present here Here Here Here We have six board members present and our board president is absent
Next on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance For those who would like to stand could you please stand and if trustee Phils could you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance
next there is on the agenda I'm sorry Thank you Next on the agenda is the acceptance of the agenda Could I please have a motion trusty Estie Motion to
accept And there is there support motion was made for trustee epsy and supported by trustee fields All those in favor I I All those against none heard Motion
passed 6 Next on our agenda is achievements awards and recognition And I will pass it over to our superintendent Thank you Madame Vice President We are really excited today I can see the room has even changed
because they have entered in And so we have um those who are representing ACE our high school um and their building administrator principal Leslie Davis is leading this amazing group
Really I'm just going to introduce everyone else They just don't know that yet So come on make a group Make a group So good evening superintendent Good evening board of trustees The students and I would like to present to you our points of pride And I'm going to turn it over
to the students because we know how much you enjoy listening to them share the points of pride Welcome to our points of pride Tonight we would like to present to you programs and experience we have at ACE
Since opening in November 2023 the Charlotte Terson food pantry has supported over 30 families each month during the holidays We serve 20 200 plus community members at our Thanksgiving lunchon and provided meals to 100
families Thanks to Dan Hornet and Men we also distributed hams to 50 families at Christmas Ace hosted the magic of Christmas event for all YCS schools With students and staff help helping load gifts into cards our student council is
now creating self-care packages for their peers in YCMS These efforts help students earn valuable community engagement hours academic progress We've launched a program to help our ACE visual learn
academic visual academic students transition from visual to in-person learning with afterchool tutoring and credit recovery We've helped students recover over 80 classes since November 800 classes since November September
Each quarter we include 30 minutes of reading and math intermissions three three times a week during advisory This year our graduation rate rose to 72% And each senior has been paired with a mentor for support We've also welcomed multi-
multi-ingual learners to the building for for in-person academic instruction and English language development During advisory they worked on building social skills relationships and understanding cultural differences In semester 2 native English speakers join these sess
sessions to learn from one another and collaborate Uh Ace we make it Oh you go At ACE we make it a point to celebrate each other's accomplishments This year we've had an a
an honor assembly and we've recognized a staff member of the month and a teacher of the month As students we also get shout outs through ICU and student of the week It feels good to be seen and
appreciated We've started you using the portrait of a graduate trades to highlight the kind of people we're becoming And you'll often see these moments shared on our
social media They really have more energy than that during the school day We leave with purpose At Ace High School we're always encouraged to step up and show leadership Whether it's through student council or the superintendent student advisory council we get a we get
the chance to share our ideas take on responsibilities and help improve our school One of the most inspiring moments recently was when one of our classmates was recognized by the Ann Arbor chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha I'm sorry I'm sorry y'all I don't want to mess it up
but Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated as a young man of promise It was a proud moment for all of us and a reminder that leadership character and hard work really will get you noticed At ACE we're learning to lead with
confidence and purpose every day ACE gives students real world learning experiences through fun and meaningful activities Trips to DIA museum Mexican town in Mexican town help students learn about art culture and history At the
auto show students explore new cars and technology CTE students get hands-on skills In our buildings students plan events and create podcasts We also learn about life after high school including college trade school and the military
Art projects help us express our feelings and build confidence These experiences make learning exciting and help us grow in and out of the classroom If you take if you take hold on one second Michael if you take a look around the room you'll see some of these
student artwork displayed and we passed out postits to the board members before the meeting So if you'll if you have time at some point in the next few days leave some um feedback for the students We'll make sure that they get the um comments that you left them Thank you in
advance At Ace High School we're committed to a positive school culture where every student feels seen heard and valued One key practice is the use of restorative circles Safe spaces where students and staff build build relationships share experiences and
support one another Circles help create a sense of belonging accountability and leadership Students take active roles building confidence and communication skills Recently one student was honored by the Ann Arbor chapter of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority Incorporated as a young man of promise recognizing the leadership and growth we nurture at ACE Everyday At a students we are dedicated leaders who strive to make a positive impact every day
Oops We believe in working together for the good of our community supporting one another and lifting each other up From volunteering to helping those in need we are committed to creating a brighter
future Our our our passion for service and growth drives us to continue learning and leading We are not just students We are change makers eager to contribute to the world
around us We know that by working together we can accomplish great things So in closing I would also like to acknowledge the staff in the room um that's here to support the students and to represent ACE So thank you all for
coming Mr Craft Mr Williams Miss Tillerson since you're already standing Did I miss anyone oh I think I got everybody Okay Thank you so much What questions might you have can the students introduce themselves
absolutely You're starting I'm Sharesa So what grade um I'm a junior at ACM I'm sorry I'm a junior I'm Ja I'm a sophomore I'm Kai Oh wait I'm Kaya I'm a
sophomore Hi my name is Delila I'm in 11th grade Uh my name is Michael I'm an 11th grader Thank you Thank you very much We are very proud of you You guys keep
striving Thank you Okay Thank you Next that take us to number five on our agenda action items students affairs Is there a motion in support Trusty Towns in support Motion was made by Trustee Goodrich supported by Trustee
Townsen Is there any discussion on there hearing none All those in favor i Any opposed none Motion pass six to
zero Next we have acceptance of a field trip request Ericson fifth grade overnight trip to Jackson Michigan May 21st through the 23rd 2025
Madame Vice President uh I move that the board of education approve the field trip request for the Ericson fifth grade overnight trip to Jackson Michigan on May 21st to the 23rd 2025 Is there support trusty Fields I support Motion was made by Trusty Epsy
Supported by Trusty Fields Is there any discussion hearing none All those in favor i Any opposed motion passed 6 to zero
All right Uh no Trusty Lee I I would I'm curious if if we could have someone who's going on that field trip share a bit about what their plans are They seem excited back there [Laughter]
All right I had to hear it I'm Kayla Dylan instructional coach at Ericson but currently teaching fifth grade Uh Britney Johnson fifth grade teacher at Ericson And Sailor Payne fifth grade teacher at Ericson Um and
really this just it came about because like I remember fifth grade camp I have cousins and they remember fifth grade camp And um returning to Ericson and then switching into fifth grade I was like "Guys we got to go to fifth grade camp." That's literally what happened I was like "We got to go to fifth grade camp." And we tried to figure out how to
make it happen Um so we're in the midst of a lot of fundraising right now Um we're having like a block party There's going to be sort of like a restaurant beastro situation Um the kids designed t-shirts and they're selling those So in an effort to try to make it as cost-effective as possible for families
we're doing a lot of fundraising Once we get to camp um there's a lot of different vibes that kind of happen So like scavenger hunts are a thing lots of team building activities games and things Um lots of competitions and then just kind of like enjoying each other
It's their last opportunity to sort of do it together After elementary school a lot of kids in our district scatter to different places So it's the last time they all have to be together especially the kids who have been together since like kindergarten So really excited to get them up there and see what kind of vibe we're able to create with each
other Thank you I've been at Ericson for 10 years now I think and we've never done fifth grade camp So this is the first time we'll be able to go Thank you That sounds wonderful
That sounds great Next on the agenda acceptance of a field trip request Subject C Madam Trusty Vice President Lee I move that the board of education
approve the overnight field trip of the Msellani Community Connected School to Chicago Illinois on June 7th through the 8th 2025 Um do I have support trusty Set and Kennedy support
Motion was made by Trusty Fields supported by Trustee Kennedy Satin Sudden Kennedy Oh gosh I am so sorry Um is there any
comment hearing none All those in favor i All those opposed hearing none Motion pass six to zero Next we have subject D acceptance of a
field trip request Ipsilani connect community schools Sanduski Ohio Trustee Esby I move that the board of education approve the field trip of Ipsellani connected community schools to Sanduski Ohio on
May 8th 2025 Your support Motion was made by Trusty Epsy supported by Trusty Goodrich Um any comments hearing
none All those in favor i All those opposed hearing none Motion pass 6 to zero Next subject E acceptance of a field trip request board element or early
learning center May I have a motion trust and Kennedy I move that the board of education approved the field trip of Ford Early Learning Center to Toledo Ohio on May 6th 2025
Is there support trusty feels I support Motion was made by Trustee Sutton Kennedy supported by Trusty Fields Any comments hearing none All those in favor i All
those opposed Hearing none Motion pass 6 to zero Next subject F Acceptance of field trip request for early learning center May 8th
Trust and Kennedy moved that the board of education approve the field trip of Ford Early Learning Center to Toledo Ohio on May 8th 2025 Any support trusty Fields I support
Motion was made by Trustee Sudden Kennedy supported by Trusty Fields Any comments uh I'm just curious Are the Trusty Esby here i'm curious Uh are these two trips going to be it looks like May 6th and May 8th are they the
same group of students or are they different groups of students that are taking these trips different groups of students that's connected This is uh for the ELC and they're doing magnet work that this connected to their classroom Amazing Thank you
Okay Again motion was made by Trusty Sutton Kennedy supported by Trusty Fields All those in favor i Any opposed hearing none Motion pass 6 Next we have on the
agenda number six discussion Subject A second reading of Neola policy updates Um trustee Thank you 85 policy
for this regular board meeting So again my appate With all of the changes that we have going on are we sure this is still going to be coming from the US agriculture or
are they moving things around in regards to this um they have not changed the requirement for us to update the wellness policy So right now we still have to ensure that the committee gave the input brought it to
you and update this um and is connected to several of our grants like you said So so far all those grants are still in place Great question Thank you Thank you Maria and the team for all your hard
work Next we had number seven on the agenda presentation of the budget update And I would turn it over to Superintendent Elena Zachary Ross Thank you Madame Vice President At this
time I'm going to ask uh Damen Butler our business and finance director to please come As you know board uh is this is the time of year where we start reviewing and preparing for amendments So he'll do the presentation and part of
the ask is the amendment So this will this is from the beginning of the year until now We do anticipate having a final amendment uh most likely in June late May or June So thank you Mr Butler
Good evening madam superintendent madam vice president board of trustees This is a review of of changing and uh just operational uh budget amendments as we go throughout the year As the uh slide says a living
document there are things going on throughout the year that we just have to make adjustments to make sure we can uh close out the year on a a good note make sure of our finances and things are in order Tonight we're going to talk about the general fund overall the impact of
state and federal grants like Trusty Townsen just asked with all the changes coming on What we know now is as of today this is this moment everything is in place Our funding is uh secure and we're operating on those lines We do
know that there are there may be changes coming for uh head start in various areas but as of now we are operating that uh all those funds are in place and will remain in place throughout through the end of this school year We're going to talk about the uh
realignment of some syncing fund projects that are impacting the classroom a little bit more than syncing fund usually does and we'll uh see those as we look at the changes in our uh in our numbers Our categoricals remain pretty steady
There's no major changes in how uh state funding is happening Again federal grants are are operating and we're down with we're drawing down as necessary to keep our cash flow going We have made some adjustments in uh infrastructure
projects technology support and transportation So as we go back we look at the this is the budget from uh the budget amendment from November where we talked about our local revenue The increase in local revenue is
the addition of sinking fund projects because typically sinking fund has the large projects parking lots roofs and uh boils and things like that But we've integrated a few more uh projects that impact the classroom Um the digital
promise room there is some uh technology supports and things coming up for students So we had to make sure as we put those uh those costs into the budget we need to show that we do have the funds to cover it It's not just added cost that we have uh that we're going to
go in a hole for So syncing fund is supporting the infrastructure changes throughout the district The change in state aid is just the uh the the March 20 March 20th of 2025 uh state aid numbers of
320 excuse me 3,834 students as opposed to 3,840 u back in November Again federal revenue and transfers remain steady So the the increase that you see in the bottom of
total revenue of uh 4,670,000 is because of the addition to the sinking the addition of a syncing fund to our local revenue to support the projects that we have ongoing for technology and
infrastructure our expenditures as we as we go through basic programs uh we're doing some work across the board uh AI projects magnet programs all of those are supported and impact the
increase there we go down and operations and manage maintenance again syncing fund projects infrastructure those changes are impacting the classroom a little bit more than they usually do so we are feeling the uh seeing the increase
and that's why you see the change there But again though the the the revenue is there to support these projects through the sinking fund and uh state aid athletics has some uh infrastructure some facilities updates and team
equipment going into uh preparing for the 25 26 uh football seasons Uh the athletic director is buying things ahead so that when we get into the summertime it's not a mad rush and fall sports will be able to start on
time In debt service we're just making our uh twice annual payments for uh they're due May 1st and we're in the process of making those now So that increase takes us up to $76 million for overall
expenditures But again they are uh balanced through our revenue and state aid These are just changes of we we made plans to do different projects in different areas and some adjustments
that have just come for various reasons So what we planned in in November is still going on We've made a few adjustments and this is the result As we continue throughout the school year to close out and prepare for 2526
we're going to draw down monthly as we continue to do stay a breast of any changes coming out of uh the federal government We have a few more things going uh with facilities and technology that we'll discuss more in depth in our subcommittee meeting coming up on April
22nd And as Madam Superintendent mentioned we'll have the uh the the budget coming up in May and we'll vote on it in June What questions might you have yes
3,834 A difference of six students Yeah So a lot of that is uh field maintenance So we have we we're doing a lot of work on the fields to improve the uh lighting talking about scoreboards So it's a matter of infrastructure and equipment It's not all just football
helmets that there's uh field lining or all those kind of things Shafford and Delin around that to make sure that those we're continuing to work with facilities and we can get we can uh have a list and
and go into uh detail during the subcommittee meeting when uh the facilities director will be with us to go through those uh those tasks Yeah Many of these items are on the scing fund You know how they have the yearbyear So it's kind of how how the
voters have vote have placed it when you guys put it on there initially And then what they've been doing is the way it can be modified is if there emergency situations um like if we're not in compliance with MHSA that's when they
will take a project before it It's kind of the two-part determination I know we had like things like the Yes Yep Some of them especially like you we talked about the Delin field was part
of the the work that was put aside because we moved the building Um and then trying to make sure that those tracks are okay in compliance because we've been just uh seating it first and like re
it did the rocks Now it's time to for the next real pieces So there's been a a gradual increase Yeah that was one of my questions for and then the other one was for transportation
Um okay so that's like 900,100 difference So um what was that on so we have trans uh contractor
transportation for uh special needs and homeless students So we're working to uh create more bus routes to have uh less dependent on outside uh contractors to move our students around
It's been an ongoing challenge because we have students and the school of choice is a that that kind of stretches our current transportation uh abilities with how far our bus is going to go how long it takes to do that So contracting
is something we need to look at Okay To kind of figure out a a new way to meet that challenge Okay So that does that also include like cameras that was put on and the buses so the training
the the various projects are a part of that but the biggest chunk of that is the contracted uh the contracted transportation Okay So we have we are we are improving infrastructure on the bus A lot of technology is tied into different areas So the technology and
infrastructure that's part of it but the biggest piece is looking at those contracted services and then also you said debt services Okay You were saying that's the twice annual payment Yes We pay uh pay on the
bonds in uh November 1st and May 1st And now is the time of year that we're paying getting those uh getting those payments to the bank Okay Um trusty
Uh so regarding those transportation uh that shift uh is that are you naming that it's because those are costs that you can't really um estimate estimate prior to the school year occurring uh with those students who are experiencing
homelessness and the need to or transport those students And so those are the reason why you need an amendment is based on yes what's occurred during the school year Just changes and is moved in a different direction right so the unhoused as well as special ed
because those are per IEPs right and and mostly it's the ones that are out outered from like our special centers and so those have been costing because many of them have been cabbed or with a special um specialized transportation
versus our buses And so that I know that Mr Butler met with Miss Jordan along with um Annette to ensure like okay are these they do they have to occur are they ones that we can make some changes
the add additional piece is um through the WISD Um we are working and cooperating with uh our local our local districts The ones that are costing us the most are out of our county Um and we continue to have to
serve Uh the ones in county we have agreements and arrangements with so those costs have been lowered but yet we do have several families out of district and we're responsible Yeah No I think I was just kind of clarifying that the
need for the amendment is based on the fact that these costs can't be known prior to the experience or like finding out what those students needs are So that makes sense to me I just want to clarify that Pressy son Kennedy can
um thank you for providing all this information about the budget updates I may have missed the part about the updates to for the the increases for the operations and maintenance section Um would you be able to reiterate that for
me so that's a combination of uh like the fields at at Devlin and Chadford some uh infrastructure in the building All of those all of those different areas are uh tie into the facilities
increase If we put the secure vestibial in uh at YCHS um that's some of those things that we're looking at in terms of the sign So some of it is con um combined with other funds like what we have had to do with
our magnet spaces So those all those infrastructure port um portions are added in there The AI lab if you've gone to homes to see the in the gym where we have the interactive board where students can throw the balls can't even
think of the name of that thing but those types of things in order to prepare for those the infrastructure had to um be either repaired updated things like that and so they brought in money either from syncing fund or magnet to add to that line
mine is really simple um the column dates are they the same as the front page because I don't see them but are we just using the same one from the f from here the head the column headings are those going to be the Same for for the expenditure amendments as well Yes Okay Yes Sorry I I did overlook those dates
in the expenditure Okay I just want there any more questions from the board okay Thank you Mr Butler Thank you Thank you board At this time ladies and gentlemen our board president has arrived and I will be turning the meeting over to
her Thank you Vice President Lee for running the meeting in my absence Um it looks like we are at agenda item number eight which is our public comments And before I invite members of the public up to address the board of education I would like to read the
public comment protocol Pursuant to board of education policy 0167.3 the board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express their views Please
limit statements to three minutes in duration Participants shall direct all comments to the board and not to staff or other participants No person may address or question board members individually All remarks shall be made in a respectful and professional
manner The first person I have is Veronica Bodair Did I say that correctly say that again By names are important Veronica
Bodie Good evening board So again I'm here for special ed Um I did want to thank the board and Miss uh Haynes and Dr Zachary Ross for addressing my son's concerns and everything else It was much
appreciated Thumbs up We're good now It was a bummer though that we had to come to the board to get it done That That really was a bummer Um but today I wanted to talk about um I've been seeing in a lot of the districts especially in the younger
classrooms and maybe in the higher grades inclusion Um students are not being included if they're in a self-contained classroom They are not being their teachers are not being told that their grade level peers are going out on field
trips and they're not being invited That's not inclusion And the district says that they pride themselves on inclusion But where's the inclusion in that piece there's a lot of things that come from inclusion There's learning of both
sides Social and emotional learning on both sides for your gened peers as well as your special ed peers Studies has been shown that this actually works and it's very good and it helps both sides to even that balance out and to learn
from each other Another thing that would help with that piece is PDS Many of the teachers that I've taught to their the PDS are very different So curriculum your gened
teachers get their curriculum PDs and stuff like that So the PDS change quite frequently along with their curriculum So they're learning new things Special ed usually is always the same PDS So if you have somebody who's in the
district for 10 years they've had the same PD for 10 years what's the incentive to make them to want to continue in special ed so what I propose is for something for the
board or whoever picks out the PDS to look into something different that starts from the top when it comes to special ed Every piece within the education needs a different type of PD when it comes to special ed Your admin need a different PD than your gened
teachers then your parased teachers but your special ed teachers definitely need a different PD Um your GENE teachers food for fact your GEI teachers get one specialed class for
their general education for their teaching degree one class that is an introductory to IEPs That's it There is no other PDS that I know of that I've been told by any other general ed
teachers that is available for them for special education PDs Thank you Thank you Veronica Boie Next we have Jasmine Hover Hello my name is Jasmine Hubard I was a
pair professional at Ford Elementary for almost a year I was even given the accommodation and the opportunity to accept new assignments at Perry Elementary I have been reporting to the head of HR regarding a number of issues and concerns Uh students at Ford Elementary uh with IEPs needs are not
being met These same students are not meeting uh their academic goals Pair professionals at Ford Elementary are not trained properly uh nor understand the importance of uh implementing the necessary work for students to reach their uh personalized goals Um there are
a lot of students who are struggling with regulating their emotions and understanding their behaviors These students are constantly yelled at belittled labeled and not properly supported by staff I have witnessed numerous disturbing conversations interactions with students
and the the leaders of the school principles including teachers When I was placed in a self-contained special education classroom at Ford Elementary I experienced being verbally disrespected daily I was talked to like I was
incompetent and degraded matters Even being yelled at eyes being rolled at me numerous occasions I have reported this situation to the principal verbally I was trying to be removed from the classroom without
creating drama within the workplace I kept coming to the classroom until I was physically assaulted Take I was physically assaulted March 31st at 11:30 by the special education teacher I called off for six days
because of my mental and my I didn't feel mentally and physically safe to return back to work or back to the classroom Uh if this happened to me what do you think is happening to our grizzly cubs at Ford Elementary with no camera supervision
thank you Jasmine Hubard Next that takes us to Erica Is it Vany okay Hi Spread around Good evening everyone Um my name is Erica Vignet I am with SACE and I'm
our youth organizer for our YAM program Youth Action Michigan and we're here today because we know that seen the talks about the budget Big things coming up and we've heard from a lot of the students about uh the different things
that they would like to see in the schools when it comes to infrastructure maintenance access to more bathrooms So uh we would like to talk to you guys about that and if you guys can we would like to bridge the gap between the
students and the school board and teach us on how that could be possible or what are the steps So we see how important it is to elevate the youth's voice You guys have seen that with their school Uh we have parents here We have their
principal here And we would also like to invite you all uh to come to some of our YAM meetings so that you can speak directly to the students So uh thank you so much for having us Do you guys want to anybody want to say anything no Okay
We're working on public speaking too So this is definitely one of those things So thank you guys for having us Good evening Thank you Erica Vet Next that takes us to our consent agenda
Is there a motion at this time 2025 Regular board of ed regular board meeting minutes number two personnel matters as per the presented list dated
4725 new hires and resignations Thank you A motion has been made by Vice President Lee Is there support for this motion support trustee Sutton Kennedy Thank you is supported by trustee Sutton Kennedy All those in favor i I Those
opposed that motion carries Next that takes us to um our action items under business and finance And the first item is the approval and adoption of the amended budget Is there a motion at this time madame President Trusty Fields move
that the board of education approve and adopt the amended budget as presented Thank you A motion has been made by Trustee Fields Is there support for this motion support Trusty Townsen Thank you Supported by Trustee Townsen
Any discussion on this item seeing none all those in favor i Those opposed That motion carries Next that takes us to the adoption of the resolution to consider designation of electoral representative for the WISD
June 2nd 2025 bienial election Is there a motion at this time madame President Trusty Fields move that the board of education adopt the Washington Intermediate School District resolution to consider designation of
electoral representation for the June 2nd 2025 B by bianual election appointing blank I know who that is Yes as the designated representative on behalf of
the board and blank as the alternate in the event the designated represent representative is unable to attend Who is it let me see Oh I thought we appointed at our organizational meeting
Madam Madam President this is for the election of the WISD board Oh thank you Um and we need to see among the board who might be interested in serving um as
the designated representative And then we also need an alternate to volunteer in the event that the designated representative cannot attend Um as the uh member of the Associated
School Boards uh as a representative for the Ipsilian Community Schools I am comfortable serving as our representative I can I can serve as the author Okay Any So do we do we now reread it because we have people filling in the blanks
yeah we had to have the discussion first So I wonder if we might um read the resolution again or me read the resolution again Oh that's what I just said That's what I just said Yeah I was I was thinking about it Yep I'd appreciate that if you could read it
again with the names included Trusty Fields Okay Thank you so much Okay We move that the board of education adopt the Washington Intermediate School District resolution to consider
designation of electoral representation for the June 2nd 2025 by I keep having a problem with this one annual election appointing Trustee Epsy as the designated repres
representative on behalf of the board and trustee Townson as the alternate in the event the designated representative is unable to attend Thank you Trusty Fields Um a motion has been made by Trustee Fields Is there
support for this motion support Vice President Lee Thank you Supported by Vice President Lee All those in favor i I Those opposed That motion carries Uh thank you uh Trustee Esby and thank you uh Trustee
Townsen Next that takes us to the acceptance of a donation from Puffer Reds Is there a motion at this time trustee Espie I move that the board of education accepts a donation from Puffer Reds for $3,500 to the boys and girls tennis teams
Thank you A motion has been made by Trusty Espie Is there support for this motion trusty Fields I accept Thank you Supported by Trusty Fields All those in favor i Those opposed that motion carries Uh thank you Puffer for your
generous donation of $3,500 Uh you is someone here from right here Yeah Hello Yeah Thank you so much for being here and generously donating to our district uh to support us Thank you so
much Would you like to say a few words knowledge Would you be interested in sharing your Mr Williams the significance of this for you well we wanted to uh put on and acknowledge someone for Black History
Month and of course we did Taran uh Willis and um and we kind of looked into what she's been doing you know involved with um YCS as far as tennis and we kind
of knew they were struggling and so forth as far as you know uh equipment apparel and so forth So we decide to make a donation to kind of you know help out and you know kind
of encourage the kids to get more involved Thank you Yeah my pleasure I mean we always want to give back to the community and do whatever we can you know to you know help you know boost the kids there
Well we appreciate you and your partnership and your ongoing support um to the district Um this is going to mean a lot to our kids who play tennis and to the coach Um and so you don't have to do it and the fact that you are doing it means a lot that you continue to stay in
partnership with Ipssoni Community Schools So thank you so much for being so generous and committed to the work in this community You guys are very welcome All right Thank you Next that takes us to the acceptance of
a donation from Old National Bank Is there a motion at this time vice President Lee move that the board of education accept a donation from Old National Bank for $1,900 for the Realtor's breakfast Thank you A motion has been made by Vice
President Lee Is there support for this motion trusty Towns in support Thank you Supported by Trusty Townsen All those in favor i Those opposed that motion carries And thank you to O National Bank for sponsoring um being one of the
sponsor for the realtor's breakfast Uh we appreciate this generous donation Next that takes us to um an action item It we this takes us to our Neiola policy updates I know that the uh policy subcommittee recently met Uh
trustee uh Goodrich is the chair of that subcommittee And so at this time Trustee um Goodrich do you mind sharing a brief highlevel overview of where we are i know this is our second read of policies and then we have some policies for
consideration for our first read We are okay Thank you Anything else that's okay Yes Thank you so much Um so just to remind the board that this came
before us at our last board meeting and now we are moving to adopt the uh policy updates um as presented Is there a motion at this time trusty Thompson moved that the board of education adopt the Neola policy update as presented
volume 39 number two February 2025 EO8510 Thank you A motion has been made by Trusty Thompson Is there support for this motion trustee Sutton Kennedy support Thank you Supported by Trustee Sutton Kennedy All those in favor i
Those opposed That motion carries Next that takes us to our second public comment portion for this evening Uh Miss Haynes or Dr Kascarella Uh are there any public comment cards that have come in okay Thank you so much Uh next that
takes us to item 13 which is uh our discussion around board of education subcommittee reports Are there any subcommittee reports at this time yes trusty got rich Thank you so much everyone Other board of education
subcommittee reports Um the Ipselland Community Schools Foundation met last week and um we are in the process of updating the bylaws and um we're making sure that we had a long discussion about the bylaws Um they need to have some
extensive overview changes Um so we're going to be working through that the scholarship committee for the foundation Um the scholarship deadline has passed Application process has passed and we
will be meeting this week um to go over potential winners for uh the scholarship Um the several scholarships that are ran by the foundation So we're excited about that Excellent Um then the finance and operations committee
will be meeting next week I want to say the 22nd and um we'll be going over I'm sure what we just some additional stuff we need to discuss this evening And believe oh in regards to WB
um we just voted on the representatives for the vote in June So thank you Um and just as a reminder the meeting to discuss the budget is coming up this month and that should
be I want to say I got like 50 calendars up Um I want to say that's on the 24th of um April and that's usually by Zoom at six o'clock So just please make sure that you all are
um on there as well as um there has been conversations about having a town hall meeting It was originally supposed to be this month around the 30th Um there may be some changes to that due to some um
other um unfortunate events that have occurred So there might be a shift in that But I'm pretty sure with all of the things that are going on and discussions about Head Start that um we will be doing some sort of um conversation with
the community about that Okay Uh we are having our first DTN meeting this Thursday at 6:00 here Mhm Um looking forward to that Also Thursday
the 24th I'll be having a Head Start meeting at 5:00 Mhm Really concerned about that Don't know where the budget's going to be with that So hopefully they don't cancel Head
Start So I'll find out what's going on on the 24th And I think that's about it Yes Thank you Trusty SBA I just want to name that the uh strategic and
educational performance uh group uh will be meeting this week um to discuss the byip continuous improvement plan That's one that's the DN Oh well I'll be there Great
That's right We're on it We'll be beautiful Well I'll be there We'll be there I should have got something to report on the um community relations um subcommittee Um we meet on the 22nd and I know we have a board meeting on 28th I don't know if we're going to be taking
any reports or not but maybe you know but that's when we have our next community um relations relations um committee coming up and I think I said the 22nd at 5:00 Okay perfect Thank you Trusty Fields Any other subcommittee
reports well thank you board chairs uh of these committees Thank you for your leadership your service Board members for putting in all the time to meet to do the work of the board and the district Um at this time that takes us to board superintendent comments Board members
are there any comments yes The annual community Easter egg hunt extravaganza is this Saturday April 19th at the Perry Early Learning Center from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m Um I'm hoping
that all of our board members district leaders um superintendent will be um in attendance This event um is going to be larger than it's ever been We have over 62 vendors Um a lot of new um
participants such as DTE STEM ed um institute Um we also have county's economic community and economic development uh division that is joining us this year Uh Detroit parent network
Um so just a lot We also now have a new sponsorship from the Washington County Sheriff's Office DTE also um donated county we want to thank them they have done a significant donation to support us band companies Eastern Michigan
University women and men working for change and restoration outreach ministries so I I'm very excited um this is going to be a big one and uh we have more of everything should be nice
outside um but just be prepared and come out and have a good time and I will follow up with the uh board members on those and the superintendent that I may have Well I know we have to speak for sure Um and uh we're just excited about
this And then um I'm excited that I will be attending uh the renaming ceremony I know superintendent Zachary Ross talked about that for coach Levi Simpson Uh there are two events uh this week I highly encourage if you can come board
members to this event He is was a is a wellrespected um educator athlete alumni for ifsani public schools and he's dedicated several years to making uh this school district a great place to be
So um I'm excited to be a part especially as a student up under uh Coach Simpson uh to share this moment with him So um yes and congratulations to the district Um 51 y'all I don't
remember much in life as much anymore but there were a lot Um thank you for the birthday card that was sent to me last week I really did appreciate it And um I'm just excited about everything that's coming down the pipeline for
district That's it Thank you Thank you Trusty Townsen for comments I'm excited uh for the for the Easter hunt Um to be
clear uh also uh April 29th the Michigan Education Coalition for Justice will be having their advocacy day in Lancing Um and if people are interested in going you are welcome to reach out and name your attendance of that
Um yes I also want to name that unfortunately I was not able to attend the national uh board of education uh convention this or conference this year uh due to illness However I know that a uh board representative from a different
district went and so my work is to follow up with him and learn a little bit more about the conversations that took place there and I will bring those back to us Thank you Any other comments
thank you for that update Any other board comments um I don't think I have any new comments Uh I am excited about the events that are coming up this week Um I know uh Trusty Townsen you always
provide um stellar leadership to the Easter egg hunt and those who have not experienced it yet are really missing out And so come if you can It'll I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun You said it's going to be the biggest one yet I feel like every year is the biggest one yet So this is for real the biggest one yet
Oh it's even bigger Okay Okay I love it Um and I believe I don't have the dates in front of me Uh Miss Haynes might be able to help me out What are the dates of the upcoming conference in Meno okay And that's MASB May 2nd 3rd
and 4th So there's a MASB conference coming up and it's going to be held in Meno on May 2nd 3rd and 4th I'm not sure if board members are have that on their radar but um I don't think registration has closed yet has it duly noted
Yeah Okay Um and I think those are all of my my comments I am looking forward to the the two naming events that are happening this week And I also know that Dr Zachary Ross is also speaking this week
Same day or earlier that day That's right Is it right before i thought it was different times Okay Oh no Oh dear Okay Wait what day what day you
speaking it's Thursday right that's what I was planning on doing Yeah I was going Yeah that's what I was planning on doing And what time you know the event starts at 4
That's on uh Friday at Eaglerrest at the Marriott Okay Let us know if you don't have it and we'll make sure we get it to you if you don't have an email about it Bye Same time I'm the dean's education
I also want to name that uh Miss Haynes provided this information in email but the Paris Perry Early Learning Community Learning Center their spring concerts are April 29th and May 1st Thank you Trusty SG And that should be
more information should be in your email Any other last minute comments before I turn it over to Superintendent Zachary Ross yes Sutton Kennedy Uh we'll look forward to seeing uh folks at the naming
ceremony on Friday Um and I also wanted to um thank everyone um for being here today especially the students and um our folks who spoke at public comment and also administrators that showed up um Dr Zachary Ross and as well as everyone
behind us as well uh supporting the district today And I wanted to also remind the board about um leaving your sticky notes for the students So we all have sticky notes and there's art from the students at ACE And so after the
meeting if you have a moment I think Principal Davis says she'll leave them for the next few days uh for us to leave feedback for the students um with the sticky notes So I just wanted to remind everyone about that before we finish up Thank you Trusty Sutton Kennedy Dr
Zachary Ross Thank you Madam President Again thank the um I thank each board member because this has been already a busy season for you You're I heard you saying about the the subcommittee meetings and all the events coming up
and so this is spring and there will be lots of events Yes and we know that you are active and engaged So thank you for your engagement We know that the uh Ericson Advisory Board is meeting on Wednesday um April 16th The BA Batty
Early Learning Center will have a ballet in books on Friday the 18th at 3M Um and they're also going to have it again if you can't make it on the 18th They're going to have it um at Batty Early Learning Center the ballet and
books on Friday the 25th of April from 3 to 4 Um I know I saw Trustee Sudden Kennedy at the last uh Ford Early Learning Center principal and parents coffee So there's another one coming up on April 28th in the morning And then
the exciting one and I know trust Miss A sent you um the invitation to the Ipsellandi Community High School's AI conference is for parents and community members and students are putting it on along with our exceptional
educators on Thursday April 24th from 5:30 to 7 That's that same day No no that's next Thursday Okay It's just every day almost Then um Perry Early Learning Center as we heard is
having their kindergarten spring music concert April 29th The high school Italy Community High School is having a spring concert Wednesday April 30th at 6 PM and they're going to be showing the
video of Napa at night April 21st at 5:30 p.m I'm sure there's other events I'll be on the lookout that um that they'll be coming from Miss Haynes And I'm want to mention with the napping one it is taped this this time So it's not a
live so you'll be able to just watch what they have put together And I know I just thank um Cheryl and Lynn for being a part of that committee That committee works behind the scenes to gather all of the material all the art projects and things from our scholars Just want to
appreciate that Um as you know our students have been out doing a wonderful job representing the NASA The students from RTC RCTC um participated in the NASA uh challenge and we had some place and one of them
became an officer uh representing the entire country So we're really proud of the leadership from the staff as well as those scholars for representing the district Well um you also received uh an uh information on
the the national NESBY 1080 race I put it in a board update that they're inviting you if you'd like to be a VIP to go watch that Um so that's coming up And then um just regarding the budget I
know uh right now as Mr Butler said we are running several several scenarios One um thing to note uh and you'll see us continue to increase funding Um so that uh increase spending So you saw
that we had amendments and I put in the board update We're trying to draw down any uh federal funds that we have that we can legally draw down and and we're working with those persons who are left in those offices um to to amend what we
had like even if we knew there was going to be a professional development if it can't happen what can we spend it on um especially in that magnet grant that's $5 million a year and so we know we can guarantee this year and so those things that we can do to put in place so that
we can continue and that that's been our whole focus to continue ensuring that we provide our scholars with this worldclass education We don't want to get stumbled by you know not receiving grants So we're going to do as much as we can to utilize the funds to purchase
things to put in place um any items that we can so that we have at least a structure to to remain stable in case we hear of something The same thing with Head Start I'm going to any meeting I can I sent the letter to staff as as
well as our parents um just that just in case they heard things We want to remind them right now we have the funds We're going to continue throughout the remainder of the year I'm hearing through summer yet We do not know right because it's not in the budget in the
president's new budget And so we're we remain committed to offering our scholars as many options as possible Um again we're being diligent talking to anyone we can with related to any of those other federal grants so that we
can be fiscally responsible and proactive in our approach And so I just appreciate everybody everyone behind the scenes really working diligently to ensure that we're advocating we're
um have the correct information Um we had to just last week make an adjustment with our HA nurse So how that happens urgently just kind of give an example of how we can plan but we won't know Um we
were contacted on a Wednesday that the funds that there was an executive order with the Michigan Department uh not MDHs the Department of Human and Health Services and those funds had been stopped four days prior So we learned on Wednesday and had to make a
determination on persons um the two nurses we had on what how we would fund them and the funds will stop on Friday So some of it I just want to preemptively share with that with the board because if we have to make those decisions quickly there's there's not
time to hold a meeting or anything We just are trying to find out the facts what we can do how we can make changes and the best interests of our scholars and our staff members are in line with what you all have set uh for us to act I
just don't want we say no surprises but we are be and we're being surprised ourselves and so as things are communicated we will make sure that you know our staff especially knows and in our community because YCS has done a
great job looking for additional funds and finding ways to continue moving forward even when we had when we had that the debt from the previous districts we moved forward when we had um COVID and those situations
that were unknown this board the administration the staff moved forward together And so I don't see that this is any different We have to remain the calm We have to remain the leaders in our community And I know we're built for it
We're ready for it And I appreciate the fact that you all are the board members through this Um because I know that you will you've been supportive and thankful for anything else Oh yes Th Thursday um we
know because persons might be asking about the event on Thursday at the ecoest This is that is from the boosters and the it was the event with the famil family's request and we're appreciating them having voice We talk about voice choice and agency and they had um voice
about what they really what they wanted um for their esteemed family member And so we're working in collaboration with the um with the boosters and just appreciate the fact that they are extending themselves to make this something that is not just one time And
so they're having the event because they're they're going to share information at that time about a an annual um track meet that's going to be named after Coach Simpson And so that part was additional beyond the naming ceremony So if people are asking that
one is with the boosters and the outside funding and and we are there in support And then on Friday that's the Insulani Community Schools event where it's going to be the naming of the track because
the board allowed us to do so and um there's going there's going to be a program at that 9:30 time and later how it's going to be designated He's there's going to be some gifts but how will it be a placer will it be those kinds of
things that will come back to the board um okay The reason why they needed that one to be quick is because that one of those invitationals that they're really trying to have the naming for Coach Simpson when all those teams could come together it's coming It has to be timely
And so we wanted to get in front of that And so that's why they're requesting Friday's date um for the naming so that it could be ahead of that invitation So if I'm hearing you just make sure I did find the invitation I do have it
Good Um the name it'll be in time for track meets Is that's the idea yes So I'm hearing what you're saying Yes Okay So we just going to make sure So this is kind of cool though because I know that's coming soon My grandsons are running track So that's why I wanted to
I'm like is this trying to be in time for that yeah Yes Absolutely that I I asked why is there the rush and they're like this invitation was special for him and they really wanted it to happen before and not ret So thank you possibly
I'm glad you said so high Yes Um thank you Dr Zachary Ross Um just a couple of quick things I thought about Um but I'm sure we'll get reminders about this as well We I know we also
have coming up signing day at the high school and um I think scholarship tied together Is that I think that's I don't know if that's I don't know the dates exactly but I
remember seeing it earlier Um yeah So I don't know if our meeting is before Yeah May That's the I know that's the day of our board Next board meeting but Yep Well what day is that of the week
monday May 12th is a Monday Oh Okay May 2nd Thank you Okay So that is before Oh yeah Senior scholarship assembly and decision day Okay May 2nd at 900 a.m Okay So that's coming up We won't meet
again So just lots of things happening this spring Graduation will be coming up So just getting things on our calendars and on our radar Um and then lastly I just want to just say thank you Dr Zachary Ross to you your your entire team
Um in just all the ways that you continue to be consistent provide stability reassurance and a commitment to what who we are in Ipsellani Community Schools Um and I also want to extend that same thank you to all of our
teachers our staff uh for providing that stability for staying the course Um we are in uncertain times and at YCS you know we pivot we continue to stay um diligent about what it means for us to show up every day and do the work for
our students in this district Uh so my thanks and I know the board members also share these sentiments to all of our educators our staff everyone who touches our students um and helped to make our district continue to thrive and go forward um in the face of so much So I
just wanted to say thank you because I appreciate that everything is changing every day but it's important I think to just pause and just to say thanks because it's a lot of moving parts and a lot of shifting every day Um and I I love being a part of this community and
this district because as you said this is what we're built for So thank you Any other comments from the board before we move to ajourn i'd just like to apologize to Trusty Sutton
Kennedy I apologize There was no ill intent on my behalf when I got your name wrong I saw your body language okay and I didn't
mean anything about it I do forget names but I do not forget faces All right so no harm Okay Thank you Appreciate it You're welcome That's what we do at YCS All
right Any other comments before we adjourn all right Can someone give me the exact time i don't have my I don't know if the clock is Is it 7:57 okay the it is I think in a long time it has
been You're absolutely right Yeah you said you'll take it Oh 58 I thank you for the correction I appreciate that The time is seven