Changes Coming in Waves at LGISD

Elementary Principal Resigns, Pair of New Trustees Replace Longtime Board Members

Two new LGISD school board members, Anthony Wessels place 1 and Travis Ulrich place 2, and one incumbent, Mary Gunn place 3, were sworn in at Monday night’s school board meeting. This occurred after saying goodbye to the two retiring school board members, Dr. Donald Mayer and Greg Trlicek. The administration thanked the outgoing board members for their combined 48 years of service. They were each presented a plaque in recognition for their service to the district.

After the new board members were sworn in, the new officers were elected. Gary Drab will continue as president, Marc Fitzpatrick will be the vice-president and Karen Roberts will be the board secretary.

There were several resignations announced at the meeting. Notably, La Grange Elementary Principal Lauren Almanza will not be returning. She has accepted a position at Region 3 Education Service Center in Victoria. Other resignations were Amber Dooley kindergarten teacher, Ashley Nelius-2nd grade teacher, and Kyle Tidwell-middle school teacher and coach.

The board also approved multiple new hires. New to the district at the elementary school: Jennifer Pizzitolateacher, Melissa Carey-teacher, Megan Compton-teacher, Janna McHazlett-teacher, Chelsea Ordiway-teacher: at the middle school: Harvey “Aaron” Compton-teacher and coach; and at the high school: Lorelei Carrillo-English teacher, Kylee Zapalac-ag teacher.

Tara Bennett will be the technology integration specialist at La Grange Elementary, transferring from tech applications teacher at the high school.

Track Repairs

Francis Zordilla, an architect associate with Claycomb, reviewed the track repairs that will take place this summer. LGISD, Claycomb and Symmetry (the company who recently did the work on the track) met recently to determine steps to take so that the district is completely pleased with the installation of the track. Symmetry acknowledged that the patch jobs that were done can still be seen after an additional spray coat over the entire track system was recently completed. Symmetry has offered, at their cost, to have the entire track upgraded to the next level surface. This will begin after graduation ceremonies in May.

Administrative Reports

Superintendent Bill Wagner reported that the current enrollment is 1,868 which is at a rate of 93.66%.

Graduation will take place on May 26 at 8 p.m. at Leopard Stadium. Matthew Driscoll, University of North Florida head basketball coach will be the keynote speaker.

Assistant Superintendent Stacy Eilers reported that the summer school programs will begin on May 31. She also stated that our students did well at the state academic meet with nine students attending and one student placed. She told the board that the Head Start program has been very successful. There were 24 students enrolled and they are planning to have 58 students next fall.

Director of Operations Sharon Muzny reported that the staff is planning out summer maintenance and bus routes are being planned for summer school.