RELATED: Suspended Spring Lake principal resigns amid investigation over academic records. Lakers, first and foremost, are a communityparents, teachers, staff, neighbors and volunteers surrounding our students to help them succeed. (616) 240-9080 The investigation uncovered not a single hint or allegation that staff were in any way aware, let alone complicit, in this conduct, Furtons letter to parents said. In the following days, Furton interviewed 16 teachers about a total of 51 altered grade reports belonging to 31 different students, the report said. The superintendent said he has laid out a plan to prevent future grades tampering, including limiting access to grades changing to only the registrar and the head of technology, implementing use of a form that needs specific signatures before the registrar will enter any changes and auditing changes every year. (MLive file photo)Kayla Renie | mrenie@mlive.com. RELATED: Spring Lake High School principal on leave pending investigation involving academic records. racist or sexually-oriented language. Furton and Ely first interviewed Gilchrist about the allegations on Jan. 24, the report said. Member since 2019 (term expires 2024), Katherine Pigott, Trustee It's about equipping our students to be confident and engaged citizens of the world. For mental health, we need layers of support for our kids, parents and teachers. The minutes show that the meeting started with public comment, during which some parents voiced their support of Gilchrist, saying he demonstrated compassion and fairness in his role as principal and that he worked hard to help students. Jeff Ronneberg has been superintendent of Spring Lake Park Schools since 2009. We need to prepare and support all students, whether they want to enroll, enlist or be employed. All effort needs to be made to communicate in a positive, constructive manner regarding concerns and to ensure the well-being of students.. It is a passion of mine to be an active participant in the growth of children, Martinez said. DuBose explained that a major part of FERPA is that student records can only be accessed by school personnel in order to enhance educational opportunities for students. In a second meeting the next day, Gilchrist admitted what he had done. Students who were by all accounts not in distress or experiencing any particular difficulty seemed to get a hand when a hand was not needed, he told the board. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. That means school personnel with access to student records are also bound by the Michigan Code of Ethics and its five principles. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. FERPA applies to any public or private elementary, secondary or post-secondary school and any state or local education agency that receives funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. 707 Transportation of Public School Students; 708 Transportation of Nonpublic School Students; This page is not available in other languages. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. It is the school district's responsibility to ensure that any violation of the Code of Educational Ethics is provided due process and addressed through local board policies. I (expletive) up. Vision Statement In partnership with our community, Spring Lake Public Schools will prepare students to build a world that doesn't exist. The top issues facing Spring Lake are mental health and the community being heard. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. LaValva, Steve - Superintendent; School Organizations" Booster Club; PTA; Spring Lake Ed Foundation; . The importance of drag to the Pride movement (and the health of kids), Health department criticized for attending GH Pride Festival, Grand Haven makes history with first pride festival, Im thinking its time to rethink some things, Embarking on an adventure, one step at a time, Get to know your candidates for mayor: Andrea Hendrick. Some of the changes included raising grades years after the term ended. Schools/Contact High School Middle School Intermediate School Jeffers Elementary Holmes Elementary. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Spring Lake Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Furton sent a letter to families on Tuesday, detailing the district's investigation on Mike Gilchrist, who was the principal of Spring Lake. Spring Lake Public Schools 345 Hammond Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456. SPRING LAKE, MI A West Michigan high school principal allegedly made changes to the final grades of at least 30 different students without their teachers knowledge over the last eight years, an internal investigation by the school district revealed. There are outside support groups we could use for the mental health of our students. Spring Lake must continue to focus on academic success, student mental health, safety and the personal growth of each one of our students. Furton was speaking about a meeting with the Spring Lake principal who has stepped down. I have a vested interest in helping our school system connect with parents and students of all backgrounds and for the past seven years, have had a consistent role in teaching life skills classes and mentoring over 1,000 students.. The district says once the investigation is complete, a fair and honest account of findings will be shared.. Recent redistricting the most politically balanced in years, GH native takes command of Army Health Clinic in Germany. Of those students, seven are currently enrolled in the high school, Spring Lake Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Furton said in a letter to parents that, along with his investigation report, was published on the schools website Tuesday. We love our life here and are so passionate about this community and the education we are providing for our kids. Gilchrist was not supposed to change any grades that is the job of the school registrar to do if and when necessary. Staffing shortages are occurring everywhere. jnicles@springlakeschools.org I do want to again apologize for putting you, the Board, staff, students, and community through this situation.. Last month, Gilchrist was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. We have a nationwide shortage of workers with vocational and trade skills, and we have students who want to pursue those fields. Currently, there is inconsistency with follow-through from our current board when issues are presented.. The longtime principal knew everyone's name, dispensing inspirational quotes with a smile, said. ", "And no matter the outcome, you want to get it right," she added, "because you want to present fairness. I would like to address student mental health by reintroducing an anti-bullying campaign through the school system. Ive volunteered as an elementary classroom helper and remain an avid SLPS volunteer, Holmes said. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If it is found that a violation has been made, Gilchrist would be removed from his position and his certification would be withdrawn. I want to build a positive rapport with our teachers, parents and staff.. The Spring Lake school district is currently investigating Principal Mike Gilchrist and his handling of academic records. It is a place where the community is supportive of our schools, staff, and students. In an initial meeting with the superintendent on Jan. 24, Gilchrist had difficulty answering certain questions, and there were a number of inconsistencies in his responses, Furton said. kpigott@springlakeschools.org The path to graduation is unique for each of our students. SPRING LAKE, Mich. The principal of Spring Lake High School has resigned after being placed on leave while officials conducted an investigation into whether he changed the grades of his own children and other students. He said that if he was disciplined, he would come clean with his staff. According to the report, Gilchrist initially told school officials he had never changed a grade in his life. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spring_Lake_High_School&oldid=1143482818, This page was last edited on 8 March 2023, at 00:43. The success and safety of students, staff and visitors has been and remains my top priorities.. He wasplaced on leaveJan. 24 as administrators kept investigating. In accordance with law, MDE is not authorized to act against an educator's credential until an individual is convicted of a crime, and then only in very specific circumstances. Threats of harming another In the published report, the district redacted all names and identifying information of the students whose grades were changed by Gilchrist. Spring Lake Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Furton said in 2020 that the district's Board of Education had to make some difficult decisions in creating the district's budget during the . Be Truthful. 13 ON YOUR SIDE filed a Freedom of Information Act request to get a better understanding of what school officials are investigating. Gilchrist took full responsibility for the grade changes, the report said. We asked each candidate to list their top priorities facing Spring Lake schools. 345 Hammond Street Students who were by all accounts not in distress or experiencing any particular difficulty seemed to get a hand when a hand was not needed, the board meeting minutes read, in part. Lakers Inspire BIG ENOUGH TO CHALLENGE. Spring Lake High School is located in Spring Lake, Michigan, in the United States, in the Spring Lake Public School District, serving grades 9-12. (616) 402-0449 When MDE receives complaints such as these, MDE's usual process is to contact the employing district to ensure there is awareness of the complaint and remind them of the responsibility to investigate ethical complaints for individuals in their employ, as well as requirements to report to the appropriate agencies. There were times I made adjustments to properly accommodate kids with special needs and was not aware of a formal policy for these adjustments. But according to the report, there were changes made to grades as far back as 2014. Parents and community members seem to be increasingly concerned about media center books, curriculum, inclusivity, and social and emotional-learning initiatives. or anything. GREEN BAY, Wis. This rookie class of tight ends already made quite an impact on the draft. Superintendent of Schools Spring Lake Public Schools 345 Hammond Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (616) 847-7919 By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, Suspended Spring Lake principal resigns amid investigation over academic records. We'd love to hear eyewitness 2017, Spring Lake Public Schools. Casey Daniels. Creating community partnerships will help our students achieve career awareness and readiness.. Dennis received a bachelors degree degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree from University of Houston. Partly cloudy. The Spring Lake Public School District is currently investigating Principal Mike Gilchrist and his handling of academic records. If he was going to be fired, he said, he would instead resign. The district says an interim principal was not yet been named. On a federal level, school personnel with access to student records are bound by the Federal Education Rights Protection Act (FERPA), the which protects the privacy of student education records. Seven current students at Spring Lake High School had their records changed: three seniors, one junior, and three sophomores. That right is held by the parent until that child becomes 18 years old, and it allows them to inspect their records, amend their records if they're inaccurate, consent to disclosure and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if there's a violation. Sorry you guys have to deal with this., The following day, Gilchrist had another meeting with the district superintendent. Gilchrist did not respond to requests for comment by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Tuesday. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: You have permission to edit this article. . . More: Spring Lake principal resigns after probe into altered student grades, Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage. We need to ensure parents, students, teachers and administrators are being heard when concerns or questions are presented to the board. Courses Details: WebDennis Furton, Superintendent [email protected] (616) 847-7919 . Staff at SLHS were deeply troubled by this conduct. According to the report, he opened up the meeting by stating, First of all, in regards to our meeting yesterday, I was caught of guard and was not completely truthful. He went on to say, Dennis, every question you asked me yesterday, the answer is yes. Bullying has transitioned from in-person assaults to social media. "So, test scores can go to the county office and transcripts can go to colleges," she said, "but you cannot access student records for personal reasons.". The selection came after Furton. I look forward to hearing from you, to having you visit our schools, and to have the privilege now or in the future of serving your family in the Spring Lake Park Schools. Mountz - PK-8; Manasquan School District Information . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Unapproved minutes from the Feb. 10 school board meeting, when the board voted on Gilchrists resignation, showed that four community members showed up to speak in support of Gilchrist during public comment. Substitute Rates. My top priority will always be our students. All rights reserved (About Us). Low 64F. Ensuring that our students feel safe at school and our parents feel safe sending their kids to school is our primary goal. Let the system work itself. The superintendent and district administration implement board policies and overall directions. ctheune@springlakeschools.org Spring Lake Public Schools - Superintendent of Schools is located at 345 Hammond St in Spring Lake, MI - Ottawa County and is a business listed in the categories Education, School Public and Schools, Elementary & Secondary, Public. All meetings, unless noted on the schedule below, begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at: Spring Lake Middle/Intermediate School Media Center A Spring Lake high school principal allegedly made changes to the final grades of at least 30 different students without their teachers knowledge over the last eight years, an internal investigation by the school district revealed. The district will have an interim principal, and the position will be posted within the next four to six weeks, with a desired candidate by July 1, school officials said. …Every question you asked me yesterday, the answer is yes. I did those things. The superintendent is responsible for the overall management and operations of the district, and reports to the school board. Gilchrist changed 51 records for 31 students, the report said. Agendas are posted on the Friday prior to the Monday meeting. Without our talented, dedicated staff, we could not provide the type of educational experiences our students deserve and our community has grown to expect. Superintendent This crisis is felt in many professions and environments, including Spring Lake Public Schools. 10/11/2023 District Your child is a thread that unifies all of usfaculty, volunteers, coaches and staff. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. The Spring Lake Public School District is currently investigating Principal Mike Gilchrist and his handling of academic records. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The staff member met with the superintendent on Jan. 13 to present printed copies of 12 records of grades that had been changed. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Disciplined, strategic, management of district funds is required in order to offer competitive wages to attract and keep staff. These policies should be made available to students, educators, and the public at large through means such as the district website and student and employee handbooks. DuBose added that is why the the process entails an investigation while the person is on administrative leave and an administrative hearing will take place if necessary. To better prepare our students for post-secondary success, we must utilize our community resources. When school officials pointed out inconsistencies between his statements, Gilchrist said, I wouldnt believe what Im telling you. Contact Matthew at mehler@grandhaventribune.com. RELATED: Spring Lake High School principal on leave pending 'academic records' investigation. DuBose added that each state also has their own Code of Ethics for the education profession. I would like to have resource officers present at each building in order to deter any individual seeking to breach school security. Agendas are posted three days before the meeting. In almost every case, the teacher told administrators they had not been consulted in the grade change or they did not remember making the grade change. SPRING LAKE, Mich. Spring Lake Public Schools says the high school principal has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation involving academic records. Additionally, in accordance with section (1) of MCL 722.623 - the Child Protection Law teachers, school counselors, school administrators, nurses, social workers and others are required to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as mandated reporters. paldridge@springlakeschools.org The district said they will not have any further comment. That right allows a school official or administrator the chance to hear the allegations against them with notice, and the opportunity to share their side in a hearing as well. Here, our community supports, faculty invest and students amazebe it through college acceptance rates, test scores, arts, athletic competition or local service and engagement. About - Spring Lake Public Schools. Be Nice. I was elected to the Spring Lake (school board) in 2016, Breen said. User Options. FRUITPORT, MI - Spring Lake Public Schools has placed a principal on administrative leave pending the outcome of an "investigation involving academic records," Superintendent Dennis Furton . Teen in critical condition after being dragged alongside vehicle, Spread the news: US economy is strong under Biden, Check out the summer reading program, events at SLDL, Rookie tight ends will have to buck history to make major impact, 'Really fortunate': DGC avoids significant storm damage to start Rocket Mortgage Classic week, All-state finishes wrap up strong year for boys track and field. Spring Lake, MI 49456, June 19 2023 Budget Hearing & Regular Meeting, May 5, 2023, 9:00 a.m. MS Conference Room, July 14, 2023, 10:00 a.m. Location TBD, Notice of Special Meeting for May 15, 2023. Amber Bolhuis, 42, is a payroll specialist at Beacon Recycling, a mass communications and business degree graduate from Miami University and a Cincinnati, Ohio, native. All of them.. Staff morale, retention and development must continue to be priorities for our district.. However, our student needs continue to rise and the addition of three full-time social workers, two secondary interventionists and a safety coordinator are helping to meet those needs. The field includes incumbents Curt Theune, Kathy Breen and Jennifer Nicles, and newcomers Amber Bolhuis, Courtney Holmes, Chris Martinez and Kevin Priddy. The district said they will not have any further comment until the investigation is complete, and at that time they will "share a fair and honest account of their findings.". It is also important that our district operates with fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, the superintendent determined Gilchrist violated his contract and district policies and acted unethically. All of them.'. Spring Lake Mike Gilchrist was a popular figure in the halls of Spring Lake High School. All states are held accountable under this federal regulation with the U.S. Department of Education. However, in order to provide reasonable suggestions, it is necessary for me to survey the buildings and current safety protocols first.. Recognized as a leader in education innovation, Superintendent Ronneberg works to create an environment where teachers and staff have the freedom and flexibility to try different things to best meet the needs of each student. I thought what I was doing what (sic) was in the best interest of children and providing families trust, comfort, and a relationship during some of lifes lowest points. SPRING LAKE, Mich. Spring Lake Public Schools says the high school principal has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation involving academic records. Life on the lakeshore continues despite wildfire smoke in the air, Wyoming man arrested on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, production of child porn, 13 On Your Side Forecast: Smoky to Hazy Conditions, Federal Education Rights Protection Act (FERPA), Spring Lake High School principal on leave pending 'academic records' investigation. Throughout the country, theres an employment crisis. All rights reserved (About Us). Laker Links Calendar Careers Enrollment Gilchrist was hired by the district in July 2001, Furton said. Furton declined to tell MLive whether the specific rumor that Gilchrist changed his own childrens grades was true or false. City Council balks at approving 'obsolete property district' for former diesel plant, The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday, Health Dept. Furton gave Gilchrist the opportunity to meet and review the findings of the investigation on any date between Feb. 3-8, but Gilchrist declined, the report said. Your child is a thread that unifies all of usfaculty, volunteers, coaches and staff. Ionia County man, 77, dies in crash with semitrailer, COVID-19 cases force Kalamazoo-area district to switch some schools to remote learning, Norton Shores man charged after standoff assaulted, threatened woman with gun, police say. . As a school system, we are so grateful for the faculty, staff, parents, coaches, local volunteers who continually advocate for each childs right to an exemplary education. Spring Lake Borough School District - A National Blue Ribbon Award School 2015 Home; Our District" Principal/Superintendent; Board of Education; Emergency Information; Employment Opportunities; Enroll In H.W. that is degrading to another person. Please express interest by sending a Letter of Interest, a current Resume and copies of appropriate Certifications to: HR@HWMountz.K12.NJ.US. The longtime principal knew everyone's name, dispensing inspirational quotes with a smile, said. Share with Us. Im deeply grateful that SLPS proved itself an exemplary place for all of us to grow and learn, just as it is for so many young people, Theune said. person will not be tolerated. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. "I always ask people how they would want to be treated," DuBose said. ipadil@district16.org. Working with our finance committee, superintendent and districts chief financial officer to make sound decisions about district funds has allowed the board to approve favorable contract decisions for all parties involved. He also offered to admit what he had done to the schools staff and apologize, or resign immediately. Spring Lake Public School Superintendent Dennis Furton sent a letter to parents informing them of Gilchrist's status on Monday. Don't Threaten. Currently, the district is working toward a new bond proposal that will address some of the deficiencies in current school buildings.. Health, disability and well-being services, Free and Reduced-Priced Meals and Educational Benefits, AirPlay, Apple TV, and AirServer Best Practices, Statewide Testing Refusal Form and Security Tip Line. The Spring Lake Public Schools superintendent says Mike Gilchrists resignation was accepted by the board of education on February 10. Here is a snippet from their responses: School safety is a huge issue in this country right now. 13 ON YOUR SIDE sat down with her to ask about the process of an investigation such as Gilchrist's. 13 ON YOUR SIDE filed a FOIA request to get a better understanding of what school officials are investigating about Spring Lake principal Mike Gilchrist. The meeting minutes say that by the end of the conversation, it was clear … that there were some less than truthful comments and statements made. Teachers need adequate resources and support in their jobs, and students need counselors and school psychologists readily available. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Previously, Dennis was a Superintendent at Google. My goal is to ensure a safe, successful and strong school environment for all children in our district.. The investigation found instances where Gilchrist made changes to a students final grade up to two years after they had completed the course, the report said. Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Excellence in Education Award Nominations. According to an email sent by the superintendent, Spring Lake High School Principal Mike Gilchrist has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Furton sought a 10-day extension for the records request, as is allowed by law, and sent the files on Tuesday, Feb. 15. Spring Lake High School is located in Spring Lake, Michigan, in the United States, in the Spring Lake Public School District, serving grades 9-12. Spring Lake must continue to be a place that people want to come to work. (616) 402-4090 YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Kathy Breen, 74, set a retirement goal of continuing to service public education after finishing her teaching career. Enrichment Programs; Tiger Den After Care Program; Annual Reports/Public Notices" Overview; In-Person Learning During Pandemic" Translate. …, WOOD TV-8 reported. The investigation started in mid-January after school officials heard a rumor that Gilchrist changed his daughters grade. DiscoverLearn what our families say about being a part of Spring Lake Park Schools. At this time, we are seeking to fill the following positions. Laker Links Calendar Careers Enrollment 763-600-5020 No changes impact prospective senior honor students, said Spring Lake Public School Superintendent Dennis Furton in a February 15 correspondence to parents, students and the community at. Member since 2021 (term expires 2026), Courtney Holmes, Trustee Serving on the board has shown me that not everyone will agree with every decision, but a board member must put learning first and give priority to what is best for all students.. Recognized as a leader in education innovation, Superintendent Ronneberg works to create an environment where teachers and staff have the freedom and flexibility to try different things to best meet the needs of each student. Several speakers noted that the principal was a strong advocate for students, and shared personal stories of how Gilchrist had helped their families. Spring Lake Public Schools: Superintendent: Dennis Furton: Principal: Ben Armey: Staff: 37.85 (FTE) Grades: 9-12: Enrollment: 871 (2018-19) . In some cases, Gilchrist made changes to students final grades at the request of students themselves or their parents. Meeting dates for the calendar year are determined at the first meeting in January and are typically scheduled for the third Monday of the month. Before joining WMU, she was an assistant superintendent, and spent more than 30 years as a public educator and 20 years in human resources. I did those things. Teacher Survey and the We the Teachers Survey, among others, reveal alarming statistics around teacher mental health. According to an investigation report posted on the district's website, Gilchrist is accused of changing the recorded grades of certain high school students without proper authorization and without input from teachers. In regards to our meeting yesterday, I was caught off guard and was not completely truthful…' thesuperintendents investigation reportquotes Gilchrist as saying. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Gilchrist was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation on Jan. 24. SPRING LAKE Mike Gilchrist was a popular figure in the halls of Spring Lake High School. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). (Kayla Renie | MLive.com)Kayla Renie | mrenie@mlive.com. MLive submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the district for Gilchrists personnel records on Jan. 25.
How To Make A Line Graph In Prism, Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, Igor Greenberg Net Worth, Gwar Lead Singer Dies, Articles S