30 years ago

ISHPEMING — Ishpeming School District voters OK’d new money for maintenance and computers Tuesday but said no to a building program that would have included a new high school gymnasium. It was the largest voter turnout for a school issue in six years. Proposal One, which squeaked by on an 843 to 805 vote, raises the millage by 1.33 mills for eight years to fund maintenance and repair of buildings and purchase of classroom computers and related equipment. The second proposal, which failed 957 to 682, would have allowed the district to borrow $3,025,000 in bonds to be paid back over 26 years. The funds were earmarked for building a new high school gym; renovating the existing gym into a band and choral room and cafeteria; two new classrooms at Birchview School, converting the Birchview stage into a preschool room; and converting the C.L. Phelps kindergarten into two classrooms. “It’s somewhat disappointing that the bonding project did not pass,” said Superintendent Stephen Piereson. He said he is pleased that Proposal One passed and that the school board will have a special meeting next week to discuss how to proceed. The board also will meet within the next few weeks with the citizen’s committee that recommended both proposals. Priscilla Tasson, who had opposed both proposals, said she was disappointed one of the plans passed. “I don’t think either one of them should have passed,” said Tasson. “I am happy the people realize that our very low enrollment did not justify any more expansion.”