Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/tag/okemos-school-board/)
Thomas Gorman graduated in the spring from Okemos High School. After spending four years there, he knew there were some changes he wanted to see. So, he decided to do something about it. Gorman ran for the Okemos School Board in this election. Not only was this his first time on the ballot, but this was also the first general election he was eligible to vote in.
Revamped position works to revamp downtown Okemos
The Meridian Township Board announced Amber Clark as the new Director of Neighborhoods and Economic Development during its last meeting on Oct. 5.
Clark proposed the position be restructured to serve neighborhoods, as most of Okemos and Haslett residents live in suburban areas. Keeping neighborhoods in the loop
As Clark moved into the director position, she told the city manager and team about her plans to reinvigorate the role. “Upon taking the position, I told the team I was interested in drawing in the neighborhoods of such a residential-heavy township,” Clark said. “The core areas looking to develop immediately touch the residents in these neighborhoods, and economic development isn’t just about bringing in new businesses.”
If redevelopment funding is secured, the development team plans to complete demolition and asbestos abatement of buildings on the west side of the community by Dec.
By Stephanie Hernandez McGavin
The Meridian Times
The faculty member from Okemos High School and Chippewa Middle School discussed the progress of the newly implemented personal learning devices at the Okemos School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 23. The 2013 Technology/Security/Transportation Bond funded the technology updates that allowed equal access to computers for all students in the two schools. The laptops were distributed to students at the beginning of the 2014-15 spring semester. Okemos High School technology education teacher Dean Buggia said the laptops created an opportunity to use interactive, online content with the confidence that all students would have access to it.
By Jordan Goltz
Meridian Times staff writer
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP- On Sept. 23, the Okemos School Board met with senior activities leader Cherie Wisdom and interior designer Patti Dudley to discuss the renovations recently made to the Meridian Township Senior Center. Planning for this project began back in December 2012, with most of the renovations being completed by the end of August. The project was funded through Meridian Township, with no estimated cost given. Renovations included a new reception desk, built-in fireplace and TV, new seating, added artwork and a new work café.
Budget cuts in education are on the minds of many residents and school district officials lately because of governor Rick Snyder’s recent proposal that would cut $470 per pupil from each school district in the state of Michigan. Economy expert at Michigan State University, Charles Ballard says that the cuts have to come from somewhere and that education got a big boost during the 1990’s. The Okemos school board has anticipated cuts for the past several years, but this year the cuts will be severe. Bob Bullock is the athletic director for Okemos High School and Chippewa Middle School and says that he’s hoping not to have to say goodbye to more programs with these proposed budget cuts. He says that he often deals with concerned parents and everyone is waiting to see what the proposed budget cuts will bring.