Board approves ISD budget, labor agreements, payments, student trip and two hires

At its May 11 meeting the East Lansing School District board approved a series of action items including a resolution supporting the Ingham Intermediate School District’s proposed general fund budget for 2026–27, a letter of agreement with district bargaining units tied to 27L payments, equivalent payments for employees omitted from an earlier distribution, a one‑day student trip to Chicago and two administrative contracts.

The board voted to adopt the ISD general fund budget resolution after a brief review; the transcript records the motion and that it passed, but does not include a detailed roll-call tally.

Board members approved a letter of agreement between the district and the East Lansing Educational Association (ELEA), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) administrative assistance unit, and the East Lansing Educational Support Personnel Association (ELSPA). The district also approved equivalent payments of $975 to 34 district employees who were not included in the 27L educator compensation grant funds, which the superintendent and financial staff said totals roughly $44,000 after employer taxes and retirement contributions are included.

The board approved a McDonald Middle School band and orchestra day trip to Chicago in May 2027 that will use charter buses and return late the same day; an overnight option was removed because of cost. Trustees also approved contracts for Kristen Susty as East Lansing High School Dean of Student Success and for Lindsay Lanoweski as White Hills Elementary principal; both appointees briefly introduced themselves after the votes.

Financial staff told the board that 27L payments will be issued May 22. The transcript records motions, seconds and that each vote passed; in each case the transcript does not record detailed vote tallies.