By Megan Decker
Staff Writer
VASSAR — The Vassar School Board appointed its 2015 officers during its annual Organizational Meeting prior to its regular session Monday.
Trustees nominated and appointed Randy Middlin as board president, Ben Guile as vice president, Russell Hubbard as secretary, and Kirk VanWormer as treasurer.
Board members also welcomed newcomer Jeremy LaPratt who officially began his duties as trustee following his win in the November election.
They also voted to change the regular school board meetings to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
All meeting dates will be posted at the Superintendent’s Office.
Trustees also agreed to retain services with Thrun Law Firm as the school’s attorney and Weinlander-Fitzhugh as its independent auditor.
During its regular session, the board agreed to hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 in order to discuss a proposed bond issue. During discussion, members of the Facilities Committee discussed needing approximately 13 million for renovation and repairs to district buildings.
After a lengthy discussion, board members agreed to not seek the millage on the May ballot, but will look at placing the bond issue on the August or November ballot. During the special meeting, board members hope to go through the proposed items line-by-line in order to determine the district’s needs.
The board also heard a presentation from Beth Rittenberg regarding the middle school’s Robotics Team and their recent participation at the state competition in Battle Creek. The team finished 17 out of 64 teams and came close to advancing to the national competition in its rookie season.
“We were at the top (1-12) of the leader board for most of the day, but fell to 17th place after the final two matches so missed advancing to the finals by only five spots! Not too shabby!” Rittenberg said.
Board members also agreed to purchase a 10-passenger van for general school use in the amount of $26,605 from Cook GM Super Store in Vassar.
The next regular meeting of the Vassar School Board will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Vassar High School media center.