Board approves probationary contracts for pupil-accounting specialist, teacher and social worker

The Northville Public Schools board approved several personnel recommendations for the 2026-27 school year, voting to hire a pupil-accounting specialist and to approve probationary contracts for a teacher and a school social worker.

Trustee Ron Frazier moved to award a one-year probationary non-affiliated contract to Christina Ortega as pupil accounting specialist; the motion was supported and approved by voice vote. Administration described the role as "very difficult to fill" and said the district had coordinated onboarding support with neighboring districts to ensure a smooth transition.

The board also approved one-year probationary NEA teacher and ancillary contracts for Morgan Casante, an English teacher who most recently taught at South Lyon East High School, and Caitlin Lemmet, recommended for a school social-worker position at Northville High School. The administration cited prior supervisor endorsements and internship experience (including work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness) as reasons for recommending the hires.

Board members publicly welcomed the new hires and praised the HR recruitment process. There were no recorded opposing votes. Several trustees remarked on the district's ability to recruit candidates who have ties to the community and noted plans for onboarding and support during the coming school year.

The hires were approved as part of the board's regular personnel actions; the district will finalize onboarding dates and make start-of-year preparations ahead of the 2026-27 school year.