TCAPS Board of Education

Viewing Board Meetings

Viewers can watch TCAPS Board of Education meetings and committee meetings live on TV190 or via livestream during the meeting or on demand at any time at livestream.com/tcapslive/board.

About the Board of Education

The TCAPS Board of Education is made up of seven members elected to four-year terms. The Board of Education meets once or twice per month and holds quarterly retreats. School board members also serve on Board of Education committees, attend local and regional meetings and host community dialogues.

Contact the Board of Education 

Mail:     TCAPS Tompkins Boardman Administrative Office
              412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
Email:   schoolboard@tcaps.net 
Phone:  231-933-1726

Or individually by email at the addresses below:

Scott Newman-BaleScott Newman-Bale
President
newmansc@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2021
Term Expires: 12/2024

Erica L. Moon MohrErica L. Moon Mohr
Trustee
mohrer@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2019
Term Expires: 12/2026

Flournoy HumphreysV. Flournoy Humphreys
Vice President
humphreyfl@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2021
Term Expires: 12/2024

Holly T. Bird
Trustee
birdho@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2023
Term Expires: 12/2026

Andrew RaymondAndrew R. Raymond
Treasurer
raymondan@tcaps.net
Appointment: 12/2020
Term Expires: 12/2026

Beth Pack
Trustee
packbe@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2023
Term Expires: 12/2026

Josey BallengerJosey Ballenger
Secretary
ballengejo@tcaps.net
Appointment: 01/2021
Term Expires: 12/2024

  


 

 

  • Executive Committee
    Members: President, Vice President, one rotating board member and Superintendent
     
  • Curriculum Committee
    Members: Humphreys, Moon Mohr, and Pack (Alternate: Bird)
     
  • Finance/Operations Committee
    Members: Ballenger, Bird, and Raymond (Alternate: Moon Mohr)
     
  • Round Table
    Member: Rotating Board Member
     
  • Reinstatement Committee
    Members: S. Newman-Bale,  Board Curriculum Committee Chair (Alternate: F. Humphreys)
     
  • Nutrition and Wellness Committee
    Members: Moon Mohr and Pack
     
  • District Network
    Members: S. Newman-Bale (Alternate: F. Humphreys)

To contact the full school board: schoolboard@tcaps.net

Board Schedules

Click on the links below to view agendas and minutes from the following board committees:

**Beginning April 2021, the Communications Committee, HR/Policy Committee, and the Board Agenda Review Committee merged to become the Board Executive Committee. Click on the following links to view past agendas and minutes of the Communications Committee and the HR-Policy Committee. 

For More Information

Board agendas and minutes will be posted on the TCAPS website for the most recent 12 month period. For agendas or minutes dated beyond 12 months or for more information or questions, please contact Recording Secretary to the Board Megan Feiss at 231.933.1726 or feissme@tcaps.net.

TCAPS Board of Education Monthly Office Hours 

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in person on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.  The meeting will be located on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the bookstore. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Humphreys will attend. 

External LinkView Board Policies & Guidelines

Special Meetings Notices

Virtual Meeting Notices

Meeting Location Notices

Public Hearing Notices

View information regarding making public records requests.

Interested in Becoming A Board Member?

The Role of a Board Member

Becoming a board member is a big responsibility that provides an important service to the community and its youth. As a board member, you will be asked to provide input and direction on a wide variety of issues including the district's educational programs, financial priorities and overall policymaking. Another key component of serving on a school board is community relations. School boards help build community understanding of and support for public education. 

TCAPS Board Election Schedule

The Board of Education is responsible for:

  • Envisioning the school district's educational direction and to set goals/strategies that will guide the district toward that vision.
  • Hiring a superintendent to implement the board's policies and effectively manage the district to accomplish its goals.
  • Monitoring/assessing the district's performance and to engage/inform the community.
  • Advocating for students and public schools within the community, state and nation.

Board Member Training

With such great responsibilities, it's important for board members to recognize that there will be a lot to learn as they begin their new position, not only about the school district itself, but also about their role on the board. To assist individual board members navigate their new role and to help the school board function effectively as a whole, all board members are required to:

  • Participate in TCAPS' school board orientation process under the guidance of experienced board members and the superintendent.
  • Attend a workshop for new board members conducted by state and area school board associations (MASB). 
  • Review External LinkTCAPS' board policies.

Board Member Resources

April is Social Host Responsibility Month

At its March 13, 2023, Board of Education meeting, board members signed a proclamation stating April 2023 is Social Host Responsibility Month and calls upon all parents, citizens, homeowners, and property owners to host gatherings responsibly and to take measures to eliminate access to alcohol to persons under the age of 21. PDF DocumentRead the full proclamation.

November 14, 2022 Board Resolution Signed

TCAPS Board of Education adopted a resolution during their regular meeting held November 14, 2022, known as the BE SMART Gun Safety Resolution. The resolution focuses on the importance of gun safety and firearm storage. Read the full resolution.

July 26, 2021 Board Resolution Signed

The TCAPS Board of Education signed a resolution at the July 26, 2021 meeting condemning racism and all other forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying and affirm their commitment to an inclusive school environment for all. Read the full resolution. 

TCAPS Board of Education Approves Resolution to Renew Coast Guard City Designation

Long-standing partnership with USCG Air Station Traverse City benefits students and community

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is pleased to announce that the Board of Education approved a resolution on March 9, 2020, to support the renewal of Traverse City’s designation as a “Coast Guard City.”

The memorandum from TCAPS Interim Superintendent Jim Pavelka supporting the resolution was read by Board Secretary Pam Forton at the Board of Education’s March 9th meeting. It states:

“Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has a long and proud history of working in close partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City.

As a school district, it is an honor and privilege to assist families assigned to Traverse City with enrollment in our district and to provide additional support and resources as outlined by the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

In addition, Coast Guard members and families are highly involved in community events like the U.S. Coast Guard Cup and TC Patriot Game. They provide tours, demonstrations, and learning opportunities for our students, and volunteer in our classrooms as guest readers and mentors. Our partnership in education has been vital to our students and our community.  

For these reasons, it is the recommendation of TCAPS Administration that the Board of Education adopt a resolution to support the designation of Traverse City as a ‘Coast Guard City’.” 

The resolution was approved by the TCAPS Board of Education by a unanimous vote.

“TCAPS is proud to partner with Air Station Traverse City and to support Coast Guard families as they serve as “Guardians of the Great Lakes” performing search and rescue, maritime safety and security, and environmental protection along our local waterways and beyond,” said Jim Pavelka, interim superintendent for Traverse City Area Public Schools.

TCAPS learning communities offer a great place for students from Coast Guard families to make friends, challenge their imagination, and continue on their educational journey. TCAPS recognizes the need to provide incoming families with expertise and individualized support that includes careful assessment, placement, and ongoing communication in order to result in a successful transition into Traverse City and its schools, as well as, to prepare for a student’s next school transition.

PDF DocumentRead the full proclamation here. 
 

TCAPS Statement on School Safety, Diversity and Inclusion

(as read at the Board of Education meeting on June 8, 2020)

On behalf of Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), we would like to publicly reaffirm our commitment as a Board and school district to ensuring the safety and inclusion of EACH student and to valuing diversity within our institution. Under the Blueprint, the district’s strategic plan, one of TCAPS’ core values is to provide a learning environment that is grounded in a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for students. Furthermore, the Board’s Anti-Harassment Policy 5517.01 supports providing safe learning environments for all students by prohibiting harassment due to an individual’s race, ethnicity, religion or disability.

We know that children who attend public school have broader educational experiences, because on top of the opportunity to master academic concepts and skills, students also have a chance to meet and interact with people who are not like them and who come from different and diverse backgrounds. As an institution, we are committed to continuing to work tirelessly to provide safety and security for EACH of our students, as well as for our staff and families. We are also committed to creating welcoming school environments, to celebrating all that makes us unique and special as individuals, and to protecting each child’s right to a free and fair public education.

Board Resolution in Support of State and Federal Funding for Schools

On Monday, June 8, 2020, the TCAPS Board of Education adopted a resolution in support of state and federal funding for schools. PDF DocumentView the Board resolution here.

Board Resolution for Electronic Participation

On November 9, 2020, the TCAPS Board of Education adopted a resolution in support of electronic participation for Board meetings. PDF DocumentView the Board resolution here.