Schools

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Jean Logan was given a rating of “effective” for the 2014-15 academic year. The district’s second-year superintendent was acknowledged for her progressive efforts that include a positive attitude, focus on student achievement, listening skills and self-improvement as a leader. Members of the district’s board of education discussed the evaluation Monday. According to a summary of …

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Ralph and Phyllis Bence Scholarship Fund. The fund will award a scholarship of $1,000 annually, to be used by the recipient to fund higher education based on academic merit. Preference will be given to a Three Rivers Community Schools graduate. The Ralph and Phyllis Bence Scholarship Fund was …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has a new member, following board action during a special meeting Monday. Emily Halling was named to the position, which opened last month after David Hamlin resigned. Halling’s term will last at least until the general election in November 2016. Halling attended Sturgis Public Schools, served as a permanent substitute teacher in the district …

The trio of Three Rivers school board members targeted for a recall has appealed a vote taken two weeks ago by the St. Joseph County Election Commission. On the final day for which the appeal could be filed, Diana DeGraaf, Pete Bennett and Erin Nowak submitted Monday the necessary paperwork to county clerk Lindsay Oswald. They are appealing a Nov. …

St. Joseph County’s nine public school districts will share a rebate in excess of $230,000 of 2014-15 unspent special-education reserves. St. Joseph County Intermediate School District, overseer of the county’s special education services for qualified people up to age 26, will pay the districts in three installments, according to superintendent Barb Marshall. The first payment was scheduled to take place …

Changes in school start times and bus routes are prompting a new traffic order for bus-loading and student pick-ups at Congress School in Sturgis. As a result, members of the Sturgis City Commission have approved a new traffic-control order that moves the school-bus loading zone from Walker Avenue to East Congress Street. Consequently, all remaining student pick-ups will occur on …

Members of the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education next month are expected to share results of its evaluation of superintendent Jean Logan. Work started on the task Monday, as the board met in executive session to begin the evaluation process. Between now and the board’s December meeting, the evaluation will be typed and prepared for public release. Logan, …

Ren Hartung, professor of science at Glen Oaks Community College, has received the Trends in Occupational Studies Outstanding Educator award. College officials said Hartung was nominated for his work and excellence within the classroom, professional achievements and service to the college. He recently accepted the award at the annual Trends Conference in Traverse City. Hartung is said to be engaged …

No children were injured after a school bus was rear-ended Thursday morning in Sherman Township. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 6:50 a.m. to the intersection of M-66 and Wait Road, where a Sturgis Public Schools bus was struck from behind by a pickup. The pickup was driven by a 53-year-old East Leroy man, according to deputies. A department media release …

The St. Joseph County Election Commission ruled Wednesday that wording in petitions to recall a trio of Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education members showed sufficient clarity in stating the reasons for the attempted recall of Diana DeGraaf, Pete Bennett and Erin Nowak. At the conclusion of the 20-minute session at the county courthouse, commission chair and probate judge …