Posen in search of a bus

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

Posen Consolidated School, like many school districts in Michigan, is suffering declining enrollment.

Along with a shrinking student population, one of the smallest districts in the state has seen their bus fleet get a little smaller, as the engine to one of their spares is headed for the bus graveyard.

With two spare buses, a 1990 and 1991, having different mechanic and structural problems, school officials asked their contracted mechanic to see if it was possible to take the engine from the ’91, which has body issues, and cannot be used, into the ’90. They were told it would cost too much.

It isn?t a dire situation, but there is some concern about how the next bus breakdown, or two, could impact a school day.

Superintendent Dru Milliron is attempting to get the transportation committee together to discuss their next course of action in filling the void.

CURRENTLY, THE district is down to four buses, three that are sent on regular runs and a spare that had its own problems when a sub-bus driver tried to go and use it, it was blocked in by snow.

The options in front of the committee are to purchase a new bus, lease to buy, or find a district with a spare to spare.

“We could go to some of the bigger schools that are having declining enrollment that have buses sitting around that are still in pretty good shape,” said committee member Dennis Budnick.

In the meantime, Milliron has made arrangements with Rogers City Area Schools to use one of their spares in case an emergency arises. The age range of the bus fleet is from 1996 to 2006.

IN OTHER business:

? Milliron reported on the latest donation by the Posen Sports Booster. He said they turned in a check totaling $15,000.

“God bless them,? the super said, “and thank them for all of their efforts.? He also asked for a motion to accept the funding that is earmarked to support the sports programs. “The gun raffle was a huge success,” said Ken Wozniak, board president and Posen Sports Booster member. “They sold more tickets than they had during any other year. It is tremendous considering the economy and everything else.”

? Special education teacher Denise Perrault, who recently suffered a heart attack,

is expected to be back after the Christmas break. Million gave an update on her condition when asked by board members.

? The first day of Christmas break is Friday, with staff and students returning for the final weeks of the first semester, January 5.

? Under new business, the board accepted the donation of a microwave oven from Alice Modrzynski. It will be used for sporting event concessions.

? Milliron said he received a correspondence from the School Equity Caucus to inform the district that while Gov. Jennifer Granholm is making budget cuts, schools were not included in this round.

? The last meeting of 2008 took 21 minutes.

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