Schools of Choice

The Vicksburg Community Schools is accepting applications for enrollment from non-resident students residing in a school district located in any contiguous intermediate district (outside of Kalamazoo County). At this time, enrollment is open for all grades and schools within the Vicksburg Community Schools Program.

Parents or guardians interested in submitting an application for enrollment under the provisions of this program for the 2009-10 school year must submit a completed Vicksburg Community Schools School of Choice application form to the Office of the Superintendent, 301 S. Kalamazoo Avenue, Vicksburg, MI 49097 by September 11, 2009. Please call 321-1003 for information on how to receive and process an application.

An Exciting Day for Vicksburg Athletics!

On Monday, June 15, at Angels Crossing Golf Course in Vicksburg, the Vicksburg Athletic Department and coaches will be hosting the 6th Annual Bulldog Open and All Sports Silent Auction. This will be an exciting day for Vicksburg athletics. If you are a golfer, we still have spots available in the outing. The registration deadline is June 5 or until all spots are filled. Please contact the Athletic Department at 321-1100 or send an email to mroy@vicksburg.k12.mi.us for further details.

Influenza Prevention Guidelines

Over the past several days, we have heard much in the media about the swine flu. While influenza of any kind can be significant, swine flu could become more serious. Symptoms of swine flu include: cough, fever, fatique, sore throat, chills, headaches, and body aches; and possibly diarrhea and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms shuold call a healthcare provider.

Emergency Dismissal Policy

To view/print our Severe Weather and Tornadoes Policy, please click on the following link.

Vicksburg Teachers Settle Contract

The Vicksburg Community Schools and the Vicksburg Education Association have ratified a two-year contract covering the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years. According to Vicksburg Superintendent Charles Glaes, “A collaborative approach paved the way to a financially responsible agreement which provides teaching staff with a competitive level of salary and benefits while allowing the District to continue to provide quality educational programs.”

Contract highlights include:

• 2008-09 salary increase of 1.5% plus a one time .5% bonus.
• Significant reduction in employee out-of-pocket costs through switching to a higher deductible MESSA health insurance plan.
• Salary and benefits for 2009-10 will be calculated based on final per Pupil State Funding with a guarantee of no salary rollback for that year.
• Expanded leave time flexibility including provisions of adoption leave and opportunity to donate unused business time to a peer who has no remaining sick leave.
• Enhancements to specific stipends and payments such as the attendance incentive program.
• School calendars will be maintained at 179 instructional days for students and 188.5 teacher work days.
• Provision of long term disability insurance to all VEA members.

Liz Ratashak, VEA President, was also positive about the process and resulting contract. She noted, “Negotiations provided a venue for the strengthening of the working relationship between the VEA and the administration and school board. Vicksburg teachers are, and always will be, an investment in your child’s education. The negotiations process provided an opportunity to reach or modify goals that were tied to protecting this investment for the future.”

The contract takes effect immediately for all of the district’s 166 teachers.

School Closings

It is time to be thinking about snowy and other inclement conditions that could impact school. Vicksburg Community Schools makes every effort to get school and activity cancellation on the local television and radio channels. That information does go out to most channels. However, when in doubt please tune in to the following channels which will always carry Vicksburg’s information:

• Television Channels:
• WWMT 3
• WOTV 4
• WOOD TV 8

• Radio Channels:
• AM 1230, AM 1300
• FM 961, FM 101.2, FM 105.7, FM 93.7

https.instantalert.honeywell.com

Vicksburg Support Personnel Negotiate Contract During Tough Economic Times

The Vicksburg Education Support Personnel Association (VESPA) in partnership with the Vicksburg Community Schools Board of Education has ratified a two-year contract. A collaborative and problem solving approach paved the way for a resolution during a prolonged period of declining enrollment and stagnant state funding. According to VESPA President Shirley Axtell, “We had good, open communication. Our agreement benefits employees, students and the community.” The selection of a new health insurance carrier was one of the cornerstones of the agreement. Axtell stated, “We were able to continue to provide an excellent level of health benefits for our members, while reducing employees’ premium contributions by up to $4,500 per year.”

Contract highlights include:

• 2% raise for secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, mechanics, and maintenance workers; Food Service workers will receive 3% or 4%.
• VESPA adopts West Michigan Health Insurance Pool coverage effective January 1, 2009 with a choice of two plan options.
• Compensation levels for the second year will be determined using a formula based on funding levels from the state of Michigan.
• An enhancement to vision benefits.
• A $250, one-time cash bonus per employee payable as the contract was ratified by VESPA prior to November 5, 2008.

Steve Goss, Assistant Superintendent remarked, “The community of Vicksburg can feel proud of the professional, collaborative approach by both bargaining teams. The Agreement will improve circumstances of their neighbors who work here in critical support roles while protecting the District’s ability to continue to provide the programs, opportunities and support essential to the education of Vicksburg youth.”

For complete details of the Agreement please click on the following link.

The District of Choice in the Kalamazoo Valley!

Thank you for visiting the Vicksburg Community Schools website. Check out our district video for snapshots of Vicksburg Schools.

To the left of this page, click on the "Choosing Vicksburg" button. Scroll down below the video box to the caption and click on "click here" to start the video.

Vicksburg Community Schools Activates Instant Alert® System for Parents