Coloma School Board officers remain the same for 2024; set special meeting on May’s bond proposal

A new semester of activities for all students was highlighted at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Coloma School Board on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Principal reports

Craig Fisher, High School principal, reported that teachers are reteaching expectations this week to start off the new semester that began on Monday. Fisher also announced the Starfish award for December was presented to Matt Ford, Spanish teacher at the high school. Ford was chosen by Michael Churchill, assistant principal, for his diligence and caring attitude for his students.

National Honor Society students will be used as tutors in math and science during RTI sessions.

Wendy Tremblay, Junior High School principal shared that students were able to end the first semester with a half-day of rewards. Coming up on January 18 there will be a celebration for the Honor Roll students with a special breakfast provided by the Chartwell staff along with certificates and awards.

During the week of January 22 junior high students will be completing the second Delta Math Screener. This screening will provide information about those students who have been successful in the program during the first semester and target those students who need additional help.

Tremblay announced that a “Student Success Night” for parents is scheduled for January 23 at 6 p.m. Teachers will review how to access different platforms to assist students at home. Parents will have the opportunity to review Google Classroom, Inspire Science, IXL, Big Ideas Math, TCI, and PowerSchool.

Also at the junior high, NWEA testing will begin on January 30. The Honor Club will be visiting Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) on February 1. The tour and lunch at SMC will expose the students to postsecondary options.

Winnie Staffen, Intermediate School principal reported that a “Student of the Month’’ celebration will be held at the Intermediate library on January 12. One student from each grade will be recognized as the student of the month for both November and December. A PBIS rewards party will take place on January 24 for any student who does not have any missing assignments and no referrals.

John Klein, Coloma Elementary principal shared that families played games provided by Everything Educational at a Family Game Night on December 12. Twenty two educational games were given away, plus a pop-up library provided three books for each student to take home.

Student Representative report

Student Representative Brielle Hicks shared that students at the high school enjoyed participating in fun activities during “Spirit Week” held Dec. 18-22. Students are now busy with the beginning of second semester classes and sporting events.

Board organized for the coming year

Board President Ishmael reported that the school board officers will remain the same for the upcoming year: Board President - Heidi Ishmael, Vice-President - Doug Kramer, Secretary - Nicole Hickmon, and Treasurer - Steve Groendyk. Board meetings will continue to be held on the second Monday of the month in room 46 at the Junior High School.

Ishmael announced that while Coloma Community Schools’ students will not be having classes on Monday, Jan. 15 because teachers will be participating in a “Professional Staff Development Day.” Staff will be focusing on technology and curriculum resources.

A special board meeting will be held on Jan. 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. concerning the bond proposal in May.

Maintenance/Custodial updates

Superintendent Dave Ehlers reported that during the winter break the fire alarms in all the school buildings were tested, the AED defibrillator kits were inspected, filters in the air purifiers checked, and a sump pump at Coloma Elementary was replaced.

Informational items

Sara Ashley, Director of Business Services provided information concerning changes in the original 2023-2024 budget approved in the summer that need to be addressed and adjusted as the school year has progressed. The amended budget changes include the need for hiring replacements for staff retirements and resignations, increased funding due to a higher student count than projected, and changes in the bus purchasing process as presented in December.

Superintendent Ehlers explained that the district has the opportunity to participate in the Berrien Energy Rebate Savings Service Program.

Board action

Superintendent Ehlers recommended that the board approve the following items: The amendment to the 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act as presented by Sara Ashley and the resolution to participate in the Berrien Energy Rebate Savings Program as presented.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendations as stated above.

There were no public comments submitted for the Jan. 8 meeting.