The end of the 2005/2006 school year is upon us. The media is filled with news that reflects financial troubles in our educational systems across the state. Last year the St. Ignace Area School system made changes that affected every part of our program, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in our expenditures. Those actions were a direct result of Michigan's ailing economy.

While Michigan's economy is ailing, it is important to keep in mind that if it were a separate nation, Michigan would have the 17th largest economy in the world. All is not doom and gloom. Our state still has a tremendous economic base; we are a resourceful people and there is light ahead.

Likewise with our school system, the financial cuts we made were painful, but we are a resourceful group and there is light ahead. We have many things that we would like to add to our system that would make improvements in our educational program, however, this article is not about those things. This article is, instead, about what it is we do have and what we do offer.

It is human nature to always want more, and there are many legitimate things that we need as a system. I think you will find after reading this article that we have a strong program and we have much to be thankful for.

Facilities. Our High School was built in 1961 and underwent extensive renovation in the summer of 2005. Our Middle School was built in 1991. Our Elementary School was built in 1997. All buildings are housed on the same campus. In total, they feature 53 fully equipped classrooms. At the High School, there is a wood shop, a metal shop, an art room, a chemistry lab, a biology lab, a general science lab, a library, a computer/business lab, a band room, a stage, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a kitchen. At the Middle School and elementary school, there are two gymnasiums, two science labs, a library/computer lab, a choir room, an art room, a multipurpose classroom, a cafeteria/ multipurpose room, a kitchen, and a stage.

Technology. The district has 550 network computers, serving all classrooms, students, and teachers. The buildings have wireless Internet access. All students have controlled Internet access. Two computer labs are available in the high school; one computer lab is available in the middle school. Purchased through a grant, 318 Freedom to Learn wireless laptop computers are targeted for every student in grades 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12. Students have access to Michigan Virtual High School classes and dual enrollment classes, as well as Interactive Television classes.

Counseling Services. Two guidance counselors provide assistance to students in K-12. Counselors assist student with personal issues, career planning, health issues, academic issues, and college and vocational planning. Counselors have developed inschool mentor programs, matching older high school students with younger elementary students. Counselors assist high school students with work experience programs related to their career plans. Counselors are responsible for planning, implementing, and assisting students with MEAP, ACT, PSAT, ASVAB, and other student testing.

Extracurricular Programs. A full schedule of Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) extracurricular athletic programs are offered in grades 7 through 12. More than 50 percent of the student body participates in one or more of the programs, which include golf, football, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls cross country, wrestling, dance, boys and girls bowling, cheerleading, volleyball, boys and girls track, softball, and baseball. Additionally, the school has an active drama program that puts on at least one major production a year, an after-school elementary choir, a before-school 7-12 jazz band program, an after-school steel high school drum band, and an elementary steel drum program. Athletic and band programs offer summer camp opportunities. Inschool clubs include French Club, Europe Club, Shop Club, Art Club, Biology Club, and Physics Club. The student council provides an excellent school leadership training program. National Honor Society provides a way to recognize and promote student scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

Curricular Programs. The state-aligned curriculum is offered to all students in grades K-12. All instructors meet the federal government's Highly Qualified Teacher status. Elementary students have programs with statecertified instructors in Physical Education, Art, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and Technology. High school students, in addition to a basic curriculum, may take Chemistry II, Advanced Biology, Physics, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, French I and French II, College prep English IV, Concert and Marching Band, Choral Music, Advanced Physical Education, Weights, Drafting, Metal Shop, Art, Wood Shop, Construction class building an on-site home, and work experience related to their selected career. Students with special needs are offered the resources that allow them to make educational progress on the regular curriculum as determined by their abilities. The research-based Reading Recovery program is offered for elementary students to improve their reading skills.

School Breakfast/Lunch Program. The school provides free breakfast to all students. A hot lunch is available to all students for a nominal fee. Students that have a financial need receive either a free or reduced price hot lunch.

Transportation. The school provides busing for all students K12.

Booster Clubs. The school has an active sports booster club. In recent years it has been instrumental in assisting with new lighting, a new field house, and a new announcing booth at the football field. Boosters are currently working on a new concession and restroom facility at the track, baseball, softball complex. The PTO is a very active group that annually raises thousands of dollars to assist with various educational programs aimed primarily at giving assistance to the school program. The band boosters is a very active group that gives guidance to the band program and raises thousands of dollars annually in support of the program. The St. Ignace Community Fund, along with area service clubs, such as the Kiwanis, the Lions, and the Moose, give thousands of dollars annually for student scholarships and other needs.

After-School Program. Child and Family Services provides a grant to run a year-around afterschool and summer program for students in grades K-8. Students with financial need are admitted to the program free of charge. All other students pay a nominal fee. This program provides educational tutoring and experiential programming for all students.

Full NCA Accredited Schools. All schools are accredited by North Central Association. This process involves a thorough review of the schools' operating policies, curriculum offerings, program offerings, and facilities. In order to receive accreditation, the school must meet certain baseline standards. It then must do a self study to identify those areas that have the greatest need for improvement. These improvements must target student achievement. Based upon the study, the school develops goals and strategies for reaching those goals. This school improvement process helps the school focus its curriculum development and professional development resources in the areas that have the most need.

Staffing. The real strength of the school is the people employed. In the end, the overall results are far more dependent on them than on any other factor. Our budget reflects that truth. More than 80 percent of the budget goes to staffing expenses. Forty-four certified and highly qualified teachers provide daily classroom instruction and implementation of the educational program. Thirteen teacher aides assist with elementary and special needs students. A technology director maintains and coordinates the district's expanding technology demands. A cultural technician coordinates Native classroom activities. The Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians maintains an office in the school and staffs a YEA Coordinator to plan academic, leadership, and cultural afterschool and summer youth activities for Native American youth. Child and Family Services runs an after-school and summer school program for all K-8 students. The focus of the program is both experiential and educational. Time is allotted during the school day to the athletic director for coordination of the athletic program. The business office is staffed in a way that maintains established business and accounting standards. The district has a full time principal for the K-7 program and a full time principal for the 8-12 programs. Each building office is staffed with a full time secretary. The district employs a staff of five custodial and maintenance people throughout the school year to keep the facilities clean and operational. The district employs five drivers and has a cooperative agreement with Moran Township Schools to provide busing to all students in the greater St. Ignace area. A staff of five oversees the food preparation, serving, and cleanup.

In summary, we made deep cuts in the spending on all programs last year. When funding improves, we have areas that we will target the money toward. A review of what we have helps to keep all in perspective; we still have a very comprehensive program. Sixty-two young men and women were graduated from LaSalle High School May 26. The final measure that will determine our success or failure as a school system will be how well we stoked the fires of creativity, how well we instilled values of personal responsibility, work ethic, and self discipline, how well we succeeded in equipping them with the skills to get along with their fellows and contribute to their communities. In the end, we won't be judged on what we did or didn't have, we will be judged on how well we used what we did have. I believe that we are doing that to the best of our ability.