Cassopolis board discusses request to change policies

The Cassopolis Board of Education discussed a pair of policies in response to questions from the community.

The board, at its regular monthly meeting at the Squires Education Center Monday night, discussed public information at board meetings and the district’s no “F” policy for athletics.

Board President Scott Ward asked the board if they felt any need to move forward with the “implications” in the letter, dated Dec. 16, 2015, that the board received from Bianca May on behalf of Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries.

May addressed the board at its Feb. 8 meeting focusing mostly onprocedures for public participation at meetings.

At the conclusion of her 15-minute time period, May was granted two additional 5-minute periods by Ward.

At the conclusion of the 25 minutes, Ward told May the board would consider her suggestions and asked if she wanted to take a few minutes to discuss the letter she sent them dated Dec. 17.

“There are some points in there (the letter) that maybe we could look at in the future, that we would change the way we are doing some things,” Ward said. “Some of the requests and demands made in that letter I don’t deem necessary, personally.”

One of the items in the letter was a request for more after-school programs that would tutor students.

Ward said that those programs are available and being expanded upon.

“It is an every-evolving piece of the puzzle,” he said. “I think that all of us would like to see it get to a point where we don’t need an after school program. That program is in its infancy and it is being tweaked and adjusted.”

“I think basically, it is one of those things we need to note and learn from,” board member George Calvert said. “I did not see any changes that we need to make at this time.”

The board was also in agreement that it did not need to change its current athletic policy, which does not allow athletes to get a failing grade and, still be allowed to compete.

The board would later vote unanimously to authorize Board President Scott Ward to speak on behalf of the board in responding to the Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries letter.

In other action:

• The board voted unanimously to back JoAnne Wilson as the Michigan Association of School Boards Region 6 representative.

 

Community News

Niles students baptized by Pope Leo XIV during 2014 visit

Dowagiac

SMC trails upgrade a tribute to Gunn

Berrien County

Niles preservation projects earn statewide recognition

Buchanan

Revitalization grants bring millions to Buchanan, Cassopolis

Brandywine HS

Brandywine baseball wins second-straight Lakeland Conference title

Crime/Court

Cassopolis man charged in connection with Dowagiac shooting incident

Dowagiac

Dowagiac Chamber Choir competes at MSVMA State Choral Festival

Cassopolis

Jefferson Township EMS millage passes

Cassopolis

Cassopolis bond proposal passess

News

Area coaches reflect on Novak’s lasting impact

Brandywine HS

GALLERY: Cassopolis takes home Scott Novak Memorial Cup

Brandywine HS

Cassopolis wins Scott Novak Memorial Cup

Dowagiac

SMC recognizes 33 employees

Edwardsburg

Edwardsburg girls soccer falls 7-1 to Vicksburg

Crime/Court

Area residents receive probation, jail sentences

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Trump using fear to promote authoritarian agenda

Berrien County

PHOTO STORY: GOP supporters host ‘Stand up for Trump’ rally in downtown Niles

News

National Weather Service: Rare cold air funnels possible in southwest Michigan

Cassopolis HS

Ferris State transfer Hunt-Thompson commits to North Texas

Crime/Court

Man gets prison time for impregnating young girl

News

Political commentator David Axelrod lists Buchanan Township home

Berrien County

Cass Family Clinic receives grant for Narcan vending machines

Berrien County

Berrien County Health Department hosting community baby shower for first-time expectant parents

Dowagiac

Dowagiac resident to run for Michigan’s 37th State House District