From the Office of the Superintendent
Week of September 15-19, 2025
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S. – Superintendent, Cheboygan Area Schools
Mom, Do I Have to Go to College?
I recently read an article titled “Why Go to College?” by Dr. Tara Horner, a professor at The Citadel in South Carolina. The Citadel is a prestigious public senior military college known for its rigorous military structure, leadership-focused education, and deep historical roots.
In this qualitative research study, Dr. Horner identified four key categories of positive benefits associated with college attendance:
Career Preparation – 73% cited this as a primary reason for attending
Financial Gains – 55%
Knowledge Expansion – 36%
Personal Growth and Development – 27%
I also believe that college, or any post-secondary path, is more flexible and accessible than ever. Every student must find the path that suits them best. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are making a strong comeback, with more students interested in acquiring practical skills that can lead to immediate employment. CTE often offers one of the quickest and most direct routes into the workforce.
Here in Cheboygan, we currently offer nine CTE programs—the most in the Northeastern Region of the state. For comparison, Gaylord, a larger and more populated district, offers only six. We're also working to expand our offerings even further.
Additionally, our high school CTE programs are now paired with our Early Middle College (EMC) program, opening even more post-high school opportunities. EMC is now entering its second year at Cheboygan High School. If you're not familiar, EMC allows juniors and seniors to take dual-enrollment college courses while still in high school. After their senior year, students continue for a fifth year at either North Central Michigan College (NCMC) or Alpena Community College, with the opportunity to earn an associate degree at no cost to the student.
This year, we have over 20 seniors returning to the program and over 20 new juniors starting this year. Sophomores interested in joining should speak with their counselor immediately, before October 1st. (REMINDER: If you are a junior and still considering EMC, the deadline is October 1st. After that date, the state will NOT allow us to add you to the EMC program.)
What I appreciate most about EMC is the flexibility it provides. Students can follow two distinct tracks:
Associate Degree Path – Most EMC students plan to earn an associate degree and then transfer to a four-year university. This route saves both time and money; two years of college, fully funded.
CTE or Career-Ready Path – A growing number of students are choosing a faster track to employment by combining EMC with a CTE certification. During the fifth year experience, students can earn industry-recognized credentials in fields such as welding, automotive repair, or electrical line work. Line work is one of our most popular and lucrative options.
What I love about EMC is how we can tailor a student’s education to their career goals. Whether you're aiming for a four-year degree, an associate degree, or a specialized certificate, EMC helps you take the shortest and smartest path from the classroom to a successful career. Ironically, my twin boys are both in the EMC program—one is pursuing an associate degree with plans to transfer to a four-year university, while the other is aiming to earn a certificate in automotive technology through the CTE route. Two distinct paths, both tailored to their personal goals, for twin boys.
For more information about EMC: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/flexible-learning/middle-colleges
For more information about the upcoming CTE millage: https://www.cteforcop.org/
Preliminary Enrollment Numbers
East Elementary: 194 (includes PreK)
CIS: 568
JR/HS: 646
IA: 80
Total: 1,488
Last year, we ended the school year with 1,458 students. This year, we have unofficially increased our student population by 30 students. Our largest class is 6th grade, with 130 students. Our smallest class is 1st grade with 75 students. Excluding PreK, the average class size of grades K-12 is 112.5 students.
Official Student Count Day: October 1, 2025
Changing School Culture in 2025–2026
Student Parking: Please continue to follow your parking assignments. Lot 1, in front, is for seniors. Lot 2, the side lot, is for sophomores and juniors.
Proper Cell Phone Use: As we work toward a distraction-free learning environment, please remember: No cell phone use during instructional time (district-wide policy).
Improving Attendance: The most important factor of student success is attendance. It's simple, you have to be present to learn. Students who miss 20 unexcused days or non-medical days will be ticketed for truancy, no exceptions.
Zero Tolerance for Bullying: As I enter my third year as superintendent, I’m proud to report that reported instances of bullying have decreased significantly throughout the school district. However, it remains a priority. I’ve worked with each building principal to ensure that our discipline plans are clear, swift, and firm. Repeated instances of bullying will not be tolerated at CAS.
Zero Tolerance for Vaping: Vaping continues to be a national crisis affecting young students and schools nationwide. While we’ve made progress, it remains a serious issue, especially at the high school level. Beyond the obvious health risks, vaping is illegal in schools. Anyone caught with a vape in school will be ticketed, no exceptions. Firm and consistent consequences are essential to curbing this dangerous and addictive behavior.
Facility Projects – Updates & Timelines
Track Replacement Project
Construction has been delayed due to continued contract negotiations
Soccer games will continue until construction begins
Tennis & Pickleball Court Renovation
Scheduled to start soon, end of September
East Elementary Renovation & Inverness Project
Bid opening: October 2, 2025
Construction begins: Spring 2026
Looking Ahead – September Calendar
16 – Bus Driver Meeting #2 @ 9:00 AM (BR)
16 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM (BR)
16 – Truancy Officer Meeting @ 12:30 PM (Office)
16 – Meeting with Jamie Huber – CTE Millage Discussion @ 3:00 PM
16 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM (BR)
17 – MASA Superintendent Conference Begins
18 – Safety Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM – CANCELLED
22 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM (BR)
22 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 PM
23 – Weekly Coordination Zoom Meeting with Sitelogic @ 9:30 AM
23 – COPESD CTE Steering Committee Meeting @ 1:00 PM
29 - M&K Curriculum Mapping on the 29th and 30th
30 – Thrun Legal Training Webinar – Student Discipline @ 12:00 PM (BR)
Quote of the Week
"The leaves fall not because they have failed, but because it is their time to let go. When we apply this truth to our own lives—releasing what no longer serves us—we find that the journey becomes lighter and more meaningful." — Coach George Raveling (1937-2025)
The late Coach Raveling is best known for his coaching career in college basketball, having served as head coach at:
Washington State University (1972–1983)
University of Iowa (1983–1986)
University of Southern California (1986–1994)
A lesser-known fact: Coach Raveling was given the original “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Dr. King handed it to him, directly after giving the speech, as he walked off the stage at the 1963 march on Washington.
Have a great Sunday evening!
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools