05/29/2026
I want to address claims made this evening regarding the Board of Education's closed session.
The closed session was convened pursuant to Section 8(1)(c) of the Open Meetings Act, which explicitly permits closed sessions for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with collective bargaining. The purpose of tonight's session was to establish the financial parameters necessary for the district's negotiation team to engage productively with the Grosse Pointe Education Association — a discussion that is directly, legally, and inseparably connected to collective bargaining strategy.
Trustee Cotton chose to leave the meeting before the closed session began.
Trustee Jeup's public characterization of the session's content misrepresents both its purpose and its substance. The Board conducted itself lawfully, responsibly, and in the best interest of the district's students, staff, and community.
Establishing responsible financial parameters before entering negotiations is basic governance.
The public deserves accurate information, and seven trustees who are committed to providing it. This coordinated stunt is an attempt to gin up negative attention, and it does not serve our district in any way.
