Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Bessemer board hires new teaching staff

By IAN MINIELLY

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Bessemer - The Bessemer School District Board of Education voted to accept four new hires for the upcoming school year. The board voted to hire Nicholas Heikkila for K-12 Physical Education, Eli Zelinski for Spanish and English, Micaela Redders for English, and Robin Bock as a half-time counselor. According to Superintendent Dave Radovich, there is only one position left to fill and the offer is on the table. The potential applicant is waiting for a competing offer from Shanghai before making her final decision, which is due today.

Radovich said this was the most hires in any school year during his tenure as superintendent. The board also accepted the resignation of A.D. Johnston principal Dan VanderVelden and according to Beth Steiger and the personnel committee, the district is ready to post the K-12 principal position.

David Rowe was selected by his peers for an Excellence in Education and Innovation award, to which Rowe responded, "I am touched and moved and not sure I am worthy."

The Citizen's Committee, represented Monday by Todd Johnson, informed the board it will disband. Johnson said if necessary in the future, it will reform with new members.

The board voted to renew the downhill skiing co-op with Ironwood and Wakefield-Marenisco. Tim France, athletic director, said this year Bessemer did not have any students on the ski team, but last year they had one.

During public comments, Theresa Turula asked Jim Partanenif any progress has been made on the hiring of a new football coach. Partanen said they had applicants, but no final decisions have been made, but they would like to have a decision soon. To which Turula reminded the board the school year is almost over and they do not have a coach.

 
 
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