The Livonia Public Schools Board on Oct. 20 approved a series of business and personnel actions, including multimillion‑dollar audio upgrades, technology purchases, facility repairs and several personnel motions. The board also adopted several policy updates by unanimous vote.

Purchases and contracts approved included a recommendation to replace the district’s PA and classroom audio systems with an EPIC platform from VSC (Novi, Mich.) at a total cost of $4,141,312, which included a $200,000 contingency. The motion was moved by Missus Frank, supported by Missus Jarvis and carried unanimously. "We are excited about this purchase of the EPIC system," said Mister Green, district facilities/operations representative.

The board approved an IT network server purchase from CDW Incorporated (Chicago) for $125,550 (REMC bid pricing) and authorized emergency HVAC repairs to resolve air‑conditioning failures caused by design issues at a cost not to exceed $1,100,000; the board was briefed that the district is working with legal counsel and pursuing reimbursement as appropriate. Trustees also approved a $35,850 purchase of two sets of bleachers for Stevenson High School’s practice field from Southern Bleacher Company.

Instructional and curriculum purchases were also approved: the district accepted a $733,960 purchase (grant‑funded) of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt print and digital materials for K–5 small group instruction and 5th‑grade reading materials, plus professional development; district staff said purchases are restricted to that vendor because they are a state‑approved supplier for the grant.

Personnel items approved on unanimous votes included contract approvals for new teachers for the 2025–26 school year, granting tenure to four teachers (Ian Boynton effective Oct. 30, 2025; Marla Kepsel effective Oct. 9, 2025; Lori Tomei effective Aug. 23, 2025; Howard Weiner effective Oct. 9, 2025), approval of a leave of absence (Samantha Shamatke for the 2025–26 year) and adoption of a resolution of appreciation for the retirement of Beth Lebowski.

The board also completed second readings and adopted several policies: GAAA (nondiscrimination/civil rights/Title IX), IDAC (kindergarten), IDB (health education) and IDBB (substance‑abuse education). Each policy passed by unanimous roll call.

Motions were generally moved and seconded by board members and approved unanimously; where roll‑call votes were recorded the clerk read each member’s "yes" vote. Board members asked clarifying questions about vendor selection, planned uses for the server and the district’s efforts to recoup HVAC repair costs. Officials said the server being replaced will be repurposed as a backup unit and that library renovations at Churchill will house forthcoming math and writing centers funded in part by other district initiatives.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (minutes of 09/22/2025 and standard consent items): motion by Mister McFarland, second Missus Frank; outcome: approved (roll call: unanimous).

- PA and classroom audio system (EPIC platform, VSC, Novi, MI): motion by Missus Frank, second Missus Jarvis; amount: $4,141,312 (includes $200,000 contingency); outcome: approved (unanimous).

- IT network server (CDW Inc.): motion by Missus Burton, second Missus Frank; amount: $125,550; outcome: approved (unanimous). Note: existing server to be repurposed as backup.

- Emergency HVAC repairs (design‑related AC failures): motion by Mister Johnson, second Missus Burton; amount not to exceed $1,100,000; outcome: approved (unanimous). District seeking reimbursement and working with counsel.

- Athletic bleachers (Southern Bleacher Company) for Stevenson practice field: motion by Missus Jarvis, second Mister Johnson; amount: $35,850; outcome: approved (unanimous).

- 35M grant purchases (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; K–5 reading materials, PD, leveled readers): motion by Mister McFarland, second Missus Jarvis; amount not to exceed $733,960; outcome: approved (unanimous). Vendor limited by grant rules.

- Teachers for approval (employment for 2025–26): motion by Missus Acosta, second Missus Frank; outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Teachers granted tenure (Ian Boynton; Marla Kepsel; Lori Tomei; Howard Weiner): motion by Missus Frank, second Missus Jarvis; outcome: approved (unanimous). Dates specified in the motion.

- Leave of absence (Samantha Shamatke for 2025–26): motion by Missus Burton, second Missus Frank; outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Retirement resolution (Beth Lebowski): motion by Mister Johnson, second Missus Jarvis; outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Policy adoptions — GAAA, IDAC, IDB, IDBB (second readings and adoption): multiple motions and seconds by board members; outcomes: approved (unanimous roll‑call votes).

Board members asked for continued follow up on vendor warranties, contingency use and the district’s process for tracking reimbursements for HVAC work. Several trustees thanked staff for keeping the budget under tight control while completing capital and instructional purchases.

No litigation decisions or executive‑session outcomes affecting these items were recorded during the meeting.