January school board meeting update: 5 new buses, Kreighoff-Lenawee Company hired, fund balance in the yellow zone
by Melissa Yekulis
The monthly School Board Meeting for Manchester Community Schools was called to order at 6:21pm on Tuesday, January 20. One member was absent.
The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Discussion was held around procedures for accepting the treasurer’s report. It will be investigated and discussed further at the next board meeting. The agenda was then approved unanimously.
Approval of minutes took place around the Regular Board Meeting, Closed Board Meeting, Board Operating Policies Committee Meeting, Finance Committee Meeting, and Capital Improvement Committee. The minutes were accepted unanimously.
The Treasurer’s Report was accepted unanimously.
There was no public communication.
Old business began with the return to the topic of approving the purchase of propane buses. Topics of discussion took place around the benefits of purchasing five buses rather than four buses, as well as how it will impact the school budget. The buses are being offered a one-time discount of 50% off for each bus purchased. It would also be cheaper in the long term as it would be easier to maintain and repair a bus fleet that has the same operating parts. The costs for the purchase would be covered by a state grant, previous bond sources, and the general fund. Transportation costs were not included in the line item of the current bond. A motion was made to fund the cost of purchasing five buses. The motion passed with one opposing vote.
A presentation was made by Chief Financial Officer Shannon Cajic of the current state of the budget, which continues to be in flux due to alterations in state funding. The revenue is currently made up of 34% local funding, 53% state funding, 2% federal funding, and 11% local funding. The fund balance is currently in the yellow zone. There has been a decrease in the student population since last year, but an increase in the state aid allowance. Local internal budget meetings will be underway soon and the State of Michigan will also begin their annual budget planning. Superintendent Steve Head shared there has been growth in enrollment in the second semester. There does not appear to be a need for layoffs in the coming school year. More funds will also be coming in once the CTE funds begin distribution in the next school year. There is also potential for a decrease in electrical costs once the bond work is completed across the district.
After the presentation, the board moved to approve the General Fund Amendment, the Community Service Amendment, the Food Service Fund Amendment, the Student Activity Amendment, and the Capital Projects Fund Amendment. All motions passed unanimously.
New business opened around the discussion of the negotiated letter of agreement for the 27L Fund Distribution from the state. A meeting took place with the unions to determine the plan for distribution. The unions agreed to an equal, one-time payout in June. This has no impact on the general funds. It was recommended the distribution of funds be accepted as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The board was presented with first looks around the newly proposed board operating procedures. Discussion took place around the language in the proposals. A request was made for a second look at the next meeting to review the updates before voting. An additional request was made for everyone to submit recommendations for changes before the next meeting.
A document was written by Trune Law Firm for the bond funds. The board voted unanimously to accept the Series 2 bond.
Information was presented from the last Capital Improvement Committee meeting. Kreighoff-Lenawee Company was recommended for taking the lead on the summer bond work at Riverside. A recommendation was made to accept the Capital Improvement Committee bond project updates. The motion passed unanimously.
Under the personnel reports, there has been one new hire and one departure. The personnel report was accepted unanimously.
Administrator and Department Head Reports were submitted electronically to the board for review.
Superintendent Head presented his monthly report. Work is now underway with the CTE mileage funds. The WISD will serve as the head of the program. The superintendents will review and approve final recommendations. There will be two advisory teams, with one made up of educators and another made up of students and student alumni. Stakeholders will also be recommended to advisory roles. There are three phases that will take place around implementation. Phase 0 focuses on planning, with phases one and two to follow in the future. Head is making a formal presentation to the Manchester Community on Thursday, January 29, at 5pm, in the high school auditorium. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the future of CTE and updates with the district bond projects.
Superintendent Head also recognized the school board for School Board Appreciation Month. He thanked the board for their service and school board members were presented with Manchester Community Schools briefcases.
There was no public participation.
This month’s Kudos spotlighted food service employee Ashley Golka for her tremendous work ethic and flexibility as she steps in to support any role in the department across the district. Congratulations, Ashley!
The meeting adjourned at 7:56pm.
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