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Good evening everyone.

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And welcome. I would like to call this meeting to order

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and we will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

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I need a motion to accept the agenda. So move.

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I have a motion to accept the agenda

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from Trustee Shola Barber.

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I just need a second. Second. I have a second.

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From Trustee Hill and Trustee Murphy. Trustee Johnson? Yes.

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Trustee Murphy. Yes. Trustee Scho Barber. Yes.

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Trustee Peyton? Yes. Trustee McGlynn? Yes. Trustee Hill?

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Yes. And I say Yes.

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Secretary McGlynn, will you please take attendance?

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Yes. All trustees are present. And Dr. Slater's present.

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Thank you so much. And Secretary McGlynn,

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will you also do correspondence?

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Yes. All of our correspondence were through email on

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August 25th.

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We got an email from Nate

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and Christie Grau regarding middle school orientation.

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I responded on August 28th,

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we got an email from Toby Ward

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regarding a Title IX complaint.

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I responded on eight 30.

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We got a email from Donisha Scott

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regarding questions on students returning to school.

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Dr. Slade and I responded on September 2nd,

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we got an email from Mariana Hicks

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regarding a campus safety interaction in district

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administrative review.

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Dr. Slade and I responded on October

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or September 8th, we got a email from Johnny Horvath

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regarding a student exclusion.

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And I responded.

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And on the eighth we received an email from Maria

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and Jeremiah Newhouse inquiring on the high school transfer

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policy and I replied,

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Thank you.

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I need a motion to accept the consent calendar items.

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I have a motion from Trustee Johnson.

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I just need a second, second? Second. I have a second.

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From Trustee Murphy and Trustee Schola Barber. Ms. Caer.

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Thank you President Harrison.

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We have five purchase recommendations this evening.

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The first is request number 2027 dash 13 in the amount

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of $68,430.

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This is for audio visual upgrades at Chenery Auditorium

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and this will be funded with the 2022 bond.

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Next we have purchase recommendation 2027 dash 14 in the

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amount of $116,533 and 9 cents.

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And this is also for equipment

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and furniture for Chenery Auditorium.

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And this will also be funded from the 2022 bond.

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Next is request number 2027 dash 15 in the amount

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of $31,527.

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And this is for the replacement of condenser coils

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for Washington Academy Chiller.

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This is funded from the 2022 bond

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purchase request 2027 dash 16 in the amount

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of $57,036 and 42 cents.

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And this is for furniture for Maple Street Magnet School

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and this is funded by the 2022 bond.

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Lastly, we have purchase recommendation 2027 dash 17 in the

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amount of $75,499.

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And this is to purchase Goblins Math.

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And this is funded by the Instruction cost center.

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And that is it. Thank you.

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Thank you. Is there a discussion from the board,

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Trustee Scho Barber?

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I just have noticed as we do perennially or annually

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or weekly at every meeting that many

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of these purchase orders are out

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of bonds that we have passed.

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And in this one there are amazing things,

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especially the important things like the condenser coils

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for Washington Writers Academy.

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And these are necessary items we must buy, right?

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It is, yes, for our air conditioning.

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There you go. So if we didn't have these bonds,

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it would have to come out of the general fund.

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So as I've always said,

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or as we've always said,

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the whole board appreciates everybody who has

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I helped us pass these bonds.

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Trustee McGloin

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Also wanna just point out that the Chenery auditorium

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that we have on this request is a small part

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that we're paying for

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and a much larger part has been through a donation

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for from community partners.

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So do you wanna talk about that just for a second?

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Ms. Connie can speak to that.

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Yes. Thank you. Yes,

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we did receive a large donation from the Irving Ness Gilmore

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Foundation to replace all the LED lighting in the Chenery

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auditorium and surrounding areas.

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For the two purchase recommendations tonight,

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our auditorium manager, Neil Jansen is here

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and he could speak to that a little more if you'd like.

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If we could just get a quick

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update on that, that would be great.

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Maybe just an update on the project, how it's,

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Hi everybody, I'm Neil.

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I'm the auditorium manager for the district

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and my office is in Chenery.

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Come by and check it out at some point.

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So as far as the lighting upgrades to go first,

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that's been going over this whole summer

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and the Gilmore Foundation, as Sue mentioned,

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has been helping fund all of that.

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That's taking our old lighting package, which is all

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of the wiring, all of the, the dimmer packs,

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all the things in the back that you don't really see.

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Those are from 1980. So this is quite a big upgrade.

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We're gonna have full LED control, color changing motion.

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It's gonna cost, it's gonna be, have a lot of cost savings

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and environmental factors, which will be beneficial.

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Temperature factors, which will be helpful.

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And then because of this, it makes future upgrades more

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of a straight line.

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So if we need to replace this light, we can do

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that easily rather than an entire package.

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And then as far as the requests here for the,

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the music stands and those things, a lot

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of our furniture is also from that era is from the eighties.

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And so one thing in particular with the chairs

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and stands is that we have a brown color

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that is, they don't make anymore.

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No company makes that color.

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So it wasn't a matter of just replacing here

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and there as sort of a full replacement.

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Now we have black, which will

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match the rest of the district.

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So if we can swap things in and out if needed.

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And then the stands, and I'm sorry, the coral risers

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and it says custom stage, that's more risers we use

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for the large coral ensembles.

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We have similarly, that equipment's all from the eighties.

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It doesn't really meet modern safety

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standards as far as for students.

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And then additionally it, it's the same thing.

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It adds more upgrade paths that kind of align with that.

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Thank you. Thank you.

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And it, there's nothing better to going to a concert with

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hundreds of kids on the stage and performing.

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So yes, again, thank you to our community

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for their support and for our bond.

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Trustee Peyton,

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I'd like to thank Dr. Thomas

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and her staff for purchasing the GOBBINS Math

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Intervention program,

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which is gonna be used in middle and high school.

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And it's a virtual program where the kids can follow along

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and they don't have to have teacher right there instructing.

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They get all the feedback from the program. Is that correct?

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Yes. Yes. Can you tell me a little more?

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So it is an intervention program

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for students in middle school through high school.

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It actually goes through AP calculus.

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And so students take a placement test, if you will,

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and it provides students with support in the areas

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that they're, they may not be as good in

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for, for mathematics.

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When you say it's it's virtual, it's in the sense

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that it's a platform but it's not another person

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on the other side of it.

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Okay. It is a,

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actually it's a computer adaptive program if you will.

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Will. Okay. Okay. And so students will

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record their responses.

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If students are struggling with something,

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then the tool will come back

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and help them problem solve in in that regard.

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So it's not another person on the side of them,

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it's it's computer, it's it's AI in sense.

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Okay. That's good. Thank you.

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Any other comments from trustees? Trustee Johnson?

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Yes. Trustee Murphy? Yes. Trustee Shola Barber? Yes.

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Trustee Peyton? Yes. Trustee McGlynn? Yes. Trustee Hill?

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Yes. And I say yes. Next step is reports. Nope.

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Next step is the approval of the consumer's energy.

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Yes, it is recommended

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that the board approve the attached resolution

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and agreement with Consumers Energy for an easement

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to maintain electric facilities located on the grounds

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of North GLAD Montessori Magnet School.

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Approval of this agreement will facilitate the construction

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operating, maintaining, inspecting, surveying, replacing,

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repairing, improving or replacing a line

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or lines of electric facilities.

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The easement will consist of a 15 foot

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and a six foot strip of land on each side of the facilities

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as shown in the Exhibit B of the attachment for the purpose

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of transmitting and distributing electricity.

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Are there any questions from the board? Trustee McGlynn.

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So is this pretty typical?

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Do a lot of our buildings have these kinds of easements?

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And is is this a renewal

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or is this actually a new new easement?

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I think it's an expansion of the current easement

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to allow them to do the work they need

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to do on the the lines.

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No other questions. Trustee Johnson?

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Trustee Murphy? Yes. Trustee Schola Barber? Yes.

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Trustee Peyton? Yes. Trustee McGlynn? Yes. Trustee Hill?

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Yes. And I say yes.

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And now we'll do reports and recommendations. Super.

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Yeah, we did it when we approved the,

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oh, I'm so sorry.

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It's not that time yet. Approval

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of the 4 0 3 B retirement plan

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Hope it is recommended

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that the board adapt the Kalamazoo Public School's 4 0 3 B

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plan as a complete restatement

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of the prior plan effective January 1st, 2026.

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The district has maintained the Kalamazoo Public Schools

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4 0 3 B plan since January 1st, 2009 for the benefit

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of eligible employees.

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This resolution restates this plan to comply

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with the 2022 cumulative list of changes

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and section 4 0 3 B requirements

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for 4 0 3 B pre-approved plans

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and enables employees to continue

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to receive the tax benefits of an IRS pre-AP approved plan.

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The resolution author also authorizes the chief financial

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officer to execute the restated plan document

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and perform the necessary actions

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to adopt the restated plan.

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This resolution was prepared by the plan administrator,

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US OMNI and T-S-A-C-G compliance services

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and was reviewed by Clark Hill LLC.

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Questions from the board? Trustee Schula Barber,

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I'm sure this is regular business,

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I know it's regular business,

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but could you explain it just a little bit about

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exactly what this is?

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Yes. The IRS puts out changes to the 4 0 3 B

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options that you can have in your plan periodically

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and then you have a certain amount of time to adopt them.

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I think the last time maybe we did this was 2018.

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And why would someone invest in this 4 0 3 B?

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Oh it's, you can defer revenue tax free

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and invest the money

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and when you retire you would have those funds

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to draw on. So

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This is a retirement and help with retirement?

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Yes. Thank you

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Trustee Murphy.

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I see there are a couple

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different dates in here that I just wanted

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to make sure that we were clear about.

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You stated the last time this was done was 2018.

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This actual thing is from 2022,

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but it is 2026.

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Can you like sort

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of help me understand why those dates are so different?

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Yeah. This is cycle two of the IRS cumulative lift

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of changes and they give you a certain amount of time

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to adapt those changes and the deadline

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for adapting is the end of the year.

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Okay, thank you. Any other questions?

261
00:13:54,395 --> 00:13:57,965
Okay. So we will approve this. Trustee Johnson?

262
00:13:58,385 --> 00:13:59,645
Yes. Trustee Murphy.

263
00:14:00,025 --> 00:14:01,365
Yes. Barbara?

264
00:14:01,585 --> 00:14:05,005
Yes. Trustee Peyton? Yes. Trustee McGlynn? Yes.

265
00:14:05,005 --> 00:14:06,125
Trustee Hill? Yes.

266
00:14:06,265 --> 00:14:09,205
And I say yes and now

267
00:14:11,065 --> 00:14:12,765
we will have the superintendent's report.

268
00:14:13,915 --> 00:14:15,685
Good evening President Har Harrison.

269
00:14:16,255 --> 00:14:17,725
Board members, community members.

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00:14:18,455 --> 00:14:19,685
We're gonna have our first

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00:14:21,625 --> 00:14:23,165
superintendent's report of the year.

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00:14:24,245 --> 00:14:28,485
I wanna week of school.

273
00:14:28,505 --> 00:14:30,445
The first day we had an amazing first day.

274
00:14:31,425 --> 00:14:33,605
As I visited schools, I tried

275
00:14:33,605 --> 00:14:35,205
to visit every school the first two days.

276
00:14:35,985 --> 00:14:38,285
Myself, board members Also nothing

277
00:14:38,345 --> 00:14:40,645
but positive responses from our students,

278
00:14:40,825 --> 00:14:42,445
our teachers parents.

279
00:14:42,505 --> 00:14:45,005
So again, I want to thank our teachers, our support staff,

280
00:14:45,145 --> 00:14:47,365
bus drivers, everybody involved in,

281
00:14:47,505 --> 00:14:49,605
in an amazing first week of school.

282
00:14:54,475 --> 00:14:56,305
We're gonna talk about, we're gonna review

283
00:14:56,885 --> 00:14:58,625
our third grade MSTEP data.

284
00:14:59,505 --> 00:15:02,225
Mstep data was released by the state last Friday.

285
00:15:02,445 --> 00:15:05,585
One thing that I said when I started here four years ago,

286
00:15:05,585 --> 00:15:08,305
that we will share data with our community, with our board.

287
00:15:08,305 --> 00:15:09,865
We try to be very transparent.

288
00:15:10,325 --> 00:15:13,785
We will continue to share raw data provided by the state.

289
00:15:15,015 --> 00:15:16,105
Just some quick facts.

290
00:15:16,955 --> 00:15:19,465
Every tested grade, elementary school grade,

291
00:15:19,465 --> 00:15:20,585
we're gonna talk about elementary school

292
00:15:20,585 --> 00:15:21,945
today specifically third grade.

293
00:15:22,075 --> 00:15:24,505
Every tested grade level in elementary

294
00:15:24,505 --> 00:15:25,825
school improved in reading.

295
00:15:26,445 --> 00:15:28,505
Our focus is improved in reading in math school.

296
00:15:28,565 --> 00:15:31,025
So again, every single tested grade improved.

297
00:15:31,025 --> 00:15:33,505
This is a third year in a row. I think for that.

298
00:15:34,215 --> 00:15:37,745
Also significant improvement at the third grade level.

299
00:15:38,085 --> 00:15:40,305
And again, I want to thank our students, our teachers.

300
00:15:40,495 --> 00:15:42,585
Very impressive Improving at the third grade

301
00:15:48,305 --> 00:15:50,455
every time M step scores.

302
00:15:50,515 --> 00:15:52,855
And the M step test is the test used by the state

303
00:15:52,855 --> 00:15:56,695
to determine and evaluates school district performance

304
00:15:56,695 --> 00:15:57,895
and classroom performance.

305
00:15:58,675 --> 00:16:00,015
As I said, the data was released

306
00:16:00,525 --> 00:16:03,175
last Friday across the state.

307
00:16:03,175 --> 00:16:06,815
Reading scores decreased most of the districts in the state.

308
00:16:07,225 --> 00:16:09,815
Third grade scores decreased across the district.

309
00:16:09,855 --> 00:16:14,095
I wanna share some headlines from the news around the state.

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00:16:17,785 --> 00:16:20,045
I'm not gonna get into it. You could read what's going on.

311
00:16:20,045 --> 00:16:21,325
It kind of speaks to itself.

312
00:16:25,435 --> 00:16:28,175
Lowest third grade scores in the last 12

313
00:16:28,175 --> 00:16:29,655
years across the state.

314
00:16:30,945 --> 00:16:32,845
And overall, our reading scores continue.

315
00:16:41,655 --> 00:16:45,705
Hardworking students, our teachers, our principals out

316
00:16:45,705 --> 00:16:47,585
of 17 elementary schools.

317
00:16:47,645 --> 00:16:49,825
And this is amazing data. I've been doing this a long time.

318
00:16:49,965 --> 00:16:53,585
Out of 17 elementary schools, 15

319
00:16:53,645 --> 00:16:55,945
of our schools had improved reading schools.

320
00:16:55,945 --> 00:17:00,565
That's unprecedented. 15 outta 17 schools improved.

321
00:17:00,825 --> 00:17:02,725
I'm just showing the data from a few years ago

322
00:17:02,895 --> 00:17:05,925
where we only had seven outta 17 schools improved.

323
00:17:05,925 --> 00:17:08,925
That was school year 22, 23. So a big improvement.

324
00:17:09,335 --> 00:17:13,285
Again, hard work from our students, our teachers, our staff.

325
00:17:13,385 --> 00:17:15,845
So it's a main goal in our strategic plan.

326
00:17:15,945 --> 00:17:17,685
So we're making

327
00:17:18,275 --> 00:17:20,165
more improvement than the state at this point

328
00:17:24,795 --> 00:17:26,095
is to show raw data.

329
00:17:26,095 --> 00:17:28,575
This is just how the state shares data with us.

330
00:17:28,875 --> 00:17:31,495
If you look up here, you see 17 elementary schools,

331
00:17:31,515 --> 00:17:33,215
we only had two that did not improve

332
00:17:34,065 --> 00:17:36,335
major improvement at the most, most of the other schools.

333
00:17:36,475 --> 00:17:39,015
And the average rate of improvement is normally 1%.

334
00:17:39,115 --> 00:17:42,975
So if you look up here, you see schools that have 5%, 10%,

335
00:17:44,005 --> 00:17:45,015
15%.

336
00:17:45,485 --> 00:17:46,655
Very impressive data

337
00:17:54,195 --> 00:17:57,385
where you see the state scores are going down.

338
00:17:57,385 --> 00:17:59,025
And again, we want everybody in the state

339
00:17:59,025 --> 00:18:00,505
to do well to improve.

340
00:18:01,055 --> 00:18:03,385
Also, if you look at the 34.9%

341
00:18:07,525 --> 00:18:11,095
meet or surpass state level, average

342
00:18:18,535 --> 00:18:21,165
level averages in reading in any grade in

343
00:18:21,245 --> 00:18:22,285
the history of the district.

344
00:18:22,515 --> 00:18:25,965
This is the closest we've ever been to meeting that goal.

345
00:18:26,275 --> 00:18:29,325
Very impressive. This is the closest we've ever been.

346
00:18:29,795 --> 00:18:31,725
Some years we were 12 points away.

347
00:18:32,345 --> 00:18:35,365
We are, we are 3.3 points away almost.

348
00:18:35,385 --> 00:18:38,725
So our goal is to meet or surpass the state goal by 2030.

349
00:18:39,065 --> 00:18:42,085
We are on our way to to meeting that goal.

350
00:18:45,435 --> 00:18:47,655
One of our goals that we have for every school is

351
00:18:47,655 --> 00:18:49,055
to improve by 5%.

352
00:18:49,255 --> 00:18:52,695
I do wanna recognize the third grade classrooms

353
00:18:52,695 --> 00:18:54,575
and grade levels in our district that met

354
00:18:54,575 --> 00:18:58,775
that goal are Acadia, Greenwood, king, Westwood, Midwood,

355
00:18:58,775 --> 00:19:00,895
elementary, north, glad Parkwood up,

356
00:19:00,895 --> 00:19:02,495
John Spring Valley and Woodward.

357
00:19:02,825 --> 00:19:06,055
These are schools that improved by 5% or more.

358
00:19:06,355 --> 00:19:08,695
And I do wanna again point out that some of the schools

359
00:19:08,725 --> 00:19:10,615
that we, we just named are some

360
00:19:10,615 --> 00:19:12,775
of our historically low performing schools.

361
00:19:13,205 --> 00:19:16,295
Schools like Woodward have improved every year for the past,

362
00:19:16,315 --> 00:19:18,535
for the past three years in reading the math.

363
00:19:18,685 --> 00:19:21,215
Very impressive. Again, that comes from the hard work

364
00:19:21,215 --> 00:19:24,655
of teachers, students, principals, support staff,

365
00:19:24,655 --> 00:19:25,775
everybody involved.

366
00:19:28,545 --> 00:19:30,635
Biggest data points that people look at

367
00:19:31,175 --> 00:19:32,995
to predict future school success.

368
00:19:33,535 --> 00:19:35,835
People look at eighth, third grade reading scores

369
00:19:35,855 --> 00:19:38,995
to predict eighth grade reading performance to

370
00:19:39,575 --> 00:19:40,835
to predict ninth grade,

371
00:19:41,165 --> 00:19:43,475
first year course performance in high school.

372
00:19:44,795 --> 00:19:46,555
Normally you do well your first year in high

373
00:19:46,555 --> 00:19:47,715
school passing all your classes.

374
00:19:49,455 --> 00:19:51,155
So predict of students going to college

375
00:19:51,295 --> 00:19:52,795
and having great attendance in college.

376
00:19:53,185 --> 00:19:55,475
It's also something they're now using

377
00:19:56,335 --> 00:19:58,955
to see if you're gonna be successful in a STEM career.

378
00:19:59,135 --> 00:20:01,715
So third grade outcomes are extremely important.

379
00:20:01,715 --> 00:20:06,595
That's why we push third grade. Waco was improved in Kalama.

380
00:20:07,055 --> 00:20:08,835
And again, I wanna say we have,

381
00:20:08,835 --> 00:20:10,875
this is not our first year, it's our third year in a row.

382
00:20:10,875 --> 00:20:13,755
Improving our third grade reading schools against the state.

383
00:20:14,775 --> 00:20:17,235
We have an intense district focus on

384
00:20:17,235 --> 00:20:18,515
improving student outcomes.

385
00:20:18,585 --> 00:20:21,595
That is our main math, science, social studies,

386
00:20:21,775 --> 00:20:24,435
all the subjects, improving attendance rates,

387
00:20:24,825 --> 00:20:26,555
improving graduation rates.

388
00:20:26,575 --> 00:20:28,715
And that's why we have made those

389
00:20:28,715 --> 00:20:29,795
improvements in those areas.

390
00:20:47,265 --> 00:20:49,635
Want high quality instruction happening in,

391
00:20:49,655 --> 00:20:50,995
in most of our classrooms.

392
00:20:51,135 --> 00:20:54,075
We tool of doing going above and beyond for students.

393
00:20:54,535 --> 00:20:57,715
We have excellent support staff, also excellent principals.

394
00:20:58,175 --> 00:20:59,955
That's one of the reasons our reading

395
00:20:59,955 --> 00:21:01,235
schools continue to improve.

396
00:21:01,975 --> 00:21:04,915
We have additional supports in place like Saturday school.

397
00:21:04,915 --> 00:21:06,675
That's something we were not doing at first.

398
00:21:07,415 --> 00:21:09,555
We strongly encouraged Saturday school,

399
00:21:10,015 --> 00:21:14,235
we focused on third grade last year for Saturday school.

400
00:21:15,055 --> 00:21:17,235
You see the gangs, and I'm gonna say this publicly,

401
00:21:17,295 --> 00:21:20,115
we are gonna push for more independent Saturday

402
00:21:20,115 --> 00:21:21,755
schools this year.

403
00:21:21,785 --> 00:21:23,475
Meaning like when I was a principal,

404
00:21:23,475 --> 00:21:25,155
I had Saturday school in my own building.

405
00:21:25,655 --> 00:21:27,075
We are pushing for more schools

406
00:21:27,135 --> 00:21:29,035
to have Saturday school in their own building,

407
00:21:29,375 --> 00:21:31,995
seeing the positive outcomes and the strong results.

408
00:21:32,435 --> 00:21:36,275
I have a assortment of tutors who working

409
00:21:36,275 --> 00:21:38,715
with our students supporting tier one instruction that

410
00:21:38,775 --> 00:21:41,355
that's another reason that you see improvement.

411
00:21:42,025 --> 00:21:44,595
Also, we have mandatory summer school.

412
00:21:45,255 --> 00:21:47,275
Summer school was optional at first as you know,

413
00:21:47,275 --> 00:21:50,955
but we are, we're make it, we made summer school mandatory.

414
00:21:51,055 --> 00:21:53,675
So that's forcing students in a, in a way

415
00:21:53,675 --> 00:21:54,995
to catch up on the skills they may have

416
00:21:54,995 --> 00:21:56,395
missed the previous years.

417
00:21:57,225 --> 00:21:59,635
Also on intense focus on the science of reading

418
00:22:00,375 --> 00:22:01,795
and instructional leadership.

419
00:22:02,015 --> 00:22:03,755
That's something that we've been doing for years.

420
00:22:03,755 --> 00:22:05,075
It's something that the state is pushing.

421
00:22:05,555 --> 00:22:07,275
I wanna thank everybody involved with that.

422
00:22:07,335 --> 00:22:09,715
Dr. Thomas, some of our board members who push the science

423
00:22:09,715 --> 00:22:11,995
of reading the state is pushing that also

424
00:22:13,025 --> 00:22:15,555
high quality curriculum and associated resources

425
00:22:16,295 --> 00:22:18,755
and also, this is a big one we take

426
00:22:18,755 --> 00:22:20,995
that all students can learn at the highest levels.

427
00:22:21,585 --> 00:22:23,115
It's sad that I have to say that up here,

428
00:22:23,115 --> 00:22:24,955
but that's something that we have to continue to promote.

429
00:22:25,135 --> 00:22:27,795
And as we continue to promote that, you see improvement

430
00:22:27,855 --> 00:22:28,875
for all of our students.

431
00:22:31,285 --> 00:22:32,965
Remember we have a whole lot of work to do.

432
00:22:32,985 --> 00:22:35,765
So although we improve, the goal is to be a hundred percent,

433
00:22:36,645 --> 00:22:38,765
a hundred percent of our students reading on grade levels.

434
00:22:38,825 --> 00:22:42,525
So we have moved from 20 something percent to 34%,

435
00:22:42,525 --> 00:22:46,205
but our goal is a hundred percent as I shared earlier, is

436
00:22:46,205 --> 00:22:49,005
to be at the state average and all of our grades by 2030.

437
00:22:49,105 --> 00:22:50,525
We are really moving close to that.

438
00:22:50,905 --> 00:22:54,085
And our 10 year goal is for all, for 70% of our students

439
00:22:54,425 --> 00:22:57,005
to be reading on grade level or above.

440
00:22:57,305 --> 00:22:59,445
And that's elementary, middle, and high school.

441
00:22:59,545 --> 00:23:01,445
So again, we are making progress to that.

442
00:23:01,865 --> 00:23:04,965
Toward that, I wanna thank our students, our teachers,

443
00:23:05,025 --> 00:23:08,125
our parents, our senior leadership team, our principals,

444
00:23:08,125 --> 00:23:11,005
our support staff, bus drivers, food service.

445
00:23:11,235 --> 00:23:14,085
Everybody plays a role in the amazing progress

446
00:23:14,085 --> 00:23:18,645
that we're making in in, in Kalamazoo of our strategic plan.

447
00:23:18,665 --> 00:23:20,685
We will continue to share MSTEP data

448
00:23:20,945 --> 00:23:22,245
during our board meetings.

449
00:23:22,245 --> 00:23:23,645
We share during board meetings.

450
00:23:23,645 --> 00:23:25,125
Then I share the data at our community,

451
00:23:45,080 --> 00:23:46,540
the data at our community meetings.

452
00:23:46,540 --> 00:23:48,565
As, as you know, we've had more than a hundred plus

453
00:23:48,565 --> 00:23:50,565
community meetings during the past two years.

454
00:23:51,025 --> 00:23:53,125
We will continue that moving forward this year.

455
00:23:56,075 --> 00:23:58,125
Also, I wanna recognize Principal Pray.

456
00:23:58,825 --> 00:24:00,805
The governor visited us last this

457
00:24:00,805 --> 00:24:02,565
week, I think two days ago.

458
00:24:03,145 --> 00:24:05,365
And it was a focus on reading

459
00:24:05,625 --> 00:24:07,965
and the fact that we provide free lunch for our students

460
00:24:08,025 --> 00:24:10,765
and the fact that Kalamazoo is is successful as it relates

461
00:24:10,765 --> 00:24:12,885
to current la the latest reading scores.

462
00:24:13,365 --> 00:24:15,605
I do appreciate the fact that the governor, governor

463
00:24:15,705 --> 00:24:18,045
and our state superintendent stop by

464
00:24:18,585 --> 00:24:22,165
and Senator McCain stop by the great work happening.

465
00:24:24,845 --> 00:24:27,825
We will have our first teacher feedback session on Tuesday,

466
00:24:28,305 --> 00:24:31,505
September 29th at 4:15 PM The purpose

467
00:24:31,725 --> 00:24:35,225
of our feedback sessions, I I give teachers a chance to ha

468
00:24:35,225 --> 00:24:36,905
to share anything they want to share

469
00:24:36,925 --> 00:24:38,705
and pose any question that they have.

470
00:24:39,785 --> 00:24:41,385
Honestly, I know I see one or two members here

471
00:24:41,685 --> 00:24:44,065
who are in the teacher advisory group that's

472
00:24:45,115 --> 00:24:47,705
later this month and we will do that throughout the year.

473
00:24:48,205 --> 00:24:51,825
We are also gonna have our first community feedback

474
00:24:51,885 --> 00:24:54,825
or just general information session on October the sixth.

475
00:24:55,085 --> 00:24:56,865
And that is a time for our community members

476
00:24:56,885 --> 00:24:58,265
to come in and hear about what's happening.

477
00:24:58,265 --> 00:25:00,505
And Kyle is doing also pose questions.

478
00:25:00,985 --> 00:25:03,505
I do wanna say this is it a time for you

479
00:25:03,505 --> 00:25:05,025
to hear accurate information?

480
00:25:05,215 --> 00:25:06,945
Sometimes the a information

481
00:25:06,945 --> 00:25:08,705
that parents have when they email me

482
00:25:08,705 --> 00:25:10,865
or they come to a community meeting, it's not accurate.

483
00:25:11,405 --> 00:25:14,145
It gives you a chance to hear accurate information.

484
00:25:15,465 --> 00:25:17,795
It's all, it's important to know the actual accurate

485
00:25:17,795 --> 00:25:19,955
information and I encourage parents

486
00:25:19,955 --> 00:25:23,355
to hear all the information before you come to a conclusion.

487
00:25:23,535 --> 00:25:25,035
So on October the sixth,

488
00:25:25,335 --> 00:25:27,395
you will have a chance I'm inviting the whole community

489
00:25:27,615 --> 00:25:30,195
to come and pose any questions that you have related

490
00:25:30,255 --> 00:25:32,795
to any topic you may have also will share data

491
00:25:33,095 --> 00:25:35,755
and go with some general school information related

492
00:25:35,775 --> 00:25:39,835
to disciplines, student achievement, transportation,

493
00:25:40,145 --> 00:25:41,635
food and food service.

494
00:25:44,425 --> 00:25:46,555
Tony, can you share the rest of the announcements?

495
00:25:46,705 --> 00:25:47,955
Sure, I'd be happy to thank you.

496
00:25:48,895 --> 00:25:51,635
Our first day shoe fund, our wonderful partners

497
00:25:51,635 --> 00:25:54,995
that we have, this is the the window of time for

498
00:25:55,775 --> 00:26:00,395
is next week on September 16th, their shoe fund.org.

499
00:26:00,545 --> 00:26:04,555
There's a QR code information has been shared on our social

500
00:26:04,555 --> 00:26:07,675
media sites website sent home to families.

501
00:26:07,695 --> 00:26:10,955
So we wanna make sure to raise awareness of this

502
00:26:12,195 --> 00:26:16,155
deadline coming up and they donate the shoes

503
00:26:16,335 --> 00:26:18,675
to every single one of our elementary schools.

504
00:26:18,815 --> 00:26:22,595
So all 17 schools will begin the distributions

505
00:26:23,155 --> 00:26:24,755
starting on September 23rd.

506
00:26:25,175 --> 00:26:27,875
And that also includes our preschool students.

507
00:26:27,895 --> 00:26:30,955
So the PEEP students also receive the shoes but family

508
00:26:42,925 --> 00:26:45,965
shoes but families do need to sign up before the deadline.

509
00:26:48,305 --> 00:26:49,845
And today, yesterday

510
00:26:49,845 --> 00:26:53,165
and today we had secondary open houses that were

511
00:26:53,715 --> 00:26:57,285
very successful next week it's the elementary school's turn.

512
00:26:57,665 --> 00:27:01,885
So all of them are held on the same date on September 17th.

513
00:27:02,835 --> 00:27:07,285
They do have some unique times. So you have to check this.

514
00:27:07,675 --> 00:27:11,645
This flyer that has been sent home again also posted on our

515
00:27:11,675 --> 00:27:13,685
website, social media site

516
00:27:14,225 --> 00:27:17,445
and families are I'm sure receiving information from their

517
00:27:17,445 --> 00:27:20,245
schools but all of 'em are on September 17th.

518
00:27:20,995 --> 00:27:24,525
Just check the start times for your particular school

519
00:27:25,705 --> 00:27:28,725
and actually have a new app for the district.

520
00:27:29,345 --> 00:27:32,405
So you can go to the app store, Google Play

521
00:27:32,665 --> 00:27:35,045
and download the Kalamazoo Public Schools app.

522
00:27:35,505 --> 00:27:38,525
And at the bottom of it you will see a calendar link

523
00:27:39,145 --> 00:27:41,245
and right there you can see all

524
00:27:41,245 --> 00:27:43,445
of the events from the district sports,

525
00:27:43,935 --> 00:27:46,125
these open house dates and times are listed.

526
00:27:46,585 --> 00:27:49,325
So we would encourage families to check out

527
00:27:49,345 --> 00:27:50,605
and download the new app.

528
00:27:51,065 --> 00:27:53,085
And also you can set the app.

529
00:27:53,185 --> 00:27:56,045
It has over a hundred languages so you can set to

530
00:27:56,755 --> 00:27:58,725
find out more information about KPS.

531
00:27:59,935 --> 00:28:00,935
Thank you

532
00:28:01,635 --> 00:28:02,635
Guys.

533
00:28:02,635 --> 00:28:06,845
September 11th. For anybody my age, in my age range

534
00:28:07,185 --> 00:28:10,685
or older as an educator,

535
00:28:10,685 --> 00:28:12,085
that's the day you will always remember.

536
00:28:12,725 --> 00:28:15,525
I want to take this time just to honor all the victims,

537
00:28:15,945 --> 00:28:19,125
our heroic first responders, service members,

538
00:28:19,275 --> 00:28:20,485
surviving family members,

539
00:28:20,585 --> 00:28:23,565
and everybody impacted by that tragic day.

540
00:28:23,565 --> 00:28:25,325
So again, I just wanted to make sure we

541
00:28:25,685 --> 00:28:26,845
recognize September 11th.

542
00:28:27,765 --> 00:28:29,765
It's very important for our students to learn about that.

543
00:28:29,825 --> 00:28:32,725
And again, just wanna honor everybody involved with that.

544
00:28:33,185 --> 00:28:38,135
So thank you. And

545
00:28:38,255 --> 00:28:40,255
that concludes the superintendent's announcements.

546
00:28:57,095 --> 00:29:00,105
Next up is persons requesting to address the board

547
00:29:01,005 --> 00:29:03,985
and Christopher Vid.

548
00:29:21,315 --> 00:29:23,945
How's that? All right, good evening.

549
00:29:23,945 --> 00:29:26,745
My name is Christopher Vid. I live in Kalamazoo.

550
00:29:26,745 --> 00:29:29,145
I'm here tonight as a resident taxpayer

551
00:29:29,245 --> 00:29:31,705
and parent of multiple KPS students at Maple

552
00:29:31,705 --> 00:29:32,825
Street and WIN Elementary.

553
00:29:33,585 --> 00:29:35,065
I have three specific requests about

554
00:29:40,965 --> 00:29:42,725
specific requests about how the district handled

555
00:29:42,725 --> 00:29:43,885
this teacher contracts.

556
00:29:44,455 --> 00:29:48,485
First I'd like to see this board settle the teacher contract

557
00:29:48,825 --> 00:29:50,165
before the school year starts.

558
00:29:53,195 --> 00:29:55,075
I know that there aren't that many parents here tonight,

559
00:29:55,215 --> 00:29:57,475
but the bottom line is, I can tell you that a lot

560
00:29:57,475 --> 00:29:58,795
of the parents are really tired

561
00:29:59,055 --> 00:30:02,275
of seeing this happen year after year.

562
00:30:02,635 --> 00:30:05,355
In July, this board approved the 20 26, 27 agreements

563
00:30:05,355 --> 00:30:06,395
with the administrators union

564
00:30:06,415 --> 00:30:08,835
and the food service managers on August 6th

565
00:30:08,835 --> 00:30:10,275
that approved the custodians agreement.

566
00:30:10,655 --> 00:30:12,515
All that was finished before the first day of school.

567
00:30:12,655 --> 00:30:15,595
Our teachers are still waiting. This isn't new.

568
00:30:15,945 --> 00:30:19,995
Last year's KE agreement wasn't approved until October 28th,

569
00:30:20,015 --> 00:30:21,755
nearly two months into the school year,

570
00:30:22,735 --> 00:30:24,075
the year before it was September.

571
00:30:24,945 --> 00:30:26,715
This has become the normal way of doing business

572
00:30:26,715 --> 00:30:28,795
and it's a choice that DI district is making

573
00:30:29,495 --> 00:30:32,515
and it's not a condition that you're inheriting.

574
00:30:34,135 --> 00:30:36,905
Five years ago in this room, Trustee Scheller Barber said

575
00:30:37,105 --> 00:30:38,305
that concluding contracts

576
00:30:38,305 --> 00:30:39,865
before the start of the school year is always a

577
00:30:39,865 --> 00:30:40,945
huge improvement in morale.

578
00:30:40,965 --> 00:30:42,665
She was right then and is right now.

579
00:30:43,365 --> 00:30:46,025
I'd asked the board to set a hard internal deadline,

580
00:30:46,185 --> 00:30:48,705
a ratified teacher agreement on the agenda no later than the

581
00:30:48,705 --> 00:30:51,625
last regular meeting, before the first day of school

582
00:30:52,245 --> 00:30:55,545
and to open bargaining early enough to actually meet it

583
00:30:56,725 --> 00:30:59,305
or else you know, have a contract longer than a year.

584
00:30:59,585 --> 00:31:00,985
Whatever it takes to not have to go

585
00:31:00,985 --> 00:31:02,185
through this every single year.

586
00:31:02,285 --> 00:31:05,105
The parents are noticing and unhappy.

587
00:31:06,085 --> 00:31:08,025
Second, pay our teachers at

588
00:31:08,025 --> 00:31:10,345
or above what the districts around us pay.

589
00:31:11,215 --> 00:31:12,465
KALM Zoo's not competing

590
00:31:12,465 --> 00:31:15,065
for teachers against distant abstractions.

591
00:31:15,125 --> 00:31:17,065
We are competing against Portage wan,

592
00:31:17,065 --> 00:31:18,545
Vicksburg, gull Lake, and Plainwell.

593
00:31:18,605 --> 00:31:19,865
All a very short drive away.

594
00:31:20,685 --> 00:31:23,265
My understanding is that KPS pay lags behind several

595
00:31:23,325 --> 00:31:25,305
of those districts and that we have been losing teachers

596
00:31:25,305 --> 00:31:27,345
to them and are continuing to lose them.

597
00:31:28,055 --> 00:31:30,345
Last year's settlement was my understanding was

598
00:31:30,405 --> 00:31:32,465
2.29% on base.

599
00:31:33,025 --> 00:31:34,305
Whatever else that accomplished.

600
00:31:34,405 --> 00:31:36,705
My understanding is that it did not make us the district.

601
00:31:37,065 --> 00:31:39,825
A good teacher chooses over one 15 minutes down the road.

602
00:31:40,405 --> 00:31:43,065
So you know, if that's wrong I'd welcome that correction.

603
00:31:43,925 --> 00:31:45,345
But you know, I think publishing

604
00:31:45,345 --> 00:31:47,105
that comparison might also settle it.

605
00:31:47,105 --> 00:31:49,705
If KPS is willing to do that, I'd ask the board

606
00:31:49,705 --> 00:31:53,345
to adopt a stated goal that KPS salary schedules sit at

607
00:31:53,345 --> 00:31:55,585
or above the county median at every step

608
00:31:55,885 --> 00:31:57,625
and to publish that comparison annually.

609
00:31:58,805 --> 00:32:01,425
And third make step increase is retroactive.

610
00:32:01,895 --> 00:32:04,585
When a contract settles in October, a teach you a teacher

611
00:32:04,645 --> 00:32:07,385
who earned a step on the salary schedule has already worked

612
00:32:07,385 --> 00:32:10,185
August, September, and half of October at last year's rate.

613
00:32:10,615 --> 00:32:12,905
That is compensation earned and not paid.

614
00:32:13,685 --> 00:32:15,665
It should be paid back to the first contract a

615
00:32:15,665 --> 00:32:17,985
of the school year and that retroactivity should be standing

616
00:32:18,305 --> 00:32:20,665
language in this contract and every contract after it.

617
00:32:21,205 --> 00:32:24,065
So the cost of a slow negotiation falls in the bargaining

618
00:32:24,065 --> 00:32:26,825
table instead of on individual teachers paychecks.

619
00:32:29,205 --> 00:32:31,605
I say this as an attorney, I have my own practice.

620
00:32:31,755 --> 00:32:34,325
I've been doing corporate law for a long time. Thank you.

621
00:32:36,395 --> 00:32:38,565
Next up is Ellen Foley.

622
00:32:44,825 --> 00:32:48,325
Mike's on already. Great, good evening. I'm Dr.

623
00:32:48,325 --> 00:32:52,045
Ellen Foley, proud parent of three KPS students, president

624
00:32:52,045 --> 00:32:54,325
of the Maple Street PTSO Pac, member

625
00:32:54,585 --> 00:32:57,125
and professor of pre-service teachers at WMU.

626
00:32:57,125 --> 00:33:00,165
It's a lot of PS tonight I'd like to brag on behalf

627
00:33:00,165 --> 00:33:01,205
of our KPS teachers.

628
00:33:01,255 --> 00:33:04,925
Let's start with Mrs. Riva who just WA is the recent winner

629
00:33:04,925 --> 00:33:07,965
of the MCTE Elementary Teacher of the Year award.

630
00:33:08,345 --> 00:33:11,285
And when her second graders struggled in math, she started a

631
00:33:11,285 --> 00:33:12,405
before school math club.

632
00:33:12,775 --> 00:33:15,045
She's currently pursuing her national board certification

633
00:33:15,045 --> 00:33:16,725
while raising two kids under six.

634
00:33:16,975 --> 00:33:21,005
She's a hero in my book. Speaking of superheroes, Mr.

635
00:33:21,105 --> 00:33:23,085
Lehman creates unforgettable experiences

636
00:33:23,085 --> 00:33:25,045
for fifth graders from skiing at Timber Ridge

637
00:33:25,045 --> 00:33:26,605
to overnight camps at Sherman Lake.

638
00:33:27,315 --> 00:33:29,925
Each and every one of our KPS early elementary teachers

639
00:33:29,925 --> 00:33:32,205
deserves recognition for fostering a love of reading

640
00:33:32,545 --> 00:33:35,205
and building the foundation required for lifelong learning.

641
00:33:35,675 --> 00:33:39,565
According to my third grader, Ms. Richmond is giving Ms.

642
00:33:39,595 --> 00:33:42,765
Frizzle, according to my seventh grader, Ms.

643
00:33:42,845 --> 00:33:47,125
Thomason is a vibe and according to my ninth grader, Mr.

644
00:33:47,195 --> 00:33:49,085
Perry's history class was low key, one

645
00:33:49,085 --> 00:33:50,485
of the best parts of his day last year.

646
00:33:51,385 --> 00:33:54,405
Ms. Weaver is a math whiz. Ms. Miller is the heart of maple.

647
00:33:54,705 --> 00:33:56,565
Mr. G, Mr. Freeman and Mr.

648
00:33:56,935 --> 00:33:59,125
Ovitz fill their rooms with music, encouragement

649
00:33:59,125 --> 00:34:00,725
and enough jokes to keep kids smiling.

650
00:34:01,745 --> 00:34:04,685
And the coaches Borman Waterman Valentine devote hours

651
00:34:04,785 --> 00:34:06,405
to building an incredible cross country

652
00:34:06,425 --> 00:34:08,565
and track program while also volunteering

653
00:34:08,565 --> 00:34:10,005
with Rapid Runners, helping children

654
00:34:10,005 --> 00:34:11,565
with Down syndrome experience the

655
00:34:11,565 --> 00:34:12,725
joy of crossing the finish line.

656
00:34:13,475 --> 00:34:16,405
This is my kid's list, but the list goes on.

657
00:34:16,405 --> 00:34:18,885
In fact, every parent in this district has their list.

658
00:34:19,265 --> 00:34:21,645
The list of teachers who have made a difference in the lives

659
00:34:21,645 --> 00:34:24,245
of their kids, of the teachers who continue to go above

660
00:34:24,245 --> 00:34:25,725
and beyond despite the frustration

661
00:34:25,985 --> 00:34:27,525
of starting every year having to go

662
00:34:27,525 --> 00:34:28,805
through contract negotiations.

663
00:34:29,235 --> 00:34:30,925
They teach, they coach, they mentor,

664
00:34:31,035 --> 00:34:32,045
they celebrate students,

665
00:34:32,235 --> 00:34:34,365
they celebrate opportunities and they change lives.

666
00:34:35,505 --> 00:34:37,685
So I ask, do you think we're gonna acquire

667
00:34:37,785 --> 00:34:40,565
and keep the best teachers by making it hard to work here?

668
00:34:41,185 --> 00:34:43,605
Do you think we're giving our already incredible teaching

669
00:34:43,605 --> 00:34:46,605
staff a reason to stay or the future teachers I work with

670
00:34:46,785 --> 00:34:48,245
or reason to choose our district?

671
00:34:49,015 --> 00:34:51,805
Every improvement the district celebrates rests on the

672
00:34:51,805 --> 00:34:54,165
foundation our teachers have built in classrooms daily.

673
00:34:54,505 --> 00:34:56,325
And thank you Dr. Slade for acknowledging

674
00:34:56,325 --> 00:34:59,125
that earlier tonight our Mstep school reading scores

675
00:34:59,445 --> 00:35:01,485
improved in 15 out of 17 elementary schools

676
00:35:01,865 --> 00:35:04,205
and KP S'S four year graduation rate

677
00:35:04,945 --> 00:35:06,845
is the highest in the DIS in district history.

678
00:35:07,175 --> 00:35:09,965
Those results are a testament to our educators skill,

679
00:35:10,135 --> 00:35:11,725
dedication, and commitment.

680
00:35:12,035 --> 00:35:13,365
They have continued to deliver

681
00:35:13,505 --> 00:35:15,525
for students despite working without a fair

682
00:35:15,585 --> 00:35:17,205
and competitive contract this year.

683
00:35:17,505 --> 00:35:19,205
And while waiting for promises from last

684
00:35:19,205 --> 00:35:20,405
year's agreement to be honored.

685
00:35:21,345 --> 00:35:23,125
If the district celebrates these achievements,

686
00:35:23,465 --> 00:35:25,445
it should also fairly compensate the

687
00:35:25,725 --> 00:35:26,885
educators who make them possible.

688
00:35:27,825 --> 00:35:30,885
If we truly want KPS to continue on its upward trajectory,

689
00:35:31,225 --> 00:35:33,365
we need to intentionally invest in the people

690
00:35:33,465 --> 00:35:34,685
who make the greatest difference

691
00:35:34,685 --> 00:35:36,645
for our student students on a daily basis.

692
00:35:37,225 --> 00:35:40,125
Our teachers. Thank you. Thank you.

693
00:35:43,775 --> 00:35:44,855
A Michelle Wright.

694
00:35:52,345 --> 00:35:54,875
Good evening board members. My name is Dr.

695
00:35:55,115 --> 00:35:56,275
A Michelle Wright.

696
00:35:56,935 --> 00:35:58,235
I'm a cognitive psychologist

697
00:35:58,335 --> 00:36:00,475
but my most important role is being a mother of five,

698
00:36:00,985 --> 00:36:03,275
including three children at Winchell Elementary.

699
00:36:04,055 --> 00:36:05,715
I'm also a member of Winchell's PTO,

700
00:36:05,775 --> 00:36:07,715
but tonight I'm speaking solely as a parent.

701
00:36:08,795 --> 00:36:11,675
I stand here today with 45 signatures from Winchell parents

702
00:36:11,695 --> 00:36:14,315
and guardians across every grade level asking

703
00:36:14,375 --> 00:36:16,435
for transparency about the combined two three

704
00:36:16,435 --> 00:36:17,515
split class at Winchell.

705
00:36:18,015 --> 00:36:19,635
The first split class in our building.

706
00:36:19,655 --> 00:36:20,675
In over 20 years,

707
00:36:21,995 --> 00:36:23,955
families have not received a transparent explanation

708
00:36:23,955 --> 00:36:26,995
of why it was created, what data informed the decision

709
00:36:27,655 --> 00:36:28,755
or what steps were taken

710
00:36:28,775 --> 00:36:30,355
to protect the educational experience

711
00:36:30,355 --> 00:36:31,595
of the student's place in it.

712
00:36:32,665 --> 00:36:34,475
When we asked why, we were told

713
00:36:34,475 --> 00:36:36,835
that KPS run split classes across the district,

714
00:36:37,585 --> 00:36:41,555
that does not actually answer the question we asked instead.

715
00:36:41,585 --> 00:36:43,675
This is a commonly used logical fallacy.

716
00:36:44,135 --> 00:36:47,275
The appeal to common practice where a person suggested

717
00:36:47,275 --> 00:36:49,555
because other people do it, an action must be right.

718
00:36:50,425 --> 00:36:52,475
Another question that we kept asking ourselves,

719
00:36:53,145 --> 00:36:55,515
what is happening at KPS schools with less capacity

720
00:36:55,515 --> 00:36:56,875
to organize, advocate

721
00:36:56,895 --> 00:36:58,235
or take time away from work

722
00:36:58,415 --> 00:37:01,635
to attend meetings like this one, we don't have that data.

723
00:37:01,975 --> 00:37:03,875
That's why we're asking the board to share it.

724
00:37:04,365 --> 00:37:06,795
Which schools and KPS have split combined

725
00:37:06,795 --> 00:37:08,515
or non-traditional classrooms this year?

726
00:37:08,975 --> 00:37:10,395
And were those decisions made

727
00:37:10,395 --> 00:37:12,995
and communicated in the same opaque way that ours was?

728
00:37:13,905 --> 00:37:17,075
What extra support is being given to these amazing teachers

729
00:37:17,075 --> 00:37:19,115
to help them effectively manage the educational

730
00:37:19,115 --> 00:37:20,235
demands of split classes?

731
00:37:21,575 --> 00:37:24,435
Can these decisions be backed up by data demonstrating

732
00:37:24,585 --> 00:37:26,915
that split classes are a good educational practice

733
00:37:26,915 --> 00:37:28,235
within our district?

734
00:37:29,345 --> 00:37:31,475
Earlier today we learned the winche

735
00:37:31,475 --> 00:37:32,595
split class would be dissolved.

736
00:37:33,385 --> 00:37:34,555
That may leave some of you

737
00:37:34,715 --> 00:37:36,035
wondering why I'm still here tonight.

738
00:37:36,755 --> 00:37:38,635
Petition in hand advocating.

739
00:37:39,465 --> 00:37:41,795
It's because the problem never really was the

740
00:37:41,795 --> 00:37:43,115
existence of the split classroom.

741
00:37:43,775 --> 00:37:46,875
It is the appalling lack of transparency in how

742
00:37:46,875 --> 00:37:48,915
and why these decisions get made in the first place.

743
00:37:50,335 --> 00:37:53,435
KPS faces real budget constraints and staffing shortages.

744
00:37:54,095 --> 00:37:56,955
We understand that sometimes tough decisions have to be made

745
00:37:57,455 --> 00:37:59,275
and we can handle that kind of news.

746
00:37:59,785 --> 00:38:01,315
What we cannot handle is silence.

747
00:38:02,375 --> 00:38:05,035
If there are families at other KPS schools whose children

748
00:38:05,105 --> 00:38:07,395
were placed in similar classrooms, I would ask you

749
00:38:07,395 --> 00:38:08,835
to reach out to the board

750
00:38:09,055 --> 00:38:10,595
and to meet directly after this meeting.

751
00:38:11,335 --> 00:38:13,515
We believe the board should hear the full scope of

752
00:38:13,515 --> 00:38:15,115
how these decisions are affecting students

753
00:38:15,135 --> 00:38:16,195
across the district.

754
00:38:16,815 --> 00:38:18,675
For the board's record, I'm submitting a copy

755
00:38:18,675 --> 00:38:20,955
of the petition the signatures collected to date

756
00:38:21,015 --> 00:38:23,475
and a copy of this comment. Thank you for your time.

757
00:38:24,085 --> 00:38:24,555
Thank you

758
00:38:29,105 --> 00:38:29,455
Marta.

759
00:38:29,835 --> 00:38:34,695
Lehman Layman. I'm sorry. I do. Hi

760
00:38:34,695 --> 00:38:36,445
Everybody, my name is Marta Lehman.

761
00:38:36,645 --> 00:38:40,725
I am a Kalamazoo Central High School grad class of 99.

762
00:38:41,925 --> 00:38:43,285
I have a degree from Western

763
00:38:43,785 --> 00:38:46,205
and I have a master's sport management

764
00:38:46,205 --> 00:38:48,285
and I'm actually getting my certification

765
00:38:48,285 --> 00:38:49,525
through an alternative path.

766
00:38:49,665 --> 00:38:51,325
I'm sorry. Sorry it's taking so long.

767
00:38:51,325 --> 00:38:53,805
But I'm actually up for tenure. What's going on?

768
00:38:55,145 --> 00:38:57,565
But I'm here to talk from a teacher perspective,

769
00:38:58,505 --> 00:39:00,605
not a perspective from a parent.

770
00:39:00,885 --> 00:39:03,565
I also have a son who attends Woodward. Loving it.

771
00:39:03,775 --> 00:39:05,885
Fifth grade, rocking it. It's great.

772
00:39:07,665 --> 00:39:10,565
I'm kind of disappointed that with all that we're told

773
00:39:10,595 --> 00:39:11,765
that we're valued

774
00:39:11,865 --> 00:39:15,605
and how hard you know we're working that

775
00:39:15,755 --> 00:39:20,645
that isn't kind of, that's not demonstrated by

776
00:39:21,385 --> 00:39:24,205
the reports that I've received from my union colleagues.

777
00:39:25,135 --> 00:39:29,205
There was no one from the district present at negotiations

778
00:39:29,505 --> 00:39:31,005
and is that correct?

779
00:39:31,235 --> 00:39:35,525
Just the lawyer was at the go negotiation table in the

780
00:39:35,525 --> 00:39:37,925
beginning and it wasn't until, am I correct, Heather?

781
00:39:40,305 --> 00:39:41,965
Oh sorry. Yep. Sorry.

782
00:39:42,755 --> 00:39:45,005
That was kind of like a punch in the gut.

783
00:39:45,075 --> 00:39:47,685
Like you guys love us, right? We're doing a great job.

784
00:39:47,685 --> 00:39:48,725
You're cheering us on.

785
00:39:48,745 --> 00:39:50,325
We got unprecedented success,

786
00:39:51,025 --> 00:39:52,965
but why don't we have somebody there

787
00:39:52,995 --> 00:39:54,285
like actually bargaining.

788
00:39:54,835 --> 00:39:57,125
What I've been hearing is it's not cool at all.

789
00:39:57,355 --> 00:39:59,045
Like I thought we were better than this.

790
00:39:59,265 --> 00:40:02,045
If we really do believe that we're excellent

791
00:40:02,105 --> 00:40:04,965
and you want a hundred percent and you value us

792
00:40:04,965 --> 00:40:07,885
and you believe in our students, then believe in us.

793
00:40:08,825 --> 00:40:13,485
If inflation is 4.7, why are we getting offered 1.8

794
00:40:13,505 --> 00:40:14,725
and then 2.1.

795
00:40:15,265 --> 00:40:17,685
You know what I'm saying? Like I would just really like

796
00:40:17,685 --> 00:40:20,245
to see put your money where your mouth is.

797
00:40:20,305 --> 00:40:23,165
If you appreciate us, let's get a contract. Thank you.

798
00:40:23,815 --> 00:40:26,605
Thank you. Jonah Espinoza.

799
00:40:39,315 --> 00:40:41,015
Hi, my name is Shauna Espinoza.

800
00:40:41,985 --> 00:40:44,135
Kudos on the teachers support.

801
00:40:44,135 --> 00:40:47,935
Staff deserve just as much as they do. Inflation is real.

802
00:40:48,475 --> 00:40:51,975
Our paychecks aren't, but I came as a parent this time.

803
00:40:53,555 --> 00:40:57,135
My grandson just got enrolled last week.

804
00:40:58,285 --> 00:41:01,855
Last week and we've been trying to enroll him since March.

805
00:41:04,085 --> 00:41:06,025
He stays with me and so does my daughter.

806
00:41:07,085 --> 00:41:10,545
And the the problem came is that's considered doubled up.

807
00:41:11,085 --> 00:41:12,145
So what we, me

808
00:41:12,145 --> 00:41:13,345
and my daughter was met with

809
00:41:14,785 --> 00:41:17,145
attitude, disrespect.

810
00:41:18,845 --> 00:41:21,425
He should be laying his head in one place.

811
00:41:21,615 --> 00:41:22,985
Well, she has two parents.

812
00:41:24,735 --> 00:41:27,115
If it's easier to go to school from my house,

813
00:41:27,115 --> 00:41:28,835
which is two minutes from down the

814
00:41:28,835 --> 00:41:30,395
street, that should be okay.

815
00:41:31,335 --> 00:41:32,765
But then when we're told

816
00:41:32,765 --> 00:41:35,005
because she's doubled up, she had to deal

817
00:41:35,005 --> 00:41:36,805
with the homeless liaison.

818
00:41:37,675 --> 00:41:41,645
What we were met with. No answer, no answer.

819
00:41:42,385 --> 00:41:46,085
Two months later or a month later, get a call.

820
00:41:46,365 --> 00:41:48,885
I was at work, couldn't answer. Called back.

821
00:41:49,875 --> 00:41:52,445
Voicemail was full. Voicemail was full.

822
00:41:52,795 --> 00:41:56,545
Voicemail was full every single day.

823
00:41:56,965 --> 00:42:00,625
If she's the homeless liaison, why is that the problem?

824
00:42:01,295 --> 00:42:04,905
Imagine if somebody was unhoused having to deal with that.

825
00:42:05,305 --> 00:42:09,785
I work for the district and we were still met with attitude.

826
00:42:10,525 --> 00:42:14,225
No help. Lack of communication when we're calling

827
00:42:14,285 --> 00:42:16,385
and calling and even I was calling

828
00:42:16,385 --> 00:42:18,825
because my daughter works the time

829
00:42:18,825 --> 00:42:22,225
that this building is open and was emailing

830
00:42:23,165 --> 00:42:26,705
and was met with, oh you have to get ahold

831
00:42:26,705 --> 00:42:27,985
of the homeless liaison.

832
00:42:28,525 --> 00:42:30,385
And then she was like, well, can I take back

833
00:42:30,385 --> 00:42:31,385
that I'm doubled up.

834
00:42:31,925 --> 00:42:34,105
And we was met with from somebody from this building.

835
00:42:34,285 --> 00:42:35,425
You can't take that back.

836
00:42:37,835 --> 00:42:40,815
My grandson would've cried if he couldn't go to school.

837
00:42:41,205 --> 00:42:45,095
This was his third year in KPS. He did two years in peak.

838
00:42:45,555 --> 00:42:48,175
Why was it that hard? Why is it so hard

839
00:42:48,175 --> 00:42:49,575
to get a child into school?

840
00:42:50,115 --> 00:42:53,015
No child left behind. He was going to get left behind.

841
00:42:53,435 --> 00:42:55,175
If I wasn't the parent that I am

842
00:42:55,175 --> 00:42:56,455
and worked for this district

843
00:42:56,715 --> 00:43:00,175
and was able to reach out, would he be in school right now?

844
00:43:00,525 --> 00:43:02,935
What if he, what if my daughter was unhoused on the street?

845
00:43:04,185 --> 00:43:07,535
There are too many barriers, too many barriers.

846
00:43:08,745 --> 00:43:11,525
People have to work long days and long hours

847
00:43:11,715 --> 00:43:13,725
because this district

848
00:43:13,725 --> 00:43:15,365
and other workplaces seem to think

849
00:43:15,365 --> 00:43:16,805
that one job is not enough.

850
00:43:17,785 --> 00:43:19,565
Pay should be less than inflation.

851
00:43:22,055 --> 00:43:24,475
We need to do better as a whole for our children,

852
00:43:24,975 --> 00:43:29,915
our parents, and all of our staff, all

853
00:43:29,915 --> 00:43:32,635
of our staff, our babies matter.

854
00:43:33,135 --> 00:43:34,915
So please, whatever system

855
00:43:34,915 --> 00:43:36,555
that y'all have going on is failing.

856
00:43:37,175 --> 00:43:41,315
Fix it. Thank you. Thank you Heather Reed.

857
00:43:57,045 --> 00:44:00,095
Good evening. President Harrison, board members and Dr.

858
00:44:00,185 --> 00:44:01,575
Slade. My name is Heather Reed

859
00:44:01,575 --> 00:44:03,335
and I'm the president of the Kalamazoo

860
00:44:03,335 --> 00:44:04,655
Education Association.

861
00:44:05,595 --> 00:44:08,495
I'd like to begin by congratulating the district in Woods

862
00:44:08,525 --> 00:44:11,135
Lake for hosting such a successful

863
00:44:11,135 --> 00:44:12,255
event with Governor Whitmer.

864
00:44:12,975 --> 00:44:15,615
I especially wanna recognize Ms.

865
00:44:15,615 --> 00:44:18,215
Lockett and the work she did preparing her students

866
00:44:18,595 --> 00:44:19,615
for the governor's visit.

867
00:44:20,605 --> 00:44:22,935
Cade, the student who introduced Governor Whitmer,

868
00:44:22,955 --> 00:44:24,935
was well-spoken and did an excellent

869
00:44:24,955 --> 00:44:26,455
job representing Woods Lake.

870
00:44:27,355 --> 00:44:28,375
As a government teacher,

871
00:44:28,575 --> 00:44:31,295
I especially appreciated seeing the students experience

872
00:44:31,605 --> 00:44:32,685
government firsthand.

873
00:44:33,685 --> 00:44:37,125
Watching students understand that government isn't something

874
00:44:37,125 --> 00:44:41,085
that happens somewhere else, it belongs to them, is one

875
00:44:41,085 --> 00:44:42,925
of the best parts of being a government teacher.

876
00:44:44,005 --> 00:44:47,125
I also wanna address something that directly affects the

877
00:44:47,645 --> 00:44:50,525
educators who serve those students every day.

878
00:44:51,825 --> 00:44:56,085
For the third consecutive year, KEA members have returned

879
00:44:56,145 --> 00:44:58,245
to their classrooms without a finalized

880
00:44:58,605 --> 00:45:00,605
contract year after year.

881
00:45:01,035 --> 00:45:04,485
That uncertainty is taking a toll on staff morale.

882
00:45:05,185 --> 00:45:08,725
Our educators returned again this year ready

883
00:45:08,725 --> 00:45:11,285
to welcome students, prepare their classrooms,

884
00:45:11,465 --> 00:45:13,725
and give their best to Kalamazoo's children.

885
00:45:14,475 --> 00:45:16,685
Many educators began that work well

886
00:45:16,685 --> 00:45:18,085
before the first day of school

887
00:45:18,705 --> 00:45:22,045
and they deserve the same sense of urgency when it comes

888
00:45:22,045 --> 00:45:24,365
to reaching an agreement that recognizes

889
00:45:24,465 --> 00:45:26,885
and values the work that they do.

890
00:45:28,185 --> 00:45:30,565
Ke EA wants to reach an agreement.

891
00:45:31,105 --> 00:45:33,805
We want a contract that is fair to our members,

892
00:45:34,685 --> 00:45:37,085
supports the work educators do every day

893
00:45:37,505 --> 00:45:39,765
and helps public schools attract

894
00:45:39,945 --> 00:45:42,085
and retain excellent educators.

895
00:45:44,205 --> 00:45:47,335
Beginning a school year without a contract should be

896
00:45:47,335 --> 00:45:48,375
the exception.

897
00:45:48,795 --> 00:45:52,015
It should not be the expectation.

898
00:45:52,825 --> 00:45:54,575
After three consecutive years,

899
00:45:54,815 --> 00:45:58,015
I hope the board will recognize the impact this pattern has

900
00:45:58,075 --> 00:46:00,735
on its employees and make reaching a fair

901
00:46:00,745 --> 00:46:02,055
settlement a priority.

902
00:46:02,825 --> 00:46:03,825
Thank you.

903
00:46:04,385 --> 00:46:09,135
Thank you. Seeing no

904
00:46:09,135 --> 00:46:11,655
other people requesting to address the board,

905
00:46:12,585 --> 00:46:15,695
other business is professional development for myself.

906
00:46:16,005 --> 00:46:18,495
Next up is comments by trustees.

907
00:46:21,155 --> 00:46:22,155
Trustee Hill.

908
00:46:24,025 --> 00:46:25,945
I just wanna say welcome back everyone.

909
00:46:26,165 --> 00:46:27,705
We appreciate all of you

910
00:46:27,725 --> 00:46:29,865
and we appreciate the students coming back

911
00:46:29,865 --> 00:46:31,105
and all the parents support.

912
00:46:32,625 --> 00:46:34,385
I wanna crow about all the back

913
00:46:34,385 --> 00:46:36,665
to school celebrations I was able to go to

914
00:46:36,805 --> 00:46:39,025
and all the wonderful families and kids

915
00:46:39,125 --> 00:46:40,905
and they were so happy to see their teachers

916
00:46:41,165 --> 00:46:43,025
and so happy to see their friends

917
00:46:43,085 --> 00:46:44,665
and run around on the playground.

918
00:46:45,165 --> 00:46:47,305
And I'm gonna crow about which ones I made it to.

919
00:46:47,745 --> 00:46:48,865
Millwood Elementary.

920
00:46:49,015 --> 00:46:51,785
Windchill Elementary, north Lake Elementary,

921
00:46:52,225 --> 00:46:55,185
Edison Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Indian Prairie,

922
00:46:55,325 --> 00:46:57,865
end Elementary, Arcadia Elementary.

923
00:46:57,885 --> 00:46:59,985
And last of all, parkwood up John, which I have

924
00:46:59,985 --> 00:47:01,065
to say was winding down,

925
00:47:01,085 --> 00:47:03,265
but I still knew some of the people that were there

926
00:47:03,885 --> 00:47:06,105
and it was always an honor to be a greeter.

927
00:47:06,565 --> 00:47:09,065
And so we get to welcome students back

928
00:47:09,245 --> 00:47:11,305
and we stand with people that are greeters.

929
00:47:11,425 --> 00:47:14,865
I was at Phoenix, so I was with some of folks from the NAACP

930
00:47:15,245 --> 00:47:17,505
and the students, they come up and they're a little shy

931
00:47:17,605 --> 00:47:20,185
and sometimes they forget their name back, their badge

932
00:47:20,205 --> 00:47:22,465
to get in and we have to send them to another door.

933
00:47:22,925 --> 00:47:25,705
But they knew everyone. They were so happy to be there.

934
00:47:26,085 --> 00:47:28,345
And I think the parents were really happy at the high school

935
00:47:28,345 --> 00:47:30,325
level to just pull up and the kid gets out of the car.

936
00:47:31,025 --> 00:47:33,725
So that was nice. And then I got to go to Arcadia,

937
00:47:33,855 --> 00:47:35,045
which was very nice

938
00:47:35,045 --> 00:47:36,085
because a lot of the parents,

939
00:47:36,085 --> 00:47:38,685
they have parking lot organization issue,

940
00:47:38,685 --> 00:47:40,205
but they got it all figured out this year.

941
00:47:40,225 --> 00:47:42,565
And it was nice to watch the parents all line up on the side

942
00:47:42,565 --> 00:47:44,085
street and they all knew to come through the fence.

943
00:47:44,505 --> 00:47:45,925
And then I actually had the honor

944
00:47:45,925 --> 00:47:47,925
of walking this students off the bus

945
00:47:48,065 --> 00:47:51,965
and into their, they how them at the tennis lot so

946
00:47:51,965 --> 00:47:54,005
that we can get everybody organized in their groups.

947
00:47:54,725 --> 00:47:56,165
A lot of fun. So thank

948
00:47:56,165 --> 00:48:00,935
you Trustee.

949
00:48:01,115 --> 00:48:04,675
She barber. Yay. Trustee Hill.

950
00:48:05,055 --> 00:48:06,315
You were on roller skates,

951
00:48:06,815 --> 00:48:09,315
you were rolling And I too, I'll start with that.

952
00:48:09,615 --> 00:48:11,155
The open houses were wonderful.

953
00:48:11,495 --> 00:48:13,835
Really appreciate everything that was done.

954
00:48:14,195 --> 00:48:17,075
I mean, excuse me, the back to schools were wonderful

955
00:48:17,375 --> 00:48:21,395
and even ran into at the North Glad Open House, which is at

956
00:48:22,575 --> 00:48:25,875
the the this is their transition is is at the Southwestern

957
00:48:25,875 --> 00:48:28,715
Street School and ran into a former board member

958
00:48:28,775 --> 00:48:30,635
who was just thrilled to have his student.

959
00:48:30,975 --> 00:48:33,475
And at North Grade, Jason Morris.

960
00:48:33,615 --> 00:48:36,515
It was incredible, incredible experience.

961
00:48:36,855 --> 00:48:39,035
But my list doesn't compare,

962
00:48:39,375 --> 00:48:41,435
but there were great things that I did.

963
00:48:41,555 --> 00:48:42,795
I think I'm a couple of shy of years

964
00:48:43,015 --> 00:48:46,355
and one of the things I wanted to say about these is

965
00:48:46,355 --> 00:48:49,475
that there were many organizations at the Back to school,

966
00:48:49,475 --> 00:48:53,355
things like there was the law RX Health Center

967
00:48:53,695 --> 00:48:57,235
who was there in making good efforts to make sure

968
00:48:57,705 --> 00:49:02,515
that they were getting information to the parents

969
00:49:02,695 --> 00:49:05,715
and to the students for all the things that they can do.

970
00:49:05,775 --> 00:49:06,995
So I thought that was wonderful.

971
00:49:07,185 --> 00:49:10,395
Another thing that they had, many of the schools had their

972
00:49:10,395 --> 00:49:12,595
after school programs, they had flyers.

973
00:49:12,855 --> 00:49:15,075
The Y was at some, it was amazing.

974
00:49:15,635 --> 00:49:17,835
I think the wraparound of KPS

975
00:49:17,895 --> 00:49:20,235
and the efforts that all the people do

976
00:49:20,255 --> 00:49:22,955
to make sure our students are safe before school,

977
00:49:23,045 --> 00:49:25,155
after school with the math programs that were,

978
00:49:25,175 --> 00:49:27,715
or the math clubs that were mentioned, or the Y

979
00:49:27,715 --> 00:49:30,395
after school was just incredible.

980
00:49:30,785 --> 00:49:35,075
I've, I love being a greeter and I was a greeter at Loy Nors

981
00:49:35,075 --> 00:49:36,755
and that was amazing to me.

982
00:49:37,015 --> 00:49:38,315
Now you gotta be cool

983
00:49:38,315 --> 00:49:41,315
because when, when you're greeting high school students,

984
00:49:41,695 --> 00:49:44,915
we all know that you just, you do it very gently

985
00:49:44,975 --> 00:49:47,395
and that you don't get too enthused.

986
00:49:47,695 --> 00:49:49,675
But it was really a cool thing to see.

987
00:49:49,935 --> 00:49:53,475
And I stood next to the CIS person there, Sarah,

988
00:49:53,695 --> 00:49:55,715
and she was just loved by many

989
00:49:55,775 --> 00:49:57,195
of the students who came back.

990
00:49:57,255 --> 00:50:00,555
And CIS was very involved with the welcoming.

991
00:50:00,555 --> 00:50:02,395
And so I thought that was wonderful.

992
00:50:02,895 --> 00:50:05,075
The other thing I wanna do is I wanna make sure

993
00:50:05,625 --> 00:50:08,155
that I call out first day shoe fund.

994
00:50:08,365 --> 00:50:11,595
First Day Shoe fund started out with shoes out

995
00:50:11,595 --> 00:50:14,875
of Valerie Dingle's Trunk a while back.

996
00:50:15,175 --> 00:50:19,195
And now it has become something that is a quality shoe.

997
00:50:19,195 --> 00:50:22,755
These are not necessarily seconds or handoff shoes.

998
00:50:22,755 --> 00:50:26,835
These are brilliant athletic shoes so that children are able

999
00:50:26,835 --> 00:50:30,365
to start with the same and not worrying about apparel

1000
00:50:30,365 --> 00:50:31,605
or shoes or things like that.

1001
00:50:31,905 --> 00:50:34,965
So I really wanna do a shout out to first day shoe.

1002
00:50:36,335 --> 00:50:37,925
There are many extracurricular

1003
00:50:37,945 --> 00:50:39,765
and co-curricular activities going on,

1004
00:50:39,765 --> 00:50:41,045
including sports right now.

1005
00:50:41,385 --> 00:50:42,965
So please support your students.

1006
00:50:43,385 --> 00:50:44,765
Please support your students

1007
00:50:45,025 --> 00:50:48,005
and whatever they choose, whether it's performances

1008
00:50:48,065 --> 00:50:49,685
or whether it's it's ball games

1009
00:50:49,865 --> 00:50:51,725
or whatever they're doing, I think

1010
00:50:51,725 --> 00:50:55,485
that these things enrich the quality of education we have

1011
00:50:55,705 --> 00:50:58,445
as well as give students a lot of reasons to come.

1012
00:50:58,585 --> 00:51:01,445
So there will be more on that later from the sports teams

1013
00:51:01,445 --> 00:51:02,965
and various things coming on.

1014
00:51:02,965 --> 00:51:05,845
Coming on. I wanna do a

1015
00:51:07,575 --> 00:51:08,655
congrats to the app.

1016
00:51:09,175 --> 00:51:10,895
I have to tell you, I am using the app.

1017
00:51:10,915 --> 00:51:13,215
I'm not an app person, but congrats to you.

1018
00:51:13,235 --> 00:51:15,175
The app is going very, very well.

1019
00:51:15,715 --> 00:51:18,775
And I think that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you

1020
00:51:18,775 --> 00:51:19,775
Trustee Johnson.

1021
00:51:20,315 --> 00:51:25,275
Yes. I gotta turn this mic on this time.

1022
00:51:27,975 --> 00:51:30,325
First day greeting is always my favorite

1023
00:51:30,395 --> 00:51:31,565
part of the school year.

1024
00:51:32,005 --> 00:51:33,245
I swear to God it's the best.

1025
00:51:33,745 --> 00:51:38,205
And I was there at Khayci a little bit after the buses came,

1026
00:51:39,185 --> 00:51:40,805
but I was still there.

1027
00:51:40,985 --> 00:51:43,045
And it is so much fun watching.

1028
00:51:43,625 --> 00:51:46,365
You can tell who the ninth graders are

1029
00:51:47,145 --> 00:51:49,685
and I am always there for the ninth graders

1030
00:51:49,835 --> 00:51:53,845
because they look so nervous and sure at the same time.

1031
00:51:54,435 --> 00:51:56,845
Like, I know I'm going ahead, I'm finna kill today.

1032
00:51:57,225 --> 00:52:01,285
But we is my first class, so I love being able to be there

1033
00:52:01,425 --> 00:52:02,965
to help them find their schedule

1034
00:52:03,385 --> 00:52:05,485
or whoever can support and assist.

1035
00:52:06,065 --> 00:52:09,325
So I did do Khayci and Lindon Grove and Lindon.

1036
00:52:09,515 --> 00:52:12,085
It's, it's almost the same thing when you see a sixth

1037
00:52:12,145 --> 00:52:15,245
grader, you know this, their first year at the school,

1038
00:52:15,875 --> 00:52:17,605
they haven't been around a lot

1039
00:52:20,145 --> 00:52:22,965
and they have that unsure look a little bit,

1040
00:52:23,425 --> 00:52:24,845
but when they find out that the rest

1041
00:52:24,845 --> 00:52:26,885
of their friends are right in the same area

1042
00:52:26,915 --> 00:52:29,765
that they're going to, they get a little more confident.

1043
00:52:29,785 --> 00:52:32,165
And I just love watching that every year.

1044
00:52:34,745 --> 00:52:38,965
Really, my thing right now is we are getting into the groove

1045
00:52:39,455 --> 00:52:42,365
right of school, of actually being in school,

1046
00:52:43,165 --> 00:52:45,925
learning a lot about new people and new teachers.

1047
00:52:46,245 --> 00:52:48,955
'cause there are a lot that just started.

1048
00:52:50,175 --> 00:52:54,715
And I'm wondering if we are able to give the grace we expect

1049
00:52:55,975 --> 00:52:59,835
all the way around some things I I, yeah,

1050
00:53:00,465 --> 00:53:02,355
some things can be made clear

1051
00:53:02,575 --> 00:53:04,555
by asking the right people the right questions.

1052
00:53:07,235 --> 00:53:09,895
And I I implore us to use our mind

1053
00:53:10,635 --> 00:53:13,055
and our, our capable, our scholarly abilities

1054
00:53:14,675 --> 00:53:17,895
before we flood community with rumors

1055
00:53:20,195 --> 00:53:21,375
and do some investigation.

1056
00:53:21,375 --> 00:53:26,005
It it, I I, I'm a real researcher behind a lot of things.

1057
00:53:26,005 --> 00:53:27,125
That's why you don't see me,

1058
00:53:27,475 --> 00:53:29,805
because I prefer to be in the background with the book,

1059
00:53:29,805 --> 00:53:33,045
trying to figure out what's next and what the solutions are.

1060
00:53:34,425 --> 00:53:36,885
But I, I really think that we need to be actively

1061
00:53:38,165 --> 00:53:40,125
researching and trying to find the truth.

1062
00:53:40,125 --> 00:53:41,805
There's so much untruth,

1063
00:53:42,825 --> 00:53:46,325
the spreads like wildfires really quick.

1064
00:53:46,405 --> 00:53:50,005
I, I believe in the history of me, people are more willing

1065
00:53:50,025 --> 00:53:52,815
to believe the lie because it is easy.

1066
00:53:54,355 --> 00:53:55,935
And I don't want that to be the

1067
00:53:55,935 --> 00:53:58,175
continuation in this district.

1068
00:53:58,775 --> 00:54:00,295
So I just empower adults

1069
00:54:00,355 --> 00:54:04,415
and youth to be scholarly, to do the research,

1070
00:54:05,155 --> 00:54:07,055
to ask the questions to the right people.

1071
00:54:07,635 --> 00:54:11,295
And you can find so much more and be so much more at ease.

1072
00:54:11,875 --> 00:54:14,535
And I'm one of those people who have heavy anxiety.

1073
00:54:14,875 --> 00:54:17,975
So I do a lot of research to make sure that my days go well

1074
00:54:18,435 --> 00:54:21,175
and I implore everyone to do the same.

1075
00:54:21,675 --> 00:54:22,675
That's it.

1076
00:54:23,405 --> 00:54:24,455
Trustee Payton.

1077
00:54:40,135 --> 00:54:42,905
Okay. The numbers tell an important story.

1078
00:54:43,445 --> 00:54:47,305
Around 120 early middle college students started at

1079
00:54:47,815 --> 00:54:49,545
Kalamazoo Valley Community College

1080
00:54:50,165 --> 00:54:53,105
to work toward earning both their high school diplomas

1081
00:54:53,485 --> 00:54:55,785
and an associate degree or certificate.

1082
00:54:56,255 --> 00:55:00,745
Over the summer, my city helped learners ages 14

1083
00:55:00,805 --> 00:55:04,385
to 24 in Branch Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St.

1084
00:55:04,385 --> 00:55:09,025
Joseph County through hands-on internships in mentorships

1085
00:55:09,365 --> 00:55:10,665
and learning experiences.

1086
00:55:11,265 --> 00:55:13,785
Applications are open throughout the year for,

1087
00:55:14,005 --> 00:55:16,785
for next summer education for the arts.

1088
00:55:17,145 --> 00:55:21,105
EFA nine diverse selections are available for students

1089
00:55:21,685 --> 00:55:24,305
and they're looking for volunteers since we have some

1090
00:55:24,415 --> 00:55:28,225
parents here for the My Career Quest

1091
00:55:29,775 --> 00:55:33,425
Southwest 2026, which will be held October 21st

1092
00:55:33,485 --> 00:55:36,345
to 22nd for eighth graders.

1093
00:55:36,375 --> 00:55:40,425
They will explore hands-on career opportunities at Kalamazoo

1094
00:55:40,425 --> 00:55:41,625
County Expo Center.

1095
00:55:42,845 --> 00:55:44,225
And that's all I want.

1096
00:55:47,195 --> 00:55:50,175
Trustee Murphy. Thank you.

1097
00:55:51,055 --> 00:55:53,615
I don't have any first day of school things to share

1098
00:55:53,615 --> 00:55:55,295
because I wasn't here.

1099
00:55:56,435 --> 00:55:59,415
We, my family had the opportunity to go on vacation

1100
00:55:59,595 --> 00:56:01,535
for the first time since 2019,

1101
00:56:02,475 --> 00:56:04,095
and it's the first time since 2010.

1102
00:56:04,135 --> 00:56:08,095
I haven't been on call. So we did take a couple days away.

1103
00:56:09,325 --> 00:56:10,655
It's the first year I've missed it

1104
00:56:10,915 --> 00:56:14,695
and I was thinking about it all day as all of the

1105
00:56:15,825 --> 00:56:17,255
kids' first day back to school.

1106
00:56:17,715 --> 00:56:19,975
Oh, I have seniors this year, were on my phone.

1107
00:56:20,285 --> 00:56:21,535
It's all I could think about all day.

1108
00:56:22,755 --> 00:56:24,605
So, so I'm glad that everything went well

1109
00:56:25,345 --> 00:56:28,365
and I am glad to be back here for another school year.

1110
00:56:31,735 --> 00:56:33,415
I am really happy to hear

1111
00:56:33,595 --> 00:56:36,535
of the third grade literacy rates going up across the

1112
00:56:36,735 --> 00:56:39,575
district that is really critical for all of our students.

1113
00:56:41,075 --> 00:56:42,775
As mother of three who've graduated,

1114
00:56:44,205 --> 00:56:46,925
I definitely understand the struggle with things

1115
00:56:47,265 --> 00:56:52,005
and I am also, I'm sure everyone has heard sad that

1116
00:56:52,585 --> 00:56:57,285
the imagination library's been defunded for some of those

1117
00:56:58,525 --> 00:57:00,045
students who need access to books.

1118
00:57:01,245 --> 00:57:02,325
I know all three of mine did.

1119
00:57:06,335 --> 00:57:10,995
And just to bounce off of what Trissy, Scheller Barber said,

1120
00:57:11,215 --> 00:57:13,395
the app is really fantastic.

1121
00:57:14,215 --> 00:57:16,435
It is, if you type in Kalamazoo,

1122
00:57:16,455 --> 00:57:17,955
it is in the top two choices

1123
00:57:19,115 --> 00:57:21,835
because apparently Kalamazoo has a lot of things

1124
00:57:21,835 --> 00:57:25,635
that have apps, which I never thought to look for.

1125
00:57:25,815 --> 00:57:29,235
But there we are. Data safety is fantastic.

1126
00:57:29,715 --> 00:57:31,315
Nothing is shared with third parties.

1127
00:57:31,575 --> 00:57:34,595
It is visible and uses very little data

1128
00:57:34,935 --> 00:57:37,075
and it's encrypted while it is being

1129
00:57:37,075 --> 00:57:38,355
transferred to your phone.

1130
00:57:39,335 --> 00:57:43,355
So definitely a strong recommendation for anyone

1131
00:57:43,375 --> 00:57:47,075
who has access to a smartphone to download that so

1132
00:57:47,075 --> 00:57:48,475
that you can check at any time.

1133
00:57:49,065 --> 00:57:51,795
It's a lot faster than the website. Thank you

1134
00:57:53,685 --> 00:57:54,685
Christie.

1135
00:57:54,685 --> 00:57:56,005
McGlynn, I just wanted

1136
00:57:56,005 --> 00:57:59,925
to talk a a minute about third grade reading scores

1137
00:58:00,345 --> 00:58:04,205
and the importance of what's happening in the district.

1138
00:58:05,075 --> 00:58:09,525
I've spent a long, over 25 years

1139
00:58:10,355 --> 00:58:12,085
working at SLD Read

1140
00:58:12,585 --> 00:58:16,885
and we have been talking about the science reading for years

1141
00:58:17,745 --> 00:58:22,365
and to finally seeing this happening in the schools is

1142
00:58:22,465 --> 00:58:23,885
so impressive to me.

1143
00:58:24,545 --> 00:58:28,085
It is something that takes time.

1144
00:58:28,745 --> 00:58:31,285
It is, there's a huge learning curve.

1145
00:58:31,615 --> 00:58:32,805
There are a lot of teachers

1146
00:58:32,805 --> 00:58:35,645
that probably have not been trained in the science

1147
00:58:35,705 --> 00:58:38,805
of reading, but we're making big, huge inroads.

1148
00:58:39,105 --> 00:58:41,925
The number of teachers that have taken the letters training

1149
00:58:42,465 --> 00:58:44,325
has in increased tremendously.

1150
00:58:46,115 --> 00:58:48,565
It's, it's a growing experience

1151
00:58:48,745 --> 00:58:52,405
and I really think that we're gonna see the next few years,

1152
00:58:52,575 --> 00:58:55,885
those reading scores continue to, to grow.

1153
00:58:56,425 --> 00:58:59,205
We know that every kid can learn to read

1154
00:58:59,785 --> 00:59:03,445
and sometimes it takes some kids a lot more time.

1155
00:59:04,195 --> 00:59:05,485
They need more intensity.

1156
00:59:05,795 --> 00:59:09,245
They need the one-to-one tutoring that we're taking the time

1157
00:59:09,345 --> 00:59:11,485
to say that this is gonna happen.

1158
00:59:11,615 --> 00:59:13,925
We're gonna do this is so important

1159
00:59:13,925 --> 00:59:16,925
because it has to be a sy a systemic change.

1160
00:59:17,425 --> 00:59:18,645
It can't just happen

1161
00:59:19,155 --> 00:59:22,765
with one tutoring organization pushing it in one way.

1162
00:59:23,225 --> 00:59:25,005
So for me, this is huge.

1163
00:59:25,545 --> 00:59:29,325
I'm so impressed with the way the district is moving forward

1164
00:59:29,595 --> 00:59:30,725
with this initiative

1165
00:59:31,265 --> 00:59:33,325
and I really think that we're gonna continue

1166
00:59:33,325 --> 00:59:35,245
to see improvement year after year

1167
00:59:35,665 --> 00:59:37,205
and I'm so excited about it.

1168
00:59:37,225 --> 00:59:41,365
So thank you so much again, welcome back

1169
00:59:41,665 --> 00:59:42,685
to our students.

1170
00:59:43,925 --> 00:59:47,085
I was able to go to Maple Street Middle,

1171
00:59:47,425 --> 00:59:50,765
and again, it's the same kind of thing where, you know,

1172
00:59:50,765 --> 00:59:52,005
the sixth graders, they,

1173
00:59:52,115 --> 00:59:55,005
they have a look on their face coming into that building

1174
00:59:55,265 --> 00:59:56,685
and you know, they're just like,

1175
00:59:56,745 --> 00:59:59,005
and then the eighth graders are just like all

1176
00:59:59,285 --> 01:00:01,005
attitude threatened attitude.

1177
01:00:02,025 --> 01:00:03,965
So, so fun to do, do that.

1178
01:00:04,025 --> 01:00:08,325
And then also got to spend some time at Winchell too,

1179
01:00:08,935 --> 01:00:10,845
where my granddaughter is.

1180
01:00:11,025 --> 01:00:15,805
And so that's always a fun for day to, to be there with her

1181
01:00:15,985 --> 01:00:19,085
and to see her friends and,

1182
01:00:19,505 --> 01:00:22,085
and the whole building come together.

1183
01:00:22,265 --> 01:00:23,265
So thank you.

1184
01:00:26,815 --> 01:00:27,935
I literally made a list

1185
01:00:27,995 --> 01:00:29,495
to see if there was gonna be anything

1186
01:00:29,495 --> 01:00:30,615
left for me to talk about.

1187
01:00:31,595 --> 01:00:34,615
And with the exception of Trustee Peyton's report,

1188
01:00:34,705 --> 01:00:36,015
thank you very much for that.

1189
01:00:36,675 --> 01:00:38,775
The only thing that I can report is

1190
01:00:38,775 --> 01:00:41,255
that elementary open houses are gonna be on the

1191
01:00:41,255 --> 01:00:42,495
17th of September.

1192
01:00:43,355 --> 01:00:44,895
So that's my one win.

1193
01:00:45,575 --> 01:00:47,375
I also had a really,

1194
01:00:47,395 --> 01:00:51,295
really enjoyable time opening up the school year,

1195
01:00:52,095 --> 01:00:53,495
accompanied the superintendent.

1196
01:00:53,655 --> 01:00:55,695
I tried to keep up with him for all

1197
01:00:55,995 --> 01:00:57,215
of the schools he visited.

1198
01:00:57,575 --> 01:01:00,175
I think I did 23 of the 26.

1199
01:01:01,625 --> 01:01:02,985
I thought that was pretty impressive.

1200
01:01:04,245 --> 01:01:07,985
I'm super excited about the data that we are able

1201
01:01:07,985 --> 01:01:10,905
to take a look at and I'm really proud of all

1202
01:01:10,905 --> 01:01:12,345
of our students and all of our teachers

1203
01:01:12,345 --> 01:01:15,785
and all of the people make this district run and move.

1204
01:01:15,785 --> 01:01:19,745
Well, I'm super excited about third grade reading.

1205
01:01:20,175 --> 01:01:21,185
It's been one of the things

1206
01:01:21,185 --> 01:01:22,905
that has always been on my mind

1207
01:01:22,905 --> 01:01:24,145
since I've been on this board.

1208
01:01:24,255 --> 01:01:26,705
It's one of the things that I've advocated the hardest for.

1209
01:01:27,285 --> 01:01:31,225
And so I'm really looking forward to the progress

1210
01:01:31,225 --> 01:01:33,145
that we make as a result of

1211
01:01:34,045 --> 01:01:36,265
the fantastic work of Dr. Thomas.

1212
01:01:36,965 --> 01:01:39,985
And so I just wanted to take this time to thank Dr. Thomas

1213
01:01:40,175 --> 01:01:44,225
because whenever there is something innovative

1214
01:01:44,245 --> 01:01:45,865
or new in this district, I know

1215
01:01:45,865 --> 01:01:47,385
that it has been well researched.

1216
01:01:47,665 --> 01:01:50,065
I know that it is in the best interest of students

1217
01:01:50,685 --> 01:01:55,345
and that is empowering on this side of the table to know

1218
01:01:55,415 --> 01:01:59,865
that as we are moving this district forward, that the level

1219
01:02:00,005 --> 01:02:02,145
of instruction that they're getting is going

1220
01:02:02,145 --> 01:02:04,465
to be world class.

1221
01:02:05,125 --> 01:02:06,945
And so I just wanna thank you again.

1222
01:02:06,975 --> 01:02:08,745
I'll probably thank you lots of times this year

1223
01:02:08,845 --> 01:02:11,385
and all of the people that sit at that table for all

1224
01:02:11,385 --> 01:02:15,305
of the hard work that I've watched you do over the years,

1225
01:02:15,445 --> 01:02:17,225
I'm really excited about this school year.

1226
01:02:17,805 --> 01:02:22,405
I'm looking forward to seeing what our students can do

1227
01:02:22,505 --> 01:02:25,845
as a result of the high expectations that we have for them.

1228
01:02:26,665 --> 01:02:29,885
And am really looking forward to making historic gains.

1229
01:02:32,775 --> 01:02:34,425
Said superintendent, your, your mic's not on.

1230
01:02:35,435 --> 01:02:39,585
Thank you. I, again, I wanna thank our staff,

1231
01:02:39,685 --> 01:02:41,945
our district staff, our students, our parents

1232
01:02:42,125 --> 01:02:44,985
for a great opening first week, I wanna say second week,

1233
01:02:45,005 --> 01:02:46,305
but the week is not over yet.

1234
01:02:47,905 --> 01:02:48,985
I don't take that for granted.

1235
01:02:49,055 --> 01:02:50,825
I've worked in districts where you don't, we don't,

1236
01:02:50,825 --> 01:02:52,265
we didn't have a, a great first week.

1237
01:02:52,285 --> 01:02:54,465
So again, I, I want to thank everybody involved with that.

1238
01:02:54,895 --> 01:02:58,345
Also wanna just strongly encourage folks to

1239
01:02:59,455 --> 01:03:02,865
take part in and participate when we have these feedback

1240
01:03:02,865 --> 01:03:04,065
and information sessions.

1241
01:03:04,375 --> 01:03:06,745
It's very important that you receive accurate

1242
01:03:07,125 --> 01:03:08,505
and factual information.

1243
01:03:08,625 --> 01:03:11,305
I want to emphasize, again, it's very important

1244
01:03:11,305 --> 01:03:14,705
that you receive accurate and factual information and that,

1245
01:03:14,705 --> 01:03:16,385
and that's what we try to provide when we have

1246
01:03:16,385 --> 01:03:17,505
these feedback sessions.

1247
01:03:17,935 --> 01:03:20,185
Also, wanna, I wanna talk about this during our, during our

1248
01:03:20,745 --> 01:03:23,265
feedback sessions in our general meeting,

1249
01:03:23,265 --> 01:03:24,665
but I'm gonna say it again today.

1250
01:03:25,785 --> 01:03:28,465
I wanna emphasize the problem solving chain of command.

1251
01:03:28,485 --> 01:03:30,625
If you, if you have an issue, any issue,

1252
01:03:30,725 --> 01:03:32,785
the the first person you go to is the teacher.

1253
01:03:33,405 --> 01:03:35,465
If it's not resolved at le that level,

1254
01:03:35,485 --> 01:03:36,745
you go to the principal.

1255
01:03:37,245 --> 01:03:39,265
If it's not resolved at that level, you go

1256
01:03:39,265 --> 01:03:41,865
to the assistant superintendent, that's Ms. Saunders, Mr.

1257
01:03:41,965 --> 01:03:43,225
McCain, Dr. Dyson.

1258
01:03:43,605 --> 01:03:45,545
If it's not resolved at that level,

1259
01:03:45,545 --> 01:03:47,105
then you escalate it to myself.

1260
01:03:47,125 --> 01:03:50,785
And, and I do wanna say anybody who goes to the chain

1261
01:03:50,785 --> 01:03:52,665
of command, we, we will meet with you.

1262
01:03:52,765 --> 01:03:54,865
And I'm not talking about five weeks down the road.

1263
01:03:54,965 --> 01:03:56,745
We will meet with you within two or three days.

1264
01:03:56,805 --> 01:03:58,505
So if you have an issue or concern

1265
01:03:59,565 --> 01:04:03,065
before you pre pre present information that's not accurate

1266
01:04:03,065 --> 01:04:05,545
or factual, I would strongly encourage you to go

1267
01:04:05,545 --> 01:04:07,105
through the problem solving chain of command.

1268
01:04:07,365 --> 01:04:09,425
And again, we have some folks in this room who are part

1269
01:04:09,425 --> 01:04:11,985
of our current advisory group.

1270
01:04:12,365 --> 01:04:14,665
We always try to be honest when we respond.

1271
01:04:15,085 --> 01:04:17,105
We actually closed the school year out

1272
01:04:17,105 --> 01:04:20,865
with 12 community meetings the last two months of school.

1273
01:04:21,285 --> 01:04:24,385
And we talked about budgets, we talked about staffing,

1274
01:04:24,645 --> 01:04:26,225
we talked about all that.

1275
01:04:26,925 --> 01:04:29,105
And we also had like three or four meetings over the summer.

1276
01:04:29,165 --> 01:04:31,905
So again, more so than any other district in the state.

1277
01:04:31,905 --> 01:04:33,785
And I say it all the time, I want, I want somebody

1278
01:04:33,785 --> 01:04:35,465
to challenge me and say that's not accurate.

1279
01:04:36,135 --> 01:04:38,105
More so than any other district in the state.

1280
01:04:38,245 --> 01:04:41,945
We provide opportunities for our parents, our teachers,

1281
01:04:42,855 --> 01:04:45,025
even students to provide us with feedback.

1282
01:04:45,045 --> 01:04:48,825
So please try to file the problem solving chain of command.

1283
01:04:48,925 --> 01:04:50,825
And if you need to meet with me tomorrow

1284
01:04:51,245 --> 01:04:53,065
or Monday, you could see Ms.

1285
01:04:53,235 --> 01:04:56,065
Coney tonight or Ms. Degra tonight.

1286
01:04:56,065 --> 01:04:58,425
And I will make sure you have accurate information

1287
01:04:58,855 --> 01:05:02,625
because publicly sharing accurate

1288
01:05:02,655 --> 01:05:04,025
information is important.

1289
01:05:04,345 --> 01:05:08,785
I, I will say that also I wanna commend our athletes,

1290
01:05:08,805 --> 01:05:12,265
our student athletes for a great start to our sports season.

1291
01:05:13,745 --> 01:05:15,745
I was there, I was at one of our football games

1292
01:05:15,745 --> 01:05:16,745
with President Harrison

1293
01:05:16,885 --> 01:05:18,925
and somebody who had been to three of our games

1294
01:05:18,985 --> 01:05:20,285
and the last 10 years said,

1295
01:05:20,285 --> 01:05:22,205
this is the best game I've ever been to.

1296
01:05:22,995 --> 01:05:25,605
I've been to Case, I've been, I'm not, I'm not naming names,

1297
01:05:25,665 --> 01:05:27,765
but I've been to football games here

1298
01:05:28,335 --> 01:05:30,125
three times in the last 10 years.

1299
01:05:30,125 --> 01:05:32,005
And this is the first time I didn't observe any

1300
01:05:32,015 --> 01:05:33,085
issue and I feel safe.

1301
01:05:33,625 --> 01:05:35,485
And the reason that that occurred is

1302
01:05:35,605 --> 01:05:37,085
because we are gonna consistently,

1303
01:05:37,145 --> 01:05:38,765
and I want, I wanna emphasize this,

1304
01:05:38,825 --> 01:05:42,845
we are gonna consistently follow procedures and rules.

1305
01:05:43,595 --> 01:05:46,965
That goes for discipline, that goes for enrollment.

1306
01:05:47,545 --> 01:05:50,205
We will consistently follow procedures

1307
01:05:50,205 --> 01:05:52,965
and rules, even if it upsets parents sometimes.

1308
01:05:54,045 --> 01:05:56,945
That's why we have order more so now than in the past.

1309
01:05:57,005 --> 01:05:59,945
So I'm, I'm gonna be very clear that's not going to change.

1310
01:05:59,965 --> 01:06:01,625
So I, I wanna close on that note,

1311
01:06:01,845 --> 01:06:02,945
but again, I wanna end

1312
01:06:02,945 --> 01:06:05,425
by strongly encouraging our stakeholders

1313
01:06:05,525 --> 01:06:09,265
to attend the upcoming information sessions

1314
01:06:09,265 --> 01:06:12,305
that we're having in our general community session

1315
01:06:12,305 --> 01:06:13,785
that we're having in the next few weeks.

1316
01:06:13,835 --> 01:06:14,835
Thank you.

1317
01:06:16,475 --> 01:06:19,875
I need a adjournment, I mean a motion to adjourn.

1318
01:06:20,995 --> 01:06:23,755
I have a motion to adjourn from Trustee Johnson.

1319
01:06:24,015 --> 01:06:28,275
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Seeing none.

1320
01:06:28,335 --> 01:06:30,995
We will see you back in this space on Thursday,

1321
01:06:31,055 --> 01:06:33,475
the 8th of October at 7:00 PM.