By Crystal Hayduk
Teresa Zigman, executive director of business and operations, presented the amended general fund budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 to the Chelsea School District Board of Education at the meeting on Dec. 12.
Adjusting for the decreased revenue related to lower student numbers, Zigman produced a budget that will use over $87,000 of fund equity to pay expenses. “Overall, we are left with just under $4.5 million in unassigned fund balance,” she said.
Superintendent Julie Helber said, “It wasn’t as shocking as I expected given the loss of the number of students.” (Related story.)
The board approved the amended budget with a 5-0 vote – both Laura Bush and Tammy Lehman were absent.
Administrators reviewed current progress on achieving the district’s goal of maintaining a positive, safe, and healthy school climate. Safety elements such as drills, visitor protocols, and locked doors exist in all buildings; while a variety of support groups are available to students at all grade levels.
Schools partner with community agencies to promote student health and well-being. Staff participates in professional development to assist in identifying a variety of issues.
The technology department strives to improve safety through upgraded internet filters, internet safety training for students, and monitoring students’ use of internet search terms on a weekly basis.
Food service employees receive training on food safety and prevention of food-borne illness, while transportation department employees receive monthly safety bulletins and professional development on bus evacuation.
Helber said it is important to have enough AED (automated external defibrillator) units across the district, as well as improved visibility and signage so they are accessible to anyone. “Quick access to an AED can save lives,” she said.
Representing the board, Anne Mann thanked Laurel McDevitt and Steve Olsen for their years of faithful service to the district in their final meeting following the Nov. 9 election. Helber said that even though she has only worked with them for a short time since becoming superintendent in July, 2016, she has appreciated their support, guidance, and knowledge.
She extended her thanks as well as that of the district’s administrative team.
During the opportunity for public input, Andrew Thomson of Chelsea Community Education thanked McDevitt and Olsen for their vision and forward thinking that has brought the school district to a place of success, and for their support of programming that enhances the whole child.
Olsen said that children are the community’s most important asset and that it has been an honor to serve in a district that educates them well and in a community that loves them.
“There’s a great team in the Chelsea School District,” he said. “Thank you all for doing the jobs that you do.”
Echoing Olsen’s remarks, McDevitt said it has been her honor and privilege to serve on the board. She thanked the district’s staff, administrative team, and fellow board members.
McDevitt and Olsen will remain in their official capacity until Dec. 31.
Shawn Quilter and Kristin van Reesema will take office in 2017.
In other board news:
The board approved the purchase of three passenger buses from Capital City International in Lansing. The total cost of $280,350 will be paid out of the Series C, 2016 Bond Funds. Delivery will take place in May; the buses will begin service for the 2017-18 school year. Three or four spare buses will be sold.
Superintendent Helber has been working with CHS Principal Mike Kapolka, Olsen, and board student representatives Carly Critchfield and Patrick Bertoni to write expectations for student liaisons. Critchfield and Bertoni said that it will be beneficial to have clear guidelines for the position, and they believe it will increase interest among potential applicants.
The board thanked Tom Shanahan of the operations department for his excellent work during 38 years of employment, and wished him a happy retirement.
Helber commended the operations department for their dedicated service during the snowstorm on Dec. 11, especially “keeping it safe” for Ballet Chelsea’s “Nutcracker” performance at the high school.
Upcoming dates:
There will be no school for winter break from Dec. 23 through Jan. 6. School will resume on Jan. 9.
The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 at North Creek Elementary School, 699 McKinley St.
There will be no school for students on Jan. 16 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
