1. Administration Office
360 S. Mill St., P.O. Box 820, Newaygo, MI 49337
(231) 652-6984 www.newaygo.net
NEWAYGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
October 25, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
Please consider this letter of support for Mr. Michael Burns and Active Training Consultants, LLC. As the
Superintendent of Schools in a rural district, I enjoy the benefits of positive working relationships with
multiple small businesses in the area. In our community, we see the benefit of working closely with
business and other institutions to provide for the education, safety, and well-being of our children in a
truly collaborative fashion.
I am extremely thankful for the partnership we have with Active Training Consultants and Mr. Burns.
Clearly, schools have experienced financial distress in the last several years due to policy decisions make
at the state level. These financial struggles have been present in all districts in the state of Michigan but
instead of dwelling on these facts, Mr. Burns and his company came to me to offer assistance and
propose a solution. In this day and age, when parents and others may blame schools and complain
about what has occurred financially, I am so thankful that Active Training Consultants came to me. Their
proposal included providing training to our employees in CPR, First Aid, and the use of AED's. New
requirements mandate that selected members of the coaching staff must have this type of training. In a
time when schools are watching every dollar that is spent, it was so nice to have them offer assistance
and basically a no-cost solution for us.
I would like to reiterate that this company offered their services to provide training simply from a
standpoint of "wanting to help." There was little to be gained by them other than to provide something
for the schools that could have been out of reach and/or drained dollars from the school's general fund.
In my conversations with Mr. Burns, his approach and desire to assist was noble. He saw a need and
presented a solution and for that our district is very grateful.
I can say without hesitation that Active Training Consultants is worthy of the Better Business Bureau
Torch Awards for Ethics. It is a pleasure to work with them as they provide this necessary training. Mr.
Burns does this consistently with professionalism and integrity that is appreciated by both me and the
staff members that have been trained. Please give this company the highest consideration for this
recognition.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 231-652-4933.
With Pride and Respect,
oi a
Dr. Peggy A. Mathis
Superintendent