Wakefield-Marenisco board vents about irregular semester

WAKEFIELD — Students from kindergarten through high school attended Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School on Monday and Tuesday after grades 9-12 had been on an extended break.

The older students’ return followed a Dec. 18 announcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who lifted COVID-19 restrictions regarding high school students.

Although Superintendent Jason Gustafson said it was nice to have “semi-normal” circumstances, the entire school once again was on break as of Wednesday — this time for Christmas vacation.

The pandemic has created an erratic fall schedule for students, whose first virtual day was on Oct. 13. Just short of two weeks later, all area schools complied with recommendations from the Western U.P. Health Department to close schools extendedly as of Oct. 26.

In-person learning has wavered ever since.

On Nov. 16 — although health officials had granted the option to allow K-8 students to return to their classrooms — Wakefield-Marenisco board members voted for all students to remain virtual through Dec. 8.

When Whitmer then further extended restrictions for high school students, the board opted for K-8 students to return to in-person instruction on Dec. 9.

At their regular meeting on Monday evening, some board members voiced their frustrations with long-distance learning.

“I will be honest. I didn’t agree with it,” said President Brad Dalbec while referring to WUPHD’s recommendation for an extended closure of in-person learning in November.

“At that time, the Wakefield-Marenisco School hadn’t had anyone with COVID that was getting instruction,” he said.

Trustee Marsha Vestich agreed that it was unfortunate for the Wakefield-Marenisco District to have to pay the same price of closing down as other districts that actually had COVID-19 within their schools.

Vice President Micki Sorensen bemoaned the sacrifice to students.

“Our state of Michigan kids are really struggling,” she said, “and at absolutely no fault to the teachers” who she claimed have had significant pressure in responding to long-distance demands.

Dalbec said he is also upset with how the shutdown has affected school sports.

“We had an excellent girls’ volleyball team again this year,” he said, but explained the team could not compete in the district tournament because all the schools in district were shut down at the time.

Trustee Brandon Yuchasz took a strongly opposing stance. “I’m a little surprised that we’re even discussing what the medical experts would say is in the best interests of our children,” he said of the recommended school closures.

“I do see both sides,” said the superintendent. “I really do.” But he added that he respected the guidance of health experts.

Obradovich said he does not think the decision to close classroom learning was a mistake.

He explained that he does not necessarily agree with Dalbec, but pointed out the confusing nature of the pandemic. “We’re green at this,” he said.

Despite the discomfort in disagreement, he said the very nature of democracy is to commit to the process of voicing opposing views.

As of Wednesday, WUPHD reported on its website that Gogebic County so far has had a total of 699 positive COVID-19 cases, with an additional 289 probable cases and 33 deaths.

WUPHD further noted that while high-risk populations are beginning to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in this region, vaccinations for the “general public” will not be available until spring of 2021.

In other news, the board also said goodbye to Obradovich and Trustee Marg Lynott, who opted not to run for another term in the Nov. 3 election.

“They’re both excellent board members,” said Dalbec.

The superintendent commended Lynott and Obradovich “not only as school board members, but also as dedicated and respected (former) teachers for the district.”

“We’re going to miss you guys.” said Vestich.

Incoming board members Melissa Wakefield and Jennifer Bressette attended Monday’s meeting as guests.

The board also:

—Rated the superintendent as “highly effective” in an annual evaluation report. “We are very lucky to have you in this position,” said Sorensen. “You are doing a great job!” Dalbec also congratulated Gustafson on his success.

—Voted to approve the hiring of Alexa Jilek to serve as a second grade classroom aide. 

—Learned from Gustafson that supplies totaling about $40,000 have been ordered for the school’s new Fab Lab, which is expected to be “up and running” as of January.

—Learned that Dave Khoury, a former Bergland resident, sent a $1,000 check with the request that the money be used as a scholarship for Wakefield-Marenisco students.

The board’s next regular meeting will be on Jan. 18, 2021 at 5 p.m. with tentative plans to meet in the school’s life skills room. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, persons wishing to attend should first call the school at 906-224-7211.