Hardy County board approves 2026–27 calendar, accepts personnel slate

The Hardy County Board of Education approved the district's 2026–27 school calendar and a slate of personnel recommendations at a meeting that included awards for student writers and lengthy facilities and funding updates.

Board members voted to adopt the calendar after a discussion of three options; the superintendent said the approved plan places staff start dates in mid-August with students beginning a few days later and reduces the difference in start dates with neighboring Grant County to two days. The board moved and seconded the calendar and the chair announced the calendar was approved.

The board also approved a package of personnel actions presented by the superintendent. The recommendations included unpaid leave days for several employees (Kelsey Roberts, Lisonbee Heflin, Kimberly Mungold), service personnel hires (Tyler Bradfield and Anthony Smith, bus operators; Emily Pierce, autism mentor aide) and multiple transfers and terminations tied to a reconfiguration of staffing (Heather Hours, Haley Hours, Hayden Baldwin). The superintendent also recommended professional hires and transfers, extracurricular contract changes, resignations and volunteer approvals; names and effective dates were read into the record by the superintendent.

Chair called for a vote on the personnel motion after discussion; the chair announced the motion carried 5.

The board moved to adjourn after completing the consent and personnel items. The meeting ended after a final aye call by the chair.

Ending: The board approved the calendar and personnel motions and adjourned; members noted planned building walkthroughs in mid‑March and scheduled follow-up items for policy review at a later meeting.