Hazel Park School Board Approves Salary Increase and Holiday Schedule Extensions Amid Financial Discussions

Overview: The Hazel Park School Board meeting focused on several topics, including approving a salary increase for staff, extending the holiday schedule, and tackling financial updates. The board unanimously supported a motion for a salary increase for the 2025-2026 school year, despite ongoing negotiations on other topics being deferred to the 2026-2027 period.

Grand Blanc School Board: Myers Elementary Celebrates National Blue Ribbon Award and Stellar Academic Performance

Overview: At the December 15th Grand Blanc School Board meeting, the most notable moment was the recognition of Myers Elementary’s receipt of the National Blue Ribbon award in 2023. Principal Betsy Cato, who has dedicated 14 years to the school, commended the collective efforts of the faculty and students, particularly highlighting the outstanding achievements of the fifth-grade teachers—Mrs. Fasman, Mrs. McGinnis, and Mrs. Mont. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school achieved remarkable MSTEP scores, ranking first in the county for math and science and second in social studies. Cato attributed this success to the dedication and collaboration of the teaching staff, which contributed to the students’ academic excellence.

Ypsilanti School Board Faces Transportation Woes Amidst Celebrations and Evaluations

Overview: At the recent Ypsilanti Community School Board meeting, significant concern arose over the district’s transportation system, with parents voicing frustrations regarding communication failures and unreliable bus services. The board also celebrated educational achievements, evaluated the superintendent, and discussed initiatives to enhance student support and community engagement.

Southfield School Board Reviews Financial Health Amid Enrollment Challenges

Overview: The Southfield School Board meeting focused on the district’s financial health, emphasizing concerns over declining student enrollment and its impact on revenue. The district faces financial challenges, with expenditures exceeding revenues by approximately $1.1 million for fiscal year 2025, resulting in a fund balance of $12.1 million—11.45% of expenditures. This figure is below the statewide average of 24.7%, raising concerns about sustainability and financial health amid ongoing enrollment declines.

Plymouth-Canton School Board Discusses Student Belonging, New Data Dashboard, and ICE Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Plymouth-Canton Community School Board, the most notable discussions revolved around efforts to foster a sense of belonging among students, the introduction of a new data dashboard, and community concerns regarding ICE activities near schools.