KANSAS – As of Monday, Lakota Local Schools had accumulated 14 calamity days, yet is hoping not to have
to extend the school year
Superintendent Jon C. Detwiler informed board members at the monthly meeting the state allows five
calamity days each academic year. With the "blizzard bags" which were provided to students to
work independently at home, three additional days were accounted for. The students will be attending
class on Monday’s Presidents’ Day holiday accounting for the ninth day. Spring break has been shortened
by two days, one at either end of the scheduled break, thus bringing the total to 11 of the 14 days to
be accounted for.
Detwiler is hoping the state will grant additional days, which is being discussed as likely.
"If all goes well, we might not have to add any days to our calendar," Detwiler said.
"Graduation dates will not be moved."
He noted if days need to be added to the school year due to any further closings, seniors will not have
to attend class after graduation as those days (if any) are expected to be waived.
In addition to the discussion about this year’s calendar, the board approved the 2014-15 calendar.
The first day of class will be Aug. 27. By opening on a Wednesday, it allows a one-day break following
the Aug. 25 district in-service and open house. The winter break will begin Dec. 22, with students
returning to class Jan. 5, 2015. Spring break will be April 2-6,, 2014; with the class of 2015 scheduled
to graduate at 2 p.m. May 30.
In other news the board:
• Learned of an award being presented to the architects of the building, Garmann/Miller Architects –
Engineers, and the district for "Outstanding Project" for new construction of its entire
school and campus building. The award was made by Learning by Design with the school being featured in
its spring magazine.
• Hired Eric Brickman, a Lakota Middle School math teacher as the new head football coach for the high
school. His salary will be $4,619.85. He has been on the Lakota faculty since 2000. Brickman has had
past coaching experience, having taken teams to the state tournament at other schools.
• Learned the middle school had 37 percent of its students achieve at least the A/B honor roll or higher
in the last grading period; while 49 percent of the high school class also reached those levels.
Detwiler noted that years ago that high a percentage would have signified inflated grades; however, with
the current value requirements, it more accurately shows great achievement by the students.