Fennville board adopts MASE evaluation tool, unanimously rates superintendent "effective"
July 01, 2026 | Fennville Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan
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The Fennville Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on Dec. 15, 2025, to adopt the MASE evaluation instrument for superintendent performance reviews and to give Superintendent Lombard an overall 2025 rating of “effective.”
The board first approved the MASE evaluation instrument on a motion by Natalie Bosby, supported by Juliet Michele; the motion carried 7-0. Later in the meeting the board moved into a closed session to discuss the superintendent evaluation after a motion by Ross Thiele, supported by Michele; the roll-call vote recorded ayes from Pena-Smith, Michele, Hicks, Hapke, Bosby, Thiele and Sanchez and the board entered closed session at 6:15 p.m. The board returned to open session at 6:48 p.m. and, on a motion by Thiele supported by Bosby, approved the superintendent’s 2025 evaluation rating of “effective,” again by a 7-0 vote.
The actions were procedural and personnel-focused: the MASE instrument was approved for use as the district’s evaluation tool, the board discussed the superintendent’s performance in closed session as permitted under personnel law, and the board recorded an "effective" rating for 2025. The meeting minutes do not specify numerical scoring details from the instrument or any specific performance strengths or weaknesses discussed in closed session.
The board also handled routine business earlier in the meeting. A consent agenda motion by Juliet Michele, supported by Angie Pena-Smith, approved minutes from the Nov. 24, 2025 regular meeting, the November treasurer’s report and summary of bills, and authorized the Fennville High School Choir overnight stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Jan. 22–24, 2025 for students invited to perform with the State MSVMA Honors Choir; that motion carried 7-0. The board recognized Students of the Month: Belen Gonzalez (Fennville Elementary), Ava Chrispell (Fennville Middle School) and Luis Vasquez (Fennville High School).
In his superintendent’s report, Mr. Lombard said the boardroom audio system was upgraded for clearer sound, staff met with Outdoor Discovery to advance concepts for outdoor learning spaces with a follow-up meeting planned next month, and that the district remains provisionally classified as "opt-in" under a program described as "3 laa" pending additional state guidance. Mr. Lombard also noted James and Grace Walz made a reported $2.2 million estate gift to the Allegan County Community Foundation to support students and teachers; board members discussed ways to appropriately honor that gift.
President Manuel Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; the board adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
The board first approved the MASE evaluation instrument on a motion by Natalie Bosby, supported by Juliet Michele; the motion carried 7-0. Later in the meeting the board moved into a closed session to discuss the superintendent evaluation after a motion by Ross Thiele, supported by Michele; the roll-call vote recorded ayes from Pena-Smith, Michele, Hicks, Hapke, Bosby, Thiele and Sanchez and the board entered closed session at 6:15 p.m. The board returned to open session at 6:48 p.m. and, on a motion by Thiele supported by Bosby, approved the superintendent’s 2025 evaluation rating of “effective,” again by a 7-0 vote.
The actions were procedural and personnel-focused: the MASE instrument was approved for use as the district’s evaluation tool, the board discussed the superintendent’s performance in closed session as permitted under personnel law, and the board recorded an "effective" rating for 2025. The meeting minutes do not specify numerical scoring details from the instrument or any specific performance strengths or weaknesses discussed in closed session.
The board also handled routine business earlier in the meeting. A consent agenda motion by Juliet Michele, supported by Angie Pena-Smith, approved minutes from the Nov. 24, 2025 regular meeting, the November treasurer’s report and summary of bills, and authorized the Fennville High School Choir overnight stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Jan. 22–24, 2025 for students invited to perform with the State MSVMA Honors Choir; that motion carried 7-0. The board recognized Students of the Month: Belen Gonzalez (Fennville Elementary), Ava Chrispell (Fennville Middle School) and Luis Vasquez (Fennville High School).
In his superintendent’s report, Mr. Lombard said the boardroom audio system was upgraded for clearer sound, staff met with Outdoor Discovery to advance concepts for outdoor learning spaces with a follow-up meeting planned next month, and that the district remains provisionally classified as "opt-in" under a program described as "3 laa" pending additional state guidance. Mr. Lombard also noted James and Grace Walz made a reported $2.2 million estate gift to the Allegan County Community Foundation to support students and teachers; board members discussed ways to appropriately honor that gift.
President Manuel Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; the board adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
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