Ovid-Elsie board names Doug Long Track, splits 4-3 on bond loan

The Ovid-Elsie Area Schools Board of Education designated the high school track facility as the Doug Long Track Complex and approved a School Bond Qualification and Loan Program application on a divided vote at its regular meeting Monday, July 20, according to minutes posted by the district.

The meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Ovid-Elsie High School Student Lounge, 8989 E. Colony Road, Elsie. Board President Brooke Wooley called the meeting to order. All seven members were present: Wooley, Sue Greer, Mary Thompson, Becky Williams, David Huff, Kevin Nash and Josh Miller. No one spoke during public participation.

Track named for Coach Doug Long

Under old business, the board voted 7-0 to designate the high school track facility as the Doug Long Track Complex "in recognition of Coach Doug Long's many years of dedicated service, leadership, and lasting contributions to Ovid-Elsie Area Schools and its student-athletes," the minutes state. The motion, made by Wooley and supported by Nash, notes that all costs for the commemorative signage will be funded through private donations, "resulting in no cost to the district." The superintendent was authorized to coordinate installation of the signage.

Bond loan application passes 4-3

The board's only split vote of the night came on the School Bond Qualification and Loan Program application, moved by Miller and supported by Nash. On a roll call, Miller, Nash, Huff and Wooley voted yes. Williams, Thompson and Greer voted no. The motion carried 4-3. The minutes record no discussion on the item.

Facilities work authorized

The board voted 7-0 to authorize the superintendent to develop and distribute Requests for Qualifications for architectural and construction management services tied to a comprehensive district facilities assessment and long-range facilities planning. The superintendent was also authorized to use the Board Facilities Committee to review qualifications, conduct interviews and make recommendations. Any selection of professional services and approval of contracts requires formal board approval, the motion states.

In the superintendent's report, the board noted the formation of a Board Facility Committee made up of Wooley, Miller and Nash, along with a facilities assessment presentation and the OE Class of 1976.

Appointments and consent items

The board appointed Kyle Opperman and Michael Senyko to four-year terms on the MIPS Board of Education, each on a 7-0 vote. It also approved Williams as delegate and Wooley as alternate for the Michigan Association of School Boards' 2026 Delegate Assembly, 7-0.

The consent agenda passed 7-0 on a roll call and included minutes from the June 15 regular meeting, payment of May 2026 bills, the May 2026 monthly financial report, the May 2026 cash and investment summary, FFA annual field trip requests and the personnel action report. A brief discussion of board operating procedure was referred to the policy committee. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

What happens next

The minutes list the August board meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The minutes were submitted by Becky Williams, secretary, and prepared by Crystal Loynes.