WBCH offers this space to area superintendents to update the community on activities in their school districts. This posting is from Superintendent Carrie Duits of the Hastings Area School System.
“During this holiday season, the Hastings Area School System is blessed with thoughtful and giving students, staff and community members. Donations of food, clothing, time and financial contributions, demonstrate Saxon pride throughout our community.
At our Board of Education meetings, I get the honor of sharing the generosity of the community either through my Superintendent’s report or during the action items. I always stress that we accept gifts from our community with “great appreciation.”
"At the December 17, 2018 Board meeting, I extended my sincere gratitude to the GFWC Women’s Club, who donated over 125 sets of mittens, gloves and hats, commemorating their 125th year. I also thanked Dr. Mansky, who spearheaded a boot drive once again this year.
"The dedicated Athletic Boosters donated $2,150.00 to winter sports. Our students will stay warm and active this winter thanks to this generosity!
"At the meeting, I also commended Hastings Middle School and Central Elementary students and staff for being flexible, patient and positive when a leak recently occurred at Central, requiring an evacuation to Hastings Middle School. We are very proud to have such accommodating staff and students!
"Many thanks were also extended to those who participated in our newly adopted strategic plan—highlighted by a new vision, mission and goals. We had community members participate in discussion groups, surveys and our fall planning retreat.
"Our new mission is, “Achieving Excellence Today, for Tomorrow.” We have a new vision as well, “Hastings Area School System is a world-class learning community that supports every student, every day.”
"In other Board action, we approved the purchase of lockers for one hallway at HHS using fundraiser funds. We are excited and grateful for the effort that went into raising funds to improve our facilities.
"We also approved an application for a spring bond proposal of 0.7 mills. This new proposal will primarily be used to replace and repair the roofs at all six school buildings. We have other needs such as doors and windows that will keep our buildings more safe and weather tight.
"We are grateful for the work that has been accomplished since the 4.0 mill bond in 2015. The mills are now decreasing each year and with this new bond proposal, the bond millage will still decrease from 8.15 mills in 2017 to 7.6 mills in 2019, a benefit for our taxpayers and a benefit of warm, dry buildings for our students.
"The board also passed action items on its first budget amendment with good news about our stable enrollment. In anticipation of the opening of our Performing Arts Center, we revised the fee structure for school facilities.
"What a great day to be a Saxon with all that is happening in our community to support our students! We wish our students, staff, their families and the Hastings community the happiest of holiday seasons and all the best in 2019!”
