IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain School Board learned this week that work on the Izzo-Mariucci building HVAC project will begin this month.

The building will be closed starting Monday. The gym will be closed through at least June 20, but the weight room will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. during construction.

Gundlach Champion of Iron Mountain will be overseeing the approximately $2 million project.

General trades work will be completed by MBM Construction of Kingsford and Prime of Marquette was selected for the mechanical work.

Work includes replacing the aging HVAC system with new boilers, and converting it to a water-based one. Other work being completed includes new doors, flooring and lights in the main entry, a new trophy case, new doors at the A Street entrance and cameras to increase security. The district will use $1.6 million from the Zanardi Trust and $800,000 from a grant to pay for the project.

In other business, the board Monday —

— Heard a request from kindergarten teacher Sierra Gonzales to have her golden retriever “Goose” serve as a therapy dog at North Elementary starting next fall. Gonzales said her dog is undergoing training to be certified. If approved, details would be worked out to make it minimally invasive. The dog would be kenneled in her classroom.

— Learned from Superintendent Jerry Sardina that the district will apply for a waiver from the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District to vary the calendar the 2026-27 school year to allow the district to have school the Monday after spring break on April 29, so they can end the school year on a Friday instead of a Monday in June. Districts usually align their breaks to coincide with the ISD because of the tech center.

— Enjoyed a demonstration from the robotics team, made up of seven members. The young team recently completed their season in Escanaba.

— Accepted secondary math teacher Nikki Peddycord’s letter of intent to retire, effective June 30.

— Approved hiring Dawn Hazelwood as an early kindergarten teacher for the 2026-27 school year.

— Accepted Jennifer Geneva’s resignation as seventh and eighth grade girls basketball coach, effective immediately.

— Heard the district will be consulting with Coleman Engineering on the track once the snow has gone.

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