[{"_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",6555244,"mediaKeyId","3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922","parentId",3846186,"title","Superintendent reports sharp rise in suspensions, outlines summer projects and K‑9 funding","audioSeconds",303,"startMs",3343000,"endMs",3646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922&start=3343&end=3646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922/thumbnail_3343000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6555244/Michigan/Superintendent-reports-sharp-rise-in-suspensions-outlines-summer-projects-and-K9-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555244-14bfb0ec5d915d8805b3d1b32453938b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614685&Signature=KzcH72HHXT-fPHj64-zOjkTcL5N3HNENVes86CZI8jcG6tRPQaVmsEITVTvhCrA~1smyvb~y2gAfeBm51X5CWM4xpDO7zujn5vN~IDh-nBbiBgkO43-vMMK43k7epqZg~0hk5~BpMBv~8YGklyyKSpHyYcJP-fNiyq~OQUHpCOgaO1nE8tA96ldZ05PxLVjAToPGITQUacDMK2jRKwy3qxNL1ZUJZsqeqSd4MzVerVDwMWvsjo3TV6Htiz6v3vaA9lMPmwHr3bmpwa~fpy4dUEQZyRS19cioQdMQZ8vvuuwc0KYZF~igJQMaXsTNNth5jHVYz4O9rsdqwSmxmePQJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Williamston Community Schools","date","2025-06-17T07:16:09.357Z","article","Superintendent Adam told the board the district recorded 128 suspensions in the most recent school year, up from 81 the previous year and 61 in 2021–22, and said the increase reflects rising student behavioral needs. The data was presented as part of the Matts Law reporting and the superintendent’s mid-cycle update.

Adam also summarized summer maintenance and bond work. Items in progress include a high-school fire-alarm replacement that started when students left for summer, a newly purchased school bus now at the transportation garage, installation and wiring of high-school office card-access readers, window film installations and restroom renovations in a classroom wing. The maintenance team removed aging cabinets in several classrooms and built framing for new cabinets; cabinet installation is expected before the end of summer. The baseball walk path paving came in $10,000 under estimate and will be a $15,000 item.

On safety funding, Adam said upgrades to the weight room were paid with recreation millage funds and that the district used categorical code 31AA funds (school safety categorical allocations) rolled forward from the prior year to secure funding for the canine (K‑9) team for the coming year.

The board discussed the suspension statistics and asked for details in supporting documentation; the superintendent noted building-level breakdowns were included in the meeting attachments and invited questions for follow-up. Administration also said Brandon Weigert will report on summer project outcomes in August.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Williamston Board Of Education - Regular Meeting - 6/16/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Adam reported that district suspensions rose to 128 this year from 81 the prior year and described summer facility projects, a new school bus arrival, security upgrades and categorical funding used to secure the K‑9 program for next year.","taxTitle","Williamston Community Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",60285,"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},6555249,"Spring athletics recap, new advisory group and summer enrichment plans presented",743,2261000,3004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922&start=2261&end=3004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922/thumbnail_2261000.jpg","/articles/6555249/Michigan/Spring-athletics-recap-new-advisory-group-and-summer-enrichment-plans-presented","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555249-d0f81efa5c2166a7e5c38844d532363d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614685&Signature=ctOFlL0BfvRNHksWELcxUD6s3Ajn1bCsA0YSMAKO0iI1MOhuNeuqkkPXfVFIQiPd~J0kcQBxV0-mOiaKXuqOIHuAtl0-zRPVQhtlRHrCVnas81R1fecAmGMmM0Gi8ORj2GY6cpwJLPNmHnOmb1TGjeM7TMHDXAXTqnFiwzriodVva6ssV7YUgDIckLStqV0610Sdmq2ZLUhjlf4sZ1mm2CellNzi9lIinhM35WUALp-Et91dPUZsH8Yh25-Y~xv2lvy9H0lrOq51D3So5MrBGVX6wmJtR5HpcDBeynqjsn5GDuKnqrsn~hQWp252EA~LzJ53-RIgl~1CwoZUwtpm~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Athletics and community education leaders reported a strong spring season and outlined summertime enrichment programs, facility upgrades and plans for an athletic advisory group at the board meeting.

Director Paige Paulson reported participation numbers and season highlights: girls soccer (42 participants; varsity district champions; lost in regional final), girls tennis (39 participants), boys golf (15 participants, one individual medalist), boys and girls track and field (60 and 28 participants respectively, multiple state qualifiers and all-state recognitions), baseball (40 participants; fourth consecutive district championship; lost in regional final) and softball (27 participants, district champions; lost in regional final). The district fields an esports program (13 participants) and co-ops with neighboring schools for lacrosse. Paulson said many spring teams performed well and that returning players and underclassmen will form a strong base for next year.

Paulson described enrichment and community programs: Pickleball-for-All classes with Lansing Community College partnership, a summer art camp with five sessions and roughly 50 sign-ups so far, remodeled weight-room equipment supported by recreation millage funds, and ongoing efforts to streamline administrative duties for coaches. He said the district has received about four applicants so far for a proposed athletic advisory group and hopes the group can provide community input and improve communication consistency across teams and boosters.

Board members asked how teams communicate schedules and results; Paulson said communication currently varies by sport and booster groups, and the advisory group will be one forum to identify more consistent districtwide channels while maintaining booster autonomy. The district calendar remains the primary centralized source of event times and locations.

Facilities and summer projects mentioned by athletics staff included tennis court work, site preparation for the softball complex and weight-room upgrades funded by the recreation millage.","District athletics and enrichment leaders summarized spring-season results, participation counts, facility improvements and plans for a new athletic advisory group and summer programming.",{"_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},6555254,"Williamston teacher recounts harassment at soccer sidelines, asks board to form athletics communication committee",261,326000,587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922&start=326&end=587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922/thumbnail_326000.jpg","/articles/6555254/Michigan/Williamston-teacher-recounts-harassment-at-soccer-sidelines-asks-board-to-form-athletics-communication-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555254-38003ce344884b392791955d69635eab/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614685&Signature=NG~k1FGo7avFL6SGcnKqtjzgGy1WoSd0NTMXlfqX-D0rnF8KIvFSYNGwoPgPQWI72f5raqh-pp7Fv-Q9WWx8pfqMSvthID~LghsxRYtljHEqmArowaWL-nCtfejTuRacP-VlQL1b3HwFVl-2cklXxapEpWYJ0IUZ9c7WIex-E8q2AKWo0fmax3OP~HODMXNwcQk7I9c99vPePnbWhPkC~a6rRwGbu2y14aWsfKkhLSPaCMX~GW8SH0mlwF4F1KkxlfuzHDV-5D4jsJ1OohfRrcUdKUyqsJa-yX47GwclMJs5hZo0dPzZ7N4DkhvrtvAAqMzjZxgqIzVUJcowCVjLcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erin Richards, a teacher at Williamston High School, told the board during the meeting's agenda-only public comment period that she has faced repeated harassment and false accusations from a small number of community members connected to youth soccer and booster activities.

Richards said she served as a teacher, student government advisor and soccer coach at Williamston High School and that her first four years were among the best of a 12-year teaching career. She told the board the last three years have been difficult because she has been the subject of what she described as false accusations sent to administrators and board members, faced threats on the sidelines at a soccer game and endured repeated public confrontations about coaching decisions. She said some critics came from members of the soccer booster club who did not have children playing for the high-school girls program.

Richards cited the Williamston athletic handbook, noting it states parents should not confront coaches before or after contests, and said that rule was violated repeatedly during the spring season. She said there were occasions she felt unsafe on the sidelines when assistant coaches or administrators were not present and asked the board to consider forming a committee of stakeholders to review and revise athletics policies, parent-coach communication protocols and booster involvement.

She closed by saying she hopes the board’s attention will lead to clearer protocols, better safeguards and a safer culture for staff, coaches and students.

Board context and next steps

The board did not take immediate formal action on the request during the meeting. Board members and administrators acknowledged the complaint and noted the district’s athletic handbook language; the superintendent and athletics staff said topics like communication channels and a potential athletics advisory group are already under discussion in summer planning. The athletics director later described plans to stand up an athletic advisory group to invite community voices and to refine communication processes across programs.

No votes or disciplinary actions were taken at the meeting based on the comments; Richards asked for a stakeholder committee as a policy and culture step, not an individual personnel action.","A Williamston High School teacher described repeated harassment and threats connected to coaching decisions and asked the board to form a stakeholder committee to review athletics communication and booster involvement.",{"_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},6555259,"Board previews Explorer Elementary design, sees traffic and safety changes in bond plan",416,666000,1082000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922&start=666&end=1082","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922/thumbnail_666000.jpg","/articles/6555259/Michigan/Board-previews-Explorer-Elementary-design-sees-traffic-and-safety-changes-in-bond-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555259-b86b2f1e2a94f5c2caf8c27b709bb470/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614685&Signature=Y8hlx58XEH99ktympewPxT6pJCoBefPNAe-TAvLMoOeY7RxpPXfXkhWNMlSMZdeNChkaRci4XGb54Dary4j1BmyCuO5xQlOqjIiVqw0AxrwR26MYv8oI5JQ7wJWktzJbZjnmO0fCWf1ooOuev2zVWpet~IeVVzLWrE~IL6VL0clMxj6TxKxRhKgMlkQxYixhcMbwSj8MLWXpkBTPSEEZCLh4ikNhVBNVf~TdHirAHqXz4F7tn9gP9La4NW8TtNpJZlw3vlJe-GKP3iGdGtU-juCxMR48c5CXF3D~RCBld6cM~~XuMi3WjPr7in8Wg9fAIkC7OPQaHAH1i5U95jSt9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williamston Community Schools administrators and architects presented schematic designs and a site plan for the new Explorer Elementary at the board's June meeting, showing a reconfigured parent drop-off loop, three dedicated vehicle lanes, raised crosswalks and a stormwater detention basin. The board received a tentative schedule that aims for design-development completion in July and an October bid package, with construction anticipated to begin in March of the following year.

French Associates and Crescent and Company representatives provided the first public design review of the Explorer Elementary schematic. The planned site work includes demolishing a house adjacent to the campus to create queuing capacity on district property so parents will no longer queue onto neighborhood streets. The plan shows a one-way traffic flow through the drop-off loop, with motorists entering from the west and exiting to Raleigh Road, and a northern parking area designated for administrators and staff. Raised, colored concrete crosswalks are shown at pedestrian routes to slow vehicles and prioritize walkers.

Architects described a logistics plan to separate construction activity from student circulation, including temporary fencing, a single contractor entrance off Raleigh Road and site-specific safety orientation with identification stickers for authorized personnel. The design includes a competitive-size elementary gym, administrative suite adjacent to the main entry, classroom wings with clerestory windows to increase daylighting and collaborative learning spaces. One portion of the project shows a fenced stormwater detention basin three to four feet deep, designed to drain within 72 hours to meet county standards and to be maintainable by grounds crews.

Board members asked about standing water and drainage impacts on adjacent properties. Civil engineering staff and architects said surface flows will be routed to the detention basin and discharged to a southeast ditch that feeds the local storm system; the basin is graded to dry within the required county timeframe. In response to neighbor concerns, staff stated the plan includes on-site green space and grading intended to prevent additional runoff onto adjacent properties.

Administration also provided a district bond update at the meeting. The bond program includes Explorer Elementary as the flagship project, plus high-school pool HVAC considerations, middle- and high-school flooring replacements next summer, and a separate softball complex project whose site work is already underway. Several summer projects were highlighted in the superintendent's report (see separate article), and the district will present more detailed cost and bidding results to the board in December.

Timing and next steps

Architects said they are moving from schematic design into design development during the current month and expect to be ready to bid in October; the board was told the administration may present bid results in December and that construction could start the following March. Administrators and the design team asked for community patience as design details (finishes, colors) are developed later in the schedule.

What the board asked for

Board members pressed for clarity on drainage and maintenance of the stormwater basin, pedestrian safety at the nearby four-way intersection and how the construction team will keep students away from active work zones. Staff confirmed temporary fencing, orientation badges for contractors and controlled site access off Raleigh Road will be used.","Architects presented schematic designs and a site plan for the new Explorer Elementary, including a parent drop-off redesign, raised crosswalks, a stormwater basin, and an October bid timeline; administration also provided broader bond and summer-project updates.",{"_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},6555264,"Board approves budgets, handbooks and curriculum; multiple roll-call votes unanimous",2926,4368000,7294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922&start=4368&end=7294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846186-27d8d737d6e456c30ba96afe2340e922/thumbnail_4368000.jpg","/articles/6555264/Michigan/Board-approves-budgets-handbooks-and-curriculum-multiple-roll-call-votes-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555264-cb565146bee0326a2c357f5fc8e8039f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614685&Signature=j~x4TI3EsTKCpLA9qshlcpp~-dZw58IVcB~36FWF8rcsKYqnJoV7X6GBOsqlGsJCoIc54Mvz30NuwKMrhUhOgryzAHgbauTTjJHwke7FsbzYoI01CZBz2EMEA~vUmd5hMVT1qrPu~AyPfW-OZUclGtts0UZoXE7mGCxt2mJxrsoTAFzyaSbldJ3x8vY2toqq2b7Ngswp7zVB2mfaXj9k7CPa6AB9ZdaUw07cf2uxrDzEt2kIY5yekuCqZeSKxRSZqM~N-jIxP1q9IBQMzEqsI4slgq6dnapBMRu3f0j5RiGs8-UHJzC8ZLA5Q2R5lHh1NLPhgi4gpasHTqc0tlpNpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Williamston Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on a slate of administrative and financial items at its June meeting, approving employee contracts, final and original general-fund budgets for 2024–25 and 2025–26, fund budgets for food services and community services, several handbooks and a K–8 curriculum purchase.

The board approved At-will employee, paraprofessional and transportation contracts effective July 1, 2025; the 2024–25 final general fund budget resolution; the 2025–26 general fund original budget resolution; and fund budgets for food services, community services and special revenue. The board also approved the Kids Corner and Little Hornets family and employee handbooks, the Williamson High School 2025–26 student handbook, membership renewals with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Michigan Association of School Boards, and a Reveal Math K–8 curriculum purchase not to exceed $270,645, which includes assessments and professional development.

All roll-call items recorded four affirmative votes. The board conducted a formal closed-session vote and subsequent vote to return to open session earlier in the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to go into closed session (motion by Chris; second by Dave): passed by roll call.
- Motion to come out of closed session (motion by Chris; second by Dave): passed by roll call.
- Approve minutes for regular meeting of 06/02/2025 (motion by Chris; second by Heather): passed.
- Approve contracts for At-will employees, paraprofessionals and transportation, effective 07/01/2025 (motion by Dave; second by Chris): passed.
- Adopt 2024–25 general fund final budget resolution (motion by Chris; second by Dave): passed.
- Adopt 2025–26 general fund original budget resolution (motion by Chris; second by Dave): passed.
- Adopt 2025–26 food service fund budget resolution (motion by Chris; second by Dave): passed.
- Adopt 2025–26 community services fund budget resolution (motion by Chris; second by Heather): passed.
- Adopt 2025–26 special revenue fund budget resolution (motion by Chris; second by Heather): passed.
- Approve 2025–26 Kids Corner and Little Hornets family and employee handbooks (motion by Dave; second by Heather): passed.
- Approve Williamson High School 2025–26 student handbook (motion by Dave; second by Heather): passed.
- Approve Reveal Math curriculum for grades K–8 not to exceed $270,645 (motion by Dave; second by Chris): passed.
- Approve 2025–26 Michigan High School Athletic Association membership (motion by Gay; second by Heather): passed.
- Renew Michigan Association of School Boards membership for 2025–26 (motion by Chris; second by Heather): passed.
- Motion to adjourn (motion by Chris; second by Heather): carried.

Board Secretary Heather administered roll-call votes. All recorded roll-call outcomes on the recorded items were affirmative; the minutes show no recorded dissents on these motions.","The Williamston Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on contracts, multiple fiscal-year budget resolutions, handbooks and a K–8 Reveal Math curriculum purchase during its June meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent reports sharp rise in suspensions, outlines summer projects and K‑9 funding

Spring athletics recap, new advisory group and summer enrichment plans presented

Williamston teacher recounts harassment at soccer sidelines, asks board to form athletics communication committee

Board previews Explorer Elementary design, sees traffic and safety changes in bond plan

Board approves budgets, handbooks and curriculum; multiple roll-call votes unanimous