Meeting Agenda
I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance 
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Consent Action Items
IV. Good News
V. Superintendent Informational Report
V.A. Student Representative Report
VI. Superintendent Recommendations
VI.A. Bond Bid Approval
VI.B. Quarterly Budget Modification #2
VII. Board of Education Reports/Action
VII.A. Election of Board Officers 
VII.B. By-Laws Resolution
VII.C. Student Success Committee
VII.D. Facilities and Finance Committee
VII.E. Culture & Leadership Committee
VIII. Public Comment
IX. Other Matters - Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting

Lakeshore Public Schools

Meeting: January 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Regular/Organizational Meeting
Subject:
I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance 
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
At this time, the Board will conduct the routine activities related to calling the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.



INTRODUCTIONS will be conducted by the Board President.
 
Subject:
II. Approval of Agenda
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
The Board should consider any changes or additions to the agenda, including the potential removal of any matter scheduled as a consent action item.  The Board should approve the agenda with one of the following motions:
 
Subject:
III. Approval of Consent Action Items
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
The Board may approve the Consent Action items with the following motion:

Minutes - that the minutes of the December 8, 2025, regular meeting be approved as presented;

Financial Statement & Bills - that the December 2025 financial statements be accepted, and the December 2025 payrolls be approved for payment;

Bank Depositories - that Honor Credit Union, United Federal Credit Union and Huntington National Bank be designated as official school depositories for 2026 fiscal accounts;

Check Signatures - that the Chief Financial Officer or the Superintendent be authorized to sign vouchers for the General Fund, 2023 Capital Projects Fund, Public Improvement Fund, Building and Site Sinking Fund, 2013 & 2023 Debt Retirement Funds, Accounts Payable, School Service Funds, Payroll Revolving, Administrative Petty Cash Fund, Custodial Fund and that any one of the Board officers be designated as alternate signers.  A financial statement regarding these funds will be included at each regular Board meeting;

Investment Funds - where the Chief Financial Officer/Superintendent is and are hereby authorized to invest monies from the various funds of the district in a manner prescribed under Section 380.1223 of the Michigan State School Code of 1976 and Board Policy, to gain the best possible interest return and to safeguard the revenues of the district.  The following banks and firms are hereby authorized as investment depositories: 
  • Chase Bank                                
  • Honor Credit Union
  • Comerica Bank                             
  • Fifth Third Bank                        
  • 1st Source Bank  
  • Huntington National Bank
  • Bank of America
  • Horizon Bank
  • United Federal Credit Union
  • National City Bank
  • Michigan School District Liquid Asset Fund (MILAF)
  • Michigan Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System-CLASS;

Deputy to the Board Secretary - that the Superintendent/Chief Financial Officer be appointed Deputy to the Board Secretary for the purpose of dealing with all matters relating to school elections;
Executive Secretary - that the Superintendent be authorized to act as the Executive Secretary of the Board for the purpose of signing all communications from the Board of Education;

Executive Treasurer/ETO Officer - that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to act as the Executive Treasurer and the Electronic Transfer Officer (ETO) for the purpose of managing the finances and for overseeing the electronic fund transfers for the Board of Education;



Sign Contracts/Accept Resignations - that the Superintendent be authorized to issue and sign all contracts with teachers and administrators, subject to Board approval, to issue and sign all extra duty contracts and to accept any resignations when tendered by an employee;

Appoint School Counsel - that the law firm of Thrun Law Firm, P.C. of Lansing, Michigan, and other attorneys as needed, be appointed school counsel on matters dealing with bonding, negotiations, elections, and other concerns for the year 2026;

Policies - that all existing policies, by-laws, and administrative rules previously approved by the Lakeshore Board of Education be readopted and that the President be authorized to appoint a Policy Committee for 2026 to review Board Policies and make recommendations;

State/Federal Programs - that Lakeshore Public Schools participate in the following special programs during the year 2026:
  • ESEA Title I, IIA, and IV                 
  • Federal Special Education IDEA
  • Berrien RESA Section 56 CTE Consortium
  • Other Miscellaneous Governmental and Private Foundations

Grant Opportunities and that the Superintendent be authorized to represent Lakeshore by signing all applications and that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to sign financial reports;

 Negotiations/Chief Spokesperson - that the Superintendent, and/or his designee be appointed to represent or retain professional representation for the Board of Education in all matters dealing with employee negotiations and that the Superintendent be authorized to organize the negotiation teams as needed and make periodic reports to the Board of Education;

 Renewal of Board of Education Memberships - that the Board of Education renew its annual membership in the Berrien/Cass/Van Buren School Boards Association, Michigan School Equity Caucus, Michigan Association of School Boards and MASB Legal Trust Fund.
 
Subject:
IV. Good News
Presenter:
Greg Eding
Description:
Tonight, Student Services Director Jeron Blood is here to show our progress with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the awards we received for the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports (Mi-MTSS) framework.
 
Subject:
V. Superintendent Informational Report
Presenter:
Greg Eding
Description:
This month’s report is dedicated to School Board Appreciation Month. It is my privilege to work with a group of individuals who are entirely invested in the success of every student at Lakeshore Public Schools. Throughout the month, we are highlighting our Board members on our social media platforms and through our District Pulse publication.
Below is a snapshot of our dedicated Board:
Mrs. Rachel Wade, President (Term: 2018-2030) A lifelong learner, Mrs. Wade has served on the Board since 2018. Upon becoming President, she introduced a standing agenda item allowing members to share their recent learning, keeping the Board grounded in the realities of K-12 education. Consistent with that theme, she is a regular presence at District professional learning days—a commitment that does not go unnoticed by our staff.
Dr. Jason Beckrow, Vice President (Term: 2013-2026) Dr. Beckrow was the Board President when I was hired, and his mentorship has been invaluable. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the District through the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing both in-person learning and the safety of our families. Dr. Beckrow is known for his positive attitude and genuine curiosity, especially regarding his interactions with our students.
Mrs. Lori VonKoenig, Secretary (Term: 2023-2028) Mrs. VonKoenig leverages her extensive career as a teacher and counselor to champion our staff and students. She is both a cheerleader for excellence and a tenacious advocate for doing what is right. I can say firsthand that there is no better place to watch our band perform than next to Mrs. VonKoenig—especially when a State Championship is on the line.
Mr. Griffin Ott, Treasurer (Term: 2019-2026) Mr. Ott provides a strategic, big-picture perspective that ensures our decisions have a positive long-term impact. He consistently evaluates our systems to maximize benefits for staff and students, helping me stay focused on daily priorities. As the only current Board member with a child in elementary school, his voice is crucial as we look toward the future of Lakeshore schools.
Mr. Bill Scaletta, Trustee (Term: 2021-2026) Mr. Scaletta’s background as a teacher, coach, and administrator brings authentic wisdom to the Board. Having walked in the shoes of an educator, he provides necessary historical context and helps identify potential pitfalls in decision-making. A lifelong servant leader, he has also been an active member of the Lakeshore Rotary Club and the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation for many years.
Mr. Scott Allan, Trustee (Term: 2020-2028) Mr. Allan brings infectious positivity and enthusiasm to the District and is a familiar, welcome presence at our athletic events. He offers a perspective focused on continuous improvement and doing the right thing for all individuals. An active member of the Stevensville community, Mr. Allan works hard to gain valuable input through thoughtful conversations with constituents.
Mrs. Jessica Bigley, Trustee (Term: 2024-2030) Though she joined recently, Mrs. Bigley is already known for her thoughtful comments aimed at improving the working environment for our staff and ensuring outstanding educational programming. As a trained educator and current preschool director, she offers a perspective that is deeply in tune with our teachers. She consistently asks probing questions that drive our District’s school improvement work.
Thank you ALL for your investment in making Lakeshore Public Schools an amazing place to live, learn, and work.
 
Subject:
V.A. Student Representative Report
Presenter:
Logan Hendrix
Description:
Logan Hendrix will address the Board.
 
Subject:
VI. Superintendent Recommendations
Subject:
VI.A. Bond Bid Approval
Presenter:
Greg Eding
Description:
David Innes of Owen-Ames-Kimball is here to briefly go over the eight bids as part of Bid Package #5 - High School, Hollywood, Roosevelt, Stewart, & Transportation Building for the bond project with the recommendation that the Board approve the following bidders as follows, totaling $1,406,830.00.  The scope of the work being done in this package includes:
  • At Hollywood: Gym operable partition wall, repainting all hollow metal frames in the building, and replacing mechanical unit.
  • At Roosevelt: Gym operable partition wall new, repainting all hollow metal frames, replacing built-up roof with new single membrane roof, and replacing mechanical unit.
  • At Stewart:  Gym operable partition wall new, repainting all hollow metal frames in building, and new mechanical unit in media center mezzanine.
  • High School Auditorium roof replacement.
  • High School Band Room: band storage cabinets and storage replacement.
  • Transportation Building: new epoxy floor covering in garage area.
 
  1. General Trades                  CPM Construction                  $210,596
  2. Membrane Roofing           Great Lakes Systems, Inc.      $311,535
  3. Painting                             Genesis Painting, LLC            $  78,010
  4. Casework                          CPM Construction                  $           0 (previously included)
  5. Operable Partition             LG2, LLC                               $300,506
  6. Flooring                             D.C. Byers Company              $  21,950
  7. Mechanical & Plumbing    Kalamazoo Mechanical, Inc.   $458,164
Electrical & Fire Alarm           Prime Quality Electric             $  26,069
Subject:
VI.B. Quarterly Budget Modification #2
Presenter:
Tracy Althouse
Description:
Tracy Althouse will review the 2025-2026 Quarterly Budget Modification #2 and recommend adoption by the Board.  A packet has been included for your review.     
 
Subject:
VII. Board of Education Reports/Action
Subject:
VII.A. Election of Board Officers 
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
Election of Officers —  

   At this time, the Lakeshore Board of Education will nominate and vote on the slate of officers for 2026.

IF THE SLATE REMAINS THE SAME:

"Moved by _________, supported by _________, that the Board of Education slate of officers remain the same for 2026: Rachel Wade, President; Jason Beckrow, Vice President; Lori VonKoenig, Secretary; and Griffin Ott, Treasurer, as recommended by the Board members."

OR IF THERE IS A CHANGE TO THE SLATE:

The Board must elect its officers in open voting. The officers assume office immediately. The typical nomination process should be:
[Board member #1] "I nominate ___________ to be ____________." (It is not necessary to second or support a nomination.)
[Chair] "Are there any other nominations?"
[Board member #2] "I move that the nominations be closed and (if no other nominations) that a unanimous ballot be cast for ________________."
[Board member #3] "I support the motion."
[Vote]  

This process must be followed for each officer position. The Open Meetings Act prohibits a voting procedure that prevents citizens from knowing how individual members of the School Board have voted.
 
Subject:
VII.B. By-Laws Resolution
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
Each year, the Board of Education adopts the By-Laws Resolution which re-adopts the by-laws of the Board of Education and sets their regular monthly meeting dates, times and place.  

RESOLVED THAT:
1.) The by-laws of the Board of Education are hereby adopted and shall remain in effect until changed or rescinded by the Board; and
  1. Regular monthly meetings of the Board of Education of Lakeshore Public Schools, Berrien County, Michigan, shall be held on the 2nd Monday of each month unless conflicting with a legal holiday or changed by a resolution of the Board (see meeting dates below), commencing at 5:30 PM, in the Lakeshore High School LEF Learning Center and that no further notice of such meetings shall be required to be given to the members of said Board; 
3.) All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this resolution are hereby rescinded.

            2026 REGULAR MEETING DATES - High School LEF Learning Center, 5:30 PM
               February 9, 2026                   June 8, 2026                       October 12, 2026
               March 9, 2026                      ^July 13, 2026                    November 9, 2026
               April 13, 2026                      ^August 10, 2026              December 14, 2026
               May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM       September 14, 2026           January 11, 2027 (Organizational Mtg.)

                ^Held at the Central Administration Office
 
2026 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Facilities & Finance

1st Tues 7:30 AM
Community Connections

2nd Tues 4:15 PM
Culture & Leadership

1st Fri 7:30 AM
Student Success

Last Tue 7:30 AM
Policy

Ad hoc

Upon request to the Board President, the District shall make reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities to be able to participate in the meetings.
 
Subject:
VII.C. Student Success Committee
Presenter:
Jessica Bigley
Description:
The Student Success Committee met on Tuesday, December 16th.  Present at the meeting were Bill Scaletta, Jason Beckrow, Natalie Macerata, Greg Eding, Nick White, and Jessica Bigley. The committee spent a majority of their time discussing the use of bond funds that can positively impact a student’s education, namely classroom upgrades.  Mr. White presented several thoughts on the topic and provided several ideas.  The next steps in this process include visiting other district’s spaces, gaining input from staff, putting a plan together for piloting, and finally looking at the timeline for full implementation.  Mr. Eding will be keeping the Board informed on the progress.
 
Subject:
VII.D. Facilities and Finance Committee
Presenter:
Lori VonKoenig
Description:
On Tuesday, January 6, the Facilities and Finance Committee met consisting of Rachel Wade, Griffin Ott, Lori VonKoenig, Greg Eding and Tracy Althouse.  Ms. Althouse presented the monthly financial statements including cash flow for the remainder of the year, December cash receipts and expenditures, investments, sinking fund expenditures, and LEF grants.  Nothing of concern was noted.  The committee discussed Budget Modification #2, which will be presented at the full Board meeting.

Mr. Eding and Ms. Althouse led a discussion on LEF grants and the process in which they are handled by the LEF and the District.  And Mr. Eding provided a quick update on personnel.

 
Subject:
VII.E. Culture & Leadership Committee
Presenter:
Griffin Ott
Description:
The Culture and Leadership Committee met on Friday, January 9th.  Present at the meeting were Susan Toothman, Greg Eding, Bill Scaletta, Lori VonKoenig, and Griffin Ott.  Mrs. Toothman discussed the upcoming District Pulse publication, which will include a focus on School Board Appreciation Month. She also discussed several staffing situations across the District.  Mr. Eding discussed the current Football Coach interview process, in which first round interviews were conducted out of a total of 29 applicants. Second round interviews are scheduled for the week of January 12th.  The committee also discussed the recent staff survey which was conducted in December.  The survey results are currently being reviewed and the outcome of the results will be shared with the entire District in the coming weeks.

 
Subject:
VIII. Public Comment
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
The Board President will call on citizens who would like to make comments or express concerns at this time.  The Board of Education Policy, ‘Public Participation at Board Meetings’, applies to this section of the Agenda.

"To ensure due process and respect of individual rights, the District maintains a formal process for handling complaints against individuals.  A problem involving an individual or specific incident is best handled through administrative channels." 
"Speakers are asked to express themselves in a civil manner, with due respect for the dignity and privacy of others who may be affected by your comments.  While it is not our intent to stifle public comment, speakers should be aware that if your?statements violate the rights of others under the law of defamation or invasion of privacy,?you may be held legally responsible.  If you are unsure of the legal ramifications of what you are about to say, we urge you to consult first with your legal advisor." 
 
Subject:
IX. Other Matters - Adjournment
Presenter:
Rachel Wade
Description:
A.  Board Meeting Evaluation - Evaluations are available for the audience.

B.  Suggested Meeting Guide - Enclosed is the Suggested Meeting Guide for Board members to review.
                              
C.  Adjournment -
 

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