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Marlette board hears concerns about teachers



MARLETTE — The Marlette Board of Education was met by a larger than normal crowd on Nov. 14 to hear about the shortage of teachers, the use of substitute teachers, and the exodus of teachers from the school district.

Protocol for citizens to address the board requires a speaker to fill out an audience participation card and then have three minutes to address the board. The board listens, takes comments and questions under advisement but will not respond at that time.

Three people filled out these cards. The first person inquired about this set of rules, asking, “Why not just have a general discussion?”

Board President Jamie Macumber responded that all questions deserved a full response, and that research and study may be required. She said every question will be answered as fully as possible after investigation and that people with the questions will receive complete answers.

Macumber also commented that there have been meetings in recent weeks addressing the teacher situation.

“A good amount of work has been accomplished with the idea of boosting teacher morale,” she said.

The second speaker, Rebecca Bulgrien, asked, “How are some uncertified staff members qualified to teach?”

According to the state of Michigan, an individual with sixty or more hours of college credit may be qualified to substitute teach in a classroom for the short or long term.

“There are various levels of substitute permits,” said Superintendent Matt Karaffa. “We have used substitutes to fill longterm absences and vacancies in the past but currently we do not have any full-time positions that are on long term sub permits. All our teachers meet the qualifications of the state.”

Karaffa also reported about recent activity on the application front. “We had very few applicants until two weeks ago when we suddenly received several applications.”

In an email to the News the following day, Karaffa stated, “This week we hired two new teachers, a junior high math and English teacher, and a high school science teacher. Both are highly qualified in their subject area and certified in the state of Michigan. We are excited to have them join our team.”

Another new employee announced at the board meeting is Eric Hartsell, a junior-senior high physical education teacher.

The third speaker to address the board was newly elected board member Jill Thomas who had previously advised the board that she would provide a community survey that consisted of postings on her personal Facebook page from individuals not affiliated with the school.

The categories consisted of positive things at Marlette schools (dedicated, caring teachers and staff), concerns about the schools (lack of communication from the board), expectations of the school and board (listening to parents and teachers), and solutions to the concerns (provide question and answer sessions).

Student representative to the board and student council president Isabella Hinojosa also provided the board with communications expressing student concerns and ideas.

In other business, the board received an unmodified clean opinion on the recent audit from Angela M. Burnette, a certified public accountant representing Anderson, Tuckey, Bernhardt & Doran Accounting Service.

The Red Raider Spotlight was on the premier ticket taker at Marlette sporting events who has been doing the job for fifty years. Carleen Foster has been retired from teaching but if it is Marlette athletics, she shows up to help.

Superintendent Karaffa, who doubles as the athletic director, recognized athletes from the volleyball team who went 12-0 in league and were champions in district play and runner-up at the regionals. He also recognized the cross-country team which had the top ten area times and made it to state finals.