Boyne Falls Board approves Class of 2025 trip to Hawaii, class fundraisers and two hires

The Boyne Falls Board of Education on Oct. 21 approved a Class of 2025 senior trip to Hawaii, authorized class fundraisers for the 2024–25 school year, approved two staff hires and adopted payment of routine district bills.

The board voted 7–0 to approve the senior trip after a presentation of the itinerary; presenters said they were exploring options to reduce costs to make the trip more affordable for students. The board also approved a slate of class fundraisers for the year, including Butter Braids and a cornhole tournament for seniors, pizza kits and spring baked‑goods sales for juniors, a pasta dinner and alumni game for sophomores, and a "Pick a Date" calendar and car-and-bike show for freshmen.

Board members approved payment of district bills across funds: General Fund $63,511.93; Food Service $14,429.20; Special Revenue $6,341.07; and Sinking Fund $43,300.50, for a total of $127,582.70.

In personnel actions the board approved hiring Kathleen Powers as a sixth‑grade science teacher and part‑time special education paraprofessional; that motion carried 6–0 with board member John Powers recorded as abstaining. The board also approved hiring Kelly Kleinschrodt as head custodian through EduStaff, a motion that carried 7–0.

During committee and operational reports, Board member Jeromy Loper raised concerns about the condition of the district's old ballfields, saying the fields are "in rough shape" and that the former lessee did not sign a contract for the year. The board directed custodial and grounds staff to clean the fields in coordination with David Carson, and board president Cousineau said he would contact the prior lessee to arrange removal of belongings; staff were also asked to evaluate lawn treatments to limit spring growth.

The Student Success Advisor reported on athletics and student programs: middle school volleyball concluded, middle school basketball started, cross country is finishing for the season, girls varsity clinics continue and college visits and career exploration activities were held this fall. The principal noted a successful NHS blood drive, an NHS induction ceremony scheduled Oct. 30, parent‑teacher conferences, and feedback gathered on the district's Logger Connect platform; staff members Amanda and Brooke were named as working on the district's upcoming Title I audit.

Superintendent remarks included a successful school bus inspection, a St. Mary’s bus loan that may be needed again, and confirmation that the district secured the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) and the Michigan "10 Cent" grant, with staff member Maya Lenz credited for helping secure the latter. The superintendent also reported that dyslexia‑screening legislation passed and is expected to take effect for the 2026–27 school year.

During the recognition of audience the board heard from Mary Matelski, who said a recent "First hat day" fundraiser raised nearly $100; the board also noted upcoming community events including a bonfire/game night and a November PJ day to benefit the Boyne Valley Food Pantry.

The board adjourned into a closed session at 7:36 p.m. under section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss attorney‑client privileged information and contract negotiations and returned to open session at 7:58 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Lori Herman, recording secretary, submitted the minutes.

What’s next: the board will receive a new student representative at the next meeting and continue follow‑up on the ballfields and Title I audit work.