Hartford Public Schools Super is really super; Sacks the SAC; Honors decade of service

By Jon Bisnett

The Hartford School Board wrapped up the calendar year 2106 with the December 15 meeting giving high marks for Superintendent Andy Hubbard annual review, approved the move to a new athletic conference and recognized board member Bill Najacht’s decade of service at his final meeting.

Superintendent evaluation

Board President Ben Chambers reported that the annual evaluation of Superintendent Andy Hubbard had been conducted at the prior work study meeting. The evaluation process is conducted in closed session with input from all board members and is then scored on a majority basis.  Chambers revealed that Hubbard scored within .001% of the “Highly Effective” rating while commending his performance in the past year. Ginny Wesaw Rice was absent on the evening but had forwarded an email to the board reinforcing the positive opinion on Hubbard and urging fellow board members to formally endorse the evaluation process. A unanimous vote followed supporting the annual evaluation process. Hubbard first took the chair in fall of 2013.

Despite the board’s pleasure in Hubbard’s work, no contract extension or compensation adjustment as would typically follow a positive superintendent review was offered. President Chambers did state in a post meeting interview that Hubbard’s compensation would be a priority for review when the board reconvenes after the New Year.

From SAC to Southwest 10

The board was tasked with a decision to move from the current Southwestern Athletic Conference to the new Southwest 10. Information in support of the change had been presented at the prior work study. Factors that played in the proposed change included the SW10 member schools were also rural with more similar demographics, enrollment and socio-economics as Hartford.

(Readers should be reminded that the Hartford board voted against the SAC expansion that occurred 2 years ago with a variety of concerns, but were overruled by a majority vote of the SAC and obliged to go along with the decision at the time.)

After brief discussion a unanimous approval to change conferences to the SW10 for the 2017 school year followed.

Superintendent Hubbard commented that he was pleased with decision saying “It just makes good sense on several levels. We’ll be playing schools that are much more like ourselves. Average travel distances are within a mile of the SAC schools. And most importantly that all SW10 member schools will have a ‘voice’ at the table among a group of like-minded athletic directors as opposed to what amounts to ‘alliances’ within the expanded SAC. It’s no wonder member schools have already found a nickname for the SW10 calling it the Common Sense Conference.”

(Readers should also be reminded that Hubbard is well versed in athletics as he first came to Hartford as athletic director and had also been Head Football Coach in his prior position at Cassopolis).

The schools of the new Southwest 10 Conference are: Bangor, Bloomingdale, Cassopolis, Centerville, Decatur, Eau Claire, Hartford, Marcellus, Mendon & White Pigeon.

Athletic Director Nick Blackmer added “I think there is a big misconception out there that we (Hartford), wanted or were asked to leave the SAC. In fact Hartford was the 10th and final school invited to the SW10 table.

“The SAC is a great conference for some. However, the new SW10 is a far better fit for all our sports programs. The schools in the new conference are much closer in enrollment, even more similar community demographics.  The one complaint I’ve heard about the move is that we won’t have the Watervliet football rivalry. I do agree. But let it be known that I voted ‘No’ on the 2017 SAC Football Schedule in which we were not scheduled to play Watervliet. In fact 25% of the SAC ADs opposed the schedule. The SW10 on the other hand voted unanimously for their new fall schedule.”

AD Blackmer concluded his thoughts by saying, “I am totally confident the move is in the best interest for the Hartford fans, student athletes and administration.”

Najacht’s final meeting

After more than a decade of service to the district, Bill Najacht took his seat at the board table for the final time. The veteran board member failed to regain his seat in the November election; nudged out by Rick Vawter which Najacht himself admitted was really a blessing in disguise.

“I was asked if I was disappointed that I didn’t win reelection,” said Najacht, “and I told the person of course, but I am relieved as well.

“In 2016, I’ve been on 100 plus aircraft and out of the district for 130 business days which I expect my business travel to only increase in 2017.  My schedule hampered me from performing the duties as BOE member at a level the district deserves and a standard of excellence I expect from myself.

“I do want to thank all of the HPS family for their dedication, caring, and hard work during my tenure and understand that we have the best education team, period.”

Najacht went on to specifically commend the work of Superintendent Hubbard saying, “I have worked with four superintendents and this man is the real deal, his last two evaluations missed highly effective by a fraction of a point.  Mr. Hubbard could work for any district if he desired.”

Bullet-pointing the district’s success of late under Hubbard’s watch Najacht listed: Strategic Plan – Bond Campaign – Project Lead the Way – Track & Stadium Renovation – 60% of Seniors taking College Course – and the addition of over 800 mobile devices in the hands of Hartford students.

Najacht described the administration team as “rock solid.” He further complimented Mike Hallgren for his outstanding service and also called out Dave Janicki for the life lessons he provides.

He said, “I’ll miss graduation and Lisa Johnson’s chocolate chip cookies, but Rick Vawter is a highly qualified addition to the board to take my place.”

President Chambers added, “Bill, we’ve known each other most of our adult lives and I’ll say on behalf of the entire district that you will be missed.” (I wouldn’t swear to it, but I think this reporter might have heard his voice crack just a bit.)

In due course Chambers then called the question on what became a unanimously supported resolution recognizing Najacht’s service.

“Just don’t forget to put my name on the dedication plaque at the Woodside site,” joked Najacht. “You can put my name next to that of the late Tim Summerhill.”

That pretty much says it all.

Principal recognized

  Red Arrow Elementary K-2 Principal Ed Dickenson is the recipient of the Michigan Elementary and Middle Schools Principals Association Regional Honors Award.

Mr. “D” is well known locally for consistently going above and beyond the call in his job description in service to his kiddos and their families.

Dickenson is slated to expand his scope to serve as principal over the newly revamped K-5 building at the Woodside site when it reopens in fall of 2017.

Finance

Business Manager Mike Hallgren reported on monthly operational expenses noting replacements of several inoperative security cameras in the high school and updated software expenses.

Hallgren made recommendation to the board to purchase a new 88-passenger bus through the State of Michigan purchase program. Despite high marks for the performance of the district’s first propane bus, Hallgren explained the larger capacity bus is only available as a diesel. Propane buses are currently limited to 64 passengers. The route the new bus will travel requires the higher passenger capacity.

The board unanimously approved the purchase of the 88-passenger Bluebird Bus from Holland Bus Company in the amount of $106,394 via the MSBO. It will replace a vehicle that has been in service for the past 17 years.

Bond update

Hubbard and Hallgren jointly reported that construction is moving along as expected.

High school and middle school is essentially complete with the exception of a punch list of troublesome mechanicals in the HVAC system. Most issues are related to control systems on the equipment. Trane was slow in getting equipment to Hartford and many other schools going through similar updates apparently resulting in some improper factory setups which then link with the overall energy management system.

Hubbard has every confidence the contractor will work diligently to correct the reaming issues. “I have a half million dollar check sitting locked up in Mike’s desk that we’ll release only when it’s all working correctly.”

The work at the Woodside site continues despite the now frigid weather. The new gym is under roof and masons continue to work inside with auxiliary heaters.

Technology at the site will be updating the classroom SMART boards with new motion sensing projectors that do not require the special board for interactive use. Each classroom will also have its own audio system connected to the projection system providing better quality sound.

Elementary after-school program

Principal Ed Dickenson outlined the upcoming after-school program that will focus on early literacy. Thanks to a grant combined with surplus funds from the migrant program, Dickenson reports eight teachers are committed and a bus will be available in addition to snacks provided by a FDA program. Ed says this opportunity should work well to compliment the State of Michigan’s new push for K-3 literacy. The program is slated to begin January 10.

Superintendent’s report

Andy Hubbard began by complimenting the Hartford bands for their recent holiday performances.  Hubbard credited Director Aaron Mirakovits for the growth of program numbers. Middle school band has 70 students, 60 in 6th grade and an influx of brand new musicians from the new 5th grade instrumental music program.

Hubbard noted the new athletic website is up and running. It may be accessed via a link on the front page of www.hpsmi.org or visit www.hartfordindians.com.

The inaugural Middle School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony is scheduled for January 11. Nicole Meachum has been responsible for the formation of the new chapter to recognize academic excellence at the middle school level.

Having no further business, Chambers adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. by wishing all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2017. The board meets next after the New Year.