WBCH offers this space to area school superintendents to highlight activities in their districts. This posting is from Hastings Area School Superintendent Carrie Duits.
The start of a new year brings an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the passing year, and to anticipate the many exciting possibilities for the upcoming year.
The Hastings Area School System was fortunate to do both at our first Board of Education meeting of 2019, on January 21. Marking “Board Recognition Month,” students at the meeting had the chance to thank Board members directly.
The Hastings Area School System’s Board of Education Trustees volunteer countless hours of service to the Hastings community, and we are very grateful for their dedication. Middle School teacher William Renner was also recognized at the meeting for being awarded an innovation grant for his classroom.
Mr. Renner was one of only seven teachers in the state of Michigan to win this competitive grant, under which he was awarded $5,000, with an opportunity to receive the same grant for the next two years.
We also had the opportunity at the meeting to commend members of our community for their generous donations that serve our students.
First, we recognized Hastings Mutual Insurance Company for donating funds to assist with the backpack lunch program, which many of our students depend on as a key source of nutrition.
Next, we applauded the Gun Lake Community Church, which donated funds to Central Elementary principal Sarah Geukes to help her spread hope within her school.
Third, we thanked Al and Pete’s Sport Shop for donating funds to the Student in Need Fund, which provides support to students that cannot afford various basic needs.
Lastly, we recognized the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation’s generous donation of funds to support transportation to field trips, classroom magazine subscriptions and other resources for our classrooms district-wide.
We are extremely grateful to these organizations, and to all who consistently donate to the Hastings Area School System.
The Board of Education also passed a resolution to call for a special election on May 7, 2019. Voters will be asked if they support a .7 mill bond proposal for roofs, bathrooms, locker rooms, flooring and HS cafeteria improvements. Since our debt mills are dropping, the result would be a .3 mill increase to the current levy.
Looking ahead, the new Hastings Performing Arts Center (HPAC) is set to open on February 10, 2019, with a dedication and performances from our band and choir. At the board meeting, Michael Sali, the new HPAC Managing Director, presented on the new state-of-the-art facility, which will serve our community for many years to come.
The HPAC is designed with a band shell, orchestra pit, seating for 800+, LED lighting, highly technical audio systems, and is handicap-accessible throughout the facility.
We are grateful to be kicking off 2019 with the opening of this wonderful new facility. What a great day to be Saxon with this and the many other events and activities we have coming up in our school community.
