John Whyte Becomes Acting Board President;
Board of Education to Appoint New Trustee

March 10, 2010: Portage Schools received notification yesterday that Board of Education President Dale Posthumus has chosen to step down from the Board effective immediately.

Board Vice President John Whyte, who will serve as acting president until the trustees elect new officers, said today, “On behalf of the Board, I thank Dale for his years of service to the Portage community, and we wish him well.”

The Board has 30 days to appoint a new trustee. Citizens interested in applying will find the application online and have until March 24 at 2 p.m. to apply: http://www.portageps.org/administration/boardofeducation/default.aspx.

The appointee will serve the remainder of that term through June 30, 2011.

Mr. Posthumus was elected to the Board in 2007 and has served as president since December 2009, and was chair of the Board’s Bond Advisory Committee. Previous to that he served as vice president of the board.

Trustee Whyte, who previously served on the Board from 1992-2001, served as Board president from 1995-1996.

Board of Education Places BSSF Renewal On May Ballot

Feb. 23, 2010: The Board of Education adopted a resolution at last night’s Board meeting to place a renewal of the .5 millage rate for our Building Site Sinking Fund (BSSF) before voters on May 4. The average cost to taxpayers will be $38 a year (based on a $150,000 home). This renewal is for a period of five years, for school year 2010/2011 through 2014/2015.

The BSSF has been renewed consistently since 1966, with receipts from this levy going into a separate fund for such things as making necessary repairs and improvements to school buildings, structures, and parking areas. Since many of our facilities are nearly 50 years old, numerous facility repairs like roofs, mechanical systems, flooring, and asphalt have been funded with this millage.

From 1966 through 1998 the District levied 1.0 mill in this fund, and from 1998 to now, the District levied .5 mill of BSSF, while the other .5 was transferred to debt millage with voter approval. In 2001 voters approved an increase of 1.0 mill through 2005 for the construction of two multi-purpose facilities at the high schools and for major renovations to the high school auditoriums. Read the ballot language online: http://www.portageps.org/departments/finance/BSSFlanguage22Feb10.pdf

Kindergarten Parent Nights & Screening Dates Announced

If you have a child who will turn five before Dec. 1, 2010, now is the time to let your elementary school know you want to enroll. Please call your school to schedule a screening date, and if you are not sure which school, call us at 323-5199 or visit our homepage at www.portageps.org and click on the “Parents & Visitors” site for our "Street Guide."

Parent Nights Information meetings are being held this month at our elementary schools:
-12^th Street: March 18, cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
- Amberly: March 23, cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
- Angling Road: March 3, cafeteria, 6 p.m.
- Central: March 23, gym, 6 p.m.
- Haverhill: March 9, gym, 6:30 p.m.
- Lake Center: March 11, gym, 6:30 p.m.
- Moorsbridge: March 11, cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
- Woodland: March 9, activity room, 6:30 p.m.

Screenings Screenings help your child’s teacher prepare. Call your school for an appointment.
- 12^th Street: April 13, 14, and 15, at the school.
- Amberly: April 13, 14, and 15, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1515 Helen St.
- Angling Road: March 16 and 18, at the school.
- Central: April 20 and 21, at the school.
- Haverhill: March 23, 24, and 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1515 Helen St.
- Lake Center: March 16, 17 and 18, at the school.
- Moorsbridge: April 7, 8, and 9, at the school.
- Woodland: March 22, 23 and 24, at the school.

Call Your School
- 12^th Street Elementary: 323-6900
- Amberly Elementary: 323- 5900
- Angling Road Elementary: 323-6000
- Central Elementary: 323-6100
- Haverhill Elementary: 323-6200
- Lake Center Elementary: 323-6300
- Moorsbridge Elementary: 323-6400
- Woodland Elementary: 323-6600

District Continues Review of Northern's Science Wing
Air Quality Task Force Launched: read more

Portage Schools had planned for a smooth transition to the new science wing at the start of second semester at Northernience wing at the start of second semester at School. When concerns about the air-quality in the lower level of the science wing resurfaced last week, however, the decision was made to again move those science classes back into the main building as a precautionary measure.

While the District is confident that the area is safe – and also realizes that a second move is an inconvenience for our faculty and students – it is critical that we continue to show caution while we evaluate the situation. Safety is our top priority, and we have been doing everything possible to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment for our faculty and students.

Background
In late November, concerns were raised by some of our science faculty about rooms in the lower level of the new science wing. Classrooms in that area were vacated during December and January for testing, one commissioned by the District and one by the Michigan Education Association checking air quality for particle matter, mold, and carbon monoxide -- both with negative results.

In February, we moved classes back into the lower level. Last week, however, due to an additional concern, these classrooms were again moved back to the main academic building.

This week, the class rooms remain empty as we undergo further review of the mechanical infrastructure and re-evaluate our options. The fact remains that none of the concerns expressed to the District can be traced to the school environment at Northern. Meanwhile, the school encourages anyone with information that could be helpful to contact the principal’s office at 323-5461 or by e-mail at jfrench@portageps.org.

Update on Carbon Monoxide Testing
Carbon monoxide detectors were initially installed near construction areas, but have now been installed in all classrooms throughout the building. See the below resources on carbon monoxide:

Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting Your Family
State of Michigan: Protecting the workplace
US Consumer Product Safety Commission: Q & A


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