LA BOARDS PLANS PIERRE TRIP

    The Langford Area Board of Education met Monday morning, with discussion centered on plans for “Stand for Public Education Day,” an effort the district helped organize to support public education and engage with lawmakers at the state level.
    Langford Area board members, staff, students, and families plan to travel to Pierre on February 9 to participate in the event, which is intended to highlight issues facing public schools and encourage grassroots involvement. Other school districts are being invited to join the effort. There will be no regular school that day, as it will coincide with a scheduled in-service day, and organizers are hopeful for strong participation.
    In other business, the board accepted the resignation of longtime teacher Dave Carson, who is retiring after 38 years in education, including 37 years with the Langford Area School District.
Board members also heard about senior internship presentations held earlier that morning. Eight students presented on their experiences, with three seniors indicating an interest in pursuing careers in education.
    The board discussed plans to purchase a newer 14-passenger bus, trading in an existing vehicle for one with fewer miles as part of ongoing transportation updates.
    An update was also provided on the district’s bleacher project, which remains in the planning phase. The board has met twice with Combined Building Specialists and a designer and is awaiting completed drawings. No final decisions have been made.
    During administrative reports, Superintendent Shad Storley said work is underway on the school calendar for the next academic year, with a decision expected in February. He noted that budget planning for next year will depend in part on the outcome of the current legislative session. Principal Abby Kwasniewski reported that staff are beginning to review class offerings and plan for the upcoming school year.
    The board approved administrative contracts for the 2026–2027 school year for the superintendent, principal, athletic director, and business manager.
    The meeting concluded with an executive session for personnel and negotiations. No action was taken following the closed session.