Ionia board approves staff hires, server upgrade, vehicle purchase and employee assistance plan

At its regular meeting the Ionia Public Schools Board approved several routine operational items including personnel hires, a technology infrastructure upgrade, a vehicle purchase and an employee Educational Assistance Plan.

The board approved support staff hires for Jefferson Special Education paraprofessional Ellary Musser, Emerson recess paraprofessional Corrine Coble, Bulldog Beginnings associate Elise Christensen, and IPS Grounds & Facilities candidate Brett Patterson. The board also approved a professional hire, Emily Doesburg. Treasurer Ellis moved approval of new professional staff, supported by Vice President Baker; all personnel motions carried 6-0.

Technology Director Tim Blackmer presented a proposal to upgrade the district’s server infrastructure using Capital Projects funds; the board approved that upgrade by a unanimous vote. Superintendent Benjamin Gurk and Director Blackmer also presented a request to purchase a vehicle to transport technology equipment, to be funded from the transportation department; that purchase was approved 6-0. Vice President Baker moved, supported by Trustee Siemen, to approve the district’s Educational Assistance Plan for eligible employees; the motion carried 6-0.

Each of these operational approvals was adopted without recorded dissent. The meeting record does not include vendor names, specific equipment models, vehicle cost details or job start dates; those implementation details would come from staff follow-up.