Prior to the school board meeting Wednesday, June 8, a retirement celebration was held for outgoing superintendent Pat Hocking.
Lisbon school board president Jen Caspers thanked Hocking for the dedication he has shown to the district the past nine years.
“The school is in a good financial spot, and one of the biggest accomplishments we’ve seen has been Lisbon becoming a district of choice,” Caspers said. “Our declining enrollment numbers have been positive the past several school years now.”
Caspers also thanked Hocking for taking the time to help her get an understanding of school finance as a new board member.
Board member Allan Mallie remembered the night the board was up for the three yes votes needed to pass the school bond referendum, and the way Hocking was nervous until the election results poured in.
“He was so nervous, and when we knew it was yes across the board, and the projects could move forward, he was elated,” Mallie said. “He put a lot into this school over the years.”
Board member John Prasil said Hocking has helped him calm down when he has gotten too emotional on an issue, and has always helped move the district in the correct direction.
Board member Abbe Stensland said while she has not always seen eye to eye with the superintendent on a number of issues, she has always admired the way Hocking has respected those differences of opinions.
“You’ve led this district to positive financial decisions,” Stensland said. “As a parent of students in the district, I also appreciate the way the district focuses on what’s best for our students.”
Outgoing secondary principal Aaron Becker thanked the board for the support he and his family had over the past six years.