The Albion Board of Education met on Monday, November 3, to recognize student achievements and address the district’s financial and operational future. The meeting, called to order by Board President Linda Weller at 6:00 p.m., highlighted a collaborative effort between students and staff to reshape the high school culture, even as external auditors warned of fiscal headwinds on the horizon. **A Vision for Student Leadership** The evening began with a celebration of fall athletics, where Athletic Director Lauren Kinard announced that 271 students participated in fall sports across 15 teams, including modified levels. Student representatives from various sports shared memories of the season, emphasizing themes of resilience, connection, and team rebuilding. However, the main academic focus of the night was the "Leader in Me" initiative at the high school. Principal Jennifer Ashbery presented an update on the program’s launch, which began with staff training in June 2025. "A synergy in the room" was how Ashbery described the recent student lighthouse team meeting, where 9th and 10th graders collaborated with faculty. She noted that there were "no divides" between the adults and the students. Three student-led teams—Culture, Leadership, and Academics—presented draft vision statements. Miss Makenzie Cook, a student representative for the Culture Team, told the board that she hoped the initiative would lead to a change in attitudes, specifically aiming to "get rid of the hate and judgment" among students and teachers. The vision statements adopted by the students call for a culture where "everyone is heard, included, and represented," and an academic environment that offers "interactive, cross-curricular" instruction. **Financial Audit Highlights Future Risks** While the students focused on cultural changes, the Finance and Audit Committee turned its attention to the district’s bottom line. Board Member Kast reported that the district underwent an audit by John Rynkiewicz of Mengel Metzger Barr. While the audit itself resulted in no major concerns and two minor comments that have already been resolved, a summary included in the report painted a stark picture of the challenges facing Albion. The auditor’s summary identified several factors bearing on the district’s future, most notably declining student enrollment. Because state aid is closely tied to population, this decline threatens to reduce future revenue. The district remains heavily reliant on state and federal funding, making it sensitive to shifts in aid formulas. The report also highlighted rising costs in salaries, health insurance, and contractual benefits. A significant new financial pressure cited was the state mandate to transition to electric school buses, a move requiring "significant investment in new vehicles and related infrastructure." **Facility Safety and Personnel** The Health and Safety Committee reported that school drills are proceeding well, though a door issue at the Middle School is currently being resolved. The committee also voted to add a Cardiac Emergency Plan to the district’s School Safety Plan. This amended plan will now enter a 30-day public comment period before returning to the board for final approval prior to January 20, 2026. In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Jay Kovaleski, a High School Physical Education Teacher, effective June 30, 2026. The board also approved the hiring of Paul Zicari and Thomas Kuzma as cleaners at a salary of $33,280 each, pending required clearances. Additionally, David Reamsnyder was appointed to fill in as the temporary Director of Facilities II, retroactive to July 1, 2025. His compensation was set at $40,232 plus an $8,000 stipend. **Moment of Silence** Before adjourning to business items, the board paused to remember former district educator Kim Marie Nesbitt. A former High School Art Teacher who retired in 2022, Nesbitt passed away on October 27. Board Member Mrs. Kirby read a tribute honoring Nesbitt’s 50-year connection to the Albion schools as a student, parent, and teacher. The next Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.