Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield-Marenisco Board of Education held its budget/truth-in-taxation hearing Monday night before the regular board meeting.
Business Manager Tina Trevarthen and Superintendent Catherine Shamion reported on the final 2014-15 budget amendments as well as the 2015-16 budget.
During the regular meeting the board approved the final budget amendments that were presented. The Wakefield-Marenisco ended the 2014-15 school year with a balance of $119,044 in their general fund.
The board regretfully accepted the resignation of Bob Genisot from his position as science teacher for the district. Genisot has accepted an instructor position for the new Agricultural Science program at the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District.
The board regretfully accepted the resignation of the girls’ basketball head coach Pete Yon Monday night as well. Yon wrote a letter to the Board explaining his decision to leave as both difficult and made with great regret but he felt it was made in the best interest of his family
“During my time as girls’ varsity coach, particularly this past season, there have been too many unwarranted personal attacks and humiliating outbursts toward myself and my family,” Yon said.
“I feel that the student-athlete, as well as the parents and fans, must be held accountable for their actions during any school sporting event, both on and off the court," Yon continued, "I strongly encourage the W-M Board/administration to initiate and enforce a code of conduct for both students and parents/guardians.”
Several board members voiced their regret for the situation that made Yon resign from his coaching position and thanked him for his long years of service to Cardinal athletics.
The board accepted the administration's recommendations for several new hires, including Greg Bressette as bus driver custodian and Katrina Netzel as science teacher.
The Board also accepted the bid from the City of Wakefield for garbage collection service. The bid from the city was not the lowest submitted but the savings from the lowest bid was not significant enough for the board to move its business from the most local provider.
“The city has done a good job for us for many years. It was our fiscal responsibility to see if we could find some savings in an area far removed from students,” explained board president Brad Dalbec.“But the savings were not enough for us to make a change.”
A few other approved items included an increase in hot lunch/salad bar prices of 25 cents for the 2015-16 school year as well as a contract with Derek Etheridge for website maintenance for next school year.