The Willow Run school board continued its march toward the end of the school year Thursday night, approving 13 retirements and the annual borrowing of enough money to get through the summer months.

But before that, members filled an empty board seat by appointing Kristine Thomas, a district parent.

The seat was vacated by Joi Jenson, who resigned last month following a board meeting for unspecified reasons. She did not reapply for the opening.

Thomas previously served on the board. She was appointed to fill a seat, but lost the seat in the May 2007 election.

She was sworn in Thursday night and will serve through November, when the seat will be up for election.

Thomas was among the board members who approved retirements for 13 teachers, administrators and support staff - most effective at the end of the school year.

The board also was briefed on upcoming financial decisions it will have to make. Administrators said those decisions will be made at a special meeting June 24.

Among the agenda items for that evening:

• Approve borrowing $6.5 million to give the district cash to get through the two summer months when the state doesn’t send state aid payments and to help pay off last year’s loan.
• Approve a budget for the 2010-11 school year.
• Amend the district’s deficit elimination plan mandated by the state.
• Amend the current year budget.

David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.