School Board Welcomes Andress, Adopts New Budget
By Sean Ely

Terry Andress (left) is the newest member of the Mackinac Island Board of Education, elected secretary by the board Thursday, July 19. She poses here with Sara Chambers, treasurer, Jason St. Onge, vice president, and Ben Mosley, president. Other board members not pictured are Trish Martin, Leanne Brodeur, and Larry Rickley.

Meeting Thursday, July 19, the Mackinac Island Board of Education turned down a federally subsidized breakfast program and adopted a $1,345,807 budget for the new year.

The breakfast program was turned down after 16 parents said they didn't want one and only three said they would like it, in a poll sent to all district parents.

The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture to subsidize nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions.

In the 2007-08 budget is $9,048 higher than last year, and includes a 3.5% increase for teachers' salaries, including the salary of the new special education teacher that the school will be hiring in upcoming weeks. There are two applicants for the job.

In a secret ballot, Ben Mosley was unanimously reelected board president and Jason St. Onge was elected vice president, defeating Leanne Brodeur 5-2. Terry Andress, just sworn in as a a board memb to replace Paul Wandrie, was unanimously elected secretary, and Sara Chambers was re-elected as treasurer, receiving all seven votes. Trish Martin and Larry Rickley are the other two board members.

Secret ballots are not permitted under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.

The board voted to retain Thrun Law Firm, P.C. as legal advisor and Rehmann, Robson and Company as auditor. Mr. St. Onge suggested that next year the board take a closer look at other firms who are interested, just to make sure they are getting the best deal, since they have been with Thrun for more than 20 years.

It was noted that the Building and Grounds Committee accomplished the task of cleaning up a pile of trees and branches behind the school, which was an issue from the June meeting. As for the playground replacement project, the committee unofficially chose three pieces of equipment that will fit in the spot of the broken track ride. They are waiting for price quotes.

The damaged ride cost $3,800 when installed. It was destroyed by adults, who weighed too much for its spring support.

Children have voiced their interest in more of a climbing structure, as opposed to the track ride, which the shorter kids cannot reach.

The Building and Grounds Committee will meet soon to make a recommendation so the board can vote on it and get it done by the time school starts Tuesday, September 4, the day after Labor Day.

Chief of Police Bill Lenaghan inspected the inner doors on the south end, or front side, of the school, which the board plans to replace, to increase security. The board will now solicit bids for the new doors.

Three other doors need repair, and the board will look at other maintenance issues, such as vent covers and water puddles building up on the outside of the school. Mr. Mosley suggested that an architect take a look at the areas and provide the board with a few options. The board hopes a local contractor might also be able to give advice.

The Building and Grounds Committee was directed to solicit two estimates to replace the two inner doors and the other three doors.

Superintendent Roger Schrock noted in his report the need for new carpeting in the library and teachers' lounge, and that was added to the board's to-do list.

Terry Armstrong is the school's new volleyball coach, and she will be working with soccer coach Ken Straight to develop a system of practicing and conditioning for the girls who play both sports, so they don't get burned out. Mary Patay will assist Mr. Straight with soccer and will volunteer her time to help the children with conditioning. The idea of having one bigger conditioning session as opposed to numerous smaller ones appealed to the board.