On Monday, Sept. 9, the Lennox School District Board of Education convened for their regular school board meeting, addressing a wide range of topics including student performance, upcoming district initiatives, and concerns from parents about the well-being of student athletes.
The meeting began with the customary call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. During the public comment section, concerned parents spoke out about issues involving a coach in the district. Two parents raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of student athletes, alleging mental abuse. They emphasized that the students had suffered emotionally, with one speaker stating, “These kids have been hurt and they carry that with them now — the damage done to these kids is too great and they have suffered enough.”
School Board President, Scott Sandal, assured the public that the board would take the matter seriously.
Following superintendent and principal reports the board entered into an executive session, citing South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 1-25-2 (1-Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term, employee, does not include any independent contractor); and (3-Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters). The executive session lasted well over an hour. Upon their return, President Sandal addressed the concerns raised during the public comment section.
“Thank you for letting us meet with our counsel and understand what our do’s and don’ts are,” said Sandal. “We, as the board, can not legally take any action on personnel matters, but in saying that, we have clearly heard what you had to say. I strongly, strongly encourage you to go to Mr. Field with any information you have, share your story…the investigation is ongoing.”
Following the executive session, the board swiftly moved through various action items, approving financial reports and several contracts. Among the approvals were a contract for Lindsay Peterson as a high school social studies teacher and Tatum Mark as junior high assistant volleyball coach.
One item, however, was tabled: the contract for Fall Strength Coach, Chris Buckmiller.
The board also certified tax levy requests, approved a fee for ACT test prep courses, and accepted new substitute teachers and volunteers for workers’ compensation.
In the discussion phase, the board reviewed staff resignation of Kellie Thomas, food service, and work agreements for new hires, including Karla Wendt as a SPED/EC van driver and Eve Bunkers as a preschool aide. Open enrollment applications from students transferring into the Lennox District from neighboring schools were also approved which included a student from Centerville to Lennox Elementary, a student from Harrisburg to Lennox Intermediate, and a student from Tea to Lennox High School.
Progress on the Lennox High School addition was reviewed, with updates provided on the ongoing construction of new tennis courts, which has the concrete poured for all new six courts. The added parking lot is looking to be completed in October as curb and gutter are going in right now. The discussion on school safety programs, including the possible introduction of a school resource officer program, was tabled for next month’s meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Comments