05/20/2026
The Graham Local Schools Board of Education recognized student accomplishments, celebrated the Class of 2026, and received updates on student programs and district initiatives during Monday night’s meeting.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board President Leslie Maurice. Board members congratulated graduating seniors and their families and expressed appreciation to all Graham staff members during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Month.
Curriculum reports included a presentation from The Dancing Band from Falconland. Ms. Buell, Band Director, opened the presentation by discussing the band’s mentorship program and recent trip to Myrtle Beach. She shared that GHS 11th grader Kady Thornton, a student in the makerspace class, designed and created shirts for every student and parent who attended the trip.
Michele Slone, Band Parent Organization Vice President, also spoke about the Myrtle Beach experience. Ms Slone expressed how proud she was of the students and shared her appreciation for Lauren’s leadership during the trip, stating, “Watching Lauren shine was so amazing. I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of this trip and a member of this community.”
Students Kady Thornton and George Slone shared their experiences from the trip and about how serving as mentors in this program has helped them grow in leadership roles and build connections within the group. This year, the program helped welcome 16 new eighth-grade and freshman members into the band.
Lauren concluded the presentation by stating, “I am very proud and honored to serve as the band director. We truly are a family here, and the support and respect for our group means everything.”
Superintendent Chad Lensman recognized numerous student and staff achievements across the district, including FFA state honors, DECA and State Science Fair accomplishments, choir and music achievements, scholarship recipients, service learning activities, Special Olympics-style CBC Cup participation, and successful fundraising efforts such as the Graham Middle School Color Run. He also congratulated the Class of 2026, scholarship recipients, valedictorians, and the salutatorian.
Mr. Lensman shared that the district has received more than $97,000 in donations this year, supporting student programs, athletics, the Military Wall of Honor, lunch assistance, school fees, FFA Land Lab, and other initiatives. Nine additional volunteers were approved, bringing the yearly total to nearly 190 volunteers serving Graham students.
He thanked Mary Rutan Hospital for their continued partnership and for again providing free sports physicals to students, the Band Parents Organization, and music staff for another successful Ice Cream Social and end-of-year concerts. Appreciation was also extended to high school staff for organizing Service Learning Day and senior events, including Signing Day, Honors Night, Baccalaureate, Senior Fest, and Graduation. Special recognition was given to Mrs. Bechtel, Mrs. Randall, Mr. Overla, Mr. Vasil, and the high school staff for another successful graduation ceremony.
Additional highlights included recognition of Brooke Martinez, parent and community member, for creating the Graham Elementary Lunch Buddy program, Holly Kramer, Gifted IS, for leading Battle of the Books teams that earned first and second place finishes, and Mr. Bruns, GHS Science teacher, for receiving a $4,651 OEA Foundation Innovation Grant to support STEM learning in his classroom.
Additional business included approval of the Middle School Student Handbook, a District Address update, and 2026/2027 breakfast and lunch prices.
During board comments, members discussed the recent Garmann Miller facilities planning meeting and ways to better communicate future meetings with the community.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 5:57 PM to enter executive session.
The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is June 16 @ 5:30 PM in the Graham High School Media Center.
