Shane Hillard

The Board of Education meeting covered a range of operational and academic topics. Key presentations included recognizing a staff member of the month, a review of a student transition survey, a recap of the district's five-year plan, and a proposed vision for the upcoming school year including a three-building structure. Administrative reports provided updates on school counts, school of choice enrollment, facility maintenance, and athletic program achievements. New business included the hiring of several staff members, the creation of a middle school physical education teacher position and a middle school principal position, approval for various field trips, authorization of technology infrastructure and equipment purchases, and the approval of a contract for sports trainer services.

The Whiteford Schools Strategic Plan 2022-2027 aims to transform the institution into a world-class school district, ensuring all students graduate from high school. The plan focuses on several key areas, including academic goals through curriculum studies and individualized learning pathways, personnel and leadership goals emphasizing effective communication, fostering a positive culture and learning environment, and maintaining facilities through capital bond investments. It integrates student growth and district-wide goals into its evaluation framework to achieve significant improvements over the next five years.

The meeting commenced with the selection of a temporary President and Secretary in the absence of the official officers. Key discussions included the Superintendent's mandatory Mid-Year Progress Report. Administrative reports detailed budget amendments, updates on insurance claim processing, personnel file scanning progress, and cafeteria self-monitoring findings. Transportation reported on a lease recommendation for a new special education bus and a lawn care contract extension request. Athletics reported on seasonal schedules, new athletic trainers secured through a contract with ATI Physical Therapy, and the imminent arrival of a new baseball scoreboard. The Middle/High School reported on FFA participation and upcoming student events, while the Elementary School reported on winter testing completion, Inclusion Month activities, and preparations for Reading Month. The Superintendent announced two resignations, one from a long-serving Music Teacher and one from a High School Math/Technology Teacher, and reported on recent gifts/donations. New business focused on the hiring of an Assistant Varsity Track Coach, the creation of a new Elementary Vocal Teacher position following a resignation, approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar, and amendments to the 2025-2026 school calendar to account for inclement weather and a hosted conference. The Board also adopted the 2025-2026 Budget Amendments Resolution and approved new High School Art courses, the lawn care contract extension, and the Special Education bus lease.

The Organizational Meeting commenced with the swearing-in of officers, where Shane Hillard was declared president, Dave Dixon vice president, Jeff Bunge secretary, and Janelle Hauser treasurer by acclamation. The board approved the meeting agenda as amended and established a schedule for subsequent regular meetings throughout the year. Special presentations honored Mrs. Nancy Gibson as Staff Member of the Month for December and acknowledged the service of the school board members in honor of School Board Recognition Month. During the regular meeting portion, consent agenda items, including the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and the minutes of the December 8, 2025, meeting, were approved. The Superintendent's Report noted three staff resignations (two retirements), the notification of probationary status for one teacher, and announced volunteer coaches and recent gifts/donations. Old Business involved a discussion of the 2019 Capital Bond Campaign Excess Funds. New Business included the approval of two FFA convention field trips and subsequent votes on capital projects utilizing excess bond funds, resulting in the approval of projects for the elementary school center roof and high school kitchen roof, parking lot resurfacing, and the drinking fountain project.

The meeting included special presentations from the Student Council Vice President and recognition of the Staff Member of the Month. Administrative reports covered finance, human resources, transportation, athletics, and school updates. The board discussed NEOLA Board Policy Updates, approved an unpaid leave of absence for a staff member, offered a retirement incentive to teachers, set the date for the January organizational meeting, and adopted a resolution for School State Aid Section 31aa.