The regularly scheduled meeting of the Coloma Community School Board was held on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Board President Heidi Ishmael called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Coloma Elementary students and parents involved in fall activities

Principal Kelly Jo Severin reported:

Coloma Township Police Sgt. Andrew Ulleg has been presenting valuable safety lessons to all kindergartners at Coloma Elementary in the TEAM (Teaching, Educating, and Mentoring) program. Once a week, Sgt. Ulleg meets with each class on a specific safety lesson.

The Kindness and Compassion Drive was a huge success. Donations included 146 new toys, plus stocking stuffers, over 300 pounds of non-perishable food items, 60 personal care items, and many new or gently used winter coats, gloves, mittens, snow pants and boots.

Severin had the opportunity to attend the MEMPSA (Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association) conference in Traverse City and teamed with other principals from across the state.

Tim Fish, a Coloma graduate, has joined the Coloma Elementary staff as a Behavior Support paraprofessional.

Intermediate students involved in robotics competition

Principal Winnie Staffen shared the following activities at Coloma Intermediate School:

The robotics team at Coloma Intermediate placed 11th out of 22 teams in the FIRST Lego League Challenge at Lakeshore High School on Nov. 22.

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Program) Reward Celebration will take place on Dec. 18, for all students who have at least one responsibility pass left out of 10 passes.

Junior High students have a busy December

Wendy Tremblay, Junior High School principal reported:

Junior High students participated in the Kindness and Compassion Drive by making the event a two-part competition. The Honor Club visited the Kalamazoo Museum and Planetarium on Dec. 5. Eighth grade students are in the process of scheduling classes for their freshman year at the high school.

High school students are involved in the community and benefit from local businesses

High school principal Craig Fisher reported many activities in December:

National Honor Society students will be involved in the Angel Tree program at the elementary school on Dec. 12. The Coloma High School choir performed at the Holiday Open House at the North Berrien Historical Museum on Friday afternoon. The Coloma High School Band presented their holiday concert on Dec. 4.

Charles Luchies, Machine Tool and Welding teacher shared that with the help of local businesses the welding program was able to purchase a laser cutter/welder. Approximately one-third of the seniors have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form so far this year. First semester final exams will take place on Dec. 18 and 19.

The Starfish Award winner for November was Brett Walsworth, who chose Kevin Vanpeteghem to receive the award for December for his diligence and care in dealing with the students at Coloma High School.

Coloma High School student accomplishments make a difference

Lylah Hyska, student representative informed the board that winter sports are off to a good start and National Honor Society students are involved in Coloma Elementary PTO’s Christmas Shop this week. Student Council is sponsoring special “dress-up” days for students in December and giving students the opportunity to send a note to a person by purchasing a “Candy Cane Gram” for $1.

The Academic Challenge Team recently tied with St. Joseph’s team. Coloma’s team has had a good start to their season.

Maintenance/Custodial updates

Superintendent David Ehlers reported that several expensive maintenance issues have come about in December: the air handler in the main part of the high school gym is not working properly; there is a roof leak at the Intermediate School; a shaft broke in the hot water pump at the high school; an electric heater needs to be replaced at the Alwood Gym.

During Christmas break the old choir room at the high school will be cleaned out so that the space can be utilized for future band related activities. New city water meters will be installed in most areas. Fire alarms will be inspected over the break, also.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Ehlers shared:

Due to a much lower cost per hour rate future bus maintenance will be provided by the Van Buren Intermediate School District.

Ehlers is planning on making a short visit in every classroom during the remainder of the school year.

Coloma Community School administrative office will be open from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 2025, plus January 2, 2026. The office will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026.

New terms of office for school board members to be considered

Board President Ishmael presented the idea of transitioning from electing school board members from the current four-year term of office to a proposed six-year term. Ishmael asked that the board members consider this change and be ready to make a decision in the next few months about changing the current policy.

Board action

Superintendent Ehlers recommended that the board approve the preliminary qualifications for bonds as presented in the board members information packet; Resolution D: opt-in subject to rescission regarding Section 31aa funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which includes changes to the resolutions approved at the November board meeting.

The board approved all action items as presented.

There were no public comments registered for the meeting so President Ishmael adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.