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[Music] Board of Education to order. The board would like to welcome the audience and thank you for attending. Viewers may watch TCAPS board of education meetings and committee meetings live or on demand at any time at tcaps.net/board. Please rise and join students from Miss
Cth's third grade class at Silver Lake Elementary in the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, we're at the review approval portion of the agenda. Is there any changes or a motion? >> I move to approve the agenda as presented. >> I second. >> Second. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> I. All those post say nay. Motion carries. Um, obviously we're of doing things a little differently starting early today with our close session superintendent valuation. So, do I have a motion to go into close session? I move that the board of education go
into close session for the purpose of conducting a periodic personal personnel evaluation as allowed by the open meetings act PA267 of 1976 section 81A. The closed section was requested in writing by the employee.
>> Second. >> All right. Second. Any discussion? Tammy, please conduct a roll call vote. >> Uh, Trusty Veras, >> yes. >> Trusty Moonore, >> yes. >> Trusty Ballinger, >> yes. Trustee Hardy, >> I. >> Trusty Pek, >> yes. >> Trusty Schmidt, >> yes. >> And Trusty New?
>> Yes. Motion carries and we are now in close session. We will return to the room after close session, which we intend to start regular business at 6:00 p.m. [Music] [Music]
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in session. Okay, we're now in open session. Thank you everyone. We had a a an unusual meeting today with a a 5:00 p.m. start time with a close session to begin, but now we're ready to move on to the regular section of our business. For
students who um are here for civics class, we will break uh to do all signing um at the prescribed time. Um I think it's 2 hours, right? 2 hours 8:00. So, um, but before that, we can, uh, and maybe we can finish early before that
even occurs, but, uh, we will defer to recognition for Dr. Van Wagner. >> Okay. And I'm going to go ahead and pass it over to Connie Taylor for our our compass awards. >> Absolutely. This is the meeting every month that we do every other month to recognize our outstanding employees who've been nominated by their peers and
the nominations were then reviewed by our union leadership and the award winners will be announced tonight. When I announce your name, please stand um for the duration of me reading all the nice things that your co-workers say about you. And then at the conclusion, we'll invite all of the winners to come
up, receive your certificate, and have a picture taken with the board. So again, thank you all for being here. We're going to start out tonight with our uh TCTA um winner, Maryanne Haven, a bus aid with transportation. And the nominee nominator indicated,
Mary is an exceptional bus assistant. She's regularly asked to help any bus driver who may be experiencing behavioral challenges on their route. Not only does she answer the call to help, but she does so with caring, reliability, and professionalism to keep all students safe on the ride to and from school. Marian also works at
Central Grade School working with students during lunch and recess. Her experience is relied upon to ensure our students are educated and reminded of TAK's expectations for their bus behavior. She's a vital member of the transportation department, helping us strive for and achieve our number one
priority, safety. Thank you, Miriam. Next, our representative from the TCA, reading interventionist at Eastern Elementary School, Kelly O'Banovic. Hi, Kelly. I am going to um abbreviate Kelly's nomination form because as you can see it was pretty lengthy which just
reflects all the wonderful things that people have said about her. Kelly has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities embodying the spirit of the compass award through her commitment to building trust and leading with a servant heart and fostering and collaborating amongst her peers. One of
her most commendable qualities is her ability to build trust amongst those she serves. This is seen in her work as our instructional coach and working with willingness to join learning cohorts so quickly in order to implement new strategies, ECRA, and explicit
instruction strategies. In all that she does, Kelly consistently exhibits honesty, integrity, and empathy. Her genuine and transparent communication style fosters a positive and trusting atmosphere within our school community. She also leads with a servant's heart, always seeking to help others. She
regularly poses the question, "How can I help you?" demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being and success of her colleagues. One of Kelly's remarkable strengths is her dedication to providing individual attention to the teaching staff. In addition, Kelly models the implementation of new
programs for teachers, even if it puts her in a vulnerable position. Her hands-on approach and willingness to take the lead in adopting innovative practices sets a positive examples for the entire staff. By actively participating in these initiatives, she fosters a culture of continuous learning
environment. She's also continuously looking for ways to improve the process, making it more collaborative, and ensuring that communication is clear and thorough. In sum summary, Mrs. O'Branovich exemplies the quality of a Compass Award recipient through her commitment to building trust, leading
with the servant's heart, providing individual attention, embracing discomfort for the greater good, modeling program implementation, and leading collaborative processes. Her dedication to Eastern and TCAPS is commendable and she's highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Next from our TCAA lead principal West Middle School, Kristen Studman. >> Kristen Stew is a fantastic leader with our students, staff, and school community. She is an organized and proactive as it gets. She utilizes resources, includes people to make
educated, informed decisions about the betterment of our school. From student voice to staff surveys to community surveys, Kristen doesn't just Kristen doesn't just ask for feedback from stakeholders. She analyzes it, discusses it with team members, and implements where she sees fit. She's firm, but fair
with students and staff. She consistently encourages and fosters the growth of our students and staff. As a leader, she's not afraid to have difficult conversations when necessary. Stu is reasonable, logical, compassionate, and understanding. She gets it. She promotes a growthminded um
mindset and consistently seeks ways to improve every aspect of our school. She is never complacent, looks to move the needle in every way possible, and is always supportive of everyone in the building. West Middle School is in exceptional caring hands under the leadership of
Kristen Studman. [Applause] Next from our non-affffiliated administrator group, licensed child care coordinator here at Glen Lumis, Kelly Janette.
Kelly consistently goes above and beyond in all areas of her job. As one of the first team members new to families that families connect with, she's a critical first impression. She is patient, understanding, and exceptionally thorough, ensuring our new families feel immediately at ease and welcome to the
district. Kelly embodies a true team spirit, always asking, "How can I help?" and never adhering to a it's not my job mentality. Her impact is clear. She recently managed to work closely with curriculum instruction to success successfully launched the K5 online registration process while
simultaneously coordinating hundreds of preschool toddler registrations, never dropping the ball. Furthermore, Kelly selfishly assisted selflessly assisted the SSN winter warm-up, taking the initiative to a personal wash, inspect,
and organize all donated items to ease the workload of our SSN coordinator, Katie, and her team. Thank you, Kelly, for always put jumping in and being an invaluable asset to TECAP. Next from food service cooks assistant
at West Middle School, Jamie Romanowski. In our long in my long career, I've never had an opportunity with to work with so many people from several countries. However, I can honestly say I've never encountered a harder worker, more positive and inclusive employee like Jamie and the remainder of the West
Middle School staff. She is committed to providing excellent food and customer service to our students and school staff. They all believe in good nutrition and nurturing environments are essential to children's development and learning capacities. In addition, Kelly also serves as the extended day manager.
She was recently promoted based on her great leadership skills and ability to foster a team environment and collaboration. Congratulations. Next, from our TC Capser Group, lead administrative assistant West Senior High, Hannah Pullman.
Hannah exemplifies what it means to be a leader at TCAPS. Since stepping into the lead administrative assistant role, she has shown incredible humility and grace, making sure that every staff member and student who enters the office feels comfortable and valued. Hannah truly puts students first, embodying the district's values every single day by
creating an environment of inclusivity. She consistently looks for ways to improve the office and the school as a whole, always striving to make things run more smoothly for everyone. Hannah goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. She takes the time to get to know students as individuals, not
just names, which creates a positive and supportive atmosphere in the office for both students and staff. Despite navigating constant change, she consistently strives to do her best and make sure everyone around her feels supported and encouraged. Congratulations. And lastly from our non-affffiliated
support elementary leap manager East Middle School, David Payne. I'm >> sorry. >> David Payne consistently goes above and beyond to support our district and exemplify the spirit of TCAP strategic plan. As elementary sports manager,
David's dedication to students and staff extends far behind beyond his assigned responsibility. Just last week, David stepped in to serve as a substitute teacher when the district was short on subs. Thank you very much. An assignment well outside his normal role. His willingness to help in any capacity
reflects his commitment to highquality staffing, supporting our goal of retaining and developing team oriented, developed, dependable staff who make a difference wherever needed. David's interactions with students always reflect patience, respect, and positivity, contributing directly to our
student well-being and positive student behavior goals. He builds strong connections with students and models the respectful, supportive relationships that help foster a positive school culture. David is a the consmate team player, always ready to lend a hand, solve a problem, or fill a gap to ensure
our programs and schools run smoothly. His actions embody the collaboration, care, and commitment that move our district forward. Congratulations. >> At this time, I'd like to invite all of our winners to come up and receive your certificate and get a picture with the board.
>> We're going to do it here. >> What? No, we're all in it now. >> We all doing it now. >> We all do it now. >> Oh, why? >> Maybe we're gone. That That might have been the very one. I like how Erica runs, too. Like, not only don't I want
to be in it, I want to be as far away from possible exposure as possible. >> Oh my god. >> Come on. Let's get a picture of >> you. end up [Music] teaching. >> No, you're fine.
>> Is she retired from my >> ready? >> I think. [Music] >> Okay, >> one more round for all of our winners. Well, you're certainly welcome. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Appreciate you guys. Thank you. Thanks.
>> And while you're certainly welcome to stay, we understand it's been a long work day for many of you. So, please feel free to leave if you so desire. They're [Music] all shifting. >> We just wait a minute to uh allow the
movement. >> Couple kids. >> Yeah. I told the kids I said we just wait 15 20 minutes for 60 people. >> 60 people. >> Kids over here. >> Mhm. I didn't know if she finalized it
until I saw the book. >> Extra cheers. >> So, we naturally [Music] um Okay. Well, thank you uh everyone on that. And
then sorry just going back to this. Uh so we're moving on to public comment. I assume we have some public comment. >> All right. So the board is set aside this time and individuals addressing the board shall have one opportunity to speak. It should be limited to 3
minutes. Individuals should not make personal attacks unrelated to actions affecting the school system and we strongly encourage common courtesy and constructive feedback. Detail rules and procedures including a complaint process are outlined in board policy 25504. Tammy
>> Bill Weezner and I passed out there members and Dr. Wagner and for the school records you pass those around before the end of the night. Um, and the handout is overcoming objections. Uh, had a little
trouble printing it, but it's responding when they when they the schools say stop banning books. When they say students need to see themselves in these books. And by the way, this is all from a great
website. It's takeback theclassroom.com. takebacktheclassroom.com. It lists basically every school district in the United States. It lists all their schools. It lists which ones have the
sexually explicit or pervasively vulgar books. And TCAPS has something over 200 in and their 19 schools for the elementaryaries and then all the middle and secondary schools. And uh here's
another thing it answers. Isn't the term grooving and unnecessary exaggeration? Um, and anybody can find these again if you go to takebacktheclassroom.com. There's a little link at the top says resources and you can get these answers
when people cry banning books and such. Here's another one. They say the sexually explicit materials are germanine to the story. If you're wondering about that, are they really gerine? Check out the website. takeback toclassroom.com resources.
They say miners are already seeing porn on their phones and at home have answers to that. They say this isn't really that bad. I've read just a slight bit of it and it's like it's not
it's not good. And it says you are on the wrong side of history. Well, check it out for yourselves. And you already admitted or brought forth, and I commend you for that. During uh the
summer, you brought forth the pornography, its harmful effects on children. But yet, you've got all these books over 200. And it's not just tecaps, it's all the school districts, all the ones in Leona County, too, where I live. Um, so it's like you're cooking
up this nice pan of brownies and some say, "Well, it's not not really that much." And they're all excited about having them and growing up and all this such, but you put just a little bit of poop in or there might be a lot of poop in and it's not good for the kids.
And I encourage you to go to T or takebackroom.com, read it for yourself. Thank you. [Applause] Uh, next one. >> That's the end of public comment. >> All right.
>> Okay. That was public comment and uh moving on now and deferring to Dr. Vwo for superintendent report. >> Okay. So, uh for tonight um going to be somewhat brief with our uh report. So, legislatively not a lot. Essentially,
you've had the legislature takes deer season for two weeks, they take another break for two weeks. So, they they'll be back for about two days and that'll be it for the year. U the good news is they really can't do a lot of harm that way. Um the bad news is is they don't really
accomplish a lot either. Um so really the only thing we have at this point is as you're all very well aware the 31A uh component of funding. Um we uh uh as a district um uh we uh went into the
lawsuit um myself and Scott Hardy as individuals um that is uh been um uh taken up in both federal and state court. Uh at this point both judges have put um uh an agreement with MD in place
that uh they will try and make a decision by December 16th or 17th. It will not be an injunction. it will be a full decision and at that point um I've uh we've all been directed to go ahead and go in the system and check out the boxes for the funding. We Sandy Lo and I
were able to do that uh last week. Um so at this point we will receive the funding and then just depending on the outcome of the the two court cases again we only need to be able to win in one of the courts um that would allow uh the
question of privilege to be answered. Um and if for some reason the districts um and individuals are not successful at that point um my plan would be to ask for a special meeting for us to take a look at the finances component all of it um to be able to make a final decision
on that. So um once we know where the court lands midmon uh I'll be in contact with the board to let you know where that stands. Um so legislatively that's uh that's about it. um you know, from that standpoint. And then uh federally
now that the uh the federal government is back open um really uh to to most extents unscathed as far as uh federal funding, lunch funding, those components. Um but still some conversation and advocacy about um the
rest of the budget there. While there was some agreement on certain pieces of it, there are other components of that budget that are still in um conversation, a part of continuing resolution. Um so we're going to continue to keep an eye on that and keep you updated if anything changes as far
as funding to to public schools across the country. Um, as far as um our district highlights, um, our TCAPS band students have qualified uh, many for the MSBOE state all all state ensembles.
These students were selected from thousands of applicants through a blind audition process. They will rehearse the pro and perform at the 21st annual Michigan annual music conference in January under the dis uh direction of distinguished guest conductors and that happens in Grand Rapids at Deboss Place.
Um, and so we have Central High School, uh, Cash Dwiki, West Senior High, Eric Heg, Porter Alons, Rise Miller, Evan Tamlin, East Middle School, uh, Graham Chapman, uh, Brett Girtin, Brock Walter,
uh, Dexter Trul was honorable mention. And at West Middle School, Colton Beaver, Abe Blackburn, Sebastian Frri, and Daniel Ramirez. Thank you to the TCAPS community partners, Mson Healthcare and Northern Michigan College for hosting all fifth graders um as well in the district for healthcare immersion
days at NMC this fall. This experience provided 588 fifth graders the opportunity to explore careers in the healthcare industry. Mson and NMC are working with TCAPS administration to organize this annually. Teachers and their students rotate through five hubs of activities and each hosted by a
different group of healthcare employees from pharmacy, nursing, radiology, laboratory, and information services both with IT and finance. Mson uh teams uh teammates to lead the activities by bringing aspects of their daily work for students to see, touch, and do. Thank
you also to our transportation department and TCAPS who helped coordinate getting the students to and from NMC safely for this great experience. Um, congratulations also to uh, coach Eric Sugars. Uh, our Central High School football coach was recently
named the Division 2 Region One Coach of the Year. Um, and also I it's not on my list, but we also have the East Middle School, I believe, Symphony Orchestra, a symphony band, um, has been selected to perform at the, uh, the again the 21st
annual Michigan Music Conference um, at Devos Place. I had the chance a few years ago to go down and watch the West High School band. It's an awesome experience. They only select very few bands to do that presentation in Devos Hall. It's really cool. So, if you get
the chance um it should be I think it's the 24th or 25th that Friday morning um is when they perform. And so, uh, Doug Downer's the the, um, teacher, our music teacher that is the lead conductor for that, does a great job, as well as all
of our music staff. So, really excited for those kids. Um, also want to make sure a couple announcements. All of our TCAPS buildings will be closed December 22nd to January 2nd. Um, we may have a few things in gyms that open gym kind of
things, but for the most part, all of our offices, including central office, will be closed. Um, and then also want to make a mention, um, on December 18th at East Middle School Library, um, I will be doing a, uh, presentation and
feedback session, um, to discuss our afterchool clubhouse and multi-purpose, uh, uh, fieldhouse at Carile Field. So, I have some 90% drawings from the construction crew for that to be able to show what the afterchool clubhouse and
the multi-purpose fieldhouse looks like. Get some different thoughts last minute tweaks that could be made and any suggestions. And so, that'll be from 6:00 to 8 in the media center at East Middle School on December 18th. So, with that, um, that's what I have for
updates. Does anybody have any questions? >> Nope. All right. Okay. Um, moving on to board committee reports and discussion. First, uh, board curriculum committee December 2nd by Trusty Ballinger. >> Yes. Okay. So, it was trustees Beris and
PAC, myself with uh, Miss H. Hot. Hotton, Tiffany Palavville, Dan Tisworth, Dr. Van Wagner, and we had several special guests from Central High School, West Senior High, East Middle School, and West uh, Middle School in terms of lead principles and lead
counselors. So, um, we approved the minutes. There were no changes. We have one issue, uh, added to the cric the consent calendar tonight, which is the addition of an online middle school gym class, um, for those students who are,
um, enrolled in the Excelis program this year at East Middle School. And then we also um moved to the consent calendar the purchase of the CKLA materials and professional learning opportunities. Um if you'll recall we had approved
previously some funding from a state grant on u school aid literacy 30 called 35M um a few months ago. So this is the remainder of that u up to 693,718
which includes a 10% contingency. Um if there is if necessary the balance will come from the general fund curriculum um allocation and then moving on the the heart of our meeting was our learning series as usual and so there was a
report out on um our current strategic plan. Um, just very quickly though, Jesse H Hotton did give us an update that heads up that there will be some curriculum purchases later this calendar this school year. Uh, middle school science, AP chemistry, advanced
placement biology, math expressions for elementary students. And then digging into the strategic plan, I'm just going to go over this very high level. Um, for our first goal on student academic achievement, we were presented with the PSAT 8th grade scores, which were all
within range of the past five years. And and we all know we've set ambitious targets for our five-year strategic plan. Um, pretty much ditto for the SAT 11th grade. Again, the latest fall results were within the last 5 years range. Moving on to goal number two,
student well-being. Um I think they were pleased to report that last year's uh chronically absent rate had had declined overall for the district. Um and we've, you know, got a goal set for that for 2030. The one thing that I think came out that
was interesting was that the secondary chronic absenteeism rate is significantly higher than the elementary school. So we just talked a little bit about, you know, how there's definitely more work to do there. Um, student well-being is a work in progress in terms of the building principles trying
to collect data on students engagement in various activities. Um, goal three, student positive student behaviors. We went over some suspension information and future goals. And then post-secondary readiness, we went
through quickly as well. Um, but the counselors were extremely helpful. Jen Lee and Brandy Ludkkey um from West and Central High Schools respectively really digging into what they do 9th through 10th, 11th, 12th grade. Um and I would I
would just say the one thing that was really astounding to me is they revealed that their current ratio of students is 450 to one. Each counselor has a case load of 450 students and their ideal state is really 250. So that just uh
reinforced to me just how extended our counselors are. Um major kudos to them and everything that they do for our high school students. Um and then lastly, goal number five, high quality staffing. Talked about future needs being in math teachers with a lot of retirements
coming up. Um special education teachers and again counselors. So, um, with that, we, uh, announce that our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 6th at 8:30 a.m. >> All right. Any questions on curriculum?
>> I just have a quick comment. I just really again appreciate these learning series. I I counted 12 staff members at this board table last week, and I appreciate all the time. It's obviously put in a ton of time to prepare and present. Um, I find it incredibly invaluable. So, I just wanted to say
thank you to them and just something to reflect on for us, not necessarily need an answer tonight, but just are we reaching the audience we want to reach with that type of level of of of work? Um, and and maybe we are, maybe we're
not, but I I just um I'm blown away by the cander and the comments by staff like Ben Burgerer. I mean, I just So, I know this it's really good for our seven. If it should be more, I think us as a governance team can think about how we can create more visibility for those for that learning series.
>> It is on online, correct? >> Yeah. 19 views on YouTube. >> Yeah, it is online. >> Thank you. >> I I would just echo thanks so much to Jesse and Dan and John for their leadership and bringing all the building principles in and the counselors. It was
extremely helpful and I think we trustees really benefit not just those who sit on the committee but everybody who's on finance who watches as well. So thank you. All right with that. >> All right. Thanks. Uh so next board finance and operations committee trustee
reporting out by trustee. Well, ours was not quite as energetic as yours, but um we uh met on the Thursday the 4th and had a good meeting, very procedural. Um the full finance team was
there along with Dan Tyworth and Paul Twain and we approved at least moving on to the full board capital purchases. One for the music department, instruments and equipment. The CQLA expenditure was also unanimously
approved. Move on to the board for approval. Um the bottle filling stations which is expensive and required if I'm not mistaken and capital projects. We began the discussions of Glenn Lumis and this
renovation here by at least committing to an expenditure to Ekler building services to begin the process of renovating this building so that it can accommodate those students at central grade school. Um then we went through
capital projects sustainability report and a general finance report which hasn't changed dramatically since the last time we met. Um and it was a good discussion, a good meeting, but it was fairly efficient. And um thank you to all of my fellow board members who
attended. >> Any any finance questions? >> Generally the same as last time is probably a good good thing in this day and age. She said >> um okay so executive uh uh committee I
appreciate I was uh running behind returning from town so Erica started out um the meeting uh there was some uh the procedural items just approving the minutes and and policy there was an update we haven't had any but there will be uh rounds of policy coming through uh
shortly in the new year um there was a request for uh board member conference travel which was placed on the agenda for discussion. Um and then we went through the regular uh agenda. The only thing that was uh is acted upon is is um
and we have it on the agenda to talk about in January and is we did add an MASB report out um because we were there at it. Um I have had mixed messages but we'll deal with that in January. So we we did add that uh for this meeting as
well. Um, we're in a a reasonably good hiring spot. I think it was one of the more positive uh hiring reports. Um, I'm sure it's changed since uh last week, but uh we have 16 teacher retirements as well. Um, and we do have some postings even for the holiday season coming up as
well to kind of get an early early run on that as well. And then uh finally, we talked about the meeting uh and apologies for any confusion that it did cause. We we did realize but we have the meeting start at 5 today and then uh obviously start regular business at
6:00. We agenda at 4:21 and the next uh board executive committee meeting is Thursday January 8th at 4 p.m. in this room. Any questions on that? Uh next is superintendent board of education student advisory committee
reporting out by trusty mumm. >> Yes. And uh I apologize my detailed notes I did not make it into my packet tonight. Um however there were um gosh I bet there were about 20 to 25 kids and
in the short notes that I took here um the the basic discussion was academic counseling and and we broke out into um groups of three and four and the kids um talked about different counseling options >> postsecary opportunity counseling for
postsecary opportunities. Yeah, postsecondary opportunities and just brainstormed um different ways and different feedback um sources. And then they also talked about or we proposed to them, I didn't propose to them, but um Maryanne, our our uh lead did about how
to reach other kids in their school. So not just their groups of friends but how they can um reach other students and then also um get more feedback from other students instead of just their friends and of course then what what are they doing at the student advisory
council and how to talk about what was learned and and different um different levels and is there anything else you can add? I think again just talking about what are you know what what level of understanding and success of the initiatives we're currently doing with post-secondary planning what would they
do what do they think's missing what could be done more different from that aspect um and uh I think you know just um affirm some things surprise me some things that are maybe a little more successful than I thought and then other things that definitely I think are some
ideas that they have of of ways that we try and increase capacity and and uh help them to be able to prepare for what's beyond high school. >> Was there a discussion about apprenticeships at all? >> Um there was there was quite a bit about
careers as well as military. Um we had one student in fact that's on the advisory committee that is um joining the Marine Corps and talked about that process >> um as well. So yeah, it was wellrounded in all of those discussions. So with some kids um you know so again this
group doesn't have as much of our career teched kids that's why we're planning here and going to the CTEC center here that I think we'll get more of that conversation with those kids that a lot of them will go that route that participate currently in CTC >> and out of I think our four breakout
smaller groups or there could have been five um putting the seniors kind of on the spot and what was it that helped to prepare them and their decision making and it was a college or military or career um whatever that was. So it was interesting. I was um with the the boy
that's going on to the military. So you know it was just interesting on how he got to that decision and um so yeah >> and an interesting student many AP classes very you know and but um decided he wanted to serve in the military. So it was enlightening that way but also gave some feedback that if he decided to
go in another you know area did he feel prepared for it? I think overall was but again I think we'll get all that information from Maryanne. I haven't seen it yet of the notes but as always we'll share that with the board as soon as we get it. >> Yeah, that's great. I just as an aside I
went to a meeting uh this last week in Lancing and one of the things they were talking about was the state looking at more and more apprenticeships with students. And that's part of why I was wondering if >> we we heard I did hear some of that from
the kids that they want more opportunities of shadowing or learning or you know we've talked about that from going to um kettle marine >> experience that kind of >> all right um without any other questions next uh
report or uh report out is the MASP full conference. I know that all of us were there and and so I guess if if anyone wants to add a maybe a minute or two um to the comments then we'll just go around and um
you want to start. Sure. >> Go around. >> Yeah. So um a three-day conference every year. This year we were fortunate to have it in our backyard at the Grand Traverse Resort. Um it switches every year between Lancing and and and Traverse City. So that was convenient
this year and thus we had great attendance. So it started with a what fri Thursday night delegate assembly and I had the pleasure of sitting next to treasurer Scott Hardy and so we were very amused with that and if we think there's word smithing at our table with
board policies. Oh boy. Um so beyond that I would just say there were a couple of general sessions. They always do a great job. I think Michigan Association of School Boards in picking really motivational, inspiring, you
know, um, think outside the box speakers. This year was no exception. I love the legislative update as always. I think the the women who are the chief lobbyists um, for MESB do a great job just describing to us board trustees um,
all the draft legislation, all the legislation in the works. Um, the one that really stuck out to me, um, was an effort to make school boards partisan. So, we all need to be very watchful of that one. I'm not a personal fan. Um,
and then, uh, Dr. Van Wagner and I had the joy of, um, co-presenting with a five-person student panel on our student advisory council on Saturday. It was very well attended. Um the kids were you
know really loved by the audience. I think um it's just always great for board members to get that input from students. So I think um they were they were very wellreceived and there was a lot of questions for the students. And then lastly I would just say I attended
the Kalazoo um public school session where once again like they had done the prior year really talked about their efforts to improve attendance i.e. reduce chronic absenteeism and academic achievement and their graduation rates.
Um, so they've they've uh they're coming from a a place that's, you know, well below the state average. They've got a heck of a lot of work ahead of them to do, but they are just their governor's team is all in. So for two years in a row, they've done a great presentation
on that. And that was it for me. >> Anyone else? >> So we can if anyone wants to jump in. I was just going to go clockwise and you can pass, but anyone want to say, anyone want to add? >> I mean, I'll just add just engaging with other schoolboard members through at other districts. It's always a highlight
to hear what's going on in different districts and so um you know, I attended the general sessions and and some of the sim trainings, but yeah, that just to engage with others and learn. So, >> I had the same experience. So, I thought it was fantastic that uh
every the number of people that came up and were asking us questions because they see us positively um was shocking to me and it gets more every year. So, I was super happy about that as a as a general um litmus test on where we stand
in the at least from the outside. And then also thank you for your presentation you and John and and our students as well. It was very well attended standing room only and um appreciate appreciate your work on that. So, anyone else?
All right. Um, I'll just I'll I'll real quick this is my third inerson uh conference this year and uh I'll start by when I go to these I'm new, but I'm always um not surprised, but I'm always um really uh positive feelings that
we're doing many best practice things here. Um so, and this this time was no exception. And and I do appreciate that we as a governance team take our professional development serious and that when the district pays for us to go to training that we're okay talking
about it and I think that come January we can figure out whatever that process or structure is. Um you know you know I think Mr. Swiggles was here a couple curriculum meetings ago and he was talking about learners. Learners meaning that we're all in the system learners not just students. So um our
professional develop is is important. So, I appreciate the opportunity. >> Yep. Um, okay. Board office hours, November 20th, report out by Trusty Harvey. >> Well, as has been the case seemingly for
the last 12 months, we had one attendant um at a Zoom meeting and um I listened and we were there for an hour and >> pretty much it was information that I'd heard previously. So, I'll leave it at that at this point.
>> Okay. >> We need to find another format. >> I have yet to do a Zoom meeting. I've I've only done in person, so I've never >> done a Zoom Zoom. >> I know. I know. >> Um I I think we were in 100% agreement and but I will see out our year
commitment. Um in fact, I guess one thing I would say is there's probably one scheduled for January. Um that So, next, let me close this out first. I will uh I am uh next uh on December 18th
um in person um at the Travis Area District Library at 6:00 to 7:00. So do come and see me to close out >> uh the board office hours series. Um, and then starting in 2026 at our January meeting, we'll discuss different ways to kind of engage with
>> uh community members. But I do believe we probably have one scheduled what we're looking at right now >> in January, >> the third Thursday, >> January 23rd, it's still a tenative >> and it it even though it's listed as tenative, I guess is is the board okay
if we suspend posting of any any further meetings subject to our discussion in January? So keep January 23rd or no? >> No, I would say we can >> that and then we'll have the discussion which we'll go ahead and take it down now, you know, and or we'll put it cancelled through it >> and then we'll figure out where we're
going from there at the organizational meeting. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Although we'd love camping from the community on ways to go, >> you know. Yep. Maybe come and talk to me on December 18th and give me some good ideas.
>> That's right. >> All right. Um, so don't leave me hanging on December 18th. It's Christmas. We can talk about anything, uh, anything around. So, um, next up is consent. Do I have a motion to approve the consent calendar as presented?
>> I move that the board of education approve the consent calendar as presented and without discussion. >> A second. >> Second. All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those post say nay. >> Motion carries. Moving on to uh
discussion items. Uh the first uh discussion item is the approval of the superintendent evaluation that was carried out early this evening. Um just to summarize that and it will be uh executed and publicly available but it
is the board was very happy to have John with us. Uh we believe we're making progress on a number of fronts. Um I did take out some notes as well that separately that I will put in the January organizational meeting that we can clarify with uh board expectations
but that wasn't part of that. So then there would be uh and overall John received a 90% um which is well within an effective rating. Um there's only three levels that need support developing or effective. So John did obtain the highest level. Um, I will note that part
of that reasoning was down to it's a mandated student growth that I I believe that John technically did hit the highest level. Um, he he is not he wants to make sure that we keep focus on that. So, student growth. So, I do appreciate his cander
in that. Um, and I think we all agree that there is is further student growth to be had. Lots of further student growth to be had. So, uh, I appreciate that and appreciate the dialogue. Um, with that, do I have, uh, a motion or
any other comments, um, to approve the evaluation? >> I move that the board of education approve Superintendent Dr. John Vanwagner's evaluation as presented. >> I second. >> Second. And a final one will go out obviously to the board. It is in working
form, but um so there is that. Um Tammy, please conduct a roll call vote. >> Um Trusty Moonar, >> yes. >> Trusty Ballinger, >> yes. >> Trusty Beras, >> yes. >> Trusty Hardy, >> hi. >> Trusty Pac, >> yes. >> Trusty Schmidt, >> yes. >> And President Newman,
>> yes. Motion carries. Um and then I did prior to the meeting add a superintendent uh contract discussion item. I'm just going to let the board know kind of where we're going, what what's going on with that. The the the contract's kind of structured so
automatically with the effective rating uh the superintendent contract is extended uh if we take no action for another year. I think we're extremely happy. We're very comfortable with the contract. in discussions with John and uh vice president um Mu Moore sat down
with me, we because of our now long relationship and and strong relationship amongst all board members, we we could have a candid conversation of is this the best way not just for now but for the future to set anything up for future contracts? Is there anything
we should be looking at? So, it was a very productive conversation. it. We didn't get to a point where anything else made sense, but we did have some ideas um that we are still working on. So, that is not on the discussion item, but it is something we're working on. It
is all very collaborative and and good stuff, but it's if it doesn't get there, it's also not a problem with the contract we have. So, it may be arriving again in January. And um we will have we will have a few things to deal with either way on the contract, but typically we've we've before it's
actually renewed, we've actually amended it to reflect any pay raise that was given through a collective bargaining to the superintendent. We're not going to do that at this meeting. We're just waiting until January and see where see if we get to a closer to a different contract. If we don't, that's okay.
>> Any questions at all? >> So vote to table this? No, there's no we don't need to technically it would just we just won't take any action on it. >> But to be clear to the public, the current three-year contract is a rolling three-year contract. So, it's going to be extended by another
>> Yes. >> year >> so that it's still three. Just want to make that clear to the public. >> However, if we come up with something different in January, we come up with something different. We don't we don't >> Yes. >> Yeah. So, it is a work in progress, but regardless, it's always important to say
it's a work in progress because it's so collaborative and positive that we can have those conversations. Um, but either way, we'll be uh likely having this back on the agenda in in January >> and to not look to having a change in
superintendent. >> Bottom line. >> No. Yep. So, um my wife will appreciate that. >> Yep. And uh so with that that that there's no action needed on that item and we can go
to school safety update again to find Dr. Okay, a couple things. Uh so want to let you know that Patrick McManis, our TCAP's director of safety and security is going to attend the advanced school safety academy offered by the Michigan State Police Office of School Safety.
This is a specialized training program for school safety personnel who've already completed the rigorous basic academy requirements. This advanced curriculum is designed to significantly enhance TCAP's capacity for student well-being and security by focusing on critical new content, including updates on behavioral and digital threat
assessment and management, best practices, and rapid response safety training and new emergency operations planning principles, just to name a few of the topics. The goal is to integrate physical and psychological safety for students and staff. This investment ensures our procedures are aligned with
the highest state standards and provides the district with an invaluable resource for strengthening proactive intervention and crisis preparedness. Um so kudos again, we we're very fortunate to have Patrick um the work that we're continuing to try and lead out front
with that and uh just doing everything we can for best practice and staying on the cutting edge of what we can do with that. Can I just ask is that coming out of our professional development budget or is there like a special grant for that? >> I don't know. Do you know that? >> Yeah, I would have to double check with him. He was it um this type of training
is by invite only and so he was invited to attend, but I'm not sure how if it was funded by them or by us. I'd have to ask him. He's got his own budget for professional development. >> Thank you. >> Y um other thing this one I know like was fresh off the presses kind of as of
late last week but even more today. Um, so I had a um kind of an update from our conversation about Frankie Road. Um, so we had a meeting uh that that both uh um Secretary Ballinger and Trustee Hardy
attended with me with many representatives from our community, road commission, county, county commissioners, uh townships, and talked overall about that, but really focused more on an overall structure and plan for the community and people traveling
and biking and walking from Division um and and what's expand expanded in that conversation even since that meeting is really the the Buffalo Trail all the way that kids on the west side of kind of how they move and bike and
walk. And so what's also happened is we had tart trails there and a conversation came out of that that they are looking at an expansion of a crossing at Silver Lake Road by Wyatt very close to the Y. I'm a part of the Wise expansion. They
want to be able to connect um Garfield Township does essentially the neighborhoods that are down um uh on the other side of the Y all the way even eventually Herkner to be able to come to the Y and then be able to go to um West
Middle School and even all the way up to Division um to be able to have a safe route um for kids to be able to bikewalk in the community. And that was said I I think again Christies will back me up. Community overall plan was mentioned quite a bit. >> So last week I had the opportunity to um
sit with Christ the uh Garfield Township Supervisor and a little bit about trying to focus on an overall plan not just a crossing at Frankie Road. And so I had asked him to have a conversation with Ben Marinette, the um who was the
interimm now full-time uh uh um city manager about is it possible for us to come up with a a more structured overall plan with a drawing that we could take to Meyer to be able to see if there's a way to be able to incorporate a better
trail along their edge of their property along the wetlands area coming all the way from a division that would safely cross um at a middle point at Frankie Road as we talked about with the engineering firm that's been hired by
the the road commission that would continue on with a new path that would split off the Buffalo Trail by the Y that would cross Silver Lake Road and into the the subdivision across from there. So Chris um offered to work with Ben to come up with with work with their
engineering firms to put a drawing together of what an overall plan could look like. collectively amongst all of the entities of the city, the township, the school district, the road commission, the Y tart trails together of what that could be. And so they're
going to start working on that this morning. Um I did have a conversation with uh Ginger who's been leading up our efforts with the safe route to schools grant. And so she did this morning have a conversation with them and the Frankie road crossing only will uh with within
it itself is not enough for the safe route to schools grant because you have to have about 12% is what she was told of your student population has to use a crossing in order for it to be a part of the safe route to schools grant that we
when the when the study was done it did not get anywhere near that. However, they do believe that the Wyatt the crossing at Silver Lake would. So, what we're going to do is put the whole plan together. And I think our first phase is to sit and have a conversation with Meer about what they would be willing to do
on their side. Um Chris also mentioned possibly approaching the um Grand Trevor's uh band of Ottawa and Chipua Indians for a 2% grant that could possibly help with an overall community plan for that and see if with all the entities at the table and all of the
entities resources we can come up with more of a community focused walking biking um transportation plan that makes sense for all that. So, I'm really encouraged and excited by what I think our collaboration can be. And as that continues to evolve, I'll make sure to keep the board updated.
>> John, who is Chris? >> Um Chris is the um the Chris Barf is a Garfield Township supervisor. He took over for Chuck Korn >> who was in that. He's now the supervisor. >> Yeah, I think so. I think Joe McManus is the supervisor and Chris is now called
Garfield Township Manager. >> Manager. That's right. They switched with they changed the job. >> Retired. Yeah. Um and Chris Barsha used to be a trustee. So there's some musical chairs. Okay. >> So I had the chance we're in Rotary New Rotary together. We sat next to her for lunch and we talked about this and that's what we came out with. And so
really excited where I think that can go. >> Well, I just have to say thank you for, you know, getting everybody together. It's taken just a couple of meetings, a few months apart, and it went from a big unwieldy uh siphoned, you know, siloed
uh conversations to bring everybody together and now thankfully, you know, there's a lot of collaboration. So, thank you for >> and their ultimate goal together. >> Thank you. Then their ultimate goal would be a second round with the township of a later safe route grant that could connect that to West High School
>> because there are many kids that we see walking down the roads as you go down Um so eventually if we can connect it all the way from West High School to um division that that would be a great thing for our community overall. >> I mean I appreciate the partnership and the collaboration not making decisions
in silos. I've I've requested this several times and I'm going to request it again that as a district we review our systems uh policies practices around how kids and staff get to school not just at Monasuri after the fact. So thinking about policies related to where
and how we design schools, active transportation, safe house to school partnerships, all of these things align with our 2030 vision. So when the time is right, let's solve the problem at Monasuri, but I'd like to look at all of our 300 square miles. I was hoping the sustainability committee would maybe
dive into transportation. Um, but maybe it's for health and wellness. I don't know. You have enough on your plate, but I I do think the time is right to look at some of those systems that got us here in the first place. >> Yeah. But I do think overall looking at a larger scope with the community in that is better than just a siloed you know piece of it.
>> Oh absolutely and that's how we got here. Yeah. But I mean now can we come up like that's right across the district with systems >> uh and and best practices >> uh because we've done amazing things with safe routs of school in the city and I think we can do amazing safe house
of school in the townships as well. We are making I think we are making especially on the east like east middle the amount of work that has been done towards that has been exciting as well but on the point but on that point I excited cuz I don't think any of us were
we had option A B or maybe C before and none of us liked any of them really but we were trying to figure out which way and so this is a lot more exciting to actually get something done that makes solves the problem and doesn't just put a band-aid on it so thank you >> and it's a collective community approach I think that's the key that's what came
out of that meeting that was really promising for me is it wasn't just about Monastery and Frankie Road. >> It was about communities, families, neighborhoods, you know, collective government, you know, working together to make a plan that works for lots of people,
>> which makes a lot easier to go to a private entity like Mayer to be like, it's >> not just about, >> but we're going to have a drawing that makes sense from an engineer of the whole thing and not just put something on a napkin and talk to me and have him go, we don't know what you're talking about. >> Yeah. Well, that whole corridor is I
mean there like you said there are a lot of kids moving >> through that entire corridor and so um yeah safely. >> Yeah. A lot of cars moving through that corridor as well. >> Yep. >> Yep. And it's not over yet. I mean
there's going to be >> Yep. But I'm very encouraged by what our meeting progress has given us. >> That's it. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, last discussion item is a
request. We had a request from a board member. I'll phrase this. The request was about attending a conference, but I think it's warranted just a larger discussion of how we use funds. So, um, I guess I'll start by deferring.
The the request was specifically for um educational conference in Washington DC on February 1st to the 3rd. Um and Ty was uh requested it but then we need board input from how we do professional development in general. Um, so I don't
want to necessarily tie I don't know how you want me to address this, but I don't necessarily want to make it just about that because I think even in discussion picture, >> right? I'll tee up that. Um, and I'll be honest, like until a few weeks ago, I've never heard of the National Advocacy Summit. It was in a newsletter from the
Michigan Association of School Boards. Uh, and you know, that word advocacy we hear a lot at this table, right? Especially for districts like ours. And I think we all understand that advocacy is not optional for for trustees from 31A at risk 31A student mental health
transportation universal meals. Um and then I saw the focus on educ educational equity and and inclusive learning environments and I thought those aligned uh well with our strategic goals. Um but I so I appreciate the executive committee um bringing it here, you know, but to be honest I I didn't know. I
appreciate the comments about cost. Um, you know, and I to be honest, I didn't know about our board development plan at the time. So, I'm maybe this isn't an appropriate request. >> I mean, I think it I think it is, but I because I do think we uh Well, I Let's
just say that I do believe that we should be educated as a board. um we're elected to do this position and we handle an awfully large budget that uh a little bit of education would go a long way to uh being good for. So I think it
is an investment that we have put aside. We've just never really had requests. I mean to be honest when we joined the board we were just coming into co and that those those sort of things went away anyway. So we haven't had these requests. So it's not it's beyond just
your request and it's it's how we want to handle any such requests because I think there's going to be very differing you know I think some people don't like the cost and I'm summarizing comments I've heard from board members but uh cost fairness in attendance uh what if everyone wants to go in one year is
there anything else so this is a very open discussion not specifically just to the request but to the policy in general which I think when we have that discussion we'll answer the request if if that makes sense. So, any comments? >> I mean, I guess I'll I'll start and just
say that in principle, I I definitely support um any trustee wanting to seek professional development, whether it's through Michigan Association of School Boards or the National School Board Association. And I I commend you for seeking, you know, taking the initiative
to to identify this opportunity because it aligns with our new strategic plan and all the work that we are doing on equational equity for our low-income students. So, I see that it supports our
new strategic plan. The big however here unfortunately is um it came out that we had a certain finite budget designated this year for professional development and we have nearly exhausted it because
um you know unintended consequence of so many of us going to that that recent conference. So if there are other funding sources that we can use um I am in favor of supporting your request. Um, but I think if there are alternative
funding sources that we could use, we just have to be mindful of potential opportunity costs like, you know, if we approve this and if anybody wants to go to MESB winter institute or spring institute, then we're going to be in the exact same situation again. So, I I think this is
going to become a budgetary issue if we have a board in future years that wants more professional development than we have had over the last five. That is really the again the crux of the issue. It's just it's less about this. It's more of a broader scope. Um we do
probably do have funds within the budget because although we're with even within our budget because one of the line items I believe is it's >> food >> food that we don't uh spend um as a board we it's there for like meeting certain areas that we haven't really
spent. So, >> um, so we do have, uh, some money, maybe not the entire amount, but pretty close to it in there. But again, that comes back down to what do we want the policy to be going forward cuz, you know, some of these uh, conferences
are expensive. Um, but I do think that they are valid, but then what happens if everyone does want to go? Um, >> yeah. Again, >> I mean, I I feel the same way. I think that, you know, to educate and train yourself, we're all, you know, to is a
is a great thing. I just I do get nervous that, you know, that if we all decided to go, what that would look like from a cost perspective and um you know, I think what we have the ability to have here in Michigan are are strong opportunities, too. And so, um you know,
I think John, we had talked about possibly does MASB do any type of a grant? So I did I checked and I I sent to the board just recently um Don Mura they do have grants for instate things with MASB but they do not provide any grants for the national and nor does the
national association provide any. So we got that input to the board. >> Okay. So um I mean and again we talked about you know is there a way that we could subsidize right? So the board could pay for like your registration fee but maybe not all the rest of the fees.
Um I mean >> yeah I mean there again there's no real great way of doing this. I mean we could allocate more resource is relatively again we're talking about this pretty much we don't get compensated. We don't
spend any money elsewhere. We're not running up uh podiums and running turning in expense reports every week like it's very minimal. Um so it is a I don't want to also say that any dollar amount isn't shouldn't be directed towards the classroom as well. So like
but I do want to have especially in future I don't want to discourage >> people who who don't know what they're doing and who want to actively go and learn like there could be a very different situation later where we really want people to go >> and get this exposure. So I wanted to
make sure that it's covered for everyone. I I was okay to doing it to having I've thought about it a lot and I was okay to actually support it and if we had some guidelines and my thought which I know is not necessarily supported by some members but like was
to say okay uh each board member could have one conference per elected term or something that there's a limit to it. Um otherwise I don't know how you're going to do fairness >> outside of Michigan. You mean nationally? Mhm.
>> I mean, not that everyone would use it. Again, I >> never had to deal with this. So, this is this is a >> if you did that, would it be if somebody's like appointed like Scott? >> I thought about that, too. >> But but probably whatever term they're filling, if that person went that, you know,
>> that that's filled. But if they didn't fill that void, too. So, yeah. I I mean I think we could probably we we need to make this decision tonight because of this conference being in a month from or I guess just under two months from now but going forward maybe survey you know
Canvas MESB like are there some other districts that have dealt with this how do they deal with this like what is a typical budget and how do they manage if multiple you know trustees want to go um I don't know if it's a January organizational meeting discussion or
another you know meeting down the road. But I would just maybe ask like you know in terms of the trade the potential trade-off if we approve Trusty Schmidt to go to this then we don't have and then we don't have enough money to for MASB
>> yeah winter or spring is anybody you know gung-ho thinking that they would want to go to one of those is that even an issue this year because if it's not then I think we probably all feel more comfortable proving this. I I find it curious that we've never had to deal
with this issue before, which sort of implies that nobody's ever asked before. So I I don't want to and try not to use this term, penalize Tai because he's shown an initiative. He needs an immediate answer. Let's solve this problem after we
send Tai and get a report back and we'll have to come up with a policy moving forward. But trying to do a retroactive policy, >> I know. That's why I really don't want it to be that's why I was trying to make this lead off is like this isn't necessarily about this because it's >> well and I another thought process is you know if you've if you've completed
all your you know level 100 200 and 300s I mean maybe then a national conference would make more sense >> um you know and and maybe you know serving and I don't know if this makes sense but serving longer to understand on what the values you could get from a
national level versus a state level might be Um, I don't know. I don't know. >> I don't know either. >> I don't know. I don't know the differences between a national state >> after we decide >> I know >> the issue and I'm in favor of going ahead and approving this and again
coming up with a policy for the next time it happens. >> The only feedback I'd give is I have not done anything nationally, you know, to be able to, you know, seek our legislators and staff in Lancing or I'm sorry, in Washington DC. So, you know, it does have as if you had the chance to
see Don Matria, the executive director of MASB's response about the conference is he said it is very strong and they set you up with your legislators and staff and education committee members. So, we have not had any advocacy other than when those folks have been in
district um actually on the hill. So, you know, it wouldn't be redundant at least this year. There are sometimes I do through League of Innovative Schools and other things like there was an opportunity this year but timing didn't work out for me at all. So it would not be redundant in something that admin
administration or others have have done already if that helps your thoughts on this particular one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know. I just I I just think it's just a lot of money. um my
own personal opinion and and I you know I don't want to take away from something else in the district when I think locally in Michigan we have great teaching and learning opportunity opportunities. So just my own personal opinion, >> I think you have diverse school systems
here and uh diverse ways that things are trying to be addressed. Although I think we also live in a microcosm with an awful lot of control from the top down. So what you get in Washington won't
necessarily apply to what happens in Michigan uh in public education. Secondly, there's an awful lot of of print material and um
material online. You have to be picky of it. Um but there's a lot to read. There's education that I mean you almost have to be blind, deaf, and dumb to not be a recipient of education in my
opinion. Um the Mildly conference I went to uh I did on my own dime um this Wednesday and it was excellent and they brought a guy in from the Brookings Institute to talk
and I thought it was I learned a lot. It was interesting. Ran into the mayor of Traverse City there of all things. Um, so I I guess that the idea that there's
not a fair amount here and it's bang for the buck. If you have a finite pool of money, I would spend it closer to home if I could get more for the for the resource uh as opposed to go for a steak dinner
and hope it lasts all week. >> Does that make sense? And is there a conference similar to that statewide? >> That I don't know. You know, I mean, the one I went to was on men and boys and
why they're falling behind. >> Um, and there was a lot of diversity in that room. >> What do you want to do here? >> I mean, we can take it to a vote just to approve. I don't think based off of Tai's comments that he would be offended
either way, but like it it just is I don't want to make it I yeah said I have my personal opinion that um I do think that we should encourage education. Do I think there should be similarness financially? Yes. I hate doing it when
we have a particular situation because it becomes about that situation. So I kind of am supporting Scott's position personally. We're going to get the budget resets every year, too. It's so it's not like this is coming out in perpetuity. We'll reset it next year and maybe have a
policy in place by that time. I trust that Tai has done the research and found this to be of value and I haven't. So, I'm going to trust his wisdom on this and think we ought to for lack of a policy um I don't want to have him miss
this. >> Can I give one more clarifying thing? This would not be over the board's budget. It would be on that line item, but you have other line items that you have not spent. >> I was going to say, >> so for instance, as long as you're good not having any food with us here, we could use that line item up for this.
>> My Jimmy John sandwich, >> right? Well, sorry. You're going to sacrifice that for this. We still have >> and and miscellaneous. We do have things, you know, that there's there, but you know, we would be very frugal with what we do moving with the board. Again, not that there might not be some
other but but this is within the budget that the board does have collectively in accounts if it's not something we're gonna add as a budget item. Correct. >> Or over expenditure. You know the >> Jo's point is correct. It's like you know that will definitely stretch the
budget and we will be very limited and are we okay with that tradeoff? >> I said I I think I am in this case as well. Um, as long as we're like having a discussion probably in January again, add that to that list of things we're going to talk about. It's going to be a fun meeting, so prepare for that.
>> Um, >> well, are you thinking too about the idea of playing paying a portion of it or are you going through up to $3,000? Uh, >> I'm okay with it. The only thing I really struggle with is I don't ever
want to separate and this again no like I don't want to have it like a who can and who can't um because then it's like okay I get to I'm okay with it too but it it certainly makes a separation of
you know can you do it so um that is a problem. Yeah, I would just say we would never ask our professional staff to pay for their professional development and we are unpaid volunteers. >> Well, maybe pdeiums are inadequate. That that might be an issue
>> paycheck, >> but um you know, so like you acknowledged, we are unpaid elected officials. So, we're not exactly rolling in uh six figure salaries here. >> Yes.
>> We've never seen the request previously. So, I I suggest let's have a vote on this thing and not >> think we're going to come to >> and then I think we can lay it out that this isn't, you know, necessarily how it will be going forward and this is a onetime thing and then we readress a whole full policy come up and >> there we go.
>> Start on it in January and see where it goes and if we need more time, we do have it. Do I have a does >> I move the board of education approve board >> uh approve the board member conference travel to the national board association's annual
advocacy and equity institute February 1st to 3rd 2026 in Washington DC as discussed. >> I'll second that. >> Any other discussion? Um >> I assume we didn't need to name the individual going right in the motion. Okay.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Tammy, please conduct a roll call back. >> We'll try there's >> Trusty Ballinger. >> Yes. >> Trustee Hardy, >> I. >> Trusty Beras, >> yes. >> Um, Trusty Pack, >> no. >> Trusty Schmidt.
>> Can I vote on this? >> Yes, >> you can. >> Yeah, >> you better vote yes. >> It's not a It is not a conflict. >> It's not a conflict of interest. It's a board. >> Trusty Monmar. >> No. And Trusty.
Yes. So, thank you. I know this was a awkward and difficult conversation, but I do think that it really does highlight an area that we have to discuss and we will do that uh clear of anything else uh coming up in the new year. >> I'll just say I appreciate the support
>> and Ty, I totally support you. It's just on the figure. >> I struggled and and I know when I talked to you probably last time, I was probably in a different position as well. like it. I've I've done a lot of >> again I just really want I was thinking about this for sustainable when we're
talking to John about contracts as like one thing that we really need to continue to >> which I'm not saying the decision was wrong but one thing we really need to champion is a dedicated school board and I feel like that helps. So but I I I don't think any of us disagree with
>> and I will just continue to look in case there are any resources or grants or anything out there. I'll continue in between here to just keep my eye out just in case. Yep. >> Yeah. >> And continued clarity and where we're going with this in the future. >> Thankfully, we're very very very few frugal board. So that is like
hilariously a large portion of our budget because we are so frugal. So >> and and I just want to say too trusty Schmidt I mean you know I think we would all love to hear the outcome >> for sure how with us >> in whatever format we decide is best.
>> So is it safe to assume we won't be having food for the foreseeable future? Yes. >> Bring a lunch. >> All right. >> Sandwiches. >> Yep. >> Okay. And then um so without any other
discussion items, we're on to the second public comment. Tany, is there any public comment? >> Okay. So closing remarks. talking about having no lunch at study sessions. We uh uh you should have received an Oh, if you need to >> keep leaving there second round of
>> you need signing. We we'll be done in in just a few moments and then we can sign everyone's uh documents here. >> Um so closing comments the board did receive a notice. We had some conflict with uh kind of deadlines or at least
would make life a lot easier uh as well. Um so we did propose moving uh the basically we're we're moving the study session to February 2nd uh would be the study session and February 9th would be the regular
meeting. I believe that the previously we had posted a February 22nd >> and it it had been posted like that but it also hadn't been >> it was a draft understood >> because normally we wouldn't decide until the organizational meeting but because of the line and again it will be
directly ready to do a presentation on central grade the designs all that um you know just a a key key item for the board to weigh in on with that but just really mostlyformational but it timing is of the essence as design planning with central grade is is key key point
needs to have some input. >> So um without uh I mean we will approve that in January but that is on our working schedule that will be changed um to that. So just so everyone knows >> okay we're losing them down there. >> Oh that's fine. I just seeing here but
they uh okay so with that any other comments otherwise do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those supposed say nay. Meeting adjourned. Thanks. >> An easy seven.