Parental concerns over a book used in a Clare Middle School Health class continue to plague administrators even though the book has been removed from the class curriculum.

A book about child abuse that prompted a letter to the editor and that some parents have called “inappropriate” has been reviewed by a committee who then recommended its removal from the curriculum of an eighth grade health class in Clare, Middle School Principal Steve Newkirk said Monday.

In his regular board report, Newkirk wrote, “I have consulted with (Superintendent McMillan) Greg and the union on how to handle this issue with the teacher, have followed the board policy, put together a committee to review the book and informed the teacher that the material is not to be used again until the committee makes a decision on the material…” He continued, “I am very confident that this issue is being handled correctly and that the process that needs to be followed is being followed.”

The parent who submitted an unsigned letter to the editor November 5, said, “Currently, students (ages 12 and 13) are listening to a teacher read a book entitled, “A Child Called It”. This book’s review has been described as ‘the most provoking book on child abuse, violent and painful’ and is ‘rated’ for ages 16 to adult.

Administrators learned about the book at a meeting November 2, when one committee member was asked to submit a question about inappropriate materials for the class.

During Monday’s Public Comment, Julie Cole, who now home schools her children, said she was considering placing them in Clare Schools, but is concerned about the issues and about a quote in the newspaper by Newkirk, “This issue has been going on for nearly two weeks. What people have forgotten about is our kids,” Newkirk said in the newspaper quote. “This issue is taking up our time when we should be focusing on [educating] the kids.”

Cole said the quote sounded like the Middle School Principal didn’t consider the issue to be important.

Newkirk said he did consider the issue important. He said the quote meant that he regretted that the issue had claimed so much of the time he normally used for interaction with students. “I can’t even attend a basketball game anymore” without the subject coming up, he said.

Superintendent McMillan said, “We jumped on it [the issue] as soon as we knew about it. That book will no longer be used. It was not a good judgment. We don’t ignore anything.”

Maria Gross, who said she asked the question in the committee, said to the board. “I did not write the letter. I asked the question in committee about inappropriate words because I was asked to. Later I was informed that it may affect my job. [Gross is a substitute teacher] You may think you’re welcoming towards parents, but parents don’t feel that way.” She continued, “Because of this, my son has been made fun of, some people in the building won’t even walk with me in the hall. I did nothing wrong, only asked a question.”

Gross added, “This has been extremely unprofessional and not what Clare stands for. We have a great school and great teachers.”

Board President Tom Weaver said he appreciated audience members “speaking up.”

Gross disagreed saying, “After what we have gone through, I can understand why the letter was not signed.”

Another audience member, Calista Carter, questioned the room students who do not participate in the sex education classes are sent to. She said, “These kids feel like they are being punished when they are pulled from class and sent to the RTC room.”

Newkirk responded that he would look for an alternative location. He said, “They are sent to the RTC room because they have computers and books there.”

In another matter, board member set November 24 as a meeting for the board to discuss planning for possible further reductions in the State foundation grant this year.

District Business Manager Lynn Graham reported that the pending additional $127 per pupil cut in State Aid would cost the district budget $200,000. She wrote, “Even if the state ‘plugs’ the hole this year, at this time it looks like it would just pass the problem on to next year.”

In his report, McMillan said a House bill proposes an additional $10 reduction and that there is a possible $600 per student reduction proposed for next year. “That would mean cutting $1 million from the budget,” he said.

He recommended forming a committee with members from each building to look at what could be cut if the budget needs to be reduced again next year. “We need to start planning for next year right now,” he said.

Graham said, “We have some wonderful, creative minds within our walls. I’m sure we will be successful in coming up with many cost saving ideas that will have the least negative effect possible on students.”

According to audit figures presented by Shannon Wilson, CPA with Weinlander & Fitzhugh, the district has a $2.2 million fund balance and is in good shape. She said 2008 general fund assets were $4.3 million and liabilities were $2.1 million. Revenues totaled $12.7 million and expenditures $11.9 million.

Still looking at possible shortfall in the coming years, the board discussed financing for the new Pioneer High School facility. Options presented by Graham included using Capitol Building funds to pay for the approximate $250,000 bill in full, or financing part of the costs.

Board members Carol Santini and Dave Maxwell said they are more in favor of paying off the new facility. Ben Browning, Sue Murawski and Weaver said they are in favor of financing at least a portion of the costs.

McMillan said “I’m really worried about next year.” He said the board would know more about finances in the spring. The board agreed to wait to make a decision.

Spending $2,000 to participate in a Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District Transportation study will also be deferred until all board members have a chance to study the proposal further. The study would look into ways for all the RESD districts to save by combining services or housing busses together. McMillan did not recommend spending the funds for the study saying, “We already know how to save more on transportation.” He said he couldn’t justify spending the additional funds with financing for the school district so uncertain.

Other business at the Clare BOE meeting included:

*Recognition for the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team and Coach Doug Helmling. The team took first place in the Jack Pine South Division Soccer Championship.

*Approval of the 2008-09 audit.

*Setting the Pioneer High School Graduation for May 19 at 7 p.m.

*Adoption of a resolution in support of funding for education, a grass roots effort to fight the School Aid Funding battle. McMillan said we need reform for stable and fair funding for schools and to urge the legislature to find revenues to meet their constitutional responsibility to children.

*Approval of bills payable for November in the amount of $158,280.57.