The Cassopolis Public Schools honored four men for volunteering their time for a student in need. From left are Superintendent Tracy Hertsel, Bryan Beathea, Eddie Mose, Dave Kring, the Rev. Robert “Butch” Reed (represented by his wife Rita) and Paula Gilliam, whose son was helped through the Community Initiative Program. Missing from photo are Tony Pompey, Leddrew “Peanut” Smith Jr. and William Steele. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

The Cassopolis Board of Education approved the purchase of leaded buses from Midwest Transit at its regular meeting Monday night.

Board member John Bright explained to the rest of the board that three-quarters of Cassopolis’ fleet is more than 15 years old and the newest bus was a 2005 model.

The board had budgeted $130,000 for new buses for the coming year.

Bright told the board that the four buses could be purchased for $12,312 per year and in the long run, would save the district more than $85,000.

The board unanimously approved the motion.

The Agri-Science program made a presentation to the board and revealed proposed logos for the program. The board decided that it should not be the one who selects the logo since the students created them and put so much work into the project.

It was agreed that the students should vote on the logo.

It was also revealed that the program would be known as the Cass Center for Agri-Science and Technology.

The district also received some potential good news when it was informed that Enbridge might be able to build a road from Red Brick School where the Agri-Science program is housed to the Ag Barn. Materials to build the road have already been dropped at the site.

According to Superintendent Tracy Hertsel, the project is mainly waiting on the corn to be removed from the adjacent field so that the road can be laid out.

Bianca May presented seven community members with awards of appreciation for their efforts regarding a child in need.

The men volunteered their time for the Community Iniative Program, which is supported by the school district.

The program is coordinated by the Father’s Family Keeper Ministries.

“Their passion for and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring,” May said. “This recognition would not be possible without the support of the Cassopolis Schools and Kristine Widerquist-Bosler.

“Ms. Widerquist-Bosler opened her heart and classroom to help a struggling student and for this we owe you a debt of gratitude. Your actions not only maximized this student’s learning, but also his overall wellbeing.”

The board also approved the hiring of Alisa Doll as a guidance counselor, Lindsay Gorham as the sixth grade spelling bee coach and Jason Schmidt as the Rangers’ varsity softball coach.