Students praise Lakeville Online Academy as district confirms elementary program will stay open

Lakeville Public School District Superintendent Michael Bauman told the board March 11 that the district has “determined to keep [the] Lakeville Online Academy Elementary” program open after making staffing and programming modifications.

The announcement followed roughly 30 minutes of public comment at the start of the board meeting, during which current and former online academy students described the program’s flexibility, teacher support and role in their learning. Ninth‑grader Cadence Keppers told the board she had been enrolled in the district’s online program since fourth grade and credited teachers with helping her transition and stay engaged: "Even though we weren't in physical classroom, each teacher made sure to create connection and bond and make the most of every get together," Cadence Keppers said.

Why it matters: the district’s decision preserves an option for families seeking a full‑time online elementary experience. Students and families told the board the option supports travel schedules, athletics and other family needs and that teachers provided individualized support.

Board members set the public comment rules before speakers addressed the board; the board did not respond during the public comment period, and the superintendent and administration said they would follow up individually on matters requiring privacy or further review.

Details from public commenters and the superintendent’s announcement: - Cadence Keppers, a ninth‑grade student who attended Lakeville Online Academy (LOA) beginning in fourth grade, described prompt teacher responses, morning meetings and social events that helped maintain connections. She said her LOA teachers "were helpful, responsive, kind and most importantly, patient." (Public comment.) - A fourth‑grade student identified as Peter said he has attended LOA since kindergarten and praised the continuity of teachers: "I am so glad the school board and the superintendent persevered and found a way to keep Lakeville Online Academy Elementary School from closing." (Public comment.) - Quentin, a returning commenter and LOA student, thanked the board for the decision and said the school “gives families choices.” (Public comment.) - Sixth‑grader Kylan Keppers cited flexible scheduling, quick teacher responses and morning meetings as strengths that helped students succeed and feel connected. - Superintendent Michael Bauman acknowledged program changes to staffing and programming and explicitly announced the district’s decision to keep the elementary LOA program open as it moves forward.

Context and next steps: the superintendent said staff had made modifications to staffing and programming to continue the program; no board vote on the program’s status was recorded in the transcript during the meeting. The administration said it would follow up as needed with families and staff on individual concerns outside the public meeting, consistent with privacy rules.

The public comment period closed before the meeting moved on to the consent agenda and reports.