Constantine schools prepare for Rexam closure

The Constantine school district is looking toward the future in the wake of the February 17th announcement by London-based Rexam that it plans to close its manufacturing facility in Constantine “by the end of the third quarter of 2010.”

The plant, which began operations in 1972, employs approximately 240 people and manufactures plastic caps for the beverage market, including carbonated soft drink and bottled water products.

Rexam said all employees affected by the plant closure will receive competitive severance packages and outplacement assistance.

In commenting on the announcement, Chuck Frisbie, superintendent of the Constantine Public Schools, said, “Obviously, this isn’t a good thing for the community or the school system.”

Frisbie said this closing, as well as the “severe hits” experienced by the RV industry in Elkhart County, “have taken their toll.”

Frisbie said, “The biggest impact for the school will be the amount of students and families that will need to move as a result of the closing. We’re going to be looking at the possible impact in regards to the amount of students that are affected by the closing and make adjustments to our budgeting process for next year.”

Rexam said closure of Constantine plant “further aligns the company’s manufacturing capabilities, improves overall asset utilization and helps balance industry capacity and demand.”

Former Constantine superintendent steps down

Norman Taylor, former superintendent of the Constantine Public Schools, has stepped down from his subsequent position as superintendent of the Northview Public Schools.

                That’s the report from The Grand Rapids Press in a July 7^th story that said former Northview Superintendent Mike Stearns would serve as interim superintendent with the board seeking a replacement.

                According to the newspaper, school board President James Manikowski called Taylor a competent leader who was dedicated to students, but said he was not the right fit for the community.

                The newspaper said, “Taylor will work through December 31st in a newly created position of executive director, keeping his salary of $131,546.”

                The newspaper quoted Taylor as saying, “There are differences in philosophies and what-not.  There’s no single issue, no smoking gun.  We just kind of agreed to go our separate ways.”

                According to the newspaper, “As executive director, Taylor will help with the transition and work on projects the board gives him, including grant writing and reviews of student assessments.”

                Taylor was selected for the Northview post in December 2007.  He was succeeded at Constantine by Chuck Frisbie, former superintendent of the Mendon Community Schools whose first official day on the job was July 1^st 2008.

Benefit basketball game at Constantine

You may want to circle Sunday, March 29^th, on your calendar.

                That’s when the Constantine Public Schools faculty will take on the Constantine Police and Fire Departments in a basketball game at 2 p.m. in the Constantine Middle School gymnasium.

                Doors will open at 1 p.m.

                A bake sale, concessions and more will be tied in with the basketball contest with the combination of activities serving as a fundraiser for the Constantine Community Fitness Center (CCFC).

                Admission is free or a donation.

                All proceeds will go toward the matching grant to purchase free weights for the Fitness Center which will be open for tours.

                The Constantine Area Foundation has awarded the Fitness Center up to $8,000 in matching funds.  That means for every dollar donated, CCFC will receive a one dollar match.

                Individual and corporate donations must be pledged by March 31^st.

                Make checks out to Constantine Public Schools or the Constantine Area Community Foundation – in either case with a CCFC memo.

                To learn more about the Constantine Area Community Foundation, go to www.sturgisfoundation.org.

                The activities are sponsored by the Fitness Center and F.O.F., also known as “Friends of Fitness.”

                Organizers say, “Bring your friends.  This will be a great game with the team in BLUE and the team in RED!  Last year the RED won.  Who will it be this year?”

“Onced Upon a Mattress” – Constantine High School

                Get ready for some laughs!

                “Once Upon a Mattress” will be presented by the students of Constantine High School this coming weekend in the Constantine High School LGI

                The hilarious musical comedy will be staged on three occasions – Friday and Saturday (January 30^th and 31^st) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (February 1^st) at 2 p.m.

                Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors.

Constantine School Board Announces New Superintendent

Chuck Frisbie has been hired as the new superintendent of the Constantine Public Schools. Frisbie, currently superintendent of the Mendon Community Schools, will begin his new duties on July 1st. The Constantine Public Schools Board of Education made it official by approving a three-year contract with Frisbie during a special meeting Wednesday evening (May 28th). According to Board President Jeff Zimont, Frisbie will spend a few days in Constantine during the month of June to work on transition tasks with Interim Superintendent David Casey. Frisbie succeeds Norm Taylor who left early this year to become superintendent of the Northview Public Schools near Grand Rapids.