(GARRETT) - The Garrett-Keyser-Butler school board reelected Mark Thrush as board president during its annual organizational meeting Friday.
Thrush, a five-year board member, was chosen by a 4-1 vote over fellow board member Matt Freeze, who had been serving as vice president. Brent Weller was elected vice president, and Dottie Fuentes was elected secretary.
Board members also filled a number of committee and liaison roles for the coming year, covering areas such as the school calendar, career development programs, wellness, legislation, and district data analysis. Several assignments are aimed at improving communication with the community and tracking key district performance measures.
A new parent connection committee was approved and will begin meeting in March. The group will include parents from all three district buildings and is intended to give families more opportunities to discuss issues affecting the schools and stay informed about major decisions, Superintendent Dan Durrwachter said.
The board also approved keeping Brittany Treesh as business manager and treasurer, along with Bree Landes as deputy treasurer. Members authorized the continued use of pre-written vendor checks.
In other business, the board agreed to pause its separate work sessions for the first half of 2026, with plans to reassess the schedule later in the year. The sessions had previously been held ahead of regular board meetings to allow for longer discussions on school issues.
The board also approved Abby Scoville as girls swimming coach through the DeKalb Eastern school district and rescheduled a board of finance meeting for Jan. 26.
Here's a youtube link to the complete Garrett-Keyser-Butler School Board Meeting.