Public Meeting Agenda: June 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

I. Call to order.

Roll Call: President J. Gunderson, Vice President J. Wagner, Secretary G. Wilson, Treasurer K. Heye, Trustee K. Baczewski, Trustee B. Leibfritz, Trustee D. Sommer
Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Public Comment

Description: At this time, the Board will provide an opportunity for citizens to speak on educational matters. Citizens desiring to speak at this time should ask to be recognized and identify themselves and their topic. Public communication is limited to five minutes per speaker.

III. Public Hearing on Proposed 2026-2027 MCESA Budget

Description: In accordance with Public Act m43 of 1963, local units of government are required to conduct a public hearing prior to the adoption of their annual budget. The legal notice was published on June 4, 2026 (at least six calendar days prior to the date of this hearing), as required by law. The President of the Board of Education shall declare the opening of the public hearing to solicit comments from the public regarding the 2026-2027 budget, as proposed. Following public comments, the President of the Board of Education shall close the public hearing.

Public hearing opened at PM; Comments offered (Y/N); Public Hearing closed at PM.

IV. Consent Agenda

Minutes:
1. May 19, 2026 Board Meeting
Check Register: May 2026 Payments
Gifts: None.
Grant Awards:
1. Accept the grant from the Midland Service Club Alliance in the amount of $2,000 to the Great Start to Quality Central Resource Center for the Provider Engagement Pilot Program (S. Shook).
Personnel:
1. Approve the hiring of Jacob Brushaber-Drockton, School Psychologist, effective August 18, 2026.
2. Approve the hiring of Jamison Cleaver, Speech-Language Pathologist, effective August 18, 2026.
3% Raises and Admin/Non-Bargaining Salary Schedule
1. Consider the implementation of raises of up to 3% for Midland ESA administrators, which are included in the 2026-2027 budget. The raises will be 3%, except in cases where positions are supported solely by grant dollars from either the State of Michigan or the Federal Government. In some cases, raises may be less than 3%, or they may begin on October 1 due to the grant cycle being on an October 1 to September 30 fiscal year. The attached salary schedule is also included for consideration of approval.

Description: To expedite the business of the Board, but not diminish the importance of each item, a Consent Agenda has been approved.

V. Reports

Equity Committee
Stewardship Committee
Treasury Report:
1. Treasurer Heye, Committee Chair, or Designee
2. Dave Smith, Director of Finance
Consider Acceptance of Treasury Report

VI. Superintendent's Report

Staff Updates:
1. Accepted the retirement of Lori Bower, Paraeducator, effective June 4, 2026.
2. Accepted the resignation of Madison Graham, Teacher, effective June 4, 2026.
3. Accepted the resignation of Jacob Adams, Substitute Paraeducator, effective June 1, 2026.

VII. Consider resolution to adopt the 2026-2027 budget

Description: Consistent with provisions of the School Code, Section 380.624, it is recommended that the Midland County ESA Board of Education adopt a budget for 2026-2027. We have received notice that three of the four local district boards of education have passed a resolution of support for our proposed budget. The following resolution is being presented for consideration at this place on the agenda.

VIII. Consider approval of the 2025-2026 budget adjustments

Description: It is necessary to approve an amendment to the 2025-2026 budget to comply with the universal budgetary requirements. Attached is a revised summary of projected revenues and expenditures. The Uniform Budget Act requires that expenditures of the unit of government be within the appropriation by the Board of Directors. Therefore, the following resolution is proposed for consideration at this place on the agenda.

IX. Other Topics the Board May Wish to Consider

Description: This portion of the agenda is utilized by the Board to introduce topics for future study, to discuss school district and educational service agency related matters, to complete professional association business and related items of interest. Action may be taken during this time.

X. Closed Session

Description: Superintendent Searles is requesting a closed session pursuant to Section 8a: Periodic Personnel Evaluations, as allowed for in the Open Meetings Act. (Majority Vote Needed)

XI. Annual Superintendent Evaluation Report Discussion

Description: Following return into an open meeting, President Gunderson will provide a summary of Superintendent Searles’ evaluation, based on the approved evaluation tool.

XII. Adjournment

June 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

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