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Bay District School Board approves sweeping policy updates and a package of contracts and hires
Summary
After a May 27 workshop, the Bay District School Board adopted a new NEOLA policy compendium (with three policy items held out for correction) and approved a package of hires, job descriptions and vendor renewals.
After a workshop on facilities, the Bay District School Board convened its regular meeting on May 27 and took a series of governance, personnel and contracting actions. Key outcomes included adoption of a NEOLA‑supplied policy set (with three specific policy items held for later final action), approval of several revised job descriptions, contract renewals for insurance and food services, elevator repair authorizations and the board’s confirmation of a principal appointment.
Policy book overhaul: The board voted to repeal the district’s existing policy manual and adopt the NEOLA model policy set as the district’s new manual effective July 1, 2025, with an explicit hold placed on three policy provisions related to terminal pay and sick‑leave payment calculations so staff could correct a drafting glitch. Franklin (district counsel) and Heather (staff counsel) advised the board about the procedural hold; the board repealed the old policies except for the three identified policies so there would be no gap in governance. (Roll call recorded the motion as adopted.)
Job descriptions and staffing: The board approved revised job descriptions for maintenance technician I, II and III and a stadium maintenance technician I, all updated to reflect a classification and compensation study and existing job duties. The board also discussed—but did not adopt—a district “25/26 approved list of district positions” document during the meeting; no motion carried to approve that list at this meeting and staff indicated they will return with clarifying information on retirements, net headcount and budget sequencing.
Appointments: The board approved Superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Philip Campbell as principal of Merriam Cherry Street Elementary School. Campbell accepted the appointment and will transition into the role per the timetable the superintendent outlined.
Vendor and operations approvals: The board approved multiple operational items on the agenda, including: - Mowery Elevator repairs and modernization work at Bay High School and Rutherford High School (paid from LCI/local capital funds), - A three‑year renewal for the district’s insurance broker (Marsh McLennan) with a contract price consistent with a negotiated increase, and - A one‑year annual review/renewal for Chartwells food service under the CPI‑based escalation clause (the motion passed 4–1; one board member voted no).
Other operational approvals included renewal of the frontline absence‑management and Medicaid claim module and the board’s acceptance of a revised interlocal agreement with Bay County for emergency shelter operations that clarifies county responsibility for pet‑shelter operations and commits $12,000 a year from the county for district staff shelter training costs.
Student‑services allocations: The board approved a set of additional federally funded units (Title I and IDEA funded positions) requested by schools after state allocation notices; the vote passed with one board member opposed. Staff noted the requests were funded from specific federal grants rather than the district’s general fund.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt NEOLA model policy manual (repeal old manual; hold three specific policy provisions for correction) — passed (roll call: Mr. Moore Y; Ms. Leonard Y; Mr. Chester Y; Mr. Register Y; Mr. Moss Y). - Approve revised job descriptions: Maintenance Technician I/II/III — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve Stadium Maintenance Technician I job description — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve elevator repairs at Bay High School (LCI funds) — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve elevator repairs at Rutherford High School (LCI funds) — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve renewal: Marsh McLennan insurance broker (3‑year agreement; self‑insurance fund payment) — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve Chartwells food service renewal (annual CPI escalation) — passed 4–1 (Mr. Register voted no). - Approve Frontline absence‑management and Medicaid module renewal — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve revised interlocal agreement with Bay County for shelters (county funds pet‑shelter operation and agrees to training funding) — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve appointment of Philip Campbell as principal, Merriam Cherry Street Elementary — passed (unanimous recorded yes votes). - Approve additional Title I / IDEA units (federally funded positions) — passed 4–1 (Ms. Leonard voted no). - 25/26 approved list of district positions: no motion carried during the meeting; staff to return with clarifying data prior to final approval.
Ending: Board members asked staff for clearer budgetary linkage when new job positions are proposed and requested the superintendent bring the district position list back with explicit retirements, net headcount changes and the fiscal impact before final approval.
