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Westwood Heights board approves new middle school principal, $7,500 robotics donation, FCCA entry to GAC, senior trip and vehicle bid
Summary
The Westwood Heights Board of Education at its meeting approved the hire of a new middle‑school principal, accepted a $7,500 donation for a high‑school robotics program, authorized a senior class trip to Chicago, approved Flint Culture Center Academy’s entry into the Genesee Area Conference with a stipulation about Powers High School recruiting and authorized bidding for a replacement truck with a salt spreader and plow kit.
The Westwood Heights Board of Education at its meeting approved a package of personnel, finance and operational items including the hire of a new middle‑school principal, acceptance of a $7,500 donation for a high‑school robotics program, admission of Flint Culture Center Academy (FCCA) to the Genesee Area Conference with a stipulation about Powers High School recruiting, a senior class day trip to Chicago and authorization to solicit bids for a replacement district truck with a salt spreader and plow kit.
The motions passed unanimously where recorded. The board approved Brenda Georges as principal of Hamney Middle School; the board also approved a contract for the middle‑school principal as presented. The board accepted, with thanks, a $7,500 donation from First in Michigan designated for the robotics program at Hamady High School. Members voted to authorize competitive bidding for a replacement truck with a salt spreader and plow kit; the bid authorization specifies that bidding does not obligate the district to purchase the vehicle if it does not align with the budget.
Why it matters: the personnel actions affect leadership at the district’s middle school; the donation directly funds a high‑school STEM extracurricular; FCCA’s admittance to the local athletic conference changes which teams Westwood Heights schools may face and raises questions about where players from the Flint charter will participate as the charter adds grades.
Board actions and outcomes - Principal hire and contract: The board approved Brenda Georges as principal of Hamney Middle School and approved the principal contract as written. Vote reported as 6‑0. - Donation: The board accepted a $7,500 gift from First in Michigan for the robotics program at Hamady High School. Vote reported as 6‑0. - FCCA participation in the Genesee Area Conference (GAC): The board accepted administration’s recommendation to approve FCCA’s participation with a stipulation that FCCA students not be recruited to play for Powers High School; the board chair noted that if FCCA partners with other Flint public schools such as International Academy this would be acceptable. The motion passed 6‑0. - Senior class trip: The board approved a senior day trip to Chicago for the class of 2025. The organizer said round‑trip Amtrak seats are reserved (100 seats) at a student price of $54; payment for reservations is due Feb. 14. The trip is a day trip; the proposed schedule would leave in the morning and return about 10 p.m. The board approved the trip 6‑0. - Truck bid authorization: The board authorized staff to solicit bids for a replacement truck equipped with a salt spreader and plow kit; board members emphasized bidding only and that any purchase would require budget alignment. The motion passed 6‑0.
Discussion highlights The most extended discussion concerned FCCA’s request to join the GAC. One board member said FCCA students are Flint residents and “they should play for one of the Flint public schools,” and objected to an arrangement that would have FCCA players join Powers High School. The board amended the motion to include a stipulation forbidding recruitment of Westwood Heights students by Powers in connection with FCCA’s participation; the amendment was accepted and the membership approved.
On the principal hire, board members described the district interview process and said Georges ranked first among candidates. On the senior trip, the organizer described logistics: Amtrak travel, a stop at Navy Pier, and time on Michigan Avenue for shopping; the organizer said staff chaperones will attend and some limited senior‑account funds are available for students who cannot afford the trip.
Administrative notes and context Superintendent Keyes and administrators emphasized that bid solicitations lock pricing for about a year but do not obligate the district to purchase if the cost exceeds available funds. The board packet contained reports on M‑STEP versus NWEA testing and monthly administrative highlights; those items were provided for information and will be followed up in future reports.
Ending All motions reported in the meeting packet were approved by recorded tallies as noted above; board members said they will continue to review details for implementation and return to the board for purchase approvals where required.
