Three write-in candidates, incumbent vie for two board seats in Posen
Voters in the Posen Consolidated School District will be asked Monday to vote on an operating millage renewal proposal and elect two board members. The millage renewal proposal asks voters to allow the district to receive the full 18-mill non-homestead operating millage instead of a reduced portion of the 18 mills based on the Headlee Act. ?With the Headlee Act, that?s reduced every year if your property taxes continue to go up,? said superintendent Dennis Stratton.
The district receives a reduced fraction amount of the allowable 18 mills. The request allows the district to collect the full 18 mills until the issue is put before the voters in 2006 for a renewal. If approved, the request would allow Posen to recapture $8,304 in the year 2004. The 18 mills, along with the state of Michigan?s contribution from Proposal A, make up part of the operating budget for a district. The foundation allowance from the state is $6,700 per pupil. The 18 mills is the maximum allowed per state law.
IN WHAT was a one candidate race for two school board seats is now between four candidates. One name will appear on the ballot: incumbent Doris Ponik. Voters will have to choose between Ponik and three write-in candidates for the two open seats. The write-ins are Melanie Kaszubowski, Morris Richards, and Andrew J. Stone. Each of the candidates has children who are in the schools, or will be attending the district in the coming years. They all expressed an interest in playing a part in the important decisions of the future of Posen schools. Kaszubowski wants to ?be a part of my children?s education and the issues they (school board) are facing right now. I?m kind of concerned about the things that are happening in our school.?
THE SCHOOL board was left with the painful task of cutting programs such as band and art. In addition, the district can no longer afford to cover the salaries of the coaches for track and golf and the cost of transportation to various events. When Morris Richards decided to run, there were no other write-in candidates. Regardless of how many candidates there are now, he wants to lend his support and ?honest opinions.? ?I wanted to see if I can help solve some issues,? said Richards. Ponik, who is running for her second four-year term, wants to stay involved. ?That?s my primary reason, to stay involved,? Ponik said.
ANDREW J. STONE was encouraged by outgoing board member Ken Pawelek to run for one of the seats. ?I have a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son who are both going to be going to Posen,? said Stone. ?He mentioned that he was going to be stepping down and that it would be a good opportunity for me to try and make a difference.? There is still time for candidates to declare their intent to run as write-ins. The deadline to submit paperwork to the superintendent?s office is tomorrow (Friday) at 4 p.m.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Posen Community Center. The new, four-year terms will take effect July 1.