Families, students press board to protect robotics program; superintendent says program will continue and expand

Dozens of students, parents and alumni spoke during public comment urging the Holly Area School District to preserve and clarify plans for its robotics program.

Multiple commenters — including Erin Buss, Mike Buss and several current and former students — described robotics as critical to student learning and career pathways and asked the board for clearer, timelier communication about recent summer interruptions to team activities. The minutes list speakers who addressed the program and communication: Erin Buss, Mike Buss, Max Buss, Logan Greene, Paige Saling, Tyler Hawley, Noah Lauinger, Noah Sapelak, Isabella Rojas, Nick Faust, Michael Bambach, Tammy Svenkesen, Zander Svenkesen, Beth Saling and John Katona.

Superintendent Roper responded that "the district is not disbanding the Robotics program, but instead is working to expand opportunities by exploring the integration of robotics with a mechatronics and/or engineering course during the school day while continuing to support the existing Robotics Club." He said the interruption in summer activities was tied to addressing personnel-related concerns and that administration intends to provide an update before the start of the school year.

President Jackson and board member Mr. Deahl echoed the superintendent's support for the program. The board also noted the district has included a dedicated space for robotics in proposed facilities work connected to a 2026 bond project.

Next steps indicated in the minutes: administration will develop and communicate a plan before the school year; no formal policy change or vote on the program was recorded at the July 29 meeting.