Board Organizational Meeting: Officers and Committee Updates

The Lakota Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. This was the first meeting for newly-elected Alex Argo and Benjamin Nguyen. Kelley Casper was re-elected for her third term in November. 

The purpose of this annual organizational meeting is to vote for officers, establish committee members and meeting dates, along with other operating decisions for the calendar year.

The Board unanimously approved Kelley Casper as president and Douglas Horton as vice president. Furthermore, Nguyen will serve as the legislative liaison to the Ohio School Boards Association with Argo serving as the alternate. Nguyen will also serve as the Board’s Butler Tech representative.

Committee members are as follows:

• Policy: Alex Argo, Julie Shaffer
• Community Engagement: Alex Argo, Kelley Casper
• Master Facilities: Alex Argo, Kelley Casper, Julie Shaffer 
• Finance: Douglas Horton, Julie Shaffer 
• Safety: All board members

The Board has shifted the meeting cadence for some of its committees: 

• The policy and community engagement committees will meet quarterly;
• The finance committee will meet monthly; and
• Safety committee meetings will be held during executive session with all five board members.

The facilities committee has designated three members to establish a quorum at its meetings. This will allow for all five members to attend and participate if they are able. If a quorum is not available, the meeting would be canceled. The committee will meet weekly at least through the end of February, beginning Jan. 27. The Board has also scheduled two regular meetings to continue discussing next steps with the Master Facilities Plan. These meetings are scheduled for Jan. 14 and Jan. 20, beginning at 6 p.m. at Lakota East Freshman.

The Board will continue holding its regular business meetings at least once each month. In addition, work sessions will be held on designated Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. at the Lakota Central Office. 

Meeting dates, times and locations can be found on the district calendar.