LGISD: Special Ed Expanding, Klump Retiring
Highlight’s from Monday’s monthly meeting of the La Grange school board:
Giese Honor
Linda Oltmann and Cliff Giese, daughter and son of the late H.C. Giese, each spoke to the board asking for them to recognize their father as the longest running principal in La Grange. He served the district as principal from 1951-1978. He began his career in La Grange as a teacher in 1946. During his stint as a junior high science teacher, he was extremely proud to say that he taught astronaut William “Bill” Anders when his family lived in La Grange for a short time. He was a strong leader who respected the students and they respected him.
Mrs. Oltmann quoted some of those who had worked with him. One stated, “I started my teaching career under Mr. Giese. He was my principal for four and a half years. He established standards and expectations for me that I carried through my 37 years of teaching at La Grange High School.”
Another commented, “Mr. Giese was an example of a quintessential educator of his era – fair and firm, high standards. Nothing could compare to guidance from Mr. Giese in my formative years.
There was no other principal who compared to his leadership. He had high expectations for all teachers and students. He had a presence at all times to remind students and staff of their educational responsibilities.” He was a pillar in the school district and in the community.
They would like a portrait with a name plate to be displayed in the present high school principal’s area honoring him for his service. The cost of this would be absorbed by his family. She stated that he was loved by both students and teachers.
Contract Renewals, New Hires and Resignations
The board approved the one year contract renewals/extensions for professional staff at La Grange Elementary, La Grange Middle School, La Grange High School, and the Colorado River Cooperative (CRC) for the 2022-23 school year.
A one year probationary contract was approved for Randi Willis for the 2022-23 school year at La Grange Elementary.
Kayley Brooks was hired as a nurse at La Grange Elementary School.
Resignations were received from the following personnel: Russell Klump – La Grange High School, Ag teacher; Marcella Stackhouse – La Grange Elementary, 1st grade teacher; Lisa Matthews – La Grange Elementary, Special Education teacher; Kelsey Hrbacek – La Grange Elementary, 6th grade teacher. Resignations were also received from Becky Berger and Delbert Jarvis.
More Special Ed Staff
As the number of special education students continues to increase in the district, the need for more personnel also increases. The board to approved the addition of two special education teachers at La Grange Elementary for the 2022-23 school year.
One teacher would be assigned as a PreK-6th grade inclusion teacher and the other would be a K-2nd grade resource/inclusion teacher.