The Novi Community School District Board of Education on June 26 approved a package of personnel actions, two union contracts and an extension of the superintendent’s employment contract during a regularly scheduled meeting.

The board unanimously approved the personnel recommendations submitted by district administrators, which included roughly 22 classroom and specialist hires across elementary, middle and high schools; two administrative hires; the announced retirement of the district’s director of employee relations, and a pending resignation from a kindergarten teacher at Parkview Elementary.

“We are now just a few positions shy of being fully staffed across the entire district,” Dr. Carino said as the board considered the personnel report, thanking the hiring teams and onboarding staff for completing nearly 100 interviews this season.

Nut graf: The actions clear the way for the district to begin the 2025–26 school year with most positions filled and formalize recent labor agreements for maintenance, mechanics and transportation employees. The board also extended the superintendent’s contract to maintain continuity in district leadership while administrators monitor state budget developments that could affect school funding.

Most important actions

Personnel and staffing: The board approved a list of recommended hires for classroom teachers and specialists. Names presented by administration included Delia Brennan (kindergarten, Novi Woods); Krista Sarisa (middle-school Spanish); Heidi Cooley (middle-school science); Rebecca Cooper (high-school biology); Taylor Dumas (fifth grade, Novi Meadows); Jenna Fabrick (third grade, Deerfield); Lauren Fleming (fourth grade, Parkview); Regina Frisky (high-school science); Claire Hinkley (third grade, Orchard Hills); Thomas Hunter (fourth grade, Orchard Hills); Evelyn Keller (middle-school science); Leah Marchetti (speech-language pathologist); Sydney Meloche (self-contained special education, Parkview); Zoe Nichols (second grade, Deerfield); Zoe Norley (kindergarten, Novi Woods); Rebecca Oliveira (second grade, Village Oaks); Carmen Orlick (third grade, Village Oaks); Lily Orris (kindergarten, Orchard Hills); Emma Paquette (first grade, Deerfield); Katarina Rausch Peninen (high-school social studies); Morgan Simpson (kindergarten, Deerfield); and Kehlani Tapp (high-school social studies). The board approved the personnel report by voice vote, 6–0.

Administrative appointments and departures: The board recommended and approved two administrative appointments: Lindsay Ratke for dean of students at Novi Middle School and Carrie Russell for supervisor of transportation. The board also accepted the retirement notice of Jeff Dinkelman, director of employee relations, effective Dec. 31, 2025, and noted the resignation of Olivia Oakwist, a Parkview kindergarten teacher, pending approval in another district. The administrative appointments and related contract renewals were approved, 6–0.

Superintendent contract: The board voted, 6–0, to approve an extension of the superintendent’s contract to a five-year term. The superintendent’s renewal contains “trigger language” consistent with other staff contracts that ties raises to changes in state per-pupil funding, a mechanism described by board members as designed to align contract terms across the district’s leadership team.

Union agreements: The board ratified a negotiated agreement with Teamsters Local 214, which represents mechanics and maintenance staff, and approved the NTA bargaining agreement (representing transportation staff). Both agreements were approved by unanimous voice votes (6–0). Administration noted that additional letters of agreement related to transportation matters might be negotiated and that Carrie Russell, the new supervisor of transportation, will review operational data over the next six to nine months and recommend any adjustments.

Budget outlook and next steps: Superintendent Manko told the board he is closely monitoring budget negotiations in Lansing and will provide updates if state funding agreements are reached that affect the district. Administrators noted summer training plans, including Adaptive Schools training for administrators and teacher leaders.

Quotes and context: Trustee Beaudoin praised the hiring and contract work, saying, “this really is… your busy season, but it looks like you’ve been working really hard.” Lindsay Ratke, speaking from the podium after her approval, said she looked forward to “fostering positive relationships, promoting healthy social interactions at the middle school, and ensuring all students are meaningfully engaged.” Carrie Russell, introduced as the incoming transportation supervisor, said her goal is “excellence in transportation” and that long-standing drivers will be an asset.

Ending: The board conducted a short meeting, approved all presented items without dissent and adjourned after brief board communications. Administrators will proceed with onboarding the new hires and with next steps on contract implementation and operational reviews recommended for transportation.