E-TC discusses funding at meeting

By JAN TUCKER

jantuck@jamadots.com

Ewen — The Ewen-Trout Creek School Board agreed to send a letter to the Ontonagon County Board requesting that the school district receive 33% of a payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) that the county receives each year. 

According to Superintendent Dave Radovich, the action was taken because of the impending state reductions resulting from COVID-19. The 33% would be about $180,000, Radovich said.

The action is a win for Pat Kitzman who for years has claimed that PILT funds were to be distributed 33% to schools, 33% to townships and the remainder to the county. Kitzman has lobbied townships and schools, particularly in south Ontonagon County, to press for their share of the PILT funds. Kitzman regularly attended school board meetings armed with legal documents which he has obtained throughout the years that he said supported his claims. In addition to a letter sent to the county, requesting the PILT funds, a copy of the letter will be sent to townships, state Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, and state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township.

The board, at its regular July meeting, also discussed the Return to School Plan. According to the state’s Suggested Roadmap, a committee has been established consisting of administration, staff, parents and board members to help develop that plan which must be adopted by Aug. 15.

The E-TC board will meet Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. The special meeting will be to finalize the plan. Information on the next step on keeping children safe in school will be sent to parents on line or in person, according to Radovich.

Radovich also reported that 144 dairy boxes were distributed to residents, and that the fiscal audit report is scheduled for Aug. 11.

In other action, the board:

—Released Mary Hintze and Peg Corothers from employment in the district.

—Promoted Pam Carlson from part-time to full-time bus driver.

—Authorized the administration to hire a junior varsity volleyball coach.

—Approved the 2020-2021 Schools of Choice Resolution.

—Approved a proposed Professional Development Advisory Committee.

—Approved Michigan-High School Athletic Association membership.