The Board approved the appointment of Dr. Frank Alvarez as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2012, and authorized Board of Education President Laura Slack to sign the contract between the Board of Education and Dr. Alvarez. A welcome reception was held for Dr. Alvarez in the Media Center during a short recess.

The Board approved a gift of $2,024 from the Midland PTO for buses for a fifth grade trip to Broadway.

The Board acknowledged the retirement of Rye Middle School Library Media Specialist Jo Alyce Newgaard. Board President Laura Slack noted that there will be more opportunities to thank all retiring staff members as we approach the end of the school year in June.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Mrs. Kathleen Ryan led a discussion about the 2012-13 budget, summarizing and reviewing the development thus far.

A public hearing on the 2012-13 budget was held in the form of an Open Topics Forum. Each Board member joined a group of community members to hear thoughts, concerns, and questions regarding the budget for next school year. The Board of Education members then returned to their seats and reported summaries of their group discussions to the audience. A report of all the topics and responses is being prepared by the superintendent.

During the portion of the meeting in which Board members were asked to announce their intentions to seek re-election, Board of Education Vice President Ray Schmitt and Trustee Josh Nathan stated that they will not seek re-election. Laura Slack, current President, indicated that she intends to seek re-election to the Board.