Adams‑Friendship board approves hires, staffing changes and counseling contract

The Adams‑Friendship Area School District Board of Education on June 24 approved its consent agenda, which included multiple resignations and hiring recommendations and authorized a 2024–25 contract with Midwest Counseling & Assessment for counseling and assessment services.

District Administrator Tom described a plan to increase local psychologist coverage by hiring a retired school psychologist to provide part‑time days in the district and by contracting for services through Midwest Counseling & Assessment. "This could ensure that we at least have two licensed psychologists at all times," Tom said, explaining the arrangement could reduce reliance on the district's CESA contract and provide more consistent coverage for students. The board voted to approve the Midwest Counseling & Assessment contract.

The consent agenda approved resignations listed in the meeting packet (including a high‑school science teacher and coaching positions) and accepted multiple hires to fill classroom and specialist roles, such as a middle‑school general teacher, a seventh‑grade ELA teacher, an art teacher, an eighth‑grade math and science teacher, a school psychologist hire, and a 4K teacher. Board members moved and seconded the consent motion and approved it by roll call.

Board members noted that licensed psychologists are difficult to recruit statewide and said the combination of a local part‑time hire plus contracted services is intended to stabilize caseloads and provide continuity of care for students. The district indicated it would continue work with CESA on any remaining needs and that any changes to contracted hours would be coordinated with that service provider.

The board adjourned the consent‑related portion of the meeting and proceeded to other agenda items.