Meeting Agenda
1. OPENING / CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. STANDING APPROVAL ITEMS
3.1. Acceptance of Agenda
3.2. Approval of Minutes
4. PROCLAMATIONS
4.1. Mental Health Awareness Month
4.2. National Foster Care Month
4.3. Jewish American Heritage Month
4.4. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
6. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / REPORTS
6.1. Oakland Elementary Student Recognition (Composting Poster Winner)
6.2. ROHS UMatter Week Presentation
6.3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
6.4. Student Representatives to the Board
6.5. ROHS Robotics Team Presentation
7. COMMUNICATIONS
8. *CONSENT AGENDA (Personnel / Instruction / Business)
8.1. *Payment of Expenses
9. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION
9.1. Superintendent
9.1.1. *Royal Oak Youth Assistance
9.1.2. Oakland County School Board Officials Amendments to Bylaws & Resolutions
9.2. Curriculum & Instruction
9.3. Finance/Facilities and Bond
9.3.1. International Academy FY 2025-26 Budget (Okma Campus)
9.3.2. Oakland Schools ISD Budget Resolution
9.3.3. Tennis Court Coating
9.3.4. ROMS Kitchen Equipment
9.3.5. Food Service Contract Renewal
9.4. Staff and Student Services 
9.4.1. Personnel Changes
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
11. BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORT
12. ADJOURNMENT  (approval by consensus)  
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: May 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting
Subject:
1. OPENING / CALL TO ORDER
Subject:
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Subject:
3. STANDING APPROVAL ITEMS
Subject:
3.1. Acceptance of Agenda
Description:

The President asks for approval of the agenda.  Are there any additions or deletions?  

"The agenda is approved as presented."
OR
"The agenda is approved with the following additions/deletions"  by Consensus.  
Subject:
3.2. Approval of Minutes
Description:

Recommendation: 

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education approves the following minutes:

April 10, 2025, Special Minutes (Finance & Facilities)
April 10, 2025, Regular Minutes
April 23, 2025, Special Minutes (Superintendent Search)
Subject:
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Subject:
4.1. Mental Health Awareness Month
Description:

WHEREAS, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being; it affects how we think, feel, and act; it also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices; and,

WHEREAS, mental health allows us to maintain relationships, take care of ourselves and our families, take care of our physical bodies, and respond and adapt to daily life changes; and,

WHEREAS, 1 in 5 adolescents have had a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life; and

WHEREAS, 50% of all mental health disorders begin by age 14, and 75% of all mental health disorders begin by age 24; and,

WHEREAS, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, talking about mental health can reduce stigma and increase awareness of the devastating consequences of unaddressed mental illness; and,

WHEREAS, evidence-based mental and behavioral health training teaches people how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges and provides skills to assist people who may be facing a mental health crisis; and,

WHEREAS, mental health training for teens is proven to reduce stigma and teach teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers; and,

WHEREAS, investing in mental health and safety is critical to building strong workplaces, a thriving workforce, and strong communities; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education does hereby proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.  
Subject:
4.2. National Foster Care Month
Description:

WHEREAS, since 1988, each U.S. President has issued a proclamation to recognize that May will be known as National Foster Care Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the needs of youth in foster care, and to celebrate the many supporters who are making a powerful and positive difference in their lives; and

WHEREAS, families are the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support for children, and they are the foundation of our communities; and 

WHEREAS, in the State of Michigan, more than 10,000 children are in foster care; and,

WHEREAS, all children need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and,

WHEREAS, foster parents and relatives who provide stability for children and support for their parents are unsung heroes; and,

WHEREAS, foster, kinship, and adoptive families who open their hearts and homes, and support children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, launching young people into successful adulthood; and, 

WHEREAS, there are many people in public and private organizations, the courts, and in the community who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care; and, 

WHEREAS, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to thank individuals, families, and public and private organizations that provide support and security to the children in their care, and welcome this opportunity to share the message that we are always in need of caring foster parents;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education does hereby proclaim May 2025 as National Foster Care Month. 
Subject:
4.3. Jewish American Heritage Month
Description:

WHEREAS, May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a month that provides an opportunity for all people to appreciate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout history, and 

WHEREAS, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter adopted a proclamation annually recognizing Jewish American Heritage Week, and in April 2006, President George W. Bush adopted a proclamation that May would be recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month: and 

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to society and culture, including science, medicine, sports, entertainment, business, civil rights, government, military service, and philanthropy; and
 
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans often face unspeakable discrimination and adversity, yet for hundreds of years, they have fought heroically in battle, pursued peace, and always persevered; and 

WHEREAS, Royal Oak Schools reaffirms our commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish Americans; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education recognizes May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. 
Subject:
4.4. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Description:

WHEREAS, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education take pride in recognizing May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, honoring and celebrating the many significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Island people who have enriched the history of our nation; and 

WHEREAS, Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the nation and Michigan, with approximately 377,181 Asian Americans in Michigan, making up 3.7% of the state’s population; and,

WHEREAS, we celebrate all of those who are included within the AANHPI community, which is made up of culturally and linguistically diverse peoples, representing populations from many countries and islands; and

WHEREAS, the theme for this year’s observance is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation, which pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education does hereby proclaim May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Subject:
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Description:

If you would like to make a Public Comment:
  • A person may address the Board on an agenda or non-agenda item by completing a note card located inside the Board Room and place the card in the basket prior to the citizen public comment period.  
  • Each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes.  If you need more time you are offered a second opportunity to address the Board at the end of the meeting with an additional three (3) minutes. 
  • Please address the Board as a whole and not individually.
  • Public comment is not intended for the exchange of dialogue. This is a time for members of the public to express their views.   We are paying attention to your comments and appreciate them; however, school board members do not respond to public comment during the meeting.  
  • Questions that arise from public comment shall be referred to the superintendent, or their designee, for review, study and possible future response.
  • Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  
Subject:
6. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / REPORTS
Subject:
6.1. Oakland Elementary Student Recognition (Composting Poster Winner)
Presenter:
Jason Taylor
Description:

Jose Aguado
Subject:
6.2. ROHS UMatter Week Presentation
Presenter:
Joe Youanes
Subject:
6.3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Presenter:
Ashley Phillips
Subject:
6.4. Student Representatives to the Board
Presenter:
Charles Francis and Leilani Hamilton
Subject:
6.5. ROHS Robotics Team Presentation
Subject:
7. COMMUNICATIONS
Presenter:
Board of Education Secretary
Subject:
8. *CONSENT AGENDA (Personnel / Instruction / Business)
Description:
The consent agenda generally consists of routine matters as well as items we have covered during this meeting or another board or committee meeting. All items are documented in the minutes, which are published following the meeting at which they were approved. All of our committee and board meetings are open to the public and public comment is an item on each agenda. We invite members of the public to join our committees. 
Subject:
8.1. *Payment of Expenses
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education hereby approves expenditures as processed in the amount of $13,738,824.96, for the period of April 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025. 
Subject:
9. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION
Subject:
9.1. Superintendent
Presenter:
Mary Beth Fitzpatrick
Subject:
9.1.1. *Royal Oak Youth Assistance
Description:

Recommendation:

WHEREAS, Royal Oak Youth Assistance has been a primary prevention program serving and located in the geographic area of Royal Oak School District since 1958; and

WHEREAS, it is augmented by contributions from the Royal Oak School District and the City of Royal Oak

and the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division, which permits operation of an office with casework staff and

WHEREAS, the efforts of numerous citizen volunteers provide significant service to the youth of the greater Royal Oak Youth Assistance area in projects promoting the prevention of juvenile delinquency, child neglect, and child abuse;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Royal Oak School District does hereby approves and support the approval of ____________ to the Royal Oak Youth Assistance, Volunteer Board of Directors, and as members.
Subject:
9.1.2. Oakland County School Board Officials Amendments to Bylaws & Resolutions
Description:

Recommendation:

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education hereby approves the amended OCSBA Bylaws and Resolutions as present in the board packet.  
Subject:
9.2. Curriculum & Instruction
Presenter:
Joe Youanes
Subject:
9.3. Finance/Facilities and Bond
Presenter:
Kathy Abela
Subject:
9.3.1. International Academy FY 2025-26 Budget (Okma Campus)
Description:
Recommended;

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education approve the International Academy Okma Campus 2025-26 budget as presented in the Board packet.
Subject:
9.3.2. Oakland Schools ISD Budget Resolution
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved, that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education approves a Oakland Schools ISD Budget as presented in the board packet.
Subject:
9.3.3. Tennis Court Coating
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to finalize and sign a contract with Laser Sport Surfacing in the amount of $76,700.00 with a 10% contingency to address any unforeseen conditions. 
Subject:
9.3.4. ROMS Kitchen Equipment
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to finalize and sign a contract with Stafford Smith, Inc. in the amount of $79,739.53 with a 10% contingency utilizing a cooperative agreement with Sourcewell. 
Subject:
9.3.5. Food Service Contract Renewal
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved that the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education authorizes the superintendent to finalize and sign a one-year renewal of the district food service management contract with Chartwells. On March 14, 2024, the Board approved a one-year contract with four optional one-year renewals; this would be the first of four optional one-year renewal agreements.
Subject:
9.4. Staff and Student Services 
Presenter:
Patrick Wolynski
Subject:
9.4.1. Personnel Changes
Description:
Recommendation:

Resolved, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education approves the regular personnel changes as presented in the board packet.
Subject:
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
Subject:
11. BOARD COMMENTS / LIAISON REPORT
Description:

Committee Reports:
City-School Liaison, Tim Ciechorski
Communications, Maryanne VanHaitsma

Upcoming Events:
May 9, Trivia Night, Club Venetian for Blessing in a Backpack @ 7:00 pm
May 12, ROHS Honors Convocation @ 7:00 pm at ROHS
May 13, ROHS Spring Band Concert @ 7:00 pm
May 14, ROHS Spring Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 pm
May 19, ROMS Spring Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 pm
May 20, ROMS Spring Band Concert @ 7:00 pm
May 22, Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm (if needed for OS)
May 28, ROHS Sr. Cruise @ 7:00 pm
May 29, ROHS Graduation @ 7:00 pm (rain date May 30)
June 1, Int'l Academy Graduation @ 4:00 pm, Pine Knob
June 4, Finance & Facilities Mtg @ 6:00 pm
June 5, Churchill Graduation @ 7:00 pm
June 5, ROMS Jazz on the Lawn @ 5:00 pm
June 11, ROMS Graduation
June 12, Regular Board Meeting @ 6:30 pm
June 18, OCSBA Meeting @ 6:00 pm, OS
June 19, RO Juneteenth Celebration @ 4:00 pm
June 23, ROSF Golf Outing
June 26, Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm (budget)
Subject:
12. ADJOURNMENT  (approval by consensus)  

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