The Cassopolis Board of Education approved a two-year extension to the contract of Superintendent Tracy Hertsel at its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

Elizar Abalos

Hertsel, hired in 2011, had his contract extended through 2016 in a vote of 5-1. George Calvert, who expressed his desire to wait on an extension at the last board meeting due to all the budget issues facing the district, voted no.

Janet Hall was absent from the meeting.

The board also hired Elizar Abalos as its new band and choir director/teacher and hired Gerald Zachary as the district’s mechanic.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Michele Ramsey, paraprofessional and Geri Nelson, eighth grade volleyball coach.
• Announced the retirement of Cindy Jones paraprofessional.