Ironwood hires dean of students

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood — The Ironwood Area Schools board of education approved a series of personnel changes Monday, including hiring a new dean of students.

Dan Martinson will replace Dan Niemi as the district’s dean of students, after Niemi took a job as principal in Bessemer.

“We’re excited to hire Dan Martinson as the new dean of students of Ironwood Area Schools. He brings us experience helping students learn from mistakes and fits well with our mission to help students learn and grow the ‘Wright Way,’” Superintendent Travis Powell told the Daily Globe after the meeting. “In addition to providing support for students who make poor behavioral choices, Mr. Martinson will be directing our school’s efforts to ensure all of our graduates leave Luther L. Wright ready for college or careers — and a bright future.”

Martinson, who has taught at the district’s alternative school for the past four years, said he was definitely excited for the opportunity of the new position.

The board — which approved Powell’s personnel report as presented — also hired Chantel Spears as cheerleading coach, Liz Constantini as junior varsity volleyball coach, Erik Ellerson as varsity baseball coach, Ted Sim as quiz bowl advisor, Don Cvengros as boys soccer coach, Cheyenne Colberg as an assistant accountant, Carol Kariainen as a K-12 art teacher and Angela Ruotsala as the girls varsity basketball coach.

The report also included several resignations and information on other vacant positions in the district.

In other action:

—The board approved renewing the lease agreement with the Gogebic Ontonagon Intermediate School District for space at Luther L. Wright K-12 School and Sleight Elementary School. The GOISD will pay the district $29,546 next year for the space, which Powell said was roughly one classroom less than last year’s agreement.

—The board also approved a contract with the GOISD to have the intermediate district provide special education services. The agreement is with all the school districts in the ISD.

—The board passed a resolution accepting the sale of the bonds the voters passed in the election earlier this month. The bonds will fund updating the district’s bus fleet and upgrades to the Luther L. Wright building.

—The board also passed a resolution allowing the district to accept students from outside the district’s boundaries.

—The board approved an agreement allowing the district’s tennis team to compete for another year.