By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Arson is the probable cause of the most recent fire at the old Bell school.
Brandywine Community Schools Superintendent John Jarpe told the school board Monday night, of the fire that ravaged Bell School last week, "it has been determined that the property (at old Bell School) is a total loss."
The investigation, Jarpe said was yet to be completed, however, he added, "the indication is that it was likely an arson."
The board had not yet obtained an official report from the Niles Township Fire Department which handled the incident that took place Tuesday, June 17 and scheduled to go into closed session following the regular meeting to discuss the future of the property, as well as insurance and demolition issues. The school had been the victim of an arson once before, in October.
Also at the school board's meeting Monday night, member Mike Shelton was given special recognition for "dedicated services" which will end this year. Shelton has been serving since 1996 and had a few special words for the current and future board. "A good school board speaks with one voice," Shelton said as he read from a prepared statement. "You are simply one vote on a board of seven.
"Be the bad guy," he added. "And demand a balanced budget. Then, get out of the way and allow our administration to achieve it."
Shelton's words were more than relevant Monday night, as the board discussed differing opinions regarding athletic eligibility and considered the 2008/2009 Budget adoption.
During a discussion of student handbook changes and modifications, the board discussed Brandywine's policies regarding eligibility for athletes. Modifications included adopting a "two F" policy – two F's resulting in ineligibility for athletes. Past practices of defining eligibility included the stipulation of a 2.0 or 1.5 grade point average. Budget cuts had caused the elimination of study tables which were open to athletes for one hour, twice a week, after school – and were seen by officials to be a benefit to those athletes and have been replaced with close, sometimes even weekly monitoring of student athletes' grades and progress.
The board continues to work through bidding for a new track. Motions carried by the board Monday night included renewing membership to Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan High School Athletic Association and Lakeland Conference.