Board approves personnel actions after brief executive session; multiple hires and resignations cleared

The Hardy County Schools board approved a slate of personnel actions, including unpaid leave, summer hires and several resignations, following a brief executive session in which no action was taken.

Superintendent (speaking to the board) presented the personnel recommendations, asking the board to approve unpaid leave for Odessa Cullors (April 10 — half day; April 29 — one day; May 4 and May 5 — half day each; May 8 — half day), a one-day leave for Emily Pratt (May 8), and multiple summer-program and school-year hires. "I would recommend the approval of days without pay for Odessa Cullors," the superintendent said. The superintendent also recommended hiring Hailey Mungold as an autism mentor for special education at MES, Melinda Beiser as a summer program aide at MES, Tammy Shingleton and others for summer program positions, and naming Emily Pratt as the countywide half-time gifted teacher and Richard King as a special education teacher for the 2026-27 school year. Resignations announced included Rebecca Holler (substitute teacher, effective May 4), Robin Williams (first-grade teacher, Moorfield Elementary, effective June 30) and Orin Staggers (counsel/human resources and attendance director, central office, effective June 30).

Why it matters: the approvals fill summer programs and classroom positions ahead of the 2026-27 school year and formalize personnel changes. The board moved to approve the superintendent's recommendations and the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting also went into executive session to discuss personnel; members entered at about 08:37 and returned about 08:47 with no action taken. The board then approved the superintendent's personnel recommendations by consensus and adjourned the meeting.