Board Elects New Officers for 2026
One of the main items on the agenda was the annual election of board officers. Following nominations and roll-call voting, the board selected its leadership for the coming year. Rachel Fekken was elected board president after receiving unanimous support from board members. Chris Mahoney was elected vice president, while the treasurer and secretary positions were also filled following nominations and formal voting.
The annual officer elections are required under Board Bylaw #1001 and serve as the official organizational portion of the January meeting.
2026 Board Meeting Schedule Approved with Amendment
The board also reviewed and approved its regular meeting schedule for 2026. The proposed dates included monthly meetings from February through December, along with a January 2027 meeting. However, discussion centered on the January 2027 meeting date, which was originally scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
After discussion, the board approved an amended schedule, moving the January 2027 meeting from January 18 to January 11 to avoid the holiday conflict. The remaining 2026 dates were approved as presented.
The approved 2026 meeting dates are:
- February 9
- March 16
- April 20
- May 18
- June 15
- July 20
- August 17
- September 21
- October 19
- November 16
- December 21
- January 11, 2027
Policy Committee Presents First Reading of Updates
During committee reports, the policy committee presented the first reading of several updated policies provided by the district’s policy provider, Miller Johnson. These policies will be considered for adoption at the next board meeting.
The proposed updates include a new anti-moonlighting policy, which prohibits district employees from working other jobs during contracted school hours. The policy also clarifies expectations related to virtual teaching and outside employment.
Another policy update establishes clear guidelines for facility therapy dogs in district buildings, requiring all dogs to be properly trained and certified.
A third update adds FAFSA completion requirements to graduation expectations. While students are required to complete the FAFSA, a waiver option will be available for those who do not plan to attend college. District staff plan to offer FAFSA assistance events for families.
Financial Report Highlights Grant Award and Revenue Increase
The board reviewed monthly financial reports, which showed an increase in district revenue due to a foundation allowance increase. Expenses were also down by approximately $166,000 compared to the previous year.
The district also announced it had been awarded an $800,000 grant to expand its Lighthouse before- and after-school childcare program. The grant was secured in partnership with the White Lake Community Library, which served as the fiscal agent. The funding will support expanded programming, summer childcare, and tutoring initiatives.
Superintendent Shares Literacy Data and Facility Updates
In the superintendent’s report, district leadership shared key takeaways from the Governor’s First Center Literacy Summit. Board members learned that Michigan currently ranks 44th in the nation for K-12 literacy, and that more than half of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level. District leaders emphasized that improving literacy requires both school and community involvement.
The superintendent also provided updates on district facility projects, including HVAC upgrades at Ealy and the middle school, a middle school cafeteria remodel, and redesigned drop-off procedures at Shoreline to improve traffic flow and safety. Architectural planning workshops will include staff, students, and community members. Jan 19 at 6-30 PM
Public Comment Addresses Campus Policy and Grievance Concerns
During public comment, several residents addressed the board. One parent raised concerns about high school closed-campus policies during lunch and questioned why students were leaving campus during the school day.
Another community member thanked the board for its service and praised the district for securing the Lighthouse grant. Additional comments addressed grievance procedures and concerns regarding student services and policy enforcement.
The board acknowledged the comments and reminded attendees that public comment is an opportunity for community members to be heard, with follow-up handled through district administration. Jan 19 at 6-30 PM
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with the board approving the consent agenda, which included December meeting minutes and financial disbursements, and adjourning after final public comment.
The next regular meeting of the Whitehall District Schools Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.
