Manistique schools dip 40 students

By Laura Mead - lmead@dailypress.net

MANISTIQUE - Manistique school's most recent K-12 student count shows fewer students.

Manistique schools, like many if not most school districts in the Upper Peninsula, have less students and, therefore, a decrease in state funding. The district's K-12 enrollment is down 40. The development was discussed at a meeting of the Manistique School Board earlier this week.

School Superintendent John Chandler said although the student count was down 40 students, the district had budgeted for a 50-student decline.

Chandler said the budget committee budgeted for a lower student count based on a poor economy and low birth rates.

"There were 15 fewer kindergartners than the seniors who graduated," said Chandler. "The vast majority of students we have tracked that didn't enroll anymore have moved out of the state. It's because of the economy."

The K-12 student count is 1,039, Chandler said.

Despite the decline, Chandler said there are some positives, such as the fact that the school picked up 26 students from school of choice.

After going through two different processes, the school board officially moved the school election date from May to November. The change will be effective November 2009.

Chandler said the move will save the school $6,000 to 8,000 a year in election costs.

"Last May, the only thing on election was school board stuff, so we had to pay for the entire election," said Chandler.

Chandler said he hasn't heard any negative feedback regarding the move of the election date.

The board also approved a resolution to collect summer taxes from the city of Manistique.

It also appointed Sherry St. Amour as the high school drama advisor for the 2008-09 school year. Jake Beckman was appointed interim varsity wrestling coach during coach Everett Wood's leave of absence.

Beckman was Wood's assistant coach.

Chandler reported five teachers had attended an international bully prevention convention in Indianapolis. Chandler said teachers reported back that Manistique's anti-bullying program is on track with current programs.

The Manistique annual district report and budget report will be posted on the school Web site soon (www.manistique.k12.mi.us).