Lamar RE-2 School Board meeting February 16, 2026

The Lamar RE-2 School Board met on Monday, February 16 – one that had been rescheduled from February 9.  All board members were present, as were both student board members.  Discussion was held during the financial report concerning the district investing some of its funds into CDs offered by local banks to help benefit the local economy.  The Board will look at developing a policy concerning accepting sealed bids and after doing so, will bereaching out to all banks in Lamar and allowing them to bid on the interest rates they can offer the district.  More information will be forthcoming soon.  Also discussed was the possibility of raising staff salaries in an effort to improve retention and remain competitive.  All board members felt it was a good idea.  Superintendent Dr. Krug mentioned that there had been a 19% increase in the district’s health insurance for its employees recently.

Brandon Adamson, Principal at Lamar Middle School, told members that the school’s recent “showcase night” was a big success and with him at the meeting were several of the school’s students, two of whom showed a video presentation they had produced as part of their showcase project, which was a re-enactment of Paul Revere’s ride alerting the villages about the invading British troops.  Another student showed a model he had made of a ship representing the Boston Tea Party as well as a replica tea chest and shared information about the event that he had learned in doing the project.  A recent incentive movie night at the school was held recently, recognizing the good grades and behaviors of students who were invited. Adamson also told the board that three LMS students who qualified for the state science fair after winning awards at the recent regional science fair.

The board approved several travel study trip requests.  The middle school all-state choir at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver will be February 12 and 13.  The Lamar High School Concert Band traveled to CSU-Pueblo for the annual Festival of Winds February 12-14.  Lamar High School gifted and talented students will be traveling to Denver for Legislative Day on February 18 and 19, while the Lamar Middle School gifted and talented students will be going to an Immersive Gamebox, Adams Mystery Playhouse and Urban Air in Denver on March 5.  Washington Elementary second-grade enrichment students will be going to Pueblo on March 12.  The Lamar High School Knowledge Bowl will travel to Greeley for the state competition March 15-17.  Washington Elementary second-grade students will travel to the Garden City Zoo on April 23, and the Middle School sixth-grade students will visit the Discovery Space Center in Colorado Springs on May 11.

Approved were the following resignations:  Gabrielle Alba/Paraprofessional at LSH; Adalina Martinez/Paraprofessional at MHDC; Joana McDdowell/Washington Elementary teacher.  Approved was the retirement/transition year for Christi Ludwig, music teacher at Washington Elementary.  Hirings which were approved were: Elijah Adkins/Volunteer Assistant Track and Field coach at LHS; Zachary Archuleta/Volunteer Assistant Track and Field coach at LHS; Luis DeLaTorre/Volunteer Assistant Baseball coach for LHS and LMS; Sidney Fleming/Classified Substitute for the district.  A transfer was approve for Davin Jacob from Assistant Baseball Coach at LHS to Volunteer Assistant Baseball coach at LHS.

The next meeting will be held Monday, March 9 at 5:30 pm.

By: Barbara Crimond