LPOSD introduces new administrators

PONDERAY — New Lake Pend Oreille School District administrative staff were introduced to the public at the August 24, board of trustees meeting.

Casey McLaughlin, the former principal at Sandpoint Middle School, is now the district's new assistant director of teaching and learning and title coordinator.

Thomas (TJ) Clary is the new principal at Southside Elementary — where he was once a student himself. Clary, who said he is excited to start the school year, attended has been teaching at Sandpoint Middle School for the past few years.

Kari Granier, who is the new Sandpoint Middle School principal, has been the assistant principal and athletic director there for the last three years. Before she had taught at the middle school for eight years.

“I've been in the community my whole life, so I'm very excited to be in this role,” said Granier.

Sandpoint Middle School’s new assistant principal and activities director is Crosby Tajan. Also an alumni of LPOSD, Tajan started his career in education at SHS and worked there for 17 years. Tajan, who spent the past five years in Wyoming, said he feels fortunate and excited to be back serving the community in his new roles.

Christine (Chris) Davis is the new principal at Sagle Elementary School and comes from St. Louis, Missouri. This is Davis’ 24th year in education. She started in a really large district many years ago as a sixth grade teacher. Davis also had seven years of experience as an administrator in that district, three years of that as a principal.

With family in Montana and years spent visiting the area Davis and her family have decided to make Sandpoint their forever home. She feels very blessed to be here and looks forward to working with the staff at LPOSD, said Davis.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Dalessio, previously the assistant principal at Farmin Stidwell Elementary, is now the principal.

Delessio could not attend the board meeting due to her commitment running an evening event providing new school clothing to students at Farmin Stidwell, Superintendent Tom Albertson said.

KC MacDonald joins Delessio at the school, where he will be the new assistant principal, moving over from teaching at Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School.

MacDonald grew up in Libby and has been teaching for 22 years. He is excited to work with Delessio. He thanks the LPOSD administrators who have been in constant contact and have offered support as he and Delessio enter into their new roles, said MacDonald.