A favorable evaluation of Superintendent Michael T. Hartigan was adopted this week by the Leland Board of Education.

The board voted 5-0 Monday night, with Trustees Cris Larsen and Peter Sneed absent, to adopt a summary that highlights the superintendent’s performance. The statement said Hartigan works diligently to provide a safe, clean facility in which students work to meet and exceed high expectations and a well-rounded education.

Hartigan was also credited with his pursuit of alternative funding options without negatively affecting programs. He was also called “fiscally responsible” and “a strong educational leader.”

No action was taken by the board with regard to compensation or extending his contract. Those steps will be considered at upcoming meetings.

In other business during the 1 3/4-hour meeting, the board:

• Approved a request from kindergarten teacher Merri Lynn Bouckaert to be reduced to part-time status for the 2007-08 school year;

• Adopted the annual resolution to “opt out” of the state’s School of Choice plan and participate in the plan run through the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District;

• Adopted new high school graduation requirements as recommended by Principal Terry Breen. The changes reflect a new state law which by the Class of 2011 will require four credits of English and mathematics, three in social studies, and two in world languages.

• Approved the senior class trip to Mackinac Island, May 14-16;

• Heard a presentation from middle school math and geography teacher Ryan DeFour on the use of computer software that allows him to immediately assess student’s understanding of concepts and remediate as needed.