The Hopkins Board of Education will conduct interviews of three candidates for filling one vacancy at a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 28.

Superintendent Gary Wood told board members Monday evening that Stephanie Wilson, Megan Burmania and Sydney Haralson have applied for the open seat. The vacancy is a result of the election Nov. 3 in which only two candidates, Jessica Johnston and Andrea Buist filed for three open seats.

It is expected that the board also will have a discussion about prospects for getting students into more in-person instruction because Michigan’s Covid-19 virus statistics are improving, a vaccine is available and local testing is improving.

Wood said, “With the changes ahead, maybe we can see some light at the end of the tunnel.”

He stressed, however, that student staff safety remain as the highest priority and the district continues to operate under a hybrid model.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the board:

• Expressed appreciation to retiring faculty member Susan Rigotti-Craig (37 years) and social worker Jennifer Johnston (32 years).
• Learned that the school system right now is showing an increase of about $22,000 in its fund balance as a result of the federal CARES Act funding.
• War reminded by Wood that the schools will seek renewal of the Non-Homestead millage levy of 18 mills in the Aug. 3 election this year.
• Noted the next regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, likely virtually.