Superintendent highlights biliteracy awards, bond construction and community events

Interim Superintendent Benzes delivered the superintendent’s report, highlighting student successes and bond-funded construction. She said the district has awarded more than 30 seals of biliteracy this school year and recognized two students who spoke at a Michigan Department of Education meeting about the value of multilingualism. The superintendent called the student speakers’ participation at the state level a ‘‘proud moment’’ for the district.

The superintendent and trustees also recapped a recent Luton school groundbreaking that included board members, the mayor, bond representatives, construction partners and neighborhood residents; they framed the event as the community’s investment from the 2022 bond measure. The superintendent noted other projects: Mount Hope (open event/vision discussion April 30), Willow (opening this fall) and a forthcoming Sheran Road groundbreaking.

She announced the district’s first annual African‑American recognition ceremony set for May 12 with RSVPs due April 24, urged trustees and the public to attend the April 30 vision event at Mount Hope, and encouraged participation in district FAFSA support events to help families complete federal student aid applications. Translators and cultural brokers will be available at the Welcome Center FAFSA session to assist families who need language support.

The board offered multiple community‑oriented updates after the superintendent’s report: continuing Lancing Empowerment Network meetings, a district dress closet and care-closet services to support students, and invitations for student performances to be showcased at board meetings. The board adjourned after concluding comments and expressions of gratitude.