HR Newsletter

1. How long have you worked for Oakland Schools?

I have worked at Oakland Schools for just under 5 years. As of this December it will be 5!

2. Can you please describe your work at Oakland Schools?

As a Senior Technical Support Specialist, my primary focus is making sure that technology never gets in the way of teachers or students. While I am an Oakland Schools employee, I spend almost every day in Madison District Public Schools. Because Madison is a tight knit district, our onsite team is small consisting of just me as the STSS and a Technology Integration Specialist full-time. But together with our Director and Network Admin, we partner every day to support everyone: teachers, students, staff, admin, and even the local community. Every day is different, which is amazing! Some days I am running and resolving tickets, while other days, I’m in meetings helping decide Madison's future direction. Some days I'm driving the box truck moving Chromebook carts, and others I am working with district leadership to plan the next Fall Festival. I even spend some time in the STEAM space teaching alongside our Technology Integrator. Being a Senior Tech means you have to be flexible and visible. Things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s what makes what we do so important and so much fun!

3. What is your favorite thing about Oakland Schools so far?

My favorite thing about Oakland Schools is the people. It’s rare to work somewhere where the people are so invested in helping others. Because I work for the ISD but am stationed right out in a local district supported by Oakland, I get to see that impact firsthand every day. Whether it’s an AAC device for a student who needs a voice, or providing the training and support a new head of HR needs to hit the ground running, you constantly see how Oakland’s resources genuinely change lives.

4. Give us a fun fact about yourself!

I am a HUGE Brandon Sanders fan! I have given out over 70 copies of “The Way of Kings”! If you ever want a book to read, I have one for you.

Do you have a spotlight recommendation? Use the Google Form to submit a colleague!

Open Enrollment will take place October 19–30, 2026.

THIS YEAR’S ENROLLMENT IS MANDATORY AND IS NOT A PASSIVE ELECTION.

All eligible employees must complete and submit an election, even if you are opting out of coverage. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR ELECTIONS BY OCTOBER 30, YOU WILL NOT HAVE BENEFIT COVERAGE FOR 2027.

Please be sure to review your options and complete your enrollment before the deadline. Additional information and enrollment instructions will be shared soon.

Upcoming 2027 Benefit Changes:

• Non-Union Medical Plan
• Vision Plan Change
• Elder Care Coverage
• Non Union Pilot Program - Mi Tri-Share

To help you understand your benefits options, Brandi Carmichael, Benefit & Leave Coordinator, will be available to answer questions by appointment, scheduled campus & atrium visits, and office drop-in.

Continue to watch your email and intranet announcements for additional Open Enrollment information.

As the end of the year approaches, take a moment to check your remaining FSA balance with American Fidelity and use your available funds on eligible healthcare expenses before the plan deadline. FSA funds can be used for many everyday items, including:

• Copays and deductibles
• Prescription medications
• Dental and vision expenses
• Eligible over-the-counter medications
• First-aid supplies
• Sunscreen, pain-relief products and much more

Not sure what to purchase? Visit the FSA Store to browse more than 2,500 FSA-eligible products and shop by category or remaining account balance.

Remember to submit any outstanding claims to American Fidelity and keep your receipts. Log in to check your balances today!

Our Wellbeing Preventative Services Challenge has made a great impact on our medical usage numbers, and your efforts to make preventive care a priority are helping us build healthier habits across the organization. Using preventive and primary care, addressing health concerns early, and making thoughtful choices about where to receive care all make a difference.

Just a reminder, prioritizing your health has its perks in more ways than one!

After completing your annual wellness or preventive visit, submit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or doctor’s note to Brandi Carmichael before the end of the month to be entered into our monthly drawing. Every month, one participant will receive an extra day of annual leave—and once you’re entered, you stay in the drawing all year.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about breast health and the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Taking proactive steps, such as understanding your personal risk factors and staying up to date on recommended preventive care, can play an important role in your overall health. This month, we encourage employees to learn more about breast cancer prevention and screening and explore the preventive care and support resources available through our employee benefits.

Go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter our sponsor code OaklandSchools to schedule an appointment. You will receive a $15 e-gift card upon donating.

This year’s schedule features a variety of topics, including open enrollment and benefits, the recruitment process, goal-setting presentations, performance management, and more.

The Learning Hub will be updated throughout the year and currently features sessions scheduled through December. Explore upcoming learning opportunities and register today to reserve your seat and add the session to your calendar!

Note: You may see Ask HR Learning Sessions under your Current Learning and/or in your Record of Learning in your ourPLACE profile. Please know that this indicates staff enrollment in accessing the Ask HR Learning Hub and is not a graded content.

Development team is excited to introduce the Training Requests ticketing system, available through the Human Resources Support Portal.

Employees can submit a ticket to request a new training course or propose changes to an existing training resource. If you are unsure what type of training or resource would best meet your needs, you may also submit a consultation request to connect with the Training and Development Team and explore available options.

All submissions will be reviewed by HR Training and Development to better understand the identified need, determine the most appropriate solution, and ensure alignment with relevant organizational needs and priorities.

• Navigate to the Service Desk from the intranet.
• Select Show More Portals at the bottom of the page.
• Select Human Resources Support, followed by Training Requests.
• Choose the appropriate ticket type: New Training Request, Training Material Change, or Training Consultation Request.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the HR Training and Development Team at training@oakland.k12.mi.us.

The Organizational Development Committee (ODC) is excited to launch a new Community Service Program for non-union staff. The program will provide opportunities for employees to build relationships across the organization, develop new skills, and make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and serve.

For our first volunteer opportunity, employees will come together to support Forgotten Harvest by sorting groceries, repacking food, building food boxes, and providing other warehouse support to benefit families across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Time: 1–4 p.m.
• Location: Forgotten Harvest Distribution Center
• 15000 W. Eight Mile Road, Oak Park, MI 48237

Supervisor approval is required to participate. Employees who register and are selected must work their regular schedule before departing for the volunteer opportunity. Please review the volunteer sign-up form for additional information about the day, including participation expectations, dress code, and health and safety requirements.

Meet the newest hires to the OS Team!

• Timothy Conaton | OSTC-NE Lead Custodian, Auxiliary Services
• Jennifer Curtis | State and Federal Programs Consultant, District and School Services
• Michael McCanham | Technical Support Specialist, Technology Services
• Cristina Stritmatter | Business Analyst, Technology Services
• Jennifer Samora | Technical Campus Counselor, Student Services
• Marie Trombley | Marie Trombley, Student Services
• Jennifer Smiley | Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources
• Kellen Thompson-Voss | Digital Content Specialist, Communications

We're looking for talented candidates to join Oakland Schools! If you know someone who is qualified and interested in our highlighted position, please encourage them to apply.

• Medium/Heavy Truck and Equipment Instructor | Student Services - OSTC SW
• Office Assistant | OSTC-NE
• Office Assistant | OSTC-SE

Upcoming Events:

October 9th | Booked for Lunch (11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Room 335)

October 30th | Harvest Masterpiece Meetup (11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Room 335)

Fiscal Year 2027 Events linked below!

Exciting events coming up? Let us know so we can include it in next month's issue! Email HR@oakland.k12.mi.us with the details.

Questions, concerns, or compliments? Let us know!