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The school year is winding down, and school districts are transitioning to summer work. Last night the Houghton Portage Township School District met to finalize budget items, hire new staff, and see three teachers off to retirement.
Houghton Portage Township school’s new staff hires will have some big shoes to fill. Last night the school district recognized three teachers who have made plans to retire. Third grade teacher Lisa Ronis, Kindergarten Teacher Robin Duewueke, and Middle School Special Education teacher Tami Hoduski were honored for their dedication to their students throughout their careers.
While the district is saddened to see three professionals leave, Houghton –Portage Township Schools will hire seven new members to the staff. Replacing the retirees in some fashion will include Nikki Lishineski, Steve Lishineski, Emily Viola, Janel Summers, and Amy Forsell. Additionally the school district has hired Patrick Alrich to become the Assistant Elementary School Principal. As well as plans to hire former Michigan Tech Football Defensive Coordinator, Tim Driscoll to lead the varsity football team as head coach. Driscoll left MTU, to help Finlandia University establish its own football program, and he desires to continue living and working within the community.
In relation to the new hires at the district includes the school’s renewal of a 2year custodial contract with UP Janitorial for cleaning the facilities.
Additionally the school district has approved amendments to the 2022-23 district budget, and approved the 2023-24 budget. You can find a copy posted to the district’s website.
Houghton Portage Township school will switch from the Neola policy manual to the Thrun policy manual. The district made the change in order to align with the school’s legal council, who also uses the Thrun policy manual. As with any conduct policy change, there will be a public hearing held on the bullying portion of the manual. The school board says that hearing will likely take place in July.
And finally the school board approved a project to extend the baseball and softball field fencing. The project is budgeted for up to 30,000 dollars. Superintendent Anders Hill noted that safety of spectators was the primary concern, and the project will make the foul ball fencing taller.
