Superintendent's Article

     On March 13, 2023, the Marcellus Community Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting. The board heard reports from administrators and acted on several agenda items.
     Principals’ reports highlighted upcoming events including the Volinia Maple Festival scheduled for March 25, from 7:00 a.m. until noon, and the Wizard of Oz production slated for March 25, at 7:00 p.m, and March 26, at 200 p.m. The community is invited to attend these exciting student events!
     Amendments to the 2022-23 general fund budget were recommended and adopted.  The amendments include a $627,005 Increase in expected revenue, largely as a result of state and federal grant funds the district expects to receive this fiscal year.  Additionally, the board approved expenditure increases in the amount of $513,341, most of which are associated with the aforementioned grants.
     The Board also approved hiring Jeff Smith as a school bus driver and to work in the transportation and operations departments. Smith is a retired Cass County law enforcement sergeant. Additionally, under a Section 31o grant, the board hired 2009 Marcellus High School graduate Stephanie Fletter to fill a nursing position that will be left open with Nurse Karen Warner’s retirement. Fletter is a registered nurse and has
three children at Marcellus Elementary.
     In other action, the Board accepted the resignations of Career & Technical Education teacher McKenna Terrill. Terrill has been with the school district for six years, passionately serving in both the athletic and teaching departments. Coaching multiple athletic teams, including volleyball, basketball and softball, Terrill is a champion for kids, both in the classroom and on the field/court. Her passion and talents in the classroom and as a coach will be greatly missed. The Board extended well wishes to Terrill in her
next life chapter.
     Veteran teacher Ann Smith’s resignation was also accepted at the March board meeting. Smith has been with the district for over thirty-five years! Much of her tenure has been as an elementary teacher, but she has also served in many other important roles, including new teacher mentor and curriculum leader. Known for her humor, artistic flare, and excellent instructional skills, Smith’s retirement will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. The board thanked Smith for her dedication to the children of Marcellus Community Schools and wished her well in retirement.

     In other action, the board approved Megan Schuur as the middle school softball coach, Tanner Johnson as the middle school baseball coach, and Paige Wantowski as the JV Softball coach.
     Last month, the board accepted the resignations of two veteran teachers, Steve McCloskey and Amy Monroe. McCloskey will retire at the end of the school year after thirty years with the school district. Throughout the course of his tenure, McCloskey taught science and math to middle, high and alternative education students. He’s also coached track, Science Olympiad, and volunteered his time to a number of school and athletic events. The board expressed their gratitude for McCloskey’s commitment to the school community.  Monroe’s retirement is effective at the end of the school year as well. Monroe has committed an amazing twenty-five years to teaching the students at Marcellus Elementary!  Over the course of her career, Monroe has been instrumental in updating the second grade resources and curriculum and has always enthusiastically supported her students. Her passion and dedication to our youngest Wildcats will be abundantly missed.