Board of Education Meeting Overview
An overview of action taken by the
Utica Community Schools Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 8, 2010
Malow shines as host of Board of Education meeting
Malow Junior High School, its staff and students, were in the spotlight as hosts of the Board of Education’s regular meeting. After a tour of classrooms showcasing student work, Principal Robert Hock introduced a comprehensive video in which teachers explained how data is used to assure the district’s mission, Every Child Achieves, can be attained by every Malow student. Music was a highlight of the evening, with the Malow Choir Ensemble performing the National Anthem and the Malow Jazz Band, directed by Jeff Groth, entertaining both the Board and the audience with an outstanding performance.
Superintendent outlines district successes
Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine M. Johns, in her report to the Board, said that the district’s third Annual Academic Blitz, held Feb. 4 at Henry Ford II High School, was a highly successful event. Aimed at seventh through tenth graders, the Academic Blitz is intended to encourage students to continue their education after high school graduation. Through a series of speakers, break-out sessions and one-on-one discussions, participants were shown how to plan their high school course work in order to be accepted into the college of their choice and, once there, to be successful.
Dr. Johns noted that high school juniors would be taking the Michigan Merit Exam March 9. The Michigan Merit Exam is the state’s assessment given to all of Michigan’s eleventh graders. It consists of three major components: the ACT college entrance examination; the Work Keys assessments; and Michigan assessments in math, science and social studies. The combined MME assessment measures student learning in the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
Resolutions adopted for Principals Week, Schools of Choice
The Board approved a resolution declaring the week of Feb. 15 Principals Week in Utica Community Schools. Principals Week is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions and dedication of the district’s principals for their ongoing work to educate the district’s nearly 30,000 students in their capacity as instructional leaders.
The Board further approved a resolution to allow students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and living within the Macomb Intermediate School District (essentially, Macomb County) to attend the Utica Community Schools where space is available during the 2010-2011 school year. Once enrolled, these students can remain in the district through high school graduation.
2009-2010 Budget Adjustment I approved
Reflecting continuing losses in state revenues, the Board approved Budget Adjustment I, which reflects the $165 per student reduction in the district’s Foundation Grant for 2010-2011. Mid-year budget adjustments are an annual occurrence in the district, since it is required to submit a fiscal year budget to the state on July 1. Because state revenues typically are not known until the state legislature adopts its budget the following October, some revenues must be estimated by the district. The budget adjustment allows the district to make necessary changes in allocations as state revenues become known.
Update of Facilities Study Team provided
Joe Mayernik who, with Tony Landini, co-chairs the Facility Study Team (FST), reported to the Board on the status of the group’s review process. The FST, composed of parents, business leaders and community members, is charged with reviewing the efficient use of district school buildings and is expected to offer a recommendation at the Board’s March 22 regular meeting. Options could include the closing of one or more schools beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. Complete minutes of the FST meetings are posted on the district’s website, www.uticak12.org
February 22 regular Board meeting canceled
The Feb. 22 regular meeting of the Board of Education was canceled; the next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 8 at the Joan C. Sergent Instructional Resource Center.
Board awards contracts for goods, services
The Board awarded contracts for the following: Special Services assessment materials, tires and services and roofing projects at several schools.