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CASSOPOLIS — Budgets, fiscal responsibility, and planning for the future of the district were the bulk of the discussion at the Cassopolis School Board’s final meeting of 2024, held last week Monday, Dec. 16.

The board voted to approve language for a zero-millage increase bond proposal, as well as the IRS required reimbursing resolution relating to the processes of selling bonds. The proposal will be on the ballot on May 6, 2025 and was borne out of the five community meetings and the scientific community survey meant to invite input from residents on the future of district facilities.

According to Business Manager James English, almost fifty community members participated in the meetings. Several attended the meeting and spoke to the board, thanking the district for allowing them to have a voice and emphasizing the importance of a strong school system to all residents, not just those with children attending in the schools. Both English and Superintendent Dr. John Ritzler expressed their thanks to community members for participating in the group or answering the survey, as well as to the board for allowing the public to share their opinions.

The bond proposal includes multiple projects addressing facilities throughout the district. One of the major projects would be the relocation of the middle school to the high school campus and structuring necessary to keep the high school and middle school operations separate. Other projects include repurposing the office in the high school, bathroom improvements, career technology and agricultural science renovations, chiller replacement, a new building management system, instructional technology, kitchen and servery remodeling, exterior signage, asbestos abatement, playground improvements at Sam Adams Elementary, and extra-curricular improvements including a marching band tower, outdoor area improvements, field irrigation, an auxiliary gym, and field improvements for soccer, baseball, and softball.

The board approved budget amendments at the halfway point of the current fiscal year, a normal time for such adjustments. English noted that more changes may come, based on final changes from the Michigan legislature.

They also approved plans for the purchase of district vehicles including a pick-up truck with a plow and a school bus. The purchases are part of a long-term plan for vehicle replacement. According to English, the goal is to purchase a bus each year, eventually building the fleet to spread out future replacements and minimize money spent on repairs.

The school board officially accepted a $1600 grant from the Leland and Robert Alexander Memorial Fund to be used for the Future Farmers of America

They also approved several policy updates. The changes related to reflecting new regulations in federal grants, medical training, artificial intelligence, the support of homeless students, the ability of the school safety and security officer to carry a weapon, and continuing to align the practices based on the district’s recent unqualified financial audit rating.

The board also congratulated Chris Bergen, who was hired on as the Robotics Lead Advisor. According to Dr. Ritzler, Bergen had previously spent a decade volunteering as a mentor in the robotics program.

This was the final meeting of board member William Lee, who joined the board to fill a vacancy earlier this year.

The next school board meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 in the Media Center at Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School.