New Lothrop school board OKs debt levies, $108,497.92 reading buy

The New Lothrop Board of Education handled its annual organizational business and a long list of staffing moves at its regular meeting on Monday, July 20, according to minutes posted by New Lothrop Schools. All seven board members were present, and every motion carried 7-0.

The board set its 2026-27 tax levies. Members approved 0.700 mills for the 2019 school bonds, 0.400 mills for the 2021 school bonds, 1.500 mills for the 2021 school loan revolving funds refunding bonds, 5.890 mills for the 2026 refunding bonds and 1.2370 mills for the sinking fund. A separate motion approved a levy of 18 mills on non-homestead property for the general fund.

Board Treasurer Adam Green read the financial report and presented bills for payment totaling $1,422,758.07 — $1,362,713.71 from the general fund and $60,044.36 from school service. The monthly financial report listed a beginning balance of $3,149,465.42, receipts of $1,371,131.54 and expenditures of $1,422,758.07, for an ending balance of $3,097,838.89.

On curriculum, the board approved the purchase of Curriculum Associates i-Ready Assessment and Personalized Instruction for 2026-27 at a cost not to exceed $35,048.50, and a CKLA purchase from Amplify for $108,497.92. Members also approved the second reading of the Neola Spring 2026 policies, and set credit card limits of $10,000 for Jay Larner, $5,000 for Denny Ruddy and $18,000 for Shiela Mulcahy for the 2026-27 school year.

The board designated Fifth Third Bank, serving the Michigan Liquid Assets Funds accounts, and Huntington National Bank as depositories for school funds, with board officers, the superintendent and the director of finance authorized as official signatures of record. Thrun Law Firm was placed on retainer as legal counsel for 2026-27.

Personnel actions included the resignations of part-time custodian Mattea Belanger and bus driver Wayne Lutze, both effective July 14; the retirement of certified instructional aide Deb Severn, effective July 31; and the resignation of certified aide Laura Andres, effective Aug. 1. The board approved the hire of full-time custodian Katrina Higgins effective June 29, three Preschool GSRP lead teachers — Nicole Birchmeier, Megan Roggow and Kim Ryan — effective Aug. 17, elementary art teacher Isabella Mellish and food service worker Kevin Cervoni effective Aug. 17 contingent on successful background checks, and cross country assistant coach Clara Gross as a contracted PCMI employee. Fall Schedule C appointments were also approved. The board approved a one-year contract extension with Superintendent Jay Larner, listed in the minutes as effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.

The meeting opened with athletic recognitions. Softball pitcher Mallory Heroux was recognized for making first team all-state. Girls track honorees were Miriam Sharpe (pole vault), Katelyn Wendling (100-meter dash, 400-meter dash and 4x100 relay), Ashley Krupp, Riley Neubecker and Geanna Kopschitz (4x100 relay) and Cassie Green (shot put). High school Principal Drew Severn gave an attendance, behavior and curriculum report for the junior high and high school, and Marty Weese reported on 2025-26 athletic highlights. Tim Birchmeier reported on a June 22 facilities meeting. There was no public comment on agenda or non-agenda items.

In his update, Larner congratulated Deb Severn on her retirement and reported that RC Hendrick and Tower Pinkster had completed a walk-through of the buildings. The board entered closed session at 6:59 p.m. for the superintendent evaluation, returned at 7:33 p.m. and adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

What happens next

The minutes list the board's next meeting as Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in the High School Media Center.