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Ionia board approves ISD general fund budget, hires and several capital items
Summary
The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the Ionia ISD general fund budget and a slate of personnel and capital items on May 18, 2026, including new hires, a non‑union compensation proposal, an IHS classroom technology purchase and middle school elevator upgrades.
The Board of Education of Ionia Public Schools approved the Ionia ISD general fund budget and several personnel and capital measures at its May 18, 2026, regular meeting.
ISD Superintendent Ebenstein presented the Ionia ISD general fund budget; Secretary Marhofer moved to approve the budget and Trustee Shippey seconded. The board voted unanimously, with all seven members voting yes, and the motion carried 7-0.
The approvals did not stop at the ISD budget. The board also approved the consent agenda (regular and closed session minutes from April 20 and payment of bills) on a motion by Secretary Marhofer, supported by Vice President Baker, carried 7-0. The board approved recommended support staff hires presented by Director of Human Resources Melissa Weller and then voted 7-0 to approve new professional staff (motion by Vice President Baker, seconded by Trustee Shippey), including a 5th‑grade teacher and an IMS math teacher.
Weller presented and the board approved the recommended Welch High School principal/teacher hire on a motion by Trustee Shippey, supported by Trustee Montgomery; the motion carried 7-0. Weller also presented a Non‑Union Compensation Proposal; Trustee Siemen moved for approval, Treasurer Ellis supported the motion, and the board approved it unanimously.
Superintendent Benjamin Gurk introduced Technology Director Tim Blackmer, who presented a proposed IHS CleverTouch panel purchase. Treasurer Ellis moved to approve the purchase, Trustee Shippey seconded, and the board approved the expenditure 7-0. Gurk then introduced Maintenance Director Mike Avery to present the plan for IMS elevator upgrades; Vice President Baker moved to approve the upgrades, Trustee Siemen seconded, and the motion passed 7-0.
Board members used the board comment period to congratulate new hires and thank staff for the school year’s work. President Yokom adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Ionia High School Room 205.
Votes at a glance • Approval of Ionia ISD General Fund Budget — moved by Secretary Marhofer; seconded by Trustee Shippey; vote 7-0 (approved). • Consent agenda (minutes and bills) — moved by Secretary Marhofer; seconded by Vice President Baker; vote 7-0 (approved). • Support staff hires (Maddison Musser, Kristen Avery) — presented by Melissa Weller; approved 7-0. • Professional staff hires (including Avery Haney, Cassandra Bristol) — moved by Vice President Baker; seconded by Trustee Shippey; vote 7-0 (approved). • Welch High School principal/teacher hire — moved by Trustee Shippey; seconded by Trustee Montgomery; vote 7-0 (approved). • Non‑Union Compensation Proposal — moved by Trustee Siemen; seconded by Treasurer Ellis; vote 7-0 (approved). • IHS CleverTouch panel purchase — moved by Treasurer Ellis; seconded by Trustee Shippey; vote 7-0 (approved). • IMS elevator upgrades — moved by Vice President Baker; seconded by Trustee Siemen; vote 7-0 (approved).
