BOARD MEETING: 11/25/2024 - SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Superintendent Report 11.25.2024
1. Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations - Our new and improved Parent Advisory Team has been meeting and making progress. You will notice that the name has changed. Ultimately, our goal was to change the mission of the group to reflect a more efficient process and provide parent feedback. This is different from our previous focus of creating action groups. 
The format consists of the Superintendent providing a topic, framework/framing, opening it up to the whole group, small group, discussion, etc. This allows everyone to gain perspective, hear opinions, get feedback, look at potential solutions for proposals, solicit volunteers for formal committee work, and then closing out the topic. This will allow us to maintain momentum, work towards a meeting goal, and keep everyone involved without having to “WORK” towards an end, but rather getting the process off to a great start.

As of today, we have four parents who have volunteered to help support the THS Take A Break Room. Training will be facilitated by Ms. Enochs.
We also have three members that have volunteered to help with the AMS gym floor design. 
More to come and share later. 

2. Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practice
The SLC (Superintendent Leadership Council) is busy as well and making progress. It is important to remember that these students are embracing leadership opportunities and action plan responsibilities in addition to their roles and responsibilities as a student of THS. Our students will be embracing another opportunity to partner with the City of Trenton and their celebration and honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025. The SLC met with Pastor Jack Eggleston and Hana Mitsusada-Boylan on Friday, November 22, 2024 to discuss what that will look like. 

3. Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practice
Schools to Tools Connection
Two years ago while attending a THS Varsity Football game, I was approached by a former Anderson Elementary parent about this traveling field trip. Ms. O’Connor and I met with representatives last June and just last week this consideration became a reality. 
The Schools to Tools program offers a mobile field trip which brings a 44-foot trailer to students around the state and allows them to interact with drills, hammers, levels, etc. and gain personal experiences related to carpentry and the trades. The trailer provides interactive experiences with QR Codes that even allows students to visit work sites. Here’s a quick video that provides a comprehensive overview: Schools to Tools.

4. Strategic Plan Goal #4: Financial Responsibilities and Operations 
Late last school year, significant rainfall began leaving a sandy grit on the sidewalk behind AMS near the student drop-off loop. Concerned about potential water leaks or structural issues, Mr. Kreszyn consulted Compeau to investigate.
By summer’s end, an exploratory dig revealed a clogged storm drain. Partnering with the City, we used a sewer jet and hose to clear the blockage. Water had been backing up, reaching the gym and entering the building. This caused minor flooding, leading to wood buckling on the gym floor. Upon clearing the storm sewer, a substantial amount of water was released, confirming the severity of the issue.
In August, we presented an insurance claim for repair and ultimately were provided coverage in the amount of $118,000. After further review, the project was reviewed and revised to include additional work that would result in having to move the bleachers. This added additional time to the calendar and inconvenience of both our classroom instruction and AMS winter sports. Alternative teaching locations and methodology is currently being considered and middle school basketball games have been scheduled at THS. The floor repair will begin on December 2, 2024 and is expected to be completed by January 13, 2025. We are doing our best to coordinate and support our staff and students. It will be a difficult month, but short term pain will amount to long term gain.

5. Strategic Plan Goal #4: Financial Responsibilities and Operations 
Fundraising Update: As I shared with the Board in our previous meeting, our goal is to begin the process of streamlining our district fundraising process. This three phase approach is currently underway and has involved the Parent Advisory Team (phase 1) and a subcommittee of the TPS Board (phase 2). Phase 3 will be creating a committee of both parents and board members, as well as several coaches and our athletic director and high school principal. 
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6. Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices/Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations - Midsummer Summer’s Night - Dream - oral report (attended Saturday, November 23, 2024 evening performance).
Great show, amazing cast, incredible set, and excellent technical support! Another WIN for our Theater Program.

7. Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices/Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations - Goodfellows & Rake A Difference - oral repor
(Reya Johnson, the National Honor Society president at THS, posted on Facebook to gather more names/residences in need of help). 
8. Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices/Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
In November of 2017, Ms. Brooke Buttson was recognized as a Student of the Month at Anderson Elementary for character traits related to leadership. Over the years, Brooke has continued to demonstrate a willingness to lead. This past summer, we were notified that Brooke was selected to be a member of the Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council (MDE-SAC). Brooke had a series of virtual meetings from August into September and then attended an in-person meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in Lansing. Ms. Brooke Buttson is here tonight and will provide an overview of her experiences in the MDE-SAC.

GOLDEN APPLE RECIPIENTS & RETIREES WERE RECOGNIZED TONIGHT - AWESOME EVENING!!!

ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND OPPORTUNITY 

THS TOP 10 - HONORED TONIGHT AT OUR TPS BOE MEETING 5.13.2024

A CALL TO GET INVOLVED! MARCH 14, 2024 - 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

MAY 7, 2024/BALLOT PROPOSALS

Dear Trenton Public Schools Family,

Earlier this week, a letter was shared with our community regarding the exciting progress of our Energy Bond Initiative that comes at no cost to taxpayers. A sentiment was also shared that was related to time not being infinite along with the immortal words of Everett Wiley Wilson -  leave things better than you found them. To that end, we are excited to announce that Trenton Public Schools is continuing the mission to make the school district exemplary!

Voters in Trenton Public Schools (TPS) will be asked to consider two separate initiatives on the May 7 ballot to fully fund school district operations and invest in school safety, technology, as well as infrastructure and equipment to support student learning. The TPS Board of Education approved placing both measures on the May 7 ballot during their meeting on January 22, 2024. Both proposals  are integral to maintaining the high standards of education and facilities provided by Trenton Public Schools. 

The first proposal  is a renewal of the district’s non-homestead millage (operating millage) —a funding source required by state law.  The non-homestead millage is levied only on businesses, vacant land, rental properties and second homes.  The non-homestead millage renewal is NOT levied on primary residences (the home in which a homeowner lives). Currently, this revenue source contributes nearly $3.3 million annually to the operating budget and supports all programs and services provided by Trenton Public Schools.
The second proposal addresses the replacement of Trenton's hold-harmless millage with a 2.0 mill sinking fund. Currently, only 23 school districts in Michigan have a hold-harmless millage, and the State is phasing them out due to their instability as revenue sources. Trenton experienced a reduction of over $700,000 in the hold-harmless millage last year, with further declines projected. This reduction limits the school district's ability to maintain, repair, and enhance school facilities and programs.

If voters approve the sinking fund proposal, the hold-harmless millage will no longer be levied. The 2.0 mill sinking fund would require a tax rate increase of 0.52 mills over the current hold harmless tax rate. For the average Trenton homeowner (home with a market value of $200,000), this would result in an approximate increase of $52 per year ($4.33 per month). The sinking fund is projected to generate approximately $352,000 more per year than the existing hold-harmless millage. Ultimately, the sinking fund revenue will be prioritized to support projects falling into three main areas:

• Enhancing safety and security.
• Updating technology.
• Updating infrastructure and equipment supporting the arts.

Detailed information about the ballot proposals will be available soon on the school district’s website (www.trentonschools.com). Superintendent Mentzer assures residents that additional information about the proposals will be sent in the coming weeks. For any immediate questions, residents are encouraged to contact Superintendent Mentzer by phone (734-676-8600) or email ([email protected]).
Trenton Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Doug Mentzer thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the education and well-being of our students.
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Please note that an FAQ is attached, as well as this article will also be featured in the Trenton Times and News-Herald.

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