IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain Public Schools is looking at ways to use its former industrial arts building.

The building has not been used for classroom space for several years, but Superintendent Jerry Sardina told the school board Monday there may be additional options for the space.

Sardina did a walk-through of the building with Brad Kleikamp, an estimator at Gundlach Champion Inc., and he believes it would cost about $1 million to renovate.

Sardina said he’d like to get input on possible uses. Renovations for the building to turn it into classroom space had been part of a bond proposal that was defeated in 2023.

In other business, the board —

— Learned the newly passed state budget will have a positive effect on the district. Sardina reported that the budget increases the credential allowance from $9,601 to about $10,050 per student, but a number of categorical funds were taken away. “When you consider the money they took away, more than likely it will still be positive for us,” Sardina said. Some other districts in the state will lose money, however.

— Learned the annual audit is underway and could be completed by the next meeting. The budget should be ready in November. They are expecting an increase in the student count.

— Heard from the new student representatives. Items mentioned by Lindsey Lewandowski, representing the high school, included positive comments on the lunches. Some students don’t like the new phone policy because they’re left with no way to communicate. Students may not access cell phones during classroom time unless it’s for instruction. Di’Angelo Saldana, representing North Elementary, said they love the new mascot Snuffy and would like to see him more. They would also like to see more peer mentors at the elementary school to help them feel more involved. The elementary students have been preparing for a flag football game that will take place at halftime of a varsity game.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.