"I am done with this nonsense and legally we are violating the law. I question your ethics and integrity, said Sarah Carter, president of the Romulus Education Association. After suggestions for an outside investigator, theres an off-mic discussion between some of the members about a resolution to remove superintendent Benjamin Edmondson, catching several off guard. 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. She spoke directly to Pyles before leaving the podium. Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. When I walked into RCS, state funding had been cut off for noncompliance and the district was losing approximately 150 kids every year, as well as staff, extracurricular programs and sports. Riverview Community School District. 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. 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. Calling all Romulus community members and teachers! Will Romulus Community Schools become a land of opportunity? 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. ", 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 said he was placed on administrative leave without notice "or any opportunity to be heard just days after he 'blew the whistle' and reported his concerns about a potential violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. She said all updates should be given to the board at one time to maintain transparency. 4344 Instructional Technology Leaders Networking Meeting - MARCH. The district is currently conducting a financial investigation into business practices and credit card charges. District Information. Board president Debi Pyles tries to immediately adjourn which leads to outrage from some people in attendance. Due to recall guidelines that dictate when a board member can be subject to a recall, Trustee Nicole German was not included as her term is up this year. Designating and Evaluating the . Trustee Pete Bergeron left the council table to speak at the podium to the board as a member of the community and he didnt hold back. 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. I was the oldest of nine kids born to parents who had little formal education. "Though this may not appear to be whistle blowing, I am actually coming to your firm to voice my complaint and concern," he said. Waterloo High School Class of 2022; 2022-23 Waterloo School District Registration; . 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. 3:59. It appears Board President Debbi Pyles, Susan Evitts, Nicole German and Judy Kinnard voted in favor of the leave. The Romulus Community Schools superintendent who filed a racial discrimination and whistleblower lawsuit against the district has been reinstated. 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 . It was difficult to determine who was speaking and to hear their vote since there were major phone and audio glitches. 4406 New Teacher Academy 2022-2023. The security felt threatened by the comments by the remarks we were making, parent Durrice Green said. The Board of Education agrees to furnish the Union, in accordance with their . A recall effort is in the works targeting President Debi Pyles, Vice President Judy Kennard and Secretary Susan Evitts. There are some things I want the community to recognize as I depart. Location: 9th . Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Im still devastated, she said. Serve as a liaison between Romulus Community Schools and other school districts that provide programs and services to Romulus students with IEPs. Ms. 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. The process is waiting for any appeals from the board members before being finalized, according to Hampton. 2022-23 OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR. Current School Board Members Jason Michels - President Margaret Sayles - Vice President Renee Gutzman - Secretary Benjamin Edmondson was placed on leave last month amid an investigation into financial practices. I stand up for what is right and what I believe in.. At the Romulus Community Schools board meeting Monday night, board members raised an issue of questionable credit card spending by the superintendents office. Romulus is now figuring out how to help 45 of 150 incoming seniors who have no path to graduation next spring because they simply dont have enough credits. He brought the Romulus school teachers back to work with a solid contract and attended a golf outing when he was recovering from surgery, Hampton said. 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. She said the superintendent brought a different type of spirit into the district. Previous: Romulus superintendent placed on leave amid financial investigation, Priya Mann: Is he (Edmondson) under investigation?, Board president Debi Pyles: He is not, no., Priya Mann: He is not under investigation and has nothing to do with investigation but he is on paid administrative leave? Irritation . Rita Hampton not only spoke to the board, but to the audience, as well. 2022-12-12-regular-board-meeting-AMENDED 12/12-agenda; 2022-11-28-regular-board-meeting-AMENDED-agenda If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. . Romeo Community Schools is located in northern Macomb County. Romulus Community Schools Board of Education Trustee Pete Bergeron wants to see financial information before supporting a new mentoring partnership. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer. View All Calendars is the default. Skip to main content. 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. A special meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Aug . She and her husband have proudly raised their children in Romulus schools. . Its my hope the district leadership will continue this path. The Regular School Board meeting set for Feb. 15 has been changed to Feb. 22, 2023. 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. Its at board meetings.. Candidate Total Votes . If the board decides to approve the program, it could be in position to launch this fall. Wed, Feb 22, 2023 at 10:56 am, Detroit sues celebrity pastor and his nuisance mega-church over unfinished Woodward project. Candidate Total Votes . Board of Education Meeting . But coming from challenging circumstances made me resilient and hungrier for opportunity than many of my classmates. Despite a motion made to bring Edmondson back, the board remained in a 4-3 split with the motion not passing. A full 100% of DBGs kids graduate and go on to meaningful futures. 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. The school board's areas of responsibility include: Goal Setting: The district vision is translated into long- and short-term goals. 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. 2022-2023 Online Enrollment; 2023-2024 Enrollment; 2023-2024 School of Choice; In-District Transfer Requests (New Resident or Current Student) . SPSD CALENDAR. Sean McNatt about and why was the information not shared? Enrollment. Anxiety, 108, 64%. The board voted 5-2 to postpone making a decision on the partnership. Wayne RESA Room 223 33500 Van Born Rd. Local Districts. on 17 Mar. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism. 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. That should outrage parents more than the prospect of losing a sports coach. That perplexed Treasurer Ursula Wester, who said that explanation makes no sense. The probe is expected to take about two weeks, according to the board. We are not discussing an employee, Pyles said. ", 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. SPSD Board Meeting Schedule. Board Meeting. He said he reviewed board policies, regulations and spoke of looking into 21 situations of competitive bidding in accordance with board policy. Coughing, 103, 61%. February 16, 2023 - Work Session - Van Horne Community Center, Van Horne. Its still not clear whether Edmondson is coming back from administrative leave. (Livestream screen shot) Once she is able to circulate the recall petitions, she will need 3,000 signatures for each board member. To provide the Union President with one (1) copy of the Board of Education meeting packet prior to the scheduled meeting.. In addition, the board hosts quarterly community meetings for the general public to learn about the latest news. He joined WDIV in January 2015 as a general assignment reporter and has a Journalism degree from Michigan State University. 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 . Although Pyles said the investigation was not about Edmondson, she failed to explain to the audiences satisfaction why a drastic measure was taken against him if he wasnt the subject of the probe into district finances. Stockbridge Community Schools strives to be an exemplary learning community. The lawsuit saidon Aug. 23, the board "voted to place a formal letter of reprimand into Dr. Edmondsons file after accusing him of a litany of allegations, including that he failed to provide a key fob to Dixons employees or perform background checks on them; that he 'engaged in defiant behavior'towards the Board president, Ms. Pyles; and that he improperly sent emails regarding pay raises for custodians. February 13, 2023 - Work Session - Newhall Main Park Pavilion. The new destination spot for families choosing western Wayne County. A woman, who seemed to be in disbelief at the move, remarked that the district was starting to make a comeback. The wheels seemed to fall off at Monday's 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. Regular Meetings: 2nd and 4th Mondays @ 6:00 p.m. unless posted otherwise. Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. The superintendent of the Romulus Community Schoolsfiled a harassment and racial discrimination lawsuit against the district and school board, saying he was placedon indefinite leave and replaced with a lessqualified person. But, you know who showed up? An effort to recall three of the seven members of the Romulus Community Schools Board of Education did not go to a vote in 2022. I just want to see our financials, our account balances, he said. 2/28/23 Regular Meeting; Free & Reduced Online Application; HS and MS Athletic Schedules; . I overcame long odds to play in the 1966 Rose Bowl, with several young men who went on to become household names in sports. We create the foundation of this community through meaningful relationships, relevant and rigorous learning, and effective communication. She said there were many people who wanted the recall, but said they didnt have the time it requires to organize it. Debi Pyles, Judy Kennard, and Susan Evitts were named in the recall petitions. And, Ive still gotten no response.. I have been encouraged by so many people who wanted to do this, but just didnt have the time. Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. She questioned why it was necessary to place Edmondson on administrative leave if he has nothing to do with the investigation and is not being investigated. . Waterloo Community Survey; Learn to Swim this Summer!! Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer. Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. All meetings are subject to change. This partnership would mark DBGs first expansion outside of its flagship operation in Detroit. I want an answer to what that was all about.. 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.. Romulus Community School Board Member. The Downtown Boxing Gym is a nonprofit youth mentoring program that started in 2007 by internationally recognized coach and mentor Khali Sweeney. Romulus Community Schools superintendents supporters want answers about his job status, 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. 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. Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. SPSD BOND BID OPENING. For the remainder of the meeting, a member of the audience can be heard hollering, recall over and over again. How embarrassing and disheartening for not only our district, but our staff, students and community. Board of Education Meeting Schedule. Three 4-year terms. I told the judge I was going to keep coming back, Hampton said. She referred to a statement on the school's website in which she listed an auditor's finding of "14 serious Business/Financial Office problems" last year of which "12 of those 14 problems remain unresolved going into this year's audit.". You can connect a past meeting's minutes, agenda, and tasks with the materials for the next meeting. You havent shown us that this board cares about students. Romulus School District Main Menu Toggle. Home - Wyandotte Public Schools. . Our top priority right now is to get the districts finances cleared up so we can all have confidence not only in our budgets but our financial processes. A tax issue and use of a credit card and credit card policy also were mentioned before Terrell interjected, pointing out that an employee was being discussed who is on paid leave and anything pertaining to that matter should not be discussed in open session. Far from just a boxing program, as some parents called it, DBG is a tutoring and mentoring program with a proven track record of helping young people get their grades up and their lives on track, and developing personal accountability as they transform into young adults. 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 . We were shouting our disapproval of what was actually going on in the meeting.. Roles & Responsibilities. "Almost immediately upon the beginning of Dr. Edmondsons employment, several members of the Romulus Community School District Board of Education, primarily the individually named defendants, began to create problems for Dr. Edmondson ". I'm sure you've . 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. . We will not allow this effort to impact our commitment to responsive, inclusive leadership of the schools. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. . First of all, I believe this board was in violation of the Open Meetings Act two weeks ago. 4 PM - 7 PM . I got a life-changing opportunity when I was accepted to Michigan State University, as a walk-on to the football team. . "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. You guys are going to be investigated, yelled one person from the audience and another said, We are not a destination location, were a place to get off.. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools board member. Skip to main content. Pyles and Terrell were talking over each other as they continued to make their points. 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. Section 3. This document allows you to fill in your local school board information for meetings and other information for a potential candidate. 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. School Supt. Thursday March 2. Romulus Community Schools schools for this district: NCES District ID: 2630120: State District ID: MI-82130: Mailing Address: 36540 Grant St Romulus . Southgate Community School District Board Member. 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. A Message from Board President Ursula Wester. This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. . When he says he is going to do something, he does it.. Edmondson of Dundeedescribed his leave "illegitimate" and saidhis replacement, who is White, is paid a higher salary with fewerqualifications. Thursday March 2. 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. How does that make sense?, Debi Pyles: So that the investigation can take place., Priya Mann: Was he obstructing the investigation?, Debi Pyles: Yes, we had instance in the past with our finances.. And if there is any discrepancy in a credit card, guess what I got flowers. Alumni; City of Romulus; Romulus Public Library; Sinking Fund Updates; Social Media; . If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. School board president Debi Pyles is fighting back against allegations the board hasnt been transparent. February 8, 2023 - Work Session - Watkins - St. Patrick Church. We are discussing the business office. There is always drama with the board and union and it never feels like a secure place to work Show more. I respect him because hes a man of his word. At a school board meeting on Feb. 13, the . Heis claimingviolations of the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Actand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. I want a legal opinion from our law firm because I have one on the contrary.. Bergeron said he appreciates the mentoring program and believes that it helps students and gets them more involved. A representative began to give an update on the probe, saying he has spoken with a multitude of people in the district. Pyles said the boards near-term plan for this year is to retain an experienced interim superintendent while conducting a thorough search for long-term leadership, and she welcomes everyone in the community to be part of this process. I told people to stand down, I got this, Hampton said. Hampton has followed through on her promise. Watch the video above for the full report. A tense school board meeting was held Monday in Romulus where some members called for the return of its superintendent. Hampton said she has a goal, as well, and that is to remove the board members to free it from the political gridlock. Official minutes of Board meetings will be available to the Association as soon as they are prepared following Board approval of such minutes. Board Meeting Minutes; Board Policies & Procedures; Contact Us; District Map; Enrollment; Lunch; Staff Directory; Superintendent of Schools . She said the work is worth the effort for a superintendent who rides the school bus with the children and brings the school together. Meeting recordings are accessible on the district . 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. All rights reserved. Romulus School District is located in Romulus, MI. He did not say that Edmondson was among those people. He came here for less money during a pandemic. Last year, the finance director left,and in the past month, an accountant and the director of human resources resigned, both blaming the board. The Board President serves as the spokesperson for the School Board's position on all items related to the public schools. Calendar: SCS District. She also reminded Pyles that it was Edmondson who brought concerning financial issues to the districts attention upon his arrival to Romulus Community Schools. At one point during the meeting Romulus police had to escort a parent out. I worked jobs around campus to afford the basics. 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. Once the motion was made the meeting, which was recorded and streamed, became disruptive from outraged members of the . Pyles responded with a written statement explaining that the members understand there are people who disagree with the decision to terminate the superintendent. More than 100 high school students - all members of SMARTS - gathered at the Imagination Station last month to continue sharing their ideas, plans and successes when it comes to supporting their classmates, schools and community. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. View Nicole Crockett's business profile as Superintendent at Romulus Public Library. It has nothing to do with whether I like you or not. I grew up literally dirt poor my family worked a farm in Cass County. Because of the excellent educational setting, highly desirable schools and outstanding . This past week, the RCS Board of Education made a few impactful decisions regarding the immediate direction of the district. With opioid deaths on the rise, Michigan lawmakers introduce bill to crackdown on overdoses, Michigan Native American tribe to study building own power utility, By Mark Richardson, Michigan News Connection, Michigan man convicted of double murder was released from prison after new evidence surfaces, Michigan Legislature considers bills to abolish life sentences for juveniles, Lansing Mayor Schor launches exploratory committee for congressional run.