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Board hears bargaining updates, board members press for calendar clarity; board enters closed session on negotiations
Summary
Superintendent McMahon reported progress with several bargaining groups but said the MEA has not provided official calendar responses; after discussion the board voted unanimously to enter closed session under MOMA Section 8(1)(c) to discuss negotiation strategy.
Superintendent Ryan McMahon told the board he has held initial bargaining meetings with the food-services, transportation and MASSS bargaining groups and expects to reach settlements before contract expirations. He said the MEA (teachers) remains the last group without a scheduled meeting and the district has not received an official response on the draft school calendar the district provided in March.
Board members pressed McMahon on whether the district could publish the draft school start date to help families plan. McMahon said tentative dates can be shared but cautioned that posting tentative versions risks confusion if the calendar changes during negotiations. Several board members said families are eager for a start date and asked for at least a summarized update to be posted on the district website.
In new business, the board moved and seconded to enter closed session under Section 8(1)(c) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act for the purpose of negotiation strategy. The motion carried on a roll-call vote of 7–0, and the board entered closed session at 7:42 p.m.; members returned at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Why it matters: Bargaining outcomes can affect staff pay, work rules and instruction days, and the calendar affects family planning. The board sought a balance between sharing useful information with the community and preserving negotiation flexibility.
Next steps: District officials said they can publish a general update on bargaining progress and will continue to schedule MEA negotiations; closed-session discussions on negotiation strategy were held on the record as authorized by the Open Meetings Act.
