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Superintendent's Corner

     

Dear North Branch School District Families and Community,

The North Branch Board of Education, administrators, teachers, and support staff are excited to welcome our students and families to what promises to be another fantastic school year.

The first day of school for all students is Monday, August 18th.
By now, you should have received information from your child’s school to ensure a smooth and successful start. If not, please visit our website at www.nbbroncos.net for the full 2025–2026 school calendar and additional updates.

 

Stronger Than Ever

I want to thank you for your continued support of North Branch Area Schools. I’m beginning my 25th year with NBAS and my 10th year as superintendent—and I can confidently say our district has never been stronger.

This past year:

  • Ruth Fox Middle School and North Branch Elementary School were named among the Best Public Schools in the Country by U.S. News & World Report for the second year in a row.
     
  • Locally, we’ve been voted Best of the Best in Lapeer County every year since 2018.
     
  • Our school staff’s continued dedication and hard work are the driving force behind these achievements.
     

We are especially proud of Corey Rosser, selected by the Michigan Department of Education as the 2025–26 Teacher of the Year. Corey exemplifies the high standard of excellence embraced by all NBAS educators. Congratulations, Corey!

 

Summer Highlights & Improvements

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
In June, we held a week-long AI Summer Institute for 25 educators. These teachers will help lead the way in integrating generative AI into classrooms this fall. This initiative supports our Board of Education’s goal to prepare students for the future by ensuring they gain experience with emerging technologies.

Safety Upgrades & Facility Improvements

  • New PA systems were installed at the high school, middle school, and elementary school to improve school-wide communication and emergency response.
     
  • An outdated fire alarm system at the high school was replaced.
     
  • Our maintenance team worked hard over the summer completing extensive repairs and deep cleaning across all buildings to maintain safe, clean, and welcoming learning environments.
     

Early Childhood Learning Center
We’ve relocated our Early Childhood Learning Center to the Administration Services Center and Quest Building, uniting our:

  • Great Start Readiness Program
     
  • Little Learners Preschool Programs
     
  • FABS (Fun After & Before School) Program
     

Renovated classrooms, new technology, and a brand-new playground make this a wonderful space for our youngest learners. This move also created much-needed space at the elementary school.
➡️ For enrollment information, contact the district’s Early Childhood Coordinator, Lisa Bazinaw at (810) 688-7147.

Updated Cell Phone Policy
NBAS has updated its cell phone policy district-wide.

  • Elementary and high school policies remain mostly unchanged.
     
  • Middle school policies have been positively revised to reduce distractions and improve learning.
     

Across the nation, schools with stricter phone guidelines report:

  • Fewer disruptions
     
  • Better student engagement
     
  • Improved grades
     
  • Decreased suspensions
     

Principals have sent out letters from each building informing parents and students of the new cell phone policy.   All buildings will reinforce these policies on the first day. We ask parents to support us in maintaining focused and respectful classrooms.

 

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to welcome new staff members to NBAS and to continue our commitment to our district’s “All In” motto. Together, we look forward to another year of academic success, growth, and community pride.

We can’t wait to welcome your children back on Monday, August 18th!

If you have any questions or need assistance as the year begins, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (810) 688-3570.

 

In anticipation of an amazing school year,


Jim Fish
Superintendent
North Branch Area Schools