December school board meeting update: bus grant research continues, Tom Johns recognized, surveys going out soon
by Melissa Yekulis
The most recent Manchester Community Schools board meeting took place on Monday, December 15, in the Junior/Senior High School Media Center at 6pm. All board members were in attendance, with one board member joining later in the meeting.
The meeting began by approving the meeting minutes from the November 17 board meeting, the board operating procedures meeting on December 1, and the Capitol Improvement Meeting on December 10. The minutes, as well as the treasurer’s report, were all unanimously accepted as presented.
There was no public communication.
Under old business, the board resumed discussion around the EV bus grant. Chief Financial Officer Shannon Cajic, Director of Transportation Joe Prestia, Holland Bus Company representative Scott Gray, and Rousch Clean Tech representative Ryan Zic presented information to the board about the topic of purchasing new propane buses with the state grant funds. Discussion included the amount of funding that will come from the state grant versus how much will come from the stage three bond funding, the current state of the bus fleet, costs of maintaining the current buses versus purchasing new propane buses, the average longevity of moving to propane buses, and more. The board will vote next month to determine how many propane buses they will purchase with the grant.
Work was completed on the board policy revisions. The board had the opportunity to review the policy changes before the meeting. The board unanimously voted to accept the policy changes as they were presented.
The CIC bond committee met to review the final proposal for 100% of the bid work for Riverside bond upgrades this summer. Bidding has started and meetings have begun taking place with the potential contractors. The board voted to accept the latest proposal, with one member opposing. The motion passed.
Two literacy grants were brought to the attention of the school board, the 35M and 35N state grants. A comprehensive list of research-based materials and trainings were proposed for purchases that would entirely be funded by these grants. The board unanimously approved the grant-funded purchases.
Updates in personnel were presented from last month. Seven new hires were made across the district. One resignation was presented. There are open positions available that are posted on the district website. The board voted unanimously to approve the current personnel report.
Building and department head reports were presented in advance of the meeting. Technology director Benjamin Brurrsema was in person to share information about the upcoming technology upgrades that will begin at Riverside in the new year. Food Services director Sarah Mason was also in person to share numbers of students participating in the food program, as well as events the food service supported in the last month.
Superintendent Steven Head shared his monthly report with the board. Information centered around the work the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Plan team has completed so far this year. Board members were informed of the district academic and social emotional goals, as well as how some buildings are developing their plans that uniquely support those goals. It was also shared that surveys for students, families, and faculty will be pushed out soon. He ended his report by recognizing the many band concerts that have taken place in the last month, and the work the teacher and students have put into the performances.
There was one participant for public participation.
This month the board implemented a special kudos section to the meetings. The first kudos went to building principal Tom Johns and the hard work he is dedicating to Riverside during his first months with the district.
The meeting went into closed session to complete the first superintendent review of the year at 7:37pm.
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