The Future of Herman Elementary School Concern of Tekamah-Herman School Board

By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

While there are certainly many issues being discussed concerning the Tekamah-Herman Schools district, one change seems eminent at this time. At the most recent Board of Education meeting, the disposition of education at Herman Elementary was discussed. This is a topic that has been discussed repeatedly over the course of at least the past five years as the district planned for the future.

Based on projections for next school year, there are expected to be 12 students across three grade levels (4^th, 5^th, and 6^th) that would attend Herman Elementary. In all reality, this number of students is not enough for which two full-time teachers should be responsible and too wide of a grade span for one teacher to take on that role. Additionally, the opportunities for social growth of students is limited by the small student body attending and the staff members are placed in a difficult position when it comes to professional growth and support. The Board is now faced with a difficult decision regarding the future of Herman Elementary. The choice is either putting a significant sum of money into the Herman Elementary, reconfiguring grades and students to be served, and altering the district or closing Herman Elementary, serving all students in the district in Tekamah, and making a short-term commitment to housing the preschool students in a modular until a permanent plan and structure can be put in place.

The pending decision is not one that is taken lightly by the Board and certainly one that has been debated countless times by members, either individually or as a group. Herman Elementary has been a wonderful institution for so many of our students when the student numbers were different. The experience of a small school with one-on-one teacher attention is a benefit for some of our students. However, the district has reached a crossroads with the Herman Elementary and decisions must be made very soon. By making these decisions, the Board gives ample opportunity for students and parents to plan for a transition for the next school year. As always, please feel free to contact a Board member or stop in to my office if you have any questions or concerns about your school district.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent