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Two new members joined the Butler County Board of Education during its Nov.  21 meeting, with Circuit Clerk Mattie Gomillion presiding over the swearing-in ceremony. Jamey Thompson and William Champion took their oaths alongside re-elected board members before the meeting began.

The board unanimously re-elected Michael Nimmer as board president for another two years. Brandon Sellers was also unanimously elected to serve as vice president.

During the public address, students Addyson Whittle and Laken Amin advocated for revisiting the school uniform policy.

“We want to talk about the advantage of wearing casual clothing to school,” Amin said. “It creates an ability to express ourselves and creates a setting that supports our growth personally and academically.

“Especially during adolescence, when identity formation is key, clothing is an important means of expressing personality, interests and cultural identity.”

The students proposed a gradual change, such as introducing out-of-uniform Fridays or other limited measures. The board thanked the students for their time and agreed to consider their requests.

Superintendent Joseph Eiland celebrated Butler County AmeriCorps’ recent recognition for 30 years of service.

“Miss Adair years ago… knew how desperately we needed a program where we had a training field for prospective teachers, paraprofessionals and support personnel,” Eiland said. 

Eiland praised AmeriCorps Director Kathy Tolin for continuing this impactful program, noting its significant role in developing staff for the school system.

He also reported positive developments in reducing chronic absenteeism and addressing the district’s bus driver shortage. 

The board approved the financial statements, reconciled bank reports and fundraising initiatives. Additionally, permission was granted to file for E-Rate discounts and to advertise bids for upgrading network switches across all schools and the central office.

In other business, board members voted to adopt the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school calendars and later entered executive session for a student disciplinary hearing.

The board will not meet in December. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 16 at 6 p.m.