Taylor board approves freezer purchase, budget and tax rate; renews workers' comp buffer and approves superintendent evaluation

The Taylor School District Board of Education on June 17 approved several fiscal and administrative actions, including replacement equipment for Randall Elementary, budget resolutions for 2025–26 and 2026–27, the district’s 2026 tax rate request (L-4029), renewal of a workers’ compensation buffer layer policy, and the superintendent’s annual evaluation following a closed session.

The board approved a recommendation to purchase and install a walk-in freezer and refrigeration unit for Randall Elementary from Stafford Smith for $28,035. Jen Trumbetta, the district’s director of food service, said the current unit is obsolete and suppliers no longer supply the necessary parts; the district solicited bids through CoPro and received two bids: Stafford Smith ($28,035) and Douglas ($46,670); Culinary Depot declined to bid. Trumbetta said the district will supply roofing and electrical work and hopes to have the unit installed by mid-August if the board approves. The motion to purchase passed 6-0.

On district finances, the board approved a 2025–26 budget amendment and an appropriation resolution effective June 17, 2026 (vote 6-0). The board then approved the proposed 2026–27 budget and appropriation resolution; the motion passed 5-1 with Mr. Modarski recorded as the lone "no" vote. The board also approved the 2026 tax rate request (form L-4029) by a 6-0 vote.

The board approved a renewal of workers’ compensation buffer layer coverage through Gallagher Bassett in the amount of $47,036 for fiscal year 2026–27. Dr. Hill presented the renewal as a continuation with the same carrier to cover claims in a buffer layer; the motion passed 6-0.

The consent agenda — including minutes from the June 3, 2026 meeting, consolidated items, payment of current bills, staffing reports (certified and noncertified), and approval of out-of-state overnight field trips and grant-funded conferences — was approved 6-0.

After adjourning into closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act (section 8(h)) to consider exempt materials and the superintendent’s evaluation, the board returned and took action to approve the superintendent’s annual evaluation with an overall rating of "effective." The motion to approve the evaluation was made by Ms. Moore and seconded by Mr. Westfall; the recorded vote was 5-0 (several members were excused during that vote).

Votes at a glance: - Randall Elementary walk-in freezer/refrigeration unit (Stafford Smith): motion approved; cost $28,035; vote 6-0. - 2025–26 budget amendment / appropriation resolution (effective 06/17/2026): approved 6-0. - Proposed 2026–27 budget / appropriation resolution (effective 06/17/2026): approved 5-1 (Modarski no). - 2026 tax rate request (Form L-4029): approved 6-0. - Workers’ compensation buffer layer renewal (Gallagher Bassett): $47,036; approved 6-0. - Consent agenda (minutes, bills, staffing, out-of-state trips/conferences): approved 6-0. - Superintendent annual evaluation: overall rating "effective"; approved after closed session 5-0.

What board members said: Board members asked procurement and financing questions during the freezer presentation, seeking clarification on whether financing would be used and on waiver language allowing vendors to disclaim responsibility for unforeseen surcharges; Trumbetta said the district uses purchase orders, pays half up front and has not had pricing issues with Stafford Smith. During the budget discussion, board members recorded a single dissent on the proposed 2026–27 appropriation resolution.

Next steps: Trumbetta indicated coordination of installation work with planned roofing at Randall and an installation target of mid-August pending vendor scheduling. Superintendent hiring and grading-practices work were discussed in the superintendent’s report; the principal search will proceed with multiple interview rounds.

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.