Votes at a glance: Novi Board approves personnel hires, donation, construction and finance vendors, budget amendment and technology contract

The Novi Board of Education approved a series of motions Tuesday night, including personnel recommendations, a $7,000 donation to the district therapy dog program, selection of Christman Company as construction manager for the 2025 bond planning phase, Baker Tilly as municipal financial advisor for the 2025 bond program, a budget amendment, and a technology contract for Novi Meadows.

Quick results (votes and key details):

- Agenda approval: Motion to approve the agenda (as amended to add committee reports) was moved by Mr. Cook and supported by Mr. Mena. The board voted in favor; outcome recorded as "Motion carries 7 2 0" (tally recorded in minutes).

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda (bills, board report, check register, purchase card report, minutes and field trips) on a motion by Mrs. Roney, supported by Mrs. Baudwine. Vote: aye; recorded outcome "Motion carries 7 2 0." (See minutes for the list of items approved.)

- Donation: The board accepted a $7,000 gift from David and Diane Wallen to support the district therapy dog program. Motion by Mrs. Beaudoin; second by Mr. Cook. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 to 0. Board members thanked the donors; funds to cover food, vet bills and grooming.

- Personnel recommendations and retirements: The board adopted the personnel recommendations as presented (new hires and several retirements effective June 30) on a motion by Mr. Meno, seconded by Mr. Mishner. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 2 0. New hires announced included Ashley Harvey (Novi High School science teacher), Jeffrey Van Gorder (school psychologist), and several paraprofessionals, bus drivers and support staff. Retirements noted: Anne Hanson (director of early childhood and community education, retirement June 30) and Sheila Holly (executive assistant to the superintendent and board, retirement June 30), among others.

- 2025 bond construction manager: The board approved Christman Company for construction management services for the district's 2025 bond program. Motion moved by Mrs. Boeuflein and supported by Mrs. Beaudwine; vote: aye, motion carries 7 to 0. The administration said Christman was selected for technology use, phasing experience and student-focused sequencing during construction.

- 2025 bond municipal financial advisor: The board approved a standard-form agreement with Baker Tilly for bond financial services for the 2025 bond program. Motion by Mr. Mientka; support by Mr. Meadow. Vote: aye, motion carries 7 to 0. The advisor will assist with taxable-value projections, millage-rate modeling and bond proceeds investing.

- MASB Board of Directors ballot (Region 8): The board cast the district’s MASB (Michigan Association of School Boards) ballot for Paul Collin and Roderick Means for three-year terms; motion by Mr. Mena, supported by Mrs. Roney. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 to 0. The board will submit the district’s single ballot to MASB.

- 2024–25 budget amendment #1: The board approved the February budget amendment as presented, after a finance committee briefing. Motion by Mrs. Roney, supported by Mrs. Cleaver. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 to 0.

- Snowboard state finals field trip approval: The board approved travel for the girls’ snowboard team to the state finals in Gaylord, Michigan, Feb. 27–28, on a motion by Mr. Cook, supported by Mr. Mena. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 to 0. Administrators said parents will be responsible for travel arrangements and costs; final roster depends on individual trials.

- Novi Meadows technology renovation (structured cabling, AV, phones): The board approved a technology proposal for the Novi Meadows 6 and ITC renovation project for $810,190.74, motion by Mr. Cook with support by Mr. Mena. Vote: aye; motion carries 7 to 0. Administration noted the contract includes contingency and said suppliers warned of a possible 10% tariff-driven price increase; approving now would lock current pricing.

Notes and next steps: Several motions included routine supporting documents (standard-form agreements, contractor scopes) and the administration said it will post slide decks and supporting materials online where applicable. For the athletics handbook and other information items the board requested follow-up briefings rather than taking votes.

Ending: The board concluded the meeting after receiving superintendent and administrative reports and closed the regular session.