Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAKEFIELD — Students studying German at Wakefield-Marenisco High School can look forward to a spring break trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 2026.
After reading a proposal by German teacher Christina Stuber on Dec. 16, the district’s Board of Education approved the trip, for which the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District will pay 60% of costs.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our students,” said trustee Mike Yon as other board members agreed during the board’s meeting.
Board members also approved the hiring of Emily Carpenter as the new fifth-grade teacher, replacing Ross Lehto.
“I am excited to present Emily Carpenter for your consideration,” said superintendent Jason Gustafson while recommending her as fully certified and with long-term substitute teaching experience. “She has been working in the classroom and is doing well.”
Gustafson said he also coordinated with Northern Michigan University to allow Sara Wasielewski to student teach in second grade with Gustafson serving as her mentor teacher.
“Sara will get a lot of guidance and support,” said Gustafson. “I am confident she will do well in this position. She will get support not only from me, but also from the other teachers. Providing all goes well during the student teaching experience, I anticipate recommending Sara’s hire as a permanent teacher this spring.”
Outgoing second-grade teacher Billie was thanked for her service to the school district.
The superintendent also updated the board on the school’s new teacher evaluation process.
“The new evaluation process is more time-consuming, but I feel it provides a more comprehensive assessment of the teaching staff’s strengths and areas needing improvement,” he said.
The board moved into a closed session to conduct Gustafson’s own annual review.
Due to state law adjustments this year, the review format and rating scales have changed. The board spent nearly an hour going through the evaluation tool with Gustafson, rating him on a variety of topics, including governance and board relations, instructional leadership, business and finance, staff relations, community relations, and student growth.
Gustafson received high marks and positive praise across all categories, and his final evaluation score was 2.98 out of 3, earning him a rating of “effective.” With changes to state law, “effective” is now the highest level to be obtained.
“Mr. Gustafson does an excellent job and has our full support moving forward,” said board president Micki Sorensen. “The district is in great shape and has been making steady improvements toward curriculum and the growth of students and staff. We appreciate his professionalism and support of our staff.”
The board also:
— Learned that the district received a $3,000 grant to fund new water fountains in the school.
— Heard and accepted the second reading of NEOLA policies.
— Approved signing summer tax agreements with area municipalities.
— Heard financial reports.
presented by business manager Tracy Hand. She said the new school finance program adopted by the district a couple of months ago is working well.
After a noon release for students on Dec. 20, they will enjoy a winter break until Jan. 5. In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Jan. 20.
The board’s next regular meeting will be on Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. in the school.
