The first Board of Education meeting of 2026, held on January 5, highlighted student leadership and district safety, while setting the stage for significant staffing changes in the coming months. Following the standard approval of the agenda and business items, the floor was given to elementary students involved in the "Leader in Me" Lighthouse Team. The program, advised by Mrs. Cathy Hryhorenko and Mrs. Cathy Galbreth, showcased 15 student members who actively contribute to the school culture. The students explained that the team meets twice a month during "Eagle Time" to develop leadership skills. They broke down their responsibilities into specific "action teams," ranging from the "Birthday Crew," which delivers cards to students on their birthdays, to the "Eagle Nest News Crew," which produces newscasts about school events. Other teams included the "Event Planning" crew, which manages SOAR assemblies, and the "Welcome" team, which helps orient new students and adults to the building. The Board also heard from members of the Albion FFA regarding their trip to the 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Students detailed their tours of local industry, including the Lincoln Electric manufacturing plant and Amos Hill Associates, where they learned about wood veneer production. The group also visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where they shared a tradition of "kissing the brick" at the finish line. **Safety and Security Updates** Superintendent Edwards and the Board addressed several safety matters. The 2025-2026 District-Wide Safety Plan, which had been posted online for 30 days, was officially approved with no public comments submitted during the review window. The Health and Safety Committee report provided updates on emergency drills, noting that lockdown and fire drills for the fall have been completed. The district is moving forward with Desha’s Law training for all students and staff. Technology Coordinator Mr. Navarra and SRO Ashleigh Stornelli warned the board about a recent wave of phishing emails and texts appearing to come from Superintendent Edwards, cautioning staff to remain vigilant. Looking ahead, the district plans to purchase additional Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to ensure there is one device on every floor of every building on the Albion campus. **Personnel Moves and Retirements** The Board handled a significant slate of personnel actions. Among the most notable changes were the resignations of Brittani Messmer, a Middle School Science Teacher effective January 12, 2026, and Kevin Bovanizer, a High School Math Teacher effective January 23, 2026. Additionally, the Board accepted four retirements. Shelly Daggs (High School Math Teacher) will retire effective July 1, 2026. Theresa McClellan (Elementary Speech Teacher) retired effective January 6, 2026. Dana Martin (5th Grade Teacher) and Beth Dunn (Teacher Aide) will retire effective June 30, 2026, and July 31, 2026, respectively. To fill vacancies, the Board approved several appointments. Jennifer Frasier was appointed as a Temporary Treasurer for training purposes with a salary of $50,000. Melissa Dibley was appointed as a Speech Pathologist at the Elementary School, and Colby Allport moved from a custodial position to a full-time Cleaner position with a salary of $33,743. In other business, the Board granted tenure to Marcella (Del Plato) Quintana and approved the required Standard Workday Resolution. They also signed off on the 2025 School Tax Collection and the Tax Collection Agreement with Orleans County.