District has full agenda for virtual meeting Wednesday

Kyle Kotecki, kkotecki@pioneergroup.com

Published

5:55 pm EDT, Monday, August 10, 2020

MANISTEE — The Manistee Area Public Schools Board of Education has a full agenda with seven action items planned for its August meeting.

The meeting will be held virtually, via Google Meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and can be viewed by clicking this link. Additionally, the meeting will be livestreamed here at and can be accessed via phone by dialing 1-318-373-3173 and following the prompts with pin number: 878 677 948.

MAPS superintendent Ron Stoneman’s report and correspondence will consist of the following:

• An authorizer’s report on the Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy;

• A personnel report and

• MAPS leadership team reports/newsletters consisting of a distance learning update and a monthly report from nutrition services.

MAPS surveyed parents as to whether or not they preferred in-person instruction or distance learning. The deadline for the survey was Monday. Stoneman said the district was doing its best to help families make an informed decision.

“There are a number of parents making both choices. We’re trying to provide communications along the way because obviously there are a lot of questions parents have for clarity to make that decision,” he said. “We’re trying to support the parents as we anticipate or learn of questions parents might need answered to make this decision.”

The purpose of the survey was to get an idea as to the numbers the district can expect for in-person and distance learning, but families will not be asked to make their final decision until closer to the start of the school year.

“Obviously, as we get closer and more details are provided, we’ll be asking if they want to change their decision,” Stoneman said. “They’ll have a small window and we’ll go from there.”

Discussion under old business will include the former high school building, a facility sub-committee update, the Jefferson community advisory committee and future work/study session topics and goals.

Other items on Wednesday’s agenda are as follows:

• Consideration of approving the continuation of learning plans for the 2020-21 school year;

• Consideration of approving Manistee Middle/High School, Kennedy Elementary and Jefferson Elementary student handbook revisions;

• Consideration of approving milk bid for 2020-21 school year;

• Consideration of approving bread bid for 2020-21 school year;

• Consideration of approving recommendation from nutrition services for a 25-cent price increase for adult meals;

• Consideration of approving waiver of technology fees for the 2020-21 school year and

• Consideration of approving resolution to refund remaining bonds from MMHS construction.