Staff writer
Two longtime teachers resigned their positions at Monday night’s Marion School Board meeting.
Chad and Michelle Adkins, both teachers with USD 408 for 17 years, submitted resignation letters to the board. Chad Adkins is a middle school social studies teacher and head wrestling coach. Michelle Adkins is a third-grade teacher.
“This decision has been very difficult for my family and me,” Chad Adkins wrote in his letter of resignation. “There have been many discussions, prayer, and tears but we feel that we are being called to new challenges in our life.”
Chad Adkins wrote that his life has been blessed by the opportunity to work with hundreds of kids.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say that making this decision has been difficult, as working here has been a positive experience and one for which I am grateful,” Michelle Adkins wrote.
The couple plans to move to Texas, where they hope to find employment, but will remain on board with the school system until the end of the school year.
“I just want to say thank you for everything,” Chad Adkins told the board.
Superintendent Lee Leiker gave board members a progress update on an FFA community garden project. The produce will be given to the community food bank and any excess can be sold, Leiker said. Water from routine draining of a nearby water tower will probably be used for the garden and the city has said they will do some dirt work for the garden, Leiker said.
In other matters, board members honored all-league football players Cade Harms, Aaron Riggs, Mason Pedersen, Dylan Pippin, Tyler Palic, Adam Kjellin, Jack Schneider, Bryce Shults and Garrett Hoffner and approved use of a school bus for the Men’s Encounter group Jan. 28-30.