Members Showcase

Downes selected for IPS board

By HOLLY SETTER

Sentinel-Standard

IONIA - Ionia Public Schools has a new board member. After interviewing six candidates, the board unanimously voted Walter Downes into the seat vacated by Lisa Coe’s relocation out of the district. Board member Cathy Hoppough couldn’t be at the meeting, but voiced support for Downes to president C.J. Basler beforehand.

"I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead," Downes said. No one disputes that challenges are on the horizon for the school board, which is dealing with shrinking state funding. The tough decisions ahead were a key point for board members as they discussed their options.

"We need someone who can handle the pressure (of these decisions)," said board member Dave O’Mara. "Experience trumps all." Downes, a local attorney who has been very active in the community, has served on boards at the local, state and national level. That experience with parliamentary procedure gave him an edge over the other candidates. He also is an educator, teaching classes through the University of Phoenix and, previously, Montcalm Community College.

"Education is an ongoing process," Downes told the board. "I’m always amazed at the opportunities my daughters have had here. I would like to ensure the same level of education is afforded to future generations."

Despite the unanimous decision, the board admitted to facing a tough choice after interviewing all the candidates. "I was very impressed," said vice president Gale Yeomans. "I’m grateful that Ionia Public Schools has such great people ready to serve."

Downes knows there will be a bit of a transition period. "The most challenging thing will be the learning curve," Downes said. "I’ve been attending school board meetings, but it will take some time getting acclimated."

In other business, the district received an offer on a home it has for sale. The potential buyers have offered $130,000 for the property, well under the $209,000 the home was last appraised for.
According to finance director Don Wilcox, the district has invested over $230,000 into the home. Were they to accept the offer, the district would lose that $100,000 from their fund equity.
"This thing has been an albatross," Basler said. "Eventually we will take a loss on it."
The board voted to counter-offer at $175,000.