[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6397193,"mediaKeyId","2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8","parentId",2094266,"title","Board reelects officers, approves standard organizational resolutions and awards facilities contracts","audioSeconds",2684,"startMs",2555000,"endMs",5239000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8&start=2555&end=5239","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8/thumbnail_2555000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6397193/Michigan/Board-reelects-officers-approves-standard-organizational-resolutions-and-awards-facilities-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397193-60276bd9c20efe102c71dd25aaad894e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770626715&Signature=ER-K8mWbOLx~LHWeP5Jj2SMPcfX7CS~J6knW7Lf6mcDs4VMOPYlRfEJZFm3zLW8QodvDSrWnheUhxbDBIfB~n-4SJ1T1o6Gpx6P7PP1pMj40l0sdyeb8rtxtdOGf-lD78i7BGSv1eg6~JS7cgQLhT~V6ccSb8yL0KEMxAbV8Kl31gPHwkHg5ZlkbP0WfGOfmumfA3jdKeF97cSlyy1bKyhCUiquZs~dIRblH9otr24nizCapqtNMISVMqaDO7XOfeBxq4ENmQG9ugL~swJ0EJRqpiVuGdxcsrpPU5aust84Vr3qB94gicFvl6TLcW-LhL789BoAtlg1BG2dCisL~HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","BirminghamPS","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Birmingham School District Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting on Jan. 6 and approved officer elections, routine annual resolutions and two facilities actions, all by unanimous voice vote.

Nut graf: Trustees reappointed board officers for 2025, updated committee liaisons, reaffirmed memberships and administrative authorizations that the board adopts yearly, and approved two facilities items presented by the district’s business services staff — a stormwater management agreement at Seaholm High School and an award of contracts to replace a deteriorated salt‑storage shed and upgrade a fire alarm at the maintenance building.

The board elected its officers for 2025 under Resolution 43. The assembly confirmed President Ras to a second year as president; Nicole Spencer was elected vice president, Luke Joseph was chosen as secretary and Amy Hoechimer was selected as treasurer. The resolution passed 7‑0. The board then approved Resolution 44 updating board representation assignments and a series of standard annual resolutions (45–52) that designate investing institutions, authorize electronic transactions, appoint legal counsel and confirm memberships in state and national school‑board associations; each passed 7‑0.

Business Services Director Kevin Teratuta presented two facilities actions. Resolution 54 authorized a stormwater management operations and maintenance agreement for the Seaholm High School parking‑lot replacement; the district said the agreement follows city and county stormwater ordinances and the resolution passed 7‑0. Resolution 55 awarded contracts for a replacement salt‑storage shed at the maintenance facility and associated fire‑alarm upgrades; the low‑bid total for the project is $503,874. Teratuta said the amount exceeds the original allocation set in the bond plan because the allocation dated to 2020 and costs rose due to inflation and minor scope changes tied to an easement requirement. The board approved Resolution 55, 7‑0.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 43 — Election of officers for 2025 (President Ras; Vice President Nicole Spencer; Secretary Luke Joseph; Treasurer Amy Hoechimer): outcome approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 44 — Board representation assignments, with committee reassignments and addition of Trustee Jason Tijani: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 45 — Designation of investing institutions: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 46 — Annual authorization for electronic transactions: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 47 — Appointment of legal counsel: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 48 — Membership in Michigan Association of School Boards: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 49 — Membership in National School Boards Association: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 50 — Membership in Metropolitan Detroit Bureau of School Studies: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 51 — Designation of person for posting meeting notices: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 52 — Reaffirmation of public participation at Board meetings: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 53 — Acceptance of consent agenda (personnel, financial statements, Dec. 17 minutes): approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 54 — Stormwater management operations and maintenance agreement at Seaholm High School: approved 7‑0.
- Resolution 55 — Award of contracts for maintenance building salt‑storage shed and fire‑alarm upgrades: approved 7‑0; contract total $503,874; board noted the project is modestly over the 2020 allocation due to inflation and an easement requirement but will not affect other bond work.

Ending: Trustees moved quickly through the organizational items as routine annual business and then adjourned. No items were tabled or sent to committee; the board scheduled a vote on revised board goals for Jan. 21.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education Organizational Meeting 01/07/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Jan. 6 organizational meeting the Birmingham School Board reappointed officers, adopted annual membership and procedural resolutions, approved a stormwater management agreement for Seaholm and awarded a $503,874 contract for a maintenance building salt‑storage shed and fire‑alarm upgrades.","taxTitle","Birmingham Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38788,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6397197,"Student ambassadors press board for advisory changes, propose teacher pass and testing center",688,1292000,1980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8&start=1292&end=1980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8/thumbnail_1292000.jpg","/articles/6397197/Michigan/Student-ambassadors-press-board-for-advisory-changes-propose-teacher-pass-and-testing-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397197-e7e1f205c7ab47a3b7e1b60f440265a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770626715&Signature=cbZxsPgFotSmpEbZMv323x5J7nYLZE0RyBmBbMxK43oWJeLkeLd-BaCvBn8aeNLyGRzWxjp1BvOtruoqvoINCY4vVFCPhiafaLALXQq-VVREVkah-yIKU30W04NkDT51ihtsu99ee-jHgZ~gUPe8M9rCZbwpLrU1wWFBtZ6kkpyQzFGrInoWPwGCyo58SLNXRlPD9EfwxRbopJwagZL7NjNiuOFl3DSGM82-RxLgDxWRGoSpkXOf7IcMpFt5mTC69ylWXa2q6-PD6McNGlkJ4ilQg0S2f0ba04Q~oE746nz6iOHvHrCu51KCkeP6tcAVJpI9BSlU83YL9-bK~4d5pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two student representatives presented the Superintendent Ambassador Program to the Birmingham Board of Education on Jan. 6 and laid out successes and specific proposals to improve the district advisory period.

Kennedy Cook and Owen Rabschide, identified as the student representatives and superintendents’ ambassadors, described three goals: explain the ambassador program, review advisory successes and problems, and recommend improvements. \"By participating in these meetings, ambassadors ensure that the perspectives, concerns, and ideas of the students...are heard at the highest level of district decision making,\" the students told trustees.

Nut graf: The students reported concrete outcomes tied to their work — security changes, curriculum alignment in math and a proposal to formalize advisory supports — and they recommended implementable steps the board and administration could consider to make advisory more useful for students and teachers.

The students said ambassadors had met with district staff, including counseling and security leaders, and that some changes already followed their input. They said security updates included ID checks by security guards, a stationed guard at main doors and reduced numbers of propped‑open doors. For math instruction, ambassadors said they raised concerns that led to the creation of common finals across core math classes.

On advisory, the students said the period has successes such as structured time for homework, a Seaholm writing center and lessons on SAT/ACT and mental health, but they also listed problems: unclear purpose, age‑inappropriate lessons, repetitive Khan Academy work and limited teacher access during advisory. To address those concerns the students recommended several steps:

- A teacher pass system that requires approval by both the adviser and the teacher to prevent overcrowding of core teachers; the pass would track attendance and allow teachers to limit visitors.
- A testing center option so students can make up missed tests during advisory, which can help students who lack transportation before/after school.
- A supervised peer‑tutoring room staffed by National Honor Society members to support academic needs.

Trustees praised the presentation. Several trustees asked follow‑up questions about teacher support for a pass system; students said some teachers supported the idea while others were concerned about being overwhelmed, which motivated the pass design. The students also described outreach methods they used to collect feedback, including class visits and social posts.

Ending: Trustees thanked the students for the presentation and said the board would consider the recommendations; no formal board action or vote on advisory policies occurred that night. The board scheduled a later vote on formal board goals for Jan. 21 but did not adopt new advisory policy at the Jan. 6 meeting.","Student representatives told the Board of Education the Superintendent Ambassador Program has produced changes — common finals for core math and security adjustments — and recommended concrete changes to the advisory period including a teacher pass system, testing center and peer tutoring.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6397201,"Birmingham schools expand Chartwells kitchen internships for adult transition students",389,471000,860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8&start=471&end=860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2094266-bbb4bc98fa498595752e77aa340aabb8/thumbnail_471000.jpg","/articles/6397201/Michigan/Birmingham-schools-expand-Chartwells-kitchen-internships-for-adult-transition-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397201-0e8f3d74802fa282c8a83a45a15146b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770626715&Signature=crh09EYGqDZR8Sq0O6NCg4s5fRlvCujkCVh8UTTOsuQnafOge6I9T0d57WddaJtBvH2nrgz3WphyPuR-wqSGXMZx4p7xuGu4royY9tIIiEJFstSR27eyRGHfl7vpRIwoyTwUfjMiaPC~tnaWQlTIMkZApZ2F~H3iMfU5eg2aD7MWt0~nCdzrZXG~kOr29VBbdqwUsqevKeHBumHgW8YVewJm67HGJUfyTA2~K5VwoNCllZz0h5XPl3nHtVV34otUTyWlqr7fkb-MH25~I-obm~C0lyMrU-NEtqxTe2L~CC1tnZYR3r8pr~fGcxv~GdPVTtKUsMCsh-Luw1~-WOvSeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chartwells and Birmingham Public Schools on Jan. 6 described a newly expanded work‑experience program that places students from the district’s adult transition program in school kitchens to learn life and job skills.

The program, presented at the Board of Education meeting by Patty Cook, director of dining for Chartwells, and Holly Fields, assistant director and dietitian, aims to teach kitchen‑specific skills such as food preparation, sanitation, knife safety, and workplace safety while building social and communication skills. \"Our adult young learners...are working on organization skills, communication skills, and personal hygiene,\" Cook said.

Nut graf: District leaders said the program combines vocational training with Chartwells’ food‑service operations so students gain hands‑on experience, certificates and paid work opportunities. The program is now operating at the C Home kitchen and feeds Seaholm and other high schools.

Cook and Fields told trustees the students completed multiple required trainings before beginning work, including Oakland County basic food safety, Chartwells workplace safety, hazard communication, knife safety and USDA civil‑rights training. Students’ daily duties include stocking coolers and snack racks, assembling on‑the‑go items — smoothies, parfaits, salads and sandwiches — baking, produce washing and dishwashing. The presentation included examples of student‑made items such as a hummus platter and reduced‑sugar whole‑grain cookies.

Student participant Pia Branstrom appeared with the presenters and was identified in the meeting as a young adult learner working in the program. Trustees and staff described the program as part of the district’s broader effort to provide transition services and post‑school employment pathways. \"Our goal is to collaborate with the teachers and the students to provide educational opportunities to teach them life skills in a kitchen,\" Cook said.

Program leaders said a team of five young adult learners and Chartwells staff currently help prepare roughly 350 meals daily that are served to high school students. The district and Chartwells said their longer‑term goal is to hire some program participants as paid members of Chartwells’ staff.

Ending: Trustees thanked the presenters and noted the program’s role in board appreciation month items placed on trustees’ desks (charcuterie boards and other gifts were produced by program participants). Board materials provided at the meeting list Chartwells as the district’s food‑service partner and describe the BATP collaboration; no personnel hires or contract amendments were proposed during the meeting.","Chartwells and Birmingham Public Schools launched a work‑experience program placing young adult learners from the district’s adult transition program in school kitchens; students completed required food‑safety training and now help prepare about 350 meals a day for high school students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reelects officers, approves standard organizational resolutions and awards facilities contracts

Student ambassadors press board for advisory changes, propose teacher pass and testing center

Birmingham schools expand Chartwells kitchen internships for adult transition students