LA School Board: Principal Hosford Resigns

    The Langford Area School Board held two meetings over the last week. In a special meeting on Thursday, the board accepted the resignation of K-12 Principal and Special Education Director Mary Hosford. Charles Hosford’s resignation as PE teacher, head track coach and bus driver was also accepted. In their meeting minutes, the board noted that they would like to extend great appreciation and gratitude for all the time invested in Langford Area School staff and students.  
    The Hosford positions were subsequently advertised right away. Depending on schedules, various board members including Brandon Alberts, Morgan Holler, Fallon Deutsch, and Bill Jensen were appointed to the Principal Selection Committee. Superintendent Shad Storley noted that interviews with candidates will potentially begin late next week. 
    In other staffing changes, Candice Nelson resigned as concession stand manager. Michael Alberts was offered a contract to be the 2024 golf coach, and Kevin Duenwald was recognized as a volunteer assistant track coach. 
    At the end of Thursdays special meeting a two-hour executive session was held after which the board approved the 2024-25 negotiated agreement.
    In the group’s regular meeting on Monday. Renewals were approved for health insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Storley noted that there were no increases in insurance costs. 
    The board approved the school’s South Dakota High School Activities Association Football Co-op application. Both Langford Area and Groton had to fill out an application to potentially co-op their football programs and have their respective boards approve the applications. Storley stated that the Groton Area Board also approved the application on their end. The application will move on to the SDHSAA to approve next. 
    Opt-out information was shared with the board. South Dakota law provides the opt-out mechanism for school districts to raise additional revenues for their general funds beyond the amount generated by the existing tax levy and money from state aid. An opt-out allows the district to impose a higher tax levy. Storley explained that looking into the future, an opt-out may be a real possibility given increasing teacher salary requirements. He added that nothing is set in stone at the moment, but he wants the board to be aware of their options. 
    In the superintendent’s report, Storley said that Phase 2 playground equipment is set to be shipped next month. He is concerned about a shortage of bus drivers and hopes to hire more. 
    The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 6 p.m.