Bedford Board approves mid‑year budget amendments, backs Monroe County tech millage and authorizes Chromebook purchase

The Bedford Board of Education approved several routine but consequential items during its meeting, including a resolution supporting the Monroe County technology millage renewal, mid‑year budget adjustments across funds, and a purchase of student Chromebooks and associated licenses.

Carl (board member) said the county technology millage has been a recurring five‑year renewal and that "for us this year, I believe it was $1.3 million that went toward solely the use of technology and support of technology use in our district." The board voted by roll call to support placing the Monroe County technology millage on the May 5 ballot; the motion carried with one member excused.

Chrissy, presenting the mid‑year budget amendments, outlined revenue updates for property tax collections, enrollment, foundation allowance and grant awards and expenditure changes for employee contract increases, health care and a 2% transfer to the capital projects fund. She reported an estimated general‑fund ending balance "just over 17 million or about 31 and 1/2%." The board approved the mid‑year budget adjustments for all funds by roll call.

The board also approved a routine purchase of student Chromebooks and GAFE licensing to lock in current pricing amid a global microchip shortage; the per‑unit price cited was $240.87 and vendors warned of potential six‑month lead times. The motion to purchase the Chromebooks carried on a roll call vote.

On enrollment policy, the board voted to opt out of the Michigan Department of Education Schools‑of‑Choice programs 105 and 105c and to opt into the Monroe County school‑of‑choice program (retaining a 1% cap) as recommended by district administration.

Personnel actions approved included the BEA new‑hire appointment of Joni Kahn as a kindergarten instructor at Monroe Road Elementary and the acceptance of two retirements effective at the end of the school year: Michelle Link, social studies instructor (about 25 years of service), and Nancy Quida, family and consumer science instructor (about 11 years of service).

The meeting concluded with routine building announcements and community updates; the board adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Votes at a glance (as recorded on the roll call in the transcript): - Monroe County technology millage resolution: Amy Bissell — yes; Amy Driehorst — excused; Cole — yes; Todd — yes; Griffin — yes; Lisa — yes; Chair — yes. Outcome: approved. - Mid‑year budget adjustments (all funds): Amy Bissell — yes; Amy Driehorst — excused; Cole — yes; Todd — yes; Griffin — yes; Lisa — yes; Chair — yes. Outcome: approved. - Chromebook purchase and GAFE licensing: Amy Bissell — yes; Amy Driehorst — excused; Cole — yes; Todd — yes; Griffin — yes; Lisa — yes; Chair — yes. Outcome: approved. - School‑of‑choice opt decision (opt out of state 105/105c; opt into Monroe County program): Amy Bissell — yes; Amy Driehorst — excused; Cole — yes; Todd — yes; Griffin — yes; Lisa — yes; Chair — yes. Outcome: approved. - Personnel: Joni Kahn (new hire) — approved by voice/roll call; retirements of Michelle Link and Nancy Quida — approved by voice vote.

Next steps: the technology millage appears on the May 5 ballot if certified; the district will implement the approved budget adjustments and proceed with the Chromebook procurement and onboarding for devices.