"We the Parents..." Update

My first action as a newly-elected board member was to meet with Marty Kobza, our district superintendent. I prepared a list of seven questions to help me learn more about Mr. Kobza, his leadership philosophy, and his plans for our district. Mr. Kobza has keenly prioritized Facility Maintenance, District Financial Health, Recruitment and Retention of Quality Staff, and Board Policy Implementation as some of his highest priorities.  

I attended part one of the New Board Member Orientation organized by our Superintendent. Here I met several of our district directors, who presented an introduction, status update, and future plans for the following directorates: Transportation, Safety, Facilities, Finance, Communications/Recruitment/Retention, and Teaching and Learning.

I was honored and excited to affirm my commitment to serve in the role of school board member.  Our Lansing Mayor, Tony McNeill, was kind enough to administer the oath of office in my home and in the presence of family and many dear friends! 

During part two of the New Board Member orientation, our Board of Education president reviewed policies related to board operations and the role of the school board member. 

I spent the entire day with our Director of Emergency Preparedness, Mr. Kevin McCarley and our School Resource Officer, Lansing Police Officer Leif French, who took me on a tour of our district buildings. They educated me on building security measures, employee training, and district policies to help keep students safe at all times. They have watchful eyes and well-developed plans for continuing to keep our students and facilities safe and secure.  

While preparing for my first board meeting, I met with our Director of Finance, Doniaell Brandt and Superintendent Marty Kobza to delve into the district’s monthly expense report and some of our other financial documents. They patiently explained many of our district’s regular expenditures and answered several of my budget questions. My understanding of the budgetary “big picture” is still developing…more to follow on that in the coming weeks. 

Correction of Security Issues in Three of Our Buildings  

Initiating Board Discussion (and hopefully, action) on a Policy Regarding Magnetic “Lockdown” Strips that Bypass Classroom Door Locks

Addressing Vandalism in the High School

Initiating Board Discussion on Improving the Current Inclement Weather Policy

 Initiating Improvements to the Superintendent Job Description Document

Asking Difficult Questions on Monthly District Expenses and Budget Priorities 

Conducting Personal Research on Two Possible Grant Opportunities

Initiating Meetings with These Directorates Not Initially Included in the New Board Member Orientation: Student Services, Nutrition and Nursing

Thrilled to be attending a recognition ceremony for some stand-out Lansing JROTC students taking place at Leavenworth High School on Feb. 10th, 2024.