Meeting Notes for March 28, 2025

Mental Health + Committee Approach

QUICK NOTES

The following is a summary of the Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education meeting from March 17, 2025 (with links to the video in the timestamp):

Recognition of Student Musicians: The meeting began with a "good news" segment [01:33] that focused on the achievements of the school's music program.

Choir students and their director shared their experiences and successes at the MSVMA District 8 choir festival [02:15], where both the CVTs and chamber singers earned the highest possible score.

Two students were also recognized for earning a spot in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Allstate Bands [01:59].

Public Comment: The board then opened the floor for public comments on agenda items [09:28].

Agenda Revisions: The board discussed and approved revisions to the agenda, including the addition of a solar update from the operations department [10:02].

Budget Review: The board reviewed the budget, noting that while there had been some improvement, expenses were still high [13:58].

Social Media and Youth Mental Health: There was a discussion about the impact of social media on youth mental health [19:09], with a focus on both teens and elementary students.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

The board discussed the mental health support services available in schools, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers [30:51].

Mr. Hilton clarified the tiered concept of community support where educators, staff, counselors, and community resources provide support to students through different tiers.

It was mentioned that Tecumseh Middle School principal Trisha Howard was certified in providing restorative behavioral services to students, and this is one of the supports we provide. I will go into this in more detail in my final thoughts.

Trustee Lewis asked how many minutes per week are spent on social/emotional learning (SEL). Mrs. Way responded that lessons are every week, with less in high school.

Trustee McGee asked what this program would cost (I’m unsure of which specific program she was referring to). Mrs. Way responded that it was $74k for two years, and that the contract was up this year. She said we are not looking to renew because their funding was cut in half, but that the resources we already paid for would still be available.

Trustee Brooks mentioned her 28 year old son that enjoys Pokemon cards / games as an example of students enjoying a place to gather for wholesome fun.

Trustee Davis noted that her child enjoys the “Zen Den” and that it was a good resource.

Trustee McGee noted that the curriculum could be overwhelming and needs to be more targeted. She previously had no idea about one-on-one parent supports. She then asked if there was a student advisory committee, similar to what Rita is doing, on matters of student mental health.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Trustee Simpson suggested in a previous meeting that the board should move to a “committee of the whole” approach. I’m not good at explaining this concept, so I’ll let Wikipedia do the explaining:

A committee of the whole is a meeting of a legislative or deliberative assembly using procedural rules that are based on those of a committee, except that in this case the committee includes all members of the assembly. As with other (standing) committees, the activities of a committee of the whole are limited to considering and making recommendations on matters that the assembly has referred to it; it cannot take up other matters or vote directly on the assembly's business. The purpose of a committee of the whole is to relax the usual limits on debate, allowing a more open exchange of views without the urgency of a final vote. Debates in a committee of the whole may be recorded but are often excluded from the assembly's minutes. After debating, the committee submits its conclusions to the assembly (that is, to itself) and business continues according to the normal rules.

Mr. Hilton researched neighboring districts and reported that no one locally is doing committee of the whole. He also noted that this approach would result in public comment being restricted to agenda items only. He stated that he does not have a preference either way, but mentioned the potential of meetings being more time consuming, resulting in reduced efficiency. He also noted that the public could misinterpret decisions as final when they cannot be as committee as a whole.

Trustee Miller (above) sees the benefit in this approach.

Trustee Brooks (above) stated concerns that too many opinions can force meetings to run long.

Trustee Davis (above) appreciated the committee format, has seen it work either way, but warned that it would add more responsibility to Hilton.

Trustee McGee lamented (above) that information packets are often late, lackluster, and that information tends to trickle down slowly to committee members. She mentioned tools her employer uses that can do the work for us to record meetings (referencing committee meetings).

Trustee Simpson (video above, amplified and at increased speed) then reminds everyone that it was he who initially brought the matter up. He started by saying that he strives to surround himself with “smart people”, and that seven (trustees) are smarter than three. He also made statements that he feels like he is having to “hide” in Mr. Hilton’s office during these meetings, to which Becky Brooks commented that the meetings are open to the public. Simpson said this was an issue of transparency for him. He concluded by stating the recommendation of a committee of three may not be the recommendation of the entire committee.

Trustee Davis (above) states that she is not concerned about other school districts, but is only interested in learning ways to improve, to which Mr. Hilton confirms that he is searching for a good model.

OTHER NOTES

Appreciation for Mattison’s Work: A board member expressed appreciation for Josh's efforts in finding ways to save the school money, particularly in relation to solar energy [02:20:51].

Recognition for Student Singers: A former middle school assistant principal shared a story about the positive impact of having student singers perform at events, noting that it provided recognition for their talents and boosted their confidence [02:21:12].

Adjournment: The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn [02:23:58].

MY THOUGHTS

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

It’s important for the community to understand what Principal Howard (and vice principal Hoag as well) is doing by implementing this concept in our schools. I am a firm advocate of restorative justice, and it’s part of why Holly and I have been continually impressed with the culture at TMS these past few years. Here’s a brief summary of the restorative concept:

Restorative justice is an approach to addressing crime and conflict that focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than solely punishing offenders. It brings together victims, offenders, and often community members in a collaborative process to discuss the impact of the wrongdoing, identify needs, and agree on steps for restitution—such as apologies, community service, or direct amends. Unlike traditional punitive systems, it emphasizes accountability, healing, and reconciliation, aiming to restore balance and prevent future harm. Commonly used in schools, juvenile justice, and some criminal cases, restorative justice seeks to empower those affected while fostering empathy and responsibility in offenders.

I’ve personally witnessed Mr. Hoag using these concepts with middle schoolers, and I can attest to its success. As I stated in my article A Message To The Bullies, there are no “bad kids” (or “bad adults”, for that matter). Restoring the individual back to a contributing member of society should always be out ultimate goal. As a district, we are truly leading the way in this respect.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

In the clip below, Mr. Simpson seems to fire shots at the previous board president, Roger Hart, for shutting out the public in committee meetings. Mrs. Davis responds by reminding Simpson that “the door was always open”.

I wasn’t here during the infamous recall, but I do know Roger personally, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Lynn as well. Based on their character, I sincerely doubt either of them sought to shut the public out. Taking shots at prior administrations without them present to defend themselves is a low blow, in my opinion. I would remind Brooks, who seemed to agree with Simpson, that she recently stood accused of violating the Open Meeting Act as well, as reported by the Tecumseh Herald in 2024:

President Tony Rebottaro reported that a member of the public made comments at the last board meeting accusing the board of several OMA violations, so he consulted with the district’s legal advisors. The incidents included an assumption that when Trustee Rebecca Brooks stayed in the meeting room after the Safety Committee meeting of March 26 to speak with Treasurer Tim Simpson, that they were discussing committee business.

Source: TPS Board Debunks OMA Claims

I was encouraged to hear Lynn stand up for her former board president, and I hope that the board will continue to look forward rather than taking cheap shots at former administrations.

That being said, I tend to agree with Simpson on one point: committee meetings held in Mr. Hilton’s office does seem a bit clandestine. This is no fault of Mr. Hilton’s, or anyone else’s for that matter. Trustee McGee mentioned to me weeks ago that a public finance committee meeting was being held in Hilton’s office, but I chose not to go because I felt like I would be seen as hostile. It’s not that anyone meant to shut me out, it just didn’t feel public. So although I personally prefer committees, Tim has a point about them feeling private.

SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL LEARNING

You likely received this email last Friday as we went into spring break:

My next two articles will be on Social / Emotional Learning (SEL). While I have many thoughts (good and bad) on the concept as a whole, the program we are “piloting” (the one you received an email about last Friday), is concerning to say the least. So concerning, in fact, that another journalist is already slated to publish an article on it. My upcoming article will focus on concerns over the iWellness program from a psychological perspective only, and will be published in tandem with the other journalist’s piece.