ONTONAGON — In light of the Ontonagon Area School District (OAS) being closed till at least April 5, the OAS School Board met.

“OAS students have been provided with some educational enrichment activities to allow parents to keep their students academically engaged at their leisure during this time.  Educational materials will not be used as any measure of performance or proficiency,” said Jim Bobula, OAS Superintendent/Principal, in an address to the Board.

Even without Karen Jackson and Becky Bramlet in attendance, the board hired Tyler Thomas as the OAS-Ewen Trout Creek combined varsity football coach. The board also hired George Truscott to replace the retired Bob Graham for the transportation supervisor/head mechanic/bus driver position.

“I want to thank Bob (Graham) for being a part of the hiring process,” said Bobula.

Thomas is currently a health/physical education teacher at Ewen-Trout Creek. 

“(He) has Varsity Football Coaching experience. He’s a young man that is full of energy. He will also have good quality people as assistants,” Bobula said.

In regard to athletic events, Bobula told the board that all non-essential trips, winter sports, elementary basketball tournament, has been cancelled or postponed. The postponements also included the FIRST Robotics.

Other events, including prom, have not been canceled as of this week, however that may change depending upon the coronavirus pandemic situation and government proclamations.

OAS Board President Nancy Mattson stated that as part of the annual “formality,” the board renewed Bobula’s contract as superintendent/principal. This is to be signed prior to June 30, 2020, with terms and conditions to be determined.

OAS has gone with a new company to provide credit recovery and virtual learning opportunities for its students. The company is Edgenuity.

“They are more interactive and have the ability to teach college level courses,” Bobula said.

The board handed out kudos to the maintenance/janitorial staff for the work they have done in keeping the school clean and germ-free.