Board ratifies tentative contracts for support staff and administrators, approves trustee training and notes IB biology textbook purchase

The Dexter Community School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to ratify tentative agreements with district support staff and administrators and approved trustee attendance at upcoming training events.

Chair moved to ratify the tentative agreement with DESCO (the district's educational support personnel association). The chair summarized changes to wage-step structure and said the contract includes a $5 increase to a field-trip pay category (raising pay to $60 for certain trips). The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board also ratified a tentative agreement with the Dexter Administrators Association (DAA). The chair described the administrators' package as including modest step increases — outlined as 1% for some steps and additional 2% adjustments for others — and an additional $1,000 payment for some employees. The chair said healthcare contribution levels are maintained and that staff are encouraging participation in HSA options; the chair noted a potential additional district contribution of $500 per single or $1,000 per family for employees who move to HSA coverage.

Separately, trustees approved trustee attendance at the MASA leadership conference in October (Lansing), covering allowable expenses under board policy 2305. Board members discussed timing for newly elected trustees and agreed approving attendance now would allow new trustees to begin training promptly.

Chair also noted a recent IB biology textbook purchase and read a brief summary provided by Executive Director Brian Greer; the purchase was recorded as part of the meeting's financial information items.

All motions on these items were carried by voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript; no amendments or failed motions were recorded during the meeting.