Education

More Funding May Be Ahead for Isolated Districts Like Mackinac Island

Lawmakers and school administrators celebrated a potential boost in funding for isolated rural districts during an event at Mackinac Island Public School Wednesday, May 31. Five districts, including Mackinac Island, are eligible for these funds, which could increase by $1.8 million to $3.6 million if lobbying by school administrators is successful.

Rudyard Schools Short Staffed, Close due to Lack of Substitute Teachers

Students at Rudyard Area Schools were deprived of a day of learning Friday, March 17, when Superintendent Tom McKee made the difficult decision to close the school due to the lack of substitute teachers. A school-wide stomach bug forced many elementary teachers to call out because of illness, while scheduled absences for appointments and personal matters added to the strain. Nine teachers were called out for the day and with limited substitute teachers available, the school was unable to adequately staff classrooms.

Referee Shortage Influences School Sports in EUP

Conspicuously dressed in black and white stripes, officials are a staple at any sporting event, match, or meet. Tasked with maintaining order and enforcing game rules, they are responsible for facilitating organized, professional competition. Steve May has been an official for basketball, baseball, and softball in the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) for more than 20 years. And as sporting officials become harder to find across the state and within the EUP area, Mr. May is part of a declining population.