At the April 24 meeting, the Springfield board of education acted on several personnel matters.
The board accepted the retirement resignation of Noralyn Sutherland, Holland art teacher, effective May 31.
They also accepted resignations from Jeannine Chapman, Holloway intervention specialist, July 31; Mark Malinowski, SMS boys basketball coach, 2024-25 school year; Renardo Kelly, substitute custodian, March 25; Karen Reese, 6.25-hour Dorr food service, June 3, and Robert Edwards, 4-hour bus aide–transportation, April 8.
They issued a contract change for Peter Kramp, transportation from 4.75 to 5.25 hours, effective April 9. The board also approved changes in assignment for Lisa Meeker from fourth grade ELA teacher at Holland Intermediate to seventh grade ELA teacher at the middle school; Kim Schrag from fourth to fifth grade science/social studies at Holland Intermediate; Benjamin Southworth, from intervention specialist to social studies teacher at Springfield High School.
Liza Runyan was bumped from fourth to fifth grade math at Holland Intermediate, and Jennifer Hendrix went from fourth to fifth grade ELA teacher at Holland Intermediate.
Personal service contracts were awarded to Jonah Gilbert, Emily Golick, Trisha Hardner, Brandon Hoskins, Jack Hulbert, Emily Kelley, Justin Kelley, Allison Klein, Maya Markham, Amanda Pochatko, Jessica Pytel, Claire Schroeder, Corey Schwartzkopf and Rebecca Schwartzkopf, pit musicians; Ace Medina, tech director, and Travis Pennell, music director; The board approved pupil activity permits for 2024-25 to Eleanor Kosek, SMS cross country coach, and Kayla Watkins, SMS cheerleading advisor.
They also awarded substitute contracts to Bradley Kuntz, Jonah Gilbert, Trey Materni and Emily Mueller, substitute teachers, and Jessica Kirwen, lunchroom/recess monitor, and Charles Stambaugh, bus aide.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Announced that Todd Shelton of the Holland Police Department will be joining the district as a school resource officer at Holland Intermediate.
“Todd knows our safety procedures, and it will be exciting to have him here moving forward,” Superintendent Matt Geha said.
•Adjusted the classified sub pay rate for 2024-25 to attract and maintain substitutes.
•Agreed to move back to paper testing only for third grade assessments for the upcoming school year.
•Authorized in-person interpreter services as needed.
•Entered into an education master services agreement with Amergis for occupational and physical therapists as needed at a rate of $70 to $85 per hour.
•Accepted a donation of yearbooks for the administration’s office collection.
•Approved job descriptions for prom advisor, speech and debate advisor and weight room monitor.
•Accepted donations of science kits from COSI valued at $3,900 for use in fourth grade classrooms at Holland Intermediate.
•Approved five requests for professional development days.
•Entered into executive session to discuss negotiations, but took no action afterward.
The next school board meeting will be at 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at the administration building, 6924 Spring Valley Drive, Holland, and is open to the public.
~Jane Maiolo
