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

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Hahn Intermediate Student Council, which is comprised of nearly 30 passionate and dedicated students representing each class. Under the guidance of Ms. Janessa Woodrich, Mrs. Sydney Dawson, and Ms. Laura Ferguson, Student Council members have had an incredible start to the year. So far, they’ve volunteered at the Fleece and Thank You event, gathered toys for Pile the Aisle and adopted a family for Christmas. Looking ahead, they are excited to implement new initiatives, including adding a food bank next to the school's Free Little Library, volunteering at assisted living homes and more. Students are committed to making a positive impact both within their school and in the wider community.

Newcomers Shannon McKee and Benjamin Vick, along with newly re-elected board members Holly Halabicky and Diane Rhines joined current Board members Granger Stefanko, Kurtis McMahan and Alicia Hensley in participating in the ceremonial administration of the oath of office. The oath was administered by the Honorable Mark Latchana, 7th Judicial Circuit Court Judge.

Following the oath, Board members approved keeping officers the same for the 2025 calendar year and re-elected Holly Halabicky as President, Granger Stefanko as Vice President, Alicia Hensley as Secretary and Diane Rhines as Treasurer.

Licensed Practical Nurse LeeAnn Bednarski has been named as the January 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.

LeeAnn was nominated by Siple Elementary Principal Mrs. Christy Flowers, who wrote:

"LeeAnn Bednarski has done an outstanding job serving as the school nurse at Siple Elementary. I must say though that if someone were to walk into our building they might see her jammin’ tunes, as she used to be a professional DJ on the radio and can always be counted on to have music playing in the office. Or they might see her hosting a “Girl Party” with snacks for a special little girl with diabetes that needs a sugar boost in the afternoon. You might find her “shopping” in the closet for clothes when a student needs to change. LeeAnn might even answer the phone when you call, just putting her school secretary experience to good use as well. I think the title “Jack of All Trades” may suit her better, but at Siple we call her Nurse B.

LeeAnn takes the health and well-being of our students very seriously. Siple Elementary has a special population that includes many students with advanced medical needs. These precious students have been receiving excellent care under LeeAnn’s watch. She has demonstrated strong communication skills with the parents and staff about the students in her care as well.

LeeAnn demonstrates exemplary professionalism, but she also provides fun, encouragement, hugs, laughter and friendship to all. Nurse B has become a very special part of the Siple Family.

For this reason, I very proudly nominate LeeAnn Bednarski for the Kids First Award. She is a true Siple STAR!"

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Nurse LeeAnn Bednarski, Siple Elementary Principal Christy Flowers and Board of Education President Holly Halabicky.

Individuals can be nominated by any DCS staff member. Once a month, the building principal can submit one name for that month's drawing. We are pleased to announce that our winner for January is Heather Cairo, a dental hygienist who spends her days off working as a playground monitor at Gates Elementary. Heather was nominated by Gates Elementary Principal Mrs. Natalie Miller, who wrote:

"Although Heather is technically an employee of the district, spending her days off as a dental hygienist to work with students at Gates as a playground monitor, it is the time and effort she puts in as a volunteer that makes her a Cardinal Spirit community member.

If you happen to stop by Gates Elementary, you will notice that the main entrance doors to the building are painted with seasonal themes and positive messages. This artwork greets both students and visitors alike and is done by the talented Heather Cairo. It is fun to watch the excitement and wonder of the students each time she changes the windows to depict a new season.

Now in her second year doing this, she has expanded to include opportunities for enhanced learning and hands-on art experiences for the students themselves. With the adoption of a new curriculum, the third graders were doing a study of art and literature. When Heather heard about this, she went to the third grade teachers and offered to paint their classroom windows to match the artists they were studying as part of their reading unit, thus providing a visual connection for the students. Additionally, she has continued to go beyond and has developed quick art activities for the students to do that go with the stories they are reading.

Also, it should be noted that any time a child wants or needs to sit and chat or a little extra positive adult attention, Heather willingly sits and provides a genuine and caring ear. She is kind, caring, and talented.

I am so grateful to have Heather working and serving at Gates Elementary doing her part to make the day a little brighter for all those around her."

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Cardinal Spirit recipient Heather Cairo, Gates Elementary Principal Natalie Miller and Board of Education President Holly Halabicky.

Davison Middle School student Vivian Blaine has been selected as the Davison Educational Foundation's (DEF) Cardinal Kid for the month of January 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.

Vivian was nominated by Davison Middle School Assistant Principal Mrs. Cayla Dowdall, who wrote:

"Vivian Blaine is an 8th grader at Davison Middle School, who truly makes a difference every day through her genuine concern for the well being of others. Vivian is involved in both the HOPE Squad and the LINKS program at DMS. She also volunteers for the “Girls Club” at Hahn Intermediate, as well as her local church.

The Hope Squad is a program dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and supporting fellow students in need. Vivian’s involvement in this initiative showcases her commitment to looking out for others and her desire to make a difference in the lives of her peers. Through her participation, she has demonstrated the ability to foster a supportive environment, which is crucial for building a strong school community.

In addition to her role in the Hope Squad, Vivian is also a valued member of the LINKS program at DMS. This program connects students with differing abilities and promotes inclusion. Vivian's kindness and patience shine through as she engages with her peers, breaking down barriers and creating lasting friendships. Vivian includes her LINK in activities both in and outside of school, such as inviting her LINK to her birthday party. Her empathy and willingness to help others make her a role model in our school.

In addition to making a difference in the lives of students at DMS, Vivian is also actively involved in the Davison Community. Vivian has dedicated countless hours to volunteering at her local church. She has assisted with Parents Night Out, Pizza Palooza, and helped with the children in the nursery. Her selflessness and commitment to serving others reflect her character and the values she embodies. She has shown that she is ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed, and her cheerful demeanor makes her a joy to be around.

Vivian brings positivity and compassion to both our school and the Davison community! We are so fortunate to have Vivian as a student at DMS. Thank you for the inspiration, Vivian!"

Pictured below: Davison Middle School Principal Josie Paquette, Superintendent Matt Lobban, Vivian, Davison Middle School Assistant Principal Cayla Dowdall and Board President Holly Halabicky.

Davison High School junior Ben Nichols, a junior at Davison High School and Football Offensive Lineman, was honored at the January Board of Edudation meeting for his selection to First Team All State Athlete: O-Line by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA). Ben announced on Christmas Eve that he has committed to play at Notre Dame.

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Ben, Board President Holly Halabicky and Athletic Director Dave Beamer.

Throughout his 30-plus years of coaching hockey, Doug Towler has attained many accomplishments. Last year, he was recognized by the Board of Education for becoming the winningest coach in Michigan state high school hockey history with 630 wins.

This month, Coach Towler appeared before the Board again - this time to acknowledge his honor of being named as the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Michigan Hockey Coach of the Year.

In September, Hill Elementary proudly earned the prestigious designation of an Exemplary High Performing Schools National Blue Ribbon School for 2024, awarded by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. This distinguished recognition celebrates schools where students excel at high levels or demonstrate significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

Hill Elementary was honored as one of only 316 public schools nationwide, and one of just 12 in our state, to receive this esteemed award. The recognition ceremony occurred in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 2024.

Board members celebrated the achievement and Superintendent Matt Lobban and Board President Holly Halabicky presented the school staff with an official National Blue Ribbon School banner to hang proudly at the school.

January is "School Board Member Recognition Month" in Michigan and a resolution honoring Board of Education members was shared. In addition, students from Davison High School and Gates Elementary participated in a short presentation. (See the video on our Facebook site.)

Treasurer Diane Rhines was selected as the Board's voting representative to the Genesee Intermediate School District's annual general fund budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. Trustee Kurtis McMahan has volunteered to be the alternate.

Secretary Alicia Hensley will serve as the Board's liaison to the Genesee County Association of School Board Members (GCASBM) Executive Committee. The committee typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at GISD’s Davis Education Center .

Board Vice President Granger Stefanko will serve as the alternate liaison.

Davison High School Choral Director Garth Starr's request for an overnight field trip so students Gabrial Martinez and Lincoln Verburg can attend and compete at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Choir Festival was approved by Board members. Gabrial and Lincoln auditioned and were accepted to move on to the state level, which will be held at the end of this month in Grand Rapids.

Health Sciences Teacher Laurie Heath requested and received approval for 29 students and two chaperones to attend the HOSA State Leadership Conference April 17-18 in Traverse City.

Board members approved the first reading of several policies. The Board Policy and Planning Committee previously met to review, revise and create policies for the following sections:

• 3120.08 Employment of Personnel for Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities - this requires all high school coaches to be certified in CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
• 5330.02 Opioid Antagonists - this adds the word "Narcan" to the existing policy so if anyone searches the word Narcan, this policy will appear.
• 5340 Student Accidents - this requires the board to develop a cardiac response plan beginning with the 2025-26 school year. The plan will utilize employees to respond to sudden cardiac arrests or other life-threatening emergencies that may occur on school campuses during school hours or at school-sponsored events.
• 5500 Student Conduct - this policy deals with academic honesty and defines academic dishonesty (i.e. plagiarism) and adds a section on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• 7440.03 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems - this is merely a technical correction in the current policy that prohibits the use of drones on school property and at district-sponsored contests, practices, tournaments and activities under the auspices of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
• 7540.09 Artificial Intelligence (AI) - involves a minor technical correction in the district's policy that requires any use of AI technology to be in accordance with state and federal guidelines as well as Board policies.
• 1130 Conflict of Interest - the following three policies on conflict of interest including adding language that relates to federal grants and materials/supplies provided by federal grants. Many of them do not pertain to the District as the majority of federal grant funds are used to employ personnel.
• 3110 Conflict of Interest
• 4110 Conflict of Interest
• 6110 Grant Funds - this updates current policy to reflect changes in mandatory disclosures, financial regulations, audit requirements and records retention now required by the federal government.
• 6111 Internal Controls - again, this and the following six policy updates language in the current policy to reflect changes in federal government regulations.
• 6112 Cash Management of Grants -
• 6114 Cost Principles - Spending Federal Funds
• 6325 Procurement - Federal Grants/Funds
• 6550 Travel Payment & Reimbursement
• 7310 Disposition of Surplus Property
• 7450 Property Inventory
• 8321 Criminal Justice Information Security - deals with the maintenance, security, confidentiality and dissemination of background check information for all employees of the district.

Another round of the high school abatement project will take place this summer. Board members approved the recommendation from Arch Environmental Group, Inc, to award the bid to Certified Abatement Services, Inc. in the amount of $478,000. The Buildings, Grounds and Transportation Committee met on January 9 and reviewed the bid documents. Funds for the project will come from the Building Site Sinking funds.

Board members approved the low bid of $55,927.88 from Resilite Independent Sales Pro. for the wrestling room renovation and flooring project that is taking place as part of the 2020 Bond project at Davison High School. The Buildings, Grounds and Transportation Committee met on January 9 and reviewed the bid documents. The project will be paid out of bond funds.

The following donations were gratefully acknowledged:

• Davison Education Association donated $250 in honor of Board Appreciation Month to benefit the Shop with a Hero program.
• Academy De La Danse, donated two large parachutes to Gates and Thomson Elementaries to use during physical education or play activities.
• Fraternal Order of Police #126 donated $1,500 to the District’s Shop with a Hero program.
• Louis VanDine, Lou’s Auto Repair, donated both a hybrid and electric vehicle battery to the Davison Automotive Technology program to be used for training purposes.
• Kurt and Shelley Meibeyer donated unisex joggers and $150 to Hill Elementary to help students who are in need.
• First Baptist Church donated several bags of clothing collected by parishioners to be distributed to students throughout the district.
• A donation to the Cardinal Care fund of $150 to honor Karen Conover was made by an anonymous donor.
• Lance Gorder donated $1,000 to be used to purchase items to ensure students have gifts to open on Christmas.
• The Knights of Columbus Council 4090 of Davison donated $819.19 collected for the Annual Tootsie Roll drive for special education programs to help those with disabilities.