I called to order the Riverview Community School District Board of Education regular meeting for August 25th, 2026. Secretary Walker, roll call, please. President Ford here. Secretary Walker here. Treasurer Davis here. Trustee Meeks here. Trustee O’Brien here. Trustee Toth here. Vice president Tyminski. Excused. We’ll rise for pledge of Allegiance. I pledge.
Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We’ll go to guests and visitor comments for the two minute session.
The purpose of the public participation portion of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the citizens to share their thoughts with the board. Personal concerns are best handled through proper channels. Questions requiring investigation will be referred to the superintendent for consideration. Are there any guests and visitors with comments for the two minute period? Seeing none. Next, we’ll move on to the bond presentation. Good evening.
Uh, tonight we have a special guest, uh, Brian from McCarthy and Smith, our construction manager, and Craig from French architecture, uh, are here to do a little presentation about the research they’ve done and talk to the board and the community about, uh, some potential projects for our district, uh, for the upcoming November election.
Uh, so at this time, I guess, as the board will go out to the audience and turn the floor over to Brian and Craig. Thank you, Superintendent Hansel. Thank you for having us. Thank you for the introduction. As as Mr. Haskell had suggested. My name is Brian Guzman. I’m a participant in the construction here. Great pleasure.
And we are here to present some of the findings, some of the discussions, um, and some updates as far as the proposed bonds that would just be on the ballot in November. Um, you did come to this board in April to provide a very similar presentation, which really kind of highlights areas in which.
we assessed the buildings, programs, infrastructure and technology alike to try and really create the best bang. For the buck. I think one of the big suggestions is part of this bond was how do we impact. students as possible? How do we do it in a pragmatic way, in a transparent way.
And um, is fiscally responsible as possible. So that really started with the building assessment. But that really entails what in the building. Um, along with the facilities as well as some of the administration staff, uh, to discuss some of the issues in the buildings, some of the concerns both now and in long term, some of those things that we reviewed were the building
systems, the HVAC, roofing, the electrical and plumbing, as well as some things that may not be broke now, but we use the term principal is basically a identification of when we think things could fail. Um, not now, but to see and ensure that we’ve got our best plan ahead of us.
Um, to continue to enable things to work. Um, other things that we want to consider is, is program related upgrades. So those aren’t necessarily the bricks and sticks in the buildings themselves, but maybe what are some of the program challenges that potential bond assist in or help alleviate.
And then after we gather all that information to really try and prioritize that. Goes to the staff the way that we. And so we are committed. Many of. Able. Elementary. Given a similar presentation back in um, really just to highlight some of the big impacts as it pertains to the elementary schools. So that’s starting with the classroom building. So, uh, prioritization has taken place.
Each classroom, uh, classroom technology select sealing and foreign replacement again is regulated. Um, um, providing updates throughout the buildings. Um, but as you walk through the buildings, some have not received those countries yet.
Um, and so we would look to incorporate those as part of our, as well as partial classroom conversion things. One thing that I think is listed on the previous slide, that we might not have touched on it, there’s not one bond that it’s ever solved. Every bond.
Um, so the challenge is always to prioritize it, the sense of what creates the most impact and again, on that fiscal year, responsible viewpoint, what makes the most sense that we’ve seen. So, um, there’s Jesse Castle classroom. Window treatments was was the thing that we’re really across the board now with the safety and security functionality of the classroom. Um, and moving those helps in tremendous ways beyond just lighting control and those types of things.
We’ll be seeing one big item here that’s noted on here at Huntington, specifically in the classroom. So that really is a functionality of of how the district is from an athletic standpoint as well as activity standpoint. With the limited facilities that.
So by being able to provide a gymnasium, Huntington that provides some flexibility and whether that be after school activities, curriculum during the course of the school day, as well as any other grade level, to be able to utilize that. Um, not only during school, but after school. Um, and then selected for each of the activities.
Entrance signage was one of the things that was was brought as one of the priorities, as well as additional parking. So I know that there has been additional having worked throughout the past projects. Parking is always something that was something that was really fraught. I think over and over again.
Updating the locker rooms, window treatments, media centers and that would be like carpet basins simply to replacement scoreboard and classroom door hardware upgrades. So that was again, one thing that I think got mentioned on multiple occasions to update, not only the doors, but the hardware associated with as codes have changed, requirements change that patients changed over the years on what those type of hardware.
And so that again, was priority as part of our discussions, a lot of the door replacements, the ceiling tile replacements, cafeteria upgrades, um, boilers. So we didn’t call a lot of the equipment out by name. But high school being one of those is the boiler replacement. We’ve been talking to some of the staff.
That for years, and something that is a is a critical role. We use the term kind of warm, safe and dry as kind of guiding things about different scopes of work and what they actually feel.
Um, and so that really falls within that temperature controls, as Craig mentioned, really helps you just not only monitor but maintain the equipment you have. Understanding that this bond proposal would not replace everything that we’ve got. Um, but by upgrading those temperature controls, you understand what that classroom is doing. Um, and kind of better monitor it and maintain it according partial classroom furniture replacement. So classroom technology, furniture, window treatments, um, ceilings and floors.
That’s pretty much the common denominators that we see across across the board when it comes to all of these buildings. In with a high school. So as far as athletic fields and tennis court replacement. Tennessee popular areas. Grandstand replacement. Added that one on there. Um.
Precast things that are system probably notices are walking up and down those stairs. The closings of the stairs are starting to crack every day. And so. That is. Not a whole lot at facilities. Um, there is a suggestion for two new buses and, uh, paving one of the two parking lots that facilities, both of which are currently gravel. So. Site improvements, 14% construction, the gymnasium and additional.
Some of these are elements that. Will. Will cover a lot of. So that’s a that’s a picture. In our last slide. So kind of an update of where we were where we are. So if we were the campaign process and we underway, um, through October.
Uh, the bond signage was working through and some of that being circulated. The suggestion is not really advertising that some people get educated on, on what the bond is and how that does or does not affect them.
And, and certainly show up on, on both, um, where we’re at right now as far as working kind of every other week just to check in and make sure that we’re all still in alignment, because sometimes priorities do change. Sometimes things, uh, show themselves that didn’t show themselves. Uh, you know, a month ago or a year ago.
And so we want to make sure that we continue to keep an eye on, on prioritizing those projects as emergencies and needs come up that we want to make sure we can move on and have the best plan for. So with that being said, we’re currently working on what that projecting is scheduled would be. Um, with the successful passing of the bond, usually the first question for the bond. Okay. All right.
When when can we start? Um, so we want to have a good strategy with that successful bond, both on trying to get started as soon as humanly possible. How can we impact students as quickly as possible, knowing that some of the things that we want to times, but it takes time to get better, what we’re building, strategizing,
understanding, that’s kind of what we’re working on right now, trying to get all these projects in the logical sequence. Um, to be successful, obviously, the boat coming up then will be in November, and then following that successfully and 99 days. Just the last. And all of that.
Well, I got one question. I just want to thank you for the presentation. It’s a really very comprehensive and it informs the public as to what all the things we’re looking at to improve for the staff and the kids.
And one of the things that sticks in my mind from we had a strategic plan done in 2022, and our superintendent search, we hired Mr. Hetzel and prominent in those surveys was, uh, feedback from stakeholders, the unmet needs of the 2018 bond. So our 2018 bond was pretty modest compared to, say, some passed by our neighboring districts.
We kind of met the public where, where, where it was comfortable for them. And now this this bond is a good timing to take that up for those unmet needs at that time. And then new needs. Boy time flies. That was eight years ago.
And as we all know, if you’re a homeowner and as things kind of start to degrade, there’s there’s a period of time you have to you have to accept that, uh, maintenance and upgrades are necessary for, like you said, safe, warm and dry for the best learning, the best teaching environment for our staff and our kids. So thank you for the presentation. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you. Gentlemen. Okay. Next we’ll go to our new employee introduction.
Superintendent Hetzel. Yes. Tonight we have an exciting evening. Two weeks away from the start of school. Uh, we’d like to introduce, uh, some of our newest team members. Some of them are familiar. Uh, they’ve been with the district, but now we’re taking on more, um, official roles.
So, um, we’re very excited about this crop of new staff that to add to our veteran presence. And, uh, we really feel, uh, very fortunate to have these young individuals, uh, come aboard as as pirates. So, uh, I’m going to allow the, the principals to do a little introduction. So we’ll start with Mister Gill at our middle school. Oh, yes. Thank you.
Good evening. Um, this is one of the people that Mr. Hanson was referring to who doesn’t need as much as an introduction. Um, but I am happy to introduce Miss Adriana Singleton. Um, our new special ed teacher at CHS middle school. Adriana is a proud Riverview who spent the past four years serving our students and paraprofessionals.
During that time for their daily working hours. She discovered a passion for teaching. Excited special education. Also during this time, she’s been monitored by our veteran staff members as extras. Following this, take all who have expressed that they know she’s getting ready for this next step.
In addition to her work at a class here in the classroom, Adriana is involved in our school community with our. Student. sideline cheer coach. And we are all very, very excited and welcome to our teaching staff. As part of the positive. Next, we will invite Miss Millie up to introduce our new music instructor. Oh my. Sorry.
Okay. I’m actually speaking on behalf of myself and Mr. Breaux because Ethan will be at forest in the morning, and he’ll be at Memorial in the afternoon every day. Um, Ethan Edwards is an accomplished music educator and performer.
He earned a master of music in improvisation at the University of Michigan, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA and was awarded a graduate merit scholarship with experience teaching K through 12 students as a student, teacher, substitute teacher, and private woodwind instructor. Ethan is passionate about creating engaging, student centered learning environments that inspire creativity and musical growth.
He maintains a studio of more than 30 students and has led master and performance workshops across the United States and South America. In addition to his educational work, Ethan is an active professional musician, performing at local venues and collaborating with artists across jazz, classical, and folk genres.
His commitment to excellence in both teaching and performance reflects a dedication to helping students and audiences connect through music in his free time. Ethan likes to take his dog, Lola on walks in nature trails. He enjoys also creating his favorite meals from his time in Colombia and Costa Rica. We are excited to have Ethan join the teams at Forest and Memorial. Next, we invite Miss Munoz to introduce our second grade teacher.
I’m kind of afraid to go. I’m probably the loudest voice if I come really close to this. We’re okay. All right. You ready? Yeah. Marissa Kosinski is an elementary educator dedicated to creating engaging, student centered learning that helps children grow academically and socially.
She is a Riverview grad who went on to graduate from the University of Michigan. Yay! Dearborn with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Marissa has experience teaching across multiple grade levels through student teaching at forest, Substitute teaching and a long term kindergarten subbing assignment. She is passionate about building relationships with students and families while fostering inclusive, supportive classroom environments.
In addition to her classroom experience, Marissa spent several years as a Camp invention counselor, inspiring curiosity and creativity through hands on Stem learning. We are so excited to bring Marissa back to Riverview to join the Huntington team. Congratulations! Thank you. You’re welcome. And next we have our newest preschool instructor, and Miss Maxon will introduce her. My absolute pleasure to announce Hannah Plank.
Hannah Plank is joining the CLC team as a lead teacher in GSP. She is a Riverview graduate who has had extensive experience as an early childhood educator with experience teaching and caring for children from infancy through preschool. She came to GSP as an assistant GSP teacher and former preschool lead teacher.
She is dedicated to fostering children’s academic, social and emotional development through engaging, supportive learning environments. Hannah holds a Child Development Associate CDA credential and is certified in CPR and First Aid and also, of course, Hannah graduated from Riverview. She is an alumni and she was a former student of mine in English. Class.
So it is my pleasure to announce Hannah coming to join our team. Congratulations. I want to thank the administrative team for the introductions, as well as all of our human resource staff and the teachers that came in to support the interview process throughout the summer.
During their typical off time, uh, but it’s it’s very, um, a welcoming group that wanted to, to meet these new people and be on the, on the front rows of selecting who we bring in. So thanks to those teachers and support staff that did that. I’m just really excited. I’ll say it again for Adriana, Ethan, Hannah and Marissa to join our team.
I know you’re going to do great and we’re all rooting for you. Uh, as a you got two weeks to get fully ready, so, uh, welcome aboard and congratulations again. Thank you guys. Thank you, Superintendent Hetzel. Next we’ll move on to item A40. Acceptance of agenda. Do I have a motion. Present for. A trustee.
Toth be resolved? The review Board of Education accepts the agenda for the August 25th, 2026 regular meeting. Motion by Trustee Tolles. Do we have support? Supported by Treasurer Davis. Any discussion? Hearing none. Secretary Walker. Roll call please. President. Board. Yes. Secretary. Walker. Yes. Treasurer. Davis. Yes. Trustee. Meeks. Yes. Trustee. O’Brien. Yes. Trustee. Toth. Yes. Next, we’ll on to consent grouping. Item A41.
Do I have a motion? President. Board. Secretary Walker. Be it resolved, the review Board of education accept the minutes of the July 27th, 2026 study session, the minutes of the July 28th, 2026 regular meeting approves the check registers and purchase card expense reports, approves the certified personnel and individual contracts, and acknowledges the okay to say contacts as all contained in
the consent grouping. Motion by Secretary Walker. Do we have support? Sport supported by Treasurer Davis. Any discussion? Hearing none. Secretary Walker roll call please. Secretary. Walker. Yes. Treasurer. Davis. Yes. Trustee. Toth. Yes. Trustee O’Brien. Yes. President. Board. Yes. Trustee. Meeks. Yes. Next, we’ll move on to board. Updates. Uh, RCS student liaison and administrative comments. Legislative reports.
Superintendent Hartzell. Thank you. President Bauer, I would like to give a nice, warm welcome to miss Lily Coleman, to the board as and welcome her to the board as our student liaison for the 2627 school year.
Uh, Lily has already had a tremendous, uh, high school career through her first three years as a student athlete and an accomplished leader for many of our clubs at RCS. Uh, we are glad to have her as part of our team up here and look forward to see all she continues to accomplish during her senior year at Riverview, Lily, the floor is yours. Thank you so much. Gotta press the button.
Perfect. Okay. Thank you so much. And I’m extremely proud and thankful to be the student liaison this year. Um, to start us off, I would like to start with our fall sports. So they officially started Friday, August 10th.
But a big day that happened was August 14th where we had a community pep rally here. We had a ton of private pride and we had a scrimmage for JV and varsity football teams. With this, the sideline varsity and JV cheerleading teams also got to perform along with the color guard and the Riverview Marching Band.
On top of these, the boys tennis, girls volleyball, boys soccer, girls golf, girls swim and dive, and cross country teams have started their competitive seasons and we wish them the absolute best of luck and look forward to a very successful year. Next, we are going to talk about our ID pictures.
Those are going to be September 2nd and third, September 2nd from 9 a.m. to 11. Juniors will be able to get their ID pictures and from 11 a.m. to one, seniors will be able to get their ID pictures, as well as an additional headshot for $35. Next day on September 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 11.
Freshman orientation will take place and during this they will get their ID pictures. After this, from 11 to 1, sophomores will be able to get their pictures. We would like to thank Connection Club for running freshman orientation and decorating the lockers at the high school for the start of the year.
Finally, we would like to call out three RCA RCA’s culinary students who are invited over the summer to the Traverse City Food and Wine Festival alongside Chef Katie. These students were Emily Gross, Kaylee Morgenstern, and Ian Luce. Here they worked with local and celebrity chefs to cater the event and further advance their culinary skills. They made chefs and our DTC programs very proud.
Overall, even before the school year begins, RCS students are working very hard and representing our school and overall making us extremely proud. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you Lily. All right. From my desk, a few things.
First and foremost, this is the last time we’ll be here before the school year starts. So I’d like to to welcome everyone to the 2026, 2027 school year. Uh, give a thank you for all of our staff who prepared throughout the summer, uh, with a special mention to our grounds and maintenance, tech staff, office and central office staff, transportation and food service, and our athletic department.
As I mentioned earlier, uh, with the interview teams, some other teachers and support staff have gone out of their way to abbreviate their summer, uh, to be sure that we’re prepared in the fall.
Um, particular mention of our CPR training teams the last couple of days, our safe Schools team, uh, who help perform uh, the EOP updates that we will approve tonight. The summer enrichment teachers and support staff. Uh, we’ve had quite a few teachers attend, uh, professional development on their own time throughout the summer. Uh, we’ve had, uh, guiding coalition and professional development meetings to plan for the summer.
Today was our final summer learning event, which was an awesome event. Uh, and I do want to give special thanks for the, uh, guiding coalition and PD and summer events to Miss Maxon and her team, who, uh, extended opportunities beyond the regular school year for our families and kiddos. And, uh, it was great.
Great to see everybody smiling today and energized to come back. Uh, and then, um, our bond planning teams, as, uh, Brian and Craig mentioned, we’ve been meeting regularly throughout the summer, uh, to continue to, to hone in on what most of our, uh, again, bang for our buck and to meet the needs of our constitutes and, uh, our staff
and students. So. I’m sure I miss somebody, but we are so grateful to have a wonderful, dedicated team here in Riverview. Uh, we know the day to day teaching stuff that it takes to be a teacher and learner, but there’s so much more that’s required to make all of it happen.
Uh, as we said in two weeks. So thank you to all who have worked so hard this summer. Uh, back to our, uh, emergency plan. I want to give a big thank you to Ryan, our high school, Ryan de Bruno, our high school assistant principal who really worked diligently and presented at the study session last night to the
board, uh, to update our EOP and continue to improve our preparedness and to keep all of us safe. He’s extremely dedicated to this important mission. So thank you, Ryan.
And I want to give, uh, on that same vein, a special thank you to the Riverview Police and Fire Department for taking the time to do the facility, walk through us with us in our safe school team last week. Uh, their insight, cooperation and dedication to helping keep our students and staff safe as a priority for the Riverview first responders. And we greatly appreciate that partnership. So thank you again.
Chief Owens and Chief Allen and your respective teams. Um, as Lily mentioned, we are starting our our welcome back events. We have orientations and open house. Uh, coming up real soon, uh, families, you’ll be receiving your welcome back from your child’s school. Really? In the real near future.
So please, please continue to partner with us in your child’s educational experience and come out to these opening events. And as you heard from our guest presentation to start the meeting, we have an important no tax rate millage increase on the November ballot.
Thanks again to McCarthy and Smith and French for helping us, uh, to use the data collected from all the stakeholders as well as their expertise and facility assessment, uh, to plan going forward to assure that with this melody, our facilities are safe and up to date for our students. So finally, we do still have a few four year old preschool spots available, uh, as well as, uh, admittance to our virtual academy.
So, uh, if you have somebody’s interest or our interested, visit review schools.com and enroll today. And today was our official building opening day, uh, with exactly two weeks before students report on September 8th. So please reach out to your buildings or central office if you have any questions or concerns.
As we begin, what is going to be surely another amazing school year and never again. Thank you, President Boyer. Well, thank you, superintendent. Superintendent Hartzell. We’re all looking forward to a smooth, successful start for the school year. Everything’s in place. And thank you and your teams for that. Next, we’ll move on to item. Uh let’s see.
Oh, I also want to thank Lily Coleman for volunteering to, uh, for each month, volunteering her time to take time out of her busy senior year. And those are always very busy senior years to prepare and practice and bring the updates of our high school activities for the board in the in the public to, uh, to
hear. Thank you, Lily, again. Next, we’ll go on to our new business items, a 42 second reading, policy updates. Superintendent Hetzel background. Please. At the job at the July 28th, 2026 regular meeting, the Board of Education reviewed and accepted for the purpose of a first reading the Board of Education bylaws and policies,
including amendments, additions and updates proposed by Miller Johnson. It is recommended that the board waive the third reading and move to formal adoption. It is the recommendation of the superintendent and the Director of Business and Finance that the State Board of Education bylaws and policies, including amendments, additions and updates, be adopted by the Board of Education effective
immediately. Thank you, Superintendent Hetzel. Do we have a motion? President, board. Trustee Meeks. Be it resolved. That the Riverview Board of Education waives the third reading and immediately adopts the Board of Education bylaws and policies, including amendments, additions and updates as proposed by Miller, Johnson. Motion by Trustee Meeks.
Do we have support supported by Treasurer Davis? Any discussion? Hearing none. Secretary Walker roll call, please. Trustee. Meeks. Yes. Trustee O’Brien. Yes. President. Board. Yes. Roger. Davis. Yes. Trustee. Toth. Yes. Secretary. Walker. Yes. Next, we move on to item A43. Approve emergency operations plan. Superintendent. Hansel. Background, please.
The Riverview Community School District, in collaboration with the first response agencies and based on guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA and the Department of Education have updated their emergency operations plan information. In this, EOP is focused on specific hazards and needs of Riverview, Michigan and Riverview Community School District guidelines.
Included in the EOP is the Emergency Cardiac Response Plan. The update and the updated standard response protocols. As a recommendation of the Student Superintendent and the Safe Schools Committee team that the attached and updated Emergency Operations Plan be approved. Thank you, Superintendent Hetzel, do we have a motion? President. Board. Trustee. Meeks.
Be it resolved, the Board of Education approves the updated emergency operations plan as attached. Motion by Trustee Meeks. Do we have support supported by Treasurer Davis. Any discussion? Um, I to I would like to thank Superintendent Hassell, our high school assistant principal. Mr. Ryan Lubrano, and all the safe school committee teams. Uh, Mr.
Lubrano, I think on behalf of the whole board, I can say did an amazing job last night for our board to understand the new updates to emergency operations plan. The the state, uh, required every district to undergo major changes to these plans. And Mr. Lubrano and the teams really, really came through for that overhaul of the plans.
They did a wonderful job, and I appreciate his passion, his professionalism, and his dedication for the safety of our students and staff and families. Any other discussion? Hearing none. Secretary Walker, roll call, please. Trustee Toth. Yes. Secretary. Walker. Yes. Trustee. Meeks. Yes. President. Ward. Yes. Mr.. O’Brien. Yes. Treasure. Davis. Yes.
Next, we go to guests and visitor comments for the five minute session. Is there any guests and visitor comments wishing to share comments for the five minute session? Seeing none will go to items for discussion presented by board members, concerning which no action can be taken. Any items for discussion.
Well, I just want to thank Superintendent Hassell for all of his hard work this summer, leading the team and continuing to work on the bond development. Working with the architect and the facilities planning. Working with Gary Kennedy and for all the work in getting our buildings in great shape for the new school year, for our students and staff. And I want to thank Mrs.
Maxon for all of her work. As Mr. Hassell said, for leading the PD and the CPR training, getting the guiding coalitions streamlined, working together. And I also want to congratulate and thank Mrs. Eckman, our HR director, and all the interviewing teams and Mr.
Hetzel, uh, this year’s summer hires are amazing, quality, outstanding, and I look forward to them continuing to their collaborative work with our staff, with Pirate Pride, and for the success of our kids. And I also want to thank Mrs. Carl for her dedication all summer long. Uh, you would not believe her hard work and which resulted in her successful recruitment of many new pirates to our district.
As we know, during school of Choice, we compete for students with surrounding districts. And this year was hugely successful. And thank you, Mrs. Carl for those efforts.
Uh, I want to wish everyone a safe and restful next couple of weeks to and for the next two weeks of the remaining summer and before our new school year starts. And I want to wish a very safe and successful start for this new school year for everyone. And I just want to also mention to, you know, keep a lookout in the Riverview Register and on our website for more information informing the public. Um, for the upcoming bond proposal on the ballot.
Or any other items for discussion. Uh, next, we’ll move on to future business. Our September study session will be on Monday, September 21st at 630 at RCS, and our regular meeting for September will be in the Riverview here. City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, September 22nd at 7 p.m.. With that, I’ll need a motion for adjournment.. So moved.
Motion by Trustee Toth. Is there support supported by Treasurer Davis. Any discussion? Hearing none. Secretary Walker, roll call, please. President. Board. Yes. Secretary. Walker. Yes. Treasurer. Davis. Yes. Trustee. Meeks. Yes. Mr.. O’Brien. Yes. Trustee two. Yes. Thank you everyone. Meeting