Chippewa County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Report
April 10, 2024
Onaway Board of Education Special Meeting – Onaway Public School Multi-Media Room COVID Stimulus (ESSER funds)
CTO: 5:30 p.m.
Attending: Erin Chaskey (Vice-President), Mike Hart, Lorri Kowalski, John Palmer, Jeremy Veal
Absent: Jim Reiger, Annette Porter
Quorum present.
Public attendees: 10
This Special Board meeting was requested by V-P Chaskey to explain/dispel rumors concerning COVID/ESSER monies received by the district in three stages.
Ms. Chaskey announced the “relaxed conduct in regards to Robert’s Rules of Order for this meeting (allowing the public to participate/ask questions during the discussion or explanation of how ESSER funds were used.”
Ms. Chaskey then presented and had Ms. Horn and Ms. Chapman explain the financial documents provided to attendees showing monies received and dispersed in accordance with federal and state requirements. There were NO questions from the community attending concerning the dollars and reason(s) for expenditures.
Also reported the General Fund is now at 22% of the budget, the goal is 15% of annual budget.
Ms. Kowalski noted the imminent need of a new boiler and the importance of the August successful bond issue. Mr. Kowalski also noted board members need to be responsible for their actions/words to prove to the community that their school board members are responsible citizens.
Mr. Palmer expressed his anger re: community comments on his actions/comments/social media posts on various school-related and personal issues.
Mr. Hart supported community members’ comments from prior night (April 9, 2024) board meeting for “the board to get through the negativity and move in a more positive direction. Positive behavior will only help and really likes to see the community attending the meetings”.
Mr. Veal supported Mr. Hart’s comments and defended the times he’s missed board meetings due to personal issues and scheduling conflicts. Mr. Veal also noted the substantial amount of time he spends at the school in other capacities.
*Special notation: The ‘usual’ schedule of meetings for a school’s Board of Education is approximately 13 p/yr. Onaway has, to date conducted Thirty-Three Board of Education meetings this calendar year.
Comments from community members attending:
- Ms. Gibson (Connie Szymoniak): letter read by Ms. Chaskey praising Ms. Horn and the work she does for children. Also noted she does not like community behavior at board meetings
- Ms. Chaskey: referred to Ms. Herring’s ‘pledge’, was not received in a positive manner. Then Ms. Chaskey read from social media posts/emails she had received.
- Sheri (LaFave)?: Asked why three board members walked out of last night’s closed session.
- Ms. Herring: pledge forms are available, so all will take responsibility for their actions/words.
- Ms. Christian: Why are ‘negative’ comments always directed at four board members?
- Mr. Vermilya: faith-based comments do not have validity. Truth and fact have led the Onabots to the World Competition. FOIA requests can be without cost
- Ms. Chapman: why have tonight’s meeting when it could have been done during a regular board meeting? COVID/ESSER funds helped the community.
- Ms. LaFave: “God” is in the pledge and on legal tender
- Ms. Christian: Is the Onabot fundraiser at a church valid, coming from a religious entity?
Meeting adjourned: 6:30 p.m.