Board approves closing authority for East Lawn sale, awards computer‑lab purchase and accepts consent agenda

The Midland Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 18 authorized district officials to sign closing and related documents for the sale of the East Lawn property, approved a computer‑lab equipment purchase funded from Series 3 bond proceeds, and approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included staff hires, resignations and payment of December bills.

Board members voted to authorize President Philip Rausch and Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson "to execute, acknowledge and deliver all closing documents to complete the sale" of 115 East Lawn Drive, 48640, as described in the resolution. The board motion also authorizes those two officials "to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all additional instruments, papers or documents" necessary to carry out the previously approved purchase agreement. The original purchase agreement on July 18, 2022 listed a purchase price of $650,000 and noted the buyer's assignment of interest; the closing paperwork will be completed by the title company named in the purchase agreement.

Board discussion noted minor clerical items that would be corrected before signatures are delivered — specifically, confirming the street name as East Lawn Drive — and that some outstanding title work is being resolved with the city and the district's attorney. "We are working with Superior," an administrator said when asked which title company is handling the closing.

The board noted the sale implements a purchase agreement previously approved by the board and emphasized that a vote now is to permit execution of closing documents, not to renegotiate the underlying deal. The motion to authorize signatures was made by Member Blasey and supported by Treasurer John Lauterbach; the motion passed with the recorded affirmations from the five members present.

On facilities equipment, administration recommended awarding the computer lab replacement and upgrade project to multiple vendors to replace devices at all 14 secondary computer labs. The board approved the project, which totals $237,125 and will be paid from Series 3 bond proceeds.

Administration provided a vendor breakdown in the board packet; the board approved the total and a staff motion. Documented vendor amounts in the packet included People Driven Technology for $29,610, Vivo for $5,747.50 and Amazon for $5,610; one vendor line (Presidio) in the meeting transcript was unclear and will be reflected in the finalized purchase order paperwork. "Funds have been allocated from series 3 bond proceeds," the administration said.

The consent agenda, approved at the start of the meeting, included approval of minutes from Jan. 21; recommended hires and resignations listed in the agenda packet; authorization to pay school system bills for December 2024 as listed in Ms. Holderby's check registers in the amount of $7,913,492; and authorization for listed legal payments. The consent motion carried by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items 2.1–2.5): approved by voice. Notable items: December 2024 school system bill payments totaling $7,913,492; authorization for professional legal payments as listed in the packet (itemized line in packet: $3,407.50 dated 01/30/2025). - Resolution authorizing execution of closing documents for sale of 115 East Lawn Drive (previous purchase agreement dated 07/18/2022; purchase price listed in agreement $650,000): motion by Member Blasey, support by Treasurer John Lauterbach; outcome: approved. Authorized signers: President Philip Rausch and Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson. Title company: Superior (as listed in the purchase agreement). Board asked that the document reflect the correct street name before signing. - Computer lab replacement and upgrade (item 6.2): motion by Treasurer John Lauterbach, support by Secretary Ringgold; total approved $237,125 to be funded from Series 3 bond proceeds. Vendor details in packet; some vendor line amounts were unclear in the live transcript and will be finalized in purchase orders.

What the board directed next: district staff will finalize title work and scheduling for the East Lawn closing; procurement staff will complete vendor contracts and purchase orders that reflect the approved total and the packet details; and bond‑funded purchases will be processed according to the district's procurement policies.

The board meeting adjourned after regular business.