BESSEMER - The Bessemer School District is working to stave off staff cuts if at all possible.

Dave Osier reported to fellow board members that the Finance Committee was attempting to come up with  an amended budget. Cuts will be necessary, however, Osier stated that the bottom lineis  we’re looking to save money without having to do too much with staff” That’s our bread and butter, that’s what we’re here for. But we still don’t know what the state budget cuts will be.

We’re looking for an Energy Grant to save on energy costs.  Mrs. Berquist added that they were meeting with an engineer from Escanaba who has been successful in getting stimulus money for such purposes.
 
Superintendent Johnson advised the board that he was staying put with the current swimming assistant position. He is looking at that position as a long term position next year, until then we will continue as they have been for this year.

In other action the board:
Approved the hiring of Mrs. Karen Blomberg hired as school census taker.

Approved the hiring Miss Carolyn Soule, as temporary homebound instructor.

Approved online virtual classes.

Mr. Johnson told the board that the Driver’s Ed   class would be $325 dollars per student and that would be a small increase over last year.
Approve the baseball club transportation fee at $150 per trip  the same as last year.

Mr. Allen Archie spoke to board about the wood shop program at A.D. Johnson. He wpould like to see the board support the shop program and encourage its development.

Mr. Archie’s wood working club uses the school shop every other Wednesday and is concerned about the deterioration of equipment. His Club recently purchased parts for band saws. He stated that the shop program was being underfunded. Tools are very, very old,  and are in bad shape.

Mr . Archie went on to say that it was a bad time to ask for money But, it should be the goalof the program to have students industry ready by the time they graduate. While there is high unemployment there are career jobs available for $50-000- $60,000 starting salaries. Archie went on to describe several examples as to the shortage of skilled artisans, including some locally.

Not everyone is going to college and have other needs.  

Board Chairman Tim France replied that he has been talking to Supt. Johnson on this very issue. France stated “if we’re going to run that program we need to spend some money. In the five years that I have been on the board we haven’t spent any money there. We’re going to continue that program.”  Since his last meeting, Johnson has been working with a donor, who will give equipment and other things needed for the program. He  (France) met with him that day and will be meeting again. France said “ that gentleman wants to take that program one step further.” Archie said his group could also help out and suggested the district seek support from contractors and out of area suppliers.