Meeting Notes: July 22, 2025

Routine discussion, including budget summary and community pool repairs

Notes:

• All trustees were in attendance.

• This summary is primarily written by Grok (AI) from a paid transcription of the school board video, with minor edits provided by me.

• Final thoughts are written 100% by me.

Opening and Good News Updates

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Brooks Superintendent Hilton began with positive updates, announcing the appointment of Chris Hoag as the new Tecumseh Middle School principal. Hoag, a long-serving district employee known for his dedication, was selected after a rigorous interview process involving staff, parents, and administrators. Hilton emphasized the importance of a transparent selection process, noting that while many advocated for Hoag’s direct appointment, he earned the role through merit. The community’s support was evident during the recent Tecumseh Pet Parade, where Hoag received enthusiastic congratulations from attendees. Hilton also highlighted the parade’s success, where staff and students raised funds for Daisy, a service dog in training, who will be introduced at a future board meeting. These updates were met with approval and no debate, reflecting consensus on Hoag’s appointment and community engagement efforts.

Financial Report

Kelli Glenn, the business manager, presented the June 2025 financial report, detailing a cash balance of $2,771,955.53 and accounts payable of $630,236.73. The fiscal year 2024-25, ending June 30, showed total revenue of $32,579,319 and expenditures of $31,249,200, resulting in an estimated surplus of approximately $500,000. Glenn noted that these figures included auditing accruals, such as July state aid payments and teacher summer pay, with final audited numbers to be reported in November. The board had no questions.

Committee Reports

Trustee Davis reported on the July 9 Policy Committee meeting, which reviewed policy updates and set priorities for the 2025-26 school year, including handbook revisions and board operating procedures. No significant debate arose, as the updates were routine and recommendations were sent for board discussion. Trustee Brooks, the sole Facilities Committee representative, provided an update on recent vandalism at Herrick Park, the successful transition to a new custodial company, and progress on summer capital projects. The new custodial provider, Enviro-Clean, offered cost savings (e.g., soap at $47 per case versus $78) and improved efficiency. Brooks detailed project statuses: Acres at 100% readiness, Sutton at 85%, and ongoing painting and floor refinishing. The committee also discussed the loss of USDA grants for solar projects and explored utility tracking and safety enhancements, such as Motorola radios for emergency communication. A brief debate emerged when Trustee Lewis asked if School Resource Officers would carry these radios. Josh Mattison, Director of Facilities, confirmed their integration with state police systems, resolving the query without contention.

Tecumseh Memorial Pool

The most substantial discussion and debate centered on the Tecumseh Memorial Pool, closed since April due to a catastrophic HVAC failure. Superintendent Hilton and Josh Mattison provided a detailed timeline and update, revealing significant structural concerns identified during recent inspections. Initial roof inspections in 2022 by WTI and IMG identified poor conditions, leading to further assessments in 2023 by SM Engineering, which found roof joist issues but deemed the pool safe for operation. However, in 2025, new inspections by Whiteman and Magnus consultants revealed heavy rust and 10-25% section loss in steel columns and roof girders, raising safety concerns. Engineers recommended comprehensive structural testing, requiring pool drainage, scaffolding, and removal of ceilings and ductwork, with results expected by October 1. The trustees engaged in a robust debate about the pool’s future, focusing on financial implications, community responsibility, and safety.

Trustee Martinez emphasized the need for a community-wide discussion, arguing that the school district alone should not bear the financial burden of a community asset. He noted the pool’s original funding as a joint city-school venture, with the city contributing a quarter mill until retracting support 15 years ago, leaving the district to cover a $125,000-$140,000 annual shortfall. Martinez stressed that the district’s priority is education, not pool maintenance, and advocated for community input on funding options, whether through repairs, rebuilding, or closure. He highlighted the high costs involved, stating, “We’re sitting on a large bill,” and questioned the sustainability of patching solutions without broader support.

Trustee Lewis echoed Martinez’s concerns, providing historical context about the pool’s funding challenges. He recalled state funding cuts that forced the district to prioritize operational expenses over maintenance, exacerbating the pool’s deterioration. Lewis argued that without increased community funding, the district would face recurring issues, stating, “We end up in the same boat in ten years.” He supported Martinez’s call for community involvement, emphasizing that the pool’s designation as a community asset was not being fulfilled by current funding arrangements.

Trustee Davis raised additional concerns about the pool’s structural impact on the adjacent middle school, where five grades of students attend. She requested expert analysis to ensure no risks to the school’s structure, noting potential disruptions if classroom spaces were affected. Davis also inquired about the pool’s operating millage ($200,000 annually) and its relevance if the pool remained non-operational, as well as the allocation of the recently passed sinking fund ($1.75 million, with $2.5 million initially earmarked for pool repairs).

Kelli Glenn clarified that the pool millage supports daily operations (e.g., chemicals, staffing) but not major repairs, which previously required a $40,000 general fund subsidy. She noted that the millage was already assessed for 2024-25 but could be discontinued in future years if the pool remained closed.

Trustee McGee questioned whether the pool could be converted to an outdoor facility to reduce costs, a suggestion Mattison said required further engineering input. McGee also sought clarification on the $150,000 allocated for pool assessments, which Mattison confirmed had not been fully spent, with budget estimates due by August 1. Trustee Simpson expressed skepticism about partial repairs, suggesting that replacing one beam might necessitate a full structural overhaul, potentially requiring removal of exterior brickwork. He voiced safety concerns, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be sitting under that roof,” aligning with Martinez’s apprehension about student safety.

The debate revealed a consensus on prioritizing safety and the need for further testing but highlighted tensions about financial responsibility and community engagement. Trustees agreed that the pool’s future—whether repair, rebuilding, or closure—required a community vote and broader funding support, with Martinez and Lewis particularly vocal about not diverting educational funds. The board deferred major decisions pending the October test results, with Hilton committing to update swim team arrangements to minimize disruptions for students, especially seniors pursuing post-secondary opportunities.

Policy Updates and Action Items

Superintendent Hilton presented annual policy updates, including public participation (three-minute comment limit), Title IX procedures, financial management, and asbestos compliance, all recommended for reaffirmation with minor revisions. No significant debate occurred, as the Policy Committee had vetted the proposals, and the board accepted the recommendations unanimously. Action items included approving the 2025-26 pay scale, building and childcare handbooks, athletic ticket prices ($8 for high school, $5 for middle school, free for students and seniors, $75 season pass), facility use fees, board meeting schedule, memberships, and a second Schools of Choice window for grades 1-5 (July 23–August 6). A brief discussion on athletic fees clarified the senior citizen age designation (to be confirmed) and low-income family accommodations, which Hilton assured were under review. All items passed via roll call votes without opposition, reflecting procedural consensus. The board also approved moving committee meetings (e.g., Budget to the third Monday, Facilities to Wednesdays) after a brief debate initiated by Trustee Brooks, who preferred Wednesdays to accommodate her schedule, highlighting a minor scheduling conflict with Trustee Davis’s availability.

Consent Agenda and Closing

The consent agenda, including the June 23 meeting minutes, was approved unanimously. Hilton noted that the August 11 meeting would include back-to-school presentations, pool updates, and board norms discussion. The meeting adjourned to a closed session at 7:27 PM to discuss a student disciplinary matter under Public Act 267 of 1972.

Final Thoughts

TMS Principal

I congratulate Kris Hoag on his appointment to the TMS Principal role. Kris has a servant’s heart, and he’s a good leader to our kids. I’m proud to say I worked with him, and I wish him the best in this role. I would ask the community to support him wherever possible. He’ll need it!

Community Pool

I agree with Trustee Martinez’s assertion that the community must make some tough choices. We all love having a pool, but pool’s cost money. Trustee Martinez put it very well that our primary focus is education. While a pool is certainly a valued asset in our community, it puts the primary directive of educating children in jeopardy. I support Trustee Martinez’s notion that this is a matter that needs to be brought to the community.

Paid Subscription

This month marks the one year anniversary of my efforts reporting on our school district. I vowed to continue this blog throughout the school year as a service to this community, and as a thank you for your support in the election. With the anniversary approaching, and with my career becoming more and more demanding, I have decided to impose a subscription fee for this blog.

Writing each of these articles used to take an average of about four hours: two hours to listen (in person or online), and two hours to transcribe and write. With two meetings per month, this amounts to one eight-hour day of work per month. Using AI, I can provide a thorough meeting summary for only about $50 ($20 per AI transcription using Sonic, $10/month for AI summary using Grok). I can do this within an hour.

My ultimate goal was to pressure the school board to provide all the information they present on their website. We’re halfway there with improved meeting videos, but we still don’t have information packets. For my readers that feel a subscription fee is too much, I don’t blame you at all. It was a fun ride, and I’m honored by your readership thus far. I would also encourage you to check out articles by David Panian in the Tecumseh Herald, as he covers each school board meeting in person.

For those that remain, or that pledged early on, I will be providing my own opinion pieces (written 100% by me, not AI) in the future as I have time, on top of meeting summaries.

It is possible that subscription proceeds will exceed the cost of AI. If that happens, I have already made arrangements to invest excess proceeds into a school supply fund for Tecumseh Middle School. Once those funds reach a certain amount, I will present Principal Hoag with a check at the following school board meeting.

Thank you for your support this past year.

-Jake