Superintendent Dr. Edmondson used the Nov. 24 board meeting to explain the district's stance on state 31a funding and to share program updates. He said Romulus is being offered the opportunity to "opt in" to state-provided 31a funds before a court decision, but described conditions tied to that acceptance as problematic. "If we take it and something happens ... the state comes and says you have to do this because you took the money," Edmondson said, warning that the state could require waiving privileges and conduct investigations. He told the board Romulus will not opt in and that the district will use other available state or district funds to continue services where needed.

Edmondson framed the choice as partly financial and partly protective of local decision-making: "Some districts cannot afford to let that money go while others can. We are fortunate enough that we can," he said, adding the district will not sign a waiver and will continue its programs without that conditional money.

The superintendent also highlighted several district initiatives. He described the Ignite & Inspire speaker series for middle and high school students and reported the district is piloting an eighth-grade aviation track that the administration expects to move to ninth grade. Edmondson said the district owns a flight simulator in the central office that will support the program and noted plans for a drone certification after-school program in 2026. He encouraged trustees to promote events and said the district will publish a 22-page newsletter to better communicate with the community.

Edmondson shared student achievement and recognition items, noting that since July 1, 31 students graduated from a program and four earned GEDs; he urged the board to reshare positive district posts. He also referenced fundraisers and student activities such as high school council bowling and a planned board dodgeball fundraiser.

On financial context, Edmondson compared Romulus' roughly 9.5% fund balance to a neighboring district's 28% and emphasized Romulus is not financially compromised: "We have the money...We will just move money that we have through other means...and we'll just move on from there," he said. He said he would keep the board informed as the 31a situation evolves.

The board did not take a formal vote on the 31a decision at this meeting; Edmondson presented it as the administration's recommended approach and a district-level determination.