Board elects officers, sets last day of school date

HURLEY — The Hurley School Board Monday witnessed the presentation of a plaque from the Paavo Nurmi Marathon, represented by Gerry Traczyk and Patricia Kangas, to the Hurley Education Association president Monica Kolpin.

“We couldn’t do it without your help,” said Traczyk.

School board officers were elected: Joseph Simonich, president; David Pajula, vice president, Mike Fontecchio, treasurer, and Joel Enking, clerk.

Many high school students helped with placing and removing sandbags during the recent flooding, said principal Jeff Gulan, which shows the character of the students.

The last day of school has been moved back to June 13, said assistant principal Kevin Genisot, because of all the canceled days during the butal winter.

Hurley ranked in the top 35 percent of the state in its school report card, said Genisot, ranking 147 out of 426. “We’ve made excellent progress. Overall, we’re doing quite well,” he said. Plans to improve reading scores include developing student learning objectives in every class.

Kathy Saari addressed the board on a five-way tie for valedictorian of next year’s senior class. She suggested advanced placement courses be graded on a five-point scale, and changes be made to the grading system to help break the tie and prevent future ties.

Gulan said it is an honor to the school that the students worked that hard. “I don’t think we are hurting any students by the tie. In 25 years in education, I have only seen a tie four times,” Gulan said.

In other business:

—The board agreed to award the painting bid to the lowest bidder.

—Funds earmarked for Memorial Field projects were added to the general fund.

—Summer school was set for June 17-28.