Lambert and Richey trustees approve most 2026-27 coaching contracts and name junior-high track staff

Lambert and Richey school trustees approved several coaching contracts for the 2026–27 school year and confirmed junior-high track staff during a special joint meeting March 23 in the Lambert School library.

During the meeting, Trustee Cheyanne Rauschendorfer moved to offer Stephanie Berg-Tossoun a 2026–27 cheerleading contract and, in a separate motion, a 2026–27 drill-team contract; both motions were seconded by Trustee Tara Hill and recorded as passing with all voting Aye. Trustee Tara Hill moved to offer the following boys' basketball coaching contracts for 2026–27: Nathan Diede as head high-school boys' basketball coach; Alex Pust as assistant high-school coach and head junior-high coach; John Mullin as elementary head coach; and Lars Kvaalen as elementary assistant coach. Rodney Evenson seconded that motion; it also passed with all voting Aye.

Separately, the boards approved 2025–26 junior-high track coaching contracts: Jacalyn Wright as head junior-high track coach, Mackenzie Rask as first assistant and Lynnette Hathaway as second assistant. That motion was made by Rauschendorfer, seconded by Hill, and passed with unanimous Aye votes.

The athletic director reported that high-school track and golf began practices March 16 and junior-high track began the day of the meeting. Winter-sports summaries noted improved participation and routines for cheerleading and drill team; boys' basketball moved from sixth entering the district tournament to fourth by its end; and girls' basketball was conference champion, placed second in districts and advanced to divisional play.

Administrators said several coaching vacancies remain advertised, including head cross-country and head and assistant junior-high volleyball positions. The boards also scheduled spring reviews of the Policy and Procedure Manual, the Coaches Handbook and the Athlete's Handbook.

The board adjourned at 7:04 PM.