Lake Holcombe School Board - It shouldn’t be hazardous just getting to school

Joy Webster, 4K teacher, spoke to the Lake Holcombe School Board Feb. 26, about the district’s Plan to Win, reporting about the things happening in 4K, especially in math and reading skills. In today’s technology, with the constant use of iPads early on in their development, Webster is not seeing kids come in with motor skills, so the school is installing activities for the youngest students. “There’s more that happens besides reading and writing, and it starts at 4K,” said Webster. “Social/ emotional is a big factor.” Photo by Joy Dain

By Ginna Young

In my day, we walked fives miles to school, uphill both ways!

That joke told by kids is rooted somewhat in truth, but even if it was gospel, it’s no longer relevant, what with two busy highways and ever-increasing traffic. It’s no longer safe for students to walk to school from more than a few blocks away, which is why Lake Holcombe passed a hazardous transportation plan during the board of education meeting Feb. 26.

By law, the school is required to provide transportation outside of two miles of the school, but, it’s been a common practice to bus students inside of the two miles. Now that additional funding is available, if the transportation plan is in place, it made sense for the district to have the plan.

That way, it will protect those students in the future, in the event someone questions why the district picks kids up from within that distance.

With no sidewalks, the aforementioned State Hwy. 27, County Hwy. M and water bodies, students need to have transportation, if desired.

“It’s just safer for all, to ensure to pick these kids up within two miles,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.

The board also approved a Narcan Policy, after one of the coaches approached Lindau, asking if they could consider having Narcan available in the building.

“Just like we have EpiPens,” said Lindau.

The nasal spray is used on someone suffering from an opioid overdose.

“You never know now,” said school board president Brian Guthman. “It could save somebody’s life.”

Members also approved an athletic trainer agreement with Cody Goessel, of Medford, for $50/hour, for 50 hours of service through the athletic seasons, through February 2025. Last spring, Marshfield Clinic notified districts that they would no longer provide those for free, but did give an $80,000/year option.

“No one that I knew of jumped on that idea,” said Lindau.

The board also approved the resignation of co-middle school volleyball coach Jenna Velie, as well as approving the hire of social studies/history teacher Matt Stewart; long-term paraprofessional substitute Morgan Bingham; and head baseball coach Zach Person.

They also accepted $31, from Eastbay Lodge, to the football program and $31 to the band program; $50, from Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters, to the archery program; $93, from the Cornell Youth Sports Committee, to the archery program; $1,250, from the Lake Holcombe Education Foundation (LHEF), toward speaker Rob Holla; and $2,235, from the LHEF, toward an author visit.

Also during the meeting, Lindau reported that Lake Holcombe received a $300,000 Safer Communities, Stronger Connections Grant, to fund a full-time staff person to address a social/emotional aspect and behavioral challenges. The grant will provide the curriculum, and development and training for the person.

“We can utilize between now and September 2026,” said Lindau.

Also reported, were the achievement gap reduction (AGR) results, where the first grade and second grade are improving, or maintaining, as the year goes along.

“Pretty proud of those results,” said principal Chris Stahlheim.

However, when it comes to the kindergarten and third grade, the staff is not happy with the results.

“In true Lake Holcombe fashion, our mission is to adapt to our students’ needs,” said Stahlheim, adding that they are changing how staff is networking.