New Buffalo Students Donate to Berrien County Cancer Service | News

NEW BUFFALO — At the June 10 school board meeting, students from New Buffalo area schools presented a “big check” to the nonprofit Berrien County Cancer Services.

Funds totaling $3,000 were raised during the “Make Cancer Extinct!” » organized district-wide on May 13. 5K will be allocated to help cancer patients in area communities.

“This contribution is very important,” said BCCS Director Nancy Church. “Our healthcare system does not support patients in the treatment process, and this helps tremendously. Anyone with a diagnosis can borrow equipment or supplies from our resource locker (loan closet).

The contribution was funded by concession sales and proceeds from dunk tanks from the 5K, Coins for Cancer collections that were placed in each NBAS building, as well as other generous donations from students and their families. The Make Cancer Go Away! The 5K was filled with fun activities, ice cream, live music and special event T-shirts created by the New Buffalo Elementary Student Senate.

“This is our 76th year serving Berrien County,” Church said. “And every penny stays in Berrien County, helping Berrien County patients.” The generous spirit of your school brings us so much joy! »

New Buffalo Area Schools announced the following employee resignations at the June 10 meeting: Priscilla Lawler; Kathy Campbell Walters; Richard Knoll; Sue Graff; Morgan Motycka; and Cassondra King.

“Thank you for the honor of leading your beautiful children,” King said. “Please know that I am proud to say that I must be a buffalo, even for a little while. »

The following hires were also announced: Melissa Lijewski (elementary principal); Jonny Reinhardt (radio director/instructor); Keri Haskins (elementary counselor); Thomas Krieger (high school mathematics teacher); Kyra Hampton (daycare aide); Renée Wolski (Parapro for secondary special education); Tricia Butcher (Parapro for Elementary Special Education); Amanda Simpson (Parapro for middle and high school special education); Nathaniel Tripp II (Elementary Special Education Parapro); Samantha Niemeyer (Elementary Parapro).

The Board of Education received a series of end-of-year updates from the department on June 10, including the following:

Budget

Business Manager Pano Arvanitis presented the 2024-2025 budget proposal, discussing millage renewal in the upcoming election season.

“With the COVID funds gone, we’re back to the federal government only giving us money through Title I, II and IV,” he said. “One-time categorical funds have been eliminated from the budget proposal for the coming year.”

About 80 percent of the district’s budget comes from “non-property” property taxes, or $16.8 million.

“With expenses, the operating budget is approximately $21.5 million. Property taxes in New Buffalo have continued to increase over the last sixteen years,” Arvanitis said. “That’s why the millage is so important.”

FAQs provided by NBAS:

What is a non-family farm mileage?

The Non-Homestead Operating Millage is part of Michigan’s core school finance system. Primary homeowners do not pay this millage – primary homes (properties) are exempt from this millage.

Do New Buffalo area schools receive a per student allocation from the Foundation?

No. The district does not receive this funding from the state of Michigan. The district relies entirely on revenue generated from its non-family operating village to fund its operations.

What does non-Homestead property mean?

Non-residential properties represent industrial, commercial, rental and certain agricultural properties, as well as “second homes”. This does not include a family’s primary residence.

How does the Operating Millage impact district school funding?

Without this funding, the school district would not be able to operate at current levels, as it would have to reduce spending by $16.5 million from its budget to accommodate the loss of operating revenue.

What happens if the Operational Millage is NOT approved?

Without this funding, the school district would not be able to operate at its current levels, as the lack of a functioning village would result in an annual loss of $16.5 million in operating expenses.

Would property tax rates increase?

No. For primary homeowners, there would be no increase in the tax rate because primary homes are exempt from the millage. For non-residential properties, taxes paid would remain at the current rate of 18 mills since March 15, 1994.

How will the Operational Mileage be used?

The Operational Village finances all district operations. This includes staff salaries and benefits, utilities, academic resources including teaching materials, transportation, facilities. The current mileage of 19.5741 was adopted in 2020 and will not expire until December 31, 2025. Superintendent Bowen recommends that a mileage renewal be added. in the ballot next November. The School Board adopted the updated budget for 2024-2025.

Operations

Director of Operations Keith Carlson, hired in 1999 and named superintendent in 2008, presented the facility updates to the school board, touting the hard work of his staff and all their contributions to NBAS throughout the year. In addition to employing eight full-time custodians, a full-time maintenance worker and a full-time groundskeeper, Carlson enrolled all custodians in ISSA-certified basic and advanced technical training.

“We are committed to environmentally friendly recycling,” says Carlson. “We are in the process of LED relamping and participating in the rebate program for this.”

All NBAS buildings were rated structurally excellent, and the Multiplex field, now ten years old, “has five years left on the field.” Most turf fields have a lifespan of 7-8 years, but ours is in excellent condition,” adds Carlson. “We are also in great shape with the completion schedule for the renovation of the elementary kitchen and reception area. We are aiming for August 15th, once all equipment has been moved in and inspections have been completed.

Future projects for the 2024-2025 year include: A new spiral slide on the lower elementary playground; new carpets in three elementary classrooms; New improved LEDs; Basic parking covering; Begin the process of replacing skylights in elementary corridors; A new carpet at the Performing Arts Center; New carpets in three high school classrooms; Demolition of circular driveway, addition of drainage and new asphalt; Excavation of high school/college entrances and addition of drainage; Sanding, scratching and new graphics for the Gold gym; New flagpoles at the middle/high school; Cleaning all HVAC units.

Superintendent Adam Bowen added, “Our survey results always speak to how great our facilities are, thanks to you and your staff. »

“This is directly attributed to the continued support of the administration and school board and their willingness to fund operational systems upgrades,” Carlson said. “And to the dedicated and tireless efforts of the NBAS caretakers, groundskeepers and maintenance staff. This teamwork ensures our children have the best possible learning environment.