(Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette) Clockwise from left, Houghton-Portage Township Schools board members Scott Leonard, Crystal Verran, Brad Baltensperger, Buck Foltz, Superintendent Doreen Kramer and board members Nels Christopherson, Amanda Massaway and Rob Fay talk during Monday’s board meeting.

HOUGHTON — Houghton-Portage Township School Board put some of its newest members into leadership positions at its reorganizational meeting Monday.

Longtime board member Nels Christopherson, previously vice president, was chosen as president. The new vice president is Amanda Massaway, who had been treasurer. She joined the board in 2017.

Since the mid-90s, the board has typically chosen officers for two-year periods, Trustee Brad Baltensperger said.

“It’s important especially for the newer board members to have that opportunity,” said past president Buck Foltz, who will remain on the board as trustee. “…I think it’s important for everybody not to look at it as drudgery or a bad thing, but an opportunity to step up.”

Replacing Massaway as treasurer is Rob Fay, who was appointed to the board in 2019.

Crystal Verran will stay on as secretary, though she said she might not run for re-election this year. In that case, the board would appoint a new secretary after her term expires.

Baltensperger, Foltz, and Scott Leonard will serve as trustees.

Meetings will remain at 6 p.m. On the third Monday of the month – with two exceptions. In December, when the third Monday falls during holiday break, the meeting will be held on Dec. 14, the second Monday. June’s meeting will also be held on the second Monday, June 10, to avoid a week when Superintendent Doreen Kramer will be out of town.