Monday’s Houghton-Portage Township School Board meeting was generally quiet, with officers set to remain in their current posts for the last part of the current two-year cycle. President Nels Cristopherson said he remembers when individuals were able to stay in the same position so long it created dynasties and made the district’s direction almost impossible to change when needed. He talked about the benefits of the current system.
One vacancy was filled when Buck Foltz was named secretary.
Superintendent Doreen Kramer talked about the adoption of the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process, known as MICIP. To receive federal funding, a plan must be in place for a district’s facility, curriculum, and program enhancements. For many years, the State of Michigan did not help in developing an outline, so districts like Houghton-Portage Township used a third party at the national level. MICIP is a culmination of the state’s efforts to create its own standards for the process.
Meeting dates were set for the third Monday of the month except for December, which will happen on the 13th. Bylaws were reaffirmed for another year. The board heard reports from district administration including Athletic Director John Sanregret, who said participation for winter sports is expected to be strong.
The junior varsity football team has a new staff. Brent Burns was approved as head coach along with Mike Hainault for an assistant coaching position.The board’s next meeting is February 15th.