Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of April 13, 2026
East Elementary Groundbreaking Ceremony – Tuesday, April 14
On Tuesday at 3:45 p.m., Cheboygan Area Schools will be conducting a groundbreaking ceremony at East Elementary. We will have representatives from the various organizations that are helping make this project a reality gathered in one place to mark the official beginning of the East Elementary renovation project.
As you know, this project is part of the bond approved in November 2024. East Elementary is the largest project included in that proposal. More than $10 million will be invested to renovate the oldest building in our district. East Elementary was built in 1959 and is long overdue for some tender loving care.
We are very excited about these renovations and hope you can join us to celebrate the beginning of this work. The project is expected to be approximately 90% complete by the end of this summer, with full completion anticipated by the end of summer 2027.
Safety remains our top priority. A temporary wall was installed over spring break to separate construction areas from student spaces. First-grade drop-off and pick-up procedures will be adjusted slightly, although the pick-up area will remain the same for now. Work will continue throughout the summer, and all East-based summer programs will be relocated to the CIS building. Essentially, East Elementary will be off-limits this summer.
Thank you for your continued support as we invest in East Elementary!
Superintendents to Meet with Cam Cavitt on Monday
Excessive snow days have become a major topic of conversation across the region and state, as all districts within the COPESD have exceeded the nine allowable days due to a severe winter. On Monday morning, the ten regional superintendents in our COPESD will meet, along with State Representative Cam Cavitt, to discuss both immediate concerns and potential long-term solutions.
Historically, the Governor has not granted forgiveness beyond nine days unless a State of Emergency has been declared. This year, all of our districts have exceeded that limit, with some missing between 10 and 16 days, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. At the state level, legislation is being developed to forgive 2026 ice storm-related days, along with a broader proposal to allow forgiveness opportunities for districts in areas such as ours that suffered through excessive snow days without our region being declared to be in a State of Emergency, i.e., the winter blizzard of 2026.
At the same time, there is tension between avoiding an extended school year and ensuring adequate instructional time, especially given ongoing concerns about student performance. Overall, districts are facing a significant loss of instructional time, prompting urgent discussions around both short-term relief and long-term policy solutions.
April Calendar
· April 13 – Student Hearing @ 9:00 a.m. (BR)
· April 13 – COPESD Superintendent Meeting @ 10:00 a.m.
· April 13 – NMSLA Zoom Meeting @ 1:00 p.m.
· April 14 – East Elementary Groundbreaking Ceremony @ 3:45 p.m.
· April 15 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 a.m.
· April 15 – Half Day for Students
· April 15 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (Afternoon)
· April 16 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
· April 17 – Teacher Contract Negotiation Meeting @ 3:30 p.m. (BR)
· April 21 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 a.m.
· April 21 – District Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 a.m. (if needed)
· April 21 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 p.m. (if needed)
· April 21 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 p.m.
· April 22 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 a.m.
· April 22 – Teacher Contract Negotiation Meeting @ 3:30 p.m. (BR)
· April 27 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 p.m.
· April 27 – Board Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. (BR)
· April 28 – Bid Opening @ 12:00 p.m. (BR)
· April 29 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 a.m.
Important Dates in May for Seniors
· May 19 – Graduation Practice @ 1:00 p.m.
· May 20 – Senior Breakfast @ 7:15 a.m.
· May 21 – Inverness Academy Graduation
· May 22 – Graduation Ceremony @ 7:00 p.m.
Quote of the Week – Testing to Begin
As we begin the first week of student testing, I want to remind you that this is your opportunity to show what you know and how much you’ve grown. There may be moments when things feel challenging, but I encourage you to stay focused and keep pushing forward. Take your time, stay positive, and don’t forget, your hard work will pay off. You’ve prepared for this, and we believe in you.
Remember, “Believe you can, and you're halfway there,” as Theodore Roosevelt once said. Confidence matters; trust yourself and your preparation.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA, CO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools