LINDEN — Monday’s North Montgomery School Board meeting turned into a celebration of individuals who have contributed to many successes at the school corporation. The board honored soon-to-be retirees and employees who have reached milestones at their schools.
Long-time Business and Transportation Director Jim McBee is retiring. He is known for guiding the school corporation through many building renovations during his 20 years of service.
He was honored with a short video which included many past school board members and family.
McBee thanked the crowd and administrators he had worked with during his time at North Montgomery.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with everyone,” McBee said.
Joan Airey has worked at Pleasant Hill Elementary for several years as an administrative assistant. Her desk is at the front office and is often the first-person students go to when needing assistance in the office.
Pleasant Hill principal Jennifer Mosely thanked Airey for her dedication to the students and school. She said she appreciated Airey for being faithful and caring.
“The thing I believe is that Pleasant Hill is family,” Airey said. “I am going to remember all the people I have worked with through the years. It has been enjoyable.”
Bus driver Mary Charleson was also honored. The special needs bus driver was awarded an “Above and Beyond Award” by the School Transportation of Indiana organization. Charleson has worked for the corporation for 25 years.
Employees honored for 20-year milestones were Gloria Borta, McBee, Joy Jarvis, Julie Swick, Rob Clemence, Andy Simpkins, Mendy Southard and Connie Whitehead.
Employees who have been with the corporation for 25 years were Heidi Bonwell, Pam Bussell, Charleson, Linda Redmon, Carrie Reichert and Erin Yeager.
Matt Merica was honored for 30 years of service.
The North Montgomery Teachers Association awarded $500 scholarships to Catharine Martin, Morgan Swick and Hunter Kashon, all North Montgomery graduates studying education in college.
Gwenda Fishero, who was unable to attend the meeting, was honored for her retirement.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the resignations for Eric Danforth, Adam Welcher, Katie Dale and Kyra Clark.
• Approved the hiring of teachers Lisa Kidd at the middle school and Sierra Gracie Chapman at Sugar Creek Elementary.
• Approved the transfers of Josh Tompson and Emily Youngblood from the classroom to Dean of Students at the high school.
• Approved an agreement with the Crawfordsville Adult Reading Association to offer adult education class in welding.
• Approved an agreement with Crawfordsville School Corporation to offer the Athens Virtual Academy School to North Montgomery students and allowing those students to remain enrolled at in North schools.
