A smooth start to the 2024-25 school year was reported to the Suttons Bay Board of Education this week.
Superintendent Casey Petz told board members at Monday’s monthly meeting that 100% of support staff positions were filled when school began.
“Not all school districts can say this time of the year,” he said.
The board accepted Petz’ recommendation to hire Rachel Drake, Richard Enoch , Amanda Maas and Ashley Mork as elementary school interventionists.
The interventionists are staff members that provide support (academic and accountability) to students that are under the direct supervision of our teaching staff.
“Intervention staff are another layer of adult support in our buildings at all levels (preK-12),” Petz said.
These hirees began work last week.
Chris Reeve, 12-K principal, reported the smooth beginning included implementation of the district’s new “away for the day” cell phone policy.
“Away for the day” prohibits use of cell phones during the school day with students handing them into the office or left in their locker.
The policy, adopted last month by the board, is supported by research which finds use of (hand-held devices) has a destructive impact on students.
Students in grades 9-12 have previously been able to use cell phones between classes. Now access is limited to lunch time and only then with specific permission from the principal or when the device is used in connection with medical treatment. For example, a diabetic needing insulin.
If a teacher sees violations, there will be consequences:
• First offense — A warning and reminder.
• Second offense — Phone goes to office for the rest of the day. Student picks up.
• Third offense — Phone goes to office; guardian picks up. Possibly family conference.
• Fourth offense — Same as third offense and cell phone is banned from campus.
In other business during the monthly meeting the board:
• Established a “bus trip rate”of $17 per hour or transportation to extracurricular trips. Drivers making more than his would receive the higher rate.
• Hired Sarah Murphy as middle school volleyball coach.
• Heard a suggestion from community member Bill Perkins who urged the board to seek state grant moneys for “clean” school buses.
