Board approves consent agenda including assistant principal hire and donation of Steinway piano

At the May 19 meeting the Board of Education approved the consent agenda by roll call. The consent agenda included personnel recommendations, resignations and terminations, disposal of surplus property, monthly financial summaries, payroll and board meeting minutes among other routine items.

Also on the consent agenda was the hire of Jamie Westergaard as assistant principal at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. Westergaard, introduced during the meeting, described returning to the district as “incredible” and said he was excited to join Franklin’s staff. The board applauded the hire.

The board also approved acceptance of a donated Steinway grand piano from Elizabeth Lewis and her family for Hadley. The board’s motion noted the donation is consistent with the district’s educational objectives and referenced compliance with the district’s equity provisions (Policy 8.8) as part of the administration’s recommendation. Board members publicly thanked the donor and staff who coordinated the donation.

Roll‑call votes were recorded with all members voting “yes” on the consent agenda and on the donation item. The meeting record shows Ms. Becker, Mrs. Buttemer, Ms. Hill, Mr. Estes, Dr. Martelli and Mr. Lobach voting yes during roll calls; the motions carried. The board moved afterward to closed session for confidential personnel, vacancy selection and litigation matters.