Southgate board approves sinking‑fund manager renewal and multiple facility projects; parent urges action on special‑education placement

The Southgate Community School District board on Dec. 9 approved several facility contracts and renewed a financial services agreement while hearing a public complaint about special‑education services.

The board voted to renew its contract with Plante Moran Realpoint to support the district’s sinking‑fund work, including RFPs, contract management and budget support, for two years. The motion to renew was made by Dr. Pomponio and supported by Mr. Green; board members approved the item by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Administrators also presented a procurement recommendation for the Davidson Middle Academy fleet parking and bus loop project. The district issued an RFP on Nov. 21 and received five sealed bids on Dec. 5; the project team recommended Electromatic. Officials described the scope as a new horseshoe‑style one‑way bus loop behind Davidson Middle Academy providing 15 bus parking spaces (the district currently operates 13 buses), enclosed with gates and fencing, site lighting, sidewalks and conduits for a future maintenance building. The team recommended a total project award of $1,406,023.10, including a $1,221,023.10 contract to Electromatic and a $185,000 contingency. Board members asked clarifying questions about visibility from the school, the detention pond location and future maintenance access. Dr. Pomponio moved to approve the project at a not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,333,907.47; the motion passed by voice vote.

The board approved a replacement of the Garish Gym floor after staff described results of an RFP and post‑bid interviews. The recommendation was for custom hardwoods and a synthetic, padded sports surface intended to better withstand winter guard equipment and heavy multiuse activity. The contract amount presented for the floor itself was $338,650, with the total project recommendation listed at roughly $372,500 to include contingency. Staff outlined warranties: two years for workmanship, 15 years for material defects and surface wear, and 10 years for moisture‑vapor tolerance. A motion to approve the replacement at a stated not‑to‑exceed figure passed by voice vote.

Separately, the athletic department requested approval to replace the Anderson gym PA/sound system. After collecting three quotes, staff recommended Advanced Lighting and Sound at a not‑to‑exceed $40,062 to be paid from bond funds. Staff cited failing components, uneven sound coverage and aging equipment dating to the 1990s; the board approved the purchase by voice vote.

Public comment that evening focused on special education. Joanna Reyna, who identified herself as the parent of Gabriel Reyna, a nonverbal special‑needs student, said her son was placed in a non‑ASD classroom taught by a teacher she said was not certified in Michigan special education. Reyna said Gabriel’s personal AAC communication device was damaged by another student on Sept. 19, 2025, and that the district would not reimburse the $268 cost to replace it; she said Gabriel therefore went 28 school days without his device. Reyna said she filed a complaint with the Michigan State Department of Education, retained an advocate, and requested that the board take three actions: place Gabriel in an ASD‑appropriate program, ensure a certified special‑education teacher leads his classroom, and conduct a district‑wide audit of special‑education staffing and IEP compliance.

Superintendent Irvine closed remarks by thanking the community for its support of staff and families. The meeting adjourned after a motion by Mr. Green and second by Dr. Pomponio.

What happens next: the board approved the contracts and budgeted amounts; Reyna’s requests were presented during public comment and the record shows she filed a state complaint but the board did not announce immediate personnel changes or an audit during the meeting.