Arvon Township board accepts monthly finances, plans daytime cleaning using COVID-19 funds as school reopens

The Arvon Township School Board reviewed and approved its monthly financial statement at the Feb. 9, 2021 meeting, with office manager Diane Paulsen reporting total liabilities and equity of $527,557.26. On a motion by Nancy Soli and second by Mary Deline the board accepted the statement and authorized payment of bills (vote recorded as all ayes).

During discussion of reopening plans, Principal Lori Johnson reported benchmark testing in October and January showed student progress in math and reading. The board discussed which students would return for in-person instruction: one child would not return, one would return, and three were conditional on peers' attendance; families in the audience agreed to coordinate and a registry of names will be sent home to facilitate contact.

Board members said George Stockero informed them that significant COVID-19 funds would be coming to the district. By consensus the board approved hiring a daytime cleaning person whose duties will include wiping frequently touched surfaces every two hours and handling COVID-related issues; the position will also perform light office duties until a Business Manager is hired.

No dollar amount for the cleaning position or the Baraga Area Schools temporary business-manager fee was specified in the minutes.