Good evening. May the fourth be with you. And welcome to the Rochester community schools, board of education, regular meeting. Called to order at 6 0 1. For those who choose to do so and are physically able please stand for the pledge of allegiance. This board of education, regular meeting is a meeting of the board in public for the purpose of conducting the school district's business. To preserve its freedom to act that the spotty follows Robert's rules of order newly revised edition. This process is not a tool to be used to circumvent fairness. And as president of this governing body. I will work to ensure that it isn't the case. But please know this. I'm not a parliamentarian.
And will extend grace to you all for not knowing everything about this process. If you are willing to send, extend the same grace to me. For the public before this school board who may be asking. Why is it so important to follow Robert's rules? There are several reasons. Reasons. This is a public meeting of the board of education. But it is not a meeting with the public. A town hall or a political rally. Exceptions expectations of decorum. Will be enforced on this body and the public attending this meeting. By following Robert rules. It allows the body to go about their business in an orderly, inefficient manner. It also allows for every member to have a voice.
About the issues before this body. It ensures fairness for every member at this table, including an, especially for. The members who are in the minority of opinions on matters. Before this board. When you entered this auditorium, you may have noticed a large poster. Which I don't think it's up there tonight. It had the board's norms and information on effectively communicating with the board and our partners. Partners, these norms were agreed upon by the board and reflect our commitment to ensuring. That the business of this board. Is done in a fair and expedient manner. You can also find a copy of the chain of command information to help parents and community members effectively communicate
with school partners. Partners. This information is also on our district website within our board of education handbook. We value community input. And public comment will be heard under agenda item five. If you wish to speak. Tonight and have not already filled out a yellow card. And they look like this, and they're located back by the door where you entered this, this room. Once you have completed the card. Please put it in the box on the same table. Please note that the cards must be completed prior to speaking. And I will call the names of those who I have a card for during public comment. And I apologize in advance. If I mess up your name, . Item two on our agenda is roll. Call.
And for roll call, we have all board members present. Item number three is spotlight on success. And I think that has to do with why we have such a packed crowd tonight in this auditorium. I'd like to call up our administrators from our, our high schools to please come to the podium. They will be introducing. The athletic and competitive club recognition this evening. Mr. Swanson, are you gonna start? Who's gonna start. I think so. Yes. Okay. Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate our kids. As you, as you know, there's amazing things going on all over the district, and this is a, a great opportunity for us to talk about the great things that our kids are
doing. And to do so in a public forum. So I'd first like to call up Mr. Jerry Brandy to talk about Jesse GIS. GIS, who is the proud recipient of the student of the year award for the Michigan association of student councils in honor society. If I could, I'd love to say a couple words about Jesse and about this award. First of all, I'm Jerry Bondi. I'm the student council advisor at Adams high school. And standing to my left here is, is Jesse and, and Jesse is the proud recipient of the student of the year from the Michigan association of student councils. Councils, there were over 200 applicants for this award, and these are the best leaders from schools across the state.
And Jesse was selected. I, I can't say enough. Great things about Jesse. I'm gonna miss him a lot next year when he is gone. But Jesse has been the, the bedrock of our spirit, I would say at Adams. Adams he's been the, the pioneer. Of our, our L E D bracelet project that would use at our assemblies. Our new floor projectors that we got installed this year. Jesse has been the main culprit that. Has driven that project and, and made it come to life. On top of that, he's a great person. He's he's humble as he stands here before you, I don't think he wants me saying all these kind things about him. He's a captain of our football team, a
captain of our baseball team and just does things the right way all the time. He's a great human, a great individual. And I can't, I couldn't be more proud of him to receive this award. Thank you. And the would like to call up Eva McDonald from RO also from Rochester Adams high school. And she is a proud recipient of the Michigan high school athletic association. Scholar athlete award one of 32 students in the state of Michigan to receive that award. I'd also like to call up Mr. Mcg. McGrane and coach Quinn here to say a few wonderful things about Eva. This is a special honor for, for Ava and really thrilled to, to, to speak on, speak about her, what
she's done this year and her throughout her whole career. Only 13 students from class, a high schools are D division one high schools are still selected for this award and over the. Last 37 years, only three Adam students have received this award. So she's in some great company there. Everything from, from on the field and lacrosse to what she's done on the cheer mat and with that team. And she wrote a really touching essay about sportsmanship and, and her experience in that locker room, connecting with another team and really kind of. Building those connections a, a across the mat is, is really awesome to hear. And I'll let coach Quinn say
a couple words about Ava too. And I know she's got a lacrosse game tonight to get to as well. So she's, she's very busy. So go. Good evening everyone. Tonight, I have the honor of recognizing one of our outstanding student athletes, Ava McDonald for receiving the prestigious M H S a a scholar athlete award. This award represents excellence, both in athletics and academics, and she truly embodies both as a cheerleader, her accomplishments speak for themselves. She has been a three year varsity athlete, a three-time academic Allstate honoree helped lead our team to estate runner up, finish earned two districts champion championship to
league championships. And has. Been a three-time state finalist. But what makes her even more special is the leadership she brings to our program every single day. She consistently. Led by example, showing up early throughout the season, putting in extra time and making sure she was always prepared, her work ethic, commitment, and willingness to do the little things set the standard for her teammates. Teammates. She has made a lasting impact on our program and we are incredibly proud of everything. She has accomplished both on the mat and in the classroom. Please show me and congratulating her on this. Well deserved honor. Thank you. Here, Brad. Heather congratulations to both of those student athletes at Adams high school. And on behalf of Rochester high school, my
name's Josh wrinkle. I'm here to present a couple awards for some amazing accomplishments of our Falcons this year as well. First I'd like to bring up Claire. O'Neil. You can give Claire of applause. Claire was nominated by Mr. Allen to be a one of the scholar athletes for the Michigan interscholastic athletic administration association. And Claire was selected as one of 15 across the state of Michigan, but she is also Michigan's nominee to go up for the national award here. In just a few weeks here. So to tell you a little bit about Claire, no surprise on a night where I highlighting athletic achievements and things of that nature
at this board meeting, we have plenty of cheerleaders in the room. Claire's another one of our cheerleaders at Roger Rochester high school, but be beyond just her success. On the, on the mat for cheer. She recently was awarded our Falcon of honor award, which is one of our more prestigious awards and our honors convocation. And when we were putting together the data on that, it was pretty alarming. She's the president of three of our organizations at RH HS and including N H S she is a. Student who's taken 10 AP classes over her time at Rochester. And she's still found plenty of time to have immense
success. On the mat for cheer, she'll be doing that as well. Continuing that into her college career at the university of Michigan. So, if we can give Claire O'Neill a big round of applause, please. Second group that we are gonna honor here this evening is the Rochester high school varsity dance team. Who successfully earned the right to say that they are national champions for back-to-back years in the dance team union. Palm competition. I'm gonna call them up here individually and bring 'em up to my left, but just a couple of things before we do that. Dance is a, a growing sport within a Rochester community
schools. And all three high schools are, are starting to earn immense success in this program as well. And I think all three of us are very excited to see how these programs grow over the course of the, the next few years. But we, we all know that they put in the law lot of work. Both throughout the summer. I think they're already starting practice to get ready for the, the fall here as well. And we have two Falcons who are continuing to dance at the next level as well. So if with that, I'd like to call up our seniors first, Victoria. Brunelle. Luke Loftus. Brielle Bates. Brooke. Deley
our juniors, Shelby Lawrence. Riley Hubbard. Hubbard Emily Buchanan. Buchanan. And finally our sophomores Macy NICAR. Tegan Armstrong. And Natalie Herrick. It's all right. We also can't ignore bringing up our two coaches, Lisa NICAR and Andrew Arnold in the back of the room. And I. And I thank Mr. Shelton for, for helping me out, but it's a challenge for us when we don't know the names and the faces to get them right. And I'm holding somebody's award that. I can see right now. So we're gonna have to switch around a little bit after we're done with photos.
But one more big round of applause for our dance team. Yeah, we're good. All right. Good evening. My turn now third but not last year. My name is Brian Shel. I'm the principal at Stony Creek high school. And tonight we've got about half the room over here that we're gonna introduce in a second, but I'm very honored to call up one of our special education teachers. Jason Lacy, Jason coming up. So as they're getting up here, I just wanna let you know, he is our teacher in our career ed class and they started the company called bred by the Creek. Caitlin here is one of our students. She's gonna bring you guys a sample that you can take and eat.
And bread by the Creek. And I'm gonna ask Jason to introduce and talk a little bit more about the program. Hi, good evening. First of all, it is an honor to be recognized by the board tonight. Along with my bread manager here. Caitlin Wagner. Deluna. And the rest of my student employees. Employees for achievement as the Michigan council. For exceptional children, entrepreneur classroom of the year. We are thankful for the recognition today and are extremely grateful for the support of our administration team, especially. Tiffany got Carrie Machar and especially Brian, our principal here for investing resources. Resources that have truly benefited. Many of the students.
Students with the development of our small business and work-based learning in the classroom. We also appreciate our Stony Creek business secretary, Stacy Schultz for support without her, we wouldn't have been able to get all the logistics going. Caitlin here and I are very honored to also represent our paraprofessionals. Because it was truly, they are truly a blessing to have as our daily job coaches and our support within the classroom. One of our paras Vallarta. She was actually the one that. Showed us how to make a sourdough loaf. And from there. We trained Caitlin and our business just took off this
year. Our cute little bread shop at Stony Creek high would not have been a success or possible without the hard work and dedication. Of my student, employees and managers like Caitlin. The bred by the Creek team. Thanks the board tonight for taking the time to recognize and honor our hard work. And I'll finish with this. When we give our students opportunities to shine. We will truly see how much they can light up the world with what they can do. Thank you so much. Thank you and have ever stopped by. You can smell the, the garlic one all through the whole building. It's amazing. I love it, but they do a great job. I forgot the picture. All right. Next. I'd like to introduce to you.
Our athletic director, Todd negotiating. And he's gonna introduce our state champion cheerleaders, Todd. It's an honor to be here tonight and honor these. Young student athletes who represent our school district and our society in such a great way. So we'd like to get to them right away and introduce them. You coaches first. All right. Our student athletes. Athletes Mia. Alou bad Luco. Excuse me Katrina. Barrows. Emerson Este Taylor Brando Mart.
Brianna Karens. Karens Lauren Clark. Lillian DeCarlo. Meredith degra Adeline Fisher. Gianna Haner Audrey harrath. Brooke. Kate Casey. Casey Kendall Keller. Lisa week, Natalie Morocco. Nora Morocco. Hello, Gianna. Pierra. Kelsey Phipps. You caught up. Adriana SGL. Beam very Schultz. Schultz Maya Shamir. Brianna Smith. And Isabel Williams. Want me do a, in addition, we have our coaches.
Mandy Schneider, an assistant coach. Kayla Keenan assistant coach. And Tricia Williams, our head coach. Well, please feel free to hang around. It's gonna be a exciting meeting. But I understand if you don't want to. Thank you so much to all the students and their families and the coaches that came out. This is a great way to kick off. Our meeting focused on students. Students, the next item on our agenda is item number four, which is communications. This is where we reference various communications. We have received. 4.1 is the secretary of the board of education. Secretary Vitel at this time. How many communications have we received?
At this time we received four emails that came through contact the board, and those can be found in the board packet. In addition, we received an email from Mr. Agarwal regarding policies to limit screen time. One from Aaron Holden sharing that the TW for the 12th year in a row, RCS was recognized with the best communities for music education award. From the non foundation. And one from Robert Bloomingdale, indicating he's looking forward to hearing more about the status of the 5 0 1 west university building. And two from a seam NABI. One with questions about Hamlin, bus stops and one thanking
us for our, our assistance. Assistants that's it right now. Thank you, secretary Butell. Right now we're at item 4.2, which is student representatives to the board. For those unfamiliar with this. We have student reps from each high school every the month, come to our board meeting and share information about what. The student body is up to in their particular building. It's a great opportunity for us to hear what's happening. And we had the privilege tonight of having dinner before this meeting to celebrate. The outgoing seniors that have been here for the year giving us updates. And we really appreciate them being here. So we'll kick off with Adam's high school first.
Good evening everyone. My name is Olivia Zako and it is my pleasure to be with you one final time. Reporting on the recent events at Adams high school. Starting with the sports report. Our athletes have been working hard this season. Our girl soccer team has a record of eight and three and is preparing for huge game against Troy this Tuesday. As well as their senior night, this Thursday. Our girls lacrosse team is starting their playoffs the week after prom and their senior night is this Wednesday. Good luck girls. Track has a regional meeting this Saturday, the girls having a three, one record and the boys four zero. Our girls tennis team competed at regionals last Friday and
qualified for states. We are so proud of all of our spring athletes and so excited to see what the rest of the season will bring for you all. Our students are taking their AP exams with testing occurring over the next next two weeks. And our seniors are taking their final exams on the 18th and 19th. We are proud to recognize our seniors at the honors convocation on April 23rd. With over half of our students earning academic distinctions. Finally May 15th is the senior's last full day of high school, an exciting and emotional moment for us all. We have planned spirit days for the last week, including senioritis day college decision day, and t-shirt signing day. We look
forward to celebrating our high school conclusion with the Barq and color through activity before a senior sun, the. The evening of our last day, May 19th. The 20th is a H S Oscars to recognize our students with, with superlatives and a clap out before heading to their feeder schools. And the final senior sendoff is our graduation ceremony on May 26th, followed by our senior all night party. Although Libby, the original board representative could not make it tonight. She did ask me to read this message for you all. As my time with you all comes to a close, I would like to thank the RRCs board and staff members for your constant support. The sacrifices you make positively impact our education system and
truly do change lives. It has been my honor and privilege to be your Adams board representative this past year. Libby will be attending Michigan state university. This fall as a Spartan cheerleader. We're very proud of all her accomplishments academically and athletically. Well, I was not the original representative for the board. I have been incredibly thankful for the opportunity to speak on Adam's events to you all. The chance to have a deeper understanding of the, where our schools are led has been an honor. Thank you for all they do for our district and community. For my next step, I'll be attending the Elliot school of international affairs at George Washington university. This fall with a focus on Latin America. After my graduation, I hope to serve in the peace Corps before working towards a career in humanitarian aid and
educational development. Looking towards the future. I'm excited to say that the board rep for the upcoming year is one of my close friends. She's the incoming student council president, and has been a member of our student council for the past two years. She quickly became a support system for many underclassmen this year through mentoring them through countless nights planning events and early morning setting up. She's someone who shares my passions and goals for our community, embodying the principles of kindness and acceptance towards others. I have no doubt that she'll be an incredible representative representation of RCS this upcoming year. I'm proud to announce next. Year's Adam board representative Brook lions. Lyons. Thank you everyone. And have a great rest of
your evening. Thank you Olivia. And I find it hard to believe that there's only a scene one senioritis day. I'm pretty sure it, it lasts more than a day, but anyway, next we have Rochester high school's grace Colucci. All right. Good evening, everyone. My name is grace Colucci and I'm Rochester highs, board representative. And this is Sharine. She will be taking my position for next school year. Now as RH HS reflects on this path Mo past month, there are many exciting events that have taken place for our Falcons. SUO hosted their annual take your kid to Workday event. On April 23rd, we had so many fun
activities like Pete's make science and experiments and a puppy Dan's party. And we had lots of positive feedback as well. We also hosted a blood drive on April 29th. We had a high participation in seniors, received their chords for four years of dedication. Looking ahead for the end of the school year, there are many exciting events going on as well. This upcoming week is teacher appreciation week at RHS. We are super excited to celebrate our amazing staff members. Sugo has lots of fun things planned this week, such as a big old breakfast tomorrow, a pasta lunch on Wednesday, bingo. All throughout the week. And finally, a carwash opportunity for teachers.
Teachers cards and coffee is coming back this year again on May 16th. We'll be hosting a car show with plenty of sports cars, old cars, firetrucks and police cars on display. RHS is also hosting an alumni career day on May 29th. RHH S alumni can sign up to come back to Rochester and share their experience on future Falcons. Falcons now in regards to our senior class, there are plenty of exciting events that took place and plenty to look forward to as we approach our last few days of school. First honors convocation was on April 30th. We were able to showcase all of our scholars with academic honors and a
total of 256 students attended. Our senior barbecue was also hosted this past Friday on decision day. It was exciting to see everyone's post high school plans and unite as a class on this special day. Night with the stars was on may, first as well, which was our senior class superlatives, many awards were given out and it was definitely a night to remember. Coming up soon, prom will be taking place on May 13th. The last day of school and senior sunset will be on May 19th. Our senior walk inside of RH, HS will be on May 20th. And finally, our graduation and senior all night party will be taking place on May 27th. All the seniors are super excited for these last few
events. Events next as spring sports are in full swing for our Falcons. There are many exciting accomplishments to recognize. Our varsity base baseball team had an amazing opportunity to play Atica park on April 25th. It was a great experience and a great day to play baseball. The girls flag football had a game this past Saturday against Henry Ford. They tied six to six. The girls have shown lots of improvement from the last year and have displayed lots of teamwork this past season. Currently the boys track team is three and one and the girls team is three and one too. The girls team was deemed lead co champs as well. Congrats girls, girls across is also having an amazing season
so far. For being four, eight and four, they recently beat Adams high school, 12 to 11 this past Friday. It was a great game to watch. To conclude. I would like to give, give a few special shout outs that have helped contribute to the greater culture and excellence of our school. Anaya Potts was recognized as OST C's CTE student of the year. She was their col, she was in their culinary arts and hospitality program. We are so proud of her. Arres theater department had lots of positive feedback on their recent show clue. There are plenty of laughs from the crowd. And tears from the cast, since it was their last show. Congrats tamari and Ellie at their shock. Put accomplishments. Amari
set, a new school record at shock. Put. 56.7 breaking the school record that stood since 1988. Ellie broke her own record at discus. At 154.6, we are so proud of these two Falcon athletes. Athletes that concludes my final report. Thank you all for your time and attention from this past school year, this position has truly been an honor and a great opportunity. Next year I will be attending the university of Kentucky. I will also be in their honors program, which I'm super excited for. And I will be studying business management. And one last time I would like to introduce she. Sheen. I'm incredibly honored to be passing my position down
to her. She is truly a hard worker and she truly represents. Good character tradition and achievement, which is what we embed in all of our students at Rochester. So, thank you guys. Thank you, grace. Next up, we have Stony Creek high school. Karina Morton. Good evening everyone. My name is Karina Morphin Munoz, and I am excited to share my final update from Stony Creek high school. Last week's student council, hosted kindness week. And it was such a fun and memorable week for everyone. It kicked off on Friday, April 24th with our assembly in the morning and community day in the afternoon. Students say, stayed with their grade levels and rotated through
activities like taking a class, picture, eating lunch together, playing outdoor games and inflatables and listening to a speech from Stony Creek aloneness. Nick Leonis. It was also signature day. So everyone was signing each other's shirts, which is always one of the best parts. We continued the celebration with spirit week food sales, including Alan's pliable and Gambino's pizza truck. And some new events like our pickleball tournament and our student run farmer's market during lunches where students could sell things they made to other students and staff. AP exams also began today. Students have been preparing with the help of our teachers and counselors, and everyone is
feeling ready. Student council handed out Smarties to students taking exams as a small reminder that they've got it. Our theater company recently closed their show Footloose, and it was amazing. The entire community really showed up to support. Congratulations to Olivia EMBA and Nicholas fur who were nominated for the 2 20 26 Sutton foster awards for their performances. Performances senior events are coming up quickly. Honors convocation is this Thursday. Prom is May 14th. And the last day of school for seniors is May 19th, which includes color rush after third hour and senior sunset on the football field. Our boys' volleyball team had a great week with three
wins. Wins this week is also a teacher appreciation week. This morning, student council hosted a coffee cart for our teachers and we will continue celebrating them all week for everything that they do. Since this is my last board meeting. I also wanted to share that I will be attending Wayne state university this fall for their direct admit nursing program. I will be in the honors college and plan to minor in Spanish. I'm really excited for what is next, but it is definitely bittersweet to be leaving this community. I also have the honor of introducing next year's student board representative Magali Morales. Morales. I have known Magali for a long time and getting to work with her in student council has been so special. She has grown into such a strong and confident leader,
and she brings so much energy and personality into everything she does. She is someone who makes people feel included, who works hard and who genuinely cares about this community. I know she's going to do an amazing job in this role, and I am so excited for all the passion she is going to bring next year. And finally, since this is my last meeting, I just want to say, thank you. Thank you to the board for giving me this opportunity and for always valuing and listening to the student voice. This experience has meant so much to me. And it is something I will carry with me long after I leave RCS. RCS. It has been such an honor to represent my school, share these moments and be a small part of something bigger than myself.
I'm truly going to miss being here and giving these updates. Thank you again for everything. And for making this such a meaningful part of my senior year, have a wonderful evening. Thank you Karina. Next up from east, we have nanny Lee bass and I just want to thank nanny Lee for being here because it is her special day. It's her birthday today. So. Thank you for being here tonight. Good evening members of the board. Of education, administrators, teachers, and community. My name is NA Lee bass and I'm honored to be here. As we're graduating senior. There's something truly meaningful about this time of year. At is we're spending this week, celebrating our teachers and staff. Student council wants to recognize everything they do that often
goes unseen. It's easy to notice the lessons and assignments, but not always the extra time that they stay after school. The patients, they show us on difficult days or the way they continue to believe in students. Students, even when we struggle to believe in ourselves, early this morning, we worked hard decorating the halls with appreciation. Paraphernalia. We passed out, treat bags and we will help set up a taco bar on Tuesday and an ice cream bar on Friday. Each Friday, each teacher will be. Receiving a hand drawn portrait of themselves. In little notes of appreciation from all the students. Students it's a lot, but the teacher appreciation week. Is more than just a celebration. It's a reminder of how much. An impact. An impact of one person can make on students' life.
They deserve it a lot. Also this week, we're acknowledging mental health awareness week. Thank you to Sam smiles and the grants are counselor Ms. Mar rope. We'll each be getting a shirt. In an activity each day, tell you, for example, we played coping strategies. Bingo, where we. We're each square was something you can do to keep your mental health at its peak. Who nurse got an analog bag, fidget toys. Or water cup with a saying to remind us, to take care of ourselves mentally. When balancing school, life and other. And balancing school, life and futures. It's easy to get caught up in deadlines, expectations and everything. We feel we
have to figure out all at once. But this week reminds us it's okay. To slow down, to check in ourselves. In support one another. We'll be hosting mental health spirit week walking a mile for mental health and participating in activities that encourage. Conversations awareness and understanding. These moments matter because they're remind us that we're not alone. That asking for hope is okay. And that taking care of ourselves is just as important as any grade or achievement. Alongside that we're preparing to send off our senior class. From celebrating together at our senior luncheon. To the excitement of our senior field trip to the legacy center. To the emotional moment of our senior clap out as
we walked the halls. One last time. These are the moments that make us that make ending so meaningful. It's a mix of gratitude, reflection and change all happening at once. And it really shows what RCS is all about. After graduation, I will be continuing at Oakland community college. As I begin training towards a career in firefighting and EMS. EMS. It's a path that challenges me, but more importantly, it's one that allows me to show up for others when they need it. Most. And make real difference in someone's life. Do the teachers and staff of these. Thank you for making it important impact. In the ways you may never see. The time patients in care, you give your students. Students last far beyond. And the field, but formative years, I would like to welcome Elena Mattel as our board
representative. For the 20 26, 20 27 school year. We're excited to see, to have her step into this role. And to the board of education. Thank you. Thank you for creating a place where students can grow into who they're meant to be. You've given countless hours of your precious. Personal time to, for thousands of students that you'll unlikely, never meet. We appreciate your sacrifice. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Nanny Lee. Next up, we have Alexia Boda from the IA. Good evening, everyone. It's nice to see you all again. Last week we began IB testing. These are exams that all IA students work towards their four years at IA. And these exams go on for four weeks. Last week we had physics and the first part of
computer science and, and environmental science exams. This week, we have the second part of the computer sci. Sorry we have. This week, we have the second part of the computer science and environ environmental science exams. In addition to history, German. Psychology and literature next week we will have the biology. Economics Spanish, math and the first part of chemistry. The following and final week, we will have the second part of chemistry in addition to global politics and French. They will end May 20th after which the seniors will have their all night party at urban air to celebrate all their hard work and finally being done with everything. In honor of mental health awareness month, we had a
mental health speaker come in to speak to the freshman and sophomores about the importance of maintaining good mental health. The juniors have started their extended essays, which is a 4,000 word research paper that goes on until Thanksgiving break there had, they had their first meeting with their advisor where they had to have an idea of what they wanted to conduct their research paper on. There they were given helpful resources. Resources to use during the research and writing process. Looking ahead. We will be hosting a spring dance on Friday next Friday. This will help give students a break to in socialize. Eyes, this will be held at outburst farm, which is right next to IA. Many students are very excited for this event. In addition, senior prom will be held on June 1st at
book tower in Detroit. Everyone is super excited for this event. Graduation will be held on June 7th at pine music theater. Unfortunately, the student taking over from me, wasn't able to attend, but I'm sure you'll enjoy their presence and what they have to offer very much. To further my studies, I will be attending lineman bridge. Clyman Briggs college at Michigan state university, where I will be majoring in human biology. On track to become a physician assistant. Since it is my last meeting. I wanted to say, thank you for your time. This past year, it's been a pleasure getting to speak with all of you. I'm honored to have had the opportunity. To represent IA and share on all of our events. Thank you again for a wonderful year. Thank you again to all the student reps and the
ones that will be coming back to continue the great work of sharing, what your schools are up to. We look forward to hearing from you all. You can hang out if you want, or you can go home. . Next up, we have item 4.3 members of the board of education. This is where members of the board of the educa of education share communications that were shared directly with them. And we're not sent to the full board. Did any board member receive communications from the public? Trustee Loza. Yes. Hello. There we go. Hello. I received a message from a former teacher in the district. Who chose to remain anonymous.
She just shared some concerns about the new curriculum rollouts. And I also received a message from Andrew Weaver regarding a social media post made by Jason Blake. Okay. Any other trustees? Trustees trustee Lak. I received an email today from Andrew Weaver. Raising concerns about vice president Blake's public social media comments ahead of tonight's curriculum vote. Specifically that he said the board wanted no further discussion on these curricula. And he implied that the approval was a foregone conclusion. Mr. Weaver also noted that Blake used the word we in his comments suggesting that he was speaking on behalf of
the full board, rather than as an individual trustee. He said both of these actions appear to with the trustee trustee. This is not an opportunity to repeat exactly verbatim. What was emailed to you. You've you stated the communication that you've received and the general idea president Annas, what it is president Annas. I'm going to move on now to the next agenda item point of order. What is your point of order? According to Robert's rules 42 18. You can't stop someone's speech just because you don't like what the speech is. I'm I am communicating in a way that is germane to the subject of this agenda
item. I'm communicating what he said. You're cutting me off before I had concluded. And I'm not repeating any, anything verbatim. I'm summarizing. I actually mm-hmm. So he's said both of these actions appear to conflict with the. Very bylaw language that was recently used to censor me, which was a bylaw authored by vice president Blake and supported by you president Anis. He says that if the standard is to be applied consistently, it ought to be applied here as well. I'd also like to point out that he submitted that communication to me as well. And I'll, I'll share it with the entire board. And it can be a part of our board packet for the next meeting.
So that it doesn't have to be repeated verbatim here at the table. Next we have item five, which is not comment. We're not, we're not done with, oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Trustee Blake. Yes. So I received communications from Jackie marker who wanted to give feedback on acoustics and temperature issues in the room. Also her disappointment that PAC was no longer sitting at the table to give their update. I also had a couple of communications from Lawrence Haluka several weeks ago. Those communications are in the board packet. Anyone else? Okay. Seeing none. We'll go on to item five public comment. We are now on agenda item five, which is public
comment. This gives an opportunity for board members to hear from community members. If you wish to speak tonight, but not have already filled out a yellow card, please fill one out now. If we have more than 30 minutes of comments, the rest will be heard under agenda item eight. When your name is called, please move to the microphone and address the board. When addressing the board, you will have three minutes to speak. We will try to let you know when you have 30 seconds remaining. Please be mindful of this time limit. We have 14 individuals that would like to speak this evening. When addressing the board, please state your name and your relationship to the district. To protect student privacy. We ask that no one identify
a specific student without their permission. Even if the student's name is not used. Any comments that could directly identify an individual student. Are not appropriate for this forum and will not be tolerated. We will stop the meeting to protect students' rights and privacy. Please keep your remarks focused on the broader issue. And avoid personal references that may compromise privacy. Also we ask that you address your comments to the entire board. And not to individual board members. School district employees or to members of the audience. The board will not be responding to comments or questions during the meeting. However, someone will follow up if needed. The board reserves the right to exclude from our meeting,
an individual who engages in conduct. That constitutes a breach of peace. First up, we have Bruce FLC. Mr. FLK you're excused, Stephanie. Okay. My name is Bruce Felic. I'm a resident of Rochester Hills. I just wanna take a moment to speak in support of the proposed K five. Literacy curriculum and the updated middle school, social studies program, not simply as changes, but as thoughtful research based improvements designed to better support our students at the elementary level, we know more. Today about how children learn to read at any point than at any point in history, decades of research often referred to as a science of reading have shown that
strong literacy instruction must be explicit. Systematic and comprehensive students benefit most when they're directly taught how language works from phonemic. Awareness and phonics to vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. This new K five curriculum reflects that research. It doesn't rely on guesswork or outdated approaches. It intentionally builds foundational skills step-by-step while also developing students' ability to understand, analyze and engage with texts. Studies consistently show that when these components are taught together, students make stronger gains in reading proficiency and long-term academic success. And that matters because literacy is not just another
subject. It's the gateway to all learning. When students can read confidently, they can access science, math history, and beyond. That's where the updated middle school social studies curriculum becomes equally important. Today's world requires more than memorizing dates and facts. Students must learn how to think. Critically evaluate sources. And construct evidence-based arguments research shows that even at a young age, students are capable of engaging with texts and as sources. Discussing ideas and building reasoned arguments. Arguments grounded in evidence, this updated curriculum embraces that reality. It strengthens students' ability to read complex texts, analyze.
Multiples perspectives and participate in thoughtful civic discourse. In other words, it prepares a not just for tests. But for life as informed, engaged citizens. Citizens taken together. These two curriculum updates. Updates form a coherent vision in K five S students learn to read with strong research based foundations. In middle school students learn to read. Read to learn, think, and engage with the world. That alignment is critical when literacy skills are built early and applied meaningfully later. Students are far more likely to succeed academically and beyond. Change in education can feel challenging, but standing still is not an option. Our responsibility is to use the best available evidence.
To improve outcomes for all students. Students, this proposal does exactly that it's thoughtful, grounded in research, and most importantly, it's focused on giving every student the tools they need to succeed. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is Nora Delora. And after that is Ron Lippe. Hello. My name is Nora Delora resident of the district. I spoke at the last board meeting. Regarding the action items to approve the middle school, social studies resource adoption, and the elementary literacy. Resource adoption. I urge the board to vote. Yes. On
both action items. I was disappointed that the board decided on a four, three vote to delay the vote. Until tonight's meeting. I was disappointed because I thought the board missed an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to the teachers. Teachers and to the community that you respect and value the expertise and judgment. Of the professional educators to whom you entrust the education of our children. In our district, it is a. Responsibility of the administration and the teachers to select the resources used. In teaching the curriculum, the Bo that the board approves.
Approves it is their task to complete. Based on the presentations given at the last board meeting, I would say they performed their task brilliantly. They formed inclusive committees of relevant stakeholders. They sought out available options. They evaluated and tested the best options. They gathered data and they use. Used it in their selection process. In their presentations and in the responses to the board member's questions. Questions. They satisfied legitimate board oversight concerns. Concerns. It was a perfect opportunity. For the board to demonstrate to our professional educators and to the RCS community.
That the board supports and values. The excellent work that our teachers and our administrators do. By approving these actions. Instead the board decided to delay the boat on those items over S spurious, politically driven. Concerns regarding the treatment. In those resources of some board members, favorite culture, war issues. Issues the teachers and administrators. All the people involved in the selection process. Must have been demoralized. It was their task to perform. Perform and they did it well. They choose. They chose. In their professional judgment, the best resources available.
Those items are on the agenda again tonight. Please vote. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is Ron Lippet. And after that is Mike Reno. Good evening. My name is Ron Lippet and I serve on the wall lake school board. I am speaking tonight, not in any official capacity, but as a neighboring board member. Who understands the weight of each of your roles and the responsibility we all have to our respective communities. I wanna start by saying this. The challenges you're facing here in Rochester. They're not unique. All of us are dealing with student performance issues. Issues. We have financial pressure and increasingly engaged.
If not frustrated community members. But if I may, what's happening in Rochester does deserve some honest reflection. You have found yourself at the center of a very public. Dispute involving transparency and communication. A fellow trustee was censured after speaking publicly about the upcoming enhancement millage. And as I understand it, the situation is now escalated to a lawsuit. Raising first amendment concerns. Concerns to be clear. I wholly support the enhancement millage public schooling is definitely under assault in Michigan. For the, from those who wish to divert public school resources to charter and private schools.
And our school aid fund continues to be used like a piggy bank. In favor of our universities. All this while in erosion. Of support for our special services and our marginalized. Communities are happening more than ever enhancement millages. Like this one. Serve to protect our public schools. But to be fair, voices need to be heard. Placing limits on communication. Can. Look like deception it's where trust can be strengthened or lost. So from one board member to another, let me say this plainly when board members feel constrained in what they can say to their communities or when the public feels decisions are being discussed behind closed doors.
It creates a vacuum. And that vacuum will always be filled. With speculation, with frustration and with division. We've seen versions of this in my district. And I can tell you once it starts. It is incredibly difficult to rebuild. But it can be rebuilt and it starts with a few principles that I've learned if you'll allow me to share them. And they are this first. Transparency is not optional. It is foundational. Especially especially when you're asking voters to support new funding. Second disagreement in a boardroom cannot become dysfunction outside of it. Healthy debate is fine, but public infighting, 30 seconds is
not. And lastly, every decision especially the hard ones have to be tied back to students. If the community can't see the connection to students, they will not support it. So I say this with respect, people are watching, not for perfection, but for leadership, you have a strong district, you have an engaged families and you have the ability to be a role model to all of us. Thank you for your service. Good luck for, with graduation and thank you for the time. Next up is Mike Reno. Thank you for coming, Mr. Reno here. Grateful. Thank you. So Mike Reno, longtime resident, former board member. So I thought I'd try something a little different to see if I can get your attention this time.
So we're here about curriculum, not some routine affair. This one's about our kids and we hope the board will care. This is a major matter, deserving more than platitudes. Platitudes more than nods and rehearse deference more than performative gratitude. For Lansing did this by design. With standards, they suggest then leave it to the local boards to determine what is best. The state will set the standards. The staff will. Propose a plan, but you're to fully weigh it, not approve it on command. Stay in your lane. Some people say as if the lane is small, but curriculum approval is your lane. Most of all, you're not to write the lessons nor
should you teach a class. But the public did not send you here to let things blindly pass. Teachers have their training and staff has expertise. But the public too has standards that you should not dismiss with ease. A teacher may be selfless. A teacher may be wise, a teacher may be deeply skilled. So why fear public eyes. When a trustee dares to ask, that's not an act of war. It's not an insult to the teachers who brought this to the floor. See professionals welcome questions. Their strong work should fear. No light. A doctor does not fight review. When the treatment plan is right.
So why when shown curriculum do questions cause such fright. Why is oversight called meddling? Why is diligence impolite? Asking is not disrespect. It's the work you're supposed to do. You're the only voice that people get when they elect each of you. A board is not a row of nods, a chorus trained to hum. A board that will not question is a board that has gone numb. If every recommendation must be praised and then approved. Then why have board members sitting here? What purpose have you served? If questions are forbidden. If review is treated wrong, then take your nameplates off the desk and let the staff
decide it alone. But if this board has purpose, if your oath still means a thing. Then ask the questions you were sent to ask. Make public mean something. Curriculum is foundational. It shapes the reason why. And this community expects a voice, not trust us and comply. So don't scold those who question don't sneer at those who care. The insult is not oversight. The insult is just sitting 30 seconds. Rubber stamps are useful tools for papers and bureaucracy, but rubber stamps do not belong where there should be democracy. Next up. Nicholas Blasik. And then after that, David Tallman. Hello? Hi, I'm Nicholas Blazek first off. I'd like to,
I know there's some teachers here I'd like to acknowledge 'em I know it's teacher appreciation week and tomorrow's teacher appreciation day. Thank you. I'm very grateful for you guys. You are the foundation of America, the future of the world. So thank you. I just want to say that. But moving forward, one of the reasons I'm running for the board is to bring business experience to the table. Experience that is clearly lacking on this board. Together. I want to raise a concern that goes beyond. The one career claim adoption. I want to ask whether Rochester community schools, about to help normalize a business model that will be great for curriculum companies and a long-term burden for public education. Some context, 2013 was a watershed moment when Adobe ended
perpetual licensing and moved to a subscription for life model. Microsoft followed then Salesforce act. Quicken Sage. It's no longer a trend. It's where we are. Software companies benefit greatly. It gave them steady revenue and in many cases, locked customers into vendor relationships. They couldn't easily exit. Some like subscriptions, we can't get up and we have to sit on the phone for hours and try and get out and get out. And we can't, I'm sure many of us and many of the parents experience that in the crowd and families in the community. For customers, it was a mixed bag. Prices never went down and those who didn't need constant days paid more for less. The lesson, the shift change in entire industry is in
shocked some businesses to their VE to their vendors. I fear we may be doing the same thing here in Rochester, and because of Rochester's size and influence, we may be helping push his model onto public education. Three points. First, we are locking in ourselves in a subscription model at the mercy of corporate pricing. Strategies switching later, convening, abandoning years of student data, retooling teacher workflows and losing the assessment to instruction, feedback loop. The platform is built around. Second. And what I think is the most important. I'm sure you're aware of the federal class action lawsuit against curriculum. Associates alleging collection shares sensitive data without parental consent.
I'm sure. Maybe some of you didn't even know that. Curriculum associate denies it. Have you evaluated that risk? Or are you going to tell the people who were. Testing this out about that. Were you gonna tell the community about that and let their kids. Kids' sensitive data. Be out there. There's a lawsuit. Look it up. Federal lawsuit right now. Third, the big picture landing. Rochester's a big deal for curriculum associates. Associates. We are a high performing high prestige district and will become a valuable marketing asset. Our adoption signals to other districts. That model is this model is legitimate. They've even become a Harvard business school case study, not for educational outcomes, but for nav navigating leap software as
a service that tells you something about who's interest. This model serves the shareholders of curriculum. When Adobe moved others followed by endorsing this model with our dollars. We inspire competitors that the market will bear it. Schools can find themselves locked in the subscription for life contracts for all curriculum at a time. Whenever every dollar is hurted. Find thank you, but your time's up. Thank you. Thank you. David Talman. Followed by Mike Wise. Hi, I am Dave. I am a RCS super fan. It's a very rare night because. I essentially agreed with every single person who came up here. Even my longtime friend, Bruce, everyone did a wonderful
job. They have great points to make. It is possible. As I've said, a thousand times. For each of us to have ideas that the other one can agree with. And we should do that more regularly. I believe that everyone here did. I did notice something in the board pack at this time around. It's very unusual also is the same as this is that. Lord receipts for things. All the time at this district, it seems like people put in foyer requests and it comes back all marked up, or it says we're not giving you that information at all, but now we've got some great information here, receipts. We can scrutinize at wood team that Mr. Russo
had a chocolate chip cookie. And a Dasani water at the airport. And. And then over here, it looked like the big breakfast. Regular coffee. I'm not sure I believe that, but he had large. Here we go. Here we go. I got a good one. It says that the eggs were scrambled. I have it on good authority that Mr. Russo likes over eggs. I think he's documents are altered. It's ridiculous as that is. It's even more ridiculous that when you ask for things like the P and L for. Th this building for the last six years, you can't get it. When, when you ask for why is it that the, the fourth and Wilcox is still sitting there? I mean on tonight's agenda, you have approving a hundred,
$9,000 for scoop and silt out of the ditch back here. Right? That's what happens when you have too many buildings? Buildings stuff starts to go wrong. I'm not a criticizing $109,000 for taking silt out of the, out of the thing back here. That's what happens. If you have a cottage up north and you only use it once in a while, the roof leaks, there's a fire, there's an electrical. You have to, you have to get rid of this stuff. This district is wasting money. On things like that. The new other thing I wanted to mention was it seems like as I, I keep saying we can get along and we, we can be nice even with. The newer people that are coming in the dads, I
feel like there's a animosity brewing between. I won't say names. They're not supposed to do that with somebody and Mr. Bike. And I think it's ridiculous. Somebody's pushing. Personal jabs at one of the board members and sticking in on people's cars. That's full of inaccuracies. These are not things that are gonna be helpful. I think everyone that's here is a very dedicated public employee. And I appreciate every one of you, the same as the, all the teachers in this district are, are hardworking. And then the only other thing is, I don't know anything about it. I bet Ms. Perdue knows our Dr. Perdue knows a lab better than I I do, but the curriculum companies are largely soft.
Software companies. And if you didn't notice Oracle, a lot of them they're having they're cutting. And in a few years, they're gonna say. If you order it a curriculum, they're gonna say, Hey, make me a curriculum. For middle school. You know, I think we can do that in five years. So let's be careful about these six of seven and eight and 10 year contracts. 10. Thank you for software. Thank you, Mr. Toman. Next up is Mike Wise, followed by Barbara. Buckman. My Mike Wise, public school, supporter and citizen at large. Recently all the members of the national science foundation board. Were fired. This is the continued destruction.
Of the nation's public science infrastructure. At the direction of certain interests. Interests. There is no room for science in the theocracy autocracy. And certain interests would prefer. That all our best scientists left. Certain interests. Interests want to make the USA. A hostile place for scientists to work. Through the dismantling and defunding. Of public schools and government programs. Programs that support scientists. Scientists. And this is of course the latest step in that plan. The national science council. Advises Congress on the nation's science and engineering issues.
Issues and also leads to the national science foundation. Which supports all non-medical science research. In the USA and that research includes of course. Fields that certain individuals find contentious. Such as clean energy research. Climate change research. And gender and sociology research. It also includes reducing funding. For public science. Education, and we all know how certain people hate. And educated populace. The board itself is appointed. And has been historically comprised of notable people in the
fields of science. Engineering and research. These are the type of people that would oppose highly. Anti-scientific policy. So naturally they were all fired, presumably to be replaced with C. Fans in the short term, this means building and promotion of more. Anti-science propaganda. By the very institutions that should become batting it. As well as the potential disruption of federal research grants for the nation's top universities. And science institutes. Institutes in the midterm, especially when you combine it with the effects of other policies. We are looking at a massive brain drain.
Across the country is our most. Educated people leave either for fear of prosecutor persecution, 30 seconds, or for greener pastures, just like what happened in Germany. As the Nazis rose to power. And in the long term, we are looking. At the complete collapse of us science and research dominance. As all the best people flee and all the support for the rise of the next generation of scientists. Scientists and engineers evaporates. Evaporates be scared. Be very scared. Next up is Barbara Buckman. Hello, my name is Barbara.
And I'm a resident of Rochester. And I also have kids that attend the school district. I'm here to share my family's experience. With the Rochester community schools. When we moved to Rochester in 2011 to start our family, we were very excited. We believed our children would be attending one of the top school districts in Michigan. That's why we exper that's why our experience has been. Disappointing. We quickly realized that many of the basic fundamentals such as reading, writing. Spelling and math were not being taught in a consistent or effective way.
As parents we've had to supplement. Extensively at home just to ensure our children develop core skills, like spelling. Sentence structure, punctuation. Handwriting and multiplication facts. We have three children that attend. Well, actually have two that attend the Rochester community school districts. Districts and our two oldest children. We begin to notice significant challenges in spelling and writing. We work closely inconsistently with the school to address these concerns. Concerns over time. It became clear that there were notable gaps in foundational skills. Skills that should have been developed and reinforced in the
early grades. At first, we genuinely questioned whether something was wrong with our kids. How could they both be struggling in the same ways? However, after multiple assessments, we learned that the issue was not with our children. But with gaps in the curriculum and the instructional approach. We trusted that our children would receive a strong elementary education. Built unproven fundamentals. Fundamentals taught in a structured and consistent way. That expectation was not met. Instead of seeing steady progress. We saw regression and that is unacceptable. We are not alone. Many families are turning to private tutoring to fill these gaps. Gaps. And that raises an important question.
Has the district ever surveyed, how many parents feel the need to supplement? And if so many are doing this. Are the high test scores, truly a reflection of what's happening in the classroom. Of what parents are paying for outside of the school. That would be something worth examining. To give some perspective. I came to this country from Poland at the age of seven. Without knowing how to read, write, or speak English. I attended public schools in Detroit and Mount Clemens and went on to graduate in order degree from U of M. M those districts are not ranked as highly as Rochester. Yet the foundation I received was stronger than what my children are receiving today.
Why is that? When a raise concerns, we were often told that's not how things are done anymore. But different doesn't always mean better. That's my time. Thank you. Thank you. Randy Buckman. Randy. Hello. My name is Randy Buckman. I am the husband of Barbara who was just speaking. And I'm just gonna continue her comments. Comments, for example, the heavy REL reliance on typing instead of handwriting is not helping our children. It's actually setting them back. Although there are numerous studies that show this. I don't need a study to tell me this. I can see it in my own children, as well as
their friends at the elementary level, students should be handwriting. Not typing until they have master of the fundamentals. Fundamentals while research does support this. It's also just common sense. I have way less educational knowledge with the people sitting on the RCS board. Yet, when it comes to teaching the basic fundamentals, I'm shocked at the way RCS goes. Or does not go about it. In fact, some districts districts have already removed all technology in elementary schools. And are seeing real progress. So why isn't RCS leading the way. Why does it feel like change only happens? After a law is passed instead of when parents are already raising concerns. Concerns RCS can and should do better. I want to be clear. I am not. Anti-technology.
It has an important role. But it should be introduced intentionally. Through structured settings, like computer labs, like we had back in the day, not through constant individual. Device use that can easily become a distraction. It should come after a strong academic foundation has been built. Technology should support learning, not replace the teacher or the fundamentals students need to develop first. I'm also concerned that memorization and repetition have largely been removed from the learning process. Things like spelling tests and multiplication drills. Drills while they shouldn't be the only methods. Methods. They're an essential part of mastering skills. Athletes improve through repetition.
Musicians improve through practice and coordination over time. We don't teach someone. We don't teach someone to drive by showing them a video. We record a hands-on practice behind the wheel. For example. My son was struggling with his multiplication tables. Tables. I was confused because there had been no indication of any issues. Issues. So I assumed that he had already messed with them. When I reached out to his previous teacher to ask about math drills, I was told they don't do them. Their curriculum assumes students will simply know their multiplication facts by the end of third grade. Without any formal assessment to confirm mastery. Mastery from our experience, that assumption doesn't hold true. 30 seconds. We've spent this past year working with him using
flashcards and multiplication drills, and the improvement has been significant through simple memorization and repetition. Parents know their children's best. I know I'm not the first parent to stand here with these concerns. And when parent after parent raises the same concerns, that should be a signal for action. Not something that takes years to remedy. Remedy our children have cousins who attend another elementary school and their parents have shared that their children are learning foundational skills that ours were not taught. This highlights, a broader concern about thank you. Your is up across the board. Thank you. So trustee Luanne youre up next. But that would be the last commentator to.
Stay within our 30 minutes and we have one, two. Four five. 6 7, 8 more individuals who wish to speak and. We per our agenda and what we've agreed to agreed upon. We have 30 minutes. And anyone who hasn't hasn't spoken within the first 30 minutes will be given an opportunity to do so later on our agenda. Item. Number nine. President trustee laws. Yeah. Yeah. Trustee Butell. Of those that have not spoken. How many of those have to do with agenda upcoming agenda items. Let's see, we have one. Two, some people did not put on there what their.
Issue was, it looks like we just have. Two so we could suspend the rules to allow these two other additional folks who look like they want to. Comment on upcoming agenda items. If the board is agreeable. Madam president? Yes. Could I amend your motion to suspend the rules to just allow everyone. To speak, who has turned in a card. Personally, I, I would not, I would not wanna do that. We well, I was moving to a amend. The your motion. Okay. To suspend the rules. I moved to amend it to suspend, to suspend the rules to just complete. All of the public comment that remains. Remains, I believe you need a second first. Yeah, we
need a second to trustee. Lois's motion a second to yours and to mine actually, because mine was first. Can I get a second? Sure. Okay. So trustee. Oui has amended my motion to. Take up two individuals who are wishing to speak on upcoming agenda items. Before item nine. And you wanna amend it to include everyone. I amended to just complete public comment. Let's just do all of them that remain. Okay. I second. Trustee Loza. Lizanne for the second. so we'll be voting on.
Trustee LA's amendment to allow everyone to speak. And that is an additional. 1, 2, 3. 4 5, 6. Six individuals. Individuals actually eight. Plus you so can I see those in favor? I, I, we have to be here anyways. We might as well hear the public. So that's two. Those opposed. Post. Okay. So the opposition has it. So now we're back to the original motion, which is to allow two individuals who wish to speak on. Our new business item. And allow them to speak before we move on, on our agenda. Can I see those in favor, please say aye. Aye.
Aye. Those opposed. Okay, that looks like a seven. Oh. Trustee Lozan your next. And then followed by Gracie Walsh and Stephanie van Dale. And then the remainder of the comments will be taken up under item nine of our agenda. Hello. My name's Shelly. I am a. Parent of three kids in the district and a trustee on this board. My public comment tonight is just sharing more of the message that I received from a former teacher in our district. As I know that many of you have resonate with it. This is her speaking, not me. So just to clarify that I was reflecting in frustration of a social media post this morning. I'm sure the vote will go as it usually does.
So I like to suggest a reasonable rollout that truly supports the teachers of this curriculum and their students. Students, I appreciate the passion behind supporting our educators and the work that has gone into reviewing the, this curriculum. That effort matters. And so does getting it right for our students. Students at the same time asking thoughtful questions about content. About how content is presented. Especially on complex topics like world religions. Religions is not an attempt to undermine educators or delay progress. It's a part of reasonable dis or responsible decision making. Strong curriculum and strong implementation. Go hand in hand. This doesn't have to be framed as trust teachers.
Teachers versus raise concerns. We can do both. In fact, the best way to support teachers is to ensure that they have the time clarity and professional development needed to implement mat new materials. Well, a phased approach, providing the materials in advance. Dedicating a full year to trading and collaboration. And setting clear expectations for balanced. Balanced academically grounded instruction would strengthen this rollout. For everyone, this is not a roadblock. It is a commitment to quality. If this is truly about supporting educators and serving all students, then let's focus less on drawing lines and more
on building a thoughtful plan that sets both teachers and students up for success. Thank you. Next up, we have Gracie. Gracie Walsh. Hello board. My name is Gracie Walsh. I graduated from Rochester high school in 2025. And I'm currently a student at Oakland community college, studying political science and psychology. Now the last time I spoke outta school board meeting, I was told by an audience member that they have never considered what I said from a student's perspective before. That was alarming then, and it's still alarming now. So I'm back here. I'm here because of the conversation around the new history curriculum, not just what's in it, but how we're talking
about it. There's this growing narrative that schools are being taken over by something people call woke. As if teachers are pushing an agenda onto students, and I'm going to be very direct about this, that idea does more harm than good. Because what it does is it takes trained. Educated professionals, people who have dedicated their careers to teaching and it reduces them to something untrustworthy. Untrustworthy. It turns educators into targets instead of experts. And that is not only unfair. It is dangerous for the quality of education. Now teachers are not the enemy. They are not trying to manipulate students. They're trying to do their jobs.
Jobs that require nuance, accuracy, and honesty. And when we start labeling honest education as woke. What we're really trying to do is discourage critical thinking. We're telling students that learning uncomfortable truths is somehow wrong. That asking questions is suspicious. That understanding. History fully is too much. And that admitting that this country was built off, the backs of slaves is too extreme. Now that's not education. That's avoidance. Students deserve to learn the full reality of history. Not a simplified version, not a comfortable version and not a version shaped by fear of political backlash.
Because when we avoid depth, we don't protect students. We limit them. Now, if we truly care about students, then we need to trust the people, teaching them. We need to support teachers in doing their jobs thoroughly and honesty, not pressure them into holding back. Because education should not be about making people comfortable. It should be about making people informed. And right now, what students need is not less truth. They sure need more of it. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is Stephanie Vandel. My name is Stephanie Vandel. I am a parent of
a current RCS student. And I am a taxpayer in this district. You may not like that, but I am. I'd like to set the record straight. Mr Laurel. We had trustees vote to delay the, to delay the vote. Because they wanted more information on the curriculum. Not because they were doing some sort of political thing. All right. Also I am always and forever team Western. Civilization, if anything it was Western civilization. That ended slavery, especially the British who paid millions upon millions of pounds.
To make sure slavery ended which had been going on for thousands of years. Now at least the four trustees would review the social studies curriculum before voting on it. And that's part of the job. That's what you were elected to do. The right. The why should you approve something? If you've never even looked at it? Ha Jason. We know residents. Residents taxpayers, citizens. Citizens, no longer buy this. Trust the expert's garbage. We did that 10 years ago when RRCs adopted the bell framework. And restorative justice. And spent hundreds of thousands of dollars.
On garbage training. And garbage curriculum for critical race theory. And D E I diversity equity and inclusion garbage that caused a couple of thousand students to flee the district in their never coming back. Thank you Barb. Literacy curriculum. Is just one thing that is completely confusing. We've been teaching children to read this country. For well over 200 years. And except for the 10. Maybe 20 that were wasted on Lucy. Caulkins. Caulkins experiment. We had been doing 30 seconds quite successfully.
The state gave us. Five or more methods to use. And we picked one that's not fully approved. And not only that, but they chose one. That's a total rip off. I realized that subscription fees are becoming more common, but to charge nearly 50. Percent of the original purchase on an annual basis. Is way way. Crazy. magnetics should also have been rejected on the basis of thank you. Vandel your time is up. We're gonna take, thank you, Barb. We're going to take a. That is your first warning, Mrs. Vandel that's my first warning. If you, yeah, go ahead. Warn me if you, if you can, if you continue to outburst like that,
I will have you removed. Removed, we will take, we will take a five minute break before we begins with the rest of the agenda. Thank you. Okay, we're gonna continue, please. Our board members back to the, the Dias. You're welcome. Michelle, I'm gonna give you those so you can have more. Okay, we're moving on to. Our agenda item six. Which is the consent agenda. Agenda item six is the consent agenda. All matters listed under the consent agenda, considered routine in nature by the board of education and will be acted upon in one motion. There is no separate discussion of these items. If any member of the board requests discussion of an item, that
item will be removed. Removed, please say which item you'd like pulled from the consent agenda. And as a reminder to members, the maker of the motion will speak first on their motion. However, any further explanation beyond the number item. Has been said is considered out of order. And on our consent agenda tonight, it consists of item 6.1. Our human resource recommendations. 6.2 board of education closed session minutes. April 13th, 20, 26. Item 6.3 board of education, regular. Meeting minutes dated April 13th, 2026.
6.4 board of education closed session minutes. April 20th, 20, 26. Item 6.5 board of education, regular meeting minutes. Dated April 20th, 2026. An item 6.6 reimbursement for superintendent Russo and the amount of $226 and 49 cents. An evidently scrambled eggs are included in that. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Madam president, we have president B or I'm sorry, trustee. Butell. Do I have a second? We have Julie SPO.
Is there anything that trustee would like to remove from the consent agenda? Trustee Lacoy LA item 6.2. I said item 6.2. Okay. Item 6.2 board of education closed session minutes stated April 13th, 2026. First we will vote on item 6.1 6.3 6.4 6.5 and 6.6. Is there a motion to approve these items? Trustee ALS spa, Dr. SSPA and a second by Dr. Wynn Perdue. We already did that. We just need to vote onhim. Oh, yeah, that's true. Cuz she just pulled that one.
I'm sorry. I apologize. Okay, so we're voting right now on 6.1 6.3 6.4 6.5 and 6.6. Can everyone. Can I see a raise of hands in an eye please? I, I, okay. That's a seven oh, vote. Okay. Now we're to item. 6.2 board of education, regular meeting minutes dated April 13th, 2026. Oh, I'm sorry. Closed session. Thank you. I was looking at the line underneath it. Can I have a motion? To approve this item of the consent agenda. Trustee. is there a second? And trustee Loza.
Okay. Trustee LA kuey would you like to speak to your motion? Sure. Yeah. So Madam president, I had planned to pull this item today after emailing you on Friday to re to request. That we correctly reflect the basis for this closed session, which was eight one E pertaining to the matter of Spears versus Rochester community schools. And I think I saw the board minutes were corrected a few hours. Ago? Yes, they were. Perhaps I wanted to clarify, is it also corrected in the public packet as well? Yes, it is. Great. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay, moving on to a vote on this item. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. That's a seven oh vote.
Moving on. We have reports. Item 7.1, our board liaison and committee assignment reports. This, this section is for reports only. It is not an action item. And it gives members an opportunity to share some of the things that they've been doing throughout the district, because we all are board liaisons for specific schools within the district. For those of you that don't know, we have 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools in one oh alternative high schools. There's a lot of kids in our district and we. Like to try to get out to those buildings and see what what's going on in them.
And also we all have individual committee assignments. So who would like to go first, do a see raise of hands, anybody wanna. Okay. Trust you, *****. Tell. It's been a busy couple of weeks across the district with many opportunities to see our students and staff in action. I've had the chance to attend several wonderful, wonderful celebrations, including the sparkle award, which highlighted the great support that staff and students. Students across the district who helped to support students in special education. And the Rochester high school honors convocation, which highlighted the
incredible achievements of our students. Students at the elementary level, I attended muss production of Willy Wonka performed by the fourth and fifth graders. It was truly impressive from the student performances to the incredible sets. I wanna recognize the leadership of Mrs. Jingle, Mrs. King and Mrs. Thomason, along with the support from PTA parents and staff that made the protection possible. Through my involvement on the sex education advisory board, I attended portions of the high school share program and had the opportunity to see chef Justin Warner visit Stony Creek high school through Chartwell's. I believe it was their global eats
program. And students were engaged as he demonstrated how to make a simple nacho sauce and offered samples. Samples and Mr. McDaniel's not here tonight, but I understand that he helped to coordinate that experience. Last week I attended the authors in April banquet now in its 43rd year. Hearing from the visiting authors was a great reminder of how impactful this program is for our students. It's made possible through an incredible amount of volunteer time and funding. So I wanna thank the authors in April board PTAs and our teachers for the, their on ongoing commitment. At Adams high school, I attended a few of the AP seminar final research presentations.
These culminating projects were impressive and clearly demonstrate the value of this work in preparing students for college and research opportunities. There is a district podcast available to anyone who wants to learn more about the AP capstone program. This par part. This past Saturday as part of the district wellness committee, I helped with the community health and wellness fair at Rochester high school. Organized in partnership with the PTA council. It was a great opportunity for all community members. To connect with local resources, participate in activities. And access services like blood donations and vaccinations. Finally I attended the Rochester area, youth assistance board meeting.
We discussed the need for additional board members. Potential increase to our financial assistance budget. Participation in the district-wide health fair and an upcoming boating and water safety class on May 12th from seven to eight at the Rochester Hills public library. If anyone is interested in getting involved with Raya. Raya, please reach out to them. Their information is on the website. Overall, it's been a great couple of weeks. Seeing firsthand, the many ways our students are learning, growing and be support being supported both inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you. Thank you, trustee Patel. Anyone else? Trustee? Lozan. Lozan I just wanted to make a quick comment regarding
this. Wednesday is the annual walk, bike, and roll to school day. I'm really looking forward to this event, especially at Hamlin. I am actually on a PTA safe routes to school committee there. In an exciting opportunity for the entire district. For the elementary students, there is an opportunity to win a free bike. For all of our 13 elementary schools. Through the PTA and through Walmart is sponsoring that. So it's super exciting. Make sure if you have little ones in elementary school that you either. Walk bike or roll on Wednesday. Thank you and wear your helmet. . Anyone else have comments? Yes. Dr. Alwa. Since the last time we did reporting, we had a
steering committee meeting. I also attended the O C. S B a legislative committee meeting. That will be one of my new positions since president Annas can't do that anymore. And it was very interesting to see our legislative priorities. One of our biggest priorities that we have from both the superintendents and the school boards is just to get the budget done in time. So that we as districts that have a, our earlier deadline. Have the ability to have accurate information for planning. I also attended the sparkles award, which is just always near and dear to my heart because many of these people were celebrating. Are the ones who originally inspired me to go into
special education. I attended the honors conversation at Adam at Adams high school. I also attended Footloose. With a wonderful gentleman. . And his son. And then we have the S B O C steering, S B O C committee meeting coming up. I also serve on the rah rah school board as part of. Their charter says that you have to have a trustee from the. RCS school board. So they are all geared up for summer camp. If you're looking for a summer camp that goes all summer. That registration began April 1st and it's mainly closed. However, if you're looking for a specialty week camp, they said that those usually stay open right up until the
time. So you can always give your child an experience for a week. Those registrations are still open. And I do. I'm sorry. I missed the authors in April. That is a wonderful. Near and dear to my heart and the Rochester. Honors convention as I was in Houston with H Rochester high school robotics team. So. That took up a lot of my time. Thank you. Everything I've done has been mentioned by somebody. So. I'm not gonna take up more time in the meeting, but this is a very busy time of year. We're all doing a ton of stuff. We're, you're seeing us in buildings all the time. It's a very. Exciting. Yes, that's very true. So I also attended the
Adams high school and Rochester high school honors convocations as well as the in April's banquet. And of course the's a great event. Also attended Footloose, which kudos to the cast in the crew who made this production. Amazing. For our entire community and the educators and families that support these talented students, we, we truly have. Three gems in our district with all three theater programs at all three high schools. I also wanted to share that I attended the Michigan association of school boards. President's workshops this past Friday and
Saturday. And it was an informative two days. Packed with information on working with the superintendent. Legal issues, meeting management. Board turnover, board protocols. Protocols dealing with consensus and conflict and engaging your community. As a reminder to my fellow board members here. That the MSB Ms. M a S B has numerous classes for expanding our learning in this role. And I just wanna encourage everyone. To, you know, attempt to take some. You can do them in person online and they even have asynchronous options, which you can take at your own leisure. And if you have not completed your.
CBA 1 0 1 class. Which is about, you know, basic board service. Service I really recommend doing so because every day is a school day. If you let it be. Next we have item 7.1 president. Yes, trustee. Luk. I have a brief question that falls under the liaison and committee assignments. Sure. And a few weeks ago, I learned that you were offered an opportunity through your liaison school to observe a literacy pilot in classrooms before the board voted on the literacy curriculum. And I was excited to learn a that, and I requested to. Join you. But later I learned the opportunity was reversed.
Reversed. And I don't know why, cause it honestly doesn't make sense to me, but trustees were told observations would instead happen after approval. So my question is since the literacy adoption is on tonight's agenda. First do you know yet when board members will be allowed to go observe? And second, can you explain why this is your preferred process? Well to answer your first question, I would defer to superintendent Russo. That is his purview to determine, you know, scheduling with our educators and coordinating with their classrooms. Classrooms, if in, you know, whichever. Literacy program that we do. Adopt that we would all have an opportunity to hopefully
observe. And I'm sorry, what was your second question? My second question was why this was your preferred process to observe the curriculum after approval, rather than before approval. So it, it's not my prefer, I mean, I, I, I don't know why you're saying it was my preferred process. This was something that an educator. In the building in which I'm a liaison. Reached out to me personally. And offered an opportunity to see them. You know, presenting in their class using. One of the piloted programs. Programs. So, but we have three that were piloting and. It was premature to have us go into classrooms before
we. Actually picked one and I will defer to the operations of the superintendent to give more explanation as to why. So next on our agenda is item 7.2, which is superintendent update superintendent Russo. Russo. Thank you. Madam president, just a couple updates. One is our steering committee met this past. Week, this topics we discussed. Topics we discussed were strategic plan year three in where that was heading. As the board knows. And the public probably knows by now, by on May 18th, we will be giving our transformational goals. For year three at that meeting with any feedback in
the coming meetings so that something can be adopted before the next school year. We also talked about 5 0 1 west university and getting that on the agenda for may, as promised back in October of 20, 25, that we would revisit this. And so that will be on a may agenda. Coming to you in our superintendent cabinet notes. And I wanted to mention today. Because we talked about it during our steering committee is that we are, we are almost ready to put an RFP out for a request for proposal. On sound fields, sound fields for classrooms are. Systems in which a teacher has a microphone. And speakers that surround. We do have them currently in
our school district with some of them coming to end of life and some buildings more so than others. And given our ability for grant funding for. Potentially going to, to replace these sound fields. We, we did an RFP now just to be clear. And Dr. DeLuca, we'll talk about this in his superintendent cabinet notes. And then if, and when something comes to fruition outta this, it does not mean we will do. All sound fields at the same time, it means that there's a potential to do by level. There's a potential to not do anything at all. But we thought it was prudent upon us. To, to take a look at that since we do have available grant funds, that would cover that at this
time. And then lastly, we talked about board meetings moving forward and the potential of having work sessions or the potential of where those could be and whether or not they would be recorded. I think there's more to come on that topic as well, but those would the topics we discussed during our steering committee. Some good news I wanna share is the other report, as I said before sometimes, and we did have some great news today with all of our students that were recognized and, and all of the news that our, our student reps shared at the beginning. But I wanna just say a few things, a couple points of pride. We continue to lead in the area of. Artificial intelligence in the K-12 space, specifically in Oakland county.
Having formed a task force looking at ethical. Application among students and staff looking to refine policy. And administrative rules and regulations. This is a task force that will continue into next year and years forward. As technology advances, our staff and students will benefit from continued planning around the implementation and usage of art, artificial intelligence. RCS has been honored. And I think this was mentioned before RCS has been honored with the best commun named as the best communities from music education award, from the Nam foundation, with their outstanding support and commitment to music education. This is the 12th year RRCs has received this honor. This year, a little, little bragging point for our honors
convocations across all three high schools. This year in all three high schools, we currently have 1,181 graduating seniors. Seniors, nearly 65% of those students have earned accumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher throughout their entire high school education. Approximately one third of our seniors or 404 students have earned the status as a scholar of highest distinction. 98 are recognized as a scholar of distinction and 207. Are recognized as a scholar of achievement. In addition 46 students were honored as national merit scholarship, commended scholars, and another 14 students had moved on to semi-final status.
And last point of pride. Just under 3000 students are participating in CTE programs, offered through RCS while that number seems. Robust please know that we also serve approximately close to 15,000 students and our CTE and work-based learning. Is very prolific in the district. And if you wanna learn more about that, a shameless plug for our podcast that recently came out. Which is very informative on that topic. Thank you. Madam president. Thank you. Superintendent Russo, Madam president. Trustee Le kuey a question. About a topic that came up in the superintendent report. You mentioned that there's discussions happening about work sessions and
whether or not they would be recorded. What would be the reason for not recording work sessions? Sessions. Why is that called into question superintendent Russo. Russo. Yeah. That I'm happy to answer that. So there's been a lot of talk about moving to a work session to back to what we did when I first came here and probably for years pre previous. Where work sessions, it was work session then. Voting on something so that we could have an open dialogue and have a voting session at a, at a business meeting prior or following. So it would be. Work session then regular meeting work session, regular meeting monthly. The, the discussion was that the work sessions, if we wanted to put them back in school buildings,
buildings that the potential to do that. I was advocating for not recording those, if we're gonna move 'em to school buildings, because that was the impetus for moving 'em out of school buildings. Buildings because of the time it takes to set up the cameras and et cetera. That's one of the reasons we moved here. Because we aren't disrupting the school day. For students in our high schools, in our middle schools, when we come to board meetings and. Have five or six cameras set up in the whole set up for the, for the meeting. So that was a topic that was discussed. I know that there are plenty of districts that don't record them and I'm not advocating to not record them. I'm advocating that if they're going to be in school buildings that we not record them. And that was the discussion. Madam president trustee Luk well, regarding this topic.
I am well aware of the history. I spoke about this actually at public comment at a very recent meeting about my desire to return to work sessions. Sessions, but well, in 2023, this board at the beginning of the year voted to start recording work sessions. And there was really good reason for doing that because having record of the presentations that are made for both the public and board member to be able to refer back to is very important. I remember very clearly one example. Because the removal of six and seventh grade advanced language arts actually occurred during an unrecorded work session. And there
were many parents in this community who were quite upset when it happened. And there was a problem because no one could see, you know, what the presentation was like, what arguments were made. Like no one could see what happened. It was unrecorded. And so I'll voice my opinion right now that I thought that decision that this board made, I have issues with a lot of decisions, but that was one of our good decisions. When this board agreed to start recording. Work sessions along with the regular meetings. That was good. It was transparent with our community. It put that right on the record. And if we go back to work sessions, I would strongly advocate that if recording it in the different schools
is an issue. Let's keep our meetings here and do work sessions and regular meetings in this building that would make most sense. That thank you for, for your opinion, regarding that I want, that's a board decision. That's not mine, but you asked me what the conversation was, the steering, and I'm just letting you know. Okay, moving on to new business. As a reminder to board members and the public regarding agenda items, 8.1 and 8.2 on our agenda. At our April 20th meeting superintendent Russo's education team brought forward and presented. Two very, very thoroughly vetted resource recommendations.
And answered members questions during their presentation to the board. Additionally members who had more questions were encouraged to send them. To, and they have been answered by superintendent Russo and his team. On these topics. So there will be no exhaustive discussion on this topic. Outside of any clarifying questions. Questions which have not already been addressed by superintendent Russo and his team. First off is item 8.1 middle school, social studies. Resource adoption. And this is an action item for superintendent Russo. Russo. Thank you, Madam president, much, like you mentioned, Madam president, just, we had robust discussion two weeks ago.
The board's questions have been answered prior to the meeting to the best of my knowledge and the best of our ability. Unless there's any discussion that's pertinent. I recommend that the board make a motion to adopt and vote on whether to, to adopt our middle scores, middle school resource. Adoption presented to you two weeks ago. Okay. So much. Thank you. Well, I'm gonna make a formal motion. Is there a motion to approve the teacher's curriculum? Institute's digital platform with teacher addition, resources and classroom printed books. For all middle schools, social studies classes and the amount of $350,000 for six years.
So I see. From Dr. SSPA. Can I get a second, second. And that's from trustee Butell. Okay. Any discussion or additional questions? Trustee Loza. Loads at. Okay. I just wanna make a quick couple comments. I do have some reservations. When we introduce new material, especially on complex topics, we need to make sure it's balanced fair and set up for success. I wish we could have had a more in depth look at the curriculum, but we were not granted any access. With that said, I understand that this is going to be moving forward. My vote tonight will be a yes, but it comes with expectations. I hope this curriculum is taught in a fair and appropriate way. Giving the timing. I do have concerns about
how quickly this is going to be rolled out right before summer break. And I, we just need to be mindful. Of that. And I also hope that we, as a board pay close attention to all of this, once it's implemented just the vote is not where it ends. Ends a superintendent. Russo, would you like to address the rollout since she. Specifically mentioned that. Yeah, I think. I think the rollout is very similar to the other middle, the high school. Social studies you adopted in the math that you adopted. When you do this, we have to purchase them on either this year's budget or next year's budget. And so this we purchase in next year's budget.
Our professional development. Will not only be next year, but in years forward. Because it's not just a, you know, it's not just a package we send to someone and then. Expect them to, to have the expertise across all of the areas in which they're gonna teach. So our professional development for not only 8.1 but 8.2 will continue not only for next year, but in years forward. Thank you. Any other comments? Yes, Chelsea Vitu. Well, I just, I wanted to make a. Brief statement because several people have, I've seen it on social media and a couple people had talked about it here. At our last meeting, I voted to postpone making a decision on the middle school, social studies and K five
literacy curriculum resource recommendations. My support for postponing was not due to concerns with recommendations. I appreciate the significant time expertise and care that our staff and committees put into work into this work. And I value their professionalism and focus on students. Students, my intent was to ensure that board members had adequate time to consider the recommendations and that our community had an opportunity opportunity to provide input before a final decision. Given the importance of the decisions. I felt that additional time would only strengthen the process. I also wanna be clear that my vote should not be interpreted as a lack of support for educators or
their work. That's all I had to say about this. Thank you. Thank you, trustee Patel. Any other? Yes. Dr. Wyn Perdue. Yes. And I wanted to reiterate that I appreciated the extra time. And then I too find the, the presentation was quite professional. And I just wanted to reinforce that, spending that extra time. And I was able to find a lot of the curriculum. On websites and in PDFs. PDFs that this really supports the way. Social studies is taught. In the modern age. You know, you ask students not only to memorize facts and understand hor historic periods.
Periods names and dates, but also to engage with history and civics through evidence and multiple perspectives. So for me, it's that focus on inquiry and reflection. And bringing the past into the present. And I think that is. The key engagement. Getting students to see history as relevant because so many people in our world. Our age, who, who learned it differently? Can't tell you basic things about history. So I thank you for, for. Giving us that extra time to look at this, I feel really good about the recommendations here and I think.
That you know, the aligns with the standards and I appreciate the professionalism. And a president. I just, I take a little bit of offense to the RHH comment. That's all I'll say. Well, I think humanity, she directed it at you. Yes. Anyone else have comments? Yes. Trustee Lak. Lak. All right. Well, at the last meeting, I brought up a few questions and potential concerns about the TCI social studies curriculum, because I take my vote seriously. And honestly, like a lot of people are saying here, I found that the delivery. Mechanism the, the strategies that were used, they seemed really cool and awesome. I love that it can be. Translated into different languages. I love that the reading levels
can adjust depending on. The students who are reading it. My concern really had to do with the content. So when I looked at the scope and sequence, I saw some framing patterns around. Certain historical topics that raise some red flags. Flags. And that's what I said. Here's an important distinction. I did not claim the curriculum is biased or wrong in it's framing. That's way overstating what I said. I said the board wasn't given enough access to see how it's balanced. Balanced. And after the meeting, I requested access to the lessons to review and president Barb Anis denied that request. And the administration did not end up providing it. Trustee Lozan made the same request and got the same
answer. And I wanna state for the public record, the core of president Anis, reply to me on April 23rd. She wrote that my request was quote. An appropriate ask from a trustee. And she dismissed my concerns about balance as quote. Culture war, dog whistles. Whistles let's clear something up. Under Michigan law, M C L 3 80 12 78. This board is charged with establishing the district's core academic curriculum. That statutory responsibility. Requires more than receiving a presentation and casting a yes. Vote. It requires sufficient information to make an informed decision. And this is not about the educators who worked hard
on this recommendation. I respect their work. I told them that at the time, and I still feel that way. But if a trustee has questions about a proposed resource, then reviewing it before voting on it is simply due diligence. If president Annas believes otherwise, I'd ask her to point me to the Michigan law that says, so. I mentioned at the last meeting that this board has had situations before, where we were told curriculum was balanced, but in some cases it wasn't, or it was kept hidden from V from view. We know it. Abraham max Kennedy's were, was you used with fourth grade graders. Graders, the district sponsored a white fragility book study for
teachers. Teachers the gender bred person was presented in an ELA class. We had a gender class at the high school. And instead of showing parents what was being taught, they got rid of the class. These are genuinely controversial topics when they show up in schools, families deserve to know about it. And they deserve to know both sides are being represented fairly. We should either leave these issues out of school. Or approach them the right way, depending on age and circumstance. Regardless. The answer is more visibility, not less. So because I was denied, the access needed to vote responsibly. I'll be abstaining tonight because it's the most honest
response I can make to a process that denied me the information to do my job. Trustee Blake. So we, we discussed this at great length at the last meeting. It was like 56 minutes. I went back and checked. The teachers described a very reasonable process. They had good rationale for their choice and they answered our questions very well. And by the way, there were questions we have not. Put this up in, just voted without asking questions. And we Al they also came to ours, PCC meeting and answered the questions that we had there. But I was a little taken aback at that meeting by some of the objections that were raised by trustee LA kuey. I had never heard these things before, but
her objections were. That positive aspects of Islam were discussed or overemphasized perhaps. That the crusades were discussed, but not other religious wars. Wars that climate change was mentioned. And this is, is not a science class. So I had never points of order. Madam president. I had never. Point of order thinking, but I'm speaking. Yes. Point of order. Go ahead, trustee. Luk. Luk because it's not right for a board member to mischaracterize what another board member has said. I think the, that is a important order. Also, your boarder is not taken what? Go back, continue. Trusty Blake. You can look back at the tape and by the way, it's not
right for, for you to mischaracterized it. Your opening remarks. What? I said, I, my social media, but you do it trusty Blake, you are. Not the reporter. This is not a dialogue. Please continue. Trustee Blake. So these things took me aback. And so I decided to do some research because I wondered myself. Is this a bias curriculum? Is this a curriculum? That we shouldn't use for these reasons. And so I did some research to figure out where, where were these things coming from? And all the research that I did took me back every to some, a number of articles where people did claim that the TCI. Was biased, but it all ended up going back to
a Lexington Institute article in 2007. Which complained about the T curriculum. And how it, how it involved. Islamic activism and the ideal ideology of multiculturalism, this article, which was cited. Multiple times was very upset about what they called a sanitized account of our country's zealous foes, Muslims. Muslims. They were upset that the teachers of Jesus Christ teachings of Jesus Christ and the good works of Christianity were not emphasized. And this is what I kept getting brought back to every time I would find an article and it would claim, and it would take me back to this, but I thought this is can't possibly be
what those objections were based on form way back 2007. So I tried to do some more. Research to see, are there other places where. This curriculum was cited as having some biased and. The other place that came up was in Florida. When Ron DeSantis. In Florida blocked 82 out of 101 history textbooks on the market. For supposedly being woke and this was one of the 82. They had reviews done by the Florida citizens Alliance, which was a right wing organization. In the end, they ended up letting some of these back in, but they made some of the publishers change things. And so I thought, what is woke about the
T. Books, what is it? And so I read it up and these are the things that are awoke about this book. An elementary book has a picture, just a picture. No text of a family with two dads and that's illegal in Florida. It has a reference to Tammy Baldwin being the first lesbian Senator. And that was found to be woke. That's in the high school, it has a reference to Roe V Wade, and that was found to be woke, but all of those were either in elementary or in high school. So I said, well, what about middle school? And so I looked for the middle school books. And the reason why the books were blocked in middle school. Is because there was a slavery I image. And that quote may violate the statute.
Relating to guilt of future generations. In other words, seeing something about slavery. May make white students today feel guilty. So in Florida that was textbook was not allowed to have that image. Now I couldn't find these three books that we're talking about in any of it. So these were just other books by TCI. But I spent several hours trying to look up and substantiate these claims. And I could find nothing that would show that these books. Had anything that should cause us concern. Now I don't want RCS to be Florida. I don't want us to be blocking and sanitizing books for telling.
The bad parts, as well as the good parts of history. I have seen nothing in these books that merit's concern. I have reviewed them. Our teachers have reviewed them. I trust the process. I trust the educators. And so. I will be voting to approve this new curriculum. Thank you, trustee Blake. Do Dr. Dr. OSPA do you, do you have any comments you'd like to make. First of all, I think trustee Blake for doing due diligence and looking at the curriculum without having a political motivation or a political lens. Trying to impose on other people's children. I do appreciate the diligence that our team did withit. And I think as a trustee. I do need information. I do need questions answered. But I am not a curriculum expert and it is
not my job. To approve. To investigate the curriculum on a min initial level. That is what we pay wonderful and talented people to do. And I appreciate their effort. I appreciate the long time and the amount of effort and the amount of questions that they answered through the process. So I'll be voting to approve this. Thank you, Madam president, I will say I'm not recognizing you. I'd like to speak first. I would like to say that yes, a couple of members did request access to online resources for these recommendations. And the following rationale was shared regarding why this access was not given. Our board responsibility.
Is certainly to ask clarifying questions. Questions on what is presented to us to approve. And there were plenty of clarifying questions that were followed up with. After that initial presentation. I have pronounced of several emails from one particular trustee. So I know those questions were asked and those questions were answered. A school board staying in their lane is a standard and necessary expectation at this level of governance. And regardless of what other other district's practice is. This has never been, it is not the practice or the process of this district. So if a parent whose own child is taking a class or is exposed
to curriculum within our district. If they have questions, they should be working in partnership with their teacher, the educator in the classroom. To find out more information about what's being taught. And whether or not it meets their families' expectations. And that is where the dialogue begins. Begins. So, and, and quite frankly, I just, I, everyone has different opinions about obviously at this table about what our role is. But I can't say enough in that. I trust the educators that we have working within this district. I trust the professionalism and the due diligence that they brought to this board.
With their recommendations. And for those reasons I will be approving what to present, what was presented. Does anyone else have any other comments? Comments trustee. LACOE. First of all I'll I'll remind you what I said. And I just looked it up just now 3 80 12 78 is section it's number three, section a. Michigan law. It doesn't matter what any of us say, Michigan law determines what the governing role of the board is supposed to be says that this is the border. Excuse me, trustee Lak trustee discussion about law is not germane to approving a social studies, quick curriculum. So.
We can debate and fight over what was said in email all the time, you know, for all day. But I think we need to get back to the topic. The topic here is, are we going to prove the curriculum or not? So to that end, I call the question. Oh, don't okay. That's not how call the question works. And also that, excuse me is not a boy for she. The question has been called and it's on the table. Do we have a, do we have a second? No. Madame president stop. Excuse me. I was in the middle of a, I was in the middle of making my statement. And trustee ALSK. But calls a point of order. That is not a correct point of order. I'm explaining what the role of the board is because we're supposed to approve curriculum. And
it's ludicrous to say that you're not allowed to look as a curriculum. You, I don't you to explain the role of the board. I was legit back. The, the president, you don't, this is not German. Question works. It's not a motion that gets made randomly. It's something where you have to be called specifically for that purpose and you weren't called for that purpose. I was in the middle of being recognized and making my statement. Okay. You have two more. We do the right follow Roberts rules. Yes. Just a point of information. Was that. The point of order that I heard trustee SBA made was that it was not germane. I did not hear a ruling.
From you just so we have it for our minutes. I would agree with the point of order. Please continue. So you don't think, please continue. Trustee LA kuey. I will continue, but I, I need to understand the point of order. You don't think the law about approving curriculum. Is relevant when we're talking about approving curriculum, because that is literally what we're calling into dispute. We are. Yes. Yes. I, I just wanna point point something out. I, I, I don't know where you're going with with. All you go to, but you're three sentences. I'm fine with that. Trust que I just wanna say that if you're stating the law about curriculum, I think it's important for every board member, not just trustee of the Kui
to know that this is a resource adoption. You're not approving. We're not, we're not, we're not creating curriculum. There's a, a different between adopting a resource that would meet it. I just wanna be sure that everyone understands that. I'm really familiar. With what resources and curriculum are. And resources are what we use. As part of our curriculum to teach it. Trust you Lak. I, I, again, I was not trying to be disrespectful. I mentioned to I'm in the middle of making my statement and I'd appreciate it. Actually, if people stop interrupting me trust, I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood. All right. Are you, are you time? Is. I don't actually have a long statement. It'd be great
if I could get through it. So, first of all, it's ludicrous not to be able to look at the curriculum that you're approving and the resources are part of that. Second trustee, Blake mischaracterized what I said. And talk about, talk about having a political motivation and lens. I am appalled that trustee Blake is making assumptions about what I think. Based on things he's found other people. Or groups say on the internet point of order this trust, if that's a point of order, then point of order, you reference like a tactic representing me. This is honestly looking like a tactic to not, let me talk. Please finish because please finish your school. You do not.
You. Listen, you do not have. Any idea what I think. About this middle school, social studies curriculum. When I never had a chance to see it, it is wrong for you to group me that way to assume and attack my motives. Motives it's fear mongering. And you would do well to listen to what I'm actually saying. Instead of conflating it with something else. Okay. So I'd like to take this to a vote. All those in favor of approving the teacher's curriculum Institute, digital. Platform with teacher edition resources and classroom. Printed textbooks for all middle school, social studies classes in
the amount of 350, do $350,000 for six years. I'd like to see a raise of hands in eyes, please. Eyes eyes. So that's six A's. Any nays. Nays I abstain and one abstention. Okay. We're moving on now to item. 8.2, which is the elementary literacy resource adoption, strategic plan one. This is an action item for superintendent Russo before we begin. Well, go ahead. Thank you. Madam president. Much like our 8.1 middle school studies, middle school, social studies resource adoption.
We've had a robust discussion two weeks ago. Over our literacy resource adoption. The board's questions have been answered prior to this meeting, unless there's any. Discussion that's pertinent or any clarifying questions. I recommend that the board make a motion to. Vote on whether to adopt or not. Are elementary literacy resource. Comprehensive program. Thank you, superintendent Russo. Russo, is there a motion to approve magnetic? Literacy curriculum for K five instruction at the cost of $692,665. For the 26 27 school year, an annual recurring cost of $280,000 thereafter.
If it is on the MD's approved early literacy materials and series list. By July of 2026. Moved by Dr. ALS spa. Do I have a second? By Shelly Dr. I'm sorry. Trustee. Lozan. And discussion. Trustee Lozan Lozan I just wanted to say again, I appreciate, oh, sorry about that. I just wanna say again, I appreciate all of the work that went into this curriculum research for you guys. It was an amazing presentation. It was great during SBC C to see everything and in everything that. Could be with this curriculum. I will say that I am gonna abstain on this vote simply just because the
curriculum is not on the state's approved list and I'm not comfortable approving something that is not approved at this time. Thank you. Any other questions, any other comments? Trustee, Blake. Oh, sorry. Okay. Trustee Patel. Well, I was gonna just ask trustee Luanne, even though the motion. Specifically says that you know, we are only approving it. If it becomes on the approved lifts, that's still an issue for you. It is just because when I asked for a plan B, there was no plan B. So. Yes, it still stands. Dr. Win Perdue. I wanted to clarify something I spent again, I appreciated the time because I'm new. And also because this is
a complex issue, but I spent a great deal of time. Researching the issue. And one thing that briefly came up last time was that. Magnetic literacy is actually kind of an expansion or an evolution of. Magnetic foundations, which was more of a framework in an only covered, I believe. To second or third grade. Which is approved, which was approved. And so I think the expectation that I found was that we can expect that magnetic literacy will be approved. It was just more, it was more comprehensive and it was including more grade levels.
Thank you. Any other comments? Comments, trustee Blake. So last time we spent an hour, 20 minutes on this and I. Made a lot of comments at that time in questions. Questions. I, I do understand people having questions about this though. This is a newer resource. Like it's not been. Around forever. And we don't, this is something we don't wanna get wrong. So I understand have people having questions. Questions and I had questions. This is not, I think what we sort of expected would be the recommendation when we went into this. But the important thing is that we align our curriculum with the science of reading. With the structured literacy. And this choice does do that. This is not some Lucy Caulkins or some other. Type of program that we know now.
We don't want, this is also complete resource. It doesn't require patching together a couple of different resources to fully cover. And, and the bottom line is we asked our educators to pilot these resources, and we asked them to use this rubric. And if you look at the results, one resource far in a way scored higher. And it wasn't even close. And I think if, if teachers are excited about a resource. Because they see their students excited about it, that. Should pretend positive developments. But we will keep a close eye on the results here. Do we see positive outcomes in student? Performance do are those reflected in assessments?
Does it ultimately flow through to test scores and we'll be asking those questions repeatedly. In years to come. So this is not like a we're done. And we don't have to look at this anymore. I do have the same hesitation, a little bit that Shelly had in terms of the state list. But we're gonna, but number one is, as trustee Butell said, this. Motion hasn't has an, if it has a clause in there. And, but if it isn't on there, we'll regroup and we'll do it quickly and we'll take another look. So I I'd see no reason to reject. The 50, the work of the 57 teachers and substitute my judgment. If I had one.
For there. So I will be voting yes to a vote, approve this curriculum, and I'm excited to see it bear fruit in the years to come. Super superintendent Russo. Yeah, just a point of clarification. Thank you. Madam president, some of the questions that happened after the last meeting, I think it was April 20th. The questions that came in is what would happen if this. Doesn't get any approved list, which we don't expect to happen. Now, weirder things have happened. We know the state is not always in alignment with RCS, but. We did say that we would look at the approved list as of July 1st. Again for background, July 1st is allegedly when an MD M
D E approved list would come out again. Sometimes that means a week ahead. Sometimes it means a week behind. But if that happened, we would look to something on the approved list. For implementation for the second semester of next year. And that was given to our, our board members in the superintendent cabinet notes. And I know we always give you a lot of information. So if that was missed, I just wanted to clarify. Clarifying point for all of you. Thank you. Dr win Perdue. I'm sorry. I also wanted to be respectful of an issue that Nick brought up about curriculum associates and just clarify. That that lawsuit is a que is actually about iReady.
iReady, and it is related to the use of student data. And that's an issue that we're actually having to consider with generative AI with all big data companies, how are they aggregating the data? Who are they sharing with? So I do appreciate the question that you raised, but it is something that we're having to deal with with all. Resources where users are being retracted. We can say that loosely in terms of behaviors and performance, and that is something that, you know, everybody is following closely, but it's not something
limited to curriculum associates. Associates. Thank you for that. Any other? Yes, trustee. Luk. Luie well, I need to explain my vote because our community has spent a decade. Fighting to get our students a better literacy curriculum. So when I vote, no tonight, it's not because I wanna slow progress it's because we fought too long for this moment. To make a poorly supported decision and I'll give you a few reasons. Reasons one, the pilot was very short. The curriculum is very new and I share the hesitation about it. Not being fully approved by the state of Michigan. We'd been piloting several. Reputable curriculums for a couple years.
And I've only been hearing positive feedback about them. Magnetic literacy. Wasn't added until January, just a few months ago. And we're also recommending it ahead of the state's own review timeline. And I haven't seen evidence to justify going first. The memorandum we received states that adopting magnetic literacy. Maintains district compliance with Michigan's reading laws. And I, it sounds like we're making a big assumption there. But the grades three through five portion. Is not currently on the state's approved list. And we're hoping that it will be cuz the K through two portion is very strong. But the three through five scope and sequence doesn't yet show a clear map for morphology or multisyllabic.
Decoding and spelling wasn't even part of the 2025 pilot. And you can't simultaneously. Claim compliance with the reading law and recommend a curriculum that only partially meets it. The board deserves a straight answer about the risk and it doesn't sound like we have one. It sounds like we just are gonna look again. If it doesn't work out. Second, we have a stronger alternative that was not explained away. Okay. I'm I was hearing at the last meeting, we don't wanna use Orton Gillingham. You fly paired with something else, even though I've heard lots of feedback from the 57 teachers who are participating in the pilot, many of them really liked using youth fly in Orton Gillingham, but
they's okay. If we want a comprehensive. Curriculum. We also piloted CK, L a that was fully on Michigan's approved list and it has a long national track record. And I haven't seen a compelling evidence-based explanation for why it was passed over. What I heard instead is that magnetics scored better on the rubric. But we learned that the rubric was unweighted. Meaning categories like joyful and developmentally appropriate. Carried the same weight as foundational knowledge and structured literacy alignment. Prioritizing. Soft categories like joy and there were several. Over the structured literacy alignment. Is precisely what got us into the Lucy Caulkins mess
in the first place. Hopefully, we're not doing that again. We have to avoid repeating those kinds of mistakes, but still I've seen no academic. Basis for this choice. And I asked repeatedly, including in writing. For student outcome data, comparing the curricula. But what I heard instead were descriptions of classroom, energy, visual appeal, teacher enthusiasm. And those things, aren't nothing, but they're not an academic case. And then my third main point is. The financial model deserves more scrutiny. The initial cost is nearly $700,000. And the annual recurring fee, like we heard earlier today. Is almost half the purchase price. It's 280,000 every year
indefinitely. So one thing I asked for in between meetings was for a chart to compare all the upfront and recurring curriculum costs. But when the district provided a chart, I noticed that the 280,000 annual fee didn't even appear on it. So I brought that up too, but I didn't receive a re a reassuring response. The thing is I can't trust a chart when it's missing numbers and it goes unclear uncorrected. It's clear. I'm not necessarily. Comparing apples to apples. And I mentioned this just because the public should know the full picture and how some of these questions are being handled. Handled I'm concerned about the precedent of an expensive. Never ending subscription cost. And I'm not sure exactly what
we're getting for that money. Nick Blazek talked about this earlier. In the public comments too. Over five years, it's nearly 2.1 million in counting. And one more thing. The district's own presentation. Liz iReady integration is a selling point, but iReady is also not on the state's approved list of assessments. They were found partially non-compliant and withdrew their application in February. So recommending a curriculum, partly on the basis of its compatibility. With a non-compatible compliant assessment tool. Doesn't sound like sound rationale. Rationale I'm concerned. We're seating too much power to this one. Vendor curriculum associates. Associates. So to conclude
our board delayed this vote to allow time for more answers. Some answers were helpful. But the most important ones were not. My job is not to vote. Yes, because people worked hard. It can feel good in the moment, but it's not the right thing to do. And none of this is easy for me. I don't like. Having to vote. No, but my job is to make sure the evidence is there before committing the district to a multimillion dollar contract on something as important as teaching our kids to read. Superintendent Russo. Russel. Okay. Just, just a couple items to. To address. I mean, it's important for the community to understand as well that
the implementation that the state set is not until next year and Rochester. When I first got here, we wanted to implement last year. And even when we pushed it to this year, there was discussion at this board table. Me included. Included about the not wanting to, we wanted to jump on board. We wanted to get something in our hands. As you mentioned before, trustee, the Kui that you said for a decade, parents have been, I don't, I'm not gonna. Remember your exact words, but paraphrasing have been. Thirsty or eager for this. And so. I, I just, the, the, the disconnect in the timeline. Is also a challenge for us because the state is not approving something like every week and rolling out as
they get approved, they're giving us in big chunks. So twice a year, we get an approval list. And that list can change and modify. As the years go on, but our timeline in the state's timeline are not the same timeline. I just wanna put that in, into the ether for everybody, because that, that is fact. Secondly, I think just to address something for C K L a. It was discussed last lest meeting that, that those that were piloting C K L a. Well, first of all, I think C a I'm gonna go by memory is like 2.2 million. That would take about eight years of us doing consumables, just to reach the 2 million upfront costs for C K
L a. So right. There is a major difference in fi in finances, which we had to take in account when looking for what we were gonna recommend as a resource adoption. But C K L a in the pilot, and I'm gonna be paraphrasing again, is. Teachers were finding that on the on-ramp for students. Students that some of the things, some of the. Lessons in the scope and sequence. Was behind where most of our students were coming in at, in the classrooms in which it was piloted. So while it might not be the, the, an explanation that doesn't resonate. That was the explanation that was rendered last, last time and probably different words. But what I'm saying is if they're, if C K a is being
shown through our pilot to not be meet this students where their at. They're at knowing that this, I just wanna put it out. This comprehensive. Adoption. In to meet the state standard says that our tier one intervention it's gonna instruction is gonna look very different in our classrooms than it did for the last 10 years. The last 30 years, the tier tier one intervention. Is going to address every student in the same fashion. It's going to be a different instructional practice that we're using. And so I put all of those things together just to have some clarifying points. The 2.2 million is real. For C K L a and it didn't. And according to our teachers who we trust in pilot, didn't meet
the needs of students where they were at. Thank you, superintendent Russo. Rousseau at this point I would like to, oh yes. Trust. I, I guess I have a follow up question to Mr. Russo, because you kind of talked about how. Our two the the board and the state are not in sync. And so I guess you know, in to go along with what trustee Luk was saying. I mean, I certainly don't. I mean, do you feel like we're rushing this right? I mean, I know we've put lots of things in place across our district in order to. Improve how we're teaching. And you know, is this something where we should be waiting? Do we need to. Have
additional pilots or that type of thing. I mean, if, if we're doing this, just because the board had indicated that we wanted something, you know, to come in. I'm not sure that's the right reason. So I guess I'm asking you for clarification on that. Yeah, that's a great question. And to be quite honest, I don't know that that's the right justification either. Right when I came here year one. Was we wanted to implement this, you know, structured, literacy and move, move forward. When we pushed it back to year two I'll I'll repeat, there was a lot of discussion at the board table of disappointment about that. And so we piloted, we, we made a timeline based
on those needs and wants. And so if we push this back now, let's. Let's say that nothing gets adopted and we go into now another year. Of either piloting or et cetera. We have a July submission and then December or January submission from the state of what those. We could be in the same boat then. We don't, if we, we we've already piloted C K L a, which is, as you mentioned, I think in the last meeting is one of the biggest. Being adopted. I think it's at 98% or 98 points or whatever on, on their serv, on their rubric. But we could be in the same boat again. So. Magnetic literacy is a resource that's founded in reading science
and in the, if we have buy-in from the teachers and those who experienced it with the buzz around it, I feel like that's, you know, one of the things in education that in probably in, in private sector too, only work there a couple years before coming in. But. Getting the energy around something and the, the, the staff's want to do it is usually 80% of the battle. And so I feel very comfortable that that. Teachers will jump on board to magnetic literacy. If this is a, is if this is approved and if we don't see the results coming as we should. We can then after a year or two of having
a list that the state says they were gonna get us three years ago, gets us in 27. We can revisit. Okay. Any other questions? Questions. Okay. Yes. Trustee Lozan. Is it out of the question to expand the pilot to more. Of the students for the magnetic literacy. To seek to actually see it more in action. So is the question that would we, is the question, would we want to pilot? Next year more magnetic, like more classrooms of magnetic. I mean it's possible. We would have to then purchase mid-year for implementation of a 27 28 school year. Okay. There is a motion on the floor.
And that is to approve. Magnetic literacy curriculum for KWA K five instruction. Meta present. Yes. I thought of an so as far as the seek out the CK a go, you said that students were coming in, they're more advanced than. What CCAL C K L a was able to meet them at, do you know, like what grade levels we're talking about when it comes to that or what. Areas of literacy that was occurring in. I don't have that specific data in front of me. No. Because I've also heard, even when I was. Researching some of this that, you know, you can pair things like you fly for instance, which is practically. It's very, very inexpensive you fly is with other.
Curriculums. I wonder if doing something like that. Is a way to mitigate. Some of those kinds of concerns, but. If we were going to do something like that, we would have to wait to see what a three, five curriculum would be approved by the state, along with Youfly who's. Who's you know, is OG based or reading science based. Science-based so what you'd be doing is taking two separate. Resources for K five in order to. Meet the needs because the, the tier one instruction, like I said, is gonna look a lot different, right? It's not. There's a lot of changes for teachers. And so the comprehensive. Program, which is required by the state. We, we can't just take the K2. Right? I know what you said
is like combining them or, oh, I know. Yeah. With you flying Orton Gillingham. You, those are just foundational knowledge, types of curriculum. So typically districts would pair that with a different type of curriculum. And I know we were using Witten wisdom and I remember people didn't really like Witten wisdom. But I was wondering, did we try any other curriculums that would've paired well with something like you fly an Orton Gill Gillingham. When we were conducting our pilots, well, we were piloting comprehensive. Programs and putting 'em in different grades across the district so that we head of a cross section of what were the experience for a second grader. I'm using arbitrary
examples, kindergartner second grader, fifth grader using the comprehensive program. So we weren't parsing that out purposefully. Because for two years, we were using Youfly and Orton-Gillingham, and I assumed there was a resource we were using with that, so that all five pillars of literacy could be met. With and so that other resource would be meeting the other pillars of literacy. That were not covered by Uly or not covered by Orton Gillingham. I'm wondering what else we piloted. That's similar to Witten wisdom, for instance, that would've paired well with those resources, because there was, that was going on since 20, 24. Yeah. I don't know what would be similar to
Whit and wisdom. I, I just don't know that I I'm that close enough to, I, I wasn't in a classroom teacher during the time of the pilot of Witten wisdom versus. Something else that would be similar. I know that Witten wisdom has been adopted in some districts in Oakland county and there's mixed reviews on, on it. Okay. There is a motion to approve magnetic literacy curriculum. For K five instruction at the cost of $692,665. For the 26 27 school year, an annual recurrent cost of $280,000 thereafter. If it is in, if it is on the MD's approved early literacy materials and series list by July of
2026. It was moved by Dr. ALS spat and supported by D trustee Loza. Lozan I'd now like to take a vote. All those in favor, please say I raise your hands. Aye. Aye. Aye. So that's five, any nays? Nays say no one nay, any abstentions, one abstention. So that's a five. Yes. One nay, one abstention and it is passed. Next we're going to go on to. Item 8.3. Second breeding policy. Second reading of policy 2 0 0 6, which is the wireless. Communication devices. Action item. And that is Mr. David Murphy. Mr. Murphy. Thank you. Good evening, everyone.
Returning for a second reading on three. Policy edits tonight, the first one of which. Had a first reading on April 20th. This is for the wireless communication device policy 2006. Recommending approval on this, this evening. What you have before you is. The exact same. Language as presented on the 20th, saved for a few minor grammatical corrections. One of which was the bulleted list. On the second page. And also you have the administrative regulation, which would go into effect. As well, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Murphy. Is there a motion to approve the update to policy
2 0, 0 6. Regarding wireless communication devices to take effect for the 20. 26 27 school year. Do I have a motion? Trustee Patel supported by Dr. OSPA discussion. I just had a quick question. Yes. So the enforcement of this policy is really what will affect students day to day. So I'm wondering when the board and families will see the AR language that will govern how this is carried out. Superintendent the AR language is included in the document. Before you, I think what you're really a asking about is the operational effect. The air AR language is listed.
The operational effect is what I'm asking about the operational effect. As discussed on the April 20th meeting. You're adopting the policy. It's now the turn of the administration. And the teachers and the administrators to put that into operation, which will happen over the course of the spring and the summer in time for the fall. As this new policy takes effect. Next fall with this. Expansive of a change. I would expect a district-wide communication. Inclusive of what's expected during school. And also you'll see changes to the handbook. And other governing documents as well to reflect this policy change policy first.
Administrative regulation, follow operational effect. Follow that in time. To take effect next fall. Thank you. I'll take a vote. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Okay, that looks like a seven. Oh, vote going on to item 8.4, the second reading of policy 7 0 0 1, which is record retention. This is another action item for Mr. Murphy. Yeah. Again, first reading on April 20th, this is under the school community relations 7,000. Category of policy under the beginning goal. And it's just new language. Reflecting current law for record retention. In in Michigan. And again, I think the recommendation from Miller Johnson was
due to the number of questions that they're seeing in their. Districts that they service about record retention to putting. Some language to policy that is reflective of current law and current practice. So, again, we're recommending approval of this this evening. Thank you, Mr. Murphy, is there a motion to approve the record retention? Addition to policy 70 0 1 as presented. Moved by Dr. Wynn Perdue. Is there a second, Dr. SBA. Discussion. Seeing none. I'd like to take a vote, please raise your hands and say, aye. Aye. Aye. That's a seven oh, vote. Thank you moving on to item 8.5, the second reading
of policy. 3 0 0 3 instruction. This is you again? Mr. Murphy? Yeah. Again, this was first presented on April 20th. This is a compliance piece. Regarding the updated law. Requiring school districts to notify community. If they're using. Curriculum not on the state's evidence-based list. By September 30, 20, 26. So the new language in red reflects that update to the law and we're recommending approval. For this to go into effect this evening. Thank you, Mr. Murphy, is there a motion to approve the additions to policy 3 0 0 3. Instruction to notify parents of using a curriculum, not on
the state's evidence-based list. For grades K five as presented. Trustee Patel. Is there a second. Dr. SSPA. Any discussion. Seeing none. Could you please raise your hands. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. That's SEP. No nays. And that passes as written. Just thank you. Just a quick note for the board. I was a little tardy in getting these changes ahead of time to Miller Johnson. So I would expect to probably a week or so delay until you see these online. Usually they would be the next day, but if you're not seeing them right away, that's just because I, I delayed in getting them
the information. Thank you, Mr. Murphy, can I ask a follow-up? Yes. Will you go ahead and update to 0 0 6 since it doesn't. Doesn't take effect until the 26th, 27 school year, or will you clear no, notation it be updated and read that it will take effect or it will wait. I'll, I'll get advice on that one way or the other. It'll be clear when it takes effect. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for the question. Thank you, Mr. Murphy, next up is item 8.6 early childhood education center, stormwater. This is an action item with Mr. DeLuca. Good evening board, Mr. Russo. Russo have three agenda items or three approvals for tonight.
And then one memorandum like to go over first, let's start with the E C E C drainage project. That's this building right here. So we can talk about it too. If you wanna have some questions about it. The district advertised a request for proposal for the EC EC drainage project on February 12th, 2026 and the local publication, the Rochester post, and posted our RFP documents on purchasing pages of the district web website, Sigma and bid net direct. Direct the district received eight responses for one category of construction of trade. On the due date, a public reading of the bids received was conducted on February 24th, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The funding requested is to address storm water drainage and
flooding issues at the early childhood education center. The bids were analyzed on the bid content, complete, complete itself inclusion in the required submittals. Submittals and the project total comes to. $109,500. For earthwork site utilities and concrete. To Delco services. Services with a construction maintenance fees of $61,000. But the total of $171,000, 351, I'm sorry, $171,000, 170 $100,000. I'm sorry, I gotta read this quick 171,000. Dollars $300. Just take a breath and start over. Well, it's hard to read it. I have my glasses.
Questions for me. Okay. Thank you. Before we begin to discuss. Can I get a motion to approve the EC EC drainage project and award a contract to DCO services, LLC. LLC for a total project cost not to exceed. $171 and 351 cents. Wait 171. Oh, I got you going now. Didn't I? Oh my God. You did it. Okay. $171,351 utilizing. Syncing funds. Correct. Can I get motion? Dr. OSBA can I get a second? That's trustee Patel.
Discussion. None seeing none. I'll take a vote, please raise your hand and say, aye. If you approve. Aye. Aye. Okay. That's a seven. Oh, vote moving on to 8.7. Auditorium light boards. That's also you Mr. Doula. Okay. This is a great one. So the district advertiser requests for proposals for high school auditorium, light boards. Boards. This is a replacement of all three of our light boards at three of our high schools. The in February 12th, 2026, the publication was posted with the RFP. RFP in the Rochester post and the bid not bid net direct and Sigma. There were four responses for the due date of February 26th.
And they were opened at 2:00 PM. The auditorium late board that Stony Creek high school Rochester high school and Adams high school are 20 years plus old. Due to the age of the equipment repair parts are hard to obtain. And they are no longer available to order and to make those repairs on those light boards. Boards, the new light boards that we'll be purchasing, have intelligent lighting at them, which have like presets to them, to where now the lighting has changed and gotten more advanced with L E D lighting. So the new system where we can start converting some of our, our theaters to L E D lights and movable lights that have programming to it. The proposals were evaluated by director of capital projects, facilities,
Pete Musu who's behind me, Adrian Walker, the RCS auditorium coordinator. And the bids were analyzed for bid content and inclusion. Based on the information. We recommended that the district award, the high school auditory light board replacement project to advance, letting and sound in the amount of $196,000, 800 190 $6,895. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. DeLuca, is there a motion to award the high school auditor auditorium light board. To replacement project to advance, lighting and sound in the amount of $196,895.
Utilizing sinking funds, Dr. Winn, Perdue and seconded by trustee. Lozan. Lozan is there any discussion? Seeing oh, yes. Dr. Alba. So I do have some questions about this one, because I remember being at Rochester and moving those dials to the mark tape. And that board gave off a, like a humming noise that was never quite. It always made me wonder if it was about to explode. So how long will these new boards last? Pete. I dunno if you can answer that, but that was part of the bidding project. I mean, we've had light boards at Rochester. Being the former principal there that Lightboard currently was about over 20 years old. So I could see it. It's a similar product. When I looked at the bid similar
product that we have now, pretty much the same company. So I'm, I'm, I'm assuming it's gonna be over 20 years. I hope. And I, I hate to say I hope, but it's the same product. It's just the technology on it is just a little bit more advanced. Advanced do we does this new board have modules that we can upgrade so that we don't have to throw out the whole thing? Is that a feature of it, or I don't understand what you mean by modules. Like, can we upgrade it without. Repurchasing the whole there's software upgrades that can happen to the boards. But though for the, the components, it's still mechanical with regards to slides that have dimmer switches on
'em that lo that go into our panel behind the stage, but it's fully programmed. For cues that we can use for our plays. The more advanced features that I see on them is that if our students wanted to buy intelligent lighting, say. And that's a lighting that, that goes on multi-access points. Now we can use the board to control those and have programmed features that are on the board that would understand what that light is. So if we buy a light, say from advanced thing, lounge sound, and we plug it into our system, that board now is compatible to it. To where now we can control that board currently. Right now we have to manually program.
The X and Y access on the lights to. Actually make it move. So you're making them use their geometry. You're saying that you that's right. Algebra's. One other question. So you kind of said if we wanna buy new lights. So I'm wondering by buying this base unit, are we then going to have other costs of buying new fancy. Lights. And do you see that coming? And that's, can you talk a little bit about that? Good, good question. So I'm currently that the, the theaters are kind of in the lane of curriculum department, we're in teaching and learning department. What I've seen over the years with, within our buildings are students that are saying, we want.
The fancy lights, you know, so you'll have a, you'll have one school that says we'd like to do a fundraiser to raise lights for something that's specialized for a play. We, we endorsed that to. Rent the lights or even purchase them with having this board. Now, though, we'll be able to. Kind of expand our capabilities. In our theme, our scene selection, as well as our, the theatrical performances. Performances, but also to do some different things that we're not able to do. To move forward with lighting. We only had one high school currently that had its total lighting package. Redone. And I think that was Stony P. Yeah, Stony Creek that had new lights put in. So Adams in Rochester would be something that with, with
syncing fund or a bond coming down the way that we would look into replacing. Yeah. Thank you, Dr. DeLuca, I do have one question and maybe you said it and I didn't catch it, but. Is there any sort of warranty attached to. This particular product. I had to yield a Pete on that. He looked at reviewed the bid package, but Pete, was there any warranties that were associated with that? Five years. Come on up. Pete, come, come on up five year warranty. Five years. That standard usually. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. Any other questions? Questions seeing none. I'd like to take a vote. All those in favor, please say, aye, raise your hands. I I okay. That's a seven oh vote.
All right. The next one I have for the board is this one's exciting. I mean, really exciting is recommendation for approval of concrete replacement. Across the district, the district advertiser requests for proposals for concrete replacement project on March 26th, 2026 in the local publication, the Rochester post and posted RFP documents on the purchasing pages of the district website, Sigma and Binet direct. Direct the district received five responses for one category of construction trade on the due date. A public reading of the bids received was conducted on April 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM. So the, the request is to fund the cost replaced
concrete areas that are filling at all of our school buildings. This includes sidewalks, building entrances, loading dock areas, and driveway curbing. Bids were reviewed and evaluated by a team from Frank Alden's son and Pete miso, director of capital projects for Rochester community schools. All the accepted bids were found to be initially compliant or compliant with the required specifications per the detail in the summary. The bids were analyzed on bid content. Completely missed. Inclusion of required Ms. Submittals and compliance with required specifications. So we have concrete that'll be issued to Luigi, fer Nandi for it's
Luigi F is the, the company's name. And son cement for $478,000. Or $478,998. For the contractual sum with all the contracts and maintenance fees of $591,272. Questions from the board. Okay. Before we begin with questions, is there a motion to approve the 2026 concrete replacement project? And award a contract to Luigi. Luigi for, for Dini. And sun cement for a total project cost not to exceed $591,272.
Utilizing syncing funds. Trustee Lozan a second. Okay. Trustee, Vito. Tim discussion. Yeah, trustee luon. Is that driveway on the list? actually that driveway is the first one that I spoke of. Yeah. That's part of it. Trust Dr. OSPA. Yes. I'm. I'm glad to hear the tunnel list too. so I had two questions, this failing concrete, that's all over the district. Do we have any idea how old it is? And do we have any idea how long these are replacements will last or we talking. Or a 20 year fix. I can take a stab
at it first. Yeah, we, we, I mean, obviously there's, there's hundreds of thousands of feet of concrete in this district. Based on, you know, when it was done with our last bond, it could have been previous bonds back in 2004. Even going back in 1989. I mean, there's so many different works that we had here in additions we had in our, in our buildings. It could be that when we made additions to buildings, we drove over the concrete to give you a date on when concrete was poured as difficult. That's a, I can't answer that. Don't think Pete can answer when a specific date based on if it wasn't stamped. That's fair. I was just kind of asking for general, but that's fair. So what we see across the district
is a lot of our areas where you have entrances and curbing to where we had either some construction done there, or we had some site visits to where we had dry drainage per problems that we had re redo. But a lot of the, a lot of it's just wear and tear. With the salt that we have in Michigan. As well as a lot of the. Activity we have on our, on our, our walkways. Walkways Pete. I did a good, good job with that. Thank thanks. And do we have any idea how long this will last, will you be coming to us with more concrete repairs next year or so talking with Pete and just being open with the board? The bit came in lower than we thought with. We did the bids
that we thought were looking at over a million dollars and in work. And so when Pete and I talked. He said, wow. It came in lower than we thought with regards to the lowest bidder. This, this, this company though has done work in municipalities all across Michigan. They have a team of over 80 ki 80 people. So they can do this work fairly quickly this summer. So we're really impressed with that. So do I see us coming back? Yes. Seeing that we got a good rate and a good bit that came in. I could see us coming back after next year. Again, one more time to see if we missed any spots that we wanted to improve on, but you would be fixing new spots, not fixing the same spots, correct? Yeah.
Okay. It'd be, it'd be new spots. Just, just to give you some context. So the reason why we, I did this project is because. Our maintenance budget. We, we replace about our budget's about 50,000 a year in concrete replacement. And we were doing site visits, talking to building administrators. And there was like $50,000 at one location and it was just getting outta hand. We couldn't manage it through our maintenance budget. So the thought I thought I would just, we would walk the district. So it took four days to walk all the district. We sent maps out to all the building. Most administrators got feedback from them. Then our actually physically walked every piece of concrete.
And if it was heaving or. Badly cracking that we replace it. It was just a hairline crack. We didn't replace those. Those will last a couple years longer. So it was a pretty exhaustive, but we do, we replace concrete every year. It just that's the nature of the business. the nature of the business. Yep. Okay. Are there any other questions? Questions seeing none. Is there a motion to approve the 20, 26 contract or sorry, concrete replacement project. What's that? Oh yeah, that's right. It's already on the floor. I'm sorry. It's late. All those in fever favor, please raise your hands and say, aye. Aye. Aye. I that is a seven oh vote. Thank you. All right. Next is item 8.9 stormwater management program plan
again, this is Dr. DeLuca. Yes. This is a resolution that I have in front of you that I passed out before the meeting and as well in our cabin notes, this is a resolution that goes out every three years. That school districts do need a approved by the board entity. The last approval was on February 13th, 2023, by this board, the. Stormwater resolution is posted in our website. It's under our department tab and facilities. And our community can looked at its front facing to our community there. I also did put in the cabinet notes last month with regards to our storm waters management plan. Thank you, Dr. De Luca, is there a motion to
approve the resolution in support of stormwater management plan as presented? Dr. OSPA a second, Dr. Lynn Perdue. Discussion. Trustee I had asked, but I had not received an answer back yet. If we do this every three years, is there a reason why in the resolution? It doesn't say that that. Whereas it's required by the board to approve this every three years. Yeah, I don't have the answer. Pete, do you have an answer? No, that's just the way our, our consultant drafted it up. We can look at adding that to language if you want. Yeah, because I wondered in like the sixth wear as if we could add at the end and approve a
resolution in support of stormwater management plan every three years. Or to add a whereas right after that one, because it's. It's I think it fell when I was researching it under the N P D E S municipal separate storm sewer discharge permit, which is the same thing that's listed under six as a requirement. Yeah, this is just, this is just a draft version that our consultant came up with. But yeah, we can change. Add that if we want to. Mm-hmm . But it's required by Eagle at the state of Michigan to every three years. Yeah. It's a, it's a, it's a statutory requirement is what you're saying. Yeah. Basically it's just the state wants to make sure, because we're part of a stormwater system that
we're not illicitly discharging. Right stuff into the stormwater system. So, so I, I understand your point, but I think if it's a statutory requirement, I, I don't necessarily see the need to. Revise it, I guess I would just say that. I think almost all of these wear ass are statutory requirements. So we're restating. Everything, but if my board colleagues. Don't care. I guess I, I can vote for it, but I would like to see us in the future to update it to. Include that any other comments? Comments. Yeah. Dr. OSPA. Are we facing any type of deadline to get this through? Like it has to be passed tonight. Otherwise we're out of compliance.
Complaints. It was due in April. So we're a little late. They received a letter that it was going to the board. So that's yeah, they, they alerted it. That was going to the board, so, okay. Any other comments? Comments, none seeing none. There is a motion on the table. And that's to approve the resolution in support of stormwater management plan as presented all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Okay. That's a seven oh vote. And one last night. Thank you both. Yep. Thank you. Appreciate your time. Now we're onto item 8.10. Discussion of proposed policy 8 0 0 9. Digital communications. This is an action item brought forward by
trustee. trustee Lui. Lacoy thanks. First I wrote this. Because we've seen some real issues with completeness and consistency in how district records are maintained. For example, FOIA responses where key district records weren't found that we know for a fact existed and should have turned up, except for the fact that a personal email was used. So that's why I believe this policy is worth adding. My proposal fits naturally within 8,009 as a new subsection before public use. Our current policy already addresses professionalism. This addition addresses a separate issue, how substantive district business
should be conducted and retained through official channels. Channels and it's standard that companies and organizations have policies like this. It's really just common sense. Even apart from FOIA, I'd think we'd want everything flowing through Digi district channels for the most part for liability protection. There's a reason. We have district email accounts and district approved, approved systems. The district is responsible for maintaining records. Protecting confidential information and being able to retrieve what should be retrievable. So here's my ask. If you're planning to vote. No. I thank you. Owe the public an answer to this question. How exactly is the district supposed to meet its record
retention and transparency. Obligations. What is the compelling argument? That substantive district business. Between the employees, contractors and board members covered by this policy. Should be conducted through personal accounts. Accounts. Cause I can't think of one to me voting no begins to look like we're comfortable with arrangements that circumvent the open meetings act or FOIA point of order. And I don't believe that's where we want point of order. Wouldor one of our board norms is that we will not. Make assumptions. We will not make assumptions about other people's motivations. This is nothing but assumptions. That that order is well taken. Please continue. Trustee. Luie.
Well, okay. Now I also wanna acknowledge that trustee Wyn Perdue admitted a revised version of my proposal. And I've read through it and it seems to accomplish the same core goal. I like it a lot. I am open to moving forward with her version. Mine or both, whatever the board prefers. So what I'd like to do tonight, is to make a motion to send the policy to legal counsel for review. So we can move toward potential adoption at a future meeting. Okay. Trustee Lacoy has made a motion. To if approved. Move policy 8 0 0 9. Digital communications.
This policy. She is. Proposing to legal counsel. If approved here at the table this evening, would you like me to read the here? I'll read this motion cuz I sure tried to make it specific and people can adjust it if they want. I move that the board direct legal counsel to review the proposed official communication channels policy. Including trustee Wynn Perdue revised draft. And return a recommendation to the board no later than the June 8th, regular meeting. So that the board may consider adoption at that time. Thank you. Is there a second? That's trustee Luanne. Okay. Discussion. Trustee Blake. So we first discussed this policy a few meetings ago and I gave reasons at that time, when I thought
it was a bad idea, it has been rewritten since then. To address some of those. And I do appreciate that. I tried to listen to every one of your points and I thought I addressed them. It was rewritten to address some of my points. And so you're gonna be disappointed here that I still have issues with it. The first of all, there's a, there's a lot of issues in terms of terminology. I know you tried to add a lot of terminology in here to try to be specific, but. The terminology in here is problematic in, within itself. I believe first of all, this purports to apply to contractors. Which we have no control over. We can't make them comply with a part, this particular policy, at least not
until we rewrite, unless they're until we rewrite our contracts with them. We don't provide any district-wide communication devices, which would make this a little easier to implement. The policy says personal emails and texts are prohibited except for. Operational necessity. Travel student supervision, other time sensitive circumstances. Those still are vague, like operational necessity. What, what is that travel? Does that mean you're away from the building you're away from the district. You're overnight. You're just you, you went on a field trip, Detroit. I mean, what is travel actually mean? So students who supervision seem like that's what teachers are doing all day.
So these are subject to various interpretations. And as a lawyer, I can tell you, lawyers will fight over. Words like this over every word. It only applies to substantive district business, which. You're trying to narrow it, which is good. But you're defining it as. Decisions approvals official guidance. Material discussions. Of district operations policy, student matters or financing. I can tell you that lawyers have put their kids through college litigating, whether something was material or not. That's a huge. Thing, every single one of these things is again, vague it's subject to.
Differing interpretations and the exceptions. Ironically are so broad that they, they kind of swallow the rule, but. Just to be honest, beyond quibbling with the language, I have a fundamental disagreement with the philosophy behind the policy. I, I think that it puts bureaucracy over professionalism. It attempts to micromanage how our staff communicate. Treating highly educated, dedicated professionals, more like people who we can't trust. I think it shows a fundamental lack of trust in our staff. We're signaling. We don't trust our staff to know the difference between a casual conversation and a formal
district record. It's been my experience at professionals don't need to be heavily monitored to do their jobs effectively and ethically. And schools are fast-paced environments. Sometimes a quick group text among grade level teachers about struggling student or a spontaneous phone call. About a policy is, is the most efficient way to solve a problem. When we're making people be less efficient by doing this. We're also attempting to govern how people use their own personal cell phones and accounts. Accounts heavily policing. The incidental use of personal devices creates a culture. Of anxiety and surveillance. Staff shouldn't have to worry that a quick test text
to a colleague offering professional advice would result in a disciplinary hearing or a demand to search their personal phone, to see if they have anything. Responsive. And so and ironically by having all these exceptions, which I think we're, well-meaning. We're acknowledging that personal texting. And mobile communication are essential to people doing their job in 2026. It's just part of how people do it. So. I think a better approach would be. Training staff on the core principles of FOIA and record retention. Trusting them to be professionals. And providing them with the modern communication tools that they
actually need. I don't think that we should treat our employees or we should treat our employees rather like the professionals they are. Not problems or people that have to be heavily. Monitored. This policy would make their jobs harder. It's in my opinion, insulting to our professionals. And so I oppose the policy. Sup superintendent Russo. You had a comment. Yeah, I just, I have a question. I. Trusty the kuey the, for this. Digital communications piece. You mentioned. That there was you, you, there was a FOIA request that came out that someone used personal email and that's, again, I'm paraphrasing. I'm not, I don't know the exact words. Can you gimme that example of, of when that happened?
Sure I could do that. On a, as, as long as we're not violating like a current employee's. Right. It doesn't violate anything. I can tell you all about it. So on October 1st, I received an email from Tara Donnelley explaining that her earlier foyer request for a letter from former superintendent Shaer to former president beers about former trustee, Joe Patel was denied as no records found, even though we know for a fact that they letter debt did and does exist based on the arbitration files, because it was. Produced for that. So that was produced out of district email. No, it was not produced. It was from a personal email account. No was not. Although that's fair. It was
from, I'm telling you the truth. That was produced from discovery during the arbitration. And FOIA is a reasonable expectation that you are going to. Keep your records and find them when it's asked and with. Ms. Donnelley's FOIA. And this was explained to her and to the board. It was explained very differently to us before this is news to me that it was from district because you, you explained it to me actually before, too, when I was asking about this, that it was likely from a personal email account. And that's why district wasn't able to find it for the foyer request. This was question mark clearly. Yeah. When this was a question mark, prior to. Discovery. I said that was a possibility.
I I'm not the former superintendent, nor am I Tara Donley. So I don't or all the people that were involved in that email. But when it was found in discovery, it was found through district email. It was a PDF. And when you searched, so why were we not able to find it when tarragon searches or when, when, when, sorry, let me back up. When someone. Requests a Foy when REITs a FOIA. We look through electronic, communicate through our, our system. Through all of our electronic communications for the words and or phrases and or whatever they're asking for. Because it didn't match what. Was produced in discovery doesn't mean it didn't exist. It
just didn't match. Mr. Russo, she gave a date range. And there were, there were other indications in the foyer request that she sent where it really, it should have turned up. And that's why I was told at the time that it likely in any case, well, I'm ju I, that's why I asked the question and I'm not trying to be argumentative. I just wanted to make sure that if that was the impetus that it wasn't. Wasn't if that's the impetus for this policy, that's not what happened from a personal email account. That's well, I, I appreciate you clearing up that example. That's the first time I heard about that. There have also been other incidents. We also remember the incident, you know, back when an administrator overrode our accounts
payable process and approved funneling $40,000 of invoices to a PR firm through a law firm without marked invoices. And there were no district records found associated with that incident. And there should have been. But the point still stands. The point stands that using district channels to communicate district information is just a really obvious kind of a thing. It doesn't communicate. Distrust it doesn't. I mean, you could say that about literally any of our policies. You could say, why do we have any policies when you've got policies? It makes you think that people are going to do something wrong. Par policies are there as guardrails. And if you compare.
This policy. To our other policies. I mean, you could go through and you could find different words and you could pick them out and you could say, oh, this is too vague because I mean, who knows what this word really means? You could do that with just about any of our policies and find specific words and take it like that. What we do when we write the policies is we try to make it as specific as possible. But of course there has to be some layer of common sense that we use when we're applying it. And that sort of thing has been explained before in connection to some of our other policies. So I was listening really carefully. You're saying you don't wanna make this apply to contractors.
We don't have any control over them. Well, no, it, it would just mean that contractors would use our district email a addresses. If they're communicating with district administrators or employees, like there's nothing wrong with that. Why would you need to use your personal email? There's nothing in here that says you can't make a spa. Spontaneous phone call. I mean, that's. That's that's just not what's happening here. I would suggest. Looking through it again. And just seeing like, are these incidents act like actual, real problems that were, that we have to contend with? Or does the policy not actually. Prohibit those things. Okay. Thank you, trustee. LA kuey. I
just wanna remind everybody, you need to be recognized by the chair before you begin to speak. Dr. OSPA so it's my understanding that this policy went through our process and went to S P P C. And that there was no one, no interest in taking up that policy. So. This is a step outside of our process, which I think. Is not respectful of the people in that committee. And it is. We can't just, if we have a process, we can't just randomly decide. That for this purpose, this one policy is worth stepping outside of our process because there's no point in having a process then. In this policy, there are undefined terms like platforms and
channels and substantive district business. There's a broadness that covers classrooms, but are recovering clubs are recovering volunteers. Are we covering, you know, field trips. When I agree with some of the concerns about what are the definitions of travel. Lastly, this is unneeded. We have a policy that does this. Our district has a POL our district. Hires Miller Johnson to give us our policies that they then have vetted and can then defend in court. We don't need to waste the money to go to our legal counsel and ask them. Do they think this is a good policy because they
already gave us what they think is a good policy. And with the history of our district, having failed FOIA requests that have gone into lawsuits. I think it's very important that we keep within the bounds of our legal council, because there are people that will Sue us and we need to make sure the, that we have something that is supported in the end. So this is out of process, overly vague, and I don't see the money, the need to waste our money on legal counsel. When we already have a legal counsel's recommendation for it. Thank you, Dr. OSPA. Any other comments from members? Yes, trustee Patel.
well, I have two things. First, I would like to respectfully disagree with trustee ALS spa. The SPCC only has three board members who sit on that. And so that's not a majority. And that's why we have a process that any board member, if there's three or more board members who are interested in bringing something forward, that it can be discussed. So I guess I, I, I just wanted to make that point. The second point I wanted to make was to just that. After listening. I, I had a statement I was gonna make on it of why I don't agree with this. But in her comments.
Comments when she was talking about. You know, things that were approved and there was no record of it. I guess I'm concerned because to me it makes it sound like there should be no meetings. There should be no. Oral communication going on that every single thing has to be put into writing at all times. And that's really concerning to me that you cannot. Make a you, you can't make a written record of absolutely everything. That's just not possible. So. I I, that, that raised even more REDF flags for me. Okay. Thank you, doc trustee, to tell Dr. Wen Perdue. Oh, okay. I think there's some MIS misunderstanding here.
First, I think she's asking if we could get an opinion not to approve this second. This is. Applied to digital communications. Isn't meant to cover conversations. So just to clarify, I'm not saying that I think we have to have it. And there is a legitimate question of whether it duplicates some of our record retention. Policies, but I, I do wanna say this is clearly about digital communication. It doesn't apply. It doesn't mean that everything must go in writing. It was meant to apply. To anything that was sent like an email.
And I, I get too that it might be more effective to say we encourage. Instead of, you know, prohibit because the reality is, I don't know how we can enforce this. And we may be opening ourself up to FOIAs where people's personal emails are going to be. So, you know, I've been thinking about it a lot, but I wanna clarify this was never, there was nothing that I understood in carat or I'm sorry. Trust. Recommendation that this meant we couldn't have conversations. Anymore. It it's clearly about digital. Communications. Any other comments? Trustee? Lacoy.
yeah, just to piggyback off that a second. Yeah. Part of the point of this too, is to keep our personal. Communications our personal emails and stuff, truly private so that we don't open up. Those sorts of things to, to things like FOIA. Just keep the board business in one spot, keep that, you know, with FOIA. But anyways, this is. Yeah. Some, some of what I was gonna say was covered, but the question I have for trustee, SSPA you, she said that we have a policy that does this, and I was just wondering what policy we have that does this. Well, you could look that up yourself, but we have an existing policy about the 8,009 S so. Well, I, I did, I looked at 8,009 and as
I explained in the beginning, it explains, you know, it explains professionalism. To some extent, but it doesn't actually address. How the substantive district business digital communications should be conducted. And that was the purpose. Of this policy. See any other comments? Trustee Blake. Yeah, I just. Couple things, the, the con, so the contractor issue, you said, well, we can just issue. District email kind, you know, addresses to all the contracts. No, that's not what I said. What did you say? I'm sorry. The nine I misunderstood that. I said they would be writing to the district email address. This was when they're, so we would have on that business, that district employees. So we would have it from that end. So what mean that a contract isn't going to use
Mr. Russo's personal email when. He's sending him something he's gonna use. Mr. Buros district email. That's not clear if that could that's reasonable. You know, if, if now that you've explained why you wanted this policy in the first place. I mean, if you. If your issue is that we shouldn't be using our personal emails on district business. I agree with that. But this just goes so far, much further afield. Like, I, I, I and, and texting is where I'm really concerned because that's what everybody does. That's what everybody does. It's the quickest thing to do. And I don't want, and we don't give people phones, so I don't want. To make a situation where.
They're not able to do things that are effective. Do you conduct substantive district business on your text though? Cause I don't do that. I don't think we typically would do that. You, you communicate I'm sure. And I policy I'm sure that you, excuse me, I'm sure that you communicate with other trustees. Trustees discussing business. And if I'm looking at trustee win Perdue, her, her thing says these purposes. Purposes include discussion of district business. That's a thing that has to be memorialized. So. That. Yeah, you do just discuss things one-on-one with, what do you think about this? Hey, I was thinking about that and that's how you get input and that's sometimes
the most valuable discussion that you have. And I would be, I don't know, because I don't have your phone, but I would be very surprised if you didn't communicate with any district business by text. Okay. I'd like to move on to and oh yeah. Trust you, Patel. Well, I guess I was just gonna say that. Potentially I'm okay with sort of the, maybe the intent of it. But I just feel that some of the things are very broad, ambiguous definition of substantive district business. Combined with the expectations around formal documentation. I, I worry about it risking.
Limiting timely, candid and practical communication among board members between the board and administration and among staff. You know, could this in practice delay responses to staff and families. If individuals feel constrained from using the most efficient forms of communication. It also creates an additional administrative burden by requiring follow-up documentation of conversations with the potential for inconsistency or unintentional. Non-compliance when individuals inevitably forget. I think effective governance and district operations depend on clear, responsive communication. As currently written this policy may create unnecessarily unnecessary barriers
to that process without meaningfully improving transparency or accountability, accountability. So. I wasn't originally going to, and I kind of skipped over pieces of it. But I guess I want people to understand why. At this point, I wouldn't support this current motion. That's on the floor. Okay. Thank you. Any other comments? One final thing, trustee Lu kuey. I just wanna remind people what the motion actually is, and it's not to approve anything exactly. As it's written. I mean, I've, I've already rewritten it before to account for different objections that were raised. This is to. Send it back to committee to have legal review it
and potentially. Remedy all of the, any kinds of little. Problems that you might see with it. With the understanding that the common sense thing for us to be doing is to be using. Professional district email addresses and email. And district platforms when we're conducting district business. Thank you for that. Any other comments? Comments seeing none. The current motion on the floor. Is to move forward. A proposed policy 8 0 0 9. Digital communication. As presented to legal counsel. For review before.
Coming back to the table. For board adoption. I'll just say that that's not what I have here. Okay. Well, could you read the motion please? I move that the board direct legal counsel to review the proposed official communication channel policy, including trustee Wynn, Perdue revised draft, and return of recommendation to the board no later than the June 8th. Regular meeting so that the board may consider adoption at that time. Okay. That is the motion on the table. It was moved by trustee Lak and supported by trustee. Lozan I'm gonna take a vote now. All those in
favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. That's two. All those, I think there was a third. Oh, there was a third. Okay. That's three. And the nays. No, nay. So that is a three, four vote. The nays habit. And we will move on to item nine. The remainder of public comment. From earlier this evening, ******* had that one. It looks like a lot of people have cleared out ginger kettles. Son. I don't believe that she's still here. Lisa Haluka I didn't need my charger tonight. Disappointed that Mrs. Kettle also doesn't here. She's my camp. FLIR girl leader, Lisa Luka. I am a district's parent.
And a district alumnus, just a couple of additional comments about accountability and transparency. And April 13th, I reported a violation of the district and board policies against discrimination. And state and federal law by trustee Blake. The board was already aware of this violation. Having witnessed it. I ask that the board take the matter up at the next board meeting as is required under board policy 6 24. My oral public report of the violation was procedured release efficient under the board's own processes, based upon the permissive language of board policy 6 21.
Which is the policy that permits a member of the public to make a complaint via the website. But does not mandate it. The only mandatory language in the reporting process is found in 6 22, which applies when a serious complaint is received by anyone other than the board president it's in those circumstances that the recipient of the complaint shall. Direct the complainants to the website complaint form. My complaint was made directly to the board and president Anis it's on the video. I got no response to my complaint and the board violated policy 6 24 by failing to take the matter up at the next meeting for the full board to discuss
it. On April 21st, I got an email from president Anis offering her apologies for not responding to my complaint, which is an acknowledgement of her failure to do so. Indicating that she'd meant to follow up, which is simply untrue. If she'd meant to follow up, she would've simply done. So. Finally, she directed me to the online complaint procedure as that method is best and quote. I might suggest that if this board believed that that method was best, they would've written a policy. Requiring complainants complaints to be made in that fashion. The best method is one that promotes transparency and accountability
and a public complaint. Complaint is best for that. The lack of accountability and transparency, transparency from this board continues. Here's what I mean. When I made my complaint, I filled out all of my contact information completely on the yellow card. I gave a detailed narrative of my complaint during the open meeting. Now captured on video, I indicated which policies and laws were violated. Specifically, here's what the optional. Online complaint, form requests as the unquote best. Method identification information, a complete narrative, and an indication of
which policies were violated. All sound familiar. It should, because that's exactly what I did. It's all been done. And yet here we are nearly two months after the violation occurred. A month after a complete and procedurally proper complaint. And still we can't get this board to even take the matter up for discussion. Mr. Haluka is running for this board out of a passion for transparency and accountability. We're experiencing. Thank the he's running for office. Next. We have up Lawrence Haluka. Hello, Lawrence Salus. I'm running for board. I'm a parent in the school district. I'd like to start by saying next Wednesday.
May 13th, everybody's been going to events. Events, there were two orchestras in the state of Michigan that were ranked as the number one, number two, they don't say which one's one, but it's the Stony Creek orchestra. And they're having a spring concert. So it's not just nice to listen to the kids play. It's nice to go listen to really good music. Being played has nothing to do with the fact that my son has a solo , but it's really good. Next Wednesday. To dovetail off of what Lisa. So eloquently just said right here I am running to address two. Of the most glaring issues with the Rochester. School board of education, accountability. And transparency. You can't have either of those things. If you don't
apply the rules. To everyone, including yourselves. You can't have either one of the, you can't have that. If you don't let the minority voices be heard. You can't hear that if you discriminate. Against anyone. And you can't have that. If you practice bullying. Now there's the physically aggressive. Bullying that everybody knows the classic bullying. There's also the antisocial. Passive aggressive bullying. Which is innuendo. Gossip. Reputation destruction. It's one of the worst that can be done. As far as that goes, there was something I wanted to say last meeting that I wanna bring up rightnow. And people who are claiming to be supporters of mine. Have made comments about trustee Perdue. Last last week or two weeks ago, she went to
the sparkle awards. And we were talking earlier about the fact that you didn't like the photo. We all have those photos, but I could not believe that she had taken a gown. And had it slashed. So she could wear this to go see those kids and have something sparkle. I thought it was outstanding. I never would've thought of it. It was incredible. And people were just ripping into it. And I thought, same thing. We don't need to get into that. So if you're a supporter of my. Please go online. Take that down. And if you aren't, can't take it down. Write something that just gives your MI a Copa. Everybody gets excited when we're doing these things. People can yell
and scream. They can swear if they want we're all adults. But I would appreciate it if that was done. I don't wanna see that done in my name. And I don't like to see something like that done. 32nd one should be something that that's, that is applauded. The acting president. And he sitting president had two months to do with the issue. Lisa spoke of you have avoided. All accountability. I haven't gotten that call. I've seen writings about how easy it would be to speak and talk. I haven't gotten that call. And I'm being avoided. It's fine. It's been two months. You even tried to shift responsibility. So be it, but I'm running to keep accountability. Here's
next accountability to trains coming. And this is Rebecca root face of that engineer on board. Okay. Rebecca root, not here. Kay. Oh, my glass. Okay. I have lived in Rochester Hills since, before it was Rochester Hills. And my daughter has gone through the Rochester community school district. Schools have spruce Rochester high school went to college as a conservatory of music. And then she went to law school. Go figure that one. Anyway, you can see that our family values education. But as I try to be a responsible citizen.
And attend school board meetings. Meetings. I am frustrated because I can't. Can't understand a good deal of what has said. And I'm not the only one. I've talked to people on both sides. Of the room. so my request has nothing to do with policies. Or curriculum, it concerns concerns the PA system. It is sorely. Flawed now there is a hollow. Sound, it seems like the echo from one word. Follows onto the next word. And creates an auditory. Auditory blur. The faster someone speaks. Speaks the words it gets.
Gets it happens here and at Adams and those are the two facilities where I have attended. Board meetings now it's worse in some areas of the room, I'm sure than others. And some individuals individuals can cut through the auditory fog. Better than others. Young women's voices. Are easier to understand. It seems probably because there's a higher pitch in their voices. And their words are often more crisp. But help me. If a man is speaking. With a low and mellow voice. He could sell me a used school bus and I
would not know what happened. , it's not the facility I said, but the system, your technicians. Have tried a number of different things. Without success. I've talked to people, who've talked to thepeople. That's something can be done. I have talked to professionals in the industry. And, and reassured that the problem can. Be overcome. Now if my garden club, which is about 70 people or so. Who meet in a kind of truncated. Gymnasium can do 30 seconds. I think for just community schools. Who can do it. Now your aim is to be transparent. And I applaud that. But you're a bit short circuited.
In achieving that goal. If half or more of your audience. Are unable to understand what you or the regular citizen speakers. Thank you. That's time. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is Jennifer tux. Good evening. My name is Jennifer Tuckel and I'm a parent of one student. And one alumnus in this district. I'm here tonight because I care deeply about this community. And I'm concerned about what we're allowing it to become. Because what we're seeing right now does not reflect the best of who we are. And we all know this has been building for years. And if we're being honest, we also understand where it's coming from. And the broader patterns and influences behind it.
But that doesn't mean we accept it and it doesn't mean it gets to define us. Because I also know what this community is capable of. I know the Rochester community schools where parents support teachers. Teachers where we're proud of our schools and we show it. This is a district that helped my son enter college already ahead. And now he's on track to graduate early. Or even at a minor, in addition to his engineering degree, that doesn't happen everywhere. That happens here. Because of our teachers, our curriculum, and a system that works. And that is why this is so hard to watch. Because in my role as a statewide advocate, I'm constantly talking with people across Michigan.
And RRCs used to come up as a model for what's working. Now when I proudly say I'm an RSCs parent. That's not the response I get. What I hear instead is about the division. The conflict and the constant drama. And that shift is not coming from our classrooms. Classrooms or our district. It's not coming from our students. Students is being manufactured. And I'm going to say something that may be uncomfortable, but it needs to be said there are people who hear that and feel validated who may even try to hide a smile. Right now, because this is exactly the outcome they've been working toward. We all see the constantly shifting goalposts.
Goalposts designed to keep tensions high and the division ongoing. No one is surprised tonight that fault was found with the literacy curriculum. Suddenly after the huge push for it. But for the rest of us, it's not something to celebrate. It's something. We are very tired of. Because this isn't just noise. It has consequences. I trust our teachers. I trust the work they do every single day and the professionalism they bring to our classrooms. Classrooms, what concerns me is the environment we are creating around them. Well, a message. We are sending to our educators right now. To the ones already here and to the ones we hope will come here. Who would walk into this environment and feel supported? Who would choose to work in a place where doing
your job can make you a target? Or is that the point? Because that has real consequences for our kids. And at the same time, this kind of noise drowns out the voices that actually matter. Families with real concerns that deserve to be heard and addressed. Our district isn't perfect. And we should always be listening, improving, and addressing real concerns. Concerns, but not like this, not through division, not through constant escalation. So, where do we go from here? We show up, we stay engaged and we make it clear that the strength is community is still here. It just needs to be heard again. Thank you. That's time. Thank you. Okay. So we did receive one additional card, but this
is after we have accepted enclosed public comments. So we just encourage this individual to come back. District next is additional comments, item 10 on our agenda, 10.1 members of the administration, superintendent Russo. Russo. Thank you very much. Ma'am president just a few. Reminders. I think some things have already been spoken about so I can skip over some, I do want to personally thank authors in April committee, the leadership, the PTAs, all the planning. Not only is the program that goes into our schools. Incredible. The event that night is incredible and I did get an auction item. So I'm very happy about that.
AP testing is taking place this week and next week in our high schools. Today we celebrate our outstanding teachers, social workers, psychologists, counselor dates. School nurses and specialized support staff for their dedication to RCS. It is staff appreciation week, and that goes for all staff. I know we have a history in Rochester of taking a month to dedicate each month to a specific position in the district, but it is staff appreciation month. And so I wanted to say thank you to everybody. Update on the original and enhancement millage. You can join me for Wednesday, May 20th, from six to 7:00 PM at the
administration building it's 5 25 85 to quenda road. There'll be more information. And updated. Updated slide deck to share and updated information. Make sure our board members are apprised of that before I do anything on May 20th. And legislatively just a couple things to mention both for the first time and forever the, both the house and the Senate. And I think most of our board members know this already. Past budgets in the last weeks, along with the governor's budget. And so we're hoping that that will be the catalyst or the impetus to actually have a discussion. And get a budget passed by June 30th, which is one of their only roles.
As it pertains to K-12 public education. Okay. So board members and community members, I do want to thank you. Thank those of you who have been advocating for a timely budget. Not only just in an echo chamber around the cul-de-sac talk, as we used to call it. But actually calling your representatives and your senators to say, please do this. Our budget depends on it. And our sustainability of certain programs and staff depend on it. So that's my update in the last administrative comments. Thank you, Madam president. Thank you. Superintendent Russo, moving on to item 11, which is announcments. On May 7th, we have the third and final high school
honors convocation at Stony Creek. That's at seven o'clock and on May 18th, we'll be back here for another regular meeting of this board. At 6:00 PM. If there is no objection, this meeting will be adjourned. Seeing none. We are adjourning at 9 47. Thank you. Thanks.