Bessemer school board holds work session at GCC

By IAN Minielly

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Ironwood — The Bessemer school board traveled to GCC Tuesday to hold a work session, not a board meeting. In a work session no final decisions are made, but options are discussed that can be brought before the board for a decision at a later date, according to Superintendent Dave Radovich.

The group discussed Massie Field in Bessemer and adding a line item in the budget for maintenance. Massie Field is the home of the Speedboy and Speedgirl track and field, and Gogebic Miner football and baseball teams, while also having a band shell for musical productions.

The board discussed enrollment projections and the three methods approved by the state to arrive at numbers. The projection for the 2012-2022 school year ranges from 404-528 students, depending on which of the three methods is used. Current enrollment is 424.

Retirements were discussed. Radovich said he is retiring in either the 2017-18 school year or the 2018-19 school years. Chris Bergquist is eligible for retirement in June of 2019.

The board reviewed two bids on a used bus for possible purchase in July, while also reviewing options to retire the roof loan and line of credit, depending on interest rates and payoff options.

The board discussed arranging a meeting with Tim France to receive his input on food service.

The board also considered the possibility on whether it would be better to transition to a five-member board. The citizens of Bessemer would have to vote on this change via referendum.

The extra-curricula committee will look at the athletic code of conduct in the near future. The board read the code during their work session and felt there is some changes that likely need to be made.

The prosecutor’s final opinion regarding the alleged illegal closed meeting from July 5, 2016 in violation of the Open Meetings Act was handed out to the board. The law defines “meeting” as “the convening of a public body at which a quorum is present for the purpose of deliberating towards a decision on public policy.” The Gogebic County prosecutor determined the board did not have an illegal meeting and the case is closed.