I have served on this board of education for 12 months and had hoped that my 34 years of teaching experiences in Cedar Springs could help guide this district to the high levels of education that it once had 5 or 6 years ago when our district was considered a leader in the county and state. Unfortunately this has not happened. I learned that if it is my idea, concern or issue it is quickly dismissed.

During the past 12 months I have listened to many lies and misleading statements and poor judgment by the Supt. Stating that we should spend upwards of $100,000 on training the staff to be happy and when many classrooms exceed 30 or more students is poor judgment, and not what is best for kids.

The Supt. stated lies during a board meeting about my decision to attend a transportation meeting discussing privatization. No Supt. in public education should have been allowed to lie about one of her employers. Apparently it is OK with most of the members of this board.   

With the direction of the Supt. the board continues to approve tremendous costs of consultants at rates as high as $10,000 for one day.

 These examples are just a few of the many that I could have discussed about poor leadership.

I have witnessed some members of this board applauding a speaker during public comments and the Supt. praising speakers also during public comments. Both examples clearly violate board policy and yet were allowed.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provided a training session for the board and asked us to fill out a survey prior to the training. Six of seven board members completed the survey with one choosing to not submit their answers. I’m guessing that most of the board thought that I was the one who did not complete the survey. I submitted my survey and wonder who chose not to and why they did not speak up. 

My core values, ethics and honesty will not allow me to continue the patterns of this board and Supt. I am therefore submitting my resignation from the Cedar Springs Board of Education effective upon the adjournment of this meeting dated Dec. 11, 2017.

Mr. Ted Sabinas

Cedar Springs Board of Education

Post Scripts Notice: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to Post Scripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

I too was at the last board of education meeting. I admire your dedication to family in supporting the position of a relative on the board, however there are a few statements you made that I don’t believe are accurate. One only needs to look through recent issues of the Post to see several articles about our students’ accomplishments. One article in the last 7 months bringing awareness to our community that our teachers are STILL working under fear and intimidation does not constitute a pattern. I would also argue that the ‘slanted viewpoint from the vocal minority’ is not accurate. The board meeting I attended was standing room only, and ended with a standing ovation from an overwhelming majority when Trustee Sabinas filed a formal complaint against Dr. VanDuyn. The Cedar Springs Post has a responsibility to this community to report ALL news, even if it’s something you don’t want to see. I don’t want to see our teachers publicly beg for help from the board of education month after month for over two years, yet here we are and it is STILL happening. So while we ALL would like to see news full of sunshine and rainbows, it’s difficult to admire the drapes when the house is on fire.

Tami Elliston, Cedar Springs

By Judy Reed

The buses transporting students to school next year will still say Cedar Springs Public Schools; the drivers will still be the same familiar faces; the supervisor and dispatcher will be the same; and the buses will be housed at the same bus garage. What will be different is that the buses will no longer belong to and employees will no longer work for Cedar Springs Public Schools. Ownership will shift to Dean’s Transportation, after the Cedar Springs Board of Education voted 6-1 Monday evening to privatize transportation and to go with Dean’s.

The one lone no vote came from board member Ted Sabinas, who said he had too many concerns. “Once we make that decision there will be no turning back—ever. We will never be able to buy buses again,” he explained.

Last year Excel Consultants did a transportation study and recommended the school district sell some of their old buses and compare what the cost would be to privatize versus keeping it in-house. In the end, they chose Dean’s, after the majority of the bus drivers decided that’s what they wanted to do.

The Cedar Springs 2016/2017 Transportation Budget is $2,943,208, The 2017/2018 Transportation Budget is set at $3,683,314, which includes six new buses and two mechanics instead of just one, because they cannot keep up with the repairs.

The proposed budget from Dean’s will be $1,774,274, without fuel. The school will still be responsible for the fuel ($270,000) and payments to other schools ($1,146,000), for a total of  $3,190,274. That’s a savings of $493,040.

Dean’s will also purchase their bus fleet at blue book value, which causes a one-time infusion into the budget of $638,600. Between the savings and the purchase of the bus fleet, the school would see a financial impact of $1,132,640.

Dean’s will automatically replace nine buses next year that are past their prime.

“Let’s look at the safety of the students,” said board member Patricia Eary. “The average age of a bus is 12-1/2 years old. Our oldest bus is 22 years old. Who drives a 22-year-old bus?” she remarked.

Bus drivers met with administration and with Dean’s before voting on the issue. Sabinas asked driver Becca Fisk, who spoke on behalf of the drivers, if there was more than one vote held. Both she and Supt. VanDuyn said no. Sabinas had tried to attend one of the meetings, but was denied entrance.

“Some of the drivers were uncomfortable about you being at the meeting,” VanDuyn told Sabinas. She noted that his truck was still parked there in the lot, and some of the drivers felt like they were “being stalked.”

Board VP Brooke Nichols then asked that they stick to the agenda.

Fisk explained the procedure they took of voting by paper ballot, and that there were 16 yes votes, 3 no, and 2 undecided. She also knew of a couple people that weren’t at the meeting who said they would be leaving.

One person told the Post she knew of nine drivers that wouldn’t be back.

“”It is not ideal for every transportation employee but rather the great majority; hence their request to privatize. We regret any employee will leave our CSPS if it was not of their choosing,” said VanDuyn, in a letter to parents in the district. “We value every employee and the time they each have served here.”

Dean’s said they will hire the drivers and requested a letter of recommendation from the school district for them. CS drivers will have super seniority, which means that another driver from Dean’s who drives for another district but has more seniority won’t be able to bump them. They will also have the opportunity for more hours with Dean’s.

Cedar Springs transportation has been short staffed for several years, and going with Dean’s will also alleviate that problem. “With our recruiting practices, we have better resources to fill those shortages as soon as possible,” said Kelly Dean, owner of Dean’s Transportation.

Dean’s has transported Cedar Springs special education students for several years, and other area districts use them, including Sparta and Tri County.

The board will vote on the contract with Dean’s Transportation at their next meeting on May 22.

NOTICE: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to PostScripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

* We only print positive letters about candidates one week prior to the election.

School Board election concern

Teachers are treasures of CSPS! They impact student’s lives daily. It’s come to my attention teachers are being asked to sign a letter in support of school board candidates running as a duo. It’s concerning they’re asked to choose “sides.”  How is that collaboration? Why are only “chosen ones” acknowledged as collaborative? Using trusted teacher position to sway votes from those who may be uninformed of facts feels like an intimidation.

Over 70% of CSPS teachers don’t reside within the district. It’s troubling that individuals unable to vote are being asked to influence the outcome. Why is this? The individuals pushing this letter are friends and/or relatives of former employees and members of the SOS steering committee who perpetuate the CSPS broken unity since the hiring of Dr. VanDuyn. They concentrate on the past, which doesn’t allow CSPS to unite and work together to move forward. Several members of the SOS steering committee are also at the forefront for the Sabinas/Bowser Campaign.

Current administration is transforming CSPS with positive change everywhere! Changed leadership has brought accountability and transparency in areas needing repair. Services have moved closer to students. Teachers have the same medical insurance at a cheaper rate. New tracking by HR of teacher PD assists them with their certification. Financial budgeting being moved to each building gives teachers a voice and allows collaboration between principal and teachers to ensure clearer financials to protect the fiscal health of everyone at CSPS.

Quoting Steve Seward’s Twitter “When struggling w/change is it resulting from: control, ego, consciousness, competency, &/OR your values & beliefs (identity)?” Teachers’ services are valued, please value parents’ freedom to research and choose leaders for the school board. Voters please consult with Mlive’s voters’ guide and CS Post candidate questions to see qualifications, business experiences and volunteers’ experience.

After this debate is over, people will leave CSPS but the school remains. Let’s leave it intact. Teachers your community loves you, and wants to give you tools to be successful in educating our children. Please allow everyone the freedom to vote and work together for the children of CSPS.

Stephanie Morris, Solon Township

Community Member and Concerned CSPS Parent

NOTICE: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to PostScripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

* We only print positive letters about candidates one week prior to the election.

Marckini and Reed the best candidates

I am fairly new to the Cedar Springs area. Prior to this summer, I knew nothing about ANY of the School Board candidates. I was a relatively blank slate.  I recognized that I needed more information, so I researched the candidates and the politics surrounding the School Board.

As part of my research, I attended two Sabinas & Bowser Meet & Greet events.  I had hoped to hear them speak about their student centered vision.  Instead, I heard Ms. Bowser & Mr. Sabinas misrepresent information regarding district finances and the administration.

The outcome of this election will have a direct impact on my child’s/our children’s education and future.

Therefore, I want to share with you the truthful FACTS I have learned from my research.

Sabinas & Boswer False Statement:  Between January and August 2016, 55 Staff have left.

Truth:  I have reviewed every BOE Minutes from January through August 2016, and have identified only 53 names that have gone before the board. Of those 53, 6 were internal moves, and still employed by the district, while 7 were temporary positions and/or coaches. The remaining 40 names I have categorized for analysis.

Licensed Staff – 6 (15%); Certified Teachers -7 (18%); Non-Certified Roles -16 (43%); Retirees -11(28%)

As you can see, the actual number of TEACHERS who have left the district is 7.  ONLY 7!

Sabinas & Bowser False Statement: The Board does not meet with community members.

Truth:  Mr. Sabinas sent an email to the board, and requested a meeting with each board member.  However, it is a violation of the Open Meetings Act for board members to individually meet with the same person on one issue.

For additional examples how they have misrepresented the facts, including “Where is the 1.3 Million over budget”, please email CedarVote@gmail.com with subject line – Post Article.

My research has proven to me that Joe Marckini and Heidi Reed are BY FAR the best candidates for our children, our school board, and our community!

Please vote for Joe Marckini and Heidi Reed on November 8^th!

Thank you, Linda Keim, Nelson Township

Both boys and girls cross country regional champs

Coach Ted Sabinas, his daughter Jen (Sabinas) Kahler (Girls Cross Country Coach).

By Sue Wolfe

Boys Cross Country Coach Ted Sabinas, his daughter Jen (Sabinas) Kahler (Girls Cross Country Coach) and their teams have been setting Cedar Springs school records all season. However, this year’s teams are definitely earning elite status that may never be surpassed.
Last Saturday, both the girls and boys cross country teams finished first in the Division II Regional Cross Country meets held at Benzie Central High School. Not only did they earn two (boys and girls) regional team titles for Cedar Springs, but they also laid claim to the top two running times from all divisions in the State of Michigan. Kenzie Weiler and Connor Mora each finished with the best current individual times in the state according to athletic.net.
“We have two of the very best cross country runners in Michigan right here in Cedar Springs,” explains Coach Sabinas. “These runners have not only accomplished outstanding personal running feats but have also inspired and challenged the rest of the team knowing that it takes a entire team to win conference, regional, and state competitions.”
Kenzie Weiler, a freshman on the girls team and Connor Mora, a junior, have been posting some of the fastest times in the state all year. The Cedar Springs girls team has sisters Kenzie and Katie Weiler (daughters of Pat and Julie (Myers) Weiler, both outstanding high school and collegiate athletes themselves) finished first and second at regionals with times of 17.13 minutes and 17.57 respectively.
“Our team has worked very hard this year. At the regional meet, all seven runners from both the girls and boys teams achieved personal best times of their career thus far,” said Coach Kahler. The Weiler’s other five running mates had personal best times which include Sommer Vandyke 19:23, Maddie Pekrul (19:32), Michaela Burnett (19:41), Christina Dean (20:04), and Kendahl Oberdorfer (20:22). “It is important that our players stay healthy and reach their peak at this point of the season. They are doing just that,” she noted.
Part of the teams’ success is the great rapport between the athletes and their coaches. “We respect and admire the blend of coaching our team has received this year from both Coach Sabinas and Coach Kahler. They brought different elements into our practices and meets at different times during the season. As shown in the team’s success, it has been the perfect combination of coaching styles,” said both Katie and Kenzie Weiler.
For the first time ever in Cedar Springs High School history, the girls team has been ranked first in the state. They have been bouncing back and forth among the top five all season. The team won both the conference and regional meets and is ready for the state meet scheduled for this Saturday, November 5 at MIS Speed Way in Brooklyn, Michigan starting at 1:30 for the girls and 2:30 for the boys.
Coach Kahler had to miss only a few weeks of the season, giving birth to her and her husband Bryan’s first child, Lela. She and her father worked together to keep the team with a well-planned schedule during Kahler’s short absence. This is Kahler’s 9th  season as the varsity girls coach, during which the team holds three consecutive conference and regional titles, along with a 6th place team finish at the state level in 2010, a school record for the women’s team.
When Coach Kahler was asked how she can continually bring the best out of her runners both physically and mentally she explains, “The girls and I believe strongly in the sense of team and the work that they put in day in and day out for each other helps strengthen each individual’s running performance.”
Sabinas had high praise for his daughter. “Jen is highly respected among the running class of athletes and coaches throughout the state for her knowledge and abilities. In just 9 years, she has already accomplished many of the goals I set for my teams in a 27-year span,” explained Sabinas. “She is doing an amazing job with the many facets of coaching necessary to achieve conference, regional, and state level success.”
Veteran Coach Sabinas is in his 27th year as varsity men’s coach. He too holds school and state records for his cross-country teams. Sabinas’s teams highest honor is runner up at the state meet in 1990. Other significant accomplishments include over 160 dual meet wins, 3 conference titles, 3 regional titles, and 10 teams placing in state meets.
“Conner Mora has consistently been an outstanding runner. He finished 2nd at the 2010 state finals and continued to improve his times this year. He improved through hard work and tremendous dedication. However, Connor would be quick to point out that our team’s success is just that—team success and not individual success. His six regional teammates all achieved personal best times with Aaron Brooks (16:06), Justin Harthorn (16:26), Alex Bray (16:32), Austin Sargent (16:32), Ethan Menefee (16:48), and Dan Zinn (17:27) stepping up to secure the championship,” said Sabinas.
“Coach Sabinas understands us really well,” commented Mora. “He knew what type of training we needed to take our team to the state level. We are now ready and excited for next week.”
Autumn Mattson, CSHS Athletic Director, urged fans to support the teams. “This is a year when the Cedar Springs Community will want to get out and cheer for their two cross country teams as we have some of the finest ever Red Hawk runners competing,” she said. “This is a pretty unique moment for our school and community having two teams qualify for state during the same season and to have the best male and female runner in the state on our teams. This is all happening under the leadership of a father-daughter cooperative coaching effort,” she remarked.

By Sue Wolfe

Ted Sabinas

Ted Sabinas, a 34-year Cedar Springs resident, teacher, and cross country coach, recently completed his 20th year of running 3.1 miles every single day. Twenty years calculates out to 240 months, 1040 weeks and 7,300 days, which involved outdoor conditions of extreme heat, snow blizzards, rainstorms, and high winds. Sabinas weathered them all while also teaching, coaching, parenting, grandparenting, and spending time with his wife and friends. He mustered up the time and determination to run a 5K each and every day while many people would be thrilled to just run one 5K in their lifetime.
This daunting goal starting in 1990 when Sabinas decided he would try to achieve running a total of 1,200 miles or 100 miles per month. As of December 8, Sabinas exceeded his original goal and now traveled 22,630 miles. This is further than running from Key West, Florida to Anchorage, Alaska and back (10,340 miles) two times!
When asked how he could run during illnesses, injuries, inclement weather, and time restraints, Sabinas said, “It was a case of mind over matter. I also believe this allows me to be a better cross-country coach. By actually running myself, I can relate to the mental and physical challenges that my runners are facing and implement some strategies and techniques that are helpful. ”
Sabinas also explained, “My father passed away at age 52 from a heart attack. I want to stay active and healthy. At age 58, I feel I can still do most everything I did at 28.” Injuries and incidents have not evaded Sabinas’s running adventures over the past twenty years. He has dealt with pulled muscles, flu, back pain, and colds. He has been chased by a Doberman and had a pigeon fly just overhead with him for almost a mile. While Sabinas’s usual route is down Pine Lake Avenue, he has also run in the summer heat of Puerto Rico and Mexico, the hills of West Virginia, bear country in the Upper Peninsula, and even the deck of a cruise ship. Sabinas was one of two Cedar Springs residents that ran the entire Michigan Coast-to-Coast Run in the late 80s as a fund-raiser for a new Cedar Springs High School track.
When asked what his next goal is, Sabinas replied, “I don’t have a specific number of years or miles in mind but hope to keep running as long as my body will allow me to.”
Sabinas has successfully coached the boy’s cross-country team for 26 years. He has educated his runners in the benefits of running for overall health physically and mentally. He has inspired his runners to be the best they can be, evidenced by his teams’ records of several conference and regional championships, 50-plus invitational wins, and 8 teams that qualified for state. His team’s highest state finish includes a 2nd in 1990 as well as a 5th and 9th place. Coach Sabinas’s cross-country win/loss record for dual meets is 165/46.  Sabinas has coached one All-American (Landon Peacock) and 15-plus All-State runners during his cross-country stay.
Sabinas shares the joy and commitment of consistently exercising with his wife Dianne who recently completed 18 years of consecutively walking 1.5 miles per day. His daughter Jennifer is the CSHS girl’s cross-country coach, has run in the River Bank Run, a marathon, and a triathlon. His daughter Sarah is an accomplished collegiate volleyball player and previously a middle school and high school volleyball coach.