Wakefield-Marenisco board encourages mask use in school

WAKEFIELD - Unless advisories from health officials change, masks are a must on buses but only encouraged on school property for students in the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School.

The 5-2 vote by the district's Board of Education on Monday evening was for a motion that states, specifically, that masks on school property will be "highly recommended, but not required" regardless of vaccination status, with the action contingent on continuing advisories from regional, state and national health officials.

Board members did not include the issue of buses in the vote because Superintendent Jason Gustafson explained that a federal mandate requires all passengers and drivers for public transportation to wear masks at all times regardless of vaccination status.

All board members were present, with Brandon Yuchasz and Kim Zeckovich casting the "no" votes for the motion addressing the continuing sensitivity of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Gogebic County is on the rise," said Zeckovich, who added that she believes it would be better to require masks for at least three or four weeks in hopes that the situation improves.

Zeckovich, who is the Director of Admissions, Marketing and Public Relations for Gogebic Community College, said that the college is requiring masks for all students and personnel.

The new school year for the college starts on Aug. 23, with Wakefield-Marenisco starting on the following day.

Gustafson was clear on where he, personally, stands.

"Do I think we should wear them for absolute safety? I do," he said. "Do I think that's what the board wants? No. Do I think that's what the parents want? No."

He said he had been in meetings with other local school officials for much of that morning and added of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District, "As of this morning, there is no other school in our ISD that is going to require masks."

"The way I feel is I would leave it up to the parents," said Marsha Vestich of masks on school grounds. "I'm afraid we may lose some students if we make it mandatory."

"I just want everybody on the same page and not piece-mealing it," said Mike Yon of the district schools.

Under questioning from Zeckovich, Gustafson said the school cannot require anyone to get vaccinations.

Micki Sorensen suggested that everyone engage in three feet of social distancing if vaccinated or six feet if unvaccinated.

However, when Stacie Rooni asked if parents have to submit vaccination records, Gustafson said no and explained that proof of vaccination also cannot be mandated.

"It's not going to be perfect by any means," he said in relation to efforts to control possible pandemic spread, but he said school officials will continue to use many of the same measures applied last year.

Those measures include required quarantines for anyone testing positive for COVID-19 or anyone exposed to it, as well as the necessary related tracking.

The school also will continue to use two lunchrooms, enhanced sanitation measures, and water-filling stations instead of fountains.

In emphasizing the danger of COVID, he said, "It's still out there, and it's an ever-moving target."

In other news, board members voted unanimously to increase the pay for Donald Plonsky's position as a substitute bus driver to $19.60 per hour.

"He's very reliable," noted Business Manager Tina Trevarthen. "He does whatever it takes to make it work." It was also noted that Plonsky sometimes must report for bus runs that last no more than 90 minutes.

President Brad Dalbec had suggested first to raise the pay to an even $20 per hour, and Yuchasz made the motion with Yon supporting it. However, Vestich, Zeckovich, Rooni and Sorensen voted no, with the 3-4 vote resulting in a failed motion.

The board also:

-Voted to hire Jennifer Wiita as a classroom aide for special education needs.

-Voted to post an open position as a part-time kitchen aide.

-Voted to approve a raise in pay of $10 to $15 per game for persons serving as officials at football, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball games. For instance, a varsity basketball official's rate will rise from $70 to $85 per game.

-Voted to renew free annual membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

All of the above-listed votes were unanimous.

According to the superintendent, students should report for the first day of school on Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. Owing to Labor Day and in-service training, students will not have school on Aug. 27, Aug. 30, Sept. 3 or Sept. 6. Hence, the first two weeks will have only three school days each, and the third week will have only four school days.

The board's next regular meeting will be on Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. in room 107 of the school. The public is welcome. Persons wishing to attend the hybrid meeting virtually should first call the municipal building at 906-224-7211 for access information.