In the superintendent’s report at the Jan. 12 meeting, Mister Bauer told trustees the district recommended Dana Champion Whitfield, currently assistant director of special programs at Caledonia Community Schools, for the director of student services position; she is expected to begin a transition and be on site with an official start date of Feb. 2.

Bauer also highlighted district sustainability work: Lowell Area Schools was recognized by the Michigan Green Building Collaborative as a green-schools champion for an energy-efficiency project at Alto Elementary that adjusted building-management schedules and made small mechanical and software changes to improve comfort and reduce costs.

On facilities, Bauer reported construction at Cherry Creek had started, with work to complete spaces used by before- and after-school care and to create temporary classrooms; the district expects the new music room space to be ready by spring break and said some grade levels will be moved during renovation next spring.

Regarding staffing, human-resources staff briefed the board on midyear retirements and resignations, open positions (including custodial and para support) and an active push to recruit bus drivers. HR indicated formal negotiations on drivers will begin at the end of the month and that the district is using social and professional platforms to recruit.

Why it matters
Leadership transitions, facility renovations and staffing stability affect instructional continuity and day-to-day operations. Trustees were given timelines for construction work and a start date for the recommended hire, and HR signaled proactive recruitment for critical positions such as drivers.

What’s next
Dana Champion Whitfield is expected to be introduced at the February meeting; staff will continue recruitment and report on construction progress in future updates.