Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Wakefield-Marenisco School Board purchases new bus

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

[email protected]

WAKEFIELD-Marenisco - The Wakefield-Marenisco School Board of Trustees met Monday night and discussed the recent purchase of a school bus.

The new bus got off to a "rocky start," said Cathy Shamion, superintendent. Within 24 hours of delivery, she said it broke down twice.

Shamion said the problem was a set of wires that had not been properly connected at the factory causing fuse shortages and other problems.

The seller, the Nelson Bus company, sent a mechanic to repair the problem and there have not been any issues since.

The school board looks to purchase another bus prior to the beginning of the next school year.

There will be three school board member terms expiring in 2016; the positions will be up for election on Nov. 8.

Local board candidates must have 6-20 signatures as well as an affidavit of identity filed with the county clerk by Tuesday, July 26.

The board also held a vote and unanimously approved Superintendent Shamion's contract, as well as that of Business Manager Tina Trevarthen.

Shamion said recent fundraisers put on by the various school teams were successful. Between candy bars, cupcakes, cookies, pizza and ticket sales, the school's teams have raised over $4,000.

"We do have a lot of fundraisers for all sorts of events and programs and our community is so supportive," she said "Thank you to the community members for all of their support."

There will be early release on Thursday, March 24 for professional development. Students will be released at noon. There will be no classes held on Friday, March 26 or Monday, March 28.

Three teachers went to Detroit last weekend to attend the state reading conference. Beth Billie, who also serves on the state reading council, Amanda Lopac and Teri Giuliano will all be back on Tuesday with new ideas to incorporate into their classrooms.

Basketball season has now ended. "Both teams had good seasons, and that's evidenced by their post season awards." said Shamion.

The girl's team finished with an overall conference record of 9-5 as well as a porcupine division record of 6-2. The boys finished with conference record of 12-2 and the porcupine mountain division record of 7-1. The boy's team was awarded a plaque for being the Porcupine Division Champions. "Well done," said Shamion.

Track season has begun at the school. The first track meet will be held on Tuesday March 21 at Northland Pines.