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Redford Union board hears concerns about unfunded dyslexia testing mandate; celebrates Hope Squad launch
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting the Redford Union Schools Board heard a legislative update focused on state funding and a new dyslexia testing mandate, received an update on enrollment and district finances, and heard students describe the newly launched Hope Squad peer-support program.
The Redford Union Schools District No. 1 Board of Education received a legislative update and raised concerns about a proposed state dyslexia testing mandate during its Oct. 14 regular meeting, while hearing updates on preliminary enrollment, district finances and the launch of a student-led Hope Squad suicide-prevention program.
Board President opened the meeting with a legislative briefing that highlighted recent state budget and policy actions affecting schools, including a one-time $125,000,000 allocation for school safety and social-emotional supports and what she described as a newly proposed dyslexia requirement. “This new dyslexia law mandate ... [would] require public schools to test 3 times a year, K through 3rd grade, for dyslexia,” she said, adding the district has not been provided additional funding or clear implementation guidance.
Superintendent Mike Witt said the district and members of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) are pushing Lansing for clearer priorities and more funding. Witt noted school boards discussed priorities including restoring school safety funding, increasing counselors, social workers and nurses in buildings, and training staff on artificial intelligence. “We all know taking money away from it isn’t the answer,” Witt said during his remarks.
Board members and district leaders focused attention on two concerns about the dyslexia requirement as described at the meeting: that the mandate appeared to be unfunded, and that it could restrict current classroom interventions. Mrs. Martin, a board member, said the district’s concern is that teachers’ existing intervention tools would be limited by the new law and that mandatory screening could “label kids who aren't dyslexic.” Another board member noted literacy experts and several superintendents around Wayne County have expressed opposition to the proposal.
The board also discussed a separate rumoured proposal in Lansing to require every high school senior to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a graduation requirement. Board members characterized that idea as potentially burdensome and said it was unlikely to be workable for all students.
On student supports, the board heard from the student representative and Hope Squad members about the new peer-support program. A student explained the Hope Squad members are “not counselors” and described an advisor-led debrief process for students who help peers in crisis: students are instructed to refer peers to adults and may debrief with an advisor after an encounter. Superintendent Witt and board members praised the student leaders and noted local news coverage of the program.
Chief Financial Officer Mr. Beltranck provided an economic and enrollment update. Preliminary count-day figures show the district is approximately 20 students above last year’s preliminary headcount, though auditors will confirm final numbers and the district cautioned that enrollment could change. Beltranck said the district routinely expects the shared-time program to grow and could gain additional full-time-equivalent (FTE) counts there.
The meeting included routine business motions. The board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and later approved the consent agenda; no items were removed for separate discussion. The board received a county communication that appeared to relate to a tax-collection litigation matter but no district liability or action was reported at the meeting.
Board members used the discussion time to highlight recent school events — homecoming, open houses, donor partnerships and student activities — and to ask staff to make recorded meetings easier for the public to find online. The board set future workshop and regular meeting dates.
Votes at a glance: The board adopted the Oct. 14, 2024 regular meeting agenda (moved by Mr. Osowski; seconded by Mr. Bailey) and approved the consent agenda (moved by Mr. Osowski; seconded by Mr. McAfee). Both motions were recorded as carrying without any sustained opposition.
