The Paton-Churdan School District is ready for the 2019-2020 school year.

Superintendent Kreg Lensch says there was little staff turnover from the end of last school year. The Rockets have a new activities director with Pat Kruse, and Lensch points out that Kruse will also be a physical education teacher, health class instructor and driver’s education instructor. Long-time 4th grade teacher Denise Menke is the district’s new instructional coach with the teacher leadership and compensation program, which Lensch notes they hired Tressa Rasmussen to replace Menke. Finally, Ann Meyer retired last year as the building secretary and Heather Lansman has been hired to replace that position.

Though there’s little staff turnover, Lensch says they will continue to build upon the positive culture.

“We’ve worked a lot on our restorative discipline practices, and our expectations of kids and staff, and trying to always find a positive way to reach a resolution to anything within our district.” 

Lensch says other improvements have been to the physical look of the district’s building and grounds. The parking lot has been resurfaced and crews are working to install new drainage tile. As for the building’s interior, there continues to be a systematic approach of renovating and updating a few classrooms.

Lensch is looking forward to the start of the new school year and hopes all teachers, staff and students have a safe and enjoyable year.