A renewal levy may be placed on the ballot this fall for Holland/Springfield voters. At the June 18 meeting, the Springfield Schools board of education took the first step toward placing a $3.9 million, five-year emergency operating levy on the ballot.
Unlike traditional levies, which are subject to a reduction factor, this will continue to collect at the same rate annually for the life of the levy. Voters first approved the request in 2015. This will be the district’s third request for the funds.
Personnel
The board addressed several matters for the 2024-25 school year.
They issued a one-year contract to Kara Brown, Crissey intervention specialist.
Three-year administrative contracts were awarded to Diana Bergman, middle school assistant principal; Scott Brooker, director of transportation; Justin Bryson, Dorr Elementary principal; Ryan Grooms, curriculum coordinator 6-12; Kelly Hartbarger from special education coordinator 10 months to director of federal programs; Jenna Moden, Holland Intermediate assistant principal; Andrew Screptock, SHS assistant principal/athletic director; Hilary Steinmiller, SHS assistant principal; Regina Sulier, special educator coordinator preschool; Brett Warner, director of safety services, and Jaclyn Yackee, assistant treasurer/payroll.
The board approved a change in hours for Sharon Turner, SHS 3.5 to 4 hour food service, effective July 1, and a suspension of contracts in 202425 for Rachel Novak, director of digital and work based learning, due to a reduction in force.
A resignation was accepted for Leann Beach, Holloway School counselor, effective July 9.
Substitute contracts were awarded for 2024-25 to classified employees Mary Dwyer, custodian; Kenelm Hockett, bus aide, and LaCharles Smith, custodian.
Two employees were compensated for summer work. They are Kelly Hartbarger and Ellen Barnizer.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Amended the school nurse and clinical services program agreements for 2024-25 to reflect a reduction in hours worked by 30 minutes.
•Approved the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Service Plan.
The superintendent explained the plan is a requirement in the event the district would have to deal with another pandemic.
•Heard from Vaughn Miller, a 1970 Springfield High School graduate, who expressed appreciation to the superintendent for helping him locate a copy of his high school year book after losing his in a house fire.
Mr. Miller’s hobby is shopping at flea markets and other venues for year books, which he purchases and donates back to the respective schools.
He also holds a monthly luncheon on the first Monday of each month at noon at Loma Linda. The men’s group is open to SHS graduates.
•Approved two requests to attend professional development days.
•Entered into executive session to discuss specialized details of security, but took no action afterward.
The next school board meeting will be at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, in the board meeting room of the administration building, 6924 Spring Valley Drive, Holland, and is open to the public.
