[8:01] And justice for all? Like

[8:07] we're in community schools board policy 0163, presiding officer states, the president shall preside at all meetings of the board. And the absence disability or disqualification of the president, the vice president shall act instead. If neither person is available, any member shall be designated by a plurality of those present to preside. The act of any person so designated shall be legal and binding. So this evening, neither the president or vice president

[8:35] It will be attending, so the floor is opened for motions to name a presiding officer for this meeting.

[8:42] I move to a point, Brigitte McQuiston, as the presiding officer for this meeting.

[8:47] Is there a second to that motion?

[8:49] Second.

[8:51] Any discussion?

[8:54] Hearing none, all in favor of this motion?

[8:58] Please say aye.

[8:59] Aye.

[8:59] If you oppose this motion, please say no.

[9:03] Hearing all aye's in no opposition.

[9:05] the motion to appoint Berget McQuiston as the presiding officer of this meeting has been approved.

[9:10] And we'll start with the agenda.

[9:13] All right, thank you everyone.

[9:14] I am honored to be the presiding officer this evening, and we miss our board members that weren't able to be here this evening.

[9:21] So at this time, may I have a motion to approve the agenda?

[9:25] I move that we approve the agenda as presented.

[9:28] Is there support?

[9:29] Support.

[9:30] Thank you for the motion.

[9:32] And support, is there any discussion?

[9:34] All in favor of approving the agenda as presented, please say aye.

[9:38] Any opposed?

[9:40] The agenda is approved.

[9:42] Next on the agenda is a new certified staff candidate in deductions and

[9:46] our staff person is not available to be with us this evening.

[9:50] And so we will move on, and we will hear, so don't worry, we'll hear from Adam later in the meeting.

[9:57] But that brings us up to learning highlights and

[10:01] in a communication update with the awesome Mark Snyder.

[10:05] Thank you, Berget.

[10:08] You know, we've had a lot going on.

[10:10] It's been a busy time, these first couple weeks,

[10:12] but our students are really getting engaged.

[10:15] That's great.

[10:15] The first day of school, we haven't actually met since then,

[10:19] but it was exciting.

[10:21] Everyone was going to be back in their classes

[10:23] and especially the littlest ones.

[10:25] You know, we have a staggered start where the first day

[10:28] is everyone except for ECC.

[10:29] So we did the first day obviously, and now the cast of that, and then the second day ECC, all the students were in, so they were all excited as well.

[10:36] So I made it to both days.

[10:39] This is something that's cool that Dan Hunter is doing.

[10:42] If you guys have been to Walden, they have that pond area, and it's been there for many years.

[10:47] And every year, the problem is that it overgrows in the summer.

[10:51] Heidi knows this very well from her time there.

[10:53] And so what they do, Dan Hunter has kind of made this his personal project and what he takes the six graders in the beginning of the year and they clean it all out and everything like that.

[11:03] He really has done a great job and he's teaching them about all the native species and everything like that.

[11:09] What he's really doing is now I actually was emailing with him today.

[11:14] he's going to try to get markers for each of the different plants and the different species

[11:18] and a lot of them are local from Michigan so then there's some ideas and then there can

[11:23] be QR codes so people can walk through there and they can look on their phone and we're

[11:27] going to, it's going to take us some time to get it all together but he's really doing a lot of

[11:31] working, he's really passionate about it so that's great. It's like the Walden Arboretum.

[11:35] Yeah, yeah just maintaining it is the biggest challenge so.

[11:40] King Lear was the quick early show that happened for the troop and they had a great time.

[11:46] They had a couple shows that went and now they're working, they're pivoting to the outsiders.

[11:50] It's going to be their next show so they're having rehearsals coming up for that.

[11:55] Flag football is our newest sport at Lake Orange High School and it's great.

[12:00] It's the girls flag football. Now they play two games. They have two more games.

[12:04] There's going to be one on Friday. So check them out at 430, the last home game.

[12:07] game. It's really exciting. Our team is really good. We got some really great players.

[12:13] Lily Cox has scored a number of touchdowns and she's very impressive. But I think in

[12:18] two of our players, Lily Cox and Sailor Papadellis were named the Trot Lions Flag football players

[12:26] the week for week one. So it's really been a fun thing. Derek Delzer and Eric Merchard have

[12:31] spent quite a bit of time investing in it. And we actually had so many students that they

[12:36] actually had to cut because there was so many girls who wanted to play. I think they

[12:41] had 50 who wanted to play and they could only take 40 to have on the team. So there's

[12:44] definitely a lot of interest and that maybe why we're pretty good at it. So Dan competition

[12:51] this last weekend, you know, as they work through their show through the fall, they went to

[12:55] a regional competition and Mike Steele was texting me all Saturday night. We're going

[12:59] out of the finals and we're finishing here. He was, it was great. And I was, I was really

[13:03] excited that he was telling me play by play kind of how it was happening.

[13:06] For us to finish in eighth place in the regional and fourth place among Michigan schools

[13:11] was really an outstanding achievement and he was very proud of this show.

[13:14] If you guys see, they do bits and pieces of the show at the football games he'll probably

[13:18] see more this weekend as well.

[13:20] They got some crazy tricks of them jumping through hoops and everything like that.

[13:24] It's really involved show so it's pretty cool.

[13:27] The national merit semi-finals we had when Dylan C. It was based on his performance on the

[13:33] preliminary SAT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior.

[13:38] He was in the top, you know, 16,000s, that's 1.2 of the students who take it nationally.

[13:44] So very exciting, you know, that he achieved so well.

[13:48] And it's not just the score, they measure also you have to perform academically

[13:52] and they get sponsored by someone in the school, so he's definitely someone we're proud of.

[13:58] The college visits have started and a number of schools already ten schools have come in and to be on the campus so far and Christy Pavlich is running that whole thing she's got a whole list of all the schools and everything she put out and I mean there's obviously militaries well and all these different opportunities for next steps for students so this starts really early in the year and it's a great opportunity for students of all different grades to kind of get exposed to these schools.

[14:25] And finally we have Ms. Mercer who visited with the students at the movie inside out the other day.

[14:35] They loved it. They loved seeing her all dressed up and everything. It was great to see the reaction of the kids.

[14:41] So it was very exciting. Any questions?

[14:46] Okay, we'll check out the newest edition of Orion Living because it talks about our

[14:50] ELD department and kind of what the great things that Liz Slesher is doing and how much

[14:55] that is grown and how much those people appreciate all the things that-

[15:00] And Lake Orange Community Schools has done, you know, to bring them into our community and make their transitions very comfortable. So, that was sent to everyone in the community in the mailbox. So, thanks so much. Thank you, Mark. We appreciate your updates and your highlights.

[15:19] At this time, we have public participation for items related to the agenda. There is no one that has signed up. So, we'll move right into strategic areas of discussion and beginning with governance and the superintendents update.

[15:33] Okay, good evening.

[15:36] One of the first things we would like to have it just a little bit of a discussion

[15:42] for a potential move of our May 13th Board work session.

[15:48] High School Administration has inquired about the possibility of scheduling the seniors,

[15:54] honors, convocation, the evening of May 13th, which is currently a board work session.

[16:01] Oner's night was tentatively planned for Tuesday, May 20th, however prime is now taking

[16:06] place that evening.

[16:08] They have considered multiple alternatives but have concerns about scheduling it back-to-back

[16:13] with prime or later in May due to the many athletic conflicts that arise.

[16:19] Students pick up their graduation gowns the morning of May 13th and there is a choir concert

[16:25] already scheduled for May 14th.

[16:27] If the board is not opposed to moving the work session to another day, Julie will work on scheduling the meeting.

[16:37] Any input from you guys? Okay.

[16:41] Thank you. I appreciate that.

[16:43] And then moving on, legislative update.

[16:49] As we approach the end of September, I want to provide an important update and express growing concern regarding the unresolved status

[16:57] of the state of Michigan's K-12 education budget.

[17:02] Despite the urgency and the fast approaching deadlines,

[17:05] there's still no resolution

[17:06] and no meaningful communication

[17:08] from our state legislature,

[17:11] legislators about the funding schools will receive this year.

[17:16] Please keep in mind that we had to have a budget

[17:19] for this school year approved by our board

[17:21] no later than June 30.

[17:23] We are now in week four of the new school year

[17:26] and do not know what our funding is from the state, resulting in our budget being built on our best assumptions.

[17:34] Every day without a finalized budget makes it more difficult for school districts across the state,

[17:40] including ours, to responsibly plan and allocate resources.

[17:46] Superintendents across the state have been communicating with our legislators for months.

[17:50] We recently asked to just give us a decision on free meals for students as the last day for this funding is September 30th.

[18:00] We are forced to communicate to families and we actually did this today about how to set up launch accounts because starting next Wednesday,

[18:10] meals will no longer be free due to the elimination of the state funding in this area.

[18:16] We have now started planning for the potential of taking out a loan to continue operating should we not receive state money by mid-November.

[18:26] This is true for many districts across the state.

[18:30] Having to take out a loan to continue operating would further devastate districts financially, which could take years to recover with some districts not being able to recover.

[18:42] We are working hard to provide stability, high-quality instruction, and essential support for our students.

[18:49] But without confirmed funding, that work becomes increasingly complex and uncertain.

[18:56] We are urging our state lawmakers to put students first and come to an agreement that

[19:01] provides the resources our schools need to operate effectively.

[19:05] Our staff, students, and families deserve better than this uncertainty.

[19:11] And we hope for a swift resolution.

[19:13] As always, we do remain committed to keeping you informed.

[19:17] I will continue to advocate on the behalf of our district and

[19:21] provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

[19:28] That is all I have for the legislative update because obviously this is the biggest topic and

[19:34] something that we, you know, are continuing to watch daily, hourly, to be honest with you.

[19:42] It's unfair.

[19:43] We've never been in this position before, then my time here, maybe in the past in the

[19:47] district, but it's kind of unprecedented.

[19:50] And they find it really sad that our school children are kind of political pawns at this

[19:55] point.

[19:55] And it's really uncomfortable, but thank you for your statements.

[19:59] I appreciate that.

[20:01] To follow up on that, we want to make sure, the in Lake Oregon, there is agreement between the board and the administration that neither students nor staff will be pawns.

[20:12] We are going to continue to operate as normal into October, other than what Heidi said about the free lunches.

[20:20] And that's because the state has not given us enough of indication that that's a priority to them.

[20:28] So we don't think that there would be a possibility that if we were to continue to do that that would come out of our already tight operating budget.

[20:37] So that is the one thing that's going to change and we don't take that lightly because feeding students is incredibly important, but we're not playing the political game with anybody.

[20:49] we're going to continue to provide a high quality education in our staff.

[20:56] Nobody should realize that what's going on in Lansing is impacting the operations

[21:01] of like Orange Community Schools, at least through the month of October.

[21:05] And just everybody has to hope that they can get their act together because we can get through October.

[21:14] So, and yeah, absolutely, you know, we do not, at this point in time, it's, you know, behind the scenes, right, there's a lot of stress and angst, but we are continuing to operate as normal, because that is what our students and families deserve.

[21:32] So, we will figure it out.

[21:34] And as representatives of the community as a board we're unanimous in saying that's what our community would want and that's what we're guiding you to do and that's what you're doing so everybody's on the same page.

[21:46] Yep. So, okay. The 2018 bond update, the high school ox gym is coming along beautifully.

[22:00] And I believe that we have some pictures.

[22:04] But just a little update regarding the ox gym.

[22:09] The mason is now 100% complete with the brick and black. The remaining curves and parking

[22:16] are starting to get cut out and ready to go in next week.

[22:20] Sprinkler piping is ongoing and will be complete by the end of next week.

[22:24] Windows and doors are ongoing.

[22:26] Upper windows are complete.

[22:29] The rooftop unit is now set and being piped in the ductwork ran to them.

[22:34] And the remaining sidewalks will be complete by the end of next week.

[22:38] So again, things are moving along wonderfully here.

[22:41] and the plan is that this will be complete, hopefully,

[22:46] by the end of this calendar year.

[22:49] And we also have, as part of the 2018 bond,

[22:53] Paint Creek, and I'm happy to report

[22:56] that that work is also, that work is done,

[23:01] and right now we are just working on punctualist items.

[23:04] So that's very exciting as well.

[23:08] And then the pictures that Julie has up there

[23:11] are the Ox Gym. So it's going to be very exciting.

[23:17] Yeah. And then regarding an update for the 2025 bond proposal, we continue to work on

[23:26] ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of our November 4th bond proposal by attending

[23:33] school community events. There's been postings on social media, continually updating our

[23:39] Find website page and tomorrow evening at seven o'clock in the high school

[23:44] Kiva we will hold a community meeting to share information and projects

[23:50] included in the proposal. So all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Again

[23:56] that's tomorrow evening seven o'clock high school Kiva.

[24:01] A few other updates regarding pine tree center.

[24:06] We have been working to sort the remaining items at Pine Tree Center, as well as clean the building.

[24:14] As discussed last school year, our intention is to sell the property.

[24:19] I've had initial conversations with Township Supervisor Chris Barnett regarding their potential purchase.

[24:27] As we have discussed, this would be a win for the district, Township, and our community.

[24:33] So, I will provide updates as we continue to work with our attorneys on an agreement.

[24:38] So, we're excited about the potential there.

[24:42] And I believe that is all I have at this point.

[24:46] Time.

[24:47] Any questions for Heidi?

[24:50] Quite crude tonight.

[24:52] Okay.

[24:52] Good.

[24:53] Thank you.

[24:54] All right.

[24:55] And next up is our student achievement with the Assistant Superintendent Update with Strutel

[24:59] Erdogan.

[24:59] Thank you.

[25:00] a few updates for you this evening, as we're well into the start of the school year.

[25:06] The first one I wanted to share is last week we held a few parent university events,

[25:10] one for high school age families related to college essays and scholarships.

[25:16] That was one of the highest, if not the highest, attended event that we've had in the parent

[25:21] university history of about 175 families.

[25:24] So a big thanks to Kelly Day, Scott Boneman, and Jim Ha in coordination with Carrie for

[25:31] getting that up and running, so very well attended.

[25:34] On each of our elementaries also hosted a make-and-take for some of our literacy work.

[25:39] We had about 40 families across the district that attended there.

[25:42] So a great turnout last week for parent university and a big thanks to all the staff who were involved.

[25:47] We will be having, in the continuing with parent meetings, our Title I buildings,

[25:54] Plant Shims and Carpenter will be holding their annual Title I parent events here shortly.

[26:00] So our staffs are working hard to provide information and meet with families on those evenings.

[26:06] We are also in the early stages, and we'll have some more details for you shortly.

[26:11] But Carrie shared with me today that we have an exciting partnership with Barnes and

[26:15] coming up where they will be hosting elementary

[26:19] math nights where families and students can come out to the Barnes and Noble,

[26:23] participate in math games, and then have some resources that they can take

[26:27] with them. So we're really excited for

[26:30] that partnership. And then upcoming this,

[26:34] well not this Friday, but a week from Friday is our first

[26:39] professional development of the school year. So that will be K-12

[26:43] and our focus that day will be really digging into student achievement data across all buildings

[26:49] and then working on some continuation of our math programming at the elementary and high

[26:56] school level. So those are some of the the big highlights we have. Any questions on those

[27:02] before our section 21 F? They're quiet.

[27:07] All right, I will jump right into then the last piece that I was bringing to the board this evening for approval.

[27:16] And this is something that I've brought, or has been brought the past couple of years.

[27:20] And just wanted to give a little bit of background as I do every year on what our section 21F proposal is.

[27:27] So a few years ago, to give a little bit of background, the state passed 21F which gave districts the flexibility to use up to 15 days.

[27:37] for virtual instruction if needed and approved by the board.

[27:41] What we have used that for here in Lake Oregon and what we've brought each year is specific to our high school state testing in the spring.

[27:49] And what this does with the approval that you've provided the past few years is allowed us the flexibility to hold our testing as normal, but also providing virtual instruction to the remainder of our students at the high school, which in turn has allowed us to count each of those days as full days of instruction.

[28:05] So, we can counter instructional minutes and we can count those as days.

[28:09] So, we really, for lack of a better term, we don't miss a beat.

[28:12] We're able to meet our state testing responsibilities while still providing students with educational

[28:19] opportunities.

[28:20] Unfortunately, because we are a one-to-one district, that has allowed us to use Microsoft Teams,

[28:26] other avenues where teachers are interacting with students on those days during the period

[28:32] of time when testing is not taking place.

[28:34] So what is before you in the board packet is very similar to what has come before you

[28:41] the past few years.

[28:42] The only thing that we've changed is obviously the year that has changed.

[28:46] One piece that I did want to mention, if you recall a few years ago, we actually brought

[28:51] this to the board twice.

[28:53] And the reason behind that was the first time we listed very specific dates that we were

[28:58] testing.

[28:59] And we ran into a few hiccups.

[29:00] There is some different issues that we ran into.

[29:04] We had to adjust our testing dates, which in order to make sure we were staying in compliance

[29:09] we brought this back before the board.

[29:10] So starting last year and this year, we have worked with people accounting and worked on

[29:17] our paperwork to we do not have to list the specific dates.

[29:21] We just mentioned that it's within our testing window in the spring.

[29:24] So really gives us the flexibility as a district to be able to work within that.

[29:28] So that was a very long-witted background.

[29:31] I know so I apologize for that, but that is before you and your board packet this evening.

[29:36] Questions for Drew?

[29:38] Jeff?

[29:39] Well more of a comment, true.

[29:41] I love that this is in place in case we have a plan in case it's needed.

[29:45] I do have experience online teaching is very difficult.

[29:50] Walking people through how to use it and our staff was so good learning on the fly in the past

[29:54] and training their classes.

[29:55] and their parent, the parents of the students.

[29:58] So it's nice to know.

[30:00] Okay. You never know we could have a, I haven't looked at the farmer's almanac yet. We never know we could have a rough winter. Thank you. Take did you have anything? Okay. That is going to lead to, I can already hear it. We're going to have virtual instruction on snow days. No, we're not. That's not what we're proposing. No, no, we're not. No. Settle down, kids.

[30:26] I know how they love their snow days.

[30:33] All right, thank you.

[30:34] I appreciate the flexibility you created by Nat in making it a specific date so

[30:40] that we don't improve something that holds you, but it limits you.

[30:45] Absolutely, thanks for being thoughtful in that.

[30:49] Thank you.

[30:52] And while I look at that, for you, human resources with Assistant Superintendent Adam Weldon.

[30:58] Thank you very much, Berga.

[31:00] As mentioned earlier, Elizabeth was not able to be here this evening with us,

[31:04] but just a brief introduction of her.

[31:06] She's being brought before you as an ASD teacher at Blanche Sims.

[31:11] She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Oakland University.

[31:15] And she is coming to us with previous teaching experience in Utica Community Schools.

[31:20] Very excited to welcome Elizabeth to the Dragon family.

[31:23] So bringing, I'd like to recommend her for hire in the ASD position at Sims.

[31:28] And then just a brief update on that, it has been a weird hiring summer season, whatever

[31:36] you want to call it.

[31:38] But as of this afternoon, we're down to one certified position as a vacancy still that

[31:45] we're working to fill.

[31:47] So I'll have a couple more new higher recommendations to bring me for the board at our next board

[31:50] meeting in early October.

[31:52] So that is all.

[31:53] Any questions?

[31:54] That's awesome, thank you Adam and that brings us to the heavy end of the discussion this evening with Finance and

[32:04] Apparation, Assistant Superintendent Andrea Curtis.

[32:07] Take it away.

[32:08] Thank you.

[32:09] So the only thing I have today is the Monthly Financial Report, which is included in your packet, this information as of August 31st.

[32:19] The current budgets listed are those which were adopted by the board on June 25.

[32:26] In the report you will find budget to actual comparisons for the general fund,

[32:31] community services fund and food service fund.

[32:34] Focusing on the general fund we've received 2.8 million in revenue to date,

[32:40] which is 2.7% of the budget and we've recognized expenditures of 5.5 million,

[32:46] and representing 5.4% of the budget.

[32:50] The additional schedules within the report are the cash and investment, cash flow, cash

[32:57] disbursement detail, purchasing card activity, and grant summary schedule.

[33:03] Any questions?

[33:07] Questions for Andrea?

[33:10] Apparently there are none.

[33:12] Okay.

[33:12] That's all I have.

[33:13] Well, that worked out well.

[33:15] And I think we're up to action items already, right?

[33:23] Yeah.

[33:24] All right, man, I have a motion to approve the consent agenda, please.

[33:28] I move to approve the following consent agenda items.

[33:31] Approved minutes from the August 27th, 2025 regular meeting approve out of state and

[33:37] overnight field trip requests for L OHS Hosa to Acme, Michigan from April 16th to 17th, 2026.

[33:45] L.O.H.S. Hosa to Indianapolis, Indiana from June 17th to the 20th of 2026, L.O.H.S. Robotics to University Center Michigan from April 2nd to April 6th, 2026, L.O.H.S. Robotics to Houston, Texas from April 28th to May 3rd, 2026, 8th grade cadet bands to Chicago, Illinois, May 1st to 2nd, 2026, L.O.H.S. Deca to Detroit, Michigan, March 5th to 7th, 2026, L.O.H.S. Deca to Atlanta,

[34:15] Atlanta, Georgia, April 25th, 29th, 2026.

[34:19] L OHS Business Professionals of America to Grand Rapids, Michigan, from March 12th to the 15th of 2026.

[34:27] L OHS Business Professionals of America to Nashville, Tennessee, May 5th to 10th, 2026.

[34:34] And L OHS Quired and Banned Seniors to San Dusky, Ohio May 9th, 2026.

[34:40] Thank you, is there support?

[34:44] Thank you, is there any discussion?

[34:48] All in favor of approving the consent agenda, as presented, please say aye.

[34:52] Aye.

[34:53] Any opposed?

[34:54] The consent agenda passes,

[34:58] scrolling,

[35:01] because there are just 10 field trips.

[35:03] Yeah, there we go.

[35:05] Yeah, may I have a motion to approve the proposal for spring scheduling of 2025 and

[35:10] 26?

[35:12] I move to approve the use of 21F flexibility in spring scheduling for

[35:17] 2026 for the district as presented.

[35:20] Thank you, Jeff, is there support?

[35:23] Support.

[35:24] Thank you, Scott, is there any discussion?

[35:27] All in a favor of approving the proposal for the spring schedule as presented, please say aye.

[35:32] Aye.

[35:32] Any opposed?

[35:34] The spring schedule has been approved.

[35:37] May I have a motion to approve the one certified new hire?

[35:41] I move to approve one certified new hire as presented.

[35:45] Thank you, Scott, sir, support.

[35:47] Sport, thank you, Jeff, any discussion?

[35:51] All in favor of approving a certified new hire?

[35:54] Please say aye.

[35:54] Aye.

[35:55] Any opposed?

[35:58] And our new certified new hire is official, and we welcome to Elizabeth.

[36:04] And that concludes our action items.

[36:07] There is public participation up next for other non-action items, but we have no one

[36:13] sign up.

[36:14] So we're going to move right on to recap in next steps.

[36:20] All right.

[36:21] Okay.

[36:24] And then we'll just move right on to closing comments.

[36:26] Andrew, we'll begin with you.

[36:29] Okay.

[36:30] Welcome to Elizabeth.

[36:31] It's been a fast and furious start to the new year.

[36:35] All is good. I want to take a couple seconds to recognize Stephen, our Oakland schools intern.

[36:43] His last day with us was today. It was a pleasure having him, but he is off to his next internship.

[36:50] And then I also want to thank Maureen for her years of service here in the business office.

[36:57] Her last day will be next Tuesday. I'm sad to see her go. She's been a staple.

[37:04] Actually, I think her and I started at the same time, so I just want to thank her for all her time and wish her well in her next adventures.

[37:14] Thank you, Andrew.

[37:15] And just for clarification, the person referring to you from Oakland schools, you're interned.

[37:18] That's from their program for business office.

[37:21] That is correct.

[37:22] Just wanted to clarify in case people were wondering who you were talking about.

[37:24] Yes, thank you.

[37:26] Thank you.

[37:26] Adam.

[37:28] Yes, welcome to Elizabeth, excited to have her in Lake Oregon now.

[37:35] Also, congratulations and to Marine and a thank you for all that she's done for the district over her years of service.

[37:42] Big week this week for the football team, go dragons as we take on our neighbors to the north.

[37:49] And very excited to see the girls flight football game.

[37:51] I was not able to make it last week.

[37:53] I'm so excited to see them in action at home Friday night before the boys game at 7 o'clock.

[37:59] Thank you.

[38:00] Awesome.

[38:00] Thank you, Adam.

[38:01] True.

[38:01] All right.

[38:02] We'd also like to welcome Elizabeth to the Dragon family and a big congratulations to Maureen.

[38:06] She put up with me having a desk across of her for a couple of years.

[38:10] So she was very, very kind and very sweet but very excited for her.

[38:14] So, nothing else this evening.

[38:16] Thank you, Drew.

[38:17] How about you, Heidi?

[38:19] I just want to send our condolences again to the Floyd and Melnark family for the loss

[38:23] of Teresa.

[38:25] I also want to sincerely thank everyone that came together to support Blant Sims during

[38:30] this difficult time.

[38:32] And then congratulations to our band, as well as congratulations to Maureen and thank you

[38:41] for all of her years of service, and we're going to miss Steve.

[38:45] He's been a lot of fun to have in the office.

[38:47] So we wish him well, and then just another reminder that we do have our bond informational meeting tomorrow night, seven o'clock, high school Kiva.

[38:58] Thank you.

[38:59] Thank you so much.

[39:00] Jake.

[39:01] I just want to pass my condolences on to the American Floyd family that it's been such a difficult start the school year with the loss of two of our staff members at such a young age.

[39:14] So we know how difficult this has been on everybody starting the school year, and I guess our thoughts are with everybody.

[39:22] And thank

[39:25] you, Jake.

[39:26] Scott?

[39:30] Congratulations to the Marching Dragons.

[39:32] I know that that's a huge accomplishment.

[39:34] And to be fourth in the state is very big.

[39:37] I know that there's a couple big, big boys they want to go get.

[39:41] And it's just taken years to get there, but that's how the game works.

[39:45] Welcome Elizabeth, and best wishes to Maureen.

[39:48] Thank you.

[39:49] Jeff?

[39:51] I just want to congratulate Maureen and Maureen will miss you.

[39:54] It's been great having you around for all these years and thanks for everything.

[39:58] I'm looking forward to the fall events.

[40:00] It's a beautiful time of year, as long as it's dry, all the sports and band and we've got

[40:05] lamp of learning coming up and homecoming, homecoming festivities are right around the corner.

[40:11] Finally, I want to just encourage people who are watching the median to reach out to your legislators.

[40:19] The school aid fund is just being held hostage while a political game is being played.

[40:25] And people pay their tax dollars in to support the schools and this money needs to be put back to the schools where it belongs.

[40:32] So thank you.

[40:33] Thank you everyone, and I too want to express my deepest condolences to some staff, especially in all the people in our district who knew and loved Theresa Milneric and the Floyd family, very sorry for your loss.

[40:50] I also want to join in with Jeff and say encourage people to advocate for our students.

[40:55] on our website. Mark has the contacts within the state if you don't know how to reach them.

[41:04] And I would encourage you to make phone calls and or email.

[41:10] I appreciate the acknowledgement of Maureen. I didn't really get to work with her much,

[41:15] but I wish her all the best. I know she's been excellent at what she's been doing

[41:19] and she's been doing it for a while. So I appreciate that. Good luck to her.

[41:23] enjoy retirement and I also want to join in and say go dragons there's a lot of

[41:27] great things going on and I wish them all well and we miss our board members

[41:32] this evening look forward to seeing you again next time with that our meeting is

[41:35] closed. Thank you very much.

School Board Meeting 9-24-2025

Transcript