By Sterling McGinn

The Tahquamenon Area Schools Board of Education conducted much business during their July board meeting, which was held Monday, July 19 at 6 p.m.

Chief among agenda items was the hiring of five new faculty and staff members.

The board approved the hiring of Kendra Feldhusen as the new K-6 principal. “Kendra stepped in to our online K-6 role this past school year, and did a fabulous job,” stated superintendent Stacy Price  “She has had previous administrative experience.”

Feldhusen replaces the departed Craig King, who left the position after one year.

The board also approved the hiring of Jessica Price, 5th grade teacher; Stacy Zolfaghari, K-6 electives teacher; Carly Vix, 9-12 science teacher; and Sarah Pleiman; HR/AP assistant.

The board discussed and voted on each staff member separately.

Also on the agenda that evening was the approval of the school bond placement on the November 2021 ballot. The matter was largely discussed at the June meeting.

The proposed $9,750,000 millage for remodeling the existing elementary facility, along with additions, and security upgrades will be brought forth to the voters this November.

Trustee Jeff Puckett stated his concern in bringing the request to the voters.  “I know how tough it is right now for people,” Puckett stated. “The prices of materials are so high, so I have concerns.”

Price said that the project is in two series; the first will be the roof replacements that would be very advanced, like those at https://www.baroofers.com/, which would start in the summer of 2022. The majority of the construction, and material purchases, would take place the following year. “It gives us a little time—it might get better,” explained Price.

After discussion, the board voted to place the proposal on the November ballot. Trustee Puckett voted against the motion.

In other news, the board discussed and approved the creation of a co-op hockey team with Munising and Manistique schools.

NHS athletic director Kenn Depew noted that each school is in charge of their own players regarding eligibility/ineligibility, similar to the Engadine baseball co-op.

After discussion, the board voted to approve the co-op in hockey.

Local hockey coach Ben Rahilly, who is the father of several area hockey players, could not attend the meeting but said he was all for the creation of a school hockey team.

“It gives our youth players something to strive for, and a place to play as they get older,” Rahilly said.

Rahilly has graduated two students from Newberry High School, both of whom played hockey throughout their high school years, but had to do so on community and travel teams.