Virtual Learning, New Investments Making News at County Schools

Are students finally back en masse in Leelanau classrooms? And what of the teacher and staff shortage hitting districts across the country? The Leelanau Ticker caught up with Suttons Bay Public and Glen Lake Community school districts to hear about where enrollment is up, where new dollars are being invested, and which national trend (thankfully) isn’t affecting Leelanau’s public schools.  

In recent years, the Suttons Bay Public school district has experienced a steady increase of between five and ten percent in on-site student population, says Superintendent Casey Petz. Unlike larger state districts, though, where student increase is often linked to a dynamic shift like out-of-state influx, Petz explains that the incremental growth in Suttons Bay is largely organic. “Ours has been more of a pick-up in early childhood numbers,” he says, with both Transitional and classic Kindergarten and Pre-K numbers all on the upswing.

The district’s virtual attendance, however, has proven far more inconsistent. Suttons Bay’s virtual education platform, which, he says, is facilitated by certified teachers of the district. Established in the 2010’s, Suttons Bay’s virtual education platform offers its students both fully-remote and hybrid options, as well as separate software and systems (though the classes comply with MME standards).

Predictably, Suttons Bay experienced sky-high virtual enrollment during the pandemic. But this year’s numbers have taken an interesting twist: There was a sharp decrease in the first semester, followed by a distinctive upward trend to start the second. “What that tells you is that a lot of people wanted to go back and try an in-seat education model, but found out quickly that they’re not ready,” says Petz.

The Glen Lake Community School district has also seen historically high enrollment, with 751 students comprising grade levels K-12, and an additional 150 in total programming, including Pre-K. Glen Lake, however, is unique in that nearly 35 percent of its students enroll from outside district lines (via “school of choice”). According to Superintendent Jason Misner, this additional variable makes year-to-year population trends especially difficult to predict.

The district anticipates similar growth in upcoming years, with Misner noting its elementary and middle-school populations far outnumber higher grade-levels. In fact, says Misner, the smallest classes throughout the Glen Lake district are also the oldest, with next year’s class of incoming seniors comprising just 47 students, while the upcoming ninth grade class, at 73, is nearly double in size.

The phenomenon, says Misner, is largely attributable to a recent spike in new students to the district as well as overall regional growth, spurred by rising housing costs and economic flux -- though he’s quick to also credit the district’s overall quality. “I think Glen Lake does a fantastic job of educating the whole child. We have a lot to offer here,” he says.

One trend that hasn’t hit either district is a staffing shortage.

“We don’t currently have any full-time positions open or posted,” says Petz (with the exception of the odd coaching spot). Glen Lake is similarly equipped, with Misner noting that the district has no immediate need for staff.

“People want to work here,” says Petz. “We’re not so concerned about who we might need. [Instead], we’re mostly concerned about how to support and uplift the people we have.”

Glen Lake will likely have openings next year as it prepares to accommodate larger class sizes.

Both districts are also planning new investments in safety and comfort. Suttons Bay reports immediate upgrades to campus security, as well HVAC system improvements; while in Glen Lake, septic system replacements and new windows are well underway. Misner also hints at plans for larger structural change via a new master plan that’s in process but not yet finalized.

Both districts also plan an increased focus on extracurricular activities heading into 2024. Glen Lake plans to expand community recreation, including bolstered athletic opportunities, as well as student travel initiatives. Misner tells the Leelanau Ticker that camp-style programming is on the docket, along with additional after-school clubs and activities. “We hope to bridge that work with our community partners so that all children [in the area] have access to our offerings,” he says.

Other upcoming events include spring theater projects in both districts. In Suttons Bay, Petz highlights a recent overhaul of the school’s performing arts programs, which he says was completed earlier this year. Likewise, Glen Lake has expanded its theater endeavors to include both primary and secondary levels. “It’s not an easy thing to pull this off in a small school, so we’re feeling really good about where we’re headed and [opportunities] for spring,” notes Petz.