FELCH TOWNSHIP — The North Dickinson County School Board on Monday chose Sara Grenier to fill a vacancy created by the unexpected resignation of Lynn Oman.

Grenier will serve through the end of the year. If she wants to continue on the board past that point, she’ll have to run in the November elections, she was told Monday.

A Hardwood resident who attended North Dickinson school from kindergarten through graduation, Grenier has a child in second grade and kindergarten, with a third expected to start preschool this fall.

“I will have children involved with North Dickinson School for the next 15 years,” she wrote in her application letter, “and because of that, I have a vested interest in our school’s success.”

In the board’s eyes, having children in the school gave Grenier an edge over the other applicant for the seat, Bob Massie of Foster City, who also said he wanted “to be involved and help.” The board did encourage Massie to run in November, when four six-year terms will be on the ballot.

The board Monday also authorized Finance/Athletic Director Michael Roell to work with the county clerk on wording toward placing a 1 mill levy on the Aug. 4 ballot to help finance two new buses and technology upgrades. The money also could be used to improve the school’s fire alarm system.

The proposed measure is similar to what district voters approved in March 2016 in asking for a 1 mill levy, or $1 per $1,000 in taxable property value, for two new buses, computers and other technology.

As in 2016, this proposed levy would generate about $300,000 over three years, Roell said. And as in 2016, the school board would drop an almost equal amount from its sinking fund millage, which can only be used for building projects, not equipment purchases. So district residents should see little effect on their property tax bills if they authorize the measure, Roell said.

In other matters, the board:

— Approved Roell securing engineering firm Integrated Designs Inc. of Marquette for $18,950 to develop an estimate on repairing the school’s 86,000-square-foot roof, which has developed several seasonal leaks.

— Heard that, in light of recent flu cases and concerns about coronavirus, custodial and other staff have taken extra steps to make sure surfaces in the school are regularly sanitized, such as locker latches, desks and door handles. Classes also have a supply of disinfecting wipes, Superintendent/Principal Angel Inglese said, adding, “the little kids love it; they love to clean.”

— Gave a green light to teacher Grant Siegler to move forward with plans to paint part of a classroom with a new logo based on the “Row the Boat” motivational plan developed by University of Minnesota head football coach P.J. Fleck.

Siegler characterized the “row the boat” message as “a never-give-up, I have your back mantra” that can provide positive energy in the school and promote inclusion of all students. It also emphasizes a team joining together to move in the same direction, with the oars symbolizing energy, the boat sacrifice in what a person might be willing to give up toward that goal and the compass direction in life, Siegler said.

Agents for Fleck have given Siegler and the school permission to use aspects of the program.

His logo design featured the Nordics’ Viking-style mascot and two crossed oars, labeled “trust” and “faith,” with “family” above and “sacrifice” below the oars. After placing it in the back of his classroom, using art students, Siegler said it may be repeated in the hallways if administration approves.