By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the employment contract for Dr. Julie Helber, who will begin her official duties as superintendent of Chelsea School District on July 1.
The current contract runs through June 30, 2019. Board member Greg Rhodes was absent, but Board President Steve Olsen said that Rhodes had previously voiced his full support of the contract and would have voted to approve it if he had been present.
Helber was present and signed the contract during the meeting. She said that Chelsea is a “perfect fit” for her.
In a special presentation to the board, Chelsea High School art teachers Georgina Rutherford and Laura Naar highlighted senior Abe Cone and his “journey in the art program.” Cone not only won Regional Best in Show at the Scholastic Art Awards in Detroit, but his portfolio was selected as one of eight to be recognized nationally in New York in June.
“With 320,000 submissions, this puts Abe in the top 1 percent of all high school students,” said Rutherford.
Cone’s winning portfolio consists of eight linoprints demonstrating the connection between human nature and environmental issues.
During the opportunity for public input, Rick Catherman, president of the Chelsea Education Association (CEA), thanked the board for their service. In appreciation of the board, the CEA donated nine books to the media centers of four schools.
In other board news:
The board approved the donation of a 3-D printer to Beach Middle School’s technology program from Kristi and John Eidt, with value exceeding $1,000.
The board approved the replacement of aging grounds equipment at a total cost of $26,750 to be paid for with 2009 Bond Funds.
The board commended the following individuals: Don Wright, CHS Varsity Hockey Coach, for his induction into the Michigan High School Hockey Hall of Fame; Wayne Welton, retired CHS Athletic Director, who will receive the Jack Johnson Distinguished Service Award given by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association next year; Chelsea Swim and Dive Team for taking third place in the state tournament, and the 200-yard medley relay team of Kurt Jolly, Zach Lee, Lee Argir and Joey Mangner, who took home State Champ and All-America honors; and Abe Cone, CHS senior art student, 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing Award Gold medal winner and finalist in the portfolio competition.
Upcoming dates:
- There will be no school April 4-9 for spring break.
- Superintendent Dave Killips will present information about the May 3 education millages during a public meeting at 7 p.m. on April 13 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center (WSEC).
- The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on April 18 in the board room at WSEC.
