Recent actions by school boards in Northeast Michigan:

∫ At a recent Alpena Public Schools Board of Education meeting the trustees said they believe the board had done an excellent job of maintaining it’s fund balance resulting in good fiscal health for the district.

The district has received a total of $13,041,199.75 in federal grant money.

The board learned about a decline in testing scores in math and language arts that were attributed to the loss of face-to- face learning in previous months, according to the district. The district also reports an increase in out-of-school suspensions across all levels, elementary, junior high, and high school levels. The district has met with the teacher’s union multiple times to better understand the issues teachers are encountering in the classroom.

The board unanimously carried a vote to impose a summer tax levy of 100% of annual school property taxes in the school’s district and requested each city and/or township to collect the taxes.

∫ The Hillman Community Schools Board of Education proposed a bond that expects to raise $22,000,000 in May if approved by voters. The 3.3- mill bond will be used to build a new wing onto the Junior/Senior High school building to house the elementary school.

If passed this proposal would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $165 per year.

The current elementary school building at 245 East Third Street is very old. Board members said it would cost as much to rebuild it as it would to build the new wing at the secondary building, putting all grades in one building.

Hillman has implemented stricter safety policies in response to a recent threat incident that took place last month.

∫ The Rogers City Area Schools Board of Education adopted the Annual Summer Tax Resolution to impose a summer tax collection on 50% of the school’s operating taxes levied on property in the City of Rogers City at a rescheduled regular meeting on Nov. 22.

The board of education approved the summer tax collection agreement fee of $975 with the city of Rogers City.

The resignation of Johnathan Hoydic as the varsity and middle school volleyball coach was acknowledged.

The board approved the bid for a purchase of a Lincoln Electric 4800 CNC Plasma Cutting System for $35,021 from Airgas out of Alpena. They also approved a new gas oven and range totaling $31,138.87 and a new high school cafeteria line for $49,435.00.

Superintendent Nicholas Hein received his closed session evaluation and the audience was informed that Hein received a highly qualified overall rating and the board allowed for the board president to negotiate a contract extension with Hein.

∫Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District in a board meeting on Nov. 11 voted to approve the superintendent’s report, instructional services report and the financial statements from Oct. 31.

The board unanimously approved the offering of a Pied Piper teaching contract with a $1,000 sign-on bonus to Tina DenBleyker.

Northland Area Federal Credit Union donated $150 in craft and physical education supplies and a check in the amount of $5,500 for use at Pied Piper School.

The board had a closed session to consider a letter from the attorney. The reason is that the letter was exempt from disclosure under state law due to the attorney-client privilege.