From the Superintendent

Welcome to Lakota Local Schools! 

As Edward Everett Hale once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Being new to my role in Lakota Local School this year, “coming together” was important in paving our partnership; thus, our mantra has been “Together, WE can” and our focus on togetherness is continuing to inspire and support our students in reaching their full academic potential. At Lakota Local Schools, our commitment to excellence is reflected in the achievements of our students and staff. As we shared in our fall Quality Profile, the state report card showed significant improvements in academic performance across all grade levels, moving the District from a two-star rating to four stars. As evidenced in this publication, our students have also improved in their academic growth, which is measured by a component called “value added” on the report card. Keeping our focus on academic achievement will ensure our district’s success. 

In addition to our academic successes, we have also made strides in fostering a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture. This positive shift is not only benefiting our staff, but is also creating a more nurturing and engaging atmosphere for our students. 

I am also pleased to announce the conclusion of my initial listening and learning sessions with staff, students and community members. Your valuable feedback has helped me understand current aspects of our district and will be instrumental in shaping our vision for the future. Our culture work and these listening sessions are just the beginning of our collaboration. As we move forward with our strategic planning work this spring, we will be guided by the insights and suggestions you have shared. This work will also play an important role as we continue our master facilities planning to address our aging facilities and overcrowding in our schools. A master facilities plan that complements our vision for instruction is paramount to the success of our district so being able to delve into this work simultaneously is a tremendous opportunity. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school district. Together, WE  can continue to grow, building a successful and brighter future for our students and our community.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

Dr. Ashley Whitely
Superintendent/CEO