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Bacon, who at a preliminary hearing earlier this month, pled guilty to ten felony counts in conjunction with her over $1 million embezzlement from the school district, will remain in the Genesee County jail until September 18, 2007 and will then serve 60 months of tethered probation.

Bacon was also ordered to make full restitution to the district of the stolen funds within five years.

As part of that restitution she was ordered to turn over her home and possessions to the district and will also turn over a $5,000 lump sum she currently has saved.

During the hearing Bacon apologized to the Montrose community for her actions.

Bacon entered the guilty plea at the preliminary hearing on one count of embezzlement, four counts of uttering and publishing (creating and cashing forged checks), and five counts of using a computer to committee a crime in exchange for not spending time in prison.

Bacon's attorney, Michael P. Manley, had entered a Cobb's Plea on her behalf that included the guilty plea on all ten counts, on the condition that she not spend more than a year in jail.

During sentencing the judge had the option to sentence Bacon to more jail time, or a prison sentence.

However, upon sentencing, the judge noted that if Bacon had been given a State Prison sentence the county of Genesee would have no ability to control the amount of time she actually served due to the fact that the State Board of Corrections would have the power to independently reduce her sentence. Keeping her under the jurisdiction of the county, the judge can monitor the amount of time served and the restitution.

The school district is currently working with its attorneys, Collins & Blaha, general legal counsel for the school district, to finalize the transfer of Bacon's possessions and to determine the best possible course of action in brining closure to the matter.

"This has been a long and difficult process and we are glad that we are working towards resolution," said School Superintendent Mark Kleinhans.

"District residents should be assured that we are doing all that is possible to recover the missing funds."

The district also currently has a civil lawsuit pending against Bacon.

New Lothrop teachers get two-year contract

NEW LOTHROP -- The New Lothrop Area Public Schools Board of Education approved a new two-year contract for the Teachers Association at the regular board meeting held Monday, Nov. 19.

The contract includes a 2.0 percent increase to base pay for the current 2007-08 school year contract, and 1.95 percent base increase for the 2008-09 school year.

"I have greatly appreciated the spirit of collaboration with our Associations regarding negotiation in my three years at New Lothrop," said Superintendent John Strycker. "Both the Board and the Associations truly want what's best for the kids and school district. In that spirit, I believe we have reached an agreement that is fair to both the teachers and the budget."

The board received a facility project update from Superintendent Strycker. Items that were reviewed included an update from the community "punch list" group, update from Hendrick (Construction Manager), project budget, updated priority sheet and an overview of the proposed trail grant. There was discussion regarding security cameras for the new elementary and sound panels for the gym.

David Harnish gave the Board an update regarding curriculum. Currently the district is aligning all K-12 curriculum to that of state benchmarks and standards, along with planning for new resources for our teachers.

"This curriculum plan is Board directed and teacher driven. I'm proud of how hard our teachers have worked and the Board's commitment to our plan," stated Harnish, who directs the curriculum for the district.

In other Board action, the Board approved Jane Devota and Elizabeth Parker as co-Prom Sponsors for the 2008 prom, retirement of Wells Warren, bookkeeper effective December 31, 2007, new Use of Facilities form and the mentioned teachers contract.

The board also approved the hiring of Carol Cassidy as bookkeeper, Eric Keck as varsity softball coach, Chris Larner as varsity baseball coach, and the Winter Schedule C Appointments.

"Wells Warren will be missed. He is a great man, who has a deep love for his community and school district. I'm happy for him as he moves into retirement," said Strycker. "I'm also very impressed with the quality of coaches and extra-curricular sponsors that we approved. Our students are fortunate to have such a high quality of people," he continued.

The recognitions for this month, was the MEAP awards held before the board meeting in the High School auditorium. "As Rob Warner, board president, has said on numerous occasions, 'it is no accident what takes place in New Lothrop Area Public Schools.' Our MEAP awards recognize outstanding effort and results from last year's MEAP exam. The student list of recognitions include most all our students, and the students who didn't make the list are only a question or two away. We succeed because of a joint effort between the parents and school. We succeed because our kids work hard and are very talented...there are no secrets," stated Strycker.

The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. in the high school library.