By Crystal Hayduk
Building administrators introduced the summer’s teacher hires to the Chelsea School District Board of Education at their meeting on Aug. 28.
North Creek Principal Luman Strong introduced Katie Falk, who will teach a new section of kindergarten this fall. Strong said that Falk, who received her degree from Eastern Michigan University, taught second grade in North Carolina for three years, held a leadership position, and directed the school’s musical. “She’s a Chelsea grad and was a member of Company C, so she has a lot of musical talent,” he said.
Nick Angel, principal of Beach Middle School, introduced Katy Steklac, the new band teacher who was hired last spring to replace Jim Otto following his retirement. He said that she’s been teaching at a charter school in Canton for the last three years. “She’s already been working at the fair parade and marching band camp and every other musical [event] for the last two months,” he said. “She’s hit the ground running and we knew she would.”
Tiffany Manning, a special education teacher consultant, will also be at Beach. “Tiffany has quite a resume with teaching experience in Georgia, Alaska, and Ohio,” Angel said. “Our staff is very excited to work with this very experienced teacher.”
Andrew Neidlinger, the high school’s assistant principal, introduced the new French and chemistry teacher, Bonnie Korn. “She has most recently taught at a charter school in Hillsdale for 12 years; she’s taken French students to Quebec and Paris in the past,” he said. “We’re very happy to have her.”
Board President Anne Mann said that information about the Nov. 7 special education millage renewal of 0.9719 mills is available on the district website here (http://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/embed.aspx?L=PY9D59F8K5LT).
With board member Greg Rhodes absent, the board approved state required updates to the English Language Learner Handbook and Policy 5630 – Student Seclusion and Restraint.
The board approved the receipt of a $6,500 grant to support the purchase of 40 heart rate monitors. Teacher Corey Knight applied for the grant through the Five Healthy Towns organization to benefit the middle school physical education program.
The board also approved a donation of $2,000 from the Kiwanis Club to assist needy families to access early childhood programs.
Upcoming dates:
The first day of school for students is Sept. 5.
The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
