Regional VP Alena Zachery-Ross introduced Jeremie Harris, Jr., the Muskegon Heights student who will serve as the board’s new student representative through the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.
Switching away from financial matters, Dr. Weatherspoon stated that his new focus would be on improving the district’s educational standards “now that district finances have been stabilized and a repayment plan is in place.”
The city has let the district’s bills go unpaid longer than is typical. The district technically could have had its water turned off last year if the city had followed their usual shutoff schedule.
Currently, the multi-million dollar debt the school district holds is being slowly serviced by a millage off of non-homestead property values, including businesses and apartments.
The resolution passed Monday would not finalize any purchase agreements. It would simply give the city manager support to pursue a purchase from the district, via emergency financial manager.
Discussion of the referendum and PA-4 swayed hard to one side – against the proposal. This was primarily due to a presentation by Benton Harbor city councilman Marcus Mohammed, a strong opponent of the law.
More decisions would be made at next Monday’s 4 p.m. board meeting, followed by a district unity gathering at the high school at 5:30. The hiring process will begin starting tomorrow, according to Mosaica’s president.
Key provisions of the multi-part settlement appear to revolve around the short notice of termination of health benefits and the disruption of the Weatherspoon’s short timeline to enact any educational plan before the start of the coming school year.
Once a private management company is selected, Dr. Weatherspoon will appoint a three-member charter board, who will oversee the company’s operations. The publicly elected Board of Education will serve as an advisory role to Weatherspoon and the charter board.
Key to the plan is a request to continue the current tax assessed on the residents of Muskegon Heights to pay for the building of the high school over a decade ago. This tax expires in 2013, but Weatherspoon will propose to continue it beyond that date. Those funds would go toward paying down the district’s debt.
Between academic and facilities improvements, Dr. Weatherspoon believes the tide of students leaving can be stemmed or even reversed. He repeatedly stated Wednesday that academic improvement is inextricably tied to the district’s financial woes.