From The Superintendent

William J. Kearney

Last updated February 2019

While the winter weather continues to hit us hard, the start of major league baseball spring training is a sign that warmer weather is coming. So far this winter, we have had ten (10) days of no school due to the weather. The State School Aid Act provides districts with six (6) days of “forgiven time” that do not need to be made up. Districts can apply for three (3) additional days of “forgiven time” to the State Superintendent. I have submitted this request and anticipate that this request will be approved due to the extreme weather. If the three (3) additional days are approved, we will need to make up one (1) day of school providing we don’t have any additional snow days. The logical place to put this make-up day is at the end of the school year. Once we get through winter and make a determination regarding when we will make up the additional days of school, we will notify all families.

Congratulations to Linda Flick on her retirement February 1st. Linda is retiring after 25 years of service to River Valley. I would also like to welcome our two newest Board members—Jennifer Alderink and Gail Freehling.

The spring musical production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat will have performances in the MHS Auditorium March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. Please see the article on page 3 of this newsletter for show times.

This summer, we will have the following renovation projects taking place:

• Chikaming: parking lot replacement, secure vestibule, and office renovation
• Three Oaks: replace classroom doors, secure vestibule, and office renovation
• MHS: renovate four bathrooms, partial roof replacement, secure vestibule, and office renovation.

The secure vestibules will create an extra layer of security that will prevent visitors from accessing the hallways until they have been cleared by the office.

Please contact me at 269-756-7675 if you have any ideas, thoughts, questions or concerns.

William J. Kearney