Tekamah-Herman School Considering Future of School

By Brandon Lavaley, T-H Superintendent

As I discussed in a previous article, the Tekamah-Herman Schools Board of Education contracted Jerry McCall with Educational Consulting Services to evaluate the options for the district. Through his work, he considered many factors including current facilities, school population trends, regional population trends, financial ramifications, and many others that the district could not have interpreted on its own. Through his work, he came to a recommendation to the Board as to a direction to pursue concerning the facilities and future of the district. His recommendation was to pursue a consolidated effort with Oakland-Craig and Lyons-Decatur Northeast. The initial presentation would suggest PK-8 attendance centers in Tekamah, Oakland, and Lyons, with a high school for grades 9-12 constructed between the communities at an undetermined location.

With that recommendation, a letter has been sent to the two districts to gauge their Board’s respective interests in pursuing a joint venture. The Tekamah-Herman Board has asked for a response in short time regarding any interest, or lack thereof. As this process moves along, as it is envisioned from our Board’s perspective, the three districts would establish committees composed of Board members and community members to work with Mr. McCall through the process. Eventually, a proposal would be brought to the voters of participating districts for backing of construction needs. At this time, the Tekamah-Herman Board is reaching out to determine the interest levels of the two other districts. If there is no interest on their parts, the Board will continue to work with Jerry to find a second solution that may work.

This time of year also means the end of the school year for most teachers and students, and the end of careers at Tekamah-Herman for graduates and retirees. While graduation is focused on those seniors moving on, I would like to recognize those behind the ceremony that make it possible. The custodial staff responsible for setting up the gym, Mr. Gross for organizing the ceremony, Mr. Steinke and Mrs. Niewohner for their preparation of music performed at the ceremony, Board President Gordy Bryant for the presentation of diplomas, and Sarah Chatt with the Tekamah-Herman Schools Foundation for her representation and the Foundation’s continued support of graduates through scholarships. Lastly, I would like to commend Ms. Nuss for her tireless work tracking student progress, encouraging students with scholarship applications and meeting graduation requirements, her work with the Foundation to get the students applications out and back to the Foundation, and preparing for the graduation ceremony. She does an excellent job for our district and our students. Finally, congratulations and good luck to our retirees: Jaccie Mencke, Kathy Mussack, Jim Steinke, Priscilla Warren, and Marsha Weise.

As is always the case, all articles, past and current, can be found at http://suptcorner.blogspot.com. Please communicate with a Board member or myself about any questions, comments, or concerns with Tekamah-Herman Schools. Have a great summer!!

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent