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But it wasn't just students receiving awards. Bad Axe Public Schools received a 2007 Excellence Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards and sponsored by SET SEG School Insurance Specialists. SEG SET SIS Account Representative Dan Gerger presented a roadside sign at the meeting. The sign has been installed along George E. Greene Drive. Over the last four years, the elementary school has used assessment data to guide the faculty in using research-based instructional methods and intervention to help at-risk students.

During the regular meeting, Technology Coordinator Brian Delpiere and English teacher Deanna Bingham demonstrated one of the 50 document cameras the school purchased.

Delpiere said five have been installed and hopes to install the remaining at a later date because the company sent 45 of a different model. He showed how the cameras project an image from a 3D object and can capture a digital still or video image.

Bingham said the document cameras are "one of the handiest things" and "a life saver." She explained she uses the device instead of leaving her classroom to make a photocopy. Also, it gives her flexibility if a class needs extra work. These and other features "makes it invaluable," Bingham said, and added she used it every day and also said, "I love it." She thanked the Board for allowing the purchase and installation of the equipment.

Local historian Mark Green gave a brief PowerPoint presentation showing the history of Bad Axe schools from the days of the Rapson Brothers to the present. The photographs included school clubs and sports teams. Green noted the school colors were red and white and were later blue and gold but no history item has come to his attention telling when or why the change occurred.

The Board passed a motion to eliminate Boys' Varsity Tennis for the 2007-2008 school year. Athletic Director Ron Johnston said, "it's tough to fill all sports (with the change in sports seasons)." Superintendent Wencel said the change impacts sports and the band. Johnston is drafting a letter to send to the Michigan High School Sports Association stating the school's opinion and asking the MHSSA to reverse its decision.

In other sports-related business, the Board approved the hiring of Brad Wehner as Girls' Junior Varsity Coach. The Board also approved the hiring of Jim Quinn and Seth Stapleton to the basketball staff.

The Board agreed not signing with the MHSSA at the Junior High level for league play allowing students of rural schools to participate in sports. Superintendent Wencel said the Board's law firm, The Thrun Law Firm, has advised existing insurance coverage should suffice. The Board made the stipulation any in-district student who leaves for another school would not be eligible.

Board President Walter Salens spoke on the recent matter about band teacher William Heffelfinger. Salens said, "I appreciate what the board and Superintendent Wencel had to put up with, including threats." He added, both High School Principal Wayne Brady and Superintendent Wencel "handled it according to the rules and regulations." Salens added the Board "did what we thought was best" and, on behalf of the Board, thanked Brady and Wencel for their efforts in the matter.

Salens earlier in the meeting thanked retiring Board Member Mary Hicks and said, "she always put the children first. We're going to miss Mary." He added Hicks assisted him when he was new to the Board and said, "she helped me out a lot."

The Board approved the removal of a boiler hot water tank from the junior high school building. Superintendent Salens said there is a condensation problem and removal of the tank should help "waterproofing work happen more easily."

The Curriculum Committee reported the Junior High School received an "A;" the Intermediate School received a "B" and meet AYP goals; the Elementary School received an "A" and met AYP goals; while the High School report has not been received.

In other business:

*There was no public comment.

*The Board approved paying bills: General Fund $983,395; Food Service $37,869; Capital Project Fund $47,244; and Athletic $62,000.

*The Board acknowledged and welcomed new Board Member Brian Wichert, who was in attendance in the audience.

*Superintendent Wencel updated the Board on progress toward the upcoming Yard Sale. He noted items not being re-used will be for sale as will technology items such as television sets from the junior high school building.

*The Board allowed the Library Board to choose a delegate.

*The Board accepted, with regrets the following resignations: Claudia Trowhill, Jack Adams, James Santini, all retiring; aide Kathy Santini; coaches Kurt Dennis, Rick Samson and Zachary Waugh, also a para-pro; and assistant coach Mark Prescott.

(The regular meeting, on Monday, June 11, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Bad Axe High School Media Center. Members present were: Fucinari, Harris, Hicks, Krug, Rader, Salens, Watson. Also present was Superintendent Wencel. The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.)