Portage Township Schools board approves high school athletic director after committee review

The Portage Township Schools Board of Trustees on May 26 approved the superintendent’s consent agenda, which included the appointment of a new athletic director at Portage High School.

Board members discussed the personnel item before the vote, noting the unusual circumstance that an acting board member had applied for the position. A member of the hiring committee said the district used a standardized rubric, interviewed multiple candidates and compared scores after the interviews to ensure a fair, competency‑based selection. “We had a really good rubric. Candidates were asked the same questions. Five of us compared our notes afterwards,” the committee member said, adding the committee focused on experience and mentorship for students and staff.

The board completed a roll‑call vote on the superintendent’s consent agenda; trustees recorded affirmative votes and the personnel item was approved. The trustees recorded their votes as follows: Trustee Vasquez — yes; Trustee Mleta — yes; Trustee Wilkkey — yes; Trustee Ramy — yes.

The board did not provide the full rubric scores during the public meeting. The consent agenda item that carried the hiring included the district’s personnel report dated May 26. No additional details about the hired individual’s contract terms were read into the public record at the meeting.

The board also noted that the resignation of board member Jeff Smith had been filed with the clerk’s office and that the district will post notice and applications for the resulting vacancy; Attorney Elwood said the process will include public posting, interviews and a subsequent executive session following a public meeting.