The board opened the meeting with school recognitions Aug. 25, including Superintendent Matthew Hilton announcing that US News & World Report ranked Tecumseh High School among the top 7% of Michigan high schools. Hilton said the ranking is based on measures such as college readiness, graduation rates and state‑assessment performance and congratulated students, staff and families.
Trustees also recognized Jackie Whiteley as the Michigan Art Education Association Secondary Art Teacher of the Year; Whiteley spoke briefly and thanked the community for support. Hilton read comments from community postings praising Whiteley’s work.
Students from the high‑school Link Crew — upperclassmen who mentor incoming freshmen — came to the podium to describe the program’s role in easing the transition for new students. Student leaders said Link Crew leaders complete two training days (more than six hours) before the school year, organize classroom activities and lead tours in costumes on the freshmen orientation day to put new students at ease; the group reported it received 104 applications this year and accepted 53 leaders.
Superintendent Hilton also introduced Tucker Cole as the district’s student representative to the board. Cole, a senior, spoke about his early impressions of the role and praised Link Crew for helping freshmen feel welcome.
Board members and parents praised the Link Crew work and the broader culture that supporting upperclassmen mentoring younger students helps build in the district. Trustees said they will highlight these programs in upcoming communications and marketing materials.