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2014 Support & Service Employees of the Year Named in Howell2014 Support & Service Employees of the Year Named in Howell

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12/7/14 - Two Howell Public Schools employees were recognized recently for their continued handiwork and dedication during surprise ceremonies. Jan Stewart, executive secretary to the superintendent, was named the 2014 Support Person of the Year and while Special Education Paraprofessional Laura Rumohr was named the 2014 Service Person of the Year. Stewart has been with the district for 15 years and also worked within the curriculum department prior to her current role. Officials say she comes in early and leaves late, which it to go without mention, but it’s her ultimate willingness to get any job done that is truly inspiring. Rumohr meanwhile has been with the district for 20 years. She currently works with Travis Waker, a senior at Howell High School but also provides support to other special education students. However, Rumohr has worked with Waker since he was in fifth grade and helps ensure he has the support he needs to be successful in school and the community. Officials say she takes pride in her job and is an asset not only to Travis but to his peers and the school community as a whole. A selection committee met in November to consider the nominees and after several hours of discussion, narrowed down the list to Stewart and Rumorh. The district says both should be congratulated on their exceptional work and dedication to students and staff. (JM)

Merry Tuba Christmas Concert Brings Holiday Carols To Community Merry Tuba Christmas Concert Brings Holiday Carols To Community

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12/7/14- Around 40 tuba players from near and far gathered on the front lawn of the Howell Carnegie Library to play on Saturday afternoon. The musicians play with a variety of tubas as well as baritones and euphoniums, which are small brass instruments similar to the tuba. Dale Marzewski, coordinator and conductor of the Howell Merry Tuba Christmas, says this holiday jam session shines light on an instrument that is rarely front and center. The size and makeup pf the group that performs each year is a surprise until the day of the concert. Marzewski sends emails to local schools and universities to invite tuba players to participate in the event. A rehearsal takes place a couple of hours prior to the performance in order for the instrumentalists to gather and practice the pieces they play later that day. Merry Tuba Christmas was created in honor of William J. Bell, a tuba player and teacher of the tuba to America during the first half of the twentieth century. Each year, the shows take place in cities across the United States and in many foreign countries. (DK/TD)

Ex-Officer Won't Avoid Mental Testing Ex-Officer Won't Avoid Mental Testing

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12/8/14 - A former police officer who lives in Hartland Township and had been accused of sexually assaulting a neighbor will not be able to avoid mental testing through the state. Charges of 1st degree home invasion, 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct during a felony and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration were dismissed against 32-year-old Jordan Andrew Keilman. The charges were dropped at the request of the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office after further investigation and subsequent interviews by the Michigan State Police revealed new information about the allegations being made. Since that new information had no impact on the charge of resisting or obstructing a police officer that was filed against Keilman, it remains pending. Keilman was previously referred for a forensic examination to determine his competency and criminal responsibility. Keilman’s attorney filed motions requesting that the court withdraw the earlier referral to the state forensic center and reduce his client’s bond, now that only one of four original counts remains. The court denied the motion to withdraw the forensic referral and requested the defendant make an appointment for the evaluation. The court also denied the motion for bond, and further addressed three missed tests with the defendant but noted that no action would be taken at this point. Keilman was alleged to have entered a female neighbor’s home without permission on September 2nd, assaulted her, and later threatened arresting officers. Keilman is a former U.S. Army Ranger who worked for the Apex Police Department in North Carolina in 2012, but was reportedly terminated for behavioral issues on the job. (JM)

Fowlerville Considers Fate Of Auto Shop ProgramFowlerville Considers Fate Of Auto Shop Program

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12/8/14 - The auto class in Fowlerville Community Schools may be shut down by the Board of Education unless a new instructor can be found. Shortly before the start of the school year, Fowlerville’s auto shop class teacher Randy Smith left the district to teach the class in Pinckney. The school board is now considering a recommendation by administration to shut the class down after the first semester, which ends in January. The class is very technical, offering students the Automotive Service Excellence certification that would allow them to pursue careers in that field, so finding a teacher qualified to lead the class is difficult. Although some members of the public did defend his performance at the school board’s regular meeting last week, other comments made by the public revealed that other students were unhappy with the instructor’s methods in the classroom. Still other members of the public urged the school board to continue the search for a qualified instructor. Superintendent Wayne Roedel tells WHMI the district has already sought instructors from LESA and nearby universities to no avail. Residents encouraged the board to seek solutions other than shutting down the class, such as seeking retiring engineers from automakers who might be interested in teaching. Roedel says if the district decides to cancel the class students would have the option of taking the course work online, then coming in to do the hands-on lab work with a paraprofessional. He says this option would make sure those students still got their ASE certification at the end of the school year. Roedel adds that the district could also pay for affected students to take dual-enrollment college courses during the next semester or allow them to enroll in other district courses. The board tabled action on the recommendation until its next meeting on December 16th. Picture courtesy of www.moparrepairconnection.com (TD)

Voyager Elementary School Celebrates Blue Ribbon Award Voyager Elementary School Celebrates Blue Ribbon Award

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12/8/14 - A local elementary school is being recognized with an award that came from “out of the blue”. Voyager Elementary School, located in Howell, celebrated their achievement last week as a 2014 Blue Ribbon School. The Michigan Department of Education nominates schools for the Blue Ribbon Award that are high achieving in closing the learning gap. 14 schools in the state were nominated this year to the United States Department of Education, who then contacts the schools to let them know they can apply to receive the award. Eight schools in Michigan were honored with the award this year and Voyager Elementary was the only school in Livingston County to be a part of that group. Mindy McGinn, Principal at Voyager, tells WHMI the attainment was a result of more than just bookwork. With over 100,000 schools in the country, only 343 were recognized, making this award incredibly special for the school and its members. Voyager students and staff celebrated with blue snow cones and a fun assembly, while decked out in blue attire. McGinn tells WHMI it is this core group that is responsible for such an accomplishment. McGinn, who gestured with blue-stained hands, says the honor of becoming a Blue Ribbon School was bigger than she had ever expected. (DK)

Interim Superintendent Disputes Wilson's "Unfounded Accusations"Interim Superintendent Disputes Wilson's "Unfounded Accusations"

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12/8/14 - Howell's current interim superintendent is refuting accusations being leveled by her predecessor. Ron Wilson, who was fired by the board for inappropriately obtaining mileage reimbursements and then "knowingly and falsely" testifying about it afterward, forwarded an email late Thursday night to local media, school officials, legislators and law enforcement, that he called a "smoking gun" in his effort to portray his firing as an act of retaliation after raising concerns about the district's firefighting program. The forwarded email is from Jason Janke of TurnoutManagement to Wilson and is dated October 23rd, which would have been after Wilson was placed on a paid leave by the board, but before he was fired. Janke questions why 400 pairs of firefighter boots he claims to have helped arrange to be donated to the firefighting program from Honeywell were not listed in an inventory that Howell School Board President Mike Witt provided to WHMI after Wilson first raised questions regarding Witt's handling of donated items. Janke then insinuates that Witt misrepresented himself as an employee of TurnoutManagement while procuring the donation of firefighter boots. In response to Wilson's categorization of the email as a "smoking gun," Howell Interim Superintendent Cassandra Harmon-Higgins issued a statement forcefully dismissing both the claims in the email and Wilson's attempt to tarnish the district with "unfounded accusations." Harmon-Higgins says the claim of a donation of 400 boots is false and that the district's records indicate just 20 pairs of boots and gloves were donated. That is also corroborated by Lt. Tom Kiurski of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, who serves as the Howell Schools Fire Academy Instructor. He says the boots in question are either in use currently or are in storage at the academy. Harmon-Higgins further adds that Witt did not misrepresent who he was when he contacted Honeywell and that Honeywell representatives concur that when he requested donations it was on "behalf of the District for the HPS Fire Academy." She closed by asking Wilson to, "consider the negative impact that this type of publicity has on the students of Howell Public Schools" and that, "releasing unfounded allegations regarding the District do not assist in that regard." Wilson tells WHMI that he was cut off from his e-mail by the district on October 2nd, when he was placed on paid leave, and that only on November 7th were the more than 1,000 e-mails made available to him. he says he didn't discover Mr. Janke's e-mail until December 4th, the same day he forwarded it out. When questioned why he hadn't gone through the e-mails in the five days they were available to him prior to the hearing which resulted in his firing, Wilson said they were too numerous and that it was only while he was sitting in a duck blind last week that he came across the e-mail. He said he called it a "smoking gun" not necessarily because of the accusations concerning the boots and possible misrepresentation but because Mr. Janke said he had a falling out with Mr. Witt and described his "relentless ‘persistence" for additional donated items. He also said Witt had promised promotional consideration for TurnoutManagement's generosity, which never came to fruition. Witt says he's never met Janke, is unaware of any fallout between the two and considers Janke to be one of the smaller donors to the program. Witt adds that none of the companies or individuals who donated items to the program were ever promised any kind of promotional consideration. When pressed for further comment on the accusations about the program and Harmon-Higgins response, Wilson said “I’m not telling the district what to do. I’m just bringing it to their attention. She can choose to ignore it if she wants. I’d really prefer not to be involved with this anymore. Everyone is tired of the drama." However, Harmon-Higgins said it was unfortunate that Wilson waited a month after receiving the e-mail to provide it to the district and when he finally did so, released it both to the district and community members within minutes of each other. Requests for comment to Janke have gone unreturned. You can view both Janke's e-mail and Harmon-Higgins response below. (JK)

Police Search For SUV Involved In Deputy's DeathPolice Search For SUV Involved In Deputy's Death

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12/8/14 - The search continues for a vehicle that led police on a chase that led to the death of an Ingham County sheriff’s deputy. Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth says 25-year-old Grant Whitaker died early Sunday morning in Stockbridge Township. The 25-year-old Whitaker was pursuing a vehicle eastbound on Dexter Trail about a mile east of M-52 when his patrol vehicle left the road and struck a tree. The incident happened shortly after 2 a.m. on the two-lane road flanked by trees and farm fields just north of the village of Stockbridge. Michigan State Police have been called in to investigate the accident and handle the criminal investigation involving the fleeing driver, who remains at large. State Police 1st Lt. Joseph Thomas, commander of the Lansing post, said the chase involved a driver in a white-colored, full-size sport utility vehicle and began on Chapman Road, west of M-52. It reportedly began as a traffic violation stop. (JK)

Fowlerville Coat Drive Spills Over Into Second Giveaway EventFowlerville Coat Drive Spills Over Into Second Giveaway Event

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12/8/14 - After collecting more than expected last month, organizers of a coat drive at Fowlerville High School have scheduled an event this week to continue giving out winter gear to the public. In November, three teachers at the school organized a coat drive at all of the district’s buildings during the month of November. The drive collected over 450 articles of winter gear, including coats, hats, scarves, sweaters, and gloves. During the week of Thanksgiving, local families were able to confidentially shop through the items, taking what they needed free of charge. However, the drive collected so much that many of the items remain unclaimed. The organizers have now scheduled a community event on Thursday to distribute the remaining items. From 4pm to 7pm on December 11th, the remaining winter gear will be available for free at the high school cafeteria to anyone who needs it. Additionally, local community health organizations such as LACASA, OLHSA, and The Connection Youth Services will be at the event to provide information about the services they offer. Local small businesses will also be in attendance, offering merchandise at reduced prices. The event is free and open to the public. (TD)

Deputy Fire Chief Charged With Domestic AssaultDeputy Fire Chief Charged With Domestic Assault

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12/8/14 - Criminal charges have been filed against a local fire official. South Lyon Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Hammon has been placed on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest last week for domestic assault. The 35-year-old Hammon is alleged to have punched his girlfriend at a bar on Thanksgiving and later grabbing her by the neck at home. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call from a neighbor in the early morning hours of Friday, November 28th. Hammon’s girlfriend and her sister told officers that they were drinking with Hammon at a bar on Thanksgiving when they got into an argument, which led to the punch. They then allege he grabbed her later after they returned home. Hammon denied the story to officers, who took him into custody despite a request by the alleged victim not to press charges. A preliminary breath test indicated Hammon had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%, more than double the state’s legal limit for drunk driving. The 15-year veteran firefighter is scheduled to appear Tuesday morning in Novi District Court. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy told the Detroit News he is working with the city manager to determine if Hammon will be fired and that the decision won’t necessarily be tied to the outcome of the criminal case. (JK)

Porch Lights On Across Stockbridge in Memory of Fallen Deputy Porch Lights On Across Stockbridge in Memory of Fallen Deputy

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12/8/14 - There will be lots of lights on around the small town of Stockbridge in memory of a fallen Ingham County sheriff's deputy. 25-year-old Grant Whitaker struck a tree during a vehicle pursuit on Dexter Trail, which began after an attempted traffic stop early Sunday morning. People have come together around the small town where Whitaker grew up and recently bought a home. They will be leaving their porch lights on in his memory as part of Project Blue Light, a national movement that encourages the public to shine a blue porch light or lamp in a window, recognizing officers who have died in the line of duty. Funeral arrangements are pending but meanwhile, Michigan State Police are still asking for assistance in identifying and locating the vehicle and occupants being pursued by Deputy Whitaker. A tip line has been set up and the public is asked to call or text 517-331-5634. (JM)

Rollover Crash Kills Fowlerville-Area CoupleRollover Crash Kills Fowlerville-Area Couple

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12/9/14 - A Fowlerville couple was killed over the weekend in a fatal rollover crash. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says deputies were called out at 11:52pm Saturday to a crash scene on Sargent Road, east of Cedar Lake Road in Handy Township. Bezotte says their preliminary investigation indicates that 44-year-old Donald Ewald and his wife Moholla were eastbound on Sargent Road when their SUV lost control, rolled over several times and ejected both occupants. They were not wearing seat belts and were pronounced dead at the scene. Bezotte says that it appears speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash, but they are awaiting final autopsy and toxicology reports for a final determination. The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau unit. The Ewald's leave behind four children and a fund has been set up for their care. The link is below. (JK)

Fenton Community Orchestra Holding Free December ConcertFenton Community Orchestra Holding Free December Concert

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12/9/14 - The Fenton Community Orchestra will be performing holiday favorites in a variety of styles at its December Concert this week. The orchestra is made up of musicians of all ages from around the Fenton area and will be joined by the Fenton High School’s Jazz Ensemble for the concert on Friday, December 12th. The performance will include classical and jazz performances as well as holiday tunes. It all begins at 7:30pm at the high school auditorium, and admission is free. The orchestra practices and holds performances throughout the year. Rehearsals will resume on January 15th in anticipation for the orchestra’s Spring Concert, which will take place on May 1st. More information about the December Concert can be found on the Fenton Community Orchestra’s Facebook page. (TD)

New Ambulance Approved For Livingston County EMSNew Ambulance Approved For Livingston County EMS

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12/9/14 - Livingston County Emergency Medical Services will be replacing one of their ambulances that was totaled in a motor vehicle accident. The ambulance had a patient on board and was running lights and sirens on US-23 recently during the 8:30am traffic accident. The ambulance came to a stop but was struck in the rear corner by a semi-truck. The accident did not result in injuries or damaged equipment. Jeffrey Boyd, Director at the Department of EMS, requested authorization from the Livingston County Board of Commissioners to replace the ambulance as well as any equipment deemed non-usable for patient care. Boyd tells WHMI though the request was approved; there is a three-step process to obtaining the new bus. The ambulance was deemed “totaled,” though the accident only caused wrinkling in the back and side sheet metal. Because the ambulance had over 230,000 miles on it, EMS and their insurance company decided against repairs and will replace it entirely. The department is insured for a total that may not exceed $134,951 and is responsible for a $1,000 deductible. (DK)

Tyrone Market Robbery Suspect Caught & ChargedTyrone Market Robbery Suspect Caught & Charged

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12/9/14 - Police have captured the man who held up a Tyrone Township retailer with a knife last month. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Detectives apprehended a 20 year old suspect whom they believe to be responsible for robbing the Runyan Lake Food Center at knife point last month. Detectives followed evidence from the crime scene along with multiple tips over the last two weeks to help identify and track down the suspect, identified as Nicholas Smith. He is currently lodged in the Livingston County Jail under a $250,000 bond after appearing last week in court for an exam conference. Deputies responded to the store at about 8:30pm on November 14th for a report of an armed robbery. Two employees and another customer witnessed the event and told officers that a man entered the store, produced a knife, and demanded money from the cashier. He then left with an undisclosed amount of cash, fleeing northwest on foot. A $1,000 reward was offered for information on the suspect. (JK)

Fallen Ingham County Deputy Will Be Laid to Rest Later This WeekFallen Ingham County Deputy Will Be Laid to Rest Later This Week

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12/9/14 - Funeral arrangements have been announced for an Ingham County Deputy killed in the line of duty. A public visitation is scheduled for Ingham County Deputy Grant William Whitaker this Thursday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, as well as on Friday from 10-11 am. The visitations will be held at the Saint Mary Catholic Church located at 14200 E. Old US 12 Highway, Chelsea, MI 48118. That’s where the funeral mass will be celebrated beginning at 11am on Friday. A memorial fund has also been set up to receive donations through the Mason State Bank and is as follows; Deputy Grant Whitaker Memorial Fund c/o Mason State Bank 322 S. Jefferson Street P.O. Box 130 Mason, MI 48854. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police are asking for help in finding the occupants of a fleeing vehicle. The pursuit is believed to have led to the death of the 25-year-old Whitaker, whose patrol car struck a tree in Stockbridge Township at around 2am Sunday. (JM)

Hiring Approved And Contract Signed For New Howell Interim SuperHiring Approved And Contract Signed For New Howell Interim Super

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12/9/14 - A new interim superintendent has been hired by the Howell Schools Board of Education to finish out the current school year. The board fired the previous superintendent, Ron Wilson, over inappropriately obtained mileage reimbursements he then “knowingly and falsely” testified to afterward. Labor Relations Director Cassandra Harmon-Higgins stepped up to be interim superintendent while still completing her other duties, but she recently accepted the position of director of human resources and legal services for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. At its regular meeting last night, the Howell School Board appointed Dr. Jeremy Hughes as the new interim superintendent, with a contract lasting through the end of the school year. After beginning his career as a teacher and later administrator in Minneapolis, Hughes (pictured signing paperwork while Trustee Mike Moloney and Vice President Mike Yenshaw look on) has spent decades leading school districts around Michigan and even served as the deputy superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education. Although he retired from a position in Plymouth-Canton Schools in July of 2013, Hughes agreed to come work for Howell after being asked by the Michigan Association of School Boards, which helped the district find a suitable candidate. Hughes says he plans to work hard early on to understand the district’s current situation and how it currently works. He says rather than focus on the problems of the past few months, he plans to focus on academic achievement, saying an academically strong district can overcome great turmoil. However, he adds that while he is happy to come out of retirement to help out the school district, he has absolutely no intentions to become the new permanent superintendent and will definitely be leaving at the end of the school year. (TD/JK)

Hartland Man Sentenced In Domestic Dispute Involving GunHartland Man Sentenced In Domestic Dispute Involving Gun

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12/9/14 - A Hartland Township man has been sentenced in one case for threatening a woman with a gun during a domestic dispute and entered a plea in another that involved a jail drug deal. 34-year-old Weston Gabriel King was sentenced to nine months in the Livingston County Jail, with 120 days credit for time already served. He must also complete three years of probation, a parenting skills class and a domestic violence program through LACASA. King previously pleaded guilty to felonious assault and domestic violence charges following the physical domestic dispute that involved a handgun July 29th. Police say they were met outside of a residence on Montgomery Drive by a woman who said King pointed a handgun at her and threatened to shoot her during an argument. She alerted officers that there was a child inside the residence and that King had taken a large amount of prescription drugs. Officers then used a patrol car public address system to order King outside and he exited the home un-armed with the child. Meanwhile, King was charged in a separate case after using the phone inside of his jail cell to set up a drug deal involving methadone. He pleaded guilty and prosecutors agreed to recommend a one-year jail sentence, which would run concurrent to the one handed down in the felonious assault case. (JM)

SELCRA to Consider Millage Request for More Stable FundingSELCRA to Consider Millage Request for More Stable Funding

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12/9/14 - The South Eastern Livingston County Recreation Authority is looking at ways to have a more stable funding base, and may consider going to the public this year with a millage request. SELCRA, which was formed in 1992, provides a multitude of athletic and recreational programs for youths and adults in southeastern Livingston County. At its meeting last week the Brighton City Council approved a resolution indicating support for SELCRA in the planning process that could result in a millage request going before the voters. However, City Manager Dana Foster emphasizes for WHMI that it does not mean the city is endorsing a millage proposal by SELCRA. According to Foster, SELCRA’s Board and director have already had preliminary discussions with the Brighton Area Schools about a more stable funding source than the present method of appealing each year to the local units of government for financial support. SELCRA’s coverage area consists of the city of Brighton and Green Oak, Genoa and Brighton townships. SELCRA does not levy any millage, and its current funding sources are annual contributions from those municipalities and fees charged for participating in its many programs. SELCRA Director Derek Smith has said the biggest challenge facing SELCRA is that city and township contributions have declined from $139,000 in 2000 to slightly over $100,000 in the 2013-14 fiscal year. At the same time, insurance and operational costs keep rising. As a result, Smith has projected a deficit of $20-$30,000 for the 14-15 fiscal year. (TT)

Tips Sought After Burglary at Salvation Army Thrift Store Tips Sought After Burglary at Salvation Army Thrift Store

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12/9/14 - Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to help capture those responsible for a forced-entry burglary incident at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports that the suspect or suspects entered the store on Grand River in Genoa Township by smashing a glass door with an unknown object. It is believed that the crime occurred sometime during the early hours and 8:15am on Saturday, November 29th. Authorities say it appears that whoever is responsible went directly to the area of the store where the safe is stored and unsuccessfully tried to open it, resulting in damage to the locking mechanism. The thrift store is operated through the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center. The Livingston County Corps is not directly affiliated with the thrift store but it does receive some donations and vouchers to help support local services. Anyone with information about the burglary incident is being asked to contact Detective Curt Novara at the Sheriff’s Department at 517-540-7952 or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip hotline at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)

Brighton School Board Votes to End Pay-to-Participate FeesBrighton School Board Votes to End Pay-to-Participate Fees

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12/9/14 - The Brighton Board of Education has decided to eliminate pay to participate fees for students who play sports or engage in other extracurricular activities that require a fee. The action, unless rescinded by the new board that takes over on Jan. 12, will take effect in the 2015-16 fiscal year, which begins next July 1. The board Monday night voted 4-3 to eliminate the fee, with Miles Vieau – who first proposed the change – along with John Conely, Bill Trombley and Board President Nick Fiani comprising the “yes” votes and Beth Minert, Jay Krause and Bill Anderson voting no. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that based on current projections, the district should be able to afford eliminating pay to play. The district is expecting to eliminate the long-term legacy deficit by the end of the current fiscal year next June. Anderson and Minert pointed out that the board had voted once before to eliminate pay-to-participate fees but the local district was told by the state Board of Education to rescind the action since Brighton is a deficit district. Minert, Anderson and Trustee Jay Krause said that the figures for next year are merely projections and the board should wait until better figures are in before taking such action. (TT)
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