Negaunee board approves $357,369.29 in bills, hires district attorney and orders two buses

The Negaunee Public Schools Board approved payment of bills totaling $357,369.29 and received a mid-year financial update from Business Manager Michelle LaMere, who said mid-year budget numbers will be available next month and is working with Chartwells on spending down the School Meals fund.

The Board unanimously approved retaining Thrun Law Firm, P.C., as the district attorney for 2026 with a $2,500 retainer. The Board also approved 2026-27 course descriptions for Lakeview Elementary, Negaunee Middle School and Negaunee High School as presented.

On transportation, the Board authorized purchase from Zaremba Equipment of two 2027 buses: a 72-passenger bus for $157,554 and a lift-equipped bus for $183,786, for a combined cost of $341,340. Board members said they appreciated the district’s master plan for bus replacements and noted there were no tariff issues affecting the purchase.

A personnel motion approved a leave request for Kim Shefchick for 12 weeks with a one-time half-pay adjustment for 30 days under NEA contract language.

During public comment, community member Mike Wommer summarized events of Jan. 6, 2026, thanked NPS bus drivers for their response during a bus accident, and relayed appreciation from the Escanaba Schools superintendent. Board member Martin Saari raised safety and maintenance items including roof snow-load checks, rescheduling Lakeview garbage pickup away from morning drop-off, clearing snow banks to improve sightlines, and monitoring unsupervised students in a Lakeview hallway during athletic events; Superintendent Andy Skewis said he would work with staff on these concerns.

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.