July 12, 2022 - July 2023 Organizational Meeting. There was no answer given as to why Pyles had the closed-door meeting and why the entire board was not made aware of it. 4 PM - 7 PM . Debi Pyles, Judy Kennard, and Susan Evitts were named in the recall petitions. . ", He said he sought copies of the minutes of board meetings and committee meetings from June 15 to Aug. 23 and Sept. 13, saying the board secretary had not provided themsince July 28. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. I respect him because hes a man of his word. Huron Schools embraces small town values; while providing students with big time educational opportunities. You can connect a past meeting's minutes, agenda, and tasks with the materials for the next meeting. . SPSD CALENDAR. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Skip to main content. To have a vote, you have to be on that (Zoom) screen and people were answering the phone on a cell phone. Dr. Benjamin Edmonson on a paid leave of absence while there is an internal financial investigation that includes probing questionable credit card spending by the superintendents office. Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Please bring your spouse, a friend, or fellow supporter of public education.. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer. Benjamin Edmondson walked out of the last meeting, and a few board members followed him, when they were caught off guard by an extensive resolution placing him on leave. Wester read an email she said she sent Pyles inquiring about the superintendent being placed on leave, the closed door meeting, the scope of the investigation and cautioned that the audit and inquiry needs to be completely transparent and not the Debi Pyles show, and not with her working in concert with the districts consultants. Hampton went to the commission three times before the wording on the recall petition was approved for Evitts and four times before the language for Pyles and Kennard was approved. But I also want our young people to know that college scholarships dont go to kids who cant read, no matter how good they are at sports. ROMULUS, Mich. - At the Romulus Community Schools board meeting Monday night, board members raised an issue of questionable credit card spending by the superintendent's office. The gym works with more than 200 Detroit students each year. February 8, 2023 - Work Session - Watkins - St. Patrick Church. Its just the right thing to do. 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This document allows you to fill in your local school board information for meetings and other information for a potential candidate. Despite a motion made to bring Edmondson back, the board remained in a 4-3 split with the motion not passing. Current School Board Members Jason Michels - President Margaret Sayles - Vice President Renee Gutzman - Secretary 4406 New Teacher Academy 2022-2023. She said all updates should be given to the board at one time to maintain transparency. Neavling also hosted Muckraker Report on 910AM from September 2017 to July 2018. Location: Administration Building 36540 Grant Rd. She spoke directly to Pyles before leaving the podium. The issues, the lawsuit alleges, "were not directly related to Dr. Edmondson's role as Superintendent. ROMULUS, Mich. Supporters of Romulus Community Schools superintendent Benjamin Edmondson packed Monday nights school board meeting, two weeks after he was placed on paid administrative leave. I can departmentalize that. Before launching Motor City Muckraker, Scroll to read more Metro Detroit News articles. During the community comments portion of the meeting, Tyra Payne told the board she lost her husband not too long ago and she was devastated. August 24, 2020 School Board Meeting Information; Dodge County Free COVID-19 Testing; September 14 WSD School Board Meeting; Volleyball livestream - September . . You say weve got it, but youve got to show me.. Each of the 19 programs offered at SCC . Romulus Community Schools Board of Education meetings have been contentious for months and now that Benjamin Edmondson has been terminated as superintendent, questions are resurfacing about the status of a recall effort. A group called "Let Them Breathe" has organized over 90 protests at California school board meetings including one where the protestors voted themselves in as the new school board. That perplexed Treasurer Ursula Wester, who said that explanation makes no sense. Romulus Community Schools | 36540 Grant Road | Romulus, MI 48174 | Ph: (734)532-1600. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools board member. Stockbridge Community Schools strives to be an exemplary learning community. Pyles responded with a written statement explaining that the members understand there are people who disagree with the decision to terminate the superintendent. Board President Debi Pyles read the resolution and said the probe would take two weeks and an independent investigation would be launched into the districts finances. Sean McNatt about and why was the information not shared? Three 4-year terms. Those life lessons drive me to help young people find themselves, and I have committed a career to it in one form or another from education policy to presiding over graduation ceremonies for incarcerated people of various ages, trying to inspire them to get their lives in order and not lose their futures. ROMULUS, Mich. At the Romulus Community Schools board meeting Monday night, board members raised an issue of questionable credit card spending by the superintendents office. Teacher in Romulus, MI. I think the commission saw that. She said the last straw for her was the chaotic meeting in which Edmondson was placed on leave and how embarrassing it was. She said Pyles is trying to hold Edmondson responsible for a financial situation he did not create and was working to fix. Section 3. Edmondson has a master's and doctorate, according to the suit. I worked jobs around campus to afford the basics. Alumni; City of Romulus; Romulus Public Library; Sinking Fund Updates; Social Media; . . Watch the video above for the full report. She said the work is worth the effort for a superintendent who rides the school bus with the children and brings the school together. First of all, I believe this board was in violation of the Open Meetings Act two weeks ago. She has been particularly critical of Pyles, who she said continuously made career-ending decisions about Edmondson without full discussion of the board. Location: Romulus High School @ 9650 Wayne Road; Romulus, unless noted otherwise. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The board voted 5-2 to postpone making a decision on the partnership. Official minutes of Board meetings will be available to the Association as soon as they are prepared following Board approval of such minutes. I overcame long odds to play in the 1966 Rose Bowl, with several young men who went on to become household names in sports. ", The district, Edmondson's suit alleges, has been plagued with problems when he began his tenure. This has been a long-standing problem for Romulus Community Schools. The security felt threatened by the comments by the remarks we were making, parent Durrice Green said. . You know why I got flowers? SPSD BOND BID OPENING. At one point during the meeting Romulus police had to escort a parent out. A full 100% of DBGs kids graduate and go on to meaningful futures. Board Meeting. As stipulated in Article 179 (1) (a) of the Singapore CA, a company must have a minimum of 2 members present to constitute a quorum for a company meeting. Last year, the finance director left,and in the past month, an accountant and the director of human resources resigned, both blaming the board. Romulus Community Schools prepares scholars for successful futures by delivering a safe, responsive environment for every student to grow and learn, because every adult is committed to their success. Hampton said she has a goal, as well, and that is to remove the board members to free it from the political gridlock. This guide demystifies the challenges of running a board meeting by breaking it down into 3 helpful sections: Roles & Responsibilities, Running an Effective Meeting, and Board Meeting Procedures. It appears Board President Debbi Pyles, Susan Evitts, Nicole German and Judy Kinnard voted in favor of the leave. Once the motion was made the meeting, which was recorded and streamed, became disruptive from outraged members of the . Romulus High School is located in Romulus, MI. To provide the Union President with one (1) copy of the Board of Education meeting packet prior to the scheduled meeting.. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. A recall effort is in the works targeting President Debi Pyles, Vice President Judy Kennard and Secretary Susan Evitts. It is also the most culturally and linguistically diverse community in the state of Michigan with the school age population representing nearly 40 different . Benjamin Edmondson was placed on leave last month amid an investigation into financial practices. At times, including when Pyles tried to adjourn the meeting without public input, the shouting from the audience overpowered the two members of the board remaining on camera. School Supt. . Will Romulus Community Schools become a land of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). Our auditor has told us that the operation of our business office if we dont make significant changes, this district will not survive the long term it wont even survive the short term. Records Requests Fax Numbers: Bennie Elementary School (1) Board Office (4) Boyd Arthurs Middle School - Trenton (5) Brown Elementary School (1) Brownstown Middle School (1) . Eureka Math K-5 Support Board of Education Meeting Schedule. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism. We know that IRS payments werent made, Pyles said. The school board was consistently divided 4-3. Time: 6 PM. I dont know whos responsible for that. Romulus school board faces backlash for removing superintendent, Romulus Community Schools superintendent to be placed on paid administrative leave after alleged use of profane language, Romulus Community Schools suspends acting superintendent without pay for 10 days. Waterloo Community Survey; Learn to Swim this Summer!! Support initiatives to increase parental engagement and awareness. Getting $120 an hour or $1500 a day, absolutely unacceptable to be spending money like that, she said. The process is waiting for any appeals from the board members before being finalized, according to Hampton. The Downtown Boxing Gym is a nonprofit youth mentoring program that started in 2007 by internationally recognized coach and mentor Khali Sweeney. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism. Pyles, youve got to go. on At a school board meeting on Feb. 13, the . So we cannot know what needs to be changed unless we listen.. Calendar: SCS District. MLS# R20221040137. Kennard and Evitts did not respond to a request for comment for this story. 2022-23 OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR. As a result of the school board's move, he has "suffered significant reputational harm within the close-knit community of Michigan educators," the suit said. He came here for less money during a pandemic. Dr. Edmondson showed up at the funeral. He said Tuesday afternoon that he has received several text messages from people in the district who thanked him for making the board be accountable for the cost. Education: B.A. Those four board members voted to place Edmondson on leave on Sept. 27, and then he was fired on Dec. 29. This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. Riverview Community School District. February 16, 2023 - Work Session - Van Horne Community Center, Van Horne. Youre just the president of the board, youre not the board and youre not the community, he said. I grew up literally dirt poor my family worked a farm in Cass County. Location: 9th . We have reversed many of those trends, in nine short months, with a ton of hard work. Rita Hampton not only spoke to the board, but to the audience, as well. /*! Ive never lost touch with the poor farm kid in me. It maintains a focus on academics, athletics, nutrition and more and offers an opportunity for students to get the support they need to succeed in school and in life. Mar 20. This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. While forming a partnership with the popular Downtown Boxing Gyms mentoring program appears to be a sound concept to most members of the Romulus Community Schools Board of Education, it is not a done deal just yet. With a total population of approximately 1.8 million, Wayne County is the most populous county in the State of Michigan and the 18th most populous county in the nation. We create the foundation of this community through meaningful relationships, relevant and rigorous learning, and effective communication. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Speaking of financial concerns, Wester later expressed one of her own that the district is paying a consultant $160 an hour and another one at $110 an hour, plus expenses and lodging. In a move many watching and in attendance didnt appear to see coming, a motion was passed in a 4-3 vote to place School Supt. During its regular board meeting on February 24, 2020, the Romulus community schools Board of Education voted to rescind its appointment of Flinnoia Hall to the position of superintendent . Candidate Total Votes . Romulus is academically behind not just by state standards, but by the standards of surrounding schools and academic peers. Update: Romulus school board members debate superintendents return after investigation into financial practices. The four board members have been in lockstep with their voting power on just about all issues pertaining to Edmondson. There is always drama with the board and union and it never feels like a secure place to work Show more. Those who support the superintendent of Romulus schools want answers about his job status. Once the motion was made the meeting, which was recorded and streamed, became disruptive from outraged members of the audience, and riddled with technical difficulties trying to communicate with various board members to get their vote on the issue. 734-754-1177 I need you to walk with me., Board member calls Romulus laughingstock of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Board member calls Romulus laughingstock of all school districts; leader still out, Not again. Contentious Romulus school board meeting ends, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Contentious Romulus school board meeting ends with superintendent put on leave, Not again. The wheels seemed to fall off at Mondays meeting of the Romulus Community Schools Board of Education, in which the superintendent was put on administrative leave and walked out, and a few board members followed suit. The board, during Edmondson's six-week absence for heart surgery, he said, voted to hire Dixon Public Consulting to investigate the district's finances. Her statement also said Edmonson "did not provide any meaningful or concrete plan" to address the problems in the district's business and financial operations and that he had no plan to fill the interim finance director position. There are some things I want the community to recognize as I depart. School Board Meeting Date: Mar 13. "I have notreviewed the lawsuit filed by Superintendent Edmonson but can state that the reasons that Superintendent was placed on a paid leave of absence were for the reasons stated above," Pyles said. The district is currently conducting a financial investigation into business practices and credit card charges. Now, she is looking for signatures needed for the recall campaign. Throughout we cover the basics and best practices in how to run a board of directors meeting. February 13, 2023 - Work Session - Newhall Main Park Pavilion. The lawsuit said that the interim finance director, the executive director of K-12 instruction, the director of human resources and the payroll supervisor all quit due to problems with the four board members. Tags: Romulus, Wayne County, News, Local, Local News, Romulus Community School District, Benjamin Edmondson, Education A tense school board meeting was held Monday in Romulus where some members . 17 Mar. The number of board members needed to form the quorum for a board meeting however depends on the Constitution of the company. Taylor, MI 48180. Romulus Community Schools. Once the documented resolution is complete, it must be archived . Romulus Community Schools Board of Education meetings have been contentious for months and now that Benjamin Edmondson has been terminated as superintendent, questions are resurfacing about the . Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. The lawsuit names board president Debi Pyles, Judy Kennard, Susan Evitts and Nichole German as defendants. This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. Running an Effective Board . He went on to give information about his background and explain how entrenched and invested he is in the city. . Update: Romulus school board members debate superintendent's return after investigation into financial practices "We want to know why it was not on the agenda for tonight's meeting," Sarah . There was nothing directly related to something Dr. Edmondson did, Carter said. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism. The Romulus Community Schools superintendent who filed a racial discrimination and whistleblower lawsuit against the district has been reinstated. After . Where is that money coming from? That should outrage parents more than the prospect of losing a sports coach. Diesel release into Detroit River sparks concern, immediate cleanup. Members of the audience shouted their disapproval throughout the entire meeting, pushing Pyles to the point she called for a recess until the meeting could regain order. The mission of the Laingsburg Community Schools is to transmit essential knowledge and skills in a way that develops each student's ability to think clearly and solve problems while nurturing every student's potential. A phone number was shouted out for people to call to get involved in getting a recall launched for those supporting putting Edmonson on paid leave. Romulus Community Schools schools for this district: NCES District ID: 2630120: State District ID: MI-82130: Mailing Address: 36540 Grant St Romulus . I want an answer to what that was all about.. Edmondson of Dundeedescribed his leave "illegitimate" and saidhis replacement, who is White, is paid a higher salary with fewerqualifications. We will not allow this effort to impact our commitment to responsive, inclusive leadership of the schools. I think theyre in the dark because of the narrative thats been told, Pyles said. (Livestream screen shot) As a group of parents and students stormed the RCS board meeting recently, upset at a threat they thought was facing the athletics program, I wanted to tell them I know better than most the opportunity sports can provide to young people. The Board of Education agrees to furnish the Union, in accordance with their . The Romulus Board of Education meets once a month at 7:00 P.M. in the Board Conference Room. Communicates general school information, district school closings, emergency notifications, student attendance, negative lunch balances, and other school-related information Comments (-1) Tweets by WBSDStrong St . All meetings are open to public attendance, and the public may speak during the "Public Comments" section indicated on each meeting Agenda. /. Bargaining Committee How the district could have McNatt in place, a resolution for the leave constructed and an independent investigative firm selected without board discussion or violating the Open Meetings Act (if input was given from other board members) has not been answered. When the Romulus Community Schools Board of Education called me out of retirement in January of this year, I accepted the opportunity to help the district address some dire challenges. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. 4344 Instructional Technology Leaders Networking Meeting - MARCH. Board meetings are typically held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. and on the third Wednesday of each month with the regular business meeting at 7 p.m. I submitted the papers for a recall today, Hampton said to applause. No district can operate this way, and as a group accountable to students, parents, and taxpayers in the district, we are taking serious steps because we will not let this continue.. The law firm Clark Hill PLC was retained to oversee the independent investigation into the districts business and financial practices. Southgate Community School District Board Member. Pyles and Terrell were talking over each other as they continued to make their points. Wayne, MI 48184. Please check the calendar for locations, dates, and times. It has nothing to do with whether I like you or not. . Well send you a handful of interesting Detroit stories every morning. In another assertion in the lawsuit, Edmondson said on Sept.20, he reported a concern about a potential violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act to the board via email, citing a section of the act that requires "all minutes of any meetings be available for inspection 8 business days after the meeting and further, approved minutes within 5 business days after the meeting at which the minutes are approved by the public body. ", In a statement to The Detroit News, Pyles said Edmonson was placed on a paid leave of absence "to enable an independent investigation into the serious dysfunctional operation of the districts business office, which problems were not being addressed by the superintendent.". Edmondson also forwarded his concerns about an Open Meetings Act violationto attorney Robert Schindler, the filing said. View details, map and photos of this commercial property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. When our kids are not the schools top priority, opportunity which already comes to disadvantaged communities way too seldom will skip Romulus altogether. If you wish to address the Board, Public participation is permitted as outlined here. Regular meetings of the ICCSD Board of Education are scheduled on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center at the Educational Services Center, 1725 North Dodge Street . Date: Mar 27. "I have notreviewed the lawsuit filed by Superintendent Edmonson but can state that the reasons that (the) superintendent was placed on a paid leave of absence were for the reasons stated" in her explanation, she said. Romulus Community Schools prepares scholars for successful futures by delivering a safe, responsive environment for every student to grow and learn, because every adult is committed to their success. This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. A special meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Aug . But, you know who showed up? The process provides for this and it is anyones right to seek a recall of a public official. "Your compliance will allow me to ensure I am following all of the formal Board Motions, as expected," the lawsuit said. Hampton has followed through on her promise. We oversee education policy in the district, hire and manage district leadership, and work to ensure the districts finances are in order, she said. Board Meeting. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. I'm sure you've . Romulus superintendent Benjamin Edmondson. Meeting Dates. This is all done to achieve the goal, which is to create a learning environment where our students can get a quality education that prepares them for a successful future.. Changes do occur; therefore, please check often for updates. Paris McCarthy. Rita Hampton, a retired educator and 20-year Romulus resident, has expressed her frustration with the board often and vowed to spearhead a recall effort after Edmondson was first placed on a paid administrative leave. And, Ive still gotten no response.. All rights reserved. Youre damaging this district. Romulus School District is located in Romulus, MI. SMARTS Students Continue to Collaborate . She commended the superintendent for sending Payne flowers, noting that when Edmondson was out for several weeks recently with a medical issue of his own, the board didnt send him flowers or a card.