By Crystal Hayduk
A budget hearing preceded the regular meeting of the Chelsea School District Board of Education on June 27. Teresa Zigman, executive director of business and operations, informed the board that the 2015-16 fiscal year budget is ending close to projections.
Superintendent Dave Killips reminded the board that exact numbers will be known at the audit.
With Gov. Rick Snyder’s signature on the education budget bill, Chelsea School District will receive an increase of $118 per student for the 2016-17 school year, according to Zigman. Accounting for an estimated loss of 20 students, the district is expected to net approximately $140,000.
Killips reported that the state’s budget includes $2.5 million in aid to private schools to help pay for mandates such as safety and immunization reporting – tasks that public schools do without any reimbursement.
“This is in direct conflict with the state constitution,” said Killips. “We can expect this decision to be litigated.”
The special education millage should provide $1.2 million to the district. Zigman estimated an increase in expenditures of about $1.2 million due to staffing (retirees, new employees, and stepped pay increases), along with increased costs for utilities, fuel, and transportation.
The proposed 2016 tax rate is 7 mills for all properties, and 18 mills for non-homesteads.
The board discussed the possibility of adding a change order with E. T. MacKenzie Company to widen the driveway at South Meadows Elementary School to improve traffic flow, at a cost of about $28,000.
“The sooner we act, the sooner we get it done,” said Killips.
“I’d hate to go through another winter the way it is,” said Principal Stacie Battaglia. “When the snow piles come, it’s a mess.”
Board member Tammy Lehman motioned to move ahead with the change order, with support from Greg Rhodes. It passed unanimously.
Michelle Mavian was hired as a special education teacher consultant at North Creek Elementary. Mavian comes to the district with eight years of experience, most recently in the Farmington School District. She holds degrees from Michigan State University and Madonna University. Killips said she was selected from 59 candidates following an “extensive process.”
Daniela Bickel will join the counseling team at Chelsea High School this fall. Chosen from 57 applicants, Bickel has a varied background that includes an undergraduate degree in chemistry and math from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a graduate degree in counseling; teaching experience in Dexter; and counseling experience in Britton.
Case McCalla will be the boys’ junior varsity basketball coach.
During the opportunity for public input, Jennifer Kundak suggested that the board consider choosing student members who aren’t as involved in other school activities. She believes that may increase the diversity of the type of student who is eligible to hold the position.
To recognize Killips’ final board meeting before Dr. Julie Helber assumes duties as district superintendent, Marcus and Lisa Kaemming passed out cannoli desserts and thanked him for his interim service. “Holy cannoli,” M. Kaemming said. “Dave is really retiring this time.”
Band director Rick Catherman thanked Killips on behalf of the Chelsea Education Association. “There was no better person to come back and lead the district this year,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from you.”
Steve Olsen presented Killips with an award for “Interim Superintendent of the Year.” Olsen said, “You were a lifesaver. Things went swimmingly well over the last year.”
The board’s evaluation of Killips stated in part, “The board is pleased with his performance working in conjunction with the Chelsea Education Association to reach a multiyear contract ahead of hiring a permanent superintendent. [He] has demonstrated a genuine concern for his staff and has provided the opportunity for growth. He did an excellent job putting the word out regarding the recent millage campaigns. [He] has kept students at the forefront of decision making.”
Killips thanked the board for another chance to lead the district, and thanked Catherman and the CEA for the two-year extension of the teachers’ contract. “Now it’s time to play golf and play with the grandchildren,” said Killips.
The next school board meeting will be July 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center (WSEC).
