february board briefs 2010.pmd - Ionia Public Schools

Financial Update
continued
Vocational Education
Millage Presentation
Finance Committee
Update
PR Committee
Report
Superintendent's
Report
is projected to be $1 million.
The variables for 2010-2011 keep getting bigger, with the Governor's and the Legislature's proposals for
retirement incentives and mandatory state employee wage reductions/insurance costs proposal as well as the
County's prospective Vocational Ed Millage. Considering the huge unknowns, Mr. Wilcox said the plans for
2010-2011 staffing recommendations is on hold until after the May election. The district will continue to make
every effort to conserve resources and reduce costs.
ISD Superintendent Robert Kjolhede noted the proposed Vocational Education Millage Proposal has the
possibility, in these trying financial times, to help maintain quality vocational education programs and at the
same time help the General Fund of the local K-12 school districts. The ISD has the ability to put the millage
proposal to the voters with the local districts' support.
Outlining the benefits of Vocational Education, Mr. Kjolhede noted not all students fit the university, yet
Vocational Education can prepare everyone for employment. Benefits include stimulating the Ionia County
economy by strengthening the Ionia County work force for high skill, high wage, and high demand jobs.
Vocational Education also helps with drop out prevention; compulsory education age is now 18.
Mr. Kjolhede noted Heartlands has experienced a reduction in programs to 8.5currently, has operating
costs, and student enrollment hasdeclined from a high of 700 to 300. Current budget concerns at the local
district level threaten Heartlands enrollment; without a millage, Lakewood and Portland students will not be
part of the Heartlands consortium next school year.
Mr. Kjolhede pointed out that the Vocational Education millage request is 1 mill, which would generate
$1.8 million dedicated to Vocational Education in Ionia County. The average tax increase on a $100,000
home, if the millage proposal pases, would be $50.
Details in a complete powerpoint will be available on www.dawggle.net after the ISD Board takes action on
Feb. 19. See Vocational Education Millage Proposal Powerpoint on the homepage.
Board Treasurer Dave O'Mara reported that Vocational Education millage was a huge topic of discussion
for the board finance committee. The hardest part for this committee is that so much potential legislation
with powerful impact is up in the air. The committee is continuing its funding studies but is looking at the
Vocational Educational Millage Proposal as having impact right now. The committee recommends the Board
approve the Resolution in Support of the May 4 Vocational Technical Education Millage Proposal.
Trustee Tim Hemenway gave an enthusiatic endorsement for enotify, the alert available through
www.dawggle.net. Mr. Hemenway offered everyone a simple way to "be the first to know" when a snow day
cancels school by signing up for the alert text or email notification.
On behalf of the District Public Relations Subcommittee, Mr. Hemenway noted data gathered at Parent/
Teacher Conferences indicates parent use of www.dawggle.net on a weekly basis is up by 10% over 2008.
Superintendent Patricia Batista gave the following report to the board:
-- Recognition and thanks was given to district Principals for their outstanding leadership, care and concern
for the staff and students. Feb. 15 is Principal's Week.
-- Incumbents Dr. C.J. Basler and Walt Downes are joined by candidates Dan Kriegbaum and Karen
Armentrout for the two 4-year terms on the May 4 annual school election ballot. Residents of the school district
must be registered by April 6 to be eligible to vote in the May 4 election.
-- The IHS Student of the Month is Haley Hildebrandt; the IMS Citizen of the Month is Kerry Braun; the Ionia
Student of the Month for Heartlands is Kodie Lewis, Auto.
-- The monthly Meijer Dignity & Respect winners for were Taylor Everitt, Rather; Summer Sawdy, Twin
Rivers; Kira Bailey-Waldron, Jefferson; Karmon Underhill, Boyce; and Ali Ockert, Emerson; Jenna
Koelsch, IMS; Alex Haskins, IHS; Mara Schafer, Heartlands; and Cady Clark, Welch Alternatives.
-- Many members of the Ionia FFA earned honors at the District Leadership Contests at Ionia High School.
Among the students qualifying for Regional Contests on February 17 were Emily Carmey, first and gold award,
Extemporaneous Speaking; the Greenhand Conduct of Meeting team of Michaela Card, Breann Nugent, Nora
Fitzpatrick, Erika Hagen, Kelby Stout, Elliot Styles and Brice Walsh, second and gold award; Becca
Blundy, gold and second, Job Interview; and the demonstration team of Joe Conley and Mike Bell, Belding
students, first and gold award.
Standing ready as alternates are Emma Fitzpatrick, third and gold in extemporaneous speaking; the Ag Issues
team of Luke Braun, Raymond Christensen, Nathan Card, and Kyle Enz, third and gold award; and
Mackenzie Kneale, third and gold award, Prepared Public Speaking.
The Ionia FFA will hold its 75th Anniversary Celebration Banquet on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.
in the IHS Cafeteria. Advisor Jason Griffith invites all alumni to join in the celebration and be included in the
group photo of the anniversary event.