Sandy Valley School Board honors bus retirees totaling 65 years

Three retirements and a teacher resignation, all effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year, were accepted at the March 16 meeting of the Sandy Valley Board of Education.

Retirements include Brenda Hester, a bus aide with 13 years of service; James Hester, a bus driver with 26 years of service; and Laurie Weaver, a bus driver with 26 years of service.

The board also approved the resignation of Emily Lewis, a teacher with 22 years of service.

In other action, the board:

— Adopted two new policies regarding drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers who do not have a CDL license but have a license to transport students, and a new policy regarding the use of the district’s tax-exempt certificate, according to School Superintendent Matt Whitted.

— Approved supplemental contracts for Chad Rouch, Jake Gamber, Joseph Welker and Melissa Kiehl, all for a DC overnight trip.

— Approved a contract for Amber Swier, preschool midday route bus driver.

— Approved fundraisers for the Class of 2026, including a Pie in the Face fundraiser and track and field events.

— Approved a board policy replacement regarding artificial intelligence.

— Approved open enrollment for Levi Morris and Emmalyn Morris to attend Sandy Valley through open enrollment for the current school year.

— Approved the tax rates and levies determined by the Budget Commission and appropriation adjustments.

— Heard that Staff Appreciation Day is May 15, along with updates on student successes from building principals.

— Set the next meeting for April 20 at 6 p.m.