Glen Beck gave a demonstration of this year’s robot which will compete in Kingsford and Escanaba. This year’s competition has a student-built robot competing in a game similar to the movie “Dodgeball.”

However, to make the competition more challenging, the robot will have to balance on a trapeze then use it’s arms to toss balls at targets. Beck explained all the intricacies that have to be considered by the student who remotely operates the robot.

“It should all work. We’re pretty confident that it will,” Beck said. 

Beck stated that most of the students on this year’s team is new. 

Skip Schulz/For the Gazette The Ontonagon School Robotics team will be competing in Kingsford and Escanaba in March. Team members include (from left)  Luke Soumis, Isaiah Beck, Logan Latvis, Kate Coey, Halle Floyd, Abby Arble, Chloe Hoffstrom and Jacob Bengoguillari. Missing was Emmy Bobula and Emma Pieti.

“We have two holdovers from last year,” he said.

At the meeting were Isiah Beck, Luke Soumis, Logan Latvis, Jacob Bengogullari, Katie Coey, Halley Floyd, Abby Arble, and Chloe Hoffstrom. Not being able to attend the meeting was Emmy Bobula, and Emma Pieti.  Helping Beck as an instructor is Jon Ollila.

The board approved the overnight trip request to take the students to Kingsford, Mar. 5-7, and to Escanaba, Mar. 12-14. The team has received support in the past from local businesses and individuals. They will once again be looking for support from the community.

On financial matters, OASD Business Director Linda Karttunen went over the district’s proposed General Fund Budget. The budget proposes revenues of $3,002,066, and expenses of $3,011,215. The revised budget for 2019-20 showed revenues of $3,058,575 and expenses of $3,106,755.

The proposed budget shows a decrease in the biggest expense, the K-12 instruction fees. The revised budget for 2019-20 was $1,293,850. The proposed budget calls for those fees to be $1,268,780. The entire proposed budget calls for a reduction in a majority of the other areas.

OASD Superintendent/Principal Jim Bobula reported on two events for middle school students in skilled trades. 

“There will be a CTE Summer Camp hosted by Lake Shore, Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) and Ontonagon Area School District for middle school age kids here at our school. Times and dates to be announced,” he said. “Get WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) for middle school girls will take place on Mar. 13.”

Lake Shore Systems, GOISD, and the OASD will be hosting an Adult Welding Boot Camp this spring on the OASD campus. Times and date for this is yet to be announced.

Don Sidlowski, FAB LAB Consultant, will be at the school on Mar. 20 to meet with staff, committee members and board members. 

“This will be an educational workshop for all involved,” Bobula said.

On the subject of meeting with the board, Bobula talked proudly of the recent board retreat. 

“It was a great retreat,” he said. “We heard from GOISD Superintendent Alan Tulppo. Kudos goes to the board for attending the retreat.”

Bobula stated that the recent Winter Recreation Day at the Porcupine Mountain State Park was held for Grades 4-8. 

“This was a great success, the students had fun, and no injuries were reported,” said Bobula.

The board went into closed session to deal with a student disciplinary action.

“There was board action on expulsion hearing tonight,” Bobula said.