Whiteford board hires aide, creates Title Aide position and votes to join Great Lakes Conference

The Whiteford Agricultural School Board of Education met Oct. 13, 2025, in Ottawa Lake and approved a slate of personnel and program actions, including hiring an LRE aide, creating a new full-time Title Aide position, authorizing additional pay for football duties, and adopting a resolution to join the Great Lakes Conference for interscholastic football beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Scott L. Huard reported a fall head count of 840 students, up from 832 last year, and recognized school leaders for National Principals Month. Student Council Secretary Cade Schober summarized recent student activities, including a well-attended homecoming dance and community service projects.

In formal business the board approved the consent agenda (including minutes, treasurer’s report and two proclamations) and then voted on several personnel motions. On a motion by Jeff Bunge, seconded by Brandon Lott, the board hired Ashley Biegajski as an LRE aide effective retroactive to Sept. 15, 2025, contingent on successful completion of the ETS ParaPro assessment by Dec. 19, 2025. The board also voted (motion by Tom Wenzel, seconded by Janelle Young) to create a full-time Title Aide position (30 hours per week) for the 2025–26 school year to provide additional elementary support. Both motions passed unanimously.

The board approved additional compensation of $748.38 for Alex Lipka for extra duties during the 2025 football season (motion by Jason Vida, seconded by Dave Dixon; approved unanimously).

Athletics featured on the agenda: Athletic Director Mirandia Green described seasonal results and noted formation of the Great Lakes Conference, an eight-team league with four Michigan and four Ohio schools. The board adopted a resolution to join that conference, approving its constitution and bylaws and authorizing district representatives to participate in governance (motion by Janelle Young, seconded by Dave Dixon; approved unanimously). The conference resolution names Edon, Erie Mason, Hilltop, Montpelier, North Central, Sand Creek, Summerfield and Whiteford as member districts.

The board set commencement for Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. and approved Crossroads Community Church as the venue. Routine administrative reports included a finance update from Director of Finance & Business Services Marisa Tebbe-Cousino (state budget passed Oct. 7 with an increase in foundation allowance and continuing At-Risk funding; FY2025 audit in progress), a human resources update on benefit rates and open enrollment timing, and facilities and transportation work updates from Director Charlie Butz.

The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming school events and a special board meeting scheduled for Oct. 27, 2025 to receive the fiscal-year audit. The regular meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approve Oct. 13, 2025 agenda — Motion: Dave Dixon; Second: Janelle Young; Outcome: approved (7 yes). - Approve consent agenda (Sept. 8 minutes, treasurer’s report, proclamations including National Principals Month and School Bus Safety Week) — Motion: Janelle Young; Second: Tom Wenzel; Outcome: approved (7 yes). - Hire Ashley Biegajski, LRE Aide, retroactive to Sept. 15, 2025 (contingent on ETS ParaPro) — Motion: Jeff Bunge; Second: Brandon Lott; Outcome: approved (7 yes). - Create full-time Title Aide (30 hours/week) for 2025–26 — Motion: Tom Wenzel; Second: Janelle Young; Outcome: approved (7 yes). - Approve additional pay $748.38 to Alex Lipka for 2025 football season duties — Motion: Jason Vida; Second: Dave Dixon; Outcome: approved (7 yes). - Adopt resolution to join Great Lakes Conference (football), effective 2026–27; approve constitution and bylaws — Motion: Janelle Young; Second: Dave Dixon; Outcome: approved (7 yes).

Attributions

First reference to persons includes role: Shane Hillard, Board President; Scott L. Huard, Superintendent; Marisa Tebbe-Cousino, Director of Finance & Business Services; Mirandia Green, Athletic Director; Samuel Marsh, Elementary Principal; Jeremy Fielder, Middle/High School Principal; Cade Schober, Student Council Secretary.

Next steps and context

The board will hold a special meeting Oct. 27, 2025 to receive the FY2024/2025 audit. Implementation of the newly adopted conference participation will require coordination with the other member districts and adherence to the conference constitution and bylaws the board approved.