Superintendent outlines snow‑day policy, staff pay and plans to "right‑size" Romulus district
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Edmonson told the board the district has used five closures (six at the high school), continues to pay hourly staff on closure days, and plans staffing "right‑sizing" beginning July 2026 as three bargaining units enter negotiation years.
Superintendent Dr. Edmonson delivered a broad district update at the Jan. 28 Romulus Board meeting, covering communications, closures, staffing and curricular priorities.
Dr. Edmonson said the district newsletter and a set of student‑produced CTE videos will be released soon and that district communications, including recent podcasts and interviews, are intended to raise the district’s profile. On school closures, he said the district has recorded five districtwide closures so far this year and six closures at the high school because of a building issue; Michigan allows districts to request a state waiver after six lost days. "After 6, you have to go to the state and you have to ask for a waiver," he said.
Dr. Edmonson said he has ensured hourly staff such as bus drivers, attendance liaisons, security and EduStaff are paid for closure days to avoid financial hardship for hourly employees. He framed that decision as a district priority: "I make sure that they get paid. That's important to me."
On staffing and budgets, Edmonson said the district will "right size" by reviewing staff levels relative to student counts; he said the process would begin for July 2026 and noted the district will enter negotiation years for three bargaining units, with a first meeting on Feb. 26. "We're going to right size this district," he said, adding that adjustments might be driven by attrition and careful planning rather than immediate cuts.
He also raised an expected statewide conversation about restricting cell phones in schools and said implementing a ban would present practical and parental challenges. The superintendent discussed charter competition within the district and urged a focus on visibility and quality to retain and attract students.
Dr. Edmonson read a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing school boards: "On behalf of the people of Michigan, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month," and presented tokens of appreciation to trustees and staff.
He closed by highlighting Black History Month and urging curricular attention to Black authors and themes across grades; he asked trustees to consider what they would expect from the district and teachers during the month.
The board thanked Dr. Edmonson for the update and for the gifts presented in recognition of board service.