NEW MARKET — Students from the Historic Ladoga Club at Ladoga Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance at Monday’s Southmont school board meeting before sharing facts about Ladoga’s history.
The club, led by retired teacher and local historian Bill Boone, meets weekly after school on Tuesdays as part of a growing club program at Ladoga. The school is currently seeking leaders who can bring a special passion or interest to expand the offering of clubs, which also includes Spanish Club and CATCH Club, a nutrition-focused group.
During an appropriation hearing facilitated by corporation attorney Dan Taylor, the board unanimously approved six resolutions tied to capital project financing, including the issuance of $7.4 million in general obligation bonds, a lease agreement for up to $7.6 million, and measures to ensure regulatory compliance and reimbursement for early project costs.
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Hofer reflected on the supportive school community during her first year in the role.
“It was officially one year ago this month that I was here being board-approved,” Hofer said. “The year has flown by, and it truly has been a blessing. I’m honored to be here and to conclude my first year officially, and excited for what’s ahead and what we can accomplish together.”
Students and staff of the month were named as follows: from Ladoga Elementary, Russell Curtis and Leann Wood; from New Market Elementary, Graham Wagner, Liam Wagner and Lisa Chadd; from Walnut Elementary, Molly Grimes and Savannah Limcaco; from the junior high, Addison Anglin and Amy France; and from the high school, Emily Fox and Katy Yoakum.
In personnel matters, the board:
• Accepted the resignation of Kayla Murphy, Walnut Elementary teacher, effective end of 2024-25 school year; Shelby Burder, Ladoga Elementary Title I teacher, effective end of school year; Zach Higbee, Ladoga/Walnut PE teacher, effective end of school year; Kevy Bailey, Ladoga/Walnut music teacher, effective May 23; Hannah Long, high school English teacher, effective immediately; Lindsey Raines, Walnut preschool, effective end of school year; Nancy Burkett, junior high ELA instructional assistant, effective April 10; and Michael Byrum, varsity boys’ basketball coach, effective immediately.
• Approved the employment of Erika Lough, New Market Elementary pre-K floater; Taylor Sims, junior high instructional assistant; Tracy Mobley, junior high instructional assistant; Samantha Logsdon, substitute bus driver; and Laramie Howard, bus driver.
• Approved stipends in the following amounts: Lana Gregg, junior high girls’ tennis coach, $1,500; Abigail Gregg, junior high girls’ tennis coach, volunteer; Brevan Cornelius, junior high baseball coach, volunteer; Charles Maddock, junior high baseball coach, volunteer.
In other business, the board:
• Approved field trips for BPA National Leadership Conference to Orlando, Florida on May 6-11, and FFA National Soils Contest to Oklahoma City, Oklahom on April 27-May 2.
• Accepted donations made to Ladoga Elementary in the amount of $2,127, and to the high school in the amount of $4,150.
