BAY MILLS — The Bay Mills Ojibwe Charter School Board met May 10, with Board President Shelly Deuman and Vice President Wanda Perron absent.
Mosaica Education Regional Vice President Jim Rundborg gave an update on the school’s financial situation. As most start-up schools, Ojibwe Charter School is looking at taking out a loan to cover the expected $300,000 budget deficit. State law requires the school to have a balanced budget by June 30.
To secure a loan from National City Bank, the school must have 120 students enrolled. Rundborg said that 110 students were enrolled for next year, but that more and more are signing up everyday. He estimated OCS would have 130 students for the next school year.
Robert Ruuska from Hannahville was hired as the new Ojibwe Language Instructor. Ruuska will focus on more than just Ojibwe language, incorporating cultural aspects such as collecting cedar boughs and smudging. Students will take home permission slips before taking part in any ceremonial teachings.
Five candidates have expressed interest in serving on the Bay Mills Ojibwe Charter School Board. The board will check references and interview each candidate before making its recommendation. The board hopes to have two new members by the July meeting.
Mosaica Education is working on curriculum development for Ojibwe Charter High School. Rundborg said he hopes to have a generalized curriculum ready for the June board meeting.
The school should receive paperwork from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) by mid-May. After the paperwork is completed, the board will have a special meeting to approve the application so the sports program can get under way.
Rundborg said the school is looking into a cooperative program with a neighboring school for ninth grade football, but that they must first become a member of MHSAA.
Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota sent a letter requesting to visit Ojibwe Charter School on June 1. The board agreed to forward the request to the tribe’s education director.
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) will host a budget review meeting May 25 at the ISD in Sault Ste. Marie. Rundborg requested the board choose a member to represent Ojibwe Charter School at the meeting.
The board unanimously approved updates to the school policy in the following areas: administration of medication, bullying, communicable disease, corporal punishment, drug free workplace, enrollment and lottery, purchasing, staff discipline, student conduct and weapons.
A draft of next year’s school calendar was presented to the board. Because Ojibwe Charter School offers two weeks more instruction than traditional public school, students would have to attend school until June 24 if the school year began after Labor Day. Rundborg suggested the board begin the year one week earlier so school ends earlier. The board tabled the issue until they talk to parents.
Ojibwe Charter School hired a new CAO/Principal to replace Diane Benjamin, who will still be involved with Mosaica Education and Ojibwe Charter School but will play a different role. Nadine Cain will begin working around the end of May so students become familiar with her before next school year. The new principal will attend the next school board meeting.
The board agreed to send information to parents regarding the Native American Summer Leadership Program for students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Rundborg said the program is ideal for Ojibwe Charter School students. It will take place Sunday through Saturday the last week of school. Forms must be turned in by Friday, May 21.
The next meeting of the Bay Mill Ojibwe Charter School Board is scheduled for June 7 at 7 p.m.
