By Genine Hopkins
Farwell Area Schools (FAS) Board of Education (BOE) held a Special Meeting on Monday, January 19th. Below are some of the items discussed.
The FAS BOE voted to approve contracts for both Carrie Carncross as the Interim Superintendent for Farwell Area Schools and for Tracey Laverty as Interim Principal for the Farwell Elementary School. Carncross’ contract was approved on a motion by BOE member Jade Campbell, supported by BOE member Joe Maxey and Laverty’s contract was approved on a motion by BOE member John Pakledinaz, supported by BOE member Danielle Sholes.
During the meeting the current acting Superintendent, Tom House, reminded the BOE that the contracts were finalized up to the time of the meeting and that the BOE would need to revisit the contracts both before the end of the current fiscal year and prior to the beginning of the 2026-2027 FY. Removal of the designation “interim” for both contracts could be modified for any new contracts. House also thanked the BOE for their hard work – that he stated did not go unnoticed – during his time at the district.
Updates to the FAS High School Handbook as required for the district to receive the FAFSA Grant that had been applied for were approved on a motion by BOE member Pakledinaz, supported by BOE member Campbell.
The Farwell Area Schools’ Middle School Robotics Team, known as the Rising Eagles, received three awards during their rookie season, including best rookie team, coolest pit set up, and gracious professionalism. The Rising Eagle coaches were very proud of the progress the team has made, noting the students had come up with the design for their robot for competition.
When it came time for discussion of the potential for sale of the properties owned by the district but not in use, House informed the BOE that he had located the deeds to several of the properties in a safe deposit box at the bank, noting this should help determine if the properties can be sold. Alan Reiss had informed House of the location of the deeds in the safe deposit box. Reiss also made a presentation to the BOE in regard to the properties considered for sale, noting that the 40 acres on County Line, which was acquired in 1947, contains a reverter clause that would return the property to the State of Michigan (SOM). While the district could negotiate with the SOM on this, it is doubtful there would be a resolution in favor of the district. The 36 acres next to the athletic field is the best option for potential sale and again, that property is not and has not been used by the football team. The 14 acres on Scofield gives the family who donated it first right of refusal. The 14 acres of “school forest” would force a 50% share of any sale with the SOM.
The Timberland property is on the market and has had some interest. Despite being a commercial property its location is not in a central location that would be more lucrative to a potential business. Current interest includes data center, business center, call center, or private trucking business. The listing contract runs through March of 2026.
During the public comment, resident Dan Dysinger said he had a conversation with Reiss who provided further information on the process for the properties. He conceded the FAS BOE had some tough decisions ahead of them but asked how much of a hole in the FAS budget would sale of the property(ies) would help fill, stating he believed in the current budget situation the sale would barely if at all help through the next fiscal year.
Public comment also saw Zachary Spryszack commend the former, long-term, high school substitute teacher Mr. Lear, who purchased Chromebook chargers and donated them to the school during his time there. Spryszack also commented on the success of the Powerlifting Competition held on the Saturday prior. All noted it was a great success, with over 300 lifters competing. BOE member Nathan Yarhouse noted that he believed the large turnout was due to having better weather conditions (driving) than the prior year).
The FAS BOE approved the hiring of the following persons:
Darcie Lewis as Elementary Transition First Teacher, Tracey Laverty as Interim Elementary Principal, Cathy Gross as Administrative Coach, Aryas Bell as English Teacher, and Ruby Maggert as Varsity Cheer Coach.
Farwell Area Schools BOE meets again on Monday, February 16, at 7 p.m.
