Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By MEGAN HUGHES
Ironwood — The Ironwood Area School Board discussed the amended budget for the 2023-2024 school year, and heard an update from Superintendent Travis Powell about the status of the Josephson’s property at its meeting Monday.
The former Josephson’s Nursing Home property was purchased by the school and the district would like to use the land for an addition to the school for young elementary students, but that plan still remains for the future, according to Powell.
“I was informed this week that the Land Bank application that was applied for on our behalf regarding the demolition of the Josephson’s property was a complete success,” he said. “The Gogebic County Land Bank’s application was approved in full.”
What this means, said Powell, is that the Land Bank will take over the demolition of the property.
“It is important to take note that our county, Gogebic County, is in the top 6 in the state as far as land grand approvals,” he said.
Powell praised the work of the Gogebic County Land Bank, for all the amazing work it has done to make these projects possible.
“They will take temporary possession of the property,” said Powell. “And hire the contractors and teams to do the demolition work.”
At this time there is no set timeline for the project to be completed.
The 2023-2024 amended budget included adjustments made from the original approximation that was approved in June 2023.
“This is the best estimate that we have based on the information we have right now,” said Powell.
He said the June proposed budget is made each year with estimations on student count and other factors that become apparent as the year goes along.
A summary of the general fund changes includes:
—The total general fund revenue available to appropriate increased from $12,327,244 to $13,354,645.
—The total general fund revenue increased from $9,117,862 to $10,134,355.
—The general fund expenditures increased from $9,670,734 to $10,174,628.
“It is always the case that we do not know what the state (aid) is going to be at that point, or the number of students we will be having the fall,” said Powell about the original proposal from last June.
As of the meeting the general fund balance at the end of the school year is expected to be $3,180,006, which Powell pointed out was fairly close to the estimate from June.
In other news, the board voted to replace 20 of the student laptops that have fallen out of warrantee or are in need of replacement due to being damaged or outdated.
Powell said this will become a fairly regular occurrence each year. The total cost of this order was $18,743.
The board also approved the purchase of choir risers to be used for elementary performances. The risers will have three levels and will cost $9,320.
In other news, the board:
—Approved the NEOLA Special Update for November 2023 as presented.
—Approved the resurfacing of the elementary gym floor by Baseman Floors at the cost of $27,984.
—Heard a brief update from Powell regarding the operating millage renewal occurring in the May 7 special election.
—Heard the Principal Melissa Nigh’s update, which addressed the recent parent-teacher conferences and an interest in potentially revamping them to encourage families to participate.
—Heard updates from the assistant principal and athletic director Dan Martinson about the potential of starting spring sport practices outside right at the beginning of the season due to the lack of snow and warm weather.
