The Albion Board of Education met on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, to honor the memory of former district staff, recognize current student achievement, and approve financial updates necessary for district operations. **Remembering the "Purple Eagle Family"** Before diving into business matters, the board opened with moments of silence for three former district employees who recently passed away. Board member Mr. Sidari honored George W. "Bill" Parry, Jr., an educator who began his career in Albion in 1964 as a 6th-grade teacher and later became an administrator. Mr. Parry, who died in October 2025, was remembered for his "warm smile and infectious laugh." Early evaluations from his time in Albion noted his "reliability, initiative, and genuine enjoyment of children." Board member Mr. Kast recognized Maralee J. Hicks, who served as the administrative secretary to the Superintendent from 1990 until her retirement in 2000. She passed away in January. Former Superintendent Ronald Sodoma had praised her "record keeping and organization," noting she set a standard that would be hard to replace. Board member Ms. Taylor also paid respects to Sandra L. Sacco, a former aide who worked in the district from 1981 to 1987. Mrs. Sacco passed away on Feb. 1. **Student Leadership Takes Center Stage** The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Middle School students involved in the "Leader in Me" Eagle Time program. Led by advisor Ms. Sara Koppenhaver and Mrs. Jennifer Moreland, students demonstrated how they are running a video production club to teach their peers leadership skills. Students explained that "Eagle Time" is a 20-minute period at the end of the day where classes meet to learn the "7 Habits" of leadership. To make these lessons engaging, a team of student writers, actors, directors, and editors produces weekly videos. "We started with a Chromebook and a 90’s style camcorder," student representatives told the board. "Now we use green screens and OBS Studio." The presentation detailed the technical workflow: editors use Screencastify to trim footage and add credits; directors use OBS Studio to record with microphones and webcams; and actors use a teleprompter to deliver lines. The students noted that 56 students have been involved in the video process so far, with that number growing weekly. The program also utilizes "Student Leaders" in each classroom who guide discussions and activities. Currently, there are over 50 active leaders, with another 50 to 60 currently in training. Board members commended the students for their public speaking skills and the initiative they show in managing the program independently. **Financial and Business Items** During the business portion of the meeting, the board moved through the agenda efficiently. Board member Mr. Schmitt addressed the public, noting that while the meeting might seem fast, board members receive their information packets on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. This allows them to review materials and ask questions before the vote. The board approved a list of standard financial reports, including the Treasurer’s Report for December 2025 and the Extra Classroom Activity Fund Report. One significant action taken was the approval of a budget transfer. The board moved $10,000 specifically to fund overtime costs and Speech Services. This transfer helps ensure the district can cover the costs of specialized staff support for students. Upcoming dates and committee reports were briefly discussed, with the Health and Safety Committee noting that all emergency drills are being held as scheduled. The meeting adjourned following the executive session.