Community demands increased transparency from MPS school board after bond proposal defeat

In the heart of Midland, Michigan, the Board of Education meeting on June 16, 2025, became a platform for community voices demanding greater financial transparency from Midland Public Schools. As the evening unfolded, concerns about the district's financial practices took center stage, echoing the sentiments of many residents who felt left in the dark following the recent defeat of a bond proposal.

A key speaker highlighted the pressing need for the district to provide real-time financial information, emphasizing that transparency is essential for rebuilding trust within the community. The speaker called for a detailed breakdown of the current budget and suggested that the district should publicly disclose employee compensation for those earning over $100,000, not just their wages. This call for openness was underscored by a plea for the board to make agenda packets available to the public at no charge, a practice that had seemingly vanished with recent updates to the district's website.

The speaker expressed concern that the changes to the website might further obscure access to important historical documents, such as past meeting agendas and minutes. "This is not going in the direction of transparency," they stated, urging the board to reconsider its approach to public information. The frustration was palpable as they pointed out that relying on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for basic information only added to the workload of district staff, potentially impacting students' education.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community's desire for accountability and openness is stronger than ever. The speaker concluded with a hopeful message, urging the board to take actionable steps toward transparency, stating, "You can do better, and we look forward to you doing so." This sentiment resonated throughout the room, leaving attendees with a sense of urgency for change and a commitment to ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and respected in the governance of their schools.