Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of April 20, 2026
School On…for Monday!
This morning, I participated in a Conference Call with several members of the EOC, including Jeremy Runstrom, Ron Fenlon, and others. Based on the most current information, both the EOC and Cheboygan Area Schools are confident that we can and will return to school tomorrow, Monday, April 20.
Water levels in and around town, as well as near our school buildings, are expected to remain stable and/or begin to recede. In addition, our schools are currently outside of any danger or concern zones identified by the EOC. However, we are aware that some areas, particularly south of town, including Black Lake and the Black River, have already experienced significant flooding.
For some families, the impact has been substantial. Many of the affected homes are not seasonal but permanent residences for our students. In some cases, these homes may remain flooded for days or even weeks before recovery can truly begin. As a result, we must remain flexible, understanding, and accommodating for those students and families who have been most impacted and may not be able to return to school immediately.
Student absences related to flooding, whether tomorrow or later in the week, will obviously be excused. Our teachers and administrators will proactively consider how to stay connected with students who are unable to attend in person during this time. This may include sending work home or connecting virtually.
Transportation will also present challenges. The EOC provided an updated road closure list this morning. Our transportation department is working to adjust routes accordingly now. If we find that a bus is unable to reach a student, families may need to arrange alternate transportation. We will address these situations individually and communicate directly with affected families to develop the best possible plan.
Encouragingly, last week we were able to transport approximately 99.9% of our students, with only a few requiring alternative arrangements.
Returning to a sense of normalcy will take time and will not be without challenges, but we must begin somewhere, and that starting point is tomorrow.
Thank you for your continued leadership and support.
Local Superintendents met with Legislators last Week…
Most area superintendents met with Representative Cam Cavitt and Senator John Damoose last week, on Monday. They advised districts to plan for the worst but hope for the best regarding the possibility of receiving a waiver for days beyond the nine allowable closures due to the severe winter.
While there does not appear to be overwhelming support in Lansing, there is some legislation under consideration in Lansing that could provide relief. However, given typical legislative timelines, a decision will likely not be made until later this spring.
In addition to the five days missed due to the Blizzard of 2026, we have now missed three additional school days due to the current flooding situation. The previously mentioned legislation was introduced before these recent events. We are hopeful that the three days missed last week will be waived by the Governor, as they occurred during a declared State of Emergency for our area.
We will continue to keep you informed regarding both the possibility of waiving the blizzard-related days and our new request to have the flood-related days forgiven.
Historically, the Governor has not granted forgiveness beyond nine days unless a State of Emergency has been declared. However, all districts within COPESD, including ours, have exceeded this limit. All schools are over their limit, some school districts missing as many as 10, while others missed up to 16 days, highlighting the widespread impact across Northern Michigan. We now have the most, with 17 school days missed, due to weather-related reasons.
April Calendar – May is around the Corner!
· April 20 – HS BP Meeting @ 10:00 a.m.
· April 20 – ELE BP Meeting @ 1:00 p.m.
· 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 24 – Bond Rating Call @ 11:30 a.m.
· 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
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.” — Bob Marley
Bob Marley is best known as one of the most influential figures in the history of reggae music and a global cultural icon. He became a symbol of resilience, hope, and empowerment.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA, CO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools