By Sterling McGinn

Workers from NASI Roofing have started the task of replacing the roofs on the elementary building, gymnasium and library.

The roof was just one of several items discussed at the Tahquamenon Area Schools (TAS) Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting held Monday, July 18 at 6 p.m. in the school library. Only two members of the public were in attendance and trustees Alicia Hiems, Angie Harris, and Jeff Puckett were absent.

Community members have started to see progress in the first phase of the TAS bond project as roofing materials have been placed on the buildings in the last couple of weeks.

“They are starting on the gym, and as long as mother nature cooperates this week, they should be finishing the gym,” said TAS Superintendent Stacy Price.  Following the completion of the gymnasium roof, the contractors will begin the science wing portion of the structure.

Originally slated to begin at the close of the 2021-2022 school year, the roofing project was delayed due to a supply issue of the needed materials.

According to the bid paperwork from March of 2022, the company will place two layers of 2.6’ Polyiso insulation and associated blocking in lieu of one layer of 1.5 EPS insulation. The added R-Value is 30. There will also be an upgrade to a 60 Mil roof membrane.

There will be minimal disruptions to patrons using the library and to others entering the faciality. The new roof is expected to be completed sometime in August.

The roof replacement bid was awarded to NASI Roofing LLC of Minocqua, Wis. at a total cost of $943,9000.

Additional bond work will take place in the summer 2023.

Price said she will continue to update the board on the progress of the bond project and she is in communication with the contractors on a daily basis.

In other news, the board has received yet another letter of resignation from their staff. Kindergarten teacher Anna Stamm, who is relocating to another area, submitted her letter to the board.

“She was a very great asset to our kindergarten, and we wish her the best,” said Price. Her letter of resignation was accepted that evening.

The board also approved the hiring of Sarah Taylor and Robyne Djurjevich as TAS special education paraprofessionals. Both will begin their new positions at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Price told the board that there are several positions still available within the district. She noted that hiring difficulties are being felt around the nation at this time.

Openings include two cafeteria positions, a kindergarten teaching job, a 6th grade math and science teaching position and a K-6th position.

An offer has been extended to an individual  for the 7-12 grade principal position, Price said, but gave no further information.