The former Newberry High School building is facing potential demolition after the discovery of severe mold contamination, as reported during a recent meeting by the Tahquamenon Area Schools Board of Education. The building, which has been closed for over a year, has suffered significant water damage that has allowed mold to proliferate extensively throughout its structure.
During a special meeting held on October 26, the board addressed the deteriorating condition of the historic building, highlighting the pressing concerns regarding public safety and the feasibility of repairs. District Superintendent Shawn Tebo emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the levels of mold present are hazardous enough to warrant strong advisories against entry into the premises. Despite the conditions, the basement of the building still holds valuable school records, which may potentially be salvaged.
Trustee Colleen Duflo reflected on the board's past decisions regarding the former high school, recalling that initial plans involved placing the building in a state of ‘mothballing’ while waiting for future administrations to devise a solution. "So here we are," Duflo remarked, underscoring the board's current predicament.
Another board member, Trustee Jeff Puckett, expressed a clear stance in favor of demolishing the structure. He argued against the viability of repurposing the building, stating, "The money that would take to repurpose that, no one’s going to pay that. You’ll never get the money back." His comments echo a broader concern about the financial implications of maintaining or renovating the historic site.
Demolition of the building would also come at a significant cost. Superintendent Tebo indicated that while the expense would be considerable, it may be possible to finance the project using state funds from the 23E grants. The board anticipates receiving more detailed information about the availability of these funds by November 1.
In the interim, Tebo plans to explore options for assessing the mold on the school records stored in the basement. If feasible, digitizing these records may help preserve the important documentation while alleviating concerns regarding mold contamination.
While the board did not reach a definitive decision regarding the building's future during this meeting, other significant topics were discussed. The board unanimously agreed to appoint Kenn Depew as the new Athletic Director (AD), following the resignation of former AD Dan Hardenbrook. Depew, an alumnus of Newberry High School, previously held the AD position before transitioning to teaching. Currently, he teaches various subjects, including leadership, middle school science, and chemistry at the school.
The discussions surrounding Depew’s hiring revealed some contention. Board members were concerned about the potential impact on his chemistry class, which has 24 students and would need to be taught online if Depew took on the AD role. Trustee Amanda Kitzman voiced her concerns, stating, "I believe that Kenn would make an awesome AD, but chemistry is not something that I think should go online."
Depew, who holds a background in nuclear engineering from his time with the U.S. Navy and is pursuing emergency certification through Teachers of Tomorrow, was faced with the challenge of preparing lessons for chemistry despite not being a certified high school chemistry instructor. He reported dedicating two hours each night for lesson preparation in addition to his existing teaching responsibilities.
The board ultimately decided to appoint Depew as the AD, allowing him to monitor his chemistry class while transitioning students to an online format known as Synchronous Online Instruction. This approach would enable live instruction, alleviating some concerns about the quality of education in the absence of a traditional classroom setting. However, the board agreed to revisit this decision at the end of the semester to assess its effectiveness.
Additionally, the board addressed the pressing issue of the district’s responsibility for insuring the contents of the TAS Public Library, which is owned by the school district. Greg Rathje, a member of the library board, recounted a conversation that began nearly eight months prior regarding the need for an insurance policy for the library. He emphasized the necessity for the district to take responsibility for the contents, stating, "Ladies and gentlemen, you own the library." This conversation underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the board in managing and maintaining school district resources.
As discussions continue regarding the former high school building and the district's various responsibilities, the future remains uncertain. The presence of mold poses a significant risk not only to the building itself but also to the valuable resources contained within it. The community is now left to await further developments from the school board and potential state funding avenues to resolve the ongoing issues.
Source: The Newberry News