Madison District board approves September financials, backs anti‑vaping resolution and signs multiple contracts

The Madison District Public Schools Board of Education on an October evening approved the district's revised September financial report, adopted a resolution supporting the "Protect My Kids" statewide anti‑vaping bill package, and authorized multiple contracts intended to support students and operations.

Board president Cindy Holder called the meeting to order and, following presentations recognizing students and employees of the month, the board moved into routine business and votes. Superintendent (name not stated in the record) told trustees the district's current K–12 enrollment stands at 910 students, a rise of about 60 from the spring count of 850.

Why it matters: Trustees said the higher enrollment and rising service needs underpinned several items on the agenda, including transportation contracts and a request to contract for social‑work services. Trustees also pressed administration for clear budget figures before creating or restoring positions.

Financials and procurement debate

The board voted to approve the September 2024 financials after trustees questioned duplicate approvals in the check register and revised the total presented during discussion to $1,118,330.71. Trustee Gloria Thompson raised ethics concerns about a landscaping company that had performed fertilization work and that she said had a connection to a staff member’s spouse; she urged the district to solicit local landscaping firms through an RFP to avoid even the appearance of favoritism. "Because of the history we have here ... we need to avoid even the perception of it," Trustee Thompson said.

Administration responded that fertilization requires licensed contractors and that staff would look into local vendors and would consider an RFP; trustees asked administration to return with estimated annual costs before posting any new clerical position.

Staffing and operations

Administration proposed hiring a floating clerical to staff phones and provide coverage at the board office and at a larger elementary school. Trustees discussed whether the position should be 48 or 52 weeks, whether it would fall under the secretaries' union scale and how the district's new switchboard system will route calls. Trustees requested an estimated annual cost and funding source before moving to hire.

Curriculum and student supports

The board approved purchase of the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) curriculum for specialized work‑skill instruction in self‑contained settings at a listed cost of $1,475, with a first‑year software/training component discussed. Administration said most lab hardware already exists and that the larger software/training component is a one‑time first‑year expense for staff training and data management.

Public health and legislation

Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting the "Protect My Kids" bill package in the Michigan Legislature, which trustees said focuses on preventing youth tobacco and vaping use and can include reimbursement for district anti‑tobacco efforts. Trustee Chamblas said she was "torn" because some bill language could restrict flavored products for adults as well, while other trustees emphasized the package's focus and potential to help districts promote tobacco‑free campuses.

Contracts and accounts

The board approved multiple individual transportation contracts intended to maintain student bus service as enrollment grows. Trustees praised drivers' professionalism. The board also approved creation of a dedicated Student Activities account for specialized student services (fundraising and program costs for students with unique learning needs). Finally, the board approved a contract with a third‑party provider (transcribed as "Solent"/"Soient") to supply social‑work services amid a shortage of in‑district social workers; trustees pressed administration on an hourly rate cited in discussion ($78/hour) and on how much of the cost would be covered by grants.

Next steps

The board voted to enter a closed session to review a written legal opinion pursuant to the Open Meetings Act before continuing business. Trustees asked administration to return at a future meeting with cost estimates for the proposed clerical position, procurement documentation for the landscaping work and additional detail about ongoing software or training costs for the PAES curriculum.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (as revised, with check register moved): passed by roll call, 5–0. - September 2024 financials (revised amount $1,118,330.71): approved by roll call, 5–0. - PAES curriculum purchase ($1,475 listed): approved by roll call, 5–0. - Resolution supporting the "Protect My Kids" bill package: adopted by roll call, 5–0. - Transportation individual contracts: approved by roll call, 5–0. - Creation of Student Activities account for specialized services: approved by roll call, 5–0. - Contract for third‑party social‑work services (vendor transcribed as "Solent"/"Soient"): approved by roll call, 5–0. - Motion to enter closed session under the Open Meetings Act: approved by roll call, 5–0.

The board adjourned after brief committee reports and board comments; trustees reminded the community about an upcoming sinking fund open house and a public town hall on the sinking fund request. The record shows the board will revisit staffing costs and procurement documentation at a future meeting.