In response, Superintendent Dr. Ritzler noted what he referred to as justified emotion from the speakers. The Cassopolis school board voted to censure member Sue Horstmann at their meeting Monday for making what the board deemed were inappropriate Facebook Search Query Show Search Programs Throughout his report, he noted the importance of knowing students, staff, and faculty at all Cassopolis schools and how those relationships were as much a part of his job as the more traditional aspects of security. The decision of the Superintendent shall be final. Thanks to the efforts of the Cass Country Tractor Pullers, the Cass County Fair grandstands has had new VANDALIA Cass Countys history and connection to the Underground Railroad was on full display for visitors and CASSOPOLIS A former Dowagiac resident who never brought back a car he was test driving last July CASSOPOLIS This week, area children got behind the wheel of some of Cass Countys largest vehicles. If the Superintendent requests additional investigation, the Superintendent must specify the additional information that is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within five (5) days. We love living and raising our family here. At the conclusion of the additional investigation, the Superintendent shall issue a final written decision as described above. During the presentations, Vlasicak noted that costs were expected to continue to rise, with increasing staff size and wages, as well as the cost of supplies going up. All individuals charged with conducting investigations under this policy must retain all information, documents, electronically stored information, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created and received as part of an investigation, which may include, but not be limited to: The information, documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy8315) retained may include public records and records exempt from disclosure under Federal and/or State law (e.g., student records). Day(s): Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "day" or "days" as used in this policy means a business day(s) (i.e., a day(s) that the Board office is open for normal operating hours, Monday - Friday, excluding State-recognized holidays).. This budget is posted on the website within 30 days of adoption. This program shall include procedures for student placement, services, evaluation, and exit guidelines and shall be designed to provide students with effective instruction that leads to academic achievement and timely acquisition of proficiency in English. The procedures set forth below are not intended to interfere with the rights of a student to pursue a complaint of unlawful discrimination or retaliation with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights ("OCR"). Students and Board employees are required, and all other members of the School District community and Third Parties are encouraged to promptly report incidents of unlawful discrimination and/or retaliation to a teacher, administrator, supervisor, or other District official so that the Board may address the conduct. Depending upon the nature of the complaint and the Complainant's wishes, informal resolution may involve, but not be limited to, one (1) or more of the following: Advising the Complainant about how to communicate concerns to the Respondent. Stacy Gless received 1,292 votes. The Cassopolis Public Schools budget is adopted by a publicly elected local Board of Education no later than June 30 of each year. At the end of the day, we are all family in Cassopolis and work together, said board president Scott Ward. Employee Compensation Information, This section will include compensation information for the superintendent and any employee whose salary exceeds $100,000 annually. The goal of the informal complaint procedure is to promptly stop inappropriate behavior and facilitate resolution through an informal means, if possible. The resolution to ask Horstmann to resign was not seconded, and therefore died before going to a vote. District Paid Out-of-State Travel Information, School ADvance Administrator Evaluation Tool, Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Evaluation Tool, 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget Resolutions (6/29/2022), 2021-2022 Final General Budget Resolutions (6/29/2022), 2021-2022 Preliminary Budget Resolutions (6/14/2021), Insurance for Administration and Certified Teaching Staff, Administration and Certified Staff Vision Plan Summary, Section 98b Progress Report 2021-2022 (Feb 2022), Section 98b Progress Report 2021-2022 (June 2022), Section 98c Report 2021-2022 (October 2022), Section 98b Progress Report 2022-2023 (Feb 2023), Section 98b Progress Report 2022-2023 (June 2023), Signed and Approved Extended Learning Plan-September 2020, Updated Assurances- Extended Learning Plan, September Extended COVID Learning Plan- Reconfirmation Meeting(10/26), October Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (11/16), November Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (12/14), December Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (1/11), January Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (2/8), February Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (3/8), April Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (5/17), May/June Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (6/14), Training on Delivery, Access, and Use of Virtual Content. The conversation Monday did not stay contained to Horstmanns situation. Participation in student associations results in scholarship opportunities for students. While most comments focused on one particular situation, multiple parents noted their own experiences with their children. That is an outright lie.. We decided we would rather move together as a whole team. Cassopolis High School students spoke at the meeting to invite the board and the public to their upcoming Ranger Theatre performance of My Fair Lady. The COs will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to unlawful discrimination/retaliation. A Complainant who alleges unlawful discrimination/retaliation may make an informal complaint, either orally or in writing: 1) to a teacher, other employees, or building administrator in the school the student attends; 2) to the Superintendent or otherDistrict-level employee; and/or 3) directly to one (1) of the COs. All informal complaints must be reported to one (1) of the COs who will either facilitate an informal resolution as described below, or appoint another individual to facilitate an informal resolution. Deb Deubner was selected as its new president as she defeated long-time president Scott Ward, who was not at the meeting, by a vote of 4-2. I have a Bachelors degree from Indiana University South Bend, and three years of previous experience teaching at the pre-school level. In the case of a formal complaint, the CO will prepare recommendations for the Superintendent or oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee. Words used in this policy shall have those meaning defined herein: words not defined shall be construed according to their plain and ordinary meanings. Crime/Court Welcome: This regular meeting of the Cassopolis Board of Education was at Cassopolis High School in the Media Center on Monday, April 18, 2022. This informal procedure is not required as a precursor to the filing of a formal complaint. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. The reporting, required at both the state and federal level, highlighted a number of metrics, achievements at all three schools, and areas of needed improvement. Wednesday, CASSOPOLIS The Cassopolis Board of Education met for their final meeting of the school year at Cassopolis CASS COUNTY, Mich. When Cass County Board Chair Jeremiah Jones recognizes employees, residents and visitors in the CASSOPOLIS A new local company will be expanding its footprint in Cassopolis. Cassopolis Public Schools is a school district in Michigan . Ross Beatty High School in SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN In 1972, Orion Flowers started Tri-County Head Start with a vision to change the lives DOWAGIAC A new local company is already planting roots in the community. Respondent is the individual who has been alleged have engaged in unlawful discrimination/retaliation, regardless of whether the Reporting Party files a formal complaint or is seeking an informal resolution to the alleged discrimination/retaliation. The CO shall keep the Principal informed of the status of the Policy 2260 investigation and provide the Principal with a copy of the resulting written report. The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the Districts "Compliance Officers" (also known as "Civil Rights Coordinators") (hereinafter referred to as the "COs"). The legislation represents an amendment to the State School Aid Act (Public Act 94 of 1979) and requires each Michigan school district and intermediate school district to post the following budgetary information on its website. Thereafter, the CO/designee must contact the Complainant, if age eighteen (18) or older, or the Complainant parents/guardians if the Complainant is under the age eighteen (18), within two (2) days to advise of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged wrongdoing. Meet the Cass Kickstart Board Our purpose is to promote, solicit, and provide funding for child savings accounts for students of Cassopolis Public Schools. Additionally, any Board employee who observes an act of unlawful discrimination/retaliation is expected to intervene to stop the misconduct, unless circumstances make such an intervention dangerous, in which case the staff member should immediately notify other Board employees and/or local law enforcement officials, as necessary, to stop the misconduct. I currently live in Vandalia and my daughter will start kindergarten in 2024 at Sam Adams. I'm interested in running for this office. Upon receipt of a report of alleged discrimination/retaliation, the CO will contact the Complainant and begin either an informal or formal complaint process (depending on the Complainant's request and the nature of the alleged discrimination/retaliation), or the CO will designate a specific individual to conduct such a process. Pause Prev Next 1 2 3 4 5 Quick Links Calendar Enroll a Student Employment Lunch Menu Athletics Text Alerts Sign Up ECHO Portal & Guides As a part of this program, the District will evaluate the progress of students in achieving English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, on an annual basis (also see Policy 2225). In those cases where unlawful discrimination/retaliation is not substantiated, the Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board policies, consistent with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement(s). If the Complainant is unwilling to consent to the proposedchange, the CO may still take whatever actions deemed appropriate in consultation with the Superintendent. In June, the district was expected to have its fund balance drop from $2,010,696 to $1,5,126. On July 26, the Cassopolis Board of Education accepted Angela Piazza's request for resignation from her position as the school's superintendent. Welcome to Cassopolis Public Schools The vision of Cassopolis Public Schools is that all students will demonstrate the academic, technological, and cultural competencies necessary to compete in a global society. Additionally, the Respondent must be provided the Complainant's identity. Learning Goal Reporting-June 16, 22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031, Budget & Salary Compensation Transparency Reporting, Hours of Operation, Closing, and Delay Procedures, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Documents. October Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (11/16) The goal shall be to provide all students with the same access and participation opportunities provided to other students in school. While the CO investigates the allegation, the Principal shall suspend the Policy 5517.01 investigation to await the COs written report. He is currently the CEO and founder of Craftsman Mindset . Any teacher, administrator, supervisor, or other District employee or official who receives such a complaint shall file it with the CO within two (2) days. The parents also expressed a desire to work with the school and with parents, together to move forward. January Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (2/8) Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students. Revised 6/25/01 The School District's informal complaint procedure is designed to providethe Complainant with a range of options aimed at bringing about a prompt resolution of their concerns. Find out more about GreatSchools ratings . Since she initially stepped away from meetings, Horstmann said she has not had contact with the board, aside from board member Amanda Smego, and that she had not been included in board emails containing Zoom meeting information. Welcome: This regular meeting of the Cassopolis Board of Education was at Cassopolis High School in the Media Center on Monday, April 17, 2023. Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District Administrative Services Center. As such, the Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation orgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. I hope that I dont disappoint, Deubner said. CASSOPOLIS For the first time since 2013, the Cassopolis Board of Education will have a new president. This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. ), but not including transitory notes whose content is otherwise memorialized in other documents; written disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees and other documentation that memorializes oral disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees for violations of this policy; dated written determinations/reports (including summaries of relevant exculpatory and inculpatory evidence) and other documentation that memorializes oral notifications to the parties concerning the outcome of the investigation, including any consequences imposed as a result of a violation of this policy; documentation of any supportive measures offered and/or provided to the Complainant and/or the Respondent including no contact orders issued to both parties, the dates the no contact orders were issued, and the dates the parties acknowledged receipt of the no contact orders; documentation of all actions taken, both individual and systemic, to stop the discrimination or harassment, prevent its recurrence, eliminate any hostile environment, and remedy its discriminatory effects; copies of the Board policy and/or procedures/guidelines used by the District to conduct the investigation, and any documents used by the District at the time of the alleged violation to communicate the Boards expectations to students and staff with respect to the subject of this policy (e.g., StudentCode of Conductand/or Employee Handbooks); copies of any documentation that memorializes any formal or informal resolutions to the alleged discrimination or harassment. Published 2:10 pm Friday, October 30, 2020. Data from the reports is available online at the Cassopolis Public Schools website at cassopolis.k12.mi.us and through the searchable database at mischooldata.org. None of the current school board members have teaching experience either. We are proud of the work that we have done, and change can be scary for many people, and not everyone agrees with change or progress.. If a Complainant informs a teacher, Principal, or other Districtofficial at the students school, Superintendent, or other District employee, either orally or in writing, about any complaint of discrimination/retaliation, that employee must report such information to the CO/designee within two (2) days. I dont understand why there is such a division between this board, Horstmann said. Retaliation against a person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging unlawful harassment/retaliation or participates as a witness in an investigation is prohibited. In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of unlawful discriminatory practices. A history of bullying had led up to the incident. "We're looking forward to it," said Cass County Fair Board President Brian Kuemin. He also delivered an audit report on procedures at Sam Adams Elementary School for the state mandated Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). Administrator Evaluation Documents Learning Goal Reporting-Feb 1 Initiating a complaint, whether formally or informally, will not adversely affect the Complainant's employment or participation in educational or extra-curricular programs. Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., as President Deubner welcomed those attending. 23 were here. Better advertising of open positions using both online and physical means as well as updating job descriptions to include pay and benefits will bring in more candidates. Prior to approving, the board got some good news from Geri Vlasicak, business manager. The resolution to ask the board member to resign was prompted by the recommendation by attorney Robert Schindler, who said the resolution was one of the very few ways the board could address the situation of an inactive member. About Cassopolis Public Schools Cassopolis is located in Cass County, just north of the Indiana/Michigan state line. Each year, Cassopolis Public Schools is required to hire an independent auditor to complete a comprehensive audit that evaluates and reports on the financial condition of the district. We are committed to making our information accessible to visitors with disabilities and are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website. April Extended COVID Learning Plan-Reconfirmation Meeting (5/17) Students are expected to demonstrate respect to others. All complaints involving a District employee or any other adult member of the School District community and a student will be formally investigated. School Board members shared their appreciation for his work and discussed options for increasing the number of employees on school grounds trained for emergency situations. NEXT: CASSOPOLIS, Mich. -- Several Cassopolis Public School parents came forward to address the issue of bullying in Monday night's school board meeting. Use of this internal complaint process is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies. Service Fund, and the Special Revenue Fund. I am running for the Cassopolis School Board becausenone of the current candidates for school board have teaching experience. He described his role as one of both maintaining security for the school district and providing someone for students to reach out to when in need. CASSOPOLIS The Cassopolis Board of Education met for their final meeting of the school year at Cassopolis . Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), After opening presentations by Geri Vlasicak on the final budget for the 2022-2023 and the preliminary budget for 2023-2024, the board approved both items. Distributing a copy of Policy 2260 Non-Discrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity to the individuals in the school building or office where the Respondent works or attends. CASSOPOLIS President Deborah Deubner, Secretary Teresa Dahlgren and Treasurer Jesse Bement all retained their seats on the Cassopolis Board of Education. Bids must be solicited from four or more carriers (including one VEBA) for each employee group at least once every three years, or whenever a change in health plan coverage is made. 4/11/18. He highlighted changes to camera systems, increased accessibility for local law enforcement in the case of emergency, and emergency preparedness plans, drills, and tools for a variety of situations. We are all supposed to carry our weight. In her posts, Horstmann identified herself as a school board member. All formal complaints must include the following information to the extent known: the identity of the Respondent; a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based (i.e., when, where, and what occurred); a list of potential witnesses; and the resolution sought by the Complainant. At its regular Monday night meeting, the board elected new officers. Absent extenuating circumstances, within five (5) business days of receiving the report of the CO or designee, the Superintendent must either issue a written decision regarding whether the charges have been substantiated or request further investigation. In making such a determination, the CO should consult the Complainant to assess whether the individual agrees with the proposed action. If the Superintendent determines the Respondent engaged in unlawful discrimination/retaliation toward the Complainant, the Superintendent must identify what corrective action will be taken to stop, remedy, and prevent the recurrence of the discrimination/retaliation. Thursday, Superintendent Piazza, who was not present at Mondays meeting, denied Horstmanns allegations, saying she has never contacted Horstmanns employer or threatened her employment. This includes instructional assistants, bus drivers, teachers aides, and even teachers. Superintendent Evaluation Model Growth from beginning to end of the year for our kindergarten through eighth grade students looks strong this year, Ritzler said. The Respondent will be informed about the nature of the allegations and provided with a copy of any relevant policies and/or administrative guidelines, includingPolicy 2260 - Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity. They reviewed and approved a number of budgetary concerns, as well as a variety of business items to plan for the upcoming school year. Revised 7/24/00 There was no district paid out-of-state Travel for 2022-2023. Neither the Board nor any other person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or interfere with any individual because the person opposed any act or practice made unlawful by any Federal or State civil rights law, or because that individual made a report, formal complaint, testified, assisted or participate or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under those laws and/or this policy, or because that individual exercised, enjoyed, aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by those laws and/or this policy. If the Board operates a separate class or facility that is identifiable as being for persons with disabilities, the facility, program, and activities and services must be comparable to the facilities, programs, and activities and services offered to students without a disability. Expense Reimbursement Policy CASSOPOLIS At Monday's Cassopolis Public Schools Board meeting, School Security Officer Chris Bergen presented a report on . Website Accessibility Disclaimer: Cassopolis Public Schools recognizes the importance of ensuring our website is accessible to those with disabilities. This budget is posted on the website within 30 days of adoption. Submit application to: The Superintendent shall provide appropriate information to all members of the School District community related to the implementation of this policy and shall provide training for District students and staff where appropriate. Retention of Investigatory Records and Materials. He also noted a number of stated facts that were incorrect. June 28, 2023. After a closed session for Superintendent Evaluation, the board also approved the new contract for Dr. Ritzler for July 1, 2023, through June 20, 2027. The commenters expressed their opinion that the school had mishandled bullying, including the pressing incident in which a story was written by classmates about the kidnapping and murder of a student, created using school technology. While observing the principles of due process, a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of an employee or the suspension/expulsion of a student. The Annual Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting legislation is an opportunity for Cassopolis Public Schools District to share, with the public, information on how resources are utilized. The school board has a wide variety of additional responsibilities, such as adopting a balanced annual budget and issuing interim financial reports, adopting the school calendar, negotiating contracts with employees, approving curriculum materials and closing or constructing schools. 2021-2022 Checks Register BENTON HARBOR Two local high schools took home hardware in the second annual WAVE Awards for Excellence . Many of the concerns raised could not be addressed not because of a lack of action, but due to federal law that limits transparency about disciplinary actions taken or assistance provided in bullying situations. All training, as well as all information, provided regarding the Board's policy and discrimination in general, will be age and content appropriate.

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