July 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Call Meeting to Order and Roll

3. Consent Agenda

3.A. Approval of Agenda

3.B. Approval of Accounts Payable Report

3.C. Approval of Minutes 

4. Disclosure of Conflict of Interest -- Any Board Member having an(any) anticipated or possible Conflict(s) of Interest, as defined in Board Policy #2301--Conflict of Interest, on a(any) matter(s) under consideration at this meeting shall disclose that(those) situation(s) during this portion of the meeting.

5. Public Communication
This portion of the agenda is for persons to address the Board.  Each individual will have three (3) minutes to provide Agenda- and/or Non-Agenda-Related Comments to the Board.  The Board values these communications, but Public Comment is not a form of exchange or dialogue.  Please note the Board may not respond during the meeting, but questions and concerns will be addressed individually as soon as possible. 

6. Superintendent's Report and Correspondence

6.A. Personnel Report

6.B. MMHS Information for 2025-2026

Seniors last day of school - Friday, May 8
Honor Night - Thursday, May 14
Commencement Ceremony - Friday, May 15

7. Business/Action Items

7.A. Semi-Annual Organizational Action Items
ACTION:  Consider a Motion to Approve the Authorization of Depositories for School District Funds
Approve the ATTACHED(on agenda) list of depositories, accounts and signatories for such accounts.

ACTION:  Consider a Motion to Appoint School District Attorneys
Retain the services of school attorneys, THRUN Law Firm, P.C., and Clark Hill.

ACTION:  Consider a Motion to Approve Investment Authorization
Authorize the Superintendent, with the approval of the Treasurer of the Board, to invest school funds whenever appropriate and advisable and permitted by school law.

ACTION:  Consider a Motion to Approve Usage of School Credit Cards 
Approve the use of a Filer Credit Union VISA credit card for the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the District in accordance with Policy 3209.  

ACTION: Consider a Motion to Approve Authorizing the Signing of Checks, Contracts, Agreements & Purchase Orders
Authorize the Superintendent or his designee to sign checks, business contracts, and agreements, and purchase orders on behalf of the Board of Education. 

ACTION: Consider a Motion to Approve Authorizing Electronic Transfer of Funds
Authorize the electronic transfer of funds and appoint the Business Manager to serve as the District’s Electronic Transfer Officer.

This is a yearly standing item for our July Organizational Meeting

7.B. Action Item -Approve Pay App #25 

Consider a motion to approve The Christman Company’s Pay Application #25 in the amount of $1,109,391.25 for construction-related expenditures through June 30, 2025

7.C. Action Item-Teacher Hire 

Sara Boone-Science Teacher for MMHS

We are pleased to recommend the hire of a candidate with a strong background in middle and high school science education.

Our interview committee, consisting of Mitch, Bridget, and myself, conducted two thorough rounds of interviews with Ms. Boone. She also demonstrated her teaching abilities by delivering a short lesson to six students and was given a comprehensive tour of our building and of Manistee.

Since 2021, she has been a High School Science educator at Columbia Options High School. There, she developed and taught rigorous science curricula, including Biology, Anatomy, Earth Science, and various science electives, incorporating hands-on, real-world applications to foster scientific literacy and critical thinking.

Her commitment to cultivating a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes active learning and student voice aligns exceptionally well with our school's values.  We are looking forward to having her join us at MMHS!

7.D. Action Item- Teacher Hire 
Heather Dean-ELA for MMHS 
Heather Dean comes to us with a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate in 6-12 English and 6-12 Psychology, both stemming from her education at Michigan State University. We had the pleasure of interviewing her at the end of May.  Shortly after her interview she left for a month-long vacation in France! 

Her teaching experience includes a Teacher Intern role in AP Psychology at East Kentwood High School as well as a Teacher Intern for 6th grade E.L.A. at Crestwood Middle School.  We're excited to share that she will be teaching 6th and 7th grade ELA classes at Manistee.

7.E. Action Item-Teacher Hire
Crystal Harthun- Begindergarten

We’re excited to move forward with the hire of a teacher for our new Begindergarten classroom, Crystal Harthun. After seeing Crystal teach a math lesson, it’s clear she brings the heart and experience we’re looking for as we launch this important program.

Crystal has a strong background in early childhood education and a deep commitment to developmentally appropriate practice. Her Master’s thesis focused on creating a high-quality, play-based kindergarten model, and she’s passionate about making sure young learners—especially those who may not be quite ready for kindergarten—are supported in the right environment.

She’s eager to collaborate with our team to engage in PLC work, and brings a genuine enthusiasm for meeting children where they are. We believe she’s a great fit for MAPS and for the families we serve.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Harthun aboard as we grow our early childhood offerings in meaningful and responsive ways.

8. New Business

9. Announcements

9.A. Thrun July Policy Updates were released. Lauren is currently getting that ready for the Board.

9.B. We are planning on doing a ribbon cutting for Manistee Elementary with the Chamber. Lauren will keep you updated as plans progress. 

9.C. NMSLA Summer Dinner-RSVP with Lauren 

Northern Michigan Schools Legislative Association is hosting a dinner event on August 7th in Traverse City at 5:30. State Representatives will be in attendance and there will be an opportunity for discussion about the latest legislative educational updates. 

9.D. We are currently working on strengthening our alumni communications. We are working on a page for the website that will be ready by the 2025-2026 school year. 

9.E. No July Study Session per Board Schedule 

10. Adjournment