Bessemer schools to continue in-person

By CHARITY SMITH

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Bessemer — Bessemer high school students will continue with in-person learning despite a recommendation from the Michigan Education Association on Friday to revert back to virtual learning for two weeks.

“(Schools in the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District) came to the conclusion that because it is just highly recommended and not mandated, that we’re just going to continue in person,” said Dan Niemi, superintendent of Bessemer Area School District.

Niemi said he believes the recommendation by the MEA applies more to districts in lower Michigan where cases are on the rise. He also said it would be hard to take students out of classes right now, because they are undergoing mandatory state testing, as well as the ACT and SAT tests.

Niemi said he spoke with Kate Beer, of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, about the number of cases in the region. According to Niemi, there were 33 reported cases in Gogebic County two weeks ago, and as of Monday he said there were only 18 cases. He said that was a drop of 45%.

“We’re doing OK; I think our numbers are speaking for themselves. As of right now we’re just going to wait and see,” said Niemi. “I believe that all the precautions we are taking are enough.”

The district still mandates that all students wear masks and practice social distancing. Staff also thoroughly sanitizes buildings regularly, he said. The district also requires rapid testing for all students participating in sports.