[{"_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",6458589,"mediaKeyId","5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317","parentId",5811985,"title","Edwardsburg superintendent outlines district goals, safety upgrades and warns of state budget risk","audioSeconds",3359,"startMs",141000,"endMs",3500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317&start=141&end=3500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317/thumbnail_141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6458589/Michigan/Edwardsburg-superintendent-outlines-district-goals-safety-upgrades-and-warns-of-state-budget-risk","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458589-3bfa49fa965a7e0927c03ce919f09551/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120181&Signature=ThlTT6kJm9WCFk3VdhDACUMqVyOeZDfqZEfql27rbt-G1qfgb~9XUFtU6PCNAVZ1X6aro2hTE1-YaPFQxOXaSvlXf-rVgYsVNQT-3u~yzKP4FDwuXCatS5CjQYAmPXny~MsS82k6nIbaZKxc~FPcYz5YM7pQCpIkiVsBQEN4u4Yo3JVxuRE1hoycOTdHjI5V9PisRrg5Oqg~ivxw1wdPqwbX8knqETQX-FggEllrArRk-SpM0--pquG-T6XZXwQBWfR47k77mX-XMn4Cwl-kc~LZ~yu1dMIl91v1oNVzk6bBnNuzvqOc2NbLfMt4iMX0ikvrZnwvUZjLNsfloDaO2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Edwardsburg Public Schools","date","2025-09-23T00:06:20.937Z","article","Dr. Suetsch, superintendent of Edwardsburg Public Schools, told the board the district will continue three strategic goals this year: recruiting and retaining staff and updating curriculum; expanding communication and stakeholder input; and overseeing facilities, bond and grant dollars while pursuing new funding.

The superintendent summarized implementation steps, including continuing the curricular cycle (social studies followed by ELA work), strengthening higher-education partnerships and alternative-certification pathways, using third-party perception surveys in spring, and offering more family learning opportunities tied to a new website and communication app. “I will work with our EPS leadership team and the board of education to recruit, hire, and retain dedicated staff,” Suetsch said.

Suetsch detailed new safety requirements and district responses. The district is preparing an updated emergency cardiac response plan that aligns with recent state requirements and places automated external defibrillators (AEDs) where a three-minute response is achievable. School nurse Mikayla Settle and staff maintain AED readiness and staff CPR training; Suetsch said the district is “pretty close” to the roughly 10% staff CPR-training threshold needed to apply to become a Michigan Heart Safe School. “We have proven a couple of times that we're able to do that,” Suetsch said, referencing past cardiac interventions supported by district AEDs.

On broader safety policy, the district has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) framework and trained building trainers under a “train the trainer” model. Suetsch said SRP terminology—hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter—will be used consistently across staff, students, families and local law enforcement. She described examples used in training, including controlled-release procedures after a secure call and how lockdowns require law enforcement or an administrator to clear the building before releasing students.

Suetsch also told the board about grant activity and other funding. Primary school teacher Tracy Spalding won a Heart of Cook grant and will use $4,700 to purchase a materials shed for a loose-parts outdoor play project (Spalding presented to the board later in the meeting). In addition, the district learned it was awarded a competitive K–3 literacy grant worth over $180,000; Suetsch credited staff training in Orton-Gillingham and other literacy foundations for the award.

But she warned of a fiscal risk: the state had not passed a required budget by July 1, delaying expected state funding and complicating the district's cash flow planning. Suetsch said district financial staff have modeled cash flow and that, if the impasse continues through November, the board may be asked next month to authorize short-term borrowing to meet payroll. “This is the first time where ... we had to sit down and really look at, okay, what does our cash flow look like and how long can we go before we have to borrow to make payroll,” she said, urging state legislators to act.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up during the presentation. The superintendent said the district will report back as actions (grant applications, trainings, bond-phase open houses and facility work) progress.

Ending: The board will receive continuing updates on implementation of the strategic goals, safety drills and SRP training, and on any action related to district cash flow should the state budget remain unresolved.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education Meeting 9/22/25","oneSentenceSummary","Dr. Suetsch, superintendent of Edwardsburg Public Schools, told the board the district will continue three strategic goals this year—teaching and learning, community communication, and facilities/funding—and highlighted new safety protocols and a potential state-budget cash-flow risk that could require short-term borrowing.","taxTitle","Edwardsburg Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38769,"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},6458569,"Edwardsburg athletics report: participation up, volleyball unbeaten in conference",323,2587000,2910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317&start=2587&end=2910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317/thumbnail_2587000.jpg","/articles/6458569/Michigan/Edwardsburg-athletics-report-participation-up-volleyball-unbeaten-in-conference","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458569-41e6e7cb3f65464c73367bbf008b6d0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120181&Signature=JbAtnG9pL27FuFITxwUHdNHgtHHV7AtGbnIt4o1fMYgFmvNqOL06wrDYCrdsDMOrdrA6CM5SkDFEFO6TAlquTnqUp4sWxNiVsAvD3VbJbUo2-APssWr~MtOI~8kclnLM~JtihzEyXpDGlgmpnV022JED-2cv4w3qKd5Yg9MMcBscX6vE~hwxnY0J0X12iZii1bSOjm4~-nWS0ehNN81c~QF6nyjdGy-FPhGE0G4ru02UWqyShFuJB1c6Ocu5~r9XcrYf7SUA1CT63EL3Ae8P1TyDSlZ5G55yqSKWllE5CQsdx-4PzJYvaWOF-kZKLSSbUspKfoKnl30JxI8K-bJnTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An athletics update delivered to the board reported fall participation numbers and team highlights.

The presenter reported 158 boys (about 37% of male students), 83 girls (about 23% of female students) and a total of 241 student athletes out of an enrollment the presenter cited as 787 (about 31% participation). The update named school record performances and team standings: a girls golf score that broke a school 18‑hole record (Jada Gadesky, 80), cross‑country runners adding to top‑20 all‑time lists, boys soccer holding first place in conference (10–1–1 overall, 3–0–1 conference), football at 3–1 and volleyball undefeated in conference play with national/division rankings noted earlier in the season.

The athletics staff also noted reliance on boosters for trainer funding and thanked the boosters for their support; an athletic director message to students is being posted weekly to the athletic site to boost school spirit and communication.

Ending: Teams continue regular-season play; coaches and staff said they will keep the board updated on postseason standings and notable achievements.","Athletic staff reported fall participation (241 student athletes, ~31% of enrollment), cross‑country and golf records, and football and soccer standings; coaches and staff highlighted individual record performances and weekly outreach to athletes.",{"_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},6458574,"Board approves three new hires, including high‑school counselor and middle‑school teacher",210,3426000,3636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317&start=3426&end=3636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317/thumbnail_3426000.jpg","/articles/6458574/Michigan/Board-approves-three-new-hires-including-highschool-counselor-and-middleschool-teacher","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458574-4e11944c59458512a8723bbe4c19455f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120181&Signature=EBGZH7yanf6E3WxkfYtzPhKmkMT-~~x15rsFOMfcYmBB34TanPZOQdWQAPDNnxnuz2mFv4A7pnXTC9mo9avJGhXF4BIAA0b-J65XCj6pWjwx-ic96cKmMh2xodp2GpPTHR5NhFc-BU12Ifm1COHGAFMK4Jlik-aE8HmCwZDN7ZtFfEQrlCu8MUsyqYCxofSBR2f399hs8P-qJ7CIMTjfWewTsaUea5ub7yE0BobWPJv6m7mSrmMkeN14U6~hdDagOWsD8j01ZAdv19RXNIUKE547brZmrDxbxuDM0tqbLJpYobz3fBM1zeBxXq~~GdNDt5bwikgZ785Xk5Ss4Rze2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved a single motion to hire three recommended candidates for district staff.

High school principal Ryan Markle recommended Katie Barheit for the high‑school guidance counselor position and Nathan Elder for a high‑school science position, praising their credentials and readiness to start. Middle‑school principal Josh Born recommended Jamie Iannarelli for a sixth‑grade position and noted she had already begun work in the building.

After a motion to approve the hires and a second, the board voted by voice: “Aye,” with no opposition recorded. The presiding secretary welcomed the new staff on behalf of the board.

Ending: The board completed the personnel votes as a single consent motion; the district offered formal welcomes to the new hires.","The board unanimously approved hiring Katie Barheit as a high‑school guidance counselor, Nathan Elder as a science teacher, and Jamie Iannarelli for sixth grade in a single motion; the board welcomed the new staff.",{"_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},6458579,"Primary school wins Heart of Cook grant to fund loose‑parts outdoor play shed",352,3036000,3388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317&start=3036&end=3388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317/thumbnail_3036000.jpg","/articles/6458579/Michigan/Primary-school-wins-Heart-of-Cook-grant-to-fund-looseparts-outdoor-play-shed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458579-1bf098f74842ae13aaeac768a1c2d3e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120181&Signature=VNL5W425hV76N16kSIFZZCjBEtCqSea4kBoNB7jEqM7qzdJQqb9B9tdAwhO2zdarIJ-Q5T3Uc2VeS1kh7uiJUUr2XmtugnNNVMhQucVgNj~2sdezjVrCkH4zXOW-x6ZNWgGLZcf4lwrEunG-TZcxsdvQPgeugJFBRceDajfEiE-Ysl6QtSJ24nEhwntInRojxVD~~DXYUnQWc8DGVFTjnf4tEZDHY1IvXwBYcMqPTehiXw0X-cCJYK2bgsCSNcBBEsJsD8FelA76bLWgXM8DRhVBhdkVNBJcBvwPqTRHnwt6fzWjQMGHGPEN7TJrHQPXjVwxM98BK9K6eehIAJLM~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tracy Spalding, a primary‑level staff member, told the board she was awarded $4,700 from the Heart of Cook grant (funded by the Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by the Berrien Community Foundation) to support a loose‑parts play program at the primary school.

Spalding described loose‑parts play as child‑directed, open‑ended outdoor play using natural and manufactured materials (sticks, tires, PVC, crates and similar items) and said the grant will buy a shed to house materials. She said the Edwardsburg Public Schools Foundation will support shelving and materials inside the shed.

“We're with the money from the Heart of Cook grant, I received $4,700 from them, and that was to buy a shed,” Spalding said. She described loose‑parts play as supporting cognitive and social development and said the district would photograph and share the program with the board after installation.

Spalding also said parents and community members have contributed items and that the program will be child‑led and supervised by staff. The presenter asked the district to accept the grant and implement the shed and storage plan as part of the primary school playground improvements.","Primary teacher Tracy Spalding said a Heart of Cook grant awarded $4,700 to buy a shed and storage for loose‑parts outdoor play; the district's EPS Foundation will cover materials and shelving.",{"_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},6458584,"Edwardsburg boosters outline fundraising plan, name priority projects including strength room and soccer lights",569,1884000,2453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317&start=1884&end=2453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811985-76eee7bbb4d7ef9ebc67349fcc4d2317/thumbnail_1884000.jpg","/articles/6458584/Michigan/Edwardsburg-boosters-outline-fundraising-plan-name-priority-projects-including-strength-room-and-soccer-lights","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458584-789ace2b26f682e7a7d5c01a998079ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120181&Signature=UW~Khb3rkGFbBp41Fh9NS0LBPUuUQOk0HsfpazvoG3AYgrTU6A2n71QQws1bvIKOATxMLLvXNy5U1psUOyIY5JiBxlz-7SKrPbeW4QOKbzdwACjkuim-DxwGiM6rCyLXKhbtUI~EUey3Bap1Jr40AXJ47Ej0UnZAmuhKTrrpjn51HinwsvLXDdXMJz-A8Tw5AQhqrJYvnle1wePEotD0zPAO0ftM9ybaXG8arT4uSY-V91UDZvGvP4HyQ4h8QbWowgnT45Y8CpH1aPK4f9NJkgizqwdLenaLmrtacmFGm-N~oS2ZfQdVb9x5~V76OrukyN3JvkdadAaY-X6CRrSuBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katie Barheit, president of the Eddie Athletic Boosters, told the board the boosters elected new officers in June 2025 and described ongoing expenditures, fundraising and a four-phase campaign the boosters call “It Starts Here.”

Barheit and other boosters said their two largest annual expenses are support for the athletic trainer (listed in the boosters’ summary as roughly $21,000–$27,000 per year) and a subscription to Huddle software for game footage (about $11,000–$11,500 per year). “Every kid should be able to participate,” Barheit said; the boosters said they try to remove financial barriers for students by covering fees, warmups and other needs.

Recent booster activity they told the board includes purchasing three AEDs in 2024 (for fields and outside athletic areas), producing senior banners, helping parents collect funds for an overnight activity and onboarding a new website (eddiesboosters.org) to facilitate sponsorships, volunteering and donations.

The boosters presented four project phases for larger sponsorships: renovating/updating the strength and conditioning room (estimated cost about $200,000; boosters reported roughly $15,000 raised so far), acquiring a branded transport vehicle, adding lights and upgraded facilities for the soccer fields (estimated $250,000) and a long-term field house project. Barheit said the boosters will prepare detailed proposals and pursue community grants and sponsorships to reach those goals.

Board members and the athletic staff thanked the boosters for their volunteer support. Athletic staff later reported fall participation numbers and team results (see separate athletic update).","Athletic Boosters presented leadership changes, a four-phase fundraising plan including a $200,000 strength-and-conditioning room and $250,000 for soccer lights/updated facilities, and said boosters helped purchase AEDs and fund ongoing athletic-trainer support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Edwardsburg superintendent outlines district goals, safety upgrades and warns of state budget risk

Edwardsburg athletics report: participation up, volleyball unbeaten in conference

Board approves three new hires, including high‑school counselor and middle‑school teacher

Primary school wins Heart of Cook grant to fund loose‑parts outdoor play shed

Edwardsburg boosters outline fundraising plan, name priority projects including strength room and soccer lights