By Crystal Hayduk
Fueled by the potential sale of district-owned land on the corner of Old U.S. 12 and Freer Road, Matt Jordan, co-president of the Chelsea Fairways Homeowners Association, addressed the Chelsea Board of Education at their meeting on April 23 during the opportunity for public input.
Jordan said that the initial news two weeks ago about the district’s interest in selling the property to the Michigan medical group, IHA, was surprising to the community; and given the plan to vote on the sale at the April 23 meeting, also fast-moving. Even though IHA withdrew their offer to purchase the land, he still wanted to inform the board about the opinions of the residents of Chelsea Fairways subdivision, located on the opposite corner.
“We know this specific issue has moved on, but there is a potential now for the future that we had not anticipated,” he said.
Jordan said that there are 124 homes in the subdivision, in which reside approximately 100 children who attend Chelsea schools. In a survey of the neighborhood, 92 percent were opposed to the sale. Residents cited concerns about safety and traffic issues, possible prevention of growth in other areas of Chelsea, and loss of green space.
Mary Beth Lampe also addressed the board during public input. She thanked them for last year’s approval of the Young 5s program that her son attends. She said that “challenges were identified, and everyone came together to keep him engaged and create a positive culture.”
Superintendent Julie Helber said the school district has a number of job openings posted on the website.
Three of four coaches have been hired to replace those who announced retirements or resignations. Erin Dillon, a high school social studies teacher, will replace Laura Cleveland as the head volleyball coach. Josh Tropea, a middle school special education teacher, will replace Mark Moundros as the boys’ basketball coach. Nick Vetter, a seven-season assistant, will replace Don Wright as head hockey coach.
“We can’t replace all the years of experience, knowledge, and relationships,” said Helber. “We are sad to see them go. But every closed book also means a new chapter can begin.”
The board met in closed session after the public portion of the meeting, for the purpose of the superintendent’s evaluation. They released this statement: “Dr. Helber has proven to be a highly effective superintendent for our district. Dr. Helber’s vision and goal setting for the entire school district are her greatest strengths. Dr. Helber always represents the district well. We look forward to her continued positive leadership for the Chelsea School District. At this time, the Board of Education will be extending her contract for another year.”
In other board news:
With Laura Bush absent, the school board approved the technology update for Chelsea High School, to be paid for with technology bond funds at a cost of $554,000. The wireless network system will be replaced by UTEC for $29,872.
The board approved the use of nearly $82,000 of sinking funds to replace the failing cooling tower at Chelsea High School, an unexpected expense.
Five seniors were recognized at the SEC All-Academic luncheon on April 18: Josephine Surel, Joshua Kowalski, Leah Pifer, Kylie Saxton and Caroline Hirth.
Under the guidance of Matt Pedlow, the economics team of Connor Gilbreath, Zach Barhite, Jeremy Burby, and Riley Lukomski won the state finals on April 23. They will compete in Nebraska for the National Finals of the Personal Finance Challenge.
Upcoming dates:
The school board will meet for a work session on May 14.
The regular May board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on May 21 at the Washington Street Education Center.
There is no school on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.
