Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By TOM LAVENTURE
Hurley — With in-school learning policies continuing for another month at Hurley K-12 School the plans are already being put in place for graduation.
The Hurley Board of Education on Monday approved the administrator’s request to continue in-school learning with no changes to the “Return to School” document regarding protocols for learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Monday, the school had one staff member and nine students who were in a quarantine status, according to board reports.
“Everything is working well,” said Kevin Genisot, school district administrator.
Hurley High School graduation is scheduled to be held Saturday, May 29. There are 40 seniors who are scheduled to graduate.
Each graduating student will be allowed a maximum of six tickets for family or loved ones to attend, Genisot said. Additional tickets may be provided once the final seating arrangements can be determined.
Starting in the 2021-22 school year the high school graduation credit option policy will be revised to allow courses that are relevant and in line with the specific career path of students, according to the board presentation from Genisot.
“Students would still earn the required credits but would have more options in meeting the requirement without having to take additional courses that may not directly align with their career path,” he said.
The school board approved a $5,000 grant writing fee to apply for a new clock and paging system for the school, Genisot said. The school qualifies based on school district demographics and could receive $125,000 in grant funding to replace the dated system.
“It would also add another layer of security as it comes with an intruder alert system,” Genisot said. “If we receive the grant there would be no additional cost to the district.”
A second presentation was made regarding a proposed state of the art school science lab to be built over the summer. School board members requested additional information on proposed skylights and other details and a third presentation will be held at the March meeting.
The school board approved a revision to Board Policy 7230, regarding gifts to recognize the school district’s relationship with the Hurley Education Foundation. Language added to the policy reads, “The Hurley School District recognizes the special relationship it has with the Hurley Education Foundation and although both are totally separate and independent entities, they often come together to partner on special projects with the Hurley School.”
The board held a discussion on the process to replace computers and iPads in the school district. The funds for such a project would come from multiple sources with varying limits and requirements, Genisot said. No action was taken.
“The cost of replacing all computers, iPads, and Touch Boards for every classroom would come in at around $600,000 after the trade-in is taken into consideration,” he said.
In other business, the school board:
—Approved placing $750,000 from the cash fund balance into a one year CD with Chippewa Valley Bank at the rate of 0.60%. The remaining fund balance is dedicated to a 938 Fund account for capital improvements.
—Approved the 2021-22 school district calendar.
—Heard an Achievement Gap Reduction presentation from Christine Krone, school district Title I instructor.
—Approved resignation of school track coach Dan Rye, who is pursuing other interests.
—Approved end-of-school-year retirement notices of Monica Kolpin, fourth-grade teacher; and Blake Nelmark, middle school teacher.
