District News

Did you know that there is a list of frequently asked questions, as well as a user manual, about PaySchools Central on Lakota’s website? PaySchools Central is the District’s new payment platform, replacing EZpay after it was purchased by the parent company of PaySchools Central.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Our school district is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team, including child nutrition staff, instructional aides and custodians.

Live webinar is Tuesday September 4th, 2024 from 7pm-8pm plus time for questions over Zoom.

Attend and Learn: - How to make the best choice between the SAT and ACT - When your child should ideally take the first(and last) test - create a personalized timeline - How much preparation is typically needed for best scores.

DI Program Information and Q&A Meetings:

Monday, August 26^th at 6pm  in the cafeteria at Independence Elementary
Wednesday, Sept 4^th at 7pm in the cafeteria at Union Elementary

Lakota Local Schools is proud to announce that it has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the 24th consecutive year. These esteemed awards recognize the district’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

WE are excited to welcome our students back for the start of the 2024-2025 school year! Even though school is back in session, we know you may still have questions, and we want to help you find answers.

Whether you are brand new to the Lakota family or returning for another year, take a moment to visit Lakota's 2024-2025 Back-to-School Hub for all the information you need for a successful start to the new school year.

Reminder to families: Lakota Local Schools will no longer offer open enrollment for any new non-employee students in these grades beginning with the 2024-25 school year. 

Lakota's 2024 Secondary Summer School is now closed.

The Lakota Board of Education approved the return of student fees for the 2024-2025 school year at its June 27 regular school board meeting. Since 2020, Lakota has been able to waive all student fees by utilizing federal dollars from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Lakota will use a "zero-based budgeting model" for student fees moving forward. 

The approved student fee schedule also includes an increase to junior school athletic participation fees, as well as high school pay-to-participate fees for athletics, marching band and color/winter guard. A slight adjustment to daily breakfast and lunch menu prices, as well as the junior and high school Club Card, was also approved. 

At the June 27, 2024 Lakota Board of Education meeting, the Board approved a bridge contract naming Dr. Ashley Whitely superintendent of Lakota Local Schools effective July 1, 2024. 

In addition to the supplies provided by your school, students in grades K-8 are asked to provide a few additional items before the first day of school. Use TeacherLists, a free new resource, to easily find your list and even shop online for the best prices on all your back-to-school supplies, if desired. High school students will continue to receive supply lists from their teachers when school starts.

Lakota West Principal Ben Brown shared the following message with families, announcing the appointment of Scott Laman as the new Lakota West principal and Taryn Barker as the new West Freshman associate principal.

The Lakota Board of Education recently held a community conversation to gather feedback on positive experiences in special education during the past school year.