All right, everybody, we're going to get started. Okay. What do you say you guys just come? Okay. We welcome welcome to the October 14th Board of Education meeting. We have six of our seven trustees present. Doctor Phillips is not feeling well today and cannot join us. So, we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. All right. We will start with recognitions. Our first recognition is a TSD mission moment of Apple Distinguished School Award to me. Chesky. Yes. Thank you, Miss Annie. This evening we are proud to recognize two of our schools for earning one of the most prestigious honors in education, the designation as Apple Distinguished Schools. The Apple Distinguished School recognition is awarded to schools
that are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. These schools demonstrate a clear vision for learning with technology, a culture that supports continuous innovation and compelling evidence of academic achievement and student engagement. Fewer than a thousand schools worldwide have earned this distinction, placing our schools among an elite group recognized by Apple for transforming teaching and learning through the thoughtful and effective use of technology. This award celebrates not only the use of devices, but the dedication of our educators, administrators, and students
to leveraging technology in ways that truly enhance creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Tonight, we are honored to present the Apple Distinguished School Award to Troy Union Elementary and Larsen Middle School. Congratulations to the principals who are with us here. And we'll hear from in just a moment. Staff. And we have some staff members as well. And students, although they're not able to be here this evening, we want to thank them also for this remarkable achievement and for setting an example of excellence that inspires us all.
It's my pleasure at this point to invite, try union principal, Mr. Mike Cantone. Last and principal, Mr. Bryant was left, up to the podium. We have several others in the audience that they're going to acknowledge as well for their part in this outstanding award. And, come on up. Don't be shy. Good evening, doctor. My trustee board of education. My name is Brian was. I'm the principal of large middle school. It is my honor to introduce some of the members from our team here at Larson. And I'll let me introduce his team.
For us, we have Charlie Tall, teacher at Larsen. We also worked really close. I think both schools work really closely with Adam and Burns. Teacher Troy Athens, as well as I, works with the communications department here. And then Ryan Cahalan, who is a member of the tech department here at Troy. So. Doctor Matt Chesky, board of education. Thank you for recognizing us. Annie Stransky is first grade teacher at Troy Union. She played a big part in what we're doing. And I also want to acknowledge, the rest of our team here as well, having the opportunity to go through this
and to have this opportunity to be an Apple Distinguished School. It's an incredible honor because bottom line is the technology that we use in our classrooms is a tool. And when used correctly, it's an opportunity for our staff to enhance what we do day in and day out. And so to be recognized for this, this honor, we still have a lot of work that we want to do and continue to grow and continue to support. But we're grateful for the recognition that's there. And obviously, it comes down to the opportunity to have, a board of Education superintendent, assistant superintendent,
giving us a forum where we can take risks and try things out and try to get better every single day. So thank you. Thank you. Yeah. I just want to also acknowledge, the board's support for technology as well as their, support for, you know, taking risks and being innovative. You know what this really means to us at Larson? It's it's, I've always admired Larson from afar before I came into the community about there. Their spirit of innovation and this really is, is a reflection of their creativity and their collaboration and their, you know, like, critical thinking.
And I think that just really builds, innovative ideas with our students. One of the privileges we get now as a group is to learn alongside the Apple company. Most recently, I think several of us took part in Apple University, which really talked about how Apple is, their, their structure of their company is set up. And they had a quote that said, from Steve Jobs and his purpose. And we're here to put a dent in the universe. And I think this really captures the mindset that all of us have here that, ideas
and efforts can really make an impact and we can really have opportunities to, to make a dent in our little community over here to push students thinking, with problem solving and just continuous growth from both the students and the, the staff. So again, I just want to thank you guys for all the support that you guys have provided from the, supporting the technology to also that spirit of innovation that might talked about. So thank you guys so much for. Any questions to the team from the board. No sorry. Did you guys. Yeah. No. We want to get a picture if you don't mind.
And while we're while they're gathering for picture, I might also add, I mentioned that, in the introduction, there's only a thousand schools worldwide that have been acknowledged for as, distinguished schools. The reality is there's actually only five in Michigan. And we have now two of those five. So there were only three prior. And I suspect in short order, there will be several more. Tri district schools identified as distinguished, Apple schools. Because of what these, what this group said, which is the infrastructure
that's been provided by the board and board's previous, to, allow for the devices that the students have available to them. But more importantly, the, ability to let Ron and his team, in, in technology and instructional technology loose, to innovate and to get into our element is early is kindergarten, and work with students, all the way up through through our secondary building. So I want to thank this group, in particular, for their work, knowing that there will be likely far more to come, but then also to, echo,
their comments regarding the support of the board, because it really does take a community dedicated to, collaboration and creative creativity and critical thinking and so forth. So I just I want to reiterate those. Thanks. Thank you. And congratulations to all of you. I do have a question. Does that Apple recognition and what that tell you what specific things that made this recognition possible or what just cuz you got any feedback current specific feedback.
That's a great question actually. So I don't think so at this time. Okay. Are they just give out an award? Okay. Wonderful. Thank you. Congratulations. All right. Next item, our next recognition is learning disabilities Awareness Month, several national associations dedicated to support individuals with learning differences. Have designated October as a month of awareness, including organizations focused on dyslexia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and Down's syndrome in alignment with these efforts, the US Department of Education has also recognized October as learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and Down's Syndrome Awareness Month. Here in Michigan, Governor Whitmer has taken a broader approach by declaring October as Learning Disabilities Month in that spirit, the Troy Board of Education wishes to join the governor in this recognition by adopting our own resolutions.
May have a resolution. Please. Doctor Martin. Whereas the term learning disabilities refers to differences in how our brains work, which may affect the acquisition or organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. And whereas, learning disabilities range in severity and may impact the acquisition and use of oral language, reading, written language and mathematics. And whereas 1 in 5 individuals have a learning disability and Whereas, learning disabilities may coexist with other disabilities
and conditions and they can affect individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other intersecting factors. And whereas disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, but individuals with learning disabilities may face discrimination or marginalization based on their disability and other intersecting factors. And whereas every person has strengths and learning disabilities should not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work, or homes as members of their family and their communities. And whereas specialized assessments and interventions involve home,
school, community and workplace settings can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities. And whereas by creating an environment with the appropriate supports and services, individuals with learning disabilities can achieve their goals, making meaningful contributions to their community and participate fully in society. And Whereas, understanding and celebrating the unique abilities and perspectives of individuals with learning disabilities is essential to creating an inclusive society that embraces the strengths and potential of all Michigan residents.
And now, therefore, the Troy School District Board of Education joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer in commemorating October 2025 as Learning Disabilities Month in Michigan. Support this to have so moved by doctor Melton supported Mr.. Her so we are asked to adopt a resolution any questions or comments? If not all those in favor please say yes. Yes. All those who opposed say no. Resolution passes. So our next next recognition is Principal appreciation month.
Even our show. Anyone anyone want to do the principal appreciation month? Sure. Okay, so it is only whereas me to read the first. Yeah. Do them tough. But throughout the state of Michigan, October has traditionally been celebrated as Principal appreciation month and recognition of the outstanding work of our building level educational leaders in Troy. We are fortunate to have an exemplary group of principals dedicated to the success of every student in the district. This evening, we will pass a resolution to commend our elementary and secondary
principals for their exceptional commitment to excellence in the Troy School District. Thank you. We are asked to adopt this resolution. May I have a resolution, please? And if you want to do it, it sure is flowing. Yes. Whereas energetic and inspiring school leadership is essential if teachers, schools and districts are to ensure that all students are college and career ready. And whereas K-12 school principals play a vital role in the success of students and act as the liaison between the school
and the community it serves, ensuring that parents and the community are aware of student and school achievements. And Whereas the Troy School District principals are dedicated, quality educational professionals committed to providing sound leadership and guidance to their staff and students and Whereas, during this month, we join with educators, parents, and students throughout Michigan to raise awareness of the importance of educational leadership and to recognize and thank all principals working in Troy for their exemplary service. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Troy Board of Education
officially recognizes October as Principal Appreciation Month in Troy, and thanks our dedicated building leaders for all they do for our students and staff. Support moved by Miss Sanders, supported by Mr. Lee's. All those in favor, please say yes. Yes. In. Support the resolution. All those who opposed say no. The resolution passes. I believe we have a short. Yeah, we have a short video. Miss Montante, thank you to Mr. Burns for putting a short video together and to acknowledge our,
principal appreciation month recognition. These. Items. We are proud of all of our building leaders in the Troy School District. For Principal Appreciation Month. We sat down with a few of them to learn why they wanted to become a principal. Why do you want to become a principal? I mean, it's not something everybody wants to do. So tell us why you imagination principal. You know, it's kind of funny. You said it's only been a month. It feels both a month. And also like ten years and also a day.
It's come back quickly, and I appreciate you taking time to sit down with me and, and spend some moments, you know, the day to day. Hell, it's the reason I became a principal. There's so much excitement. There's so much joy. To go. Right there. Just to. And if it doesn't work, we can just listen to. It's mostly doors that matter. Oh, there it is. There we go. So, what's a few of them?
To learn why they wanted to become a principal. Why do you want to become a principal? I mean, it's not something everybody wants to do. So tell us, why do you want to become a principal? You know, I also find it funny. You said it's only been a month. It feels both a month and also like ten years and also a day. It's gone by quickly. And I appreciate you taking time to sit down with me and, and spend some moments, you know, the day to day hell is the reason I became a principal. There's so much excitement. There's so much joy that comes from from working with kids. And, when I was a teacher, I always knew, like,
hey, I love working with my hundred or 30 kids every hour. But to get to the opportunity then to take, my passion of educating kids and working with students to the building level and to work with staff and to share that passion with them, was really the reason I became a mentor. What inspired you to, so what inspired you to not just stay in the classroom? The time to expand. That's a that's a great question. I learned very quickly, and I think that's why, you know, you talk to teachers and educators, we get into this career because we love kids.
And I love kids of all ages. I enjoyed my time in elementary school, I enjoyed I loved my time in middle school, and I love my time in high school. I was looking for a way to kind of make an impact just outside of the four walls of my classroom. I really, really enjoyed my students and, and getting to know them in the relationships I built with them. And I figured as an assistant principal, I could just do more things with them. Especially at the high school level. I mean, you two are great examples of just the incredible things that you accomplish, and it's just really like an honor to be a part of any of that.
So, early on in my life, I knew I wanted to be an educator. It just was part of who who I am. I've always admired Troy for their high achievement levels and, just that their reputation. And I feel coming to Troy. I remember as I was leaving one day from school, I felt like I'm a wreck. I'm home. I'm back home. And the community in which I surround myself with. And, so it just feels like I've landed back in the area
and which I, live and raise my own children. We don't live in Troy, but live close by, and so it just feels like home. A lot of people ask, you know, have you always wanted to be a high school principal? What? What a unique position. What an odd job to maybe aspire to. And the answer is definitely no. I that is not a job that I have always been yearning for. Leadership has been something that I've been involved in many, many different levels throughout my time in education. And outside of education.
And, you know, pursuing a master's degree in leadership is was just kind of a natural fit. And then kind of one thing led to another, and the opportunity presented itself here in Iowa, and I moved from teaching into administration. And it's been great ever since. I really love my job, and I love leading my school. And, it's a job where I still really look forward to coming to work every day. So I really love it. You know, it may be surprising to some or not, that growing up I was maybe not the most perfect student. Sometimes I did a lot of hallway sitting for talking in class. You're not paying attention.
And, I really I didn't always feel like I belonged in school, so that is really why I became a teacher to start. Then once I began teaching, obviously I loved it. And some days I miss it. But what I realized is some of the impact that leaders have on teachers have the biggest impact on students by breaking down barriers, making sure that there's nothing standing in their way of being that champion for that student. So I just felt really like I had to find a way to make more impact, to make that impact on students that I felt like resembled me as a student
or even needed more than I did. We are thankful for all of our principals and that they chose to be leaders in the Choice School district. Thank you. Any comments or questions from on foreign? That's an amazing video. Sums it up. Thank you. So our next recognition is our 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This year, more than 1 million students nationwide from some 21,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Program.
However, approximately 16,000 of these seniors are selected to be semifinalists. This evening, we'll be passing a resolution to commend and congratulate our 57 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. I'm going to read the names. Please bear with me. Has meta Anil Kumar Fatima at the Matthew. But Keith. Shree. Bhandarkar. Mason. Chew. Samarra, Samarra, Samarra that died of sin.
Rush does Arianna the gray skirt. William Dong Lana for gaily. Atul Ganesh we jahan galat Arian Goswami arrows good to Anusha Gupta your shun Kashi far. Hussain. Flower. Ibrahim. Raghav. Career. Rayon Kim. Schlager Capella. Compelling. Rush. Will Kearney, a Neha Kumar,
the the two Folli follie Shuang li, Sophia li, Abigail, Lucy Jingyi, Ma Jeeva, Marie Das, Joel, Matthew Ashworth, madam Michael Melander, produce nila centum Samir pi you see Parab, Kang hee, park Sanjana Prabhu, Christian Prakash, Akita. Prithviraj. They. Jasmine. Raja. Hassani. Romine.
Sahar. Rahul. Ashwin. Srivatsa. Divya. Soni. Chin. Mai. Sujit. Nair, sunny. Tippy. Reddy. Julia. Chilly school to to lay school and. Eunice. Turk. Matthew. Vijay. Shekhar I can Vera kun. Anthony. Wu, Cassie. Zen. Jonathan. Zhou, Alice. Yang, Angelica. Zhang and Eric. Joe.
All right, let me go back. This this is a remarkable number of semifinalists and a tribute to the staff and the parents of our tri school district. Copies of this resolution will be presented to the students at the reception on November 13th. So we are asked to adopt this resolution may have a resolution. Please. Up. Whereas the above mentioned 57 students earned the prestigious honor of being among those selected nationwide as this year's National Merit Scholarship Finalists.
Semifinalists. Whereas Student Achievement is honored through the National Merit Scholarship, semifinalist and finalist recognition programs and Whereas, National Merit students reach semifinalist status by scoring in the top one and one half percent on the National Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and earning comparable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Be it therefore resolved that the Troy School District Board of Education adopts this resolution in honor of the aforementioned Troy School District students for their selection as the 2026
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, but recently so passed by Mister Move by Mr. Harb, supported by Miss Sandler. So we are asked to adopt the resolution. All those in favor, please say yes. Yes. Those who opposed, please say no resolution and passes. Thank you. Okay, so, that concludes our recognition portion of our, meeting agenda. We will take a five minute recess, as we do.
We need to. I don't think we need to. What do you guys think? If there's anyone here, if going to sneak out, feel free. But I think we got a small enough group here. Okay. All right. We do not need to break. Let's move on then. Our next item is additions and initiative deletions. There are none. This evening, Steve Chesky, public communication. We have one public communication on non agenda items. Okay. We will do that at the end then shortly okay. So the next item is our general consent and agenda which includes
a minutes of the September 2nd, 2025 Board of Education workshop, minutes of the September 16th, 2025 board of Education meeting, the Treasurer's Report of August 2025, the second reading and adoption of the board policy revisions. So we are asked to accept our resolution. May have a resolution. Please, Mr. Heart, be it therefore resolved, that the Troy Board of Education takes action to approve items A, B, C, and D of the consent agenda supported. He moved by Mr. Hart, supported by miss Lee.
All those in favor of the resolution, please say yes. Yes, yes. Those who oppose. Please say no. Resolution passes. Okay, okay. The next item in our agenda is personnel. And we have a consideration for administrative appointment for technology director, Mr. Pickle. Good evening everyone. I have, for your consideration this evening, an administrative, appointment for the position of director of technology. I am pleased to recommend the appointment of Mr.
Sasso of this office to the position of technology director. Mr. Vysotsky has worked in K-12 schools since 2013. He started working in the technology department for you to come community schools. He then moved on as a network administrator for Oakland Schools. Mr. Biscay previously worked in Oxford Schools, where he started as the senior network coordinator and moved to director of cybersecurity and operations there in March. Mr. Suzuki came to the Troy School District as a network security manager and then transitioned to interim Technology Director. Mr.
Bischoff holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Assurance from Baker College. With your approval this evening, Mr. Vysotsky will begin his duties as Technology Director as of October 15th, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Bagel. We were asked to accept this resolution. May have a resolution. Please. As parts of my team, be it therefore resolved, that the Board of Education issues a two year probationary administrative contract without tenure in the administrative position to Mr. Sasso Vysotsky, who will begin his duties as technology
Director on October 15th and 2025. Support moved by Miss Potts, supported by Mr. Haft. Any questions or comments from anyone? No, there's no questions. All those in favor, please say yes to the resolution. Yes. Yes. And all those who opposed say no resolution passes. Congratulations to Mr. Voss, our speaker. Thank you. And I'm very happy to join the team official.
Congratulations. We appreciate it. Thank you so much. And we okay. That concludes our personnel part of the agenda. Our next agenda is curriculum. There's none this evening on the floor. Thank you. And our next agenda items are business services. And we have a few items. Mr. Trudel. In honor of the Apple Award, I'm gonna use my MacBook. And, That's good. This is your first time using the Mac, but hopefully not
just me. I also, to get. Just to. Finish receiving airplay. Yes. Thank you for. So. The first item on the agenda for consideration this evening was related to the administrative office renovation that we're starting towards the end of the month. So this package in particular relates to just the furniture component. You may recall at the last meeting we did go over the actual construction piece of this project. So, this was the final piece as we were finalizing that design,
just to ensure that we had everything. So you can see here the total estimated amount or projected amount of 240,405. We are asking for a budget not to exceed the $300,000 mark, which the 300,000 was the initial, budget for this project. So we wanted to leave some contingency in there. As we moved back into the space, we may see that we need extra filing cabinets, things like that. Obviously the goal was to always not spend all of that, so we're hoping to push it back. But, and honestly, if it's okay.
All right. On that one, no top shelf content user button. All right, now we're back to finish receiving our plan. Yes. So, as I said, this project here, this was open sourced from base pricing, which is pretty standard for furniture. It allows districts, and organizations to really be more selective in what they want to purchase, with prebid pricing on all of those products. So, it allows us to work with the designers on what exactly do we want in those spaces, without having to compile a specific list of things to get out,
and which would prove to be a little more challenging. So, again, this will be funded out of our 2020. There is actually on the 2023 bond. The construction is going to spend down the 2013 bond. So there's about $1 million left in that bond from the series three of that issuance, so that one will be fully spent. We can close the books on that one this year. And then, as the balance of that project, plus this furniture will come out of the new 2023 bond. Thank you. So we rise to, on the resolution for the administrative building.
Furniture may have a resolution, please. In summation, be it therefore resolved, that the furniture purchase for the administration building for an amount not to exceed $300,000 through preexisting bid contracts, consortiums be approved, is an expenditure of the 2023 Bond Fund support team moved by Mr. Lee, supported by Miss Potts. Any questions or comments on this topic? No, I do have a question. First thing is, for the sake of the audience, what is this middle consortium? If you don't mind. Yes.
So that's a state wide consortium. That district, local governments, they all have access to these higher ed community colleges. As long as you're a governmental entity, you get access to these, free bid categories. So it's everything from technology to furniture. You can bid services on their purchase vehicles. It's just a one stop shop, if you will, where you can go and find all of this content. That's another organization has essentially done the legwork of bidding it out for you, and then you just tap into their pricing. One more question. Your bid was for 250 something thousand, but you said not to exceed 300,000.
Can you just explain to the audience what we want to use it the rest of the money? Yeah. So that will just cover any loose pieces of furniture as we move back in our goal. Right now is we're repurposing a lot of this, the filing cabinets that we do have. But again, you design on paper. Once you get into the space, we'll see if there's areas that we deem we need a little bit extra furniture. Somewhere like the main lobby for enrollment. We didn't want to overcrowd with furniture, but once we get the new the new pieces in there, then we'll take a look and assess if we need to add anything additional. But obviously the goal is to not spend the contingency.
It's only there as a reserve. Wonderful. Thank you. So we're going to vote on this resolution. All those in favor, please say yes. Yes. All those who oppose say no. Resolution passes. Thank you. Next one next item on the agenda relates to, cafeteria table purchase for Barnard Elementary. And you may recall that we've done this for Leonard and Martel over the last school year. So we're trying to chip away at each building to get them upgraded. Tables just kind of went through and assessed which ones are in needs first.
And then let's work our way down that list. So again, this is same same type of table, same manufacturer. It's just different colors and perhaps different number of seats at each table. But again this is consortium based pricing. And we wanted to make sure that we bought good durable quality, tables that would last a number of years. So in total, this one was $46,937. And that would be funded through our current 2023 Capital Projects Fund. Thank you. So we need a resolution for the cafeteria tables for Barnard Elementary
in the center, be it therefore resolved with the purchase of cafeteria tables, be awarded to school specialty in the amount of $46,937.22, and that this amount be approved as an expenditure of the 2023 Capital Projects Fund. Support. Is that in this part? Okay, so so moved by Miss Landler supported by most parts. Any questions or comments from anyone of you? Can you just explain for us? Sometimes when it comes to cafeteria and kitchen things, I'm.
No, we use the bond funds. Sometimes we use the food services fund. Can you, maybe just explain why this, we're using the the capital projects fund. Yeah. So since the onset of the pandemic, we've had a pretty sizable food service fund balance. So each year when that happens, we have to submit a plan to the state of Michigan. And since those dollars were essentially funded through federal reimbursement, since you're participating in a federally funded program, those dollars are a little more restrictive in nature. We have to provide a state plan every year to spend those down.
So Troy High Kitchen being a pretty substantial portion of that, spend down almost 1.4 million out of the 1.6, and then the remainder is going to be, earmarked for a food service truck. That's what we're working on right now. So that fills out the spend down plan. But traditionally you try to reserve the food service fund balance for a kitchen area which is generally 100% used for food service, an area like a cafeteria, depending on secondary or elementary level buildings. Give me a little bit more of a gray area of who's actually using it 100% of the time.
So it's just a safer place to charge those types of purchases like this into a bond fund that could then be used for any purpose. A follow up question. Is there a possibility to use partial amount for those? If you know, 50% of the that's the state laws, you would have to essentially figure out a method and then prorate the charge, which you can do. It's just cleaner to do it. Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. Question. What's the sort of life span of a cafeteria table? And what are you going to do with the old ones? Yeah.
So the old ones there typically have been damaged. So they'll either, dispose of the ones that are damaged a lot of times we end up donating, some buildings or like to keep a small portion of them if they're still functional and safe to use. And then, the new ones, we try to get between 20 and 25 years out of them is is a new standard used for life on us. Okay. Thank you very much for the therapeutic. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? Comments. Right. If none we're going to vote on the resolution. All of those for in favor of this resolution, please say yes. Yes.
All those who oppose say no resolution passes. So the last item of business for consideration relates to, technology upgrades and access controls. So this, as we talked about at the workshop at length, was primarily geared towards, multiple different projects across the district. So, we have structures, cabling that's going to cover all of the back and cabling for all of these projects. We have, a, B systems, which are the audiovisual type systems for the new Smith Middle School. And then the Epic system that we installed in all of our elementaries is going to be installed at the new Smith Middle School.
In addition to Baker Middle School, as part of this package, and then security cameras for the new Smith Middle School. Now that we're getting closer to the opening in the fall of 26, we want to start ordering these materials and get them in time to be installed over the summer, prior to entering the building. And then this also does include a pretty large district wide access control system upgrade. We talked about briefly the elementary level buildings currently have about a 15 to 20 year old system. Currently the hardware is getting dated. So in an effort to try to streamline everything across the district,
we're going to upgrade all of the elementary schools. To have the new badge readers that are going to see them through a new system, that will then also tie into our camera system. So we're trying to unify all of these systems to work together seamlessly. That way we can have better safety and security protocols, both from the staff side but also from the visitor end as well. So, that's all inclusive in this package. And then, it also does include the technology upgrades, which is a small portion of this for the administrative office. We'll have some new screens and projectors in there as well.
So, the total for this is 2 million or 2.6 million, just over 2.6 million, with the 10% contingency. And then obviously, the less we can spend out of that contingency, the better. And then that will get pushed back into the overall bond budget. So we are asked to consider the technology upgrades may have a resolution. Please. Be it therefore resolved that the bids for technology upgrades and access controls be awarded as follows, and that this amount be approved as an expenditure of the 2023 Capital Projects Fund in a comp.
TSG Structured Cabling $77,464.32 via CPA System and Emergency $718,452 in a comp. TSG Classroom and Systems $245,974.65. People driven technology access Controls $932,248.33. People driven technology video surveillance $233,354.24.
People driven technology is mandatory. Alternate $244,299. And that's it. 10% $45,279.25, for a grand total of $2,698,071.79 support. So moved by Doctor Melton, supported by Miss Potts. Any questions or comments for. And I'll just make a comment. And I know you went through, because it's such a large amount.
This covers, Smith Middle School, Baker Middle School, and then also district wide. Yeah. So yeah. District wide. Yeah. Back here is in the access control. So then I have one question which is most of this expenditure is from the Capital Projects Fund. Since this is safety and security related, we have some funds coming from the state on the for the security of the buildings can be could we have used any of those funds? We can right now just there's a lot of uncertainty with this budget, especially day by day. We go through and there's always something else
that you're peeling away from that layer. But, we could back charge it and transfer it out of the bond dollars into one of those security grants if they wanted to. Yes. Okay. You could do that. Currently, we're just reserving it for staffing if we can. And then what remains with the backfill? Yeah, that can be changed. Okay. Wonderful. Any other questions or comments? If not, we're going to vote on the resolution. All those in favor, please say yes. Yes, yes. All those who oppose. Please say no. Resolution passes. We have technology upgrades and security equipment.
Thank you. So that concludes the business section of our agenda. So our next item is public communication on non-agenda items. We have one public communication by Mr.. On the a hidden you have three minutes. When it doesn't. I don't know what. Good evening Holly tree resident Troy Parent. Last year on October 20th, 2024, a Larson teacher was arrested for aggravated domestic assault. Not only was he a teacher, but he was also a girls
basketball coach and my daughter was on that team. The following day, he got out on bail. Do you know what he did? October 22nd and October 23rd. He was allowed to come right back into the classroom and right back into the gym, coaching the girls last two basketball games of the season. Now, one administrator, a teacher, did anything to stop him. A few weeks later, this teacher no longer showed up to school. After months of no show, some of the girls on the basketball team went to the Larson's assistant principal and said, we know what happened to our coach. He got arrested. In shock, she replied,
how did you know you're not supposed to know. How did you find out? Please don't tell anyone. I was shocked beyond belief, and so I started my quest to find out exactly why this coach was allowed back onto school property to hang out with our daughters only two days after he was arrested for assaulting, most likely a female. I call the principal. I got no clear explanation, just an excuse that they didn't know. He told me to call the athletics director and I did. I asked why this coach was allowed to coach two days after he got out of jail.
He was. He assured me that all students were safe and they took action as soon as they found out. Still no clear answer as to what happened. He told me to call this assistant Superintendent of Employee Services, so I did, and I asked him the same questions and I finally got a clear answer answers that shocked me and maybe they will shock you as well, he said that if a teacher gets arrested for any crime, they can come right back into the classroom if they get out on bond because law enforcement agencies are not obligated
and do not have a process with Troy schools to notify the schools about their arrest of any crime. Wow. Let that sink in for a minute. In other words, the only way a teacher arrested for a crime will be prohibited from coming near our students is if a different teacher or a student finds out on the internet or on a news or social media and somehow reports it. This is not what putting students safety first looks like. This looks like total failure. You fail the students and you fail the parents.
To make matters worse, after the administrators found out he was arrested, they didn't call a single parent of the girls on that basketball team to tell them what happened. Not one. Most parents of those girls probably still don't know to this day. And to make matters even worse, as if this wasn't bad enough, this coach was kept on the payroll until August 18th of this year. I think this is important enough, and there's no one else to speak that you give me 15 more seconds, okay.
Thank you. I appreciate it. It's just for me. This teacher was kept on the payroll for until August 18th of this year. You heard that right? We paid the salary of a teacher that was on paid leave for assaulting a woman until just a few months ago. Absolute failure by our district. Lack of transparency, lack of communication, even explicit intent to hide and cover up by an assistant principal.
Extremely disappointing to say this minister would allow something like a time is more than over at this point. Thank you. This board needs to take immediate action to make sure this never happens again. Thank you, Mr. Harper. You didn't follow up. Leader, you are stopping something. You don't care for the student safety. That is very strong. Thank you. There's nobody else to speak you can give me. Thank you, Mr. Harper. Any more seconds? Thank you. Did. Mr. Harper, that is inappropriate, I appreciate it, thank you. This is about student safe. You talked about budgets for half an hour.
Thank you, Mr. Harper. Hitting. All right. That concludes our public communication on non agenda items. We are going to move on to our other and a do our students reports. We have all right I guess we're going to go from the left. Chloe. Chloe. Agent Healy, how are things at the. Well I am back. And please support the Troy College and Career High School and our students are still achieving excellence every day. As I mentioned in the last meeting, our schools still record
reclaiming our space with many team building activities and events. These recently have included Senior Sunrise, where each senior brought in their favorite cereal and all day and watch the sun rise on top of our art teacher, Mr. K's famous oak of our campus Homecoming Spirit Week. Though we don't have a homecoming ourselves, plenty of our students go and are attending Troy High and or Athens Homecoming, so we all choice chose to join in and get into the Homecoming Spirit week
by having a corresponding Spirit week to the Troy High Homecoming. Then my personal favorite a surprise 7-Eleven bonding Slurpee trip to our that our principal took us on as a whole school. We all walked and talked in groups to the nearest 7-Eleven and got Slurpees all on this. Who deserve responsible? Our more niche teams, student council and music clubs are flourishing and ideas, creativity and talent. Student Council has been coming together every Thursday to plan our future events and improve and improve our school community.
Record for an example. Lately we've been brainstorming ideas for fundraisers, possible field trip opportunities specifically and currently, but not limited to Halloween and fall activities such as the silent, the movie, the with a potluck fundraiser, as well as some students student council only events. Then, like I mentioned, our music club is accelerating, excelling in their progress on their personal instrumental skills and their original music, as well as lining up songs and student musicians to perform throughout the year.
That will lead up to an annual arts beats and trade show. On the more academic side of things, Friday, October October 3rd was National Manufacturing Day and our school, amongst many others, were invited to come to the huge Troy site around the building and get information in each and every department, as well as a free job interview with that hopefully exciting most attending students, but most importantly seniors. Given the fact that our counselors and teachers have been guiding seniors through our application processes, early college programs called,
Common App Applications, and they're all doing that with the support of the women of Oakland, adding, like I first said, I am proud and I am proud to say again, me and my friends at TCC are all achieving excellence every day. Thank you and sorry, that was kind of long. No that's good. Wonderful. Perfect. So when is your potluck fundraiser then? Is it open to, you know, we have like a kind of surprise student council meeting today to kind of, like, better organize it because we have so much, like, in the air
because this student council group specifically, we have, like I would say, almost the whole school, so many people are in our zoom council. It's kind of hard to get all the ideas. So we're kind of having to throw a lot of like 30 minute, ten minute meetings. So I'm not we're not too sure yet, but hopefully next week we're shooting for it. So wonderful. Thank you. So I am how are things that I used. Oh good evening everyone. The start of the fall season is has been filled with purpose, pride and community spirit.
Our students have already accomplished so much from giving back through service to celebrating school events that bring us all together. So going back to September, our juniors had an amazing service day at Forgotten Harvest Farm Greeters and the Children's Center at Forgotten Harvest, students harvested over 7,270 pounds of crops, which equals to 7270 meals. At Gleaners, students help pack 18,000 pounds of food and bags and boxes equaling to over 30,000 meals for the community. So in total, our junior class helped provide over 20,000 meals.
During their service at the Children's Center, our students helped beautify the parking lot and community space to provide a welcoming environment for families visiting and taking part in programs. They also helped work in the Children's Center Boutique, preparing and organizing clothes for families in need to shop for moving forward. We also had our homecoming dance on September 26th with the theme Enchanted Forest with a fun night of great music, food, and unforgettable memories with friends, including our famous balloon drop. And the balloon drop is a special tradition I started a couple
years ago where balloons, like fall from the ceiling during the dance, and last Friday we also had our Fall Olympics, which is another spirited event that brings all four grades together for a day of games, fun, competition, and teamwork. And I eyes were sorted into six houses and Fall Olympics is one of the biggest events where I, like all of our houses, face off and like it's for a day of like fun competition and each house is actually connected to an Ivy learner profile tree. So for example, like I'm in the house optimist. And that stands for like risk taker, which is one of our traits
and leading up to fall, we also had Spirit Week, which brought out everyone's creativity. And some of the most popular days were decades, Decades Day, where students dress to represent their favorite era and rhyme without a reason. They were friends, paired up in outfits that rhymes so like Princess and Wild West. And earlier today, actually, our juniors took the PSAT and asked an important milestone as they prepare for college and scholarship opportunities and the test allow students to qualify for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. And looking forward this Friday, I mean, this Thursday is our powderpuff game
between the juniors and seniors at Athens High School, and we hope to see everyone there. So it's been an incredible start to the fall season, and we're very excited to see what the rest of the school year brings. I think you wonderful. Thank you. Any questions for? Well, it looks like we don't have Sarah from Athens, so we have Isabella from Troy High. Were things going there? Good evening. Everyone out there has been an exciting month at Troy High for athletics, academics, two events. It's been a month of accomplishments, energy, and a lot of excitement. Last week was our homecoming week.
Students and staff participated in spirit days, food trucks during lunches, and many activities planned throughout the week. On Friday, we held our pep assembly and parade along Northfield Parkway and ended the week with our dance on Saturday. Following in an unforgettable homecoming week. There's still more sports, more school spirit to look forward to tomorrow. Powderpuff will be taking place at £0.07 pm. This event is organized by our Student Government Sophomore class, and it's always a very fun event to watch junior and senior girls, face off in a very fun and a little competitive game. While student government has been busy planning homecoming,
powderpuff, and many other events, 22 of our student government and leadership students will also be traveling to Orlando next week. Monday the 20th to attend a Disney Leadership conference. There they'll explore topics such as intentional leadership, team building, and communication. These are all skills we're very excited to bring back to our own communities. While student government students are preparing for their leadership trip, the personal communication classes are busy hosting their annual dodgeball event. Troy High School students can sign up to play dodgeball with their friends and help raise money for this year's chosen charity, which is Camp Casey.
It's a nonprofit organization that helps students with cancer. Today, the nonprofit brought offers to campus for students to see during fifth and sixth hours. Students with tickets were able to attend and watch the event. We're very excited to see how the dodgeball tournament turns out, and very excited and proud to support such an important cause. Hosa continues the theme of service this month with their annual blood drive collecting 21 units of blood at 16 of which were first time donors. This blood drive will impact an estimated of 63 lives in our community, and the next blood drive will be hosted on March 17th.
On the academic side, college visits have been happening all month, giving seniors and juniors face to face time with college representatives from across the country. And on October 15th, which is tomorrow, some of our students will be taking the PSAT and MSK, and we wish them all the best of luck. We also have to celebrate 49 students who are named Commended National Merit Scholars this year. This is a huge achievement for our students and school. Our treatment marching band has also had a past October performing at Invitational in Athens and Lake Oregon, as well as one Troy, which is a combined event with Athens and Troy High School.
And on October 8th, the CNB hosted the annual MSP away event. In general, this month has been full of spirit, service and so much success. Thank you for your continued support for students and programs. Thank wonderful. That's going on. Thank you. Isabella. Any questions for second? Any comments? Nicely done. Thank you. So that takes us to the other, I mean, with Miss Sandler and the other topics that you would like to for sure. I just like to, first say I have less than Happy Diwali
to folks who celebrate if that's coming up in our community very soon. Also to our Troy High rep, participating in your homecoming parade was absolutely fantastic and fun. Next year, more candy. I need to make sure that I buy mortar and we have a lot more. A special congratulations again to Audrey and Larsen, both for their, recognition as Apple Schools. I heard some of the clips in the principal video that reminded me to say, if you're a podcast person, Doctor Mitch Chesky has a podcast that he does, but he doesn't talk too much about, it's called the I think it's called The Best is Yet to come.
I heard that the other day, and some of the same clips were, about recognizing our amazing administrators here in Troy. So your podcast tune in to that. And last but not least, a big thank you to companies like Cinerama, that promote and support our students in making sure they're career ready to. So it's not all for me tonight. Wonderful. Thank you. It's up for you. Not a whole lot for Troy. Hi. Stephanie and I shared a, float, and I have to agree. If Stephanie would bring extra candy, we would have run out before we got to.
Was that what else? You would have been out and we would just put it been us. So, Yeah. Next year? Definitely. But, you know, we are newbies, so I've learned from all the seasoned ones that you just throw a couple pieces, you know, to bring in a grab a whole bunch and throw them. So anyways, that was a lot of fun. First year, participating in all the parades. And that was a whole lot of fun. And, I think is it Friday is the Troy High Athens game correct? ZIP code RedHawks. Cox.
That's just ankles. Ankles? Yes, I suppose for one. Right. One. Right. Anyways, I'm very I'm always very fascinated by hearing the students updates because my head is spinning listening to of everything that's going on in the schools, and I'm very impressed. So I sounds like we're off to a great start. Looking forward to the leadership conference at the end of this month, and I'll be turning 52 while we're up there. Yeah. So and that's it. That's all I have. Right. Thank you, Doctor Melton. Oh, I'm going to be the Debbie Downer.
I just wanted to point out that the the irony has not been lost on me, that we just passed a resolution that is, Disability Awareness Month. Yet in the past few days, our, employees at two of the offices in the Department of Education that service our special education programs, have been, significantly cut. The, the osap and serves, are the two offices and and people might say, well, you know, what does that have to do with Troy?
How's that going to impact us? But these are the organizations that we rely on. They distribute funds that we rely on. They make sure that they work with states and districts to, provide oversight, for how those funds are used. And also for parents, they're an avenue for their children when they feel like their children aren't receiving the services. That they should under Ida. They're a place where parents can go for, for help. So they do provide that oversight as well. But this is going to look like moving forward. I'm not sure, but, you know, when we're trying to,
do what's best for our kids, it seems like it's just becoming harder and harder. We just talked last night as a or last week as a board workshop, at our special education, presentation, we all saw how our funding from the state and the federal levels is not, enough to cover the needs of our own students. And my fear is that this is going to impact that. And, and we're going to have to dip into our general fund further to make sure that our kids are receiving the services that they, that they need.
So, I encourage you to contact, your senators and representatives, and if you feel so inclined to just talk about your concern over that. Thank you. You actually stole my thunder because I was actually saying you said a way more eloquently than I could. But I just wanted to say that it is, given all of that and how we've been fighting for Ida funding for, you know, decades at this point, it is very important for us to have a, a presence
at the advocacy conference coming, next year or next year. Not only are we going to have to fight for funding, but we're also going to have to fight for, you know, it seems like personnel and the department help, you know, run that. So, I do encourage everybody to talk to their, their, you know, counterparts, where we live. And hopefully we can do something and come up first later. I hope this is the $2 million in the to be donors. So appreciate I don't have a whole lot tonight. I do want to just remind people, because it's an off year.
We do have a local election in Troy this November, and it will happen before our next meeting. There's some there's three council spots that are up for election. There is also a city bond. That includes, things like money for the library as well as police and, for fire equipment. And the reason I bring that up is some of those things very much affect the school district as well. You rely on the police
and on the firefighters. And we also do collaborate with the library as well. I know last week pull in the the mobile library truck came there. So, those are some of the things that are there are up on the ballot in November. Right. Thank you. Yes, doctor. Chesky. A lot of what I was going to say has already been said, but to tackle, Doctor Mountain. Mr. Hopp, last year was the 50th anniversary of Ida, and we have yet to receive more than 18%, funding reimbursement, based on a 40% promise, 50 years ago.
So that, I think, really highlights just how much the federal government has, lacked, in fulfilling their promise, to states and and more importantly, to parents on students with special needs and school districts, of course, as well. I want to also mention so thank you for mentioning that when also mentioned this this Friday. Piggyback a little on what Miss Zeller said. We're excited that this Friday will have a press conference at Athens, officially opening our ignite lab.
Last year, the the, government, state of Michigan, there was a grant for approximately $1 million for ignite, which is curriculum around advanced manufacturing. Athens was one of the schools chose a year, two across the state. Athens was one of the two. So $500,000 to purchase equipment and for, for professional development for staff to help support. Students are around those those technology sectors, skilled trades. So this is a great opportunity for our students at Athens to have a hands on experience that will open their,
open possibility for, to, to many students, who, may be thinking about university and college may not be, and so this is just another opportunity, another onramp for success, for our students here in the Troy School District. So, looking forward to, attending that press release or that press event, if any want a board members are interested in attending. 1130 Athens at the tech. And then there'll be a short, visit to a classroom practice to the classroom approximately, noon. So just want to make sure the community as well, that you can look for,
as community, you can look for that information in our newsletter, later this week, as well as local media will be covering that event as well. When also just mentioned that, sir, based upon, a, business item from earlier today, a reminder that the central office building will be officially closed for renovation. November 1st. So we'll be moving up into this building. The the the central office, entrance to this building will be over by Tia and the coalition. Of course, you can use the main, main, doors as well, but that's where
we're going to set up, both with our, reception area, our central office. My office will be there, with Miss Holmes. Communications will be up in that area, as well as central enrollment. So we're going to do the best we can for about five months to, to make sure we're meeting the needs of our community, which means all of our meetings that would have otherwise been at Central office will be in this building for that period of time. Just a reminder to our community for that. And then lastly, just to see our fall updates are well underway. We are covering bond. We're covering budget, covering some, points of pride,
answering questions for community members, staff and, our parents so far our, our, PTA, PTO, PTA meetings, booster meetings have been very well attended. And so we appreciate having the opportunity to share that information with the, with the community. And that's all that I have. Right. I do not have much more to add. I do want to echo the same, concerns about the special ed or as being the Disability Awareness month. I do want to add, the only thing I want to add is the, the number of our special needs students continues
to grow along with the complex city of our special needs. And both of those, definitely do take away funds from our, general that, budget, which, can create, a lot of concern. So definitely any kind of help, would be grateful. I want to wish everybody happy Diwali. It's this weekend for those who celebrate. And one of the things that Diwali reminds us is, meaning of the good over evil. And it doesn't necessarily mean, exterior as well.
A lot of times it's also internal. You know, there's always internal struggles of the inner good and the inner evil, and you're always going to check in yourself and make sure your, your, your good is prevailing, I guess. Our next, Is that all I have? And I do want to echo. Please do go and vote by next by our before our next meeting, there is elections. Express your voice. This is the way for you to, to use your, vote to express what you need and what the community needs.
Next board of education workshop, is on November 11th here at the Services Building. And the Board of Education meeting is on Tuesday, November 18th. Again here at the board and board meeting, boardroom. Anything else? If not, the meeting is adjourned. Have a wonderful rest of the evening. Thank you.