Madison Local board approves personnel items after public plea to retain Mifflin principal

Madison Local School Board on Monday approved a slate of personnel items after residents urged the board to retain Mifflin Elementary’s principal.

During public comment, Katie Weightman said she spoke for Kaylee Ball and more than 406 petition signers who want the board to keep Mr. Stump in Madison. "Ask the hard questions to your Superintendent Peterson," Weightman told the board, and asked trustees to "vote no to get rid of Mr. Stump." She handed board members a packet with the petition and supporting comments.

Board discussion that followed acknowledged the community’s concern while emphasizing financial constraints and personnel processes. Several trustees said they reviewed materials, requested additional information and supported the superintendent’s recommendations as necessary given district finances. One member noted decisions about personnel involve private matters that cannot be discussed in public.

The board moved items K (personnel items 1–3) to a separate vote because they involved district staff named in the packet. For the two items moved aside that related to Brian Moser and Jenna Hendershot, Mr. Moser abstained; the remaining trustees voted in favor. The larger set of personnel and superintendent-recommended staffing changes were approved by roll call.

Superintendent Peterson, during his update, described the personnel decisions as "very difficult," said he thought highly of the principals and emphasized that staffing reductions stem from broader fiscal constraints tied to building closures and district budget pressures.

What happens next: the board entered executive session later in the meeting on a separate discipline matter and said no action would follow immediately. The personnel actions approved at this meeting will be reflected in official personnel records and any follow-up notices the administration issues to affected staff and families.