Many teenagers surely would get on board with being able to design and build ready-to-ride skateboards, longboards, snowboards and paddle boards during the school day. With the help of a new $50,000 grant, students in Char-Em ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will be able to start doing just that.

“‘Gone Boarding’ is a national program with curricular resources to provide students with a real-world project and get them active in outdoor sports,” said Linnea Gibson, K-12 Science Consultant for Char-Em ISD and the Northern Michigan Learning Consortium. 

The grant funding was announced as part of a larger Michigan investment in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – that is bringing $800,000 to education agencies.

In Northwest Michigan, Gibson said the receipt of this grant launches the Gone Boarding program within existing Career and Technical Education courses – such as woodworking, CAD, graphic design, and marketing – allowing students to design and fabricate boards while collaborating with local partners. 

“We have several local partners who are interested and willing to support this program including Little Bay Boards, Woody’s Adventure Sports, Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis, local skateparks, and more,” Gibson said.

Read the complete media release about the STEM grant

A new group of about a dozen 19- to 26-year olds has become part of the daily rhythm at North Central Michigan College as they dine at the Iron Horse Cafe, work in the kitchen, help clean computer labs, and traverse the campus. In fact, most people would likely assume they are students at the Petoskey college.

And that’s the whole point.

While these students are college age, they are part of the adult transition program operated by Char-Em ISD’s special education department. New this school year, the program moved from Taylor School to the college, giving these young adults with disabilities the chance to experience college life with their same-age peers while building skills for work and independence.  

This unique partnership between the ISD and NCMC was the idea of ISD special education teacher Devin Wise, who wanted her students to experience daily life amongst their peers while learning crucial life skills. It kicked off in September and has exceeded expectations, Wise said.

“It is so great to look out and see our students having lunch with NCMC college students, asking them questions, and becoming more social,” said Wise. “Everyone at the college has been so welcoming and accepting.”

Read the complete media release about the new NCMC classroom

On May 5, 2026, voters throughout Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties will be asked to consider Char-Em ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage proposal. This millage has funded vocational programs throughout the ISD’s 11 public school districts for 30 years, with the original millage approved by voters in 1996.

The 1.0 mill request, if approved, would keep the current 23 high school career tech programs operating across the ISD’s 11 public school districts, while maintaining numerous kindergarten-12th grade initiatives such as: Char-Em Street STEM delivering science, technology, engineering, and math tools; seven summer camps; career counseling; work-based learning; and tours of businesses, colleges, and trade schools, among many other efforts and innovations.

The millage would generate approximately $8.1 million annually from 2026-2029.

This request comes before voters every four years, with the last approval in May 2022 of 1.0 total mill. Because that millage expired on Dec. 31, 2025, by law the ballot language cannot be worded as a “renewal,” explained Char-Em ISD Superintendent Scott Koziol.

Read the complete media release about the millage on the Career and Technical Education website

If you are interested in working for Char-Em ISD but don’t see a current job listing that fits your skills or interest, you can submit a general application with your information for future consideration when a position opens up that is match. Create an account in our application portal and submit a general employment application

View complete details about open positions

Char-Em ISD is hiring!

Bus Drivers and substitutes
Bus Riders (who assist drivers) and substitutes
System Engineer Level 2
Teacher Assistants

View complete details about open positions

Char-Em ISD road testers are scheduling driving tests for those seeking auto, motorcycle and CDL licenses. Students and adults are encouraged to contact the test administrators directly; their contact information can be found on the Driver’s License Road Testing page.

Preschool Pre-Application
Parents and guardians may begin the preschool program enrollment process by completing a pre-application for children ages 0-5. Fill out the pre-application