Public Meeting Agenda: July 21, 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. Consent Agenda

Minutes:
1. June 16, 2026 Board Meeting
Check Register: June 2026 Payments
Gifts: None.
Grant Awards: None.
Personnel:
1. Approve the hiring of Rachel Applegate, School Social Worker, effective August 18, 2026.
2. Approve the hiring of Ashley O'Neil, Teacher, effective August 18, 2026.
3. Approve the hiring of Hannah Loiselle, Teacher, effective August 18, 2026.
4. Approve the hiring of Madison Dyer, Speech-Language Pathologist, effective August 18, 2026.
5. Approve the hiring of Kassandra Kramer, Teacher, effective August 18, 2026.
Board Meeting Changes:
1. Approve the cancellation of the August 18, 2026 MCESA Board of Education Meeting
Appointments & Designations for the 2026-2027 School Year as follows:
1. Selection of Counsel – Administration recommends the retention of Thrun Law Firm, LLP, of Lansing; the firm of Clark Hill, PLC, of Birmingham; and the firm of Miller Johnson, of Detroit as legal counsel.
2. Selection of Depositories – The Board shall select depositories for its school funds and the Board Treasurer or designee may invest general operating funds, special education funds, building and site funds and debt retirement funds of the district in selected banks and/or depositories. (Revised School Code, Part 7, Sec. 622). The designated banks and/or depositories are Huntington National Bank and MILAF+. Further, the Board authorizes the Superintendent, Treasurer, or designee, to invest monies with Huntington National Bank or MILAF+ for checking accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and/or treasury notes.
3. Board Recording Secretary – Krystal Kozuch is the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and shall be appointed to serve as the Board Recording Secretary.
4. Superintendent Authorization – The Board President and/or the Superintendent is authorized to sign documents relating to actions which the Board approved by specific or established policy.
5. Signature Authorization – It is necessary that individuals be designated to sign checks issued by the intermediate school district. The Treasurer, Superintendent and Director of Finance are authorized to sign checks issued by Midland County ESA.
6. Designation of School Board Meetings – It is necessary for the Midland County ESA Board to schedule the regular Board meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year as required by the Open Meetings Act and Board Policy. The dates will be posted in the Educational Service Agency Office and on the website. All meetings will be held at MCESA, at 3917 Jefferson Avenue, Midland, MI 48640
7. Designation of Persons Authorized to Post Notices – The Superintendent and the Board Recording Secretary, or other designee, are granted authority to post notices, i.e. meeting notices, property transfers, staff vacancies, etc.
Travel:
1. Approve the authorization for travel to the AESA Advocacy in Action Conference in Washington, D.C. for Superintendent Searles.
2. Approve the authorization for travel to the Talent Together Board Retreat in Charlevoix, MI for Superintendent Searles.
3. Approve the authorization for travel to the AESA Annual Conference for Superintendent Searles.

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

IV. 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

V. Superintendent's Report

Staff Updates:
1. Accepted the resignation of Ashlee Salazar-Bont, Quality Improvement Coach (Lansing), effective September 10, 2026.
2. Accepted the resignation of Michele Engel, Paraeducator, effective June 23, 2026.
3. Accepted the resignation of Heather Wolgamott, CNA Paraeducator, effective July 23, 2026.
Goals for 2026-2027

VI. Consider approval of the reappointment of three members of ACEA's Board of Directors

Description: The Academic and Career Education Academy (ACEA) has unanimously recommended the reappointment of Denise Derr for a term through June 30, 2030 and Vicky Kuch and William Newkirk for terms through June 30, 2027.

VII. Consider approval of the MDOT amendment to contract 25-5362 (M.Co.net)

VIII. 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.

IX. Adjournment

July 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

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