to use during instruction. So, would it be fair to say and not just for summer school? This is for regular school but all classes are 30 pupils and under. That way, they
would at elementary. Guaranteed to have a individual device to work on at all times. At elementary, I know for sure there's every student has 30 students or less. Every teacher, student, every teacher has 30 students or less. Oh, correct. Yes. Yes. So, those devices are not linked to go home because of it, right? They they keep those in the classroom. Correct. Okay. And again, at the high school, they have a
cart for each class, I would have to double check that. That is okay. Thank you, Doctor Devison. Trusty Gross? Yes. You have a question? Um yes, I do. Uh I want to make sure these materials you're looking at approving is for the twenty-five, 26th school year, right? And Summer, she's the first summer as well. This summer? Yes. Not for the next summer? No. So, we're ordering materials a week before summer school start? So,
we, yes, but we had because it was over the limit, we couldn't order. So, they they already have us ready to go but we had to get board approval. So, you will have these materials processed. Absolutely. Cuz the summer school starts on June 30th. Real close Okay and then lastly, as it pertain, I know these are groundfunded Um this is grant funded. Is there a specific timeline, a day, a timeline, or dates that these funds have to be exhausted
or used by? Cuz it says go year. And I know this specific material that's going to go from school year starts September through next June. So is there a timeline that we have to exhaust the funds? Does this grant state that? Or is this these grants? I know we talked about grants. Uh these some grants that we can use in there as carryovers. I know we have carryovers. So I wanted to just make sure we are clear on the June 30th for the supplies for summer school. It is
the online training and subscription. So when you say will the materials be available? Yes because it's online and his training. So, we are not expecting any books to be delivered. So, oh. Be clear that it's training which is going on and it's online material. So, it's just a matter of a click of a button. So, not books are coming. Now, we know that because we get a board pack. The community don't know that. No, I'm just giving that. No, no, no. No, no. I'm I'm I'm I'm tagging
on with what you're saying. I understand. I'm not disputing. I'm I'm you're right. I just want to make sure. Yes. We have of that information here but someone in the community a look at this tape and say, whoa, they're just ordering material for summer school on June 23rd and June and summer schools start June 30th? Yeah. Now, you understand why I'm going with it? I understand. My job as a board member is to inform the community on what's going on in the district and that's part of it and we don't want it to appear that we have a delay because that's what they're saying and we can eliminate what's being said
negative by saying, these are based on online materials that will go into place as soon as the approves this this evening and we're all set to go with it. So, I'm just informing to the community and you may not have an answer yet on the grant itself and if there's a timeline on when these funds have to be exhausted or used by. I want to make sure because first of all, the summertime, people aren't here. So, if there's specific things that we need to do to be prepared for September in this grad funding money
ends in October, Right. So, you understand what I'm saying? Serious grant. We need to understand what what timelines are of when they have to be exhausted. Right. Cuz you have several. You have thirty-one forty-one BUI. I just want to make sure. So, there's different start stopping points for the grad so. Right. You can get that. Yeah, I just want to make sure we're on. We've not had an issue in the past with this but mine now with everything that is transpired that's in the past. The past is there to teach you, not to condemn you. Exactly. So, we learn from it and that
as we move forward, let's do things a little differently. And so we don't have what we had in the past. That's all I'm saying and I want us to be upfront and ready to roll and let's go. So, thank you. Thank you. Alright, thank you. I have another question. So Will this be in both languages? Spanish online? And then you're saying it's a reading program but we already know our reading levels are
low. So, why would we, if this is supposed to be intensified, you, it logic would say, put a body in front of those students. Not them in front of a computer to read. Um, I don't want you to believe that there's going to be a computer online service. We have hired certified teachers to teach those classes and also tutors. Again, the training and a subscription, they still will be doing. Who being trained? The students or the teachers? The
teachers. So, now, this is, so, all of this that we've talked about the this this material is for teachers and not students and I went through, did every student have an apparatus but it really was for the teacher? No, no, no. Which apparatus are you speaking of? So, just point of clarity. So, I earn the line. Summer school is the summer school. So, at online eight, nine, and ten. So, 8th grade, you said, you're referencing grades eight, nine, and ten? No, line
either. Okay. On this bear. Okay, I'll have that with me. Okay. I don't have right here. So, go ahead. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Doctor. I want you to complete your question. I apologize. I just couldn't understand how we would put students in front of a computer that need the additional help and I'm only basing that on my experience I that that's almost like setting them up to fail because most most students
their challenge is in comprehension. The reading, the comprehension. I mean fluency is there. They can read the words. Now, tell me what you just read. Explain it and then ask some questions. Give me a hypothesis here. So, all of that. So, I'm just trying to figure out. Are we putting our students in front of computers for summer school or will they have a warm body delivering instruction making the connection between delivery and learning. Yes,
we will have a teacher and we also hire ESL tutors and we also hire ESL peer professionals. So, they won't be having instruction delivered by way of computer. No, thank you. Hey, any other questions before we move on? Alright, thank you very much. Action item. Can I get a motion for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026 school year materials which will be coming from the general fund. So, who? Support.
It's been moved by trustee growth, supported by Treasurer Terry for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026 school year materials from General Fund, any other questions, roll call. Trustee Dooley. Trustee grouse? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Trustee Miller? No. Treasurer Terry? Yes. Repeat Bowman? Yes. And I'm voting yes. That passes. 500. Five to 2. Can I get a motion for the approval of the twenty twenty-five, 2026 school year
materials and services from the grant fund? So move. Support. Spend move by trusty growth. Supported by treasurer Terry for the approval of twenty twenty-five, 2026. School year materials and services, grant funds, any questions, roll call. US. Question. Do you have a question? I do. Was this in your budget presentation, mister Jim? Grandpa? Yes, did you have. That would be a question for Diane. So, I'm I'm asking you. No. Did you see this in
your, was this included as far as you know? Did you include this item? That's all I'm talking about is the school year materials. Is there a line for both general fund and was there one for grant fund? Because this is twenty-five twenty-six. It should reflect in our budget. The had a study so I wouldn't know. Is it a sign? Yes. Um the general fund for those three three supply accounts, the budget is $475, 000. So, it's
there's plenty of money in the general fund for those three material purchases for the grant as we have in prior years, it is something that's developed by Diane. I can tell you the funding level is basically the same in grants across the board. Um Diane can speak to. I know she double checks this stuff but I cannot verify that that specific line item is in there. Okay. So. Thank you. Alright, any other questions or comments? Yes. But this is, I mean, the budget that we
approved where ends at twenty-five twenty-six budget. Yes. I'd have to go through. I'm I'm you know, Diane is such an expert on the grant funds and there's thousand account numbers. I'd have to go through all that to verify. Whether or not there's biologies. It develops 100percent. I developed the general fund 1 hundred percent. So, the general fund, I knew the exact spot to look for those three account numbers and I preemptively thought they're going to ask a question so I had to answer but I I don't have. Okay. I don't know exactly. Oops, you guys
know the grant. I mean, Diane prepares a grand budget and basically is added to. I understand. Alright, roll call. Uh Trustee Gross? Yes. President Hannah? Yes. Treasurer Trustee Miller. Yes. Treasurer Terry. Yes. VP Bowman. Yes. I'm voting yes. So that six oh. Alright, thank you. Moving down to operations maintenance items Yes, Marvin and Cody are here to
discuss the peace frost academy moving package, Marvin. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. Good evening, my bad. Good evening. Alright. Alright. As we bring you tonight, the peace moving package, background rationale, opposing republican requested for twenty-four zero thirty-two piece, academy moving on June 4th, 2025 and received proposal on June 18th, 2025. The bid proposal were read aloud at the Odell Nails administration building and reviewed jointly with Planet Schools and Saxon Construction.
Some are working summary of working being recommended. It's at the bottom of the page. Recommendation, it is, it is the recommendation from the administration for the Plant School Board of Education approved twenty-four zero thirtytwo, Peace Academy Moving Package to the to the outline contract above at the cost of fourteen thousand 288. It's also recommended the Board of Education over 20% continuously for unforeseen conditions in the amount of $2, 858 for a total award of
seventeen thousand 146. Okay, thank you very much. Trustees, any questions? Yes, ma'am. Comments. Yes, trust me. Beefy first. Uh just want to know the move will be in house. We're doing it or we having another company. We have a contractor. Okay. We hired to do it. Thank you. Trusty Gross. Time frame to start and complete. Cutting tonight. Good evening. Uh petting tonight's approval and then just going through the contracts, getting the board to
approve the contracts. We're going to go through with Darryl just on the draft side of it. Uh we're looking to mid July to get that work started. Good because I had a conversation with the principal and that was her concern about, you know, right now, this is waiting for the actual move. So, my my I just want to make sure that you guys work closely with her as it pertains to moving and getting this thing done and so she made aware of every step of the way because. Every day. Matter of fact, we just met the day of HIC today so. Oh, you did? And Doctor Davidson and
Ashley, are deeply very involved with this. So, it's about, it's a, it's a bunch of in play. Make sure this move is done correctly. And I'm happy and satisfied. Thank you. Alright, any other questions? Trustee? Alright, moving on down to action item. Can I get a motion for the approval of peace? Frost School Academy Moving Package. So, move start. It's been moved by VP Bowman supported by Trustee Gross for the Approval of Peace for our School Academy Moving Package. Any questions roll call. President
Hannah, yes. Trustee Miller? Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bowman? Yes. I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley. It's just nothing else was added. Just the moving piece, right? Yes. And that would be a yes. And trustee growth. Yes. That passes seven off. Alright, thank you very much. Communications, petitions, oh I'm sorry. If you, I'm I'm sorry point of order but I I wanted to add something. I didn't want to leave the impression that the $500, 000 were
saving professional services were just, you know, two individuals. Myself comes out of there. A lot of smaller accounts but one big item that was in there was the boarded a auditor to do a bond auto which was 120 or $1130, 000. So, that's a pretty big chunk of that 500thousand. So, I want I just want to clarify that it was multiple positions. Thank you. You're right. That was DHL consulting company that was hired and I think the initial cost for that contract we had with him was over $400, 000 I think is what it was but we
did not utilize all of those that total. So, I think we say probably over $300, 000 because His services only equated to about 10 and 7000. So, thank you for clarifying that because that 500, 000 has been lingering. Yes. With the assumption that it was only towards. Right. A consultant but it it. Multiple. Multiple items. All individuals, companies came out of there. Absolutely. Thank you for sharing that. I forgot. Is it possible to get those get that information? What
information? That was paid out of that 500. Oh, yes. We can get that information. Alright, any communications, petitions, and delegations? There are none. Okay. Alright. We'll go board comments. Going to start over here with Trustee Miller. Good evening, everyone. I'm going to make this short because we've been in here a while. Um looking, this is a great start. I am still humbled and appreciative to be I'm happy to be here as a trustee. Um
the work is just getting started. I'm going to continue to develop and I look forward to working with my colleagues in this district to move this district forward. Have a great summer. Thank you, Trustee. Thank you. Good evening all. Uh Astara with congratulations. Let's go to work. Thank you. Um recently here on last, it was, when we were there, when were we in Oakland? In Lafayette Grand? Wednesday. Wednesday. Last
Wednesday. Um we had an excellent dinner through the Oakland County School Board Association and I talked about it before. So, I have my Apple Awards. Yeah. For 12 years of service and it's very heavy and I'm going to put it back and I was very appreciative. I was one of three and it was so nice to it says the amount of years of commitment and I'm happy about that and I'm glad that we were there and this district and it was a comment
made that wow, Pontiac is getting all the awards and we received our pens and we continue to be an outstanding board as it pertains to MASB and the levels that we obtain so let's continue to move forward and we can put another plaque on this this board here and what we're doing is a board. Um tonight was an excellent meeting. I enjoyed this. I'm glad we're getting some work done. I just want to make sure that we're on the right track and I know we're going to talk about summer taking off summers
but like education never stops. So, if there's something we need to do, let's do it and not wait and and let's meet, get these things done, and be well prepared for September. That's my goal as a board member to make sure that we're all prepared and that the how I want to put some of the mistakes that we've made or some choices that we should not have made in the past. Again, we learn from those and we move forward. Our kids deserve the best. So, let's continue to provide them
the best. From this table, from this administration, let's continue to do so because I know we have the ability to do so. This was a great year. Different but great. Uh I'm I'm thankful for the the new positions that were filled here. Again, they're not new anymore. They don't now. You got you got some months. You got 6 months in. So now you're a veteran. So let's continue to move forward as a board. Um and now we have the eighth member secured. So let's
keep doing this. And let's do it right. Have a good night. Thank you. Trustee Dooley. Mm hmm. Um I want to congratulate my colleagues on you getting the Apple Award Trustee Gross and I understand that Trustee Marcus Terry received two awards. However, he noted he did not get an apple. So, we hope he gets an apple. I'm going to put a plug in for Accent Pontiac, Accent Pontiac is
still in need of sponsors for some of the children, for those summer camps. Please, if you're able to do that, support, Accent Pontiac, myself and our new newly elected superintendent had a quick discussion on yes there is work to do and we are going to work in concert collectively with all educational stakeholders to move this district forward. So, I too look forward
in executing the plans because as we set our goals for this year and we set timelines and we are deliberate and intentional with processing the work that needs to be done. I'm confident that we will have a successful year. I too wish you a wonderful summer. God bless and god keep you is my prayer. Have a good
night and a wonderful summer. Thank you. Secretary David Smith. This was a great meeting guys. Congratulations to on your position. I know we're going to do great things and moving forward with our students academically and I thank everybody again like I did last week because I I signed out last week. But again, I think administration, staff, it takes all
of us. It's it starts from here and I hold myself accountable as well as my colleagues that we have to do what's best for our students and our staff. Um because if we're not doing it, it of course, it won't be done with them. So, I think I trust these for the hard questions. Um I'm glad that everyone votes their conscience and I just want everybody to have a safe summer. It's it's it's starting off
rocky in our community and I just want everyone to be out here be safe. Um use your words. Read to our children. And just love on each other. And have a a great summer guys. Be safe out here. Alright. Thank you very much Secretary. Treasurer Terry Alright, good evening everybody. Uh first off, just want to say congratulations again to all our retirees out there. Uh once again, thank you for all your years of
service and I wish you the best moving forward. Also, want to say congratulations to Doctor Leverant. Um becoming the superintendent. Um looking forward to doing lots and bigger and better things as we move forward. Um I know it's a transition that took some time but we stuck together. We make commitments and and we're here now. We crossing that bridge. So, congratulations on that. Um good meeting. Lots of information. Um I want to say thank you to all of our
team. Um it's been a very interesting school year. Um we we've had our challenges. Um we made some decisions that you know, we were, I guess you want to say, they held us to that limit but overall, I I just want to say I'm thankful, thankful for this entire team. Um we couldn't be here without all of our different personalities and it it helps make us a better board overall. So, I know we
had our ups. I know we had our down but it also lets each and everyone of us know that we need to stay aware and ready for anything that comes our way. Just being a Pontiac District, I know we went through a lot of challenges just over the years and I'm just looking to, I guess, turn that page, make Pontiac again that that elite school district and continue to push forward. So, I just want to say thank you again to all my board members. Um a good time also at
the dinner that we did have last Wednesday. So, I think it's about five of us that got some awards even when our our past trustees Troy Craft. So, you know, we was putting in that work and I'm looking forward to this board and as I mentioned, they continue to get those awards as we continue move forward. Uh it's a good for our kids as well just so they understand that not just them, we're pushing them to get an education but for them to see us also striving to educate ourselves and be the best
board members we can for them. So, I think that's very important. Let's continue to push forward that and on that note, if we don't see you again, have a good summer. Um be safe out there. Um continue to read, continue to practice your math, whatever you need to do. Um but but learn something. I would say learn something because when we stop up in September. It it it's no it's no holding back at that point. Either you know it or you don't and it's best to try to keep it fresh in your mind.
And I'm assuming that summer school is probably packed. If if we haven't already met the max numbers so I appreciate that as well. So thank you. Alright, VP Bowman. This was a great meaning as it was already stated and congratulations to those who've retired. Um one day. One day. Doctor Leverette, congratulations. Um thank you for for willing to step in and bridge the
gap here in the Pontiac School District. As we know, it's no easy task but thank you for being up for the challenge and also to my trustees. Um thank you all. This clearly is is not an easy job. Job, This is not easy but I'm glad that we're all here and and willing to to stand in the gap for our children. Um I hope that everyone has a beautiful and safe summer and also, I was one of those who won, who got an
award. I'm a master board member now. So, I'm proud of me and thank you all for, you know, all of us getting in here together, doing doing that bit of extra work. So, just know students and teachers, you are not the only ones doing the continued education because we are in it with you. So, Um and to Kelly, although she's already gone, it's easier to say it without tears because she's not here but I I'm grateful for the for the time
that she spent and for the where she left us. We we are not where we want to be but Kelly did some heavy lifting. Coming out of a fifty-six-million-dollar deficit is not an easy toll for any district, any any entity on the planet to do that and Pontiac School has done just that. So, with that being said, it's been a pleasure and I'm here. So, good night and great summer.
Alright, thank you very much. And if I can't just one important thing. Yes. Because I don't say it, I'm going to be in trouble. Okay. Happy 20th anniversary to my wife. We will have 20 years on the twenty-fifth. So, we won't be here and I almost forgot that. Okay. And it's 20 years, June twenty-fifth. Alright. And I just want to tell her thank you. Alright. Well, congratulations. Um I don't want to repeat everything that everybody has said but one of the things I do want to really lift up is
the retirees that have come through the Pontiac School District. Most of these individuals are not retiring with five years or 10 years of service. They are retiring with 20 plus years of service. So, that commitment and know it had to have been because of the students, the children that they stayed because they're it's it's often harder dealing with adults sometimes than it is dealing with the children but for all of those retirees, I truly
appreciate your commitment to serving the Pontiac School District. Um and just as a sentiment as VP Bowman was saying about Kelly Williams. I met her. I knew who she was but I met her when I became a trustee on this board. And so really gain my real true respect for her as a leader was her willingness to continue to serve despite the personal challenges that she had
even with the loss of her own child so to really be committed and dedicated to other people kids when you go through an experience like that, that speaks volumes. And as we know, nobody's perfect and there's good and there's bad in everything, but her willingness to continue to stay, not despite that, and the challenges at the district was going to going through at that time. I think it she has earned the utmost respect for me at least as a leader especially in
this work of education. So, I want to say to her, congratulations. I'm glad she can walk away and still as the others now choose to do whatever she want to do and no longer have to do what she had to do but now, just being in a place in her life where she can choose just as the other retirees can choose next steps because that's what they want to do. Um to our newly appointed superintendent, Doctor Leverreth, I thank you for your endurance. I thank you for continuing to just your willingness
to continue to guide the ship, guide the district despite the challenges that you've experienced while serving as the interim for this time. It's heavy lifting as we've already talked about and it's it's going to be even more challenges I'm sure in the days ahead but the fact that you've continue to and your willingness to do this. It speaks volume of your character and also your determination to see our school districts succeed. So, I appreciate you and I'm looking forward to working with you more as we
continue to move this district forward. Um I want to say to my trustees, good job. Congratulations on your continued learning and the awards that we received. Trustee Gross 12 years is a long time and I've I admire for being willing to continue to say and serve in this space despite everything but again, it speaks to your testament about wanting to do what's best for the children. So, I commend you for staying the course as well. I wish everybody a happy
summer. Um we have to enjoy it. I mean, there's always work to do but please take the time to pull away and rest and rejuvenate so that we can come back strong and ready to have a productive school year for twenty-five twenty-six. It is my hope that twenty-five, 26 school year will be even better than our twenty-four, 25 school year and I know we can make it happen because we have great people in our district working and serving our students. So, I also want to
before I forget, on behalf of Principal Nicole Harris, I do have an announcement about preschool enrollment which is taking place for the twenty-five, 26th school year. Um new schedule is Monday through Friday. And it's free. And so if there are any parents that are looking to enroll your students this fall, please consider Peace Academy Um the phone number and information is here. Please call for more information. Two four eight four
five one seven seven seven zero or you can visit the school district site online but again, Peace Academy is taking enrollment right now for preschool. It is five days a week and join us at our new location, our new schedule for our five-star rating school. So, we look forward to seeing some new babies come and join us. So, with that, I would like to make a motion for us to go into close session. So, move. Thank you.
What? Thank you. It's been moved by Trustee Dooley and supported by Trustee Gross to go into close session. Any questions? Well, can you take the reason why? Yes, we are going into closed session to discuss a pending litigation. Thank you. Would you cancel? What legal council? Thank you for reminding me singers. Roll call please. Trusty mother. Yes. Treasurer Terry? Yes. VP Bauma? Yes.
I'm voting yes. Trustee Dooley? Yes. Trustee Gross? Yes. Can President Hannah? Yes. That pass is seven oh. Alright, thank you very much. The time is now 902 and we are entering into close session. And you are to leave if you want.