The Tahquamenon Area Schools (TAS) Board of Education heard a disappointing update on the condition of the historic high school building and accepted the retirement of a longtime teacher and staff members at their regular monthly meeting, which took place on Monday, March 23. The meeting was delayed one week due to last week’s major winter storm.
Head Custodian Brad Huffman updated the board on the condition of the old high school building, which has recently been the subject of much effort and discussion.
The board heard some bad news regarding the old 1926/27 high school, which many people have been hoping to save.
After a winter without heat, Huffman has found that the building has new, major leaks and extensive damage. He does not think the building can be salvaged.
“It’s pouring water in more places than you can even look at,” said Huffman. “Half of the ceilings are gone; all three floors are flooded, and the basement is flooded.”
Huffman and his crew are concerned with mold, which he says is already growing in the old band room. He has purchased a spray-foam kit to close off the old tunnel between the buildings.
“I am worried about the mold and smell being pulled in from our basement air handlers blowing in around the school,” Huffman said.
Huffman said auditorium is also in bad shape, with pieces falling down.
This week, individuals will see if boilers in the basement can be salvaged, and another person will give a quote on the cost to demolish the structure.
In other business, the board approved the retirement of Erin McNamara, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Coordinator; Lisa Wallace, math teacher and interventionist; and Mark Hayes, bus driver.
“Miss McNamara and Mrs. Wallace were both former students of mine, so it is interesting to come in and be on an educational team with them and see them become great teachers,” said trustee Jeff Puckett.
The board also accepted the resignation of food service director Kristen Salter and bus driver Merv Dake.
District Superintendent Shawn Tebo said a fellow employee is serving as interim food service director until the position is posted and filled.
Michelle Clark was hired that evening to serve as the Middle School Cross County coach.
A majority of the meeting focused on the March 12 multi-department lockdown drill at the school. Luce County Sheriff Eric Gravelle and Deputy Zach Kitzman, who is also the district’s School Resource Officer, discussed the event. While portions went well, the simulated emergency also showed where security needs to improve.
In other news, Tebo said that the district purchased two new ovens which will be installed very soon. An electric salad bar, purchased through a grant, will be implemented in the cafeteria next year.
Finally, the board discussed approving an additional exchange student for the 2026/2027 school year. The district has five coming for next year and an individual in the community would like to host a sixth student. The superintendent is allowed to approve five students for a school year, and any number over five has to be approved by the school board.
Board member Colleen Duflo expressed concern, saying the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has received two complains that TAS recruits exchange students for athletic purposes.
“I want to be absolutely sure that these students are being brought here for cultural exchange and not athletics,” she explained. “For the last two years, and we are headed into a third year, there has been a lot of issues on our volleyball team because of this. I have loved all the kids here, I have embraced them and keep in touch with all of them—it is nothing against them, but if we are bringing them here for athletics alone, I cannot support it.”
Puckett said that the board was not aware of the complaints that were filed to the MHSAA, which took place during past administration.
After discussion, the board voted to allow the additional student; Duflo cast the sole vote against the motion.
