Byron school board agenda set budgets, coaching hires for June 15

The Byron Area Schools Board of Education's regular meeting on June 15 carried an agenda that ran from year-end budget adoptions to a new varsity boys basketball coach, according to the meeting agenda posted through BoardBook.

Under new business, the board listed six budget items: the final 2025-26 general fund, food service and student activity fund budgets, and the projected 2026-27 versions of all three. Also under new business were the 2026-27 fiscal year tax spread, 2026-27 schools of choice participation, a Title paraprofessional wage increase, athletic program changes and a mid-year goal review for Superintendent Brandon Chapman. The agenda listed no old business.

Staff and coaching moves

The consent agenda included the employment of Timothy Irwin as varsity boys basketball coach, Peyton Spicer as JV volleyball coach and Hillary Griffin as a middle school math teacher. It also listed the resignation of Luke Brown as eighth grade boys basketball coach and the resignation of bus driver Robbin McCourtie.

Five employment contracts appeared on the same consent list: Rick Babila and Matt Streeter as assistant maintenance engineers, Mina Forbush as administrative assistant and executive secretary, Samantha Marks as food service director, and Joe McWilliams as director of grounds, maintenance and transportation.

Donations

The board's consent agenda listed seven donations totaling $2,900. The FFA program was named in four of them: $700 from Lloyd Miller and Sons, $100 from Mary Adams, $1,000 from Tom Butcher and Bill Butcher, and $300 from Burns Township. Mary Adams also gave $600 to softball, and Burns Township gave $100 each to the National Honor Society and robotics.

Presentations and policy

Three presentations opened the meeting: a cell phone usage item from Mr. Schmitt, Ms. Riddell and Ms. Fondren; a first reading of the high school and middle school handbook from High School Principal Jason Beverly; and a first reading of NEOLA policy updates 40-2. Reports were scheduled from the policy and curriculum, facilities and athletics, and strategic planning and community relations committees, along with principals Stacey Johnson (elementary), Jay Schmitt (middle school) and Beverly, plus the superintendent.

Board member elections and upcoming dates were listed as discussion and information items.

What happens next

The agenda does not record how the board voted on any item. The handbook and NEOLA policy updates were listed as first readings, which means both are expected to return to the board for a second reading before adoption. Minutes of the June 15 meeting, once approved, will show the outcome of each item.