New Schoolcraft Elementary principal Sara Howard and staff.
Sara Howard started the 2024-2025 school year in a new position: Schoolcraft elementary principal. She is no stranger to the staff and students, and her positivity and commitment to excellence are evident and contagious.
This is Howard’s 18th year working in education. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Grand Valley University and completed her master’s in educational leadership at Western Michigan University. Before assuming the principalship, she was a teacher for 15 years, in grades 1-5.
She started working for Schoolcraft Community Schools in 2021 as a teacher and for the past two years had been the dean of students at the elementary. She and her husband have been Schoolcraft residents since 2013, and their three children attend Schoolcraft Community Schools. Howard is committed to Schoolcraft and all it offers. “As a parent, community member, and now principal, I feel a profound sense of care and appreciation for our students, staff, families, and community.”
She is also impressed and excited by the school’s culture. “Our team of over 70 dedicated staff members and numerous volunteers at the elementary school is truly exceptional. Their collective experience and expertise foster an inspiring and dynamic learning environment for our students. The passion and skill I see every day in our classrooms, hallways, and beyond never cease to amaze me. I’m honored to be a part of such a talented team and serve in this capacity.”
This is just the second year of classes in the new elementary building. “The positive energy is noticeable as soon as you walk through our doors,” Howard said. She is also appreciative of the dedication and support of the community. “It’s evident in the collaborative spirit of our staff, the enthusiasm of our volunteers, and the active involvement of our families. Together, we make our school a vibrant place of learning and growth.”
After more than a year of construction, Schoolcraft’s Roy H. Davis Field is ready to go and better than ever, discussion at a September school board meeting indicated.
With fresh grass and night lighting, the redone field provides the perfect atmosphere for home games.
“I think the new facility is beautiful,” said Football Coach Nathan Ferency. “It’s a really nice upgrade that enhances the aesthetics and presentation of our school, community, and football program. I think that it exemplifies who we are and what we represent across our community, district, and football program.”
“It’s a huge boost to have a quality stadium to play in and in front of the best fans and community in southwest Michigan,” Ferency added. “I think the community should be proud of the work that was done and know that we will do everything we can to honor the legacies and traditions that were tied to the old facilities.”
Athletic Director Bryan Applin agreed. “Bringing football back to a renovated Roy H. Davis Field means a lot to our community. Everyone from our school board, our administrative team, our maintenance team, and many more have spent countless hours on creating a very special space for our football teams, track and field teams, and cheer squads to thrive.
“Roy H. Davis has always been a special place and we are tremendously proud of how the renovations turned out.”
Also discussed at the meeting were the school’s other successes in staffing, with most of the open positions filled in time for the new school year, and promising audit results just in time for the new finance director, Taylor Mikel. Optimism was expressed by new elementary Principal Sara Howard as the first weeks of school brought liveliness, positivity, and connection to the elementary building. Danielle Luteyn received recognition for her help in the Media Center at the Junior-Senior High, and heartfelt goodbyes were expressed to former dean of students, Amy Lawrence.
Schoolcraft Township Board refused to approve an audit of the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority after members learned that the auditing firm was also asked to do the authority’s bookkeeping.
The authority serves the villages of Vicksburg and Schoolcraft and townships of Brady, Wakeshma and Prairie Ronde Townships as well as Schoolcraft.
Kathy Mastenbrook, Schoolcraft village council member and liaison to the fire authority, read portions of a letter from the auditors, the Portage-based accounting firm of Siegfried Crandall.
The letter noted that the authority has relied on an independent external auditor to prepare its financial statements rather than incurring the costs of hiring a bookkeeper. The effect of doing this has resulted in accounting records being “misstated by amounts material to the financial statements,” the letter noted.
The auditor recommended that the authority consider costs and benefits of securing either an internal employee or an external source to prepare the draft of its financial statement rather than relying on its auditor to do that.
Mastenbrook agreed with the auditor’s suggestion. She emphasized that it is not a legal issue. She sought support from the Schoolcraft Board for her suggestions.
“It’s no one’s fault,” she added.
Board members discussed the issue, noting that there does need to be “another pair of eyes on the books.”
“We can vote not to accept the draft audit based on things we see,”said Treasurer Teresa Scott. “There are ways to make the budget more understandable.”
In the end, a motion was made to accept the audit. But without a second to the motion, it died.
Questioned later about what this failure to approve meant, Supervisor Don Ulsh noted that the other five members of the SKCFA have to vote on the audit.
Brady Township approved the audit at its September meeting.
If the majority of members don’t approve the audit, then the Fire Authority will have to address the issues, said Ulsh.
In other business, the Board approved a $5,000 expenditure for a new geographic information system (GIS) from Prein&Newhof, an engineering firm.
The township has been using ArcReader software for its ArcReader-based GIS but this system is to be retired in March, 2026, according to a letter from Prein&Newhof. The firm recommended switching to ArcGIS Online, a web-based mapping system which is reportedly faster and with more functionality than the old system.
The $5,000 fee includes account setup, map creation and training. Additional costs include an annual creator license fee of $700 and an annual update of $500.
An advantage of the new system is that it will allow for remote data updating, which Prein&Newhof says will save time and money compared to the old system.
“This is a lot easier,” said Scott, “I’m excited about it. People can go to the website and see the maps.”
During public comment time, Wendy Mazer, Kalamazoo County Commissioner for District 8 which includes Schoolcraft Township, reported that the dedication of the new Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center in Kalamazoo, held in early September was a “lovely ceremony.” She estimated that about 45 members of Judge Pratt’s family attended the event.
Judge Pratt practiced law in Kalamazoo from 1935-1968 except for Army service in World War II, then became the first black judge elected to Kalamazoo County’s new 8th Circuit Court, serving until his retirement in 1980.
Mazer also noted that the county government is looking for a new building.
Schoolcraft Village voters won’t need to make choices in November village or school board elections. On the village council, President Michael Rochholz, who was appointed to fill the remainder of former president Keith Gunnett’s term when Gunnett resigned, is unopposed for a new two-year term. Newcomers Jennifer Doorn and Shawn Rance are seeking four-year council terms to replace Rochholz and Russell Barnes, who is not seeking reelection. And incumbent Kirk Bergland is running for reelection to a four-year term. Village council candidates did not submit statements.
On the school board, members Wade Rutkoskie and Christopher Blodgett are unopposed for four-year terms. Both have submitted statements and photos.
Christopher Blodgett
Christopher Blodgett.
My name is Christopher Blodgett, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Schoolcraft, where my parents, wife, and I are all alumni. I graduated from Schoolcraft in 1999 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Western Michigan University. Today, I own and manage C Blodgett Construction. My three children are currently enrolled at Schoolcraft Community Schools, actively participating in sports and other extracurricular activities. For the past two years, I have had the honor of serving on the school board. Our community thrives because of individuals who step forward and get involved. The diversity of our volunteers’ backgrounds strengthens our district, and I believe in continuing this tradition. As the world changes, so must Schoolcraft. We’ve made significant progress with new facilities and upgrades that benefit our kids and community, but there’s more work to be done. I’m committed to ensuring that SCS provides valuable opportunities in academics, arts, sciences, athletics, and beyond. I love our small community and want to keep Schoolcraft strong while offering our students the best possible experiences. Let’s continue to build on our successes and keep Schoolcraft a place where our children can thrive. GO EAGLES!
Wade Rutkoskie
Wade Rutkoskie.
My name is Wade Rutkoskie, and I am seeking re-election to a six-year term on the board. I have lived in Schoolcraft since age 5, and I graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1990. Cari, my wife of 27 years, runs two businesses from our home in Schoolcraft. My son, Thomas, is a 2024 graduate of Schoolcraft High School now a freshman at Oklahoma State. I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration from WMU in 1995. I have worked for several industries in the Kalamazoo area, including construction management and medical technology. Currently I am the director of product integration at Re:Build Tekna, a product development and manufacturing business, where I manage client relationships, contract negotiations, financial agreements, and other business development activities. Community service is important to me. I have worked on the school’s long-term strategic planning and bond committees, advised Junior Achievement, served on the board of of the Southwest Michigan Miracle League in Schoolcraft and an assistant coach for the Schoolcraft Clay Target Team. I would like to continue as a member of the school board to influence the direction of our school district. We have many complex issues to address, and my education, experience and passion for our kids and community will be an asset to the board, my way to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Schoolcraft Township board members, all Republicans, are unopposed in the November election. Candidate statements from Supervisor Don Ulsh and Clerk Eska Brown were published in the July issue of the South County News before they defeated opponents in the August primary. Appearing on the November ballot are Ulsh, Brown, Treasurer Teresa Scott and Trustees Jennifer Sportel and Tamra Stafford. All township offices are four-year terms. Compensation for the elected officials: supervisor, $52,500; clerk and treasurer, $55,335; trustees, $125 per meeting. Only Stafford offered a statement.
Tamra Stafford.
Tamra Stafford
I hope to educate the public on Township services, through Facebook, website, e-mails and phone calls, and listen to our taxpayers, be compassionate and understanding and have an open mind for comments and suggestions. I will be transparent and fair to all residents of Schoolcraft Township. I hope to listen with an open mind to everyone and offer constructive feedback to concerns. I continue to strive for a fair and honest Township Board. I will continue to offer ideas and solutions to area concerns within the Township. My focus has always been on providing quality services and saving taxpayers money.
Jaden Reiber. Photo by Stephanie Blentlinger, Lingering Memories Photography.
By Mark Blentlinger
The Schoolcraft Golden Eagles began their season returning to the remodeled Roy Davis Field. The berm has been removed, and a new sound system, scoreboard, lighting, bleachers and track have been installed.
Centreville Bulldogs’ football team was the first opponent to challenge the Eagles on their home turf.
During week 1, Schoolcraft traveled to Ithaca to take on the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Lakers. There, the Golden Eagles came away with a win, 28-18.
At the home field opener, Schoolcraft held off the Bulldogs, winning 28-6. Centreville had more plays at 48 to Schoolcraft’s 47, but the Golden Eagles had the top in total yards at 164 to the Bulldogs’ 118.
The Golden Eagles faced the visiting Constantine Falcons and their hard-to-follow Wing-T offense for the 3rd game of the 2024 season. The Golden Eagles started on offense, but on a series of downs, they punted the ball. The Falcons then marched their way down the field, using nearly the entire 8 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Constantine’s Brady Jones scored from the one-yard line and after the successful extra point, the Falcons captured an early lead, 7-0. The second quarter was more back and forth until Schoolcraft’s Cooper Howard scored and Gavin Knowlton’s successful extra point tied the game at 7. Schoolcraft’s defense held strong; Drew Enright stepped in front of Constantine’s intended receiver for the interception, and ran 38 yards for the pick 6. With a successful kick, the Eagles led at the half, 14-7.
Both teams continued scoring in the second half. Falcon quarterback Brody Jones broke a 74-yard-run, and with a good 2-point conversion, the Falcons assumed the lead, 14-15. Schoolcraft’s Gavin Knowlton kicked a field goal, moving the score to Schoolcraft 17-15 lead.
It wasn’t long before the direction changed. Another Falcon ran a 48-yard run into the end zone, and another 2-point conversion changed the lead to Constantine, 17-23.
The Golden Eagles worked downfield. A successful pass from Jack DeVries to Drew Enright allowed a Schoolcraft score. Knowlton’s kick faced a bit left, hit the upright, and bounced out, leaving the score at the end of the game tied 23-23.
In overtime rules, both teams have a chance to score from the 15-yard line. Constantine went first, scored, and had a successful 2-point conversion, taking the lead, 23-31. During Schoolcraft’s possession, Gavin Hart punched through the defense from the 2-yard line. But Constantine stopped the run during Schoolcraft’s 2-point conversion attempt, giving the Eagles their first loss of the season, their record now 2-1.
Total offense for the Golden Eagles: 238 yards with 143 being through the air and 95 rushing. The Falcons had 267 total yards with 236 on the ground and 31 through the air. Coach Ferency told his players that as much as this loss hurt, he was extremely proud of all his players. He said, “Look, this one is over. Nothing we can do about it now, time to look at next week and beyond.”
The Golden Eagles traveled to Galesburg-Augusta September 20, where Schoolcraft got back on track, defeating the Rams 49-0. There will be a grand opening of the Roy Davis Field September 27 when the Golden Eagles will welcome the Comets of Coloma for Schoolcraft’s Fall Homecoming.
