'Hard work and dedication'

KANSAS --- The Lakota Local Schools Board of Education met Monday, where Superintendent Chad Coffman talked about the schools report card for the 2022-23 school year. "Lakota's overall rating of 3.5 stars signifies that we are not just meeting but exceeding state standards," said Coffman during his report. "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators and students." Coffman also noted that the school was close to achieving a four star rating in two key areas: achievement and graduation rate. "Our staff has shown outstanding dedication in implementing strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of our students," he said. "I am encouraged by our district's progress and our commitment to providing the best educational experience possible." Also during the meeting, Middle School Principal, Rod Smith, talked about the upcoming eclipse that is set to occur in April of 2024, and discussed the school's plans for educating students over the event. "In preparation for these events and to provide quality instruction across the curriculum, we have partnered with BGSU staff who will be coming in to train our staff on various lessons to provide over the school year and then to have an assembly for our students about the eclipse and the safety measures that must be taken," Smith said in his report. Next, the board moved on to approve August 2023 financial statements, which include the change to resolution 23-6-51, which originally stated the purchase of one 78-passenger conventional school bus chassis and body. Now, the school will be purchasing two 83-passenger conventional school buses at the same price of $111,961 each as approved in the resolution. Then, the board moved on to approve a Prevention Services Agreement between the school and Family Resource Center for the 2023-2024 School Year, as well as an agreement to participate in Excess Costs of Satellite Programs Ag Education between the school and Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers. The board then approved an agreement to participate in excess costs of satellite programs, business and exploratory education between the school and Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers. Additionally, the board approved the Contract with Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the 2023-24 school year. The North Point ESC Student Handbook for the 2023-24 school year was also approved, as well as all personnel items presented on the agenda. The board additionally announced the following notice: The Lakota Local School District Board of Education hereby gives public notice in accordance with Section 3307.353 of the Ohio Revised Code that Dr. Chad Coffman, who is currently employed by the Board of Education as Superintendent, will be retired, and seeking re-employment with the Lakota Local School District Board of Education in the same position following his service retirement. The Board of Education will host a public meeting on the issue of re-employing Dr. Chad Coffman at a meeting to be 6 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Lakota Local Schools Staff Dining Room, located at 5200 County Road 13. The next Lakota Local Schools Board of Education meeting will take place 6 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Staff Dining Room.