The Albion Board of Education met on Sept. 8 to finalize personnel moves and review the early days of the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting both the smooth implementation of the state’s cell phone ban and minor mechanical hiccups with new building infrastructure. The meeting, called to order by Board President Mrs. Linda Weller at 7:03 p.m., followed a facilities tour of the district’s single campus. **Personnel and Technology** The Board approved a slate of personnel items, including the appointment of Giuseppe Navarra as the new Technology Coordinator. Navarra, whose position is classified as non-competitive through the HELPS Program, will serve a probationary period ending Aug. 25, 2026, with a starting salary of $69,958. The Board also moved to fill several support staff roles. Missy Rusin, who had previously resigned as a Teacher Aide effective Sept. 2, was appointed as a Monitor at the Elementary School starting Sept. 10 at a rate of $16.00 per hour. To support after-school activities, the Board appointed nine staff members to supervise the high school sports study hall at a rate of $25 per hour, running from Sept. 15 through the end of the fall athletic season. Additionally, eight senior lifeguards were appointed for the 2025-2026 pool season, a move Superintendent Edwards noted is vital for keeping community swim programs operational. **Cell Phone Ban "Smooth"** In the administrative reports, building principals and the superintendent lauded the implementation of the new Internet Enabled Device Ban. Mrs. Ashbery, reporting on the high school, stated the ban is going well with "no second offences" reported since the start of the year. She noted that several students received a first-offense warning, but overall, phones are not visible in hallways or classrooms. To accommodate the policy, the school extended the bell duration slightly, requiring students to visit lockers to store devices before class. Superintendent Edwards confirmed that the ban, a statewide mandate, has been "almost a non-issue." **New Lockers Pose Challenge** While the technology policy is running smoothly, the district’s physical updates have presented a learning curve. Phoebe Allen, the Ex-Officio Student Board Member, reported that the new high school lockers have been a challenge for students. "A lot of students are struggling to open them," Allen told the Board. In response to questions from Board member Mr. Sidari, Allen explained that the locks simply do not open correctly for many students. Mrs. Ashbery clarified that the lockers are brand new and students are unaccustomed to using combination locks. She noted that the high school is treating this as a skill-building opportunity, anticipating that usage will become easier as students adjust. **Enthusiasm for Return to School** Despite the locker friction, the atmosphere in the buildings was reported as overwhelmingly positive. Mr. Pritchard reported that 91% of 8th-grade students attended the Middle School Back-to-School night on Sept. 2—the highest attendance on record. Mrs. Ashbery mirrored this enthusiasm for the older grades, noting 417 students attended the high school event, with teachers commenting on the "positive vibe." At the Elementary level, Mrs. Manfreda reported on behalf of Mrs. Conway that the summer "Lighthouse" team had brightened the building with murals and signage. She also noted that an informational session regarding the device ban at the elementary level was successful, with only one family requiring assistance with the new policy. **Safety and Upcoming Events** Looking ahead, the Board approved scheduling the annual Early Release Drill for Tuesday, Sept. 23. Superintendent Edwards stated that this year, the drill will be advertised more like a lockdown drill to ensure students and staff are prepared. Students will be released one hour early, and the district will utilize the remaining time for staff meetings. The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the DePaul Albion Housing Development, formalizing the district’s relationship with the organization. The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6, at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a "Meet and Greet" for new teachers at 6:00 p.m.