By Sterling McGinn
The hiring of two new teachers, and the acceptance of a resignation took place at the May 17 meeting of the Tahquamenon Area Schools (TAS) Board of Education.
The meeting was held in the school cafeteria and via Zoom. Trustee Puckett participated electronically, and trustees Michelle Zellar and Alicia Heim were not in attendance.
Newberry High School science teacher Amy Martin submitted her letter of resignation to the board. She is accepting a position elsewhere, and her resignation will take effect at the end to the 2020-2021 school year. The board voted to accept her resignation.
In other business, the board unanimously approved the hiring of new faculty members Cynthia Schneider and Mary Schwarz.
“Cynthia comes to us from downstate,” stated TAS superintendent Stacy Price. “She has a vast AP knowledge…and she will teach junior and senior English courses.”
Price also stated that Mary Schwarz has been a substitute teacher in the TAS district for a number of years. “Right now, the state has recognized the teacher shortage, and is very much aware that there will be many positions not filled,” explained Price. They have made alternative routes and plans, so she will be taking advantage of the state approved alternative plan and Tennessee teachers retirement system. Schwarz will have an interim teaching certificate for the start of the 2021-2022 school year, and will work for her permanent certificate. She will teach 7-12 grade social studies.
In other news, Superintendent Price informed the board that all of the graduation programs are in order. She also noted that the district is offering two three-week summer school sessions, due to learning loss from COVID-19. Kindergarten through eighth grade summer school will be held in-person, and grades 9-12 will take place online.
Also approved that evening was the April fund disbursement totaling $559,412.54, and the extended learning plan.
