02-20-2020 Watervliet School Board updated on strategic planning process; The district is clearly a

Watervliet School Board updated on strategic planning process; The district is clearly a “highly desired school of choice”

By Annette Christie The Watervliet School Board received an in-depth review of just where the strategic planning process is and where it is going, at their Monday, Feb. 10 meeting. The team of Superintendent Ric Seager, Curriculum Director Susan Toothman, and Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) Consultant Vickie Markavitch provided the current assessment and community engagement report. It presented the findings of the “ENGAGE” phase of the process, the data gathering and focus group involvement portion. Toothman presented the academic data – much of what is available right on the district’s website on the dashboard. The data was presented, by school, and showed how Watervliet Schools compare to like districts and state-wide. She noted that the data is not always the whole picture as it is compiled by looking at about 100 students per grade. Comparisons were made by looking at overall performance, testing scores, economic status, gender, college/career readiness, advanced course pass rate, and graduation rate. Toothman even presented data on the beyond-high-school performance with regard to college enrollment and completion.

PANTHER PRIDE AWARD… winner for the month of February was announced at the last Watervliet School Board meeting. The winner of this month’s award was given to volunteer Masano Crago. Crago (center) was acknowledged for her endless volunteer work and stepping in to do whatever is needed to support the Watervliet Panthers. The award was presented by Watervliet School Board and Superintendent Ric Seager. (TCR photo by Annette Christie)

Seager presented some data with regard to the culture and climate of the district as it compared to other like districts and state-wide. He noted that the more they have kids out of school, the less likely they are to achieve. “We would rather not suspend or expel kids,” Seager said. There was some discussion on attendance rates. Seager said that studies show that schools that have attendance rates under 95% have an ill effect on the success of the students and the school overall. Markavitch reviewed the findings from the surveys and focus groups that were held with teachers, parents, staff, students, stakeholders, and the community. The state of the district survey was completed by 91 stakeholders. Data showed that it was compiled from 46.2% teachers, 22% staff, and 18.7% that were parents with students attending the school. Those who responded noted that the district schools were safe, the facilities were well maintained, the district has high standards for student performance, the district employs effective teachers, administrators and support staff, and technology is integrated into the classroom. Surveyors said the top priorities for the future were to foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff and administrators; establish a culture of high expectations for all students and personnel; recruit, employ, and retain effective personnel; provide transparent communication; and integrate personalized educational opportunities into the instructional program. In the focus groups, participants were asked to describe what a Watervliet High School graduate should look like. Some of the descriptions given were to be able to adapt and grow intellectually, socially and economically; able to independently handle basic life skills; appreciate the differences in others; be college and/or career ready; and be a confident, contributing member of the community. The talented and dedicated teaching and support staff was said to be the top strength of the district. Extra-curricular opportunities in athletics and music were also noted as a strength. The district is clearly a “highly desired school of choice” given that it is 28% school of choice students. Some of the issues that were noted as needing addressing was for more behavior interventionists/counselors, consistency with policies, consequences, and discipline programs; more consistent training and use of PBIS in all buildings; and social-emotional curriculum for students in all grades. Some other comments in Markavitch’s review were that the district will need to look at their facilities and staffing if the growth is going to continue, and that the teacher and support staff salaries needed to be studied to insure that it is fair and competitive. Overall, the vision for the district’s future as seen by those that participated in the focus groups: Be the premier district in the county and the best small school district in the state. The process will move to Phase 2 now, “FOCUS” which includes creating a framework for broad direction and priorities in a more formal strategic planning document. The plan will include the mission, vision, guiding principles, strategic goals, and objectives. From there, the district will proceed to the “EXECUTE” phase or action. Finance Office Seager announced that two long needed positions in the district’s finance office were now filled and introduced one of the two new employees to the Board. Laura Baumeister was selected as the Finance Office Accountant or junior accountant. She has served as the Deputy Treasurer for Coloma Township and in the assessor’s office in Watervliet Township. A 1989 graduate of Watervliet High School, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Accounting from Ferris State University. She lives in the district and her children attended Watervliet Public Schools as well. Rita Broekema was selected as the Director of Finance or Chief Financial Officer. She is currently the Finance Director for Schoolcraft Community Schools where she has served since 2002. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting as well as earning her Certified Public Accounting credentials. Panther Pride Award The most recent Panther Pride Award was presented during the meeting. Seager said that this month’s award winner was nominated by a colleague who wished to remain anonymous, and was seconded by many others who have been touched by her work. She was described as a volunteer at North and South Elementary schools and has filled in as an employee in more than one area of the district. She was described as being a strong supporter of all Panthers, not just her own children that are very active in school activities. Masano Crago was selected as the February 2020 Panther Pride recipient. The Panther Pride Individual and Group Award program was developed to recognize businesses, service groups, community members, parents, faculty, staff and students who have provided exemplary leadership and service. Nominations for the award can be submitted by anyone. Additional in

formation and the form can be found on the district’s website. 6th Grade Field Trip approved In other business, the board approved an out of state field trip request from Kerry Wilson, 6th grade social studies teacher. With the approval, all of the sixth graders will be able to visit the Museum of Science and Industry on May 1, 2020.

Van Buren County update given to Keeler Township Board, three millages on March 10 ballot

By Annette Christie Van Buren County Commissioner Mike Chappell was on hand at the Keeler Township Board Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 4 to update them on happenings at the county level. At the top of the updates were details on three upcoming county-wide millage proposals. On March 10, 2020, there will be three Van Buren County millage requests on the ballot: Road Millage Renewal; Public Transit Millage Renewal; and a new Veterans Services Millage.

Road Millage The renewal on the Road Millage would allow Van Buren County to continue to levy 0.9769 mill which was previously approved by voters to fund road maintenance, repair and reconstruction. The millage expired in 2019. The ballot wording states, “Shall there be a 0.9769 mill levy ($0.9769 per $1,000 dollars) of the taxable value on taxable property in Van Buren County for the next four years (2020-2023) for the purpose of maintenance, repair and reconstruction of all public streets, avenues and roads in Van Buren County?” A portion of the revenue collected may be required to be distributed to the Downtown Development Authorities, Tax Increment Financing Authorities, Local Development Financing Authorities and Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities developed in Van Buren County, City of South Haven, Bangor City, Gobles City, Hartford City, Keeler Township, and the Villages of Lawrence, Lawton, Paw Paw, and Mattawan. It is estimated that the first year of the levy could generate $3,320,282.00 in revenue. Public Transit Millage The Public Transit Millage renewal will allow Van Buren County to continue to levy 0.2471 mill which was previously approved by the electors to fund public transportation services, but which has expired with the 2019 levy. As a renewal of the previously authorized millage which expired with the 2019 levy, “Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in Van Buren County be 0.2471 mill ($0.2471 per $1000 of taxable value) for a period of four years, 2020 to 2023 inclusive for the exclusive purpose of providing funds for public transportation purposes, including the accommodation for seniors and disabled persons?” It is estimated that 0.2471 mill would raise approximately $800,000 when first levied in 2020. Veterans Services Millage Veterans Services Millage – “Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in Van Buren County be increased by 0.10 mill ($0.10 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of four years 2020-2023, inclusive, as new additional millage, to provide funds for operation and services dedicated to honorably discharged veterans who reside in Van Buren County?” Special Education Millage Hartford School District voters will be asked to vote on a special education millage. This proposal will increase the levy by the intermediate school district of special education millage previously approved by the electors. “Shall the current 3.3177 mills limitation ($3.3177 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the annual property tax previously approved by the electors of Van Buren Intermediate School District for a period of five years 2020 to 2024, inclusive; the estimate of the revenue the intermediate school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2020 is approximately $3,730,173 from local property taxes authorized herein?” Chappell also noted that the county recently received a grant for community corrections in the amount of $128,879 and for the establishment of a domestic violence response team in the amount of $53,000. Other business In ongoing cleanup efforts, the township is working with their attorney to get 65081 84th Ave. and three mobile homes in the Oak Park Subdivision on the west side of Round Lake in better condition.