By Sue Moore
The Schoolcraft schools lunch program will be raising its prices in 2015-16 by ten cents for both elementary and high school lunches, according to Brenda Lynn, food service director. This cost increase is driven by the state of Michigan’s commodities requirements, she reported to the school board at its June meeting. The lunch prices are based upon the number of students receiving free and reduced price lunch in the district.
The food service continues to be self-funded, according to Rita Broekema, finance director. She commended Lynn for her management of the service and was enthusiastic about the capital improvements that can take place within the food service budget.
Broekema also explained some of the budget amendments that need to be made at the end of the school year to the general fund. “We do not have enough pieces of the puzzle for the projected budget either, since the state has not yet made its intentions clear. We also will need to replace some long-time teachers and that will have an impact on the budget.”
The board and superintendent expressed its heartfelt feelings about two departing administrators. Doug Flynn, former athletic director, has chosen to return to the classroom. Amie McCaw has accepted the Vicksburg school system’s offer as principal at Sunset Elementary School. She has been principal of the Schoolcraft Early Elementary and Elementary schools for the last three years.
McCaw’s replacement, Principal Matt Webster from the Lake in the Hills District northwest of Chicago, was culled from 76 applicants by a 14-member committee of parents and school staff with in-depth interviews. They made a site visit to see Webster in action as principal at Martin Elementary, a grade-3-5 school. The committee felt he was the top choice in part because of his teamwork approach. He was genuine, calm, and focused, Supt. Rusty Stitt and Toni Rafferty explained to the board.
The Leader in Me program that McCaw introduced will not be going away, Stitt said. She brought much to the district during her short time here; her character, devotion to her family and kids were the proper balance for all to appreciate, he told the board.
Flynn was lauded for his leadership to the athletic program by the superintendent. “The values he brings are important. He lets you know where he stands. He does what is right for the coaches and athletes. He has helped navigate the transition to the Southwestern Athletic Conference as we phased out of the KVA. We are really glad he will be continuing his teaching role for the district.”