At their meeting on Monday, the Langford Area Board of Education approved a contract for the middle school and high school principal position following a recent search. The board finalized a contract with Abby Kwasniewski, effective Aug. 1. Kwasniewski is currently serving as a counselor at Waverly-South Shore.
Superintendent Shad Storley expressed satisfaction with the hiring process. “We were pleased with the number of applications we received and conducted several strong interviews,” he said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mrs. Kwasniewski and look forward to having her join the Lion family.”
In another significant matter, the board approved a potential opt-out for the district which will go before district voters on March 25. According to the “Resolution for Opt-Out and Vote to be Held” document, the board will ask voters to approve an opt-out of tax limitations for their general fund in the amount of $575,000 starting with calendar year 2025 taxes payable in calendar year 2026. The opt-out will last for seven years and last through 2031. All school board members voted in the affirmative on the measure.
Storley elaborated on the district’s financial challenges, noting a significant shortfall in general fund revenue compared to expenses. “We’ve been transferring funds from capital outlay to the general fund,” he explained. “But with rising costs—such as salary increases, insurance, utilities, and other expenses—that shortfall continues to grow. We need help.”
Storley highlighted that while the district recently saved approximately $216,000 by consolidating the superintendent and principal positions after the last principal’s resignation, this solution is not sustainable. He also cautioned that, even if approved, the opt-out revenue would not be available until after the next school year.
Acknowledging the complexity of the opt-out process, Storley encouraged community members to reach out to him or school board members with any questions.Public meetings to discuss the opt-out are scheduled for the next few weeks. Meetings are planned at the Eden Community Building on Jan. 30, the Claremont Community Building on Feb. 6, Ponts in Pierpont on Feb. 11, Langford in the main gym of Feb. 20. All meetings will take place at 6 p.m. Voting will take place in all of those towns as well.
In staffing matters, a work agreement with Bryce Peterson for assistant track coach was approved. The board accepted the resignation of Morgan Erickson as assistant volleyball coach pending an appropriate replacement. Contracts for the 2025-26 school year with Business Manager Addison Olson and Superintendent and Principal Shad Storley were also approved.
The board scheduled their potential school board election for June 17. The terms of three board members will be up including Bill Jensen, Krissa Samson and Brandon Alberts.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Temperature: 12°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1020 hPa
Wind: 19 mph
