A significant and positive event this fall greatly impacted Engadine Consolidated Schools. This summer, the Board of Education, Engadine Education Association, and Engadine Support Personnel began negotiating a new contract. I want to applaud those involved in coming to the table with a collaborative mindset. At the end of August, we were able to sign a twoyear contract covering 2009-2011.

The biggest impact of the twoyear contract came from health insurance concessions. The employees agreed to a higher deductible health plan, with an increased prescription co-pay. The board agreed to reimburse the deductible and increased wages by a half percent each year of the twoyear contract. This agreement saved the district just over $50,000 for the 2009-2010 school year. With the funding crisis in Michigan, schools will be asking much more of their employees and communities. Hopefully, we can tackle each challenge with a collaborative attitude and all work for the best interests of the students of Michigan.

Reminder: Please join us Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 6 p.m. for a community budget discussion. Everyone interested in the future of Engadine Consolidated Schools is invited to attend.