Update regarding key positions at LCSD

April 15, 2024

Dear Parents of LCSD Students,

We wanted to let you know of a few changes to key positions for the Lake County School District. Principal Katie Pongrekun has announced in a letter to her staff that she will not be returning next school year as she and her family will be moving from the community. In her announcement she appreciated the six years with the school district. CFO/COO Paul Anderson has also announced in a communication to district staff that he has made the difficult decision to vacate his position. In his response he expressed thanks to those who have supported him the past five years in this role. Additionally, the district is continuing the superintendent search process after Bethany Massey approached the Board of Education with a request to allow for an early separation from her contract at the end of this school year.

We are appreciative of these individuals and the investments they have made in our schools, district, and community. They have been talented leaders who have led the district through a pandemic, the construction and opening of a new elementary school, and in working to provide resources and support to carry out the district’s strategic plan. These leaders have led with professionalism and a devotion in which they cared deeply and worked tirelessly to support opportunities for our students, schools and community. Their expertise will be missed. 

In light of this news have posted a vacancy notice internally to staff for the CFO/COO and elementary principal positions which will also be posted externally after the three day waiting period. Staff, parents and community members will have a few different opportunities to be involved in the hiring process for the next elementary principal. We will post an application survey to select a couple of representatives to serve on the hiring committee for the principal role. In addition to this opportunity, we anticipate hosting a public Meet and Greet with the finalist(s) for the elementary principal position after May 20th. This timeline allows the district the opportunity to first select a superintendent and to provide opportunity for this key hire to potentially be involved in the process. More details about the Meet and Greet will be announced as details are known.

Proposed timelines include the Board of Education selecting a new superintendent of schools after the community superintendent Meet and Greet that will be held May 10th. Details on how to participate with stakeholder interviews have been sent out in weekly communications at each building and can be found on the district website. A Town Hall/Meet and Greet is also planned for the evening of May 10th; more details will be sent out in the coming weeks.  The elementary principal hiring process will include opportunities for a staff and community Meet and Greet after May 20th, with details to be announced in the weeks leading up to this event. We would love for you to consider being a part of these activities.

We appreciate your continued support and involvement in the Lake County School District.

Sincerely,

Lake County School District