Romulus board hears calls for plan B after August bond defeat; approves buses, trucks, beverage contract and elementary science materials

Romulus Community Schools officials heard repeated requests for a "plan B" after voters rejected an August millage and then moved on to approve transportation, facilities and curriculum purchases.

Taxpayer Ray Eddings told the board the August millage campaign had been a poor use of public funds and asked, "What's the plan from here? That's my ultimate question." Several other public speakers echoed frustration about communications and turnout, and district nurse Natalie Bosides spoke at the podium to urge the board to retain her position, saying, "My position is multifaceted... Please consider the students, the district, and the community that will be affected by not funding this position."

Superintendent Dr. Edmonson addressed the failed bond during his report, calling the result "disappointing" and saying the district had used multiple outreach methods, including 9,000 mailers and open houses, but still saw low turnout. He told the board and the public the district must learn from the campaign and refine outreach strategies if it seeks another ballot proposal, noting that district staff are limited to sharing factual information and cannot use district funds to advocate for a yes vote. "Only a fool looks back and says that they wouldn't do things differently," he said, adding the district would consider timing and community engagement in future pursuits.

After the public comment and reports, the board took several unanimous votes to approve vendor contracts and purchases presented by Jason Perkins of the operations department. Perkins said the vehicle replacements were intended to reduce downtime and repair costs and to maintain in‑house snow removal rather than paying an outside contractor. "I propose to the board purchasing 2 per year" for buses, he said, describing a plan to replace roughly 10% of the fleet annually per MSBO recommendations.

Votes at a glance - Leonard Syrps beverage contract — approved unanimously (motion by Rogers, supported by Davis). Five‑year contract; funding source recorded as CTE funds; board stated the district will buy syrups for equipment provided at no upfront cost. (Vote: Rogers, Davis, Kamal, Kennard, McCarthy, Laster — all yes.) - Two buses from Midwest Transit — approved unanimously (motion by Davis, supported by Kennard). Total cost given as $310,752; funding source: sinking fund; cooperative pricing through MSBO was cited. (Vote: Davis, Kennard, McCarthy, Kamal, Laster, Rogers — all yes.) - Three F‑250 SuperCab pickup trucks (plow/salter equipped) from Groenel Ford — approved unanimously (motion by Kennard, supported by Rogers). Total: $209,001.90; funding source: general fund; procurement cited MiDEAL cooperative. Perkins said the district will offer decommissioned vehicles for auction or salvage to offset cost and estimated auction recoup at roughly $3,000–$5,000 per vehicle. (Vote: Kennard, Rogers, Laster, McCarthy, Davis, Kamal — all yes.) - Mystery Science consumable materials for four elementary schools — approved unanimously (motion by Davis, supported by Rogers). Total cost: $76,000; funding source: general fund; rationale: sustain hands‑on NGSS‑aligned instruction. (Vote: Davis, Rogers, Kamal, Kennard, McCarthy, Laster — all yes.)

The board also approved the consent agenda, including payment of bills totaling $1,335,857.12 and a set of personnel hires, by unanimous roll call.

Board members and district leaders described the millage loss as close and said they plan outreach and community forums to repair trust and improve turnout. Superintendent Edmonson recommended avoiding another summer ballot placement and said the district would consider November or a May election window and a stronger community committee for future campaigns. Trustee Paris McCarthy urged residents to get more involved and to consider running for the board, saying, "Run for school board at the next election. Get more involved. Go volunteer at a school. Come see what we really do."

The board left the meeting having approved the vendor contracts and vehicle and curriculum purchases presented, while district leaders said they will return to the community with outreach proposals and next steps for any future bond or millage effort.