Lomond View has consistently provided excellent education while fostering deep connections among students, families, and staff. Having worked closely with the school for over three decades, I can attest that it is more than a building–it is a cornerstone of our community’s identity and legacy.

I recognize the challenges of under-enrollment and aging facilities. However, closing Lomond View is not the only option. Neighboring schools are already overcrowded, and eliminating Lomond View would intensify this imbalance. Past district leaders faced similar challenges and found creative solutions that preserved both functionality and choice for families.

Equally concerning is the matter of fiscal stewardship. Taxpayers entrust elected officials and administrators to safeguard public funds with transparency and sound judgment. Yet Lomond View has recently received substantial investments: a new boiler system, upgraded security entrance, safety cameras, and remodeled office spaces. To close the school so soon after these improvements raises troubling questions about planning, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Lomond View also carries a unique history of sacrifice and commitment. In 1986, the library and gym addition was built not by the district but by the community itself. Students sold candy and wrapping paper. Parents donated directly. A local dentist sold his cabin lot to contribute. Coke and Pepsi–business rivals everywhere else–came together to provide the hardwood floor. The addition was dedicated to Assistant Superintendent Jay H. Rhees, whose wife, Connie, served as secretary for 29 years. That history is etched into the school’s walls and deserves to be honored, not erased.

This is about more than enrollment numbers or facility age. It is about stewardship, legacy, and the values we model for future generations. I urge the Board to pause, explore alternatives, and engage openly with the community before finalizing this decision. Lomond View’s future is worth protecting–for those who came before us and for those yet to come.

Respectfully,

Tammy Braegger

Lomond View Elementary

Former Administrative Assistant