Novi's school board approved the first phase of the Novi High School Innovation Hub on Oct. 15, advancing a key piece of the district's 2025 bond program.

The 6-0 vote at the Educational Services Building approved the Innovation Hub's superstructure. Vice President Beaudoin made the motion. President Ruskin, Secretary Paul Cook, Treasurer Kliebert and Trustees Mena and Michener all voted yes.

The Innovation Hub was one of five action items the board cleared unanimously that evening, according to draft meeting minutes. The others: a bond governance procedures update, an early childhood education curriculum update, NHS student media technology upgrades, and a wage reopener for early childhood educators.

Before the votes, the board heard a preview of another bond-funded project. Superintendent Ben Mainka introduced Stewart Reich of Kingscott and Jason Ide of Christman Company to field questions about the NHS Performing Arts Center Phase 1 guaranteed maximum price package. The package is scheduled to return for action Nov. 12.

Both the Innovation Hub and the Performing Arts Center are funded through the district's 2025 bond program.

49 semifinalists recognized

Novi High School Principal Nicole Carter presented and congratulated 49 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists at the meeting. Semifinalists in attendance led the board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

$1,600 for Equity Gap Program

The board also accepted a $1,600 donation from Novi Youth Assistance for the district's Equity Gap Program. The program provides financial help so students can participate in school activities and access materials they otherwise could not afford. Examples listed in the minutes include yearbook purchases, field day shirts, Chromebook insurance, after-school club fees and winter boots.

Streaming proposal and what's next

Mainka told the board that the district's Committee of the Whole meetings, historically held in a work-session format, could shift to the regular board-meeting structure. That change would allow the sessions to be recorded and streamed for the public. The proposal is scheduled to return for action at the board's next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The board's next regular meeting is Nov. 12 at the Educational Services Building, where members are scheduled to consider the Performing Arts Center price package and the committee-meeting format change.