Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
NEW MEMBERS are sworn in by Gogebic County Clerk, Gerry Pelissero, to the Bessemer School Board Monday. From left are Jim Partanan, Sheri Graham, and Kevin Nyquist. New member Eric Stanislawski is not present due to inclement weather holding him up in Ashland longer than expected.
By IAN MINIELLY
Bessemer - The Bessemer Board of Education witnessed Mary Beth Trudgeon, Al Geiss, and Kim Wright depart the board and welcomed Jim Partanan, Kevin Nyquist, Sheri Graham (incumbent), and Eric Stanislawski as new members.
Bob Berg presented plaques to the outgoing members and Al Geiss asked for a moment to address the crowd. Geiss stressed, "It's all about the kids." Over and over again, while referencing the hard work the district and teachers put in to make sure the Bessemer students receive a quality education, Geiss said, "It's all about the kids."
The Citizens Committee, represented by Todd Johnson and Deanna Janczak briefly held court to thank the board for its time and effort in getting the right figures and ideas together to develop a collaborative between the citizens and board to expand A.D. Johnson, while closing the Washington School.
Dave Radovich, District Superintendent, discussed the six different options that were considered in a collaborative effort between the architects, teachers, board, and citizens to arrive at the final solution and a dollar figure necessary to achieve it.
The Citizens Committee brought forth their recommendation that a bond in the amount of $6.817 million be moved forward, spread over 22-25 years. For that nearly seven million dollars, the plan will close Iron St., while opening up parking across US 2 and in the old shop area for 100-150 automobiles. A new gym for elementary school students will be built on the current Iron St., while a new playground is constructed using much of the equipment from the Washington School.
In the current foot print of the school, different rooms will be reconfigured, opening up a class for four year olds, an aerobics class, and a new band room that does not disrupt other classes.
Bill McDonald, a vocal opponent of the bond measure and proponent of consolidation, used his five minutes during public comments to inform the board he is leading an effort against the bond and for consolidation. McDonald cited easement restrictions involved with the plan that have not been settled. Radovich assured the board and public they had settled all necessary agreements and were cleared to move forward with development of the bond language for the spring vote.
In other news, the Washington School raised nearly $700 in donations for coats and winter clothing and also took in a significant amount of used clothes. They Chris Bergquist said they will have a meeting next Tuesday to discuss the list of children with needs and what must be purchased. Bergquist stressed the community was really coming together to look out for its own.
Dan VanderVelden, A.D. Johnson Principal, informed the group the Junior class PSAT results were in. 86 percent of the Junior class met or exceeded expectations and they had one student score in the 99 percentile and another in the 97 percentile.
