The time is 06:31. I'd like to call this regular board of education meeting to order. The first item on our agenda for this evening is the roll call for those Board of Education members who are present. Trustee Sutton Kennedy, could you perform the roll call, please? Yes, madam president. Trustee DeRic. Trustee Fields? Here. Trustee Sutton Kennedy, I'm present. Trustee Townsend? Here. Trustee Espy? Here. Vice President Lee? Here. President Hopkins? I am here. We have all Board of Education members present. At this time, I'd like to invite everyone in attendance to join us in reciting
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, undivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Next, that takes us to the acceptance of the agenda. Is there a motion at this time to accept the agenda as presented? Madam president, vice president Lee, move that the Board of Education accept the agenda as presented. Thank you.
A motion has been made by vice president Lee. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Fields, I support. Thank you. Supported by Trustee Fields. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. Next, that takes us to achievements, awards, and recognition. And at this time, I would like to turn it over to doctor Zachary Ross. Thank you, madam president. At this time, we are excited to have the principal, proud principal of Wise, It's Delaney International Elementary School present their points of prize. So we're excited to have doctor Tim Authier to come on up, and he might
have others with him. So thank you so much, doctor Arthur. Good evening. Excuse me. Good evening, everybody, and thank you for having us here. I am the proud principal of Wise Elementary. It's a great elementary school of great people, and I'm really happy to be there. I'm here to introduce also Melanie Echols. She's one of our great teachers here, and she's helped coordinate this evening's presentation. I'll turn it over to Melanie in a minute. I wanna say though that I'm extremely proud of the students right here. I'm grateful for them and their families for joining us, and I look forward to the presentation today.
Thank you. Good evening, Board. I am excited to have invited seven of my students to come and share their points of pride. We, made a list of several activities and our culture and climate at our school and we created a short slideshow presentation, but each student picked their favorite thing about our school and wanted to share their thoughts. So I'm gonna invite seven of our fifth graders to line up right here.
Alright. I'll invite Elia. My name is Annette, and I join a new art mentor studying with the college students in the South Bend, Florida. New art mentors from the School of Art and Design come to work with our fifth graders every week here at the school. Making a connection with college students for the first time had a big impact on being able to tackle conversations with them all day with my classmates. My name is Lydia Hastings, and I chose student council because I have been in the past and want to serve it well. To be part of student council, students must be elected by their classmates and approved
by their teachers. Student council members must be be respectful of classmates and teachers, responsible for important ideas and tasks, able to listen quietly when others are speaking, willing to offer their ideas and opinions in front of others, and to serve as a good representative of their classmates. When I was a part of student council, we did a lot of recycling and we wrote newspapers about the what, the why, and the hows of our school. It included shout outs and what great, what great things students were doing.
Thank you. Hello, everyone. My my name is Toby, and I chose to share about the Dungeons and Dragons Club because I started the club, and I love to play D and D. So why is D and D club good? D and D club is fun. It builds community and ex exposes people to role playing games and builds collaboration skills and creativity. It also is the first club at y started by a student. And I am grateful that mister Jeffrey, our inspiring librarian, sponsored our awesome new club this year and host us in the library every Monday.
My name is Oliver, and I am presenting on Science Olympiad. And one of my favorite events from Science Olympiad is the human machine. Science Olympiad is all about the human body. And in this event in the competition, there are four stations. One is the microscope simulator where you look through a microscope and you have to identify different body parts. On other is the written test where there's about 30 questions. And the third is a body part identification. They will have a mannequin that has body parts that you can take out, and
they'll ask you to identify a body part. And then my favorite is where you ask a adult. Like, you're the doctor and they're the patient, and you ask the adult to like, you ask them you take their blood pressure and stuff like that. And another one of my favorites is mystery architecture. You get a bag, and in the bag is a bunch of stuff, like mystery stuff, regular stuff, like plastic cups, plastic straws. And you have to build something that can hold a tennis ball, and it's hard
and it's fun. Alright. My name is B. Tisdale, and I chose the International Festival of Lights because it is a full event, and I can have a fun time there. The festival of lights is a celebration of the international diversity and the many ways cultures and communities celebrate light and hope. These festivals include Diwali, Eid, Advent Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese Lantern Festival, and Christmas. I'm Skylar Fortson, and I chose BFThon because of the fun event. It is a month long school fundraiser where every student keeps track of their reading
time and log it into their app. Grown ups donate to our school PTO during the readathon. I like this event because I love reading. When our class succeeded in our goals for reading this, we celebrated a class from our new one. My name is Khalil Gordon, and I choose EMU sports day. This event in March, thanks to our librarian, mister Jeffrey, he coordinated he coordinated with the EMU sports athletics department to have student athletes in soccer, basketball, football, and cheerleading
to come to our school works for workshop. I love this event because me and my friends got to meet the football and basketball players in Philadelphia and make the new friends. Hello. My name is Violet Sisky, and I chose the WISE Snowball as one of my favorite events. The Snowball is a school wide dance party held in February to raise money for fifth grade camp. This was our third annual Snowball. I love the Snowball because I think it's important for students to have after school experiences with friends and it builds a healthy body and mind. Thank you. And finally, we wanted to share a video based on oh, Ardea's here.
Yay. Where's she going? My name is Ardea and I chose the Scholastic Book Fair because I have always looked forward to going. They make sure every student gets to pick a book regardless of whether or not they can pay, and they make sure that every teacher gets to pick at least three books for their class. And it gives the students a chance to find at least one good book that they can enjoy.
It's also a nice year marker because they hold it right before winter's over, which means spring is coming, and it also means that summer break is coming soon. Thank you, Ardea. Yes. Round of applause for us our scholars. A couple more pictures of our extracurricular activities and our spring celebration of learning at the end of the school year. And then finally, our, primary years program in the International Baccalaureate is our capstone fifth
grade exhibition. Students have been designing their own unit of inquiry. Instead of teachers designing research and topics, students do all of that work for eight weeks and they are just about at the end of it. We'll be presenting on April 9. We invite you all to join us at 10:30 or 02:00 or 05:30PM to enjoy their exhibitions. And here is a brief video of last year's. We decided to begin with introducing the students to the UN's 17 sustainable developing their
unit, who we are. Students developing their unit, who we are. Students work individually or collaboratively on topics ranging from LGBTQ rights to natural disasters, police to how human consumption affects the environment. Following a plan on a platform called roadmaps, students had supports to help them reach each deadline along the eight week process of developing their unit.
Students each completed a planner and created a visual display. They had a checklist of what their board needed to include. Arrangement and presentation was unique to each student. While quite a lot of their research was done online and the planner was completed digitally, having a physical visual display was enormously helpful when they were presenting their topics to the greater school community. We looked as a school what ATLs our students needed to be successful at exhibition.
We intentionally built in learning experiences in our k four units that would help develop and build those skills for our students. They practice their presentation skills with their mentors, classmates, and at home before the official exhibition day. They presented to the school community during the school day and to parents in the evening, making it possible for working parents to attend. The pride our students feel at the end of exhibition process is palpable.
Exhibition is now something students anticipate before they reach fifth grade. Our fifth graders engage authentically and excel in so many of the ATLs. Exhibition truly is the culmination of their years at Ypsilanti International Elementary School. It was just so amazing to see, what one, to see how my child really developed and, and expanded through her passion for her project, how her learning in all of the different areas of her curriculum kind of were anchored to this really cool
idea that she got so invested in, and how hard she worked on it, both in school but then outside of school on weekends. It was really cool to see her develop in her it was her traditional academic sense but also in her social consciousness through her body. When we came to the exhibition and watched him give those presentation, he blew our mind. The way the kids researched, they were passionate. It was just it was just it just came from her. As she was gearing up for exhibition, I was gearing up for a professional conference
where I was going to a poster presentation. Throughout the process, we got to talk about building out our posters, how we were gonna talk about things, and it filled her confidence so much that she wanted to give me advice about my poster presentation. I just think it's really incredible for a fifth grader to have that much, autonomy in their work to feel like they can give advice unsolicited to their mom about a poster presentation. I'm so thankful for the experience. I wanna thank miss Echols for listening to this spot for joy tonight.
Also, the kids who came out, they did a remarkable job. As you can see, I have lots of reasons to be proud of Y's and giving agency and seeing the agency in the students. It's one of my number one goals and to keep promoting that and growing that is so important. It always just blows my mind what the children are able to do. Our scholars excelled and I wanna thank them again. And to the teachers who just take ownership and run the show, I appreciate them with all my heart. So thank you again and thank you to the Board of Education. Thank you for that exceptional presentation this evening.
I would just like the the scholars, and their families and the entire WISE community to just stand so we can acknowledge everyone who is here in support of the WISE community. Excellent. Thank you so much. Next we have our Music and Our Schools Month Points of Pride, Doctor. Zachary Ross. Thank you so much Madam President. This is so exciting because we talk about March is reading month and sometimes this gets, missed out. And so our talented music department will bring information about some points of pride, in
our music programs that have been truly developing over the years. So I see mister Rindo is getting everyone together. So thank you so much for being here today. Thanks. Alright. And do we have photos? Where's Solomon? Alright. They're coming on. Alright. Cool. So, we, music teachers, I've been very proud to lead the life of music teachers since I've been the last couple years. My name is Tyler Windo, and I'm the music teacher at Esterbrook School. And one of our goals as a department this year was to share share my
volunteer with their, music teachers who have some music teacher turnover. And now we have just a a fantastic group of music teachers that with great attitudes that are excited to kinda keep pushing forward and do and try new things and and just continue to try to bring the best possible experience to YCS. So that's, someone had the idea. They said, why don't we go to the school board and share share about it? So I was like, okay. And so now we're here. So these are our, brief points of pride, and then we also, got some pictures together for you guys. So the pictures are all gonna be on the screen. I'm gonna start here with some cute kids.
Alright. So in recognition of music in our schools Month March, the YCS district music teachers would like to share some points of pride from our music programs. So first thing, every school with a music teacher this year will have student performances, with many schools doing multiple performances this year. These include school concerts, multicultural events, Black History Month showcases, community performances, and performances at sporting events. Hi. My name is Jessica Johnson. I am the music teacher at both Ford State at ELC and at Ypsilanti Puente
Small Tylucible School. And our second point of pride is several schools with more to come have hosted new diversity day events in partnership with Embracing Our Differences Michigan. Schools have shared student performances, culture cultural displays, and learned from local cultural performers. Good evening. My name is Jatona Chester. I am the choir and theater arts director at the middle school. Both the high school and middle school are presenting full musical productions this year for the first time in many years.
The high school is performing Sister Act, which you guys got a chance to see a little bit of that at the, State of the District, and then the middle school is doing Finding Nemo Junior. YCS students have had the opportunity to take performing arts field trips to see performances in and around Southeast Michigan. These include University of Michigan sponsored field trips to Hill Auditorium, the Power Center, and the Ypsilanti Freight House. Students have also visited The Arc, a major folk music venue in Ann Arbor, and to Detroit to see the Broadway production of The Lion King the Musical.
Hello. My name is Anne Seeloff and I am the music teacher at Holmes Steam Elementary. I will be sharing that our high school choir teacher, Ryan Bowie, gave a presentation titled The Sacred Sounds of the Black Exploring the Rich Legacy of Black Sacred Music from spirituals to gospel and its cultural, spiritual, and educational impact to a standing room only crowd at the Michigan State Music Convention in January. And finally, music teachers are are our our music teachers in YCS are continuously developing
new music curriculum for the twenty first century music learner and embracing the natural talents of the Ypsilanti community. Our best work is still ahead of us. So thank you so much for having us for a moment to help us celebrate music in our schools month. Thank you so much for sharing with us this evening. Next, we have the recognition of our coaching milestone, Doctor Zachary Ross. Thank you so much Madam President. I feel like I see the Athletic Director here and I don't know if he wants to come forward to, help in this presentation. We're just so proud of all of our coaching staff yet, today, we wanna congratulate
specifically coach Ruffin, the head wrestling coach for Ypsilanti. We know he has reached, an impressive career milestone, and we know it's with because of his leadership, we not only heard about this through our own athletic director and our scholars, but we were contacted, and just shared how important that we take a moment to recognize this dedication because this career win of over 300 coaching victories is
not taken lightly. It obviously, it represents so many years of dedication, commitment, personal fortitude, and we're just so proud of the work that has been done. And with such humility, with so much care and nurturing to our scholars, I don't know if Adi Brown wanted to share anything first before honoree who is able to say. Thank you, doctor. Not only his personal goal of winning 300 victories, but just within the last two
to three years, he has brought home a district championship. Right? He has, we finished run runner-up in the district. We qualified the first time ever a freshman to the state tournament. He was a fourth fourth, which he finished fourth as a freshman, which is unheard of. But his dedication and growth to our wrestling program has been unbelievable. I know in my first year, he started out not being able to really field a full varsity team to now we're at the point where he has created this
atmosphere and this culture where we not only have a varsity team but we have a JV team and it's just continuously grown. Right? And that's through his hard work, and dedication and the way he treats our young people is the reason why it's growing so much. So, to me, when I got that that email that he had achieved this, it was more than just 300 wins. It just showed me what kind of a person he is. Get. Right? The individual and who we have working with our young people. So my hats is off to coach Ruffin and what he has to do with
it. Well, I like to say, this award is just, it's just amazing. I would like to say thank you and the support from the district to be able to allow me to work with the kids and just do the things that we need to do to be successful, not just on a mat, but off the mat. And, for coach Brown, he's been very supportive of of everything that, has been needed
for us to be successful. So I am very grateful and, very appreciative of, everything. So I appreciate you. Congratulations again to coach Ruffin. This is an exceptional achievement, and milestone for you and we are very, very proud to have you in our district. Let us give coach Ruffin another round of applause. Next, we have the recognition of our MASB Board Awards. Doctor Zachary Ross? Thank you, madam president. You know, this board, people see you on the monthly basis at the meetings.
A lot of the work happens behind the scenes. And so we're just so proud that the Michigan Association of School Boards is just pleased to recognize our board members for their achievements in 2025. Our board has used their own time to improve their leadership effectiveness by completing individual and board development courses. We want to congratulate all of the school board members who are who are being recognized for their support in improving their leadership skills on behalf of Michigan's public school.
So we'd like to congratulate today, and they'll get their certificates at their, meeting at the ISD level, but we wanted to make sure that it was recognized here. Congratulations to trustee Yvonne Fields for achieved achieving the data skills specialty and level four master board member award. We'd like to congratulate doctor Celeste Hawkins Hawkins for achieving level four master board member award and level five master diamond award.
Congratulations to trustee Janice Townsend for achieving the level four master board member award. And also congratulations to vice president Sharon Lee for achieving level six master platinum award. So thank you for your dedication. Again, the board, you've seen us post workshops. They have a lot of workshops that they do collectively, but these are done on their own time. They to receive professional training through the Michigan Association of School Boards, and we know
that these are lengthy intent courses. And to have so many awards given and the the skill set, the level of professionals professionalism. We just thank you for your service and your commitment. Thank you, doctor Zachary Ross. And congratulations to, all of our board members on your continued commitment to, professional development, attending conferences, and and showing a deep commitment to the work at Ypsilanti Community Schools. Next we, have our first public comment, section for this evening.
But before we invite members of the public up to address the board, I would like to read the public comment protocol which reads as follows. Pursuant to board of education policy zero one six seven point three, 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, and all remarks shall be made
in a respectful and professional manner. Miss Levada Weathers? Okay. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Next, that takes us to, we are at action item number six for and that's the acceptance of a field trip for Ypsilanti Community High School RCTC Culinary. Is there a motion at this time? Madam President, trustee Fields move that the Board of Education approve the overnight field trip of the Ypsilanti Community High School culinary program to Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 17
through the nineteenth twenty twenty six for the SkillsUSA competition. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Fields. Is there support for this motion? Support Vice President Lee. Thank you. Supported by Vice Any discussion or questions for board members? Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. Next, that takes us to the acceptance of a field trip request for our Ypsilanti Community Middle School, which is going to be from April 23 to the twenty fourth in Howell, Michigan. Is there a motion at this time?
Madam President, I move that the Board of Education approve the overnight field trip of Ypsilanti Community Middle School sixth graders to Howell Nature Center, Howell, Michigan on April 2026. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Goodrich. Is there support for this motion? Support for this motion. Thank you. Supported by Trustee Townsend. Any discussion or questions for members? Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to the acceptance of a field trip request for Ypsilanti Community
Middle School from May to Mackinac Island. Is there a motion at this time? Trustee Sutton Kennedy move that the Board of Education approve the field trip of the Ypsilanti Community Middle School to Mackinac Island, Michigan on May the twelfth, twenty twenty sixth. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Sutton Kennedy. Is there a support for this motion? Trustee Fields, I support. Thank you. Supported by Trustee Fields. Any questions or discussion? Oh, I have one question. Yes. Yes. They might not have had the number of or what staff members that these are
the two administrators that'll go. So they might not have the staff members listed. It looks like it's seventh grade, so I'm sure it's some seventh it's seventh grade staff that'll go with them. Okay. So you were you were you talking about the one to D DC where they only got one person and they got 45 people going? No. I'm probably because the current one is on the Okay. On the motion. I just wanna make sure that especially if people going to the one. So, yeah, now now we got sufficient staff. Right. Before I go to the Alright.
Because I can under I mean, we hadn't gotten to this one yet, but I was going through them too. And then is it just because they don't have them missing? Because one person, 45 people, they're going to DC. We know that ain't that can't be right. Right? Right. Okay. Yeah. But they only put the names of the people that are actually committed right now. So there's more work in this room. Oh, absolutely. Okay. I just wanted to Thank you for that. Yeah. Okay. Good question. And I and I presume well, not presume. And I know that we also have to maintain a certain ratio from from from student to adult when we, take students on field trips.
So great question. Yes. We have the right number of chaperones for the trip. Mhmm. Yeah. Often, this is a overnight, so oftentimes the teachers, the educators wanna know and mhmm. Sometimes. Yes. Yep. Yep. We can get it up We just we need to do this contract if they wanna go if they want to even think about going in May.
And so it's I'm trying to make sure. So we can get that back to the board members. So we have we'll add the additional staff members and make sure because it might not even be our staff members. Sometimes, like, four, they just went to ten eighty if you see the number because it's missing. And mister wait. I don't think another person from the WISD went. So I can find out if it's just our staff members that are missing. I wanna I will clarify. This is yeah. Do you want to Okay.
No. No. I mean, I know this is a field with that. Yeah. Field trips are a liability. Right? We we wanna make sure that we are going to take students wherever we're going, and we have the ratio, you know, adult to student ratio. That's a, you know, district, like, practice and policy, so we would not take children away without the proper adult. But to your point, trustee Fields, we will get an update so that we have those numbers. And I think first they need the approval, and then things will I understand what you're saying though. Like, we should have everything here, you're thinking, before yeah.
Yeah. But we can get an update to the board. Yep. Thank you for the question. We are. I'm just gonna remind the board who made the motion and who supported it. Okay. A motion was made by Trustee Sutton Kennedy, supported by Trustee Fields. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to the acceptance of the field trip to Washington DC and that is also Ypsilanti Community Middle School. Is there a motion at this time? Madam president, I move that the Board of Education approve the field trip of the
Ypsilanti Community Middle School to Washington DC on May 2026. Thank you. A motion has been made by trustee Goodridge. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Espy, I support. Thank you. Supported by trustee Espy. Any other, comments or questions beyond what we've already discussed in the previous motion regarding field trips? Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to the acceptance of another acceptance of another field trip request, and it is our Grizzly Scholars after school program.
And this is our trip to Canada, that happens annually. Is there a motion at this time? Madam president, I move that the Board of Education approve the field trip request for the Grizzly Scholars to Windsor, Ontario, Canada on 06/13/2026. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Goodrich. Is there support for this motion? Support vice president Lee. Thank you. Supported by vice president Lee. Any discussion or questions, board members? Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed, That motion carries.
That now takes us to f, which is the approval for our annual instructional material, Newsela. Is there a motion at this time? Madam president, I move that the Board of Education approve the Newsela quote for a purchase amount of $43,638.45. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Goodrich. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Sutton Kennedy. Support? Thank you. Supported by trustee Sutton Kennedy. Any questions or discussion board? Yes. Trustee? Mhmm. Mhmm. Yes. Yes.
We got that one. Oh, I can. Yes. For the Canada, we had it was moved by Trustee Goodrich and supported by Vice President Lee. You're welcome. So a motion was made by Trustee Goodrich, supported by Trustee Sutton Kennedy. All those in favor? I Those opposed? Oh, go ahead, vice president. No. You're okay. Okay. This is for the web search screen. If I'm reading right, is this the one? So Exela is just a software that we use, and what it does is to
be very quick. If if you any kind of instruction could modify that instruction. Let's say, if it's a tenth grade reading level, we'll bring it out to a fourth grade of of comprehension classes. Okay. Okay. That's what it and he does it in every content area and supports all other, textbooks there and materials and use. That's why we purchased this. Okay. Okay. And this is like a renewal. About. Yes. Okay. And it went out because we had, two additional schools that we had at Blankest and then we had the online school as well for them to do these more.
Okay. Alright. Okay. So a motion was made by Trustee Goodrich, supported by Trustee Sutton Kennedy. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to our first presentation. Well, a presentation for this evening and that's from PFM. And at this time, I will turn it over to doctor Zachary Ross to introduce this presentation for the board. Thank you, madam president. We know that the board has really been diligent about looking at, refinancing. And you last month, you used the refinancing of the bond so that the taxpayers,
could save money. With that, there came we had to have a rating. And so we didn't have an opportunity last month to talk about the rating, what went into it, and it really has to do with all the work that the district has been focused on along with the board, treasurer and subcommittee. And we wanted to make sure that that part of the report was able to be answered by PFM, and clarity about how we're moving forward. So we've asked Nate from p s PFM to come and he has come from
his right straight from his meeting. Thank you, to to be here to answer questions as we are making sure that we're fully responsible and and what we're doing to ensure our rating is, continues to improve. So thank you for being here. Thank you. Fantastic introduction. That that's exactly right. My name is Nate Watson. I'm a managing director at PFM Financial Advisors. We have the honor of serving as the district's municipal advisor. Really, what that means is we help the district think through capital initiatives and how to strategically think those through.
And, in going through the 2,016 bonds, which are a legacy debt of the old Ypsilanti schools, one of the tasks that we were, provided is going through the rating process. And in doing so, we ask for two ratings. One, the state program rating since the state guarantees the debt. That is a double a as shown in the, the next slide. And we also asked for the district's underlying credit rating, which is, you know, in the control of the district. That was improved from triple b to triple b plus.
Some of the things that were cited in the report is just really location area for the district, employment opportunities, solid tax base for the community. But they also cited, financial management, low debt burdens, a lot of positive things for the district, which then led to the upgrade. Really what SMP is, is, it's a third party who opines on the credit worthiness of the district. How likely is the district going to pay for debt service?
And a lot of investors rely on this rating when investing in bonds. So real world application, the higher the rating or closer to the triple a gold standard, the lower the interest cost is because the investors are taking less risk. So very positive momentum for the district that they not only upgraded one notch, but they also put a positive outlook on the district's finances. Really signaling that there's a one in three chance that the district's credit rating will improve once again within the next two years. A lot lot of these slides just go into detail in terms of what the
report from January 2026 says, but really kind of that is the overall view is that, again, just really positive in nature. And upgrades right now are not prevalent in Michigan k 12 just because of funding levels, enrollment. So it really is, kudos to the district to making this positive momentum. Real world application is because of this increase. We were able to issue the refunding bonds at about point 07% lower interest rates than what we would have had in a triple b, which means the community received
an additional about $21,000 in overall savings, from that credit rating benefit. So, really, I've got slides that go into detail on methodology and the report, but that's kind of granular level. Happy to answer any questions. But, but, again, kudos to the board for for making this positive up uphides in the credit worthiness of the district. Thank you for your presentation this evening. Board members, what questions might you have? Are we, because one thing I didn't see, Martha, maybe I missed it.
Are you able to how often do you do the credit rating? Is that nearly or at least two years? Great question. So in theory, as long as our rating is outstanding, S and P looks at all the reported audit information. It goes through surveillance, and depending on whether or not they see kind of a red or green flag, they will call in the district to have a surveillance. We had a surveillance, I believe it was last year, but it's a little bit random. We always have to go through the process when issuing new bonds.
And then, really, it's just whenever S and P comes knocking on the district store outside of a bond issuance. But now because of the positive outlook, they will be checking on the district probably in early twenty seven once the financials from fiscal year and '26 are available. Are we able to see when you're talking about the historical data, are we able to see, with the district's ten, eleven year history, what the score was throughout that time? Because I don't see that in here.
But I would really be interested if the information was available, what the rating was between the two districts before the merger just to see what that issue is. So Sure. I'll certainly provide that information. Going off the top of my head, I don't think the district has had a a underlying writing for quite some time. I think maybe 2020 with the refunding of some Willow Run debt. They might have applied the triple b. But, again, I'll need to get back to you for sure on that because the debts also qualify for the state. Going back five, ten years, we didn't always seek the underlying credit of the district
because investors bought it off of the state's rating. So let me get you that history, and I will I'll send it through. Okay. Other board questions? I just just have one quick one. Could you give us kinda just and I know it's in the report, but just for the benefit of of those who are here and those who are also probably watching us, could you give us kind of the highlights of, like, what goes into this credit worthiness or rating report, once a district is up for, say, for example, refinancing of bonds? What are the key factors they're looking at?
Sure. Yeah. That that is a fantastic question. So really, there's two things that get looked at. One, basically, access to their kind of scorecard metric is the institutional framework. Every Michigan k 12 starts out with a credit rating of b, double double a. For Moody's, for our case, it's a three for S and P scorecard. So one through six, institutional framework three, just because you're a Michigan k 12. From there, what they look at is the economy, financial performance in terms of how the general fund has performed over the last three, five, Then it also looks at,
the reserve levels of cash. It looks at management, not only kind of how you perform financially, but what board financially, but what board policies are in place. Mhmm. And then debt and liabilities, bonds, also pension. So those are the five things that are looked at. It's on page five of this if you kinda wanna get granular with it. But each of those metrics comes with a one through six score, and that all goes into what they call the individual credit profile score for the district. And then based on that three and then whatever the district specifics come to, that
kinda gives their framework for where the district's rating should be. And when you put that all together, it actually is a a minus, which is one or two notches above the triple b plus, which is why the, S and P agency put that positive outlook. Again, right now, upgrades are few and far between because a lot of things you can't control. Geopolitical inflation, just kind of a lot of things are moving away from public education. So we don't see it very often, but because their metrics provides you with that a to a minus score, they not only upgraded, but also put the positive outlook.
So really if things stay stable for a year or two, in all likelihood, the district will be receiving another upgrade by SME. Okay. And and through this analysis, I'm assuming that the projections then kinda share this is if you stay on this trajectory, you're likely to continue and maintain or even improve the rate. Correct. Okay. Yep. That's exactly right. Okay. And in their, their methodology, they say that a positive outlook is one in three chance within two years. Mhmm. Within two years, they will change that outlook.
It'll either be an upgrade and then go back to stable or just go from positive to stable at the triple b plus. So those are really the outcomes. Mhmm. And it probably will take them at least one year. They wanna see the next year's financials and then kind of see how that audit comes in and only the numbers, but, you know, just kind of literature from the auditor. But, but that's basically in a nutshell what they're looking at without trying to speak for them. But reading the report, that's where they see the district going. Addressing the, the previous audit and making growth there can actually be, like, moving us
towards that upside. Correct. Mhmm. That's exactly right. Yep. That's exactly right. Thank you for sharing this positive news, and giving us the high level kinda outcomes of the why for this report. This is great news for the district. So thank you for your time with us tonight. Thank you for your time. Next, that takes us to item eight board members and that is our consent agenda. Is there a motion at this time? Madam President, Vice President Lee moves that the board of education approve the 01/2026 regular
board of education meeting minutes. 02/2026, special board of education meeting minutes. Three, personnel matters as per the presented list dated 03/1626, new hires, resignations, and other. Thank you. A motion was made by vice president Lee. Is there support for this motion? Support of trustee Sutton Kennedy. Thank you. Supported by trustee Sutton Kennedy. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to our action item under business and finance, which is the
acceptance of the purchase of nine buses from Holland Bus Company. Is there a motion at this time? Madam president, I move that the Board of Education accept the purchase agreement for nine new buses from Holland Bus Company for the purchase amount of $1,483,734. Thank you. A motion has been made by Trustee Goodrich. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Fields, I support. Thank you. Supported by Trustee Fields. I know that we had, a question, before the board meeting that came up that
was answered. But are there any other questions, or discussion that the board has on the, purchase of these nine buses? Yes. They're replacing the least we were leasing. If you can recall, we had the attorneys to support us in the process of moving from leasing, which was costing a bit more money than what a purchase price would be. So we had to go we went through that process with the other buses that we had, and it was, determined from the attorneys that were to benefit the district
to move from leasing to purchase. Did you want to add? Excuse me, miss Adams. Excuse me. Can you come to the microphone so that those people who are outside of the room who are watching can make sure. So thank you. Hello. The it's approximately twelve years depending on the wear and tear. We Have, not dirt road. A lot of dirt roads were going down, so the wear and tear isn't gonna be as much as it would in a normal district with different aggregate to drive
through and all that, and the shorter runs. So therefore, they'll last longer. And also, we have the mechanic who can do on-site repairs, and these buses, we can actually go to an auto zone and get some of the parts. So that saves a lot of time and a lot of I've got six buses in Troy right now. So and five are electric. So previously, just to give a little context, with the lease buses, we had to
send the buses back to have the people we were leasing them from to do the repairs. So it took more time of the buses being not available for our scholars. And so they sometimes they have to, combine routes and do other things while, as she talked about, there are six buses now with her. So with the leased buses that was electric. Right? The electric buses came from the grant. Yeah. They came from the grant so that we all know. Okay. We own those. Yes.
Now the lease buses, the contract are up with those? In August, we've got nine coming up for lease end. So I'd like that's what I wanna replace this with with an IPA, in buying the buses so that we own them. On installment purchase agreement. I'm sorry. Yep. So that's the, we previously talked about that with the other buses. It's almost like, renting to buy Yeah. Essentially where we're going to have them and pay installments Exactly. And then eventually we'll own it. Yep.
Yep. Right. Mhmm. I know that. Okay. Trustee So how many buses are we getting again? We'll get nine. Nine? And then in two years, we just got 19 of a lease bus and I only got them for two years. Right. Then we'll have to go back in two years and do the 19. So look ahead. Okay. Alright. Trustee Sutton Kennedy? So last year in March, it looks like we saw at our meeting the purchase or the leasing, which we then went back and changed that.
And then we ended up purchasing those buses instead of leasing them. And this would be in this in addition. This is to replace the buses that the lease is about to be up for. Yes. Okay. So it's the same practice we were engaging in last year but to update for the Yes. Okay. Thank you. In the region, we're doing it so, at the beginning of the year. It takes six to seven months for them to go down the assembly line. Other board questions? Thank you for your answers to our questions. A motion was made by Trustee Goodrich and it was supported by Trustee Fields.
All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. Next, that takes us to the pediatric therapy associate speech therapy services contract. Is there a motion at this time? Madam president, trustee Espy, I move that the Board of Education approve the presented pediatric therapy associates LLC contract for therapy services for $20,700 for speech therapy, for the 2526 school year. Thank you. A motion has been made by trustee Espy. Is there a support for this motion?
Support. Trustee Sutton Kennedy. Thank you. Supported by trustee Sutton Kennedy. Any questions or discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes takes us to the acceptance of the touchscreen Chromebooks for k to one scholars. Is there a motion at this time? Trustee Sundkandy, move that the Board of Education approve as presented the touch screen Chromebooks for k one scholars proposal for $351,974. Thank you. A motion has been made by trustee Sutton Kennedy.
Is there support for this motion? Trustee Fields, I support. Thank you. Supported by trustee Fields. Any questions for I'm just curious because I also see that we're gonna be looking at, Chromebooks later again in this in this stock. And I'm curious, why we have some that we're looking at for is the touch screen solely because for the k through one scholars versus the the other Chromebooks, which will not be touch screen for scholars outside of the k through one?
Come up to shit. Don't don't all run up at once. So, yes, the touchscreen ones that you're looking at right now, this is to replace the iPads to find devices that are more conducive and supportive of the platforms that we're currently using. We found some challenges with iPads, but we wanna keep that touch, capacity of interaction for our young stud our scholars so that they still have that capacity. But, we wanna move platforms from iPads over to Chromebooks. So what are we gonna do with iPads? We have lots of, uses that people are very excited to take advantage of.
So, it will not go to waste. We have a from assistive technology to embedding them in, certain classrooms where they've always wanted a touch capable device, we have lots of places that are looking to leverage them and embed them into their, spaces. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. I have a oh, I have you I'm back. Did you have a question? No. She she was asking. I don't know what they they were gonna do with the Oh, okay. So your question got answered? Yeah. Okay. What's the I noticed that this says that we're not purchasing the warranty yet. Is there a potential reason why?
That's a great question. We've had some challenges with the original warranty that we've purchased, and we've been working with the vendor to look at a new solution that they've just acquired, which is actually better integrated with our systems and cheaper. And so we are been trying very hard to schedule it with them. And so if this new solution does not meet our standards, we do have a warranty set aside that's already been priced out ready to go. But we didn't, as you we'll get to in my later the other request, the timing is to get it in before the March because of the price hikes that
we are expecting April 1. Yep. Mhmm. So, we got guarantees from the vendor that they said, hey. Yes. You can make the purchase and still purchase the warranty after we have all these conversations because it's their fault that it's taking so long to get a meeting with them. Mhmm. Okay. They will all have a warranty with, accidental protection on them. Any other board questions or comments? Thank you so much. I do have one. Do do they still do keyboarding and k two, tabs, and the curriculum?
I also don't have to. Okay. Okay. Mhmm. Okay. Mhmm. Okay. And it looks like with the Chromebooks that they'll be required to learn the keyboarding and the use of AI tools. Yep. The world is changing. Yes, it is. Thank you board members. So a motion was made by trustee Sutton Kennedy supported by trustee Fields. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to the acceptance of the e rate category two structured cabling. Is there a motion at this time? Trustee Sutton Kennedy move that the Board of Education award as presented the selection of
Moss for structured cabling for Ypsilanti Community School. Thank you. A motion has been made by trustee Sutton Kennedy. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Espy, I support. Thank you. Supported by trustee Espy. Any questions or discussion? I do. Mhmm. This will be for the whole district. Is We this is the continuation. I wanna make sure. This is the continuation of the cable fiber work we've been doing. We know that the E Rate has allowed us to really think through, not only
our fibering, but then the cable that's, required to go along with it. And so this will just continue on with that structure across to connect our two systems. Correct? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That come. We got another one. Yeah. I'll just Mhmm. So this one will be focused on Ypsilanti High School and Wise Elementary, also, specifically following the last board meeting, where the board approved the E Rate project for additional access points. This is the wiring that'll go in for those additional access points, building expansion that,
superintendent Zachary Ross was just referring to, expanding our connectivity and, building into these two specific buildings for this coming year. So what if we need it going publicly? Yes. That is the plan. We are doing it at our two of our more challenging wireless environments first. We are gonna target these places. We want to not spend out our E rate dollars right off the first year. Mhmm. And we are, we are being, good stewards of that pace of, using the money
for the, improvement of the infrastructure. So that's why we're targeting those two places first, and then we're gonna continue rolling out, and you'll see different buildings come up on your agendas for next year. So will the company Moss give us that 85% discount installing the unit? It's the federal government, program that gives us that discount. They will get paid there a 100% Okay. Just from the federal government. Okay. Okay. Alright. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other questions or comments board members? Alright. A motion was made by Trustee Sutton Kennedy supported by Trustee Fields.
All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. Thank you. Next we have the acceptance of the student devices for the student devices for the twenty twenty six twenty twenty seven, academic year. And, board members if you'll you'll see maybe in your packets, the rationale on a sheet of paper that looks like this that answers some questions. And there the rationale is also, in the motion. So is there a motion at this time? It looks like this. It says student devices twenty six twenty seven. It's also under it's the same language as underneath the motion, but this is just
bigger if you wanted to take a look. Is there a motion at this time? Madam President, Vice President Lee, move that the Board of Education approve as presented the purchase of Chromebook for the next year from CDW dash g for $208,253. Thank you. A motion has been made by Vice President Lee. Is there support for this motion? Trustee Espy, I support. Thank you. Supported by Trustee Espy. Any questions or discussion board members?
Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye. Those opposed? That motion carries. That now takes us to public comment, the second, section for this evening. And I have read the public comment protocol already, and I would like to invite up, miss Levada Weathers. When I can, I just like to come in and thank you, for accepting the opportunity opportunity to enrich the education of our students? This is the first time I've seen you in person. But But just every so often I like to just come in and thank you
guys for the work that you're doing and be supportive of you. That's it. Thank you, Ms. Weathers. Next we have Jeremy Haley. Good evening, everyone. On quickly on the bond thing, there's a case in the Texas Supreme Court, the Exler case. And from his quantitative analysis of things, and some people estimate it more, there's between 5,100,000,000,000.0 and 17,000,000,000,000 of bond fraud across the country, and it's related to the central appraising
districts of the states and how they appraise homes and stuff. So it's I'm not saying that it's your guys' fault. It's you guys are gonna be on the hook when this all comes down to fruition and when it comes out that this the bond system has been fraudulently abused. And everybody, I can say how the housing market homes have skyrocketed. Well, that goes in relation to this bond fraud that's going on in the country.
So that's how it's coming to a head and it's I would urge you to look in the mockingbirdproperties.com/dcad and look up some of the documents he has on Skoll bond fraud and what he's done with it. It's very interesting and he's suing his counties. Now it's up into the Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, Court, and it it's basis of base basis violation is basically sixteenth amendment violation, you can only tax income.
So property taxes are a unrealized gain tax just like a stock. So that's just where I'm just informing you that things may come. And in there, and if you listen to him and listen to this guy and how you are refinancing, he says, school bonds never ever get paid off. They just get rerolled over and rolled rolled over. They never ever get paid off. And hearing that guy say that, I just about laughed. You know? I just informed you to look up it. It's very informative, and I think it would help you out and give you some
knowledge for what might be coming because they're already looking to get end property taxes. So thank you. Thank you, Jeremy Haley. Next, we have Gilda Miles. Good evening. How you doing? Good. My name is Gilda Miles, and I am a child, retired IPSE educator for over thirty eight years. I'm a I've been here a couple times before, but I felt the need to come because this is my district, our district. And I am happy to be here, but I'm concerned with some of the things
that I am saying. And I believe in following the total consequences, but I'm sorry. We're good. Nope. That's not right. I I believe we saw the protocol that come from there with the military. I I follow the dispute. However, I I feel that those procedures will not necessarily should I So on occasion,
I go into the school I got it. Sounds good. Go ahead. There you go. On occasion, because I am a retired educator and this is my district, I still feel an ownership of being a part of these young people's lives. So occasionally, I go into the buildings from the elementary level to the middle school level to the high school level. Past three weeks about three weeks ago, I went into a middle school building and
was asked to fill out a volunteer form. And how I was asked to fill out this volunteer form was, didn't I tell you you had to fill out a volunteer form before you can come in the building? Well, one I'm sorry. When I come in before, I've let you know I've had thirty eight years of experience as a teacher, a teacher consultant, and an administrator. I created the district's first alternative ed program for this district. I'm proud to show in this picture, I have doctors and lawyers from students who came from new directions. K? So how I was reading and when we look at our flyer that says, welcome
to Ypsilanti School District, I did not feel welcome that day. And then as I continued with the young person so she says, you have to go to the board office. No. She says, you have to fill out a welcome a visitors form. I says, okay. No worries. I says, can you can I do that here? Can you print it it out? No. I can't print it out. Now, again, I want you to imagine you in my position as a parent or somebody coming in, how that makes you feel welcome. I could have said, I'm visually challenged, so can you print it out? But, no, I didn't go there.
So she says, go to the board office. I come up to the board office to fill out the form. The person wasn't even sure what form I was talking about. Had to make some phone calls. And then as I'm looking with my challenged sighted person in a professional environment, the staff person who was very helpful to me and gave me the information, but was walking around this building barefoot. Now I'm just sorry, ladies and gentlemen. I have high expectations. I always had high expectations attempts, miss Rox, to see you, and I feel that
has been compromised. When I got a call Friday after trying to deal with this for over three weeks now, trying to get in to see and talk to people. I can't even get in to see you, and I know you're a busy lady. But for, like, until April 4 or the tenth, I'm coming to this district with valuable information. I'm I'm I'm a I'm I'm a part. I created the first part of the first Washington DC trip. I have assets that I'm coming. So when I have people tell me that the principal said he didn't want you
in the building. Tell me y'all. What did I do? So a young student hears me saying, what's going on? Comes to say, she's with me. Let me take her back to where she needs to go. She continues to say, no. She can't be in the building. And so at that point, I did get defensive. And I said, young man, I want you to stay here because I don't want to say something and this person interpret that I'm coming across aggressive. You know, that I'm gonna say something that she's gonna accuse me of.
So I had this ex student of mine who now was an employee of this district. And I can tell you of at least 15 students that are in this district working said, why can't I be in the building? There was no answer. So why if I'm not able to be in the building Yeah. Use your phone. Thank you. I'm a add her. I need this district to let me know why my validation is not acceptable.
Teachers retired teachers in the district from other school districts want to be a part because we see what's going on and are denied saying we don't hire retired teachers. I'm just saying, has a proud still educator of this district. There's some things that are going on in our schools that are are not cohesively accepted to me. Kid being sent to the office. I want him on the classroom because he used profanity. Well, back in the day when I had those tough love kids, I said, no. He shouldn't be in the classroom because he used profanity.
And I don't know what was done before that moment. But what I do know, I went over to that young person. What did you say? I told the kid to suck my So at that point, though, I turned that into a lesson, which teachers need to do. And I let that kid know does that mean I have to stop? We'll let you finish your thoughts, but your three minutes is up. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Because this is this is important, and I appreciate that. This young man who was sent to the office and was feeling I tried to
them, no. No. You can't be disrespectful like that. You can't talk like that to folk. And then I'm walking away, and God said to me, Gilda, I'm not done. You're not done with this kid. And, of course, I turned back being the teacher and the effective teacher and administrator that I was, but that's all my evaluations show. I said, man, I said, you know what? You just showed me that you're a smart kid. This young man sits up and says, how long I'm gonna be smart after I didn't see a suck mind? I said, you showed me that you know what a possessive pronoun is. You know what a direct object is. You know what a verb is. Now what we gotta get you to do is use it the correct way because
how you're using it is not effective and it's not allowed. But you have some intellect. These babies are hurting. And I'm asking this district if there's a way you can use me, use me to help these young teachers who are coming in here and not making home visits, parent home calls to help these principals, help these kids. Don't talk about these kids and don't do nothing. Talk about them and make a home visit. And if it needs me to have some of my prior students to come to a board meeting to show you who can tell you who miss Miles is, I'm
prepared to do that because that's how much I love this district. And board members, I just thank you for giving your time and and doctor Ross for for giving your time and believing in these kids because we need you. But some things has Michael Jackson says, got to change. Thank you. Thank you, Gilda Miles. Next we have Lillian Jones. You did. You yelled oh. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Everything has been noted, and, we are are confident and and certain that, there will
be some follow-up. So thank you for spending your time this evening with us sharing your feedback, and your concerns. Thank you. Next that takes us board members to number 11 under discussion and that is our Board of Education Subcommittee Reports. Are there any subcommittee reports at this time? Suck me report from the foundation, Ishlan Community Schools Foundation. I wasn't able to attend the last meeting, but I do have notes upon the meeting just, based upon the agenda.
Just as a reminder, we do have a scholarship. Our scholarship application is due, I believe, on April 6. So we wanna continue to get those, students to apply for, their scholarships. Also, there's there's also, they are looking for board members. So there's information that is being shared throughout social media in regards to, having board
members. There is actually a push for alumni as well to be board members for this lengthy school foundation. There was discussion about the PTO mini grants. We have a forum out there for that. And then, they're continuing to look at, opportunities for fundraising and, there'll be a a website that's being worked on. Mhmm. So, that is it for that. I also have a may be able to assist me on this one in regards
you know what I'm gonna do for somebody with you? Yes. Okay. That that'll be I will follow-up with the WASB report. First, I wanna, thank and celebrate that, trustee Townsend has served, her role as the president of the Washington Area School Board, and is now is, serving as the Emeritus, president of the Washington Area School Board. It is being, followed by, Mary Mary Jane Tremontaine Mary Jo?
Mary Jane? Mary Jane Tremontaine. In addition to that, we elected the other officials including the LRN, a representative, which is gonna be, our trustee, Talisha Scott or Sutton Kennedy. So congratulations on that. We now, we have some representation in that as well. Our district is showing up very well with the Washtenaw Area School Board. Mhmm. And so that, took place in our most recent meeting. In addition, we hosted a, training, on AI, looking at it within our schools, and,
the and the policies related to AI, and how districts are supporting those policies. It was open to all, districts and school board and superintendents. There was a relatively small turnout. However, the information was really informative. We had a discussion about some of the fears and concerns we have about AI, particularly looking at how do we still engage in critical thought, and critical thinking, along with utilizing these tools of the future, as well as then moving into continuing to
talk about what kind of policies the districts are putting in place, to ensure that students are doing their, you know, providing their, I guess their own IP, in the spaces, when they're asked to generate their own thoughts. So looking at honor codes and, the policies in the schools around what cheating might constitute us. And I think further than that, I think we also spent a bit of time discussing how the way this use is getting is growing.
And I think that pretty much covers the conversations we are having there. I believe the presentation is available. So if anyone's interested in seeing that we can make sure it gets distributed. And, I believe we are also looking for recognizing school finance is still something on people's mind, and, looking to host, possibly a town hall, in the next few months, to talk about school finance as well. So those are the, updates from the Washtenaw Area School Board.
Is that accurate? As I mentioned from the last Finance and Operations we did discuss talks about, the additional improvements that'll be coming down the line for the culinary not culinary. The cosmetology program, and those upgrades to their area at the end of the month. Mhmm. And I didn't bring my notes to me, but that was the biggest portion of
the conversation. And then a lot of the, ongoing things that mister Virtual had been working I also wanted to I also wanted to lift up the sexual education advisory board, MET. We we have, brought in a few more, parents, into the advisory board, which we're
very excited about. We've had a few people apply and all have been really great candidates and so, the group is growing. And in that, we have spent some time talking about the best ways to support our, our health teachers, with the, with the presentations that they're providing along with the, way we're assessing those presentations. We're gonna provide a we're gonna create essentially an opportunity for our advisory board to review questions that may come into those educators, so that we can provide them with
more comprehensive answers to be able to share back out to the students, and doing it as a collective rather than each individual teacher trying to figure that out for themselves. So we're working to make this more, to have some, even kind of responses across the district, in a way that is also gonna support those educators from having to do excess amount of work. So it's a collective effort. So I'm pretty excited about that. And, I just wanna say, previously to that, we had our my kit meeting, where
we did spend some time reviewing, one of the, the curriculum AI curriculum items, Amira, and exploring how it works and actually talking more about how there have been some adjustments and improvements being attempted to be made due to, the the application, recognizing voices and recognizing and understanding the patterns of speech of students. So that way they're getting more accurate, feedback from the system.
And so that's something that has, been brought to this brought up by parents and schools and so that's something that now we have been able to work with Emera to improve on. Do you have anything else to add to that one? Trustee Sun Kennedy, I'll add to the mic hit meeting, that we also, we had that presentation from the HMH representative who shared all of the different tools in addition to Emera, which is AI supported, related to reading and literacy for our students and
how they all work together, to improve literacy among our scholars and differentiating the different, benefits that each of those programs provide and how they support our scholars in learning how to read and learning literacy and also how they will meet, the new dyslexia, law that we are already will be compliant with those sorts of things, when that goes in place. And, we're required to meet those requirements, as well as some of the hard copy
programs that are not necessarily, on the computer related to literacy. So we got to see an overview of all of those things, related to reading and that was nice. I also wanna add to that. And during that conversation, we made sure to bring forward that, continuing to have students engage with novels and, works of literature outside of the AI platforms was something that was very critical. And they identified that not only is that something that they want to continue to
engage with, but also that some of these platforms are actually being set up so that they can continue to use those, utilize those platforms to engage in critical thought around those novels. So, that was something I it was, very important to me that we don't just sit on the computer, and, they were willing to, demonstrate and talk more about more about that. Thank you for those subcommittee reports. Are there other subcommittee reports?
Yes. Communications it's been thing, it seemed like, forever. I think we met on February 24. We talked about we talked with Lambert about a couple of things that they're doing now. I know they said they have some videos, like, teachers, staff. Did you you did a video. Right? Trustee Thompson and they have have they been shown, like, on our I haven't seen them. So okay. So they were in a process of trying to, get some videos of the staff and then board our trustees asking questions about is it we still don't we're still
doing the same yes to YCS campaign. Right? Is that what it is? What campaign is for? Scholars too to say yes to YCS. Yes. That's right. That we're still running, running that campaign. They also are I think they were instrumental in the cosmetology. Wasn't weren't they the ones that kinda help get that together, which is really nice. If anyone hadn't had a chance to see that, I was surprised. They said to wait just surprised, and I was when I got to see the, cosmetology on WDIV. If you guys haven't seen the videos, that was really nice and Mhmm. Something for us to be proud of, with our students being able to see that
and seeing, Hugan really look nice. She look good. I mean, they did a good draft. They get a they did a good job, and you should be proud of that. That, you know, we're out there getting letting everyone know what YCS is doing. And when it comes to cosmetology, I mean, that's a big deal. A lot of no I don't think any schools have that in their schools, you know, cosmetology programs to the level we are. I'm sorry. What did you say? I did. Thank you for your makeup. Yes. Yeah. They yep. They did her makeup. They did her hair. Everything was really nice, and that's something to really be proud of, though, you know,
because you may get people that wanna come just because we offer that type of thing, and that's part of our CTE program. There was another thing I wrote down. I'm sorry. I don't have my notes. I'm like, her when you're at home, you write them on notes, and then you don't put them in the pack to bring with you when you come back. But, so we're gonna have another meeting that looks like coming up soon and talking about that. But, those were the couple of things that I have that I can remember off the top of my head from our last thing. I don't know if that anyone else did Allison, did you get anything or trustedly? Just wanted to say that our cosmetology, instructor, he is also an alumni and are
good. So they they do an excellent job. Yeah. Yeah. There. That is that was important, and she talked about that too. So Okay. But, but it was nice. I really look forward to it, and I heard people talking about it, and the kids were talking about it and something for us to be proud of. And, Lambert was, like I said, they were one of the key people in, getting that established for us, and that's important. We're that's what we're using them for. Oh, yeah. The yep. AI presentation. I'm just missing everything, aren't I? Oh, yeah. And then a drone. You know, they had that out there too, and that was my grandson.
I forgot. I said, no. Yes. Aidan Sisson. I didn't know he was on there. I'm like, you didn't even tell me. He was like, oh, I forgot. But, anyway, that was nice as well. So we are really getting out there. We are utilizing our communications company that that's what we are they're they're for, to be out there to promote what we're doing over here when it comes to our CTE programs and Mhmm. And everything and then, and opportunities that that's our scholars will have after high school to be able to utilize those skills and not really have to go to college if that's not what they wanna do. You know what I mean? They're gonna get they're getting that hands on experience when it comes to drones and
hair and things like that. So those were really, something for, YCS to be proud of. You know, we've been on their news twice, so they've been spending a lot of time over here with us. So That's right. That's right. And so that's all I have right now for the communications. Thank you so much. Mhmm. Any other subcommittee reports? Trustee Goodrich. Thank you, madam president. While the policy subcommittee does not have a March meeting, we do have a lot of work to do. And I've been, doing some work since our February meeting, kind of trying to think
through process and guiding principles to get us through the work of adopting the TRU policy package and making sure that we're doing that on a timeline that we can bring it to the full board for adequate review. So I just wanted to to let folks know that, more information is gonna be coming and, I've been talking. I had a chance to touch base with trustee Sutton Kennedy. I've shared a kind of more fully fleshed out suggested approach and timeline with president
Hawkins and we're just trying to find a time to discuss that, and work on getting through these, both thoroughly and efficiently so that we can have a new policy package hopefully, in place by this summer before the next update drops. Yes. So I just wanna give you a quick update and, we'll hit the ground running with our April meeting. Thank you. Any other subcommittee reports? Yes. Vice President Lee. Okay. For the Head Start Policy Committee.
Theresa Harrington is very great. She is wonderful. She's still chugging along, and she got another parent to join at the Beatty, location. We have the U of M nurses coming, and they're getting us on track. So the medical, vision, and dental, they're improving a lot. And let's see. For the enrollment for next year, it's almost full.
There's still some available spots. I think for the three year old, there's still some available spots. And I am working with them to see exactly what they want me to report out. So next month, I would be able to report out more. But right now, I'm working with mister Atchison to see exactly what needs to be reported out. So at this moment, that's all I have have right now, but I have more next month. Okay. Thank you Vice President Lee. Did, we miss any subcommittee reports from board members?
Alright. Next that takes us to, board superintendent comments. Comments from the board. Madam President. Yes. Just a reminder to the board that we will have the annual, community Easter egg hunt extravaganza that is, sponsored by the district as a a major supporter as well as collaboration with the, historical African American fraternities and sororities and other organization, throughout the
community. This has been going on for almost forty years Mhmm. At Perry School. That will be on Saturday, April 4 from 10AM to 12PM noon. We will have over 35 vendors out there, including DTE, as well as the Ypsilanti District Library, the, Bookmobile, Sheriff's Office. Washtenaw County is a major support unit in Washtenaw Community College and other organizations. So, it is a free event.
It's for ages two to 11, but grown folks seem to have more fun than the kids. And so we'll have hustles by Sherry Hawkins, a DJ. Again, it is a good time. We call it our family reunion. But we will have food, music, games. Again, it is free, and this is, a big major event that has, again, been we've maintained the legacy with the district even when it was just running public for almost forty years. And so everybody's invited, to come out and help.
Thank you to trustee vice president Lee. She continues to provide aid and work our registration. Mhmm. Trustee Yvonne Bill, she's out there working, doing everything. So please come on out. I was at this time last year. Trustee Espin was my, interpreter. Yes. And so, again, I I appreciate the board's and the administration's continued support to, support this event. So thank you. Any other board comments? Yes. Trustee Fields and then trustee Goodrich. It's kinda like a well, I I don't know if it's a comment necessary, but
it's just some information that, for any student to get some volunteer time Mhmm. They will be having superior superior day cleanup day on April 18. And I was told to kinda put that out there. So if anyone needs, like, volunteer hours or anything like that from any in the high school or anything like that, on April 18, I'm gonna go out to the car in a little bit and bring in the stuff so you guys can hand it out. So if anyone's looking for volunteer hours I know a lot of time in high school when they're doing scholarships and applications, sometime they gotta pull in volunteer hours, you
know, or whatever. So, I just wanted to put that out there to share for our high school students to be able to it's April 18, but I will go get I have some information in the car for that. Okay. What's the time and location? Permit. The time and location? It's Superior just they're they're gonna be cleaning up in Superior Township. They're gonna be picking on the side of the road, picking up garbage, just volunteering, just trying to keep it clean. It's like a cleanup day. Right. I know. I'm just asking, like, if students wanted to volunteer, where would they meet? Who would do do they need to register? They would be. They would be register out out of the, valent prospect.
Prospect. Okay. But I got some exact information to come. I'm gonna go get it before I leave because I have I'll just let them in the car. That's a good opportunity for students. It is. It is. Yep. So yep. That's all I have right now. Okay. And I have one thing. I was at the township it's Atlantic Township meeting, and they want everybody to know it started already, but it ends on the March 31. If you go walk the path through Fort Lake Park, they have Easter eggs all
on the path. Mhmm. You don't have to go in up in between just all on the path. You are to count the Easter eggs. At the end of the path, there's a little QR code. You scan your phone, the code with your phone, and it'll ask you how many eggs you count. Mhmm. Put it in, and then after the thirty first, they were announced the winner. I don't know how many eggs it'll be. The one that come comes close to the number, number, there's a prize.
I don't know what the prize is. But this is what the township is doing. So yes. Exciting. But it's too cold to be walking in the park right now. But yeah. So before March 31, just go walk the park. Okay. Walk the park. Alright. Thank you. Any other oh, I know. Sorry. You were next, but we jumped in. Or Vice President Lee jumped in. Go ahead trustee. Thank you so much Madam President. I just had a few things. I'm sure you all are already aware but I just wanted to to, recognize that
the grassroots coalition that was backing the invest in my kids ballot initiative, made the decision earlier this month to end that ballot initiative for now. I wanted to express gratitude to this board for taking the time to initiate a discussion about the possibility of endorsement in this, reform to a part of the public school funding model in Michigan. Many other examples of successful school funding ballot initiatives on this model have taken multiple opportunities before they ultimately passed, and the coalition plans to come back next year.
So I look forward again just as an individual this work and coming back and speaking to all of you from the other side of the board table next year and we'll be super excited to answer any questions you might have at that time. I also just wanted to bring to your attention if you haven't received communication about this already that, the Educational Choice for Children Act, this is an act that it would allow the governor to redirect public funds to private schools. Is we're being encouraged, to let the governor know that we would like her to
reject the opportunity to redirect public monies to private schools. This is, you know, just one piece of the disinvestment in public education that's affecting things like we heard tonight, like our credit rating, and more importantly the amount of resources available to our kids. So everyone has the opportunity to contact Governor and express not lack of support, opposition to, ECCA. And just a quick note, regarding today's agenda, I just wanted to say thanks for
putting the field trip approvals ahead of the presentation. It was a short presentation, but it was really nice that the folks who were waiting to see if those field trips would get approved got a chance to see those earlier and go home before the bitter end. And that's all I have. Thank you. Madam president? Yes. I just want to lift up that, March 31 is, the International Trans Day Transgender Day of Visibility. It is just an opportunity to, express your support as allies or members of the transgender community and, just an opportunity for you to celebrate, the existence of people living
in their true selves. So I just wanted to name that and, let folks know that that's coming up on March 31. Thank you. And I just have a few quick, comments. First I just want to, say thank you to doctor Zachary Ross for delivering the State of the District address and, really want to lift up our scholars who did a exceptional job presenting, at that State of the District address. It was a wonderful event.
There were lots of community members here. There were lots of staff here, and lots of students here. So it was a great event. So I just wanted to give some kudos to our scholars, and and all of our leadership team for putting that on. Also just want to ask lift up that, we have our five year strategic plan. I know a number of communications have come out from the superintendent, about our strategic plan and the priorities of the of the district. And because this is brand new and we're just rolling this out, I think it's important that we just, you know, are using those as talking points while we're sharing
with others about what we're doing as a district, what direction we're going in, and the positive impact we're making on our students and the commitment and vision that we have in place to, advance the educational goals of the district. It is Women's History Month, so I just want to to thank this board for continuing to stay steady and leading as as as women and the superintendent. So a big big, shout out to to all of those, who are, just standing in rows, whatever those roles might be and just acknowledge the significant contributions that women,
have made and are making. March is Reading Month and I just wanted to also mention that we all have a flyer in our packet, which are a lot of celebration dates, for different activities happening around the district. I know we have a couple of, reading, dates that are happening at, both Wise and Estabrook this Friday. Quinte on April 10. Holmes also on March 27, which is Friday. So a lot happening on this Friday, and our Ypsi community, connected schools date, and
that's, May 15. That's a podcasting event. So board members, if you can, support, go out. I know that our teachers, our principals, our students, our parents are doing really, really amazing work staying engaged and really, highlighting all the hard work, of our scholars in all of our schools. So a lot is happening. Our district, I know that miss Haynes does a wonderful job letting us know as soon as she knows when there are events happening that we can support, throughout the district. So thank you for, we have to big thank you to all of our staff,
administrators, parents, students, for doing such great work. We saw that on display tonight with wise presenting to us. And every month that we have a board meeting, we're able to see how wonderful our scholars are doing in the district and all the hard work, of our educators. Tomorrow, I was invited, there well, let me back up. Two things and then I'll turn it over to doctor Zachary Ross. Last Monday, we had an AI conference at Eastern Michigan University and we had representation from Ypsilanti Community Schools in one of the sessions.
And I believe during the keynote, I think I saw you, Trustee Goodrich, like, walk by, in that but it was a great conference, and it really was intended to bring together kind of this continuum of, our k to 12 and our higher ed because we know that AI learning and leaning into is happening in districts across the region. And in addition to that, we want to make sure our k to 12 students, when they get to the higher education institutions, that there is a level of preparedness
and consistency to make sure our scholars are prepared for those real world opportunities that await them. So it was a good conference. I appreciated it, and I'm sure there'll be more, to come. And then my last comment was that, there's a women's history event tomorrow that I was invited to to speak to scholars at the high school. So I look forward to attending that tomorrow afternoon. And Doctor. Zachary Ross, I'll turn it over to you. Thank you, Madam president. I think some of this all continues. Tomorrow is anchored in excellence and empowerment at, Ypsilanti Community High School from 12:30 to
02:30, and, where scholars will be, hearing in different fields and give an opportunity to have our scholars see our adults in different settings and professions that they can, possibly have. So we're looking forward to that tomorrow. We also have, the one one additional, the books and ballet programs at, Beatty, March 27 from three to 04:30. And they also have it again in April.
We've been excited about the all the March's reading month events today. Through Michigan Department of Ed, our district was selected to have a guest, reader from Michigan Department of Ed, miss, Patricia Wagner. She came and read at Estabrook. She commended this already through MDE Reads. She talked about it was a joy to spend time with the second graders this morning. She was grateful to each of those teachers for adjusting their schedules. She said that the students were an absolute delight.
Also, miss Gardner for the informative and inspiring tour of the media center. You know, that was, upgraded by our wonderful media specialist who says she's doing great things to foster a love of reading in the Esbrook students. And she was especially impressed by the beauty of the space that she and the art teacher created, the media center student staff program, and her use of the beam stack program. Her passion thank Michigan Department of Ed for, selecting Ypsilanti Community Schools to visit.
In addition, I'll do this last one. Just a reminder, our parent teacher conferences are this Wednesday and Thursday. So all of our families are, looking forward to coming to hear that progress. So there is a a half days on Wednesday and Thursday, and next week is spring break. So we definitely encourage the educators and their families and the families to have a safe and restful, spring break.
Next week, we come back on the Tuesday returning back because there's no school on that Monday per the district calendar. And in recognition, Women's History Month as doctor Hawkins shared, we know that we want to just honor the work that celebrates, celebrates, women across our district. This board really lifts up every month, we talk about so many people.
But during Women's History Month, we honor your leadership, and unwavering commitment to our scholars and community. Your voice at the table is more than representation. It's transformation. If you support women, we appreciate you. Because you lead with purpose, advocate with strength, and open doors for the next generation. And purpose, advocate with strength, and open doors for the next generation of scholars who are watching and learning from you and your modeling every day. Because of leaders like you, our schools are not just places of learning.
They are spaces of possibility. We thank you for standing firm, leading boldly, and making history through your service. So thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your support of women in education. Thank you Doctor Zachary Ross, and congratulations to to all of us, on this recognition. I didn't I failed to mention, that the, WASB leadership, I wanted to thank trustee,
Townsend for her service, serving in the role, for the time that you've been serving in the role. Because I'm not sure how many years it's been. It's been two or three. Okay. Okay. Well, thank you for your service in that role. And, the LRN role, thank you. You know, it's good to have YCS representation. Having our voice at the table, at the county level is really important. And then lastly, I just want to say, congratulations again to to all of the board members on their MASV awards.
And I know that'll be recognized, at the next WISD meeting. It's literally 08:25 and I think it's been a long time since we have adjourned the meeting. So I just want to say thank you to everyone who was here this evening, who provided comments, shared feedback, the leadership of this district, and I look forward to all the great work that we will continue to do in the coming months as we close out the school year very, very soon. It is already March. I feel like it's April because, you know, March is over. So thank you all for a good meeting this evening. We are adjourned at 08:20