November 18, 2024

Detroit Financial Review Commission

SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING

Monday, November 18, 2024

Following the City’s Regular Meeting

(Begins no earlier than 1:05 p.m.)

Microsoft Teams

MINUTES

1. Call to Order
   1. Chairman, Kevin A. Smith called the meeting to order at 1:26 pm
2. Roll Call
   1. Let the record show that a quorum was present.
3. Approval of proposed Minutes from the FRC’s October 28, 2024, School District Monthly Meeting
   1. Motion made by Commissioner Rose and supported by Commissioner Blaskiewicz to approve the draft minutes of the Commission’s October 28, 2024, School District Meeting. the Commission approved the minutes of the October 28, 2024; meeting as presented.
4. Executive Director’s Report
   1. Patrick Dostine, Executive Director, informed the meeting that in reviewing the community district’s monthly report, ending September 30, 2024, DPS and DPSCD remain in good standing with the Financial Review Commission and remain in compliance with all statute relative to their waivers.
   2. Mr. Dostine told commissioners that two new board members were elected to the school board and an incumbent reelected on Nov. 5. The new members will be seated in January. Also on Nov. 5, Mr. Dostine told commissioners that voters approved the restoration millage and renewed the Wayne RESA enhancement millage. Lastly, Mr. Dostine told the commission that the school board approved four, two-year labor contracts at its most recent meeting: two with Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals; Detroit Association of Educational Employees; and Organization of School Administrators and Supervisors. Mr. Dostine said the district has two more bargaining units (AFSME, Teamsters) left to sign contracts with. When those are completed, the district will have new contracts with all its bargaining units.
5. Old Business
   1. None
6. New Business:
   1. Approval request of the 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule (FRC School District Resolution 2024-1)
      1. Motion made by Commissioner Rose and supported by Commissioner Blaskiewicz to approve the FRC’s 2025 Regular Meeting schedule (FRC School District Resolution 2024-1) The Commission approved FRC/School District’s Resolution 2024-1 as presented.
   2. School District’s Year-Four Waiver Renewal Request – Presentation
      1. Jeremy Vidito, CFO gave a detailed presentation to the Financial Review Commission. The presentation included an overview of: FY25 Budget and 5-year budget projection, which included: DPSCD’s staffing levels and union agreements; student enrollment and FTEs; a summary of the adopted FY 25 budget; DPSCD funding comparison; general fund expenses and revenue; FY25 School staff & resource allocations and the five-year budget forecast; he also gave a detailed update on procurement key performance indicators and key activities, along with the districts updated . Mr. Vidito also stated that the district has maintained a balanced budget.He further reported that the FY24 audit will have two audit findings. One finding is related to DPSCD internal controls. The district incorrectly charged $46,000 to a grant; however, the district did not pay the amount, but the auditors found the error. The finding will not have questioned costs because DPSCD did not receive the money for the charge. The second finding, the CFO said, is related to the district’s timely reconciliation of its accounts, particularly DPS. He described it as a “technical, staff capacity” issue. He addressed questions from the commission.
7. Public Comment
   1. William Davis
   2. Michelle George
8. Next Meeting Date
   1. School District Regular Meeting: Monday, December 16, 2023, following the city meeting, beginning no earlier than 1:05 pm. using Microsoft Teams.
9. Adjournment
   1. Motion made by Commissioner Rose and supported by Commissioner Flood to adjourn. The Commission approved the motion to adjourn.
   2. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Roll Call:

Members Present – 5

• David Blaskiewicz
• Jen Flood
• Ron Rose
• Kevin A. Smith
• Dr. Nicholai Vitti

Members Absent – 6

• Hakim Berry
• Dr. Barnwell
• Angelique Peterson-Mayberry
• Jay Rising - (non-voting on DPSCD matters)
• Mary Sheffield
• John Walsh