Public Meeting Agenda: January 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

I. Call to order.

Roll Call: President J. Gunderson, Vice President J. Wagner, Secretary K. Baczewski, Treasurer K. Heye, Trustee B. Leibfritz, Trustee D. Sommer, Trustee G. Wilson
Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Public Comment

Description:

Welcome Special Education Supervisor Jennifer Coston and Midland Public Schools Transportation Manager Leslie Goldhardt. The board will recognize this business partner for their outstanding work in providing transportation service for work sites.
At this time, the Board will provide an opportunity for citizens to speak on educational matters. Citizens desiring to speak at this time should ask to be recognized and identify themselves and their topic. Public communication is limited to five minutes per speaker.

III. Organization of the Board of Education

Description: As outlined in School code, an intermediate school district (ESA) Board of Education shall meet annually on or before the fourth Monday of January and organize by electing a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The officers shall perform duties provided by law and prescribed by the policies and regulations of the intermediate school Board, not inconsistent with this part or other laws of the state. (School Code of 1976, Part 7, Section 613 and MCL 168.642(a))

IV. Consent Agenda

Minutes:
1. November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting
2. December 16, 2025 Regular Meeting
Check Register: November 2025 Payments and December 2025 Payments
Gifts:
1. Accept the donation from David and Jane Wirth in the amount of $200 for the Imagination Library (K. Clark).
2. Accept the donation from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation in the amount of $1,000 for the Imagination Library (K. Clark).
Grant Awards:
Personnel:
1. Approve the hiring of the following paraeducators effective December 5, 2025:
  1. Joshua Bontumasi
  2. William Craven
  3. Kathryn Gilstad (part-time)
  4. Robin Hunt
  5. Manimegalai Kumar
  6. Kristen Metevia
  7. Jerzie Wark (CNA paraeducator)
  8. Kelly Waters (CNA paraeducator)
2. Approve the hiring of Will Williams, paraeducator, effective December 15, 2025.
3. Approve the hiring of Stephanie Fenwick, paraeducator, effective January 16, 2026.
4. Approve the hiring of Charlotte Horton, paraeducator, effective January 16, 2026.
5. Approve the hiring of Justina Morena, Early Childhood Specialist Supports Coordinator, effective January 12, 2026.
Board Operational Calendar
Travel
1. Approve the authorization for travel to the MASA Midwinter Conference in Kalamazoo, MI for Superintendent Searles.
2. Approve the authorization for travel to the MAISA Spring General Membership Meeting in East Lansing, MI for Superintendent Searles.
Acceptance of Thrun Policy Updates
1. The included policies have been updated by Thrun Law Firm P.C., and have been received by the Policy Committee for review.

Description: To expedite the business of the Board, but not diminish the importance of each item, a Consent Agenda has been approved.

Attachments: (50)

V. Reports

Equity Committee
Stewardship Committee
Treasury Report:
1. Treasurer Heye, Committee Chair, or Designee
2. Mark Orihel, Director of Finance
Consider Acceptance of Treasury Report

Attachments: (2)

VI. Superintendent's Report

MCESA PERMAH Survey Fall 2025, Kathy Snyder, Jennifer Coston
Jennifer Coston, International Conference on Special Education
Facilities Manager Update

VII. Consider acceptance of the resolution in support of the stormwater management plan

Description: EGLE requires an ordinance or regulatory mechanism that prohibits non-stormwater discharges into an applicant's MS4 and addresses post-construction stormwater runoff requirements once per permit cycle and as part of the District’s Stormwater Permitting process. To meet this permit application requirement, Arch Environmental Group, Inc. has developed a Stormwater Board Resolution.

Attachments: (2)

VIII. Consider approval of the 2025-2026 Special Education Budget Amendment

Description: It is necessary to approve an amendment to the 2025-2026 budget to comply with the universal budgetary requirements. Shared with the board at this meeting is a revised summary of projected revenues and expenditures. The Uniform Budget Act requires that expenditures of the unit of government be within the appropriations by the Board of Directors. The budget resolution has also been reviewed by the Finance Committee at their meeting on January 13, 2026 and will be included in the board packet and minutes upon approval. The Midland County ESA Board of Education will be asked to approve the following budget resolution as presented.

Attachments: (1)

Special Ed Budget Resolution

IX. Other Topics the Board May Wish to Consider

Description: This portion of the agenda is utilized by the Board to introduce topics for future study, to discuss school district and educational service agency related matters, to complete professional association business and related items of interest. Action may be taken during this time.

January 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

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