The Albion Board of Education moved to bolster its administrative leadership ranks Monday night, approving new appointments for the district’s upcoming fiscal year while hearing a presentation on a popular student-run business that is brewing school spirit. During the May 12 meeting, the Board approved the appointment of Bradley Lehman as the new Director of Student Services, with a start date of July 1, 2025. Lehman steps into the role with a professional certificate in School District Leadership and a salary set at $105,000. He will oversee student services during a three-year probationary period ending in 2028. In another significant move, the Board named Lauren Kinard as the new Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at the Middle School. Kinard, who holds professional certifications as a School Counselor and School District Leader, will begin her tenure on May 27, 2025. She was appointed at a salary of $85,000 and will serve a probationary period through May 26, 2028. The Board also handled a unique personnel matter regarding Giuseppe Navarra, the district’s Technology Coordinator. Trustees voted to remove Navarra from his provisional position effective immediately at the start of the meeting, only to approve a new appointment for him to the same role with a competitive civil service classification starting the next day, May 13. His salary for the position was set at $66,946. The district will also see turnover at the Middle School. The Board accepted the resignation of Cathy Schmitt, a 6th Grade Teacher, and Julianne McGrath, a School Counselor. Both resignations are effective at the end of the work day on June 30, 2025. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, the Board approved several teaching appointments. Teressa-Jo Izzo was hired as an Instrumental Music Teacher at the Elementary School, and Jennifer Knaak was appointed as a Biology Teacher at the High School. **Eagles Express: Business Skills with a Side of Kindness** Before diving into personnel matters, the Board heard an inspiring presentation from high school students involved in "Eagles Express," a student-operated breakfast and coffee business. Introduced by High School Principal Mrs. Ashbery and instructor Mrs. Winans, the students explained how the program has grown from a small idea into a district-wide enterprise. The business serves four locations—the High School, Elementary School, Middle School, and District Office—offering "Wacky Wednesday" coffee and bi-weekly breakfast services. The students detailed the full scope of their operations, which mirrors a real business. They manage orders via Google Forms, compile shopping lists, buy supplies at Walmart, and prepare food in the cafeteria kitchen using proper permits, gloves, and hairnets. "We are able to share positive interaction with staff members, make change, and provide receipts," students told the Board. They also handle monthly paperwork, including deposit slips and profit and loss statements. The business is taxable, and staff often tip the students, generating a profit. Superintendent Edwards received a special delivery during the presentation—a bottle of his favorite hot sauce, which he requests with every order. The students concluded by sharing their favorite parts of the program, which ranged from cooking and delivering food to "spreading love to make others’ day." **Preparing for Summer Programs** With the school year winding down, the Board also approved a slate of summer staff appointments to keep students active. The Summer Swim Program will return under the direction of Donald Adams, running from June 30 to July 25. The district also hired a team of Senior Lifeguards, including Meghan Kania, Jay Kovaleski, Vincent Strollo, Brooke Beatty, Don Adams, and Cassidy Wolcott. Junior lifeguards Leo Bolton and Willow Gaines were appointed pending certification. A robust Summer Recreation Program was also approved, featuring camps for baseball, track, basketball, soccer, and cross country running. Coaches for the various camps included Vincent Strollo, Gregory Bennett, Mark Hryvniak, Jeff Radder, Travis Downs, Maggie Orbaker, Bridgette Varin, Evan Steier, Cassidy Wolcott, and Wil Prince. Most camps are scheduled for July, with track camps beginning in early June. **Community Recognition** The meeting opened with a moment of gratitude from resident Rich Gannon. He and his daughter, Taya, had addressed the Board last July regarding a lack of handicapped seating in the auditorium. While Taya could not attend Monday’s meeting, Gannon thanked the Board for installing the new seats and presented each member with a photograph of Taya enjoying the improved accessibility. In other business, the Board received updated documents regarding Board of Education guidelines and new member orientation manuals, which will be officially adopted at the June meeting. Two middle school students, Douglas Johnson and Izabella Kingdollar, were recognized with the Leadership Award and Character Award, respectively.