[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-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",[32,76,88,100,107],{"_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",6521620,"mediaKeyId","5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729","parentId",5088939,"title","Communications committee presents district plan; board commits to continuing ‘Big Red Board Chats’","audioSeconds",1940,"startMs",276000,"endMs",2216000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729&start=276&end=2216","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729/thumbnail_276000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6521620/Michigan/Communications-committee-presents-district-plan-board-commits-to-continuing-Big-Red-Board-Chats","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521620-61f58baf27ffad93d4ba7b8e4409573a/orig.mp4?Expires=1777164314&Signature=Cm7ts2o3tApOmC3Pv7SrmHPMxpMYU9H10phzRSJRb6kXLzsi5p1-IIi8axEMO4T1Flkdc6oq~eaJaERLSWstRe17hw9K~ZiKL8c63JTupPQnNwp3Nl4PbcLiN1GIONuaA7fgY~lsueTiM6s~wmv9qBQF~jAY0rgNa-q49Ix~gILpDM-uXrNZpRkFOuvLngdwquZbmixE~x0Jt5mXp7Cbflo5uNrvwY13M4adIk~2TnG7y0XAIiy3ZmqPjDK6-1E3iy3ft~92rq~vfEJfqzP9KKw8gEb7h~IYbAy2xzdHgs1bbb1GIxCIk3E-9UfXLPhIIGXQxnl0nK6RUbaLQZruQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Milan Area Schools","date","2025-06-26T21:34:10Z","article","Milan Area Schools Board of Education — The district communications committee presented a comprehensive communications plan to the board on June 25, recommending four goals to strengthen messaging and engagement across buildings and the wider community.

The committee, formed in July 2023, said the plan draws on K–12 survey data and a detailed Google Sheets strategy. The four goals are: 1) build cohesive communications among buildings to avoid conflicting event/initiative calendars; 2) improve communication with students and families; 3) enhance outreach to non‑school affiliated community members; and 4) develop a stakeholder group that includes students to advise the superintendent on communications strategy.

Board discussion and decisions: The board discussed continuing the Big Red Board Chats (community listening sessions) and confirmed dates already on the schedule: Sept. 23 and Nov. 13, 2025, with proposed 2026 dates Feb. 10 and April 16. Board members and committee presenters suggested smaller, more conversational venues (classrooms, library spaces) and community locations (local businesses, the Owl, Peppers/fields) to increase attendance and reach parents who gather for other activities. Committee members also recommended increased outreach via the city calendar and local media, and creating an alumni/community email list so non‑student households can receive district updates.

Website and next steps: The committee noted a pending website upgrade (district said the new site should go live soon) and provided a digital folder with the full plan and a detailed communications strategy spreadsheet. The committee encouraged the board and administration to review both the printed plan and the digital materials for more granular tactics and metrics.

Why it matters: The plan aims to improve two‑way communication between the district and all stakeholders, including students, parents, non‑school community members and township residents who pay taxes but may not receive district email.

Supporting materials: Committee report (attachment F) and an online folder with the MAS communication strategy spreadsheet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milan Area Schools Board of Education Meeting | June 25th 2025 |","oneSentenceSummary","The district communications committee presented a multi-goal communications plan and the board agreed to continue Big Red Board Chats, with changes recommended to venue, outreach and stakeholder participation.","taxTitle","Milan Area Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38834,"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},6521625,"Board approves teacher and administrative hires; proposed buildings-and-grounds director fails amid experience concerns",427,1073000,1500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729&start=1073&end=1500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729/thumbnail_1073000.jpg","/articles/6521625/Michigan/Board-approves-teacher-and-administrative-hires-proposed-buildings-and-grounds-director-fails-amid-experience-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521625-d3ff33243335aa3e886e91945f373bec/orig.mp4?Expires=1777164314&Signature=kBTOR0PnBSObyOk4VZz~z2xIwJ0ZCu2u6YLjES8u-alvERt~-uemA36Ujh-DOh5yhJV7K8ZwcCdyZVptWuLNHKUKGEq4XsYr5KsfLMfM8-6nXFWZL-xT2LD0305IvYdiWMXrPWHjIawMfmGrYHzWXu8I--dSa2-ZHA3g03IGJnBiDamE~yTlwHjPyMIvne~VCHB4xuD0XQ0PASIIcmm3a~CSMR-A6yTDYPwx668riaTTf4vgLp0g14hVOAFFTjbFcybaUpd54~Z1ZXRrsormc2MK~wiTjUHsPwv5BR3ypCpDnJSiKSWuO8bgUK7wEOrsdYd7HDAvRXN~tlHiEzMZjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milan Area Schools Board of Education — The board approved several personnel appointments at its June 25 meeting and rejected a proposed hire for director of buildings and grounds after extended discussion.

What passed: The board unanimously approved four teaching hires for the 2025–26 school year — Mary Hagley (kindergarten), Gerald Wodowski (fifth-grade teacher consultant), Sarah Vaughn (resource-room teacher, grades 6–7) and Daniella Faye (seventh-grade science) — on a motion by Farrow with support from Haika. The board also approved Sarah Beckman as administrative assistant to the superintendent and board, effective July 1, 2025, and approved a salary-schedule amendment included in attachment D (moved by Pryor, supported by Gutierrez). Both personnel items passed 7–0.

Contested hire: The board considered moving Dan Douglas into a newly defined director of buildings-and-grounds position and approving a salary schedule amendment in attachment E. That motion (moved by Gutierrez, supported by Marais/Marie) generated sustained comment from board members who said the position had been benchmarked to MSBO (Michigan School Business Officials) standards and that the candidate did not hold an MSBO certification or the 5–7 years of supervisory construction experience referenced as preferred. Some members cited strong references and the candidate’s potential to pursue certification; others said the compensation level and responsibilities (including overseeing sinking‑fund projects and bid packages) required those credentials. Roll call recorded three yes votes (Marie, Syslo, Gutierrez) and four no votes (Haika, Pryor, Burdette, Farrow); the motion failed.

Why it matters: Board members tied the failed motion to concerns about stewardship of sinking‑fund dollars and contractor oversight. The board asked administration and HR to return with alternative options or revised criteria for the role.

Next steps: Human resources and administration will re-evaluate the candidate pool or revise the position description and bring options back to the board.","The board approved four teacher hires and an administrative assistant. A separate motion to hire Dan Douglas as director of buildings and grounds failed after board members questioned his certifications and experience overseeing sinking-fund projects.",{"_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},6521630,"Milan Area Schools board authorizes up to $2.1M borrowing against anticipated state aid",317,608000,925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729&start=608&end=925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729/thumbnail_608000.jpg","/articles/6521630/Michigan/Milan-Area-Schools-board-authorizes-up-to-21M-borrowing-against-anticipated-state-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521630-00515131bbf4e142ca0c68ac59021391/orig.mp4?Expires=1777164314&Signature=izxk1OOQAzBVG5Gl3DLkbKjRXs6JlpiXZ8yVVTmoYm33y6w4w6F99HpGkM~XFdP8GnSrKCPhkz5lIYhFN-cuv0MqWEVt1WsCeV5el2iPiOwZR9ye3mwmhZbhbfndTz09s6668RbZa4dMcyQ4liW4Vr3Igce4pFIl1wjP2Wb2ahUVZr8C1rImt7R5V47M9M0~p3QSw6l4tKhdt~Ui4A9l30BzCoqdHn-UjJbNEEIMBy7OXeLvDdv7ctS0LtVTEQAY7BPGsD9q-HxHfkd8CLyPoFb7zEa1tux1a0kNkpZCpzOYTN3syxN2pxntQ00hTd7tPqlv4h8Zl7J2onHYf-bibA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milan Area Schools Board of Education — The board voted June 25 to authorize borrowing up to $2,100,000 against the district’s anticipated state aid for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

The measure, included as the borrowing resolution in attachment B, is a routine cash‑flow step the district takes because state aid and local tax receipts do not arrive evenly over the year. Krista Hendricks (finance staff referenced in the meeting) described a monthly and weekly cash‑flow calculation that identifies the district’s likely low point (usually December) and informs whether borrowing is necessary.

Board members said other Michigan districts use the same approach. Superintendent Brian Gierbaugh and assistant superintendent Ryan McMahon also explained that authorizing a borrowing ceiling does not mean the district will borrow the full amount; the district will borrow only as cash flow requires.

Next steps: Business/finance staff will monitor cash flow and, if needed, execute borrowing under the terms of the board resolution and report back to the board.","The board authorized borrowing up to $2,100,000 for 2025–26 to manage uneven state aid timing; finance staff said December typically is the lowest cash month and actual borrowing will match cash-flow needs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6521635,"Votes at a glance: Milan Area Schools board, June 25, 2025","/articles/6521635/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Milan-Area-Schools-board-June-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521635-fb8a77fe109dbde82abba8a253ef2f4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1777164314&Signature=GgpTMLtHhxD54TMF7wcX33gMu1n6XnzXkt3Rk4YVhNB0lIM4KLzU~J3DjefZ-4x77BABg4KfbPTvDNxy25VaJF9DmGE3UWwmBRlKaTdAW04F0YqQCuKleu~WLHs2GKwfJiVUvDxMJIThbByJpBabB~f779Nk8ppTAJOqLk-i2U0UPPuHovu8m26SL3xoS0no5cnBzg~0Fs02DpDoZEpP24gTByFBJWE2Fsl5jzbbAQTcCUx9Cfmql2ajXJL1IY5lxTkEdwcKLAerXgmnFEYFY9Rgdt00bjk8JeVyMXLwJ7z2Y2nGbAFa1Wm5Ol-HipPoZUHbs5TaN-xaQTLBetDjZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milan Area Schools Board of Education — At its June 25, 2025, regular meeting the board approved routine meeting minutes, the 2025–26 board meeting calendar, a borrowing resolution tied to anticipated state aid, a packet of replacement board policies and several personnel appointments. A proposed hire for director of buildings and grounds failed after discussion. The board later voted to enter closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act for negotiation strategy.

Why it matters: The borrowing authorization affects district cash flow for the 2025–26 fiscal year; policy replacements update the district’s policy library; the failed director hire signals board concern about qualifications for facilities work tied to sinking-fund projects.

Key votes (motions, movers/second, roll-call outcome):
- Approve minutes of the budget hearing (06/04/2025). Moved by Haika; supported by Burdette. Roll call: Haika — yes; Marais/Marie — yes; Pryor — yes; Syslo — yes; Burdette — yes; Farrell — yes; Gutierrez — yes. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Approve minutes of the regular meeting (06/04/2025). Moved by Haika; supported by Pryor. Roll call identical. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Approve 2025–26 board meeting dates (attachment A). Moved by Farrow; supported by Gutierrez. Roll call: unanimous. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Authorize borrowing up to $2,100,000 against anticipated state aid for the 2025–26 fiscal year (borrowing resolution, attachment B). Moved by Pryor; supported by Burdette. Roll call recorded: Cyslo — yes; Burdette — yes; Farrow — yes; Gutierrez — yes; Haika — yes; Marie — yes; Pryor — yes. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Repeal and adopt board policies as described in attachment C (move from Neola to Thrun policy set). Moved by Marie; supported by Haika. Roll call: unanimous. Outcome: approved, 7–0. Note: the bullying policy was not repealed/adopted at this meeting; a public hearing on that policy was scheduled for July 9, 2025.

- Approve teacher appointments (Mary Hagley — kindergarten; Gerald Wodowski — fifth-grade teacher consultant; Sarah Vaughn — grade 6 resource-room; Daniella Faye — grade 7 science) for the 2025–26 school year. Moved by Farrow; supported by Haika. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Approve Sarah Beckman as administrative assistant to the superintendent and board, effective 07/01/2025, and approve the salary schedule amendment in attachment D. Moved by Pryor; supported by Gutierrez. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

- Motion to approve Dan Douglas as director of buildings and grounds and approve the salary schedule amendment in attachment E. Moved by Gutierrez; supported by Marais/Marie's second. Roll-call votes recorded: Haika — no; Marie — yes; Pryor — no; Syslo — yes; Burdette — no; Farrow — no; Gutierrez — yes. Outcome: motion failed (3 yes, 4 no).

- Enter closed session pursuant to Michigan Open Meetings Act, section 8(1)(c), for negotiation strategy. Moved by Haika; supported by Burdette. Roll call: unanimous. Outcome: approved, 7–0.

What the roll calls show: Most routine items passed unanimously. The buildings-and-grounds hire generated sustained discussion and a split vote; the motion failed. The board closed the public portion of the meeting for negotiation strategy.","The Milan Area Schools Board of Education approved routine minutes, the 2025–26 meeting calendar, a borrowing resolution, policy replacements and several personnel hires; a proposed hire for director of buildings and grounds failed. The board also entered closed session on negotiation strategy.",{"_33":108,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":109,"_41":110,"_43":111,"_45":112,"_47":113,"_49":114,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6521616,"Assistant superintendent: district completed initial application for state literacy grant; curriculum purchase under review",142,3388000,3530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729&start=3388&end=3530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5088939-26c82c94379d112b41b1a52f24e28729/thumbnail_3388000.jpg","/articles/6521616/Michigan/Assistant-superintendent-district-completed-initial-application-for-state-literacy-grant-curriculum-purchase-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521616-1bd15ffe05b42e149381bbab5d187e56/orig.mp4?Expires=1777164314&Signature=WumpFn4PhMjnZRGQ74b3zZWUqB8KhM2pz7gRialo35w5rz2TH2am131eOyo6UrIPQtpKTgetxWWZP86axWLmuN40yzq2yKw8Ju9jY7lCOfUHvyR3~f3eqXAgQAZtCwn7fRZCDOJZuXObg6k3UCqjHoS~iFNBiT-qIMG2Tq12Yh3WJySQwMYQNUrYXMooKgk2j8fYTxO-tMuPC2S7duDeszn0naFLHuPltxbm6Vbh9-oRaGDhjK6ll7hUA5dl~idV5dgnOcBOhkXicf5ld01KxLjSfS5IOp81yvAZUGV9VAoXIVCLlGrnHI0inC6mlhhiJ1feHxUeiXFLIu1t5szAuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milan Area Schools Board of Education — Assistant Superintendent Ryan McMahon told the board on June 25 that the district completed an initial application for the state’s literacy funding opportunity (referenced in the meeting as a \"35 m\" literacy fund). The district is in an early phase; McMahon said the grant process requires an initial application, then additional steps if the district advances.

The administration is meeting with Amplify to review CKLA (Curriculum K–5 literacy program) and other vendor materials as the district considers a curriculum purchase should the grant proceed to award. McMahon said the district does not yet have final grant award information or the total cost; any purchase will return to the board for approval because it would be a significant curriculum expenditure.

Next steps: Administration will complete the second-step grant materials if invited and will bring any recommended curriculum purchases to the board for approval once grant details and costs are known.","Assistant Superintendent Ryan McMahon said the district completed an initial application for the state’s literacy funding grant and is meeting with Amplify (CKLA) as a possible curriculum purchase; details and the grant award amount remain pending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Communications committee presents district plan; board commits to continuing ‘Big Red Board Chats’

Board approves teacher and administrative hires; proposed buildings-and-grounds director fails amid experience concerns

Milan Area Schools board authorizes up to $2.1M borrowing against anticipated state aid

Votes at a glance: Milan Area Schools board, June 25, 2025

Assistant superintendent: district completed initial application for state literacy grant; curriculum purchase under review