Public Meeting Agenda: November 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

I. Call to order.

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

II. Public Comment

Description: 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. Business of the Board
A. Acceptance & Oath of Office
Within five (5) business days after the certification of a school board election, the school district’s election coordinator is required to issue a “Certificate of Election” to each elected candidate. Within ten (10) business days after the issuance of the certificate, the newly elected candidate is required to file an “Acceptance of Office with the Secretary of the school board. The Secretary of the school board is required to forward a copy of the “Acceptance of Office” to the school district’s election coordinator. (MCL 168.308 and 309) Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, an elected school board member must also take and file the oath provided in Article XI, Section 1, of the State Constitution. (MCL 168.310(1)) The oath is filed with the Secretary of the school board.

At this time, the Oath will be given to David Sommer and William Leibfritz, re-elected Board Members, followed by their Acceptance of Office for terms beginning January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2032.

B. Consent Agenda

Minutes:
1. October 20, 2026 Regular Meeting
Check Register: October 2026 Payments
Gifts:
1. Accept the following sponsorship donations for the CTE Life x Design Summit (G. Murschel):
  1. From MyMichigan Health in the amount of $1,500.
  2. From Clark Construction Company in the amount of $500.
  3. From Corteva Agriscience in the amount of $1,500.
2. Accept the following conference donations (B. Shoun):
  1. From Childcare Back Office, in the amount of $300 for the Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Conference and $84.79 for the Capital Area Conference.
  2. From Data Driven Decisions in the amount of $50 for the Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Conference.
  3. From Middle Michigan Development Corporation in the amount of $100 for the Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Conference.
  4. From the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation in the amount of $200 for the Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Conference.
  5. From ECE Subhub for a trail mix snack bar for the Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Conference and $1,240.59 for the Capital Area Conference.
Grant Awards: None.
Personnel:
1. Approve the hiring of Ashley McFarland, Paraeducator, effective January 4, 2027.

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

IV. Reports

Equity Committee
Stewardship Committee
Treasury Report:
1. Treasurer Heye, Committee Chair, or Designee
2. Dave Smith, Director of Finance
3. Financial Audit Report – Weinlander Fitzhugh, CPA
Consider Acceptance of Treasury Report

V. Superintendent's Report

Staff Updates:
1. Accepted the resignation of Katherine Schoenek-Danks, Early Childhood Support Coordinator, effective November 2, 2026.
2. Accepted the resignation of Michelle Moses, Paraeducator, effective October 29, 2026.
3. Accepted the resignation of Joshua Bontumasi, Paraeducator, effective November 2, 2026.
4. Accepted the retirement of Cynthia Lowery, Paraeducator, effective November 30, 2026.
Recognition:
1. Jacqueline Chamberlain, voted Top K–12 Teacher in the Midland Daily News 2026 Readers' Choice Awards
Charter Schools Update
Goals Update
SGO Update
Superintendent Contract Discussion

VI. Consider acceptance of the 2025-2026 Financial Audit of MCESA

Description: Weinlander Fitzhugh, CPA conducted the annual financial audit of MCESA in the fall of 2026. They presented their findings to the full board of education earlier in this meeting.

VII. 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.

VIII. Adjournment

November 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM - MCESA Board of Education Meeting

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