[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6630131,"mediaKeyId","2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227","parentId",2697147,"title","Caledonia High School student council previews spring carnival, mock trial state finals and other student activities","audioSeconds",306,"startMs",75000,"endMs",381000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227&start=75&end=381","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227/thumbnail_75000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630131/Michigan/Caledonia-High-School-student-council-previews-spring-carnival-mock-trial-state-finals-and-other-student-activities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630131-89af83fe414591cd65643f8109d4aad3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174965&Signature=IbvnlXzyDjSmkk1OCCC9A3IlhcEug5tRtAb39oYhkqRCFNJwR65pyZJlRrE0EOUV81qPF8j5k9Zsr3QXwHO4eayCaLHySUYvbHFhDPaatGgxAUPS91qS9njWD7ieCjI~JdZuZ1vcTlBq~GJjYHQkbWneyisvTnRFODxEQ2PqKRIICLUAVu~dD0w~aOBpaKSYIHYbbhUvLflw3coQdMrIyfh944LTs3T81LyCuvj2k-vj3Fo9G6wD~qRZvFti71I0jq~jd6NHo9xnEJjBp8gwSHduH7H2MW6FOvjDfZR1ED0NknxU9QgCJt~roR78puskabLn7YLkPLgqjy9qL31jdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caledonia Community Schools","date","2025-03-19T21:17:50.173Z","article","Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education meeting — Student representative report: The student council reported that Caledonia High School will hold a spring carnival on Friday, May 2, and outlined several student achievements and upcoming events.

The student representative said the spring carnival will bring CHS students and the wider Caledonian community together and that the council is working to incorporate local businesses. The high school will host middle and intermediate students for a half‑day of leadership and engagement activities. The PTSO will partner to support teacher appreciation week at CHS.

Achievements and events noted by the student representative included: the Caledonia High School mock trial team winning the Oakland County regional and advancing to the state final tournament (this is the second consecutive year the district has advanced); five broadcast‑journalism students — Draven Reid, Court Thompson, Josie Noble, Andrew Moore and Isaiah Supak — are finalists at the Michigan Student Broadcast Awards with an awards luncheon in Lansing; participation in a student ambassador program and an Art for a Cure silent auction raising approximately $7,000 for Parkinson’s and cancer research; and a “Be Nice” group organizing a 5K on May 17.

Why it matters: The carnival and cross‑grade leadership activities are student engagement efforts; the mock trial and broadcast finalists represent competitive student achievements at county and state levels.

Board action/status: This was an informational student report; no action required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March Regular Board Meeting 031725","oneSentenceSummary","The student representative told the board the CHS spring carnival will be held May 2, students are partnering across grades and with the PTSO for activities and teacher appreciation week, the mock trial team will compete in state finals, and broadcast students are finalists for awards.","taxTitle","Caledonia Community Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",55567,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630136,"Superintendent outlines preliminary 2025‑26 budget showing $1.4 million shortfall under current assumptions",446,3235000,3681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227&start=3235&end=3681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227/thumbnail_3235000.jpg","/articles/6630136/Michigan/Superintendent-outlines-preliminary-202526-budget-showing-14-million-shortfall-under-current-assumptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630136-40f0ac6dac109f3d52737d45048e547e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174965&Signature=nrZqKvUAOobag9-8mYCoLGkIBgf2wpMnq7k4BIXBpR5Fgb4qoy3jik79cd8bo0M00kNRgfDIKMrRoVRcVMLosRylN1kgTYKXNjaany8jdq~o2RVtuQxUPeTHg9eCqv2vtLeJFd3g4ekIMHvtSPulq7JAHBkzD1-6UQ3f~UnvK7LqVn~0K-iIh76Z7fhGiNKncHgcKqvL1dfR9Yb8YvprS81LUJgpl2iUovpMOOUTUk0wIbluU~l2KNBpFi9stAZxaJDaiun2yj~7xmh5AWA3rJx3vhuwWaBDRfHhI7zyilZg-3mLd72yPXQvTHIOiU4bkZNWCI3Ts-OPfKALHwYV2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education — Superintendent report: The superintendent presented a high‑level preliminary budget for 2025‑26 that, under current assumptions, shows a projected $1.4 million shortfall and a fund balance of about 9.3%.

Key assumptions and figures discussed: the district is using the governor’s proposed $392 per‑student foundation increase (which the superintendent said equates to approximately $1.9 million for Caledonia if adopted). The superintendent also noted the state reimbursement line for MPSERS retirement was proposed to be eliminated, creating a roughly $1.8 million negative impact. Included assumptions on expenditures account for current staff levels, step increases on salary schedules and a net 5% increase in health‑insurance cost projections; teacher and administrator contract negotiations were noted as ongoing.

On the positive side, the superintendent said the MPSERS district retirement rate shows a projected 1.45% savings equal to roughly $500,000. Using the district’s December‑amended budget as a baseline, the preliminary projection in the presentation listed revenue of about $70.3 million and expenditures of about $71.7 million, producing a $1.4 million projected shortfall and an estimated 9.3% ending fund balance under the current assumptions.

The superintendent cautioned that the December‑amended budget is still a projection, that another budget amendment will be presented in June and that audited numbers in the fall will set the formal fund balance.

Why it matters: The numbers underscore fiscal pressure going into negotiations, the upcoming millage election and planning for possible state and federal funding changes.

Board action/status: The presentation was informational; no budget adoption or formal vote occurred. The superintendent said staff will return with more detailed numbers and amendments in June and with the public posting of budget documents for review.

What comes next: A budget amendment is expected in June, and audited year‑end numbers will be available in the fall to finalize fund‑balance figures.","Caledonia Community Schools' preliminary budget projects a $1.4 million shortfall for 2025‑26 based on the governor's proposed foundation increase and current expenditure assumptions; district administrators plan further amendments before the June budget.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630142,"Board approves network switches, Dutton furniture and Caledonia Elementary abatement; consent agenda passes",551,3973000,4524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227&start=3973&end=4524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227/thumbnail_3973000.jpg","/articles/6630142/Michigan/Board-approves-network-switches-Dutton-furniture-and-Caledonia-Elementary-abatement-consent-agenda-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630142-8bf4846f161990b7e2cb16f90d5d672d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174965&Signature=b4oFP-1ZvLE7RnheHQQGoTbxbKtWvGbZ~Denv1~2LyEmShwzWr0yBH4udZ0sBJnDW7RYo9UfMB7uLMsSJ83rvJcWzIn2mTOE7NhmJoHZBOJgj~LVGa2ksMgvP1aliMgbh9aSkRF4nM8KhIOOw8cAin0H-LfMxzQ4kY0pYq438ZrUTQC4pvGY38PUejVjYi4QnGmElj1Mb9nz4sQ9TtWxCPch~M7Lgvdnvd4aotG9J3GjRBQv9gf5xqLNZVlnJNjuNkMwJaLTihLeNJPdSbCFoUO7Y3W-gSYoG6ZulUpk-OY08TejkuAItxp4CccA35J8uOZp1OKe3amZsJzMwD-a-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education — Action items and votes at a glance: The board approved the consent agenda and three contracts during the meeting.

Votes and key details

• Network switches (contract award): The board approved purchase of network switch hardware using bond funds for $81,985 to support AV upgrades and paging-system improvements at several district facilities, including Catalunya (Cataluny) Elementary, New Dutton Elementary, the Early Childhood Center, Emmons Lake and Pierce Ridge Elementary. The purchase was described as funded from 2020 and 2023 bond funds and made through the cooperative/vendor process; the transcript lists the vendor as Sentinel Technologies (speaker also referenced Bridal/Bridal Technologies). Outcome: approved. Tally: unanimous yes (recorded roll‑call; no no votes or abstentions reported).

• Dutton Elementary furniture (purchase agreements): The board approved purchase and installation agreements for furniture to outfit the new Dutton Elementary with the following vendor totals: Custer Furniture $369,407.66; DEWEL Furniture $277,750.02; School Specialty $78,897.20. Outcome: approved. Tally: unanimous yes.

• Caledonia Elementary asbestos abatement (contract award): The board approved a contract with Total Environmental Services for $112,400 for abatement of asbestos‑containing materials at Caledonia Elementary. A staff correction to a previously misstated figure was noted during the meeting before the vote. Outcome: approved. Tally: unanimous yes.

Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda (minutes, personnel reports and routine items) by roll call; recorded votes were all in the affirmative.

Why it matters: The network switch purchase supports planned AV and paging upgrades at multiple school sites; furniture contracts complete procurement for the new Dutton Elementary; the abatement contract clears asbestos‑containing materials at Caledonia Elementary so renovation or demolition work can proceed.

Board action/status: All motions passed on roll call and will proceed to implementation per contract terms. Staff indicated the network switches and furniture purchases are tied to bond funds; the abatement contract is a direct contract award.

What comes next: Procurement, vendor scheduling and installation will proceed per vendor agreements; staff will return with any required reporting and scheduling updates.","At the meeting the Caledonia Community Schools Board approved the consent agenda and three purchase/contract motions: district network switches, furniture packages for the new Dutton Elementary and asbestos abatement at Caledonia Elementary.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630147,"Residents urge Caledonia board to stop plan for trailhead parking on school land, citing safety and property‑value concerns",560,1150000,1710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227&start=1150&end=1710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227/thumbnail_1150000.jpg","/articles/6630147/Michigan/Residents-urge-Caledonia-board-to-stop-plan-for-trailhead-parking-on-school-land-citing-safety-and-propertyvalue-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630147-a1c6657fb61fafd113db26b15c393717/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174965&Signature=QSrhhhwTlMN6V-YXqHCpOQ0C1UaYEquqUl6exmjNlAO9eTFwvvpUFkVG10nj3FtVsJZxRPamrobW2FSEpOs6owiNktTpSS9kKcr9PxQBwHif37F9gA5jvlWA2mKlseK5Y1n0W3VObQa-puBYLKhWAUysmwJvWTuWzx96kSREWFbVUUb3I9iNE1eecKjl4rLKr-ToYQgDDQ68Ql9q6zO1~pND1y22qfBErGoxKSWPKNUb7JGyVvxzPVZOhUo3t5iwDHkbWoXmFlyvkI843PBpgnVFOejAqTHgAlPxPnB7ZDJL0MMWfMiT8OTetAh9GT1y20xXLL3saQYA1ziLKFcS4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education meeting — Public comment: Several residents urged the board to prevent village plans to use school‑owned land at Main and Kinsey for a trailhead parking lot, saying the proposal would endanger students who use the Paul Henry Trail, reduce property values and inappropriately use a DNR grant.

Speakers who identified themselves as nearby homeowners and longtime village business owners said the sketch plan discussed by the village would clear mature trees, pave about six acres, add lighting and create a hidden area adjacent to the trail. “To build a lot means to clear cut 6 acres of mature trees along that trailhead, cover the area with asphalt,” said Sylvia Murphy, who lives on Mill Avenue and said the plan would “create a hidden area which invites crime.” She told trustees that at a recent village council meeting 49 residents attended and 45 opposed the lot; the four supporters were merchants.

Jenna Weinsma, who lives next to the proposed site, said the lot would bring “more traffic and congestion in a quiet neighborhood, constant noise from cars and late night activity” and accused the village of framing the project as a DNR passport grant for trail‑head improvements while actually intending to support merchant parking. “Why is the board approving a project that makes students less safe on the land that you own?” she asked.

Another business owner said many communities provide trailhead access and lit parking; she urged the board and village to design an approach that balanced safety and homeowner concerns and cited examples in nearby towns where communities have 15–63 trailhead spaces.

Why it matters: The site borders a primary walking route used by students. Speakers emphasized student safety, neighborhood character and whether the DNR passport grant — intended for trail improvements and recreation — is being used to support merchant parking rather than trail users.

Board action/status: The parking proposal was discussed earlier at a village council meeting; during this school board meeting residents asked the school board to stop the village from using school property for the lot. Trustees did not take a formal vote on the proposal at this meeting. Board members acknowledged the comments and said they would continue discussions with the village and review the matter in future meetings.

What comes next: Residents and trustees indicated the issue will return for more discussion; several commenters requested transparency around any agreements or grant applications relating to school property.","Multiple village residents asked the board to block a proposed parking lot at the Paul Henry Trailhead on school‑owned land at Kinsey and Main, saying the plan would endanger students, destroy mature trees and misuse a DNR grant.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630152,"Caledonia speakers urge board to avoid new mask policy, question hiring of constitutional law firm and call for trustee background checks",263,250000,513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227&start=250&end=513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697147-8c9641a2461de54e99bbf78ecc892227/thumbnail_250000.jpg","/articles/6630152/Michigan/Caledonia-speakers-urge-board-to-avoid-new-mask-policy-question-hiring-of-constitutional-law-firm-and-call-for-trustee-background-checks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630152-d2c7f30e3a9949c204993625bd906410/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174965&Signature=TBF-8C52PS9iZ0KFYdjBbIvTiE3rjPVwNJ~HS7l0nePHM1xAAUDXFdQZthkI2jqbju2rhSL5WFM6AgjwIHNz94TqDWdsnFBr3w5svRYhUQcKcAgYnx5fvef~gmqjdMqqglnpZB-GZMDPsb-iANCClQ5fMnMHLS74npNyVUGIBsy9J8a4L2tltzmTmFV8OoML5TvPxlinaSZ2l0LvjhCeVu4YS~Jcq~Lodm4rOEZtjb1nNOMFmxNkhURVlQ5IPdnpdRwHios~QnXnpGbmHtFrvT8j0ksAJmirnfNM6uilx21mJOYyEeawoP425Mh-kkqS1IefiatP2YMgPvu0~oEcKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education meeting — Public comment: Multiple residents urged the board not to adopt a district-wide mask policy that would override health department guidance, questioned plans to hire an additional constitutional law firm, and asked the board to require background checks for trustees.

Speakers including James Ernest, a resident who posted a public letter, said the board should not adopt a policy “that you are not legally empowered to make” and questioned whether a draft policy “was drafted with the help of Coleman Legal of Lansing or with Coleman’s help.” Ernest added that hiring legal counsel tied to a drafted policy would create the appearance of a conflict: “The appearance created by this post is that you are being urged to pass a Coleman‑drafted policy that would expose this district to legal liability, while at the same time, you are being urged to put Coleman legal on retainer.”

Resident David Deagle told the board that mask requirements during 2020 helped avoid overwhelming local health care: “They were meant to slow the progression of the virus so that we don't overwhelm the local healthcare environment.” Deagle also urged the board not to add a new law firm amid uncertain state and federal funding, saying “it would be simply fiscally irresponsible for Caledonia schools to take on an additional law firm at this time.”

Former board member Jason Sadu said legal guidance taken in a prior mask discussion supported following health department mandates and warned of insurance and liability risks if the district chose to defy public‑health orders. Sadu noted existing district policy 84‑50, which “clearly states, the board shall follow all state statutes and health department regulations which pertain to immunization and other means for controlling the spread of casual contact communicable diseases.”

Several speakers—including parents and community members who identified themselves as volunteers, retired teachers, and business owners—urged the board to prioritize classroom needs over legal battles. One commenter summarized the concern as: “If there's extra money to spend, why isn't it going towards teacher support, academic programs, or classroom resources?”

Other public comments urged the board to require background checks for trustees. A speaker who identified herself as having worked in education said she had “never come across” a district that did not require background checks for board members and called a background‑check policy “a simple common sense step forward.” Another former trustee said requiring trustee background checks would align board accountability with standards already applied to teachers, staff and volunteers.

Why it matters: Commenters linked the mask policy and additional legal counsel to fiscal and liability concerns and to the board’s priorities for student services and special education. Several speakers urged the board to focus on the upcoming millage vote, teacher recruitment and budget shortfalls rather than reopening earlier pandemic debates.

Board action/status: These matters were raised during public comment and discussed previously in a Committee of the Whole meeting; no formal policy change or vote on a new mask policy or an additional law firm occurred during this meeting. Board members acknowledged the comments and indicated policy and legal review would follow the district’s normal process.

What comes next: Board members said the security/background‑check proposal and policy language will be circulated and likely appear for formal review at a future meeting for first reading and legal review.

","Multiple residents and former board members urged the Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education to defer creating a district-wide mask policy and to reconsider hiring an outside constitutional law firm; several commenters asked the board to adopt background checks for trustees and to focus on budget and special-education needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Caledonia High School student council previews spring carnival, mock trial state finals and other student activities

Superintendent outlines preliminary 2025‑26 budget showing $1.4 million shortfall under current assumptions

Board approves network switches, Dutton furniture and Caledonia Elementary abatement; consent agenda passes

Residents urge Caledonia board to stop plan for trailhead parking on school land, citing safety and property‑value concerns

Caledonia speakers urge board to avoid new mask policy, question hiring of constitutional law firm and call for trustee background checks