Craig Freestone

The Board of Education meeting included recognition for a retirement, the band, Teacher of the Month (Katie Buckley), and Support Staff of the Month (Katie Spreeman). Key educational matters discussed involved the 2025 Fall Pupil Accounting Report, Aim for Excellence updates, and Grant Allocations. Action items approved setting the date for the organizational meeting to January 22, 2026, authorizing the Superintendent to complete necessary opt-in/out assurances in NexSys/GEMS pending legal review, approving the hiring of two affiliated custodians (Tom Cozart and Ethan Lassiter), approving an increase in contracted hourly rates, and approving the Mid-Year Superintendent's Evaluation for the 2025-2026 school year. Discussions were planned regarding future actions on hiring for a Special Education Teacher and IF Aide(s), an overnight trip, and a budget amendment.

The Board of Education meeting included retirement recognitions, teacher and support staff of the month recognitions, and a 2025 Bond Projects update. The board discussed moving Special Education students to General Education buses. The board approved the Independent Facilitator Aide(s), the hiring of a new GSRP teacher and a new Math teacher. They also approved the overnight trip for the Airport Wrestling team and adopted the resolution to support the Monroe County Intermediate School District to place a Regional Enhancement millage renewal on the May 5, 2026 election ballot. The board accepted Section 31aa funds for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and authorized the Superintendent to complete the required opt-in/assurances. The board also agreed to rescind the purchase of two COMBI gas ovens due to installation logistics. The setting of Organizational Meeting Date, Hiring of a Full time, Affiliated, NonCertified Custodian and Hiring of Affiliated, Independent Facilitator (IF) Aide(s) were set for future discussion and action.

The meeting included recognition of the Teacher and Support Staff of the Month for September. Discussions covered the Aim for Excellence program. The board approved the hiring of a Business Office Accountant and an ELA teacher, as well as IF Aides. They also approved the purchase of new food service equipment and adopted a resolution to support and join the Powerschool Litigation. Future actions and discussions were planned for hiring affiliated Independent Facilitator Aides, an overnight trip for Airport Wrestling, and a resolution for a County Wide Technology Enhancement Millage. Information was shared regarding out-of-state day trip approvals, leave of absence/retirement/resignations, third-party hirings, and a Budget & Finance Committee Audit Presentation.

The Board of Education meeting included a service recognition, a recap of the first week back to school, and the approval of the Varsity Volleyball team attending a tournament. The board approved IF Aides and the hiring of a new Assistant Principal. Leslie Anderson was selected as the preferred candidate for the vacant Board of Education seat. Discussions included hiring for an affiliated administrative position and overnight trips for Youth in Government and 5th Grade Camp. Information was shared regarding leaves of absence and resignations, as well as third-party hirings.

The Board of Education addressed several action items during the meeting. They approved the appointment of Angela Ashcraft as the acting Secretary and approved the hire of Gerald Dyson as the new Assistant Principal for Wagar Middle & Jr. High School. Additionally, they approved the attendance of 20 Youth In Government students to a conference in Lansing, MI, and an overnight trip for the Fifth Grade Camp Experience to Camp Michindoh Outdoor Education School.