RAPID RIVER & GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Two Delta County school districts head back to the classroom next week.
Last summer, Rapid River Public Schools completed several behind-the-scenes projects, like upgrades to its plumbing and HVAC systems. This summer, most of the work is being done outside.
“The big pieces were new parking lots, brand new entry ways,” explained District Superintendent Jay Kulbertis. “The whole traffic pattern on the outside will be different. The inside is mostly different, but we moved our concession stand, expanded our weight room, just did a lot of those things that we’ve wanted to do for years and years and years but had to have a construction bond in order to tackle these big projects.”
Students will also be able to play on new tennis courts and take an interesting new drone soccer science course, which is sponsored by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan.
“Our science folks are always looking at how to tie what they’re doing in the classroom to real life and jobs in the future,” Kulbertis said. “It’s a really nice fit and something we’re excited about.”
Rapid River shares Superintendent Kulbertis with Gladstone. This year, Gladstone high schoolers will be able to take a new agro science class focused on hands-on, project-based learning.
“We’re big believers that it’s not just important to know something but know how to put that knowledge to work,” said Kulbertis. “We’ve got more kids going to the CTE programs at the ISD, and we have more kids in dual enrollment. We really see everyone having that college-ready, career-ready combination. Now, we just need to figure out how to get them those industry credentials so they can prove they know what they’re doing.”
When it comes to staffing, both districts are working to develop a strong lineup of substitutes.
“Everyone’s looking at, ‘How do we backfill for bus driver subs, custodial subs, food service subs, classroom subs, aid subs?'” Kulbertis said. “We’re always looking to add to that pool of available people.”
With the lack of a State aid budget, Kulbertis says the districts have been “conservative” when planning their own budgets.
“We’re expecting no state aid payment in October, figuring that the sides are still going to continue to fight,” he explained. “As frustrating as that is, we’re continuing to prepare for the worst. It’s not stopping us from doing anything. We’ve positioned both districts financially just to cover an incident like this with all of this uncertainty. We want our people to not have to worry about anything.”
Until Lansing comes to a decision, Kulbertis says it will be “business as usual” for Gladstone and Rapid River. He says staff members are excited to welcome students back to school.
“Absolutely love this time of year,” said Kulbertis. “Fall sports, they’ve already started and kids just want to be able to get around all their peers, get back to the classroom, get into that groove of school again. Every year, kids are coming in refreshed and energized. That helps the staff get refreshed and energized, so we can’t wait.”
Those interested in working as a substitute with one of the school districts can contact Rapid River Public Schools at (906) 474-6411 or Gladstone Area Public Schools at (906) 428-2417 or at gladstoneschools.com.
