Eastpointe board approves two School of Choice forms and a 3% staff retention bonus

The Eastpointe Community Schools board took three formal actions at its March 23 meeting: adoption of School of Choice forms 105 and 105C for the 2026–27 school year, and approval of a 3% retention payment for eligible direct-hire employees to be paid at the end of the school year.

School of Choice 105 (in-county) The board moved to adopt School of Choice form 105 for in-county applicants; roll-call voting recorded Dr. Early as No and the remaining trustees as Yes. The clerk recorded the outcome as 6–1 in favor.

School of Choice 105C (out-of-district / out-of-county) The board next adopted form 105C (out-of-district/out-of-county) by roll call; Dr. Early voted No and other trustees voted Yes. The clerk recorded the motion as carried, 6–1.

3% retention bonus Administration recommended a 3% retention payment to eligible direct-hire employees, to be funded from a combination of 27L, 31A and general funds. The administration explained the bonus would be prorated for employees hired after the start of the contract year and that eligibility would include attendance criteria (employees must not have unpaid 'dock' days). The board approved the measure by roll call: six Yes votes and one abstention (Mrs. Whitby). The clerk recorded the motion as carried (6 Yes, 1 abstain).

The meeting record shows each motion was moved and supported; specific mover/second names were not supplied in the transcript. Administration said eligibility details and memoranda of agreement define the proration and attendance conditions; the board asked administration to ensure clear communication to staff about eligibility and timing.