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Meeting Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
WELCOME AND MEETING FORMAT (2 Min)
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Contract Negotiations
RECONVENE
PRESENTATION - Assessment Data (30 Min)
DISCUSSION MOVED FORWARD – PHASE Curriculum (15 Min)
Adequate Information to Proceed
CITIZENS ADDRESS AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT REPORTS/REQUESTS (5 Min)
SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS/REQUESTS (10 Min)
BOARD REPORTS/REQUESTS (10 Min)
ACTION ITEMS
CONSENT AGENDA (5 Min)
OTHER ACTION ITEMS
PHASE Curriculum
Board Policy First Reading
Board Policy - Final Reading
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Emergency Facilities Purchase
MASB Workshop
Employee Compensation
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
OTHER MATTERS (5 Min)
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Contract Negotiations (If Needed)
RECONVENE
ADJOURN
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: October 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Meeting Agenda
Subject:
CALL TO ORDER
Description:
Tom Buffett, Katie Cavanaugh, Shulawn Doxie, Mary Gebara, Melanie Lynn, Andrew Phelps and Jayme Taylor
Subject:
WELCOME AND MEETING FORMAT (2 Min)
Description:
Welcome to this regular meeting of the Okemos Board of Education held in public for the purpose of conducting the business of the school board.

There are two opportunities for public comment: Citizens who wish to address agenda or non-agenda items will have an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting, as well as near the end of the meeting. In-person individuals who wish to address the board must complete a blue form, located with the agendas near the room entrance, and present it to the board’s secretary prior to the start of the agenda item. Virtual participants must submit their name and address in a message through the chat box located in Zoom’s meeting controls prior to the start of the agenda item.  

At the appropriate point in the agenda, the board president will call upon individuals who have submitted a blue card or chat message and that individual’s microphone will be un-muted for their comments.
Subject:
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Contract Negotiations
Description:
Pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act, the board of education may adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiations.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations (Roll Call)
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations (Roll Call).Tom BuffettKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Doxie: Absent
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Subject:
RECONVENE
Description:
Tom Buffett, Katie Cavanaugh, Shulawn Doxie, Mary Gebara, Melanie Lynn,  Andy Phelps, Jayme Taylor
Subject:
PRESENTATION - Assessment Data (30 Min)
Description:
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Bailey, and DEI Director Lara Slee will provide an overview of district benchmark assessment results, along with key initiatives that will be utilized to address students' needs during the 2023-2024 school year.
Attachments:
Goals:
  • Instruction & Learning - PRIORITY 3: Through strong district and building leadership, deepen implementation of high-quality practices and programming.
  • Instruction & Learning - PRIORITY 4: Further explore and implement child-centered models (environmental, programming, etc.).
Subject:
DISCUSSION MOVED FORWARD – PHASE Curriculum (15 Min)
Description:
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Bailey will present information regarding proposed Personal Health and Sexuality Education curriculum for use by students in 6th grades. The proposed curriculum has already been previewed and unanimously approved for use by the PHASE (Personal Health and Sex Education) board. 
Attachments:
Subject:
Adequate Information to Proceed
Description:
Board policy 8344.1 Adequate Information to Proceed indicates that it is the policy of the board not to take action on an item the first time it is brought to the attention of the board at a public meeting. 
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board waive policy 8344.1 requirements and take action on whether to approve the proposed PHASE curriculum.
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
That the board waive policy 8344.1 requirements and take action on whether to approve the proposed PHASE curriculum.Melanie LynnKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Motion 2 Carried:
That the board waive policy 8344.1 requirements and take action on whether to approve the proposed PHASE curriculum.Melanie LynnKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Doxie: Absent
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Subject:
CITIZENS ADDRESS AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Description:
At this time in the meeting, citizens have an opportunity to address the board regarding items of interest that that may or may not be part of the evening’s agenda.  Citizens are required to limit comments to three minutes, except when this requirement is waived by the board president during the meeting.  A designated timekeeper will communicate to the individual who is addressing the board at three minutes. The board highly values public comment and input; however, the board meeting format is designed to facilitate the evening’s agenda and, therefore, restricts board members from engaging in conversation with speakers or immediately responding to questions.  Questions and concerns may be addressed by the board later in the agenda and may be assigned for follow-up by the board or superintendent at a later date.
Subject:
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT REPORTS/REQUESTS (5 Min)
Description:
The high school student representative will highlight events and issues of interest and take questions from the board.
Subject:
SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS/REQUESTS (10 Min)
Description:
The superintendent will highlight events and issues of interest and take questions from the board.
Subject:
BOARD REPORTS/REQUESTS (10 Min)
Description:
The board will acknowledge receipt of correspondence.
Individual board members may highlight other events and issues of interest and request follow-up on other matters of concern.
Subject:
ACTION ITEMS
Description:
Within Action Items, there is a Consent Agenda to expedite the business of the board which groups a number of items together to be dealt with by one action of the board. However, items in the consent agenda may be extracted by individual board member request for further discussion or clarification.
Subject:
CONSENT AGENDA (5 Min)
Description:
In an effort to expedite the business of the board of education, but in no way meant to diminish the importance of each item, a Consent Agenda has been developed.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board approve items 1 through 5 for immediate implementation and appropriate action. Item 1: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2023; Item 2: Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session Meeting of September 25, 2023; Item 3: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2023; Item 4: Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session Meeting of October 9, 2023; Item 5: Acknowledge receipt of the September financial statement and approve payment of bills for September.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board approve items 1, 3 and 5 for immediate implementation and appropriate action. Item 1: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2023; Item 3: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2023; Item 5: Acknowledge receipt of the September financial statement and approve payment of bills for September.Melanie LynnKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Subject:
OTHER ACTION ITEMS
Description:
The Other Action Items require additional discussion prior to board action.
Subject:
PHASE Curriculum
Description:
The board of education reviewed Personal Health and Sexuality Education curriculum for use by students in 6th grade earlier in the meeting. 
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board adopt the following Personal Health and Sexuality Education curriculum - Puberty: The Wonder Years lesson 6-2, 6-6 and 6-7 for use by students in 6th grade.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board adopt the following Personal Health and Sexuality Education curriculum - Puberty: The Wonder Years lesson 6-2, 6-6 and 6-7 for use by students in 6th grade. Supported by Doxie Did she arrive late?.Katie CavanaughMary GebaraCarried
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Subject:
Board Policy First Reading
Description:
The board's policy committee has been engaged in the implementation process of Thrun's board policies. The committee is submitting several policies that have been reviewed and/or revised:  2401 Board Member Elections; 2402 Acceptance of Office and Oath of Office; 2403 Board Member Terms of Office; 2404 Board Member Vacancies and Appointments; 2405 Board Officers; 2501 Meetings; 2501A-F-1 Electronic Meeting Checklist; 2501A-F-2 Advance Notice of Remote Participation; 2501-A-F-3 Electronic Board Meeting Notice; 2501A-F-4 Affidavit of Website Posting of Public Notice of Electronic Board Meeting; 2503 Voting Requirements; 2506 Organizational Meetings; 3101 Insurance; 3102 Smoking, Tobacco Products, Drugs and Alcohol; and 3103 Copyright Compliance. The committee is recommending a July 1st effective date for these policies. Policies given first reading by the board are posted on the district website for thirty days for public review. Policies not given first reading are returned to the committee for further review and editing.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board waive the reading and adopt first reading of board policies 2401 Board Member Elections; 2402 Acceptance of Office and Oath of Office; 2403 Board Member Terms of Office; 2404 Board Member Vacancies and Appointments; 2405 Board Officers; 2501 Meetings; 2501A-F-1 Electronic Meeting Checklist; 2501A-F-2 Advance Notice of Remote Participation; 2501-A-F-3 Electronic Board Meeting Notice; 2501A-F-4 Affidavit of Website Posting of Public Notice of Electronic Board Meeting; 2503 Voting Requirements; 2506 Organizational Meetings; 3101 Insurance; 3102 Smoking, Tobacco Products, Drugs and Alcohol; and 3103 Copyright Compliance
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board waive the reading and adopt first reading of board policies 2401 Board Member Elections; 2402 Acceptance of Office and Oath of Office; 2403 Board Member Terms of Office; 2404 Board Member Vacancies and Appointments; 2405 Board Officers; 2501 Meetings; 2501A-F-1 Electronic Meeting Checklist; 2501A-F-2 Advance Notice of Remote Participation; 2501-A-F-3 Electronic Board Meeting Notice; 2501A-F-4 Affidavit of Website Posting of Public Notice of Electronic Board Meeting; 2503 Voting Requirements; 2506 Organizational Meetings; 3101 Insurance; 3102 Smoking, Tobacco Products, Drugs and Alcohol; and 3103 Copyright Compliance.Andy PhelpsKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Attachments:
Subject:
Board Policy - Final Reading
Description:
The board approved first reading of policy 5711 Toilet Training during its meeting of September 11, 2023. The policy was then posted to the district's website for public review/comment for 30 days or more per board policy.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board waive the reading and adopt final reading of board policy 5711 Toilet Training
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board waive the reading and adopt final reading of board policy 5711 Toilet Training.Shulawn DoxieKatie CavanaughCarried
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Attachments:
Subject:
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Description:
Discussion items are intended to provide an opportunity for review of material and interaction concerning the individual items.  Action is not taken during the board meeting.  Discussion items may be acted upon by the Board of Education at a later date. The board president may move a discussion item forward in the meeting agenda to facilitate timely discussion and/or community input on that discussion item.
Subject:
Emergency Facilities Purchase
Description:
Finance Director Elizabeth Lentz will provide information regarding a recent emergency purchase of a boiler replacement at Okemos High School. Board policy 3323 allows for emergency purchases that can affect the health or safety of students.
Attachments:
Subject:
MASB Workshop
Description:
The board will discuss dates to establish a MASB Workshop regarding Board Best practices.
Subject:
Employee Compensation
Description:
Human Resources Director Mario Martinez will provide an overview of critical areas in staffing and forecast future updates for the Board regarding wage adjustments for specific employee groups.
Attachments:
Subject:
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Description:
At this time in the meeting, citizens have an opportunity to address the board regarding any item(s) of interest. Individual comments at this time will be limited to three minutes but may be extended at the discretion of the board president.  A designated timekeeper will communicate to the individual who is addressing the board at three minutes.  The board highly values public comment; however, our meeting format does not allow the board to engage in conversation with speakers.  Questions or concerns may be assigned for follow-up by the board or the administration at a later date.
 
Subject:
OTHER MATTERS (5 Min)
Subject:
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Contract Negotiations (If Needed)
Description:
If needed, the board may adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiations pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act..
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. That the board adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations (Roll Call)
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
That the board adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations (Roll Call).Tom BuffettJayme TaylorCarried
  • Buffett: Yea
  • Cavanaugh: Yea
  • Doxie: Yea
  • Gebara: Yea
  • Lynn: Yea
  • Phelps: Yea
  • Taylor: Yea
Subject:
RECONVENE
Description:
Tom Buffett, Katie Cavanaugh, Shulawn Doxie, Mary Gebara, Melanie Lynn,  Andy Phelps, Jayme Taylor
Subject:
ADJOURN

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