By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – It is now official. Dr. John Jarpe signed his contract for the Brandywine Community Schools' superintendent position Monday night.
Jokingly, Jarpe referred to his drive to the board meeting.
"I just had the resignation in Saint Joseph approved an hour ago, so it was a bit of a tense drive," he said.
He was responding to a remark by board president, Phil Bozung, who commented, that now Dr. Jarpe would be off the unemployment roles. The range set by the board for the superintendent's salary was between $100,000 and $110,000.
Jarpe signed his contract for $105,000.
"This is a very clean contract with no hidden perks, no moving or transition allowances. We need to recognize and honor John for his desire for open and above board approach to the contract. While his contract officially begins with the new school year, July 1, he will begin his duties the last two weeks of June. This arrangement has been agreed upon to make up for the first seven days in July, when the Jarpes have a previous commitment," Gary Campbell, interim superintendent, said.
Campbell announced that official results for the Brandywine election are still incomplete.
The County Board of Canvassers was not scheduled to reconvene until Tuesday, when the official results are expected to be made public. Doris Schoenleber will then be sworn in to complete the term of Cindy Benson, who moved to Buchanan last year.
Thomas Wentworth had been filling the seat vacated by Benson until the May 8 election.
Wentworth was recognized for his service to the school board. Bozung presented Wentworth with a Board Member Service Award plaque as thanks for taking on the interim position as trustee.
"It's good for Brandywine as the bond issue was passed 701 to 492. It speaks well of our district that they support our schools," said Campbell.
In other business:
June 7 is the date set for the employee recognition ceremony. A luncheon will precede the ceremony. New superintendent John Jarpe has been invited.
Continuation of a contract between Excaliber Personnel Services and the schools for Judy Boecher-Frey's position as part-time director of alternative and adult education was approved. Boecher-Frey is paid through the personnel company.
Approval of a History Club summer trip to Boston/Salem, Mass., August 2008 was given. History teacher, David Roeder explained various fundraising efforts by the students including this weekend's Civil War Re-enactment where students will participate.
Out-of state tuition was discussed. Campbell suggested it might be maintained at $2,500 even though no out-of-district students are currently registered.
The summer tax agreement was approved for Brandywine's 50 percent of the total five cent per parcel increase based on volume of dollars collected. The Berrien County Intermediate School District pays 25 percent as does University of Michigan College.
Dennis Hinsley was appointed electoral representative, with Rick Zache appointed as back up, to vote on the Berrien County Intermediate School District elections June 4. The board also approved the BCISD general education budget.