LR schools start with new leaders

Students of Lake Roosevelt Schools will return to classrooms Tuesday, Sept. 6, and will be welcomed by a number of new leaders.

Superintendent Paul Turner will begin his first year as the education leader, replacing Dennis Carlson, who retired June 30. Turner was assistant high school principal last year.

Taking over as principal at Lake Roosevelt High School is Mark Herndon, from the Cape Flattery School District where he was principal of Clallam Bay K-12. Herndon had been hired as assistant principal at the high school, but was elevated when principal Ronanda Liberty took a position at Ritzville.

Hired as dean of students at the high school is Charles Pierce, who comes to Lake Roosevelt from the Soap Lake District.

On the elementary side, Margo Piver has been hired to the assistant principal position. She comes to Lake Roosevelt from the Walla Walla District.

The new athletic director is Levi Seekins, a former graduate of Lake Roosevelt High School, who returns to his alma mater from California. He replaces Richard Black, who resigned to take a position on the school board. Seekins was also hired as head basketball coach at Lake Roosevelt High School by the board Monday night.

Superintendent Turner said he expects nearly 700 students when Tuesday rolls around. He told the school board Monday night that many of the classrooms are maxed out and all available classrooms will be occupied.

“We have a huge enrollment in the second and fifth grades,” Turner noted.

Before-school activities include an all-grade open house barbecue tonight (Wednesday) from 5-7 p.m., and the public is invited.

“Come and look the school over and have a hot dog,” Turner suggested.

On Thursday, an all-staff meeting will be held. Teachers and staff will receive copies of goals set for the schools by the school board.

New teachers hired for this year’s school year include Misty Krohn, kindergarten; Cole Seaver, junior high science; Jeremy Crollard, fourth grade; Chance Hill, secondary history/social studies; Alissa Mansker, second grade; Tera Remington, elementary reading specialist; Sally Rowan, kindergarten; Mark Vinciguerra, secondary science teacher; and Renee Zilla.