Board hears from community on use of district facilities

Members of the community spoke out at the Lennox School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 9.

Retired teacher Joy Lang spoke about her use of the building to offer piano lessons. She has signed an agreement and paid a fee but her teaching was disrupted Jan. 13.

Four other community members spoke out in support of Lang. Parent Annie Hoffman asked the board to consider an amendment to the policy.

Later in the meeting, the board approved the amended use of district facilities policy. Activities director Casey Shade noted that the review of the policy did not come from what any one person has done. He said this update will allow them to function with some district oversight. The policy now includes information on use of the performing arts center, outdoor athletic facilities, kitchen/concession areas and use of district equipment. The policy will be available to view on the district’s website.

Parent Michelle Bittner addressed the board about the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year. She asked the board to consider moving the graduation date to Mother’s Day weekend where it has been for several years.

Superintendent Adam Shaw said they spent a lot of time working on the 2026-27 school calendar.

 He noted it was a no-win situation. The first day of school will be Aug. 25 with picture day on Aug. 4. Elementary grades will have conferences Aug. 21-24 before school begins. Graduation will be May 15, 2027.

The board approved the 2026-27 administrative contracts for Chad Allison as junior high/high school principal and Title IX coordinator; Angela Arlt as business manager; Darin Eich as LWC Intermediate principal, director of instruction & assessment and ELL/migrant program coordinator; Amanda Kruse as Worthing Elementary principal, director of curriculum and Title IX Part A: McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Coordinator; Rebecca Kuyper as junior high/high school assistant principal; Cody Lutes as Lennox Elementary principal and Title I coordinator; and Laura Welch as director of student services and 504 coordinator.

They also approved the 2026-27 director contracts for Alex Jorgensen as director of buildings and grounds; Steven Kruse as assistant director of technology with teaching duties; Sheryl Ledeboer as director of Totally Kids and Sunshine Preschool; Jeremy Luden as director of technology; Korey Relph as director of transportation; Robbin Symens as director of foodservice; and Casey Shade as director of activities with teaching duties.

They approved the contract for Steve Hale as junior high boys basketball coach.

The board approved the combined election agreement with Lincoln County. Business manager Angela Arlt noted this agreement would only be in effect if they have an election.

They approved the substitute teachers worker’s compensation for Connor Styke, Julie Dobesh and Zachary VanMeter.

The board approved the summer 2026 Totally Kids rates.

They surplussed the old white football games jerseys. The suggested selling price is $50 per jersey.

The board went into executive session at 7:22 p.m. and came out at 8:04 p.m. before adjourning.

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