Not pictured: Camden Babcock, Gage Beckner, James Bouchey, Weston Bryant, Evan Campbell, Landon Cook, Bailey Dole, Wyatt Dole, Michael Franko, Kain Greenfield, Miles Haggart, Samuel Hampton, Nicholas Haring, Matthew Harton, Aidan Paisley, Clayton Phillips, Michael Pomerville, Jacob Recker, Carter Smedley, Allen Smith, Garrett Stevenson, Kolton Swartz, Kevin Tanner, Owhin Thompson, and Beau Weldon.
By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
Clare’s football team was honored at the regular Board of Education Meeting Monday evening.
Varsity Coach Kelly Luplow said it was “a challenging year” for the team, who finished with a 7-4 record. He is expecting great things of the team in the coming years, he said, presenting each team member present with a certificate for 2021.
The team members included: Jayden Arthur, Camden Babcock, Gage Beckner, James Bouchey, Weston Bryant, Noah Camp, Evan Campbell, Conner Carmody, Ethan Cook, Landon Cook, Bailey Dole, Wyatt Dole, Michael Franko, Kain Greenfield, Miles Haggart, Samuel Hampton, Nicholas Haring, Matthew Harton, Holden Hollingshead, Jesse Huber, Dawson John, Ryan Louch, Jordan McPhall, Levi Onweller, Aidan Paisley, Clayton Phillips, Michael Pomerville, Kyle Potter, Skyler Prout, Jake Punches, Jacob Recker, Ryan Rodenbo, Carter Smedley, Allen Smith, Garrett Stevenson, Kolton Swartz, Kevin Tanner, Caleb Thering, Owhin Thompson, Aiden Van Bonn, Alex Warner, and Beau Weldon.
Varsity Soccer Coach Jim Bond recognized Malachi Bear, Gabriel Kamp and Jack Rawson for their accomplishments during the fall 2021 season. All three were named Academic All State.
Golf honors went to Girls Golf team member Mara Pomerville for her accomplishments during the fall season.
Cross Country team members Allison Nobis and Bradley White were recognized by Varsity Coaches Adam Burhans and Kyle McKown for their accomplishments during the fall season.
In his report to the board Superintendent Jim Walter reported on the results of a community survey for ESSER III funds. Number one on the list was to maintain programming on core subjects; number 2 was to provide highly qualified staff for struggling students; number 3 was to provide social emotional learning/support for students; and number 4 was improving facilities (air, quality & Safety).
Walter also reported on the first Bond Think Tank Committee meeting in November and the second in December to consider needs of Clare students, families and the community over the next several decades. The committee includes educators, parents, community members and students.
He said he expects to collect data from staff members on Covid on January 10th.
After a discussion on replacing all of the fencing around the football field and parking area at Brookwood Athletic Complex, the board chose not to vote to do that project at this time. Superintendent Jim Walter said the expected bids were approximately $150,000 for the project but the low bidder $225,000 due to recent increases in material. He noted that there is no fencing available at this time. Trustee Ed Hubel said, “I don’t think it’s a priority.” Board Vice President Loren Cole said, “I’m not very enthusiastic about spending almost a half million dollars for an esthetic issue.”
Varsity Football Coach Kelly Luplow talked about the quality of Brookwood Field and how impressed visitors are when they attend events there. He said, “Visitors are always impressed with Brookwood. It’s often the first appearance to the public. I hope we don’t lose that. The fact is that (fencing) will be needed eventually.”
The other action item on the agenda at the Monday meeting was the approval of updates to NEOLA policies that were reviewed by the board.
Other business included:
*Dean of Students Curinne Demeuse gave an administrative update on programs at the Clare Primary School including Mrs. Magnus’ Sensory Room with assists with discipline. It’s a break room that decreases behavioral problems. She also reported on the CHAMPS Program; Crisis Prevention Training and quarterly discipline meetings.
*Pam Mellish, President of the Education Boosters reported that the recent Book Fair was the best ever, raising nearly $12,000, up $3,000 from the previous fair. The next event will be in March.
*The BOE approved the payment of bills totaling $678,258.53.
At the end of the meeting the board met in closed session to discuss Superintendent Walter’s evaluation. Following the closed session, they gave him an effective rating and approved his contract for the coming year. His contract includes a 4 percent salary increase and one additional year on his contract, which is effective July 1, 2022 and now expires in 2025.