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Coldwater board accepts personnel and gifts, approves annual report and several purchases including two new vans
Summary
The Coldwater Community Schools Board approved personnel changes and gifts, accepted the 2024–25 annual education reports, and approved purchases including a Daktronics touchpad timer/scoreboard ($20,305), gym floor refinishing ($12,265.76) and two new vans with upfit packages; the board also approved purchase of a 7×16 enclosed trailer.
The Coldwater Community Schools Board of Education approved routine personnel recommendations, accepted gifts, and voted on several district purchases at its January meeting.
Personnel and gifts: The board accepted with regret the retirement resignation of Max Larson Elementary teacher Amy Secander effective July 1, 2025, approved an internal transition replacing Ryan Sheets with Nathan Waterbury as math curriculum chair, approved hiring for ELL support staff at Jefferson Elementary, accepted the resignation of a bus driver effective Jan. 17, 2025, and approved a bus driver hire. The board also accepted monetary gifts designated for athletics and school programs from local donors, including donations listed for Coldwater High School and several elementary schools.
Annual education report: The board approved the district’s 2024–25 Annual Education Reports as posted on the district website, noting district gains in third‑through‑seventh‑grade proficiency and continued focus on the district’s high‑reliability schools initiative. Administration said the reports satisfy the Michigan Department of Education and Elementary and Secondary Education Act communication requirements.
Procurement votes: The board approved several purchases after discussion: - A Daktronics touchpad timer and scoreboard for the Dr. Robert W. Brown Aquatic Center for $20,305 to be paid from the general fund (motion approved by roll call). - Annual refinishing services for the Coldwater High School gym floor by Floor Care Concepts for $12,265.76. Board members raised concerns that the floor was slippery after recent work; administration said staff had contacted the company and would meet with coaches and the vendor to determine corrective action. The board approved the payment by roll call. - Purchase of two new vans (not to exceed $64,319 each) and upfitter packages (approximately $17,975 per van) to provide 10‑passenger seating. Board members debated storage capacity and vehicle height/safety; administration said the vans were procured through the state purchasing platform and funds were available. The board approved the purchase by roll call. - Purchase of a new enclosed 7×16 cargo trailer (not to exceed $6,675) for district use; the board approved the purchase by voice vote.
Votes at a glance: - Daktronics scoreboard: Approved (roll call: Frederick—Yes; Billsborough—Yes; Holbrook—Yes; Steele—Yes; Dean—Yes; Lake—Yes; Lyon Welch absent). - Gym floor refinishing payment: Approved (roll call: Frederick—Yes; Billsborough—No; Dean—Yes; Holbrook—Yes; Steele—Yes; Lake—Yes; Lyon Welch absent). - Two vans and upfitter packages: Approved (roll call: Steele—Yes; Ryan Welch absent; Frederick—Yes; Billsborough—No; Holbrook—Yes; Dean—Yes; Lake—Yes). - Enclosed trailer: Approved (voice vote).
The board also approved December accounts for payment, with the general fund accounts read as $2,224,615.33 and a special revenue figure read aloud by staff. The meeting closed with an announcement that the next regular meeting will be Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Max Larson Elementary library.
All votes and actions described above are taken from board motions and roll‑call language in the meeting transcript; no litigation or formal contract awards beyond purchase approvals were recorded.
