Good Sunday Evening,
Ice Storm 2025 – A Community United
I’m sure many of you recall the infamous Snow Storm of 1978. As a child growing up in Jackson, Michigan, I still vividly remember the sight of snow towering over me, with pathways my father had shoveled from our house to the garage. At just 10 years old, it seemed like an endless sea of snow. Today, many of us will undoubtedly be sharing our own stories of this ice storm for years to come.
The stories I've heard from all of you speak to the heart of our community. Neighbors, linemen, first responders, and countless others have come together in Cheboygan to support one another during this challenging time. In these difficult days, we should all take pride in being part of such a resilient and compassionate community.
Why not open schools up as warming stations and Friday Backpack Food Program?
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of schools as warming stations and the Friday Backpack Food Program.
The idea of opening schools as warming stations has been discussed several times. Unfortunately, last week, all of our schools lost power, and none have backup generators. As a result, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) advised against using schools as warming stations. Additionally, multiple warming stations with backup generators were already in operation throughout the area.
Our current focus is on getting students back to school as soon as possible, with plans to reopen on Thursday, pending any further updates.
Regarding the Friday Backpack Food Program, we will resume distributing food as soon as students return. If you are not currently on the list but would like to be added to the program, please contact your school principal directly.
What Does the Future Hold?
As many of you already know, Governor Whitmer recently visited Cheboygan to assess the damage firsthand. Positive and constructive conversations have taken place between the Governor and our county’s Emergency Services Team. With the support and assistance from the state, we can look ahead with hope and confidence. Governor Whitmer has deployed the Michigan National Guard to assist with recovery efforts by providing additional personnel and specialized equipment.
"My top priority right now is ensuring that all first responders have the fuel they need to continue their efforts and that Michigan families have the energy necessary to heat their homes during this cold weather," said Governor Whitmer. This Executive Order took effect on Thursday, April 3rd, and will remain in effect through Thursday, April 10th.
Following a meeting with the county Emergency Services Team and in accordance with the Executive Order, it has been decided that our county schools will remain closed until the damage and recovery progress are reassessed on Tuesday morning, April 8th. At that time, a determination will be made as to whether it will be safe for students to return to school on Thursday, April 10th, or if the closure will extend until Monday, April 14th. Everyone shares the desire to have students back in school as soon as possible, but the safety of our students, staff, and community remains our top priority.
Gratitude for Our First Responders and Linemen!
I would like to once again extend our deepest gratitude to the linemen and first responders who have been working tirelessly—often for 16 hours a day—to restore power and ensure the safety of everyone in our community. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we thank them for their continued efforts.
Will School Days Need to Be Made Up?
Given the current situation, it appears that we may be out of school for at least 8 days. Since the Governor has declared a “state of emergency,” there is the potential for these school days to be excused by the state. This typically requires an official act of government to confirm. In the past, when schools were closed due to a state mandate, those days have often been excused, and schools have not had to make them up at the end of the year. We’ve had multiple superintendents in our area speaking directly with the Governor and State Superintendent, advocating for these days to be excused. It seems that there is support at the state level, and we expect guidance from Lansing soon. Until we receive official confirmation, however, the situation remains tentative.
When Are Other Schools in Our Area Returning to School?
I’ve been in communication with neighboring school districts, and based on preliminary information, here are their tentative plans to return to school:
Mackinaw City – Monday, April 7
Vanderbilt, Onaway, and Posen – Wednesday, April 9
CAS, Inland Lakes, and Wolverine – Thursday, April 10
These plans are subject to change, and I will be meeting with the county Emergency Services Team at 8:00 AM on Tuesday to evaluate the situation further. Following this meeting, I will provide any updates on our district’s status via online channels.
Final Thoughts...
As we move through this challenging time, I encourage everyone to stay safe, stay warm, and help out a neighbor when possible. Let’s continue to support our linemen, first responders, and one another in every way we can. We are a community, and together, we will get through this.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support.
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed. S, CSBO, CAA - Superintendent
Quote for the Week: "In time of crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics.” – John F. Kennedy, and he is best known for being the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He is remembered for several key aspects of his presidency, including his famous inaugural address, particularly the line "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country," continues to inspire generations of Americans.