During the Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education meeting held on September 22, 2025, key discussions centered around the district's strategic goals for the academic year, emphasizing teaching, community engagement, and facility improvements.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the district's goals, which are aligned with a strategic plan developed through stakeholder input. The first goal focuses on enhancing teaching and learning by recruiting and retaining dedicated staff. The district plans to evaluate and expand curricular opportunities to boost student proficiency, supported by professional development initiatives. This includes collaboration with higher education institutions to attract student teachers and maintaining strong relationships with existing staff through recognition activities.

The second goal aims to improve community communication and engagement. The district intends to create advisory groups to amplify student voices and implement a third-party survey to gather perception data. Efforts will also be made to enhance the district's communication plan, utilizing new digital tools to ensure families have easy access to information. Additionally, the district is exploring ways to offer learning opportunities for families in convenient locations.

The third goal addresses facilities and funding, with a focus on overseeing the utilization of district funds, including bond and grant dollars. The superintendent highlighted challenges posed by the state’s budget situation but noted ongoing efforts to maintain the district's financial health. Plans include regular updates on safety measures and facility improvements, as well as open houses to showcase completed projects to the community.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the implementation of an Emergency Cardiac Response Plan, which is now a requirement for schools. The district is working towards becoming a Michigan Heart Safe School, ensuring that staff are trained in CPR and that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available. The plan includes conducting a cardiac drill and establishing a cardiac emergency response team at each school.

Finally, the board discussed the adoption of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency situations, which will be mandated statewide in the coming years. The district is proactively implementing this protocol, which is designed to enhance safety across various environments, including schools and community facilities.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Edwardsburg Public Schools' commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment, enhancing community relations, and ensuring student safety. The board anticipates further developments in these areas as the year progresses, with ongoing evaluations and adjustments to meet the district's strategic objectives.