By Crystal Hayduk
Chelsea Superintendent of Schools Mike Kapolka recognized Brad Bush, who was attending his last school board meeting on Jan. 23, as he begins a new position as assistant director for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).
During his 26 years with CSD, Bush has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, athletic director, and assistant principal. Throughout his 22 years as head coach of the varsity football program, the team won 13 league championships, went to the playoffs 18 times, won seven district championships, and was the Division 3 runner-up in 2015.
In 2021, Bush was named the Region 6 athletic director of the year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
“Under his leadership and vision, [Bush] has elevated our athletic program to one of the best in the state,” said Kapolka.
The board commended Bush for his “legacy of excellence.”
Kapolka introduced Michelle Hilla, the new director of curriculum and instruction, whose hiring was approved on Jan. 9.
She was one of 52 applicants following Heather Conklin’s resignation. Hilla comes to the district from Stockbridge Community Schools, where she was the director of curriculum and instruction.
Hilla received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University, has an administrative endorsement from Eastern Michigan University (EMU), and is currently enrolled in their master’s program in curriculum and instruction.
Kapolka said senior Elijah Ratliff was nominated for the Air Force Academy by both U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Tim Walberg. “We’re super proud of Elijah,” said Kapolka, of what he called “just one step in a rigorous process.”
Six Chelsea School District paraprofessionals are currently part of Pathways for Future Educators, a partnership between EMU and county school districts. The program assists para educators who already have a bachelor’s degree to become certified in special education through a two-year program, said Kapolka.
Kapolka responded to an issue brought up during public comment at the Jan. 9 board meeting. Based on advice from the district’s legal counsel, trustee Kate Henson is still eligible to be a substitute teacher in the district because she is employed by Edustaff, a third-party vendor, and not by the district.
Wilkinson reviewed Board Policy 9130 concerning communication with the district when there are matters that arise with employees.
Marcus Kaemming, assistant superintendent, said it feels like two steps forward and two steps back. Drivers who were recently hired didn’t find the work to be a good fit for them. Currently, the district needs an additional four bus drivers and a mechanic. The district is running 16 bus routes, the same as at the start of the school year.
In other board news:
With trustee Henson absent, the board approved authorization of district employees who can sign checks, as well as designation of the district’s financial institutions. The items in consent action are standard annual approvals, but also reflect the change of job title from “assistant superintendent of finance and administrative services” to “chief financial officer.”
Katy Steklac presented books purchased by the Chelsea Education Association for Board Appreciation Month, to recognize the contribution board members make to student achievement. One book for each school, labeled in honor of the board, will be available in the media centers.
January Students of the Month (middle school student Hunter Murphy and high school student Sarah Capper) were introduced. A feature article about them will be published in the future.
Upcoming dates:
The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
There will be no school Feb. 20 for Presidents Day.
A videorecording of the meeting will be available to view for one month here soon.
