Board Briefs is a monthly newsletter published after Board of Education meetings. For additional information, please contact the Communications Department at 591-0852.

Special Note: Because there were two board meetings in June, this is a combined edition.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Service Squad from Central Elementary; a dedicated group of third grade students who have gone above and beyond to help keep their school clean, organized and caring. These young leaders take pride in their school by picking up trash in the bathrooms, tidying hallways, cleaning up after lunch in the cafeteria and collecting paper recycling bins from each classroom every Friday.

In addition to their daily responsibilities, the Service Squad has also shown kindness and creativity in other ways. For Valentine’s Day, they made heartfelt cards for residents at a local nursing home, spreading joy and connection beyond our school walls. They also took initiative to educate their fellow students by hanging posters around the building to promote recycling and environmental responsibility. Their commitment to service and leadership has made a meaningful difference in our school community. Principal Mrs. Melissa Williams said she is incredibly proud of their hard work, compassion and the positive example they set each day and what an outstanding job they’ve done this year!

Thomson Elementary Developmental Kindergarten Teacher Andrea Bell has been named as the June recipient of the Kids First award.

Each month, administrators nominate a DCS employee or contracted staff member who best exemplifies what it means to be “Kids First.” Winners receive a $100 Visa gift card thanks to Mark Owen, owner of MEEMIC insurance, and a certificate. The winner is chosen at random.

Mrs. Bell was nominated by Thomson Elementary Principal Mr. Andrew Criswell, who wrote:

"It is with sincere pleasure that I nominate Andrea Bell, Developmental Kindergarten teacher at Thomson Elementary, for the Kids First award. Her dedication to our students is not just an idea; it's the true heart of her classroom, evident the moment you step through her door.

Andrea consistently demonstrates her strong commitment to putting kids first. Her DK classroom is a dynamic and joyful space where students are always busy and engaged, learning with curiosity. She ensures every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn.

Beyond her classroom, Andrea is an invaluable member of our Thomson team. She is a truly collaborative colleague, always ready to lend a hand, offer guidance, or provide support to her peers. Her willingness to go above and beyond for her colleagues cultivates a strong, supportive atmosphere throughout our building.

Furthermore, Andrea serves as our Head Teacher when I'm out of the building. Her leadership is exemplary, and I have complete confidence knowing the school is in such capable hands during my absence. She manages responsibilities with professionalism and a calm demeanor, ensuring continuity and stability.

Her positive attitude and infectious energy are truly inspiring, brightening the entire building and uplifting both staff and students. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher at Thomson, who embodies the "Kids First" spirit in every aspect of her work."

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Thomson Elementary Principal Andrew Criswell, Mrs. Bell and Board of Education President Holly Halabicky.

We are very fortunate to have many, many dedicated individuals from our community who are passionate and loyal in their support and service to the students and staff at Davison Community Schools. To acknowledge these fine citizens, we have established the Cardinal Spirit award.

Individuals can be nominated by any DCS staff member. Once a month, an administrator can submit one name for that month's drawing. We are pleased to announce that our winner for June is Dr. Andres Lambaria. He was nominated by Natalie Miller, Gates Elementary Principal, who wrote:

"Dr. Lambaria is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality eye care.

For many students, the ability to see clearly is a fundamental part of their learning experience. Through Dr. Lambaria's dedication to providing eye exams and glasses to those who might not otherwise have access, he has removed a significant barrier to their education and overall well-being. His kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact, allowing students to engage more confidently in the classroom, read with ease, and participate fully in their learning journey.

Recently, a student at Gates Elementary had broken her glasses and the family was not in a place to be able to replace them. The student was struggling in school and, we would later find out, is considered legally blind without her glasses. With Dr. Lambaria's help, the student received an eye exam and new glasses, something that Dr. Lambaria does multiple times throughout the school year for area children. When the child was taken by her teachers to pick up the new glasses, the entire staff in Dr. Lambaria's office made the little girl feel so special and she returned to school all smiles, excited to show off her new specs.

Dr. Lambaria's efforts go far beyond vision care; they represent the spirit of community, compassion, and service. The work he does does not go unnoticed, and the difference he makes in the lives of these children is immeasurable. Because of Dr. Lambaria, students who once struggled to see the board or read a book can now experience the joy of learning with clarity and confidence.

We are truly fortunate to have Dr. Lambaria as a dedicated advocate for children’s health and success. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the youth of Davison and for being such a valued member of our community."

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Gates Elementary Principal Natalie Miller, Dr. Lambaria and Board President Holly Halabicky.

Davison High School senior Merrick Spiewak was been selected as the Davison Educational Foundation's (DEF) Cardinal Kid for the month of June 2025.

Each month, one student from Davison Community Schools is selected as the Cardinal Kid winner for his/her efforts to better the community. The recipient is honored at a Board of Education meeting and receives a $100 gift card for themselves and $100 to donate to their worthy cause.

Merrick was nominated by Davison High School Teacher Brett Coron, who wrote:

"Merrick has volunteered her time to meet with the Davison Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses to secure donations for our school's food pantry to help students and families in need."

When Merrick found out that some students go home to kitchens and cupboards with barely any food or none at all, it pulled at her heartstrings. She wanted to restock and bring awareness to the food pantry at the Davison High School which had been dormant since COVID and was just getting back up and running. She used her role as Miss Davison to make an impact. She partnered with the Davison Chamber of Commerce to do a food drive at one of their functions and together, with Miss Davison Court, collected more than100 cans of food and personal hygiene items to donate to the high school food pantry.

As Miss Davison, she also partnered with Goodwill of Mid Michigan to film a video promoting the formal wear gowns available at their stores at low cost so that high school girls would have an affordable option for prom dresses. That video received more than 22,000 views.

Pictured below: Davison Educational Foundation Vice President Lori Tallman, Superintendent Matt Lobban, Merrick and Board President Holly Halabicky.

Siple Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Jacqueline Campbell was recognized by the Board of Education for her lifesaving and heroic actions when one of her students began choking in the classroom during snack time. Mrs. Campbell quickly performed the Heimlich Maneuver on the student and was able to dislodge the yogurt bite.

Pictured below are Siple Elementary Principal Christy Flowers, Superintendent Matt Lobban, Mrs. Campbell and Board President Holly Halabicky.

More than 150 high school athletes were invited to the June 2 Board of Education meeting to receive congratulations from the Board and be awarded certificates recognizing their achievements as Saginaw Valley League All- Academic Athletes.

In order to qualify for the recognition, a student must (1) be a sophomore, junior or senior, (2) have participated in the sport for two years (one year being on the Varsity team), and (3) have a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher.

Those who qualified for the honor are listed below.

Superintendent Matt Lobban shared a presentation that addressed possible reasons for the defeat of the May 6 Building and Sinking Fund ballot including a lack of awareness of the election and the spread of misinformation.

Supt. Lobban was joined by Director of Business Services Josh Evans and Certified Public Accountant Jacob Sopczynski of Yeo & Yeo to provide an overview of the 2020 Board Building and Site Sinking Fund, Audit procedures and Financial Transparency efforts.

The presentation includes the following information:

• Sinking Funds - what they are, what projects they can be used for and how they are audited
• Bond Funds - their purpose and how they work, what projects they can be used for, how they are audited and expenditures are tested by an outside auditing firm
• Bond vs Sinking Fund
• Taking a look at the 2020 Bond - including a history of how the bond proposal came about, parents were surveyed and stakeholder input was gathered at community forums as well as results of those surveys
• Bond Basics - Projects completed or in process of being completed to date listed by building
• Summary of Bond Vendors and Expenses - lists the amount that each of the 113 vendors have received for their work as part of the bond project
• Building and Site Sinking Fund - why the ballot language required the District to use the word "increase," the district's attempts at informing the public about the election and addressing a social media/misinformation campaign
• Projects paid for with sinking fund dollars
• Immediate and 10-year planned projects for building and site sinking funds
• Summary of Sinking Fund Expenses since July 1, 2020
• The District's Open Bid process
• History of Millage Levy rates for the Sinking Fund
• Looking ahead - most likely a recommendation will be made to the Board of Education to place a Building Site and Sinking Fund renewal on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Ballot language will be able to use the term renewal this time because "technology, transportation and safety" will be removed as items that the sinking fund could be used for.

To view the presentation, please click on the attachment below.

Board members held the second reading on the policies below. At the May meeting, Board members approved the first reading for these updated policies:

• 0131.1 Bylaws and Policies - authorizes the superintendent to identify and make technical changes (such as changes in titles, correcting grammatical errors, etc.)
• 2340 Field and Other District-Sponsored Trips - addresses overnight and out-of-state trips and how they must be approved by the Board
• 5320 Immunization - updates to meet Department of Health and Human Services guidelines
• 5330 Use of Medication - addresses the storing of and administration of prescription and non-prescription drugs by school staff and self administration by a student
• 5330.01 Epinephrine Auto-Injectors - language added to protect staff from civil and criminal liability related to the administration or non administration of epinephrine
• 5350 Student Health, Well-Being, and Suicide Prevention - adds language for mental health well-being programs
• 5460 Graduation Requirements - this is updated just to address school districts that accepted a grant for FAFSA
• 8320 Personnel Files - language was modified to comply with updated Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) labor laws
• 8500 Food Services - addresses federal and state regulations pertaining to the selection, preparation, delivery, consumption and disposal of food and beverages under USDA requirements, compliant medical documentation for dietary modifications and meal charges
• 8510 Wellness - outlines requirements and responsibilities for the District's Wellness Committee
• 8640 Transportation for Field and Other District-Sponsored Trips - rescinds current policy

Board members approved the renewal notice for the District's membership in the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and the MASB’s Legal Trust Fund. For the 2025/2026 school year, the fee for these associations will be $9,417.06 for school district membership. Membership in both groups is voluntary. The legal trust fund entitles member school districts to possible financial assistance if they become involved in a legal issue which has significant ramifications for school districts in general.

Board members approved the purchased of a 2025 Ford Transit 10-passenger van from MiDEAL partner Gorno Ford. The Buildings/ Grounds & Transportation Committee met on May 30 to review the quote and supported approval to move forward with the purchase of the van. The $66,244.00 cost will be paid out of grant funds.

The Board of Education completed the superintendent’s annual performance evaluation on May 19, 2025. Superintendent Lobban received an overall rating of “Effective,” the highest overall rating possible.

Following the District's annual Truth in Taxation Hearing, the following tax rates were certified:

Operating Mills - 17.7606 mills

All Michigan school districts must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full foundation allowance. The 18-mill levy is primarily paid by non-homestead properties, meaning businesses, rental properties and second homes. Homeowners' principal residences are exempt from this specific tax.

All property owners do pay a state education tax (SET) of 6 mills, a funding structure established through Proposal A in 1994 that changed the way Michigan schools are funded. While the 6-mill SET contributes to the state's school aid fund, which is then redistributed to local districts, the 18-mill non-homestead operating millage is a crucial local revenue source for school districts to receive their full per-pupil funding (foundation allowance) from the state.

The District's maximum allowable levy is set at 17.606 mills, rather than the full 18, due to the Headlee Rollback. Ratified in 1978, the Headlee Amendment is a part of the Michigan Constitution designed to limit the growth of property tax revenue for local governments. The Headlee Amendment, along with Proposal A, seek to protect taxpayers from significant tax increases that could result from rapid increases in property values, particularly during periods of economic growth.

Approved by voters in 1994, Proposal A created a system where the taxable value of a property is capped at 5 percent growth or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. This cap is separate from the Headlee rollback and can also contribute to millage rate reductions.

In order for the District to levy the full 18 mills on non-homestead property, it would have to seek and get approval of a Headlee Override ballot.

Building and Site Sinking Fund - 1.3497 mills

This levy, which due to Proposal A is less than the original levy of 1.4016 mills in 2015, is set to expire on December 31, 2025. The 2024 levy was 1.3575 mills.

Debt (Central Elementary Back to the Future Bond) - 1.35 mills

This levy is set to expire on December 31, 2027.

Debt Series 1 (2020 Bond) -1.8 mills

This levy is set to expire in December 2043.

Debt Series 2 (2022) Bond - 1.35 mills

This levy is set to expire in December 2043.

Note: Both the Series 1 and 2 Bonds are related to the 2020 proposal. Because money for the bond projects was pulled separately, one is designated as 2020 Bond S1 and the other is known as 2022 Bond S2.There is a usage rule and completion timeline for the use of bond funds - the entity must be able to spend 85% of the money in the first three years and its entirety within four to five years. Because of that legal requirement and the extent of the projects being funded by the bond, the levy was split to ensure the District was (and is) in compliance.

Board members approved the following budgets for the 2025/2026 school year: General Operating, DCER, Food Service, Student Activity, Debt Service, Sinking, 2022 Building & Site Series II. The proposed 2025/2026 budgets are attached.

Shiela Colley, a paraprofessional in special education at Siple Elementary, was named as the District's representative to the Genesee Intermediate School District's (GISD) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for the 2025-2026 school year.

The PAC meets periodically to discuss special education topics, provide parent support and plan parent activities. Shiela has worked for the district for four years, has three children who attend Davison Community Schools and served as the PAC Committee Member last year. Shiela enjoys working in the special education classroom and strongly advocates for students with special needs.

Davison Board of Education members gave approval of an agreement with the Davison Education Association that covers the 2025-2026 school year. It was ratified by the DEA membership on June 17.

The following donations were gratefully acknowledged:

• Jason Sutton donated a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Truck to the Davison High School Automotive Technology program.
• Stewart & Associates Valley Insurance Agency, donated $1,000 to provide appetizers to the DHS Honors Night VIP Reception.