WBCH offers this platform to area school superintendent's to highlight activities in their school districts. This posting is from Hastings Area School System Superintendent Carrie Duits.
"I am seeing more sunlight each day, which means spring is close and warm weather is ahead. Hopefully, the snow days are behind us for the school year. To date, we have had 13 cancelled days of school throughout the district, with Central having 14 because of a water leak.
"The state of Michigan forgives 6 days, with the opportunity of an additional 3 days once a waiver request is submitted. Hastings Area Schools already submitted the request and was approved for the 3 additional days. That means we have 9 forgiven days of the 13/14 days we’ve cancelled. In addition, we made up 1 day on February 19. A piece of legislation (HB-4206) may provide additional days during the “state of emergency.” We are waiting to see how this impacts our last day of school for 2018-19. In the meantime, let’s all hope for better weather ahead!
"The search for a new Hastings Superintendent is underway. Donna Oser, Director of Leadership Development for MASB met with the Hastings Board of Education to communicate the survey results from multiple forums, and to narrow the language for the selection criteria. Ms. Oser led a work session with the Board to discuss attributes that they would like to see in the next Superintendent. This information was gathered by Ms. Oser. She will be creating the document and adding the specific selection criteria to the posting for candidate viewing.
"I am also grateful to report that Hastings Area School System has once again received generous donations from the community. Miller Real Estate donated $3,500 to offset the cost of the new baseball scoreboard.
"This donation covers half the cost of the scoreboard. Additionally, we received an anonymous donation in the amount of $8,250 to purchase and install bulkhead safety railings at the CERC swimming pool. This was a safety concern and thanks to this donation, we will provide a safer environment in the swimming pool venue.
"Matt Goebel, Assistant Superintendent of Achievement, gave a presentation on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) district data review. Currently, Hastings Area School System--as measured by the District Capacity Assessment--scored a 98 percent.
"This is the best capacity score in the state of Michigan! Hastings was also invited to present this information at the state school improvement conference and the state MiBLSi conference, which focuses on behavior and literacy integration. All Hastings staff should be celebrated for their exceptional work within this area.
"Supporting a system change can only be done through collaborative team work. Our team of administrators, teachers and staff help make every day a great day to be a Saxon!"
