“Being a community partner is one of things I want to stress. We view ourselves as a hub for the Kingsford-Iron Mountain community,” said Aaron Yonke, in his first year as superintendent.

Staff and students work to be involved in community events. Students take part in the downtown Trunk and Treat and the Fourth of July parade. This winter, students donated more than 10,000 items to the TV-6 Can-a-thon. The U.P. Track meet is held each spring and this year will be on the new track.

This past year they hosted the community tree lighting that featured performances by the band and elementary students. “It was really cool, the school district and the community coming together,” he said.

They host community concerts and family engagement nights, including STEM Night and Family Literacy night. Next fall they plan to add a Wellness Night focusing on general health, with topics such as screen time, being active, nutrition and dealing with life.

Secretary Kim Rowell talks with Woodland Elementary Principal Kristina Brazeau in the new office at the school in Kingsford. It's among the recent changes in the Breitung Township Schools District. (Maggie Lanthier/Daily News)

“How we, as a school, can partner with the community to promote overall wellbeing,” Yonke said.

The Meet the Flivver nights at the beginning of each sport season are well attended. The spring one will be April 7.

Each March they have a One School, One Book event at Woodland Elementary School, where the whole school reads the same book for National Reading Month. Lower classes are partnered with upper grades for activities. Family Literacy Night is tied into this event.

Members of the staff have toured local businesses to seek partnerships to help provide opportunities for students.

“We turn out 140 to 150 graduates each year — what can we do to help our community?” he said.

Yonke created a monthly Coffee with the Superintendent at a local business to give members of the community the opportunity to talk to him face to face.

At one Coffee with the Superintendent session, a community member offered to coach a trap shooting team, which they plan to offer next fall, as a way to have something for students who like the outdoors.

The district has more than 20 organizations, plus advanced placement classes, dual enrollment and online classes. They continue to add classes and organizations if there is interest.

One new class, proposed by a teacher, is a do-it-yourself class where students can learn to do minor repairs around the home. Justin Cowen, director of learning technology, plans to teach a class showing students how to repair electronic devices like computers and also teaching social awareness and management.

In the tech ed classes, students in seventh grade design and create T-shirts. Students can continue tech classes as they go to high school to learn additional design programs to create other products.

The district’s sinking fund, which was created in 2017, continues to provide funds for improvements to buildings, curriculum and safety. Chromebooks and iPads are upgraded annually. They improved the security camera system and now have one main entry.

New food service equipment was purchased and work was done on the parking lots. Sound and lighting upgrades were also made in the auditorium.

Two major changes are underway at Woodland Elementary School. The office, which had been in the center of the building, was moved to the end of the main hallway. The former office will now be home to student services.

“It will house the school social worker, the school behavior specialist and any outside service that comes in can use it as well,” Yonke said.

Woodland Principal Kristina Brazeau added, “It’s still a work in progress.”

The secretaries moved to the new office just after Christmas, while Brazeau and Assistant Elementary Principal Bryan remained in the central spot until last week.

They have a satellite office in one area that will serve for quick assessments. “We have areas set up in here for calming spaces. There are areas for therapy rooms,” Brazeau said.

The new office has better security, a kitchenette, reset areas, conference rooms and storage area. Her office looks out toward the parking lot and entryway.

“It’s really great that we’re utilizing the whole building now,” she said.

Like most districts, Breitung Township Schools actively seek out grants to help pay for programming and upgrades. In the 2024-25 school year, the district received a $402,000 Healthy Schools grant. They are using $153,000 to replace all the water filters in the district buildings, a project that should be completed by July. In August the air handler system in the auditorium will be replaced.

They have also received a Michigan State Police grant for cyber software, a grant for mentoring new staff and one for elementary school staff development.

The district’s football field and track project was completed this fall with no taxpayer money needed. Money came from the Zanardi Family Trust and through donations. The audio system was recently updated, which will provide clearer sound at the facility.

Another portion of the $4.1 million Zanardi trust money went toward an endowment fund to provide scholarships.

Each year, $125,000 is given to each building. This year, Woodland is using some of the money to purchase a book vending machine. Students will get coins for positive behavior and be able to purchase books at their reading level. Other funds have paid for field trips and other things.

“It’s a great responsibility, to not only educate their kids, manage their finances properly and prepare our students that when they graduate they’re ready to become productive members of society, whether they stay here or spread their wings. We’re very happy to be part of the community,” Yonke said.

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