Chippewa Board Unhappy with Proposed Education Cuts

Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed budget cuts sparked a good deal of discussion at the latest Chippewa Valley School Board meeting.

Snyder's plan would slash 4 percent or $470 per pupil in funding, a number the board was not happy with.

Ronald Roberts, interim superintendent, was blunt about the matter: "A $470 straight reduction per student is not acceptable." Board members agreed.

"It's impossible to make a course correction without making a negative impact," Trustee Denise Aquino said.

"Contact your representatives and let them know how you feel," Roberts said. "We have to impact change."

In other matters:

• The board approved a bid award for Commissioning Services, awarding a contract totaling $48,750 for commissioning services to Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber. Through "commissioning," FTC&H can verify that the renovations intended for the five high school buildings meet the needs and functions of the facilities. The results will provide a more comfortable environment and energy savings.

• The board also approved a revision to Board Policy No. 3437.01 and No. 4437.01 regarding military leave: The policy now will be updated to comply with state laws regarding military leave of absence and recognize the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs.

• Board Policies No. 3122 & No. 4122 were also revised. These concern nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity and make the policy comply with Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.