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Williamston board hires two teachers, approves extended leave and minutes
Summary
The Williamston Community Schools Board of Education voted to hire two first‑year teachers and approved an extended leave request and board minutes during an August meeting; several new staff were introduced to the board.
The Williamston Community Schools Board of Education voted to hire two teachers for the 2025–26 school year and approved an extended leave request and prior meeting minutes at its regular meeting.
Board members approved the hire of Rebecca Higgins as a district preschool teacher and Spencer Gillen as a fifth‑grade teacher. The board also approved a request for extended leave from employee Kara Beamer and voted to approve minutes from a July 21, 2025 special meeting.
Superintendent Adam (last name not specified in the record) introduced the candidates and summarized their backgrounds. He said Rebecca Higgins is a recent Western Michigan University graduate with an elementary teaching certificate (pre‑K–3) and an early childhood/special education endorsement and cited her internship experience in kindergarten and preschool settings. The board heard that references described Higgins as “compassionate, organized, flexible, and patient,” and that she emphasized literacy development, movement‑based learning and relationship building during interviews. Board member Sarah moved the hire and Heather seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Adam also introduced Spencer Gillen, described as a Wayne State University graduate who obtained an interim teaching certificate through the Teachers of Tomorrow program and worked previously at Cole Academy East. The superintendent read a reference from Rob Ellis, identified in the record as superintendent of Cole Academy, who characterized Gillen as “empathetic and dependable.” The board moved to hire Gillen as a fifth‑grade teacher; Heather moved the motion, Dave seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote.
The board heard short introductions of staff members who had been hired earlier and were being formally introduced to the board: Brenna Richardson (music teacher, serving Discovery and Explorer elementaries), Maya Boyce (school counselor at Williamston High School), and Nikki Evans (joining the second‑grade team). Those introductions were informational and did not require formal board action.
On personnel leave, the board approved an extended leave for Kara Beamer; Chris moved the motion and Dave seconded. The agenda item noted the leave continues an existing arrangement and will extend the employee’s time away through the first semester per the request on file.
The meeting closed routine business with the approval of minutes from the July 21 special meeting and several other consent items.
Board members thanked district staff for summer work and welcomed the new hires before adjourning.
