At most, finding a new superintendent would cost the Mackinac Island Public School $5,000, if the school board agrees to hire the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to conduct the search. In a casual survey, board members favored hiring the organization, which would provide an allinclusive $5,000 contract and the guarantee that if the person hired did not work out in the first year, a replacement search would be conducted at no additional charge. Also under consideration to lead the candidate search is current interim superintendent Michael Bootz.

During a board meeting Thursday, October 15, Mr. Bootz was not asked to present his search plan and did not discuss his fee with the board, although he later told The St. Ignace News he would charge less than $5,000. Most of the work, he said, would be done at night and on weekends.

Giving a hiring presentation for MASB at the meeting was Denny Chartier, a retired 15-year superintendent from Ironwood. If hired, Mr. Chartier would lead the school's search. In his presentation, he detailed the association's services, including seeking community input and being present during all candidate interviews.

School board president Ben Mosley polled board members on their hiring preference, and although no vote was taken and no meeting was scheduled to formally consider who would aid in the superintendent search, most board members favored MASB. The board is hoping to fill the superintendent post by the time students return to class following the holiday break, in January. Mr. Bootz is scheduled to vacate the interim job in December.

Two board members supported hiring Mr. Bootz for the search. Jason St. Onge said he did not have a strong opinion either way, but if a vote were taken at the meeting, he would support Mr. Bootz. He respects Mr. Bootz's work ethic and style, he said, and is not interested in the second search guarantee. Sara Chambers said she has confidence in Mr. Bootz, who knows the school and has contacts around the state.

Board members Leanne Brodeur, Terry Andress, Larry Rickley, and Kelly Bean said they favor hiring MASB. Mrs. Brodeur said she respects Mr. Bootz's capabilities, but likes the guarantee of a second search at no additional cost.

Mr. Rickley agreed.

"This presentation here tonight, to me it's almost like signed, sealed, and delivered," he said.

Ms. Bean said she has concerns the search process would take away from the positive work Mr. Bootz is making in his leadership role at the school.

Mrs. Andress said he appreciates the resources available at MASB.

Mr. Mosley said he was not ready to make a decision between MASB or Mr. Bootz and that filling the superintendent position would be easy if Mr. Bootz agreed to continue on in the post.

"I have nothing but good things to say about what has happened in the school in the last few weeks," said Mr. Mosley. "I also have a little anxiety about taking you away from all the great things you have done."

In other business, the board directed Mr. Bootz to move forward with application to refinance the school bonds. Mr. Bootz said the school has missed the October deadline and now would be considered for February. The amount the school would save in the refinancing process will depend on interest rates at the time, said Mr. Bootz.

"It all depends on what those percentages come back to you at," he said. "We will see, but we will save money."

The board asked Mr. Bootz to expedite the teacher contract bargaining process. Mr. Bootz will negotiate on behalf of the board and present any recommendations to the board for its approval. The teachers contract expired June 30.

The annual audit for fiscal year ending June 30 is finished, said Mr. Bootz. Auditor Annette Eustice of The Rehmann Group of Cheboygan will present it at the November meeting. Also, Mr. Bootz said he would have an amended budget for the board to consider at that meeting.

As part of the state's Crisis Response Program, the school will have two lockdowns. State Police Trooper Fred Strich will review procedures with the staff.

Mr. St. Onge requested that the school doors at the elementary school be locked in May, September, and October to prevent tourists from entering the building during the school day, and Mr. Bootz agreed to do so.

The board agreed to look into hiring a counselor, as it had last year, to work with students in need of guidance. The request was made by Mrs. Brodeur and Mr. Bootz agreed to contact the Intermediate School District and report back to the board.

Some of the students in Seth Baker's performing arts class gave a presentation to the board as part of the class requirement to speak in front of a group. The presentations will continue for several more board meetings, said Mr. Baker.

Colton Fisher presented a project on the volleyball tournament October 10. He worked with partner Adrienne Rilenge.

Diana Dupre and Leo Horn talked about the new laptop computers the school received and how helpful they have been in reducing the wait in the computer room.

Jessica Beaune suggested the school consider a reward program for good behavior as a way to reduce bad behavior and improve grades. She worked with partner Shannon Blanton.