Keystone working toward reauthorization of school charter

Keystone Academy Board of Directors was informed at its regular meeting on Aug. 14 that its presentation to Bay Mills Community College has brought very good feedback.
Keystone is nearing the end of its most recent seven-year school charter granted by Bay Mills and is taking the steps required toward reauthorization. The charter has been authorized by Bay Mills since Keystone opened in 2003.
Bay Mills recently authorized granting charters for up to ten years and Keystone is waiting to hear that the charter has been renewed and for how many years.
At the Aug. 14 meeting the full Keystone board officially ratified its Board PowerPoint Presentation for Reauthorization that was given in June, as required. Former Keystone president Steve Harsant was authorized by the board previously to review and authorize the presentation prior to submission in June.
The Aug. 14 meeting was the first under newly elected president Christine Mihaly who was sworn in for her second three-year term by National Heritage Academy representative Andrew Roth.
Kimberly Kowalski, who is board secretary, also was sworn in for another three years. Both Mihaly and Kowalski will serve until June 30, 2028.
In other business at the 38-minute meeting, the board:
• Learned Keystone earned two 2024-25 national NHA Eagle Awards, which was announced at an award ceremony in July. Keystone won awards for Employee Engagement and Safety;
• Approved the 2026 Children’s Internet Protection Act Form 479, which is required to get universal service fund discounts for internet access services and network hardware and maintenance. It must be submitted by Nov. 15 for the following school year;
• Tabled until the Sept. 11 meeting the proposed resolution on a Teacher Evaluation and Employee Certification Warranty. This annual certification is due to Bay Mills, this year on Sept. 27. The resolution confirms that all personnel working at the academy are properly licensed, certified, and endorsed for the 2025-26 school year;
• Approved authorizing up to $28,000 from the board fund budget for the 2025-26 school year as requested by principal Jorvanna Drain: Family Fun Night, $4,000; school store, $1,500; Perfect Attendance Award for students, $3,000; athletics, $13,000; and teacher recognition, $7,250 (which includes the new Ski Club);
• Heard principal Drain report that the summer learning checkpoint #1 and #2 was a huge success and students celebrated their hard work in a fun way at Rolling Hills Water Park and Best in Games. She said 51 families attended the Kindergarten event, Barnyard Bash. All Y5s and Kindergarten families were invited to spend an evening meeting with their child’s teacher while enjoying a petting zoo and pony rides;
• Learned, there are currently 753 students registered and re-enrolled for the 2025-26 school year, with five more students in acceptance status. There also are 48 students on the waitlist. The first day of school is Aug. 25; and
• Heard president Mihaly wish the Independent editor well as she moves toward retirement. Mihaly said the stories the Keystone meetings were accurate and she enjoyed seeing Keystone promoted in the paper.