May 2026
Monthly EduBlog - Volume 7
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Hello LPOSD Families,
As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to sincerely thank our families for the support and partnership you provide throughout the year. Without your encouragement at home, our students (your children) would not have the amazing level of growth and success we have witnessed this year. MUCH Gratitude for your support at home!
On a personal note, I also want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and encouragement so many of you have shown me throughout my cancer journey this year. I’m elated to share that I completed my chemotherapy treatment and my recent PET scan report stated, “NO evidence of disease!” I am on the road to recovery 🙏🏼. This is wonderful news that my family is celebrating with deep gratitude and hope. Your support, prayers, and compassion have meant more than I can fully express 🫶🏼
As we reflect on the year and plan for the future, we invite all families to participate in our annual Parent Survey. Your feedback is incredibly important and helps guide decisions as we continue working to strengthen the educational experience for every student. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, bwm
Dr. Becky Meyer, Superintendent
This year, an incredible $510,265 in scholarships were awarded to students from Clark Fork, Sandpoint High School and LPOHS. This is a reflection of the unwavering support and generosity of our amazing community. We are so incredibly proud of these students and all they have accomplished. We want to extend heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated school staff, especially our counselors, whose guidance, encouragement, and support help students navigate this important chapter and pursue their dreams with confidence. Congratulations to all! 🎓
LPOHS Relocation Information
There has been significant community conversation regarding the relocation of Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School (LPOHS). We encourage families and community members to review the information linked below for a fuller understanding of the impact of declining enrollment, access to electives and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) programs, and why relocating LPOHS is the best long-term solution for continuing the alternative high school program while expanding opportunities for students.
SHS Students Earn National BPA Championship
Congratulations to Sandpoint High School students Nathan Egbert and Harrison Giles for earning a national championship at the 2026 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The duo took 1st place in the Small Business Management Team event, competing against 42 teams from across the country after advancing through both regional and state competitions. Their winning presentation focused on developing a strategic growth plan for a small creative design business, showcasing skills in problem solving, business strategy, and presentation. Their achievement marks the fourth national BPA title in SHS history and the first in this event category.
SMS Teacher Mrs. Packard Featured in Idaho Ed News
Top Honors at Regional Bus Safety Competition!
LPOSD was proud to host this year’s Regional Bus Safety Competition, bringing together 15 drivers from four North Idaho districts to compete in a series of challenging driving and safety events designed to test precision, skill, and student transportation safety knowledge.
Congratulations to LPOSD drivers Mike Crabb, who earned 2nd place, and Stefanie Haney, who earned 3rd place overall — both qualifying for the state competition! From railroad crossings and tight turns to backing and maneuvering challenges, the competition highlights the professionalism and dedication required to safely transport students every day. We are incredibly proud of our transportation team and grateful for their commitment to keeping students safe on the road.
SHS Athletics Incredible Accomplishments!
3-Peat State Tennis Champion!
Congratulations Pepper Rickert on winning the 5A State Championship! Three years in a row!!
Assistant Coach of the Year!
Congratulations Tyler Haynes on being named the District I Assistant Coach of the Year!
Boys Track State Champions
Congratulations Sandpoint Boys Track Team for winning the 5A State Championship!
Baseball State Champions
Congratulations Sandpoint Baseball for winning the 5A State Championship!
5th & 6th Grade Math Olympiad
The 5th and 6th Grade Math Olympiad took place on May 26, bringing together teams from every elementary school in the district for a day of exciting competition and problem-solving. Students put their skills to the test in a variety of events including number sense, measurement, geometric sense, and algebraic sense. Congratulations to the 5th grade champions from Washington Elementary School and the 6th grade champions from Northside Elementary School!
It was incredible to see students so energized and enthusiastic about math, cheering on teammates and tackling challenging problems with confidence. Special thanks to Doug Fry and Amy Skaugstad for coordinating this outstanding event. Great job, math whizzes!
S'mores with Smokey
🔥 Smokey Bear and his friends from the Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands visited students at Northside, Hope, Farmin Stidwell, Kootenai, and Southside Elementary to share s’mores, smiles, and important lessons about wildfire safety! Students had a great time learning how to help prevent wildfires and protect our beautiful North Idaho forests. Thank you to our community partners for creating such a fun and meaningful learning experience for our students! 🐻🔥
Elementary Track Meet at Clark Fork High School
Clark Fork High School hosted teams from all elementary schools in our district at their annual Elementary School Track Meet. Thank you to Clark Fork staff and students for making this day possible and to all the parents who showed up to cheer on their kids. Special thanks to Zach Anderson, CF bus driver and drone pro, for the awesome video!
Southside's Egg Drop
Introducing Board Trustee: Rachelle Hutchens
Why did you decide to serve as a trustee?
As both a parent and community member, it is important to me that our schools remain places where students feel supported, challenged, and prepared for the future. I believe school boards are vital to setting the district’s vision and ensuring resources are managed responsibly to best serve students, staff, and taxpayers. I wanted to be a part of that mission because I care deeply about the long-term health of our schools and the critical role they play in shaping our entire community.
As a board member, what are you looking forward to?
LPOSD is fortunate to have a strong leadership team and a passionate board that have developed a strategic plan with a focus on student achievement, high-quality staff, facility improvements, and better communication. These priorities strongly resonate with me. I look forward to working alongside them to continue advancing these goals and hope to positively impact our local families.
Tell us a little about yourself:
My husband Dan and I have three children who attend Southside Elementary. Professionally, I’m a Vice President at a product engineering firm, where I lead teams and help solve complex business challenges. Outside of work, I feel like I am primarily shuttling my kids to sports and activities all over town, but I manage to squeeze in coaching soccer and serving as President of Southside’s Partners in Education. In my free time, I love being outdoors, traveling, and spending quality time with my family.
Get Enrolled!!
Chafe 150 Gran Fondo is Just Around the Corner!
A big thank you to the dedicated volunteers and community members of the Sandpoint Rotary Club for organizing the annual Chafe 150 Gran Fondo! This incredible cycling event not only brings riders together from across the region, but also directly supports our Every Student Graduates a Reader program, helping provide students with additional literacy support and resources. We are grateful for Rotary’s continued partnership and investment in the success of our students and schools.
ACES Plane Building Program
The sky is truly the limit thanks to our incredible partnership with the North Idaho High School Aerospace Program. Through the ACES Plane Building Program, students ages 12 and up have the opportunity to step into a real aircraft workshop environment and gain hands-on experience building airplanes alongside knowledgeable volunteer mentors. We are incredibly grateful for the North Idaho High School Aerospace Program and the dedicated volunteers who continue creating these one-of-a-kind opportunities for students in our community.


