[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6697107,"mediaKeyId","3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f","parentId",3446123,"title","Board ratifies bond sale, approves contracts and two AP textbooks; human geography AP text rejected","audioSeconds",2641,"startMs",3082000,"endMs",5723000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f&start=3082&end=5723","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f/thumbnail_3082000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6697107/Michigan/Board-ratifies-bond-sale-approves-contracts-and-two-AP-textbooks-human-geography-AP-text-rejected","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697107-36e3ae52b6ed16e8b27534af66e0ab5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013325&Signature=MM6ZddNYVnS8nL8cefZaKz9Lb4fPOSZNX73CKyv7E~Arp0t4hYrv3GkhDf6-nlQLObeIbYc86ahXjO0xRuj9bGw7-7DJ2ycYx19w07s6iTwRADsaVyW1yDXic2ElCmVrTPDkVPw5beoV5jrBYXNgo5LSN0kK57TBeQb8yYuT-M7HhhSPZaxBzv3MUZXZmcUd7Hg3x4ocIJiLCJyqcA2YKdwGf3EO6eQN2S6Z8uDECYl41opi8atuT0ta6uLxxKBkhQStiymDFiRrzJb8PMM4MU35JacfvSxfFriXEDHcbOFjFBBIfq7qL0u~xRKE6CgmpRcPiV1a-3uObv3qJbAVHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caledonia Community Schools","date","2025-05-22T16:15:11.737Z","article","The Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education on May 19 ratified the sale of the 2025 School Building and Site Bonds Series 2, approved multiple construction and paving contracts tied to ongoing capital work, and adopted two high-school textbooks, while voting down an AP human geography textbook.

The actions affect the district’s capital program, upcoming stadium work and classroom offerings for the 2025–26 school year. Several items were tied to bond-funded projects the district is scheduling for summer construction.

Board members voted to ratify the district’s Series 2 bond sale, a move administrators said secured lower interest rates after a short delay in the market improved pricing. The board also approved a resolution supporting the Kent ISD 2025–26 budget and designated two district trustees as Caledonia’s delegates for the Kent ISD school board election.

Construction and procurement approvals included:
- Monument signs: the board approved a Christman company contract that bundles multiple subcontractors for earthwork, concrete, masonry, signage and electrical for a total of $159,325. Administrators noted the package is well under the bond estimate of $251,000.
- Kettle Lake Elementary paving: a $369,408.60 contract with Michigan Paving and Materials Company was approved; paving is expected to begin the week following the vote.
- Construction management and testing for the Kettle Lake site work: approval of Structured Tech Inc. for $59,100 in construction management services, including geotechnical testing and a warranty-audit program.
- Ralphie Meyer Stadium waterline relocation: the board approved a conditional contract with Rockford Construction and Fisher Edema Excavating for $140,000, contingent on a finalized legal agreement between Caledonia Township and the district by June 2. Board materials say the township has approved up to $80,000 toward the project; administrators said that when contract elements are allocated each party’s share of the immediate excavation contract would be about $70,000, with other fees to be clarified in the legal agreement.

In curriculum actions, the board approved adoption of two high-school textbooks: Krugman’s Economics for the AP course (estimated cost $7,200) and Forensic Science for High School (estimated cost $4,850). Trustees then separated and considered the AP Human Geography: A Spatial Perspective (National Geographic/Cengage) as a distinct item after a trustee requested more time to review content. After debate about balance and perceived political framing in parts of the text, the board voted to reject the human geography adoption.

Votes at a glance (selected roll-call summaries as recorded in the meeting):
- Consent agenda (minutes/personnel): motion carried; roll call recorded as yes from Trevor Garcia, Randolph, Collins, Eusich/Eisich, Cohn and Morris.
- Ratify 2025 bonds (Series 2): motion carried; recorded votes listed in the meeting transcript as yes from Collins, Eicich/Esich, Kohn/Cohn, Randell, Barbara Garcia and Morris.
- Support Kent ISD 2025–26 budget: motion carried by roll call.
- Kent ISD board delegates: board approved designating trustee Cone (delegate) and trustee Brando (alternate) to the Kent ISD electoral body to cast Caledonia’s votes for David Drake and Laura Featherston.
- Textbook adoptions: Krugman (AP economics) and Forensic Science — approved by roll call; AP Human Geography — motion failed (roll-call recorded votes include Robert Garcia voting yes; several members voting no; motion did not pass).
- Monument sign contract: approved; roll call recorded yes from Randall, Cohn, Barbara Garcia, Collins and Morris.
- Kettle Lake paving contract: approved by roll call; board members recorded yes votes.
- Construction management services (Kettle Lake): approved by roll call.
- Waterline relocation at Ralphie Meyer Stadium: conditional approval passed; roll-call recorded yes votes.

Board members and administrators said some items may require brief special meetings for signature or final legal actions before work begins, particularly the waterline agreement. Several items were presented as contingent on final contract language or intergovernmental agreements.

The board adjourned at the close of the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May Regular Board Meeting 05192025","oneSentenceSummary","At its May 19 meeting, the Caledonia Community Schools board ratified a bond sale, approved multiple construction contracts and adopted two new high-school textbooks; the board rejected an AP human geography textbook after debate about perceived bias.","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},6697094,"Superintendent outlines MIRA manufacturing program, wellness updates and state revenue uncertainty ahead of district budget",852,1474000,2326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f&start=1474&end=2326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f/thumbnail_1474000.jpg","/articles/6697094/Michigan/Superintendent-outlines-MIRA-manufacturing-program-wellness-updates-and-state-revenue-uncertainty-ahead-of-district-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697094-23b58d555fb688795da6430332a9ba76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013325&Signature=jRm3NhPCYMiv8Kz95Cl0jvzg9q6g6HSHwxP35G-QLxGM0GwKJvM0rWOd2rdG7~haQQyQUqmnmvuysraCd7lZASLh-g9eT8CCW1AFdA4h4N38Wh7jwGKoZaJirXvtzF9oVaLs14R681q6QsWQLZkT5CofBPjF6e6tGtCq-VpCKE-xNB19NCf8a13ier0C4cwIO36N9gMHZ2U58hGL0JA8sGhklEOYE7B2jnv-qQ0fBJ-xQQOWy7uCCZZuH5vz500JiSPcbbZJgHWlNPkBhrWhEDDSIwzolgwK0uhPLf1Eui29YbU7glGfDEa68~u8hh3Hyf57V0WcNcXWbmdTbnTWoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District administrators told the Caledonia Community Schools board on May 19 they will launch a MIRA program next fall to introduce middle-school students to manufacturing and trades and expand high-school manufacturing opportunities through Kent ISD partnerships and a recent grant. The administration also reported wellness-committee work tied to school meal and physical-activity requirements under the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program.

Dr. Diaz described MIRA as a county partnership that will provide lab space and equipment through Kent ISD and allow students to pursue certifications prior to high school graduation. The district will offer a single elective in the first year and plans to expand toward a full STEM offering in following years, administrators said.

Sarah Devries summarized the district wellness-committee’s triennial assessment and said the committee will post goals and materials on the district website. Initiatives mentioned for next year include parent-facing flyers with healthy snack ideas and a “mood-boost foods” promotion in younger grades designed to encourage students to try nutrient-rich options such as blueberries.

Superintendent-level staff provided an overview of the May consensus revenue estimating conference in Lansing and cautioned that state revenue projections are uncertain this year. The state’s School Aid Fund was projected in the conference to rise about 2.1% for the next fiscal year, an amount administrators said would translate into roughly $389 million statewide; local impact depends on final legislative decisions. Administrators noted that proposals on the table from state leaders have suggested higher per-student increases (governor ~4.1%, senate ~4.2%, house skeleton plan ~4.3%), which exceed the revenue growth estimate and will require negotiations over offsets.

The superintendent said the district must adopt a budget by June 30 but that final state numbers and student-count (fall enrollment) details can lag, increasing uncertainty. Staff warned the board to expect a district budget proposal in June that may be adjusted later in the summer after Lansing finalizes its budget.

Administrators also flagged broader state fiscal pressures, including reduced general-fund projections and a looming policy decision about road funding that could affect overall state budgets and, indirectly, school funding allocations.

Trustees asked questions about program timelines, how wellness resources will be shared with families and why the district must set a budget before Lansing finalizes numbers; administrators explained statutory fiscal deadlines and the offset between the state and school fiscal calendars.","Administrators described a new MIRA manufacturing elective for middle-schoolers, wellness committee actions, and warned that state revenue projections could complicate the district's 2025–26 budget process.",{"_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},6697097,"Parent tells board district has not followed up on special-education concerns for nonverbal 10th-grader",238,125000,363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f&start=125&end=363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f/thumbnail_125000.jpg","/articles/6697097/Michigan/Parent-tells-board-district-has-not-followed-up-on-special-education-concerns-for-nonverbal-10th-grader","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697097-6c39c08fe323c2d1f285533dcfd8e0de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013325&Signature=NMpH1AiUzRA8Y8UK~Jpiba6lf-GnW2szA3DxLUrOCZz3BYjQV3b-nlJNQFOl1Bjqe4akYopNt5GGhbEYaW61c06oQPEvMqZRuvZ6iRQ83AYRhntgVUvWVxJ3cC6LwyRAaAC2QVcYgq9MzBKx4uNiU2ielFYYen99zWqaQbY2Y0gIcqLc6xA83gG9rjc8N8nQpEcnnhO-1zegels6hrMeeF47mZpkj5m8wYqUcmq0iVwaZq01pu3-0P6tSFIVHkOzJsbLV-qwuXgl2OkSd6a79kmJKNuKYGiOiUrU74ruDDhpPdt4C9w80B5a6WOsC9RwVuJE~zkGnBQsozAXslLbUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christina Donaldson told the Caledonia Community Schools board on May 19 she remains without a district response after previously raising concerns in March about whether her nonverbal, 10th-grade son with an individualized education program is receiving a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

Donaldson said she requested a follow-up from the district after her March public comment but has not received one. She described repeated meetings over multiple years — “over 25 meetings, often scheduled for up to four hours” — that included a large team of staff, administrators and district legal counsel. Donaldson estimated the cumulative time spent by staff and legal counsel at around 1,000 hours and said that attorney hourly rates she referenced reached as much as $400 per hour.

Donaldson said that although “some progress has occurred,” the family and district “remain challenged in finding common ground in a number of areas.” She described a recent meeting in which a district administrator addressed her in an elevated tone of voice and said meetings have shifted from being student-centered to feeling “like a courtroom drama.”

She also cited remarks from a recently resigned local special-education teacher who warned that overburdening teachers isolates them and undermines students, and referenced commentary that described school districts “weaponizing” authority against parents seeking services. Donaldson asked that the district hold institutions and individuals accountable and reiterated her request for a formal follow-up.

The board did not record a formal response during the public-comment period beyond acknowledging the remarks. The meeting transcript shows staff and administrators earlier set a public-comment policy that the board cannot accept personnel issues in that forum and that personnel concerns are to be referred to the superintendent for resolution.

Donaldson’s comments were part of the meeting’s public-comment period; she asked the board to review her prior remarks from March and to follow up with the family through the superintendent’s office.","A parent told trustees she has not received district follow-up about free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for her nonverbal son with an IEP, described repeated long meetings involving attorneys, and urged accountability.",{"_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},6697102,"Residents urge board to halt trailhead parking plan, cite safety, trees and transparency concerns",1028,392000,1420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f&start=392&end=1420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3446123-f862200559efc427e9dd46a21129884f/thumbnail_392000.jpg","/articles/6697102/Michigan/Residents-urge-board-to-halt-trailhead-parking-plan-cite-safety-trees-and-transparency-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697102-f8e54e6222946acaea457456c4186c69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771013325&Signature=LGSheiJOMaU52GFNYcGWAJlirT9hQ7ABJHI3~kHwibuTbhkyVcd2oICNSkZHekYa8Gx8ik3c~c53pUkAHjHZHIlyDnQ6wBlzLznqOXFcLaQJcIE23kgjap6GpCY3heRpSkKyQk~JJlW05PeN5dDQZkZCRf2DH6uxBo5bK3IR1AuIODhy~NVR43bv8UQIJUCS16MsImxBxJkmSmNsBTIzZeSUJ9XTbcAcfkUifpum75FEMcfKtOBiCcOo8sLFPb92fkLaHT-mjTUr9FITXxjwUwjF0CfYjpoJXD8AGW-uD9ra~Ryd64qH5Gi-mP9HmHjPGVYRe0tZ60O50eMEq~dc-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of the village told the Caledonia Community Schools board on May 19 they oppose a proposed trailhead parking project that would add parking near a community trailhead, saying the plan lacks transparency, would remove trees and could harm trail users.

Multiple speakers said they collected more than 100 petition signatures opposing the plan and asked the board to delay any action until the village and district provide clearer project objectives, costs and environmental information. One resident said he had received the DNR application only recently and that village leaders had not made full documentation available when decisions were being discussed.

Steve Furberstein (also pronounced Fejerstein), speaking for village opponents, said the project’s stated purpose — to serve village merchants — would directly benefit only about 10 downtown businesses while the community at large and students who use the trail would face more traffic and reduced safety. “There are approximately 10 merchants who may be served by this proposal,” Furberstein said, and residents “do not know what the requirements are. One of the most frustrating things is the nonexistent transparency and communications from everybody involved.”

Resident Jeffrey Kuzmira told the board he had only just received the DNR application package and described a lack of timely public notice. He said the package indicates a plan for about 23 parking spaces and questioned why that level of investment was necessary for a village with many side streets and several businesses that already have private parking.

Sylvia Murphy, another resident, told trustees she worried the parking layout would remove roughly 60 trees in the trailhead area and increase dust pollution from a nearby grain elevator. Murphy said the existing trees act as a filter and help reduce dust in surrounding neighborhoods; she also said a walled parking lot could create a place where crimes might occur out of public view.

Speakers asked whether the proposed parking improves student safety, citing school users of the trail, and urged the board and village council to share the project’s cost breakdown and purpose before authorizing work. Several residents said they intended to file a formal objection to the DNR application.

Board President acknowledged the public comments and indicated the board would not take immediate action until it received further information from the village council. Administrators confirmed that the village’s DNR application and additional documentation would be needed before the district made any decisions affecting school-owned property.

Protests and petitions remain active, and several residents asked the district to schedule a dedicated agenda item or special meeting so the public and trustees could examine the documents together.","Multiple village residents told the board they oppose a proposed trailhead parking lot, raising petitions, concerns about tree removal and dust, and saying the public has not been given adequate information about scope and cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board ratifies bond sale, approves contracts and two AP textbooks; human geography AP text rejected

Superintendent outlines MIRA manufacturing program, wellness updates and state revenue uncertainty ahead of district budget

Parent tells board district has not followed up on special-education concerns for nonverbal 10th-grader

Residents urge board to halt trailhead parking plan, cite safety, trees and transparency concerns