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East Lansing Board elects officers, adopts safety policies and approves hires and schedule
Summary
At the Jan. 13 organizational meeting the East Lansing Board unanimously elected Chris Martin president and other officers, adopted student-safety policies (5710 and 5714), approved a district nurse hire and the 2025 meeting calendar, and heard union representatives urge good-faith contract negotiations.
The East Lansing Board of Education completed its organizational business on Jan. 13, electing officers for 2025, approving personnel and calendar items and adopting two policies aimed at student safety.
Chris Martin was elected board president in a unanimous vote. The board also elected Dr. Lions as vice president, Dr. Edel as treasurer and Ferris Highland as secretary. Trustees confirmed board officers by voice vote after nominations were moved and seconded.
Under action items, the board adopted updated policy 5710 (student suicide prevention) and new policy 5714 (threat assessment and response). Trustees said both policies had been reviewed by district safety, health and mental-health staff and were intended to formalize practices the district already uses. Both motions passed unanimously.
The consent agenda included approval to hire Randy Trumble as a 1.0 FTE districtwide school nurse at MA step 14, effective Feb. 3, 2025. The board also adopted its 2025 meeting schedule, with trustees asking staff to check for calendar conflicts in late September and early October and noting the possibility of canceling a second July meeting if not needed.
During public comment, Ross Gorman, president of the East Lansing Education Association, congratulated new trustees and urged the board to work in good faith with the union in upcoming contract negotiations. "We are looking forward to negotiating a new contract this year in good faith with the board's representatives," Gorman said. Kristen Fenter, speaking for ASME (the union representing administrative assistants), echoed that request.
Student representative Miss Walsh reported on finals week, a Multicultural Assembly planned for Feb. 2, winter formal on Feb. 8 and a new student club, SPARK (Students Promoting Resilience Awareness and Kindness). Superintendent Leo announced a January 22 community advisory meeting for the East Lansing High School health clinic, said bids for the central-office administration building go out Jan. 21 with recommendations to the board expected in late February, and that the high-school addition will be bid around April 15.
Committee reports from finance noted that consolidated Title I–IV allocations were reported to have increased by roughly $100,000 and that the state had approved an additional $125 million in supplemental awards; staff said the district's share was estimated to increase by about $350,000 compared with an earlier estimate. The finance report also referenced an estimated 4% savings on a bond refunding and an underwriting fee estimate of $3,482. Trustees said further details will be brought back for approval in February.
The board adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
