Riverview board: state 27L funds to be dispersed through negotiations; literacy campaign, PD plans outlined

The Riverview Board of Education on March 23 received administrative briefings that the district has been allocated state "27L" funds and plans to disperse those dollars through ongoing negotiations, with payments to full-time employees expected in May. The study session, called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President Bohr, focused on literacy outreach, attendance initiatives and professional development rather than formal action.

Assistant Superintendent Angelyn Maxon tied several spring programs to the district’s MiCIP continuous-improvement plans and described a new Buccaneer Book Club initiative. The Book Club will begin daily activities April 6 for two weeks and will culminate in a districtwide event on April 17. Maxon also cited classroom- and building-level reader visits, naming students in Mrs. Z’s class among participants, and noted a community partnership with Azita Frattarelli at the Riverview Library that will include BINGO and other reading-related events.

District staff reported the Attendance Committee is in its second year of work supported by a countywide Stronger Connection Grant. Administrators said the committee is coordinating with Riverview Works and using MTSS, professional learning communities and building guiding coalitions to address attendance concerns.

Elementary professional development priorities outlined at the session include implementing a guaranteed and viable curriculum, IXL math training, UFLI phonics instruction, WIN ("What I Need") student grouping, Read Stop Write interventions and continued planning for social studies and science instruction.

In administrative updates, the board was told the district received 27L funds in the state budget; the update stated those funds will be dispersed through negotiations and that all full-time employees will receive a payment in May. The session also noted that elementary tutoring is finishing this week and that staff are planning professional development for next fall. Negotiations with the REA remain active, with initial dates for maintenance and secretaries expected after spring break. Board members were also told that bond assessments and priority-setting work are underway.

During the items-for-discussion portion (where no action is taken), President Bohr suggested the board consider offering a CBA course through the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) in November. Trustee Toth asked how the board can better support committees and administrators in presenting data and initiatives, seeking clarity on how trustees can aid effective communication and decision-making.

The meeting ended with a procedural motion: Trustee Meeks moved to adjourn at 8:15 p.m., Trustee O'Brien supported the motion, and the vote was recorded as unanimous (YEAS: All; NAYS: 0). The meeting minutes were accepted and signed by Secretary Sheila Walker.