Hazel Park board approves assistant superintendent hire, software purchase and winter athletic trainer contract; approves 90-day expulsion

The Hazel Park School District Board of Education on Dec. 19 approved the hiring of Monica Papazian as assistant superintendent of business and operations, authorized purchasing a PowerSchool reporting plug‑in, and approved a contract for athletic trainers for winter home events. After recessing into closed session on a student discipline matter, the board voted to expel a student for 90 days to Advantage.

The measures were among several routine and personnel items on the agenda. The board voted in favor of the assistant superintendent appointment and the software and athletic services contracts; final tallies reported in open session reflected majority approval on each contested item. The expulsion motion carried following the closed‑session review and a public vote after the board returned to open session.

Board members and staff described the assistant superintendent candidate’s background and the reasons for the personnel and operational purchases. Kristin (presenting the recommendation) introduced Monica Papazian and noted Papazian’s accounting and finance credentials and prior experience in district finance work. Papazian addressed the room briefly after the vote and said she was “leaving a great organization” but was eager to return to schools and serve Hazel Park Schools. Papazian’s start date was announced as Feb. 1.

On technology, the board approved purchase of the MBA Report Creator plug‑in for PowerSchool, which staff said will reduce the time technical staff currently spend coding district reports and allow quicker generation of report cards, progress notices and attendance letters. District staff explained the plug‑in requires field‑mapping because different districts use different PowerSchool fields.

The board also approved a contract to provide athletic trainer services for winter home sports. Staff said the contract as presented is billed on a per‑game basis: $200 per home basketball game and $85 per hour for wrestling meets. The contract was described by staff as not‑to‑exceed and priced by event.

Student discipline was a significant portion of the meeting. The board approved reinstatement procedures for students after expulsions and reviewed how the district’s discipline committee — composed of community members, board members and administrators — conducts follow‑up and support. The board then recessed into closed session under the board’s cited closed‑meeting authority to consider dismissal, suspension or disciplining of a student when closed session is requested by a parent or guardian. After returning to open session, the board voted to expel one student for 90 days to Advantage; the motion passed in open roll call.

Other items included informational review of Freedom of Information Act requests, presentation from Jardon student council about fundraising plans for the year (Valentine candy grams, canned food drives and events to support student activities and animal welfare), and a description of equipment purchases for the district’s SXI (Severely Multiple Impaired) classrooms at Webb Elementary School, including Rifton activity chairs sized for smaller students.

Superintendent comments noted the district had received philanthropic support: staff reported a grant from the Ballmer Group with initial payment already received and direction that district and Oakland County staff will coordinate on mental health service delivery. Board members offered holiday remarks and brief reports from schools and activities before adjourning.

Votes at a glance: - Hire: Monica Papazian, assistant superintendent of business and operations — Approved (majority vote). Start date announced: Feb. 1. - Purchase: MBA Report Creator plug‑in for PowerSchool — Approved (majority vote). Purpose: generate report cards, progress reports and attendance letters; requires field mapping per district usage. - Contract: Athletic trainer services for winter home sports — Approved (voice/roll call). Stated rates: $200 per home basketball game; $85 per hour for wrestling meets. Contract billed per event/not to exceed season cap. - Student discipline: Expulsion to Advantage (90 days) — Approved (majority vote) following closed session consideration.

Board members did not introduce new policy measures or ordinances; the meeting included routine personnel and operational approvals, student discipline matters, and community presentations.