Sturgis and Colon schools extend services contract

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has approved extending a business-services contract for Colon Community Schools.

Sturgis and Colon school districts previously had entered into a short-term agreement, in which Sturgis provided business manager, payroll, accounts payable and accounts-receivable services for Colon schools.

Now, services will continue starting today for a full year.

Under the agreement, Sturgis director of finance Ray Sterling will serve as business manager for Colon Community Schools and be supported by three Sturgis Public Schools employees.

In addition, Colon will pay Sturgis nearly $100,000 for the 12 months of service.

Superintendent Art Ebert said the amounts were calculated by combining the cost for staffing with a 10 percent administrative fee. Sterling seemed confident he and fellow staff members could continue to provide the services.

Ebert said he would like to see the contract continue for more than one year.