KANSAS – Chris Chalfin was selected as the president for this year’s Lakota Board of Education at the
organizational meeting.
During the regular meeting which followed the members of the board approved a senior class trip to
Chicago in May. The board learned in past years, the senior trip often involved going to an indoor water
park, Cedar Point, or similar local trips. This year, the seniors will have the option to take a 3-day,
2-night trip to the "Windy City."
Tentatively scheduled for May 5-7, the students and chaperones will have the opportunity to take several
tour of local educational and entertainment tours while on the trip. If enough students sign up, the
cost is expected to be $397 per person, which would include, travel, hotel and all tour expenses, along
with two breakfasts at the hotel. All other meals and personal expenses will be extra.
It was also announced the high school will be moving the semester back a week due to the extended holiday
vacation from last week’s weather problems.
Sherry Sprow, the high school’s principal, said the exams will be held Jan. 21-24, with the semester
ending on the last day of exams.
Elementary Principal Josh Matz spoke to the board about the upcoming period of testing for the students.
He also explained the upcoming events scheduled to connect classroom work to the Winter Olympics.
"We have been using a ‘world’ theme this year and this will be the showcase of that learning,"
Matz said.
The Olympic celebration will include each classroom door decorated to characterize a different country.
"We will have a lot of geography, a little world and a whole bunch of fun," Matz said of the
program for the students.
Charles Tackett, the middle school principal, explained the first day of an after-school program went
very well, calling it "excellent."
He said the kids who were attending came into the program "moping" as one might expect from
students having to spend extra time in school. However, once they became involved, he said there was a
lot of excitement and enthusiasm.
Tackett also advised of an upcoming spelling bee and the introduction of the "Power of the Pen"
program.
"The more we can encourage writing, the better it will be for the students," Tackett said.
He also explained how he is implementing a goal of incorporating more "intervention time" into
the middle school schedule.
The superintendent, Jon C. Detwiler, announced to minimize the extension of the school schedule into
June, they have already to have make-up days on April 17 and April 21, shortening the spring break. He
said there is also the possibility of holding classes on President’s Day to make up another day. That is
not yet finalized.
In other action during the organizational meeting, Barb Lehmann was elected as vice president. She sill
also serve as the Vanguard representative. Tim Woodruff will focus on student achievement and student
athletics; while Fred Keith will head the OSBA legislative area.
The board also learned that the preschool program is again at capacity, with many students being turned
away. A committee looked at options to expand the program, and with cuts from the state and other
considerations, it was deemed it was not financially possible to offer any additional classes for
preschool. An official policy was set for priorities as to how the open slots will be filled each year.
