Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
THE CURRENT press box, shown here Monday next to the football field of the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School, is set to be replaced this summer.
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield - In their first virtual meeting on Monday evening, the Wakefield-Marenisco Board of Education received good and bad news about the status of the current state shutdown.
On one hand, Superintendent Jason Gustafson said, "It's been a crazy world, but in a crazy world, it's going very smoothly."
He added, "Overall, the teachers are satisfied with how things are going." He said that bus drivers have delivered paper packets to students, so as to aid in distance learning objectives.
In addition, he commended teachers, claiming that they "have really stepped up" during the unexpected turmoil surrounding COVID-19 concerns.
Regarding the graduation ceremony scheduled for the delayed date of July 10, Gustafson said, "I'm hopeful that will happen."
Under the directive of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan schools have been closed since March 16, and the state continues under a stay-at-home order until at least May 15.
Under the circumstances, the superintendent said that, in addition to the state canceling its spring testing of students, it also canceled evaluations for both teachers and school administrators.
"That's why my evaluation is not on the agenda," said Gustafson, who added that teachers already had undergone the steps of the evaluation and so "know where they are."
As for bad news, Gustafson told board members that he already has been warned that the coming school year could result in as much as a 20 percent reduction in state education funds.
"So, for our district, that's $300,000," he said.
He quickly added, "That's a worst-case scenario," but said school officials will have to address the possible loss.
Nevetherless, he said the district is still moving forward with plans to create a $100,000 fab lab within the school. After the meeting, Gustafson reported that the district currently has $42,000 dedicated to the initiative, and he is working on additional grant funding.
He is in favor of the district purchasing related equipment as funds are available, while also not committing to opening the lab this fall "unless it is fully funded through grants and donations."
President Brad Dalbec also stated that construction of a new press box for the football field will begin just as soon as state restrictions on construction are lifted. Gustafson said that the building and grounds fund will cover the new press box.
Business Manager Tina Trevathen told the board that, with schools closed for the remainder of this school year, the district is saving on expenses such as busing and utilities. "But we're still paying salaries," she added.
"In order to continue getting our state funding, we have to fully pay every employee," said Gustafson.
The board also learned from Trevarthen that a final payment of $24,720 on the district's 2010 school improvement bond has been made. She added that this bond balance began at $190,724, not including interest, and it came from the general fund.
The business manager said she also made a payment of $53,570 on the district's 2015 school bus bond, which began at a balance of $160,000, not including interest."The school bus bond is funded by the taxpayers," she said.
The board also:
-Voted to accept the 2020-2021 school year calendar. The first day of school is set for Aug. 25, and the last day is set for June 4, 2021. Students and staff will have Christmas break from Dec. 23-Jan. 3, 2021. Spring break is planned for April 2-11 in the new year.
-Voted not to pay spring coaches for spring sports since the season had not begun prior to the school shutdown. This decision follows most other Michigan schools.
-Under the strong recommendation of Gustafson, voted to grant tenure to teachers Heather Lauzon, Diane Jaskie and Candace Jacobs.
-Learned from Gustafson that Northern Michigan University has decided not to place an internet tower on top of the Wakefield-Marenisco School. Gustafson said that NMU officials found an alternate location that they believe will provide better connectivity for both Bessemer and Wakefield. Project details are pending.
-Voted to accept a three-year bid from Makela, Pollack, and Ahonen, PLLC of Ironwood for financial audit services for the district.
-Received a copy of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District budget for the coming year. No action was needed.
The board will have its next meeting on May 18 at 5 p.m. on Zoom.
