IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain Public Schools will look into purchasing the former Cut Above Hair Saloon building on Carpenter Avenue, across from the Izzo-Mariucci Center.

Superintendent Jerry Sardina said the building was recently sold, but he talked to the new owner who may be interested in selling. The board gave permission this week to explore it.

If the district purchases the property, which is adjacent to the student parking lot, it would allow room for expansion of the parking lot, or expansion of the former industrial arts building. The district may reopen that building for multiple uses.

Board member Jim Carollo agreed it would could be a worthwhile acquisition.

In other business Monday, the board:

— Approved a change in the graduation policy that requires students to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The policy change is part of the Universal FAFSA Challenge, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP.

Students will be required to sign up for FAFSA unless they have a signed waiver. Districts must show they made a good-faith effort sign up students who do not have a waiver, Sardina said. With the policy change the district is eligible to receive a grant of $77,000. That money could be used for things like FAFSA sign-up events or college visits, among other possibilities.

— Voted to sell a Hughitt Street parcel to Gene Carollo for $8,000 and a swap of wooded property measuring approximately 150 feet by 50 feet that is adjacent to the East Elementary building. East Elementary now houses the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools. The Hughitt Street property is 90 feet by 120 feet and was offered for sale at $10,000.

— Heard an update from Sardina on the Our Place Community Center-Imagination Factory Children’s Museum, which is under construction in the former Central School building. He said there is a nearby pump building that will not be needed because the museum will have HVAC units inside. Museum officials requested the building be demolished, because the space can be used for additional parking or other uses. The museum, which is targeting an August moving date, will pay expenses for the demolition.

— Heard an update from Sardina on the school’s balance fund, which has been increasing the past couple of years. Sardina said three main factors have led to the increase: they budget for a lower amount of students, but the district is now up by 22 to 27 full-time equivalent students; more property taxes have been collected; and they have received more state aid for at-risk students. The district expects to add about $600,000 to the fund balance, which is at about $2.5 million.

— Accepted the resignation of long-time varsity volleyball coach Jeanne Newberry with regret.

— Accepted an intent to retire letter from music teacher Edward Williams, effective June 30.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.