By Crystal Hayduk
Jason Eyster, president of Chelsea School District’s (CSD) Board of Education, opened the school board meeting on June 27 by citing board policy (167.3) regarding public participation at meetings. The presiding officer may prohibit public comments which are harassing, and may interrupt or end a statement that is personally directed or abusive, according to the policy.
Eyster said community participation is vital; speakers are encouraged to avoid comments that are rude or hurtful. He said such comments have a negative effect on the recipient (humiliation), the community (polarization), students (witnessing behaviors), and the speaker (alienation of others).
Michelle Cowhy, assistant superintendent of finance and administrative services, presented a short budget hearing review. (There was a detailed presentation at the June 13 board meeting.) The board approved the 2021-22 final amended general fund (18.7% fund balance) and special revenue funds; and the 2022-23 preliminary general fund (16.79% fund balance), special revenue funds, and debt funds. They approved a tax rate request for 6.95 mills.
Brad Bush presented an update about the multi-use indoor athletic building construction. He said board approval to build it is a year or more away.
Chelsea Athletic Boosters, a 501c3, currently has about $800,000, with an additional $1.6 million in pledges, earmarked for the building. Bush said this money has been raised by “personal asks.”
Bush requested permission from the board to go public with fundraising efforts next month. Public fundraising would include a website with a link for donations, but he would like to include information about the location of the new construction.
The building was originally going to be located near Pierce Lake, but architects discovered potential problems with the soccer field, parking, and infrastructure. The solution is to build on the Washington Street Education Center (WSEC) property, off Book Street. “The tie-in to the water main right there will make the drainage of water way better from an excavation perspective,” said Bush.
The building’s new plan is a larger footprint than first intended, and would allow for wider usage of all types of teams (but not game play). It would be heated to the mid-50s in winter, but not air conditioned in summer.
A recording of the meeting is expected to be available for viewing for one month at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/911?meeting=505883.
In other board news:
The board unanimously approved annual business-related items in consent action. These include a one-year extension of administrators’ contracts, banking designations and legal services, contract renewal with Chartwells for food service, continued membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), board meeting dates, policy updates, and a resolution for the sale of the 2022 School Building and Site Bonds, Series II.
In individual action items following discussion, the board approved a fee of $50/year for providing hard copies of the board meeting agenda packet; membership in the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA); and membership in the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). MASB membership passed in a vote of 6-1, with trustee Tammy Lehman casting the no vote.
During the opportunity for public comment, three people addressed the board regarding multiple issues. Concerns included the resignation of a North Creek teacher, first amendment rights, and the district’s membership in MASB and MASA. Appreciation was given for a graduate who will be attending Stanford, and for the district’s DBEI program (diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion).
The board thanked Vicky Lawrence, executive assistant to the superintendent, for her service upon her retirement. Eyster said, “This is a sad ‘thank you’ to one of the kindest people. We are so grateful to have had you assist us. We are sad, but very happy for you.”
Upcoming dates:
Superintendent candidate interview schedule: first round interviews will be July 11 and 12; final interviews will be July 14. All sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at WSEC.
