[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6635754,"mediaKeyId","2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd","parentId",2621930,"title","Judge Meineke's Justice 101 program brings courtroom visits and court system lessons to fifth graders","audioSeconds",267,"startMs",3979885,"endMs",4247215,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd&start=3979&end=4247","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd/thumbnail_3979885.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635754/Michigan/Judge-Meinekes-Justice-101-program-brings-courtroom-visits-and-court-system-lessons-to-fifth-graders","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635754-47ab2fa155b824a2cd656360bd5bddef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741998&Signature=KK3ArLLfifMlRH5o1oq9snp4KYwG6uCAlgZqmW8HNpCKTA4I14dn5xVNet6kXCFbrMyLhFYpUF84Bf2ZQsl7ComSzAaot3cYFkmUtDGjnWaMEL2K-Be~3jmt6yzbovmHe10U3hA9zVhoEx0hcrmfqs4jqaEz9m6ZrKyrzakf8fPTVInZIbEkUw4Ofzdsm4Y3Yhjrsj5hTqJnbeuEJIUUSW7PuI1N6lTvtHftuD02OxOBjQ-kB6RQa62c~rEfmDZStlL72tuVRDYV0Qqj-qc6GDFxO-qWz1zHVOO3xnrAxDHjkeU3DhJA79tKwENGgQxUP8ece6PP95aHxnKdsIpfUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Royal Oak Schools","date","2025-03-14T00:28:12.9Z","article","The board received a curriculum update on \"Justice 101,\" a Royal Oak Schools program led by Judge Meineke that brings fifth graders into contact with the court system through classroom sessions and courthouse visits.

According to the presentation, the program comprises four classroom sessions: an overview of the Michigan court system (district, circuit, probate, court of appeals and supreme court); a discussion of case types students might observe; an explanation of how judges are selected and the pathway from law practice to the bench; and a student question-and-answer session. Judge Meineke then escorts students to observe court proceedings and gives them related assignments such as legal vocabulary to reinforce learning.

Students also visit the Royal Oak Police Department for a tour and discussion of public safety careers. Presenters said the program aims to demystify courts and law enforcement for students, encourage civic engagement and provide real-world context for legal and civic vocabulary.

Board members praised the program's classroom engagement and the courtroom observation component, noting students' questions and the program's positive reception by the court gallery and community partners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Royal Oak School Board Meeting - March 13th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board heard a curriculum update on Justice 101, a court-education program in which Judge Meineke visits fifth-grade classrooms and leads courtroom visits and police station tours to familiarize students with the Michigan court system and civic responsibilities.","taxTitle","Royal Oak School, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38502,"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},6635758,"Royal Oak Schools highlights You Matter Week award, trauma-informed training and DEI events",480,1613320,2093890,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd&start=1613&end=2093","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd/thumbnail_1613320.jpg","/articles/6635758/Michigan/Royal-Oak-Schools-highlights-You-Matter-Week-award-trauma-informed-training-and-DEI-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635758-5775446cfa10e6648242d18041b8993a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741998&Signature=E2amZnuPMIvMCV7QsLYSffaWMCqrhcyY0fxFNYQ3F61rvcP6LOBynqBlfn25TVR1n6jgx3WfY86L54G-3DRFEzL5P9gy2f9oCNabnRzYDt4MTMfgrjUU0uf5q5AZE05yWpHvfLQBvEttyagJKmgS4qEqta0XE2WuPw4hH1-KA9Empzj2kPbXyMXWV9fearjBmuorXkKyIIGwe0Sz7r5copB0F8NguGO9K6PRGHjONLrGWuQom4b6zzs8eeo2sDYJTc2xpOd0u6ODbiwfzZMbtMT634OqJZEW3Vi-yClR2CVEl~xEO1j8-nq87SlVTx7h5rbZ3PhPykKsXYr2mksUEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 13 meeting the board recognized Royal Oak Middle School's \"You Matter Week\" counseling program with an Education Excellence award from the Michigan Association of School Boards/Foundation and heard updates on district diversity, equity and inclusion and student-wellness activities.

Principal Meldrum introduced school counselors Sam Ellis and Carrie Lawrence, who described You Matter Week as an effort to reduce mental-health stigma, build self-respect and strengthen student supports. The counselors said the program includes activities such as therapy-dog visits and positive chalk talk. Representatives from the Michigan Association of School Boards presented an award check; an exact grant amount was not specified during the presentation.

The board also received updates from the district's DEI lead (Miss Phillips) on recent and upcoming programs: a statewide Black History Month calendar collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education, trauma-informed professional development cohort number 7 (which will yield 2'45 trained staff members after completion on March 21), Royal Oak High School's Women Empower Career Fair with 27 presenters, an International Food & Fun Festival at Keller Elementary scheduled for May 2, 2025, and a Juneteenth celebration planned for June 19, 2025 in partnership with the Hamer family descendants, the public library and the city.

Trustees and staff emphasized the importance of ongoing mental-health supports, student-led activities and community partnerships. Board members praised the award-winning work and asked staff to continue expanding supports and sharing program details with families.","The board recognized Royal Oak Middle School's You Matter Week with an Education Excellence award, heard updates on trauma-informed staff training, Women Empower career fair and upcoming community events including an International Food & Fun Festival and Juneteenth plans.",{"_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},6635761,"Royal Oak middle school students describe Religious Diversity Journeys program to board",331,2121470,2453445,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd&start=2121&end=2453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd/thumbnail_2121470.jpg","/articles/6635761/Michigan/Royal-Oak-middle-school-students-describe-Religious-Diversity-Journeys-program-to-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635761-6a417e3bd32698f3b3752c7839c78fec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741998&Signature=Jmy0mr2PgdjW-XSaDOzG-~Wl5k7Hx0iasnws9GPAVavTBcOzGqaHI4ku4o4FWOaMzBxBA1J~uKiyKkoyx-fX9-enmUGqYF7JLgBa5uQDVYOnfMZz-8-tx1BTSbB70pdFtTQKI4kdHA3ZZJnxRS3Og0NbOWFiUr4kvi6jitF0WQIRKJYdoJZRb3l5FVo6ZOmp49rf5vLNCy~jTT4-jso9V6qGaqOmajJHqOi~5h0yX4mRAAoLMCCEafIPeNKVcirBhtgh5brun6H4FT4QmkjEU6xVx2~fWOlehRR1gDcD~f6WeNV5JkbGLo2JOSn6n1hYHjIfyiCNVscI-JwO3kUrvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit and students from Royal Oak Middle School presented the district's Religious Diversity Journeys program at the March 13 board meeting and described immersive visits to houses of worship and cultural institutions.

Beth Folensky of the Interfaith Leadership Council said the program will be rebranded \"Journeys World Religion in Metropolitan Detroit\" to emphasize the curriculum alignment and immersive nature of the work. She said the program partners with more than 50 faith communities to bring students to synagogues, Hindu temples, Christian churches, Sikh gurdwaras and Muslim mosques, plus one cultural journey (examples given included the Holocaust center and the Arab American National Museum).

Jen James, also with the Interfaith Leadership Council, told the board this year's cohort included five religious journeys and one cultural visit, and that the council works with public and nonpublic schools across metro Detroit.

Students who participated described favorite visits and personal impacts. Owen Herbis, a seventh-grader, said he enjoyed visiting a synagogue and learning about Jewish traditions. Ari Solomon, a seventh-grader, said the trip to the Holocaust museum connected to his family history and helped him confront an incident of hate speech he experienced at school. Natalie Karpus and other students described friendships formed during the program and said the visits helped them better understand classmates' beliefs and identities.

Board members and the superintendent praised the students for their presentation and encouraged them to share their experiences with peers to increase participation in future cohorts.","Students and Interfaith Leadership Council representatives described the district's Religious Diversity Journeys (to be rebranded Journeys World Religion in Metropolitan Detroit), saying students visit five houses of worship plus a cultural site to reduce stereotypes and broaden understanding.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635766,"Royal Oak Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announces retirement; board accepts and outlines search timeline",2257,3545690,5803525,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd&start=3545&end=5803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd/thumbnail_3545690.jpg","/articles/6635766/Michigan/Royal-Oak-Superintendent-Mary-Beth-Fitzpatrick-announces-retirement-board-accepts-and-outlines-search-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635766-8b0d481ea0c54df435c3c472d293c3a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741998&Signature=Xt9Fq9xlI1u3UkB-UUgdQ2Jv3c1nRWMelr9TbBalp4-vezH5PU6ZpohcD2276b2Ky1bFxBifXMcXJGElPqFmAhkLnaxwdABHcLIyLXBQh0Kcur~dxVASxY73BBO9i98KLFiFaCDn2xC4SE1XtwHkeQsXu4j-PgTbSOZdmcLInkGsgNKUsP6nwkKv7XFpymev0X1E0L5wb4P4ZGc8VbJDgUbMSPyH2zIW6mDIw456C8Q8RLs4fkCtotuZL3RTMB1yMlly~wWCWltxqYda5poQcJa4sLlazJGb1MWlJD2~hBeshq77DfE1KmDiCemubqbWtNlHm34YzrB3OTWWOSmLuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced at the March 13, 2025 Royal Oak Schools Board of Education meeting that she will retire effective July 31, 2025, and the board voted to accept her resignation.

Fitzpatrick told the board she has served the community since 2017 and has worked 39 years in public education. \"After four decades in public education...it is time to enjoy more quality time with my family,\" she said during her announcement.

The board moved to amend the agenda to add the superintendent retirement as new business and then voted to accept the retirement. Trustee Van Heitzman moved the retirement acceptance; Trustee Anderson seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; the transcript records one opposition during the final vote.

Board members used the public discussion to thank Fitzpatrick and discuss next steps for an open and transparent search. Trustee Van Heitzman proposed interviewing two search firms'the Michigan Leadership Institute and the Michigan Association of School Boards'and asked staff to arrange firm presentations in public sessions. Board members discussed scheduling short (about 30-minute) presentations during the week of March 18 or the following week, with alternative dates proposed to accommodate members'and acknowledged that not all board members might be available to attend every meeting.

No salary, severance or transition details were presented at the meeting. The board said it would conduct the search and related meetings in public sessions and post required public notices.

Fitzpatrick, the district's first female superintendent, said she looks forward to time with family while continuing to serve through the end of the school year and into the summer transition period. The board will post details of the search process and subsequent meetings when dates and vendors are finalized.","Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced her retirement effective July 31, 2025. The board accepted her resignation and discussed an expedited, public search process that will include presentations by superintendent-search firms.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635770,"Votes at a glance: Royal Oak Schools approves budget amendment, laptop purchase, new courses and accepts superintendent retirement",286,5784220,6070500,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd&start=5784&end=6070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2621930-3563e947abf1ca4656a3f5bcb7477afd/thumbnail_5784220.jpg","/articles/6635770/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Royal-Oak-Schools-approves-budget-amendment-laptop-purchase-new-courses-and-accepts-superintendent-retirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635770-045643cbb71585608c9c4e40049fd76d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741998&Signature=FNh8tEGdYGWjH0kTok1tvccZrx3KM6qNOV3ytUKcgkHa8PPdiHd3I9lw9BC7u4LAtuR3mWRkBwVB10SOifBDp2Eb7byTfM4-WPBqnJXVTFGfEaxxPmXRA2-k1SfnotSx6ksUmMFs0n6MW2lJRDsTYkO6X35cVj8TZLrWyXzbposXb0Oyr7bPwJpkLk-MpYtEyVayg5oYllNLNC6y51bLVDiG3JMNGcCrj8vnN~m39hyQZjBGaEEAabfs10OGdDzlkrQHbleUPA1BEfSFlDDPcaEwHfeSzRaJRB-5gE17lzEKa~-GYfjsjVWY4Fi9-UtInL0kfciNC6O5gV3XiPJhXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Royal Oak Schools Board of Education took a series of administrative and financial actions at its March 13, 2025 regular meeting, approving minutes and proclamations, adopting a midyear general fund amendment, authorizing a staff laptop purchase, approving new high school courses, and accepting the superintendent's retirement.

The board voted by voice on routine items including the approval of minutes for meetings in February 2025 and three proclamations recognizing Women's History Month, Civic Learning Week (March 10'14, 2025) and the board's support for the U.S. Department of Education. Those items were adopted without recorded roll-call tallies.

Key formal actions and outcomes:

- Approval of minutes (Item 3.2): Motion by Trustee Bennettsma; seconded by Trustee Wiecky; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Adoption of proclamations (Items 4.1'4.3): Women's History Month, Civic Learning Week, and a proclamation expressing support for the U.S. Department of Education were adopted by voice votes.

- Second reading of revised/replaced policies and administrative guidelines (Item 9.1.1): Motion made and seconded; outcome: motion passed by voice vote.

- Purchase of staff laptops for Royal Oak Middle School and Royal Oak High School (Item 9.2.1): The board approved purchase from People Driven Technology for $165,360; motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Approval of new Royal Oak High School courses (Item 9.2.2): The board approved two proposed new advanced placement courses, AP Digital Photography and AP Art and Design; motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- General Fund Budget Amendment Number 2 for fiscal year 2024'25 (Item 9.3.1): The amendment adjusted revenues and expenditures to reflect updated state aid, special education reconciliations, federal and state grant reconciliations, tuition and interest income changes and other reconciliations described by the district's finance director. Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Personnel changes (Item 9.4.1): The board approved routine personnel actions, including four resignations, two retirements and five recommended hires (primarily paraprofessional positions); motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Acceptance of Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick's retirement (Item 10.1): The board moved to amend the agenda to add the superintendent retirement as new business and then voted to accept Superintendent Fitzpatrick's retirement effective July 31, 2025. The motion to accept was moved and seconded; the voice vote registered a majority in favor with one recorded opposition during the roll call.

The board's actions were primarily procedural and budgetary; detailed line-item changes to the budget were presented by the district finance director during the meeting and will be reflected in the amended fiscal documents published with the board packet.","At its March 13, 2025 meeting the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education approved routine minutes and proclamations, adopted a general fund budget amendment, approved a staff laptop purchase and new high school courses, and accepted Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick's retirement effective July 31, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Judge Meineke's Justice 101 program brings courtroom visits and court system lessons to fifth graders

Royal Oak Schools highlights You Matter Week award, trauma-informed training and DEI events

Royal Oak middle school students describe Religious Diversity Journeys program to board

Royal Oak Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announces retirement; board accepts and outlines search timeline

Votes at a glance: Royal Oak Schools approves budget amendment, laptop purchase, new courses and accepts superintendent retirement