Meeting Notes: August 25, 2025

Patterson Sale, Board Norms, and Fund Balances

Members Absent: Simpson

Transcription from audio: SonixAI

Summary from transcription: GrokAI

Final Thoughts: Jacob Willey

The Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education meeting, held on August 25, 2025, was chaired by Trustee Lewis with the absence of Treasurer Simpson. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly transitioned into a series of celebratory announcements and substantive discussions about the district’s achievements, financial status, strategic initiatives, and future plans. The agenda was packed with good news, financial updates, and operational decisions, reflecting a district on a positive trajectory but navigating challenges with state funding and infrastructure priorities.

Good News

Superintendent Matthew Hilton kicked off the meeting with a series of positive updates. He announced that Tecumseh High School was once again recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s best high schools, ranking in the top 7% of Michigan high schools. This ranking was based on a comprehensive methodology evaluating college readiness (measured by the percentage of 12th graders passing AP or IB exams), curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, performance relative to demographic expectations, and graduation rates. Hilton emphasized that this achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of students, staff, and families, particularly noting the district’s ability to exceed expectations given socioeconomic challenges, as poverty often correlates with lower test performance.

He congratulated the community for fostering an environment that makes Tecumseh High School exceptional.Another highlight was the recognition of Jackie Whiteley, named the Michigan Art Education Association’s secondary art teacher of the year. Whiteley humbly credited the community and the board’s support for her success, emphasizing that her achievement was a collective effort. Hilton shared community feedback from a Facebook post, with comments describing Whiteley as the “greatest art teacher ever” whose students consistently produce outstanding work. Her contributions were celebrated as a testament to the district’s commitment to arts education.

The Link Crew program, a cornerstone of Tecumseh High School’s efforts to support incoming freshmen, was a focal point. Led by teachers Musselman and Kuebler, the program involves upperclassmen mentoring new students to ease their transition. Out of 104 applicants, 53 students were selected as Link Crew leaders, representing a diverse cross-section of the school’s population, including athletes, band members, and others. The leaders undergo over six hours of training to guide freshmen through activities like costume-themed tours, designed to reduce first-day anxieties and foster a welcoming environment. Several student leaders, including seniors and juniors like Jamison Gross, Lila Hanson, and Alyssa, introduced themselves, underscoring their commitment to building a supportive school community. Hilton shared photos and a video illustrating the program’s impact, showing freshmen engaging with mentors in a lighthearted, inclusive atmosphere.

Finances

Financial updates were presented by Kelli Glenn, who reported a cash balance of $3,748,389.92 as of July 31, with accounts payable totaling $1,095,041.96. July revenue was minimal at $6,017, as the state aid payment received belongs to the prior fiscal year, while expenditures reached $839,871, primarily for staff payroll accrued to the previous year. This resulted in an estimated fund balance of $1.8 million. Trustee McGee, reporting on the Budget Committee, highlighted uncertainties in the state budget, noting that the state had not finalized its 2025-26 budget, potentially delaying the October 20 state aid payment to November 20. This delay could strain cash flow, possibly requiring a loan with a six-week processing time. Federal funding risks included $60,000 for Title II (professional development) and $20,000 for Title IV (technology and student support), though Title I and special education funds were expected to remain stable.

The Community Eligibility Provision for free school meals was discussed, with 40% of costs covered by federal funding and the state’s Michigan School Meals program covering 60% ($488,000 last year). If state funding falters, a $336,000 shortfall could occur, though the district committed to providing free meals for the current year regardless.

Patterson Sale

The board addressed the sale of Paterson Elementary School to Paterson 1953 LLC for $150,000, with a closing date no later than September 30, 2025. The agreement, discussed for 90 days, includes a lease-back to the district for $1 until August 2026, with the district responsible for utilities, maintenance, and insurance during this period. The buyer plans to develop housing while preserving the building’s historical integrity, a project Superintendent Hilton described as a “win-win-win” for the district, city, and community, potentially increasing enrollment as families move into the new homes. The board amended the agenda to move the sale from discussion to action, suspending their norm of discussing items at one meeting and voting at the next. A resolution authorized Hilton to execute the purchase agreement, subject to legal review.

Concerns about the 15-day inspection period were addressed, with Hilton noting prior due diligence and legal vetting. Trustee McGee raised concerns about preventing a scenario like the administration building sale, where the property was resold at a higher price without development, but Hilton clarified that no such clauses were included, though the buyer’s significant investment suggested genuine intent.

Board Norms

The board reviewed its norms, aiming to refine guidelines for conduct and decision-making. Discussions focused on clarifying the norm of speaking with one voice after a vote, emphasizing that board members should vote their conscience but support the district’s implementation post-decision. Suggestions included extending the norm of treating each other with dignity and respect to staff and the community, and potentially adding a norm for evidence-based decisions incorporating community input.

Trustee Miller proposed improving preparation time for board meetings, suggesting a shift to monthly meetings to allow more time for review, though this was deemed an operational procedure rather than a norm. The board agreed to draft revised norms for further discussion at the next meeting.

Strategic Plan

The strategic plan for 2025-26 was a significant agenda item, with updates across five goal areas. In academics, Megan Way outlined plans for a new high school business course, developed with local business partners and aligned with state standards, to be ready for the 2026-27 school year. Other goals included integrating career readiness into curricula and offering soft skill certifications through programs like Bring Your A-Game or Microburst. In learning environment and culture, Kim Foley discussed revising the middle school schedule to provide targeted support (interventions, enrichment, or independent practice) and establishing student leadership groups at all levels to amplify student voice.

Operations

Operations goals, presented by Josh Mattison, focused on evaluating capital needs, prioritizing safety and security upgrades (e.g., portable radios, card access systems), and increasing transparency through regular updates on infrastructure projects.

Personnel goals included implementing structured onboarding with exit interviews and updating job descriptions for clarity and professional growth. In communications and community engagement, Hilton proposed continuing the “This Is Us” marketing series, launching an alumni spotlight, creating short videos to highlight district programs, and developing a branding kit.

The pool’s future remains uncertain, pending further information, but will involve community engagement. Hilton also suggested revisiting the “Every Student, Every Day” slogan through community input to redefine core values.Hilton proposed initiating a new strategic planning process, as recommended by MASB consultant Debbie Stehr, given recent changes like new board members, a new superintendent, and the sinking fund’s passage. This process would involve a community kickoff after the new year, building on past efforts but creating a new 3-5 year plan.

Board members supported broadening community participation, suggesting a survey to invite diverse input beyond their networks, including parents and non-parent residents.Tucker Cole, the student representative, shared insights on the positive start to the school year, praising the Link Crew and senior class engagement in events like Senior Sunrise. He raised community concerns about the sinking fund and suggested improvements like pickleball courts to enhance community access to school facilities, prompting Hilton to note ongoing grant searches for such projects.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with Trustee Lewis celebrating the district’s achievements, emphasizing the staff’s role in overcoming socioeconomic challenges and fostering a sense of community. He highlighted the contributions of instructional assistants and the district’s consistent overachievement, likening it to a sports team’s success. The board adjourned with a sense of optimism and unity, committed to sustaining the district’s momentum.

Final Thoughts

Patterson

We can be sure that right now, someone on the Nosey Asses of Tecumseh Facebook page is writing an anonymous post about how horrible of a deal the Patterson sale was. Those of you who read my blog, or David Panian’s articles in the Herald, know this deal is about as good as it gets. It was never going to be a perfect situation. All things considered, Hilton pulled off a win in my opinion. Folks who throw stones rarely consider the alternatives we’re faced with.

Tecumseh High School Ranking

US News and World Report ranked THS highly again this year. This ranking is heavily biased due to our supposed AP course offerings. We do not offer as many AP courses as the number that earned the ranking, and even less are offered today. This score also does not factor in how many students are passing, or even enrolled in, these courses. I do not mean to disparage the amazing work of the teachers at THS, who absolutely deserve recognition. THS is certainly one of the better schools in this area. I simply take issue with claiming credit for a biased and somewhat misrepresented award.

iWellness

You can opt out.

We’re once again sending out notifications for students to take the iWellness survey. At a prior meeting, Trustee Brooks attempted to highlight how this survey was free, but was reminded that the survey is not, in fact, free. Someone always pays. At first, LISD pays for the survey. Very soon, TPS will foot the bill.

I recognize that the board has the best of intentions with this program. They are briefed by subject matter experts, and they approve programs according to what they are briefed. My issue is with the “experts” selling a program that is nothing short of a grift, and I will gladly die on this hill. This is especially concerning at a time when we are facing a nationwide shortage of school counselors. Could these funds and any future funds have been used to hire more counselors?

This district went to the public last year with little to no financial credibility and asked for more funds. The community approved, barely, and so far I believe this administration under Hilton’s leadership has made good on their word to be good stewards. Spending over a million dollars on a survey that essentially just asks, “are you ok?” is not responsible.

For more info, check out these articles:

Lenawee Spent $1.25m To Ask Your Kids These Seven Questions

Did Our District Just Get Duped?

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