On Monday, another request for an investigation into the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School drew a response from the state attorney general.

Monday morning, parents and friends of the students killed and people injured almost three years ago during a shooting at Oxford High School held a press conference again calling for an independent civil investigation by the state.

“An investigation will reveal the truth to drive the change,” said Buck Myre, father of Tate Myre, one of the four students killed during the shooting.

In a separate press conference Monday afternoon, Attorney General Dana Nessel responded to their request saying her office is more than willing to move forward with an investigation.

“While my department has renewed the terms of what a proper investigation would require, we have never withdrawn that offer,” said Nessel.  “It was our hope that an additional review could provide many of the answers that the families are still seeking today.”

Nessel said offers to assist in the criminal investigation with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Oakland County Prosecutors office have been turned down, as well as any outside investigations.

“We share in the families’ fatigue over the constant fingerpointing and scapegoating in these investigations and wish our offers to participate on any level had been accepted years ago,” said Nessel. “Any complete investigation by my office would require a number of things.”

In August, the Oxford school board passed a resolution asking for a state-funded review of how emergency responders and the district responded on the day of the shooting.

“The Oxford Board of Education calls upon the Michigan Legislature to mandate and fund a comprehensive, independent review of the emergency response to the November 30, 2021 tragedy, including but not limited to relevant events and agencies during before, during, and after the tragedy,” the resolution read in part.

Nessel said that several things would need to happen before an investigation can begin.

She said the prosecutors office would need to turn over all evidence, testimony, documents and transcripts involved with the prosecution of all members of the Crumbley family.

Ethan Crumbley, the shooter, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of terrorism causing death.

Jennifer and James Crumbley, his parents, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter.

Nessel said the Oxford school board would have to waive attorney-client privilege and would need willing participation of witnesses, including those who did not participate in the Guidepost Solutions investigation.

The Guidepost report on their investigation was released in August 2023. The comprehensive report detailed the events leading up to the tragedy, areas where the district was deficient in their prevention of the shooting and recommendations for future security upgrades at the school, but dozens of staff and administrators refused to participate in the investigation.

She said she would also need access to members of law enforcement and the prosecutors office, as well as approval and appropriation of funds from the state legislature for the investigation.

“We would need the cooperation of the Oakland County Sheriff (Mike Bouchard) and the Oakland County Prosecutor (Karen McDonald), as well as local law enforcement and be able to interview all of their relevant staff in order to evaluate their response and their investigation and prosecution,” Nessel said.

McDonald’s office later responded to Nessel’s comments.

“We are not aware of any action needed by my office to activate the Attorney General’s authority, but we will do everything possible to enable such an investigation,” McDonald said in a statement. “And my office will fully cooperate with any such investigation.

She added, “There is so much we can learn, and we owe it to the students who were killed and those who were injured, their families, the Oxford community, and our children to do everything we can to prevent future shootings. An independent investigation remains a critical, missing piece in that process.”

Oxford students Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling and Madisyn Baldwin were killed in the Nov. 30, 2021 shooting and seven others were wounded, including a teacher.

Trent Myre, brother of Tate Myre, again called on the state to open their own investigation.

“Our goal here today is not about blame or retribution, it is about change; change that comes from transparency and accountability,” he said. “The state must step up and do what it should have done three years ago.”

“To drive change properly we need to have data, not opinions,” said Steve St. Juliana, father of Hana St. Juliana, about the need for a full investigation. “The time for excuses has passed. We need our state leadership to take action to prevent more Michigan students from becoming victims to this epidemic.”

He added, “We should not have to be sitting up here repeatedly saying do a damn investigation.”

Nessel said that even if legislation is created and her office is allowed to conduct their own investigation, it is not guaranteed they will get the answers families are looking for.

“The authority of the Oakland County Prosecutors office and the authority of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department is exactly the same as our authority,” said Nessel. “So my question is, if those entities could not get these people to cooperate, how will we be able to do it?”

Clarkston Superintendent Shawn Ryan has been named Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) 2024 Superintendent Communicator of the Year. The award recognizes one Michigan superintendent annually for outstanding leadership and an exceptional commitment to effective communication.

“It is my honor to present one of MSPRA’s most prestigious awards to a leader who embodies communication excellence,” said MSPRA representative and Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for West Bloomfield School District Rebecca Fannon. “Dr. Ryan’s dedication to transparency, ethics, and proactive communication has fostered a sense of trust and connection throughout the Clarkston community.”

According to MSPRA’s national judging panel, Ryan exemplifies the attributes of a top communicator: he invests in year-round communication, supports district communication resources, collaborates strategically with communication professionals, and demonstrates integrity, honesty, and active listening. During his nearly three-decade career in Clarkston he built his reputation as a committed community builder and public education advocate, with his communication style rooted in accessibility, transparency, and respect.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Ryan and this well-deserved recognition,” said Board President Greg Need. “His commitment to transparent, effective communication has strengthened our district and inspired trust within our school community. This award highlights the positive impact his leadership has made across Clarkston.”

 

The Waterford school board is negotiating with Thomas Ahart to be their next superintendent.

Ahart is a consultant for the Washington, D.C.-based Council for Great City Schools, and was the superintendent of the Des Moines, Iowa, public school system for 10 years, the state’s largest district. He was an associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Des Moines before becoming the district’s leader. He has been a teacher and administrator for over 30 years.

Scott Lindberg, Waterford’s current superintendent who started in 2019, announced in June he would be leaving the district after five years on the job.
is retirement effective Dec. 31.

 

A brief, powerful storm damaged trees, downed wires and generated a tornado in Holly on Sunday night.

According to the National Weather Service, an EF-0 tornado packing 70 mph winds occurred at 6:56 p.m. and hit the Village of Holly.

“We had about 12 calls come in with trees in the roadways, wires down and various other damage around the area,” said Acting Fire Chief Jeremy Watson.

Watson said the Holly American Legion Hall Post #149 on Saginaw Street sustained the most serious damage.

“It possibly lifted the roof of the structure and set it back down with some extensive damage to the integrity of the south wall,” said Watson. “A structural engineer will be coming out to take a look at the building and assess the damage.”

“We are deeply grateful that no one was injured during this event,” the post wrote on their Facebook page. “However, due to the damage, all rentals and gatherings at our Post are suspended until further notice.”

Residential damage such as shingles being blown off of roofs, downed tree limbs and other damage was reported near Saginaw, Sherman, Maple and Washington streets.

“It was real quick, it was real sudden and then it was gone,” said Watson. “It jumped the downtown area, but there were no fatalities or injuries in conjunction with the event.”

Watson said he has not gotten a firm number of people without power in the area, but described the power outages as sporadic.

“We were busy until about 10 p.m. last night clearing roads and safeguarding the village and we do have some structures in the community that will need some attention moving forward,” said Watson.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at about 7 p.m. Sunday until 8 p.m. predicting hail and winds up to 60 mph. The warnings extended from northern Oakland County to the Thumb.

The professors union at Oakland University have unanimously voted for changes in the Dean of Students office.

Over the past week members of the Oakland University American Association of University Professors (OU-AAUP) cast ballots in a no confidence vote for Michael Wadsworth, OU’s Dean of Students and his office.

Of the 435 members who voted, 402 (92%) said they have no confidence in Wadsworth’s leadership.

“As you can see from the election result, after more than a decade of failed policies, procedures and performance that has resulted in a campus more dangerous than ever for faculty and students, and support for students with disabilities less effective and less appropriate than ever, the OU faculty has voted No Confidence in the leadership of Dean Michael Wadsworth and the Dean of Students Office,” union President Michael Latcha said in a letter to university leaders after the vote. “The Dean of Students Office must immediately be overhauled and reoriented toward serving students, faculty and the campus community.”

The university quickly responded to the union vote.

“University administrators were disappointed to learn that the AAUP chose to pursue this week’s unprecedented and counter-productive no confidence vote, which, unfortunately, may compromise the ability of the university and its faculty to meet and constructively resolve these and future concerns in a cooperative and collaborative manner,” OU said in a statement. “Any valid concerns raised by the faculty will be resolved in a collaborative effort in the best interests of all members of our campus community.”

The union is requesting:

Replacing Wadsworth.
Appointing a Disability Support Services (DSS) director who is professionally trained and fully dedicated to establishing a service climate that truly supports students.
Professionalizing the system of processing behavioral concerns.

Union members were concerned  over the handling of recent threats made by a student.

It began with a student making social media and in-person threats against a School of Music, Theater and Dance faculty member.

According to the union, faculty and students reported the behaviors through several official channels starting on Sept. 18, including utilizing the “Report Behavior” online form managed by the Dean of Students Office. No actions were taken until Oct. 10.

Wadsworth responded to faculty on Oct. 9 that the threatening recording did not contain a threat by the student to “shoot” the professor.

On Oct. 10, the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD) sent a campuswide advisory at 12:52 p.m. saying an investigation showed there was no credible threat to the campus community.

According to the union, at 5:55 p.m., after more online comments were located, the music school’s faculty voted unanimously not to return to campus until a proper investigation was held. OUPD then sent a revised advisory stating that Wadsworth had issued a “Persona Non Grata” order to the student banning them rom campus pending a hearing.

The union said some faculty and students were not aware of the threats or the investigation and continued to hold and attend classes in Varner Hall, targeted by threats.

The union said a similar incident involving a faculty member threatened by a student occurred in 2023 and a grievance was filed with the university. The grievance was withdrawn after OU agreed to a series of changes in how threats were reported  and followed up.The union claims the university has been ineffective in adhering to changes.

“Countless ignored reports of concerning behavior and multiple grievances and arbitration rulings have led the faculty to take this unprecedented and extreme step to plead for action before tragedy strikes,” Latcha wrote in his letter to leadership after the vote.

 

It was a clean sweep for school ballot proposals on Tuesday. Five districts were seeking approval for millages and a sinking fund and all were successful.

Clarkston asked voters to consider a non-homestead operating millage renewal, allowing the district to continue levying 18-mills on non-homestead property for 10 years (2026-2035).

It passed by a 17,029 yes to 10,245 no margin.

“We are incredibly grateful for your support in renewing the non-homestead operating millage,” Superintendent Shawn Ryan communicated to district voters. “This renewal means we can continue to provide our students with the resources they need to be well-prepared for a future that excites them and empowers them to believe in their dreams. Your commitment to our schools and community shows the strength of our shared vision for Clarkston’s future.”

The renewal does not affect property taxes on primary residences and qualified agricultural properties, it would only be levied on commercial, industrial, second homes, and rental properties.

The millage comprises approximately $10.2 million or 9% of the district’s operating revenue and allows the district to collect the full per-pupil funding for operating revenues at $1,083 per student.

The funds will be used to pay for staffing, textbooks, classroom supplies and operate the district’s school buildings.

FARMINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

District  voters passed a 10-year operating millage renewal proposal for the district.

It passed 29,588 yes to 16,199 no.

The district’s operating millage expires in December 2025, which means that voters needed to authorize a millage renewal to fund the operating budget of the district beyond the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The renewal will maintain current revenues and tax rates do not change.

Almost 27% of the district’s revenue, or $49.1 million would be generated in 2026.

MADISON SCHOOLS DISTRICT

The narrowest margin for approval was for a Madison schools sinking fund proposal.

The proposal was for a building and site sinking fund that would raise taxes by three mills over 10 years.

Voters approved the measure 2,812 yes (52.88%) to 2,506 no (47.12%)

“On behalf of Madison district public schools, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your overwhelming support in passing the sinking fund proposal,” said Superintendent Patricia Perry. “Your commitment to our schools and students showcases the strength of our community and our shared dedication to providing the best educational experience possible.”

The district will levy an additional $3 per $1,000 of taxable value on homes in the district from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 1, 2034.

The millage will provide estimated revenues of just over one million dollars during the first year. The funds cannot be used for the salaries of teachers, administrators or other district employees.

“With this fund, we can now address critical facility repairs and maintenance needs throughout the district,” Perry said. “This dedicated funding allows us to prioritize the safety and security of our school buildings, creating a safe and supportive environment for our students and staff.”

TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Troy voters approved a 20-year renewal (2026-2045) which allows the district to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on non-homestead property such as  industrial and commercial real property, and residential rental property, and to continue to levy on principal residence property (owner-occupied homes).

The proposal passed 21,861 yes to 12,832 no.

“The passage of the 20-year non-homestead operating millage and the hold harmless millage renewal is a significant win for our district, and we are grateful for the community’s continued support,” said Dan Trudel, assistant superintendent for business services. “These renewals reinforce our ability to plan and implement long-term initiatives that enhance the quality of education in our schools, support our students, and ensure that we continue to meet the world-class standards expected by our community.”

The non-homestead operating millage will generate $32.7 million and the hold harmless millage will generate $9.8 million. It will provide estimated revenues of $42.5 million during the 2026 calendar year, to be used for general operating costs.

In Michigan, a hold harmless millage is a tax school districts can levy on local property owners to fund school operations. The millage allows districts to make up the difference between the state’s maximum allowance and the combined state and local revenue-per-pupil money they previously received.

WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

District voters approved a proposal to replace the current operating millage with an 18-mill non-homestead millage which represents roughly $31 million and a 3.6-mill hold harmless millage, which is $2 million of the district’s budget.

It passed 32,118 yes to 25,173 no.

“On behalf of the Walled Lake schools board of education, administration, and staff, I want to extend my heartfelt thank you for your support in passing our district’s operating millage replacement,”  said Superintendent Michael Lonze  “Your commitment to our schools and students is deeply appreciated, and this critical funding will help us continue to provide the high-quality education our community values.”

The $33 million represents 18% of the district’s $187 million revenue budget.

The non-homestead operating millage will restore the millage rate to the 18-mill limit last approved by voters in 2014 and will run through 2037.

To receive the full per-student funding of $9,608 from the state, schools must levy 18-mills on non-homestead property.

If the proposal was not approved, Walled Lake would lose more than $33 million in operating revenue every year and the state will not make up the shortfall.

 

Four out of five incumbent candidates looking to hold onto their seats on the Rochester Community Schools board did just that on Tuesday.

Incumbents Barb Anness, the board’s vice president; Michelle Bueltel, president; Julie Alspach, treasurer, and Jayson Blake, trustee, were joined by newcomer Shelly Lauzon.

Alspach, Blake and Lauzon were the top three vote-getters in a field of six candidates for the full six-year term.

Anness and Bueltel were the top two finishers in a field of four candidates for the two-year term..

Anness and Bueltel beat Andrew Weather, the only incumbent who did not receive enough votes to stay on the board. Anness received 21,873 votes and Bueltel received 21,626 votes. Weaver finished third for the term ending Dec. 31, 2026 with 20,618 votes. Only the top two candidates earned seats on the board..

“I am truly honored and grateful for the trust our community has placed in me,” said Bueltel,  “I look forward to continuing to serve and work collaboratively with our community, staff, and families to support an inclusive and thriving educational environment. I am confident that together, we will continue making a positive impact for all students in our district.”

Alspach, who was appointed to the board in May 2023, led all 10 candidates with 22,187 votes to earn her first full term on the board.

“I am grateful and humbled by the level of community support I received, both in votes and encouragement throughout the campaign,” she said. “This election reaffirms our community’s belief in the excellence of our schools and our commitment to making them even better. Rochester is my hometown, where I was raised and where my children were raised. I am honored to be chosen to continue serving it.”

Anness was grateful to earn a second term on the board.

“We have so much to be proud of here in the Rochester community school district, and the clear message that retaining four incumbents sends speaks volumes: we will not be swayed by half-truths or the negative narratives pushed by some to undermine our public school district,” Anness said. “The road ahead is bright, and I am inspired by the opportunity to continue serving this incredible community.”

She also welcomed the newest board member.

“I also welcome Shelley Louzan as the newest member of our board,” Anness said. “We look forward to working together with her, embracing a spirit of collaboration, respect, and mutual trust—values that are essential to creating a board that truly works in the best interests of all the students we serve.”

 

With 113,139 votes cast in the race for the full six-year term, Blake earned the last of four board seats beating Richard Kaczanowski by just 49 votes – 19,996 to 19,947.

“I’m very pleased at the results of this election,” said Blake. “The campaign got a little rough near the end, but I look forward to putting that behind and working to serve every student in RCS over the next six years.”

Even though Donley received 12,622 votes, the fewest of any candidates running for the six-year or two-year terms, she intends to continue to contribute her time to the schools.

“I feel honored that almost 13,000 community members voted for me on election day. I wish the outcome was different, but I’m still proud that I ran a truly grassroots, independent campaign on a frugal budget without PAC funds,” said Donley.  ‘I’m looking forward to continuing my advocacy in our community and wish all school board members the best of luck as they lead RCS into the future.”

Rochester school board candidates make their case at forum

Rochester school board election could reshape the district

Rochester school board approves new three-year contract with teachers union

 

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Center rule set.

The changes set a minimum standard for what child care programs must do to keep children safe, healthy and learning, as MiLEAP and partners across the state work to build a high-quality child care system that is accessible and affordable for all Michigan families.

The proposed changes to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Center rule set reflect feedback gathered during 63 listening sessions from nearly 600 child care educators, community partners and state partners, as well as survey responses from nearly 1,300 people. The proposed changes will affect: health and safety, improve efficiencies and flexibilities, support the child care workforce and introduce new innovation models.

“MiLEAP is committed to ensuring families have access to child care options that meet their unique needs and give their children a safe environment where they can grow and learn,” said Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “As we worked on the review and update of the child care center licensing rules, we prioritized changes that helped expand access to child care while maintaining important standards for quality and safety.”

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 1st Floor Forum, 702 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing.

The proposed rules are published on the state’s Administrative Rules website.

The Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL) honored Troy School District librarian Christina Chatel and Boulan Park Middle School teacher Michelle Slaviero with the 2024 MASL School Librarian/Teacher Collaboration Award.

The award, announced on Oct. 24, celebrates their collaborative efforts, which have enhanced the educational environment within the Troy school district and serve as an example of the crucial role school libraries play in student success.

Chatel and Slaviero were recognized for their work on the Genius Hour and Michigan History Day Passion Projects with Boulan Park Middle School 8th-grade students. The student-centered projects promote deep learning, offering extensive opportunities for students to utilize the library for research and practice using citations in their work.

“I have enjoyed collaborating with Michelle for the past ten years and helping her bring Genius Hour into her classroom through the Michigan History Day project,” said Chatel. “I’m honored that MASL is recognizing our partnership as one of the best school librarian-teacher collaborations in the state this year.”

“It’s such an honor to be recognized alongside a colleague as creative and knowledgeable as Christina,” Slaviero said. “Our collaboration benefits our students immensely and shows them how essential teamwork is in delivering rigorous 21st-century learning.”