Grandparent urges inclusion after granddaughter excluded from summer school; board hears traffic-safety concern

Negaunee — At the Aug. 25 Negaunee Public Schools Board meeting, grandparent Rich Helgren used public comment to question the district’s decision to exclude his granddaughter from the second session of summer school following a biting incident.

Helgren said his granddaughter’s first session “went well until the last day, when she bit another student on the playground,” and that she was then not allowed to attend the second session despite needing extra help. He asked how many other children had been left behind because of "behavior" and said he would like to see more oversight so that students who need intervention are included. He described himself as a caring grandfather trying to break a cycle and said he would pursue the issue further if the board did not take action.

President Pat Thomson thanked Helgren for his comments and reminded him that the board does not engage in back-and-forth during public comment and is there to listen.

Separately, in other business board member Marty Saari raised two concerns: he urged that the employee dress code be emphasized with new employees after observing what he called “unacceptable attire,” and he flagged unsafe vehicle traffic on Teal Lake Avenue near the middle school. Saari said road-blocking issues have made it difficult to obtain a flashing warning or yield sign and noted the City of Negaunee Police Department has provided support but that coordination with MDOT has not yet yielded changes; the board expressed concern and interest in pursuing a flashing crossing sign to improve pedestrian safety.

No board action was taken during public comment. The board moved on to subsequent agenda items and adjourned at 6:15 p.m.