PROSECUTOR COMMENDS LAKERS FOR SCHOOL TASK FORCE

PIGEON -- Huron County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gaertner said it's
much easier to prosecute young people for drug and alcohol
violations than it is to educate them about the dangers involved so
problems can be prevented. He commended the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay
Port Laker Schools Board of Education Monday on the high school's
effort to educate and prevent future drug and alcohol problems.

Earlier this year, a task force of concerned parents was formed to
assist junior high/high school Principal Lisa DiCamillo in planning
for speakers to visit the school and talk with students about the
dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The task force was
formed shortly after four high school students were taken
to Scheurer Hospital in mid-December after becoming ill as a result
of taking an overdose of prescription pills.

At Monday's school board meeting, Gaertner said representatives from
Scheurer Hospital, the Huron County Sheriff's Office, and the
Prosecuting Attorney's Office met with students on two Fridays. He
said he believed the visits were very important and provided a lot
of helpful information. A meeting with parents is being planned for
the near future.

"I'm glad to see the school is reaching out to try to prevent
(future problems) from happening," Gaertner said. "(It's a) job well
done. I hope other schools follow your lead."

He said there are close to 200 open juvenile cases in the county,
and he hopes to see that number decrease.

"It tears us apart when we have to prosecute young people," he said.

Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth V. Weisenbach said the students she's
spoken to have been very respectful. She commended the school for
having good students.

"You've got a lot to be proud of," she told the board.

Board President J. Dean Smith commended DiCamillo for her work in
bringing the speakers to the school.

In other business, Superintendent John Raab spoke to the board about
the possibility of having Kars Drivers' Training and Testing LLC
operate the school's drivers' education program. He said the
school-operated program has been holding its own, either breaking
even or ending with a small profit. Raab said he will have a Kars
representative give a presentation at the next board meeting. He
also will see if there are other companies similar to Kars that
offer the same service for a competitive price.

Raab said snow days will be reviewed at the end of this month to see
what hours need to be made up and how they'll be made up.

Board Vice President Neal Eichler discussed the budget. He said it's
essential that the budget remain balanced so the district doesn't
dip into its fund equity. With declining enrollment, which means
decreased revenue from the state, keeping a balanced budget will be
a challenge.

Junior high/elementary Counselor Kathy Dickens reviewed the MEAP
scores for grades 3-8. She said students did very well and she
commended the teachers for doing a great job. She said writing will
continue to be a major focus for teachers.

During the meeting, Smith presented board Trustee Emily Turner with
a certificate and pin for meeting certified board member
requirements through the Michigan Association of School Boards. She
also received an Award of Merit for receiving additional credits
beyond the classes required for being a certified board member.

During public comment, parent Dave Peterson shared his concerns with
the board about bullying problems. He said his son has been to the
hospital numerous times because of other children bullying him. He
requested the board and administration take a strong look at the
school's bullying policy across the board and perhaps stiffen the
punishment for those who do the bullying. Smith said the district
takes bullying very seriously. He asked DiCamillo and Raab to get
together and talk about what's being done about bullying and bring
the information to the board at a future board meeting.

Teacher and Laker Education Association President Gary Maes told the
board about a separation incentive being offered to teachers at the
Cass City Public School District and asked if a separation incentive
could be a viable option for Lakers as a budget-saving measure. He
asked the board to consider it. Smith said a separation incentive
was offered to teachers three years ago.