New sound systems at Gros Cap School will amplify teachers' voices to allow students to be able to hear more clearly, the school board learned during its meeting Monday, December 14. Also on the agenda was a Moran Township vacancy on the Eastern Upper Peninsula Parent Advisory Committee and the election of two board members in May.

A $4,160 grant from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will pay for four sound amplification systems that allow teachers to speak into microphone attached to lapels and transmit to speakers throughout the classroom. The school installed two similar systems last year, one funded by the Upper Peninsula Lions Club, the other by special education stimulus funds.

Superintendent William Peltier said the sound systems benefit all children, not just the hearing impaired. The systems make it easier for children with ear infections or colds to hear teachers, and it also helps children with attention deficit disorder to focus. A portable microphone from the system can be used by children when they speak, as well, he added.

"It's a tool that helps everybody," Mr. Peltier said.

The equipment has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it arrives, Mr. Peltier said. When the equipment arrives all standard classrooms for every grade level will have a sound system.

Applications are being taken for a Moran Township representative on the EUP Parent Advisory Committee, which provides information to parents with disabled children and contributes to the intermediate school district special education plan. Applicants must be the parent of a "special needs" child and a resident of Moran Township. A letter of interest can be sent to Gros Cap School. Nobody has applied for the position yet, Mr. Peltier said.

Two board seats and a millage renewal will be on the school election ballot in May.

The terms of Nicole Brown and Helen Graichen on the board of education will end in June 2010, and both have said they will run for reelection May 4. Others interested in serving on the board can pick up a petition from the school office. Candidates must be residents of Moran Township and have between six and 20 signatures on their petition. The last day to file is February 9.

Voters will also decide whether to renew the district's 16.8734 mills May 4. The millage is used for operating expenses and is expected to raise about $961,784 over three years.