Board appoints substitute superintendent and adopts furlough resolution; votes split on leadership hire

The Albert Gallatin Area School Board on April 15 appointed Dr. Jason Hutchinson as Substitute Superintendent and adopted a resolution signaling potential furloughs for professional employees in 2026-27.

The board voted 6–3 to appoint Dr. Hutchinson to serve from Aug. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 at an 11-month salary of $143,000; he will continue to receive his current fringe benefits while serving as Substitute Superintendent, the motion states. Ayes were David Howard, Ryan Robinson, Betty Moser, Ryan Porupski, Eric Miller and Jeff Myers; Carl Planiczka, Dan Janesko and Paul Dunham voted no.

Separately, the board adopted a Resolution of Intent to Suspend (furlough) professional employees for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The resolution passed 8–1; Dan Janesko was recorded as the lone nay. The minutes record the action as "adopted as presented," but do not specify which positions would be affected beyond the agenda item that listed several one-year elementary-grade eliminations for 2026-27.

The meeting also recorded multiple personnel motions approved by blanket vote: acceptance of resignations (including Brian Shoaf and Vanessa Keiderling), rescission of a previously approved hire (Lillian White), hires for a 180-day substitute (Lauryn Price), cafeteria positions and a volunteer cheerleading coach pending documentation, and a nonpaid general leave for custodian Edie Howell.

Board members did not specify additional follow-up at the meeting; the resolution and appointment move personnel planning forward for the coming school year.