By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education (BOE) has a new trustee following the Nov. 5 election.
Sara Tracy was elected to a partial term of two years, expiring Dec. 31, 2026. She is filling the seat occupied by Heidi Reyst, who was appointed by the board in February to serve until the Nov. election following the resignation of Laura Bush. Bush had also been a board appointment when Tammy Lehman resigned on Nov. 14, 2022 after 12 years of service to the district.
Reyst has stepped out for the remainder of the 2024 board meetings, but will again take the oath of office in January. She and Erin Hunt-Carter, along with Tracy, ran unopposed for the school board seats in the November election. Reyst and Hunt-Carter will serve six-year terms of office.
BOE President Kate Henson administered the oath of office to Tracy at their meeting on Nov. 18.
Superintendent Mike Kapolka’s contract with CSD has been renewed through June 30, 2028. The BOE unanimously approved the contract renewal following the superintendent evaluation process.
Henson read this statement at the meeting: “Superintendent Kapolka continues to foster an environment focused on what is best for the district. Decisions are data driven in the context of district goals. He is diligently working to find creative solutions to keep our district strong in the face of projected declining enrollment. The creation of the Director of Safety & Security role and subsequent rigorous hiring process has bolstered safety measures throughout the district.
“Superintendent Kapolka showcased his dedication to continuous self-improvement by participating in multiple conferences and learning opportunities throughout the last year. He understands the importance of cultivating strong relationships with all key stakeholders. He makes regular visits to all buildings, attends various events and is present for staff meetings throughout the district.
“At the board level, we appreciate his ability to uphold the relationships with trustees through one-on-one interactions, regular check-ins, and ensuring we are fully informed on the issues at hand. His timely communication and process of providing detailed background information to support recommendations has built a high level of trust among us. Superintendent Kapolka has again demonstrated his commitment to making the Chelsea School District an institution students want to learn in, educators and staff want to work at; an institution that fosters innovation, puts safety, fiscal responsibility and employee agency on the same level as providing a first-class education to students.”
Moore said he loves the community and the district—a great place with excellent schools for raising his family.
In other board news:
North Creek Elementary School Principal Casey Westcott introduced his school’s November Student of the Month, kindergartener Casen Ranoni.
Katie Spisich, principal of South Meadows Elementary School, introduced her school’s November Student of the Month, third grader Colette “Coco” Wade.
Upcoming dates:
There will be a school board work session at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 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 Jan. 6 at WSEC.
