Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By MEGAN HUGHES
Ironwood — The Ironwood Area School Board heard the resignation of Superintendent Travis Powell at its meeting Monday evening.
Powell, who has been superintendent for six years, said he has been offered a position at the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District as a director of instructional services.
“It has been an interesting and rewarding six years,” said Powell. “I have learned a lot, and believe we have accomplished a lot together in this time. I believe that in many areas the district is in better shape than I found it.”
Powell said the district as a whole maintains its interest in continuing that improvement, especially with regards to the RISE expectations programming.
Powell will continue as the superintendent through the end of June.
“I am more than willing to help in finding, supporting and training my replacement, and helping and supporting them as much as possible,” said Powell.
The board expressed their thanks for a very productive six years.
The board plans to schedule a workshop to work on a job description for the posting, as well as interview questions, with the hopes of filling the position within four weeks, to allow time for Powell to help with the transition.
Powell updated the board on progress regarding the repair of the school’s sound system, which is set to be completed before this year’s graduation ceremony. The upgrade will be for the high school gymnasium, and is only waiting on the arrival of the speaker system.
During the meeting several parents voiced their concern during public comment about limited dual enrollment options at the Ironwood Area Schools.
“I appreciate those who came to speak with us on this topic,” said Powell. “In analyzing this and understanding the concerns and questions you have. I realize there is an opportunity for broadening our offerings for access to students to engage in dual enrollment.”
He said that the board will look into the possibility to improve not only this access, but also methods of communicating opportunities with parents in the future.
The school offers Advance Placement courses, which some parents said do not always count for college credit, even if the student passes the AP exam.
Powell also spoke about the importance of the community voting to approve for the school’s operating mileage in the May 7 election. This mileage is a renewal of the already existing amount for the school’s mileage.
“In the event that this does not pass, that is $2 million that the district will not receive,” said Powell. “For reference, that would account for approximately 23% of our wages for staff for the year.”
If the millage does not pass that would result in programming being cut, services needing alteration, and other major changes.
The board approved the list of 2024 graduates as presented, for both the Luther L. Wright high school, and the Gogebic County Community School program. The board also approved the graduation of a student based on meeting the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements rather than the IASD requirements.
In other news, the board:
—Approved the GOISD proposed budget for 2024-2025 as presented.
—Approved the purchase of three Sharp copy machines for $11,475.
—Approved the purchase of paper for the total of $14,352.
—Approved the personnel report, including the hiring of kindergarten, third grade, 7-12 English, history, and 7-12 math teachers.
—Approved a call for bids on student accident insurance.
—Approved the Educational Assistance Program as presented. This program would provide eligible employees with educational assistance benefits.
—Heard an update from Powell regarding the school’s after-school programming. He said the program is not at capacity yet, but there is opportunity for growth if it is needed in the future.`
