Sturgis Schools consider agreement with Colon Schools

Sturgis Public Schools will consider a business-services agreement with Colon Community Schools when the board of education meets March 21.

Board members learned of the potential arrangement at their study session Monday.

Art Ebert, Sturgis superintendent, said Colon has gone through a number of transitions recently, including currently having an interim superintendent. A business-services contract for Colon with the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District is expiring at the end of March, he said.

Ebert said the proposal is the equivalent of helping a county friend during a time of need.

If the agreement is approved, Sturgis Public Schools would fulfill the business-manager services and payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable services for Colon Community Schools. The contract would be similar to that previously made between the St. Joseph County ISD and Colon for the 2021-22 school year.

Sturgis’ Ray Sterling would serve as business manager for Colon Community Schools and be supported by three Sturgis Public Schools employees.

Sturgis Public Schools would receive $24,000 for services during the 14-week period. If needed, transitional supports after June 30 would be billed at $1,714 per week.