GRAND BLANC SCHOOLS
Math program
discussed
GRAND BLANC TWP. — Middle school math teachers Michael Goetz and Brett Butcher presented information on the Middle School Extended Math Program to the board Monday.
The program, which offers students who have had past struggles with math concepts but show exemplary work habits the opportunity to participate in an extended class, is a pilot program this year. The regular math period is extended by 18 minutes for selected students who were picked based on grades, assessment tests and attitude. The extra time has allowed added practice with basic math skills, time for games and hands-on activities to apply math concepts practically, more examples given in class and added feedback to the students.
“The program allows us to take time out of the classroom and get more hands-on with the concepts,” Butcher said.
There is currently an extended program at each middle school, and both Butcher and Goetz said that attitudes towards math have improved, as well as student confidence and participation. Both hope to continue the pilot program next year.
In other business:
• Fundraiser organizations for Relay For Life, the Chess Club and the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) were approved.
• An overnight field trip for HOSA students to Traverse City and City School third, fourth and fifth graders to Pittsburgh were approved. — P.H.

ATLAS TWP.
Twp. announces
2007 mills, budget
ATLAS TWP. — At Monday’s meeting, the Atlas Twp. board announced the millage rate for the next bill during a special truth-in-taxation meeting. The operating millage will be .7686, the voter-approved fire millage will be .9442 and the police millage will be .9588. The board also announced the 2007 garbage special assessment at $96.72/year.
The 2007-2008 budget also was presented at the meeting. The township operating budget will be $1,130,822 which includes special assessments. A budget of $323,730 is slated for the fire departments, and the police fund will be $465,014. The sewer fund is set for $38,100.
In other business:
• The board voted to give Fire Chief Fred Forys a $2,000/year raise, stating that he has had many accomplishments since being hired in July 2006.
• The board approved a four percent COLA compensation for township employees, board members and assessor. Trustee Scott J. Statson opted out of the compensation. — N.B.

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