At the meeting of the Coloma Community School Board held on Monday, May 13, 2024, Craig Fisher, High School Principal, introduced students McKenzie Hosbein and Makenna Baker who shared several student concerns to the board as a part of their Public Speaking class project. They provided the audience with clearly stated ideas and reasons for allowing seniors the privilege of “buying” a designated parking spot that could be decorated following specific guidelines.
Their presentation also addressed granting graduating seniors the permission to tastefully decorate their caps that would convey their high school experiences, plans for the future, or to honor a friend or family member. After listening to their speeches, Superintendent Dave Ehlers invited Hosbein and Baker to schedule a meeting with him to discuss the issues presented in the speeches.
Principal Fisher reported that the Starfish Award for April was given to Brett Walsworth, English teacher at the high school. Walsworth was chosen by Terry Sheehan, last month’s recipient, because he goes above and beyond to help his students and inspires them to achieve their educational goals.
Fisher shared that 73 seniors will be graduating this year. Of the 73 graduating seniors, 47 students have indicated that they will be continuing their education in the fall. Five students will be continuing the EMC program (Early Middle College), 20 will be attending Lake Michigan College or Southwestern Michigan College, 12 will be attending a 4-year college or university, three will be attending cosmetology school, and one student will be entering the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. One Coloma graduate is enlisting in the Marines, three students will be entering a formal apprenticeship program, and the other 22 students will be directly entering the workforce.
In other high school news, the Spring Band Concert is scheduled for May 16 at 6:00 p.m. The final day for seniors is May 17, 2024 and graduation takes place on May 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Brielle Hicks, student representative, shared that spring has been a very busy time for the students at the high school due to school work, sports, and other activities such as the prom and concerts.
Other building reports
Wendy Tremblay, Junior High School Principal, reported that almost all testing has been completed. Last week seventh grade students went to the Airway Fun Center in Kalamazoo. Next week eighth graders will be headed to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park in Alto, Michigan. Sixth graders will be taking their annual walk to place flags in the cemetery to honor veterans and will experience a Harry Potter theme STEM day.
In the next few weeks some Junior High students will be traveling to Mackinac Island, helping with field day at the Intermediate and Elementary schools, plus walking to Dairy Corner for a citizenship award. The last day of school will include end of year awards and a kickball tournament.
Winnie Staffen, Intermediate School Principal, reported that on May 6 the current third graders toured the Intermediate building and asked questions about the school. Principal Tremblay will meet with current fifth graders on May 16 and 17 to prepare them for their transition to the Junior High building prior to their tour of the building on May 23. Fourth graders will go to John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids for their end of the year field trip and fifth graders will take a trip to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Field Day is planned for May 30 for students in grades 3-5.
John Klein, Elementary School Principal, shared that “Little Learners” and second grade students will be going to Binder Park Zoo. First graders will be going to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. “Little Learners” last day of school is May 21. Staff will then conduct home visits for the final weeks of school. Field Day for Y5-2nd graders is May 30.
Financial report
Sara Ashley, Director of Business Services, reported that the district has spent 73% of budgeted funds and has received 73% of state funds.
Ashley explained that four food service bids for the coming year were submitted. The current provider, Chartwells’ bid was $2,000 below the other bids and their contract was extended for the 2024-2025 school year. Ashley also addressed the support staff salary schedule and provided more information on administrators’ pay raises/contracts to the board.
Summer meal services
Shelley Mazigan, Food Service Director, shared that Coloma Community Schools will be offering two meal choices this summer.
Children under the age of 18 may participate in any one of the designated locations for a daily meal or may choose to be a part of a 7-day meal pick up. Per USDA regulations, families may participate in only one of the programs, not both. For more information on the Chartwells daily or weekly summer food service call 269-468-2598 or email: smazigan@ccs.coloma.org.
Maintenance/Custodial updates
Superintendent Ehlers shared that the summer “to do” list is growing.
B.E.R. has been contacted to replace the air conditioning unit in the music room that is no longer working. Hopefully, the boilers will pass the inspection scheduled for June 27, 2024.
Ehlers said that expenses related to the planned work will likely come from the district’s Sinking Fund, which can be used for building and site improvements. The district had hoped to use bond funds for major projects needed, but voters rejected the recent bond proposals.
Superintendent’s Report
Ehlers shared that Berrien RESA’s calendar for the 2024-2025 school year is very similar to the current calendar.
The summer migrant program is scheduled for June 26-August 5 for students in grades K-8 at the Intermediate building.
Board action
The Personnel and Finance Committee recommend that the board approve the administrator pay raises with contract extensions as presented.
Superintendent Ehlers recommended that the board approves the contract with Chartwells for providing food service, the support staff salary schedule, and a resolution supporting the proposed Berrien RESA general fund operating budget for 2024-2025.
The Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendations as presented.
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