Rebecca Murphy, an academy coach at Central, used the board's public-comment period on Oct. 27 to invite the public to a community apprenticeship and work-based learning event on Nov. 10 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Murphy said Central received a small stipend from the Michigan Department of Education this spring to create an apprenticeship display wall and that the Nov. 10 event will expand that unveiling to showcase the district's seven pathways and other work-based learning opportunities. The event, Murphy said, will include student-led tours of work-based learning sites such as the healthcare simulation lab and the school store, tables from community partners and union representatives, student demonstrations and hands-on activities, and is open to students, families and community members.

"We are the lucky recipients in the spring, to get a small stipend from the Michigan Department of Ed for a new apprenticeship display wall," Murphy said. She asked interested businesses or partners to contact her and said she would leave flyers for the board to distribute.

Rachel Warner, staff with the office of state Representative Steve Frisbie, told the board that the recently passed state budget includes $2,030,000 for Battle Creek Public Schools and a $442 per-student increase that brings per-student funding to $10,050. Warner said the budget also includes increased funding for mental health and public safety in schools and that universal breakfasts and lunches will continue.

"We have an increase for $2,030,000 for Battle Creek Public Schools, and then we also, see a $442 per student increase that brings the per student funding to $10,050," Warner said. She left business cards and urged people to contact the office for assistance.

Both speakers used the board's public-comment period; the board did not respond during the meeting but said it would take comments under advisement.