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EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg Public School Board looked ahead at several plans for the future during their regular board meeting on Monday.

One consideration was the school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, with the exception of choosing a graduation date. The new calendar is borne out of negotiation between school administration and the teachers union, as well as taking into account feedback from the community and school board. In explaining the need for half days in the schedule, Superintendent Dr. Courtney Szucs explained that the district offers “plenty of hours” to meet state requirements, but they also must meet a 180 day requirement of student instruction. A decision on choosing a graduation date for next year was tabled until the April meeting, giving staff time to gather additional information, including vendor availability.

During the discussion it was also noted that the district is expecting the approval of a snow day waiver for the current school year, making it unlikely for the schedule to need to be extended into June to account for the extra days off.

During the meeting, the board also approved the purchase of a new bus from the Holland Bus Company at a cost of $171,878. Though final board approval was needed based on the cost, the expense had already been included in previous budget amendments. The district is continuing work to phase out buses as needed for safety, to update the fleet, and to minimize wear by exploring options such as smaller buses for transporting athletic teams.

Also approved was the district’s future participation in the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Mathematics & Science Center after the implementation of in-district Advanced Placement (AP) programs. The discussion focused on assuring that EPS had the appropriate teachers and resources to provide the most opportunity for students. It was noted that the district already has teaching staff hired and trained in AP and that students currently in those programs have outperformed those at the Math & Science Center. In the end, the board opted to approve the incoming freshman class as the last cohort to have the option apply for the RESA program. They, along with any other students currently enrolled at the Center, will be able to attend through graduation.

Schools of Choice tuition rates for 2025-2026 were approved, pending the final dollar amount pending decisions in the Michigan Legislature. The rates will be set at a minimum of the current rate of $9,608, with a possibility of increase closer to $10,000. The new rates would apply only to new incoming students, with currently enrolled students keeping the current rate.

The board approved bids from The Skillman Corporation for improvements to multiple buildings, based on last year’s bond approval. Renovations include flooring, bathrooms, secure vestibules, and asbestos removal. Additional improvements, including a pick up and drop off drive loop, will be brought before the board in the future.

Board member Chelsea Wilson was recognized for achieving Level 3 in Michigan Association of School Boards Board Member Certification education.

“It normally takes someone being elected multiple times to achieve level 3,” noted Szucs.

Also recognized were teachers Elisa Laskowski and Melissa Shemanski, for their work as special needs instructors and in developing work readiness programs for students, including a past program growing herbs and vegetables to be used by school Food Service and for the student operated Coffee Cabin, offering students experience in making and serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa and in various business and workplace responsibilities.

Assistant to the Athletic Director and the Assistant Principal at Edwardsburg High School, Tina Cripe, was also recognized as the March Support Staff Member of the Month for her dedication to students and community members.

“I am not sure that people know all that Tina does behind the scenes to make sure that our student athletes and coaches have great seasons. Tina never looks for acknowledgement even though she does so much,” read Szucs from the comments from nominators.

The next regular The Edwardsburg Public School Board will take place on April 28 at 7pm in the District Administrative Center.