Beckwith will be new English teacher at LCC

LAUREL — Sarah Beckwith will be the new English/Language Arts teacher at LCC School next year.

The LCC School Board made the decision to hire Beckwith at its April meeting earlier this month.

The Board also approved an agreement with the Educational Service Unit 5 for Spanish services.

Beckwith resides in Laurel with her husband and two young children. She previously has taught at Callaway Public School, and most recently at Allen Consolidated School.

She has a background in theater, as well as coaching both Speech and One-Act Play.

The Spanish Teacher position opening has occurred at a challenging time for recruiting and hiring World Language teachers. At the present time, there are nearly 30 advertised position openings for Spanish teachers across Nebraska,

“We conducted one interview with a potential candidate, however, this individual decided to remain in her current position,” Supt. Jeremy Christiansen said.

Christiansen has experience with the Distance Learning Program based out of ESU 5 (Beatrice) and has researched options related to an agreement with this program to provide our students with Spanish language instruction.

The district reached an agreement for this distance learning program to provide instruction up to six periods per day.

The Classified Staff/Technician Compensation Schedule has been updated with annual changes to health insurance premiums.

Last year, the Board approved modifications to the Substitute Certified Driver Rate, as well as provided for Superintendent discretion related to hiring/ referral incentives for difficult to fill positions.

Covid-19 Updates and Educator Vaccination Plan

As of Friday, April 9, a small number of LCC students or faculty/ staff members were directly impacted by Covid-19.

“We continue to see positive effects as a result of the leveling out of new infections in our area, as well as from the prevention measures in place,’’ said Christiansen.”Our educator group’s administration date for the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was Friday, April 9. Participants will be considered fully vaccinated on April 23. Initial discussions have occurred within our health department region regarding planning of optional vaccination clinics at area High Schools for students at least 18 years old. Parental consent would be required. It is more likely that such vaccination clinic opportunities will be available closer to the start of the next school year.”

Each year the LCC Board of Education considers and approves the continuing teacher contracts for our current certified teachers. We have received signed contracts from each of our current teachers, with the exception of those who have resigned or retired. The board approved the teaching contracts for 2021-2022.

The Board accepted two resignations.

Shelley Groene, Business, Marketing/Management and Information Technology Teacher, intends to retire and has submitted her resignation effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

Groene has taught at LCC School for 20 years, and has been in the teaching profession for a total of 35 years.

Ann Milliken, English/Language Arts Teacher, has submitted her resignation effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. She has accepted a similar position for Wakefield Public School.

Following discussions with the Transportation, Building and Grounds Committee, as well as consultation with our Transportation Director and Hansen Brothers Parts and Service, Christiansen recommended and the board approved a purchase of a 2022 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 53 passenger school bus.

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