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MRSA is a resistant variation of the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It has evolved an ability to survive treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins. MRSA is especially troublesome in hospital-asscoiated (nosocomial) infections. In hospitals, patients with open wounds, invasive devices, and weakened immune systems are at greater risk for infection than the general public. Hospital staff that do not follow proper sanitary procedures may transfer bacteria from patient to patient. MRSA has also been quite prominent in school settings, especially colleges, where many students live in close quarters and use many of the same facilities, making MRSA an easily spread virus.

MRSA was discovered in 1961 in the UK. It is now found worldwide. MRSA is often referred to in the press as a "super bug."

Sandy stated that there was a slight cause for concern, but that it has been discovered that the MRSA is not something new to the area and now that the schools are aware of it, the schools are doing everything that they can to stop the spread of it. The school's efforts seem to be working quite well as of right now.

Sandy also stated that he will be traveling to Lansing quite soon to help lobby for a proposed $216 per child increase from the state. He stated that this increase will help the school, but that dropping enrollment numbers may offset the increase. Sandy stated that 406 school districts in Michigan, or four out of five school districts, are experiencing a drop off in enrollment, so Kalkaska is not alone in the dwindling student numbers department.

The meeting moved along to address the issue of technology and the upcoming bond proposal that the school board and the Kalkaska Public School System are eager to see approved. The measure calls for a little more than $750,000 to be granted to Kalkaska Public Schools for the purpose of catching up on their technological needs. The board plans to do some fanning out into the community to spread the word that taxpayers would not be approving the paying of more taxes to allow the school to do these technological purchases. Their plan is to send representatives from the board to other board meetings throughout the county and to various other events, such as PTA meetings, to encourage public discourse on this issue. The upcoming public push promises to be far reaching.

The board also approved the language of a resolution sent to all schools by Governor Jennifer Granholm dedicating the week of February 11 as an observance for Principal's Week. The governor stated that Principal's Week is dedicated to recognizing the significant contributions of Michigan school principals to their schools and the education of Michigan's youth.

"They really do a great job. They certainly do have their hands full,"James S. Peters, board president, said. "We're very lucky,"Lee Sandy said.

The meeting ended with some in the audience expressing their concern for the lack of public input available to the board. Some concerned attendees hoped that more members of the public would become involved in the business of running Kalkaska Public Schools. The board echoed these remarks. President Peters stated that more public input would be ideal, as it would make the board's job much easier when making decisions that will affect the community at large.

To become involved with the school board meetings, contact the superintendent's office at 231-258-9109.