By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education (BOE) approved a resolution to accept the Section 31aa Mental Health Funding for fiscal year 2026/27 at its meeting on Oct. 19. CSD could receive nearly $167,000 for allowable mental health expenses to serve K-12 students.
The full resolution language includes the board’s vote to decline Section 31aa Student Safety Funding.
Last year, the state placed conditions on 31aa funding under which districts would waive legal protections following a mass casualty event. The state defines such an event as happening on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event, with not less than three people seriously injured, any fatality, or an incident that exceeds the normal emergency response services of the area in which the incident takes place.
The resolution states, “This decision reflects the Board’s commitment to responsible governance and the protection of sensitive information, while continuing to prioritize student safety through existing programs and initiatives.”
With all board members present, the resolution passed 6-1. Trustee Eric Wilkinson cast the no vote.
The BOE unanimously approved consent for the superintendent and the board’s bond committee to explore the feasibility of a possible zero tax rate increase bond proposal to be placed on the November 2027 ballot. The proposal to explore this is in response to a review of the district’s capital improvement needs and assessment of facilities. Superintendent Mike Kapolka said the review done two years ago will be updated and needs to be prioritized as part of the exploration. Results of the exploration are expected to be discussed at the board’s work session on Feb. 22.
Adam Schilt, Beach Middle School (BMS) principal, introduced Carla Freeman, the school’s new counselor, who was hired this summer. She has an undergraduate degree in elementary education from Siena Heights University (SHU), a master’s degree in social foundations of education from Eastern Michigan University, and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from SHU. Freeman is currently working toward certification in school counseling from Central Michigan University.
Schilt said Freeman, who works primarily with sixth- and seventh-grade students, focuses on the whole child and has “… embraced the collaboration mindset …” culture at BMS.
In his report, Kapolka said the transportation department received a 100% passing score on bus inspections performed by the Michigan State Police. He commended Corrina Horton, transportation supervisor; Tim Newman, head mechanic; and Schyler Kangas, mechanic.
Two community members spoke during public comment, both in support of a new aquatic facility to be funded as part of the latest bond fund. Anna Loveland, president of the Chelsea Aquatic Club (CAC), said the Charles S. Cameron Pool at BMS predates the 50-year-old CAC. She also said a new facility is even more crucial now with the latest news that the Tecumseh Community Pool has closed, and the Eastern Michigan University natatorium is slated for closure in May.
Deborah Snyder, assistant coach of the Chelsea High School girls swim team, thanked the district for the years of maintenance on the current pool but echoed the need for a new facility.
A video recording of the meeting can be viewed here on the district’s YouTube channel.
In other board news:
- Casey Wescott, North Creek Elementary School Principal, introduced Maddie Olsick, a first-grader who is the school’s October Student of the Month.
- South Meadows Principal Katie Spisich introduced fifth-grader Alyssa Harpster, the school’s October Student of the Month.
- The board approved updates to 21 policies, which are listed on the meeting agenda here.
Upcoming dates:
- There will be no school for students on Monday, Nov. 2; professional development for teachers.
- The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 in the media center at BMS, 445 Mayer Dr.
