MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Behind years of close losses in sinking fund millage proposals, a late state budget this year, and the increasing issue of cell phone usage, Munising Public Schools are working diligently into the coming weeks.
It’s not uncommon for a state budget to come late, but as school districts are moving into the year already, preparing has been foggier than before.
“We aren’t strangers to sometimes delayed budgets, but this one is delayed exceptionally late,” said Mike Travis, Munising Public Schools’ Superintendent. “It’s creating some uncertainty regarding what will be the ultimate status of free and reduced lunch meals for those involved in the Michigan School Meals Program, and where will things stand with the transportation categorical.”
There is also a need for more help around the district.
“We’re working to fill different auxiliary positions, we’ve really struggled in finding food service, bus drivers and custodians and some educational positions, teachers and paraprofessionals,” said Travis. More information can be found at munisingschools.com.
As M.P.S. extends its reach towards these answers, student development in the meantime is crucial. Starting in September, a new phone policy being implemented in the high school, dubbed ‘Away for the Day.’
“It has to be locked and off in either the locker or an automobile. That’s it. We’ve got great kids, and we certainly expect that they will adapt to that,” he said.
Travis says the amount of the average student’s cell phone usage over the years has limited attention spans, even as the device is in a pocket, along with the number of connections to mental health issues that can come with them.
“Some of the research points that even having the device in your pocket, even if it’s not on, causes you to be thinking about what messages you might be receiving, or what are you missing out on,” explained Travis. “We are going to move forward and make it easier for our kids to learn here and eliminate distractions, and play our part in improving mental health for youth.”
Munising Public Schools will welcome its students back on September 2.
