Iron Mountain board accepts principal's retirement and approves several hires

The Iron Mountain Board of Education on March 9 accepted North Principal Andrew Mendini's letter of intent to retire effective July 1, 2026, and approved multiple staffing actions to fill vacancies and support operations.

The acceptance of Mendini's retirement was moved by Ben DeRidder and supported by Darren Petschar; the motion passed unanimously (7-0). The minutes record no discussion of a successor or an interim assignment at the time of the vote.

The board approved several hiring actions. It hired Laura Urban as a middle/high school education assistant contingent on clear state and FBI criminal record checks in accordance with Public Act 189, with an indicated start date of March 2, 2026; the motion was moved by Jennifer Solka and supported by Ben DeRidder and passed 7-0. The board also approved a temporary communications intern from NMU for summer 2026 to provide coverage while the Communications Coordinator is off; that action was approved on the Finance Committee's recommendation and passed unanimously.

Athletics staffing was also approved: the board accepted the Athletic Director's recommendation and hired Taylor Dantes as girls junior varsity volleyball coach for 2026-2027; the vote was unanimous.

Finally, the board accepted, "with regret," the resignation of School Success Coach Allison Lorenzoni effective March 20, 2026. Minutes reflect the board's vote but do not record any statements from Lorenzoni in the meeting.

What's next: The minutes indicate the School Success position will be posted; no timeline for filling the principal vacancy appears in the record.