Board recognizes retirees, approves HR resolutions and a severance agreement

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Mr. Collier presented a lengthy HR section including routine resolutions to accept resignations, employ certified and classified staff, and approve supplemental positions for 2025-26 and 2026-27. He specifically recognized bus driver Carol Hadley and paraprofessional Leah Jewell for retirement and noted recruitment efforts for drivers and additional full-day kindergarten staffing.

"We have a couple of retirees that I wanna make sure to recognize these folks," Mr. Collier said while reading names and highlights of their service. Board members congratulated the retirees and noted the district's strong candidate pipeline for replacements.

The board approved the HR resolutions by roll call. For one supplemental employment item (a board member's daughter employed one day a week assisting the high-school vocal-music department), the board recorded an abstention by the presiding board member and approved the remainder by roll call.

Mr. Collier also explained a severance agreement item for one staff member whose SDRS (State Teachers Retirement) service date changed following a review and correction by SDRS. Because the corrected service date affected eligibility, the district brought a severance agreement forward to ensure the employee remained eligible for the super-severance benefit; the board approved the severance agreement by roll call.

The personnel items and severance agreement were moved, seconded, and approved during the meeting; the board asked administration to continue recruitment efforts and report back as needed.