Reading Community Schools
During the Nov. 5 election, voters of Hillsdale and Branch counties approved the granting of a $6.5 million bond to the Reading School District. The vote passed 327-213, a 61% majority.
“We’ve always had a really supportive community,” Reading Superintendent Chuck North said. “I’ve been here for 28 years and any time we’ve had a vote on something like this it has passed.”
North said the money will be used in four areas of improvement: heating systems, roofing, bathrooms and locker rooms, and playground equipment.
“The main project is our heating systems in both the elementary and high schools,” North said. “Last year alone we put in $50,000 in repairs.”
The roof is on “the twilight of its life” and is in need of major repairs, according to North. The bathrooms, locker rooms, and playground equipment also all need to be updated to match new regulations.
“The bathrooms and locker rooms all need to be handicapped-accessible,” North said. “And the playground equipment has been here forever. Literally thousands of kids have played on it, but some of the equipment isn’t up to code with all the new regulations.”
Adams Township
Adams Township Supervisor Mark D. Nichols kept his seat in a recall attempt on Nov. 5.
Nichols defeated Rob Glass III, a prior member of the zoning board, with a vote of 337 to 206, according to an Adams Township press release.
“I feel relieved,” Nichols said.
After knocking on almost all of the doors in the township, Nichols said his recall victory reminded him to be positive at all times and remain true to the state and federal constitutions.
“We should do well to remember our oaths of office, to support the Constitution of the United States and this state and observe the principles and spirit embodied in the words of these documents,” Nichols said.
Nichols added that he has been a participant in at least four, possibly six, recalls. “Every one of them has been for values and beliefs that I maintain constitutional issues, not personal attacks against any particular individual.”
Nichols said he believes in the recall process as a part of “checks and balances,” but thinks the recall he just won involved some “pettiness and vindictiveness.”
The recall took place, according to Nichols, largely because he and two other board members voted down a township nuisance ordinance in October 2018.
Throughout his time as township supervisor, Nichols has defended individual property rights.
“It’s a fight between the commoners and the elite, in a sense,” Nichols said. “You can’t tell people how to live on their own land.”
Julia Mullins contributed to this report.