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CASSOPOLIS — At the regular monthly meeting of the Cassopolis Public School Board on Monday, Business Manager James English presented a report on the Long Term Facilities Visioning project that has been in the works for most of this year.

The goal of the project has been to bring to the board plans for district facilities based on the needs and desires of the community. Five meetings have been held since the spring, bringing together community members to engage in conversation on the topic and to send suggestions to the school board. A community survey was also conducted as a part of the project. Around 35 members of the community “voted” on specific items as a method to narrow priorities, placing dots next to items listed to indicate their support or opposition. Staff perspectives collected by the district were also a factor.

English presented three options; one focusing on athletics facilities, one focusing on the high school and some athletics, and one spreading resources across each building and age group in the district. Each option adds up to around $42 million, which would be the amount available if a bond is passed to maintain the current millage, meaning that there would not be a tax increase for residents. He noted that Cassopolis levies the third lowest millage rate among regional school districts.

The options were meant to be starting points for the board to discuss and make suggestions. Based on the discussion, English plans to bring a proposal to the board at their November meeting for further discussion, with a vote to take place in December.

The condition of the 64-year old Squires Middle School building was among the items discussed. Problems with acoustics, HVAC systems, and outdated bathrooms and classrooms were noted, as well as the lack of desire in the community to further invest funds in the existing building. A possible move of middle school operations to Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School was discussed, with an emphasis on the need to separate the operations of the middle and high schools.

Superintendent Dr. John Ritzler expressed gratitude to the Cassopolis Public Schools Foundation. The organization funded 18 of 19 applications to fund small projects throughout the school district, with the 19th project likely to receive funding once additional information is gathered about it. The funding totaled $3424.60 and assisted with a variety of projects related to classes, clubs, and athletics. Cassopolis Public Schools Foundation offers the opportunity for district staff and faculty to submit applications for funding small projects twice each year.

Ritzler presented a thank you note from the district chapter of the Future Farmers of America, expressing gratitude to the board for funding the renovation of the barn used by the group. The project is awaiting final inspection results before being open for use to the group.

He also presented three trophies earned by the band for their pirate-themed performance, Scurvy Dogs on Parade. Included among the awards were 1st Place in Class D Performance, 

Best Music, Best Marching, Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, and the Grand Champion Trophy based on earning the highest composite score of any performing group regardless of classification at the Vicksburg Marching Invitational. They also received Straight A Division 1 ratings at the  Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Marching Band competition, as well as Best Music, Best Percussion, and 1st Place in Class D Performance at the Otsego Band Invitational.

The board approved the annual Cassopolis Fifth Grade Camp. They also voted to authorize  the superintendent to participate in potential litigation related to artificially inflated insulin prices, which led to higher insurance prices that increased costs for employers, including schools. According to Dr. Ritzler, the district would incur no financial costs by participating.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled in the Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School Media Center at 5:30 p.m. for Monday, Nov. 18.