The Hartford Public Schools Board of Education addressed a wide range of personnel, budget, and facility matters during its recent meeting on May 18, 2026, while also highlighting accomplishments across the district.

During public comment, no citizens addressed the board at the start of the meeting. Board members later read a communication from a student at Redwood Elementary.

Several staffing changes were announced and approved. The district accepted the resignation of middle school secretary Nora Aguirre, effective May 1, 2026, and high school math teacher Stephanie Tucker, effective May 29, 2026. Board members thanked both employees for their service and dedication to students.

The board approved Forrest Ward as the district’s new Director of Technology for the 2025-2026 school year. Additional hires for the 2026-2027 school year included Kristin Janecko as the new 3rd-5th grade Reading Interventionist at Redwood Elementary and Erin Smith as the new Young 5s teacher.

Sarah Remelts was introduced as the new middle school secretary. Remelts previously worked at Lawrence Public Schools in several administrative roles over the past nine years. The board also approved Mary Barkholz-Ingber as the new middle school high-functioning special education teacher and Veronica Hansen as the new high school special education teacher. Officials noted that both educators bring extensive experience in special education.

In other action, the board approved staffing and pay rates for several summer learning programs, including elementary summer school, summer reading programs, middle school summer programming, and high school credit recovery. Additional approvals included adoption of the Van Buren Intermediate School District general fund budget resolution, excavation work on the high school grounds and soccer field by Banic Enterprise for $42,916, and the purchase of new tetherball equipment for Redwood Elementary.

Board members also set a special public hearing for the proposed 2026-2027 budget for 6:45 p.m. on June 15, 2026.

Superintendent Nick Blackmer’s report highlighted upcoming summer meal distribution through the Meet Up & Eat Up program at Redwood Elementary, planned generator upgrades following a recent power outage, and praised staff members who assisted with state testing and graduation preparations.

Board members also recognized graduating seniors, upcoming student honors at the Lake Michigan College Wave Awards, and community recreation activities planned throughout the summer.