[{"_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",6073285,"mediaKeyId","2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169","parentId",2993953,"title","State audit finds Marshall Public Schools meets core Title I requirements; two district‑level findings and several school‑level improvements required","audioSeconds",780,"startMs",3090000,"endMs",3870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169&start=3090&end=3870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169/thumbnail_3090000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073285/Michigan/State-audit-finds-Marshall-Public-Schools-meets-core-Title-I-requirements-two-districtlevel-findings-and-several-schoollevel-improvements-required","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073285-b053afdcaeee99abb15d3674779bf072/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183042&Signature=kKdYjzWE5BZZ2PONOAXkIP2YyX17hmVP4dS-7-qP8kJB2XihTlIUYaBUD-yvuxF8k31-y8EwFgAsXRmLFj2tEiAjfmbV2t-b3xQ4Swn9y65OzZsG6KI5qTTpHrimexLGc7qhWLFkxT12o6Jt3H6wIe5tbG4rmEu3vhPY-IfozoqXclPmpfpALUZ-Gdfe15QyFbCVafILItFR3UeVSWqu6T9sPu51qh1QT4saiLvMpBKJGXtsNVzx12HoLnA7CZ7NYZdPQoXZe8XvoTXk8QtA6emken3T4EURamTTZuDoA2kFrlos0aKFp-893t3tGCIQXhdUFNwhDRv9a4xxMvw~2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marshall Public Schools Board of Education","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","Kelly Fitzpatrick, the district's Title I lead, briefed the board on a Michigan Department of Education audit the district received this spring. Fitzpatrick said auditors reviewed districtwide materials and performed an on‑site review at Harrington Elementary and that the audit concluded the district met the three core areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment with no findings.

\"We either met the requirement or we didn't,\" Fitzpatrick said, summarizing the audit process and the binary nature of the state review. She said the district completed 54 district indicators for the audit and that the Harrington school review covered 26 indicators.

Fitzpatrick said there were two district findings. The first was a wording issue: the district had not separately listed homelessness as a population for which it sets specific goals; Fitzpatrick said the language has been corrected. The second was an operational scheduling item: two paraprofessionals funded by Title I were reported to be supervising students during lunch rather than providing direct instructional services; auditors said that use is outside the funding intent and the district will realign schedules for those staff.

At Harrington Elementary the on‑site audit yielded several improvement needs. Fitzpatrick said the school received no findings in curriculum, instruction or assessment, but auditors asked the school to formalize processes for analyzing disaggregated data (for instance, by subgroup), strengthen and sustain a new intervention schedule, and document staff input and parent‑family engagement more consistently. She described several items as documentation and monitoring recommendations tied to recently established practices that the state expects to see over multiple years.

Fitzpatrick said an action plan will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Education and that the state will revisit the district in one year to confirm progress on required documentation and procedures.

Board members and staff praised Harrington leadership. Trustee Amanda Lankard commended site principal Beth Brownell by name after multiple parent and staff interview comments singled out the school's leadership.

Fitzpatrick said the audit's result was largely positive: the district met federal and state expectations in major instructional areas and the findings identified a small number of operational corrections. She asked the board to view the audit as a foundation for continued work and for the district to submit an action plan to address the improvement items.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marshall Public Schools - Business Session - April 14th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Michigan Department of Education audit found the district met curriculum, instruction and assessment requirements but identified two district findings and several areas for improvement at Harrington Elementary; the district must submit a compliance plan and will be revisited in one year.","taxTitle","Marshall Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",49717,"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},6073290,"Walters Elementary highlights Unified Champion School work, sensory room and inclusive playground gift",2289,447000,2736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169&start=447&end=2736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169/thumbnail_447000.jpg","/articles/6073290/Michigan/Walters-Elementary-highlights-Unified-Champion-School-work-sensory-room-and-inclusive-playground-gift","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073290-1cc61399a5acf40d069d8e68a03ac5d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183042&Signature=KC-J0ygmBdoLRkmXkL4EzrF8lkoamSAtkgQu6FvcZqcoOwLfBho5J5ZdQL8Vjt8rgpbzy4-iw7hxcPovC302D3EErh9tcF5gjxgR4zHjgVuIHirSHZtSxmc5JaFqokiYTqgqAgaqz5OYdy8OuYsd5eupvKmlqP1G-v93x2vdlRakOx2ElDDub0UaOQWRxTn84lbNXwwSZIAf1gOBRnMD2qgsEPibSXEOdsZns9BMZcgFnkckLpNGcktrFVmsKdhsoPEOf6t14wnAr2x-NJK1mSxn1JtCyiBAiARIzprVrtlTqFubV~NHMc8TKClCsADWKWELxnym~O6dCRTGLABlRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marcy Heidrick, principal of Walters Elementary School, and Walters staff described on April 14 how the building has expanded inclusive programming, added a sensory room and installed an accessible playground donated in memory of a former staff member.

The presentations focused on Walters' work to include students with disabilities in classroom and schoolwide activities and on concrete supports that the building added this year. School leaders said those changes contributed to Walters earning designation as a Unified Champion School.

\"We became this year a Unified Champion School,\" said Leslie Booth, who teaches students with cognitive impairment at Walters. Booth described Walters' peer‑to‑peer and whole‑school inclusion activities, including a school assembly and a signed inclusion pledge. She said the school met three program qualifications for the Unified Champion designation: peer‑to‑peer mentorship, whole‑school engagement and inclusive sports activities. Booth said the school received a $1,500 grant as part of the designation and that Walters plans to continue activities and use funds for future inclusion work.

School staff gave details on special education enrollment and services. Lisa Lupini, teacher consultant for special education at Walters, said the building currently serves about 21 students in the resource room (with individualized minutes of support), six students in the early learning room (young‑5 through second grade), and 14 students in a cognitively impaired classroom using an adaptive curriculum. Lupini also described related services: many students receive occupational, physical and speech therapy; two students receive only physical therapy; one student receives vision services; and an additional set of students receive speech‑only support. She said Walters has 11 classroom aides assigned to provide one‑on‑one support where needed.

Teachers described inclusive activities and adaptive specials. Michelle Rupp said Walters runs Unified Bowling and inclusive field‑day events, holds a PBIS student council in fifth grade, and provides adaptive art, music and physical education for students in the cognitively impaired and early learning classrooms. Stacy Root, Walters' music teacher, said adaptive specials help establish routines so students can transition into mainstream classes with peer supports.

Staff also described the Red Hawk Relief Room, Walters' sensory and reset space. Jennifer McManus, a behavior specialist, said the room is available to any student who indicates they need a break; staff are trained by the district occupational therapist to supervise activities that include a trampoline with crash pad, cocoon and flat‑board swings, a squeeze/roller machine, a bubble machine, sensory wall boards and an egg chair. McManus said typical breaks are five minutes, sometimes 10, and students use timers to self‑regulate.

Walters unveiled an inclusive playground donated by the family of former tutor David Palmer. Principal Heidrick said the playground includes a ramp sized for wheelchairs, a two‑person accessible swing and chimes along the ramp to encourage exploration. The Palmer family attended the board meeting for a plaque presentation.

The building also highlighted March Is Reading Month activities that emphasized books about disability and inclusion. Leslie Parshall, school secretary, said Walters purchased 26 new books and combined them with 22 existing titles to create a 48‑book reading collection; the purchase included a $300 community service donation from a Kellogg volunteer and $316 in book purchases. Students completed reading logs and received small donated prizes.

First‑grader Mason Hansen spoke during the highlight and read part of Lucas the Lion Loves the Tiny Talker, connecting the story to his brother's communication device. \"It is important we are included because it makes everybody feel good and happy,\" Mason said.

Board members and a parent speaker praised Walters staff for their inclusion work and for the sensory room and playground donations.

","Walters Elementary staff described new Unified Champion School activities, the Red Hawk Relief sensory room, special‑education program sizes and a donated inclusive playground dedicated in memory of a former tutor.",{"_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},6073295,"Marshall Public Schools board approves bond refunding and multiple facility and technology purchases",3437,4483000,7920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169&start=4483&end=7920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993953-c25ded57c27e58eb3cc02c576996b169/thumbnail_4483000.jpg","/articles/6073295/Michigan/Marshall-Public-Schools-board-approves-bond-refunding-and-multiple-facility-and-technology-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073295-77a6e52d7bbcae92eb393f51a32a12e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183042&Signature=Vq9aTegBM3IkHLQqnHevDvQjjQnqnKsIHnPYQQwPBs1jB4ap1LgalDozS~3iZ0IqjB~ziPeLh9tSuwqQP-NyvtFjmDl9xqSRbJeO5xHKp8LMlIEjucdCmVLFGet91Dozd7YU84l8pz06nA-7ZUUSrV7pKi7dULogCZnQ7Gb3jTuVZ05gT9As2Hld9RNZsmMhPDDOADdshgIs0FTnHZeITh9Kk0JDsbKTpq9E9jIv242liA2fSJ6tWgNzaXPbV~7sSZsW00bf7d-L8yeqyNFG6hCMjMAe78VUx7WDIlI9Td5wuxkmClE1ogZ3zBLRNtNGPM8eS7m3e9BY99M6BSXBSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On April 14 the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved a slate of fiscal and facilities actions including a proposed refunding of the district's 2015 bonds, sinking‑fund purchases of safety and facilities equipment, and vendor contracts for a new turf field, track resurfacing and gym sound system.

The board approved a resolution to pursue refunding of the 2015 bonds to reduce interest costs and voted to accept a community‑led capital plan to install synthetic turf at Marshall High School. Trustees also approved purchases paid from the district sinking fund, including a track renovation and sound system replacements, the purchase of 450 Chromebooks, and replacement of a facilities pickup truck.

Board members and staff said the actions were aimed at lowering long‑term borrowing costs, improving campus safety and keeping buildings and athletic facilities usable.

The board voted unanimously to allow finance staff to pursue an interest‑rate refunding of the district's 2015 bonds. Kendra Lee, the district finance director, told the board the district expects an estimated net taxpayer savings in the range of about $372,000 to $500,000 after refunding costs; she said the estimated cost to complete the refunding is roughly $270,000 and that final savings will be known once interest rates are locked.

Trustees also approved a contract proposal to install synthetic turf at Marshall High School from Maumee Bay Turf for $1,031,661. District staff said the turf purchase is tied to a community capital campaign being managed by the Marshall Community Foundation; major private donations announced during the meeting totaled $800,000 (Marshall Community Credit Union $650,000 and Ford $150,000). The board approved the turf contract by voice vote after discussion of timeline and site preparation; district staff said the vendor indicated an aggressive installation window that could allow the field to be ready for the first home football game.

A competitive cooperative purchase for comprehensive track renovation was approved for $329,977, to be paid from the sinking fund. The board also approved $89,995.54 for replacement gymnasium sound systems at the high school and middle school and a $157,050 purchase of 450 Chromebooks. The facilities department was authorized to buy a 2024 Ford F‑250 pickup for $46,580 to replace an aging vehicle.

On safety equipment, the board approved a district purchase of signage, placarding, interior maps and other security items after a presentation by Joe Humphreys of Lock Out USA. Humphreys described a multi‑component system of placards, maps and locking hardware; he said full systems can exceed $1.1 million but the district will purchase components in phases and use sinking fund dollars (staff said an initial package would draw from up to $250,000 of sinking fund funds). The board voted to approve the proposed purchase package included in the meeting packet.

All recorded motions carried with board approval. Several items were approved by roll call (Calhoun ISD preliminary general operating fund approval and the 2015 bond refunding resolution were recorded by roll call; other purchases were approved by voice vote), and staff noted required follow‑up steps for budgeting and contract execution.

Board President Amanda Lankard and other trustees thanked staff and community partners for work on the turf campaign and for preparing cooperative bidding documents. The district will return with final contract documents and, where required, compliance details such as storm‑water and site work engineering before construction work begins.

Votes at a glance

- Calhoun ISD preliminary general operating fund (resolution): approved by roll call; trustees voted unanimously \"yes.\" (motion moved by Dr. Mark Michalka, supported by Jerry Underhill)

- Proposed refunding of the 2015 bonds (resolution): approved by roll call; trustees voted unanimously \"yes.\" Staff estimated net taxpayer savings between about $372,000 and $500,000 after costs; estimated refunding cost about $270,000 (final savings dependent on locked interest rates). (motion moved by Shauna Gamble, supported by Dr. Mark Michalka)

- Purchase of school safety signage, placards, placarding maps and related items from Lock Out USA (contract package as described in packet): approved by voice vote; board authorized staff to proceed with the package and to use sinking fund dollars for the initial purchase (staff noted phased purchases). (motion moved by Matt Davis, supported by Shauna Gamble)

- Maumee Bay Turf contract for synthetic turf field at Marshall High School: approved by voice vote; contract amount $1,031,661. The turf purchase will be funded with donations managed by the Marshall Community Foundation; the district will process project invoices and receive transferred funds from the foundation. (motion moved by Dr. Mark Michalka, supported by Matt Davis)

- Marshall High School track renovation (cooperative purchase): approved by voice vote; contract amount $329,977 to be funded from the sinking fund.

- Marshall High School and Middle School gymnasium sound system upgrades: approved by voice vote; low bid $89,995.54, funded from the sinking fund.

- District Chromebook purchase (450 units): approved by voice vote; total $157,050, to be paid from the sinking fund; old devices will be scrapped through an existing vendor program.

- Facilities pickup truck (2024 Ford F‑250): approved by voice vote; total $46,580.

How the board decided

When a formal roll‑call was required (resolutions), the board recorded votes individually. Where purchases were routine procurements that fit cooperative bid rules and sinking fund budget authority, the board approved by voice vote and directed staff to complete contract paperwork and return any required follow‑up documentation to the board.

Next steps

District staff will finalize contracts, return with final site and engineering documents where needed (notably for stadium and turf site work), and submit a compliance plan where required. For the bond refunding staff will return the final figures after interest rates are locked and the refunding bonds are sold.

","At its April 14 business session the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved a proposed refunding of 2015 bonds, multiple sinking‑fund–funded facility upgrades and technology purchases, and accepted a donor-funded plan for a new turf field.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State audit finds Marshall Public Schools meets core Title I requirements; two district‑level findings and several school‑level improvements required

Walters Elementary highlights Unified Champion School work, sensory room and inclusive playground gift

Marshall Public Schools board approves bond refunding and multiple facility and technology purchases