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Board approves principals, treasurer contract, vendor agreements and personnel slate
Summary
The Marion City Schools board approved two principal hires, accepted a treasurer contract, approved several vendor contracts (IT/WiFi, dumpster services, instrument purchase, therapy and specialized services) and approved personnel actions including a preschool supervisor and other hires/resignations.
At its May 18 meeting the Marion City Schools board approved a package of administrative hires, vendor contracts and personnel items the superintendent recommended.
Personnel actions: The board approved Kyle Burris as principal at Hayes Elementary and Nell (Nel) Ratliff as principal at George Washington Elementary after the superintendent presented the recommendations and the two administrators introduced themselves. The board also approved a treasurer contract and the incoming treasurer (James) introduced his family to the board. The board approved Pamela White as preschool supervisor and accepted her resignation from the elementary principal position effective end of June; other certified and supplemental hires were approved as listed on the agenda.
Vendor contracts and purchases: The board approved a multi-year agreement with Ahead in the Cloud to replace IT infrastructure and extend WiFi licensing; the district will pay approximately $62,000 and the rest (about $417,000) is funded through E-rate. The board also approved a $63,000 Steinway piano purchase funded by a performing-arts grant, a Republic Services contract for district dumpster services (estimated annual savings of $18,000), and a $79,606 contract for kitchen equipment at Garfield as part of the federal spend-down plan. Renewals or short-term contracts were approved for audiology, speech, occupational and physical therapy services and for summer compensatory and evaluation services to address staffing shortages.
Athletics and donations: The board approved two overnight trips for Harding High School boys basketball (a multi-day event in Virginia and a one-day trip to Trine, Indiana) and accepted several donations supporting the new sixth-grade tackle football start-up and a $100 donation to JROTC.
Roll-call notes: Most items were approved by roll call. On personnel actions there were a small number of abstentions recorded in the roll calls for a few appointments; those abstentions are recorded in the official minutes.
Why it matters: The vendor contracts affect district technology, food-service and student supports and several of the personnel approvals fill district leadership roles ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Administrators cited budget pressures and staffing shortages as reasons for some contracted services and emphasized grant or E-rate funding where applicable.
What happens next: The administration said it will proceed with vendor onboarding and schedule related implementation or PD timelines; the board will receive routine financial and implementation updates.
