Schools

A trio of candidates ran for one partial-term membership to the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education. The three, Jack Coleman, Nichole Cover and Anne Riopel, were write-in candidates and the winner had not been determined as of late Tuesday night. The term expires at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, five people ran for four seats to Centreville Public …

Members of Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees received an update Thursday regarding the college’s southside campus renovation project. Jeremiah Hatfield, of Fort Wayne-based Design Collaborative, reviewed a plan that includes renovation of the gymnasium entry, locker rooms, weight room, Nora Hagen Theater and allied health. Hatfield said the goal is to transform outdated environments into functional, accessible and welcoming spaces, …

St. Joseph County Intermediate School District superintendent Teresa Belote has been rated “highly effective” by the district’s board of education. Board president Elizabeth O’Dell said it was unanimously decided that Belote’s job performance was extremely effective and that her contract should be extended. Board members noted that Belote is an effective and efficient communicator, O’Dell said. Belote was acknowledged for …

Masks are mandatory in a southwestern Michigan school district after officials set the policy in an unusual way: They took a vote of the people. Parents, guardians and staff in the Pennfield district voted for masks, starting Monday and lasting through Feb. 18. There were 1,041 votes, and about 58% were in favor. Masks to reduce the risk of COVID-19 …

Three Rivers Community Schools interim superintendent Nikki Nash said three of the district’s six schools will switch from in-person learning to a virtual format starting today and lasting through next week. Students at the district’s high school, middle school and Hoppin Elementary will return to in-person learning Jan. 31. Nash said the district in the past few weeks has seen …

Michigan State University now is requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to attend athletic, music, art and theater events on the East Lansing campus. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event will be required of all attendees ages 12 and older, the university said. Persons who cannot provide …

Results of a student-satisfaction survey were recently reviewed by the Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees. Tammy Russell, executive director of institutional planning, assessment and research for the college, presented the findings. About 25 percent of Glen Oaks students participated in the survey. Russell explained approximately 59,000 students across the nation participated in the Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory, …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education members have started the process of filling Scott Swihart’s vacant seat on the board. Swihart resigned from the board of education because of an increase in out-of-town work responsibilities. Swihart’s resignation was effective Dec. 10. The vacant position that the appointed person will fill ends Dec. 31, 2022. The deadline for anyone interested in …

Michigan’s health and education departments on Thursday urged schools to postpone or make virtual large gatherings, including sporting events, if they are not “essential” — as COVID-19 cases spike across the state. The recommendation, intended to keep schools open when classes resume after the winter break next week, was included in a letter to K-12 superintendents and charter school directors. Large events …

Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees has approved a capital-outlay project three years in the making. The board’s vote earlier this month was the final step to set the project in motion. The college’s $7.3 million capital outlay project includes renovation to the north side of campus, including E.J. Shaheen Library, the art studio, classrooms, restrooms and foyer. Also …