Haslett superintendent recommends new special-education director; board set to vote on personnel items

President Burt opened the Haslett Board of Education meeting on May 20 with the superintendent's report, during which Superintendent Cook announced three staff resignations and recommended a new director of special education.

Cook told the board he received resignations from Lisa Grease (Murphy special-education teacher, two years of service), Jenny Richardson (Raleigh second-grade teacher, 15 years) and Kara Sweet (Raleigh special-education teacher, seven years). He then recommended Nick Hamilton for director of special education, listing Hamilton's credentials including a BA with an emphasis in emotional impairment, an MA in educational leadership, and a special-education director degree. Hamilton, introduced to the board by the superintendent, said he and his family live in Haslett and that he is "super excited about that opportunity." He also noted prior roles including director of student support services at East Lansing Public Schools.

Cook also announced three additional personnel recommendations to be placed on the consent agenda for approval later in the meeting: Holly Orr for high-school psychologist at Murphy Elementary, Heidi Rhodes for an art-teaching position at Raleigh, and Kelsey Rourke for an MTSS teacher post at Raleigh. He told the board those hires, along with Hamilton's appointment, would be included in the consent agenda vote.

In the same report Cook announced five Haslett teachers ' Karen Amakri, Daniella Horn, Jody Lune, Shanna Merton and Becky Park ' were awarded $4,000 each as national board certification grant recipients. He said eligibility required national board certification, a valid teaching certificate, teaching at least half time and serving as a teacher leader coach.

The personnel recommendations were included on the evening's consent agenda and approved by the board later in the meeting.

The board adjourned after completing the consent agenda and other business; the personnel actions will take effect as recorded in the official minutes and posted personnel records.