Leadership affirmed and music programs secure

by David Hill Editor Kayla Lian will be the next principal of Lincoln High School. Lian has been the interim principal since the retirement of Scott Brekke at the end of December 2023. Although Lian has served as interim principal, the position was opened up to applicants. The process of hiring a new principal involved input from administration and building leadership, and included interviews of job applicants. During the March 11 meeting of the Board of Education of School District 564, Thief River Falls, Lian was officiallly assigned principal. She officially takes over duties of principal effective July 1, 2024. Music While Choral Director Darcy Reese’s retirement was accepted at the Feb. 26 meeting of the Board of Education, and the District is undergoing cuts that will require reductions in many departments, including music, the District will not lose any music departments. Superintendent of Schools Chris Mills and Lian have announced that Derek Druse will be the District’s orchestra director, Sarah Vogel will be the District’s band director, and Lorrisa Skalsky will be the District’s next choral director. Discussion as to what grades will be taught by each director are ongoing. In the past, the District has offered six music electives, but due to budget cuts there will be three. However, discussion about implementing fee-based opportunities to add the other three electives are also being discussed.