[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6290728,"mediaKeyId","2530590-3bb1f8eaa94f816187749210468e78cc","parentId",2530590,"title","Board approves closing authority for East Lawn sale, awards computer‑lab purchase and accepts consent agenda","audioSeconds",580,"startMs",2310000,"endMs",2890000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530590-3bb1f8eaa94f816187749210468e78cc&start=2310&end=2890","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530590-3bb1f8eaa94f816187749210468e78cc/thumbnail_2310000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290728/Michigan/Board-approves-closing-authority-for-East-Lawn-sale-awards-computerlab-purchase-and-accepts-consent-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290728-04bbb4f1900d701bafdc80e51f67ec2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770961793&Signature=LsriEfEC8pgoArZDFdJAmEXucewuRPyGHMjSHb9wc~zTltGiKsLHOdC-q0yvMRJJ-mt0FY7PHSlM70ILS5txYp23lJ497kOZjZCL3HFV0rB9Xwa4k5-8HPPuztlDU0m552G769lEgoEoFJOGIzRJyATERthvdqs8Fh-nCXlhE-okDEEw77HzFGsaf~ZFgkjHi-2UIWGmUMDynd5QcJFGZx7TryReb9MpNuzqBuSIUMcqo02X26Za2bhP~leBKbO55EqpEfMVzs~gqNEJlmo~PelqK0xC4b4A-a3wONQwOs3yZwmjA1rLHCuRYNINYoau9CZswfkM0yd-RP3Y4rHhrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Midland Public Schools","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Midland Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 18 authorized district officials to sign closing and related documents for the sale of the East Lawn property, approved a computer‑lab equipment purchase funded from Series 3 bond proceeds, and approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included staff hires, resignations and payment of December bills.

Board members voted to authorize President Philip Rausch and Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson \"to execute, acknowledge and deliver all closing documents to complete the sale\" of 115 East Lawn Drive, 48640, as described in the resolution. The board motion also authorizes those two officials \"to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all additional instruments, papers or documents\" necessary to carry out the previously approved purchase agreement. The original purchase agreement on July 18, 2022 listed a purchase price of $650,000 and noted the buyer's assignment of interest; the closing paperwork will be completed by the title company named in the purchase agreement.

Board discussion noted minor clerical items that would be corrected before signatures are delivered — specifically, confirming the street name as East Lawn Drive — and that some outstanding title work is being resolved with the city and the district's attorney. \"We are working with Superior,\" an administrator said when asked which title company is handling the closing.

The board noted the sale implements a purchase agreement previously approved by the board and emphasized that a vote now is to permit execution of closing documents, not to renegotiate the underlying deal. The motion to authorize signatures was made by Member Blasey and supported by Treasurer John Lauterbach; the motion passed with the recorded affirmations from the five members present.

On facilities equipment, administration recommended awarding the computer lab replacement and upgrade project to multiple vendors to replace devices at all 14 secondary computer labs. The board approved the project, which totals $237,125 and will be paid from Series 3 bond proceeds.

Administration provided a vendor breakdown in the board packet; the board approved the total and a staff motion. Documented vendor amounts in the packet included People Driven Technology for $29,610, Vivo for $5,747.50 and Amazon for $5,610; one vendor line (Presidio) in the meeting transcript was unclear and will be reflected in the finalized purchase order paperwork. \"Funds have been allocated from series 3 bond proceeds,\" the administration said.

The consent agenda, approved at the start of the meeting, included approval of minutes from Jan. 21; recommended hires and resignations listed in the agenda packet; authorization to pay school system bills for December 2024 as listed in Ms. Holderby's check registers in the amount of $7,913,492; and authorization for listed legal payments. The consent motion carried by voice vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda (items 2.1–2.5): approved by voice. Notable items: December 2024 school system bill payments totaling $7,913,492; authorization for professional legal payments as listed in the packet (itemized line in packet: $3,407.50 dated 01/30/2025).
- Resolution authorizing execution of closing documents for sale of 115 East Lawn Drive (previous purchase agreement dated 07/18/2022; purchase price listed in agreement $650,000): motion by Member Blasey, support by Treasurer John Lauterbach; outcome: approved. Authorized signers: President Philip Rausch and Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson. Title company: Superior (as listed in the purchase agreement). Board asked that the document reflect the correct street name before signing.
- Computer lab replacement and upgrade (item 6.2): motion by Treasurer John Lauterbach, support by Secretary Ringgold; total approved $237,125 to be funded from Series 3 bond proceeds. Vendor details in packet; some vendor line amounts were unclear in the live transcript and will be finalized in purchase orders.

What the board directed next: district staff will finalize title work and scheduling for the East Lawn closing; procurement staff will complete vendor contracts and purchase orders that reflect the approved total and the packet details; and bond‑funded purchases will be processed according to the district's procurement policies.

The board meeting adjourned after regular business.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Midland Public Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting - February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Midland Public Schools Board authorized district leaders to sign closing documents for the previously approved sale of the East Lawn property, approved a $237,125 computer‑lab equipment purchase funded from series 3 bonds, and approved the consent agenda including payment of December bills totaling $7,913,492.","taxTitle","Midland Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38797,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6290734,"Midland High’s Unified Sports and ESA partnership highlighted as district says elementary program space is at capacity",1380,616000,1996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530590-3bb1f8eaa94f816187749210468e78cc&start=616&end=1996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530590-3bb1f8eaa94f816187749210468e78cc/thumbnail_616000.jpg","/articles/6290734/Michigan/Midland-Highs-Unified-Sports-and-ESA-partnership-highlighted-as-district-says-elementary-program-space-is-at-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290734-08e2ad34cf587c6b600d52f23006220a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770961793&Signature=iTOYKPGc~zA92Xx9UbiOAS~2qV7Eg697z52LzDpML0qDVG5Cgp5TK53p1CbmlPnAZ05YLu1brCtXJ2SRN0YCGrcBBl1xOvnXdYv1mCAL~gn72lR~WF--Ud2UFURq9pKF7jBj~VuJR19~hG0HBJOhrE9z-YDTv4AW2R5vTl08gj88cEQThc1oSOxrDGENr8S9KWlPmf49sCxzDyJfhWcVpohFhNHJvPStrietfCMzYVArJLJWXuvqd5ix3~WJXJ7ZYvtcZ050UODLlVwvQ9YgEJEPL9PKCoQqSZJw93ucyJ1cH5HOg~Re7VCjE8U2lvKJ7OQJTTIr6i8XyyPIquKX4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Midland Public Schools showcased Unified Sports and described how a long‑standing partnership with Midland County ESA supports students with exceptional learning needs, but district leaders warned Tuesday that elementary school space is maxed out and the ESA will request additional classrooms next year.

The presentation at the Feb. 18 Board of Education meeting centered on Midland High School's Unified Champions program — a team that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities — and on the broader collaboration that places ESA specialists inside MPS buildings. \"Unified Sports is a nationwide initiative that joins athletes with and without intellectual disability disabilities on the same team,\" Athletic Director Eric Albright said, explaining the program's purpose and how Midland added Unified basketball in 2019 and bocce in 2021.

The district tied the extracurricular program to classroom supports. \"We're gonna be sharing with you how Midland Public Schools partners with Midland County ESA to, promote inclusivity and the least restrictive environment,\" Special Services Supervisor Lindsay Johnson told the board. Anthony Gates, the district's special services director, described a model where Midland County ESA handles low‑incidence, high‑impact needs while Midland Public Schools staffs and supports higher‑incidence, lower‑impact services inside local buildings.

Why it matters: district officials said the partnership expands inclusive opportunities while concentrating specialized staff where they can serve multiple schools. During the meeting the presenters outlined three \"core pillars\" that make the model work — programs, time and space — and said creative use of building space has been required to meet demand.

Program and staffing details presented to the board included a newly opened foundational fives classroom in the pre‑primary center this school year and a range of programs for students with emotional impairments, mild cognitive impairments, resource room and collaborative room services. The district also provided staff counts: \"we have over 110 staff members, including teachers, itinerants, administrative assistants, office professionals, and administrators,\" Johnson said, and \"39 full time paraprofessionals and we have 97 part time paraprofessionals.\" The presenters said ESA staff bring highly specialized skills needed for the county's low‑incidence population.

Several students and family members spoke about the Unified team's impact. Student Nicole Giardina said the program eased her anxiety and changed how she sees teammates: \"Seeing them throw their arms up and scream as they run down the court after making a shot ... even when we lose a game, it's still very exciting and it's still a thrilling rewarding experience.\" Jessica Polis, mother of a team member, told the board, \"This program has been more than just a basketball team. It has been a place of inclusion, growth, and joy for all involved.\"

Board members pressed staff on capacity. When asked how many classrooms are in the district's table of ESA placements, a board member later summarized that the district is \"running at maximum capacity right now based on the need that's present.\" Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson said elementary buildings are the primary pinch point: \"Our elementaries are maxed out,\" she told the board, adding that district leaders could look for secondary building space if needed but that the real need is in elementary schools.

District leaders said they are already planning for next year. \"I've already started having conversations with Greg Bridal, who is our director of the ESA, and we are already having conversations about how we're needing up to 2 additional classrooms in the district at that elementary level,\" Anthony Gates said. Board members were told the ESA will formally request additional space and that district staff will explore creative solutions — for example, delivering some specialist services differently or repurposing maker spaces and other nontraditional rooms into classrooms.

The presentation highlighted inclusion as a benefit to the whole school culture, not only to students receiving specialized services. \"It really elevates the entire school community and culture when we really embrace these students and frankly, the ESA staff as well as part of our school community,\" a board member said.

Board and district next steps: administration said it will continue conversations about facility use and will bring space requests to the board as finalized. The district also committed to ongoing community communication about the programs and to scheduling additional forums as needed.

The presentation and public remarks were part of the regular Feb. 18 board meeting at the Administration Building.","Midland Public Schools officials and Midland County ESA presented the district's inclusive Unified Sports program and described an expanding set of special‑education services housed in local schools, warning that elementary classrooms are at capacity and the ESA will request additional space next year.","actionData","errors"]

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Board approves closing authority for East Lawn sale, awards computer‑lab purchase and accepts consent agenda

Midland High’s Unified Sports and ESA partnership highlighted as district says elementary program space is at capacity