By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education formally approved the hiring of four new teachers at its meeting on Sept. 14.
Superintendent Dave Killips said that even though the hiring process took place within the week before school began, there were many “fabulous candidates.”
Jill Stein, a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University, was hired as a kindergarten teacher due to an unexpected increase in student enrollment. Selected from a pool of more than 180 candidates, Stein had assisted Chelsea’s athletes with summer training and was also a volunteer assistant coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team last season. According to a statement from Julie Deppner, assistant superintendent, “Her glowing recommendations indicate she will bring a positive work ethic and will work hard for the students and parents of the Chelsea community.”
Nick Schumann was hired to teach fifth grade, also due to a late increase in student enrollment. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, and also holds a Master’s Degree from Marygrove College. For the last 11 years, he has taught in the Huron Valley School District. Deppner’s recommendation said, “He is well-respected, loved by all, is a hard worker, and really cares about kids.”
Brandon Schmidt also joins the South Meadows’ staff. Both Schumann and Schmidt were selected from more than 275 individuals who applied for the elementary positions. Schmidt will be teaching fourth grade as a result of Dave Brinklow’s transfer to Beach Middle School to replace Jill Albert following her resignation. Schmidt, who has taught for 12 years in the Britton Deerfield School District, holds degrees from Siena Heights University and the University of Phoenix. Deppner said, “He is a leader, hard-working, creative, collaborative, and a great guy and coach.”
Sara Myers was hired for special education at Beach Middle School following the resignation of Kalli Nowitske. Myers was the standout candidate of 20 who applied for the position, which posted on Aug. 28. She earned her degree from Aquinas College in January, 2013, and has been teaching at South Lyon High School. According to Deppner, her references described Myers as “hard working, a great planner…energetic, goes above and beyond, and is a team player.”
Killips introduced the district’s new operations director, Denis Taylor, to the board. Taylor formerly served as the facilities supervisor for the Holly Area School District. “Denis has a wealth of experience in operations,” said Killips. “He has managed millions of dollars in expansion funds.”
In other news:
The board approved two donations to the preschool scholarship fund: $2,000 from the Chelsea Kiwanis Club, and $1,600 from Cathy Payne, a member of the Kiwanis Club. Both donations will support families who don’t qualify for Great Start Readiness Program, but still need financial assistance.
The board is expected to vote on the tax levy for 2015 at their next meeting. Killips said that the district is permitted to collect a millage of 0.925 for the sinking fund (which funds capital improvements); however, the recommendation will be to collect 0.75 mills.
The board congratulated high school students Joshua Cole, Nora Dobos, and Gabriel Raines, who are National Merit semi-finalists.
Upcoming dates:
- The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
- Parent-teacher conferences at Beach Middle School will be from 3:45-7 p.m. on Oct. 13 and 21.
- Parent-teacher conferences at Chelsea High School will be from 3:45-7 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 22.
