By Kristy Noack

 Although school is out for the summer break, there was plenty of business conducted at Monday’s Watervliet Board of Education meeting.  The board adopted Interscholastic Athletics Policy 8484 which includes a new section regarding the random drug screening of varsity and junior varsity athletes. All athletes in each of the district’s sports – as well as their parent or guardian – will have to sign the an agreement allowing the screening.  Superintendent Schooley, fresh off his duties as grand marshal in the Watervliet 4th of July parade, explained there were four compelling reasons for the new policy.  He cited healthy and safety of all student athletes, drug abuse prevention, providing an “out” for an individual who might be pressured by others into trying drugs, and intervention before drug abuse begins as the benefits of the new policy. Schooley said, “[The policy] reinforces our student athletes – whether they like it or not – are role models. There is a responsibility as role model.”  Of the policy, Ken Dietz, Watervliet High School athletic director said, “I think we’ve put a lot of thought into it. We’re being proactive. We’re addressing an issue that needs to be addressed. We’re not out to get anybody; we’re out to help.”  Bill Spaulding, Watervliet school board vice president, agreed with Dietz. “We’re out to prevent drug abuse. This [policy] is a valuable deterrent.”  The board also discussed the educational component of the policy. If a student fails a drug test, they will have to complete a drug awareness course as one of the conditions of the policy. The course will be used to educate the student athlete on the dangers of drug use. Schooley commented that the education of both students and parents was paramount to the success of the policy.  The policy and athletic handbook were passed unanimously.  Approval was also given to the Michigan High School Athletic Association reaffirming Watervliet’s membership.

Moment of Silence for Victims of Berrien County Courthouse Shooting

 The board held a moment of silence for those wounded and killed in Monday’s shooting at the Berrien County Courthouse. Two bailiffs were killed and one deputy and one civilian were wounded when an inmate wrestled a gun from a deputy and began shooting.

Organizational Meeting Approvals

 The board approved the following measures: Fifth Third Bank, Huntington bank, MILAF, PNC Bank, Chemical Bank, and MBIA Class remained designated depositories for school funds, legal notices will continue to be published in the Tri-City Record, and Thurn Law Firm in Lansing will continue as the attorneys of record for the 2016-2017 school year.  Previously, Schaffer & Layer conducted the district’s annual audit. In 2016, Schaffer & Layer was purchased by Kruggel and Lawton CPA. The district will continue with the Kruggel and Lawton CPA, as Schooley noted the change to the firm was in name only. Alex Schaffer remains as the school’s lead auditor. Two years remain on the contract to provide auditing services to the Watervliet district.

Superintendent Evaluated, Given 1.5% Salary Increase

 Spaulding advised that the Superintendent Review Committee rated the overall performance of Superintendent Schooley. All seven board members reviewed Schooley’s performance. Those scores were averaged into an overall score. Schooley was rated “at the high end of effective,” according to Spaulding. The four categories were: ineffective, minimally effective, effective, and highly effective. Schooley scored an 83 for the 2015-2016 school year.  “I think overall it’s a very strong score and a very strong performance,” Spaulding said. “The Board of Education is very satisfied with Mr. Schooley’s performance.”  The committee’s recommendation of a salary increase of 1.5% was approved unanimously. Additional Approvals for Bread, Milk, Budget, and Fund Equity  General fund expenses in the amount of $1,586,114.17 for June were approved. Of that number, $402,530.90 was related to payroll. A bus purchase in the amount of $83,858.00 and truck purchase of $24,485.00 were also included in the expenses.  Miller Davis, the district’s construction firm, was paid $462,951.63 for Phase 2 work that is ongoing.  Alpha Bakery will supply the district with bread products for the 2016-2017 school year. Cedar Crest Dairy secured the milk contract. Both companies offered the low bid.  The board approved policy 3150, Fund Equity. This policy stated the district’s fund equity would not fall below 15%. Spaulding commented that 15% was a good number and a “key reason to maintain our cash flow because state aid is not timely.”

Two Teaching Contracts Extended

 Alecia Hickman, a substitute teacher in the district, was offered a contract. She will work in the WAY program’s math department and will also teach math at the high school. Colby Ensing was also offered a contract. She taught at Constantine High School for six years and will teach high school English and Social Studies at Watervliet.

Ice Cream Social at Van Buren Historical Society July 17

 The Van Buren Historical Society is celebrating their 60th Anniversary with an Ice Cream Social on July 17 from 2-5 p.m. A free will donation will allow entrance to the museum at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy., in addition to the Social.  Come one, come all, bring your friends and neighbors and some lawn chairs and have an old fashion Sunday afternoon. Return on July 24 at 2 p.m. and enjoy a talk with Steve Rigoni as he enlightens us all on the local  residents involvement of Civil War times.  Steve has been entertaining audiences with his wealth of knowledge for many years.

North Berrien Historical Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Join us at the North Berrien Historical Museum as we celebrate 50 years of making history on Tuesday, July 19 at 7pm.  On July 29, 1966, a group of like-minded citizens held the very first meeting of the North Berrien Historical Society. They shared stories, photographs and artifacts in a mission to preserve their local heritage and history. Over the years, their dedication and collaboration has successfully evolved the society; from the construction of a museum, to the successful passage of funding allowing for growth, and from countless volunteer hours to the hiring of paid professional staff, the society and its mission have grown extensively in 50 years. Celebrate with us at this special program on Tuesday, July 19. The museum’s collection of scrapbooks and mementos will be on display for viewing. For anyone who has any photographs or memories of their own who would like to participate, we invite you to join us! Refreshments will also be served. If you would like to share a photograph or memory of your involvement with the North Berrien Historical Society but cannot make this event, feel free to submit to us your stories via email at info@northberrienhistory.org or call us at (269) 468-3330, and we will be sure to share them that evening!

HAPPY 94th BIRTHDAY… to our Dear Mom! Love Janie, Susie, Nancy & Teddy. WE LOVE YOU! Rose is celebrating her birthday this weekend. If you’d like to send her a card she’s at: P.O. Box 1 Watervliet, Mi 49098