Southgate board approves Wayne RESA budget, student trips, playground umbrellas and tentative SAEA agreement

The Southgate Board of Education approved a slate of routine action items, including a preliminary Wayne RESA general fund budget for 2026–27, multiple student travel requests, a purchase of playground shade structures for GSRP preschools, and a tentative agreement with the Southgate Adult and Alternative Education Association (SAEA).

The board voted to approve the Wayne RESA 2026–27 general fund budget after staff explained the district’s role as a member district. Dr. Pomponio moved to approve the budget; the motion was supported and passed by voice vote.

The board also approved several student trips: an Anderson boys basketball overnight camp at Trine University (June 15–17), a fifth‑grade Camp Machundo trip (March 22–24, funded by grant dollars), an eighth‑grade Washington, D.C. trip (May 24–27, next year; estimated historical participation 60–150 students), and an Anderson High School cheer trip to Michigan State University (July 27–29). Board discussion noted fundraising practices for athletics and that staff will assist families in need for larger trips.

On facilities spending, Nicole Walker, director of early childhood, requested approval to purchase three shade umbrellas from Great Lakes Recreation to create licensed cooling/shade zones on preschool playgrounds. The motion to approve $42,688.82 from the GSRP budget passed by voice vote; Walker had earlier referenced a figure of about $40,688 during discussion, a discrepancy noted in the meeting record.

Labor negotiations: Administration reported the SAEA tentative agreement had been ratified by membership and presented it for board approval; the board approved the tentative agreement by voice vote.

All action items reported in the transcript passed by voice vote; the meeting adjourned shortly after board members moved to adjourn.