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Johnstown‑Monroe board approves personnel changes, calendar preview, curriculum and technology purchases
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Summary
The board approved a package of resolutions including a $5,000 transfer for a Washington DC scholarship fund, creation and filling of an assistant‑superintendent post (Derek Busenberg), multiple resignations and appointments, Chromebook purchases, MAP testing, and a social studies curriculum adoption; several roll‑call votes were recorded.
At the April 13 meeting, the Johnstown‑Monroe Local Board of Education approved a series of resolutions by roll call covering personnel, curriculum, calendar and technology.
Key votes and outcomes: - Transfer to Washington, D.C. scholarship fund (resolution 26‑04‑071): approved by roll call (votes recorded: Missus Thomas — Yes; Mister Benton — Yes; Missus Davis — Yes; Mister Coppell — Yes; Mister Frasier — Yes). The district said $5,000 would move between funds to support students on the Washington trip.
- District calendar 2028–29 (information item, resolution 26‑04‑073): administration previewed the calendar (first student day Wed., Aug. 16, 2028; last day Thurs., May 29; 175 instructional days). No vote required at this meeting; formal approval expected at the May meeting after the required notice period.
- Creation of assistant‑superintendent position and related personnel changes (resolutions 26‑04‑074, 26‑04‑074a, 26‑04‑074b, 26‑04‑075): the board approved creation of an assistant‑superintendent role beginning Aug. 1, 2026 and accepted the resignation effective July 31 of the director of operations (Derek Lisonbee). The board also approved abolishment or reduction of certain operations positions as part of a transition. The appointment of Derek Busenberg as assistant superintendent (three‑year contract beginning Aug. 1, 2026) passed on roll call (votes recorded: Missus Thomas — Yes; Mister Frasier — Yes; Missus Davis — Yes; Mister Coppell — Yes; Mister Benton — Yes).
- Director of curriculum and instruction (resolution 26‑04‑078): the board approved recommending Robin Wagner for director of curriculum and instruction; administration said further calendar/contract details will follow.
- Teacher on special assignment (resolution 26‑04‑079): the board approved appointing Marissa Hatfield to the teacher on special assignment position for 2026–27.
- Fee/supply waiver continuation (resolution appearing later as 26‑04‑081): administration summarized that last year the district waived some general instructional fees (about $27,003.94 year to date) and provided back‑to‑school supplies (about $65,000 this year); the program is budgeted to continue for a third year pending board approval.
- Technology and services (resolutions 26‑04‑082, 26‑04‑083): the board approved an internet service agreement that leverages E‑rate discounts and improves trunk redundancy across buildings (one abstention noted: Missus Thomas recused on the internet vote). The board also approved annual Chromebook purchases and a MAP testing contract for the coming fiscal year.
- Curriculum adoption and professional development (resolutions 26‑04‑085, 26‑04‑087): the board approved a primary social studies curriculum plan — administration said the district will use one program for grades 4–5 and McGraw Hill for grades 6–12, and approved associated summer professional development to support implementation.
Other routine consent items (non‑renewals, volunteers, administrative contracts and financial reporting) were approved by roll call. For many roll calls the transcript captures each member's oral 'Yes' or 'Abstain'; the minutes record these as formal votes.
Next procedural steps: where items required a second reading or final adoption (calendar, some revised policies), administration will return recommended language to the board at the May meeting or follow the multi‑reading policy process.
